Search Results (2,530)

This paper examines the long-run relationship between economic growth and CO₂ emissions in Croatia over the period 1990–2023 using the ARDL bounds testing approach. The analysis aims to assess the presence of an Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and to shed light on Croatia’s position along the growth–emissions trajectory, an issue that has remained inconclusive in earlier studies. The results provide evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between the GDP per capita and CO₂ emissions, consistent with the EKC hypothesis. The estimates of marginal effects suggest that the impact of income on emissions weakens and may eventually turn negative at higher income levels, although the precise income level at which this transition occurs is sensitive to model specification and sample composition. Energy consumption emerges as the strongest long-run driver of emissions, while a higher share of renewable energy contributes significantly to their reduction. Institutional quality is found to be positively associated with emissions in the long run, reflecting growth-enhancing effects during the post-transition period rather than immediate environmental improvements. The contribution of this study lies in the use of a longer time span and a dynamic empirical framework that allows for a more nuanced assessment of the growth–emissions relationship in Croatia. Overall, the findings point to a gradual decoupling of economic growth from carbon emissions while highlighting that the sustainability of this trajectory depends critically on continued progress in the energy transition and on the alignment of institutional development with climate and energy objectives. Full article

Using twenty sectors of TESS observations and the hitherto unutilized radial velocities from the David Dunlap Observatory survey, we fully characterize the close binary TV UMi. Its nearly sinusoidal light curves are well explained by a low-inclination, shallowly-eclipsing model in marginal contact, with a dark spot whose longitudinal migration is strongly correlated with the eclipse time variations. We derive the orbital parameters of the binary and determine the masses and radii of the components with a precision of a few percent. The estimated age and the position of TV UMi on the theoretical HR diagram indicate it’s a relatively young late-type contact binary of the W subtype. Full article

Little is known of a large black shale belt within the Naij Tal Group in the East Kunlun region, which hosts polymetallic deposits, including manganese, vanadium, and cobalt. The recently discovered Dagangou vanadium mineralization is the first black rock series-type vanadium deposit in the East Kunlun region and Qinghai Province and represents a significant find owing to its intermediate scale. This study investigated the mineralogy, major and trace elements, rare earth elements, and platinum group element geochemistry of the Dagangou vanadium deposit. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the main vanadium-bearing minerals are micas, followed by limonite, clay minerals, feldspar, and jarosite. The SiO₂/Al₂O₃, Co/Zn, Sr/Ba, and Pd/Ir ratios, as well as the Ir content of the ores, indicated strong involvement of hydrothermal activity in the mineralization process. The V/Cr, Ni/Co, and U/Th ratios, as well as the δU values and significant negative δCe anomalies, suggested that the vanadium-bearing black rock series formed in a strongly anoxic reducing environment. The Al₂O₃/(Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃) and MnO/TiO₂ ratios, along with weak positive δEu anomalies and strong enrichment of heavy rare earth elements, indicated that mineralization occurred in an extensional tectonic setting. The black shale-hosted vanadium polymetallic deposit formed in a setting that transitioned from an open oceanic deep-sea environment to a progressively shallower continental margin. Full article

The study of human skeletal remains from historic contexts is uniquely positioned to explore inequality over time by linking the underlying sociocultural factors that enforce marginalization with lived experiences and health outcomes. We analyzed mortality rates among historic individuals of low socioeconomic status from a documented human skeletal collection, to examine how culture and identity become biologically embodied. Because pre-existing health conditions affect mortality risk, we examined whether individuals with short stature experienced earlier mortality. Kaplan–Meier analyses and log rank tests indicated significant differences in survivorship over time and among social race groups, indicating that African American individuals showed significantly higher mortality, but no sex differences were observed within population groups. Logistic regressions tested for the effects of age-at-death, combined sex and population group, and birthdate on the outcome of bone length. Age and birthdate were not significant, suggesting no relationship between short stature and age-at-death, which also did not change over time. However, odds ratios indicated fewer African Americans were surviving up to adulthood. While many individuals in the collection likely suffered some poverty and marginalization, survivorship was significantly worse for African Americans. The likely effects of systematic racism resulting in further socioeconomic marginalization significantly affected the health of the African American community. Full article

Delays during turnaround operations are a significant source of operational inefficiency for airlines. They reduce airline profit margins by resulting in rescheduled flights and missed connections for passengers. This research paper presents the findings of an approach developed within the INTACT research project (subsequently called “the INTACT system”). The INTACT system aims to achieve reduced delays during turnaround operations and therefore increase their operational efficiency by introducing new technologies. A simulation study, including 350 simulated days, was conducted to assess the impact of three of INTACT’s abilities: (1) the localization of wheelchairs for passengers, (2) the assessment of what trolleys are onboard and how many trolley items are needed, and (3) visual observations of cabin failures and communication back to the destination airport. Results show that the implementation of these technologies leads to a statistically significant average delay reduction of 3 min per turnaround. Under the modeled schedule constraints in the discrete-event simulation, this reduction shifts the distribution of feasible daily flight counts, resulting in an average increase of 0.11 flights/day (38 additional completed flights over 350 simulated days) relative to the full-delay scenario. In addition, the cost–benefit analysis shows that the INTACT system saves an average of $966.95 in turnaround costs and gains $2714.29 in additional revenue per day and per aircraft. With estimated initial investment costs of around 2 million dollars, the payback period is only 1.5 years. During this study, gross additional revenue was reported as an upper-bound estimate; net operational benefit depends on airline-specific variable operating costs. The INTACT system can help to improve turnaround operation issues while providing positive economic performance for stakeholders in the industry. Full article

Single-axis solar tracking maximizes photovoltaic energy production under clear-sky conditions; however, its effectiveness decreases under cloudy and overcast skies, where diffuse irradiance dominates and the optimal module orientation changes. Conventional tracking algorithms either neglect sky conditions or rely on simplified diffuse-response strategies that may trigger frequent tracker repositioning under variable cloud cover, leading to increased mechanical wear with marginal energy gains. This work proposes an enhanced diffuse-response tracking algorithm that explicitly accounts for both the intensity and temporal persistence of cloudiness. By requiring overcast conditions to persist for a minimum duration before reorienting the tracker to a diffuse-stow position, the proposed approach reduces unnecessary movements while preserving the benefits of diffuse-response operation. The algorithm is evaluated through numerical simulations based on historical meteorological data and validated using field measurements on monofacial and bifacial photovoltaic strings. The results show that the proposed strategy reduces excess tracker movement from 114% to 0.16% while maintaining nearly the same energy yield. Compared to a conventional diffuse-response algorithm, the associated energy reduction is minimal (≈0.17%) relative to the ≈0.37% yield gain observed at the studied location. These findings demonstrate that incorporating cloudiness duration enables a practical compromise between energy performance and tracker durability, particularly for monofacial photovoltaic systems. Full article

The stability of high and steep rock slopes in open-pit mines, particularly under ecological restoration, remains a significant concern. However, the quantitative assessment of the influence of vegetation restoration on slope stability is still underexplored. This study assessed the stability of a high and steep limestone slope in the Kazimiao mining area, Ningxia, before and after ecological restoration, utilizing Rocscience Slide software and 3D laser scanning point cloud data. The limit equilibrium method was applied to simulate slope stability under multiple conditions: natural, rainfall (20 mm/h to 200 mm/h), seismic (magnitude 6 to 9), and coupled slope-cutting–seismic scenarios. Results indicated that the slope’s safety factor increased slightly from 2.041 to 2.096 after restoration, demonstrating a marginal improvement in stability. Under rainfall conditions, the safety factor decreased from 1.861 to 1.342 (before restoration) and 1.979 to 1.408 (after restoration), showing limited but positive effects of revegetation. Seismic simulations revealed a decrease in stability with increasing magnitudes, as safety factors dropped from 1.761 to 0.916 in magnitude 9 conditions. These findings highlight the limited role of vegetation in enhancing slope stability, which is primarily determined by the intrinsic properties of the rock mass, while also contributing positively to surface integrity, erosion resistance, and ecological recovery. This study provides a novel framework for evaluating slope stability and ecological restoration performance in mining areas. Full article

The coordinated development of the rural economy and the ecological environment remains a central challenge in China’s rural revitalization agenda. Against this backdrop, the rapid expansion of the digital economy (DE) has the potential to reshape traditional development pathways and ease the longstanding tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. However, existing studies have predominantly examined the economic or environmental effects of digitalization in isolation, leaving its role in fostering their coordinated development largely unexplored. Using balanced panel data for 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2021, this paper constructs an index of the coupling coordinated development of the rural economy–environment (CREE) and employs a two-way fixed-effects framework, complemented by mediation analysis, panel threshold regression, and a spatial Durbin model, to examine the impact of the DE on CREE and its transmission mechanisms. The results show that the DE significantly enhances CREE on average. This positive effect, however, is non-linear and conditional: it emerges only after rural educational attainment exceeds a critical threshold, and its marginal contribution diminishes as the level of digital development increases. Mechanism analyses indicate that the DE promotes CREE primarily by stimulating technological innovation and advancing urbanization, while improvements in the structure of human capital further strengthen this relationship. Spatial econometric evidence reveals pronounced spillover effects of the DE on CREE across regions, with spillovers based on economic distance outweighing those associated with geographic proximity. By adopting a coupling perspective that integrates economic and environmental dimensions, this paper clarifies the non-linear dynamics, transmission channels, and spatial diffusion processes through which the DE contributes to rural green development. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening rural education foundations, deepening the application of digital technologies, and enhancing regional coordination to fully harness the DE’s role in promoting coordinated economy–environment development. Full article

Green innovation efficiency (GIE) serves as a key indicator of urban development toward “dual carbon” goals and sustainable growth. However, systematic evidence remains scarce regarding the impact of the digital-real economy integration (DRI) in urban green innovation efficiency (UGIE). Based on the dual institutional perspectives of government environmental regulation (ER) and intellectual property protection (IPP), this paper proposes an integrated theoretical framework that incorporates integration level, institutional environment, and green innovation. Leveraging panel data from 281 prefecture-level and higher-administered cities in China spanning 2013 to 2023, this paper explores the underlying mechanism and the observed threshold effect of DRI on UGIE. The primary findings are summarized below: (1) DRI promotes UGIE, which is mediated significantly through the institutional roles of ER and IPP. (2) The influence of DRI on GIE is characterized by a threshold effect at a value of 0.9657. Beyond this threshold, the marginal effect rises from 0.47463 to 0.52555, thereby providing evidence for the positive feedback hypothesis between integration level and institutional response. (3) A more significant effect of DRI on GIE could be observed in non-resource-based cities, such as the central cities, southern cities and eastern cities. This paper expands the interdisciplinary research on digital economy and urban sustainability, providing micro-level evidence for the tailored development of digital–green institutional combinations. Full article

This study examined how Protestant theological orientation and marginalized social identity influence attitudes toward Christian denominations and religion more broadly. We tried to test whether greater theological openness predicts more affirming attitudes and whether marginalized identity moderates this relationship. A total of 479 adults completed measures of Protestant Theological Orientation (PTS), Attitudes Toward Denominations (ATD), Attitudes Toward Religion (ATR), Defensive Theology (DTS), and Attachment to God (AGI). Regression and MANOVA analyses tested hypotheses regarding the predictive roles of theology and marginalization (non-cisgender and/or non-heterosexual status). Contrary to expectations, higher biblical literalism (higher PTS scores) predicted stronger affirming attitudes toward both denominations and religion overall. Marginalized participants expressed significantly lower ATD scores but did not differ in ATR. Interaction analyses revealed that marginalized status moderated the relationship between theology and denominational attitudes, suggesting that literalism was especially affirming for marginalized participants. Marginalized individuals also reported higher defensive theology and greater attachment anxiety toward God. Findings challenge assumptions that theological openness fosters affirmation, instead showing that biblical literalism predicts more positive denominational and religious attitudes, particularly among marginalized groups. Results show the complex interplay of theology, social identity, and spiritual resilience, with implications for counseling, pastoral care, and interfaith engagement. Full article

Many advantages have been reported with the use of machine perfusion (MP) to rescue extended criteria donor (ECD) grafts, improving both short- and long-term post-liver transplantation (LT) outcomes. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common post-LT complication associated with these grafts and may compromise patient outcomes and increase LT-related costs. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of AKI in recipients of MP-treated grafts compared with those receiving conventionally cold-stored (SCS) grafts, both before and after a propensity score matching (PSM). From a prospectively maintained database, LT recipients of MP-treated grafts were compared with SCS grafts transplanted in the same study period (January 2022–May 2025). PSM was performed based on donor risk index (DRI), macrosteatosis (≥ or <30%), and recipient NaMELD score using a 3:1 (MP vs. SCS) ratio. Of the 177 consecutive LTs, 30 were performed with MP-treated grafts (MP group) and 147 using SCS (SCS group). The MP group displayed more marginal characteristics: older age (72 vs. 62 years, p = 0.02), higher proportion of DCD (10% vs. 0, p = 0.04), and higher frequency of moderate steatosis (macro ≥ 30%, 10% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.09). AKI rates were similar between groups (63% vs. 45.6%, p = 0.16), as was the distribution across AKI stages. After PSM, donor and recipient characteristics were balanced, and AKI rates remained similar between groups (58.6% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.39). Donor diabetes and recipient age were independent predictors of AKI in multivariate analysis (donor diabetes OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.347–8.030; recipient age: OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.015–1.097, both p < 0.05). MCP-1 and TNF-α levels measured in the perfusate fluid within the first minutes of perfusion were positively correlated with post-LT creatinine peak (MCP-1, p = 0.00023, R = 0.58; TNF-α, p = 0.0004, R = 0.57). In conclusion, machine perfusion remains a valuable strategy for rescuing ECD liver grafts. In the current era—characterized by increasing use of machine-perfused grafts and extended criteria donors—recipients demonstrate postoperative renal outcomes comparable to those receiving conventionally preserved grafts. Full article

China’s cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) has expanded rapidly, yet province-level evidence remains limited on how AI development conditions the contribution of logistics fulfilment efficiency (LEF) to cross-border e-commerce development (CBED), especially across regions with uneven digital maturity. This study tests whether AI capability amplifies the marginal effect of logistics fulfilment efficiency (LEF) for CBED and whether this complementarity varies across eastern, central, and western China. Using a balanced panel of thirty-one provinces over 2017–2023 (N = 217), we combine a Super-SBM DEA logistics fulfilment efficiency measure (LEF), a four-pillar AI Development Index (AIDI), and customs-based CBED indicators. Two-step System GMM models are estimated for the full sample and regional subsamples to account for dynamic persistence and endogeneity concerns. Results indicate that higher LEF is associated with higher CBED and that AIDI strengthens this relationship via the interaction term; the complementarity is the largest in eastern provinces and remains positive but smaller in central and western regions. Overall, the evidence suggests that logistics fulfilment efficiency and AI capability act as complementary enablers of cross-border e-commerce development, supporting provincial competitiveness as CBEC scales. Sustainability implications are therefore discussed via operational-efficiency channels rather than direct environmental outcomes. Full article

Lightning rods, while essential for protecting weather radars from direct lightning strikes, act as persistent non-meteorological scatterers that can interfere with signal transmission and reception and thereby degrade detection accuracy and product quality. Existing studies have mainly focused on X-band and C-band systems, and robust, measurement-based quantitative assessments for S-band dual-polarization radars remain scarce. In this study, a controllable tilting lightning rod, a high-precision Far-field Antenna Measurement System (FAMS), and an S-band dual-polarization weather radar (SAD radar) are jointly employed to systematically quantify lightning-rod impacts on antenna electromagnetic parameters under different rod elevation angles and azimuth configurations. Typical precipitation events were analyzed to evaluate the influence of the lightning rods on dual-polarization parameters. The results show that the lightning rod substantially elevates sidelobe levels, with a maximum enhancement of 4.55 dB, while producing only limited changes in the antenna main-beam azimuth and beamwidth. Differential reflectivity ($Z_{DR}$) is the most sensitive polarimetric parameter, exhibiting a persistent positive bias of about 0.24–0.25 dB in snowfall and mixed-phase precipitation, while no persistent azimuthal anomaly is evident during freezing rain; the co-polar correlation coefficient (${\rho }_{hv}$) is only marginally affected. Collectively, these results provide quantitative, far-field evidence of lightning-rod interference in S-band dual-polarization radars and provide practical guidance for more reasonable lightning-rod placement and configuration, as well as useful references for $Z_{DR}$-oriented polarimetric quality-control and correction strategies. Full article

Background: Autophagy, a self-destructive cellular mechanism with a paradoxical nature, plays a part in both tumor suppression and induction by providing cancer cells with metabolic substrates, resulting in cell proliferation and survival. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinical significance of four autophagy pathway components (BECLIN, p62/, LC3b, ATG3) in pathogenetic mechanisms of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) with possible prognostic importance. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the cytoplasmic expression of BECLIN, p62, LC3b, and ATG3 in tumor cells of 99 TETs, and possible correlations with clinicopathological parameters were examined. Results: Higher BECLIN and p62 expression was associated with male gender (p = 0.027 and p = 0.014, respectively). B3 thymomas and thymic carcinomas (TCs) displayed higher p62 expression (p = 0.019), while LC3b expression was marginally higher in non-B3/TC TETs (p = 0.098). A positive correlation between higher BECLIN expression and advanced Masaoka–Koga stage was also observed (p = 0.009). ATG3 was not associated with any of the investigated clinicopathological parameters (p > 0.05). There was also no significant correlation between any of the four examined molecules and overall survival or relapse. Conclusions: Our findings indicate autophagy activation in B3/TC and advanced Masaoka–Koga stage cases. Further studies are needed to explore the role of these autophagy related proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in TETs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peri-implantitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting tissues surrounding dental implants and is characterized by progressive marginal bone loss that can ultimately lead to implant failure. Reduced vascularization and impaired immune clearance in peri-implant tissues contribute to persistent inflammation and limited therapeutic efficacy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-21, have emerged as key regulators of inflammatory responses and bone remodeling. The objective of this study was to develop a bioactive dental implant coating capable of locally delivering miR-21 to modulate inflammation and promote peri-implant tissue regeneration, thereby preventing peri-implantitis. Methods: Cationic nanoparticles were synthesized using lecithin and low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (PEI) as a non-viral delivery system for miR-21. Lecithin was employed to enhance biocompatibility, while PEI functionalization provided a positive surface charge to improve miRNA complexation and cellular uptake. The resulting lecithin–PEI nanoparticles (LEC–PEI NPs) were incorporated into a chitosan-based coating and applied to titanium implant surfaces to obtain a sustained miR-21–releasing system (miR21-implant). Transfection efficiency and biological activity were evaluated in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) and compared with a commercial transfection reagent (Lipofectamine). Release kinetics and long-term activity of miR-21 from the coating were also assessed. Results: MiR-21-loaded LEC–PEI nanoparticles demonstrated significantly higher transfection efficiency than Lipofectamine and retained marked biological activity in hPDLFs relevant to peri-implantitis prevention. The chitosan-based nanoparticle coating enabled controlled and sustained miR-21 release over time, supporting prolonged modulation of inflammatory and osteogenic signaling pathways involved in peri-implant tissue homeostasis. Conclusions: The miR21-implant system, based on lecithin–PEI nanoparticles incorporated into a chitosan coating, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for peri-implantitis prevention. By enabling sustained local delivery of miR-21, this approach has the potential to preserve peri-implant bone architecture, modulate chronic inflammation, and enhance the osseointegration of titanium dental implants. Full article