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This article thoroughly examines the influence of digital transformation on the efficiency of corporate supply chains. As global economic integration accelerates and technological innovations deepen, digital transformation has become key to enhancing core corporate competitiveness. This research, utilizing data from A-share listed companies in China between 2007 and 2022, analyzes how companies improve supply chain efficiency through digital transformation. Furthermore, the study establishes a theoretical framework that demonstrates how digital transformation facilitates supply chain efficiency from the perspectives of internal governance and external competition. The research indicates that digital transformation plays a key role in significantly enhancing supply chain efficiency. Furthermore, the results of the mechanism analysis confirmed that digital transformation contributes to enhancing corporate supply chain efficiency by improving the level of corporate governance and the degree of market competition. The study also finds that the effect of digital transformation on supply chain efficiency varies with different corporate backgrounds, indicating its heterogeneous impact. Lastly, an analysis of economic consequences shows that the increased supply chain efficiency resulting from digital transformation can reduce future external transaction costs, strengthening the company’s market position and financial performance. This research provides strategic guidance for firms to develop robust strategies amid the digital wave and offers strong policy recommendations for promoting digital supply chain management and enhancing market adaptability.

Citrus, as one of the most popular fruits in the world, besides their pulp, their peel has a unique flavor and rich value. Compared with pulp, the aroma of citrus peel is more intense and unique, and there are few comprehensive studies on the difference between citrus peel and pulp aroma properties. In this study, the aroma characterization of September Red navel orange (SRO) pulp (OPU) and peel (OPE) was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O), odor activity value (OAV) determination and sensory analysis. Terpenes, alcohols, and aldehydes were found as the major volatile compounds in SRO, meanwhile, 23 key aroma components were detected, with 15 of them present in both OPU and OPE, and the concentration of the 15 substances in OPE was 1–1700 times higher than in OPU. The quantitative descriptive analyses (QDA) sensory analysis results showed there were six main fragrances present, with “fruity”, “green”, “floral”, and “woody” significantly stronger (p < 0.05) in OPE than in OPU. Finally, (E)-2-pentenal, ethyl butyrate, (E)-2-decenal, styrene, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-2-hexen-1-ol, linalool, nerol, γ-terpinene, and acetic acid were summarized as the key aroma compounds by aroma recombination and omission experiments. This study expands our knowledge of orange aroma characterization and not only provides theoretical basis for natural fruit flavor products, but also helps to promote the healthy development of the flavor industry.

Background Given a prolonged course of Cervical spondylosis (CS) could cause irreversible neurological deficits, it is crucial to disseminate CS-related health information to the public to promote early diagnosis and treatment. YouTube has been widely used to search for medical information. However, the reliability and quality of videos on YouTube vary greatly. Thus, this study aimed to assess the reliability and educational quality of YouTube videos concerning CS and further explore strategies for optimization of patient education. Methods We searched YouTube online library for the keywords “cervical spondylosis”, “cervical radiculopathy” and “cervical myelopathy” on January 15, 2023. Ranked by “relevance”, the first 50 videos of each string were recorded. After exclusions, a total of 108 videos were included. All videos were extracted for characteristics and classified based on different sources or contents. Two raters independently evaluated the videos using Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, Modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool, Global Quality Scale (GQS) and Cervical-Spondylosis-Specific Scale (CSSS), followed by statistical analyses. All continuous data were described as median (interquartile range). Results All videos had median values for JAMA, mDISCERN, GQS and CSSS scores of were 3.00 (1.00), 3.00 (2.00), 2.00 (1.00) and 7.00 (8.88), respectively. There were significant differences in VPI ( P  = 0.009) and JAMA ( P  = 0.001), mDISCERN ( P  < 0.001), GQS ( P  < 0.001) and CSSS ( P  < 0.001) scores among different sources. Videos from academic source had advantages in reliability and quality scores than other sources. VPI ( P  < 0.001), mDISCERN ( P  = 0.001), GQS ( P  < 0.001) and CSSS ( P  = 0.001) scores also significantly differed among videos of various contents. Spearman correlation analysis indicated VPI was not correlated with either reliability or quality. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a longer duration and an academic source were independent predictors of higher reliability and quality, while a clinical source also led to the higher video quality. Conclusions The reliability and educational quality of current CS-related videos on YouTube are unsatisfactory. Users face a high risk of encountering inaccurate and misleading information when searching for CS on YouTube. Longer duration, source of academic or clinician were closely correlated to higher video reliability and quality. Improving the holistic reliability and quality of online information requires the concerted effort from multiple parties, including uploaders, the platform and viewers.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the predominant microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, perpetuates a significant global health and socioeconomic challenge, complicating the pursuit of sustainable renal care. Adipokines, bioactive proteins secreted by adipose tissue that modulate lipid metabolism, function as key modulators potentially integrating systemic metabolic and inflammatory signals with renal pathophysiology Mechanistic investigations reveal that adipokines orchestrate a range of interconnected pathways, which include metabolic dysregulation (characterized by insulin resistance and lipid overload), immune-inflammatory responses (mediated by nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB], NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 [NLRP3], and chemokine axes), oxidative stress coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction (involving adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase [AMPK] and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha [PGC-1α], reactive oxygen species [ROS]), endothelial dysfunction, fibrogenesis (driven by transforming growth factor beta [TGF-β]/Smad and epithelial-mesenchymal transition [EMT]), and the imbalance between apoptosis and autophagy. Protective adipokines such as adiponectin, irisin, and vaspin may mitigate harmful signaling, whereas leptin, resistin, visfatin, and chemerin could amplify injury through pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, and lipotoxic pathways. Both circulating and urinary levels of adipokines may correlate with proteinuria, which suggests their potential utility in early detection, risk stratification, or therapeutic monitoring, although further validation is required.Emerging pharmacological, genetic, and lifestyle interventions may modulate adipokine networks to confer renal protection. The integration of multi-omics approaches, single-cell analysis, and spatial profiling with models that closely mimic human physiology is essential for identifying key signaling nodes, validating biomarkers, and developing precision-targeted therapies. Collectively, a detailed, network-oriented understanding of lipid-regulating adipokines could support efforts toward the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies in DKD.

Birefringence is at the heart of photonic applications. Layered van der Waals materials inherently support considerable out-of-plane birefringence. However, funnelling light into their small nanoscale area parallel to its out-of-plane optical axis remains challenging. Thus far, the lack of large in-plane birefringence has been a major roadblock hindering their applications. Here, we introduce the presence of broadband, low-loss, giant birefringence in a biaxial van der Waals materials Ta 2 NiS 5 , spanning an ultrawide-band from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths of 0.3–16 μm. The in-plane birefringence Δn ≈ 2 and 0.5 in the visible and mid-infrared ranges is one of the highest among van der Waals materials known to date. Meanwhile, the real-space propagating waveguide modes in Ta 2 NiS 5 show strong in-plane anisotropy with a long propagation length (>20 μm) in the mid-infrared range. Our work may promote next-generation broadband and ultracompact integrated photonics based on van der Waals materials. van der Waals materials are usually characterized by a significant out-of-plane optical anisotropy, but in-plane birefringence is also necessary for photonics applications. Here, the authors report the presence of broadband optical anisotropy in a layered material, Ta 2 NiS 5 , showing in-plane birefringence of ~2 and ~0.5 in the visible and mid-infrared range, respectively.

Steam reforming is an effective method for improving heat sinks of hypersonic aircraft at high flight Mach numbers. However, unlike the industrial process of producing hydrogen with a high water content, the catalytic steam reforming mechanism for the regeneration cooling process of hydrocarbon fuels with a water content below 30% is still unclear. Catalytic steam reforming (CSR) and catalytic thermal cracking (CTC) reactions occur at low temperatures, with the main products being hydrogen and carbon oxides. Thermal cracking (TC) reactions occur at high temperatures, with the main products being alkanes and alkenes. The above reaction exists simultaneously in the regeneration cooling channel, which is referred to as partial catalytic steam reforming (PCSR). Based on the experimental measurement results, an improved neural network correction method was used to establish a four-step global reaction model for the PCSR of n-decane under low water conditions. The reliability of the four-step model was verified by combining the model with a numerical simulation program and comparing it with the experimental results obtained by electric heating hydrocarbon fuels with a pressure of 3 MPa and a water content of 5/10/15%. The experimental and predicted results using the developed kinetic model are consistent with an error of less than 5% in the decane conversion rate. The average absolute error between the fuel outlet temperature and total heat sink is less than 10%. Using the PCSR model to predict the heat transfer characteristics of mixed fuels with different water contents, the convective heat transfer coefficient is basically the same, and the Nu number is affected by the thermal conductivity coefficient, showing different patterns with changes in the water content.

In the micro-EDM blind-hole machining of Cf-ZrB2-SiC ceramics, defects such as bottom surface protrusion and machining fillets are often encountered. The implementation of an electrode-assisted oscillating device has proven effective in improving machining outcomes. To unravel the fundamental reasons behind the optimization enabled by this auxiliary oscillating device, this paper presents fluid simulation research, providing a quantitative comparison of the differences in machining gap flow field characteristics and debris motion behaviors under conditions with and without the assistance of the oscillating device. Firstly, this paper briefly describes the characteristics of Cf-ZrB2-SiC discharge products and flow field deficiencies during conventional machining and introduces the working principle of electrode-assisted oscillation devices to establish the background and objectives of the simulation study. Subsequently, this research established simulation models for both conventional machining and oscillating machining based on actual processing conditions. CFD numerical simulations were conducted to compare flow field differences between conditions with and without auxiliary machining devices. The results demonstrate that, compared to conventional machining, electrode oscillation not only increases the maximum velocity of the working fluid by nearly 32% but also provides a larger debris accommodation space, effectively preventing secondary discharge. Regarding debris agglomeration, oscillating machining resolves the low-velocity zone issues present in conventional modes, increasing debris velocity from 0 mm/s to 7.5 mm/s and ensuring continuous debris motion. Furthermore, the DPM was used to analyze particle distribution and motion velocities, confirming that vortex effects form within the hole under oscillating conditions. These vortices effectively draw bottom debris outward, preventing local accumulation. Finally, from the perspective of debris distribution, the formation mechanisms of micro-hole morphology and the tool electrode wear patterns were explained.

Inserting hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as barrier layers into bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides heterointerface has been proved an efficient method to improve two dimensional tunneling optoelectronic device performance. Nevertheless, the physical picture of interlayer coupling effect during incorporation of monolayer (1L-) hBN is not explicit yet. In this article, spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to experimentally obtain the broadband excitonic and critical point properties of WS 2 /MoS 2 and WS 2 /hBN/MoS 2 van der Waals heterostructures. We find that 1L-hBN can only slightly block the interlayer electron transfer from WS 2 layer to MoS 2 layer. Moreover, insertion of 1L-hBN weakens the interlayer coupling effect by releasing quantum confinement and reducing efficient dielectric screening. Consequently, the exciton binding energies in WS 2 /hBN/MoS 2 heterostructures blueshift comparing to those in WS 2 /MoS 2 heterostructures. In this exciton binding energies tuning process, the reducing dielectric screening effect plays a leading role. In the meantime, the quasi-particle (QP) bandgap remains unchanged before and after 1L-hBN insertion, which is attributed to released quantum confinement and decreased dielectric screening effects canceling each other. Unchanged QP bandgap as along with blueshift exciton binding energies lead to the redshift exciton transition energies in WS 2 /hBN/MoS 2 heterostructures.

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance and associated side effects underscores the need for exploring novel therapeutic strategies. The utilization of insect resources is being investigated as one potential avenue in this context. The effective utilization of insect resources represents a promising pathway to this end. This study focuses on investigating the glycerolysis of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) oil, which is rich in lauric acid, to optimize the production of antimicrobial monoglycerides. Response surface optimization yielded the following optimal conditions: 35.5 min, 219 °C, 0.72% sodium methoxide catalyst, and a 1:4 molar ratio of triglyceride to glycerol. Under these conditions, monoglycerides accounted for 55.86% of the product, specifically glycerol monolaurate, accounting for 29.47%; this mixture showed notable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After purification via the solvent crystallization method, the monoglyceride content rose to 69.64%, while the glycerol monolaurate content increased to 35.24%, resulting in enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Notably, monoglycerides were more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria, consistent with their known membrane-targeting specificity. Importantly, the potent activity against MRSA highlights the potential of these MAGs to combat antibiotic-resistant strains. These findings indicate that BSFL oil is a sustainable feedstock for producing antimicrobial agents with in vitro efficacy. This work supports the further investigation of MAGs derived from BSFL oil as potential candidates to complement existing antibiotics, particularly against resistant strains such as MRSA.

To develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with stable lipid matrix structures for the delivery of bioactive compounds, a new class of SLNs was studied using propylene glycol monopalmitate (PGMP) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) mixtures and carvacrol as a model lipophilic antimicrobial. Stable SLNs were fabricated at PGMP:GMS mass ratios of 2:1 and 1:1, and the carvacrol loading was up to 30% of lipids with >98% encapsulation efficiency and absence of visual instability. Fluorescence spectra and release profiles indicated the carvacrol was successfully encapsulated and homogeneously distributed within the SLNs. SLNs fabricated with equal masses of PGMP and GMS had better stability of carvacrol during storage and higher sphericity than those with a ratio of 2:1 and were much more effective than free carvacrol against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. These findings demonstrated the potential applications of the studied SLNs in delivering lipophilic bioactive compounds in food and other products.