Enhancing XRF sensor-based sorting of porphyritic copper ore using particle swarm optimization-support vector machine(PSO-SVM)algorithm

X-ray fluorescence(XRF)sensor-based ore sorting enables efficient beneficiation of heterogeneous ores,while intraparticle heterogeneity can cause significant grade detection errors,leading to misclassifications and hindering widespread technology adoption.Accurate classification models are crucial to determine if actual grade exceeds the sorting threshold using localized XRF signals.Previous studies mainly used linear regression(LR)algorithms including simple linear regression(SLR),multivariable linear regression(MLR),and multivariable linear regression with interaction(MLRI)but often fell short attaining satisfactory results.This study employed the particle swarm optimization support vector machine(PSO-SVM)algorithm for sorting porphyritic copper ore pebble.Lab-scale results showed PSO-SVM out-performed LR and raw data(RD)models and the significant interaction effects among input features was observed.Despite poor input data quality,PSO-SVM demonstrated exceptional capabilities.Lab-scale sorting achieved 93.0%accuracy,0.24%grade increase,84.94%recovery rate,57.02%discard rate,and a remarkable 39.62 yuan/t net smelter return(NSR)increase compared to no sorting.These improvements were achieved by the PSO-SVM model with optimized input combinations and highest data quality(T=10,T is XRF testing times).The unsuitability of LR methods for XRF sensor-based sorting of investigated sample is illustrated.Input element selection and mineral association analysis elucidate element importance and influence mechanisms.

Controlling the dynamic behavior of decentralized cluster through centralized approaches

How to control the dynamic behavior of large-scale artificial active matter is a critical concern in experimental research on soft matter, particularly regarding the emergence of collective behaviors and the formation of group patterns. Centralized systems excel in precise control over individual behavior within a group, ensuring high accuracy and controllability in task execution. Nevertheless, their sensitivity to group size may limit their adaptability to diverse tasks. In contrast, decentralized systems empower individuals with autonomous decision-making, enhancing adaptability and system robustness. Yet, this flexibility comes at the cost of reduced accuracy and efficiency in task execution. In this work, we present a unique method for regulating the centralized dynamic behavior of self-organizing clusters based on environmental interactions. Within this environment-coupled robot system, each robot possesses similar dynamic characteristics, and their internal programs are entirely identical. However, their behaviors can be guided by the centralized control of the environment, facilitating the accomplishment of diverse cluster tasks. This approach aims to balance the accuracy and flexibility of centralized control with the robustness and task adaptability of decentralized control. The proactive regulation of dynamic behavioral characteristics in active matter groups, demonstrated in this work through environmental interactions, holds the potential to introduce a novel technological approach and provide experimental references for studying the dynamic behavior control of large-scale artificial active matter systems.

Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth has been found to be associated with a variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and, in recent years, diabetes mellitus and systemic sclerosis, among other extraintestinal diseases. Several novel diagnostic tools for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth have emerged in recent years, and several therapeutic approaches have been proposed. Therefore, it has become necessary to find an effective, safe, and simple diagnostic method and a safe treatment modality. This article provides a review of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Rifaximin in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A New Idea Based on the Relationship between Intestinal Microecology and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Rifaximin in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common clinical disorder, the most common symptom of which is a burning sensation behind the breastbone (heartburn) or reflux of stomach contents into the upper pharynx (acid reflux). The prevalence in China is increasing year by year, which can affect the quality of life of patients and also increase the economic burden on families and society. The pathogenesis of GERD is still unclear, and some studies suggest that intestinal microecology may be closely related to the development of GERD. Rifaximin is not readily absorbed orally and acts locally in the intestine, so it has mild adverse effects and good safety, and can be used to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, traveler’s diarrhea, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this paper focuses on intestinal microecology as a possible pathogenesis of GERD and further explores the feasibility of rifaximin for the treatment of GERD.

Orderly hysteresis in field-driven robot swarm active matter

Boundary effect and time-reversal symmetry are hot topics in active matter. We present a biology-inspired robotenvironment-interaction active matter system with the field-drive motion and the rules of resource search, resource consumption, and resource recovery. In an environmental compression–expansion cycle, the swarm emerges a series of boundary-dependent phase transitions, and the whole evolution process is time-reversal symmetry-breaking;we call this phenomenon “orderly hysteresis”. We present the influence of the environmental recovery rate on the dynamic collective behavior of the swarm.

Bio-inspired environmental adaptability of swarm active matter

How biologically active matters survive adaptively in complex and changeable environments is a common concern of scientists.Genetics,evolution and natural selection are vital factors in the process of biological evolution and are also the key to survival in harsh environments.However,it is challenging to intuitively and accurately reproduce such longterm adaptive survival processes in the laboratory.Although simulation experiments are intuitive and efficient,they lack fidelity.Therefore,we propose to use swarm robots to study the adaptive process of active matter swarms in complex and changeable environments.Based on a self-built virtual environmental platform and a robot swarm that can interact with the environment,we introduce the concept of genes into the robot system,giving each robot unique digital genes,and design robot breeding methods and rules for gene mutations.Our previous work[Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 119 e2120019119(2022)]has demonstrated the effectiveness of this system.In this work,by analyzing the relationship between the genetic traits of the population and the characteristics of environmental resources,and comparing different experimental conditions,we verified in both robot experiments and corresponding simulation experiments that agents with genetic inheritance can survive for a long time under the action of natural selection in periodically changing environments.We also confirmed that in the robot system,both breeding and mutation are essential factors.These findings can help answer the practical scientific question of how individuals and swarms can successfully adapt to complex,dynamic,and unpredictable actual environments.

Screening of Colon Cancer Apoptosis-Related Genes Based on Bioinformatics and Construction of Survival Prognostic Model

This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of Anoikis-related genes (ANRGs) in colon cancer using bioinformatics and construct a prognostic model based on ANRGs. ANRGs integrated from GeneCard and Harmonizome were used to identify CRC subtypes and construct a prognostic model for CRC patients. The immune microenvironment (TME) between different subtypes was also investigated. Finally, a line chart based on ANRGs was provided for clinical use, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to determine the potential benefits of the model for clinical strategies. We identified 14 differential expression genes (DEGs) related to survival in CRC Anoikis, and selected 7 genes to construct the prognostic model. The prognostic risk score was determined as independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis showed that high-risk and low-risk groups had different immune infiltration status. Combined with CRC clinical pathological characteristics, a line chart was constructed, and DCA analysis showed that this model could benefit from clinical treatment strategies. This study explored 7 prognostic-associated risk genes related to CRC and constructed a line chart, which can provide important reference value for clinical doctors to choose personalized treatment for CRC patients.

Overexpression of the ThTPS gene enhanced salt and osmotic stress tolerance in Tamarix hispida

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide with high stability and strong water absorption properties that can improve the resistance of organisms to various abiotic stresses.Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase(TPS)plays important roles in trehalose metabolism and signaling.In this study,the full-length cDNA of ThTPS was cloned from Tamarix hispida Willd.A phylogenetic tree including ThTPS and 11 AtTPS genes from Arabidopsis indicated that the ThTPS protein had a close evolutionary relationship with AtTPS7.However,the function of At TPS7 has not been determined.To analyze the abiotic stress tolerance function of ThTPS,the expression of ThTPS in T.hispida under salt and drought stress and JA,ABA and GA3 hormone stimulation was monitored by qRT-PCR.The results show that ThTPS expression was clearly induced by all five of these treatments at one or more times,and salt stress caused particularly strong induction of Th TPS in the roots of T.hispida.The ThTPS gene was transiently overexpressed in T.hispida.Both physiological indexes and staining results showed that ThTPS gene overexpression increased salt and osmotic stress tolerance in T.hispida.Overall,the Th TPS gene can respond to abiotic stresses such as salt and drought,and its overexpression can significantly improve salt and osmotic tolerance.These findings establish a foundation to better understand the responses of TPS genes to abiotic stress in plants.

A Vague Set Based OWA Method for Talent Evaluation

In recent years,decision-making under uncertainty has attracted substantial attention in both academia and industry,with a growing number of organizations prioritizing decision support for talent evaluation.Vague set theory has been recognized as a powerful tool to address the ambiguity of problem parameters and manage uncertainty.This paper introduces a novel talent evaluation method that harnesses the potential of vague sets.We construct a vague set Ordered Weighted Averaging(OWA)operator for offering a robust solution to intricate decision-making problems,especially in talent evaluation.The application of the OWA operator augments the decision-making process by providing a mechanism to handle the aggregation of information in a more flexible and comprehensive manner.Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed method,presenting an alternative for decision-makers,aiding them in selecting their preferred choices amidst uncertainty.

Convenient Self-Heating Instant Food Causes Significant Increasing Human Exposure to Organophosphate Esters

The self-heating lunch box(SHLB)is a kind of popular instant food in China,yet little is known about the associated chemical release risk during its heating process.In this study,we investigated organophosphate esters(OPEs)in original unheated food(UF),SHLB-heated processed food(HF)and potential OPE release from SHLB packaging materials.Significantly higher concentrations of OPEs were observed in HF(267±246 ng/g dry weight(dw))than in UF(163±211 ng/g dw)(p<0.001),suggesting an introduction of additional OPEs during heating processes.Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate,triethyl phosphate,and tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate exhibited the highest absolute increased amounts,with 137,48.8,and 149%growth in HF than in UF,respectively.Migration testing revealed that packaging materials were rich in OPEs and can release considerable OPEs into food simulates(range,14.7-90.8 ng/g;mean,47.9±21.8).Influencing factors(temperature,contact time,oily food)on OPE migration from packaging materials to food were assessed.Higher temperature and longer contact time increased OPE contents in food simulates.Moreover,the presence of abundant OPEs in UF and significant correlations among different OPEs(p<0.05)suggested contamination happened during food processing and storage.With one SHLB meal a day,a 12-fold increase of OPE intake was observed for humans compared to those following a traditional dietary habit.In the high-exposure(95th percentile)scenario,hazard quotients of nine OPEs ranged from 0.00005 to 0.05.Our results suggested that the SHLB exposure pathway of OPEs should be particularly paid attention to in specific subpopulations that prefer this dietary habit.

The role ofβ,γ,δ-substituent of dialkylphosphinic acids in HREE extraction and separation behaviors

Heavy rare earth element(HREE)separation has always been a great challenge.The kind of dialkylphosphinic acids is recognized as the third generation of organophosphorous acid extractants.However,detailed relationship betweenβ-substituent(especially when it changes from H to methyl,and further to ethyl)and their extraction behaviors and selectivity for HREEs have rarely been reported.Besides,there are also few reports on effect ofγ,δ-substituent on HREE extraction and separation.In this paper,we synthesized five and collected two dialkylphosphinic acids with differentβ,γ,δ-substituents(from H to ethyl).These extractants were divided into two groups to discuss their extraction behaviors and selectivity for HREEs:β-substituent group(P208,INET-1,P218,USTB-1 and P227)andγ,δ-substituent group(P218,P2132 and Cyanex 272).To evaluate and compare their extractabilities,P507 was used as a reference and Tm,Yb,Lu were extracted with 0.01 mol/L of these extractants from single Tm,Yb and Lu solutions(~4×10^(-4)mol/L)at different initial pH.Besides,pH_(0.5)(Tm),pH_(0.5)^(Yb)and pH_(0.5)^(Lu)values and their differences(ΔpH_(0.5)^(Tm-Yb),ΔpH_(0.5)^(Yb-Lu),ΔpH_(0.5)^(Tm-Lu))for each extractant were given to roughly evaluate their separation performance for Tm,Yb and Lu.To further investigate the selectivity of these extractants for HREEs,Tb,Dy,Ho,Er,Tm,Yb and Lu were extracted from their mixed solution with initial pH of 4.00 at phase ratio A/O of 2:1,1:1 or 1:2.Their HREE separation performance is mainly discussed based on the adjacent HREE separation factors(β_(N+1/N))and their average value(β_(Tb-Lu)).

The Influencing Factors on the Growth of Economic and Management Talents Based on Structural Equation Model—A Case Study of Sichuan Province

To analyze the influencing factors on the growth of economic and management talents in China's Sichuan Province, this paper constructs an analysis framework for the growth of economic and management talents, takes 340 economic management scholars in 53 higher education institutions in Sichuan Province as the research objects, uses CV analysis to organize their CVs and information, and constructs an evaluation index system combined with system science theory for the influencing factors from five dimensions: Educational experience, work experience, research experience, part-time experience, and award experience. Correlation analysis and structural equation model are used to systematically analyze the influencing factors on the growth of economic and management talents. The experimental results show that work experience, research experience, and award experience have a direct positive significant influence on talent growth;research experience and award experience play mediating roles in the influence of talent growth. This paper enriches the theoretical dimensions of this research field and explores the interactions among these factors. It also helps to improve the cultivation and development mode of economic and management talents in the western region. Furthermore, it provides guidance and reference for the role of talents in promoting economic growth, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development.

Miniaturized electrochemical sensors and their point-of-care applications

Most of the current analytical methods depend largely on laboratory-based analytical techniques that require expensive and bullky equipment,potentially incur costly testing,and involve lengthy detection processes.With increasing requirements for point-of-care testing(POCT),more attention has been paid to miniaturized analytical devices.Miniaturized electrochemical(MEC)sensors,including different material-based MEC sensors(such as DNA-,paper-,and screen electrode-based),have been in strong demand in analytical science due to their easy operation,portability,high sensitivity,as well as their short analysis time.They have been applied for the detection of trace amounts of target through measuring changes in electrochemical signal,such as current,voltage,potential,or impedance,due to the oxidation/reduction of chemical/biological molecules with the help of electrodes and electrochemical units.MEC sensors present great potential for the detection of targets including small organic molecules,metal ions,and biomolecules.In recent years,MEC sensors have been broadly applied to POCT in various fields,including health care,food safety,and environmental monitoring,owing to the excellent advantages of electrochemical(EC)technologies.This review summarized the state-of-the-art advancements on various types of MEC sensors and their applications in POCT.Furthermore,the future perspectives,opportunities,and challenges in this field are also discussed.

Occurrence and distribution of bisphenol compounds in different categories of animal feeds used in China

Bisphenol compounds(BPs)are of concern worldwide as potential environmental contaminants,and these chemicals may migrate into animal-derived foodstuffs from animal feeds.In this study,12 BPs were analyzed in 7 varieties of animal feed groups totaling 203 samples collected from various provinces in China.6 BPs were found in these feed samples,with a total detection frequency of 75.5%.The total concentration of all BPs(S6BPs)in each type of feed ranged from below the limit of detection to 75.3 ng g^(-1),with an overall mean value of 4.52 ng g^(-1).The frequency of BPs contamination and the S6BPs values were found to be higher in animal-based feeds(P_(frequency)>0.05,P_(concentration)<0.01)than in plantbased feeds.BPA and BPS were the predominant BPs in these feed samples,accounting for(on average)63.9%and 24.6%of the total BPs,respectively.Overall,the mean concentrations of BPA in these animal feeds were much lower than the legal limits set by China and European Union,implying a low direct risk to both animal health and animal-derived food safety.However,the evident risk of the contamination of various animal-derived food items with BPs passed through the feed chain merits further investigation.

Short-and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in imported commercial dry cat and dog food in China:Concentrations,distributions and risk assessment

Chlorinated paraffins(CPs)are produced in large amounts and used worldwide.Dietary intake is the primary pathway for the exposure of pets to CPs,but limited information is available concerning the potential contamination of pet food by CPs.In the present study,the concentrations and congener group profiles of short-chain CPs(SCCPs)and medium-chain CPs(MCCPs)were assessed in 35 imported commercial dry cat and dog foods collected in China,and the estimated daily intakes of SCCPs and MCCPs for cats and dogs through the consumption of such foods was calculated.The concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs in the cat and dog foods were determined to be in the ranges of 108e45,300 ng/g(median:1340 ng/g)and 3.8e52,700 ng/g(median:11 ng/g),respectively.The predominant congener groups were C10Cl6 for SCCPs and C14Cl7-8 for MCCPs.The high levels of CPs found in certain pet foods suggest the potential for adverse health effects.