ABSTRACT Nitrogen is a primary nutrient whose availability limits plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. High-quality multispectral data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can accurately and rapidly estimate the nitrogen nutritional status of crops. This study investigates the capability of UAV-based multispectral imagery data in monitoring the nitrogen nutritional status of head cabbage. During the growth process of head cabbage, we established five nitrogen fertilizer gradients that were applied (N1: 126 kg ha−1, N2: 168 kg ha−1, N3: 210 kg ha−1, N4: 252 kg ha−1 and N5: 294 kg ha−1). We investigated the nitrogen nutrition and growth status during the rosette and heading stages and collected multispectral data using a UAV. Spectral and texture features were extracted after removing background features from the multispectral images using colour indices. Direct partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and support vector machine regression (SVMR) estimation models were constructed for SPAD, leaf expansion amplitude (LEA), aboveground biomass (AGB), leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) and aboveground nitrogen accumulation (ANAA). In order to improve the prediction accuracy of the model, a two-layer estimation model specifically for ANAA was established, and the ground measured data of SPAD, LEA, AGB and LNC were combined as the input of the model. The results showed that AGB, LNC and ANAA use only spectral features (SFs) to achieve accurate prediction, while SPAD and LEA require SFs combined with time features (TFs) to overcome structural interference and spectral saturation problems. The PLSR two-layer model has the best prediction performance for ANAA at the heading stage. The SFs_ExG-ExR_SVMR model has the best prediction performance for ANAA at the rosette stage. These findings provide a basis and reference for the use of UAV multispectral images to monitor the nitrogen status of cabbage.

We have investigated the structural, morphological, magnetic, and up-conversion luminescence properties of the Yb3+/Er3+-doped LiGdF4 nanocrystals precipitated in the silica glassy matrix. Morphological analysis showed uniform distribution of LiGdF4 nanocrystals (tens of nm in size), embedded in silica glass matrix. FTIR spectroscopy analysis showed trifluoracetates thermolysis with silica lattice formation and structural analysis by XRD is consistent with the LiGdF4 crystallization process, most likely through an autocatalytic reaction. The stress and crystalline lattice distortion are assigned to the doping and glass matrix environment where the growth process occurs. The EPR spectra associated with the Gd3+ ions have shown a well-defined spectrum in the xerogel, associated with the trifluoroacetate ligand environment. In the LiGdF4 nanocrystals, the broad and unresolved spectrum is due to an envelope of unresolved anisotropic fine structure and a high dipole–dipole interaction between the Gd3+/Yb3+/Er3+ paramagnetic ions. Under 980 nm laser light pumping, we observed the characteristic “blue”, “green” and “red” up-conversion luminescences of the Er3+ ions through Yb → Er energy transfer process, that imply three and two-photon process; near UV up-conversion luminescence of Gd3+ is observed at about 280–300 nm where Yb → Er and Er → Gd energy transfer is involved. The UC luminescence properties can be improved up to two times by additional Yttrium co-doping due to the induced crystal field distortion.

The aim was to study the developmental characteristics of the cartilaginous union anatomical structure at the base of odontoid process in normal children aged 1 to 6 years, analyze the factors influencing its fusion, and provide basic data for understanding its evolutionary patterns and application in clinical disease diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the study aimed to conduct morphological staining observations of the anatomical features of the base of the odontoid process in normal children. A total of 140 cases of normal cervical spine CT images from children aged 1 to 6 years were collected and grouped by age, with 20 cases in the 1-year-old group and 30 cases in each of the other four groups. The original data of the cervical spine continuous CT scan images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software in DICOM format for the measurement of anatomical indexes including Transverse Diameter (TD), Sagittal Diameter (SD), Area (A), Perimeter (P), and the positional indexes including Distance from Upper Cartilage Border to Odontoid Process Base (DSB), Distance from Lower Cartilage Border to Odontoid Process Base (DIB), Distance from Left Cartilage Border to Left Transverse Process (DLT), Distance from Right Cartilage Border to Right Transverse Process (DRT). Additionally, the axis vertebra of a 3-year-old child's cervical spine was extracted, and thin sections were prepared by hard tissue embedding and section techniques. Toluidine blue staining was performed to observe the histopathological characteristics of the cartilaginous intervertebral disc and bone tissue in the base region of the odontoid process. TD, SD, A, and P values decreased gradually with increasing age. TD, A, and P values showed statistical differences between group E and the other groups (P < 0.05); SD values showed statistical differences between group E and groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05). DSB, DIB, DLT, and DRT values all increased with age. DLT values in groups A and B showed statistical differences with group E (P < 0.05); DRT values in group A showed statistical differences with groups D and E (P < 0.05). There was a high correlation between TD and SD, A and P, DLT and DRT, and a low correlation between TD and DSB, P and DLT, DRT. After staining, it was observed that the chondrocytes in the central region of the base of the odontoid process were scattered and spindle-shaped, while in the peripheral areas, chondrocytes formed oval-shaped clusters, with the cell nuclei stained blue and the matrix showing a light blue color, providing clear contrast with the intervertebral disc and bone tissue. The ossification center of the base of odontoid process in children is in a continuous growth and change process and exhibits evident regularity. The measurement results of this study can provide anatomical data for the growth and developmental characteristics of this region. The cartilage at the base of the odontoid process in children is hyaline cartilage, with the characteristic of being relatively brittle and prone to fracture.

Abstract This study used unique observations from ground-based traditional and polarimetric Doppler radars, a dense rain gauge network, and disdrometers to document the kinematic and microphysical characteristics of orographic precipitation over Da-Tun Mountain in northern Taiwan associated with Typhoon Chanthu (2021). Heavy precipitation occurred over Da-Tun, as it was influenced by strong low-level northerlies/northwesterlies of Chanthu’s circulations and the landfall of two distinct features of TC background precipitation: outer rainband (OR) and weak stratiform (WS) precipitation. The OR precipitation was characterized by a deep layer of upward motion from the lower to upper troposphere, favoring the active production of ice crystals and subsequent aggregation and riming processes. The WS precipitation was characterized by nearly zero vertical velocities, leading to an inactive ice-phase growth process and thus smaller drop sizes and lower concentrations below the melting level. The precipitation enhancement over Da-Tun was indicated by an increase in all polarimetric variables toward the ground below 3.5 km (MSL) for both the OR and WS stages, highlighting the dominance of collision and coalescence processes, a manifestation of the collection of upslope-lifting-generated clouds (i.e., feeder clouds) by typhoon background precipitation (i.e., seeder clouds). The inherent microphysical properties of the OR and WS precipitation serving as seeder clouds, combined with ambient wind conditions, were found to play a critical role in determining the degree of orographic enhancement of precipitation and explaining the different locations of observed heaviest precipitation with respect to the mountain ridge between the two stages.

Abstract Non-periodic architectures observed in biological materials have been studied for their outstanding mechanical properties, such as high stiffness-to-weight ratio, energy absorption, and capacity to redistribute applied stresses. Taking inspiration from these architectures to generate engineering materials is still an open challenge. Irregular structures are challenging to model and fabricate using conventional design methods, yet they offer unique opportunities for creating functional and efficient material systems. One emerging approach is the use of tile-based computational algorithms that simulate growth processes to more effectively capture the structural irregularity of these materials. In this work, we discuss biological irregular architectures and the recent developments in computational tiling algorithms, with a particular emphasis on algorithms of virtual growth. These algorithms rely on simple tiles and a set of modifiable connection rules to generate countless complex, non-periodic structures with precise control over their geometry and topology. Recent studies have shown that material systems synthesized using tile-based designs inspired by non-periodic biological architectures can exhibit favorable properties, including enhanced impact absorbance and stress modulation. Despite this progress, integration of structure and function remains limited, highlighting the need for hybrid approaches that incorporate performance-based feedback and optimization strategies. In this context, these tools are uniquely positioned not only as generators of designs of increasing structural complexity for advanced architected materials but also as promising models for investigating fundamental questions in developmental biology.

Indene is contemplated as the elementary moiety in molecular mass growth processes, leading to nonplanar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as buckminsterfullerene (C60). Chemical reaction routes involving resonantly stabilized free radicals are recognized as fundamental and efficient pathways to form indene. Exploiting a chemical microreactor in combination with tunable synchrotron photoionization and molecular beam mass spectrometry techniques, the present experiment provides compelling evidence on the formation of indene in the presence of cyclopentadienyl, the simplest C5-ring molecule, and the unsaturated hydrocarbon vinylacetylene. Theoretical calculations on the potential energy surfaces on C9H8 constants reveal that indene can be efficiently produced through two direct addition channels of cyclopentadienyl and vinylacetylene, along with multistep isomerization. RRKM-Master Equation simulations demonstrate that indene formation is kinetically favored at elevated temperatures and reduced pressures. Furthermore, H-assisted isomerization mechanisms on C9H8 intermediates are proposed to significantly enhance indene yields under thermally activated conditions. These findings establish a fundamental framework for PAH growth in hydrogen-abundant systems, including combustion flames and interstellar ones, thereby advancing our understanding of the knowledge of PAH propagation and even the formation of carbonaceous nanoparticles in interstellar and terrestrial environments.

Unconventional phase transformations reveal new crystallization mechanisms, yet direct observation of such pathways during nanoscale solution-phase synthesis remains challenging. This study uncovers an atypical growth process in which thermodynamically stable CuI nanoparticles (NPs) transform into high-energy 2D Cu plates. Using a combination of in situ transmission electron microscopy, ex situ structural analysis, and density functional theory calculations shows that the formation of structural defects induced by hexadecylamine and chloride ions facilitates the transformation by promoting surface iodine vacancies. The resulting Cu{111} nanoplates, with ultrathin thicknesses (≈4nm) and exceptionally high aspect ratios (≈450), display enhanced oxidation resistance and long-term stability under ambient conditions. This resistance is attributed to the close-packed {111} facets, which suppress chemical oxidation even after extended exposure to air over 100 days. These findings provide new insights into non-classical crystallization pathways in metal nanomaterials and suggest a versatile approach for preparing oxidation-resistant, structurally defined Cu nanostructures.

ABSTRACT Over the last decades, policymakers have resorted to Incentive Zones to attract foreign investments, boost industrial production (particularly in export‐oriented manufacturing), stimulate circular and cumulative growth processes, and expand exports. These policy instruments are diversified across countries, thus leading to a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of their effectiveness. Based on this, the research aims to analyse the main features and describe different types of incentive zones in terms of contextual factors, features, priorities and objectives, and to map the existing zones in Europe. To achieve this goal, a two‐step analysis has been employed. In the first step, a systematic literature review has allowed us to identify the key factors recognized by the literature to describe incentive zones. Subsequently, according to the defined characteristics, the operating incentive zones in the European Union have been mapped and described. The research provides a first EU‐wide mapping and description of IZs, based on a comprehensive theoretical and data framework. These data might serve to evaluate the primary issues behind IZ functioning, facilitate solving the complex policy harmonization challenges and serve as a foundation for future analyses.

Diverse roles of expansin genes in plant development and stress response.

Despite efforts by the South African government to create a favorable environment for entrepreneurial growth, high failure rates among start-up ventures persist. This paper investigates the growth processes of fashion accessory micro-enterprises within the Cape Town Metropole. Using a qualitative approach, the study drew a sample of fifteen small fashion accessory retail micro-startups via snowball sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a focus group, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software for content analysis. The find-ings suggest that the growth of fashion accessory micro-enterprises is most effectively supported through three key cyclical activities: re-search and planning, implementation, and review. These activities should be consistently engaged in during the business's establishment, operations, and growth phases. Based on these findings, a growth model is proposed for micro-entrepreneurs in the fashion accessory re-tail sector, aimed at guiding their strategic growth and reducing failure rates.

Point defects and amorphous carbon contamination, which are almost inevitable during the high-temperature chemical vapor deposition growth process, are demonstrated to severely degrade the intrinsic properties of graphene films, particularly their electronic performance. This study puts forward a trace oxygen-assisted strategy for synthesizing high-quality graphene by effectively eradicating amorphous carbon contamination and then promoting the repair of underlying lattice defects. Both experimental results and first-principles calculations reveal that lattice healing is inhibited when the lattice is covered by amorphous carbon but facilitated with the aid of oxygen. The high crystallinity of the synthesized graphene is evidenced by its strong resistance to electron-beam radiation and mechanical property (2D Young's modulus ≈355 Nm-1 and fracture strength ≈1778 nN) comparable to that of exfoliated graphene. Furthermore, the as-obtained graphene film exhibits enhanced electronic performance, including a low sheet resistance of 174.4 ± 31.9 Ω sq-1 and a high carrier mobility exceeding 15000 cm2 V-1 s-1 at room temperature. This work not only elucidates the novel functions of oxygen in the synthesis of high-quality graphene but also offers new prospects for further enhancing the performance of graphene.

In this study, 11 different growth curve models (Logistic, Gompertz, McNally, Schnute, Richards, Bertalanffy, Cubic, Cubic Piecewise, Wilmink, Wood, and Log-Logistic) were compared using live weight data of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). The predictive performance of the models was evaluated using statistical metrics such as mean square error, corrected coefficient of determination, accuracy and bias factors, Durbin-Watson statistics, Akaike information criterion, corrected Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion. The analyses determined that the Logistic model best represented the live weight data. The Logistic model provided advantages in terms of high fit, low error, and parametric simplicity. The results demonstrate that the Logistic model can be used in practical breeding applications in modeling the growth processes of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). Application of extended modeling approaches with different genotypes and individual data is recommended in future studies.

The article presents the results of field experiments conducted in 2017-2019 on two types of soils in the Republic of Tatarstan (leached chernozem and gray forest soil) to assess the effects of combined use of bioagents based on Bacillus spp. bacteria (RECB-95 B and RECB-50 B) and plant adaptogen (extract from millet seedlings) on the productivity of spring rapeseed of the Gedemin variety. The study included pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar top dressing of vegetating plants in the phase of 3-4 pairs of leaves. It was found that the complex use of drugs significantly improved the structural elements of the crop: the number of productive pods increased to 40 pcs./ plant on chernozem and 37 pcs./ plant on gray forest soil, the number of seeds in the pod increased to 27 and 23, respectively, and the number of unproductive pods decreased to 2 pcs./ plant. The maximum yield increase was achieved in the RECB-50 B variant with adaptogen: 1.05 t/ha (54.9%) on chernozem and 0.70 t/ha (53.8%) on gray forest soil. The gross oil harvest increased to 1,246.1 kg/ha (+57.2%) and 894.0 kg/ha (+47.5%), respectively. A synergistic effect was revealed between the complex of Bacillus strains and biologically active substances of the adaptogen, which was especially pronounced on less fertile gray forest soil. The relative yield increases on both types of soils turned out to be comparable, which indicates the high efficiency of biological products under stressful conditions. The main mechanism of action of the studied techniques is the stimulation of growth processes and the formation of seed yield without a cardinal change in their biochemical composition. The results demonstrate the prospects of the combined use of bioagents and adaptogens in spring rape cultivation technologies.

To address the challenge of achieving high activity for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) to produce formic acid/formate in the pH-universal media, this study designs a self-supported electrode with evenly dispersed hybrid metallic bismuth (Bi) and bismuth hypochlorite (BiOCl) nanosheets (Bi/BiOCl NSs) by an electrolytic growth process. Under the negative potential, the Bi salts loaded on the gas diffusion layer is in situ-reduced to the sheet-like hybrid Bi/BiOCl nanostructures with abundant active heterojunction sites during the eCO2RR process, significantly optimizing the adsorption and conversion pathways of CO2. The obtained electrode enables efficient conversion of CO2 to formic acid under strongly acidic media (pH = 1.3), and formate under alkaline (pH = 14)/neutral (pH = 8.6 and 6.2) electrolytes, with all the peak Faradaic efficiencies exceeding 90%. Additionally, the electrode can operate stably at a high current density of 100mA cm-2 for 8 hours in pH-universal media, demonstrating its excellent corrosion resistance and structural stability. This study provides new insights for the design of efficient catalysts for eCO2RR in comprehensive environments.

Accurate simulation of crop growth processes for predicting final yield is critical for optimizing resource management, particularly in regions with variable climates and limited resource availability. This paper proposes a novel data-driven crop model to simulate phenotypic changes during biomass sorghum growth. The model integrates a detailed physiological framework for sorghum development—tracking how phenotypes are determined by genotype, environment, management practices, and their interactions—with data-driven techniques to calibrate genotypic parameters using experimental data. Results demonstrate that the model achieves accurate biomass production predictions and successfully disentangles the effects of environmental and management factors on phenotypic development, even with limited data. This model enhances the accuracy and applicability of biomass sorghum growth and yield prediction models, offering valuable insights for precision agriculture.

The background that drives this research is the low learning achievement of students from Broken Home families. This is due to family conditions that do not support the process of student growth and development, causing children to show irresponsible behavior such as skipping class, smoking, pessimistic about the future, withdrawing from the social environment and even participating in brawls. This study aims to determine how effective client-centered group counseling is in developing the learning achievement of students who are victims of Broken Home. The research method used in this study is quantitative with the type of research true experimental design, with a control group design pre-test post-test model. In this study, the experiment process is divided into three stages, namely experiment preparation, experiment implementation, and the end of the experiment. This research instrument is a questionnaire of resilience level consisting of 41 statement items developed based on the Likert model scale preparation technique. The population in this study was class VIII of SMP N 39 Semarang which amounted to 324 students. Class XII MIPA 1 is the class used for validity and reliability testing with a Cronbach's Alpha value of 0.740 so that the instrument is declared reliable. The sample used was 14 Broken Home students who were taken using purposive sampling technique. The results of the t test calculation obtained sig value in the output table&gt; 0.05. In the calculation of the Paired T test output, the sig. value is 0.604, so the results of the post-test data analysis calculation show that the average score of student learning achievement in the experimental group of 63.42 increased from and to 68.83 after treatment. In the experimental group there was an increase of 4.8. While in the group that was not given group counseling treatment, in fact there was only a minimal increase, from 66.83 to 67.50. In the control group there was an increase of 0.67. The difference between the experimental group and the control group is 4.13. Thus Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted so that there is an effectiveness of Client Centered Group Counseling to Develop Learning Achievement of Students Victims of Broken Home Sman 2 Semarang. Keywords: Learning Achievement of students, broken families, client centered group counselin

The CUT/Hox transcription factor ONECUT2 (OC2) promotes lineage plasticity and is a confirmed therapeutic target in prostate cancer and several other malignancies where cell phenotype plays a substantial role in treatment resistance. OC2 governs a broad growth and lineage identity process in prostate cancer that promotes neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, androgen receptor (AR) suppression, and the emergence of a wide range of treatment-resistant pathways. The mode of action of OC2 includes incorporation of the protein into transcription complexes at gene promoters as an activator and repressor, alteration of chromatin accessibility and epigenetic marks, and extensive alteration of large-scale chromatin modifications, such as super-enhancers and chromatin loops. Notably, OC2 may be unique among NE drivers in that it can promote AR indifference in adenocarcinoma as a direct upstream activator of the glucocorticoid receptor, thus assuming indirect control of a portion of the AR cistrome. OC2 expression and activity increase substantially following hormone therapy in association with aggressive disease in prostate and breast cancer. Experiments in model systems have shown that OC2 has a survival function in both human castration-sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. OC2 can be targeted directly with a family of novel small-molecule inhibitors that show therapeutic efficacy in vivo in prostate, breast, and gastric cancer models, including regression of established distant metastases in mice. These findings suggest that inhibition of OC2 clinically may confer substantial therapeutic benefit in some aggressive malignancies, including in localized hormone-sensitive disease.

An approach to characterize dopant spatial inhomogeneity at the nanoscale along with its local chemical environment has been developed using atom probe tomography. We achieve this through the combination of a local composition analysis using the nearest-neighbor atoms combined with a nonparametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov or Anderson-Darling statistical test. Using an in situ highly boron-doped silicon germanium layer we demonstrate that all three elements have an inhomogeneous distribution. Moreover, by subdividing the local dopant composition distribution, a correlation between the boron doping level and variations in the surrounding matrix composition was determined. These atomic-scale measurements provide new experimental insights into the dopant incorporation behavior in technologically relevant semiconductors and its relationship to the epitaxial growth processes.

Urban sprawl is a significant phenomenon that emerges from the growth process of settlement areas, which has evolved over time. The historical background and geographical characteristics of a city directly influence its sprawl process. Additionally, the changing sectoral structure of the city, population growth, technological advancements, and economic fluctuations can indirectly affect the direction, speed, and extent of urban sprawl, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. Therefore, it is essential to monitor this process and implement spatial and temporal modeling to keep urban sprawl under control. This study simulates urban sprawl in Konya, a city with valuable agricultural lands, for the year 2040 using two scenarios based on expert knowledge and artificial intelligence. The first scenario combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for weighting sprawl criteria with Cellular Automata (CA), while the second scenario employs Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) with CA to predict future land use changes. Both models used six spatial datasets (DEM, slope, aspect, distances to streams, roads, and protected areas) and CORINE land use maps (2000, 2018), with the 2023 map obtained from Konya GIS data. Model performance was evaluated by comparing simulated and actual 2023 maps using accuracy, Kappa, precision, recall, and F1-score; AHP-CA achieved 96.13 % accuracy and 0.94 Kappa, whereas ANN-CA reached 92.13 % and 0.89, indicating both models reliably capture urban dynamics, with AHP-CA performing better. Both scenarios predict inevitable urban expansion, but the expert-based AHP-CA scenario better preserves agricultural lands and natural vegetation. Based on these results, the study discusses the directions and factors influencing urban change and provides spatial planning recommendations for urban managers

Abstract The European Union’s (EU) Cohesion Policy aims to reduce regional disparities through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs). While previous research has documented the positive effects of ESIFs on GDP growth, the role of regional capital accumulation in the growth process remains underexplored. To address this gap, the present study investigates the impact of ESIFs on regional performance by focusing on total factor productivity (TFP) growth as the outcome variable. TFP is computed by accounting for the highly heterogeneous patterns of capital accumulation across 262 NUTS2 regions over the period 2000–2019. Using annualised regional expenditure data, we assess the influence of fund allocation independently of EU programming periods. Our empirical strategy accounts for temporal heterogeneity by distinguishing three distinct phases: pre-crisis (2000–2008), crisis (2008–2014) and recovery (2014–2019). It also considers spatial heterogeneity by classifying regions according to their level of economic development. Furthermore, we disentangle the effects of the main funds—namely, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund (CF), and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The results indicate that ERDF is positively associated with regional TFP, particularly during the 2014–2019 period, contributing to the reduction of productivity gaps between Eastern and more advanced regions. EAFRD enhances agricultural TFP growth, although primarily in regions that already exhibit high productivity levels. The remaining funds do not show statistically significant effects. These findings underline the importance of accounting for investment heterogeneity when evaluating the effectiveness of ESIFs and contribute to the broader policy debate on regional development strategies within the EU.