bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A methodological framework for ecological network optimization integrating circuit theory and scenario simulation：Application in the Liangzi Lake Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Yan , Liu Mengyao , Wang Lina , Luo Yawen , Luo Qiaoling 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

As an approach to manage ecological security patterns and construct ecological spaces, the ecological network can identify sources, corridors, and nodes of landscape, improve landscape connectivity and biodiversity. A basic working framework for ecological network construction already existed though, it’s necessary to constantly optimize the network when facing rapid land use/cover changes. This study aims to explore a systematic framework for ecological network optimization, the Liangzi Lake Basin was chosen as the sample area. By considering ecosystem services and landscape connectivity, key ecological sources can be identified. Resistance surfaces were constructed based on the natural and anthropogenic factors. Ecological corridors and nodes were extracted with the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model and circuit theory, and Future Land Use Simulation Model was used to simulate the land use changes over time. Three scenarios: increasing stepping stones, removing obstacle points, and protecting key pinch points were set up to perform simulation and assess the connectivity to compare the effects of optimization. The results showed that the ecological network in the Liangzi Lake Basin consisted of 20 sources, 56 corridors, 64 pinch points, and 25 obstacle points, and the spatial distribution of these elements was relatively homogeneous. By comparing the indicators under three scenarios, it was revealed that removing obstacle points had the most significant effects on the network optimization, which deserved the most concerns in the network construction and optimization. A comprehensive optimization scheme was formed and the order of ecological restoration to different was determined. This methodological framework provides a systematic tool and theoretical basis for constructing ecological networks and determining the restoration order of various ecological elements. It can be applied to various ecological restoration scenarios and be referred to when planning ecological spaces and reserves.
Nowcasting the Japanese Official Labor Statistics Using Density Ratio Estimation with Private Employment Agency's Transaction Data
Authors: Takada Yuya , Izumi Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Policymakers, business managers, and recruitment professionals must be aware of labor market trends to aid their decision-making. For this purpose, a range of official statistics is provided in many countries, offering insights into unemployment rates, workforce numbers, average wages, and so on, typically with a lag of two to three months. However, some indicators are difficult to grasp promptly and lag by more than a year. A prime example is the 'pressure on wages due to supply and demand' in the external labor market. The prompt publication of the indicator would be useful for decision-making by policymakers and those involved in corporate management and recruitment. Job changes in the external labor market occur through various channels: job advertisements, public and private employment agencies, and employee referrals. In this study, we focused on transaction data held by private employment agencies because they hold such data in a form that can be used in real-time. However, transactional data held by private employment agencies is only a biased subset to capture the external labor market as a whole. Therefore, to correct the bias, we proposed applying the concept of density ratio estimation and covariate shift and demonstrated that this nowcasting is feasible under realistic conditions in the Japanese case. This means that economic indicators, which are important for capturing economic trends, were previously unusable in decision-making due to the high difficulty of capturing them and the challenge of their timely publication, can now be utilized in decision-making situations.
Artificial particles and soil communities interactively change heterospecific plant-soil feedbacks
Authors: Speißer Benedikt , Gurres Stephanie , Wilschut Rutger , Kleunen Mark van 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and aims
Microplastics affect plant growth and change abiotic and biotic soil properties, such as soil structure or soil-community composition. However, how microplastics affect plant-soil interactions, such as plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs), is still poorly understood. Here, we tested how artificial particles affect heterospecific PSFs, depending on an intact or depleted soil community.
Methods
We conducted a two-phase-greenhouse experiment using Centaurea jacea to condition soil containing an intact or initially depleted soil community in the first phase. Subsequently, we grew individuals of Crepis biennis and Eragrostis minor in all combinations of soil conditioning, soil-community status, and different material treatments including no particle addition, glass particles, or three microplastics individually and mixed. Effects of soil community, material treatment and their interaction on PSFs were assessed based on plant biomass and rootmorphology traits.
Results
Particles in general, microplastics and glass, increased PSF strength based on plant biomass. PSFs tended to be negative with the intact but positive with the initially depleted soil community. Overall, particle-addition effects on PSFs were stronger in the initially depleted community, indicating interactive effects of artificial particles in the soil and soil biota. Interactive particle and soil-community effects generally depended on material type and concentration.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that artificial particles can affect heterospecific PSFs, and that these effects are likely to be partly mediated by the soil community. Further, they highlight the need for studies assessing potential ecological implications of microplastics modifying plant-soil interactions.
Dynamic response and failure mechanism of micropiles in accumulation landslide under earthquake
Authors: Li Nan , Wu Ruian , Gao Mingzhong , Xu Tianxun , Cao Jinfeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Micropile is a new type retaining structure extensively used in slope engineering due to its small footprint, low vibration and noise emissions, and simple construction process. This study aims to investigate the dynamic response and failure mechanism of micropiles employed in retaining accumulation landslide under seismic loadings through a combination of shaking table test and numerical simulation. The failure process, observed phenomena and bending moment of micropiles during the test were discussed, and the shear force distribution characteristics of micropiles were meticulously analyzed based on numerical simulation. The findings reveal that under sustained earthquake excitation, the natural frequency of the entire landslide system exhibits a gradual decrease and tends to stabilize during strong earthquakes. The dynamic bending moment of micropiles in accumulation landslide exhibits an "S" shape, with a larger magnitude at the top and a smaller one at the bottom. Furthermore, the shear force distribution demonstrates a distinct "W-shaped" pattern. The damage of micropiles mainly includes the flexural shear combination failure at the load-bearing section (occurs within 1.4 ~ 3.6 times the pile diameter above the sliding surface) and the shear failure near the sliding surface. The study is of great significance to understanding of the strengthening mechanism of micropiles under seismic action and to guiding the design of slope support.
Comparative Analysis of Single versus Multi-IRS-Assisted Multi-User for Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Kibret Ayalew Tadese , Alemu Belayneh Sisay , Yimer Amare Kassaw 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The key enabling technology for sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks is considered to involve intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs). The IRSs are made up of fabricated electromagnetic (EM) surfaces with integrated electronics, electronically controlled processes, and specific wireless communication features. IRSs operate without requiring complicated signal processing and encoding and decoding steps that maximize the receiver's signal strength.
Improving vital performance parameters such as energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE) has frequently been the primary goal of research in order to meet the increasing requirements for advanced services in future 6G communications. In this research, we conduct a comparative analysis of single and multi-IRS wireless communication networks using energy and spectrum efficiency. The energy efficiency versus user distance and energy efficiency versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) are greater than four, two, and a single IRS, respectively. Overall, our results suggest that multi-IRS-assisted wireless communication systems outperform other-IRS systems in terms of wireless communication performance.
Teacher Autonomy Support and Academic Engagement: The Chain-Mediated Role of Personal Growth Initiative and Academic Grit
Authors: Lin Wanru , Yu Qijing , Huang Huayan , Jingxue Cai 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the chain-mediated effects of personal growth initiative and academic grit within the context of teacher autonomy support and their impact on academic engagement. A total of 703 Chinese adolescents were surveyed using the Teacher Autonomy Support, Academic Engagement, Personal Growth Initiative, and Academic Grit questionnaires. The results indicated that academic grit played a significant mediating role in the relationship between teacher autonomy support and academic engagement, while personal growth initiative did not exhibit a statistically significant mediating effect. However, a significant chain-mediated effect involving both personal growth initiative and academic grit was observed. These findings provide insights into strategies for enhancing the academic development of adolescents, suggesting that fostering teacher autonomy support can indirectly improve academic engagement through increased academic grit.
Managing soil to support soil biodiversity in protected areas agroecosystems. A comparison between arable lands, olive groves, and vineyards in the Conero Park (Italy)
Authors: Coletta Martina , Monticelli Marco , D’Alessandro Aldo , Gentili Celeste , Torresi Aurora , Waris Natasha , Terza Antonietta La 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Sustainable soil management is essential to conserve soil biodiversity and its provision of vital ecosystem services. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 highlights the key role of organic farming and land protection in halting biodiversity loss, including edaphic biodiversity. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed measures, a study was conducted to determine the soil quality of three organically managed agroecosystems: arable lands, olive groves and, vineyards in the Conero Park, using the arthropod-based Biological Soil Quality Index (QBS-ar). Soil microarthropods are sensitive indicators of the impact of agricultural practices on soil quality. Given the diversity of the agronomic practices applied in these agroecosystems, the study aimed to compare the soil quality and identify the system with the least impact on soil biodiversity conservation, with the ultimate goal of laying the basis for identifying soil quality benchmarks within each system to be used in monitoring activities in land protected areas. Results showed that organic farming combined with land protection had a positive impact on soil quality. Overall soil quality was excellent, with the highest levels found in arable lands. This is consistent with the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), which states that slightly disturbed habitats (i.e. arable land with minimum tillage) tend to have higher organism diversity than stable ones. The composition of microarthropod communities in arable land differed from those in stable arboreal crops. Olive groves showed a higher abundance and diversity of microarthropods compared to vineyards, which showed lower values. Promoting the use of QBS-ar, identifying benchmarks for prevalent agroecosystems and ensuring continuous monitoring of protected areas is thus a crucial issue.
Vagal nerve biofeedback intervention for improving health outcomes among Ukrainian forced migrants: A proof-of-concept study
Authors: Gidron Yori , Levy Einav , Ryder Chen Hanna , Shaul Sharon , Sirota Rita , Atias Drorit 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background - The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has forced numerous migrants into neighboring countries, many suffering from pre-existing or newly acquired physical and mental health conditions. Addressing these complex challenges in humanitarian settings requires innovative, evidence-based interventions that are cost-effective and easy to administer. Drawing upon research highlighting the vagus nerve's role in regulating well-being, we hypothesized that vagal nerve activation could offer a promising therapeutic approach. Method- We conducted a proof-of-concept study in which 21 Ukrainian forced migrants were trained in a biofeedback-guided paced breathing intervention designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote self-regulation of stress response systems. Changes in pain perception, perceived stress, blood pressure, and heart rate variability (an established marker of vagal tone) were assessed before and after the vagal breathing intervention using t-test. These multi-dimensional outcome measures were chosen to capture both subjective and objective physical and mental well-being indicators. Correlations were examined at baseline. Results- Statistically significant improvements were observed in all measures except systolic blood pressure, providing preliminary evidence for the efficacy of vagal nerve activation in alleviating stress-related health symptoms. Conclusions- This study demonstrates the feasibility and therapeutic potential of a vagal nerve-activating intervention in a humanitarian setting. These findings warrant replication in larger, controlled trials. If substantiated, this low-cost, scalable intervention could help mitigate health burdens among forced migrant populations worldwide. This intervention is relevant to south global countries which face an epidemiological shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases.
Genetic analysis and association detection of agronomic traits in maize genotypes
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Mohammad Sadegh , Shiri Mohammadreza , Mostafavi Khodadad , Mohammadi Abdollah , Miri Seyyed Mehdi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In maize breeding, enhancing yield through genetic insights is crucial yet challenged by the complex interplay of agronomic traits. This study utilized a diallel mating design involving nine advanced early maize lines to dissect the genetic architecture underlying key agronomic traits and their impact on yield. Over two consecutive years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020), 36 hybrids derived from these lines were grown across two locations, Karaj, Alborz, Iran and Kermanshah (2019–2020), Iran, in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study aimed to evaluate the general combining ability of the parental lines and the specific combining ability of their hybrids, alongside the mutual influences of critical traits on yield. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences at 1% and 5% probability levels among the hybrids for all traits studied, indicating substantial genetic variability. Diallel analysis suggested that both additive and non-additive genetic effects are crucial in controlling traits such as kernel yield, kernel rows, kernel in row, 1000 kernel weight, plant height, ear height, kernel moisture, and ear wood. Additive effects, as indicated by the Baker's ratio, predominated for these traits. Among the parental lines, KE 79017/3211 demonstrated the strongest general combining ability for kernel yield. Hybrids K 1264/5 − 1×KE 76009/311, KE 77005/2×KE 75016/321, KE 77008/1×KE 77004/1, and KE 77008/1×KE 79017/3211 exhibited significant and positive specific combining ability effects for kernel yield, highlighting their potential in yield-enhancing breeding programs. Correlation analysis showed no significant association between KY*KIN with the KY*KW. However, there were weak positive correlations between KY*KR with other traits such as KY*PH, KY*KR, and KY*EH. The biplot analyses identified genotypes 4, 12, and 31 as superior across various trait combinations. Genotype 12 emerged as notably high-yielding based on average tester coordinates. Using the multi-trait stability index and imposing a selection pressure of 25%, genotype 10 was ranked highest, followed by genotypes 9, 13, 11, 1, 2, and 16, which were considered the most stable and ideal across all evaluated traits. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of both general combining ability and specific combining ability in maize breeding and highlights specific genotypes and hybrid combinations with promising traits for yield enhancement.
Research on the Dynamic Characteristics and Disaster Mechanism of Anti-Slide Short Pile-Supported Slopes
Authors: Lai Jie , Liu Yun , Liu Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The terrain in Southwest China is predominantly mountainous, with many slopes requiring reinforcement. In addition, this region experiences frequent rainfall and earthquakes that can easily trigger landslides. Therefore, studies on slope reinforcement are crucial. This paper presents a case study of a slope stabilisation project along the Yunyang–Fengjie Expressway in Chongqing, focusing on the seismic performance of anti-slide short pile-supported slopes. The failure evolution process of an anti-slide short pile-supported slope is obtained by inputting a Wenchuan earthquake wave and continuously increasing the amplitude of the seismic wave. The experimental results indicate that the failure mode of the slope consists of tensile and shear components with tensile cracks at the crest and shear cracks in the remaining fractured sections. The anti-slide short piles effectively alter the downward extension direction of the shear cracks. As the shear crack approaches the station of the anti-slide piles, its development path along the weak structural plane changes, extending towards the top of the anti-slide piles and ultimately leading to cap failure. The bending moment of the anti-slide piles under seismic action primarily follow a parabolic shape, with the maximum value located near the weak structural plane.
Multi-View Stereo of UAV Remote Sensing Images Based on Adaptive Propagation with Multi-Region Refinement
Authors: Fu Haohai , Nie Zixuan , Pan Xin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Based on computer vision and image processing techniques, 3D reconstruction of targets such as the ground surface or buildings from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images can be realized, in which the dense reconstruction for weak texture regions is very important. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-view stereo method for UAV remote sensing images based on adaptive propagation and multi-region refinement, named APMRR-MVS. Firstly, in the propagation step, we propose an adaptive propagation strategy based on a checkerboard grid, which expands the distal sampling region by continuously selecting pixels with better hypotheses, that can explore the distal end more flexibly and improve the quality of sampling hypotheses for the pixels within the same view. Secondly, in the refinement step, we propose a multi-region refinement strategy, which can improve the efficiency of exploring the solution space by arranging several regions independently and reduce the possibility of the target pixel hypothesis being trapped in a local optimum. It is demonstrated on DTU and Blended MVS datasets that our method has better performance in the reconstruction of weakly textured regions, in addition to preserving specific texture details to a greater extent and reducing the erroneous estimation of spatial points.
Study of the Cognitive and behavior in the learning process to support learning in order to improve the quality of learning outcomes
Authors: Listiadi Agung 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Based on the way the human brain and the cortex work, something that can be related to learning is that when the human brain receives information or lessons, it must be in a calm and relaxed state so that the cortex can take over the information and store it in cognitive memory. If you receive information in the form of MyOB computer accounting application material while under stress, the information will be taken over by the reptile's brain, resulting in the information not being processed into cognitive. The brain is the control center for accounting learning activities that take place in the human body. The results of research in learning using brain accounting computer applications have a function in regulating all mental activities, namely those related to intelligence, memory, awareness and consideration. Cells in the brain that will play a role in processing learning activities in an individual. The more often someone stimulates their brain to think, the more cognitive will develop. However, it is not uncommon for inconsistencies to occur in the learning process in the brain so that what is perceived in the brain is different from the attitude or behavior carried out.
A high sensitivity D-shaped microgroove photonic crystal fiber gas sensor based on surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Gan Xiaoyong , Xu Hongzhi , Jiang Shubo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

A D-shaped open-ring microgroove photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is proposed for the simultaneous measurement of methane gas concentration and temperature. The sensitive coatings are polysiloxane-doped cryptane E and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the designed microgroove structure with out-of-hole coating is expected to improve the sensitivity. The finite element method (FEM) is employed to analyze the data numerically, and the results demonstrated that the average sensitivities could reach − 96.57 nm/% for methane concentration in the range of 0.5 ~ 3.0% and − 6.86 nm/°C for methane temperature in the range of 0 ~ 50℃. Both measurement channels exhibited excellent linearity, making them highly valuable for environmental monitoring and other applications.
Adoption of twin transition technologies in developing countries: a bivariate analysis
Authors: Menéndez María de las Mercedes , Lavopa Alejandro 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Industrial firms worldwide face two major technological challenges: digitalizing their processes and increasing the environmental sustainability of their production. Both challenges can be addressed separately or in an integrated way. This paper empirically examines the extent to which the adoption of digital and green technologies is done in a complementary way in developing countries’ industrial firms and identify certain characteristics that tend to be present when such complementarity takes place. The analysis is based on a firm-level survey conducted by UNIDO in Ghana, Thailand, and Vietnam. The results suggest that adopting green and digital technologies are interrelated and complementary. Larger firms, more innovative firms and firms participating in global value chains are more likely to jointly adopt green and digital technologies.
JEL: 014, 033, O25, Q55