Competitive effect, but not competitive response, varies along a climatic gradient depending on tree species identity

Background: Understanding the role of species identity in interactions among individuals is crucial for assessing the productivity and stability of mixed forests over time. However, there is limited knowledge concerning the variation in competitive effect and response of different species along climatic gradients. In this study, we investigated the importance of climate, tree size, and competition on the growth of three tree species: spruce(Picea abies), fir(Abies alba), and beech(Fagus sylvatica), and examined their competitive response and effect along a climatic gradient.Methods: We selected 39 plots distributed across the European mountains with records of the position and growth of 5,759 individuals. For each target species, models relating tree growth to tree size, climate and competition were proposed. Competition was modelled using a neighbourhood competition index that considered the effects of inter-and intraspecific competition on target trees. Competitive responses and effects were related to climate.Likelihood methods and information theory were used to select the best model.Results: Our findings revealed that competition had a greater impact on target species growth than tree size or climate. Climate did influence the competitive effects of neighbouring species, but it did not affect the target species? response to competition. The strength of competitive effects varied along the gradient, contingent on the identity of the interacting species. When the target species exhibited an intermediate competitive effect relative to neighbouring species, both higher inter-than intraspecific competitive effects and competition reduction occurred along the gradient. Notably, species competitive effects were most pronounced when the target species' growth was at its peak and weakest when growing conditions were far from their maximum.Conclusions: Climate modulates the effects of competition from neighbouring trees on the target tree and not the susceptibility of the target tree to competition. The modelling approach should be useful in future research to expand our knowledge of how competition modulates forest communities across environmental gradients.

Discussion on the Application of Technical and Tactical Skills in Mixed Martial Arts Competitions

This article mainly analyzes the application of technical and tactical skills in mixed martial arts competitions,including mixed martial arts and its competition characteristics,the main application significance of technical and tactical skills in mixed martial arts competitions,and its primary application strategies.It is hoped that this analysis can provide some guidelines for the appropriate application of mixed martial arts athletes’technical and tactical skills to improve their winning rate in mixed martial arts competitions.

Competitive oxidation behavior of Ni-based superalloy GH4738 at extreme temperature

A high thrust-to-weight ratio poses challenges to the high-temperature performance of Ni-based superalloys. The oxidation behavior of GH4738 at extreme temperatures has been investigated by isothermal and non-isothermal experiments. As a result of the competitive diffusion of alloying elements, the oxide scale included an outermost porous oxide layer (OOL), an inner relatively dense oxide layer (IOL), and an internal oxide zone (IOZ), depending on the temperature and time. A high temperature led to the formation of large voids at the IOL/IOZ interface. At 1200℃, the continuity of the Cr-rich oxide layer in the IOL was destroyed, and thus, spallation occurred. Extension of oxidation time contributed to the size of Al-rich oxide particles with the increase in the IOZ. Based on this finding,the oxidation kinetics of GH4738 was discussed, and the corresponding oxidation behavior at 900-1100℃ was predicted.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori with potassium competitive acid blockers:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infects over half the global population,causing gastrointestinal diseases like dyspepsia,gastritis,duodenitis,peptic ulcers,GMALT lymphoma,and gastric adenocarcinoma.Eradicating H.pylori is crucial for treating and preventing these conditions.While conventional proton pump inhibitor(PPI)-based triple therapy is effective,there’s growing interest in longer acid suppression therapies.Potassium competitive acid blocker(P-CAB)triple and dual therapy are new regimens for H.pylori eradication.Initially used in Asian populations,vonoprazan(VPZ)has been recently Food and Drug Administration-approved for H.pylori eradication.AIM To assess the efficacy of regimens containing P-CABs in eradicating H.pylori infection.METHODS This study,following PRISMA 2020 guidelines,conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Scopus libraries for randomized clinical trials(RCTs)or observational studies with the following command:[("Helicobacter pylori"OR"H pylori")AND("Treatment"OR"Therapy"OR"Eradication")AND("Vonaprazan"OR"Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker"OR"P-CAB"OR"PCAB"OR"Revaprazan"OR"Linaprazan"OR"Soraprazan"OR"Tegoprazan")].Studies comparing the efficacy of P-CABs-based treatment to classical PPIs in eradicating H.pylori were included.Exclusion criteria included case reports,case series,unpublished trials,or conference abstracts.Data variables encompassed age,diagnosis method,sample sizes,study duration,intervention and control,and H.pylori eradication method were gathered by two independent reviewers.Meta-analysis was performed in R software,and forest plots were generated.RESULTS A total of 256 references were initially retrieved through the search command.Ultimately,fifteen studies(7 RCTs,7 retrospective observational studies,and 1 comparative unique study)were included,comparing P-CAB triple therapy to PPI triple therapy.The intention-to-treat analysis involved 8049 patients,with 4471 in the P-CAB intervention group and 3578 in the PPI control group across these studies.The analysis revealed a significant difference in H.pylori eradication between VPZ triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies[risk ratio(RR)=1.17,95%confidence interval(CI):1.11-1.22,P<0.0001]and(RR=1.13,95%CI:1.09-1.17,P<0.0001],respectively.However,no significant difference was found between tegoprazan(TPZ)triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies(RR=1.04,95%CI:0.93-1.16,P=0.5)and(RR=1.03,95%CI:0.97-1.10,P=0.3),respectively.CONCLUSION VPZ-based triple therapy outperformed conventional PPI-based triple therapy in eradicating H.pylori,positioning it as a highly effective first-line regimen.Additionally,TPZ-based triple therapy was non-inferior to classical PPI triple therapy.

A Cooperated Imperialist Competitive Algorithm for Unrelated Parallel Batch Machine Scheduling Problem

This study focuses on the scheduling problem of unrelated parallel batch processing machines(BPM)with release times,a scenario derived from the moulding process in a foundry.In this process,a batch is initially formed,placed in a sandbox,and then the sandbox is positioned on a BPM formoulding.The complexity of the scheduling problem increases due to the consideration of BPM capacity and sandbox volume.To minimize the makespan,a new cooperated imperialist competitive algorithm(CICA)is introduced.In CICA,the number of empires is not a parameter,and four empires aremaintained throughout the search process.Two types of assimilations are achieved:The strongest and weakest empires cooperate in their assimilation,while the remaining two empires,having a close normalization total cost,combine in their assimilation.A new form of imperialist competition is proposed to prevent insufficient competition,and the unique features of the problem are effectively utilized.Computational experiments are conducted across several instances,and a significant amount of experimental results show that the newstrategies of CICAare effective,indicating promising advantages for the considered BPMscheduling problems.

Construction of CDKN2A-related competitive endogenous RNA network and identification of GAS5 as a prognostic indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)is an innovative way of gene expression modulation,which plays a crucial part in neoplasia.However,the intricacy and behavioral characteristics of the ceRNA network in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain dismal.AIM To establish a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A(CDKN2A)-related ceRNA network and recognize potential prognostic indicators for HCC.METHODS The mutation landscape of CDKN2A in HCC was first explored using the cBioPortal database.Differential expression analysis was implemented between CDKN2Ahigh and CDKN2Alow expression HCC samples.The targeted microRNAs were predicted by lncBasev3.0,and the targeted mRNAs were predicted by miRDB,and Targetscan database.The univariate and multivariate analysis were utilized to identify independent prognostic indicators.RESULTS CDKN2A was frequently mutated and deleted in HCC.The single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that CDKN2A participated in cell cycle pathways.The CDKN2A-related ceRNA network-growth arrest specific 5(GAS5)/miR-25-3p/SRY-box transcription factor 11(SOX11)was successfully established.GAS5 was recognized as an independent prognostic biomarker,whose overexpression was correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.The association between GAS5 expression and methylation,immune infilt-ration was explored.Besides,traditional Chinese medicine effective components targeting GAS5 were obtained.CONCLUSION This CDKN2A-related ceRNA network provides innovative insights into the molecular mechanism of HCC formation and progression.Moreover,GAS5 might be a significant prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.

Extensive numerical simulations on competitive growth between the Edwards–Wilkinson and Kardar–Parisi–Zhang universality classes

Extensive numerical simulations and scaling analysis are performed to investigate competitive growth between the linear and nonlinear stochastic dynamic growth systems, which belong to the Edwards–Wilkinson(EW) and Kardar–Parisi–Zhang(KPZ) universality classes, respectively. The linear growth systems include the EW equation and the model of random deposition with surface relaxation(RDSR), the nonlinear growth systems involve the KPZ equation and typical discrete models including ballistic deposition(BD), etching, and restricted solid on solid(RSOS). The scaling exponents are obtained in both the(1 + 1)-and(2 + 1)-dimensional competitive growth with the nonlinear growth probability p and the linear proportion 1-p. Our results show that, when p changes from 0 to 1, there exist non-trivial crossover effects from EW to KPZ universality classes based on different competitive growth rules. Furthermore, the growth rate and the porosity are also estimated within various linear and nonlinear growths of cooperation and competition.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling in the neuromuscular junction during developmental axonal competition and synapse elimination

During the development of the nervous system,there is an overproduction of neurons and synapses.Hebbian competition between neighboring nerve endings and synapses performing different activity levels leads to their elimination or strengthening.We have extensively studied the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor neurotrophic retrograde pathway,at the neuromuscular junction,in the axonal development and synapse elimination process versus the synapse consolidation.The purpose of this review is to describe the neurotrophic influence on developmental synapse elimination,in relation to other molecular pathways that we and others have found to regulate this process.In particular,we summarize our published results based on transmitter release analysis and axonal counts to show the different involvement of the presynaptic acetylcholine muscarinic autoreceptors,coupled to downstream serine-threonine protein kinases A and C(PKA and PKC)and voltage-gated calcium channels,at different nerve endings in developmental competition.The dynamic changes that occur simultaneously in several nerve terminals and synapses converge across a postsynaptic site,influence each other,and require careful studies to individualize the mechanisms of specific endings.We describe an activity-dependent balance(related to the extent of transmitter release)between the presynaptic muscarinic subtypes and the neurotrophin-mediated TrkB/p75NTR pathways that can influence the timing and fate of the competitive interactions between the different axon terminals.The downstream displacement of the PKA/PKC activity ratio to lower values,both in competing nerve terminals and at postsynaptic sites,plays a relevant role in controlling the elimination of supernumerary synapses.Finally,calcium entry through L-and P/Q-subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels(both channels are present,together with the N-type channel in developing nerve terminals)contributes to reduce transmitter release and promote withdrawal of the most unfavorable nerve terminals during elimination(the weakest in acetylcholine release and those that have already become silent).The main findings contribute to a better understanding of punishment-rewarding interactions between nerve endings during development.Identifying the molecular targets and signaling pathways that allow synapse consolidation or withdrawal of synapses in different situations is important for potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.

Impact of coupling coordination development of port and city environments on urban economic competitiveness:Evidence from the coastal port cities in eastern China

Promoting the coupling coordination development of port and its hinterland city environments is an important way to improve urban economic competitiveness.Based on relevant data of 13 coastal port cities in eastern China from 2000 to 2018,this study explores the coupling coordination development of port and city environments and its impact on urban economic competitiveness by constructing the coupling coordination degree model and the panel threshold model.The research results show that:(1)In terms of the coupling coordination development of port and city environments,most coastal ports and their hinterland cities are in a state of moderate or serious disorder.Overall,the degree of coupling coordination of port and city environments needs to be further improved;(2)The coupling coordination degree of port and city environments has a significant impact on urban economic competitiveness,and this effect gradually increases with the development of the ports and the urban economy.Among the variables that impact the urban economic competitiveness,fixed assets investment and foreign trade are significant factors that can enhance urban economic competitiveness.(3)At present,there is a“U-shaped”relationship between the coupling coordination degree of port-city environments and the urban economic competitiveness.This relationship lies on the right side of the inflection point of the“U-shaped”curve.Therefore,following the concept of assigning priority to ecological development,expanding fixed assets investment and actively developing foreign trade can further enhance the urban economic competitiveness.

The competitive dynamics of Bangladesh and Turkey in apparel exports

Turkish-made apparel now costs approximately 40%more than similar products from Bangladesh,a gap that was only 15-20%a few years ago.This is creating opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters to attract consumer's attention.

Research on the Role of Guiding Students to Participate in Skills Competitions on the Development of Young Teachers in Vocational Colleges

This paper explores the role of guiding students to participate in skills competitions on the development of young teachers in vocational colleges.We investigate the impact of skills competitions on the consolidation of professional knowledge,development of innovation capabilities,improvement of hands-on abilities,and enhancement of communication skills with students.The results of this research demonstrate that skills competitions have a positive influence on the professional growth of young teachers.The consolidation of professional knowledge,development of innovation capabilities,improvement of hands-on abilities,and enhancement of communication skills collectively contribute to the effectiveness of young teachers in vocational colleges.It is recommended that vocational colleges prioritize and support the participation of young teachers in skills competitions to foster their professional development.

Teaching Design and Implementation of the Electrical and Electronic Technology Course Based on Teaching Ability Competition

The teaching ability competition is a vital method for stimulating teachers’enthusiasm and enhancing their teaching skills.This approach has gained increasing attention from colleges and universities in recent years.The competition focuses on evaluating teachers’capabilities in designing and implementing lessons,encouraging the exchange of new educational ideas and high-quality teaching methods.Reforming the teaching of Electrical and Electronic Technology courses based on insights from teaching competitions can significantly improve teaching quality.This paper explores the teaching design and implementation of the Electrical and Electronic Technology course,drawing on the principles of teaching ability competitions.First,it analyzes the existing problems in teaching this course.Then,it highlights the significant benefits that teaching competitions bring to the course.Based on these insights,the paper proposes practical strategies aimed at enhancing students’interest and practical skills,thereby promoting innovative developments in teaching Electrical and Electronic Technology.

Analysis of Porter’s Five Forces Competitive Model in China’s Property Rights Trading Market

In recent years,China’s property rights trading market has been extremely competitive,but there are also new contradictions and challenges.This paper aims to analyze the external and internal competitive market of the property rights market through Porter’s five forces competition model,then find out the problems and defects in the development,thereby promoting the better development and progress of China’s property rights trading market.

The Model of“Post,Course,Competition,Certificate”Integrated Education for Electronic Information Engineering Technology Major in Higher Vocational Colleges

The core education function of higher vocational colleges is to train technical talents with high quality,so as to meet the needs of talents in the development stage of our society.Under the guidance of talent training,higher vocational colleges need to pay attention to establishing an all-round and three-dimensional education model,and promote innovation of higher vocational education on the basis of this.It is also a way to promote the innovation of higher vocational education to vigorously promote the construction of“post,course,competition,certificate”mode in the construction of education mode.Through the construction of“post,course,competition,certificate”mode,the education mode of higher vocational colleges is gradually improved,so as to strengthen the effectiveness of talent training in higher vocational colleges.Therefore,in this paper,the author puts forward some suggestions to promote the construction of the integrated education mode of the electronic information engineering technology major in higher vocational colleges,so as to help improve the talent training level of higher vocational colleges.

Developing nonlinear additive tree crown width models based on decomposed competition index and tree variables

Crown development is closely related to the biomass and growth rate of the tree and its width(CW)is an important covariable in growth and yield models and in forest management.To date,various CW models have been proposed.However,limited studies have explicitly focused on additive and inherent correlation of crown components and total CW as well as the influence of competition on crown radius from the corresponding direction.In this study,two model systems were used,i.e.,aggregation method system(AMS)and disaggregation method system(DMS),to develop crown width additive model systems.For calculating spatially explicit competition index(CI),four neighbor tree selection methods were evaluated.CI was decomposed into four cardinal directions and added into the model systems.Results show that the power model form was more proper for our data to fit CW growth.For each crown radius and total CW,height to the diameter at breast height(HDR)and basal area of trees larger than the subject tree(BAL)significantly contributed to the increase of prediction accuracy.The 3-m fixed radius was optimal among the four neighborhoods selection ways.After adding decomposed competition Hegyi index into model systems AMS and DMS,the prediction accuracy improved.Of the model systems evaluated,AMS based on decomposed CI provided the best performance as well as the inherent correlation and additivity properties.Our study highlighted the importance of decomposed CI in tree CW modelling for additive model systems.This study focused on methodology and could be applied to other species or stands.

Comparative Analysis of Rice Export Competitiveness in Heilongjiang Province of China Based on Index Method

Based on the analysis of rice planting and export development in Heilongjiang Province in 2013-2021,this paper comprehensively used three export competitiveness analysis methods,namely,trade competitiveness index,revealed comparative advantage(RCA)analysis and international market share analysis,to compare the four major rice exporters in the world and the three major rice export provinces and cities in China.Besides,it evaluated the rice export competitiveness of Heilongjiang Province from multiple perspectives.It analyzed the reasons for low competitiveness in terms of export product structure,export market structure,production and processing technology,and brand building.Finally,it is recommended to clarify the positioning of rice export quality and take more measures to ensure product quality;improve the level of industrialization of rice production and processing,and extend the rice industry chain;develop diversified rice export markets and improve export flexibility;adhere to the principle of"opening the door and going out",expand the international popularity of high-quality brands,so as to enhance the rice export competitiveness of Heilongjiang Province.

Segment-Centric Geo-Competitive Environment of a Tourism Destination (A Case of Georgia)

This work aims to introduce a conceptual approach to determining the competitive environment for a particular tourist destination by considering popular outbound destinations of its leading segments.This approach we name as a concept of a segment-centered geo-competitive environment of a tourism destination(SGE-TD).The applied methodology includes consideration of the popularity of tourist destinations for each selected segment and the indicators of leading segments of the studied destination.The practical application of the proposed concept is examined in the case of Georgia as a tourist destination by selecting its leading segments and identifying their popular travel destinations.The integrated consideration and application of the mentioned indicators define the competitive position of a destination(in this case Georgia)among the specified tourism destinations,considered as the geo-competitive environment.This research suggests an innovative version of the universal conceptual approach to identify the leading competing destinations for a specific studied one.It fills the gap in similar studies where competing destinations for the analysis are selected based on specific research objectives,missing the universal conceptual approach in this regard.

Research on the Reform of the Course“Reading of Concrete Structure Plan and Construction Drawings”Under the Background of“Promoting Teaching and Learning Through Competitions”

The inherent teaching approach can no longer meet the demands of society.In this paper,current issues within the teaching landscape of architectural engineering technology in higher vocational colleges as well as the policies and teaching demands that formed the basis of this model were analyzed.The study shows the importance of the implementation of the teaching model“promoting teaching and learning through competitions.”This model puts emphasis on the curriculum and teaching resources,while also integrating the teaching process and evaluation with competition.These efforts aim to drive education reform in order to better align with the objectives of vocational education personnel training,while also acting as a reference for similar courses.

Effect of Bt traits on transgenic rice's growth and weed competitiveness

Transgene escape could lead to genetically modified rice establishing wild populations in the natural environment and competing for survival space with weeds.However,whether the expression of the Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)gene in rice will alter the relationship between transgene plants and weeds and induce undesirable environmental consequences are poorly understood.Thus,field experiments were conducted to investigate the weed competitiveness and assess the ecological risk of transgenic Bt rice under herbicide-free and lepidopterous pest-controlled environments.Results showed that weed–rice competition in the direct-sowing(DS)field was earlier and more severe than that in the transplanting(TP)field,which resulted in a significant decrease in biomass and yield in DS.However,conventional Bt and non-Bt rice yield was not significantly different.The weed number,weed coverage ratio,and weed diversity of conventional Bt rice were significantly higher than those of non-Bt rice at the early growth and mature stages,especially in DS plots,suggesting that Bt traits did not increase the weed competitiveness of transgenic rice and had no negative effect on weed diversity.Grain yield and weed number varied between different hybrid rice lines,but those differences were insignificant between Bt and non-Bt rice.The number of insects increased with the increase of weeds in hybrid rice plots,whereas the insect number and diversity did not display a significant difference between Bt and non-Bt rice.Therefore,the ecological risk of transgenic Bt rice is comparable to non-Bt rice.

Method for Evaluating Bolt Competitive Failure Life Under Composite Excitation

In this study,the competitive failure mechanism of bolt loosening and fatigue is elucidated via competitive failure tests on bolts under composite excitation.Based on the competitive failure mechanism,the mode prediction model and“load ratio-life prediction curve”(ξ-N curve)of the bolt competitive failure are established.Given the poor correlation of theξ-N curve,an evaluation model of the bolt competitive failure life is proposed based on Miner’s linear damage accumulation theory.Based on the force analysis of the thread surface and simulation of the bolt connection under composite excitation,a theoretical equation of the bolt competitive failure life is established to validate the model for evaluating the bolt competitive failure life.The results reveal that the proposed model can accurately predict the competitive failure life of bolts under composite excitation,and thereby,it can provide guidance to engineering applications.