bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the International Cocaine Market: A Novel Combination of Excess Compensation and Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Le Ba Tam , Mai Xuan Thi Thanh , Ngo Thanh , Le Tu D. Q.
Published: January 2024

Although there are different ways to estimate the value of the illicit drug markets, the main issue remains that one cannot estimate the unseized or floating value of drugs at the country- and international-level markets. This study applies a novel estimation method that combines excess compensation estimation (from the financial field) and stochastic frontier analysis (from the operations research field) to estimate the value of the international cocaine market in 2019. Our estimations show that in 2019, the unseized market accounted for 32.16 % of the total market of cocaine and was smaller than the ratio of 48 % in 2007, indicating that the effectiveness of countries in disrupting the illicit cocaine market has improved. More importantly, we show that improvement in dealing with money laundering risks could also help reduce the illicit market of cocaine since illicit cocaine/drug proceeds must be laundered before they can be used by criminal organisations.
Iterative approximation of common solution of variational inequality and certain optimization problems with multiple output sets in Hadamard space
Authors: Abass Hammed Anuoluwapo , Oyewole Olawale Kazeem , Onifade Olayinka Martins , Narain Ojen Kumar
Published: January 2024

In this paper, our main interest is to propose a viscosity iterative method for approximating
solutions of variational inequality problems, resolvents of monotone operators and
fixed points of ρ-demimetric mappings with multiple output sets in Hadamard spaces.
We prove a strong convergence result for approximating the solutions of the aforementioned problems
under some mild conditions. Also, we present an application of our main result to a convex minimization problem.
Our results improve and generalize many related results in the literature.
Titchmarsh and Boas-type theorems related to (κ,n)-Fourier transform
Authors: Mannai Mehrez , Negzaoui Selma
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to prove a generalization of Titchmarsh’s theorems for the generalized Fourier transform called (

κ
,
n

{\kappa,n}

)-Fourier transform, where n is a positive integer and κ is a constant coming from Dunkl theory. As an application, we derive a

(
κ
,
n
)

{(\kappa,n)}

-Fourier multiplier theorem for

L
2

{L^{2}}

Lipschitz spaces. Moreover, we give necessary conditions to ensure that f belongs to either one of the generalized Lipschitz classes of order m. This allows us to establish the analogue of the Boas-type result for

ℱ

κ
,
n

{\mathcal{F}_{\kappa,n}}

.
Affective geographies and tribal epistemologies: studying abroad during COVID-19
Authors: Jones Rodney H. , Jaworska Sylvia , Hua Zhu
Published: January 2024

This paper explores the relationship between epistemologies, tribalism and affect in the experiences of Chinese international students studying in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on data from student diaries, interviews, and focus groups, it explores how boundaries between in-groups and out-groups were erected and dismantled through processes of socio-temporal scaling, whereby social actors configured affective geographies by linking local spatial relationships to higher level (national and international) scales. The analysis reveals how negative emotions like fear of infection led to practices of spatial distancing and the drawing of cultural boundaries between groups, while feelings of worry about family members in China shaped communication patterns and information flows across geographic spaces. At times, however, positive emotions like affection and sympathy helped participants transcend boundaries, leading them to readjust their emotional mappings of the world and reevaluate their beliefs about COVID. The study highlights the central role affect and emotional labor play both in the formulation of epistemologies around health and in the drawing of boundaries between groups.
Wave Propagation in High-Contrast Media: Periodic and Beyond
Authors: Fressart Élise , Verfürth Barbara
Published: January 2024

This work is concerned with the classical wave equation with a high-contrast coefficient in the spatial derivative operator. We first treat the periodic case, where we derive a new limit in the one-dimensional case. The behavior is illustrated numerically and contrasted to the higher-dimensional case. For general unstructured high-contrast coefficients, we present the Localized Orthogonal Decomposition and show a priori error estimates in suitably weighted norms. Numerical experiments illustrate the convergence rates in various settings.
New phenomena in deviation of Birkhoff integrals for locally Hamiltonian flows
Authors: Frączek Krzysztof , Kim Minsung
Published: January 2024

We consider smooth locally Hamiltonian flows on compact surfaces of genus

g
≥
1

{g\geq 1}

to prove a deviation formula of Birkhoff integrals for smooth observables.
Our work generalizes results of [G. Forni,
Deviation of ergodic averages for area-preserving flows on surfaces of higher genus,
Ann. of Math. (2) 155 2002, 1, 1–103] and [A. I. Bufetov,
Limit theorems for translation flows,
Ann. of Math. (2) 179 2014, 2, 431–499] (and a recent result in [K. Frączek and C. Ulcigrai,
On the asymptotic growth of Birkhoff integrals for locally Hamiltonian flows and ergodicity of their extensions,
preprint 2021]) which prove the existence of the deviation spectrum of Birkhoff integrals for observables whose jets vanish at sufficiently high order around fixed points of the flow.
They showed that ergodic integrals display a power deviation spectrum with
exactly g positive exponents related to the positive Lyapunov exponents of the cocycle so-called Kontsevich–Zorich, a renormalization cocycle over the Teichmüller flow on a stratum of the moduli space of translation surfaces.
Our paper extends the study of the deviation spectrum of ergodic integrals beyond the case of observables whose jets vanish at sufficiently high order around fixed points.
We prove the existence of some extra terms in the deviation spectrum related to the non-vanishing of some derivatives of the observable at fixed points. The proof of this new phenomenon is inspired by tools developed in
the recent work of the first author and Ulcigrai for locally Hamiltonian flows having only (simple) non-degenerate saddles.
In full generality, due to the occurrence of (multiple) degenerate saddles, we introduce new methods of handling functions with polynomial singularities over a full measure set of interval exchange transformations.
Octonionic monogenic and slice monogenic Hardy and Bergman spaces
Authors: Colombo Fabrizio , Kraußhar Rolf Sören , Sabadini Irene
Published: January 2024

In this paper we discuss some basic properties of octonionic Bergman and Hardy spaces. In the first part we review some fundamental concepts of the general theory of octonionic Hardy and Bergman spaces together with related reproducing kernel functions in the monogenic setting.
We explain how some of the fundamental problems in well-defining a reproducing kernel can be overcome in the non-associative setting by looking at the real part of an appropriately defined para-linear octonion-valued inner product. The presence of a weight factor of norm 1 in the definition of the inner product is an intrinsic new ingredient in the octonionic setting.
Then we look at the slice monogenic octonionic setting using the classical complex book structure. We present explicit formulas for the slice monogenic reproducing kernels for the unit ball, the right octonionic half-space and strip domains bounded in the real direction. In the setting of the unit ball we present an explicit sequential characterization which can be obtained by applying the special Taylor series representation of the slice monogenic setting together with particular octonionic calculation rules that reflect the property of octonionic para-linearity.
Two curious q-supercongruences and their extensions
Authors: He Haihong , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: January 2024

We prove two single-parameter q-supercongruences which were recently conjectured by Guo, and establish their further extensions with one more parameter. Crucial ingredients in the proof are the terminating form of the q-binomial theorem, a Karlsson–Minton-type summation formula due to Gasper, and the method of “creative microscoping” developed by Guo and Zudilin. Incidentally, an assertion of Li, Tang and Wang is also confirmed by establishing its q-analogue.
Archimedean toroidal maps and their edge covers
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Maity Dipendu
Published: January 2024

The automorphism group of a map on a surface acts naturally on its flags (triples of incident vertices, edges, and faces). We will study the action of the automorphism group of a map on its edges. A map is semi-equivelar if all of its vertices have the same type of face-cycles. A semi-equivelar toroidal map refers to a semi-equivelar map embedded on a torus. If a map has k edge orbits under its automorphism group, it is referred to as a k-edge orbital or k-orbital. Specifically, it is referred to as an edge-transitive map if

k
=
1

{k=1}

. If any two edges have the same edge-symbol, a map is said to be edge-homogeneous. Every edge-homogeneous toroidal map has an edge-transitive cover, as proved in [A. Orbanić, D. Pellicer, T. Pisanski and T. W. Tucker,
Edge-transitive maps of low genus,
Ars Math. Contemp. 4 2011, 2, 385–402]. In this article, we show the existence and give a classification of k-edge covers of semi-equivelar toroidal maps.
Tilings of the sphere by congruent quadrilaterals III: Edge combination a
3
b with general angles
Authors: Liao Yixi , Qian Pinren , Wang Erxiao , Xu Yingyun
Published: January 2024

Edge-to-edge tilings of the sphere by congruent quadrilaterals are completely classified in a series of three papers. This last one classifies the case of

a
3

⁢
b

{a^{3}b}

-quadrilaterals with some irrational angle: there are a sequence of 1-parameter families of quadrilaterals admitting 2-layer earth map tilings together with their basic flip modifications under extra condition, and 5 sporadic quadrilaterals each admitting a special tiling. A summary of the full classification is presented in the end.
Finite approximation properties of C*-modules III
Authors: Amini Massoud
Published: January 2024

We introduce and study a notion of module nuclear dimension for a

C
*

\mathrm{C}^{*}

-algebra A which is a

C
*

\mathrm{C}^{*}

-module over another

C
*

\mathrm{C}^{*}

-algebra

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

with compatible actions. We show that the module nuclear dimension of A is zero if A is

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

-NF. The converse is shown to hold when

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

is a

C
⁢

(
X
)

{C(X)}

-algebra with simple fibers, with X compact and totally disconnected. We also introduce a notion of module decomposition rank, and show that when

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

is unital and simple, if the module decomposition rank of A is finite then A is

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

-QD. We study the set

𝒯
𝔄

⁢

(
A
)

{\mathcal{T}_{\mathfrak{A}}(A)}

of

𝔄

{\mathfrak{A}}

-valued module traces on A and relate the Cuntz semigroup of A with lower semicontinuous affine functions on the set

𝒯
𝔄

⁢

(
A
)

{\mathcal{T}_{\mathfrak{A}}(A)}

. Along the way, we also prove a module Choi–Effros lifting theorem. We give estimates of the module nuclear dimension for a class of examples.
Generalized orthogonal measures on the space of unital completely positive maps
Authors: Bhattacharya Angshuman , Kulkarni Chaitanya J.
Published: January 2024

A classical result by Effros
connects the barycentric decomposition of a state on a C*-algebra to the disintegration theory of the GNS representation of the state with respect to an orthogonal measure on the state space of the C*-algebra. In this note, we take this approach to the space of unital completely positive maps on a C*-algebra with values in

B
⁢

(
H
)

{B(H)}

, connecting the barycentric decomposition of the unital completely positive map and the disintegration theory of the minimal Stinespring dilation of the same. This generalizes Effros’ work in the non-commutative setting. We do this by introducing a special class of barycentric measures which we call generalized orthogonal measures. We end this note by mentioning some examples of generalized orthogonal measures.
Generalized derivations over amalgamated algebras along an ideal
Authors: Boudine Brahim , Zerra Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Let A and B be two associative rings, let I be an ideal of B and let

f
∈

Hom
⁢

(
A
,
B
)

{f\in\mathrm{Hom}(A,B)}

. In this paper, we give a complete description of generalized derivations over

A

⋈
f

I

{A\bowtie^{f}I}

. Furthermore, when A is prime or semi-prime, we give several identities on generalized derivations which provide the commutativity of

A

⋈
f

I

{A\bowtie^{f}I}

.
Essential norm of Riemann–Stieltjes operator on weighted Bergman spaces with doubling weights
Authors: Hu Lian , Li Songxiao , Yang Rong
Published: January 2024

Let ω be a doubling weight and

0
<
p
≤
q
<
∞

{0<p\leq q<\infty}

. The essential norm of Riemann–Stieltjes operator

T
g

{T_{g}}

from the weighted Bergman space

A
ω
p

{A^{p}_{\omega}}

to

A
ω
q

{A^{q}_{\omega}}

was investigated in the unit ball of

ℂ
n

{\mathbb{C}^{n}}

.
Representations of a number in an arbitrary base with unbounded digits
Authors: Dubickas ArtÅ«ras
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we prove that, for

β
∈
ℂ

{\beta\in{\mathbb{C}}}

, every

α
∈
ℂ

{\alpha\in{\mathbb{C}}}

has at most finitely many (possibly none at all) representations of the form

α
=

d
n

⁢

β
n

+

d

n
-
1

⁢

β

n
-
1

+
…
+

d
0

{\alpha=d_{n}\beta^{n}+d_{n-1}\beta^{n-1}+\dots+d_{0}}

with nonnegative integers

n
,

d
n

,

d

n
-
1

,
…
,

d
0

{n,d_{n},d_{n-1},\dots,d_{0}}

if and only if β is a transcendental number or an algebraic number
which has a conjugate over

ℚ

{{\mathbb{Q}}}

(possibly β itself) in the real interval

(
1
,
∞
)

{(1,\infty)}

. The nontrivial part here is to show that for every algebraic number β lying with its all conjugates in

ℂ
∖

(
1
,
∞
)

{{\mathbb{C}}\setminus(1,\infty)}

,
there is

α
∈

ℚ
⁢

(
β
)

{\alpha\in{\mathbb{Q}}(\beta)}

with infinitely many such representations. In a particular case, when β is a quadratic algebraic number, this
was recently established by Kala and Zindulka.
A comparative study of variational autoencoders, normalizing flows, and score-based diffusion models for electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Wang Huihui , Xu Guixian , Zhou Qingping
Published: January 2024

Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is a widely employed imaging technique in industrial inspection, geophysical prospecting, and medical imaging. However, the inherent nonlinearity and ill-posedness of EIT image reconstruction present challenges for classical regularization techniques, such as the critical selection of regularization terms and the lack of prior knowledge. Deep generative models (DGMs) have been shown to play a crucial role in learning implicit regularizers and prior knowledge. This study aims to investigate the potential of three DGMs – variational autoencoder networks, normalizing flow, and score-based diffusion model – to learn implicit regularizers in learning-based EIT imaging. We first introduce background information on EIT imaging and its inverse problem formulation. Next, we propose three algorithms for performing EIT inverse problems based on corresponding DGMs. Finally, we present numerical and visual experiments, which reveal that (1) no single method consistently outperforms the others across all settings, and (2) when reconstructing an object with two anomalies using a well-trained model based on a training dataset containing four anomalies, the conditional normalizing flow (CNF) model exhibits the best generalization in low-level noise, while the conditional score-based diffusion model (CSD*) demonstrates the best generalization in high-level noise settings. We hope our preliminary efforts will encourage other researchers to assess their DGMs in EIT and other nonlinear inverse problems.
Scan-less microscopy based on acousto-optic encoded illumination
Authors: Marchese Andrea , Ricci Pietro , Saggau Peter , Duocastella Martí
Published: January 2024

Several optical microscopy methods are now available for characterizing scientific and industrial processes at sub-micron resolution. However, they are often ill-suited for imaging rapid events. Limited by the trade-off between camera frame-rate and sensitivity, or the need for mechanical scanning, current microscopes are optimized for imaging at hundreds of frames-per-second (fps), well-below what is needed in processes such as neuronal signaling or moving parts in manufacturing lines. Here, we present a scan-less technology that allows sub-micrometric imaging at thousands of fps. It is based on combining a single-pixel camera with parallelized encoded illumination. We use two acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) placed in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer and drive them simultaneously with multiple and unique acoustic frequencies. As a result, orthogonal light stripes are obtained that interfere with the sample plane, forming a two-dimensional array of flickering spots – each with its modulation frequency. The light from the sample is collected with a single photodiode that, after spectrum analysis, allows for image reconstruction at speeds only limited by the AOD’s bandwidth and laser power. We describe the working principle of our approach, characterize its imaging performance as a function of the number of pixels – up to 400 × 400 – and characterize dynamic events at 5000 fps.
Disulfidptosis-related long non-coding RNAs predict prognosis and indicate therapeutic response in non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Liu Huan , He Shaohua , Tan Liming , Li Mingzhen , Chen Cheng , Tan Ruiming
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Disulfidptosis is a novel form of cell death, whose modulation in tumor cells may present a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. However, the role of disulfidptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) remains poorly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs (DRLs) and reveal their relationship to the immune microenvironment of NSCLC.

Methods

DRLs were identified through co-expression analysis of NSCLC transcriptomic data obtained from the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data portal. The DRLs prognostic signature (DRLPS) was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Cox regression analyses. Samples were separated into high-DS and low-DS groups based on the median disulfidptosis score (DS) of DRLPS. Integrated analyses were then implemented to unveil the association between DRLs and NSCLC microenvironment. These involved the evaluation of functional enrichments, immune cell infiltrations, genetic alterations, and drug sensitivity.

Results

A prognostic signature was developed based on six prognostic DRLs, which are AL606489.1, LINC00857, AP003555.1, AP000695.1, AC113346.1, and LINC01615. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated the significant association between DRLPS and NSCLC prognosis. The functional enrichment assessment revealed the pivotal involvement of DRLs in immune regulation and metabolism in NSCLC. The low-DS and high-DS subgroups of NSCLC patients exhibited distinct differences in terms of immune infiltration and tumor mutation burden. The potential to predict immunotherapy benefit and drug sensitivity in NSCLC treatments was observed in DRLPS.

Conclusions

In this study, disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs were identified and their roles in NSCLC were revealed. A novel prognostic signature with the potential to predict drug response in NSCLC treatment was developed.
The tumor microenvironment: a key player in multidrug resistance in cancer
Authors: Meng Lingnan , Zheng Ying , Liu Hao , Fan Daiming
Published: January 2024

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Although multiple new cancer treatments have emerged in recent years, drug therapy, mainly comprising chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, remains the most common approach. The multidrug resistance (MDR) of cancer cells to various treatments remains a challenge. Scientists have always focused on the acquired drug resistance mechanisms of tumor cells themselves. However, recent evidence shows that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in regulating tumor cell progression, metastasis, immune escape, and drug resistance. In the TME, interactions between cancer cells and non-malignant cells often modify the TME and facilitate drug resistance. Therefore, elucidating this complex interaction mechanism is essential for the development of effective treatments. This review focuses on the role of the TME in promoting chemoresistance in tumor cells through the following mechanisms: (i) inhibiting the immune clearance of tumor cells and facilitating immune escape responses; (ii) stimulating the release of soluble paracrine factors to enhance tumor survival and growth; (iii) promoting survival and altering drug delivery through metabolic reprogramming; (iv) obstructing drug absorption by inducing changes in stomatal cells and blood vessels surrounding the tumor; and (v) inducing the cancer stem cell phenotype. This review also addresses a clinical treatment strategy for targeting the TME, providing insights and a basis for reversing multidrug resistance.
Metal-based nanoparticles: basics, types, fabrications and their electronic applications
Authors: Nazir Shoaib , Zhang Jian-Min , Junaid Muhammad , Saleem Shahroz , Ali Asjad , Ullah Arif , Khan Shahab
Published: January 2024

Nanoparticles below 100 nm have sparked immense interest for their unique physical and chemical properties, separate from bulk materials. These particles have versatile applications in electronics, magnetism, optoelectronics, and electricity. This article overviews ongoing research on nanoparticle-based electronic devices and explores anticipated advancements. In electronics, nanoparticles are essential components for enhanced performance and functionality, promising breakthroughs in computing, telecommunications, and sensing. This work explores the groundbreaking potential of metal-based nanoparticles, such as ZnO NPs, Cu NPs, Al NPs, and Fe NPs, in various electronic device applications. It investigates different synthetic methods, including bottom–up, sol–gel, co-precipitation, hydrothermal, CVD, and green/biological method to enhance the effectiveness of these nanoparticles. The study briefly examines the efficiency of these nanoparticles for electronic device applications, and it extends their potential applications to areas such as data storage, sensors, protective coatings, energy storage, chemical industries, water treatment, fertilizers, and defense. Challenges include precise control of nanoparticle shape and arrangement, which researchers address to design new materials with controlled properties. The present work discusses the anticipated and emerging applications of nanoparticles, emphasizing their unique physical and chemical properties compared to bulk materials. Ongoing research explores their full potential, while manipulation techniques open doors to novel materials. The progress made underscores the immense possibilities of nanoparticle-based electronics.
A Brief Review of the Efficacy in Artificial Intelligence and Chatbot-Generated Personalized Fitness Regimens
Authors: Bays Daniel K. , Verble Cole , Powers Verble Kalyn M.
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbot technologies have rapidly emerged with promising applications in public health, including developing personal lifestyles and exercise routines. This article examines the effectiveness of AI-based chatbot platforms to generate personalized exercise regimens. Chatbots are freely accessible to users with Internet access and may be more cost-effective than a personal trainer. This review highlights multiple examples of AI being used to offer fitness advice, supplement athletic coaching, and create everyday exercise routines. The results of these studies demonstrate a positive outlook on using AI for strength and conditioning applications, for personal and professional use. Despite having the potential to replace personal fitness trainers for everyday users and athletes alike, more extensive research should be performed using AI combined with physicians, personal trainers, and nutritionists to determine areas where AI can be further optimized. More research focusing on the effectiveness of AI-generated routines for the everyday user may further validate the potential for chatbot-mediated exercise. This brief review aims to evaluate the efficacy of AI-generated personalized fitness regimens, emphasizing physical fitness, athletic performance, and overall physical and mental well-being. The video abstract for this article can be found in the video SDC 1.
Enhancing land cover and carbon storage through rehabilitation of degraded lands into Wono: a case study of a small-scale private forest in Dengok Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (1972-2021)
Authors: Putri Adhe Viana Yulida , Sadono Ronggo , Sutata Daris Fahmaa
Published: January 2024

The implementation of degraded land rehabilitation programs and community-based forest management certification is widely recognised to enhance the status of wono land cover and aid in climate change mitigation. The expansion of the restoration efforts can be monitored using satellite images to track the progress of operations by observing changes in land cover area. Community forest certification also can enhance the success of land restoration endeavours. Therefore, this study aimed to show the change in forest land cover and the amount of carbon stored from 1972 to 2021. Landsat imagery was used to depict land cover conditions in 1972, 1982, 1993, 2000, 2008, 2014, and 2021, before and after the implementation of restoration and community forest certification programs. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index approach was employed for satellite images captured in 1972 and 1982, while the Forest Canopy Density method was employed for images in 1993, 2000, 2008, 2014, and 2021, to illustrate the progressive increase in wono land cover. Meanwhile, carbon storage was analysed from 1972 to 2021 using national carbon storage conversion. The results indicated that restoration activity and the establishment of community forest certification increased wono area and carbon storage, which totalled 55.90 ha and 5,499.04 t C between 1972 and 2021. Augmenting carbon storage within wono land cover constituted an effective strategy for mitigating climate change.
Study of controlling the content heavy metals Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr in land using hyperaccumulator plants
Authors: Widyasari Ni Luh , Rai I Nyoman , Dharma IGB Sila , Mahendra Made Sudiana
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to determine the types of hyperaccumulator plants that can absorb the heavy metal content of Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr based on the values of bioaccumulation factors (BAF) and translocation factors (TF). Results of the analysis showed that BAF value of the hanjuang plant (Cordyline fruicosa), for heavy metal Pb was 0.369; Cu 0.442; Cd 0.055; Cr 0.078 and TF value for heavy metal Pb 1.572; Cu 0.964; Cd 0.108; Cr 1.358. Croton plant (Codiaeum variegatum), had a BAF value of Pb 0.021; Cu 0.060; Cd 0.000; Cr 0.003 and TF value of Pb 3.638; Cu 0.000; Cd 0.000; Cr 1.399. Sansevieria plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) had a BAF value of Pb 0.090; Cu 0.036; Cd 0.015; Cr 0.002 and TF value of Pb 0.410; Cu 0.334; Cd 0.222; Cr 0.726. Sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus) had a BAF value of Pb 0.022; Cu 0.094; Cd 0.308; Cr 0.001 and TF value of Pb 1.930; Cu 0.399; Cd 1.383; Cr 1.361. Based on a comparison of BAF values, hanjuang plant was the best hyperaccumulator plant capable of accumulating Pb, Cu, Cr with a phytoextraction mechanism and accumulating Cd with a phytostabilization mechanism. At the same time, sunflower a hyperaccumulator plant with the best translocation factor where the roots of sunflower plants absorbed Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, which were then translocated to the stems and leaves optimally through a phytoextraction mechanism.
Analyzing and modeling land use/land cover change in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam
Authors: Thien Bui Bao , Phuong Vu Thi
Published: January 2024

Planning, managing, and developing sustainably all depend on mapping and monitoring changes in land use and land cover (LULC) in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam. In this study, remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) techniques were employed to track LULC changes in the study area from 1992 to 2022. The supervised classification method in ArcGIS 10.8 software was applied to Landsat satellite data (Landsat 5-TM for 1992 and 2010, and Landsat 9-OLI/TIRS for 2022) to detect and classify five main LULC classes: agricultural land, barren land, vegetation, built-up, and waterbodies. The accuracy of the classification was assessed using kappa coefficients, which were found to be 0.882, 0.891, and 0.915 for the years 1992, 2010, and 2022, respectively. During the period 1992-2022, the areas of agricultural land, built-up, and waterbodies increased by 148.84 km2, 304.15 km2, and 41.04 km2, respectively. However, the areas of barren land and vegetation decreased by 289.39 km2 and 204.64 km2, respectively. Furthermore, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) were utilized to rapidly assess changes in LULC, and their trends were found to be consistent with the supervised classification results. These changes in LULC pose a significant threat to the environment, and the findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for future land use planning and management in the area.
Relation of morphometric characteristics to land degradation in the Biyonga sub-watershed, Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Jaya Risman , Murti Sigit Heru , Adji Tjahyo Nugroho , Sulaiman Muhammad
Published: January 2024

One of the crucial watersheds causing significant sedimentation in Lake Limboto is the Biyonga sub-watershed. This study aimed to examine and evaluate the morphometric characteristics of the watershed that contribute to possible erosion and land degradation hazards in the Biyonga sub-watershed. ALOS PALSAR (11.25 m), TERRASAR-X (5-10 m), and DEMNAS satellite images with a resolution of 8 m were employed, combining spatial analysis with a remote sensing approach and a Geographic Information System. Basic data of morphometric parameters were generated through basin morphometric analysis using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) image extraction. Then, the linear aspect, area, and relief parameters were defined by mathematical morphometric equations. The calculation results were interpreted into field data to confirm the relationship between watershed morphometric characteristics related to erosion and land degradation events. The results of the morphometric analysis showed that the flow density is a medium-textured criterion with a long elongation shape and an elongated flow pattern. Based on the relief aspect, the Biyonga Sub-watershed is in the form of moderate relief, has various characteristics with an average ratio, and has terrain that can trigger erosion and land degradation. This study has provided information that degraded land is not fully influenced by morphometric factors but due to poor land use and management systems, which accelerate erosion and sedimentation.
Screening and profiling of mercury-resistant Azotobacter isolated from gold mine tailing in Pongkor, West Java
Authors: Suryatmana Pujawati , Handayani Sri , Bang Sunbaek , Hindersah Reginawanti
Published: January 2024

Mercury (Hg) is a hazardous pollutant produced during the amalgamation of gold extraction. The environmental problems related to improper Hg waste management have become progressively concerning. Hg contamination in environments can be removed by using bioremediation technology. Utilizing Hg-resistant (HgR) microorganisms in Hg bioremediation is a crucial strategy. Azotobacter is one of the potential microbes for Hg bioremediation bioagent due to exopolysaccharides synthesis that binds the heavy metal. The study's main objective was to select and profile a novel Hg-resistant Azotobacter isolated from heavily Hg-contaminated soil and tailing of artisanal and small-scale gold in Pongkor area, West Java, Indonesia. The completely randomized design was used for profiling Azotobacter-HgR and included Hg values of 0, 1, 10, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L. Further, Azotobacter isolate bioassay steps included soil contaminated with Hg, soil contaminated with Hg + Azotobacter sp. S6.a, soil contaminated with Hg + consortium. The profiling results revealed that four Hg-resistant isolates were Azotobacter sp. S5, Azotobacter sp. S6, Azotobacter sp. S6.a, and Azotobacter sp. S9. More importantly, Azotobacter sp. S5 followed by Azotobacter sp. S6.a was found to be the most resistant to Hg exposure at a concentration of 400 mg/L. The Azotobacter sp. S9. produced the lowest EPS, but had the highest activity of nitrogenase and organic acid production. Meanwhile, Azotobacter sp. S6.a. produced the highest EPS. Isolate S5 showed the highest potential as a resistant PGPR-Hg isolate for enhancing the growth of sorghum in Hg-contaminated soil. Sorghum plants accumulate Hg from the soil in the roots but not in the shoots. Present findings suggest that these two isolates have the potential to be used as biological agents to rehabilitate Hg-contaminated soil in Pongkor area.
Health risks and environmental assessments of heavy metals in road dust of Ramadi, Iraq
Authors: Yousif Yasir M , Mutter Thamer Y , Hassan Omar M
Published: January 2024

Air dust is a host medium for potentially harmful substances in atmospheric emissions. Contaminated air with metals causes serious threats to human health. This research aimed to examine the features of road dust pollution and evaluate related heavy metals' health risks. All samples were collected from outdoor environments by including fifty different places in Ramadi using a soft plastic brush. Five heavy metals were evaluated in this study, including nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb). Roadside dust pollution in urban Ramadi streets was assessed using the ecological risk index (RI). Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) calculations were performed for all three exposure pathways (dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation). The results showed that copper (mean = 49.520 mg/kg) and chromium (mean = 34.742 mg/kg) had the highest heavy metal concentrations, followed by nickel, lead, and cadmium. Even though cadmium was the lowest, however; its ecological risk index was higher than other heavy metals, as cadmium was determined to be higher for dermal adsorption of dust than for inhalation or ingestion in adult people.
The use of Pistia stratiotes compost as an ameliorant for chili growth and yields in the reclamation fresh tailing area of Timika, Papua
Authors: Prabawardani Saraswati , Taberima Sartji , Fatoni Samsul , Mawikere Nouke Lenda , Fenetiruma Obadja Andris , Lyons Graham
Published: January 2024

Tailing land reclamation aims to improve the environment so that the tailing areas become productive for crop cultivation. The research was carried out in the tailings area of Mile 21.5 Timika from March to September 2022. The research aimed to study the dosage levels of Pistia stratiotes composts as an ameliorant to support the growth and yield of chili cultivated in the fresh tailings area. This study was laid out in a randomized block design with the Pistia stratiotes compost as a treatment, which consisted of PS1 = 1 kg/plant, PS2 = 2 kg/plant, PS3 = 3 kg/plant, and PS4 = 4 kg/plant in 6 replications. Based on the results, there was a significant effect of Pistia stratiotes compost on the growth and yields of chili. PS4 treatment produced the highest growth (plant height and leaf number) and highest yields (fruit number/plant, fruit weight/plant, fruit weight/plot, fruit weight/ha), while PS1 produced the lowest growth and yields. Chili produced 4.19 t/ha by PS4, indicating a high yield potential when tailings turned into a more stable growth media over time. There was a significant correlation between plant height and leaf number with the fruit weight. This shows that the vegetative growth component is closely related to increased chili yields. The high heritability value indicates the genetic factor influenced the growth and yields of chili more than the environmental factors. The metal contents in the chili fruit tissue are below the threshold level. The findings of this study emphasized the appropriate reclamation approaches using Pistia stratiotes compost as an ameliorant, which effectively improves the quality of tailing as growing media to maximize chili yields.
Agro-tourism development sustainable analysis based on agricultural landscapes in Nagari Pandai Sikek, Tanah Datar District, West Sumatera
Authors: Jonni Jonni , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Sutjahyo Surjono Hadi , Pravitasari Andrea Emma , Rosadi Rosadi
Published: January 2024

In agro-tourism development, sustainable agricultural development in Nagari Pandai Sikek is expected to continue in terms of superior commodities and tourist attraction objects. This study aimed to analyze agro-tourism development based on agricultural and cultural landscapes in Nagari Pandai Sikek based on ecological, economic, socio-cultural, and institutional aspects, using Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis and the Rapfish method. The results of the status of agro-tourism development in Nagari Pandai Sikek on the Jorong Pagu-pagu of Nagari Pandai Sikek ecological dimension have the highest value of 56.76, with a fairly sustainable sustainability status. The economic dimension of Jorong Baruah of Nagari Pandai Sikek has the highest value of 84.41 with its sustainability status. The social dimension of Jorong Baruah of Nagari Pandai Sikek has the highest score of 99.98, with good sustainability status. The institutional dimension of Jorong Baruah of Nagari Pandai Sikek has the highest score of 99.98 with its sustainability status. The attributes that influence each dimension are the ecological dimension of land management and the economic dimension of harvest productivity. The dimension of community social organization is the institutional dimension of the tourism management group.
Change of soil chemical properties and the growth of Pogostemon cablin Benth on nickel-mined soil amended with rice husk charcoal
Authors: Suleman Darwis , Resman Resman , Syaf Hasbullah , Namriah Namriah , Suaib Suaib , Alam Syamsu , Yusuf Dewi Nurhayati , Mbay Wa Ode Nurmashita
Published: January 2024

Nickel is an important main resource mineral in Southeast Sulawesi, which has deposited around 97.4 billion tons, and undoubtedly, nickel exports emerged in national and regional economic growth. Mining activities were carried out through topsoil and subsoil stripping, resulting in damage to the soil ecosystem and making it difficult for soil to recover. A study was performed to evaluate the changes in soil chemical properties and the growth of patchouli (Pogestemon cablin Benth) on nickel-mined soil treated with rice husk charcoal (RHC). A randomized block design was applied in this study, including six treatments of RHC with three replications. The treatments were without RHC (control), 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%, 6%, and 7.5% of soil weight. Data were analyzed descriptively for soil chemical properties; meanwhile, ANOVA was applied for plant growth. The results revealed that RHC increased soil pH, organic C, CEC, and available P, and conversely, the application of 4.5% of RHC decreased soil Ni and Fe content by 65.43% and 40.47%, respectively. The application of RHC up to 6% increased significantly the plant height and number of leaves as well as the dry weight of patchouli. The present study concluded that the use of carbon-rich soil conditioners such as rice husk charcoal is an imperative measure to restore the nickel-mined soil.
Exchangeable Al, peanut growth, and nodulation on Ultisol Bogor as affected by ameliorant proportion of lime and organic matter
Authors: Cahyani Vita Ratri , Firmansyah Mohammad Iqbal , Cahyono Ongko , Widijanto Hery
Published: January 2024

Ultisols are characterized as acid soils with high exchangeable Al as the primary constraint for plant growth. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the proportion of lime and organic matter in decreasing exchangeable Al on Ultisol Bogor and continued to observe the impact on the growth and nodulation of peanuts. The pot experiment used a completely randomized design with a single treatment of the addition of ameliorant consisting of 12 levels of the treatment of lime (calcite and dolomite), organic matter (dry cow dung and rice straw compost), and their combinations with three replications. The first step was applying the ameliorant and incubating for eight weeks, then continuing the cultivation of peanuts. Results showed that during incubation, the decrease in exchangeable Al levels varied between treatments, along with an increase in soil pH and available P. The treatments of calcite 100% (T1) and dolomite 100% (T2) showed the highest increase in soil pH and available P and the highest decrease in exchangeable Al. The result of plant growth showed that the highest plant dry weight, N-uptake, and P-uptake were obtained by the treatment of dolomite 25% + rice straw compost 25% + dry cow dung 25% + NPK 25% (T10), whereas the highest number and total weight of nodules were obtained by the rice straw compost 50% + dry cow dung 50% (T7) and dolomite 25% + rice straw compost 75% (T8).
Decolorization of Rhodamine B and conversion into saturated fatty acids by laccase-producing fungi isolated from lake sediment
Authors: Thipraksa Junjira , Michu Panisa , Kongthong Alisa , Chaijak Pimprapa
Published: January 2024

The persistence of the carcinogenic Rhodamine B dye poses significant risks to human health. Utilizing a unique fungal strain for its degradation offers a sustainable solution to mitigate these hazards. Bioremediation techniques have demonstrated substantial promise in addressing recalcitrant pollutants such as dyes. In this particular study, laccase-producing fungi were carefully chosen for their potential to break down the toxic textile dye Rhodamine B. These selected fungi Cerrena unicolor FBR03 exhibited an impressive maximum degradation rate of 95.10%. Additionally, an analysis using GC-MS revealed the emergence of breakdown products, including 2-cyclopenten-1-one, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl, thymine, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, and dibutyl phthalate. These results underscore the potential of this fungal strain as a promising organism for the effective degradation of dye compounds, while simultaneously producing valuable saturated fatty acids as by-products.
Utilization of banana waste biochar to reduce heavy metal contamination in soil and maize plants
Authors: Wedayani Ni Made , Rai I Nyoman , Mahardika I Gede , Wijana I Made Sara
Published: January 2024

There are indications of heavy metal contamination in soil and agricultural products on paddy fields in Subak Kerdung, Bali. Soil amendments are needed to reduce heavy metal content in contaminated soil to minimize heavy metals in plants. Biochar that contains high organic carbon material and is highly resistant to decomposition is claimed to inhibit and reduce the content of heavy metals in soil and plants. Banana wastes containing cellulose and lignin are considered good as biochar raw materials. This research that aimed to observe the ability of banana waste biochar to reduce heavy metals in soil taken from Subak Kerdung, Bali, was conducted in a greenhouse using maize plants as control plants. The treatments tested consisted of two factors. The first factor was the type of banana waste as biochar-making material consisting of banana stem biochar, banana peel biochar, banana fruit bunch biochar, and mixed biochar (banana stem + banana peel + banana fruit bunch). The second factor was the biochar dosage, which consists of four contents, namely 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 10 t/ha, and 15 t/ha. All treatment combinations were arranged in a two-factor, randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that mixed biochar (banana stem + banana peel + banana fruit bunch) effectively reduced Pb and Cu in maize plants. In contrast, banana peel biochar could optimally reduce Cd content in soil and its content in plants. Based on the dose, 15 t/ha of mixed biochar reduced Pb and Cd contents, while 10 t/ha of mixed biochar reduced Cu content.
Fire in the Hole
Authors: Anselmo Diana W.
Published: January 2024

Drawing on the letters female fans submitted to Motion Picture Magazine between 1914 and 1918, this article seeks to center negative feelings as a constitutional part of Hollywood reception during the World War I years. Emergent at this time, the language of affective film reception took up a combative tenor reflective of women’s lived experiences: anger, derision, and dissent pervade the first-person writings submitted by self-identified movie-loving “misses” and “girls.” Reading their published correspondence as proto-manifestations of feminist “troublemakers” and “killjoys” helps in historicizing early Hollywood fandom as an “intimate publics” commercially centered on women’s culture, but communally appropriated by female consumers as a means to express antisocial responses.
Letters, Queer and Women’s Comix, and Making Community
Authors: Sammond Nicholas
Published: January 2024

This article charts the role of underground women’s and queer comics in the formation of local communities and liberation movements. It moves beyond an analysis of the comics themselves, considering the role that correspondence—between fans and editors, between artists and editors, between editors and publishers, between fans and artists—plays in crafting community through critical discourse, practical discussion, and commerce. It explores the tension between radical, sometimes anticapitalist organizing and the need of artists, publishers, and bookstore owners to make a living while supporting and being supported by their communities. Finally, it locates a tradition in the comics community of mutual support and encouragement, an “ethics of care,” that not only provided space for different and marginalized voices but saw in the production of comics a means by which to link individual and local struggles to emergent national liberation movements.
Theoretical Aspects of the Formation of the Financial and Economic Security Strategy of the Enterprise
Authors:   Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Minkovska Alyona , Ostropovich Ilona ,   Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University
Published: January 2024

It was established that the formation of a strategy for ensuring the financial and economic security of the enterprise is a necessary element of business management aimed at preserving financial stability and creating a foundation for further successful development. It is emphasized that the formation of a company's financial and economic security strategy begins with a detailed analysis and assessment of the company's financial condition, its current situation, internal and external factors affecting its financial security. The task of forming a strategy for financial and economic security of the enterprise is defined: assessment of financial stability; determination of financial and economic risks and development of risk management mechanisms; financial planning and budgeting; attraction of investments and resources; monitoring and control; staff training and development, communication and cooperation; increasing competitiveness. It is emphasized that the strategic goals of economic security must be interconnected with the general strategy of the enterprise and take into account its features, values and goals.