bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Finance, Land Transfer and China’s Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity
Authors: Liu Xuan , Huo Xuexi
Published: December 2024

Promoting the role of green finance (GF) in agricultural green transformation is essential for easing resource constraints and achieving sustainable agricultural development. Based on provincial-level data from 2006 to 2022, this study considers the China GF reform and innovation pilot zone as a quasi-natural experiment. It empirically examines the impact and mechanism of GF on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP). The following results are obtained: (1) GF exerts a significant enhancement effect on AGTFP. (2) GF can improve AGTFP by increasing the degree of land transfer (LT). (3) The effect of GF on AGTFP is heterogeneous, and GF has a significant enhancement effect on high-environmental-regulation provinces, the eastern region, and nonmajor grain-producing regions. From these findings, this study suggests accelerating the development level of GF, improving LT policies, continuously stimulating rural entrepreneurial vitality, and further leveraging the role of GF in promoting agricultural green transformation through coordinating regional economic development.
Optimization of Rural Residential Areas in Flood Detention Basins Based on Dual Minimum Accumulation Resistance Model: A Case Study of Xun County in Central China
Authors: Cai Enxiang , Long Shihong , Li Ling , Luo Ying , Ge Liling , Chen Weiqiang , Li Guoquan
Published: December 2024

Optimizing rural residential areas (RRAs) in environmentally fragile areas such as flood detention basins is of great significance for improving the human–land relationship and achieving sustainable rural development. This study took Xun County in central China as a case study, established a dual minimum cumulative resistance model (DMCR) that considered the dual factors of natural attributes and policy regulations to evaluate the optimization resistance of RRAs and determined the optimization directions and strategies accordingly. The main results are: (1) RRAs are relatively small and scattered, and there are spatial conflicts with policy regulations such as flood detention basin and urban development boundaries. (2) The spatial difference in optimization resistance of RRAS is higher in the central and northern towns and lower in the western and eastern towns. The factors with significant effects include policy resistance, location resistance, and production resistance. (3) The optimization of RRAs is divided into three directions: annexation or evacuation, consolidation and improvement, and clustering and upgrading, with their respective area proportions of 31.17%, 48.12%, and 20.72%. (4) RRAs in the direction of clustering and upgrading allow for moderate expansion; RRAs in the direction of consolidation and improvement achieve smart reduction through the renovation of homesteads; RRAs in the direction of annexation or evacuation are gradually integrated into the urban area in the suburbs and completely demolished in the outer suburbs.
Assessment of Artificial Light at Night Across Geographical Features in the Sicilian Coastal Zone
Authors: Maccarrone Vincenzo , Quinci Enza Maria
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) along the Sicilian coasts, using satellite data from 2016 to 2023, focusing on three distinct spatial domains: terrestrial areas within 1 km from the coastline, marine areas extending up to 1 km offshore, and marine areas up to 1 nautical mile from the coast. In coastal zones, ALAN is a significant anthropogenic pressure with potentially detrimental effects on ecosystems. By integrating satellite data with geographic datasets such as Corine Land Cover (CLC), Natura 2000 protected areas, and Posidonia oceanica meadows, this study aims to characterize and analyse the temporal and spatial variations in ALAN across these domains. The findings reveal substantial differences in light pollution between domains and over time, with coastal terrestrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of ALAN. In contrast, marine areas further offshore experience reduced light pollution, particularly within the 1-nautical-mile domain. This study also indicates that protected areas, especially those within the Natura 2000 network, show significantly lower ALAN levels than non-protected areas, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Statistical analyses, including ANOVAs, demonstrate that factors such as geographic domain, year, province, and CLC classes significantly influence ALAN distribution. This study advocates for considering ALAN as a critical factor in environmental impact assessments, such as those under the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSP) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), providing valuable insights to support policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of light pollution on coastal and marine ecosystems.
Dynamic Analysis for Enhancing Urban Resilience Against Public Health Emergencies of International Concern
Authors: Qin Ruize , Cui Peng , Zhou Shenghua , Zhang Fan
Published: December 2024

The frequent occurrence of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) has posed significant challenges to urban public health, economic, and social systems, exposing gaps in urban resilience. This study developed a dynamic urban resilience assessment framework against PHEIC based on the system dynamics method, integrating index analysis and the SEIR (susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered) epidemiological model to investigate the interactions and dynamic evolution of urban subsystems in New York, Hong Kong, and Nanjing during the COVID-19 epidemic. The findings revealed significant differences in the response mechanisms and recovery capacities across subsystems. For example, the stringent lockdowns policy in New York curbed virus spread and heavily impacted economic activities; the “close to Dynamic zero of COVID-19” policy in Hong Kong demonstrated stronger resilience in balancing public health and economic recovery; the dynamic control measures in Nanjing China allowed for the rapid restoration of urban functions with minimal resilience fluctuations. Although strict control measures can effectively suppress disease spread, they can have profound economic and social impacts. More scientific strategies, such as those seen in Hong Kong and Nanjing, offer a more balanced approach to managing both epidemic control and urban function recovery, providing key insights for future PHEIC response strategies.
Effectiveness of Manual Bronchial Clearance Techniques in the Treatment of Bronchiolitis
Authors: Carvajal-Tello Nathali , Segura-Ordoñez Alejandro , Grisales-Jaramillo Valeria , Rayo-Salazar Laura Isabella , Hernandez-Peñuela Katheryne Julieh , Estela-Zape Jose Luis
Published: December 2024

Background: Bronchiolitis is a seasonal viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes numerous childhood hospitalizations annually. Treatments vary based on severity, with mild cases requiring fluids and moderate to severe cases involving hospitalization with oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, and chest physiotherapy. Manual bronchial clearance techniques differ between Anglo-Saxon and European schools, and their effectiveness remains a subject of debate. Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of manual bronchial clearance techniques in bronchiolitis by assessing clinical outcomes, including improved ventilation, increased oxygen saturation, and enhanced hemodynamic and respiratory stability. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted between 2013 and 2024 using PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, and Google Scholar; the inclusion criteria focused on randomized clinical trials and cohort studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The selection bias was evaluated. The study was registered in Prospero (CRD42023486450). Results: Five articles involving 291 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate bronchiolitis were analyzed. The assessed techniques included Anglo-Saxon school and European School. Heart rate was evaluated in four studies, showing significant reductions in one (p < 0.01), while the significance in the other studies was not specified. Respiratory rate was assessed in three studies, with significant results being seen in two (p < 0.05). SpO2 was examined in all six studies, demonstrating significant improvements in two (p = 0.02 and p < 0.05). The Kristjansson respiratory score showed significant changes in one study (p = 0.005), and the Wang respiratory score indicated significant results in another (p = 0.03). These findings support the efficacy of chest physiotherapy techniques in managing bronchiolitis. Conclusions: While Anglo-Saxon techniques are widely used, their effectiveness remains a subject of debate. In contrast, European techniques indicate promising clinical outcomes, including improved ventilation, increased oxygen saturation, and enhanced respiratory stability; however, additional studies could further validate these findings.
Characterization of the PaHAK Gene and Its Expression During the In Vitro Seed Germination of Two Botanical Avocado Varieties Under Saline Stress
Authors: Elekou Essoh Aimé Cesaire , Suárez-Rodríguez Luis María , Gómez-Romero Mariela , Bayuelo-Jiménez Jannette Sofia , Belver Andrés , Díaz-Pérez Juan Carlos , López-Gómez Rodolfo
Published: December 2024

Soil salinity is one of the main challenges that modern agriculture faces. Avocado, which is classified as a glycophyte, is very sensitive to salt stress. There are botanical varieties of avocado that differ in their salt tolerance. This study investigated how salt stress affects the in vitro germination of two avocado botanical varieties americana (West Indian breed) and drymifolia (Mexican native) with different salt tolerances. This study also assessed the potential role of the avocado PaHAK2 high-affinity K+ transporter HAK/KUP/KT in response to saline stress during germination. Salinity (60 mM NaCl) delayed the germination speed of the drymifolia variety relative to the americana variety. A computational 3D inference protein model of the PaHAK2 protein showed 10 highly conserved transmembrane domains. During the imbibition period, there was a differential increase in the expression of the PaHAK2 gene at 60 mM NaCl in both varieties, which suggests the presence of osmotic adjustment and regulation. The enhanced expression of PaHAK2 in the americana variety suggests an adaptive advantage to salinity. We conclude that PaHAK2 participates in the response of avocado to salt stress during seed germination.
Ureteral Closure Using Advanced Bipolar Vessel Sealing Devices During Laparoscopic Nephrectomy in Dogs and Cats: A Pilot Series of Clinical Cases
Authors: Prządka Przemysław , Liszka Bartłomiej , Suliga Kamil , Antończyk Agnieszka , Kiełbowicz Zdzisław , Kubiak-Nowak Dominika , Dzimira Stanisław , Skalski Adam , Gąsior Ludwika
Published: December 2024

Recently, laparoscopic nephrectomy has become more popular in veterinary medicine. In the majority of these procedures, vascular sealing devices (VSDs) are used. These allow for the closure of renal vessels with advanced bipolar coagulation. However, until now, closure of the ureter was performed with mechanical clips or suturing. There is a lack of information in the literature about the possibility of VSDs being used for ureter closure. This article presents the possibility of renal vessels and ureter closure in cats and dogs with vascular sealing devices. Laparoscopic nephrectomy in dogs and cats was performed entirely with VSDs. Patients with unilateral hydronephrosis qualified for the procedure. The nephrectomies were completely performed using a laparoscopic approach. Both renal vasculature and ureter were closed with VSDs. Additionally, two resected ureters from operated cats underwent histopathological evaluation. Among the operated animals, there were no postoperative complications or signs in the urinary tract. Histopathological evaluation of two cats’ ureters showed lumen closure on the coagulation places. Vascular sealing devices, during laparoscopic nephrectomy, allow for closure of not only the renal vessels but also ureters.
Effect of Metformin on Meibomian Gland Epithelial Cells: Implications in Aging and Diabetic Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Rescher Leon , Singh Swati , Zahn Ingrid , Paulsen Friedrich , Schicht Martin
Published: December 2024

Background: Metformin, a commonly prescribed medication for managing diabetes, has garnered increasing interest as a potential therapeutic option for combating cancer and aging. Methods: The current study investigated the effects of metformin treatment on human meibomian gland epithelial cells (hMGECs) at morphological, molecular, and electron microscopy levels. HMGECs were stimulated in vitro with 1 mM, 5 mM, and 10 mM metformin for 24, 48, and 72 h. The assessed outcomes were cell proliferation assays, lipid production, ultrastructural changes, levels of IGF-1, Nrf2, HO-1, apoptosis-inducing factor 1 (AIF1) at the protein level, and the expression of oxidative stress factors (matrix metallopeptidase 9, activating transcription factor 3, CYBB, or NADPH oxidase 2, xanthine dehydrogenase). Results: Morphological studies showed increased lipid production, the differentiation of hMGECs after stimulation with metformin, and the differentiation effects of undifferentiated hMGECs. Proliferation tests showed a reduction in cell proliferation with increasing concentrations over time. AIF1 apoptosis levels were not significantly regulated, but morphologically, the dying cells at a higher concentration of 5-10 mM showed a rupture and permeabilization of the plasma membrane, a swelling of the cytoplasm, and vacuolization after more than 48 h. The IGF-1 ELISA showed an irregular expression, which mostly decreased over time. Only at 72 h and 10 mM did we have a significant increase. Mitochondrial metabolic markers such as Nrf2 significantly increased over time, while HO-1 decreased partially. The RT-PCR showed a significant increase in MMP9, CYBB, XDH, and ATF with increasing time and metformin concentrations, indicating cell stress. Conclusions: Our results using a cell line suggest that metformin affects the cellular physiology of meibomian gland epithelial cells and induces cell stress in a dose- and duration-dependent manner, causing changes in their morphology and ultrastructure.
A Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Combining MSSSA-VMD with the Parallel Network of GASF-CNN and BiLSTM
Authors: Du Yongzhi , Cao Yu , Wang Haochen , Li Guohua
Published: December 2024

Once the rolling bearing fails, it will threaten the normal operation of the whole rotating machinery. Therefore, it is very necessary to conduct research on rolling bearing fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a rolling bearing fault diagnosis method combining MSSSA-VMD (variational mode decomposition optimized by the improved salp swarm algorithm based on mixed strategy) with the parallel network of GASF-CNN (convolutional neural network based on Gramian angular summation field) and bi-directional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) to solve the problem of poor diagnostic performance for the rolling bearing faults caused by the respective limitations of existing fault diagnosis methods based on signal processing and deep learning. Firstly, MSSSA-VMD is proposed to solve the problem where the decomposition effect of VMD is not ideal due to improper parameter selection. Then, MSSSA-VMD is employed to preprocess and extract characteristics. Finally, the extracted characteristics are input into the parallel network of GASF-CNN and BiLSTM for diagnosis. In one channel of the parallel network, GASF is used to convert the characteristic vectors into a two-dimensional image, which is then fed into CNN for spatial characteristic extraction. In the other channel of the parallel network, the characteristic vectors are directly input into BiLSTM for temporal characteristic extraction. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has good performance in terms of fault diagnosis performance under constant operating conditions, generalization ability under variable operating conditions and noise resistance.
The Use of Diatomite-Based Composites for the Immobilization of Toxic Heavy Metals in Industrial Wastes Using Post-Flotation Sediment as an Example
Authors: Gondek Krzysztof , Baran Agnieszka , Boguta Patrycja , Bołdak Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

Composite materials based on diatomite (DT) with the addition of biochar (BC), dolomite (DL), and bentonite (BN) were developed. The effect of chemical modification on the chemical structure of the resulting composites was investigated, and their influence on heavy metal immobilization and the ecotoxicity of post-flotation sediments was evaluated. It was demonstrated that the chemical modifications resulted in notable alterations to the chemical properties of the composites compared to pure DT and mixtures of DT with BC, DL, and BN. An increase in negative charge was observed in all variants. The addition of BC introduced valuable chemically and thermally resistant organic components into the composite. Among the chemical modifications, composites with the addition of perlite exhibited the lowest values of negative surface charge, which was attributed to the dissolution and transformation of silicon compounds and traces of kaolinite during their initial etching with sodium hydroxide. The materials exhibited varying efficiencies in metal immobilization, which is determined by both the type of DT additive and the type of chemical modification applied. The greatest efficacy in reducing the mobility of heavy metals was observed in the PFS with the addition of DT and BC without modification and with the addition of DT and BC after the modification of H2SO4 and H2O2: Cd 8% and 6%; Cr 71% and 69%; Cu 12% and 14%; Ni 10% and Zn 15%; and 4% and 5%. In addition, for Zn and Pb, good efficacy in reducing the content of mobile forms of these elements was observed for DT and DL without appropriate modification: 4% and 20%. The highest reduction in ecotoxicity was observed in the PFS with the addition of DT and BC, followed by BN and DL, which demonstrated comparable efficacy to materials with DT and BN.
Molecular Beam Epitaxial Growth and Optical Properties of InN Nanostructures on Large Lattice-Mismatched Substrates
Authors: Nie Rongtao , Hu Yifan , Wu Guoguang , Li Yapeng , Chen Yutong , Nie Haoxin , Wang Xiaoqiu , Ren Mengmeng , Li Guoxing , Zhang Yuantao , Zhang Baolin
Published: December 2024

Narrow-gap InN is a desirable candidate for near-infrared (NIR) optical communication applications. However, the absence of lattice-matched substrates impedes the fabrication of high-quality InN. In this paper, we employed Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) to grow nanostructured InN with distinct growth mechanisms. Morphological and quality analysis showed that the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) growth of hexagonal InN nanopillar could be realized by depositing molten In layer on large lattice-mismatched sapphire substrate; nevertheless, InN nanonetworks were formed on nitrided sapphire and GaN substrates through the vapor-solid process under the same conditions. The supersaturated precipitation of InN grains from the molten In layer effectively reduced the defects caused by lattice mismatch and suppressed the introduction of non-stoichiometric metal In in the epitaxial InN. Photoluminescence and electrical characterizations demonstrated that high-carrier concentration InN prepared by vapor-solid mechanism showed much stronger band-filling effect at room temperature, which significantly shifted its PL peak to higher energy. LPE InN displayed the strongest PL intensity and the smallest wavelength shift with increasing temperature from 10 K to 300 K. These results showed enhanced optical properties of InN nanostructures prepared on large lattice mismatch substrates, which will play a crucial role in near-infrared optoelectronic devices.
On the Possibility of the Deformation of Mg and Alloys Without Preheating of Initial Billets: Understanding Their Corrosion Performance via Electrochemical Tests
Authors: Dobkowska Anna , Kubasek Jiri
Published: December 2024

Due to limited slip systems activated at room temperature, the plastic deformation of Mg and its alloys without any preheating of initial billets is significantly limited. To overcome those issues, new methods of severe plastic deformation are discovered and developed. One such example is extrusion with an oscillating die, called KoBo. This method, due to the oscillations of reversible die located at the end of extruded, introduces material into the plastic flow, and thus, enables deformation without preheating of the initial billets of metals that are hard to deform. Such solution is important from an industrial point of view and may lead to serious savings and reduction in carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere. Therefore, this paper focuses on the possibility of KoBo extrusion of hcp-structured Mg alloys with different chemical compositions and includes comparison of their corrosion resistance using short-term electrochemical tests. In order to have a broad view of the problem presented, we compared the electrochemical behavior of the following groups of Mg materials: pure Mg, Mg-Al-Zn, Mg-Li, and Mg-Y-RE. It was stated that the KoBo method performed at room temperature improves the corrosion resistance of pure Mg when compared to the initial billet and the alloys which belong to the Mg-Al-Zn, Mg-Li, and Mg-Y-RE series. The presented study shows that different corrosion trends are observed for traditionally deformed alloys, and they significantly vary from nascent developments, such as KoBo extrusion. Therefore, it is crucial to widely study those methods because it may be a path leading to long-lasting solution to the formability limitations of Mg-based metallic systems.
Interaction Between Concrete and FRP Laminate in Structural Members Composed of Reused Wind Turbine Blades Filled with Concrete
Authors: Halicka Anna , Buda-Ożóg Lidia , Broniewicz Mirosław , Jabłoński Łukasz , Zięba Joanna , Broniewicz Filip
Published: December 2024

The lifecycle of wind turbine blades is around 20–25 years. This makes studies on the reuse of dismantled blades an urgent need for our generation; however, their recycling is very difficult due to the specific makeup of their composite material. In this study, the authors determined a concept for the reuse of turbine blade sections filled with concrete for geotechnical structures, retaining the walls, piles, or parts of their foundations. Working out detailed structural solutions to the above problem should be preceded by the identification of material parameters. In particular, getting to know the interface stress-strain characteristics is crucial. Therefore, this research focuses on the cooperation between recycled FRP composites and concrete in load-carrying, including experiments and numerical analyses. Regarding the two types of destructive stress, which may occur at the interface under both compression and bending, two types of tests were executed: the ‘push-out test’, modelling the interface’s answer to shear stress, and the ‘pull-off test’, demonstrating the interface’s reaction to normal stress. Additionally, the strength parameters of the materials used were tested. The numerical model for the push-out process was calibrated on the basis of the tests, and this way the shear bond strength and the coefficient of friction between the concrete and the recycled FRP laminate were assessed.
Testing Concrete Sewer Maintenance Holes Using an Angular Modulated Penetrometer
Authors: Thamel Sampath , Ross Robert , Stumpf Alex , Galetto Fernando , Cotton Jason
Published: December 2024

Around the world, a significant proportion of sewers and sewer maintenance holes are constructed from concrete. Unfortunately, one major problem with concrete sewer infrastructure is corrosion caused by biogenic hydrogen sulphide, which causes major issues for concrete structural integrity. Furthermore, concrete may be significantly corroded and softened but still pass a visual inspection. The novel system presented in this paper uses a penetrometer mounted on a robotic platform to measure the depth of penetration through a corroded concrete surface. An angular mechanism is used to rotate the penetrometer to new positions as striking aggregate may result in false readings. Based on laboratory analysis, this design is capable of providing consistent and precise multiple observations for both smooth and rough surfaces, as well as for flat and curved surfaces, with 0.1 mm accuracy. The use of a remote robotic platform eliminates the hazards of confined space entry whilst providing a repeatable analysis platform.
Effect of Chemical Structure and Apparent Density of Rigid Polyurethane Foams on the Properties of Their Chemical Recycling Products
Authors: Zemła Marcin , Kurańska Maria , Vevere Laima , Kirpluks Mikelis , Malewska Elżbieta , Apostolou Maria Sofia , Prociak Aleksander
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work was to synthesize polyurethane foams based on petrochemical polyols and biopolyols with specific apparent densities (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 kg/m3), test their properties, glycolyze them, and finally analyze each glycolyzed product. The petroleum-based foams, used as reference foams, and the bio-based foams underwent a series of standard tests to define their properties (the content of closed cells 20–95%, compressive strength 73–1323 kPa, thermal conductivity 24–42 mW/m∙K, brittleness 4.6–82.9%, changes in linear dimensions < 1%, and water absorption < 1%). Taking into account the need for recycling, the foams were shredded and then glycolyzed by diethylene glycol, with the addition of a catalyst in the form of potassium hydroxide. The chemolysis products were analyzed through determination, i.e., the amine and the hydroxyl values, viscosity, and molecular weight. The obtained rebiopolyols had hydroxyl numbers ranging from 476 to 511 mg KOH/g. The type of biopolyol used in the PUR foam systems had a significant impact on the amine number and the viscosity of the obtained rebiopolyol.
Mesoporous Carbon Composites Containing Carbon Nanostructures: Recent Advances in Synthesis and Applications in Electrochemistry
Authors: Hryniewicka Agnieszka , Siemiaszko Gabriela , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: December 2024

Carbon nanostructures (CNs) are various low-dimensional allotropes of carbon that have attracted much scientific attention due to their interesting physicochemical properties. It was quickly discovered that the properties of CNs can be significantly improved by modifying their surface or synthesizing composites containing CNs. Composites combine two or more materials to create a final material with enhanced properties compared with their initial components. In this review, we focused on one group of carbon materials—composites containing CNs (carbon/CN composites), characterized by high mesoporosity. Particular attention was paid to the type of synthesis used, divided into hard- and soft-templating methods, the type of polymer matrix precursors and their preparation method, heteroatom doping, pore formation methods, and correlations between the applied experimental conditions of synthesis and the structural properties of the composite materials obtained. In the last part, we present an updated summary of the applications of mesoporous composites in energy storage systems, supercapacitors, electrocatalysis, etc. The correlations among porous structures of materials, heteroatom doping, and electrochemical or catalytic efficiency, including activity, selectivity, and stability, were also emphasized. To our knowledge, a single review has never summarized pyrolyzed mesoporous composites of polymer-CNs, their properties and applications in electrochemistry.
Mixed Pt-Ni Halide Perovskites for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Liu Huilong , Murshed Rubaiya , Bansal Shubhra
Published: December 2024

Cs2PtI6 is a promising photoabsorber with a direct bandgap of 1.4 eV and a high carrier lifetime; however, the cost of Pt inhibits its commercial viability. Here, we performed a cost analysis and experimentally explored the effect of replacing Pt with earth-abundant Ni in solution-processed Cs(PtxNi1−x)(I,Cl)3 thin films on the properties and stability of the perovskite material. Films fabricated with CsI and PtI2 precursors result in a perovskite phase with a bandgap of 2.13 eV which transitions into stable Cs2PtI6 with a bandgap of 1.6 eV upon annealing. The complete substitution of PtI2 in films with CsI + NiCl2 precursors results in a wider bandgap of 2.35 eV and SEM shows two phases—a rod-like structure identified as CsNi(I,Cl)3 and residual white particles of CsI, also confirmed by XRD and Raman spectra. Upon extended thermal annealing, the bandgap reduces to 1.65 eV and transforms to CsNiCl3 with a peak shift to higher 2-theta. The partial substitution of PtI2 with NiCl2 in mixed 50-50 Pt-Ni-based films produces a bandgap of 1.9 eV, exhibiting a phase of Cs(Pt,Ni)(I,Cl)3 composition. A similar bandgap of 1.85 eV and the same diffraction pattern with improved crystallinity is observed after 100 h of annealing, confirming the formation of a stable mixed Pt-Ni phase.
Advances in Magnetic Nanomaterials and Nanostructures
Authors: Congiu Francesco , Concas Giorgio
Published: December 2024

Magnetic nanomaterials, in which non-bulk magnetic properties emerge because of their low dimension, are a class of materials with huge application potential in several areas, providing, at the same time, an exciting field of fundamental research [...]
Reliable and Faithful Generative Explainers for Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Li Yiqiao , Zhou Jianlong , Zheng Boyuan , Shafiabady Niusha , Chen Fang
Published: December 2024

Graph neural networks (GNNs) have been effectively implemented in a variety of real-world applications, although their underlying work mechanisms remain a mystery. To unveil this mystery and advocate for trustworthy decision-making, many GNN explainers have been proposed. However, existing explainers often face significant challenges, such as the following: (1) explanations being tied to specific instances; (2) limited generalisability to unseen graphs; (3) potential generation of invalid graph structures; and (4) restrictions to particular tasks (e.g., node classification, graph classification). To address these challenges, we propose a novel explainer, GAN-GNNExplainer, which employs a generator to produce explanations and a discriminator to oversee the generation process, enhancing the reliability of the outputs. Despite its advantages, GAN-GNNExplainer still struggles with generating faithful explanations and underperforms on real-world datasets. To overcome these shortcomings, we introduce ACGAN-GNNExplainer, an approach that improves upon GAN-GNNExplainer by using a more robust discriminator that consistently monitors the generation process, thereby producing explanations that are both reliable and faithful. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-world graph datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed methods over existing GNN explainers.
Using Relational Biology with Loop Analysis to Study the North Atlantic Biological Carbon Pump in a ‘Hybrid’ Non-Algorithmic Manner
Authors: Lane Patricia A.
Published: December 2024

Biologists, philosophers, and mathematicians building upon Robert Rosen’s non-algorithmic theories of life using Relational Biology and Category Theory have continued to develop his theory and modeling approaches. There has been general agreement that the impredicative, self-referential, and complex nature of living systems negates an algorithmic approach. Rosen’s main goal was to answer, “What is Life?”. Many believe he provided the best but minimum answer using a cellular, metabolism–repair or (M, R)-system as a category-theoretic model. It has been challenging, however, to incorporate his theory to develop a fully non-algorithmic methodology that retains the essence of his thinking while creating more operational models of living systems that can be used to explore other facets of life and answer different questions. Living systems do more than the minimum in the real world beyond the confines of definition alone. For example, ecologists ask how living systems inherently mitigate existential risk from climate change and biodiversity loss through their complex self-organization. Loop Analysis, a signed graph technique, is discussed as a hybrid algorithmic/non-algorithmic methodology in Relational Biology. This methodology can be used at the ecosystem level with standard non-algorithmic field data as per McAllister’s description of the algorithmic incompressibility of empirical data of this type. An example is described showing how the North Atlantic Carbon Pump, an important planetary life support system, is situated in the plankton community and functions as a mutualistic ecosystem chimera. It captures carbon from the atmosphere as an extended (M, R)-system and processes it until it is sequestered in the marine sediments. This is an important process to alleviate climate change in magnitude equal to or larger than the sequestration of carbon on land with forests. It is suggested that the ecosystem level should replace the cellular and organismic levels as the main system unit in biology and evolution since all life exists and evolves with full functional potential in ecosystem networks and not laboratory test tubes. The plankton ecosystem is the largest after the total biosphere and consists of evolutionary links and relationships that have existed for eons of time. If there was ever a genuine robust, highly self-organized ecosystem, it would be planktonic. Severing the links in these thermodynamically open networks by focusing on lower levels of the biological hierarchy loses the critical organization of how life exists on this planet. There is no theory to regain this crucial ‘omitted’ ecological relational causality at the cell or organismal levels. At the end of the paper, some future directions are outlined.
Clade Size Statistics Under Ford’s α-Model
Authors: Di Nunzio Antonio , Disanto Filippo
Published: December 2024

Given a labeled tree topology t of n taxa, consider a population P of k leaves chosen among those of t. The clade of P is the minimal subtree P^ of t containing P, and its size |P^| is provided by the number of leaves in the clade. We study distributive properties of the clade size variable |P^| considered over labeled topologies of size n generated at random in the framework of Ford’s α-model. Under this model, starting from the one-taxon labeled topology, a random labeled topology is produced iteratively by a sequence of α-insertions, each of which adds a pendant edge to either a pendant or internal edge of a labeled topology, with a probability that depends on the parameter α∈[0,1]. Different values of α determine different probability distributions over the set of labeled topologies of given size n, with the special cases α=0 and α=1/2 respectively corresponding to the Yule and uniform distributions. In the first part of the manuscript, we consider a labeled topology t of size n generated by a sequence of random α-insertions starting from a fixed labeled topology t∗ of given size k, and determine the probability mass function, mean, and variance of the clade size |P^| in t when P is chosen as the set of leaves of t inherited from t∗. In the second part of the paper, we calculate the probability that a set P of k leaves chosen at random in a Ford-distributed labeled topology of size n is monophyletic, that is, the probability that |P^|=k. Our investigations extend previous results on clade size statistics obtained for Yule and uniformly distributed labeled topologies.
Machine Learning for Sustainable Portfolio Optimization Applied to a Water Market
Authors: Truyols-Pont María Antonia , Bilbao-Terol Amelia , Arenas-Parra Mar
Published: December 2024

This study introduces a novel methodology that integrates the Black–Litterman model with Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks (BL–LSTM). We use predictions from the LSTM as views in the Black–Litterman model. The resulting portfolio performs better than the traditional mean-variance (MV) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) used as benchmarks. The proposal empowers investors to make more insightful decisions, drawing from a synthesis of historical data and advanced predictive techniques. This methodology is applied to a water market. Investing in the water market allows investors to actively support sustainable water solutions while potentially benefiting from the sector’s growth, contributing to achieving SDG 6. In addition, our modeling allows for companies’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores to be considered in the portfolio construction process. In this case, investors’ decisions take into account companies’ socially responsible behavior in a broad sense, including aspects related to decent work, respect for indigenous communities and diversity, and the absence of corruption, among others. Therefore, this proposal provides investors with a tool for promoting sustainable investment practices.
Dynamic Analysis and Optimal Control of the Spread of Tungro Virus Disease in Rice Plants Considering Refugia Planting and Pesticide Application
Authors: Amelia Rika , Anggriani Nursanti , Supriatna Asep K. , Istifadah Noor
Published: December 2024

One of the main obstacles in rice cultivation is tungro disease, caused by Rice Tungro Spherical Virus (RTSV) and Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus (RTBV), which are transmitted by green leafhopper vectors (Nephotettix virescens). This disease can be controlled by using pesticides and refugia plants. Excessive use of pesticides can have negative impacts and high costs, so it is necessary to control the use of pesticides. In this study, a mathematical model of the spread of tungro virus disease in rice plants was developed by considering the characteristics of the virus, the presence of green leafhoppers and natural enemies, refugia planting, and pesticide use. From this model, dynamic and sensitivity analyses were carried out, and the optimal control theory was searched using the Pontryagin minimum principle. The analysis results showed three equilibriums: two non-endemic equilibriums (when plant and vector populations exist and when plant, vector, and natural enemy populations exist) and one endemic equilibrium. The non-endemic equilibrium will be asymptotically stable locally if R0<1. At the same time, the parameters that greatly influence the spread of this disease are parameters μ, μ2, and ϕ for local sensitivity analysis and α, a, β, b, ϕ, and μ2 for global sensitivity analysis. The results of the numerical simulation show that control using combined control is more effective in reducing the intensity of the spread of tungro disease in rice plants than control in the form of planting refugia plants as a source of food for natural enemies. The use of pesticides is sufficient for only four days, so the costs incurred are quite effective in controlling the spread of this disease.
Integral Neuron: A New Concept for Nonlinear Neuron Modeling Using Weight Functions. Creation of XOR Neurons
Authors: Yotov Kostadin , Hadzhikolev Emil , Hadzhikoleva Stanka
Published: December 2024

In the present study, an extension of the idea of dynamic neurons is proposed by replacing the weights with a weight function that is applied simultaneously to all neuron inputs. A new type of artificial neuron called an integral neuron is modeled, in which the total signal is obtained as the integral of the weight function. The integral neuron enhances traditional neurons by allowing the signal shape to be linear and nonlinear. The training of the integral neuron involves finding the parameters of the weight function, where its functional values directly influence the total signal in the neuron’s body. This article presents theoretical and experimental evidence for the applicability and convergence of standard training methods such as gradient descent, Gauss–Newton, and Levenberg–Marquardt in searching for the optimal weight function of an integral neuron. The experimental part of the study demonstrates that a single integral neuron can be trained on the logical XOR function—something that is impossible for single classical neurons due to the linear nature of the summation in their bodies.
Exact Moments of Residuals of Independence
Authors: Qu Xianggui
Published: December 2024

The diagnosis of residuals of independence is critical in association analysis and loglinear modeling of two-way contingency tables. Most residual diagnostics depend on large-sample methods, and diagnostic results become dubious when sample sizes are small or data are sparse. In such cases, statistical inference based on non-asymptotic theory or exact inference is desirable. This paper explicitly derives the first four moments of the residuals of independence in a two-way contingency table under a multinomial model. These exact moments are necessary tools for studying the analytical features of the distribution of residuals of independence, such as skewness and kurtosis. Higher-order moments can be found similarly, but the results are more complicated.
Features of Generation, Propagation and Application of Special Ultrasonic Impulses in Viscous Liquids
Authors: Gradov Oleg M.
Published: December 2024

An exact numerical and approximate analytical description of solitary acoustic pulses with a large difference in spatial gradients of parameters in different directions has been obtained in viscous liquids using this small parameter. The method of special initial-boundary conditions obtained during analyzing the hydrodynamic equations has been applied to describe the peculiarities of this nonlinear phenomenon. Waves of this type exist in the presence of two- or three-dimensional inhomogeneity of the initial disturbances and retain a spatial structure along the direction of propagation when traveling long distances. At the same time, it is possible to regulate the pressure drop and the speed of the acoustic signal, which creates unique conditions for a special force effect or information transmission. The efficiency of their use in such processes as metal dissolution, solvent extraction and mass transfer under the conditions of resonance exposure of ultrasound was evaluated. Fine details of exciting the nonlinear impulse with the necessary properties have been analyzed to demonstrate a possible way to a new technology of successfully treating any different specimens, materials and constructions for a long distance between the source of radiation and the position of the treatment. The use of such pulses opens up new opportunities for remote acoustic force impact on various objects, as well as for the transmission of information.
Comparative Analysis of the Biochemical and Molecular Responses of Nannochloropsis gaditana to Nitrogen and Phosphorus Limitation: Phosphorus Limitation Enhances Carotenogenesis
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Moon Hanbi , Kwon Yong Min , Kim Kyung Woo , Kim Jaoon Young Hwan
Published: December 2024

Nannochloropsis gaditana is well known for its potential for biofuel production due to its high lipid content. Numerous omics and biochemical studies have explored the overall molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of Nannochloropsis sp. to nutrient availability, primarily focusing on lipid metabolism. However, N. gaditana is able to synthesize other valuable products such as carotenoids, including violaxanthin, which has various biological functions and applications. In this study, we comparatively investigated the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of N. gaditana to nitrogen and phosphorus limitation, examining biomass production, photosynthetic activity, lipid, chlorophyll, and carotenoids content, and RNA-seq data. Nitrogen limitation decreased photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, and biomass production but increased lipid content. Phosphorus limitation substantially increased carotenoids content, with violaxanthin productivity of 10.24 mg/L, 3.38-fold greater than under the control condition, with little effect on biomass production or photosynthetic function. These results were generally consistent with the gene expression pattern observed in transcriptomic analysis. This integrated analysis shows that phosphorus limitation can be an economically competitive solution by enhancing valuable carotenoids while maintaining lipid and biomass production in N. gaditana.
Antioxidant Activity and DPP-IV Inhibitory Effect of Fish Protein Hydrolysates Obtained from High-Pressure Pretreated Mixture of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Rest Raw Material
Authors: Kotsoni Elissavet , Daukšas Egidijus , Hansen Aas Grete , Rustad Turid , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Lammi Carmen , Bollati Carlotta , Fanzaga Melissa , d’Adduzio Lorenza , Stangeland Janne Kristin , Cropotova Janna
Published: December 2024

The use of fish rest raw material for the production of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) through enzymatic hydrolysis has received significant interest in recent decades. Peptides derived from fish proteins are known for their enhanced bioactivity which is mainly influenced by their molecular weight. Studies have shown that novel technologies, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), can effectively modify protein structures leading to increased biological activity. This study investigated the effect of various HPP conditions on the molecular weight distribution, antioxidant activity, and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory effect of FPH derived from a mixture of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) rest raw material. Six different treatments were applied to the samples before enzymatic hydrolysis; 200 MPa × 4 min, 200 MPa × 8 min, 400 MPa × 4 min, 400 MPa × 8 min, 600 MPa × 4 min, and 600 MPa × 8 min. The antioxidant and DPP-IV inhibitory effects of the extracted FPH were measured both in vitro and at cellular level utilizing human intestinal Caco-2 cells. The results indicated that low and moderate pressures (200 and 400 MPa) increased the proportion of larger peptides (2–5 kDa) in the obtained FPH, while treatment at 600 MPa × 4 min resulted in a higher proportion of smaller peptides (1–2 kDa). Furthermore, HPP led to the formation of peptides that demonstrated increased antioxidant activity in Caco-2 cells compared to the control, whereas their potential antidiabetic activity remained unaffected.