Search Results (14,418)

This study evaluated the effects of including additional roughage and the timing of roughage addition on rumen temperature (T_RUM), rumen pH, dry matter intake as a percentage of live weight (DMILW), water consumption as a percentage of live weight (WILW) and average daily gain of grain-fed steers exposed to a simulated heat wave. A total of forty-eight Black Angus steers (539.53 ± 4.95 kg) were housed within climate control rooms for 21 days and exposed to a 5-day simulated heat wave. Steers were randomly allocated into four cohorts with 12 steers/cohort, and then allocated to one of three dietary treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) were fed a finisher diet for the 21 days; Treatment 2 (T2) transitioned from the finisher diet to a heat load diet on d 9 and fed the heat load diet until d 14; and Treatment 3 (T3) transitioned from the finisher diet to the heat load diet on d 7 and fed the heat load diet until d 14. On d 15, T2 and T3 transitioned back to the finisher diet. The study was categorised into five phases consisting of (i) Phase I, d 0–6 (Temperature Humidity Index, THI 65 to 78); (ii) Phase II, d 7–8 (THI 65 to 78); (iii) Phase III, d 9–11 (THI 83 to 90); (iv) Phase IV, d 12–13 (THI 78 to 85); and (v) Phase V, d 14–20 (THI 65 to 78). During the heat wave challenge in Phase III, all Treatments exhibited lower DMILW (p < 0.0001), greater T_RUM and rumen pH (p < 0.0001), lower ranges in T_RUM and rumen pH (p ≤ 0.0005) and altered diurnal T_RUM and rumen pH rhythms. Average daily gain was not influenced by Treatments (p ≥ 0.98). Overall, these results suggest that nutritional management remains an important consideration to reduce the impact of hot climatic conditions on the rumen environment during heat wave and post-heat wave conditions. Full article

Huanghuai sheep, a newly developed meat-specialized breed in China, are valued for their rapid growth and high meat quality, but the optimal slaughter age and the molecular basis of these traits remain poorly understood. Gaining insight into these mechanisms is vital for improving production efficiency and guiding molecular breeding in this economically important breed. Although previous studies have described the phenotypic characteristics of Huanghuai sheep, the genetic regulatory networks controlling muscle growth and meat quality at different developmental stages remain unclear. No thorough analysis of growth traits and transcriptomic variations across key age points has been conducted. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate how growth stage influences muscle development, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Huanghuai sheep by integrating phenotypic characterization with transcriptomic profiling to identify key genes and molecular pathways underlying these economically important traits throughout development. Sixty Huanghuai sheep were assigned to three groups (twenty per group) representing key developmental stages (3, 9, and 18 months of age). Carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. RNA sequencing of the longissimus dorsi muscle was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. The results indicated that the 9-month-old sheep presented a favorable balance of dressing percentage and intramuscular unsaturated fatty acid content, while those aged 18 months old exhibited the highest dressing percentage (61.23%). Transcriptome analysis identified 1395 DEGs (p < 0.05 and |log2FC| > 1) and enrichment analysis revealed key pathways involved in thyroid hormone synthesis, skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation, and skeletal muscle tissue growth. Several candidate genes for muscle development (e.g., ACTC1, SIX2, HK2) and meat quality (e.g., TLR2, CHI3L1, ACOT7) were identified and validated. Their expression patterns showed significant correlations between critical growth performance and fatty acid composition metrics. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular networks regulating economically important traits in Huanghuai sheep, offering valuable targets for future molecular breeding programs aimed at enhancing productivity and meat quality. Full article

Hydrological regime is widely recognized as the primary driver shaping riparian vegetation, yet its mechanistic links with taxonomic, functional, and ecosystem diversity under dam-regulated conditions remain insufficiently quantified. In this study, we quantified flow regime characteristics in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). We identified five statistically distinct flow regime types using hierarchical clustering based on magnitude, duration, frequency, average flooding intensity, and rate of change. Significant differences among the five flow regime types were observed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc tests (p < 0.05), particularly in magnitude, duration, flooding intensity, and rate of change, while flooding frequency showed no significant variation. Species richness was negatively associated with flooding duration but positively associated with hydrological conditions of milder flow regime types, especially during early and late growing seasons (April and September). Functional diversity increased along the flow regime gradient and exhibited a significant positive association with species richness. After statistical re-evaluation, only linear relationships were retained (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that flow regime is a more reliable predictor of riparian vegetation zonation and functional diversity than flooding duration alone, emphasizing the role of hydrological variability in shaping ecosystem functioning within large regulated reservoirs. Full article

The Hongche Fault Zone in the Junggar Basin exhibits significant spatiotemporal variations in the relationship between fault systems and hydrocarbon accumulation across different structural belts. Two key factors contribute to this phenomenon: frequent tectonic activities and well-developed Paleozoic fault systems. To date, no detailed studies have been conducted on the fault systems in the Paleozoic strata of the Hongche Fault Zone. In this study, the fault systems in the Paleozoic strata of the Hongche Fault Zone were systematically sorted out for the first time. Furthermore, the controlling effects of active faults in different geological periods on hydrocarbon charging were clarified. Firstly, basing on the 3D seismic and well-log data, the structural framework and fault activity, fault systems, source-contacting faults were characterized. Vertically, the Hongche Fault Zone experienced three major thrusting episodes followed by one weak extensional subsidence Stage, forming four principal tectonic layers: Permian (Thrusting Episode I), Triassic (Thrusting Episode II), Jurassic (Thrusting Episode III), and Cretaceous–Quaternary (Post-Thrusting Subsidence). Laterally, six fault systems are identified: Middle Permian (Stage I), Late Triassic (Stage II), Jurassic (Stage III), post-Cretaceous (Stage IV), as well as composite systems from Middle Permian–Jurassic (Stages I–III) and Late Triassic–Jurassic (Stages II–III). These reveal multi-stage, multi-directional composite structural characteristics in the study area. According to the oil–source correlation, the Carboniferous reservoir is primarily sourced by Permian Fengcheng Formation source rocks in the Shawan Sag. Hydrocarbon migration tracing shows that oil migrates along faults, progressively charging from depression zones to thrust belts and uplifted areas. In this process, fault systems exert hierarchical controls on accumulation: Stage I faults dominate trap formation, Stages II and III faults regulate hydrocarbon migration, accumulation, and adjustment, while Stage IV faults influence hydrocarbon conduction in Mesozoic–Cenozoic reservoirs. By clarifying the fault-controlled hydrocarbon accumulation mechanisms in the Hongche Fault Zone, this study provides theoretical guidance for two key aspects of the Carboniferous reservoirs in the study area: the optimization of favorable exploration zones and the development of reserves. Full article

This paper proposes a dynamic compensation method for laser ranging based on pulse width for the miniaturization and high-precision requirements of the initiation device in precision-guided aircraft. The study aims to improve the measurement accuracy of the laser ranging unit in the initiation device system and ensure the accuracy and reliability of its fixed-distance initiation decision. The variation in echo pulse width is analyzed by studying laser echo characteristics. The pulse width and the detection distance exhibit an approximately linear negative correlation within the middle range of the applicable distance range. A dynamic compensation method is proposed based on a dual-correction approach using a static lookup table and dynamic compensation. This method establishes the mapping relationship between pulse width and distance deviation, and achieves distance correction by adding distance deviation compensation to the basic value from the static lookup table. The dynamic compensation system integrated with calibration and correction is designed and implemented, and the feasibility of the dynamic compensation method is verified by testing. The relative error between the calculated correction distance and the actual distance is small, and the average relative error is about 1.33%. The proposed method provides key technical support for the establishment of miniaturized and intelligent initiation devices. Full article

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with enteric methane (Ent_CH4) from cattle production being a major source. In Zambia, cattle play a critical role in rural livelihoods and food security, yet the contribution of cattle production systems to national GHG emissions remains poorly quantified. This study used the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 method to estimate Ent_CH4 from Zambia’s cattle population from 1994 to 2022. The Tier 2 method provides a more accurate estimate than the Tier 1 method by incorporating country-specific data on cattle population demographics, husbandry, and feeding practices. The results show significant variations in Ent_CH4 over time, driven by changes in cattle population dynamics and production practices. This study underscored the importance of transitioning from the generalized Tier 1 to the Tier 2 method to capture the unique characteristics of Zambia’s cattle production systems. The present findings provide critical insights for developing targeted mitigation strategies that will support Zambia’s ongoing efforts to address climate change while promoting sustainable livestock production. Full article

Leaf photosynthesis plays an important role in maize growth and yield components due to its involvement in dry matter partitioning and organ formation. Nevertheless, how varying planting patterns affect maize leaf photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and subsequently maize yield remains poorly understood, particularly at various nitrogen rates. A two-season field experiment was performed on rainfed maize in 2021 and 2022 to explore the responses of photosynthetic physiological characteristics, leaf N and chlorophyll contents, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, grain yield and water productivity to various planting patterns and N rates. The experiment included six planting patterns, i.e., flat planting without mulching (CK), flat planting with straw mulching (SM), ridge mulched with transparent film and furrow without mulching (RP1), flat planting with full transparent film mulching (FM1), ridge mulched with black film and furrow without mulching (RP2), and flat planting with full black film mulching (FM2). Additionally, there were two nitrogen rates, i.e., 0 kg N ha⁻¹ (N0) and 180 kg N ha⁻¹. The results showed that nitrogen application significantly improved leaf physiological characteristics. Under various planting patterns, leaf photosynthetic pigments, leaf area duration, leaf nitrogen content, QYmax and ΦPSII ranked as RP2 > RP1(FM2) > FM1 > SM(CK) in 2021, and RP2(RP1) > FM1(FM2) > SM(CK) in 2022. No significant variations were observed in water productivity (WP) among different film colors, with overall performance of RP2(FM2) > RP1(FM1) > SM > CK. WP significantly improved by 36.14% and 25.15% under N1 compared to N0 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This pattern paralleled the fluctuation in water consumption intensity. Compared to CK, RP significantly increased leaf nitrogen content (29.3%), total Chl content (16.0%), QYmax (6.39%), ΦPSII (32.01%), and net photosynthesis rate (14.2%), thereby significantly improving grain yield (46.35%) and WP (27.69%), while reducing evapotranspiration (6.84%). Yield performance ranked as RP2 > (RP1 and FM2) > FM1 > SM > CK in 2021 and RP2 > RP1 > (FM1 and FM2) > SM > CK in 2022. Overall, RP2N1 obtained the highest principal component scores in both years, suggesting great potential to improve leaf photosynthetic physiological characteristics, thereby increasing grain production and ensuring food security in rainfed maize cultivation areas. Full article

Breast cancer is a substantial and growing public health issue in India, with epidemiological data demonstrating distinct and often severe disease characteristics in contrast to Western countries. Contrary to the global trend, Indian women frequently develop the disease at an earlier age and tend to present with more advanced stages, emphasizing important variations in disease pathophysiology. This review compiles and critically evaluates the current literature to describe the specific pathophysiology of breast cancer in the Indian population. We investigate the unique cellular and molecular landscapes, evaluate the impact of specific Indian demographic and genetic features, and highlight crucial gaps in knowledge, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches. The assessment reveals a molecular landscape determined by the incidence of specific tumor subtypes; triple-negative breast cancer, for instance, is frequently diagnosed in younger women, and genetic profiling research suggests variations in its susceptibility genes and mutation patterns when compared to global populations. While this paper brings together recent advancements, it highlights the challenges of adopting global diagnostic and treatment guidelines in the Indian healthcare system. These challenges are largely due to variances and specific demographic and socioeconomic discrepancies that create substantial hurdles for timely diagnosis and patient care. We highlight significant gaps, such as the need for more complete multi-omics profiling of Indian patient cohorts, an absence of uniform and readily available screening programs, and shortcomings in healthcare infrastructure and qualified oncology experts. Furthermore, the review highlights the crucial need for therapeutic strategies tailored to the distinct genetic and demographic profiles of Indian breast cancer patients. We present significant strategies for addressing these challenges, with a focus on integrating multi-omics data and clinical characteristics to gain deeper insight into the underlying causes of the disease. Promising avenues include using artificial intelligence and advancements in technology to improve diagnostics, developing indigenous and affordable treatment options, and establishing context-specific research frameworks for the Indian population. This review also underlines the necessity for personalized strategies to improve breast cancer outcomes in India. Full article

This study proposes a joint denoising method based on intelligent optimization variational mode decomposition (VMD) and normalized least mean square error (NLMS). Experiments show that this method has good adaptability to non-stationary weak signals (such as medical ultrasonic Doppler signals), effectively separating signal components through VMD’s multi-scale decomposition and combining with NLMS’s adaptive filtering mechanism to suppress local noise. However, in scenarios with strong transient interference (such as mechanical vibration noise), the deviation in modal number selection of VMD leads to a decrease in decomposition efficiency; under low sampling rate conditions (<20 kHz), the steady-state convergence speed of NLMS is reduced by approximately 35%. Therefore, the universality of this method in complex noise environments requires further verification. This study provides a new theoretical perspective for non-stationary signal processing, but parameter optimization needs to be combined with specific noise characteristics in practical engineering applications. Full article

The operation of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) has profoundly influenced sediment dynamics in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), yet the long-term evolution of runoff–sediment interactions remains insufficiently quantified. Based on long-term hydrological data (1970–2023), this study analyzed the characteristics of runoff and sediment load and evaluated the impacts of the TGD on their relationship within the reservoir area. Results showed that TGD operation significantly altered sediment transport patterns and reshaped the runoff–sediment relationship, although these effects were constrained by temporal variations in upstream water and sediment supply. From 2003 to 2012, sediment transport regulation reached 11.7%, 50.9%, and 80.5% at Qingxichang, Wanxian, and Yichang stations, respectively, while regulation of the runoff–sediment relationship was 20.0% and 50.0% at Qingxichang and Wanxian. During 2013–2023, under the influence of cascade reservoirs in the upper Yangtze River, sediment regulation changed to 8.3%, 60.3%, and 75.2% at the three stations, with runoff–sediment regulation degrees of 21.7% and 54.2% at Qingxichang and Wanxian. The regulation effect displayed a clear spatial gradient, intensifying downstream along the reservoir. These findings demonstrate the dual role of TGD and upstream cascade reservoirs in shaping runoff–sediment dynamics, providing new insights into sediment management and ecological protection in large regulated rivers. Full article

The central Bohai Sea (CBS) is the distribution center and wintering grounds for economically important species of fish, shrimp, and crabs migrating from the Yellow Sea and the BS. However, the frequency of hypoxia in the CBS has gradually increased, posing a threat to its ecology. Therefore, we analyzed data from an on-site investigation of the cold-water mass coverage area in the southern part of the BS in the spring, summer, and autumn of 2022. We investigated the characteristics of seasonal variation in water quality parameter, the main characteristics and leading factors affecting the distribution of bottom hypoxia using stratification data and the Nutritional Status Quality Index. The “boot-shaped” distribution of hypoxia in summer was primarily the result of the intrusion of cold and highly saline water from the northern part in the study area, as well as the intrusion of high-temperature and low-salinity water from the Yellow River estuary (YRE) and the high-salinity water in the northeast corner of the study area, which had altered the stratification effect of the region. This is also the main reason that affects the accuracy of the prediction for occurrence of hypoxia stations in summer. The results show that the cold-water mass in the northern part of the Bohai Sea invades the cold-water mass in the southern part in summer 2022. Thus, this study provides novel insights into the formation and distribution of hypoxia in the CBS. Full article

Microplastic pollution in freshwater systems represents a growing environmental concern, yet the dynamics of microplastic distributions in smaller tributaries like canals/creeks remain understudied. This case study presents an investigation of microplastic contamination in a canal system in upstate New York, USA, examining land use and rainfall that influence microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics. Water and sediment samples were collected bi-weekly (June–August 2023) from sites representing runoff from diverse land-use types: agricultural areas, residential zones, academic buildings, and parking lots. The study reveals significant land-use dependent variations in contamination, with mean concentrations of 17 ± 7 items/L in the water column, while suspended sediment and bedload reached 540 ± 230 items/kg and 370 ± 80 items/kg, respectively. Upstream water column exhibited the highest loads (27 ± 2 items/L), driven by cumulative agricultural and commercial inputs, while downstream declines highlighted vegetation-mediated sedimentation. Land-use patterns strongly influenced contamination profiles, with parking lots exhibiting tire-wear fragments, artificial turf contributing polyethylene particles, and residential areas contributing 43% textile fibers. Rainfall intensity and antecedent dry days differentially influenced transport mechanisms. Antecedent dry days strongly predicted parking lot runoff fluxes surpassing rainfall intensity effects and underscored impervious surfaces as transient microplastic reservoirs. Full article

In recent years, the sustained and even increasing interest in the development and application of novel composite materials based on the polysaccharide bacterial cellulose (BC) has been driven by the accumulation of experimental data and the emergence of analytical reviews that narratively summarize these findings. This review presents a comparative and critical analysis of various approaches to the fabrication of BC-based composites. Among them, in situ biosynthesis is highlighted as the most promising strategy. In this approach, different additives are introduced directly into the culture medium of BC-producing microorganisms, enabling the formation of materials with different mechanical and physicochemical properties. Such a method also allows imparting to the composites a range of properties that BC itself does not possess, including antibacterial and enzymatic activity, as well as electrical conductivity. During the so-called “cell weaving” stage, performed by BC-producing microorganisms, diverse substances and microorganisms can be incorporated into the cultivation medium. By varying the concentrations of the introduced compounds, their ratios to the synthesized BC, and by employing different BC-producing strains and substrates, it becomes possible to regulate the characteristics of the resulting composites. Special attention is given to the role of various polysaccharides that are either introduced into the medium during BC biosynthesis or co-synthesized alongside BC within the same environment. Depending on the mode of incorporation of these additional polysaccharides, the resulting materials demonstrate variations in Young’s modulus and tensile strength. Nevertheless, they almost invariably exhibit a decreased degree of BC crystallinity within the composite structure and an enhanced water absorption capacity compared to the pure polymer. Full article

Flexible grid regulation necessitates Francis turbines to operate at heads of 120–180 m (compared to the rated head of 154.6 m), breaking the designed rotational symmetry and inducing hydraulic instabilities that threaten structural integrity and operational reliability. This study presents extensive field measurements of pressure pulsations in a 600 MW prototype Francis turbine operating at heads of 120–180 m and loads of 20–600 MW across 77 operating conditions (7 head levels × 11 load points). We strategically positioned high-precision piezoelectric pressure sensors at three critical locations—volute inlet, vaneless space, and draft tube cone—to capture the amplitude and frequency characteristics of symmetry-breaking phenomena. Advanced signal processing revealed three distinct mechanisms with characteristic pressure pulsation signatures: (1) Draft tube rotating vortex rope (RVR) represents spontaneous breaking of axial symmetry, exhibiting helical precession at 0.38 Hz (approximately 0.18 f_n, where f_n = 2.08 Hz) with maximum peak-to-peak amplitudes of 108 kPa (87% of the rated pressure p_rated = 124 kPa) at H = 180 m and P = 300 MW, demonstrating approximately 70% amplitude reduction potential through load-based operational strategies. (2) Vaneless space rotor-stator interaction (RSI) reflects periodic disruption of the combined C₂₄ × C₁₃ symmetry at the blade-passing frequency of 27.1 Hz (N_r × f_n = 13 × 2.08 Hz), reaching peak amplitudes of 164 kPa (132% p_rated) at H = 180 m and P = 150 MW, representing the most severe symmetry-breaking phenomenon. (3) Volute multi-point excitation exhibits broadband spectral characteristics (4–10 Hz) with peak amplitudes of 146 kPa (118% p_rated) under small guide vane openings. The spatial amplitude hierarchy—vaneless space (164 kPa) > volute (146 kPa) > draft tube (108 kPa)—directly correlates with the local symmetry-breaking intensity, providing quantitative evidence for the relationship between geometric symmetry disruption and hydraulic excitation magnitude. Systematic head-dependent amplitude increases of 22–43% across all monitoring locations are attributed to effects related to Euler head scaling and Reynolds number variation, with the vaneless space demonstrating the highest sensitivity (0.83 kPa/m, equivalent to 0.67% p_rated/m). The study establishes data-driven operational guidelines identifying forbidden operating regions (H = 160–180 m, P = 20–150 MW for vaneless space; H = 160–180 m, P = 250–350 MW for draft tube) and critical monitoring frequencies (0.38 Hz for RVR, 27.1 Hz for RSI), providing essential reference data for condition monitoring systems and operational optimization of large Francis turbines functioning as flexible grid-regulating units in renewable energy integration scenarios. Full article

Air pollutants and greenhouse gases share common sources, primarily originating from human activities such as energy utilization, thus presenting significant potential for synergistic control. Isolated consideration of solutions for either pollution mitigation or carbon reduction increases the unit cost of environmental governance and leads to inconsistencies and overlapping effects in policy measures. This study takes Chengdu, a low-carbon pilot city in China, as a case study. Based on clarifying the characteristics of regional air pollutant emissions and carbon emissions from energy consumption, it empirically investigates the synergistic variation in carbon emissions from diverse socioeconomic industries and multiple air pollutant emissions. The empirical results reveal the following: (1) during the research period, Chengdu’s air quality excellence rate demonstrated continuous improvement. Meanwhile, the carbon emissions from energy consumption exhibited a three-phase developmental pattern. The driving forces of growth had shifted from traditional high-energy-consuming industries to advanced manufacturing, urban basic energy demands, and energy extraction industries serving national strategies. (2) The synergistic reduction in carbon emissions with PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 reached relatively high levels from 2016 to 2019, followed by fluctuations due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The synergistic reduction between carbon emissions and SO₂ exhibited considerable volatility. The electrification trend in transportation significantly promoted the synergistic reduction in carbon emissions and NO₂ emissions. Due to the fact that O₃ is a secondary pollutant with complex sources, achieving synergistic governance with carbon emissions proved more challenging. As a result of technological limitations, the synergistic reduction in carbon emissions and CO gradually exhibited a trend of diminishing marginal effects. The synergistic reduction effects between industry-specific carbon emissions and overall air pollutant emissions can be divided into five categories: sustained high-efficiency, generally stable, fluctuating, sudden-decline, and persistently low. Full article