Important Hub Research Articles

Does energy transformation improve green development efficiency? Evidence from Sichuan Province, China

Green sustainable development has become an important topic of concern to human society.Energy clean and low-carbon transformation is an important lever for promoting regional green development. Investigating the driving mechanisms of energy transformation is helpful to explore the effective path for accelerating the process of green development. Meanwhile, Sichuan Province is a demonstration province of clean energy and an important energy transportation hub in China, and it should play an exemplary role in the process of high-quality development. In this regard, this study uses the two-stage super-efficiency network SBM model to measure the green development efficiency based on the dual perspectives of green production and environmental governance. Based on historical data from 2006 to 2022, Technological innovation, industrial structure, and foreign direct investment are selected as transmission variables, and the fixed effects regression model is used to empirically analyse the direct and indirect impact effects of ET on GDE. The results show that the green development efficiency in Sichuan Province has gradually increased from 0.8303 in 2006–0.9270 in 2022, which is at a relatively high level. Energy transformation is helpful to improve the green development efficiency in Sichuan Province. However, due to insufficient complementary power sources and challenges in balancing energy supply and demand, the incentive level needs to be strengthened. Technological innovation, industrial structure, and foreign direct investment show indirect heterogeneous transmission effects in the process of influence.

Spatio-temporal evolution and driving mechanism of metal value flow networks: A global value chain perspective

The lengthening of the global value chain (GVC) and the deepening of the transnational labor division system have led to frequent cross-border flows of metal values worldwide, and the pattern of the international metal trade is facing reconstruction. This paper combines a new trade accounting framework and a complex network model to construct global metal domestic value added (DVA) and foreign value added (FVA) flow networks based on global multi-regional input‒output (MRIO) tables for 2000 and 2007–2022 and then analyzes their structural topological features and spatio-temporal evolution trends at the macro, medium, and micro levels. Then, the main driving factors are investigated using the exponential random graph model (ERGM). The results show that the DVA and FVA networks are expanding and have obvious aggregation effects and small-world characteristics, that the community divisions show a trend toward regional integration and worldwide multipolarity, and that Germany is the most important transportation hub and trade medium in the FVA network, while China and the United States are, respectively, the largest creator and consumer of the world's metal value flow. In addition, the DVA network is more susceptible to node attribute effects such as GDP, trade openness, population size and foreign direct investment, while the FVA network is more susceptible to exogenous network effects such as geographic distance and colonial ties.

Analysis of the stakes of the Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, Shaanxi, China

Historical records indicate that Xianyang Ancient Ferry Site, dating back over three millennia to the late Shang Dynasty, has been an important transportation hub in ancient times. The use of combined wooden stakes and stones is a special method for flood control among ancient flood prevention techniques. This research aims to evaluate the current preservation condition of these ancient wooden stakes. The dating of the wooden stakes at the site ranges between 940 ± 30 BP and 320 ± 30 BP. The fiber cross-section and microstructure images of the wooden samples indicate that the wood is attributed to Platycladus orientalis. SEM images indicate decay and deterioration of the wooden samples, with the presence of mold spores within the cavities. XRD, FTIR, and TG/DSC spectra of historical wooden samples collected from the site and fresh Platycladus orientalis wood samples demonstrate a significant decrease of cellulose crystallinity in the historical samples, leading to severe deterioration of the wood at the site. Five dominant mold species were identified, i.e., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, which accelerate the degradation of cellulose and other polysaccharides. This research provides scientific evidence for the selection of reinforcement materials and guides curators and conservators to formulate conservation strategies in the future.

Bioinformatic analysis combined with immune infiltration to explore osteoarthritis biomarkers and drug prediction.

Along with global aging, osteoarthritis (OA) appears to have a high incidence and disability rate, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients, making age a major risk factor. However, the pathology of OA is under-researched, and there is no obvious and effective treatment. Research has demonstrated the importance of aging, inflammation, and immunology in the onset and course of OA. This study aims to anticipate therapeutic drugs based on critical genes associated with OA and to elucidate the roles of genes and possible biomarkers associated with inflammation, immunology, and cellular senescence in OA. The OA gene expression matrix was first obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Screening for OA significant differentially expressed genes by bioinformatics identification. Specific biological processes and related signaling pathways of the differential genes were enriched. Then elucidate the status of immune cell involvement in OA based on immune infiltration analysis. Finally predict therapeutic agents based on pivotal genes. A total of 198 differentially expressed genes were identified in OA, and TP53, EGFR, TGFB1, LEP, CD4, MAPK8, SCARB1, ADIPOQ, JAK2, and SERPINE1 were further identified as important hub genes. The enrichment results showed that the development of arthritis was mainly related to immune cell differentiation, amino acid metabolism and cellular senescence process. The validation of immune infiltration results indicated that NK_cells, CD4_Tcells, Macrophages, Monocytic_lineage, Dendritic_cells, Basophils, CD8+_naive_T-cells may play an important role in the immune process of OA. Key Drug Prediction of Hub Genes found that Halicin, Ruxolitinib, Tofacitinib, Clenoliximab, Baricitinib may be a key drug or component in the treatment of OA.

Energy–Logistics Cooperative Optimization for a Port-Integrated Energy System

In order to achieve carbon peak and neutrality goals, many low-carbon operations are implemented in ports. Integrated energy systems that consist of port electricity and cooling loads, wind and PV energy devices, energy storage, and clean fuels are considered as a future technology. In addition, ports are important hubs for the global economy and trade; logistics optimization is also part of their objective, and most port facilities have complex logistics. This article proposes an energy–logistics collaborative optimization method to fully tap the potential of port-integrated energy systems. A logistics–energy system model is established by deeply examining the operational characteristics of logistics systems and their corresponding energy consumption patterns, considering ships’ operational statuses, quay crane distribution constraints, and power balances. To better represent the ship–energy–logistics optimization problem, a hybrid system modeling technique is employed. The case of Shanghai Port is studied; the results show that costs can be reduced by 3.27% compared to the traditional optimization method, and a sensitivity analysis demonstrates the robustness of the proposed method.

Disrupted dynamic brain functional connectivity in male cocaine use disorder: Hyperconnectivity, strongly-connected state tendency, and links to impulsivity and borderline traits

Cocaine use is a major public health problem with serious negative consequences at both the individual and societal levels. Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is associated with cognitive and emotional impairments, often manifesting as alterations in brain functional connectivity (FC). This study employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to examine dynamic FC in 38 male participants with CUD and 31 matched healthy controls. Using group spatial independent component analysis (group ICA) combined with sliding window approach, we identified two recurring distinct connectivity states: the strongly-connected state (state 1) and weakly-connected state (state 2). CUD patients exhibited significant increased mean dwell and fraction time in state 1, and increased transitions from state 2 to state 1, demonstrated significant strongly-connected state tendency. Our analysis revealed abnormal FC patterns that are state-dependent and state-shared in CUD patients. This study observed hyperconnectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and between DMN and other networks, which varied depending on the state. Furthermore, after adjustment for multiple comparisons, we found significant correlations between these altered dynamic FCs and clinical measures of impulsivity and borderline personality disorder. The disrupted FC and repetitive effects of precuneus and angular gyrus across correlations suggested that they might be the important hub of neural circuits related behaviorally and mentally in CUD. In summary, our study highlighted the potential of these disrupted FC as neuroimaging biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and provided new insights into the understanding of the neurophysiologic mechanisms of CUD.

A railway modernity. Izmalkovo train station in Ivan Bunin’s work

The article discusses the everyday life of Izmalkovo, a train station in Imperial Russia’s Oryol governate. Among its frequent visitors and commuters was Ivan Bunin. The writer often resided in the area and used the station’s postal and passenger services. Housed in a small and inconspicuous railway station building of the fourth rank, Izmalkovo gradually became an important logistical hub for the writer. Izmalkovo’s postmark grew increasingly familiar to prominent figures of Russian modern art and literature. Following the devastating events of 1917, life in the Russian provinces becomes perilous for those living there. The political crisis forced Bunin to move from Izmalkovo to Yelets, where he had to seek a secret sanctuary at the local notary’s house. Next, the writer was forced to flee the country. Nostalgic memories of the humble station’s chronotope haunted Bunin for the rest of his life. Using an extensive body of examples, the scholar traces the changing perception of the station in the Nobel Prize winner’s writings, from the romantic impressions of his youth to the agonizing reflections on the ‘cursed days.’

Exploring the puzzle of reactive oxygen species acting on root hair cells.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential signaling molecules that enable cells to respond rapidly to a range of stimuli. The ability of plants to recognize various stressors, incorporate a variety of environmental inputs, and initiate stress-response networks depends on ROS. Plants develop resilience and defensive systems as a result of these processes. Root hairs are central components of root biology since they increase the surface area of the root, anchor it in the soil, increase its ability to absorb water and nutrients, and foster interactions between microorganisms. In this review, we specifically focused on root hair cells and we highlighted the identification of ROS receptors, important new regulatory hubs that connect ROS production, transport, and signaling in the context of two hormonal pathways (auxin and ethylene) and under low temperature environmental input related to nutrients. As ROS play a crucial role in regulating cell elongation rates, root hairs are rapidly gaining traction as a very valuable single plant cell model for investigating ROS homeostasis and signaling. These promising findings might soon facilitate the development of plants and roots that are more resilient to environmental stressors.

Identification of key regulatory genes in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and sepsis: An observational study.

Patients with severe COVID-19 and those with sepsis have similar clinical manifestations. We used bioinformatics methods to identify the common hub genes in these 2 diseases. Two RNA-seq datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in COVID-19 and sepsis. These common genes were used for analysis of functional enrichment; pathway analysis; identification of associated transcription factors, metabolites, and miRNAs; and mapping of protein-protein interaction networks. The major hub genes of COVID-19 and sepsis were identified, and validation datasets were used to assess the value of these hub genes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Analysis of the 800 common DEGs for COVID-19 and sepsis, as well as common transcription factors, miRNAs, and metabolites, demonstrated that the immune response had a key role in both diseases. DLGAP5, BUB1, CDK1, CCNB1, and BUB1B were the most important common hub genes. Analysis of a validation cohort indicated these 5 genes had significantly higher expression in COVID-19 patients and sepsis patients than in corresponding controls, and the area under the ROC curves ranged from 0.832 to 0.981 for COVID-19 and 0.840 to 0.930 for sepsis. We used bioinformatics tools to identify common DEGs, miRNAs, and transcription factors for COVID-19 and sepsis. The 5 identified hub genes had higher expression in validation cohorts of COVID-19 and sepsis. These genes had good or excellent diagnostic performance based on ROC analysis, and therefore have potential use as novel markers or therapeutic targets.

The Role of Socioeconomic Activities towards Improved Livelihoods of Surrounding Households: A Case of Mkokotoni Seaport in Zanzibar

This study specifically assessed the role of socio-economic activities on livelihoods improvement among surrounding households at the Mkokotoni Seaport, North ‘A’ District of Zanzibar. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data at a single moment in time. The population was 87 households surrounding the Mkokotoni Seaport. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample of 70 respondents. The study used the mixed approach whereby interviews, focus group discussions as well as surveys were applied as data collection methods. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24 was applied for analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed descriptively while quantitative data was analyzed based on numerical statistical data. The study concludes that seaport serves as an important transportation hub that facilitates people and goods movement where both processed and non-processed raw materials can easily be transported. Thus, ports are the catalyst for economic development through the commonly practiced socioeconomic activities. Based on the conclusions, it is recommended that the government and other stakeholders should improve and support the key socioeconomic activities commonly practiced at Mkokotoni Seaport. These activities includes; trading, transportation and fishing which support the livelihoods of the surrounding households through assets ownerships.

Key node identification for a network topology using hierarchical comprehensive importance coefficients.

Key nodes are similar to important hubs in a network structure, which can directly determine the robustness and stability of the network. By effectively identifying and protecting these critical nodes, the robustness of the network can be improved, making it more resistant to external interference and attacks. There are various topology analysis methods for a given network, but key node identification methods often focus on either local attributes or global attributes. Designing an algorithm that combines both attributes can improve the accuracy of key node identification. In this paper, the constraint coefficient of a weakly connected network is calculated based on the Salton indicator, and a hierarchical tenacity global coefficient is obtained by an improved K-Shell decomposition method. Then, a hierarchical comprehensive key node identification algorithm is proposed which can comprehensively indicate the local and global attributes of the network nodes. Experimental results on real network datasets show that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other classic algorithms in terms of connectivity, average remaining edges, sensitivity and monotonicity.

THE IMPACT OF ICT EDUCATION ON GDP EVOLUTION AT LOCAL LEVEL. A ROMANIAN CASE STUDY

Purpose – This article focusses on the impact generated on GDP growth by the number of graduates in the ICT domain of Romanian counties in the period 2014–2020. Research methodology – We have collected the number of ICT graduates, the GDP per inhabitant in EUR per Romanian county, the number of ICT employees, the number of information service activities employees from the National Institute of Statistics (Romania) and Eurostat. Additionally, we consolidate the correlation matrix and regression analysis for previous statistics indicators. Findings – We have revealed a strong correlation (85,77%) between the number of ICT graduates and the GDP per inhabitant in EUR per Romanian county, and very strong correlations between the number of ICT graduates and the number of ICT employees (94,80%) and the number of employees of information service activities (97,38%). Research limitations – The data set from the National Institute of Statistics (Romania) does not contain entries for every county, due to its statistical methodology, and other socioeconomic phenomena which contribute to the development of the ICT field were just enumerated, such as natality, immigration, and emigration. Practical implications – The study revealed that investment in ICT education (number of graduates) contributes to the local prosperity of communities, counties, and, in general, at the national level as GDP growth. Romanian government can utilize the outcomes of this paper to engage additional resources, funds from Ministry of Education, to develop a long-lived learning culture of ICT skills for the entire population. Originality/Value – The article methodologically highlights the most important ICT hubs in Romania, which are correlated with the existence of an ICT educational infrastructure (high schools and universities) and the measure of impact on GDP growth for the number of highly skilled graduates in the ICT domain. The selected national and European indicators contributed to the novelty of this study.

Mitochondria-ER-PM contacts regulate mitochondrial division and PI(4)P distribution.

The mitochondria-ER-cortex anchor (MECA) forms a tripartite membrane contact site between mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the plasma membrane (PM). The core component of MECA, Num1, interacts with the PM and mitochondria via two distinct lipid-binding domains; however, the molecular mechanism by which Num1 interacts with the ER is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Num1 contains a FFAT motif in its C-terminus that interacts with the integral ER membrane protein Scs2. While dispensable for Num1's functions in mitochondrial tethering and dynein anchoring, the FFAT motif is required for Num1's role in promoting mitochondrial division. Unexpectedly, we also reveal a novel function of MECA in regulating the distribution of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P). Breaking Num1 association with any of the three membranes it tethers results in an accumulation of PI(4)P on the PM, likely via disrupting Sac1-mediated PI(4)P turnover. This work establishes MECA as an important regulatory hub that spatially organizes mitochondria, ER, and PM to coordinate crucial cellular functions.

The balance between antiviral and antibacterial responses during M. tuberculosis infection is regulated by the ubiquitin ligase CBL.

As a first line of host defense, macrophages must be able to effectively sense and respond to diverse types of pathogens, and while a particular type of immune response may be beneficial in some circumstances, it can be detrimental in others. Upon infecting a macrophage, M. tuberculosis (Mtb) induces proinflammatory cytokines that activate antibacterial responses. Surprisingly, Mtb also triggers antiviral responses that actually hinder the ability of macrophages to control Mtb infection. The ubiquitin ligase CBL suppresses these antiviral responses and shifts macrophages toward a more antibacterial state during Mtb infection, however, the mechanisms by which CBL regulates immune signaling are unknown. We found that CBL controls responses to multiple stimuli and broadly suppresses the expression of antiviral effector genes. We then used mass-spectrometry to investigate potential CBL substrates and identified over 46,000 ubiquitylated peptides in Mtb-infected macrophages, as well as roughly 400 peptides with CBL-dependent ubiquitylation. We then performed genetic interaction analysis of CBL and its putative substrates, and identified the Fas associated factor 2 (FAF2) adapter protein as a key signaling molecule protein downstream of CBL. Together, these analyses identify thousands of new ubiquitin-mediated signaling events during the innate immune response and reveal an important new regulatory hub in this response.

Identifying the Central Business Districts of global megacities using nighttime light remote sensing data

ABSTRACT The Central Business Districts (CBDs) are important hubs for urban economic activities. In the context of globalization, a unified CBD boundary would greatly facilitate the study of global CBD comparative analysis, urban socio-economic development, urban transport and commuting mode. However, previous studies have encountered challenges in developing a practical method for global CBD identification due to limitations in data sources and methodologies. In this study, we selected 32 global megacities as research objects and used the open-access Black Marble nighttime light (NTL) products to construct indicators with the intensity and angular effects of NTL. Clustering and decision tree were then employed to derive rules for CBD identification. Results show that combining Z-score indicators and the strategy of clustering 32 cities before decision tree classification could improve the accuracy of CBD identification, which achieved a producer accuracy of 85%. The 32 cities were clustered into three types, i.e. U.S.A.-like, the mixed type, and China-like. The rules for CBD identification became more complex in the above order, but the accuracy decreased in turn. This study provides a new CBD identification method for cities lacking reference data, allowing for the delineation of unified and comparable CBD boundaries on a large scale.

Multiple regulatory inputs including cell envelope stress orchestrate expression of the Escherichia coli rpoN operon.

The rpoN operon, an important regulatory hub in Enterobacteriaceae, includes rpoN encoding sigma factor σ54, hpf involved in ribosome hibernation, rapZ regulating glucosamine-6-phosphate levels, and two genes encoding proteins of the nitrogen-related phosphotransferase system. Little is known about regulatory mechanisms controlling the abundance of these proteins. This study employs transposon mutagenesis and chemical screens to dissect the complex expression of the rpoN operon. We find that envelope stress conditions trigger read-through transcription into the rpoN operon from a promoter located upstream of the preceding lptA-lptB locus. This promoter is controlled by the envelope stress sigma factor E and response regulator PhoP is required for its full response to a subset of stress signals. σE also stimulates ptsN-rapZ-npr expression using an element downstream of rpoN, presumably by interfering with mRNA processing by RNase E. Additionally, we identify a novel promoter in the 3' end of rpoN that directs transcription of the distal genes in response to ethanol. Finally, we show that translation of hpf and ptsN is individually regulated by the RNA chaperone Hfq, perhaps involving small RNAs. Collectively, our work demonstrates that the rpoN operon is subject to complex regulation, integrating signals related to envelope stress and carbon source quality.

Earliest Mule Remains from Early Bronze Age Central Anatolia.

This paper discusses the discoveries of early donkey and the earliest mule remains in Central Anatolia from the site Derekutuğun. This site represents the remains of a village dating back to the Early Bronze Age and Assyrian Trade Colonies period, associated with mining. The archaeofaunal assemblage was studied by the author and his team using classical archaeozoological methods. The dental remains of the Equidae found at Derekutuğun have been re-examined and are described in this article. The dental evidence indicates that donkeys, and possibly the earliest mules ever found in Central Anatolia, were kept at this site. Although the paper is based on the archaeozoological remains, written sources from the period also support the faunal identification. Derekutuğun was a small settlement that specialized in processing copper ore, and which was an important hub for a trade network because of its extensive mining and extraction operations.

The export of Old Masters from Poldi Pezzoli’s Milan to international museums

Abstract The mid-and later nineteenth century saw the creation and enrichment of some major international museum collections alongside the development of connoisseurship. In this process, Milan was an important hub for the supply of major works of art. This essay offers new insights into Milan’s art market of the period through the methodical examination of export documents; analysis of the unpublished manuscripts of two great exponents of international connoisseurship of this period, Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle and Joseph Archer Crowe; and new sources from the archives of the National Gallery in London. A number of case-studies are presented in chronological order, focusing on examples of works of art imported from Milan by the National Gallery, the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Royal Museums in Berlin and the Imperial Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. The conclusions that emerge from this study pave the way for a comparative investigation of other Italian cities in the same period.

Management and treatment of atrial fibrillation in cancer patients: an important decision-making hub in cardio-oncology

Management and treatment of atrial fibrillation in cancer patients: an important decision-making hub in cardio-oncology

THE HISTORICAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE KHAZOR ZHUSH MONUMENT

when studying the history of a particular area or monument, it is important to pay attention to what it’s natural-geographical and economic-political place in the region is, in addition to focusing on the coverage of the same monument in written sources, its archaeological study. Only then will we be able to properly restore the historical landscape of the monument that we want to explore. Any archaeological site, whether it is an ordinary village or a large city, can take its place in the region on the basis of certain laws. This article examines the historical topography of the Khazor Zhush, a medieval monument located in the northern part of Samarkand, Sogdia. It is known that in the Middle Ages there were dozens of large and small towns, villages and towns in Samarkand Sogdiana. They also served as important regional economic hubs, depending on certain natural, geographical and economic conditions. Local and Arab-Persian written sources have brought us a huge amount of valuable information about the local conditions of Samarkand-Sogdiana, their center, and their economy. Based on the information provided in these sources, it is possible to get an idea of the economic and political role of the cities of Sogdiana, their importance in the Silk Road system. The article highlights the study of the Khazor Zhush monument in the sources, its archaeological description and economic and political significance in Central Sogdia.