bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Spatial Interaction of Habitat Quality Pattern and Thermal Environment Based on InVEST—A Case Study of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Wang Jiayu
Published: November 2024

With China’s urbanization advancing into an advanced phase, urban clusters experiencing swift expansion of urban land have emerged as “disaster areas” where ecological environment problems are highly concentrated. Therefore, paying attention to the habitat quality of urban agglomerations and their ecological cooling effect is crucial for improving the quality of the living environment and fostering sustainable development in the region. This research uses the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GHM-GBA) as a case study, applies the InVEST platform, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Binary Moran’s I index, and undertakes an investigation into the spatial interplay between the habitat quality pattern and the thermal environment within the urban clusters of the GHM-GBA between 2000 and 2020. Firstly, utilizing data on habitat threat density, the Habitat Quality Module on the InVEST platform is employed to measure the habitat quality and degradation extent of urban agglomerations. Secondly, based on MODIS satellite sensor data, the surface temperature is inverted and interpreted, and the spatial heterogeneity traits of the urban agglomeration’s thermal environment are examined. Then, the Binary Moran’s I index is used to clarify the spatial clustering and spatial dispersion relationship characteristics between habitat quality and thermal environment, including the network spatial distribution of regions with positive spatial correlation and negative spatial correlation. Ultimately, through the lens of urban design, this paper puts forward detailed planning recommendations to improve the quality of living spaces and thermal comfort within urban clusters. These suggestions serve as a reflection for the ecological sustainability, livability, and high-quality growth of the GHM-GBA.
Optimization Design of Tree Array Space in Pedestrian Street Based on PM2.5 Distribution
Authors: Li Yichen , Jing Xiaoting
Published: November 2024

Wind, as one of the important elements of urban microclimate, plays a crucial role in the dispersion of air pollutants. Adequate improvement should be made to mitigate the impact of urban spaces on the wind environment. Green spaces along pedestrian streets are an essential component of the public activity space system, accommodating most outdoor communication activities for citizens. However, the design of existing green spaces along pedestrian streets is often based on past experience, lacking empirical research on the relationship between green spaces, wind environment, and pollutant dispersion. Therefore, the correlation research between tree array space and PM2.5 pollutant distribution in the air, and how to optimize the layout of tree array space by design means according to its distribution regularities, are the main research contents presented in this paper. Taking two important green spaces in Jiefangbei pedestrian street of Chongqing as the sample points for research, this paper adopts the methods of measurement and numerical simulation. Firstly, the pollutant concentration and wind environment in the green space are measured and analyzed, and then use the PHOENICS tool to simulate and compare the wind environment of the green space in the study area before and after optimization design. The results show that the concentration of pollutants is usually high in green space as the greening has aggregation of pollutants to itself; An obvious negative correlation is found between wind speed and the concentration of pollutants, good ventilation is an important means to alleviate the air with low quality; Reasonable design of tree array space based on microclimate can effectively improve the air quality in local space.
Health Risk Assessment of Park Environment Based on Particulate Matter (PM2.5) - A Case Study of Mianyang City
Authors: Long Yu , Fu Juanlin , Yan Li , Yu Minghong , Li Xuanyan , Liu Yuzhen
Published: November 2024

Air pollution seriously harms human health, especially the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in pollutants is more harmful to the human body. Urban parks are important public places for residents’ activities, and the air quality of the park's micro-environment directly affects residents’ respiratory health. This article uses the method of field measurement, takes the People's Park of Mianyang City as the research object, conducts PM2.5 monitoring and statistical analysis of crowd activities under light to moderate pollution weather, and according to the visit frequency, conducts health risk assessment of important spaces. The research results show: 1. The daily average PM2.5 concentration in People's Park is high, and there are obvious differences in spatial and temporal distribution. 2. There is some overlap between the peak period of people flow in People's Park and the time period when the daily PM2.5 concentration is high. 3. There is a high health risk in the space nodes where the activities of some people in the People's Park are highly concentrated. This article uses the principle of crowd exposure assessment to construct a health risk assessment method for parks, analyze the potential health risks of the spatial environment of People's Park, and provide new guidance for people to choose healthy activity places and urban public space renewal and optimization, which has certain practical significance.
Evaluation and Optimization Strategy of Community Environment Livability Based on New Urbanism: A Case Study of Mianyang, China
Authors: Chen Jing
Published: November 2024

With the rapid development of China’s social economy and the continuous improvement of urbanization, a range of issues impacting the quality of community spaces have emerged, including inadequate transportation, environmental degradation, insufficient amenities, housing and employment imbalances, as well as limited recreational areas. Consequently, there is an inherent public desire to establish healthy and livable communities that offer comfort, convenience, safety, and aesthetic appeal. This study examines the correlation between new urbanism and the concept of community environment livability by constructing an evaluation index system and model to quantitatively analyze Mianyang old city’s overall level of community environment livability along with its influencing factors. Additionally, it summarizes various types of communities in terms of their spatial distribution and characteristics while proposing optimization strategies tailored to each type. The results of this study show that: (1) the livability of Mianyang Old city community decreases gradually from south to north, from east to west, and there is a big difference between the south and north. The areas with high livability evaluation value are concentrated in the central area of the old city, while the “poor” area is distributed in the western fringe area; (2) The service facilities and living environment of the old city community are highly valued, while the employment and public leisure areas need to be improved; (3) The 28 communities can be divided into five types: “environment improvement type, quality optimization type, basic improvement type, housing security type and function repair type”, and the optimization strategy is proposed.
Theoretical Model for Urban Sustainability Planning Based on Metabolic Concepts
Authors: Ma Juntao , Han Ziyi , Liu Yu , Sairjiang Halike , Yan Li , Wang Hongjiang , Jiang Jiekun , Li Xiaoyan , Luan Chunmin
Published: November 2024

In response to the core issue of how urban land planning can promote the level of sustainability, this paper takes the perspective of urban land change and draws on the requirements of the metabolic model in sociology. It takes the indicators of urban land planning and allocation as the core of regulation and constructs a theoretical model for urban sustainability planning in three dimensions: urban social, economic, and ecological environment. In the urban life support system, nine resource subsystems including land, water, atmosphere, population, transportation, energy, cultural tourism, basic supporting facilities, and public service facilities are constructed. At the same time, an empirical technical concept composed of a interdisciplinary quantitative model group is provided, aiming to provide ideas for the theoretical and empirical technology of urban sustainability planning.
Developing a Strategy for Child-Friendly Urban Planning: A Case Study of Feng County, Xuzhou City
Authors: Tang Jia , Tong Guo
Published: November 2024

In 2021, China issued the Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Construction of Child-Friendly Cities, and the construction of child-friendly cities was formally written into the national development plan, with cities such as Changsha and Shenzhen following suit to explore the construction of child-friendly cities. How to coordinate and plan the construction of child-friendly cities with top-level design will be the key content of the research on strategic planning of child-friendly cities. In this paper, from the spatial environment, policy system, service guarantee three aspects of friendly, and action manual to build a child-friendly construction and management of the development of a strategic framework, the formation of “pre-strategy” - “after the implementation of the” scientific closed-loop, building and sharing have been effective. Finally, it is practiced in the old urban area of Feng County, Xuzhou City, with a view to providing insights for a more in-depth development exploration of the subsequent construction of child-friendly cities.
Effects of the Built Environment on Physical Activity in the Elderly: A Comparative Study Based on Machine Learning and Logistic Regression
Authors: Mu Junbo , Zhang Peng , Wang Xiaoping
Published: November 2024

In China, a conspicuous disparity exists among the built environments within urban and rural areas and the lifestyle requirements of the elderly, presenting a notable social issue. Throughout the urbanization process, the built environments in both urban and rural regions may not sufficiently address the preferences and requirements of the elderly demographic. This deficiency may encompass shortcomings in public transportation infrastructure, community services, and other aspects, consequently constraining the social engagement and activity scope of the elderly population. Despite the built environment at the community level being conducive to social interaction and physical activity among the elderly, the reality often deviates from their needs. Challenges such as insufficient pedestrian pathways, parks, and fitness facilities may impede the eagerness and capability of the elderly to actively participate in community life. To address these challenges, this study employed the Adaboost iterative algorithm and traditional logistic regression analysis to comprehensively grasp the influence of the constructed environment on the well-being of older adults. Through an examination of factors such as physical activity levels, dietary intake, and social interaction among the elderly, it was discerned that the built environment significantly influences the physical activity of older individuals, particularly in factors such as population density and residential areas. Additionally, a close correlation was observed between the built environment and the dietary intake of the elderly, indicating the potential influence of the built environment on their lifestyle. However, it is noteworthy that besides built environment factors, social demographic factors also play a pivotal role in determining social interaction among the elderly. This suggests that when considering the living environment of the elderly, attention should not solely be directed towards enhancing physical surroundings but also towards comprehending the influence of social environments on their lives. Therefore, future research endeavors should further propose strategic recommendations for creating “age-friendly” and "aging in one’s original place” environments in urban and rural areas of China, aiming to better address the diverse needs of the elderly and provide a more scientifically grounded basis for relevant policy-making.
Impact of Community Park Recreational Space on the Physical Leisure Activities of the Elderly Based on the SEM Model
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Yu , Lu Yuxin
Published: November 2024

The situation of aging in China is becoming increasingly severe. As one of the main daily activity spaces for the elderly, community parks carry the function of meeting the activity needs of the elderly, affecting their choices of different physical leisure activities, and thus affecting their physical health and emotional perception. Faced with the problems of low-quality community park environment, lack of recreational facilities, and unreasonable layout of recreational spaces, how to build a livable and healthy community park environment for the elderly needs further detailed exploration. Under the guidance of the healthy aging strategy, multiple evaluation indicators were selected based on domestic and foreign literature. Three typical community parks in Chengdu were taken as research samples, and 218 scale questionnaires were collected as data basis. The SEM model was constructed by combining SPSS and Amos software for analysis. The results show that the built environment of community park recreation space has a positive impact on the emotional perception of the elderly through leisure interaction activities and sports and fitness activities, and all factors are interrelated. The three latent variables of service environment, accessibility and equipment are the most important influencing factors for the elderly to engage in leisure physical activities, among which the service environment has the most significant influence, which proves that the elderly pay more attention to the comfort of seats, the location distribution of activity squares, fitness facilities, shading facilities, seats, public toilets, pavilions and garbage cans when engaging in leisure physical activities. Promoting the construction of community parks suitable for the elderly is practically important. Finally, the paper puts forward some strategic suggestions for urban planning and design.
The Scene Construction of Modern Community: A Case of the Residential Area of Wulidian Street in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zeng Jinyu , Dai Liming
Published: November 2024

The community, as the fundamental unit of residents’ lives, serves as the primary carrier of people’s aspirations for a better life and also marks an important indicator of a city’s level of modernization. Chongqing boasts abundant industrial heritage resources, and under policy support, the renewal projects focusing on outdated factories and their associated residential areas are a key direction for future urban renewal in Chongqing. This study takes the old community of Yinghua Lane in Wulidian Street, Jiangbei District, as a case study and is guided by the Modern Community Scenario Theory. Through the exploration of four characteristic scenarios this research provides solutions to urban governance issues within the area and offers solid theoretical support for the construction of modern communities in Jiangbei District, Chongqing, China.
Analysis of Market Demand for Medium and Long Distance High Speed Maglev Railway Passenger Transport
Authors: Bao Jingjing , Yang Xiao , Yang Yu , Gong Weiwei
Published: November 2024

To promote the high-quality development of passenger transportation and fully meet the diversified transportation needs of passengers, it is necessary to enrich passenger transportation products. As the wheeled rail mode of transportation has basically reached a speed bottleneck, the study proposes that the high-speed magnetic levitation railway with a speed of 600 km per hour be involved in passenger transportation as a new transportation product. Comparing the advantages of high-speed maglev trains in terms of speed, safety, and economy with those of high-speed railway, airlines, and other modes of transportation, the study calculates the sharing rate of high-speed maglev trains in the transportation market, researches the induced incremental capacity generated by the new mode of transportation, and obtains the capacity of maglev railway on different routes. Research results show that 600 km/h Maglev train is the most competitive Maglev speed, with an advantageous distance between [500, 3000] kilometers. To realize medium and long-distance passenger transportation between the core cities of China's 4-pole urban agglomeration, Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou and other trunk line corridors and point-to-point high-speed magnetic levitation trains will become the priority development direction.
Construction of Healthy Space Based on the Theory of Healthy City
Authors: Yuan Wei , Xia Xiao-min , Liu Rui-li , Zhou Yi-tian , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2024

This article introduces the connotation and characteristics of a healthy city, puts forward the concept of building a healthy space from the perspective of land space planning and design, and explores the design path of a healthy space from the three aspects of land use complex, slow-moving system and ventilation corridor in combination with the urban physical space elements in the planning. To actively explore the construction of high-quality and healthy urban space environment.
Sustainable Development of Urban Subway Tunnels Using Seismic Waves
Authors: Yao Tong , Luo Xiao , Yang Chen
Published: November 2024

With the proposal of the low-carbon travel transportation, the subway has become the first choice for most urban residents. If it is affected by earthquakes, it will cause irreparable and significant losses. This study utilizes a three-dimensional finite element model developed in ANSYS to investigate the dynamic response of the lining of orthogonal tunnels in Chongqing's metro line 4 interval tunnel under the influence of an intensity VIII earthquake. By analysing the deformation results at various time intervals and locations, along with actual earthquake measurements, reasonable spacing and hazard site determinations for the orthogonal tunnels are obtained.
Post-pandemic Era General Hospital Fever Clinics Spatial Resilience Design Strategies
Authors: Chang Lin , Yuxi Li , Ruizhe Zhong
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the design challenges and opportunities for enhancing spatial resilience in general hospital fever clinics, focusing on the post-pandemic era. By integrating resilience theory with empirical case studies, we aim to identify effective design strategies that improve operational efficiency and pandemic preparedness. Our methodology combines qualitative analysis of renovation examples with a review of resilience design principles, leading to the formulation of specific spatial strategies. The key findings suggest that adaptive spatial design significantly contributes to the clinics’ capacity to manage pandemic conditions effectively. This research provides a foundation for future guidelines on the spatial organization of fever clinics to better respond to public health crises.
Risk Analysis of Blueberry Gale Disaster in Liaodong Green Economic Zone Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Dong Hai- tao , Sun Qing , Shan Lu- lu , Meng Xi , Li Ru-nan , Fang Yi-he
Published: November 2024

Based on the long time series gale data of 9 national meteorological stations in Liaoning province and the data of blueberry growth period, the optimal machine learning model is chosen to extend the time series of maximum wind speed, using the maximum wind speed and disaster information data of the corresponding stations, considering the frequency and duration comprehensively, the meteorological index thresholds of different grades of high wind disaster risk during the ripening period of blueberry were determined, the risk grades of mild, moderate and severe gale disasters were established, and the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of blueberry gale disaster risk were analyzed by the frequency of disasters and the ratio of stations. The results showed that the stochastic forest model had a high simulation precision and could extend the maximum wind speed time series, and the maximum wind disaster risk threshold was ≥ 13.9 ms−1 in the mature period of blueberry, the results were verified to be in accordance with the actual situation. During the whole mature period of blueberry in 30 years, the impact of Gale Disaster Risk tended to be mitigated, and the frequency of occurrence showed a non-significant decreasing trend, the Xiuyan area showed the most significant decrease, while the Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County area showed a significant increase trend. The probability of occurrence of gale hazard over the whole mature period of 30 years is 83.3%, and the probability of occurrence of gale hazard over two years (≥ 50%), among which the Fushun region has the highest risk degree, the middle risk probability is 17.8%, the Qingyuan region has the highest risk degree, and the severe risk degree is 5.2%, mainly in Fushun and Benxi. In general, the northwest part of the Green Economic Zone is a high risk area for gale disasters, which are widespread, frequent and severe, mainly distributed in Fushun, Benxi, Qingyuan Manchu Autonomous County and Xifeng County.
Minimal-invasive Stabilisation von Azetabulumfrakturen mit virtueller Navigation in Kombination mit robotergestützter 3-D-Bildgebung
Authors: Cintean Raffael , Schütze K. , Gebhard F. , Pankratz C.
Published: November 2024

Operationsziel

Die minimal-invasive Stabilisierung von nicht und minimal dislozierten Azetabulumfrakturen unter Anwendung intraoperativer, robotergestützter 3‑D-Bildgebung sowie eines Navigationssystems.

Indikationen

Nicht oder nur minimal dislozierte Frakturen des Azetabulums.

Kontraindikationen

Trümmer- und grob dislozierte Frakturen des Azetabulums, Protrusion des Hüftkopfes in das Becken mit der Notwendigkeit der offenen Reposition, fehlende Möglichkeit der intraoperativen Navigation.

Operationstechnik

Nach Lagerung des Patienten wird in die Spina iliaca anterior superior die patientenseitige Navigationsreferenz durch eine Schanz-Schraube befestigt. Anschließend können der 3‑D-Scan sowie die Registrierung des Datensatzes im Navigationssystem durchgeführt werden. Damit können die 7,3-mm-Schrauben über die 3‑D-Bildgebung geplant und anschließend durch Stichinzisionen implantiert werden.

Weiterbehandlung

Bei erfolgreicher Schraubenimplantation kann der Patient durch die minimal-invasive Operationstechnik am Folgetag schmerzadaptiert unter physiotherapeutischer Beübung mobilisiert werden. In der Regel ist eine Vollbelastung möglich.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen 2015 und 2023 wurden 101 Patienten mittels minimal-invasiver und navigationsgestützter Schraubenosteosynthese bei Azetabulumfrakturen versorgt. Bei 2 Patienten kam es nach Mobilisation zu einer sekundären Schraubendislokation in das Hüftgelenk, weshalb eine Revisionsoperation mit Neuplatzierung der Schraubenosteosynthese bzw. die Indikation zur Hüft-TEP notwendig war. Die minimal-invasive navigierte Schraubenosteosynthese bietet somit bei korrekter Indikationsstellung sowie Technik eine adäquate Möglichkeit der Versorgung von un- und minimal dislozierten Azetabulumfrakturen.
Joinpoint analyses of rates on hospital-recorded deliberate self-harm: an update on Danish national trends
Authors: Morthorst Britt Reuter , Heinrichsen Michella , Erlangsen Annette
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a public health concern and the high rates among adolescents and females warrant continuous monitoring. The aim of this study was to determine trends in DSH rates by gender and age in Denmark during 2000–2021 using joinpoint regression analysis.

Methods

A cohort design was applied to national register data on all individuals aged 10 + years living in Denmark during 2000–2021. DSH episodes were identified in somatic and psychiatric hospital data. Sex- and age-specific incidence rates (IR) were calculated by calendar years. Using joinpoint regression analyses, segments of change and their annual percent change (APC) were identified.

Results

The highest DSH rates were observed for males and females aged 19–24 years with IRs of 146.8 (95% CI 142.9–150.7) and 378.6 (95% CI 372.1–385.0) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. Major changes in DSH rates were found for the youngest age groups. A step decrease was found for males aged 19–24 years (-18.4; 95% CI -31.9- -2.3; p = < 0.030) during 2012 to 2015. A significant decline was observed during 2012–2016 for females aged 19–24 years (-18.9; 95% CI -26.8 – -10.2; p = 0.001). Poisoning was the most frequently used method.

Conclusion

Seemingly, the financial recession in 2008 did not affect Danish DSH rates. Significant declines were observed for females in the years where means restrictive measures had been installed; thus, supporting their potential effect. Fluctuations in DSH rates among adolescents and young adults in recent years underscore the importance of continued monitoring.
Comparative Efficacy of Postoperative Pain Management Techniques Following Costal Cartilage Harvest: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Jihan , Li Xin , Li Jie , Yang Xiaoning , Yu Lu , Wang Tailing
Published: November 2024

Background

Efficient pain control is essential in reconstructive surgeries, particularly in procedures involving the harvest of costal cartilage. This study examines and compares different pain relief treatments using a network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the most effective techniques for managing pain.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) by scanning several databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu till March 18, 2024. The review analyzed randomized controlled trials and observational studies that evaluated the effectiveness of local anesthetics and multimodal analgesia techniques in treating postoperative pain following costal cartilage harvest. Primary outcomes were pain scores at 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-surgery, while secondary outcomes included the need for rescue analgesia and opioid-related adverse effects.

Results

Fourteen studies involving 935 participants were included. The analysis revealed that multimodal strategies, particularly ‘Methylene Blue and Ropivacaine Intercostal Nerve Block (MB & Ropivacaine ICNB) combined with Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA),’ were the most effective techniques to reduce pain scores across 6, 24, and 48-h time points. “Pre-operation SAPB & PSB + PCA” was most effective in reducing pain score at 12h and significantly decreased the need for rescue analgesia and opioid-related adverse effects. In contrast, traditional ICNB with single drug consistently showed the least efficacy.

Conclusion

The results of our study strongly support the use of multimodal analgesic techniques instead of typical single medication ICNB for managing postoperative pain after costal cartilage harvest. These strategies not only provide superior pain control but also contribute to reducing the dependency on opioids, aligning with current clinical priorities to enhance recovery and minimize opioid-related risks.

No Level Assigned

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Third-order geometric stiffness formulation for improved mesh convergence of thin and wide spatial beams in the generalized strain beam formulation
Authors: Nijenhuis M. , Meijaard J. P. , Naves M. , Aarts R. G. K. M.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the stiffness formulation of a beam element with the relevant third-order nonlinear geometric effects for relatively wide and thin rectangular beams, in particular when loaded in the plane and simultaneously deformed out of the plane. The element is initially straight in its undeformed configuration. The formulation is based on Timoshenko beam theory with nonuniform torsion and Wagner effects. The derivation is carried out by means of the Hellinger–Reissner variational principle with custom interpolation functions. The element is incorporated into the generalized strain beam formulation for multibody systems. Numerical simulations of precision flexure mechanisms show that the use of a single third-order element per flexible member can already yield adequate performance, at a significant reduction of the necessary degrees of freedom and the computation time, compared with using multiple second-order elements in the generalized strain beam formulation.
Vertical variations in enzymatic activity and C:N:P stoichiometry in forest soils under the influence of different tree species
Authors: Błońska Ewa , Lasota Jarosław , Prażuch Wojciech , Ilek Anna
Published: November 2024

Tree species play a crucial role in shaping soil properties, significantly influencing nutrient cycling and ecological dynamics within forest ecosystems. In this comprehensive study, we examined the influence of tree species on soil chemistry especially on C/N/P stoichiometry and enzymatic activities across soil profiles. We analyzed soil samples beneath eight distinct tree species at three vertical horizons of soil: organic (O), humus mineral (A), and mineral enrichment (B) horizons. Our study involved detailed assessment of soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents, along with the activities of key enzymes: β-glucosidase, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and phosphatase. The study revealed pronounced vertical stratification in soil properties, significantly influenced by the tree species. General linear models (GLMs) highlighted differences in C: N:P stoichiometry and enzymatic activity across different soil horizons and among tree species. Enzymatic activity was strongly correlated with C, N and P content. The conducted research confirms the distinctiveness of coniferous and deciduous species in terms of C, N and P stoichiometry and the activity of the tested enzymes involved in the C, N and P circulation. These variations are indicative of the intricate interactions between tree species and soil processes. Our findings underscore the role of diversity of trees in modulating soil nutrient dynamics and enzyme-driven processes, which are crucial for understanding soil ecosystem functions and nutrient cycling. This study provides new insights into the role of tree species in shaping the soil environment, offering implications for forest management and conservation strategies. Taking into account the impact of individual tree species covered by the research on the soil, it is worth considering the cultivation of mixed stands.
Unveiling an asymmetric relationship between global crude oil and local food prices in an oil-importing economy
Authors: Kharin Sergei , Kapustova Zuzana , Lichner Ivan
Published: November 2024

Recent swift comovements of local food and global crude oil prices have attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers. To evaluate this relationship, many studies have used time series models to explore global crude oil and local food prices. However, robust research based on advanced nonlinear time series models that incorporate control variables for their formation is lacking. In this paper, nonlinear techniques are applied to assess the asymmetric nexus between Brent oil prices and local retail food prices in Slovakia. To estimate this value, we extend the single-threshold NARDL approach to the MTNARDL model. The nominal exchange rate and industrial production index are used as the control variables. Compared with conventional NARDL models, the MTNARDL model provides a more detailed representation of global oil‒local food price linkages and detects the asymmetric effect of global oil prices on food prices from both long- and short-term perspectives. Interestingly, with respect to long- and short-term food price volatility, changes in response to oil price fluctuations are greatest under a regime with rather a small number of positive and moderate changes.
State-of-the-art therapy and innovative treatment strategies in esophageal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Korpan Martin , Puhr Hannah Christina , Prager Gerald Wolfgang , Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegül
Published: November 2024

Recent advances in the development of new therapeutic agents and the execution of numerous randomized controlled trials have changed the landscape of systemic therapy approaches in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC). Particularly the inclusion of immunotherapy permits clinicians to improve patient management in multiple settings. This review gives an overview of standard-of-care treatment and sheds light on new therapeutic options, recently approved treatments, and ongoing trials.
Quartz grain surface features and mineralogy of sediments in the Sundarbans Forest site, Bangladesh: Constraints on the depositional environment and provenance
Authors: Hossain H. M. Zakir , Islam Md. Aminul , Al Hossain Anas , Armstrong-Altrin John S. , Nipa Farzana Yeasmin
Published: November 2024

An investigation on medium to coarse-grained quartz grains (QG) recovered from a ~ 100-m drilled core section of the Sundarbans Forest site in the southwestern Bangladesh was carried out to infer the source and depositional environment. Thirty-six microtextures were identified from 200 QG using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The QG surface features are categorized into mechanical (number of features n = 25), chemical (n = 5), and combined mechanical and chemical (n = 6), which provide invaluable insights on the transport mechanism, provenance, and depositional environment. Microtextures of mechanical origin include parallel striations, straight steps, crescentic percussion marks, conchoidal fractures, arcuate steps, fresh polished surfaces, V-shaped marks, broken edges, abrasion fatigue, and bulbous and meandering edges, which are more common in QG and ascribed to high-energy eolian and fluvial transports. The abundant chemical features such as crystalline overgrowth, silica globules, scaling, silica pellicle, and silica flower are omnipresent on QG surfaces, demonstrating a subaqueous diagenetic environment. Fracture plates/planes, high relief, elongated depressions, adhering particles, chatter marks, and oriented etch pits are common in the QG, suggesting a subaqueous nearshore marine environment. There is a high abundance of quartz (Si), feldspar (Na and K), titanite (Ti), and zircon (Zr) in the core sediments, indicating their derivation from felsic source rocks.
Exploring the Relationship Between Technological Progress, Human Capital, Political Uncertain, Energy Consumption, and Economic Growth: Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Henrique , Moutinho Vítor Ferreira , Afonso Oscar
Published: November 2024

This study examines the determinants of economic growth by integrating technological progress, human capital, energy consumption, and monetary policy uncertainty in an extended theoretical model. The empirical investigation covers 18 economies from 2009 to 2019 and applies the Bias-Corrected Estimation (BC) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) techniques. The findings reveal that while gross capital formation is a significant growth driver, financial development has no meaningful impact. Notably, intermediate education contributes positively to growth, whereas advanced education surprisingly shows a negative effect. Additionally, the results indicate a direct relationship between renewable energy consumption and growth, with oil consumption having a negative impact. Political instability, measured by the Global Economic Policy Uncertainty (GEPU) index, also hinders growth.
Fractional Derivative-based Burger Creep Model for Soft Rocks and its Verification Using Tunnel Monitoring Results and Experimental Data
Authors: Tarifard Abolfazl , Török Ákos , Görög Péter
Published: November 2024

Considering the creep behavior of soft and weak rocks is critical for analyzing the long-term stability of underground constructions. This paper introduces a novel creep constitutive model to characterize the creep behavior of rocks under uniaxial and triaxial stress states. The fractional derivative Abel dashpot was used to improve the Burger model, and a viscoplastic component was added in series with the modified Burgers model to replicate the tertiary phase of rock creep. The effectiveness of the model was verified using creep test data from various soft rocks and monitoring measurements from a tunnel excavated in heavily jointed weak rock masses. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the impact of the model parameters on creep deformation, and a comparative study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the suggested model in modeling the accelerated stage of rock creep compared with some existing models. The strong agreement observed between the calculated results and both the creep test data and tunnel monitoring measurements underscores the accuracy and validity of the proposed model. The comparative analysis further revealed that the proposed model offers the highest fitting efficiency for describing the tertiary stage of rock creep. These findings suggest that the model effectively captures the creep behavior of rocks and precisely represents the entire creep process.
Nanograting-Based Dynamic Structural Colors Using Heterogeneous Materials
Authors: Wang Jingang , Yu Haibo , Zheng Jianchen , Zhang Yuzhao , Guo Hongji , Qiu Ye , Wang Xiaoduo , Yang Yongliang , Liu Lianqing
Published: November 2024

Dynamic structural colors can change in response to different environmental stimuli. This ability remains effective even when the size of the species responsible for the structural color is reduced to a few micrometers, providing a promising sensing mechanism for solving microenvironmental sensing problems in micro-robotics and microfluidics. However, the lack of dynamic structural colors that can encode rapidly, easily integrate, and accurately reflect changes in physical quantities hinders their use in microscale sensing applications. Herein, we present a 2.5-dimensional dynamic structural color based on nanogratings of heterogeneous materials, which were obtained by interweaving a pH-responsive hydrogel with an IP-L photoresist. Transverse gratings printed with pH-responsive hydrogels elongated the period of longitudinal grating in the swollen state, resulting in pH-tuned structural colors at a 45° incidence. Moreover, the patterned encoding and array printing of dynamic structural colors were achieved using grayscale stripe images to accurately encode the periods and heights of the nanogrid structures. Overall, dynamic structural color networks exhibit promising potential for applications in information encryption and in situ sensing for microfluidic chips.
The power of social networks and social media’s filter bubble in shaping polarisation: an agent-based model
Authors: Chueca Del Cerro Cristina
Published: November 2024

The role social media platforms play on the emergence of polarisation is an ongoing debate in the political communication literature. Social media’s filter bubbles and online echo chambers shape people’s opinions by curating the information they have available. However, the extent to which this is the case remains unclear. Social simulation scholars have provided valuable insights into the subject through opinion dynamics models and agent-based modelling approaches. This article proposes a social simulation approach to the topic of opinion dynamics from a political communication perspective to understand how social network configurations and the media environment contribute to the emergence of national identity polarisation. We built an agent-based simulation model of national identity dynamics with a multilayer multiplex network of interacting agents in a hybrid media environment of both, traditional media and social media platforms. We use the Catalan secessionist movement to ground, contextualise and empirically inform parts of our model. We found that the initial social network setup conditions had a large impact on the emergence of polarisation amongst agents. In particular, homophily-based social networks composed of a majority of like-minded individuals produced greater polarisation compared to random networks. This was aggravated in the presence of social media filtering algorithms, selectively exposing agents to supportive information. These results emphasise the importance of both the selective exposure by social media filtering algorithms and one’s social networks (echo chambers) for polarisation to emerge. This interaction reinforces the influence of social media platforms and social networks have on the emergence of polarisation.
Biomass-derived materials for energy storage and electrocatalysis: recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Nguyen Van-Toan , Cho Kanghee , Choi Yujin , Hwang Byungwook , Park Young-Kwon , Nam Hyungseok , Lee Doyeon
Published: November 2024

Over the last decade, there has been significant effort dedicated to both fundamental research and practical applications of biomass-derived materials, including electrocatalytic energy conversion and various functional energy storage devices. Beyond their sustainability, eco-friendliness, structural diversity, and biodegradability, biomass-derived materials provide additional benefits, including naturally organized hierarchical structures, rich surface properties, and an abundance of heteroatoms. These characteristics make them appealing candidates for effective energy storage and electrocatalytic energy conversion applications. This review explores the recent advancements in biomass-derived materials for energy storage system (ESS), including supercapacitors and electrocatalytic reactions. We also address the scientific and technical hurdles associated with these materials and outline potential avenues for future research on biomass-based energy conversion applications. By emphasizing the significance of controllable structural designs and modifications, we highlight their crucial roles in advancing this field.

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A theoretical approach to address environmental management accounting implementation barriers in small and medium enterprises in developing countries
Authors: Mukwarami Silas , van der Poll Huibrecht M.
Published: November 2024

Universal approaches to implementing environmental management accounting (EMA) have resulted in a paradigm shift in managing the physical and monetary aspects of the environment globally. While in developing countries, large enterprises continue to lead in implementing EMA, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are finding it difficult to optimally benefit from embracing EMA. Hence, various players such as policymakers, academics, and environmental experts promote the establishment of new approaches that SMEs can apply to overcome a wide range of barriers inhibiting the successful implementation of EMA. Theories of small business growth, such as stakeholder and institutional, resource-based, and knowledge-based theories, advocate that an enterprise's success depends on the influence of stakeholders' expectations and institutional requirements and the management of the available resources and relevant expertise. A customised framework for applying these four (4) theories to understand the position of SMEs regarding EMA implementation barriers and the approach to address them is lacking. Therefore, in this article, we used a systematic literature review (SLR) using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Literature Review (PRISMA) to define the main aspects of these four (4) theories in the context of EMA implementation and identify EMA implementation barriers confronting SMEs. We recommend that SMEs consider applying the proposed framework to address EMA implementation barriers. The outcomes presented have implications for SME owners, government, environmental regulators, and large enterprises in establishing strong networks to encourage the implementation of EMA across the business spectrum.
Arts Integration in an Undergraduate General Education Course to Improve Engagement in Bioengineering
Authors: Georges Penelope , Kahn Sami
Published: November 2024

Rapid advancements in bioengineering call for broad public literacy to help individuals better understand the changes these technologies bring to our lives. However, making bioengineering concepts accessible and relevant, especially to non-science majors, is often challenging. To address this challenge, we designed a general education course aimed at demystifying bioengineering through an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach. Grounded in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), sociocultural learning frameworks, and inquiry-based learning, the course integrates artistic perspectives with scientific instruction to encourage creativity and critical thinking. Students explore core bioengineering concepts, ethical considerations, and societal impacts through a combination of art, hands-on making, and collaborative learning. We observed high engagement and interdisciplinary connections in the classroom and the practical experiences shared here highlight the potential for such an approach to enhance scientific literacy and appreciation of bioengineering’s role in society.
Comprehensive performance evaluation of steam generating heat pumps for industrial waste heat recovery
Authors: Ma Xudong , Wu Yuting , Du Yanjun , Zhang Cancan , Lei Biao , Lu Yuanwei
Published: November 2024

Steam generating heat pump (SGHP) is a key technology for industrial decarbonization. For comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility and reliability of SGHP in different industrial sector, the work develops a thorough evaluation model for assessing the performance of SGHP by considering waste heat recovery, CO2 trading value, and pollutant emission cost, in addition to the conventional evaluation criteria. This work presents a thorough comparison of the thermodynamic performance and sustainability of various types of SGHPs across different industrial sector. Additionally, the conflicting relationships between the coefficient of performance (COP) and exergy efficiency are balanced through the application of the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results show that all the indexes of SGHP connected to an open heat pump (SGHPO) with different application scenarios are higher than those of SGHP connected to a flash tank (SGHPF). At the most unfavorable operating condition of the system, the COP minimum value is 1.31 and the exergy efficiency minimum value is 20.42%. These results indicate that replacing the coal-fired boiler with SGHP is feasible and the work could provide theoretical guidance for optimal design and equipment manufacture.