Transformers for stratified spectropolarimetric inversion: proof of concept

Solar spectropolarimetric inversion—inferring atmospheric conditions from the Stokes vector—is a key diagnostic tool for understanding solar magnetism, but traditional inversion methods are computationally expensive and sensitive to local minima. Advances in artificial intelligence offer faster solutions, but are often restricted to shallow models or a few spectral lines. We present a proof-of-concept study using a transformer machine learning model for multiline, full-Stokes inversion, to infer stratified parameters from synthetic spectra produced from 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We synthesize a large set of Stokes vectors using forward modeling across 15 spectral lines spanning the deep photosphere toward the chromosphere. The model maps full-Stokes input to temperature, magnetic field strength, inclination, azimuth (encoded as sin2ϕ , cos2ϕ ), and line-of-sight velocity as a function of optical depth. The transformer incorporates an attention mechanism that allows the model to focus on the most informative regions of the spectrum for each inferred parameter, and uses positional embedding to encode wavelength and depth order. We benchmark it against a multilayer perceptron (MLP), test robustness to noise, and assess generalization. The transformer outperforms the MLP, especially in the higher layers and for magnetic parameters, yielding higher correlations and more regularized stratifications. The model retains strong performance across a range of noise levels typical for real observations, with magnetic parameter inference degrading predictably while temperature and velocity remain stable. We explore attention maps, linking the transformer’s learned behaviour to line-formation physics

Institutional pressure and pollution control: Small and medium-sized enterprises

PurposeSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to China's sustainable development. This study aims to empirically investigate the influence of government and customer pressures on the purchasing decisions of pollution control equipment among Chinese SMEs.Design/methodology/approachWe first conduct an exploratory case study involving four Chinese SMEs to identify the key attributes of pollution control equipment and the decision-making processes within SMEs regarding equipment procurement. We then design a discrete choice experiment based on the insights gained from these case studies. Data are collected from 313 Chinese SMEs and analysed using a random parameter logit model.FindingsThe results indicate that government pressure positively motivates SMEs to purchase pollution control equipment, whereas customer pressure exerts a negative effect. Government and customer pressures enhance the positive impact of the equipment's gaseous waste purification capability on SMEs' purchasing decisions. However, they do not influence the effect of sewage purification capability on such decisions.Originality/valueThe findings enhance understanding of the role of institutional pressure in the green transformation of Chinese SMEs. Additionally, the results provide valuable insights into the equipment capabilities that Chinese SMEs prioritise when purchasing pollution control equipment under the influence of institutional pressure

Application of a landscape feature classification technique to historical building facades

Technological advances have led to the development of a range of non-destructive techniques for the assessment of stone decay. Of these evolving techniques, few are as extensively applied as 3D modelling for assessment of surface alteration. Many studies focus on alteration of elevation relative to a ‘baseline’ surface to determine the spatial distribution of surface change. These approaches are limited when dealing with historical stones, where through decay or architectural choices, original tool marks or base levels may not be apparent. However, these 3D scans of wall surfaces can be considered in much the same fashion as digital elevation models (DEMs) of landscape or earth surface features. Acceptance of this premise enables the application of comparative roughness assessments to determine the impact that different weathering pasts have had upon the microtopography. The study site for this work is Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast (UK). The church’s stonework was finished with a rough surface that obscures tool marks and through its ‘topographic’ complexity prevents the application of estimated geometric baselines. The church was built in stages and has been the subject of restoration campaigns, resulting in multiple wall sections of different ages and weathering histories. Two wall sections were scanned using the Konica Minolta VIVID 9i 3D scanner, creating models with submillimetre accuracy. The roughness assessment technique selected was topographic position index (TPI), a focal statistical technique developed to identify topographic features across landscapes. Using this technique, it’s possible to classify microtopographic features at a point on the wall surface.<br/

Multicharged zwitterions form superior antifouling interfaces

The long-term prevention of unwanted protein and microbial accumulation on surfaces, including medical devices, remains a significant and largely unresolved challenge. Decades of research into antifouling surfaces have suggested that addressing this issue will require a sustained approach focused on incremental advances in chemical design. The creation of highly hydrophilic surfaces has long been recognized as a key strategy, initially pursued through polyethylene glycol-functionalized coatings. More recently, zwitterionic groups have emerged as effective antifouling moieties. However, the limited chemical diversity of zwitterion-forming chemical entities has constrained further progress. In this study, an alternative approach to enhancing surface hydrophilicity is presented by employing multicharged zwitterionic molecules (MZWs), which increase the density of charged hydrophilic groups per monomer unit. Surfaces functionalized with MZWs exhibited 40–45% lower protein adsorption compared to benchmark single zwitterionic molecules. Remarkably, the synthesized MZWs spontaneously assemble into vesicular aggregates (130–170 nm) without the need for additives or any form of external force. These findings strongly support further exploration of MZW-functionalization as a novel strategy to enhance antifouling performance, while remaining readily adaptable via minor modifications to existing synthetic routes used for the incorporation of conventional zwitterions into polymers, self-assembled monolayers, hydrogels, and nanocarriers.<br/

International market selection and fintech: the role of financial inclusion and perceived corruption in neobank adoption

Neobanks have seen significant growth and adoption worldwide in recent years. This study examines the impact of two factors - financial inclusion and perceived corruption - on the success of Neobank adoption in different geographical markets. By analyzing a unique dataset that includes economic data and adoption rates of 90 Neobanks in over 60 countries, we find that both financial inclusion and perceived corruption levels are key in determining the likelihood of successful Neobank adoption in specific markets

Emerging trends in polysaccharide-based smart PEGylated hydrogels for biomedical applications

Polysaccharide-based PEGylated hydrogels have emerged as multifunctional biomaterials that combine the favourable properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as hydrophilicity, stability, and structural tunability with the biodegradability and biocompatibility of natural polysaccharides. This review presents recent progress in the synthesis and design of hybrid PEG–polysaccharide hydrogels, emphasizing structural modifications and crosslinking strategies involving biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, agarose, and carrageenan. These systems exhibit adjustable physicochemical properties and responsiveness to various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, reactive oxygen species, glucose, and enzymatic activities. Such dynamic features enable precise control over drug and growth factor release and facilitate cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. The review also discusses the biomedical applications of these hydrogels in cancer therapy, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Furthermore, it highlights critical translational challenges related to biosafety, immunogenicity, large-scale production, and regulatory pathways, which still hinder clinical implementation. By integrating material design insights with translational perspectives, this work provides an updated overview of opportunities and limitations in advancing PEGylated polysaccharide hydrogels toward safe and effective biomedical use. Continued research on their stability, reproducibility, and functional performance is essential to unlock their full clinical potential.<br/

Evidence of mycobacteriaemias and mycobacterial co-infections uncovered in cattle at slaughter using a novel phage-based PhMS-qPCR assay for viable Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis

Accurate diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle is important for success of eradication programmes, but the current reliance on the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test is not achieving disease eradication in all jurisdictions, including Northern Ireland (NI). In this study, a novel Phagomagnetic separation (PhMS)-qPCR assay to rapidly detect viable Mycobacterium bovis in bovine blood samples was evaluated. A total of 149 heart blood samples were collected from cattle at exsanguination point of the slaughter line at a NI abattoir between June and August 2023 - 74 from TB reactor cattle (compulsorily culled within days of a positive SICCT test result) and 75 from routine slaughter cattle (&lt; 30 months). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and lysed to release any mycobacteria present before PhMS-qPCR and culture were performed to detect presence of viable M. bovis. The DNAs obtained were subsequently tested for evidence of viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) also. PhMS-qPCR results indicate that of the TB reactor cattle with conclusive PhMS-qPCR results, 7.5% of bloods tested positive for viable M. bovis only, 41.8% for viable MAP only and 28.4% showed evidence of co-infection (both M. bovis and MAP detected). Of the routine slaughter cattle with conclusive PhMS-qPCR results, 22.4% of bloods tested positive for viable M. bovis only, 19.4% for viable MAP only and 20.9% showed evidence of co-infection. Of the blood samples with conclusive culture results, 19.6% TB reactors and 25.4% routine slaughter cattle were M. bovis culture positive. No agreement was observed between the M. bovis PhMS-qPCR assay and M. bovis culture results (Kappa - 0.028, 95% CI -0.162 to 0.105). Results of this study provide proof-of-concept that the PhMS-qPCR assay is able to detect viable M. bovis in bovine blood, although a different qPCR assay with greater detection sensitivity will need to be identified going forward. A surprisingly high number of M. bovis/MAP co-infections were detected in the blood of NI cattle, which may be contributing to failure of the bTB eradication scheme. The latter warrants further investigation