Strong Effect Research Articles

How does digital technology innovation drive synergies for reducing pollution and carbon emissions?

Digital technological innovation is a key force in reshaping production and achieving green, low-carbon development, provides new impetus to reducing pollution emissions (PE) and carbon emissions (CE). This study employed the coupled coordination model, panel regression model and spatial Durbin model to examine how the digital technology innovation level (DTIL) and digital technology transfer scale (DTTS) affected synergies for reducing pollution and carbon emissions (PCRS) in the Yangtze River Delta region from 2015 to 2021. The results showed that: The evolution of PCRS is characterized by high synergy cities are increasing, low synergy cities are decreasing, and excellent coordination cities are becoming more concentrated. In the synergistic type migration evolution, the core area primarily ascends; the central and peripheral areas remain mostly stable. The effects of DTIL and DTTS on PCRS follow a non-linear inverted U-shaped pattern. DTIL has a stronger effect on reducing PE, while DTTS tends to increase CE. In terms of spatial spillover effects, DTIL has an inverted U-shaped relationship with PCRS in local regions and a positive spillover effect on neighboring regions; DTTS has a negative impact on PCRS in local regions, but shows an inverted U-shaped relationship in neighboring regions. Both of them also affect PCRS through industrial structure and energy efficiency.

Sex-Dependent Synergism of an Edible THC: CBD Formulation in Reducing Anxiety and Depressive-like Symptoms Following Chronic Stress.

Cannabis has shown therapeutic potential in mood and anxiety-related pathologies. However, the two primary constituents of cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce distinct effects on molecular pathways in neural circuits associated with affective disorders. Moreover, it has been proposed that the combination of THC: and CBD may have unique synergistic properties. In the present study, the effects of a 1:100 THC: CBD ratio edible formulation were tested in behavioural, neuronal and molecular assays for anxiety and depressive-like endophenotypes. Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were stressed for 14 days. Then, for three weeks, open field, elevated plus maze, light/dark box, social interaction, sucrose preference, and the forced swim test were performed 90 minutes after acute consumption of CBD (30 mg/kg), THC (0.3 mg/kg), or 1:100 combination of THC:CBD. After behavioural tests, in vivo, neuronal electrophysiological analyses were performed in the ventral tegmental area and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, western-blot experiments examined the expression of biomarkers associated with mood and anxiety disorders, including protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), BDNF, mTOR, D1, and D2 receptor in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and PFC.Edible THC:CBD produces significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects only in stressed male rats. In most cases, the combination of THC and CBD had stronger effects than either phytochemical alone. These synergistic effects are associated with alterations in Akt/GSK3 and D2-R expression in NAc and BDNF expression in PFC. Furthermore, THC:CBD reverses chronic stress-induced alterations in PFC neuronal activity. These findings demonstrate a novel synergistic potential for THC:CBD edible formulations in stress-related pathologies.

Does the application of industrial robots reduce the intensity of CO2 emissions embodied in manufacturing exports?

Industrial robot application (IRA) provides an opportunity for the low-carbon development of trade. This study focuses on the green revolution of manufacturing export trade, analyzes the mechanism by which IRA affects CO2 emissions embodied in manufacturing exports (CIE), and conducts an empirical test based on panel data from 37 countries from 2000 to 2019. This study found that first, IRA can significantly reduce CIE, but there is a U-shaped nexus between the two, which shows a rebound effect. Second, the heterogeneity test demonstrates that in comparison to both the low-tech and high-tech sectors, IRA in the medium-tech industry can significantly reduce CIE; compared with the low-IRA sectors, the high-IRA sectors exhibit a more obvious reduction. In addition, IRA has a stronger effect on high-carbon-intensity areas. Third, the mechanism test shows that IRA mainly affects CIE through low-carbon technology and productivity effects. Moreover, environmental regulations and the manufacturing intelligence process positively moderate the nexus between IRA and CIE. Finally, these conclusions provide possible empirical evidence for the smart evolution of the manufacturing industry and the green development of trade.

Plasma activated water pre-treatment substantially enhances phage activity against Proteus mirabilis biofilms

The ongoing antimicrobial resistance crisis has incentivised research into alternative antibacterial and antibiofilm agents. One of them is plasma-activated water (PAW), which is produced by exposing water to a cold plasma discharge. This process generates a diverse array of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) with antimicrobial properties. Another intensively studied class of alternative antimicrobials are bacteriophages, attracting attention due to their specificity and strong antibacterial activity. As combinations of different types of antimicrobials are known to often exhibit synergistic interactions, in this study we investigated the combined use of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma-activated water and the bacteriophage vB_PmiS_PM-CJR against Proteus mirabilis biofilms as a potential option for treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).We compared the effect of two cold plasma discharge setups for PAW production on its antimicrobial efficacy against P. mirabilis planktonic and biofilm cultures. Next, we assessed the stability of the phage vB_PmiS_PM-CJR in PAW. Finally, we tested the antimicrobial activity of the phages and PAW against biofilms, both individually and in combinations.Our findings demonstrate that the combination of PAW with phage is more effective against biofilms compared to individual treatments, being able to reduce the number of biofilm-embedded cells by approximately 4 log. We were also able to show that the order of treatment plays an important role in the anti-biofilm activity of the phage-PAW combination, as the exposure of the biofilm to PAW prior to phage administration results in a stronger effect than the reverse order.This research underlines PAW's ability to potentiate phage activity, showcasing a considerable reduction in biofilm viability and biomass. Additionally, it contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of phage-based combinatorial treatments. Overall, this sequential treatment strategy demonstrates the potential of leveraging multiple approaches to address the mounting challenge of antibiotic resistance and offers a promising avenue for enhancing the efficacy of CAUTI management.

A metabolomics approach reveals the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Cistanche tubulosa stems and its combination with fluoxetine on depression in comorbid with sexual dysfunction

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe dried succulent stems of Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight are utilized in traditional medicine for tonifying kidney yang, which have shown to be effective in alleviating depression-like behaviors or male sexual dysfunction, respectively. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of C. tubulosa and its combinations in the treatment of depression in comorbid with sexual dysfunction remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aims to elucidate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of C. tubulosa aqueous extract (CTE) and its combination with fluoxetine (FLX) on depression in comorbid with sexual dysfunction. Materials and methodsA mouse model of depression in comorbid with sexual dysfunction was created using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure. The therapeutic effects of CTE and its combination with FLX were assessed using depressive-like and mating behavior experiments, histopathological analysis, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis function evaluation. The mechanisms were explored by integrated serum and testicular metabolomics combined with network correlation analysis. ResultsCTE was confirmed to significantly improve depressive-like behaviors, reduce mating abilities, testicular histopathological damage, and HPG axis hormone secretion disorders in CUMS mice. Subsequently, mechanism exploration findings indicated that CTE might exert its effect by regulating potential efficacy-related biomarkers (isobutyrylglycine, citric acid, D-galactose) to improve certain metabolic pathways centered around steroid hormone biosynthesis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Furthermore, the combination of CTE and FLX exhibited stronger antidepressant effects than FLX alone, and ameliorated the exacerbated sexual dysfunction induced by FLX. These effects were achieved through the regulation of potential efficacy-related biomarkers (17α-hydroxypregnenolone, tetrahydrodeoxy-corticosterone, sphingosine, cortol, thymine, and L-histidine), thereby improving disorders in glycerophospholipid and histidine metabolism. ConclusionIn conclusion, the amelioration effects of CTE and its combination with FLX on depression in comorbid with sexual dysfunction were confirmed for the first time. This key mechanism may be achieved by modulating the levels of potential efficacy-related biomarkers, and then emphatically intervene in steroid hormone biosynthesis, TCA cycle, glycerophospholipid and histidine metabolism. The study offers a new perspective for the development and utilization of C. tubulosa.

Analysis of the alleviating effect of accounts receivable pledge financing on financing constraints

This paper examines the relationship between accounts receivable pledge financing and corporate financing constraints, utilizing a sample of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) listed on China's Small and Medium Enterprise Board from 2014 to 2022. The findings reveal that accounts receivable pledge financing serves as an effective means to alleviate financing constraints faced by SMEs. Notably, this relief is more pronounced in regions with a higher concentration of small and medium-sized banks and weaker legal institutional environments. Furthermore, for enterprises with political connections, the financing through accounts receivable pledge exhibits an even stronger bailout effect.

Enhanced properties of low-density polyethylene composites reinforced with Bridelia ferruginea fibers: effect of low temperature fiber acetylation

In this study, lignocellulosic fibres were extracted from Bridelia ferruginea (BF), a shrub which can be found in sub-Saharan Africa with a view to probing the potential application of the fibres. The chemical properties of the BF were chemically modified by acetylation to evaluate the potential applications of the fibre reinforced polymer composites. The unacetylated and acetylated fibres were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to compare thermal and crystallographic properties after acetylation over different lengths of time. The acetylated fibres with the most promising properties were used for the fabrication of a polymeric composite. The mechanical properties of the fibre-reinforced polymer composites were studied by hardness and dynamic mechanical measurements. Four types of polymeric samples were prepared for the mechanical measurements: unreinforced polymer (Control) polyester, ATBF/LDPE, ACEBF3/LDPE, ACEBF/LDPE. The SEM micrographs revealed that acetylation led to defibrillation. FTIR peaks at 1250 cm−1 and 1371 cm−1 confirmed that acetylation had occurred. The fibres possessed high crystallinity index of 75% which reduced as time of acetylation increased. Acetylation at mild conditions of 70 °C for 3 h did not result in significant damage to the fibres. For the hardness measurements, the values of the micro-hardness of the composite samples increased from 0.20 GPa to 0.29 GPa. The acetylated fibres tend to further resist deformation due to its dispersion in the polymer matrix providing a stronger cross-linking effect. The properties unearthed show that BF appears to be a promising raw material for the production of polymer composites.

Xihuang pill suppresses breast cancer malignancy by inhibiting TGF-β signaling and acquires chemotherapy benefits

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBreast cancer (BC) has an extremely high global incidence rate. The Xihuang pill (XHP), a traditional Chinese formula, originates from Hongxu Wang's “Life-Saving Manual of Diagnosis and Treatment of External Diseases” written during the Qing Dynasty. In this book, XHP, was first suggested as an anticancer treatment for BC. However, the regulatory mechanism of XHP on BC requires further investigated. Aim of the studyTo assess the effects of XHP on BC and elucidate the underlying associated signaling network. Materials and methodsThe influence of XHP on cellular viability, proliferation, and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells were examined. The ability to metastasize was evaluated using Transwell invasion and wound healing tests. Western blotting was used to examine the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers expression. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were utilized to investigate the regulation mechanism of XHP. A subcutaneous tumor model was developed to study the tumor-inhibitory effects of XHP or/and Doxorubicin (Dox) on BALB/c nude mice, and the EMT marker levels in tumor tissues were determined using immunohistochemical labeling. ResultsXHP demonstrated anticancer effects on BC cells by suppressing cell proliferation, inducing cellular apoptosis, and inhibiting EMT progression. XHP may regulate the EMT via the TGF-β axis, as shown by RNA sequencing and Western blotting analysis. Furthermore, the combination of XHP and Dox had a stronger therapeutic effect on BC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis in both cellular and animal models. ConclusionsWe were the first to reveal that XHP abrogated EMT progression via modulating the TGF-β axis. Furthermore, the combination therapy of XHP and Dox presents a promising novel therapeutic candidate for BC patients.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of calcium and zinc based ION incorporated amorphous carbonate nanoparticles

In this study, magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and strontium (Sr) incorporated amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nanoparticles were synthesized. Results revealed that at low Zn concentrations, Zn and Sr co-incorporated, Mg-stabilized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACMC) nanoparticles were obtained. However, at high Zn concentrations, instead of ACMC, calcium (Ca) and Sr co-incorporated, magnesium-stabilized amorphous zinc carbonate (AZMC) nanoparticles were obtained. Our results demonstrated that Mg could be used to stabilize the amorphous structure of both nanoparticles. The additive ions could be incorporated into the structure of both ACMC and AZMC without impairing their amorphous nature. The synthesized nanoparticles had an average size of about ∼30 nm. Degradation studies suggested that the degradation rate of AZMC nanoparticles could be slower compared to ACMC nanoparticles. Antibacterial tests showed that the number of colony forming units for the Ca and Sr co-incorporated AZMC nanoparticles was lower for both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains compared to the control group. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that fibroblasts interacting with the ion-incorporated ACMC and AZMC nanoparticles remained viable and proliferated for up to 5 days in vitro. These results demonstrated for the first time that Zn and Sr co-incorporated ACMC nanoparticles were non-toxic, biodegradable, and possessed antibacterial properties. In addition, Ca and Sr co-incorporated AZMC nanoparticles exhibited a stronger antibacterial effect, which makes them promising candidates for antibacterial applications.

Spillover and dependence between Chinese carbon and new energy stock markets: A cross-quantile perspective

The interplay between China's carbon emissions trading market and the new energy stock market has attracted increasing scholarly attention, given their alignment with green and sustainable development goals. This study utilizes the Cross-Quantilogram methodology to assess predictability and spillover dynamics in the Chinese carbon markets and the new energy stock markets across various quantiles. The analysis yields some significant findings: (1) Despite the small magnitude, bidirectional spillover effects are discernible between China's carbon market and the Chinese new energy market, with heterogeneous correlation among the three pilot carbon markets. (2) The cross-quantile correlation among markets exhibits varying dynamics with increasing lag orders. (3) During market downturns, the new energy market poses short-term abnormal extreme risks as a spillover source for the Guangdong carbon market, while exhibiting a stronger spillover effect on the Hubei carbon market during longer lag periods. (4) Certain sectors, such as the wind power, nuclear power, and photovoltaic sectors, stand out with a more pronounced cross-quantile in relation to the carbon market. (5) Both risk events and policy changes play a significant role in shaping market interactions. (6) Including Guangdong and Hubei carbon asset in a portfolio can effectively reduce the volatility risk of new energy stock portfolios. A valuable comprehension of the intricate interdependencies between China's carbon market and new energy assets is provided by this research, benefiting policymakers and investors in the energy and environmental sectors.

Dependence of coronal mass ejections on the morphology and toroidal flux of their source magnetic flux ropes

Context. Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) stand as intense eruptions of magnetized plasma from the Sun, and they play a pivotal role in driving significant changes of the heliospheric environment. Deducing the properties of CMEs from their progenitors in solar source regions is crucial for space weather forecasting. Aims. The primary objective of this paper is to establish a connection between CMEs and their progenitors in solar source regions, enabling us to infer the magnetic structures of CMEs before their full development. Methods. We created a dataset comprising a magnetic flux rope series with varying projection shapes (S-, Z-, and toroid-shaped), sizes, and toroidal fluxes using the Regularized Biot-Savart Laws (RBSL). These flux ropes were inserted into solar quiet regions with the aim of imitating the eruptions of quiescent filaments. Thereafter, we simulated the propagation of these flux ropes from the solar surface to a distance of 25 R⊙ with our global coronal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model COCONUT. Results. Our parametric survey revealed significant impacts of source flux ropes on the consequent CMEs. Regarding the flux-rope morphology, we find that the projection shape (e.g., sigmoid or torus) can influence the magnetic structures of CMEs at 20 R⊙, albeit with minimal impacts on the propagation speed. However, these impacts diminish as source flux ropes become fat. In terms of toroidal flux, our simulation results demonstrate a pronounced correlation with the propagation speed of CMEs as well as the successfulness in erupting. Conclusions. This work builds the bridge between the CMEs in the outer corona and their progenitors in solar source regions. Our parametric survey suggests that the projection shape, cross-section radius, and toroidal flux of source flux ropes are crucial parameters in predicting magnetic structures and the propagation speed of CMEs, providing valuable insights for space weather prediction. On the one hand, the conclusion drawn here could be instructive in identifying the high-risk eruptions with the potential to induce stronger geomagnetic effects (Bz and propagation speed). On the other hand, our findings hold practical significance for refining the parameter settings of launched CMEs at 21.5 R⊙ in heliospheric simulations, such as with EUHFORIA, based on observations for their progenitors in solar source regions.

Structure and Evolution of Multi-Trend Faults in BZ19-6 Buried Hill of the Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China

Defining the structure and evolution of multi-trend faults is critical for analyzing the accumulation of hydrocarbons in buried hills. Based on high-resolution seismic and drilling data, the structural characteristics and evolutionary mechanism of multi-trend faults were investigated in detail through the structural analysis theory and quantitative calculations of fault activity, allowing us to determine the implication that fault evolution exerts on hydrocarbon accumulation in the BZ19-6 buried hill. There are four kinds of strike faults developed on the buried hill: SN-, NNE-, NE–ENE-, and nearly EW-trending, which experienced the Mesozoic Indosinian, Yanshan, and Cenozoic Himalayan tectonic movements. During the Indosinian, the BZ19-6 was in a SN-oriented compressional setting, with active faults composed of SN-trending strike-slip faults (west branch of the Tanlu fault zone) and near EW-trending thrust faults (Zhang-peng fault zone). During the Yanshanian, the NNE-trending normal faults were formed under the WNW–ESE tensile stress field. Since the Himalayan period, the BZ19-6 buried hill has evolved into the rifting stage. In rifting stage Ⅰ, all of the multi-trend pre-existing faults were reactivated, and the EW-trending thrust faults became normal faults due to negative inversion. In rifting stage II, a large number of NE–ENE-trending normal faults were newly formed in the NW–SE-oriented extensional setting, which made the structure pattern more complicated. In rifting stage III, the buried hill entered the post-rift stage, with only part of the NNE- and NE–ENE-trending faults continuously active. Multi-trend faults are the result of the combination of various multi-phase stress fields and pre-existing structures, which have great influence on the formation of tectonic fractures and then control the distribution of high-quality reservoirs in buried hills. The fractures controlled by the NNE- and EW-trending faults have higher density and scale, and fractures controlled by NE–ENE trending faults have stronger connectivity and effectiveness. The superposition of multi-trend faults is the favorable distribution of high-quality reservoirs and the favorable accumulation area of hydrocarbon.

Flow field characteristics and vibration responses of saddle-shaped membrane structures

Elastically mounted flexible membrane roofs exposed to flows are prone to vortex-induced vibrations and even aero-instability due to the strong fluid–structure interaction (FSI). This study is to investigate the FSI mechanism in the saddle-shaped membrane structure over a range of Reynolds numbers and wind directions in laminar flows, by bridging structural vibration responses and flow dynamics. The aeroelastic characteristics of membrane structures, including statistics of displacement responses, oscillation frequency, and oscillation damping ratios, were identified from the perspective of time and frequency domains. Simultaneously, the particle image velocimetry system was employed to visualize the flow features, including velocity vector, turbulence intensity, and vortex evolution in both space and time. The flow modes were further decomposed by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to capture the salient aspects of the flow. Three patterns of POD modes are identified, and the first mode plays the dominant role in POD modes. It showed that as the wind Reynolds number increases, the space between the shear layer and membrane surface would be narrowed, and resultantly the vortices turn out smaller in scale and closer in space. This trend leads to an increase in the frequency of vortex shedding and a stronger FSI effect. When the frequency of vortex shedding approaches the fundamental frequency of structures, the vibration of the membrane would be shifted from turbulent buffeting to vortex-induced resonance, featured with lock-in frequency, significant amplified displacement, and negative aerodynamic damping ratio.

Effect of yaw on wake and load characteristics of two tandem offshore wind turbines under neutral atmospheric boundary layer conditions

In this work, we numerically investigated the effects of yaw angle on the wake and power characteristics of two National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW wind turbines based on actuator line method (ALM) and large eddy simulation (LES) under a neutral atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) with specified offshore surface roughness. The turbines are placed in tandem, with a spacing of seven rotor diameters, and the yaw angles range from 0° to 30°. The results indicate that under coordinated yaw conditions, the wakes of the two turbines significantly shift with increasing yaw angles, encroaching on the trailing edge of the turbines. The expansion of the wakes also gradually weakens, leading to a reduction in width. The superposition of the wake generated by the downstream turbine diminishes, leading to both turbines exhibiting approximately comparable physical characteristics within their respective wakes. As the wake of the upstream turbine propagates downstream, a secondary low-speed region emerges between the primary low-speed zone of the wake of downstream turbine and the surrounding atmosphere. With the increase in yaw angle, this secondary low-speed region significantly enhances the rate of wake recovery while also inducing a more pronounced deflection of the wake, thereby demonstrating a stronger entrainment effect. Regarding load characteristics, the time history of power characteristics and the power spectral density (PSD) spectra indicate a good turbine response to the inflow. The power characteristics of the upstream turbine exhibit a scaling law is closely related to the yaw angle. The quantitative relationship is established between yaw angle and the power distribution of the turbines, alongside a proposed correlation between the yaw angle and the cos 2(γ) scaled power curve. The power of upstream turbine decreases and the power of downstream turbine gradually increases with the increase in yaw angle. It is further found that the downstream turbine demonstrates optimal performance at a yaw angle of 20°due to the influence of the yawed upstream turbine. These analyses provide insights into the characteristics of wind turbine arrays under yaw conditions from the perspective of unsteady wake features, interactions, and aerodynamic performance, which can aid in wind farm unit planning and control strategies.

Technology acquisitions and investor expectations: Reputation and expectancy violation perspectives

AbstractEmploying the organizational reputation lens and expectancy violation theory (EVT), I examine how financial market investors (investors) affect the technology acquisition activity and the likelihood of survival of firms facing technological change. I theorize that when a firm has a growth reputation, that is, investors expect revenue growth in future periods, the likelihood of making an acquisition will increase in anticipation of a positive expectancy violation on the part of investors. In contrast, for a firm that has an income reputation, that is, investors expect shareholder returns in future periods, the likelihood of making an acquisition will decrease in avoidance of a negative expectancy violation on the part of investors. I predict a novel moderating effect of investor expectations—a firm's acquisition activity will exert a stronger positive effect on its likelihood of surviving technological change when investor expectations are growth‐oriented, that is, when there is a positive expectancy violation. Using a multi‐industry sample of industry convergence, a salient form of technological change, I find support for my theoretical predictions. I advance research that examines the reactions of investors to firm strategies during technological change to the domain of technology acquisitions, a salient strategic decision. I also expand the predictive utility of the reputation lens and EVT to the context of firm survival during technological change.

Rapid Acidification of the Arctic Chukchi Sea Waters Driven by Anthropogenic Forcing and Biological Carbon Recycling

AbstractThe acidification of coastal waters is distinguished from the open ocean because of much stronger synergistic effects between anthropogenic forcing and local biogeochemical processes. However, ocean acidification research is still rather limited in polar coastal oceans. Here, we present a 16 year (2002–2018) observational dataset in the Chukchi Sea during the rapid sea‐ice melting season to determine the long‐term changes in pH and aragonite saturation state (Ωarag). We found that pH and Ωarag significantly declined in the water column with average rates of −0.0095 ± 0.0027 years−1 and −0.0333 ± 0.0098 years−1, respectively, and are 4–6 times faster than those solely due to increasing atmospheric CO2. We attributed the rapid acidification to the increased dissolved inorganic carbon owing to a combination of ice melt‐induced increased atmospheric CO2 invasion and subsurface remineralization induced by a stronger surface biological production as a result of the increased inflow of the nutrient‐rich Pacific water.

Optimization of particle–bubble collision dynamics in turbulence via clustering algorithms and microscale vortex enrichment analysis

The interaction dynamics between particles and bubbles in turbulent flow fields are crucial for optimizing multiphase flow systems. In this work, direct numerical simulation is combined with advanced K-means++ clustering algorithms to quantify the spatial distribution and enrichment effects of particle–bubble clusters under different turbulence conditions. The results indicate that the Stokes number increases with particle and bubble size, demonstrating stronger inertial effects, but decreases with higher turbulence intensity. Radial relative velocity and collision frequency also exhibit a positive correlation with size and turbulence intensity. Clustering analysis reveals that larger particles and bubbles form more pronounced clusters, particularly in high turbulence conditions, leading to higher local densities and interaction frequencies. Overlap ratios suggest increased interactions with growing size and turbulence intensity. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing particle and bubble sizes to match specific turbulence conditions, enhancing interaction dynamics in multiphase flow systems. This research provides valuable insights for improving various industrial processes involving particle–bubble interactions.

Effect of dietary fat source and concentration on feed intake, enteric methane and milk production in dairy cows

Dietary fat can be used in dairy cow nutrition to reduce enteric methane (CH4), but studies with multiple dietary fat concentrations are scarce. Among fat sources, rapeseed is easily accessible in Europe and North America, and palm kernel fat has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of ruminal methanogenesis. Forty-eight cows (half primiparous and half multiparous) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design, with 6 periods of 21 d each. Six treatments were used: a control, 3 fat concentrations (low, medium and high) of rapeseed (RS), and 2 fat concentrations (low and medium) of palm kernel fatty acids (PK). The total crude fat concentrations ranged from 3 to 7% of DM. The cows were fed the treatments as partial mixed ration, and they received additional concentrate from GreenFeed units (1 unit for 12 cows) used to measure CH4 production. Increased dietary crude fat concentration of both RS and PK reduced DMI. The reduction in DMI was stronger in cows fed medium concentration of PK than for any RS concentration, which was comparable to previous studies for both RS and PK. Digestibility of OM was highest at low fat concentration of both fat sources, and lowest at high RS concentration. Digestibility of NDF was reduced by 2 percentage units when cows were fed medium PK concentration instead of the control treatment. Rapeseed supplementation with dietary crude fat up to 5.7% of DM increased milk and energy corrected milk (ECM) yields, but the equivalent PK concentration reduced ECM. Increased fat supplementation decreased CH4 yield (g CH4/kg of DMI) linearly when RS was used, and quadratically when PK was used. Medium PK concentration reduced CH4 yield more than medium RS concentration, but there was no difference for CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg of ECM). Rapeseed fat supplementation with dietary crude fat above 5.7% of DM could reduce further CH4 yield, but fat supplementation was not accompanied by an increase in productivity. The fat source has to be accounted for when considering enteric methane reduction, as the PK provided stronger effect than RS, but the associated reduction in milk production did not support the use of PK for methane reduction.

Targeting retrieval of methamphetamine reward memory in the context of REM sleep deprivation: Age-dependent role of GABAB receptors

GABAB receptors play a modulatory role in the mechanisms underlying drug addiction, sleep problems, and aging; however, there are few studies addressing their relationship. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether blockade of these receptors affects methamphetamine (METH) reward memory in adult and adolescent rapid-eye movement sleep deprived (RSD) rats. Adolescent and adult male Wistar rats were subjected to RSD for seven days. They were then conditioned to receive methamphetamine (METH; 2 mg/kg, ip) during an eight-day conditioning period. METH reward memory was then reactivated during a retrieval trial and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (2.5 or 5 mg/kg, ip) was injected prior to the retrieval trial. Afterward, animals were retested for the expression of conditioned place preference (CPP) and hippocampal expression of GABAB receptors. Baclofen dose-dependently decreased the retrieval of METH reward memory in control and RSD adult and adolescent rats, but its effects were stronger at the higher dose. Moreover, we found stronger effects of baclofen in adolescent animals than in adult ones. In addition, baclofen at its higher dose decreased GABAB overexpression in the hippocampus of adolescent rats, but not in adult rats. These findings shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the role of GABAB receptors in the retrieval of METH reward memory and highlight the importance of considering age and sleep patterns in understanding addiction. Further research could potentially lead to the development of therapeutics for individuals struggling with METH addiction.

Big data development and labor income share: Evidence from China's national big data comprehensive pilot zones

In the midst of the rapid development of the digital economy, data has emerged as a new core production factor. It not only creates value for producers but also benefits the majority of ordinary workers, playing a crucial role in optimizing income distribution and promoting common prosperity. Utilizing data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2012 to 2021, this study evaluates the impact of big data development on the labor income share of enterprises, employing the establishment of China's national big data comprehensive pilot zones as a quasi-natural experiment. Additionally, it examines the heterogeneity of this impact across regional, industry, and firm levels. The findings reveal that big data development significantly increases the labor income share of firms, mainly through mitigating labor mismatch, improving innovation capability, and upgrading human capital. Heterogeneity analysis shows that big data development exerts a stronger effect on eastern and labor-rich regions, high-tech and non-labor-intensive industries, big-data industries and low-competition industries, as well as state-owned and mature enterprises. This study provides policy insights on fully harnessing the benefits of big data pilot policy to increase labor income share, with important implications for developing countries.