Search Results (3,040)

Accurate estimates of mangrove gross primary productivity (GPP) are needed to quantify coastal carbon dynamics, but the performance of satellite-based GPP models in mangrove forests remains uncertain. We compared eight models—four light-use-efficiency models (MOD17, EC-LUE, VPM, and MVPM) and four vegetation-index models (GR, VEI, AVM, and PCM)—with eddy-covariance observations from a subtropical mangrove forest in southern China. VPM showed the closest agreement with tower-based GPP in the calibration comparison (R² = 0.58, RMSE = 1.38 g C m⁻² d⁻¹, and MAE = 0.72 g C m⁻² d⁻¹). We then applied VPM to nine cloud-minimized Sentinel-2 acquisitions from 2018–2020. The grouped means for these selected acquisitions were 7.47 g C m⁻² d⁻¹ in the post-monsoon period, 7.41 g C m⁻² d⁻¹ in summer, and 4.57 g C m⁻² d⁻¹ in winter. Sobol’ sensitivity analysis identified PAR, EVI, maximum light-use efficiency, LAI, and temperature as influential inputs over the prescribed ranges. These results provide a site-level comparison of satellite-based GPP models and identify priority inputs for improving future mangrove GPP assessments. Full article

This paper proposes a compact and tunable plasmon modulator based on a metal-grating/graphene hybrid structure, aiming to overcome the critical bottlenecks of conventional modulators in terms of integration density and dynamic tunability. The device employs two metallic gratings that generate a periodic alternating electric field in the graphene when opposite voltages are applied across the two gratings, resembling an interdigitated electrode configuration. This electric field spatially modulates the carrier density in the graphene layer, forming an equivalent Bragg grating whose duty cycle and groove depth can be dynamically tuned by adjusting the voltage amplitude, thereby enabling modulation of propagating surface plasmon polaritons in graphene. The proposed modulator, based on dual-parameter control of the Bragg grating, achieves a 10 dB enhancement in maximum modulation depth over single-parameter (groove depth) modulation, with a compact footprint of 1 μm × 0.6 μm × 1 μm, a center-wavelength tuning range of 1.0 μm, and an FWHM tuning range of 0.55 μm. This compact and tunable modulator holds significant promise for applications in mid-infrared communication and integrated photonic chips. Full article

Drought is a major abiotic stress limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) production, and identifying genes that balance drought resistance with growth is a priority for molecular breeding. We previously identified the MATE transporter OsMATE6 as a negative regulator of drought resistance in rice. Here, we characterized its closest paralog, OsMATE19. OsMATE19 was predominantly expressed in roots, guard cells, and vascular tissues, and the OsMATE19–eGFP fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane. Two independent osmate19 knockout lines showed reduced leaf water loss, elevated leaf surface temperature under dehydration, improved seedling survival after PEG (polyethylene glycol)-simulated and soil drought, and 32.0–41.1% higher grain yield than the wild type under field drought conditions, without a yield penalty under irrigation. The osmate6/osmate19 double mutant showed the strongest drought resistance but, unlike either single mutant, exhibited dwarfism and significant reductions in grain yield, tiller number, plant height, and panicle architecture under normal paddy conditions. Transcriptome analysis revealed coordinated upregulation of ABA (abscisic acid)- and stress-responsive genes and repression of growth- and metabolism-related genes, with the greatest changes in the double mutant. These results reveal a dosage-dependent trade-off: disruption of either gene alone enhances drought performance without yield cost, whereas simultaneous loss of both genes over-activates stress responses at the expense of growth. Our findings provide candidate gene targets and a genetic framework for balancing drought adaptation and productivity in rice breeding. Full article

The early mechanical performance of cement-based repair materials is critical for the rapid rehabilitation of concrete structures and tunnel anchorage engineering. In this study, a reference mixture (ROA) without any accelerator, a general early-strength agent (GEA) based on aluminum sulfate, and a composite early-strength agent (CEA) composed of CaO–SiO₂–Al₂O₃ were comparatively investigated. The effects on setting time, compressive strength, flexural bond strength, and early drying shrinkage were systematically evaluated. The degree of hydration (DoH) was determined by the chemically bound water method, and the microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that CEA significantly shortened the setting time, with a final setting time of only 9.5 min, representing a 55.2% reduction compared with ROA. At 4 h, the compressive strength of CEA was 5.2% and 16.7% higher than those of GEA and ROA, respectively; at 1 d, the corresponding increases were 6.8% and 25.0%; and no strength regression was observed at 28 d. The 1 d flexural bond strength of CEA reached 6.85 MPa, 62.8% higher than that of ROA. Moreover, CEA effectively reduced early drying shrinkage, with the 7 d shrinkage rate being 18.6% lower than that of ROA. The DoH of CEA at 1 d reached 68.5%, 32.3 percentage points higher than that of ROA. SEM observations revealed that CEA promoted the formation of needle-like ettringite (AFt) crystals that interlocked in a random three-dimensional network, with calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel filling the interstices, resulting in a dense microstructure. These findings provide a systematic theoretical basis for the design of high-performance cement-based repair materials with composite early-strength agents. Full article

Membrane fouling and biological toxicity are two main bottlenecks in treating azo dye wastewater using anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs). This review examines how azo dye molecular structure affects AnMBR performance and membrane fouling. It discusses azo dye reduction, aromatic amine formation, microbial inhibition, and foulant formation. Aromatic amines may inhibit methanogenesis and promote the accumulation of hydrophobic foulants on membrane surfaces. At low dye loadings, stable treatment may be supported under favorable operating conditions, whereas higher loadings may inhibit anaerobic activity and accelerate membrane fouling. The review evaluates membrane modification, biological enhancement and in situ electro-cleaning strategies. No single strategy has yet ensured long-term industrial operation. Reported concentration thresholds are mainly derived from single-dye laboratory studies and may not apply to actual textile wastewater. Future work should use data-driven fouling prediction and pilot trials with real wastewater to define AnMBR operating limits. Full article

The key to exploiting coalbed methane in soft and low-permeability coal seams by deploying horizontal wells in roof strata lies in whether hydraulic fractures can propagate into the coal seam after initiating from the roof. True triaxial physical simulation experiments based on 15 artificially cast fracturing specimens were conducted to explore how in situ stress regimes, coal–roof interface strength, and roof mechanical properties control cross-layer propagation of hydraulic fractures. Results show that the strike-slip fault stress regime yields the highest cross-layer propagation success rate and the lowest average initiation pressure, followed by the normal fault stress regime, while the reverse fault stress regime significantly restricts vertical propagation of fractures. High-strength coal–roof interfaces can promote vertical fracture propagation and lower the fracture initiation pressure. High-strength roofs facilitate stable vertical fracture extension, while low-strength roofs containing microdefects lead to increased initiation pressure. The three geological factors exert hierarchical coupled control over the fracture propagation: in situ stress determines fracture propagation direction, coal–roof interfaces control fracture branching at stratigraphic interfaces, and roof mechanical properties regulate the complexity of induced fracture networks. To achieve high-quality reservoir stimulation, target zones with strike-slip or normal fault stress regimes, high-strength coal–roof interfaces, and matched roof types should be prioritized. Full article

Temperature is a key determinant of flowering time and floral pigmentation in plants, and dahlia (Dahlia pinnata) is particularly sensitive to thermal changes in its flower color. This study investigated how day/night temperature regimes regulate flower bud differentiation and coloration in the potted cultivar ‘Hypnotica Tropical Breeze’. Five temperature treatments (15/5, 20/10, 25/15, 30/20, and 35 °C/25 °C) were applied, and flower bud differentiation progression, colorimetric traits, and pigmentation-related differentially expressed genes were assessed. The 15/5, 20/10, and 25 °C/15 °C treatments all allowed successful bud differentiation and flowering, yet the duration varied considerably—46 days at 20 °C/10 °C and 41 days at 25 °C/15 °C versus 100 days at 15 °C/5 °C. Among these three regimes, 20 °C/10 °C gave the highest a* (red–green axis, positive = red) and lowest b* (yellow–blue axis, positive = yellow) at the ray floret tips. Moreover, the relative flavonoid and anthocyanin indices, as well as soluble sugar and starch contents, were all highest at 20 °C/10 °C and lowest at 15 °C/5 °C, with significant differences across treatments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed pronounced differential expression of anthocyanin-biosynthetic genes (CHI2, F3H, DFR, ANS, UFGT) and transcription factors (bHLH, MYB) among the three temperature groups. In particular, UFGT transcript abundance was lowest at 15 °C/5 °C, and FNSII expression was also reduced under this regime relative to 20 °C/10 °C. Together, these findings indicate that day/night temperature regimes are linked to bud differentiation and color development in dahlia, together with shifts in sugar metabolism and pigment-related gene expression. Full article

Paralipsa gularis (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a storage pest native to Southeast Asia that has now become a major agricultural pest affecting maize during the late growth stage in the border regions of southern Yunnan, China, adjacent to Southeast Asia. The typical tropical monsoon climate of this region defines distinct rainy and dry seasons with marked differences in ambient humidity; however, the effects of ambient humidity on the growth and development of P. gularis remain unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of five relative humidity (RH) levels on the development, survival, and reproduction of P. gularis under controlled laboratory conditions. The results indicated that RH significantly affected parameters such as the developmental duration of P. gularis at various life stages and the reproductive capacity of adults. Specifically, the response to RH on the developmental duration of P. gularis was stage-specific. Within the range of 45–90% RH, the larval developmental duration gradually shortened, with the shortest duration of 15.48 days observed at 90% RH. The developmental durations of the pupa and adult increased as RH rose. At 90% RH, the developmental durations of the pupa and adult were longest, at 6.68 days and 8.58 days, respectively. The pupation rate and pupal eclosion rate of P. gularis initially increased and then decreased as RH rose, but they did not differ significantly among RH levels. At 75% RH, the pupation rate, pupal eclosion rate, and the weights of fifth-instar larvae and pupae were numerically highest. In addition, unmated females showed the highest observed fecundity at 90% RH. Overall, P. gularis exhibited better developmental status and higher egg-laying capacity in intermediate-to-high RH (75–90%). Our results may help optimize laboratory rearing conditions for P. gularis, provide parameters for future population models, and improve integrated management strategies for this pest. Full article

The rational design and fabrication of semiconductor photocatalysts possessing high intrinsic activity are pivotal for the remediation of tetracycline (TC)-contaminated aqueous streams. Herein, we synthesized a LaVO₄/Bi₂O₂S heterostructure and comprehensively interrogated its physicochemical attributes through a synergistic suite of techniques—X-ray diffraction (XRD), N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS), field-emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy (FE-SEM/TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), steady-state photoluminescence (PL), and photoelectrochemical measurements. These analyses collectively revealed that the LVO/BOS composite with an equal mass ratio of LaVO₄ and Bi₂O₂S manifested pronounced visible-light harvesting, markedly suppressed charge-carrier recombination, and accelerated interfacial charge transfer, as evidenced by enhanced photocurrent response and reduced PL intensity relative to the constituent LaVO₄ and Bi₂O₂S phases. Consequently, under simulated solar irradiation, LVO/BOS achieved a TC degradation efficiency of ≈89% within 90 min, outperforming bare LaVO₄ (41%) and Bi₂O₂S (44%). The corresponding apparent first-order rate constant (k ≈ 0.0214 min⁻¹) exceeded those of LaVO₄ (0.0031 min⁻¹) and Bi₂O₂S (0.0053 min⁻¹) by factors of 6.90 and 4.04, respectively. Radical-scavenging assays coupled with electron-spin-resonance (ESR) spectroscopy identified superoxide (•O₂⁻) as the dominant reactive oxygen species driving TC mineralization. Guided by the experimentally determined band alignments and the observed preferential preservation of high-potential holes in LaVO₄ and high-energy electrons in Bi₂O₂S, an S-scheme (step-scheme) heterojunction mechanism was postulated to rationalize the superior photocatalytic performance. This work underscores the strategic merit of S-scheme LaVO₄/Bi₂O₂S heterostructures as robust, visible-light-driven platforms for the abatement of refractory organic pollutants. Full article

The intrinsic brittleness and poor crack resistance of OPC-based materials severely limit their service durability under complex environments. In this study, a composite latex polymer was fabricated via an ambient-temperature APS/STS redox initiation system, using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linking agent and incorporating reactive SiO₂ and MgO as synergistic reinforcing fillers. The composite latex was incorporated into OPC paste, and its effects on the mechanical strength, freeze–thaw resistance, water permeability, and microstructural characteristics of the hardened composites were systematically evaluated. The results show that, at an optimal dosage of 0.2 wt%, the 28-day flexural and compressive strengths of the modified OPC specimens were respectively increased by 16% and 18% compared with the plain cement control, while the strength loss after freeze–thaw cycling was effectively controlled within 10% and the maximum impermeability pressure rose from 2.9 to 3.2 MPa. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed that the incorporation of the latex polymer did not alter the phase composition of the OPC hydration products but promoted the generation of C-S-H gel. SEM observations further revealed that the polymer filled internal micro-pores and microcracks, yielding a denser organic–inorganic composite microstructure. The improved performance may be attributed to the potential synergistic interplay among APS/STS-triggered cross-linking, pozzolanic reaction of reactive SiO₂, and the micro-expansion effect of MgO. This work provides a feasible technical approach for the development of high-toughness and frost-resistant latex-modified OPC-based materials. Full article

Since the widespread use of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, significant progress has also been made in mRNA cancer vaccines. Currently, mRNA cancer vaccines represent one of the most promising treatments for advanced tumors, with several candidates in clinical trials. Compared with traditional treatment methods, mRNA cancer vaccines have several advantages. However, several challenges of mRNA cancer vaccines remain, including the accurate and rapid identification of neoantigens and hotspot mutations that match different HLA types. To address these challenges, we review four key aspects of mRNA cancer vaccine development. These include neoantigen identification technologies, machine learning and AI prediction, mRNA sequence and structure design, and the development of LNP delivery systems. Additionally, we analyze the pipelines of leading companies in this field, providing insights into personalized mRNA cancer vaccines. This review also discusses future challenges and prospects, aiming to help guide this promising field toward the full realization of its potential. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary incorporating with fermented distillers grains (FDGs) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and ruminal/fecal microbiota in crossbred Simmental steers. During a 28-day feeding trial, 36 steers were randomly assigned to control (basal diet only), 4%, and 8% FDG groups, with FDG supplemented on a dry matter basis. Dietary treatments did not alter growth performance or total tract apparent nutrient digestibility. However, 8% FDG improved ruminal neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and elevated ruminal concentrations of microbial crude protein (MCP), propionic acid, valeric acid, and total volatile fatty acids, shifting fermentation toward a propionate-oriented profile. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that 8% FDG increased ruminal alpha diversity and altered beta-diversity community structure. Spirochaetota abundance decreased, whereas Cyanobacteriota and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group abundance increased. Redundancy and Spearman correlation analyses identified six upregulated genera, notably Saccharofermentans and an unclassified genus within Victivallaceae, which strongly drove propionate, valerate, and MCP levels. PICRUSt2 predictions revealed enrichment of interconnected pathways involved in nucleotide, carbohydrate, and amino acid metabolism. Fecal microbiota had stable alpha diversity, with only selective enrichment of the phylum Bacillota. In conclusion, 8% FDG restructured ruminal microbial, enhancing fiber degradation and propionate-oriented fermentation efficiency while maintaining hindgut homeostasis. Full article

As programmable photonic integrated circuits scale toward higher port counts and system-level reconfigurability, high-density electrical fan-out is becoming a major packaging bottleneck. Reliable Au-wire bonding to AlCu redistribution structures depends strongly on upstream wafer fabrication, although optimization often focuses on final bonding parameters. This study presents a failure-guided process-integration strategy for Ti/AlCu silicon fan-out submounts. A root-cause analysis of non-stick-on-pad (NSOP) failures was used to establish two reworkable in-line acceptance gates before irreversible assembly, covering the AlCu pattern-transfer fidelity, residual metal clearance, passivation-window integrity, and bond-pad exposure. With thermosonic bonding parameters held constant, the implementation of these gates and associated corrective actions increased the mean wire-pull force from 3.18 gf (31.2 mN) to 10.46 gf (102.6 mN), a 3.29-fold increase. All 30 measurements from the monitored-process batch exceeded the project-specific acceptance criterion of 4.3 gf (42.2 mN), and the dominant failure mode shifted from bond-pad interfacial separation to wire-neck or wire-body fracture. The optimized route enabled the high-pad-count assembly and functional verification of a programmable photonic device. Because the comparison comprised one fabrication batch per route with 30 bond-level pull tests per batch, the observed improvement is interpreted as a batch-specific process–response association rather than evidence of wafer-to-wafer or lot-to-lot reproducibility. Full article

Flight intent cannot always be inferred from aircraft motion because the purpose of a maneuver depends on its surrounding context. This study examines multimodal flight-intent understanding in cinematic air-combat footage. We introduce CineAeroIntent, a benchmark constructed from 3972 annotated candidate clips collected from Chinese air-combat films and television programs. After quality control, 3958 clips were retained and organized by observation perspective. Each sample contains an intent label and an explanation linked to evidence in the clip. Using Qwen2.5-Omni as the backbone, we evaluate Modality-Decoupled Expert Projection (MDEP), which assigns a separate low-rank update to each input stream, and Post-Projection Value-Gating (PPVG), which reduces the contribution of low-utility value representations before attention aggregation. The full model obtains 89.6% overall accuracy and 88.4% Macro F1. Under matched adaptation settings, accuracy increases from 82.3% with shared LoRA to 86.1% with MDEP and 89.6% with MDEP–PPVG. In a natural-subset stress test, the full model retains 95.7% of its lower-interference accuracy on clips with prominent background music, compared with 82.6% for the unadapted backbone. These results support cue-grounded multimodal modeling for cinematic flight-scene understanding. Full article

Efficient tractor coverage planning requires suitable swath orientations and kinematically feasible connections. In two-pass diagonal harrowing, sequential boustrophedon planning treats the two swath families independently and may introduce avoidable connection travel. This study proposes a Field-Geometry-Aware Bidirectional Coverage and Connection Path Co-Optimization algorithm (FG-BCO) for a single tractor operating in convex, obstacle-free polygonal fields. FG-BCO clips two parallel swath families to the field boundary, constructs feasible cross-pass links between oriented endpoints, assembles alternating route paths, and applies subset dynamic programming to optimize their visiting order and traversal orientation. The resulting route is converted into a forward-only trajectory and checked against boundary-containment and minimum-turning-radius constraints. FG-BCO was compared with Sequential Boustrophedon Coverage Path Planning (SB-CPP) in rectangular, regular pentagonal, regular hexagonal, and irregular fields using 648 matched angle pairs per field. When the minimum path length of each algorithm was selected independently from the tested angle pairs, FG-BCO achieved reductions of 18.65%, 9.65%, 15.20%, and 17.11% in the four fields, respectively. However, FG-BCO produced shorter routes in only 57.87%, 41.82%, 40.43%, and 40.59% of the matched cases. The corresponding mean paired saving rates were 0.646%, −0.484%, −0.144%, and −0.833%, with medians of 0.939%, −1.060%, −0.923%, and −1.094%. These results distinguish the potential reduction obtainable through angle selection from performance under an arbitrary prescribed angle pair. FG-BCO is advantageous when the two swath families produce favorable endpoint proximity, heading compatibility, and turning space, but its improvement is not universal. Preliminary evaluation of the working-angle pair in relation to the target field geometry is therefore recommended before application. Full article