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Does green credit promote real economic development? Dual empirical evidence of scale and efficiency
Green credit has emerged as a new engine for economic transformation and a core driving force behind high-quality development. By using panel data from 30 provinces in China, this paper comprehensively examines the influence of green credit on the real economy. The research findings suggest that green credit has a significantly positive effect on the scale of the real economy but a significantly negative effect on the efficiency of the real economy. In addition, we construct instrumental variables for green credit to address endogeneity problems, The results are tested by rigorous robustness checks. The mechanism analysis reveals that green credit mainly exerts its influence by promoting the optimization of the industrial structure, reducing energy consumption and reducing green innovation. The reduction of green innovation patents due to green credit undoubtedly reflects significant obstacles in the current process of promoting economic transformation through green credit in China. This study provides a theoretical framework for understanding the macro-level implications of green credit. Moreover, it offers valuable insights for formulating policies targeting the financial services sector of the real economy.
Enhancing the performance of grid-connected DFIG systems using prescribed convergence law
Chironomid-climate continentality conundrum
It is predicted that continentality, a climate parameter representative of a region’s annual temperature and precipitation range, will undergo significant changes in the future. The lack of past continentality reconstructions makes it impossible to decipher any long-term patterns of continentality changes. Here, we investigate the extent to which continentality influences modern chironomid assemblages and evaluate their ecological relevance for palaeolimnological data-based reconstructions of past continentality. We selected 53 lakes along a longitudinal gradient covering the East European Plain (Western part of Russia, Estonia, Latvia) and southern Scandinavia (Sweden and Norway). We analysed the dependency of chironomid assemblages on a variety of environmental parameters including two continentality indices (annual temperature range (ATR) and the Kerner Oceanity Index (KOI)), growing degree days at base temperature 5 °C, mean air temperatures of July, April, and October, number of ice-cover days, lake-water pH, loss-of-ignition and water depth using redundancy analysis. Correlations between all variables were tested to check for possible confounding effects. KOI had the highest explanatory power of 18.4% in the dataset and an absence of collinearity (correlation index < 0.7) with all the other tested variables. Further, we estimated weighted average optima to investigate the distribution of the morphotypes along the continentality gradient in the dataset. Glyptotendipes pallens-type, Neozavrelia, Polypedilum sordens-type, and Microchironomus showed a preference for a continental climate, while Paratanytarsus penicillatus-type, Pseudorthocladius, Thienemannimyia, and Limnophyes were found mainly in samples from oceanic areas. Weighted averaging-partial least squares regression was used for a trial test of the data, resulting in a promising KOI-based model performance with R2 = 0.73 and RMSEP = 5.1. Despite the relatively small dataset, our study suggests that chironomid data have the potential for further development as a tool for reconstructing palaeocontinentality.
Differential accumulation of secondary metabolites as indicators of graft incompatibility in Cyclocarya paliurus
Enhancing short-packet communications: BLER performance in RIS-assisted ambient backscatter NOMA systems
Short-packet communication (SPC) is a key enabler for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in next-generation wireless networks. In this paper, we investigate the block error rate (BLER) performance of a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted ambient backscatter communication (AmBC) system operating under a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) framework. Different from existing works, our study considers a Nakagami-m fading environment and derives closed-form expressions for the average and asymptotic BLER. By leveraging power-domain NOMA and RIS-assisted reflection, we optimize signal reception for both direct and backscattered links, enhancing spectral efficiency and communication reliability. Numerical and Monte Carlo simulation results validate our analytical findings, demonstrating significant performance gains in terms of BLER reduction and system throughput improvement. These results highlight the potential of RIS-assisted AmBC-NOMA systems in enabling efficient SPC for URLLC applications.
Role of T cell exhaustion and tissue-resident memory T cells in the expression and prognosis of colorectal cancer
Psychometric validation of the Arabic version of the GAD-7 among Lebanese adolescents
Introduction Anxiety is one of the major global mental health concerns, particularly amidst accumulating adversities. It is the leading cause of distress in adolescents worldwide and has a profound deleterious impact on their mental and physical health and wellbeing. This paper seeks to identify and validate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the GAD-7 in Lebanon, aiming to improve the much-needed overall mental health screening in Middle Eastern countries. Methods This study includes a cross-sectional design including 638 adolescents in Lebanese public schools. Participants aged 15−18 years were assessed using GAD-7 (anxiety), PCL-5 (post-traumatic stress disorder), and PTGi (post-traumatic growth) in their Arabic versions at two-time points, spaced three months apart. Results Our analyses revealed that the 7 items of the GAD-7 converged into a single factor. Composite reliability of scores was adequate in the total sample (ω = .88/ α = .87). The convergent validity for this model was satisfactory. Results showed invariance across gender at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, with males showing a higher level of wellbeing compared to females. The pre-posttest assessment for the GAD-7 scale was conducted on 359 participants; the intraclass correlation coefficient was adequate 0.83 [95% CI.79;.86]. Our analyses also show that anxiety symptoms were significantly correlated with higher PTSD (r = 0.68; p < .001) and lower PTG (r = −.12; p = .004). Conclusion The Arabic GAD-7 among Lebanese adolescents displayed highly satisfactory psychometric properties, underscoring its validity. This scale could be valuable for educators and clinicians as a screening tool to rapidly detect anxiety among this vulnerable age group as GAD-7 is easy-to-use, easy to understand, culturally sensitive for Arab population and age appropriate for 15–18-year-old students.
Innovative self-assembled silver nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide hydrogel nanocomposite for improved electrochemical hydrogen generation and sensing
Retraction: A hybrid PSO-FFNN approach for optimized seismic design and accurate structural response prediction in steel moment-resisting frames
Development and psychometric evaluation of the child marriage cognitive determinants questionnaire (CMCDQ): a mixed-methods study
Exploring dissolved organic matter diversity and water quality in the Tajan River using PARAFAC techniques
Rivers carry dissolved organic matter (DOM), which influences nutrient cycling, pollutant transport, and the distribution of microbial communities within aquatic ecosystems. This research investigates dissolved organic carbon (DOC) diversity and its impact on water quality within the Tajan River watershed. Sampling was conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 at ten stations, where key parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), DOC, total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and chlorophyll-a were measured using standard methods. Fluorescence was measured in the spectral range 200–550 nm excitation and 200–450 nm emission. Seasonal analysis revealed that EC, temperature, turbidity, TP, and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) were lower in winter; while COD and DOC concentrations were lowest in spring. The highest levels of TN and chlorophyll-a occurred in spring. Station 7 showed elevated concentration of EC, temperature, DOC, COD, and TP compared to other sites. Using the PARAFAC technique, seven fluorescence component (C1-C7) were identified, with C1 representing visible humic substances. C1 exhibited strong positive relationships with temperature, chlorophyll-a, TN, TP, UV254, and COD. The EEM-PARAFAC method effectively evaluates the link between the fluorescent components of DOM and water quality parameters, demonstrating its potential for surface water quality monitoring.
Road damage detection based on improved YOLO algorithm
The diversity of peritoneal dialysis care trajectories: A study based on the REIN registry and SNDS database
Introduction The integrated care model considers sequences of kidney replacement therapies rather than individual modalities. Data from conventional registries describing trajectories are partial. The aim was to provide a complete description of the peritoneal dialysis pathway. Methods Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis in France between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, were included. Data from the national REIN (Renal Epidemiology and Information Network) registry and the SNDS (Administrative Database of Outpatient and Inpatient Care Consumption) database were used. Patient trajectories and status (peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, mixed and hybrid dialysis, kidney transplantation, and death) were reconstructed. Each dialysis session, even a single day, was recorded. The trajectory was described using a Sankey diagram. Results A total of 5,053 patients in the REIN registry and the SNDS database underwent peritoneal dialysis at some point. The Sankey diagram showed the great diversity and complexity of care pathways. Only 1,652 (33%) of patients underwent peritoneal dialysis only. A total of 1,807 (36%) patients changed kidney replacement therapy 2 times or more. There was high permeability between peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis: 1,358 (27%) patients transferred from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis and 2,018 (40%) transferred from peritoneal dialysis to hemodialysis. A total of 251 (5%) patients underwent hybrid dialysis. A total of 498 (10%) patients experienced an unstable period of mixed dialysis and managed to return to peritoneal dialysis for a significant time (median of 339 days). The causes of transfers were not available. Conclusion Our results describe a more precise view of the trajectories of peritoneal dialysis patients compared to data from conventional registries. Peritoneal dialysis is a component of a multimodal pathway, as two thirds are likely to receive another kidney replacement therapies. Ongoing information about other kidney replacement therapies regimens seems necessary for peritoneal dialysis patients. The organization of each dialysis center must integrate and facilitate these transfers.
Wideband metamaterial perfect absorber using topological insulator material for infrared and visible light spectrum: a numerical approach
Abstract This study utilises simulations to investigate the potential of a novel multi-layered topological insulator-based wideband absorber design. The proposed design is constructed with a multilayer structure that incorporates meticulously chosen materials to enhance light absorption. The top layer is composed of a metal (Fe/Ti/Cu/Zn/Ag/Au), which is followed by an insulating layer (Si/SiO₂/InP) and a topological insulator (Bi₁.₅Sb₀.₅Te₁.₈Se₁.₂). These layers are sandwiched between two metal layers (Fe/Ti/Cu/Zn/Ag/Au). The proposed structure is analysed for two different resonator-based designs, considering both the L-shaped metal resonator and the complementary L-shaped resonator for the overall computational analysis. The overall structure is computed for the broad range of the wavelength spectrum (0.2–1.6 μm). The proposed metamaterial design achieves an absorption rate of ~ 99% across multiple wavelength bands. This structure also investigated the different parametric values, such as physical dimensions and oblique angle of incident, to identify the optimised values of the different parameters. The metamaterial parameters, such as permittivity, permeability, refractive index, and impedance values, are also investigated over the entire wavelength spectrum, which suggests that the overall structure behaves as a double negative material. The wideband metamaterial structure with topological insulator material can also be compared with the interference mode theory.
How do the neurocognitive profiles of FASD and complex trauma compare in the pediatric population?: A scoping review protocol
Objective The aim of this scoping review is to compare the neurocognitive profiles of children and youth diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to those of children and youth diagnosed with complex trauma. Introduction The neurocognitive challenges resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been defined by the FASD diagnosis. Complex trauma exposure, in the form of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), is associated with similar neurocognitive deficits. Recent evidence suggests ACE exposures to be higher in individuals with FASD as compared to non-FASD controls which warrants a closer look at the overlap between the neurocognitive deficits associated with FASD and complex trauma. A more robust understanding comparing the neurocognitive profiles of FASD and complex trauma can guide assessment, diagnosis, and interventions to support the long-term management of youth with cognitive impairments. Inclusion criteria The review will assess various studies that evaluate the neurocognitive profiles of FASD and complex trauma amongst the pediatric population (aged 0–18). Complex trauma will be defined as multiple interpersonal traumatic events that happen in childhood. The context of this review is pediatric patients diagnosed with FASD or exposed to complex trauma. Methods We will search MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Scopus and Google Scholar. Additionally, will conduct backwards and forwards citation searching of all included sources. Title and abstract screening and full-text review will be performed by at least two independent reviewers. Data extraction will be performed using a tool developed for this review. The results will be presented in a narrative and tabular format.
A deep learning framework for gender sensitive speech emotion recognition based on MFCC feature selection and SHAP analysis
Research on gradient aging behaviors of asphalt and decay characteristics of its properties under complex UV radiation conditions based on component diffusion and aging kinetics theory
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of UV aging process of base asphalt and SBS polymer modified asphalt, the gradient aging behaviors of asphalt and decay characteristics of their properties under different UV radiation conditions were investigated. Initially, different types of asphalt film specimens were subjected to UV aging test under complex radiations. Then, the aged asphalt samples were stripped layer by layer through the stratified elution method. And frequency scanning test for asphalt from different layers were carried out. Subsequently, the gradient UV aging behaviors and aging depth of asphalt were analyzed with G*, G*AI and diffusion coefficient D. Finally, UV aging kinetics equations of asphalt under different UV radiations were established to analyze the decay characteristics of its properties. Results show that UV aging process of asphalt exists the significant gradient aging distribution phenomenon, which starts from the surface of asphalt and gradually develops to the deeper layer of asphalt. Relationship between the aging depth of asphalt and aging times be characterized by a two-stage model, with the logarithm model in the early stage and the linear stage in the later stage. Enhancement of radiation intensity and aging temperature will both lead to the increase in the D values of asphalt, thus making the UV aging gradient behaviors of asphalt more obvious. Results of aging kinetics equations show that UV aging process of asphalt also follows the two-stage reaction phenomenon. And aging time of 24 hours can be set as the criteria to distinguish between the two-stage reaction zones. Meanwhile, enhancement of radiation intensity and aging temperature can also both lead to the increase in the aging reaction rate of asphalt. By contrast, radiation intensity has a greater effect on the UV aging reaction rate of asphalt than aging temperature, indicating that radiation intensity dominates the main effect in the degradation process of asphalt’s UV aging properties.
Prevalence estimation of essential tremor in Hungary between 2010 and 2020 based on the National Health Insurance Fund Database
Abstract The published prevalence of essential tremor is variable worldwide and lacking in Central Europe. We aimed to estimate its prevalence in Hungary and to explore the locally applied therapeutic approaches. We collected data from the National Health Insurance Fund database and pharmacy database registered between 2010 and 2020. Matching the specified codes of the International Classification of Diseases and the individually tailored combination of interventions, we attempted to exclude Parkinson’s disease and other tremor evoking conditions. We estimated the period prevalence of essential tremor age standardized to the European Standard Population at 378–388/100,000. After excluding patients with possible Parkinsonian syndromes, we found that 36.4% of patients with tremor did not take any medication during the study period. Most of the rest used alprazolam followed by propranolol for the longest period of time; the alprazolam and propranolol combination was the most preferred. Deep brain stimulation and ablative surgery were chosen for less than 0.5% of the patients. Our strict methods probably underestimate the essential tremor prevalence in Hungary, which, however, does not differ considerably from international results. Given the limitations of medication therapy, expanding and improving neurosurgical interventions may help improve the quality of life of patients with essential tremor.