bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hormonal panel of various breeds of cattle under the conditions of temperature stress
Authors: Bespamiatnykh E.N. , Isaeva A.G. , Sokolova O.V. , Zubareva V.D. , Krivonogova A.S.
Published: January 2024

The article gives the data on the content of a number of steroid and thyroid hormones in the population of Tagil, Suksun and Holstein cattle under the conditions of increasing environmental temperature resulting in moderate stress reaction, as well as on the changes in endocrine system after temperature stress. Changes in function of vascular glands were found showing high resistance of Tagil cattle, moderate resistance of Suksun cattle and low resistance of Holstein cattle to temperature stress. The most significant changes were noted in thyroid panel of Tagil cattle that was shown by increasing synthesis of iodothyronine while environmental temperature changed from high to normal values (during post-stress period). The breeds with lower resistance had the signs of deterioration of adaption mechanism expressed in stronger unbalance reaction of hormonal axis.
Adaptation of the technology for culturing bovine embryos on commercial media for human embryos
Authors: Makutina V.A. , Isaeva A.G. , Krivonogova A.S. , Moiseeva K.V. , Petropavlovsky M.V.
Published: January 2024

We have studied the efficiency of using commercial media developed for human-assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for bovine embryos. The dynamics of bovine cells and embryos at the stages of maturation, fertilization, and preimplantation development were analyzed on three different media types, including ones particularly designed for bovine ART. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were divided into three groups: group 1 – maturation, fertilization, and culture were performed on media IVF-Bioscience (BO-IVM, BO-IVF, BO-IVC) developed for bovine animals; group 2 – maturation, fertilization, and culture were done on Vitrolife human ART media (G-IVF, G-TL); group 3 – maturation, fertilization, and culture were done on Irvine Scientific (Continuous Single Culture Complete) ART media. Significant distinctions in maturation, cleavage and blastulation indicators were found between embryos cultured on Vitrolife G-series human ART media and embryos processed on IVF-Bioscience bovine cattle media and Irvine Scientific Continuous Single Culture Complete human ART media. The difference in performance between the last two media was less pronounced. The obtained results make it possible to simplify the maturation of oocytes and the cultivation of bovine embryos to achieve reproducible outcomes without variability from batch to batch.
Efficacy and phytotoxicity of various thiabendazole and tebuconazole ratios in a fungicidal mordant
Authors: Trukhachev V.I. , Nefedieva E.E. , Zorkina O.V. , Sukhova E.A. , Burmistrova A. S. , Korobeynik N.S. , Malakhova S.D.
Published: January 2024

When developing combined preparations, a possible phytotoxic effect should be considered, depending on the dose of the mordant. Fusarium oxysporum and Pyrenophora graminea strains were cultured in a liquid enrichment culture with the addition of fungicides at a concentration of 1.5; 2.5; 3.3 ppm. Wheat grains of the Avesta variety were treated with thiabendazole and tebuconazole in the following doses: 20 g a.d./ t, 30 g a.d./t, 60 g a.d./t, 80 g a.d./t, 100 g a.d./t of grain. The effectiveness of tebuconazole and thiabendazole on mycelium growth slightly depended on their concentration. A.d. mutually reinforced each other. The synergism of the action of two a.d. is revealed. The analysis of variance showed that the effect of tebuconazole was greater than the thiabendazole effect. For both strains, the optimal ratios of tebuconazole and thiabendazole are 1.5:2.5 ppm. The addition of salicylic acid is effective at ratios of 2.5:0 and 2.5:3.3. The mixture of thiabendazole and tebuconazole reduced the germination energy of the grains mainly due to the appearance of abnormal seedlings. A composition of active substances for seed etching is proposed, including the following ratios of components, pts. wt.: tebuconazole 20-100, thiabendazole 20-150.
Features of the Development of Tropical Crops in the Conditions of Dry Subtropics of the Southern Coast of the Crimea
Authors: Shevchuk O.M. , Logvinenko L.A. , Korostylev A.A.
Published: January 2024

Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. and Passiflora incarnata L. are pharmacopoeial medicinal plants, the raw materials of which are included in the list of imported to the Russian Federation. We conducted the complex of ecological and biological studies in order to select the optimal method of culture (long-term or annual) of these crops and assess the prospects of their cultivation in the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea. In accordance with the methods of introduction study, we revealed the features of biology, growth dynamics and development of plants Aerva lanata and Passiflora incarnata in a dry subtropical climate of the Mediterranean type. It was found that for the cultivation of Passiflora incarnata for the long-term type, the required heat resource higher than 10˚С is 2159˚С. Aerva lanata in the open ground of the annual type forms fully valid seeds with heat supply in the 1870˚С. The biologically necessary amount of heat of the open ground culture is provided by the average long-term effective temperatures for Passiflora incarnata at 97% and Aerva lanata – 98-100%. These species are classified as promising species based on the total number of points.
The biopotential of extremophilic microorganisms isolated from Kuzbass for protection and growth stimulation of oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Serazetdinova Yuliya , Borodina Ekaterina , Kolpakova Daria , Frolova Anna , Fotina Natalya , Tikhonov Sergey , Asyakina Lyudmila
Published: January 2024

Biological plant protection products are extensively utilized in agriculture owing to their safety, efficacy, and environmental friendliness. The utilization of these funds in locales with challenging weather patterns is constrained. In order to ensure the successful use of biological plant protection products, it is rational to search for microorganisms adapted to the specific soil and climatic conditions of the territory. The objective of the investigation is to evaluate the antagonistic and growth-stimulating properties of the consortium of extremophilic microorganisms of Kuzbass, and to conduct laboratory testing on oats (Avena sativa L.). The work used microorganisms isolated at the initial stages of the research, such as Leclercia sp., Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum. The findings revealed that these microorganisms are capable of producing gibberellic acid, dissolving phosphates, and retaining atmospheric nitrogen. Furthermore, the co-cultivation of microorganisms facilitates the enhancement of these indicators. The negative impact of phytopathogens (Alternaria alternata (F-525), Fusarium graminearum (F-877) PH-1, Fusarium graminearum (F-892) and Fusarium sporotrichioides (F-902)) on oats in laboratory conditions was reduced by a consortium based on these microorganisms. Therefore, the consortium has the potential to develop commercial drugs. Field experiments are planned in the future.
Forecasting Development of Medical Services Market in the Context of Model-Based Innovation Economy
Authors: Rakhimova Sadokat , Yusupova Feruza , Andryushchenko Iryna , Yumashev Alexey , Karapetyan Ara
Published: January 2024

The relevance of the article is due to the current stage of worldwide medical services development. The global nature of innovation development and digital technologies have affected all spheres of human activity, including medicine. On the other hand, the increasing role of social aspects in economic development forms new tasks in the development of healthcare. It should become of a better quality and more accessible. The paper used general scientific and special research methods. Among the special research methods, we used mathematical methods: statistical research, correlation and regression analysis. This article presents the results of forecasting the development of the medical services market in the Khorezm region of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the mid-term perspective. The mathematical model of forecasting the development of the medical services market took into account such factors as the number of private clinics, the number of employees of medical organizations, the real cost of medical services in constant prices, the number of operating hospital facilities, real total income per capita in constant prices of organizations, total income per capita in constant prices. Correlation analysis showed a high, stable relationship between the indicators. Regression analysis allowed to determine the forecast parameters of the market of medical services in the Khorezm region of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The reliability of calculations was checked by Student’s t-test and Durbin-Watson statistic test. Increasing the quality of life of the population in the region is the basis for increasing demand for quality health services and will lead to the growth of the private sector of health services.
Farmers’ Toolkit: Deep Learning in Weed Detection and Precision Crop & Fertilizer Recommendations
Authors: Dash Sushree Sasmita , Kumar Pawan
Published: January 2024

Agriculture is widely recognized as a significant and indispensable occupation on a global scale. The current imperative is to optimize agricultural practices and progressively transition towards smart agriculture. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology has dramatically enhanced people’s daily lives via diverse applications across several domains. Previous studies have yet to effectively incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with sensor technology to provide comprehensive guidance to agricultural practitioners, hindering their ability to achieve good outcomes. This research offers Farmers’ Toolkit with four layers: sensor, network, service, and application. This toolkit aims to facilitate the implementation of a smart farming system while effectively managing energy resources. With a specific emphasis on the application layer, the toolkit uses a deep learning methodology to construct a fertilizer recommendation system that aligns with the expert’s perspective. This study utilizes IoT devices and Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) methods to enhance the efficiency and speed of recommending appropriate crops to farmers. The recommendation process considers several criteria: temperature, yearly precipitation, land area, prior crop history, and available resources. The identification of undesirable vegetation on agricultural fields, namely the detection of weeds, is carried out using drone technology equipped with frame-capturing capabilities and advanced deep-learning algorithms. The findings demonstrate an accuracy rate of 94%, precision rate of 92%, recall rate of 96%, and F1 score of 94%. The toolkit for farmers alleviates physical labor and time expended on various agricultural tasks while enhancing overall land productivity, mitigating potential crop failures in specific soil conditions, and minimizing crop damage inflicted by weeds.
Key trends in the global biotechnology market
Authors: Molochaeva L.G. , Gamaeva F.B.
Published: January 2024

The global biotechnology market is is experiencing a dynamic transformation, showing a substantial upswing and diversification. The main trends forming this sector are considered in detail in this study in terms of extensive data collection and reliable analytical techniques. The main conclusions point to sustained growth in the market with a significant shift towards the Asia-Pacific region. Therapeutic advances, such as those in regenerative and personalized medicine, provide revolutionary approaches to healthcare. Simultaneously, agricultural biotechnologies are becoming a beacon of light for the challenges of food security and climate change. Due to the combination of biotechnology with digital tools, it foretells a new era of interdisciplinary research to facilitate rapid discoveries. However, the rapid pace of innovations necessitates vigilant and adaptive regulatory frameworks. This article reports on the multidimensional nature of the biotechnology landscape, highlighting its potential in forming a sustainable, healthy, and equitable future.
Methane reduction in Kazakhstan: Present situation and potential
Authors: Yessekina Bakhyt , Beisengazin Kuanysh , Yessekina Aiman , Safonov George
Published: January 2024

The battle against methane emissions has evolved into a global mission, with 150 producing countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and others, pledging their commitment to the Global Methane Pledge. This new initiative was introduced in 2021 during COP26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, as part of the ongoing efforts to implement the Paris Agreement. The primary objective of this Agreement is a collective endeavour to reduce methane emissions by 30% by the year 2030. In this article, the authors analyse current methane emissions and provide recommendations to the country’s government regarding its participation in the Global Methane Pledge by utilising official national statistical data and insights from the EIA and employing predictive modelling techniques.
Entwicklung des Daumens
Authors: Pietzner Nico
Published: January 2024

Zum Erfolgsrezept der Evolution des Menschen gehört neben dem Gehirn auch
der Daumen. Erst die Beweglichkeit des Daumens, die wahrscheinlich vor etwa 2
Millionen Jahren entstand, brachte die Hominiden in die Lage, ihre Hände
wie intelligente Werkzeuge zu nutzen und ihr Überleben zu sichern.
Deep learning and capsule endoscopy: Automatic multi-brand and multi-device panendoscopic detection of vascular lesions
Authors: Mascarenhas Miguel , Martins Miguel , Afonso João , Ribeiro Tiago , Cardoso Pedro , Mendes Franscisco , Andrade Patrícia , Cardoso Helder , Mascarenhas-Saraiva Miguel , Ferreira João , Macedo Guilherme
Published: January 2024

Background and study aims Capsule endoscopy (CE) is commonly used as the initial exam for suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding after normal upper and lower endoscopy. Although the assessment of the small bowel is the primary focus of CE, detecting upstream or downstream vascular lesions may also be clinically significant. This study aimed to develop and test a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for panendoscopic automatic detection of vascular lesions during CE.

Patients and methods A multicentric AI model development study was based on 1022 CE exams. Our group used 34655 frames from seven types of CE devices, of which 11091 were considered to have vascular lesions (angiectasia or varices) after triple validation. We divided data into a training and a validation set, and the latter was used to evaluate the model’s performance. At the time of division, all frames from a given patient were assigned to the same dataset. Our primary outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and an area under the precision-recall curve (AUC-PR).

Results Sensitivity and specificity were 86.4% and 98.3%, respectively. PPV was 95.2%, while the NPV was 95.0%. Overall accuracy was 95.0%. The AUC-PR value was 0.96. The CNN processed 115 frames per second.

Conclusions This is the first proof-of-concept artificial intelligence deep learning model developed for pan-endoscopic automatic detection of vascular lesions during CE. The diagnostic performance of this CNN in multi-brand devices addresses an essential issue of technological interoperability, allowing it to be replicated in multiple technological settings.
Small and medium enterprise (SME) competitiveness and employment creation: the mediating role of SME growth
Authors: Inegbedion Henry Egbezien , Thikan Perejite Roseline , David Joseph Olusegun , Ajani John Oluwasayo , Peter Fred Ojochide
Published: January 2024

Owing to the growing inability of the state to provide employment for citizens globally, SME growth now appeals to many people as the solution to employment generation and by implication, economic growth and development. Flowing from the capabilities based view (CBV) theory, this study investigated SME competitiveness and employment creation to explain how SME competitiveness can contribute to national income through employment creation using SME growth as a mediator. The design was a cross-sectional survey of 93 respondents from SMEs in Nigeria. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect the research data and used structural equation modelling to analyse the data. The results indicate that product innovation and product differentiation have significant relationships with employment generation owing to their capacity to enhance SME growth. Secondly, SME growth mediates the relationship between SME competitiveness (product differentiation, innovation and imitation) and employment generation. This study differs from previous ones through its use of product line, innovation, differentiation, and imitation in a single framework to operationalise SME competitiveness as well as the mediation of the relationship between SME competitiveness and employment generation with the growth rate of SMEs. In addition, the study makes a theoretical contribution through the use of a firm’s activity based capabilities to demonstrate its competitiveness.
Weak central government, strong legal rights: the origins of divergent legal institutions in 18th-century Chinese and Japanese rice markets
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhu Qianmao , Noellert Matthew
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the formation of legal institutions in Qing China and Tokugawa Japan with a focus on the rice market. In both countries in the 18th century, rice was the most important commodity. By the end of 18th century, Japan offered strong legal rights to rice market participants, while China managed the rice market with weak legal institutions. We develop a subversive regime game model to explain some of the social and political reasons behind this divergence. Supported by historical evidence from Qing China and Tokugawa Japan, we find that with lower suppression capacity and high risks of domestic threats to power, Edo Japan’s central government (Bakufu) was more likely to enforce legal rights than Qing China’s central government (Imperial Court). Japan’s institutional configuration facilitated the growth of rice markets such as the Doujima market in Osaka, because participants did not need to invest as much in informal protections for their own rights. Moreover, our analysis suggests that a state’s relative strength matters the most in determining its attitude toward legal rights, which further influences the state’s stability and longevity.
The effects of children’s participation and co-creation in science
Authors: Carballido Beatriz Villarejo , Díez-Palomar Javier , Garcia-Yeste Carme , Morejón Ane Olabarria
Published: January 2024

The scientific literature shows that children’s participation in video games is increasingly common. However, there is no analysis of the involvement of children in the development of video games promoting social science learning. The framework of the EU H2020 funded project “ALLINTERACT. Widening and diversifying citizen engagement in science” contributes to filling this gap by analysing the co-creation process between children, families, teachers, and researchers of a video game for children to distinguish between hoaxes and evidence to overcoming bullying. To this end, a 24-h Science Game Jam was recorded, which took place in a virtual space for group meetings in which five children, five family members, four teachers and four researchers participated in the co-creation of the video game and a collaborative document in the cloud including the guidelines of the video game, with their proposals for the development. Finally, they participated as well as in the co-creation of the video game itself. The key finding is that co-creation through an egalitarian dialogue, solidarity, and focus on scientific knowledge allowed these children to play a leading role in developing a video game where children of all educational stages learn to distinguish hoaxes and evidence in overcoming bullying. The involvement in science and the co-creation of science-based products benefited these children; as they were protagonists in science, they could express their concerns and the real problems they faced in their schools, which increased their scientific knowledge and strengthened their critical capacity about bullying. Furthermore, the adult participants also benefited from the knowledge provided by the children, especially in the development and creation of the video game.
Impact of China’s free trade zones on the innovation performance of firms: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment
Authors: Su Xin , Wang Shengwen
Published: January 2024

To analyse the impact of the free trade zone (FTZ) policy on firms’ innovation performance, this study conducted a quasi-natural experiment involving FTZ promotion, matched information on the establishment of China’s FTZs with patent data for listed companies from 2012 to 2020, and applied identification, estimation and inference processes to identify the effects of FTZs using a time-varying difference-in-differences model. The validity of the findings was confirmed using the parallel trend test, the placebo test and a high-dimensional fixed effects estimation, and the mediating roles of financing constraints and industrial agglomeration on firms’ innovation performance were analysed. To address the endogeneity issue and eliminate regression bias resulting from non-random selection, an instrumental variable regression and propensity score matching were employed. In addition, the policy effects were further explored by analysing the moderating effects of contextual factors and firm heterogeneity. The results showed that the FTZ policy has considerably enhanced the innovation performance of enterprises in the pilot areas, increasing the innovation level of enterprises by alleviating financing constraints and enhancing industrial agglomeration. The level of economic development and the degree of government involvement have also influenced the effect of the FTZ policy on enterprises’ innovation performance. Firm heterogeneity, including factors such as size, ownership, industry affiliation and location, influences the policy effects. In an effort to accelerate the implementation of the policy, an in-depth analysis of the underlying mechanism of the FTZ policy and its effects on enterprise innovation performance was provided, thereby providing a realistic basis for the expansion of the FTZ policy.
Determinants of efficient water use and conservation in the Colombian manufacturing industry using machine learning
Authors: Henao Carolina , Lis-Gutiérrez Jenny Paola , Lis-Gutiérrez Melissa , Ariza-Salazar Janitza
Published: January 2024

Water is a fundamental aspect of achieving sustainable industries, and it is essential for firms to make efficient use of it. However, not all companies have sustainable water management practices in place. In this study, we aim to answer the research question: What factors influenced the efficient use and saving of water in the Colombian manufacturing industry in 2020? We used data from the Annual Manufacturing Survey and the Industrial Environmental Survey conducted by DANE to investigate this question. Our study grouped the variables into four categories: Environmental commitment, Risk mitigation, Innovation, and Location. We used two supervised learning machine-learning algorithms—decision tree and logit regression with LASSO regularization—to analyze the data. The results underscore those investments in wastewater treatment, total water consumption, and commitments to air and climate protection emerge as pivotal drivers for embracing sustainable practices. Moreover, the geographical location of companies significantly influences the likelihood of implementing water conservation initiatives. To enhance efficient water use and conservation in the Colombian manufacturing sector, several targeted public policies are recommended. These include offering fiscal and financial incentives to encourage investments in advanced wastewater treatment and reuse technologies. Additionally, advocating for specialized training and environmental education programs tailored for corporate personnel is crucial. Moreover, establishing initiatives for environmental certification and eco-labeling within the corporate sector can significantly promote sustainable water practices. Lastly, enforcing more stringent environmental regulations and standards, especially for industries like Textile, Metallurgy, and Manufacturing of rubber and plastic products, is essential to ensure responsible water management across the sector.
Cryptocurrency awareness, acceptance, and adoption: the role of trust as a cornerstone
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Farrukh , Xu Shuo , Lim Weng Marc , Hasnain Muhammad Faisal , Nusrat Shahneela
Published: January 2024

Cryptocurrencies—i.e., digital or virtual currencies secured by cryptography based on blockchain technology, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum—have brought transformative changes to the global economic landscape. These innovative transaction methods have rapidly made their mark in the financial sector, reshaping the dynamics of the global economy. However, there remains a notable hesitation in its widespread acceptance and adoption, largely due to misconceptions and lack of proper guidance about its use. Such gaps in understanding create an opportunity to address these concerns. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study develops a parsimonious model to explain the awareness, acceptance, and adoption of cryptocurrency. The model was assessed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 332 participants aged 18 to 40 years. The findings suggest that cryptocurrency awareness plays a direct, positive, and significant role in shaping cryptocurrency adoption and that this positive relationship is mediated by factors that exemplify cryptocurrency acceptance, namely the ease of use and usefulness of cryptocurrency. The results also reveal that trust is a significant factor that strengthens these direct and mediating relationships. These insights emphasize the necessity of fostering an informed understanding of cryptocurrencies to accelerate their broader adoption in the financial ecosystem. By addressing the misconceptions and reinforcing factors like ease of use, usefulness, and trust, policymakers and financial institutions can better position themselves to integrate and promote cryptocurrency in mainstream financial systems.
Do innovation and renewable energy transition play their role in environmental sustainability in Western Europe?
Authors: Mahmood Haider , Irshad Ateeq ur Rehman , Tanveer Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Western European economies are among the top innovative countries in the globe and show a remarkable commitment to environmental sustainability through innovations and renewable energy targets. Particularly, renewable energy transition (RET) may shift Western European economies from unclean to clean energy sources and could reduce pollution. Therefore, we analyze the impact of RET and patents on CO2 emissions in 25 Western Europe countries using a period 1995–2020 and cross-sectional dependence techniques. Moreover, the impact of economic growth is also analyzed to examine the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). The results suggest the presence of EKC with a turning point at GDP per capita of 50,287 dollars and Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Ireland, Norway, Luxembourg, and Switzerland are found at the second stage of the EKC in the long run. Moreover, RET reduces CO2 emissions in the long and short run, Thus, RET helps to achieve environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions in Western European economies. However, patents have negative effects in the long run but do not affect emissions in the short run. Thus, innovation helps to sustain an environment in the long run.
Exploring the connection between deep learning and learning assessments: a cross-disciplinary engineering education perspective
Authors: Fawzia Sabrina , Karim Azharul
Published: January 2024

It is widely accepted that student learning is significantly affected by assessment methods, but a concrete relationship has not been established in the context of multidisciplinary engineering education. Students make a physiological investment and internalize learning (deep learning) if they see high value in their learning. They persist despite challenges and take delight in accomplishing their work. As student deep learning is affected by the assessment system, it is important to explore the relationship between assessment systems and factors affecting deep learning. This study identifies the factors associated with deep learning and examines the relationships between different assessment systems those factors. A conceptual model is proposed, and a structured questionnaire was designed and directed to 600 Queensland University of Technology (QUT) multidisciplinary engineering students, with 243 responses received. The gathered data were analyzed using both SPSS and SEM. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that deep learning is strongly associated with learning environment and course design and content. Strong influence of both summative and formative assessment on learning was established in this study. Engineering educators can facilitate deep learning by adopting both assessment types simultaneously to make the learning process more effective. The proposed theoretical model related to the deep learning concept can support the key practices and modern learning methodologies currently adopted to enhance the learning and teaching process.
ZnO/SnO2 bilayer electron transport layer strategy to improve the performance of FAPbI3 solar cell
Authors: Ning Xuli , Wang Yulong , Ren Xiaoqi , Guo Haikuo , Yang Haoran , Wei Jiali , Guo Jingwei , Li Tiantian , Zhu Chengjun , Hou Fuhua
Published: January 2024

In recent years, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (PVK) devices have attracted widespread attention with their high absorption coefficient and low-cost fabrication process. Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been reported to obtain high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) due to the narrow bandgap. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has better electrical conductivity and high transmittance than tin (IV) dioxide (SnO2). However, the deprotonation behavior of ZnO limits its use in formamidinium (FA) or methylammonium (MA) devices, so it is mostly used in all-inorganic PSCs. In this work, to avoid the deprotonation behavior of ZnO, we prepared FAPbI3 PSCs using ZnO/SnO2 as bilayer electron transporting layers (ETLs), which improved the conductivity of the ETLs and promoted electron extraction and transfer. In addition, the decrease in the oxygen vacancy (Ov) on the bilayer ETLs contributed to the suppression of the non-radiative recombination of the device, thus enabling the achievement of a higher fill factor. As a result, the modified ETLs increased the PCE of FAPbI3 PSCs from 20.24% to 21.42% and improved the stability of the devices. The PCE of unpackaged devices increased steadily to 21.91% when stored in an N2 atmosphere for 183 days.
Quantum computing for chemistry and physics applications from a Monte Carlo perspective
Authors: Mazzola Guglielmo
Published: January 2024

This Perspective focuses on the several overlaps between quantum algorithms and Monte Carlo methods in the domains of physics and chemistry. We will analyze the challenges and possibilities of integrating established quantum Monte Carlo solutions into quantum algorithms. These include refined energy estimators, parameter optimization, real and imaginary-time dynamics, and variational circuits. Conversely, we will review new ideas for utilizing quantum hardware to accelerate the sampling in statistical classical models, with applications in physics, chemistry, optimization, and machine learning. This review aims to be accessible to both communities and intends to foster further algorithmic developments at the intersection of quantum computing and Monte Carlo methods. Most of the works discussed in this Perspective have emerged within the last two years, indicating a rapidly growing interest in this promising area of research.
Differential local ordering of mixed crowders determines effective size and stability of ss-DNA capped gold nanoparticle
Authors: Panigrahy Sibasankar , Nayar Divya
Published: January 2024

Understanding the influence of a crowded intracellular environment on the structure and solvation of DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles (ss-DNA AuNP) is necessary for designing applications in nanomedicine. In this study, the effect of single (Gly, Ser, Lys) and mixture of amino acids (Gly+Ser, Gly+Lys, Ser+Lys) at crowded concentrations is examined on the structure of the ss-DNA AuNP using molecular dynamics simulations. Using the structural estimators such as pair correlation functions and ligand shell positional fluctuations, the solvation entropy is estimated. Combining the AuNP–solvent interaction energy with the solvation entropy estimates, the free energy of solvation of the AuNP in crowded solutions is computed. The solvation entropy favours the solvation free energy which becomes more favourable for larger effective size of AuNP in crowded solutions relative to that in water. The effective size of AuNP depends on the different propensity of the crowders to adsorb on Au surface, with the smallest crowder (Gly) having the highest propensity inducing the least effective AuNP size as compared to other single crowder solutions. In mixed crowded solutions of amino acids of variable size and chemistry, distinctive local adsorption of the crowders on the gold surface is observed that controls the additive or non-additive crowding effects which govern an increase (in Gly+Ser) or decrease (in Gly+Lys) in nanoparticle effective size respectively. The results shed light into the fundamental understanding of the influence of intracellular crowding on structure of ss-DNA AuNP and plausible employability of crowding as a tool to design programmable self-assembly of functionalized nanoparticles.
Genome banking of ancestral haplotypes for future survival
Authors: Paz Erwin A. , Wade Lani A. , Lloyd Anthony J. , Lloyd Sally S. , Dawkins Roger L.
Published: January 2024

The human genome contains Polymorphic Frozen Blocks (PFB) dedicated to the maintenance of haplotypes which are responsible for functional and survival differences between individuals. These Conserved Polymorphic Sequences (CPS) are protected from mutation and are retained as ‘safe deposits’ available in the future. Therefore, the genome has a reserve for use during cyclical challenges such as epidemics, famine and climate changes. In humans, this mechanism has survived since speciation and may help to explain success of humans in surviving diverse environments during this time frame. Less is known of other species. Domestic livestock have been bred to select for certain traits of commercial significance. Here we take the example of red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle and show that their genome appears to have been restructured. As a consequence, some of their reserves may have been lost. There may be a need for back-crossing to maintain an optimal amount of diversity. We propose the establishment of genome banks to curate and preserve founder sequences containing a full complement of CPS.
Finding the forever pollutants — fast!
Authors: Taylor Chloe M. , Breadmore Michael C. , Kilah Nathan L.
Published: January 2024

The chemical industry has been a double-edged sword for humanity — offering timely solutions while simultaneously creating long-lasting problems. The often-quoted expression ‘Better Living Through Chemistry’ encompasses how many chemists feel about chemistry, but how will society best use chemistry for a sustainable future? This paper outlines our research into the rapid detection of a widespread, persistent and challenging class of pollutants known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These molecules have become ubiquitous through their use in a range of consumer products, industrial manufacturing, and perhaps most significantly in aqueous fire-fighting foams. Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are known to bioaccumulate, and there are hundreds of known contaminated sites around Australia, and globally. The current methods to identify contaminated sites are very expensive and require specialised analytical instruments, which are often located a long distance from the site of contamination. Our work has developed an instant colour change test for the presence of these pollutants. The goal is for an untrained operator to be able to quickly and accurately identify contamination in their environment.
Hiding in plain sight: highlighting the research gap on access to HIV and other sexual health services for underrepresented gay men in developed Western countries – insights from a scoping review with a focus on Arab men
Authors: Saliba Bernard , Kang Melissa , Wells Nathanael , Mao Limin , Prestage Garrett , Hammoud Mohamed A.
Published: January 2024

Background Strategies pertaining to HIV and sexual health for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) have shifted focus towards underrepresented subgroups within some developed Western countries. Although emerging research exists on some subgroups, limited attention has been given to the needs of Arab GBMSM in these contexts. Considering they are part of a large diaspora, understanding their access to services is crucial. This paper focuses on Arab GBMSM as a case study within a scoping review, highlighting their hidden status within the broader landscape of HIV and sexual health research for GBMSM in the West. Methods A multi-method search strategy was employed, including searching four electronic databases using several terms within each of the following search topics: Arab, GBMSM, HIV and other sexual health services, and developed Western countries. Results Of the 384 articles found, only one addressed the research question and met the inclusion criteria, revealing a stark scarcity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for this population. Conclusions This review highlights a paucity of research on access to HIV and sexual health services for underrepresented GBMSM populations in developed Western countries. The literature indicates that, for Arab men, this may be due to a difficulty in participant recruitment and poor data collection efforts. By focusing on one hidden population, we aim to advocate for inclusive policies and interventions that promote equitable sexual health access for all. Addressing this research gap aligns with broader local and global HIV strategies to reduce disparities among underrepresented GBMSM populations.
Spatial synchrony cascades across ecosystem boundaries and up food webs via resource subsidies
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Emery Kyle A. , Dugan Jenifer E. , Hubbard David M. , Bell Tom W. , Sheppard Lawrence W. , Karatayev Vadim A. , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Reuman Daniel C. , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: January 2024

Cross-ecosystem subsidies are critical to ecosystem structure and function, especially in recipient ecosystems where they are the primary source of organic matter to the food web. Subsidies are indicative of processes connecting ecosystems and can couple ecological dynamics across system boundaries. However, the degree to which such flows can induce cross-ecosystem cascades of spatial synchrony, the tendency for system fluctuations to be correlated across locations, is not well understood. Synchrony has destabilizing effects on ecosystems, adding to the importance of understanding spatiotemporal patterns of synchrony transmission. In order to understand whether and how spatial synchrony cascades across the marine-terrestrial boundary via resource subsidies, we studied the relationship between giant kelp forests on rocky nearshore reefs and sandy beach ecosystems that receive resource subsidies in the form of kelp wrack (detritus). We found that synchrony cascades from rocky reefs to sandy beaches, with spatiotemporal patterns mediated by fluctuations in live kelp biomass, wave action, and beach width. Moreover, wrack deposition synchronized local abundances of shorebirds that move among beaches seeking to forage on wrack-associated invertebrates, demonstrating that synchrony due to subsidies propagates across trophic levels in the recipient ecosystem. Synchronizing resource subsidies likely play an underappreciated role in the spatiotemporal structure, functioning, and stability of ecosystems.
Structural position affects topic transition
Authors: Lyu Siqi , Tu Jung-Yueh , Lin Chien-Jer Charles
Published: January 2024

In an eye-tracking study, we used Chinese double-subject construction [NPaNPbPREDICATE] (e.g., [nage jiezhi]NPa[sheji]NPb[hen tebie]PREDICATE‘that ring design very special’) in a concessive construction likesuiran…dan…‘although…but…’ to investigate how the syntactic position of the topic NP (i.e.,that ring) affects the comprehension of topic transition in the subsequent clause. We contrasted topics located at a higher pre-connective topic position (e.g.,that ring although) and those located at a post-connective subject position (e.g.,although that ring). Topic transition was manipulated as either using a subtopic (e.g.,workmanship of that ring) or a new topic (e.g.,the wedding dress) in the second clause of concession. We found a main effect of topic transition in a batch of eye-movement measures showing that subtopic transition was preferred over new-topic transition. More importantly, we found interactions on total reading time and total fixations at the topic-suiranregion and on total fixations at the post-critical region, with post hoc tests revealing a larger cost of topic transition in the high-topic condition than in the low-topic condition. The results suggest that when a topic NP is located at a higher topic position (i.e., above the connective), it binds the topics of both clauses and induces greater cost when the topics do not form a consistent chain. When the topic NP is located at a local (i.e., post-connective) position, the processing of topic shift or resolution of topic conflict in the second clause is less costly because the second topic is not syntactically bound by the higher topic. Together, the results support a prominent status of the before-connective position in Chinese discourse. Furthermore, they indicate that syntactically induced topicality constrains the processing of topic transition in the subsequent discourse.
A possible solution to the Hubble tension from quantum gravity
Authors: B Anupama , Suresh P K
Published: January 2024

We investigate the relevance of quantum gravity during inflation to address the Hubble tension that arises from Planck 2018 and supernova

H
0

for the equation of state data sets. We show that the effect of quantum gravity during inflation can increase the rate of change of

H
0

, thereby accounting for a wide range of observed

H
0

. Further, we show that due to the quantum gravity effect on inflation, the temperature at the onset of reheating can be lower than the standard case, causing delays in the reheating process. The role of quantum gravity is inevitable in settling the Hubble tension. The results of the present study may find use in resolving the Hubble tension, in validating inflationary model and quantum gravity.
Network emergence and reorganization in confined slime moulds
Authors: Saiseau Raphaël , Busson Valentin , Xénard Laura , Durand Marc
Published: January 2024

A fundamental question regarding biological transport networks is the interplay between the network development or reorganization and the flows it carries. We use Physarum polycephalum, a true slime mould with a transport network which adapts quickly to change of external conditions, as a biological model to make progress in this question. We explore the network formation and reorganization in samples suddenly confined in chambers with ring geometry. Using an image analysis method based on the structure tensor, we quantify the emergence and directionality of the network. We show that confinement induces a reorganization of the network with a typical 104 s timescale, during which veins align circumferentially along the ring. We show that this network evolution relies on local dynamics.
Stepless space-regulation of topological acoustic controller with high fault tolerance
Authors: Ma Chengzhi , Wu Jiu Hui , Liu Xiaoli , Li Rui , Wang Linbo , Cui Zhanyou
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the stepless space-regulation of topological acoustic transmission channels with high fault tolerance is proposed through introducing structural defect dislocations into a topological acoustic controller. Due to the stability of topological order against local disturbance, the acoustic wave transmission is immune to dislocation boundaries with strong stability, and thus the topological acoustic controller has high fault tolerance. By continuous changing the dislocation, the position relationship between the outgoing and incident acoustic signals no longer limited to the integer multiple distance related to the lattice size, and can realize the efficient acoustic energy transmission without energy loss at the fractional multiple distance, that is, the topological controller can realize lossless acoustic energy transmission and reception in arbitrary position relationship. Furthermore, the coupling relationship between the defect dislocation and the topological acoustic channel is explored, which can realize the stepless space-regulation of the lossless channel in the wide band range. In addition, by further introducing multi-layer continuous dislocations, this high-fault-tolerant topological acoustic controller still has strong stability, and multiple error factors do not affect the transmission results, which greatly reduces the difficulty of manufacturing. Finally, the stepless space-regulation of topological acoustic channels and the high-fault-tolerant topological acoustic controller that are easy to manufacture are verified by our experiments. This research paves the way for the engineering applications of acoustic micro-control, micro-nano fabrication, remote acoustic energy transmission manipulation, acoustic measurement, weak signal processing, acoustic flexible control and other micro-shape and multi-functional acoustic devices, and will bring more inspiration to other classical wave communication fields such as light wave, electromagnetic wave and so on.