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International science and technology (S&T) cooperation is one of the important ways to ensure the continuous development of a national innovation system. "One Belt One Road" advocates the concepts of common business, common construction, and sharing, and new countries and regions are constantly added. However, different countries/regions have different natural and socio-economic characteristics, so the main controlling factors affecting their international S&T cooperation may not be the same. Therefore, this paper uses a combination of multi-source data and multiple methods to collectively construct an assessment model of the driving effect of international S&T cooperation in Xinjiang. The evaluation results of the entropy-weighted TOPSIS model show that the contributions of S&T level, city nature, and S&T investment to international S&T cooperation in Xinjiang are 22.9%, 22.3%, and 20.4%, respectively. Singapore, Germany, and Russia are the top three countries in terms of the effectiveness of international S&T cooperation with Xinjiang. The results of the STIRPAT model show that the total number of R&D personnel and the number of R&D personnel per 1000 workers are the main factors affecting the driving effect of international S&T cooperation. The former can be regarded as the stabilizer of international S&T cooperation. This paper's findings can provide theoretical support for the efficient integration of diverse advantageous resources among cooperating subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural fibers exhibit noticeable variations in their cross-sections, and measurements assuming a circular cross-section can lead to errors in the values of their properties. Providing more accurate geometric information of fiber cross-sections is a key challenge. Based on microscopic images of natural fiber structures, this paper proposes a natural fiber microstructure detection method based on the CA-DeepLabv3+ network model. The study investigates a natural fiber microstructure image segmentation algorithm that uses MobileNetV2 as the feature extraction backbone network, optimizes the Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) module through cascading, and embeds an Efficient Multi-scale Attention (EMA) mechanism. The results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can accurately segment the microstructures of multiple types of natural fibers, achieving an average pixel accuracy (mPA) of 95.2% and a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 90.7%.

In this paper, the solid-state shear milling (S 3 M) strategy featuring a very strong three-dimensional shear stress field was adopted to prepare the high-performance polyoxymethylene (POM)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) functional nanocomposite. The transmission electron microscope and Raman measurement results confirmed that the bulk MoS 2 particle was successfully exfoliated into few-layer MoS 2 nanoplatelets by the above simple S 3 M physical method. The polarized optical microscope (PLM) observation indicated the pan-milled nanoscale MoS 2 particles presented a better dispersion performance in the POM matrix. The results of the tribological test indicated that the incorporation of MoS 2 could substantially improve the wear resistance performance of POM. Moreover, the pan-milled exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheets could further substantially decrease the friction coefficient of POM. Scanning electron microscope observations on the worn scar revealed the tribological mechanism of the POM/MoS 2 nanocomposite prepared by solid-state shear milling. The tensile test results showed that the pan-milled POM/MoS 2 nanocomposite has much higher elongation at break than the conventionally melt-compounded material. The solid-state shear milling strategy shows a promising prospect in the preparation of functional nanocomposite with excellent comprehensive performance at a large scale.

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) play crucial roles in forming an essential barrier, providing host defense against pathogens and regulating nutrients absorption. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) within its miRNAs are capable of modulating the recipient cell function. However, the differences between colostrum and mature milk EVs and their biological function in attenuating intestinal epithelial cell injury remain poorly understood. Thus, we carried out the present study to characterize the difference between colostrum and mature milk-derived miRNA of EVs and the effect of colostrum and mature milk EVs on the proliferation, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokines and intestinal epithelial barrier related genes in IEC-6 induced by LPS. Differential expression of 329 miRNAs was identified between colostrum and mature milk EVs, with 185 miRNAs being downregulated and 144 upregulated. In addition, colostrum contains a greater number and protein concentration of EVs than mature milk. Furthermore, compared to control, EVs derived from colostrum significantly inhibited the expression of apoptosis- ( Bax , p53 , and caspase-3 ) and proinflammatory-related genes ( TNFα , IL6 , and IL1β ). EVs derived from mature milk did not affect expression of apoptosis-related genes ( Bax , p53 , bcl2 , and caspase-3 ). The EVs derived from mature milk significantly inhibited the expression of proinflammatory-related genes ( TNFα and IL6 ). Western blot analysis also indicated that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly decreased the apoptosis of IEC-6 cells. The EdU assay results showed that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly increased the proliferation of IEC-6 cells. The expression of intestinal barrier-related genes ( TJP1 , CLDN1 , OCLN , CDX2 , MUC2, and IGF1R ) was significantly promoted in IEC-6 cells after colostrum and mature milk EVs addition. Importantly, colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly relieved the LPS-induced inhibition of proliferation and intestinal barrier-related genes expression and attenuated apoptosis and proinflammatory responses induced by LPS in IEC-6 cells. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis also indicated that colostrum and mature milk EVs significantly affect the apoptosis of IEC-6 cells induced by LPS. The results also indicated that EVs derived from colostrum had better effects on inhibiting the apoptosis- and proinflammatory cytokines-related genes expression. However, the EVs derived from mature milk exhibited beneficial effects on intestinal epithelial barrier protection. The present study will provide a better understanding of the role of EVs derived from colostrum and milk in dairy cows with different responses in the regulation of intestinal cells function, and also presents new evidence for the change of EVs cargos during various stages of lactation.

Biological aging is a substantial change that leads to different diseases, including osteoporosis (OP), a condition involved in loss of bone density, deterioration of bone structure, and increased fracture risk. In old people, there is a natural decline in bone mineral density (BMD), exacerbated by hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, and it continues in the early postmenopausal years. During this transition time, hormonal alterations are linked to elevated oxidative stress (OS) and decreased antioxidant defenses, leading to a significant increase in OP. Aging is significantly associated with an abnormal ratio of oxidant/antioxidant and modified nuclear factor erythroid-derived two related factor2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway. OS adversely affects bone health by promoting osteoclastic (bone resorbing) activity and impairing osteoblastic (bone-forming cells). Nrf2 is critical in controlling OS and various cellular processes. The expression of Nrf2 is linked to multiple age-related diseases, including OP, and Nrf2 deficiency leads to unbalanced bone formation/resorption and a consequent decline in bone mass. Various drugs are available for treating OP; however, long-term uses of these medicines are implicated in diverse illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular, and stroke. At the same time, multiple categories of natural products, in particular flavonoids, were proposed as safe alternatives with antioxidant activity and substantial anti-osteoporotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) promotes sustainable development in the participating countries by facilitating technology transfer, talent development, and industrial upgrading. Technological cooperation under the BRI plays a crucial role in helping these countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, BRI cooperation also faces significant challenges, including geopolitical, economic, social, environmental, and legal risks. This paper reviews the current research on BRI technological cooperation, covering cooperation models, influencing factors, mechanisms, and the economic and social impacts of such cooperation. It examines both the opportunities and challenges involved and provides policy recommendations and action plans. This review offers valuable insights for researchers interested in BRI technological cooperation and contributes to advancing sustainable development in BRI countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs the finite element method to propose a model-based design strategy for upholstered furniture frames. Three-dimensional discrete models of these frames were created, considering the orthotropic characteristics of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) wood, reinforced structurally with glue joints and upholstery staples. The modelling process utilised the CAE system Autodesk Inventor Nastran, applying the finite element method (FEM). Static analyses were performed by simulating standard loading conditions. The calculations incorporated the stiffness coefficients of the frame's comb joint connections. The findings illustrate the stress distribution, displacements, and equivalent strains within the furniture frame models. The deformation and strength parameters of the frames introduce a novel perspective on designing upholstered furniture structures using the component-based FEM approach. These outcomes are applicable to the development of upholstered furniture designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sinus lifting, a procedure to augment bone in the maxilla, may cause complications such as sinusitis due to impaired drainage. This study aimed to assess how sinus lifting impacts airflow in the sinus cavity, which is essential for patients undergoing dental implants. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this research analyzed airflow changes after sinus floor elevation, offering insights into the aerodynamic consequences of the procedure. Methods: Digital modeling and CFD analysis were performed using patient cone-beam computed tomography data. Three different sinus elevation scenarios, each with varying implant heights, were simulated. Airflow simulations were conducted to assess how reshaping the sinus cavity affects aerodynamics and airflow dynamics. Nasal resistance, calculated through pressure drops and flow rates, and wall shear stress, indicating potential mucosal damage, were evaluated. Results: Although some airflow changes occurred post-surgery, the implants primarily affected the front and rear of the elevated area, with little impact being seen on air entry points. Conclusions: Maxillary sinus lifting for dental implant placement may impair sinus drainage, especially at higher elevations, increasing the risk of mucosal damage due to intensified airflows in the reduced sinus volume. A more uniform, simplified intra-sinus structure may enhance fluid dynamics and reduce complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of data-driven landslide susceptibility mapping relies on data integrity and advanced geospatial analysis; however, selecting the most suitable method and identifying key regional factors remains a challenging task. To address this, this study assessed the performance of six machine learning models, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Random Forest (RF), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), their CNN-based hybrid models (CNN+RF and CNN+CatBoost), and a Stacking Ensemble (SE) combining CNN, RF, and CatBoost in mapping landslide susceptibility along the Karakoram Highway in northern Pakistan. Twelve geospatial factors were examined, categorized into Topography/Geomorphology, Land Cover/Vegetation, Geology, Hydrology, and Anthropogenic Influence. A detailed landslide inventory of 272 occurrences was compiled to train the models. The proposed stacking ensemble and hybrid models improve landslide susceptibility modeling, with the stacking ensemble achieving an AUC of 0.91. Hybrid modeling enhances accuracy, with CNN–RF boosting RF's AUC from 0.85 to 0.89 and CNN–CatBoost increasing CatBoost's AUC from 0.87 to 0.90. Chi-square (χ2) values (9.8–21.2) and p-values (<0.005) confirm statistical significance across models. This study identifies approximately 20.70% of the area as from high to very high risk, with the SE model excelling in detecting high-risk zones. Key factors influencing landslide susceptibility showed slight variations across the models, while multicollinearity among variables remained minimal. The proposed modeling approach reduces uncertainties, enhances prediction accuracy, and supports decision-makers in implementing effective landslide mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of a cluster depends on the interplay between intra- and inter-regional collaboration, while empirical research on the mechanisms through which intra- and inter-regional collaborations trigger cluster growth is rarely focused. Based on the local buzz–global pipelines framework and incorporating an evolutionary perspective, we explore how intra- and inter-regional innovation networks can be integrated to drive the growth of emerging industries. We draw on Zhangjiang, China's most advanced AI industry cluster, using social network analysis and qualitative methods, combining patent data with semi-structured interviews. The results indicate that with the return of multinational corporations and the limitation of Western technology, universities have become the primary source of AI innovation in Zhangjiang. The government has played a pivotal role in propelling the accelerated growth of China's AI industry, particularly through the backing of pioneering AI private enterprises and the calibration of the potential inefficiencies associated with a state-led model with the dynamism of market forces. The 'Buzz-and-pipeline' dynamics in the AI innovation network are shaped by four processes: local networking, market demand, resource integration, and policy synergy. This underscores the intricate interconnections between the national and local scales in AI innovation networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous advancement of deep learning algorithms and the rapid growth of computational resources, deep learning technology has undergone numerous milestone developments, evolving from simple BP neural networks into more complex and powerful network models such as CNNs, LSTMs, RNNs, and GANs. In recent years, the application of deep learning technology in ionospheric modeling has achieved breakthrough advancements, significantly impacting navigation, communication, and space weather forecasting. Nevertheless, due to limitations in observational networks and the dynamic complexity of the ionosphere, deep learning-based ionospheric models still face challenges in terms of accuracy, resolution, and interpretability. This paper systematically reviews the development of deep learning applications in ionospheric modeling, summarizing findings that demonstrate how integrating multi-source data and employing multi-model ensemble strategies has substantially improved the stability of spatiotemporal predictions, especially in handling complex space weather events. Additionally, this study explores the potential of deep learning in ionospheric modeling for the early warning of geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, offering new insights for constructing ionospheric-geological activity warning models. Looking ahead, research will focus on developing hybrid models that integrate physical modeling with deep learning, exploring adaptive learning algorithms and multi-modal data fusion techniques to enhance long-term predictive capabilities, particularly in addressing the impact of climate change on the ionosphere. Overall, deep learning provides a powerful tool for ionospheric modeling and indicates promising prospects for its application in early warning systems and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aims to improve the accuracy of top-down lameness detection systems by analysing compensatory behaviours in lame cows. Based on an analysis of the stability mechanisms of back movement posture and compensatory behaviours in lame cows, it is concluded that early-stage lame cows primarily exhibited compensatory swing, while those with severe lameness showed both compensatory swing and posture. Based on compensatory motion features, the lameness classification model achieved an accuracy of 83.05%, with a recall rate of 93.02% for healthy cows. The proposed lameness recognition method assists in the scientific management and automated production of dairy farms. Top-view systems for lameness detection have advantages such as easy installation and minimal impact on farm work. However, the unclear lameness motion characteristics of the back result in lower recognition accuracy for these systems. Therefore, we analysed the compensatory behaviour of cows based on top-view walking videos, extracted compensatory motion features (CMFs), and constructed a model for recognising lameness in cows. By locating the hook, pin, sacrum, and spine positions, the motion trajectories of key points on the back were plotted. Based on motion trajectory analysis of 655 samples (258 sound, 267 mild lameness, and 130 severe lameness), the stability mechanisms of back movement posture were investigated, compensatory behaviours in lame cows were revealed, and methods for extracting CMFs were established, including swing and posture features. The feature correlation among differently scoring samples indicated that early-stage lame cows primarily exhibited compensatory swing, while those with severe lameness showed both compensatory swing and posture. Lameness classification models were constructed using machine learning and threshold discrimination methods, achieving classification accuracies of 81.6% and 83.05%, respectively. The threshold method reached a recall rate of 93.02% for sound cows. The proposed CMFs from back depth images are highly correlated with early lameness, improving the accuracy of top-view lameness detection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ti6Al4V-Cu alloys with different Cu contents (2.4 and 7.9 wt.%) were fabricated using novel wire–powder synchronous arc additive manufacturing to analyze the effect of laser quenching on Ti6Al4V-Cu alloys. The results show that this method can successfully produce Ti6Al4V-Cu alloys with a uniform composition. As the copper content increased, the alloy transitioned from a Widmanstätten structure to a basketweave structure, and the yield strength and tensile strength of the alloy increased by approximately 35% due to grain refinement and the high volume fraction of Ti2Cu with eutectic lamellae. The microhardness of the alloys significantly increased after laser quenching, particularly for those with low copper contents (from 311 HV to 510 HV). Laser quenching also enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloy in a 3.5% NaCl solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the ecological footprint and ecological carrying capacity is an effective method to evaluate the sustainable development and utilization of natural resources. Gansu Province, one of the typical arid regions in northwest China that is primarily focused on agriculture, was selected to analyze the evolution of the water ecological footprint and carrying capacity in this paper. In addition, the breadth and depth of the water footprint were combined to further evaluate the current situation of water resource utilization and management across different regions. This study can complement the research on the ecological footprint in arid areas dominated by agriculture. The results showed that (1) the agricultural water footprint was the main footprint and the key to water conservation. The overall water ecological footprint indicated a slow decline trend from 2009 to 2022 in Gansu Province. There was a gradual reduction in the agricultural water footprint and a notable increase in the ecological environment water footprint, indicating water use structures were generally becoming reasonable. (2) During the period, the eco-capacity and per capita eco-capacity exhibited similar trends in fluctuation and change, and spatial distribution was relatively dispersed due to the precipitation, total water resources, and industrial structure in the regions. (3) For prefecture-level cities, the depth of the water ecological footprint showed obvious spatial agglomeration. According to the results, the water footprint breadth of Zhangye and Longnan was larger, and the water resource flow can meet the local water demand. The water footprint depth of Lanzhou, Jinchang, Baiyin, and Jiayuguan was high, indicating the stock of water resources needs to be consumed to satisfy social production and living. The results can provide a scientific basis for the effective management and rational conservation of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, military, and aviation, are paying close attention to the increasing need for composite materials with better characteristics. Composite materials are significantly used in industry owing to their high-quality, low-cost materials with outstanding characteristics and low weight. Hence, aluminum-based materials are preferred over other traditional materials owing to their low cost, great wear resistance, and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. However, the mechanical characteristics and wear behavior of the Al-based materials can be further improved by using suitable reinforcing agents. The various reinforcing agents, including whiskers, particulates, continuous fibers, and discontinuous fibers, are widely used owing to enhanced tribological and mechanical behavior comparable to bare Al alloy. Further, the advancement in the overall characteristics of the composite material can be obtained by optimizing the process parameters of the processing approach and the amount and types of reinforcement. Amongst the various available techniques, stir casting is the most suitable technique for the manufacturing of composite material. The amount of reinforcement controls the porosity (%) of the composite, while the types of reinforcement identify the compatibility with Al alloy through improvement in the overall characteristics of the composites. Fly ash, SiC, TiC, Al2O3, TiO2, B4C, etc. are the most commonly used reinforcing agents in AMMCs (aluminum metal matrix composites). The current research emphasizes how different forms of reinforcement affect AMMCs and evaluates reinforcement influence on the mechanical and tribo characteristics of composite material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate soil properties and Eragrostis tef (teff) growth on Technosols produced from coarse and fine coal wastes from Moatize Mine, Mozambique. The experiment was performed in triplicate in 30 L containers filled with different substrate conditions, composed of fine coal waste, coarse coal waste, agricultural soil, and sewage sludge as an organic matter source. The soil analyses included bulk density, available water capacity, permeability, and fertility. Plant growth was monitored for biomass production and plant tissue composition. All the substrates presented a good available water capacity and a proper drainage condition. Regarding soil fertility, there were shortages of potassium and boron in the substrates composed exclusively of coal wastes, which was reflected in the composition of the plant tissue. Even so, plant growth was statistically equivalent to the control in all conditions, except for the substrate produced exclusively with fine coal waste and sewage sludge, which presented a better performance. Technosols are an alternative for reducing the final mine waste volume, and Eragrostis tef is used as a means for land use after the mining process, with social gains, and as a tool in an ecological process for restoring coal mining sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the continuation of the pathological morphology research program at neuroscience-related institutes from the Kaiser Wilhelm Society after World War II. It covers the research tradition in the brain sciences, which can be described by an emphasis on gross anatomy, the functional implications of morphological substrates, and the analysis of neurohistological research paths of the human brain in comparative contexts. To enable examination of the assimilation processes of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society's legacy, the decisions and developments of the newly created Max Planck Society in Germany and its early brain science facilities will be assessed for the time period from 1948 to 2002. Pertaining to these overall developments in the Max Planck Society, a persistence of the "morphological paradigm" (microanatomy, pathology, comparative anatomy, etc.) can be identified as lasting until the 1960s. The newer "functional paradigm" (neurophysiology, electroencephalography, cybernetics, and behavioral studies) only became more visible when the first generations of the scientific leaders left their positions in this national research society. It is of note that many directors and scientific members, including Detlev Ploog (1920–2005), Dieter Lux (1924–1995), Georg W. Kreutzberg (1932–2019), Otto Detlev Creutzfeldt (1927–1992), Hans Thönen (1928–2012), Manfred Eigen (1927–2019), Erwin Neher (b. 1944), Hartmut Wekerle (b. 1944), Albert Hertz (1921–2018), Bert Sakmann (b. 1942), and Wolf Singer (b. 1943) were part of the American Neuroscience Research Program as associates, members, conference chairs, or trainees. Likewise, they joined the Society for Neuroscience early on, after it had emerged from the Neuroscience Research Program's steering committee in 1969. This article seeks to clarify the context of the reorganization of the brain research-related Max Planck Institutes during the postwar period after World War II. Its trajectory includes the location of the institutes, their previous involvement in applied research, and personal continuities in scientific leadership positions, contributing to debates during the first decades of the Max Planck Society. The lens of pathological brain research emerges here as an important viewpoint to aid the understanding of the continued impact and concerns over the dominant morphological approaches in postwar West German neurology and psychiatry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern hydrological modeling frequently incorporates global remote sensing or reanalysis products for multivariate calibration. Although these datasets significantly contribute to model accuracy, the inherent uncertainties in the datasets and multivariate calibration present challenges in the modeling process. To address this issue, this study introduces an adaptive, process-wise fitting framework for the iterative multivariate calibration of hydrological models using global remote sensing and reanalysis products. A distinctive feature is the "kinship" concept, which defines the relationship between model parameters and hydrological processes, highlighting their impacts and connectivity within a directed graph. The framework subsequently develops an enhanced particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for stepwise calibration of hydrological processes. This algorithm introduces a learning rate that reflects the parameter's kinship to the calibrated hydrological process, facilitating efficient exploration in search of suitable parameter values. This approach maximizes the performance of the calibrated process while ensuring a balance with other processes. To ease the impact of inherent uncertainties in the datasets, the Extended Triple Collocation (ETC) method, operating independently of ground truth data, is integrated into the framework to assess the simulation of the calibrated process using remote sensing products with inherent data uncertainty. This proposed approach was implemented with the SWAT model in both arid and humid basins. Five calibration schemes were designed and evaluated through a comprehensive comparison of their performance in three repeated experiments. The results highlight that this approach not only improved the accuracy of ET simulation across sub-basins but also enhanced the precision of streamflow at gauge stations, concurrently reducing parameter uncertainty. This approach significantly advances our understanding of hydrological processes, demonstrating the potential for both theoretical and practical applications in hydrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of scientific production in family medicine in Mexico and identify gaps in the development of research in this medical discipline. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed original articles, reviews, case reports, and editorials published from Mexico, from the year 2014 to 2023, in the three family medicine journals edited in the country. Several bibliometric indicators were evaluated. Attributes that confer validity in original articles were analyzed, and through random sampling, 10% were selected to determine their quality using checklists. Results: A total of 627 articles were analyzed; among these, 57.89% were original, 19.61% reviews, 17.06% editorials, and 5.42% case reports. Our analysis revealed significant disparities in research activity across regions in Mexico. Productivity, transience, and isolation indices were 2.79, 78.58%, and 54.05%, respectively, while the Price index was 42.74%. A small percentage of articles received funding and followed guidelines for medical research reporting (0.47% and 0.63%, respectively). The analysis of validity attributes in original articles revealed that 92.83% were observational, 88.98% were unicentric, in 47.38%, no sample size calculation was performed or specified, while in 12.12%, sampling was probabilistic. In the evaluation of the original articles, more than 60% showed limitations that compromised their quality. Conclusions: The number of published articles, along with their bibliometric, validity, and quality attributes, reflect significant gaps in the generation and dissemination of knowledge in family medicine in Mexico. This shows a transgenerational problem, identified in many countries, where the advancement of family medicine as a specialty is limited by low research productivity and methodological weaknesses in reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite-retrieved sea-surface skin temperature (SSTskin) is essential for many Near-Real-Time studies. This study aimed to assess the potential to improve the accuracy of satellite-based SSTskin retrieval in the Caribbean region by using atmospheric correction algorithms based on four readily available machine learning (ML) approaches: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest (RF), and the Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The ML models were trained on an extensive dataset comprising in situ SST measurements and atmospheric state parameters obtained from satellite products, reanalyzed datasets, research cruises, surface moorings, and drifting buoys. The benefits and shortcomings of various ML methods were assessed through comparisons with withheld in situ measurements. The results demonstrate that the ML-based algorithms achieve promising accuracy, with mean biases within 0.07 K when compared with the buoy data and ranging from −0.107 K to 0.179 K relative to the ship-derived SSTskin data. Notably, both XGBoost and RF stand out for their superior correlation and efficacy in the statistical results of validation. The improved SSTskin derived using the ML-based algorithms could enhance our understanding of vital oceanic and atmospheric characteristics and have the potential to reduce uncertainty in oceanographic, meteorological, and climate research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Sn58Bi composite solder reinforced by Ni nanoparticles was prepared using a mechanical mixing technique, and the thermomigration microstructure and properties of the solder joints were studied. The findings indicate that incorporating an appropriate quantity of Ni nanoparticles can enhance the microstructure of the composite solder and mitigate the coarsening of Bi-phase segregation. At 0.75 weight percent Ni nanoparticle content, the composite solder's tensile strength is 59.7 MPa and its elongation is 54.6%, both of which are noticeably greater than those of the base solder. When the thermal loading time is 576 h, the shear strength of the composite solder joint is 25.5 MPa, which is 30.1% higher than that of the base solder joint. This study reveals that the shear fracture path shifts from the boundary region between the solder seam and the IMC layer to the IMC layer itself. Concurrently, the fracture mode evolves from a mix of brittle–ductile fracture, characterized by quasi-cleavage, to a predominantly brittle fracture, marked by numerous "rock candy-like" cross-sectional features and secondary cracking. Adding Ni nanoparticles to the Sn58Bi composite solder/Cu solder junction can significantly extend its service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By incorporating waste glass into concrete-filled steel tube columns, this study aims to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the production of cement and concrete while simultaneously reducing costs. This research investigates the effects of replacing the cement in concrete with an equal mass of waste glass powder (WGP) at five different replacement rates—0%, 5%, 15%, 30%, and 60%—and focuses on the mechanical behaviors and value coefficients of concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs), which are evaluated through axial compression tests and value engineering methods. The results indicate that the loading process for waste glass powder CFST (WGPCFST) short columns closely resembles that of ordinary CFST short columns. While the bearing capacity of WGPCFST short columns decreased with an increasing WGP content, no significant reduction was observed compared to ordinary CFST short columns. Notably, at replacement rates of 5% to 15%, WGPCFST short columns exhibited an enhanced deformational capacity—at least 14% greater—compared to their ordinary counterparts, suggesting that WGPCFSTs are a promising alternative to CFSTs. Additionally, value engineering results revealed that the highest integrated value was achieved at a WGP replacement rate of 5%. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found between the value coefficient and the WGP replacement rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the real economy is the cornerstone of sustainable social development. However, affected by the macroeconomic downturn and the profit-seeking nature of capital, the profit margins of real enterprises have been squeezed, resulting in an increase in hollowing out and excessive financialization of the real economy. Emerging technologies have revitalized the real economy, making digital transformation a critical strategy for enterprise growth. Based on data from non-financial listed companies in China's A-share market from 2010 to 2023, this study explores how digital transformation mitigates over-financialization. The results indicate that advanced digital transformation can significantly curb excessive financialization of companies. First, it reduces governance costs and enhances information transparency, curbing management's self-serving behavior and thereby inhibiting financialization. Second, it optimizes decision-making and improves investment efficiency. Further analysis reveals that these effects are more pronounced in early-growth companies, firms with limited investment opportunities, and those with low external visibility. This research provides a new perspective on the sustainable development of the real economy and helps more companies realize the opportunities brought about by digital technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) are characterized by high unevenness, cyclicality, and seasonality of energy production. Due to the trends in the production of electricity itself and the utilization of hydrogen, distributed generation systems are preferred. They can be connected to the energy distribution network or operate without its participation (off-grid). However, in both cases, such distributed energy sources should be balanced in terms of power generation. According to the authors, it is worth combining different RESs to ensure the stability of energy production from such a mix. Within the mix, the sources can complement and replace each other. According to the authors, an effective system for generating energy from RESs should contain at least two different sources and energy storage. The purpose of the analyses and calculations performed is to determine the characteristics of energy generation from a photovoltaic system and a wind turbine with a specific power and geographical location in the Lublin region in Poland. Another important goal is to determine the substitutability of the sources studied. Probabilistic analysis will be used to determine the share of given energy sources in the energy mix and will allow us to estimate the size of the stationary energy storage. The objective of these procedures is to strive for the highest possible share of renewable energy in the total energy required to charge electric vehicle fleets and to produce low-emission hydrogen for transportation. The article proves that the appropriately selected components of the photovoltaic and wind energy mix located in the right place lead to the self-balancing of the local energy network using a small energy storage. The conclusions drawn from the conducted research can be used by RES developers who intend to invest in new sources of power generation to produce low-emission hydrogen. This is in line with the current policy of the European Union aimed at climate and energy transformation of many companies using green hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solvent-free hydrogenolysis (HDL) of benzyl phenyl ether (BPE), a model for the C–O (α-O-4) linkage in lignin, was investigated using NiMo-pillared clay catalysts in their reduced (NiMoPR) and sulfided (NiMoPS) forms. NiMoPS show higher activity and selectivity to give an equimolar mixture of toluene and phenol, demonstrating selective cleavage of the Caliphatic–O of BPE, while non-equimolar amounts were found for NiMoPR. Strong acid sites are dominant in NiMoPS, giving a higher total acidity compared to NiMoPR, which explains the higher selectivity of the sulfided catalyst towards the HDL products and monomeric aromatics. To understand the interaction of BPE on the catalyst surface, we carried out a comprehensive investigation of the 2D potential energy surface (PES) of BPE and the vibrational spectra using neutron scattering and computational studies. The results suggest that BPE is weakly adsorbed on NiMoPS and the pillared clay support (PILC) via a van der Waals or H-bonding interaction, but they are strongly chemisorbed on the NiMoPR due to covalent bonding. Weakly adsorbed BPE allows higher mobility during diffusion to the catalytic site, which promotes the higher activity of NiMoPS for the HDL. This work demonstrates the potential use of clay-supported NiMo catalysts for lignin valorization and the future circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates how the inclusion of bone glue affects the performance of traditional painted furniture ground layers, particularly under dry–wet cycling conditions. The ground layers, applied to wood substrates in seven different ratios of bone glue to gypsum powder (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%), were tested for mass changes, dimensional stability, adhesion, and surface roughness. The results showed that higher bone glue content (especially 50% and 60%) led to improved stability, reduced mass fluctuations, and better dimensional stability. The 50% bone glue sample exhibited the best overall stability with minimal weight change (<1.6%) and reduced shrinkage. Adhesion strength increased with bone glue content, reaching 3.48 MPa at 60% bone glue. Lower bone glue content resulted in poor adhesion and visible defects such as cracking and blistering. SEM analysis confirmed that higher bone glue content enhanced bonding between the ground layer and the wood substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared (IR) radiation curing technology has a high potential to improve the curing process of thermosetting polymers. To investigate the IR curing reaction mechanism, the present study explores the curing kinetics of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/dodecanedioic acid (DDDA) powder coatings subjected to IR radiation. Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is employed to record the concentration of epoxide groups with respect to time under different temperature conditions, with the reaction conducted under IR radiation. The resulting data are then fitted by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm using MATLAB software to obtain the kinetic parameters, namely the rate constant (k), catalytic constants (n, m), manifestation activation energy (E), and the pre-exponential factor (A) of the curing reaction. Additionally, this study proposes a new concept: the 'photo-thermal synergistic effect' of infrared curing and its evaluation criteria using a dimensionless quantity. Incredibly, this index integrates the impact of IR curing technology on two aspects: the curing process and the properties of the cured product. Overall, this study deepens our understanding of the IR curing reaction mechanism and provides a reference for the application of this technology in practical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compatibility of the wrought Al-Ca alloy with the element Fe was investigated in the present study. In this work, both the Al-Ca alloy and Al-Ca-Fe alloy were synthesized through melting, casting, heat treatment, and rolling. A new ternary Al-Ca-Fe eutectic phase, identified as Al 10 CaFe 2 with an orthorhombic structure, demonstrated enhanced performance, as revealed by nanoindentation tests. Combining the results of the nanoindentation and EBSD, it can be inferred that during the rolling and heat treatment process, the divorced eutectic phases were broken and spheroidized, and the structure of the Fe-rich alloy became finer, which promotes the formation of fine grains during the process of dynamic recrystallization and effectively hindered the grain growth during thermal treatment. Consequently, the strength of the as-rolled Al-Ca alloy was improved with the addition of 1 wt.% Fe while the ductility of the alloy was maintained. Therefore, adding Ca into the high-Fe content recycled aluminum altered the form of the Fe-containing phases in the alloy, effectively expanding the application scope of recycled aluminum alloy manufacturing. This approach also offered a method for strengthening the Al-Ca aluminum alloys. Compared to the traditional approach of reducing Fe content in alloys through metallurgical means, this study opened a new avenue for designing novel, renewable aluminum alloys highly compatible with impurity iron in scrap.

Space-based observations of the total lunar eclipse on 21 January 2019 were conducted using the geostationary Earth-orbiting satellite Gaofen-4 (GF-4). This study represents a pioneering effort to address the observational gap in full-disk lunar eclipse photometry from space. With its high resolution and ability to capture the entire lunar disk, GF-4 enabled both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the variations in lunar brightness, as well as spectra and color changes, across two spatial dimensions, from the whole lunar disk to resolved regions. Our results indicate that before the totality phase of the lunar eclipse, the irradiance of the Moon diminishes to below approximately 0.19% of that of the uneclipsed Moon. Additionally, we observed an increase in lunar brightness at the initial entry into the penumbra. This phenomenon is attributed to the opposition effect, providing scientific evidence for this unexpected behavior. To investigate detailed spectral variations, specific calibration sites, including the Chang'E-3 landing site, MS-2 in Mare Serenitatis, and the Apollo 16 highlands, were analyzed. Notably, the red-to-blue ratio dropped below 1 near the umbra, contradicting the common perception that the Moon appears red during lunar eclipses. The red/blue ratio images reveal that as the Moon enters Earth's umbra, it does not simply turn red; instead, a blue-banded ring appears at the boundary due to ozone absorption and the lunar surface composition. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of atmospheric effects on lunar eclipses and provide crucial reference information for the future modeling of lunar eclipse radiation, promoting the integration of remote sensing science with astronomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Necrotic enteritis, a severe intestinal disease in chickens caused by bacteria and parasites, poses a major challenge in poultry farming. Traditionally, antibiotics have been used to control this disease, but due to rising antibiotic resistance and regulatory restrictions, alternative treatments are needed. This study explored the use of four plant extracts—Astragalus, pomegranate peel, Sophora flavescens, and Artemisia annua—combined with a beneficial bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, to manage necrotic enteritis in chickens. Researchers found that pomegranate peel was effective, even surpassing a standard antibiotic in reducing inflammation and promoting growth. Some combinations, like S. flavescens extract with B. subtilis, showed increased tight junction proteins' expression, while others, like pomegranate peel extract with B. subtilis, had reduced growth performance. This research highlights the potential of natural treatments as safe, effective options for farmers to improve chicken health, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and support sustainable poultry production. Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, represents a major economic challenge to poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of four plant extracts—Astragalus, pomegranate peel, Sophora flavescens, and Artemisia annua—in combination with B. subtilis, as potential antibiotic alternatives for controlling NE. Using an experimentally induced NE model produced by coinfection with Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens, 288 chickens were divided into 12 groups to assess growth performance, intestinal lesions, and inflammatory markers. Compared with the enramycin group, the pomegranate peel extract group had a 9.9% increase in body weight gain (BWG), significant enhancement in claudin-2 expression, and reduced production of inflammatory factors. Compared with the infected control group, the combination of A. annua extract and B. subtilis resulted in the lowest intestinal lesion scores. The claudin-2, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 expression levels in the group treated with S. flavescens extract combined with B. subtilis increased to the highest levels compared to those in the healthy control group. These findings emphasize the potential of plant extracts, particularly pomegranate peel and A. annua with B. subtilis, as natural alternatives for NE management in poultry, providing a promising approach to reducing reliance on antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional science and technology cooperation networks are pivotal for fostering sustainable global innovation. The China–ASEAN science and technology cooperation network integrates regional innovation resources, thereby promoting the sustainable flow of innovation elements and complementing technological strengths among countries, which significantly enhances cooperation efficiency and outcomes. This study employs a Social Network Analysis (SNA) and the Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model (TERGM) to analyze co-authored publications between China and ASEAN countries from 2003 to 2022, constructing a cooperation network that integrates both endogenous network structures and exogenous driving factors. This study explores the distinct mechanisms through which these factors influence the formation of cooperative relationships and highlights the key features and determinants of the network. The findings reveal the following: first, the China–ASEAN science and technology cooperation network has evolved from an initial "star-shaped structure" with China and Singapore as central nodes to a more interconnected network exhibiting "small world" and "high clustering" characteristics. Second, endogenous network structures, including the number of edges, node centrality, and closed triadic structures, significantly shape the network's evolution, with some structures inhibiting the formation of new partnerships, while an increase in shared collaborators promotes new connections. Third, the evolution of the network demonstrates both stability and variability. Fourth, human capital is a key driver of partnership formation, while higher per-capita GDP countries show less inclination to form new partnerships. Fifth, proximity factors have heterogeneous effects: linguistic proximity positively impacts the formation of partnerships, while institutional proximity negatively affects the establishment of new collaborations. Based on these findings, this paper suggests improving international cooperation mechanisms, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing the development of cross-border scientific talent. These measures aim to enhance the connectivity within the China–ASEAN science and technology cooperation network, effectively improve the utilization efficiency of regional innovation resources and technological capabilities, and promote the sharing and long-term collaboration of innovation resources within the region, thereby advancing sustainable development at both regional and global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small RNAs (sRNAs) control a wide range of development and physiological pathways in plants. To address the response of sRNA biogenesis to drought stress, we identified sRNA biogenesis genes, including 11 encoding argonautes (AGO), 8 encoding Dicer-like proteins (DCL), and 9 encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RDR) in the peach genome. Notably, the largest numbers of sRNA biogenesis genes are located to chromosome 1. The PAZ, PIWI, and MID domains were identified in PpAGOs, while the ribonuclease IIIa and IIIb domains were characterized in PpDCLs. The RDRP domain was recognized in PpRDRs. Orthologous similarity and collinearity analyses between Arabidopsis and peach revealed 5, 1, and 2 collinear blocks in AGOs, DCLs, and RDRs, respectively. Moreover, 41, 40, and 42 cis-acting elements were located in the promoters of PpAGOs, PpDCLs, and PpRDRs, respectively, with the majority related to drought stress response. Analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data revealed that sRNA biogenesis genes were involved in drought stress response in different tissues. Furthermore, the expression of candidate genes was verified in two peach cultivars, Beijing 2-7 (BJ2-7) and Sinai (SN), which are tested as drought-tolerant and sensitive cultivars, respectively, based on the physiological and biochemical analyses, which revealed that the Chinese peach cultivar 'BJ2-7' exhibits greater drought resistance compared to the Egyptian peach cultivar 'SN'. Interestingly, the expression of PpAGO2b, PpDCL2b, PpDCL4, and PpRDR4 genes was induced in 'BJ2-7' but inhibited in 'SN' under drought stress. Overall, this study provides insight into the roles of sRNA biogenesis genes in response to drought stress in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current studies primarily analyze the heterogeneity and complexity of mesopore structures based on low-temperature nitrogen (N2) adsorption curves and the Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) fractal model. However, these studies ignore the fact that the low-temperature N2 desorption curve can also reflect the desorption performance of the mesopore structure. In this research, novel fractal indicators for characterizing the adsorption–desorption performance of mesopores based on the fractal dimension from the N2 adsorption curves and N2 desorption curves are proposed. The novel fractal indicators I1 and I2 are applied to evaluate the adsorption–desorption performance of mesopores with pore size 2–5 nm and pore size 5–50 nm, respectively. The fractal indicator I1 shows an increasing trend with coalification, reflecting that the gas adsorption performance of 2–5 nm mesopores is enhanced with coalification. The fractal indicator I2 exhibits a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with coalification, indicating the gas desorption performance of mesopores with pore size 5–50 nm decreases first and then increases. The proposed indicators provide novel analytical parameters for further understanding the gas adsorption–desorption mechanism of porous coal-based or carbon-based materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is one of the world's staple crops and an important economic and food crop for one billion people. It holds significant value in food, feed, and industrial raw materials. However, cassava production is faced with the following problems: agricultural machinery and agronomy are not integrated, work efficiency is not high, it is not suitable for large-scale planting plots, and there is a lack of large-scale equipment, automation, and intelligent cassava production equipment. This study reviews research on cassava planting agronomy and mechanized production technologies and equipment, including planting, stem–tuber separation, and harvesting, both globally and in China. The shortcomings are analyzed, and recommendations are provided for current mechanized cassava production to accelerate the development of intelligent equipment and strengthen the shortcomings. Meanwhile, we used typical and extensive Chinese planting and harvesting machines as case studies. The future trends in cassava production are forecasted, underscoring the importance of advancing global mechanized technology and equipment for cassava production to enhance its efficiency, competitiveness, and modernization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water pollution is caused by heavy metals, minerals, and dyes. It has become a global environmental problem. There are numerous methods for removing different types of pollutants from wastewater. Adsorption is viewed as the most promising and financially viable option. Nanostructured materials are used as effective materials for adsorption techniques to extract metal ions from wastewater. Many types of nanomaterials, such as zero-valent metals, metal oxides, carbon nanomaterials, and magnetic nanocomposites, are used as adsorbents. Magnetic nanocomposites as adsorbents have magnetic properties and abundant active functional groups, and unique nanomaterials endow them with better properties than nonmagnetic materials (classic adsorbents). Nonmagnetic materials (classic adsorbents) typically have limitations such as limited adsorption capacity, adsorbent recovery, poor selective adsorption, and secondary treatment. Magnetic nanocomposites are easy to recover, have strong selectivity and high adsorption capacity, are safe and economical, and have always been a hotspot for research. A large amount of data has been collected in this review, which is based on an extensive study of the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption capacity for the elimination of ions from wastewater and their separation from water. The effects of several experimental parameters on metal ion removal, including contact duration, temperature, adsorbent dose, pH, starting ion concentration, and ionic strength, have also been investigated. In addition, a variety of illustrations are used to describe the various adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm models, providing insight into the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance lychee quality assessment and address inconsistencies in post-harvest pest detection, this study presents a multi-source fusion approach combining hyperspectral imaging, X-ray imaging, and visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy. Traditional single-sensor methods are limited in detecting pest damage, particularly in lychees with complex skins, as they often fail to capture both external and internal fruit characteristics. By integrating multiple sensors, our approach overcomes these limitations, offering a more accurate and robust detection system. Significant differences were observed between pest-free and infested lychees. Pest-free lychees exhibited higher hardness, soluble sugars (11% higher in flesh, 7% higher in peel), vitamin C (50% higher in flesh, 2% higher in peel), polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ORAC values (26%, 9%, and 14% higher, respectively). The Vis/NIR data processed with SG+SNV+CARS yielded a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model with an R2 of 0.82, an RMSE of 0.18, and accuracy of 89.22%. The hyperspectral model, using SG+MSC+SPA, achieved an R2 of 0.69, an RMSE of 0.23, and 81.74% accuracy, while the X-ray method with support vector regression (SVR) reached an R2 of 0.69, an RMSE of 0.22, and 76.25% accuracy. Through feature-level fusion, Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV), and dimensionality reduction using PCA, we optimized hyperparameters and developed a Random Forest model. This model achieved 92.39% accuracy in pest detection, outperforming the individual methods by 3.17%, 10.25%, and 16.14%, respectively. The multi-source fusion approach also improved the overall accuracy by 4.79%, highlighting the critical role of sensor fusion in enhancing pest detection and supporting the development of automated non-destructive systems for lychee stem borer detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to increase grape yields have focused on using nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, often causing unintended magnesium (Mg) deficiencies. To overcome Mg deficiency, different concentrations of MgSO4·7H2O (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mM) and GABA (2.5 mM), as foliar sprays, were applied during the fruit enlargement and color transition stages. Key physiological parameters such as leaf growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence were assessed. Interestingly, foliar Mg application increased the key physiological parameters, with the 3 mM treatment (M3) delivering the best improvement. Compared to the control, the M3 treatment increased dry weight and leaf area by 35.9% and 37.2%, respectively. Specifically, the foliar Mg application (M3) improved the photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs) of leaves when compared to the control. Additionally, the foliar Mg application improved the PSII photosynthetic efficiency, electron yield, and electron transport rates, following the order M2 > M3 > M1 > M0 > M4. This study demonstrated the essential role of foliar-applied Mg, with GABA, in improving grape physiology. Interestingly, the curve-fitting analysis of foliar Mg concentration and grape yield identified 2.14 mM of Mg as the optimal concentration for promoting grape growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardisation has become imperative to retaining order and development in modern society. The simplest actions, such as train timings and the width of the railroad, would be very difficult to achieve without Standardisation. Standardisation also solves problems, such as the use of mobile devices, which requires travel abroad when out of range. We perform a large-scale quantitative analysis for papers dealing with (1) standards and (2) Information and communications technology (ICT) data in three important databases, namely Web of Science, IEEE Explore, and ACM digital library, in this paper. These three databases presented 216 articles that were divided into five categories: standard-related review and survey studies, information management across hardware and software standards, energy management standards, machine learning model classification performance, privacy-aware software system standards, and health information and communications technology standards. This paper discusses how Standardisation facilitates the planning of the entire research and innovation process by encouraging discussions regarding the specific outputs the research aims to achieve. The paper further illustrates that references related to standardisation within the call topics act as a crucial motivating factor in the decision to adopt standardisation. In conclusion, our contribution provides a better understanding of standards in peer-reviewed publications and an essential foundation for future research. In addition, we demonstrate that standards play an important role in innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of digital transformation and economic globalization, R&D (research and development) internationalization is essential for enterprises to utilize global resources and achieve technological innovation. This study examines Chinese A-share-listed industrial companies with active overseas R&D from 2010 to 2022 using a Poisson panel fixed-effects model to assess how digital transformation influences R&D internationalization. The findings confirm that digital transformation significantly enhances the depth and breadth of R&D internationalization, even when controlling for endogeneity. The analysis identifies financing constraints and information communication efficiency as key mediators in this process. Additionally, the impact varies by the type of digital technology and the geographical location of the enterprises. This research not only deepens understanding of the link between digital transformation and R&D internationalization but also aids policy formulation for governments and businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the challenges of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is to deliver biochemical compounds that can be advantageous for the skin. Research on Boraginaceae taxa has confirmed their use in traditional medicine and proved the potential biological importance of various molecules in cosmetology. The main classes of valuable compounds associated with Boraginaceae taxa are fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid, essential oils, phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and saponins. Highly specific are naphthoquinone pigments (including shikonin) and allantoin. Another distinguishing feature is the accumulation of silica (silicon dioxide) in trichomes. Some taxa produce mucilages. However, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) with toxic properties are also found (mainly in Symphytum spp.); therefore, their applications should be avoided. Extracts or individual compounds of Boraginaceae plants are characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-irritant, antiaging, and photoprotective activities. Boraginaceae products are widespread in the cosmetic industry as ingredients of creams, balms, lotions, gels, shampoos, lipsticks, perfumes, and deodorants. The most valuable for the cosmetic industry are raw materials obtained from the genera Alcanna Anchusa, Arnebia, Borago, Buglossoides, Cerinthe, Cordia, Echium, Ehretia, Eriodictyon, Glendora, Lappula, Lithospermum, Lycopsis, Macrotomia, Maharanga, Mertensia, Messerschmidia, Myosotis, Omphalodes, Onosma, Pulmonaria, Rindera, Symphytum, Trachystemon, and Trigonotis. Further research should focus on the search for active substances in other plants of the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major global factor constraining peanut production. Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Ca2+ are essential to improve stress resilience in peanuts growing under low-P conditions. This study therefore examined the detailed physiological effects of GABA-Ca on restoring peanut growth under low-P conditions. These included the root–shoot ratio, leaf nutrients, photochemical activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), cyclic electron flow (CEF), ATP synthase activity, and the proton gradient (∆pH), all of which were measured under low-P (LP, 0.5 mM) and optimized-P (1 mM) conditions. Specifically, supplying GABA-Ca under LP conditions regulated the ∆pH by causing adjustments in CEF and ATP synthase activities, buffering the photosystems' activities, restoring the antioxidant enzyme system, and lowering ROS production. Interestingly, exogenous GABA-Ca restored peanut growth under low-P conditions, possibly by the putative signaling crosstalk between GABA and Ca2+. The plausible signal amplification between GABA and Ca2+ suggested that the combination of GABA and Ca, may offer an effective strategy for enhancing peanut adaptation to low-P conditions. Moving forward, the strategic supplementation of GABA-Ca, either during cultivation or through the formulation of novel fertilizers, opens up many possibilities for better and more resilient plant production in soils with low P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a 3D model of a yellow hydrogen generation system that uses the electricity produced by a photovoltaic carport. The 3D models of all key system components were collected, and their characteristics were described. Based on the design of the 3D model of the photovoltaic carport, the amount of energy produced monthly was determined. These quantities were then applied to determine the production of low-emission hydrogen. In order to increase the amount of low-emission hydrogen produced, the usage of a stationary energy storage facility was proposed. The Metalog family of probability distributions was adopted to develop a strategic model for low-emission hydrogen production. The hydrogen economy of a company that uses small amounts of hydrogen can be based on such a model. The 3D modeling and calculations show that it is possible to design a compact low-emission hydrogen generation system using rapid prototyping tools, including the photovoltaic carport with an electrolyzer placed in the container and an energy storage facility. This is an effective solution for the climate and energy transition of companies with low hydrogen demand. In the analytical part, the Metalog probability distribution family was employed to determine the amount of monthly energy produced by 6.3 kWp photovoltaic systems located in two European countries: Poland and Italy. Calculating the probability of producing specific amounts of hydrogen in two European countries is an answer to a frequently asked question: In which European countries will the production of low-emission hydrogen from photovoltaic systems be the most profitable? As a result of the calculations, for the analyzed year 2023 in Poland and Italy, specific answers were obtained regarding the probability of monthly energy generation and monthly hydrogen production. Many companies from Poland and Italy are taking part in the European competition to create hydrogen banks. Only those that offer low-emission hydrogen at the lowest prices will receive EU funding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamical vehicle performances depend on its center of gravity's position. It is necessary to determine this position as closely as possible. The current methods of determining the center of gravity's position are either not sufficiently accurate or are very demanding in relation to finances, time and special equipment. At the same time, there is a lack of accurate data on the center of gravity's position of current vehicles for further research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to propose such a methodology of measuring the center of gravity's position, including its height, which is accurate enough and has as low-demand measuring equipment as possible. Another purpose of this study is to obtain data on the change in the centers of gravity's positions in different vehicles due to various load distributions. Extensive experimental measurements, according to the innovative methodology, were performed with five vehicles. The positions of the center of gravity were determined for various load distributions, and the results were analyzed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarises the available evidence on the prospects for using microalgae or their extracts to support crop production. The evidence is limited but suggests technological promise in several distinct ways, namely, higher core productivity, enhanced resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, and better-quality produce. The different efficacy pathways of these microalgal technologies were examined to assess their scope to help address key farmer priorities. Their scope to help farmers face climate change and land degradation was a particular focus, given the magnitude of these threats. These microalgal technologies are framed in terms of their pertinence to farmer priorities due to the centrality of farmers to food systems. Notably, farmers' technology adoption decisions are key to food system outcomes. The findings reported suggest that these crop support technologies could potentially deliver major benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment. For the moment, however, this emerging literature remains largely neglected. Possible reasons for this are considered, as are potential ways forward. The review focuses particularly on the two most researched and widely available microalgae, the genera Arthrospira and Chlorella, in the interest of highlighting options farmers could adopt rapidly while research on the wider body of microalgae-based crop technologies continues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study depicts potential climate change impacts on annual rainwater savings from household rainwater harvesting using two different climate projection models; ACCESS 1.0 and CSIRO-Mk3.6. This paper also investigates potential changes in the relationships of 'water saving efficiency' and reliability with rainfall 'seasonality index' under the mentioned climate change scenarios. The annual water savings were calculated for three weather conditions: dry, average, and wet. Historical daily rainfall amounts provided by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology were used for three locations within the city of Brisbane (Australia). For the same locations, projected future daily rainfall amounts were collected from an online data portal facilitated by the Australian government. Potential annual water savings, water saving efficiency, and reliability values for the selected locations were calculated through a widely used tool, eTank, developed on water balance methodology at a daily scale. It was found that for the coastal location, Manly, the future water savings are not likely to change significantly. However, for the inland location, Sunnybank, the future water savings are expected to decrease under all the weather conditions through both the considered climate projections. For the far inner location, Oxley, the water savings are likely to decrease in the dry year, whereas in wet year, they are likely to increase. Also, it was found that the overall average relationship of SI–water saving efficiency is steeper for ACCESS 1.0 projected data compared to that produced through CSIRO-Mk3.6 data, and that significant differences exist among individual relationships for each location. The overall reliabilities calculated through the model projected data show lower values compared to the reliabilities calculated using historical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Najeoer Pond, which is the object of this study, was created to be utilized as a test bed for the restoration of endangered species and for carrying out ecological education on the pond ecosystem. To achieve these goals, the Najeoer Pond was created for diversity and stability purposes by first securing various water depths imitating natural lagoons and inducing the establishment of various vegetation types according to the depth. As a result of analyzing the vegetation settlement process for 12 years after its creation through vegetation cover, species composition, species diversity, and the ratio of exotic species, and comparing the results with those of natural lagoons, the Najeoer Pond has been shaped to resemble the diversity and stability of natural lagoons. The carbon absorption capacity of the littoral vegetation established around the pond was significantly higher than that of forest vegetation. In this respect, the Najeoer Pond was also deemed to have a high creation effect in terms of ecological function. Therefore, a stable pond with diversity can be created because vegetation diversity can be guaranteed as a result of securing the ecological diversity of various water depths. The Najeoer Pond was created in a rice paddy as a part of a plan to build the National Institute of Ecology. To induce the establishment of various plants, the maximum depth of the pond was 2.0 m, and diverse depths were created with a gentle slope on the pond bed. When introducing vegetation, littoral and emergent vegetation were first introduced to stabilize the space secured for the creation of the pond, whereas the introduction of other vegetation was allowed to develop naturally. In this pond, floating, emergent, wetland, and littoral plants have been established to various degrees, reflecting the water depth and water table. As a result of stand ordination, based on vegetation data obtained from the created Najeoer Pond and a natural lagoon selected as the reference site, the species' composition resembled that of the reference site. Diversity, based on vegetation type, community, and species, tended to be higher than that of the reference site. The proportion of exotic species increased due to the disturbance that occurred during the pond creation process but continued to decrease as the vegetation introduced during the creation of the pond became established. Considering these results comprehensively, the restorative treatment served to increase both the biological integrity and ecological stability of the pond and, thus, achieved the creation goal from the viewpoint of the pond structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bright band (BB) is an important symbol of the ice–water transition zone in stratiform precipitation, and the presence or absence of BB will lead to different microphysical processes. In this paper, the characteristics of BB and precipitation characteristics with and without BB in summer at Tibetan Plateau (TP) as well as Central-eastern China (CEC) are analyzed by using Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) and the fifth generation ECMWF atmospheric reanalysis of the global climates (ERA5) datasets. The results show the freezing level height and BB height in TP are 0.5 km higher than those in CEC. With the increase in rain rate, the BB height decreases in TP but increases in CEC. The BB width becomes wider with the increase in maximum radar reflectivity. Secondly, the maximum reflectivity factor and particle diameter of stratiform precipitation with BB appear at 5 km, while the maximum reflectivity factor of stratiform precipitation without BB and convective precipitation appear near the ground. The particle diameter first decreases and then increases from the cloud top to the ground. Thirdly, the land surface temperature of convective precipitation is about 2.5 °C higher than stratiform precipitation with BB, indicating higher land surface temperatures are more likely to trigger convection. Lastly, BB can lead to a decrease in brightness temperature and an increase in polarized difference at 89 GHZ and 166 GHZ in CEC, likely due to the increasing ice particles in stratiform precipitation with BB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of the external magnetic field on the microstructure and mechanical property aluminum alloy 6061-T6 and 7075-T651 resistance spot welding joints. The melting behavior of 6061 and 7075 was analyzed via the calculation of the phase diagram (CALPHAD) technique. The CALPHAD results indicate that, for the 6061 aluminum alloy, the liquid fraction shows a minimal increase at the beginning stage during the solid–liquid phase transition process but with a sharp rise at the ending stage (near the liquidus). In contrast, for the 7075 aluminum alloy, the liquid fraction gradually increases throughout the entire solid–liquid phase transition process. The differences in melting behavior between the 6061 and 7075 alloys lead to different liquation crack morphologies in their spot-welded joints. In the 6061 alloy, the cracks tend to be "eyebrow-shaped", allowing the liquid metal in the nugget to feed the gaps, and this does not significantly compromise the mechanical properties of the joint. In contrast, the 7075 alloy develops slender cracks that extend through the partially melted zone (PMZ), making it difficult for the liquid metal to feed these gaps, thereby significantly deteriorating the joint's mechanical strength. Compared to conventional resistance spot-welding joints, the heat exchange between the nugget and the workpiece is enhanced under the external magnetic field, leading to a wider PMZ. This exacerbates the detrimental effects of liquation cracks on the mechanical properties of the 7075 joints. Lap-shear tests indicate that the mechanical properties of the 6061 aluminum alloy joints are improved under electromagnetic stirring. For 7075 aluminum alloy joints, the mechanical properties improve when the welding current is below 34 kA. However, when the welding current exceeds 34 kA, because the widening of the PMZ increases the tendency for liquation cracks, the joint's mechanical property is deteriorated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]