bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of Non-Grain Production of Farmland in South China Based on MaxEnt Modeling and Multisource Earth Observation Data
Authors: Chen Juntao , Lin Zhuochun , Lin Jinyao , Wu Dafang
Published: October 2024

Excessive non-grain production of farmland (NGPF) seriously affects food security and hinders progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Understanding the spatial distribution and influencing factors of NGPF is essential for food and agricultural management. However, previous studies on NGPF identification have mainly relied on high-cost methods (e.g., visual interpretation). Furthermore, common machine learning techniques have difficulty in accurately identifying NGPF based solely on spectral information, as NGPF is not merely a natural phenomenon. Accurately identifying the distribution of NGPF at a grid scale and elucidating its influencing factors have emerged as critical scientific challenges in current literature. Therefore, the aims of this study are to develop a grid-scale method that integrates multisource remote sensing data and spatial factors to enhance the precision of NGPF identification and provide a more comprehensive understanding of its influencing factors. To overcome these challenges, we combined multisource remote sensing images, natural/anthropogenic spatial factors, and the maximum entropy model to reveal the spatial distribution of NGPF and its influencing factors at the grid scale. This combination can reveal more detailed spatial information on NGPF and quantify the integrated influences of multiple spatial factors from a microscale perspective. In this case study of Foshan, China, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve is 0.786, with results differing by only 1.74% from the statistical yearbook results, demonstrating the reliability of the method. Additionally, the total error of our NGPF identification result is lower than that of using only natural/anthropogenic information. Our method enhances the spatial resolution of NGPF identification and effectively detects small and fragmented farmlands. We identified elevation, farming radius, and population density as dominant factors affecting the spatial distribution of NGPF. These results offer targeted strategies to mitigate excessive NGPF. The advantage of our method lies in its independence from negative samples. This feature enhances its applicability to other cases, particularly in regions lacking high-resolution grain crop-related data.
On Isaac’s War Game of Attrition and Attack Using Dynamic Programming Approach
Authors: Safa Benghebrid , Touffik Bouremani , Djamel Benterki
Published: October 2024

In this study, we use the dynamic programming method introduced by Mirică (2004) to solve the well-known war game of attrition and attack as formulated by Isaacs (1965). By using this modern approach, we extend the classical framework to explore optimal strategies within the differential game setting, offering a complete, comprehensive and theoretically robust solution. Additionally, the study identifies and analyzes feedback strategies, which represent a significant advancement over other strategy types in game theory. These strategies dynamically adapt to the evolving state of the system, providing more robust solutions for real-time decision-making in conflict scenarios. This novel contribution enhances the application of game theory, particularly in the context of warfare models, and illustrates the practical advantages of incorporating feedback mechanisms into strategic decision-making. The admissible feedback strategies and the corresponding value function are constructed through a refined application of Cauchy’s Method of characteristics for stratified Hamilton–Jacobi equations. Their optimality is proved using a suitable Elementary Verification Theorem for the associated value function as an argument for sufficient optimality conditions.
The Ongoing Deep Underground Measurement of 22Ne(α,n)25Mg at the Ion Beam Facility of the INFN-LNGS
Authors: Best Andreas , Rapagnani David , Mercogliano Daniela
Published: October 2024

The 22Ne(α,n)25Mg reaction is of major importance in nuclear astrophysics. It is the main neutron source for the weak s-process and as such is responsible for the nucleosynthesis of 60 < A < 90 elements. In addition, it provides a strong neutron burst during the later, hottest phases of the main s-process, which modifies the final nucleosynthesis products, especially at so-called branch points, which can be used to provide insight into the stellar interior at that time. The reaction rate needs to be known below ca. 900 keV, and due to the low cross-section at these energies, a direct measurement has so far proven to be severely hampered by external neutron background at the surface of the Earth. To solve this problem, a measurement campaign (the ERC-funded SHADES project) was recently started at the deep underground Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) in Italy. We provide an overview of the experiment status and an outlook into the near future.
Correlation of Chronic Cervico-Cranio-Mandibular Pain in Individuals with Adverse Childhood Events: An Observational Study
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Iván , Sosa-Reina María Dolores , Ruiz-Zaragoza David , Vargas-Sánchez Valentina , Fernández-Martínez Álvaro , López-Bueno Rubén , Romero-Morales Carlos , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: October 2024

Objectives: This cross-sectional observational study examines the relationship between chronic cervico-cranio-mandibular pain, a significant health concern associated with temporomandibular disorders, and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Given the high prevalence of cervical pain and the gap in adequate treatment for temporomandibular disorders, this research highlights the interplay between psychological, social factors, and musculoskeletal health. Methods: The study, conducted from January to June 2023, included 114 participants (mean age = 31 ± 12 years, 69.3% female) experiencing chronic cervico-cranio-mandibular pain. Pain severity and dysfunction were assessed, and exposure to ACEs was measured using validated questionnaires. Statistical analysis, performed using Jamovi (v 2.23.28) software. Results: Data revealed a significant correlation between the number of ACEs and both pain intensity (r = 0.254, p = 0.006, η2 = 0.062) and disability (r = 0.262, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.068). However, no significant association was found between ACEs and mandibular functional limitation (p = 0.222). These findings suggest that while early life stressors impact overall health, their specific influence on cervico-cranio-mandibular pain is limited. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of integrated early intervention strategies to mitigate the long-term musculoskeletal repercussions of adverse events, advocating for comprehensive mental health support and preventive measures. This research contributes valuable insights into the necessity of a multifaceted approach to understanding, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal disorders, highlighting the complexity of their causes and effects.
Words and Images Matter: Perspectives on Suicide, Mental Health Concerns and Alcohol and Other Drug Use Depiction
Authors: Sampson Dara L. , Cootes Hannah , Paton Elizabeth , Peprah Jennifer , Simmonette Danielle , Heinsch Milena , Kay-Lambkin Frances , Skehan Jaelea
Published: October 2024

Background/objectives: The way in which topics like suicide, mental health concerns and alcohol and other drug use are communicated matters. It has the potential to have either a positive or negative impact on people and communities, particularly those with a lived experience of these concerns. This article draws on the findings of a qualitative study designed to explore the experiences and perceptions of stakeholders on the imagery and language used to depict suicide, mental health concerns or alcohol and other drug use. Methods: The focus group method was used as a form of participatory action research to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and views of those who use or are impacted by language and imagery about suicide, mental ill-health and AOD use, including those with lived experiences of these topics. Results: A series of 10 focus groups were created in February and March 2022 with media and other professional communicators; people identifying as having a lived experience of suicide, mental ill-health or alcohol and other drug use; mental health and suicide prevention sector professionals; and people from priority populations (n = 49). From these focus groups, principles were developed as well as exemplars of helpful and less helpful depictions. Rather than prescriptive or static rules, the participants indicated that safe representations require an ongoing engagement with the principle of “do no harm”. Conclusions: A positive conclusion arose—that words and images have the potential to promote help-seeking, challenge stigma or stereotypes and create change.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Healthcare: Exploring the Role of Nurses in Promoting Change, Identifying Barrier Elements and Facilitators—A Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Bonacaro Antonio , Solfrizzo Francesca Giovanna , Regano Domenico , Negrello Fabio , Domeniconi Celeste , Volpon Alessandra , Taurchini Silvia , Toselli Paola , Baesti Consuelo
Published: October 2024

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) involves a coordinated set of actions aimed at promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics within healthcare settings. This systematic review of qualitative studies assessed nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of the barriers and facilitators that impact their involvement in AMS programs. Methods: This meta-synthesis followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. Relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023 were identified through searches on PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The studies were critically appraised using the CASP checklist, with 19 articles meeting the inclusion criteria from five continents. Results: Six recurring themes emerged from the analysis of nurses’ experiences and opinions regarding their roles in AMS programs. These themes included the organization of AMS programs, availability of resources, training and education, communication, and the evolving role of nurses in AMS. Conclusions: Nurses at every level of the profession might play a crucial role in antimicrobial stewardship. Although active involvement of nurses in antibiotic stewardship requires further exploration and research, this topic is being examined internationally. The literature on this subject primarily analyzes the phenomenon from a quantitative perspective rather than a qualitative one, and it is contextualized more within hospital settings rather than community settings.
The Perfect Match: Testing the Effect of Increasing Red and Blue Ratio on Baby-Leaf Kale Growth, Yield and Physiology
Authors: Zauli Ilaria , Rossini Ernesto , Pennisi Giuseppina , Martin Michael , Crepaldi Andrea , Gianquinto Giorgio , Orsini Francesco
Published: October 2024

Within the current scenario of cropland use and forest surface loss, there is a need for the implementation of viable urban farming systems, e.g., indoor vertical farming (VF). Light management is fundamental in VF, although responses to light spectra are often species-specific. As the interest of consumers and farmers towards baby-leaf vegetables has recently increased, this study aimed at assessing the most effective red:blue (RB) ratio for enhanced baby-leaf production of kale (Brassica oleracea). Within an ebb-and-flow system, increasing RB ratios (RB3, RB5, RB7 and RB9) were tested, sharing a photoperiod of 16 h day−1 and a light intensity of 215 μmol m−2 s−1. A larger yield was obtained for plants under RB5, featuring an intermediate B fraction compared to other treatments, with plants displaying more expanded and thinner leaves. Also, for lighting energy and cultivated surface use efficiency, RB5 was the most effective treatment, performing up to 57 g FW kWh−1 and 54 kg FW m−2 y−1, respectively. From multispectral data, a tendency of reduced Fv/Fm and Fq′/Fm′ was observed as the RB ratio increased, while the chlorophyll index was enhanced under RB ≥ 7. This study highlighted the light recipe with an RB ratio of 5 as the most effective lighting mixture for optimal baby-leaf kale production in terms of balanced growth, resource use efficiency and yield.
Mitochondrial Genome Assembly and Structural Characteristics Analysis of Gentiana rigescens
Authors: Xie Zongyi , Zhang Yingmin , Wu Lixin , Li Guodong
Published: October 2024

Gentiana rigescens, an alpine plant with significant medicinal value, possesses a complex genetic background. However, comprehensive genomic research on G. rigescens is still lacking, particularly concerning its organelle genome. In this study, G. rigescens was studied to sequence the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) and ascertain the assembly, informational content, and developmental expression of the mitogenome. The mitogenome of G. rigescens was 393,595 bp in length and comprised four circular chromosomes ranging in size from 6646 bp to 362,358 bp. The GC content was 43.73%. The mitogenome featured 30 distinct protein-coding genes, 26 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. The mitogenome of G. rigescens also revealed 70 SSRs, which were mostly tetra-nucleotides. In addition, 48 homologous fragments were found between the mitogenome and the chloroplast genome, with the longest measuring 23,330 bp. The documentation of the mitochondrial genome of G. rigescens is instrumental in advancing the understanding of its physiological development. Decoding the G. rigescens mitogenome will offer valuable genetic material for phylogenetic research on Gentianaceae and enhance the use of species germplasm resources.
Linking Environmental Genotoxins to Neurodegenerative Diseases Through Transcriptional Mutagenesis
Authors: Verheijen Bert M. , Vermulst Marc
Published: October 2024

Numerous lines of evidence suggest that DNA damage contributes to the initiation, progression, and severity of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this relationship remain unclear. This review integrates historical data with contemporary findings to propose that DNA damage exacerbates neurodegenerative diseases by inducing transcription errors. First, we describe the scientific rationale and basic biological concepts that underpin this hypothesis. Then, we provide epidemiological, cellular, and molecular data to support this idea, and we describe new and recently published observations that suggest that the former high incidence of neurodegenerative disease in Guam may have been driven by DNA damage-induced transcription errors. Finally, we explore the long-term implications of these findings on our understanding of the impact of genotoxic stress on human aging and disease.
Molecular Modeling and In Vitro Functional Analysis of the RGS12 PDZ Domain Variant Associated with High-Penetrance Familial Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Agogo-Mawuli Percy S. , Mendez Joseph , Oestreich Emily A. , Bosch Dustin E. , Siderovski David P.
Published: October 2024

Bipolar disorder’s etiology involves genetics, environmental factors, and gene–environment interactions, underlying its heterogeneous nature and treatment complexity. In 2020, Forstner and colleagues catalogued 378 sequence variants co-segregating with familial bipolar disorder. A notable candidate was an R59Q missense mutation in the PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg1/ZO-1) domain of RGS12. We previously demonstrated that RGS12 loss removes negative regulation on the kappa opioid receptor, disrupting basal ganglia dopamine homeostasis and dampening responses to dopamine-eliciting psychostimulants. Here, we investigated the R59Q variation in the context of potential PDZ domain functional alterations. We first validated a new target for the wildtype RGS12 PDZ domain—the SAPAP3 C-terminus—by molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and co-immunoprecipitation. While initial molecular dynamics (MD) studies predicted negligible effects of the R59Q variation on ligand binding, SPR showed a significant reduction in binding affinity for the three peptide targets tested. AlphaFold2-generated models predicted a modest reduction in protein–peptide interactions, which is consistent with the reduced binding affinity observed by SPR, suggesting that the substituted glutamine side chain may weaken the affinity of RGS12 for its in vivo binding targets, likely through allosteric changes. This difference may adversely affect the CNS signaling related to dynorphin and dopamine in individuals with this R59Q variation, potentially impacting bipolar disorder pathophysiology.
Copper Sulfide Nanorod-Embedded Urinary Catheter with Hydrophobicity and Photothermal Sterilization
Authors: Saukani Muhammad , Lai Chien-Hung , Mutalik Chinmaya , Krisnawati Dyah Ika , Chu Hsiu-Yi , Kuo Tsung-Rong
Published: October 2024

The high prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) is causing significant concern in healthcare systems. Antibacterial urinary catheters have been developed to prevent CAUTIs in clinical application. In this work, a copper sulfide nanorod (CuS NR)-embedded urinary catheter (CuS/UC) was designed as an antibacterial urinary catheter with photothermal sterilization. The CuS NRs with low cytotoxicity were synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The CuS NRs were embedded into urinary catheters at different weight percentages. The CuS/UC exhibited homogenous surface roughness, low wettability, hydrophobicity, and low adhesiveness, promoting minimal interaction with bacteria and healthy cells. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the 0.8 weight percentage of CuS NRs in the urinary catheter (0.8CuS/UC) reached a temperature of 67.4 °C, demonstrating its photothermal antibacterial activity and suitability for catheter sterilization. Agar plate test verified that CuS/UCs exhibited a superior photothermal antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Streptococcus aureus (S. aureus). Moreover, the 0.8CuS/UC exhibited excellent biocompatibility and anti-cell adhesion properties. The 0.8CuS/UC with photothermal performance, excellent biocompatibility, and anti-cell adhesion properties demonstrated its potential as a photothermal antibacterial catheter for clinical applications.
YOLO-I3D: Optimizing Inflated 3D Models for Real-Time Human Activity Recognition
Authors: Luo Ruikang , Anand Aman , Zulkernine Farhana , Rivest Francois
Published: October 2024

Human Activity Recognition (HAR) plays a critical role in applications such as security surveillance and healthcare. However, existing methods, particularly two-stream models like Inflated 3D (I3D), face significant challenges in real-time applications due to their high computational demand, especially from the optical flow branch. In this work, we address these limitations by proposing two major improvements. First, we introduce a lightweight motion information branch that replaces the computationally expensive optical flow component with a lower-resolution RGB input, significantly reducing computation time. Second, we incorporate YOLOv5, an efficient object detector, to further optimize the RGB branch for faster real-time performance. Experimental results on the Kinetics-400 dataset demonstrate that our proposed two-stream I3D Light model improves the original I3D model’s accuracy by 4.13% while reducing computational cost. Additionally, the integration of YOLOv5 into the I3D model enhances accuracy by 1.42%, providing a more efficient solution for real-time HAR tasks.
Electrochemical Migration Study on Sn-58Bi Lead-Free Solder Alloy Under Dust Contamination
Authors: Lu Fuye , Sun Han , Yang Wenlong , Zhou Tianshuo , Wang Yunpeng , Ma Haoran , Ma Haitao , Chen Jun
Published: October 2024

With the development of electronic packaging technology toward miniaturization, integration, and high reliability, the diameter and pitch of solder joints continue to shrink. Adjacent solder joints are highly susceptible to electrochemical migration (ECM) due to the synergistic effects of high-density electric fields, water vapor, and contaminants. Dust has become one of the non-negligible causal factors in ECM studies due to air pollution. In this study, 0.2 mM/L NaCl and Na2SO4 solutions were used to simulate soluble salt in dust, and the failure mechanism of an Sn-58Bi solder ECM in the soluble salt in dust was analyzed by a water-droplet experimental method. It was shown that the mean failure time of the ECM of an Sn-58Bi solder in an NaCl solution (53 s) was longer than that in an Na2SO4 solution (32 s) due to the difference in the anodic dissolution characteristics in the two soluble salt solutions. XPS analysis revealed that the dendrites produced by the ECM process were mainly composed of Sn, SnO, and SnO2, and there were precipitation products—Sn(OH)2 and Na2SO4—attached to the dendrites. The corrosion potential in the NaCl solution (−0.351 V) was higher than that in the Na2SO4 solution (−0.360 V), as shown by a polarization test, indicating that the Sn-58Bi solder had better corrosion resistance in the NaCl solution. Therefore, an Sn-58Bi solder has better resistance to electrochemical migration in an NaCl solution compared to an Na2SO4 solution.
Advances in Gas Detection of Pattern Recognition Algorithms for Chemiresistive Gas Sensor
Authors: Zhou Guangying , Du Bingsheng , Zhong Jie , Chen Le , Sun Yuyu , Yue Jia , Zhang Minglang , Long Zourong , Song Tao , Peng Bo , Tang Bin , He Yong
Published: October 2024

Gas detection and monitoring are critical to protect human health and safeguard the environment and ecosystems. Chemiresistive sensors are widely used in gas monitoring due to their ease of fabrication, high customizability, mechanical flexibility, and fast response time. However, with the rapid development of industrialization and technology, the main challenges faced by chemiresistive gas sensors are poor selectivity and insufficient anti-interference stability in complex application environments. In order to overcome these shortcomings of chemiresistive gas sensors, the pattern recognition method is emerging and is having a great impact in the field of sensing. In this review, we focus systematically on the advancements in the field of data processing methods for feature extraction, such as the methods of determining the characteristics of the original response curve, the curve fitting parameters, and the transform domain. Additionally, we emphasized the developments of traditional recognition algorithms and neural network algorithm in gas discrimination and analyzed the advantages through an extensive literature review. Lastly, we summarized the research on chemiresistive gas sensors and provided prospects for future development.
Influence of Accelerated Carbonation on the Performance of Recycled Concrete Containing Fly Ash, Recycled Coarse Aggregate, and Fine Aggregate
Authors: Yao Ziqi , Luo Ling , Qin Yongjun , Bi Yu , Liu Fengchao , Yang Yiheng
Published: October 2024

In order to improve the quality of solid waste utilization, this study simultaneously used recycled coarse aggregate and recycled fine aggregate to prepare recycled aggregate concrete, with fly ash partially replacing cement as a binder. After the particle gradation of recycled aggregate was artificially adjusted into continuous gradation, the effects of accelerated carbonation on the performance and microstructure of recycled concrete were studied. The microstructural change was analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy. Additionally, the environmental benefits of the recycled concrete were evaluated based on carbon emissions using the life cycle assessment method. The experimental results indicate that accelerated carbonation can increase the compressive strength of recycled concrete by up to 13%, and its microstructure becomes more compact after carbonation. The carbon emissions are reduced by more than 13% after using 20% fly ash, contributing to sustainable development. Additionally, the optimal replacement rate of recycled fine aggregate should be controlled to under 15% when both recycled coarse and fine aggregates are used.
Infrared Adversarial Patch Generation Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhou Shuangju , Li Yang , Tan Wenyi , Zhao Chenxing , Zhou Xin , Pan Quan
Published: October 2024

Recently, there has been an increasing concern about the vulnerability of infrared object detectors to adversarial attacks, where the object detector can be easily spoofed by adversarial samples with aggressive patches. Existing attacks employ light bulbs, insulators, and both hot and cold blocks to construct adversarial patches. These patches are complex to create, expensive to produce, or time-sensitive, rendering them unsuitable for practical use. In this work, a straightforward and efficacious attack methodology applicable in the physical realm, wherein the patch configuration is simplified to uniform-sized grayscale patch blocks affixed to the object, is proposed. This approach leverages materials with varying infrared emissivity, which are easy to fabricate and deploy in the real world and can be long-lasting. We use a reinforcement learning approach to gradually optimize the patch generation strategy until the adversarial attack goal is achieved, which supports multi-gray scale patches and explores the effects of patch size and grayscale. The results of our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. In our configurations, the average accuracy of YOLO v5 in digital space drops from 95.7% to 45.4%, with an attack success rate of 68.3%. It is also possible to spoof the object detector in physical space.
Epiphytic Fungi Can Drive a Trade-Off Between Pathogen and Herbivore Resistance in Invasive Ipomoea cairica
Authors: Xu Hua , Wang Lixing , Zhu Minjie , Chen Xuhui
Published: October 2024

Trade-offs between different defense traits exist commonly in plants. However, no evidence suggests that symbiotic microbes can drive a trade-off between plant pathogen and herbivore defense. The present study aims to investigate whether the mixture of epiphytic Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium fujikuroi can drive the trade-off between the two defense traits in invasive Ipomoea cairica. Surface-sterilized I. cairica cuttings pre-inoculated with the epiphytic fungal mixture served as an epiphyte-inoculated (E+) group, while cuttings sprayed with sterile PDB served as an epiphyte-free (E−) group. After 3 days of incubation, E+ and E− cuttings were subjected to the challenge from a fungal pathogen and an insect herbivore, respectively. The results suggested that E+ cuttings had less rotted and yellowed leaf rates per plant than E− cuttings after Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infection. On the contrary, E+ cuttings had higher absolute and relative fresh weight losses per leaf than E− cuttings after Taiwania circumdata introduction. In the absence of challenges from the two natural enemies, salicylic acid and H2O2 accumulation occurred in E+ cuttings, which activated their SA-dependent pathogen defense and resulted in an increase in chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities. Although jasmonic acid accumulation also occurred in E+ cuttings, their JA-dependent herbivore defense responses were antagonized by SA signaling, leading to a decrease in total phenol content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity. The activity of generalized defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, did not differ between E+ and E− cuttings. Together, our findings indicate that a trade-off between pathogen and herbivore defense in I. cairica had already been driven by the epiphytic fungal mixture before the challenge by the two natural enemies. This study provides a novel insight into biocontrol strategies for I. cairica.
Quantum Mechanics as a Constructive Theory
Authors: Cala-Vitery Favio
Published: October 2024

Einstein’s 1919 distinction between “principle theories” and ”constructive theories” has been applied by Jeffrey Bub to classify the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics (QM) as a principle theory agree with this classification. Additionally, I argue that Bohm’s interpretation of QM fits Einstein’s concept of a constructive theory. Principle theories include empirically established laws or principles, such as the first and second laws of thermodynamics or the principles of special relativity, including the Born Rule of QM. According to Einstein, principle theories offer ”security in their foundations and logical perfection”. However, ultimate understanding requires constructive theories, which build complex phenomena from simpler models. Constructive theories provide intelligible models of physical phenomena. Bohm’s QM, with its added microstructure, presents such a model. In this framework, quantum phenomena appear from statistical ensembles of microparticles in motion, with deterministic particle trajectories guided by the wave function. This reveals how Bohm’s account offers a constructive model for understanding quantum phenomena.
Electrospun Fibers of Ecovio® Polymer Blends with Antimicrobial Tea Tree Essential Oil: Enhanced Chemical and Biological Properties
Authors: de Souza Bianca Z. , Facchi Débora P. , Facchi Suelen P. , Teodoro Carlos F. , de Almeida Débora A. , Popat Ketul C. , Kipper Matt J. , Bonafé Elton G. , Martins Alessandro F.
Published: October 2024

This study presents the development of fibers with favorable properties for biodegradable wound dressings made from the Ecovio® (EC) polymer blend, composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), incorporated with tea tree essential oil (TTE). TTE presented antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 15 and 7.5 mg/mL, respectively. The TTE was mixed with EC in a binary chloroform and formic acid (85/15 v/v) mixture. The EC/TTE fibers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming the TTE in the fibers. The tests showed that TTE (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mL) improved the polymer blend’s electrospinnability, leading to bead-free, homogenous, and smaller fiber diameters. TTE (1.5 mL or 75 w% concerning the EC) leads to homogeneous fibers with an average diameter of 278 ± 59 nm. TTE (75 w%) increased the wettability of the EC fibers from 120 ± 2° to 69 ± 1°. Preliminary bacterial adhesion and proliferation assays demonstrated that the EC/TTE fibers have anti-adhesive activity and demonstrate greater toxicity, which seems more toxic against P. aeruginosa than S. aureus after 24 h of incubation. Fluorescence and coagulation kinetics tests performed with human blood indicated that the EC/TTE fibers accelerate blood coagulation. The EC/TTE fibers exhibit promising chemical and biological properties (in vitro) for developing wound dressings.
Chartism’s Critical Carbon Theology: What Fossil Power’s Nineteenth-Century Demonizers Contribute to the Ethics of Energy Justice Today
Authors: Juskus Ryan
Published: October 2024

Recent scholarship on religion and energy highlights the religious attachments some groups of people form with fossil fuels that have served to facilitate their extraction and use in building socially and economically stratified worlds. This scholarship foregrounds the business owners, managers, scientists, inventors, industrial spokespersons, and other panegyrists of the beneficent, civilizing power of coal and oil. However, little research to date has examined the religious attachments formed with fossil fuels by those who mined them, labored with machines powered by them, and lived in places that were diminished to extract, burn, and waste them. This article builds on the work of Andreas Malm and Terra Schwerin Rowe to examine these “critical carbon theologies”. It focuses in particular on the theological themes in popular literature produced by the nineteenth-century British Chartist movement—the first great social movement led by those who experienced in their bodies, communities, and environments the traumas that accompanied the introduction of fossil fuels as a motive power. These Chartist activist-theologians condemned coal power as a demonic force in history and envisioned a way to exorcize an industrializing society of its demons. This article uncovers and evaluates the largely overlooked theological dimensions of this movement and applies them toward a consideration of the ethics of energy transition today.
Evaluating the Impact of Interferogram Networks on the Performance of Phase Linking Methods
Authors: Haji Safari Saeed , Maghsoudi Yasser
Published: October 2024

In recent years, phase linking (PL) methods in radar time-series interferometry (TSI) have proven to be powerful tools in geodesy and remote sensing, enabling the precise monitoring of surface displacement and deformation. While these methods are typically designed to operate on a complete network of interferograms, generating such networks is often challenging in practice. For instance, in non-urban or vegetated regions, decorrelation effects lead to significant noise in long-term interferograms, which can degrade the time-series results if included. Additionally, practical issues such as gaps in satellite data, poor acquisitions, or systematic errors during interferogram generation can result in incomplete networks. Furthermore, pre-existing interferogram networks, such as those provided by systems like COMET-LiCSAR, often prioritize short temporal baselines due to the vast volume of data generated by satellites like Sentinel-1. As a result, complete interferogram networks may not always be available. Given these challenges, it is critical to understand the applicability of PL methods on these incomplete networks. This study evaluated the performance of two PL methods, eigenvalue decomposition (EVD) and eigendecomposition-based maximum-likelihood estimator of interferometric phase (EMI), under various network configurations including short temporal baselines, randomly sparsified networks, and networks where low-coherence interferograms have been removed. Using two sets of simulated data, the impact of different network structures on the accuracy and quality of the results was assessed. These patterns were then applied to real data for further comparison and analysis. The findings demonstrate that while both methods can be effectively used on short temporal baselines, their performance is highly sensitive to network sparsity and the noise introduced by low-coherence interferograms, requiring careful parameter tuning to achieve optimal results across different study areas.
Online Quality Control of Powder Bed Fusion with High-Resolution Eddy Current Testing Inductive Sensor Arrays
Authors: Faria Pedro , Batalha Rodolfo L. , Barrancos André , Rosado Luís S.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the development of a novel eddy current array (ECA) system for real-time, layer-by-layer quality control in powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing. The system is integrated into the recoater of a PBF machine to provide spatially resolved electrical conductivity imaging of the manufactured part. The system features an array of 40 inductive sensors spaced at 1 mm pitch and is capable of performing a full array readout every 0.192 mm at 100 mm/s recoater speed. Array scalability was achieved through the careful selection of the electromagnetic configuration, miniaturized and seamlessly integrated sensor elements, and the use of advanced mixed signal processing techniques. Experimental validation was performed on stainless steel 316L parts, successfully detecting metallic structures and confirming system performance in both laboratory and real-time PBF environments. The prototype achieved a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 26.5 dB, discriminating metal from air and thus demonstrating its potential for improving PBF part design, process optimization, and defect detection.
Dynamic Screw Lead Accuracy Measurement: Research on the Compensation of the Workpiece Placed Away from the Ideal Position
Authors: Tao Lin , Zhang Lin , Wang Xin , Fan Xianguang , Shi Hua
Published: October 2024

The screw, a critical element in a variety of transmission mechanisms, significantly influences the performance of the transmission process. Accurate measurement of screw lead is crucial for ensuring the quality of transmission equipment. However, the measurement process can be affected by the precision limits of the measuring instruments and the challenges of manual fine adjustments. This can lead to the screw being misplaced, introducing errors due to the off-center positioning of the workpiece. Such errors can hinder the achievement of high-precision measurements. This research aims to reduce the time needed to adjust for workpiece misalignment and to improve the accuracy of screw lead measurement through error compensation. This study starts by examining two specific scenarios that can cause workpiece misalignment in screw lead accuracy measurements: the tilting of the workpiece and the misalignment of the workpiece axis relative to the circular grating axis. Then, a mathematical model to quantify this misalignment and measure the associated parameters is developed. Based on the measured parameters, a computational model is established to compensate for the bias error under these conditions. This method allows for efficient and precise measurement of the screw lead even when the workpiece is not perfectly aligned. Calibrated screws and a digital micrometer are used to conduct experiments on workpiece misalignment. By comparing measurements with and without error compensation, the effectiveness of the compensation method in enhancing measurement accuracy is demonstrated.
Toxicological and Biomarker Assessment of Freshwater Zebra Mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) Exposed to Nano-Polystyrene
Authors: Reynolds Andrew , Cody Enya , Giltrap Michelle , Chambers Gordon
Published: October 2024

The presence of sub-micron-sized plastics in the environment has been increasing, with the possible risks of these particles remaining relatively unknown. In order to assess the toxicity of these particles, 100 nm diameter green fluorescent nano-polystyrene spheres (NPS) (20–60 mg/L) were exposed to zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) to investigate the mortality, clearance rate and stress-related biomarker responses. D. polymorpha were collected and analysed with standard OECD toxicological tests and biomarker analysis to detect both physical and biochemical responses after exposure to NPS. The toxicity of the NPS to D. polymorpha was low, with 60 mg/L NPS causing a mortality rate of 11.1% at 96 h which was statistically significant compared to the 4.2% control. No statistical change could be found for the condition factor (kc) of D. polymorpha after NPS exposure. Clearance rates in D. polymorpha using R. subcapitata algae showed NPS-exposed mussels had a reduction of filtering efficiency of up to 30.5%. Bioassay testing shows a mixed but undeniably negative response from the D. polymorpha to the NPS, notably a significant rise in DNA Strand Breaks (DSB) and Metallothionein (MT) responses for high NPS concentrations. Additionally, Lipid Peroxidation (LPO) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay tests showed a significant increase in response from the higher (>40 mg/L) concentrations of NPS exposure. Although Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) assay showed no statistical change from the control for all NPS-exposed samples, an increase of 20% had occurred for 60 mg/L NPS. Overall, a minimal toxic response from D. polymorpha to the NPS exposure below 40 mg/L was seen. After 40 mg/L NPS, mussels presented more acute toxicity in terms of mortality, along with reduced algal clearance rates and anincrease in biomarker response. This study revealed a clear induction of oxidative stress and DSB in the digestive gland of zebra mussels following exposure to nano-polystyrene. While these findings provide valuable insights into the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics in freshwater bivalves, further studies are necessary to help understand the level of threat plastic pollution may pose to the health of freshwater ecosystems.
Influence of Sociodemographic Profile on Interactions Between Human Populations and Fauna in the Semi-Arid Region of Northeast Brazil and Its Relationship with Conservation
Authors: Souza Jeferson de Menezes , Alves Josué Luiz da Silva , Rodrigues Ana Carolina Matos , Lins-neto Ernani M. F. , Ferreira Felipe Silva
Published: October 2024

Background: The relationship between human populations and wild animals dates back across centuries of interactions, enabling the construction of belief systems in communities. The socioecological perspective allows us to understand the interactions between the social and ecological dimensions of a population and nature. Methods: In this context, 133 residents of a rural community were interviewed to assess their knowledge and use of animals. We sought to evaluate the following: (i) animal species used by community residents, (ii) types of use and (iii) the effects of socioeconomic variables on different uses of vertebrate animal taxa. Results: The fauna cited were represented by 82 ethnospecies distributed in 48 families; it was not possible to identify nine ethnospecies and two were identified only at the genus level (Columbina sp. and Turdus sp.). Among the identified species, birds presented the greatest taxonomic richness (n = 34/41.0%), followed by mammals (n = 22/27.0%) and reptiles (n = 15/18.0%). Through generalized linear models, we identified which socioeconomic variables influenced the knowledge and use of wildlife resources. Furthermore, the influence of socioeconomic variables varied between taxa and use categories. Conclusions: The influence of socioeconomic variables may vary according to the taxonomic group, as well as the type of cultural domain, favoring the increase or decrease in the use of a resource.
Influence of War on the Forest Plantations of the Left Bank Kherson Region
Authors: Breus Denys , Nikonchuk Nataliia , Pismennyi Oleg
Published: October 2024

Mapping burnt areas of forest plantations is needed to understand the scale of the violation and plan the post-fire activities to save the biggest artificially made forest in the world. The military actions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine complicate the monitoring by traditional and standard methods. Given the complexities of military actions, our study during this period is heavily reliant on remote sensing, marking a significant shift from traditional methods. The article is dedicated to the impact of hostilities resulting from Russian armed aggression against Ukraine on the state of forest plantations and shelterbelts of the left bank Kherson region. The research was conducted using images of Sentinel-2 L2A satellite, focusing on the study of forest burnt areas from the beginning of hostilities on the territory of the occupied Kherson region in February 2022 to March 2024. The pre-war year 2021 was used as a benchmark for comparing the state of forest plantations. Satellite images were used to generate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Burn ratio (NBR) index to determine and monitor forest cover changes and burnt areas in forest plantations as a result of hostilities on the research territory using ArcGIS Pro. The area of study is 44 657 hectares, and the burnt area of Oleshky forest in March 2024 was 7 833 hectares (17.5 %). The conducted studies have proved the critical situation with forest plantations on the left bank of the Dnipro River within the Kherson region. This situation necessitates immediate and collaborative intervention to save the ecosystem of Oleshky forest.
Communication as a Strategic Asset of Sustainable Development Planning of Rural Territorial Systems
Authors:   Institute of Economics and Management V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Simferopol, Kalafatov E. A.
Published: October 2024

Successful application of the communicative approach focused on the involvement of local communities in the process of planning the sustainable development of rural territorial systems greatly increases the effectiveness of planning processes. Where state management policy guarantees the participation of local communities in the process of rural territorial systems development, creates conditions for their involvement in the dialogue with local authorities, the chances of successful implementation of sustainable development plans increase significantly. The article makes an attempt to substantiate the necessity of introducing the communicative approach into the management system of rural territorial systems, as it will allow transforming the system of regional planning in Russia and achieving real breakthrough results in the sphere of development of social-ecological-economic components of rural territorial systems.
Assessing the Influence of Economic Factors on the Dynamics of Exports of Russian Oil and Petroleum Products Based on the Use of a Combination of PEST and SWOT Analysis Methods
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), Institute of Applied Economic Research, Moscow, Shapor M. A. , Gevogyan R. R. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA)
Published: October 2024

The presented work is part of a series of articles devoted to assessing the influence of external factors on the dynamics of Russian exports. In this and subsequent related works, the authors proposed to consider the external environment, which had a significant impact on the dynamics of Russian exports and the relative diffi culty of revising its structure, the basis of commodity exports of which in value terms are hydrocarbon energy carriers. This work represents a conceptual basis for the use of instrumental methods for assessing the influence of external factors, in this case, economic ones, on the integral and sectoral indicators of Russian exports and, in particular, on the export of hydrocarbon energy resources. In the second part of this article, it is proposed to use a set of environmental analysis methods, the basis of which was the previously successfully used mechanism for combining the methods of PESTEL and SWOT analysis, which will make it possible, based on the use of scores, to describe the cumulative influence of external factors on the dynamics of the main industries of Russian exports. The novelty of the presented approach lies in the absence of a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the influence of external factors on the dynamics of Russian exports using the selected tools, which seems useful and timely in light of the emergence of new political and economic factors that have a significant impact on Russian foreign trade in general and on the dynamics of the carbohydrate energy market , in particular. The parameters for assessing external factors proposed by the authors were chosen by the author independently, taking into account the modern realities of the development of the world economy, which can also represent a separate point of novelty of the research conducted or be part of one of the existing points of novelty of the presented work. The merit of the authors of this work lies in the fact that this work proposed their own vision of a comprehensive assessment of the influence of external factors on the dynamics of the country’s exports.
Factors for increasing retail chains’ competitiveness
Authors:   FSBEI HE Kazan State Power Engineering University, Kazan, Shchegrova Yu. A.
Published: October 2024

Currently, retail chains play an essential role in the economy, so increasing their competitiveness is a key task to improve their position in the market. The article discusses factors influencing the increase in the competitiveness of retail chains. The benefits of using new technologies in sales are described, and important aspects such as marketing strategies, personnel management, and logistics optimization are discussed. Analyzing these factors can help retailers boost their business processes and increase their competitiveness in the market.