Search Results (1,829)

Driven by agricultural labor shortages and rising quality requirements, ginger harvesting increasingly demands high-throughput, low-damage operations and a reliable supply chain. This review summarizes harvesting modes and harvester types used in ginger production, with emphasis on critical process modules: digging and lifting, soil disintegration and cleaning, vine cutting and anti-tangling, gentle conveying, and collection. We compare major technical routes in terms of field capacity, control of soil and foreign materials, damage mitigation, and reliability under continuous operation, and identify the conditions under which each route performs best. Drawing on advances in harvesting systems for other root and bulb crops, we outline transferable approaches for intelligent sensing, precision control, and system-level integration. We then propose an online monitoring and closed-loop regulation framework for strongly coupled conditions, such as heavy clay soils, plastic-mulch residues, and vine interference. Key bottlenecks include limited cross-regional adaptability, persistent trade-offs between low damage and high throughput, cost constraints on intelligent functions, and the lack of shared datasets and standardized evaluation protocols. Future progress should be anchored in integrated equipment sets and supporting operating specifications, guided by multi-source sensing-based quality indicators and interpretable control strategy libraries, to reduce harvest losses, stabilize marketable quality, improve operational efficiency, and enable scalable adoption. Full article

This study presents an improved methodology for assessing the environmental sensitivity of the host rock in Huashan art paintings. A hygroscopic experiment was first designed to determine the moisture diffusion coefficient of the rock mass preserving the Huashan rock paintings, as verified by hygroscopic kinetics. Additionally, variations in color difference values were simultaneously used to quantitatively evaluate moisture absorption characteristics. Subsequently, a finite element (FE) simulation was conducted to assess potential damage to the rock art system with respect to varying environmental conditions. Regarding the correlated functions with consideration of the influencing factors, the environmental sensitivity of the host rock in Huashan art paintings was clarified to illustrate the deterioration process resulting from the combined effects of temperature and humidity. It is found that the deformation gradient (F) and maximum tensile stress (σ_max) exhibit a linear relationship with ambient temperature (T_a), and an exponential relationship with heat transfer coefficient (h). The ambient humidity (H_en) and surface humidity exchange coefficient (f) primarily influence the water content of the rock mass. This insight into the host rock in Huashan art paintings provides a valuable approach to highlight the active role of environmental conditions and offers an additional methodology to understand the detachment of large superficial rock flakes and the granular disintegration of the rock. Full article

The study investigates the technology of direct Cr alloying of steel in an induction furnace using Cr-containing oxide raw materials and an FeAlSiCa metallothermic reducing agent under atmospheric conditions. The experimental design included four charge variants: scrap-based, DRI-based, A-series (50% scrap/50% DRI), and B-series (75% scrap/25% DRI). For A-series and B-series, the FeAlSiCa content was varied from the baseline value to reduced levels of −10% and −20%. The results demonstrate that Cr recovery strongly depends on the metallic component of the charge. The highest Cr recovery (up to 83%) was consistently achieved for the DRI-based charge, while mixed charges showed intermediate values depending on the DRI fraction and reducer amount. Reduction in FeAlSiCa content led to a decrease in Si transfer to steel, but was accompanied by lower Cr recovery. The produced steels were characterized by a uniform distribution of alloying elements, low impurity levels (S, P < 0.03%), and the formation of a dense, non-disintegrating slag. The results confirm that direct Cr alloying in an induction furnace can be effectively implemented under atmospheric conditions without vacuum or protective gas atmosphere, while the presence of DRI plays a key role in enhancing Cr assimilation. Full article

Mineral resources serve as a critical foundation for China’s energy system, with the Ordos Basin’s Tarangole mining area being a key mineral production base in the central and western regions. To support the restoration, development, and productivity enhancement of the mining area, this research systematically investigates the geological and mechanical properties of the sandstone in the region. Herein the innovation lies in its comprehensive analysis of the influence mechanisms of multiple factors—such as geological groups, particle size, evaluation indicators, sampling depth, temperature, and creep rate—on the mechanical behavior of sandstone. The study, through engineering geological surveys and mechanical testing of frozen sandstone (including uniaxial and triaxial creep tests), led to the following key findings: (1) the sandstone in the area is prone to softening and disintegration, classified as soft to moderately soft rock (UCS range: 5.14–10.26 MPa in natural state), with a basic quality grade of IV–V. (2) The thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of the rock vary significantly with temperature. The recommended freezing temperature is −5 °C, based on engineering experience and economic considerations. (3) Freezing can effectively enhance the strength of sandstone (e.g., the strength of medium- and coarse-grained sandstone increases by 5 MPa at −20 °C compared to −10 °C), although it still falls within the category of extremely soft rock. (4) The water-ice phase transition induced by low temperatures significantly enhances the overall strength, stiffness, and deformation resistance of saturated sandstone. Accordingly, freezing measures can effectively enhance rock mass strength under low-temperature conditions. It is recommended that mining operations be prioritized during winter or colder seasons to ensure construction safety and efficiency. Full article

Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process often impaired by bacterial infections, especially by Staphylococcus aureus. To address this, alginate (ALG)/chitosan (CS) polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films incorporating alginate-coated silver nanoparticles (ALG–AgNPs) were fabricated by layer-by-layer self-assembly. The films exhibited a porous, layered morphology with homogeneous distribution of ALG–AgNPs, hydrophilic surfaces (contact angle ≈ 55°), a high swelling degree (~175%), and a water vapor transmission rate of 1830 g m⁻²·day⁻¹. Thermal analyses showed similar degradation profiles up to 600 °C, with the ALG–AgNP film displaying lower moisture loss and higher dehydration temperature, consistent with enhanced ionic and coordination crosslinking (–NH₃⁺/–COO⁻ and Ag–O–C bonds). The release of Ag⁺ in PBS (pH 7.4) was ~3% after 24 h, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas mechanism (R² = 0.97, n < 0.5), and degradation, with ~40% mass loss in 6 days, indicated gradual matrix disintegration. Cytocompatibility studies revealed >80% viability for fibroblasts, keratinocytes, macrophages, and <2% hemolysis of red blood cells. Immune assays showed a tendency towards reduced TNF-α and IL-1β and regulated IL-6/IL-8 release. Antibacterial evaluations demonstrated a 5-log reduction in planktonic bacterial viability and >2-log reduction in adhesion, and an 11 ± 1 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. These results demonstrate that ALG/CS–AgNP PEM films combine biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, controlled degradation, and structural stability, making them promising multifunctional scaffolds for the regeneration of infected skin wounds. Full article

A high-throughput assay system is developed for measuring communication in microbial biofilms in a 96-well microtiter plate format. In this assay, bioluminescent microbial whole cell biosensor systems (MWCBs) for quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) are embedded into biofilms, and their response to chemical cues relevant for bacterial communication is assessed. For measuring the response to stress, a sigma factor 54 (σ⁵⁴, RpoN)-dependent MWCB was developed. Biofilms generated in this platform were exposed to gradients of communication signals (QSMs such as N-acetyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), 3,5- dimethylpyrazin-2-ol (DPO), or phytochemicals that can act as natural quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) such as curcumin or 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM)), and the response pattern was monitored. Further, the regulatory role of stressors such as oxidants (H₂O₂) or antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) on the communication response is assessed. QSMs induced the MWCBs at 1 h and 4 h in biofilms, but high concentrations inhibited them at 24 h. Curcumin and DIM at higher concentrations lead to inhibition of quorum sensing in biofilms after 4 h and 24 h, but this is not followed by biofilm disintegration. H₂O₂ above 0.002% efficiently inhibited the MWCB activities and led to biofilm disintegration. At lower concentrations of H₂O₂, we observed induction of MWCBs. The antibiotics inhibited the MWCB activity at concentrations above their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), but this did not necessarily lead to disintegration of the biofilm. Like low concentrations of H₂O₂, the antibiotics activated the MWCBs at concentrations close to their MIC, possibly as a result of H₂O₂ generated during their bactericidal action. Interestingly, the induction of communication in response to antibiotics can be quenched by iron chelators, suggesting involvement of H₂O₂ and free radicals generated by the Fenton reaction. We hypothesize that the observed response to these stressors reflects increased communication in the biofilm, possibly enhancing tolerance and increasing survival. Full article

Postharvest autolysis severely compromises the commercial value of fresh Dictyophora rubrovolvata. This study integrated physiological, ultrastructural, and metabolomic analyses to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Results indicated a continuous decline in cellular adenosine triphosphate levels during storage, leading to an energy crisis and triggering cellular stress responses. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the fruiting bodies activate pathways such as glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway through metabolic reprogramming to maintain homeostasis. However, the intensifying energy crisis inhibited Calcium ion ATPase activity, disrupting ion homeostasis and leading to Ca²⁺ influx. This activated phospholipases and initiated membrane lipid degradation, accompanied by a burst of reactive oxygen species and elevated levels of H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde, creating a vicious cycle of oxidative stress. Concurrently, cell wall components (chitin, β-1,3-glucan, cellulose) are accelerated in degradation due to the upregulation of corresponding hydrolases. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed progressive disintegration of cellular structures, including mitochondria, the plasma membrane, and the cell wall. These findings establish an “energy-membrane lipid-cell wall” cascade framework, revealing that D. rubrovolvata autolysis is an active, orderly form of programmed cell death under energy stress. This study provides new insights into the physiological mechanisms of postharvest quality deterioration in edible fungi. Full article

Against the backdrop of global warming, changes in the frequency and intensity of freeze–thaw cycles in cold regions profoundly impact soil physical structure. This review examines the mechanisms by which freeze–thaw cycles influence soil aggregate stability and pore structure evolution, focusing on revealing their synergistic evolution patterns. Results indicate that ice crystal growth during freeze–thaw processes directly disrupts soil cementation systems through expansion pressure and wedging effects, leading to aggregate disintegration and pore restructuring. This process is not unidirectional but forms a coupled feedback cycle of “ice crystal action–aggregate disintegration–pore restructuring.” Aggregate stability governs the initial pore restructuring, while the pore structure, in turn, influences aggregate stability by regulating water migration and colloidal dynamics. Responses of soil aggregates and pore structures to freeze–thaw cycles are comprehensively regulated by multiple factors, including soil physicochemical properties, freeze–thaw parameters, and anthropogenic disturbances. This synergistic evolution mechanism profoundly impacts soil water and heat transport, nutrient cycling, and erosion resistance. The paper also identifies current research gaps in regional coverage, cross-scale coupling, and in situ monitoring techniques. It envisions future efforts integrating multi-scale observations with intelligent technologies to deepen understanding of freeze–thaw-driven soil structure evolution mechanisms, thereby providing theoretical support for sustainable agriculture and ecological conservation in cold regions. Full article

To address persistent problems such as clogging, high digging resistance, incomplete soil removal, and severe pod loss during the operation of shovel-chain peanut harvesters, a hybrid excavation approach was developed based on an in-depth analysis of the mechanical interaction between the peanut plant–soil complex (hereafter referred to as the “complex”) and the harvesting mechanism. The proposed approach integrates vertical and horizontal excavation directions to enhance soil fragmentation and reduce operational resistance. A progressive soil disintegration process was introduced, in which the complex undergoes lateral and longitudinal compression-bending deformation during movement. A driven soil–plant separation scheme was implemented through coordinated operation of upper conveying and lower combing–lifting mechanisms, promoting efficient and continuous material flow. A resistance-reducing digging device consisting of opposing round plow blades and horizontally sliding digging shovels was designed to minimize excavation resistance and soil adhesion. Meanwhile, an anti-clogging separation mechanism, integrating squeezing and feeding rollers and harrow-chain, was developed to improve soil removal and pod separation. Key structural and operational parameters—such as the chain-to-machine speed ratio, tooth-to-chain rotation speed ratio, harrow-tooth spacing ratio, and pushing-tooth transmission ratio—were optimized through theoretical analysis and prototyping. The final design also refined the number of pushing-tooth rows, squeezing and feeding roller geometry, conveying-tooth radius, and the configuration and distribution of rake and stick-tooth shafts. Field experiments were conducted using the developed prototype under sandy loam conditions (11–15% moisture content) with Yu Hua 22 peanut plants (35–40 cm height, 70 cm ridge spacing, 30 cm narrow-row spacing) at a working speed of 1.5–1.6 km·h⁻¹. Results demonstrated that the prototype achieved average ground pod loss, buried pod, and soil carryover rates of 1.13%, 0.95%, and 7.87%, respectively. The entire operation proceeded smoothly without clogging, and continuous conveying of peanut plants was maintained. These findings confirm that the proposed combined excavation and separation system meets and in some respects exceeds the performance requirements for efficient peanut harvesting under typical field conditions. Full article

Studying the slumping disintegration, movement speed, impact intensity, accumulation characteristics, and energy conversion laws of tower-column unstable rock masses (TCURM) is crucial for high-altitude rockfall hazard risk evaluation. Existing PFC-based rockfall simulations rarely target the unique “top-hard-bottom-weak” structural characteristics of TCURM and lack in-depth integration of on-site monitoring videos to verify dynamic evolution processes. Taking the large-scale collapse of W12^# unstable rock mass at Zengziyan, Jinfo Mountain in Chongqing as an example, a combination method of orthogonal test and PFC^3D discrete element simulation is used. Mesoscopic parameters are calibrated via comparison with on-site video and investigation data, accurately reproducing the entire slumping disintegration process and revealing its dynamic characteristics. Results confirm the simulation is basically consistent with field data, verifying the model and parameter rationality. The total duration from instability to stagnation is 121 s (15 s to impact the secondary steep cliff base, 106 s for debris accumulation). Movement speed time-histories of deteriorated and non-deteriorated zones are generally consistent, both exhibiting a “double-peak” feature. Rockfall impact force first increases, stabilizes in the middle, and declines to stability afterward, with a maximum of 2.1 × 10⁹ N. The kinetic energy curve also shows a “double-peak” distribution, closely related to the on-site two-level steep cliff morphology. The findings provide important references for analyzing the dynamic evolution of such rockfalls and designing disaster prevention/mitigation engineering. Full article

The Integrated Fixed-film Activated Sludge (IFAS) partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) process offers robust nitrogen removal, yet startup using pre-colonized carriers incurs high logistical costs. This study investigated the mechanism of inoculating a pilot-scale IFAS system with granular anammox sludge to treat anaerobic digestion supernatant. The treatment train integrated coagulation, pre-aeration, and an IFAS-PN/A unit. The granular-inoculated IFAS-PN/A unit achieved stable biofilm formation and a nitrogen removal rate of 0.36 kg N m⁻³ d⁻¹, benefiting from the effective interception of excessive organic carbon by the preceding coagulation and pre-aeration steps. Microbial analysis identified Candidatus brocadia as the dominant anammox genus, revealing a distinct migration pathway: bacteria transferred from disintegrating granules to the suspended sludge—acting as a transitional vector—before ultimately colonizing the carriers. While granular biomass diminished, anammox abundance in the biofilm increased to 12.0% by day 166. Furthermore, distinct spatial niches were observed: ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) dominated the suspended sludge, while nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) were effectively suppressed. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of granular inoculation for cost-effective IFAS startup and provide critical insights into the bacterial migration dynamics required for stable operation. Full article

With the collapse of the post-Cold War bipolar world order, religious institutions regained their public role in the socialist and people’s republic states of Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Religion not only regained its social influence, but also once again became a decisive factor in shaping national identity. During the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, religion did not merely attempt to fill the ideological void left by the crisis of the socialist value system; it also actively contributed to the reconfiguration of national values, culture, identity and political discourse. This study examines the religious factors that contributed to the sacralisation of national identity; the consolidation of the ‘Us’, ‘Them’, and ‘Us versus Them’ narratives; and the justification of wartime violence during the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). In this context, ‘Us’ refers to the dominant religious/ethnic community of a given member republic, while ‘Them’ denotes the ethnic majority and their confessional affiliations living in other member republics. This mainly refers to the three largest religious/ethnic communities, Orthodox Serbs, Catholic Croats, and Bosnia and Herzegovina Muslims. The ‘Us versus Them’ confrontation escalated tensions and ultimately played a central role in the disintegration of the SFR of Yugoslavia. The study concludes that religion played a dual role: on the one hand, it supported the preservation of community identity and social cohesion; on the other hand, it fostered exclusion, the ethnicisation of loyalty, the political instrumentalisation of religion, and the legitimisation of war discourses on the other. Full article

Let $(X,\mathfrak{A},P)$ and $(Y,\mathfrak{B},Q)$ be two probability spaces, R be their skew product on the product $\sigma$-algebra $\mathfrak{A}\otimes \mathfrak{B}$ and $\{({\mathfrak{A}}_y,S_y):y\in Y\}$ be a Q-disintegration of R. Then, let $\mathfrak{A}\divideontimes \mathfrak{B}$ be the $\sigma$-algebra generated $\mathfrak{A}\otimes \mathfrak{B}$ and by the family $\mathcal{M}:=\{E\subset X\times Y:\exists N\in {\mathfrak{B}}_0\forall y\notin N\widehat{S_y}\left(E^y\right)=0\}$ and $R_{\divideontimes }$ be the extension of R such that $\mathcal{M}$ becomes the family of $R_{*}$-zero sets ($\widehat{S_y}$ is the completion of $S_y$ and ${\mathfrak{B}}_0=\{B\in \mathfrak{B}:Q\left(B\right)=0\}$). We prove that there exists a lifting $\pi$ on ${\mathcal{L}}^{\infty }\left(R_{\divideontimes }\right)$ and liftings ${\sigma }_y$ on ${\mathcal{L}}^{\infty }\left(\widehat{S_y}\right)$, $y\in Y$, such that sections of $\pi$ determined by Y are lifting invariant (in particular, the sections are measurable), i.e., ${\left[\pi \left(f\right)\right]}^y={\sigma }_y\left({\left[\pi \left(f\right)\right]}^y\right) \mathrm{for} \mathrm{every} y\in Y \mathrm{and} \mathrm{every} f\in {\mathcal{L}}^{\infty }\left(R_{\divideontimes }\right).$ In general, if $\pi$ is an arbitrary lifting on the product, then some sections of $\pi \left(f\right)$ may be even nonmeasurable. The main novelty of my paper lies in expanding the domain of the measure in the product to $\mathfrak{A}\divideontimes \mathfrak{B}$ and constructing on such a much larger abstract space the suitable lifting. Such expansions used to be made only in case of topological spaces, where product of marginal Borel sets was replaced by the Borel subsets of the product space. However, several topological technics are then applied, not approachable in the abstract case. The main theorem is a generalization of earlier lifting results, where either separability of $\mathfrak{A}$ in the Frechet–Nikodým pseudometric was assumed or $R\ll P\times Q$. In case of a separable P and in the case when $R\ll P\times Q$, a characterization of stochastic processes possessing an equivalent measurable version is presented. The theorem is a strong generalization of earlier results (see the introduction) where it was proved only that the lifting modification of a measurable stochastic process (via the lifting constructed there) is again measurable. Full article

The mulberry-dyke fishpond system represents China’s traditional circular agricultural heritage yet faces challenges of “circularity without economic viability” and preservation under modernization pressures. Taking the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System site of Digang in Huzhou as a case study, this paper reveals fundamental shifts in its value structure through local research and interviews. Key findings include the following: (1) Significant decline in traditional economic value: Annual income from mulberry-dyke fishpond systems is extremely low, far below the per-mu yield of modern intensive aquaculture in the area. This has led to producer withdrawal and the disintegration of the base-pond structure. (2) Ecological and social values increasingly emerge and partially marketize: The system’s ecological service value is substantial and policy-recognized, with markets responding through a 100% premium on eco-fish prices. Concurrently, heritage-based cultural tourism integration generates significant new value—for instance, Digang village’s 2023 tourism revenue reached 140 million. However, these prominent non-market values still lack stable, adequate realization pathways. The core argument of this study is that the decline in mulberry-dyke fishpond systems stems from an imbalance in value structures rather than the disappearance of value. Their revitalization hinges on institutional innovation that transforms ecological and social value into sustainable market incentives. To this end, this paper proposes a systematic revitalization framework encompassing a concession system (incorporating community interest alignment and risk management clauses), regional brand certification, carbon sink value realization, and mechanisms for deep community participation. This approach aims to provide a Chinese solution for the sustainable development of similar agricultural cultural heritage sites, offering both theoretical insights and practical value. Full article

Silver fir bark (Abies alba Mill.) is an underutilized renewable resource containing valuable extractives and polyphenols of industrial importance. This study compared the influence of two storage methods on the extraction of total hydrophilic extractives content (TEC) and total polyphenols content (TPC) from silver fir bark samples. Bark samples were collected from two storage types: bark left on stem sections and stored under cover (B-D), and mechanically removed industrial bark stored outdoors (B-IS), over a 12-month period with monthly sampling and extraction, followed by measurements of TEC and TPC using gravimetric and spectrophotometric methods. B-D samples showed no statistically significant decrease in TEC or TPC during one year of storage, while B-IS samples exhibited substantial losses, with TEC decreasing by more than half (50.82%) and TPC by 65.68%, most rapidly within the first 3 months when precipitation-driven leaching and degradation processes were obviously most pronounced. These results demonstrate that bark removed before storage is much more susceptible to degradation and leaching of the hydrophilic extractives than bark retained on logs, confirming that mechanical disintegration and exposure to weathering accelerate the loss of valuable extractives and polyphenols. A strong TEC–TPC correlation (r = 0.67–0.81, p < 0.0001) provides a practical methodological approach for rapid biomass quality screening. Overall, the findings offer quantitative guidance for optimizing debarking timing and storage practices to preserve extractive yield and enhance the efficiency of bark-based biorefinery processes. Full article