bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodology for determining the heat distribution in disc brakes of mine hoisting machines
Authors: Symonenko V , Zabolotnyi K , Panchenko O
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To study the course of heat phenomena in disc brakes using modern computing systems in order to determine and substantiate the operating parameters for the hoisting machine components. Methodology. The research uses software packages, with the help of which a computational-theoretical apparatus is developed for heat mode modeling processes. In particular, the mentioned function is used in the SolidWorks Simulation software with the ability to evaluate the errors of the calculation results. Findings. In the course of the research, the dependence of the hoisting machine disc brake performance on the operating parameters of its components was determined. The research has led to a better understanding of the heat transfer processes in disc braking devices, as well as the ability to study the friction response of various materials and determine optimal parameters that help improve the performance of braking systems. The effectiveness has been proven of the proposed method for analyzing the heat distribution processes of the mine hoisting machine drum components under the influence of operating and emergency braking modes. Originality. For the first time, a methodology for calculating the heating temperature distribution along the brake rim plane during a safety stop has been developed and substantiated. A method has also been developed for determining the temperature field arising under steady-state heating conditions, which occur after repeated operating braking and cooling of the device. In this case, when using the formula for determining the temperature on the brake rim surface, the sample length, the relative velocity between the friction components and the heat flow distribution coefficient are taken into account. The brake disc geometric model developed in the SolidWorks software package makes it possible to study the temperature change on the device rim in real time. Practical value. The proposed design improvement based on the research results of heating processes should improve vehicle safety. The cost of braking systems is expected to be reduced through the use of optimal materials and production technologies. The software methods for modeling and analyzing the temperature influence on brake discs of the Mine Hoisting Machine (MHM) have been improved. Based on the research results, recommendations have been developed for the optimum braking process of machines in various operating conditions.
Adequacy of measures to threats as one of the fundamental ­principles of safety riskology
Authors: Matsuk Z , Belikov A , Protsiv V , Severyn V , Kharchenko V
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To justify the need to apply the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure to improve the risk management methodology, to prevent (counteract) existing and emerging risks (threats) to the security of complex systems. Methodology. The well-known methodological principle called “Ockam’s Razor” was used. In the course of the research, a complex method was used, which included formal and logical analysis of normative and scientific and technical literature, analysis of statistical data, synthesis, abstraction, experiment, observation, generalization of data, description. Findings. In the course of the research, one of the threats (danger, risk) was identified, which simultaneously affects the existence of such a system due to traffic safety of rolling stock of rail transport enterprises, and the full implementation of the system’s capabilities due to axle loads, mass and speed movement of rolling stock, level of operating costs, passenger flow, regularity of transportation, etc. Experimental application of the lubricant “Mariol NT” in SPP 12-5, GS-3 lubrication systems showed a decrease in wear intensity by 240 %. Due to the use of a new lubricating material applied to the friction surface of wheel rims as part of the paint coating, the wear intensity of flanges of twin-wheel rims is reduced by 2.2 times, and that of locomotives by 2.4 times. Originality. It was determined that the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” as a measure of improvement of the risk management methodology, prevention (counteraction) of existing and prospective risks (threats, dangers) during the safety assessment of complex systems is currently not applied, but its consideration helps to prevent (countermeasures) to existing and emerging risks (threats) to the safety of complex systems. Practical value. The use of the “principle of adequacy of probabilities” allows for the theoretical and experimental determination of the numerical value of the ratio between the probability of an event occurring, caused by the action of an identified threat that negatively affects the state (level) of safety and operability of system elements at all stages of its existence, and the probability of a positively compensatory effect of the developed countermeasure to the identified threat.
Intelligent Sentinel satellite image processing technology for land cover mapping
Authors: Kashtan V. Yu , Hnatushenko V. V , I.S I. S , Diachenko H. H
Published: October 2024

Purpose. This article proposes to develop an intelligent Sentinel satellite image processing technology for land cover mapping using convolutional neural networks. The result will be an image with improved spatial resolution. Methodology. The paper presents a technology using a combination of biquadratic interpolation, histogram alignment, PCA transform, as well as a parallel residual architecture of convolutional neural networks. The technology increases the information content of Sentinel-2 optical images by combining 10 and 20-meter resolution data, resulting in primary 20-meter images with improved spatial resolution. Findings. The root mean square error (RMSE = 3.64) indicates a high accuracy in reproducing the spectral properties of the images. The correlation coefficient (CC = 0.997) confirms a high linear relationship between the estimated and observed images. The low value of Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM = 0.52) with the high Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI = 0.999) indicates high quality and structural similarity between the synthesized and reference images. These results confirm the proposed technology’s effectiveness in enhancing the spatial resolution of Sentinel satellite images. Originality. Traditional pansharpening methods of multispectral images developed for satellite images with panchromatic channels cannot be directly applied to Sentinel multispectral data, because these images do not contain a panchromatic channel. In addition, atmospheric conditions and the presence of clouds affect the quality of optical images, complicating their further thematic processing. The proposed technology, using biquadratic interpolation, histogram alignment, convolutional neural networks, and PCA transformation, removes clouds and enhances the spatial resolution of the primary 20-meter optical satellite image channels of Sentinel-2. This technology reduces color distortion and increases the detail of digital optical images, which allows for more accurate analysis of the state of the earth’s surface. Practical value. The results obtained can be used to improve the methods for processing Sentinel satellite images, which provide high spatial resolution and accurate preservation of spectral characteristics. It provides the foundation for the development of new geographic information systems for land cover monitoring.
Analysing forced migration’s impact on Ukraine’s economic sustainability
Authors: Strelchenko I , Smiesova V , Kozhushko S , Arakelova I
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To characterize consequences of forced migration from Ukraine to European countries, quantifying its impact on economic growth, the number, income of the economically active population, investment and industry of Ukraine, and to develop recommendations for overcoming the negative economic effect of migration. Methodology. The methods of analysis and synthesis, scientific abstraction, statistical analysis, economic and mathematical modeling, and graphical analysis were used. Findings. The article studies the factors that caused forced migration from Ukraine’s to European countries as well as the main differences in migration processes provoked by Russia’s war against Ukraine are substantiated. The economic effects and consequences of its impact on the Ukrainian economy are analyzed. The study is based on statistical data characterizing economic growth (GDP) and the factors that determine it (capital investment, economically active population). On the basis of the Cobb-Douglas production function with neutral scientific and technological progress or Hicks scientific and technological progress and the use of linear regression analysis methods, the relationship between changes in the number of economically active population and economic growth is established. Originality. A forecast of changes in GDP under the influence of forced migration of the economically active population of Ukraine in 2023 is calculated and three main scenarios of GDP dynamics are developed in accordance with these forecasts. Each of them envisages a significant drop in output under the influence of migration. Practical value. The article proposes ways to address the problem of forced migration in Ukraine’s economy and the consequences of its negative impact on sustainable development based on the experience of European countries. Ways to restore industry and attract investments to Ukraine are substantiated.
Transformation of e-commerce business models in the digital economy
Authors: Chukurna O , Tardaskina T , Chaikovska M , Nitsenko V , Pankovets L , Kofman V
Published: October 2024

Purpose. Research on the transformation of e-commerce business models in the conditions of the digital economy, analysis of the main directions of changes in business processes, as well as the determination of key differences between Internet commerce, e-commerce and online commerce, substantiation of the difference in the sources of generation of added value and identification of the factors that facilitate the transition from traditional e-commerce business models to digital ones. Methodology. When conducting the research, the trends of the development of electronic commerce and the factors contributing to their transformation in the conditions of the digital economy were revealed by the method of formal analysis. Findings. This study presents an analysis of trends and factors affecting the development of digital commerce and the transformation of digital commerce business models. The directions of integration of digital technologies into business processes and strategic aspects of the implementation of digital solutions into business practice are substantiated. The key factors that contribute to the transformation of e-commerce business models into digital commerce business models are identified, in particular, in the creation and implementation of new business models that allow for effective adaptation to the conditions of the digital economy. It is found that the economic basis of transformations of business models is the sources of creation of added value. It has been proven that digital technologies, which form the basis of e-business, are carriers and main sources of added value creation, which is reflected in business monetization models. The impact of artificial intelligence on the prospects and further development of digital commerce business models is analyzed. Originality. The scientific novelty obtained as a result of this research consists in the definition and substantiation of a new factor – added value, which is the main factor influencing the transformation of e-commerce business models into a digital commerce business model, which takes place under the influence of the digital economy. The novelty of the obtained research results in terms of substantiation of added value as a factor of transformation is proven by confirming the hypothesis that the formation of e-commerce business models and their transformation into digital commerce models take place under the influence of digital sources of added value creation.
Melastomataceae from the Parque Estadual do Utinga, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Furtado Ana Catarina Siqueira , Valente Beatriz Nascimento , Freitas Marcos Geovane Oliveira , Meirelles Julia , Zappi Daniela Cristina , Feio Carla
Published: October 2024

The taxonomic treatment of the species of Melastomataceae occurring in the Parque Estadual de Utinga, Pará, is presented. Twenty-seven species distributed in 13 genera were recorded, with five new records for the study area: Leandra micropetala, M. affinis, M. argyrophylla, M. punctata, and Pterolepis glomerata; the latter is also a new record for the state of Pará. Miconia was the largest genus with 9 species, followed by Clidemia (four species), Aciotis (three species), and Tococa (two species). The remaining genera were all represented by a single species (Adelobotrys, Bellucia, Henriettea, Leandra, Maieta, Mouriri, Nepsera, Pterolepis, and Tibouchina). Identification keys, morphological descriptions, information on phenology, habitat, geographical distribution, taxonomic comments, and illustrations of the species are provided. The Melastomataceae figure among the largest plant families in the area of the state capital, Belém, the data presented herein may be useful for habitat restoration.
Dari Logika Dominasi Menuju Logika Advokasi
Authors: Lelono Martinus
Published: October 2024

Dalam kajian tentang kewargaan di Indonesia, istilah mayoritas-minoritas telah dikenal. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menggugat kuasa di balik wacana mayoritas-minoritas di Indonesia. Pembicaraan tentang minoritas yang sedianya digunakan sebagai sarana advokasi sudah berubah menjadi sarana dominasi. Dalam kajian politik identitas pada paruh kedua abad ke-20, minoritas berhubungan dengan pembelaan kepada kulit hitam di Amerika Serikat, kaum LGBT, serta kelompok Indian di Amerika. Namun, dalam konteks Indonesia, pembicaraan mengenai mayoritas dan minoritas bergeser kepada soal jumlah. Mayoritas adalah kelompok masyarakat yang berjumlah banyak, sementara minoritas menunjuk kelompok yang berjumlah lebih sedikit. Wacana macam ini terjadi dalam pembicaraan tentang kewarganegaraan di Indonesia, terutama yang berlatar belakang agama sehingga agama mayoritas dan agama minoritas mulai dikenal. Dengan menggunakan metode netnografi, penelitian ini melihat berbagai kemungkinan di dalam memaknai kata minoritas di tengah masyarakat Indonesia. Penelitian pustaka ini akan menggunakan sudut pandang teori kekerasan simbolik dari Pierre Bourdieu. Dari sudut pandang ini, ditemukan bahwa wacana yang berkembang bukanlah mayoritas-minoritas melainkan peminoritasan (minoritization). Tulisan ini menawarkan logika arus balik. Logika dominasi yang saat ini berkancah di dalam kata minoritas didorong untuk kembali kepada logika advokasi yang menjadi semangat asalinya.
Maximising the Synergy of Tumour Tissue and Liquid Biopsy Testing in Oncology Clinical Practice
Authors: Johnson & Johnson
Published: October 2024

The symposium took place during the 2024 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, with the goal of highlighting the synergy between tissue and liquid biopsy testing in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumours.

Christian Rolfo, Director of the Division of Medical Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Caner Centre, Columbus, USA, set the stage with a discussion on the state-of-the-art liquid biopsy for solid tumour testing. He was followed by Guilhem Roubaud from the Bergonié Institute in Bordeaux, France, and Federico Cappuzzo from Regina Elena Institute, Rome, Italy, who delved into molecular testing challenges and applications in genitourinary and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), respectively. Practical insights on next-generation sequencing (NGS) implementation was provided by Bence Sipos, TBAG of Molecular Pathology Baden-Württemberg, Germany, with real-world case studies presented by Sara Pilotto, University Hospital, Verona, Italy, and Roubaud.

The faculty emphasised the importance of integrating liquid and tissue biopsies to perform tumour molecular profiling, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment strategies. They also highlighted the critical role of rapid NGS in detecting a wide range of genetic alterations to enhance the precision of diagnosis and access to precision therapies.
Türkçe Öğretmenlerinin Ölçme Değerlendirme Okuryazarlık Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Erol Teymur , Tunagür Muhammed
Published: October 2024

Bu çalışma, Türkçe öğretmenlerinin ölçme ve değerlendirme okuryazarlık düzeylerini ortaya koymayı amaçlamıştır. Çalışma karma araştırma yöntemlerinden yakınsayan paralel model ile tasarlanmıştır. Nicel boyutta tek gruplu ön test- son test deseni, nitel kısımda ise durum çalışması kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu; Muş il merkezindeki devlet okullarında çalışan 27 Türkçe öğretmeninden oluşmaktadır. Çalışma grubu seçkisiz olmayan örneklemelerden uygun örnekleme yöntemiyle belirlenmiştir. Araştırma verileri, “Ölçme Değerlendirme Okuryazarlığı Envanteri” ile araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan “Yapılandırılmış Görüşme Formu” kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Nicel veriler parametrik testlerle, nitel veriler içerik analiziyle incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, öğretmenlerin ölçme ve değerlendirme yöntem ve tekniklerini belirleme, ölçme ve değerlendirme yöntemlerini kullanarak öğrencilerin öğrenme düzeyini ölçme, verileri analiz ederek yorumlama, öğrencinin gelişimi ve öğrenmesiyle ilgili geribildirim sağlama, sonuçlara göre öğrenme ve öğretme sürecini gözden geçirme yeterlik alanlarında yetersiz olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca Nicel ve nitel bulgular birlikte değerlendirildiğinde, ölçme ve değerlendirme okuryazarlığı ile ilgili olarak katılımcıların görüşlerine yansıyan iyimser değerlendirmelerin nicel bulgularla desteklenmediği görülmektedir.
Healthy but not osteoarthritic human meniscus-derived matrix scaffolds promote meniscus repair
Authors: Firoozi Saman , Ley Jon C. , Chasse Dawn A. D. , Attarian David E. , Wellman Samuel S. , Amendola Annunziato , McNulty Amy L.
Published: October 2024

Meniscus tissue is commonly injured due to sports-related injuries and age-related degeneration and approximately 50% of individuals with a meniscus tear will develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Given that the meniscus has limited healing potential, new therapeutic strategies are required to enhance meniscus repair. Porcine meniscus-derived matrix (MDM) scaffolds improve meniscus integrative repair, but sources of human meniscus tissue have not been investigated. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to generate healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) MDM scaffolds and to compare meniscus cellular responses and integrative repair. Meniscus cells showed high viability on both healthy and OA scaffolds. While DNA content was higher in cell-seeded OA scaffolds than cell-seeded healthy scaffolds, CCK-8, and both sGAG and collagen content were similar between scaffold types. After 28 days in an ex vivo meniscus defect model, healthy and OA scaffolds had similar DNA, sGAG, and collagen content. However, the shear strength of repair was reduced in defects containing OA scaffolds compared to healthy scaffolds. In conclusion, healthy human allograft tissue is a useful source for generating MDM scaffolds that can support cellular growth, ECM production, and ex vivo integrative repair of the meniscus, highlighting the potential suitability for tissue engineering approaches to improve meniscus repair.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung biopsy tissue metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis
Authors: Huang Jinbao , Weng Heng , Ye Ling , Jiang Meiqin , Chen Lulu , Li Yangyu , Li Hongyan
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung biopsy tissue specimens.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 321 patients diagnosed with lower respiratory tract diseases who underwent mNGS using BALF and LBT samples, between January 2021 and December 2023 were included. Individuals were classified into PC and non-PC groups according to the diagnostic criteria for PC, and conventional fungal cultures were performed. A serum/BALF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test was performed in some patients with PC. The diagnostic efficiencies of three methods for PC (mNGS, conventional culture, and CrAg) were compared. Additionally, two mNGS methods were used in this study: original mNGS (OmNGS, testing time from January 2021 to December 2022) and modified mNGS (MmNGS, testing time from January to December 2023). The diagnostic efficiency of the two mNGS methods on PC was simultaneously compared.

Results

Among the 321 patients, 23 (7.2%) had PC and 298 (92.8%) did not. Compared with the composite reference standard for PC diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of mNGS for PC were 78.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.8%–91.7%), 98.7% (95% CI, 96.4%–99.6%), and 97.2% (95% CI, 94.7%–98.7%), respectively. The sensitivity of mNGS was similar to that of CrAg (80.0%, 12/15) (P > 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity of both mNGS and CrAg was higher than that of conventional culture (35.0%, 7/20) (P = 0.006, P = 0.016), and the combined detection of mNGS and CrAg further improved the diagnostic sensitivity of PC (93.3%, 14/15). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of mNGS was superior to that of conventional culture (0.885 vs. 0.675). In addition, the diagnostic sensitivity of PC was higher than that of OmNGS (P = 0.046).

Conclusion

The sensitivity of mNGS is better than that of conventional culture. The combination of mNGS and CrAg improves the testing sensitivity of Cryptococcus. MmNGS could further improve the detection of Cryptococcus. Conventional PC detection methods are indispensable and mNGS can be used as a rapid and accurate auxiliary diagnostic method for PC.
Multimodal meaning making in news communication about immigration: using the NewsScape corpus to explore co-verbal images in TV news
Authors: Hart Christopher
Published: October 2024

The communication of news relies on semiotic resources besides language, including various audiovisual modes of representation. Owing to the difficulties associated with obtaining televisual data, the vast majority of research addressing multimodality in the news has been targeted at print news media, where various strategies in visual representation and patterns of interaction between verbal and visual modes have been discerned. Where televisual data has been interrogated, this has been based on a very limited number of data points. In this study, I exploit the NewsScape library – a massive multimodal corpus of news communication – to investigate multimodal representations of immigration in television news. Accessible via CQPWeb, the corpus is searched for target utterancesrefugees/(im)migrants have VERBedandrefugees/(im)migrants are VERBing. The co-verbal images accompanying 474 utterances describing motion events are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Among the results discussed are that refugees/migrants are depicted in large rather than small groups, that they are depicted in transit somewhere along the migratory journey rather than in countries of origin or destination countries, that they are depicted on land more than at sea, that they are depicted in security contexts, and that they are erased represented instead through abstract forms such as maps. Differences in the visual representation of people designated as ‘refugee’ versus ‘migrant’ are also observed and discussed.
Energy sharing trading among photovoltaic prosumers: a dynamic game considering social learning
Authors: Liu Junzhuo
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a dynamic price-based demand response (DR) energy sharing model for peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions of photovoltaic (PV) prosumers in microgrids. First, a multi-subject dynamic game model is constructed between a retail electricity provider (REP), an energy sharing provider (ESP), and multiple prosumers participating in energy sharing transactions. The cost model of the prosumers is designed to reflect the DR from the perspectives of economic cost and the satisfaction of prosumers with electricity consumption patterns. Further, the effect of social learning (SL) among prosumers on multi-subject decision-making behavior is considered. The model is solved using a deep reinforcement learning algorithm, and the results show that: (1) SL reduces the volatility of electricity prices and provides more stable price signals for market participants. (2) When prosumers are unwilling to change their electricity consumption pattern, ESP and REP will increase the purchase price and reduce the sale price, encouraging prosumers to increase electricity consumption to some extent. (3) As the number of prosumers increases, the benefits to price setters increase, but the costs to prosumers rise accordingly. This study provides a valuable reference for promoting the development of the PV industry and the diffusion of sustainable energy.
Power system frequency nadir prediction based on data-driven and power-frequency polynomial fitting
Authors: Li Hongxin , Wang Lisen , Qi Sirui , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Yanting , Zhou Shichen , Zheng Wenwei
Published: October 2024

As the proportion of renewable energy and power electronics equipment continues to rise, the level of rotational inertia decreases considerably, resulting in severe frequency stability challenges to the power grid. It is of great significance to accurately predict the frequency nadir following a large disturbance. This paper proposes a novel data-model fusion-driven approach for the prediction of frequency nadir. As the physics-driven part, a Simplified Prediction Model (SPM) based on power-frequency polynomial fitting is developed to quickly produce the frequency nadir. As the data-driven part, Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) is deployed to correct the errors of the SPM to achieve more accurate results. This serial integration scheme not only obtains the final prediction result with higher accuracy, but also meets the computational efficiency requirements of online prediction. Compared with existing integration-driven methods, SPM only focuses on the active power-frequency characteristics of the system, which retains the most critical effects and greatly reduces the dependence of BPNN on sample data quality. Case studies on a modified IEEE 39-bus system verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Achieving land degradation neutrality: land-use planning and ecosystem approach
Authors: Saik Pavlo , Koshkalda Iryna , Bezuhla Liudmyla , Stoiko Nataliia , Riasnianska Alona
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The research purpose is to scientifically substantiate an integrated approach to solving the problem of land degradation, based on the idea of land degradation neutrality (LDN), taking into account ecosystem services when planning land use to maximize the conservation of natural capital. The methodological basis of the research is the provisions and principles of the concepts of sustainable development, achieving LDN, and ecosystem services, as well as the research results revealing various aspects of land use, particularly their degradation.

Methods

The following research methods are used in the paper: dialectical – to determine the cause-and-effect conditions of land degradation; analysis – to highlight the current state of land use in Ukraine and the factors that have led to land degradation; synthesis – for global trends towards achieving LDN; deduction – to explore the possibility of introducing global experience in achieving LDN in Ukraine; structural-functional analysis – to substantiate the feasibility of introducing an ecosystem approach to land-use planning to achieve LDN.

Results

As a result of the research, the current land degradation state in Ukraine has been analyzed, and ways of achieving LDN in land-use planning through the prism of an ecosystem approach have been substantiated. Based on statistical data, the current and potential levels of arability of the territory of Ukraine have been calculated by natural-climatic zones, and the areas of eroded arable lands in Ukraine have been determined by the erodibility factor (low-eroded, mediumeroded,and highly-eroded).

Discussion

For the first time, a structural-logical scheme has been developed for organizational-economic support for the effective use of degraded and low-productive agricultural lands in the context of implementing the idea of LDN, which is a tool for rational allocation and use of degraded lands. This scheme can serve as a basis for the development of land-use planning strategies for territorial communities, for institutions, and organizations competent in the field of land management.
Declining interest in afforestation under the common agricultural policy. Evidence from Poland and Lithuania
Authors: Kryszk Hubert , Valčiukienė Jolanta , Juknelienė Daiva , Mazur Anna , Kurowska Krystyna
Published: October 2024

Land afforestation is an important aspect of forested land development. Increasing the area of forest areas through the reforestation of uncultivated, abandoned or agriculturally unsuitable land is considered an important way to diversify economic activities in order to reduce dependence on agricultural activities and improve environmental conditions in rural areas. The main objective of the study is to identify the factors affecting the afforestation of agricultural land carried out in the years 2004–2020 by farmers under the individual financial perspectives of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) in Poland and Lithuania. The study included a review of Polish and Lithuanian regulations aimed at providing financial support for afforestation under the RDP. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the rules and criteria for financial support for afforestation in relation to selected socio-economic indicators of the two countries was carried out. Based on the study results, it can be clearly stated that in both Poland and Lithuania, the support for afforestation under the RDP fails to meet the beneficiaries’ expectations. It would, therefore, be advisable to adapt the Programme to the changing economic conditions and keep the afforested land under the RDP under technical supervision. Support for afforestation should be continued to ensure the improvement in land use and the enhancement of the prospects for long-term economic activity in rural areas as well as to implement the assumptions of the green economy.
Agricultural carbon emissions in China: measurement, spatiotemporal evolution, and influencing factors analysis
Authors: Huang Xiujing , Wu Xinyu , Guo Xiaoyang , Shen Yang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The agricultural sector is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for 23% of global anthropogenic carbon emissions. Analysis of the basic state of carbon emissions from China's agriculture is helpful to achieve carbon reduction targets.

Methods

Agricultural carbon emissions were calculated using the emission factor method, based on data from the China Rural Statistical Yearbook and various provincial statistical yearbooks. To analyze spatial patterns, the standard deviation ellipse method and the center of gravity migration model were employed, uncovering the migration path of agricultural carbon emissions. Regional disparities and the driving factors of agricultural carbon emissions were further examined using the Theil index and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model.

Results

The analysis indicated that the emissions center has gradually shifted towards the central and western regions, reflecting changes in agricultural production activity areas. Intraregional differences are the primary contributors to the imbalance in agricultural carbon emissions, with pronounced disparities in grain production and consumption balance regions. Key influencing factors include agricultural production efficiency, adjustments in agricultural industrial structure, economic structure and output, and urbanization levels. The economic output effect and urbanization effect are identified as the main drivers of increased carbon emissions, while declining production efficiency has hindered emission reduction efforts.

Conclusion

The findings provide valuable insights for regional management and policymaking in China's agricultural sector, highlighting the need to enhance production efficiency and optimize agricultural structure to reduce emissions.
Drivers of greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural soils: the effect of residue management and soil type
Authors: Singh Dharmendra , Lenka Sangeeta , Kanwar Rameshwar S. , Yadav Shashi S. , Saha Madhumonti , Sarkar Abhijit , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Vassanda Coumar M. , Lenka Narendra Kumar , Adhikari Tapan , Jadon Priyanka , Gami Vijay
Published: October 2024

Developing successful mitigation strategies for greenhouse gases (GHGs) from crop residue returned to the soil can be difficult due to an incomplete understanding of factors controlling their magnitude and direction. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of varying levels of wheat residue (WR) and nutrient management on GHGs emissions (CO2, N2O, and CH4) across three soil types: Alfisol, Vertisol, and Inceptisol. A combination of laboratory-based measurements and a variety of data analysis techniques was used to assess the GHG responses under four levels of WR inputs (0, 5, 10, and 15 Mg/ha; WR0, WR5, WR10, and WR15) and three levels of nutrient (NP0: no nutrient, NP1: nutrients (N and P) were added to balance the residue C/nutrient stoichiometry of C/N/P= 100: 8.3: 2.0 to achieve 30% stabilization of added residue C input at 5 Mg/ha (R5), and NP2: 3 × NP1). The results of this study clearly showed that averaged across residue and nutrient input, Inceptisol showed negative N2O flux, suggesting consumption which was supported by its high legacy phosphorus (19.7 mg kg⁻1), elevated pH (8.49), and lower clay content (13%), which reduced microbial activity, as indicated by lower microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) levels. N2O emissions were more responsive to nutrient inputs, particularly in Vertisol under high WR (15 Mg/ha) input, while CH4 fluxes were significantly reduced under high residue inputs, especially in Vertisol and Inceptisol. Alfisol exhibited the highest total carbon mineralization and GWP, with cumulative GWP being 1.2 times higher than Vertisol and 1.4 times higher than Inceptisol across residue and nutrient input. The partial least square (PLS) regression revealed that anthropogenic factors significantly influenced CO2 and N2O fluxes more than CH4. The anthropogenic drivers contributed 62% and 44% of the variance explained for N2O and CH4 responses. Our study proves that different biogeochemical mechanisms operate simultaneously depending on the stoichiometry of residue C and nutrients influencing soil GHG responses. Our findings provide insight into the relative contribution of anthropogenic and natural drivers to agricultural GHG emissions, which are relevant for developing process-based models and addressing the broader challenge of climate change mitigation through crop residue management.
Temporal-spatial characteristics of climate drought and its effects on grain yield in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Wang Ruei-Yuan , Xu Lirong , Li Taohui , Yin Pengfei , Zhu Weiming , Han Qiaohua
Published: October 2024

The examination of the spatiotemporal characteristics and developmental trends of drought is crucial for enhancing water resource management, bolstering drought resistance, and improving disaster prevention capabilities. This study employs the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and grain yield data across various time scales, in conjunction with methodologies such as Run Theory, Mann-Kendall, and Standardized Yield Residual Series, to conduct an in-depth investigation into the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of meteorological drought in Hunan Province and its impact on grain yield. The findings suggest that: (1) Since 1960, the likelihood of seasonal drought occurrence in Hunan Province has been ranked as autumn > winter > spring > summer, with mild drought occurring most frequently, followed by moderate drought, while the frequency of severe and extreme drought remains low. (2) Meteorological drought in Hunan Province exhibits spatial differences at the seasonal scale, with the overall drought changes in spring and summer displaying a non-significant upward trend; the western and southern regions exhibit a trend of aridification in autumn; and in winter, the Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi regions show an insignificant downward trend. (3) From 1960 to 2022, grain production in Hunan Province has demonstrated a pattern of fluctuation and increase. The meteorological yield of grain crops displays a high-low-high spatial distribution from south to north. Concurrently, there is a positive correlation between short-term climate change and meteorological output, while long-term climate change is not evident. (4) El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a significant circulation factor affecting meteorological drought in Hunan Province, and the meteorological drought in autumn and winter in Hunan Province is significantly influenced by ENSO. The research findings can provide reference significance and a scientific basis for drought research and comprehensive management in Hunan Province, and offer data and theoretical support for promoting economic development.
Number of human protein interactions correlates with structural, but not regulatory conservation of the respective genes
Authors: Mekic Rijalda , Zolotovskaia Marianna A. , Sorokin Maksim , Mohammad Tharaa , Shaban Nina , Musatov Ivan , Tkachev Victor , Modestov Alexander , Simonov Alexander , Kuzmin Denis , Buzdin Anton
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The differential ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions (dN/dS) is a common measure of the rate of structural evolution in proteincoding genes. In addition, we recently suggested that the proportion of transposable elements in gene promoters that host functional genomic sites serves as a marker of the rate of regulatory evolution of genes. Such functional genomic regions may include transcription factor binding sites and modified histone binding loci.

Methods

Here, we constructed a model of the human interactome based on 600,136 documented molecular interactions and investigated the overall relationship between the number of interactions of each protein and the rate of structural and regulatory evolution of the corresponding genes.

Results

By evaluating a total of 4,505 human genes and 1,936 molecular pathways we found a general correlation between structural and regulatory evolution rate metrics (Spearman 0.08–0.16 and 0.25–0.37 for gene and pathway levels, respectively, p < 0.01). Further exploration revealed in the established human interactome model lack of correlation between the rate of gene regulatory evolution and the number of protein interactions on gene level, and weak negative correlation (∼0.15) on pathway level. We also found a statistically significant negative correlation between the rate of gene structural evolution and the number of protein interactions (Spearman −0.11 and −0.3 for gene and pathway levels, respectively, p < 0.01).

Discussion

Our result suggests stronger structural rather than regulatory conservation of genes whose protein products have multiple interaction partners.
Alpha-Pinene-encapsulated lipid nanoparticles diminished inflammatory responses in THP-1 cells and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin injury and splenomegaly in mice
Authors: Li Tao-Yu , Liang Wan-Li , Zhao Yi-Ming , Chen Wan-Dong , Zhu Hong-Xia , Duan Yuan-Yuan , Zou Han-Bo , Huang Sha-Sha , Li Xiao-Jun , Zhang Wei Kevin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Psoriasis, a persistent skin condition caused by the disorder of the immune system, impacts approximately 1.25 million individuals globally. Nevertheless, the presence of adverse effects in conventional clinical drugs necessitates further exploration of novel medications or combination therapies to mitigate these reactions and enhance their effectiveness.

Methods

Hence, our intention here in this paper is to utilize the lipid nanoparticle delivery system for overcoming the volatility and hydrophobic properties of α-pinene, a naturally occurring compound renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and further explore its potential pharmacological applications both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The production of α-pinene lipid nanoparticles (APLNs) was achieved through the utilization of high pressure homogenization methods. APLNs was successfully fabricated with enhanced stability and water solubility. Meanwhile, the application of APLNs could drastically reduce the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation-related factors in THP-1 cells. Administration of APLNs to a mouse model of auricular swelling could effectively reduce redness and swelling in the auricles of mice as well. Furthermore, APLNs were also found to alleviate skin damage in mice with Imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model, as well as decrease the levels of psoriasis-related protein nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and other inflammation-related cytokines. More importantly, utilization of APLNs successfully mitigated the systemic inflammatory reactions in mice, resulting in the reduction of spleen-to-body ratio (wt%) and of inflammatory cytokines’ expression in the serum.

Discussion

Overall, our results suggest that with the help of lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, APLNs possess a better pharmacological effect in anti-inflammation and could potentially serve as an anti-psoriasis drug.
Personalized, disease-stage specific, rapid identification of immunosuppression in sepsis
Authors: Pappa Theodora , Rivas Ariel L. , Iandiorio Michelle J. , Hoogesteijn Almira L. , Fair Jeanne M. , Rojas Gil Andrea Paola , Burriel Angeliki R. , Bagos Pantelis G. , Chatzipanagiotou Stylianos , Ioannidis Anastasios
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Data overlapping of different biological conditions prevents personalized medical decision-making. For example, when the neutrophil percentages of surviving septic patients overlap with those of non-survivors, no individualized assessment is possible. To ameliorate this problem, an immunological method was explored in the context of sepsis.

Methods

Blood leukocyte counts and relative percentages as well as the serum concentration of several proteins were investigated with 4072 longitudinal samples collected from 331 hospitalized patients classified as septic (n=286), non-septic (n=43), or not assigned (n=2). Two methodological approaches were evaluated: (i) a reductionist alternative, which analyzed variables in isolation; and (ii) a non-reductionist version, which examined interactions among six (leukocyte-, bacterial-, temporal-, personalized-, population-, and outcome-related) dimensions.

Results

The reductionist approach did not distinguish outcomes: the leukocyte and serum protein data of survivors and non-survivors overlapped. In contrast, the non-reductionist alternative differentiated several data groups, of which at least one was only composed of survivors (a finding observable since hospitalization day 1). Hence, the non-reductionist approach promoted personalized medical practices: every patient classified within a subset associated with 100% survival subset was likely to survive. The non-reductionist method also revealed five inflammatory or disease-related stages (provisionally named ‘early inflammation, early immunocompetence, intermediary immuno-suppression, late immuno-suppression, or other’). Mortality data validated these labels: both ‘suppression’ subsets revealed 100% mortality, the ‘immunocompetence’ group exhibited 100% survival, while the remaining sets reported two-digit mortality percentages. While the ‘intermediary’ suppression expressed an impaired monocyte-related function, the ‘late’ suppression displayed renal-related dysfunctions, as indicated by high concentrations of urea and creatinine.

Discussion

The data-driven differentiation of five data groups may foster early and non-overlapping biomedical decision-making, both upon admission and throughout their hospitalization. This approach could evaluate therapies, at personalized level, earlier. To ascertain repeatability and investigate the dynamics of the ‘other’ group, additional studies are recommended.
YTHDC1 Regulates the Migration, Invasion, Proliferation, and Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
Authors: Feng Zhi-wei , Yang Chen-fei , Xiao He-fang , Yuan Fa , Chen Feng , Zhang Bo , Zhang Jun , Tan Min , Guo Ming-gang
Published: October 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition, is characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, bone degradation, and progressive joint deterioration. Despite considerable research efforts, the precise molecular mechanism underlying RA remains elusive. This investigation aims to elucidate the potential role and molecular mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation regulators in the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods

In this study, we employed bioinformatics tools to elucidate the association between RA and m6A modifications, aiming to identify potential biological markers. We extracted datasets GSE12021, GSE55235, and GSE55457 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for comprehensive analysis. Utilizing differential expression analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and single-cell sequencing techniques, we identified pivotal hub genes implicated in the pathogenesis of RA. Subsequently, we assessed the correlation between these hub genes and the pathogenesis of RA using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed to confirm the expression and functional roles of the identified key hub gene in RA.

Results

Differential expression analysis, PPI analysis, and single-cell analysis identified three key hub genes (YTHDC1, YTHDC2, and YTHDF2) associated with RA. GSEA results further revealed that these genes are enriched in pathways associated with inflammatory responses. Subsequent correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative correlation between YTHDC1 expression and CD8+ T cell levels. Notably, the gene and protein expression levels of YTHDC1 and YTHDF2 were significantly reduced in the synovial tissue of RA patients. Furthermore, silencing YTHDC1 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) significantly inhibited their migration, invasion, proliferation, and induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

YTHDC1 may potentially be involved in the pathogenesis of RA through its regulation of migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis in FLSs.