Continued Expansion Research Articles

Shift from income breeding to capital breeding with latitude in the invasive Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus

Organisms vary in the timing of energy acquisition and use for reproduction. Thus, breeding strategies exist on a continuum, from capital breeding to income breeding. Capital breeders acquire and store energy for breeding before the start of the reproductive season, while income breeders finance reproduction using energy acquired during the reproductive season. Latitude and its associated environmental drivers are expected to heavily influence breeding strategy, potentially leading to latitudinal variation in breeding strategies within a single species. We examined the breeding strategy of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus at five sites spanning nearly 10° of latitude across its invaded United States range. We hypothesized that the primary breeding strategy of this species would shift from income breeding to capital breeding as latitude increases. We found that though this species’ breeding strategy is dominated by capital breeding throughout much of the range, income breeding increases in importance at lower latitudes. This latitudinal pattern is likely heavily influenced by the duration of the foraging and breeding seasons, which also vary with latitude. We also found that reproductive characteristics at the northern and southern edges of the invaded range were consistent with continued range expansion. We suggest that the reproductive flexibility of the Asian shore crab is a key facilitator of its continued invasion success. Our results highlight the influence of latitude on the breeding strategy of a species and emphasize the need for further research regarding the ecological importance and implications of flexibility in breeding strategies within species.

Numerical stability of the branched continued fraction expansion of Horn's hypergeometric function $H_4$

In this paper, we consider some numerical aspects of branched continued fractions as special families of functions to represent and expand analytical functions of several complex variables, including generalizations of hypergeometric functions. The backward recurrence algorithm is one of the basic tools of computation approximants of branched continued fractions. Like most recursive processes, it is susceptible to error growth. Each cycle of the recursive process not only generates its own rounding errors but also inherits the rounding errors committed in all the previous cycles. On the other hand, in general, branched continued fractions are a non-linear object of study (the sum of two fractional-linear mappings is not always a fractional-linear mapping). In this work, we are dealing with a confluent branched continued fraction, which is a continued fraction in its form. The essential difference here is that the approximants of the continued fraction are the so-called figure approximants of the branched continued fraction. An estimate of the relative rounding error, produced by the backward recurrence algorithm in calculating an nth approximant of the branched continued fraction expansion of Horn’s hypergeometric function H4, is established. The derivation uses the methods of the theory of branched continued fractions, which are essential in developing convergence criteria. The numerical examples illustrate the numerical stability of the backward recurrence algorithm.

Design of PLC Electrical Control System

With the continuous expansion and development of factory enterprise scale, the development of automatic batching control system has also been accelerated. Batching mixing control system is a kind of raw materials mixed together according to a certain proportion, processing to produce a certain product process. This paper mainly designs and realizes the batching mixing control system of programmable logic controller (PLC). By precisely controlling the proportion of batching and the mixing time, the system is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other fields to improve production efficiency and product quality. PLC system is a flexible, programmable electrical control equipment, because of its powerful, easy to use, high reliability characteristics, often used as the field data acquisition and equipment control. This paper mainly introduces the automatic control of liquid mixing system by Siemens PLC. The control object, hardware composition, software design and system function of the PLC based mixing, automatic mixing and automatic discharging system for two kinds of ingredients can simulate and display the whole working process of the liquid mixing system. The hardware of the system is mainly composed of S7-300 programmable controller, keys, stirring motor, frequency converter, solenoid valve and pump, etc. The programming software adopts Siemens programming software STEP7. The system transmits the collected field data to PLC through the weighing sensor, and after the PLC processes the field data logically, the corresponding control command is issued to complete the automatic control of the system. Finally, the system uses the communication interface to connect with the host computer to realize the communication between PLC and computer. The system has high degree of automation, strong flexibility, and can meet different production process requirements.

A landscape in turmoil: characterizing the multi-decadal growth trajectory of brackishwater aquaculture in Medinipur Coastal Plain, India

The spatio-temporal growth trajectory of coastal brackishwater aquaculture (CBA) in the coastal tracts of Purba Medinipur, India and its impending repercussions on the immediate environs, was primarily assessed in this study through application of geostatistics, landscape metrics, and geospatial technologies. Three Community Development (CD) Blocks, namely, Contai-I, Deshapran, and Ramnagar-II were considered to analyze the growth pattern of the area under CBA. Landsat datasets of the assessment years (1991, 2001, 2011, 2021, and 2023) were used to prepare the land use/ land cover (LULC) maps and to derive pertinent landscape metrics of patch and class levels for this region. This brought forward a highly fragmented and dispersive spatial concentration of the CBA farms in the entire study area. Additionally, Census Village-wise growth pattern of CBA was analyzed by conducting a spatial autocorrelation analysis which depicted prominent clustering of villages with a higher concentration of CBA. Results showed that there has been an incessant growth of CBA in the last three decades, however, a sharp drop has been recorded owing to recurrent bouts of diseases, swelling production costs, and a sharp drop-in market rate. The nature of growth and/ or decay of the CBA was predicted for the year 2025 using Cellular Automata and Artificial Neural Network (CA-ANN) model. After careful calibration and validation, the model projected further lessening of the CBA area along with a continued expansion of abandoned aquaculture. Accordingly, ecologically viable livelihood alternatives and environmentally sustainable management measures were suggested for the efficient monitoring of these highly fragile tropical ecosystems.

Study on the Influence of International Economic Law of Carbon Emission Trading on Environmental Sustainable Development

With the continuous development of global economic and trade activities, environmental problems have become an important factor restricting the sustainable development of all countries. How to realize the coordinated development of international trade and environmental protection has become a major issue facing the international community. Since China joined the WTO, its share of international trade has been increasing continuously. In order to deeply analyze the influence of international carbon emission trading policy on domestic carbon emissions, we use an input–output model and a GTAP analysis method to theoretically calculate the carbon emissions of the international trade of various departments in Shandong Province. At the same time, the implicit carbon emission index of various industries in 2022 is calculated through the direct energy consumption coefficient. The results show that there are significant differences in the impact of the carbon tariff system on different industries. In terms of the carbon emission index, the food processing industry showed a decrease of 18.99 Mt, while the implied carbon emission of the tobacco, textile and leather manufacturing industry reached 30.56 Mt due to the continuous expansion of trade scale. In contrast, the implied carbon emission level of the metal product processing industry reached 5.3 Mt, while the carbon emission of traditional trading industries such as coal mining was almost unaffected by international trade, and its carbon emission index reached the highest level of 5.89 in 2020. In terms of trade impact, high-trade industries such as the food processing industry are significantly affected by the carbon tariff policy, and their share has dropped from 5.89% to 3.95% in the past decade. The carbon emissions generated by GDP growth established by the GTAP model are more convincing. This model can directly reflect the energy efficiency of a region from the side. Based on the present situation of international trade, this paper analyzes the inequality of the current carbon tariff system, and puts forward some policies to optimize the energy structure to reduce carbon emissions and expand domestic demand to reduce the dependence on international trade. Through the GTAP model, we put forward policy suggestions to optimize the energy structure to reduce carbon emissions and the dependence on international trade by expanding domestic demand.

Dominant Tree Species and Their Age Groups Drive Forest Carbon Storage in Wuyi Mountain National Park, China

Evaluating the carbon storage of forests and identifying the factors that influence it are essential in working towards the “dual carbon” goal. This assessment will facilitate research on carbon neutrality and promote regional ecological protection and development. This study utilized the “One Map” data of forest resources (2020) and the first year (2017) of the establishment of the national park in Wuyi Mountain National Park (WMNP). The continuous biomass expansion factor method, in conjunction with the vegetation carbon content coefficient, was employed to estimate the forest carbon storage within the park’s forested areas. Subsequently, the distribution of forest carbon storage was analyzed using remote sensing estimation methods, and a comparison was made between the forest carbon storage of these two years. Finally, correlation analysis and path analysis were conducted to identify the primary factors influencing forest carbon storage. The study findings reveal that in 2020, the total carbon storage in forests reached 4.851 × 106 t C, with an average carbon density of 49.55 t C·hm−2. Furthermore, the study identified positive correlations between dominant tree species, age groups, and elevation with carbon storage, whereas slope length and aspect were found to have negative correlations. Dominant tree species were observed to have the greatest impact on forest carbon storage in both 2017 and 2020, followed by age groups. These findings offer valuable scientific insights for the implementation of forest carbon storage pilot projects in WMNP.

Photo-Identification and Skin Lesion Prevalence of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the Waters of New York and New Jersey

Cetaceans can serve as sentinel species in marine environments as long-lived, apex predators that can concentrate environmental contaminants with potential health consequences. Thus, monitoring the well-being of these species may provide an additional indicator of ecosystem health. In cetaceans, one method for assessing individual and population health is by examining skin conditions. For decades, skin lesions have been increasingly documented in coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) worldwide. Lesion presence can indicate diminished health and may reflect environmental stressors. Herein, we document the prevalence of epidermal lesions/marks in bottlenose dolphins from the waters off New York and New Jersey during their seasonal presence from spring to fall. Photographs of distinct individuals sighted from May to October 2017 to 2021 were compiled into a catalog, and skin lesions were categorized and counted. Annually, the lowest skin lesion prevalence was in 2021 (p = 0.31), and the highest was in 2017 (p = 0.81). By month, prevalence generally decreased from spring to fall. Overall lesion prevalence in this population was higher than reported estimates for other populations in the coastal waters of the United States. The five most common categories were cloudy white spots, dark spots, white amorphous lesions, tattoo lesions, and dark fringe lesions; and the three most common groups were potentially pathogenic lesions, hypopigmentation, and rake mark-associated potentially pathogenic lesions. Some of the observed lesions have been associated with viral infections that may be exacerbated by environmental stressors. This research establishes an important baseline for further studies into bottlenose dolphin population health in and around the New York–New Jersey Harbor Estuary, particularly given the continued expansion of anthropogenic activities, including those related to forthcoming offshore wind development.

77 years of uninterrupted agricultural research in Suceava

In 1946, by decision no. 1933 of the Ministry of Agriculture, the first agricultural research unit in the northern part of Moldova (the Suceava Experimental Agricultural Station, currently the Suceava Agricultural Research and Development Station) was established, as a necessity for the development of agriculture in Bucovina. After three years of operation in the submontane area from Ilisesti (19 km from Suceava), by decision no. 564249 of August 24 of the same ministry, the resort was transferred to Suceava. The area where the cantonment is located is individualized by specific pedoclimatic conditions, characterized by thermal restrictions, the non-uniformity of the hydrological regime — from insufficient to excessive — and by a great diversity of soil types, from soils with low fertility to those with good fertility. The consequence of this ecological diversity was, from the beginning, the need to diversify the concern related to research activity in response to solving the main problems of agriculture in the Suceava Plateau. If in the year of establishment (1946) the concerns were directed towards the cultivation of potatoes, meadows and fodder plants, over time it can be seen by following the evolution of concerns and the way of achieving the basic objectives of agricultural research, in Suceava, a continuous expansion of the problem areas addressed as well as the amplification of their complexity.

Internet Of Things (IoT) Integration In Telecommunication Networks: Challenges and Opportunities

This research delves into the challenges and opportunities posed by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) into telecommunication networks. It focuses on understanding IoT fundamentals, identifying hurdles like security and data management, and exploring prospects such as new services and operational streamlining. By analyzing government roles and strategic planning, it aims to harness the full potential of IoT-telecom convergence. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study aims to offer profound insights into the complexities of this integration. Through examining challenges and opportunities, it strives to contribute significantly to technological and societal advancement. Emphasizing literature review techniques and focused data analysis, this research aims to inform policy, foster innovation, and deepen comprehension of advanced technology's impact. IoT links physical devices to the internet, enabling innovations like smart homes and environmental monitoring, while telecom networks facilitate data exchange with a focus on infrastructure development and security. Integration of IoT into these networks enhances efficiency and security, with forecasts indicating continued expansion of IoT's role in telecom networks.

PEB-TAXO: Projecting Entities as Boxes for Taxonomy Expansion

As domain knowledge evolves, new concepts (entities) continuously emerge, leading to a decrease in the coverage of existing taxonomies with hierarchical structures, thus necessitating the continual expansion of these taxonomies to include new concepts. Due to the relationships (“contain”, “disjoint”, and “intersect”) between the boxes, which can effectively represent asymmetric hierarchies, box embeddings have been successfully applied in taxonomy expansion. However, existing models that use box embeddings for taxonomy expansion have the following shortcomings: (1) the size of the boxes is not restricted, and the model produces meaningless boxes; (2) the model does not fully utilize the geometric information of the boxes. To address the above shortcomings, this paper proposes a taxonomy expansion model based on projecting entities as boxes: PEB-TAXO. Firstly, PEB-TAXO employs modified L1 regularization to constrain the box sizes in all dimensions, pushing the box sizes towards the preset minimum, thereby avoiding the generation of meaningless boxes by the model. Secondly, the model utilizes a box inclusion inference method: it infers the relationship between two entities through the relationship between two boxes in geometric space, thus fully exploiting the geometric information of the boxes for more accurate inferences. Finally, we conducted extensive experiments on two public datasets and verified that PEB-TAXO greatly improves performance over mainstream taxonomy expansion methods.

Covalently construction of C-GSH-AuNCs@UiO-66-NH2 composites as an efficient turn-on fluorescence sensor for UO22+

Due to the continuous expansion of the nuclear power industry, the exploitation of uranium resources has led to the discharge of large quantities of uranium-rich wastewater into the environment, which poses a major threat to the environment and human health. Rapid detection of uranium in water bodies is of great significance for early warning of uranium contamination in the environment, safe discharge and real-time regulation of nuclear waste, and sustainable development of energy and ecological environment. Herein, we report a new “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for the detection of UO22+ in aqueous solutions. The fluorescent sensor was obtained by covalently bonding UiO-66-NH2 with gold nanoclusters GSH-AuNCs and showed a sensitive fluorescence enhancement response to UO22+ at low solid-liquid ratio, with a detection limit of 15.3 nmol L−1. With the advantages of intuitive visual detection, reusability and easy separation, the sensitive fluorescence sensor has great potential for the detection of UO22+ in aqueous solutions.

Financial market regulation and private law: a new frontier of transnational commercial law

Abstract Global financial markets are among the most extensively regulated markets in the world economy. This poses significant challenges from a private law perspective when regulatory rules interfere with private rights and obligations. This article examines the potential of transnational commercial law (TCL) to provide for a private law framework suited to the regulatory reality in global financial markets. The article finds that, while regulatory aspects are generally excluded from TCL instruments, notable exceptions to this general rule occur. Based on an analysis of the approaches undertaken in the Unidroit Convention of Substantive Rules for Intermediated Securities (Geneva Convention), including the accompanying Legislative Guide, the Unidroit Principles on the Operation of Close-Out Netting Provisions and the UNCITRAL Model Law on Secured Transactions, the article maps out three methods that allow for a reconciliation of private and regulatory rules: (i) the adoption of a flexible private law system including default and conflict rules; (ii) the use of opening clauses to allow deviations from TCL rules in accordance with international regulatory standards; and (iii) a codificatory approach through the development of a comprehensive and systematic legal framework consisting of both private law and regulatory rules. Finally, the article addresses potential obstacles and objections that future TCL instruments will face when addressing regulatory aspects. Overall, the article argues that an efficient financial market requires a foreseeable set of private law rules that—considering the continuous expansion of regulatory law—must address the pressing issues deriving from the interrelation of regulation and private law. However, the adaption of TCL instruments should be limited to common-sense financial market regulation that, even if differing from State to State, generally follows globally shared regulatory goals.

Assessing Carbon Emissions from Animal Husbandry in China: Trends, Regional Variations and Mitigation Strategies

The intensification of land use and the accelerated integration of three industries (agricultural production, agricultural product processing industry, and agricultural product market service industry) in China have resulted in the continuous expansion of animal husbandry and its industrial chain. This phenomenon has led to a rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock farming, intensifying climate change and placing strain on worldwide environmental conservation efforts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to evaluate carbon emissions from China’s animal husbandry sector from 2012 to 2021. Additionally, the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) decomposition method was employed to examine and elucidate the influential impacts of five factors on carbon emissions. These factors included the efficiency of animal husbandry production, the structure of the agricultural industry, per capita agricultural production income, urbanization, and the total population. The results reveal the following: (1) From 2012 to 2021, China’s animal husbandry sector witnessed a marginal increase in cumulative carbon emissions from 287.74 million tons to 294.73 million tons, with an annual growth rate of 0.42%. (2) Emission contributions were categorized as follows: the production stage (149.61 million tons), the transportation stage (145.07 million tons), and the processing stage (0.05 million tons). (3) The primary factor contributing to the rise in carbon emissions from animal husbandry from 2012 to 2021 was the per capita agricultural production income factor (A3), alongside a notable impact from the total population factor (A5).

Multiple records of the introduced parthenogenetic Smooth-scaled Tegulet, <i>Gymnophthalmus underwoodi</i> Grant 1958, in Puerto Rico

The introduction of invasive species to islands can be devastating to local biota. While many invasive species’successful colonization of new habitats can be attributed to features like high fecundity or low mate selectivity,parthenogenetic species pose a unique threat in their ability to reproduce asexually at high rates. The Smooth-scaledTegulet (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi), first described from Barbados in the 1950s, has since been documented as anintroduced species across additional Lesser and Greater Antillean islands as well as northwestern Brazil and Venezuela.Herein we report multiple individuals from Puerto Rico, including the first genetic records, which indicate that theindividuals on this island are most closely related to populations recorded from Brazil and Montserrat. Additionalgenetic information is necessary to determine the timing and migration of this species across the Caribbean. Regardless,the continued geographic expansion of this parthenogen across the Caribbean could present a threat to local fauna.

A Distributionally Robust Optimization Strategy for a Wind–Photovoltaic Thermal Storage Power System Considering Deep Peak Load Balancing of Thermal Power Units

With the continuous expansion of grid-connected wind, photovoltaic, and other renewable energy sources, their volatility and uncertainty pose significant challenges to system peak regulation. To enhance the system’s peak-load management and the integration of wind (WD) and photovoltaic (PV) power, this paper introduces a distributionally robust optimization scheduling strategy for a WD–PV thermal storage power system incorporating deep peak shaving. Firstly, a detailed peak shaving process model is developed for thermal power units, alongside a multi-energy coupling model for WD–PV thermal storage that accounts for carbon emissions. Secondly, to address the variability and uncertainty of WD–PV outputs, a data-driven, distributionally robust optimization scheduling model is formulated utilizing 1-norm and ∞-norm constrained scenario probability distribution fuzzy sets. Lastly, the model is solved iteratively through the column and constraint generation algorithm (C&CG). The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed strategy not only enhances the system’s peak-load handling and WD–PV integration but also boosts its economic efficiency and reduces the carbon emissions of the system, achieving a balance between model economy and system robustness.

Power Battery Cascade Utilization Reverse Supply Chain Literature Review

In the 21st century, the development prospects of new energy vehicles are broad, and the next few years are expected to continue to maintain rapid growth. However, with the continuous expansion of the new energy vehicle market, the recycling problem of power batteries has gradually become prominent. The power battery contains precious metals and harmful substances that may cause environmental pollution, which will lead to waste of resources and environmental pollution if the recycling is not properly handled. Therefore, taking the right recycling measures is essential to protect the environment and save resources. This paper mainly studies the reverse supply chain recycling of power batteries, including the following aspects: supply chain recycling channels, government participation in recycling, research on cascade utilization of power batteries, and puts forward prospects for future research on cascade utilization of power batteries.

Study on urban land use in Henan Province under the background of high-quality development

With the rapid development of the economy and continuous urban expansion, the sharp increase in land demand under the existing land scale and the limited supply of land resources have led to a serious intensification of contradictions. Improving land use efficiency, especially construction land use efficiency, has become an inevitable direction for future development. This is also a challenge faced by the comprehensive and sustainable development of China’s urban economy and society. Among other benefits, evaluating the efficiency of urban construction land use can maximize the distribution of land resources, improve the overall advantages of construction land, and encourage land management. This paper establishes and illustrates the evaluation based on three aspects: economic benefits, social benefits, and ecological benefits, to establish an index system for the evaluation of urban construction land use efficiency in Henan Province. In this paper, the coordination trend and efficiency of land use in urban construction in Henan Province are analyzed, discussed, and evaluated.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Chinese Sports Consumption Market and Research on Its Development Countermeasures

The sports consumption market in China has undergone remarkable expansion, driven by the increasing disposable incomes of its population and a growing emphasis on health and fitness. This article delves deeper into the multifaceted evolution of this industry, tracing its journey from its inception to its present state, which is characterized by a dynamic and multifarious landscape. Importantly, this transformation signifies a noteworthy shift in consumer priorities, with a stronger focus on personal well-being and active sports engagement. While the potential for growth within this market is substantial, it is not without its share of challenges. Among these challenges are issues related to inadequate sports infrastructure and less-than-optimal marketing strategies. This study adopts a comprehensive research approach, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis, to thoroughly investigate these hurdles and propose viable solutions that can facilitate sustainable growth. By contextualizing the historical development of the sports consumption market in China and analyzing the ongoing shifts, this study equips industry stakeholders with invaluable insights. These insights empower stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the future trajectory of the market. As the sports consumption landscape continues to evolve in response to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics, this research serves as a vital resource for navigating this complex terrain, ultimately fostering the continued development and expansion of the industry. In essence, it offers a roadmap for realizing the full potential of the Chinese sports consumption market while addressing its inherent challenges.

Emotional Design of Packaging: A Bibliometric Analysis

This study aims to explain the present research status and trends in the field of Emotional Design of Packaging (EDOP). A total of 129 scholarly articles were selected from high-quality journals in the Web of Science (WoS) database, and a systematic review of the EDOP field was undertaken, utilising a combination of CiteSpace and VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis. The findings reveal substantial advancements over the past two decades, with prospects for continued expansion. There exists a pressing requirement for enhanced collaboration across countries, institutions, and authors within this field. The core research themes in this area are Emotional Communication of Brand Packaging, Emotional Triggers for Packaging Design, Emotional Experience and User Satisfaction, and Emotional Design and Consumer Behaviour. It is worth mentioning that these four research themes correspond to the evolutionary trend of EDOP research history, with crossovers between periods arranged in an overlapping relationship. Additionally, Sensory Characteristics of Food Packaging and Emotional Measurement of Users, Modelling the Relationship between Packaging Design, Branding and Consumer Behaviour, and the Role of Cigarette Packaging Design in Tobacco Marketing collectively form the fundamental knowledge base in this area. This study not only addresses the current research gap in this field but also provides valuable references and guidance for future researchers.

Grey markov land pattern analysis and forecasting model incorporating social factors

The focus of attention has shifted to land use and land cover changes as a result of the world’s fast urbanisation, and logical planning of urban land resources depends greatly on the forecast and analysis of these changes. In order to more precisely forecast and assess patterns of land use change, the study suggests a grey Markov land pattern analysis and prediction model that incorporates social aspects. The study builds a land pattern analysis and prediction model using a major city as the research object. The outcomes demonstrated the high accuracy and reliability of the grey Markov land pattern analysis and prediction model incorporating social factors, which can more accurately reflect and predict the land use pattern of the study area, with an average relative error of less than 0.01, an accuracy of more than 98%, and an overall fit that has increased by more than 3%. The overall pattern of change is very consistent with the reality. The model predicts that the main trend of future land use in the study area is the continued expansion of urban land such as industrial land, land for transport facilities and land for settlements, while non-construction land such as agricultural land and forest land will continue to decrease. The optimized land pattern analysis and prediction model of the study has a good application environment.