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Search Results (848)

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Keywords = effective mixing length

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21 pages, 1379 KiB  
Article
Stream Temperature, Density Dependence, Catchment Size, and Physical Habitat: Understanding Salmonid Size Variation Across Small Streams
by Kyle D. Martens and Warren D. Devine
Fishes 2025, 10(8), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080368 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
The average body size (fork length) of juvenile salmonids in small streams varies across landscapes and can be influenced by stream temperature, density dependence, catchment size, and physical habitat. In this study, we compared sets of 16 mixed-effects linear models representing these four [...] Read more.
The average body size (fork length) of juvenile salmonids in small streams varies across landscapes and can be influenced by stream temperature, density dependence, catchment size, and physical habitat. In this study, we compared sets of 16 mixed-effects linear models representing these four potentially influencing indicators for three species/age classes to assess the relative importance of their influences on body size. The global model containing all indicators was the most parsimonious model for juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch; R2m = 0.4581, R2c = 0.5859), age-0 trout (R2m = 0.4117, R2c = 0.5968), and age-1 or older coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarkii; R2m = 0.2407, R2c = 0.5188). Contrary to expectations, salmonid density, catchment size, and physical habitat metrics contributed more to the top models for both coho salmon and age-1 or older cutthroat trout than stream temperature metrics. However, a stream temperature metric, accumulated degree days, had the only significant relationship (positive) of the indicators with body size in age-0 trout (95% CI 1.58 to 23.04). Our analysis identifies complex relationships between salmonid body size and environmental influences, such as the importance of physical habitat such as pool size and boulders. However, management or restoration actions aimed at improving or preventing anticipated declines in physical habitat such as adding instream wood or actions that may lead to increasing pool area have potential to ensure a natural range of salmonid body sizes across watersheds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat as a Template for Life Histories of Fish)
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18 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
Serum Hemoglobin Level, Anemia, and Growth Were Unaffected by a 12-Month Multiple-Micronutrient Powder Intervention Among Children Aged 8–10 Months in a Low-Socioeconomic-Status Community of Jakarta
by Dian Novita Chandra, Saptawati Bardosono, Tonny Sundjaya, Tjhin Wiguna and Rini Sekartini
Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2520; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152520 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 165
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Anemia and stunting are major public health concerns for young Indonesian children. Limited information is available from studies on multi-micronutrient supplements in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-month multi-micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Anemia and stunting are major public health concerns for young Indonesian children. Limited information is available from studies on multi-micronutrient supplements in Indonesia. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-month multi-micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation on serum hemoglobin levels, anemia, and growth. Methods: A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was performed, including 232 eligible children aged 8–10 months old. Children with severe anemia or stunting/those classed as underweight were not included as subjects. The study was performed in a low-socioeconomic-status community in Jakarta. With an active-to-placebo ratio of 60:40, 139 subjects received MNP sachets twice/day, and 93 subjects received placebo sachets, mixed with complementary food. The outcome parameters were hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth indicators. Per-protocol analysis was performed for 179 (intervention: 110; control: 69) subjects. Results: There were no differences at baseline between the groups, except for the weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ). Upon intervention, the serum hemoglobin level and anemia proportion did not change significantly within the group, and no significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). However, subgroup analysis of non-anemic children at baseline showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels in the youngest age group (8.0–8.9 months old) receiving MNP compared to placebo (0.13 vs. −0.79, p = 0.031). Iron deficiency anemia proportion showed a similar upward trend upon intervention in both groups. No significant differences in growth were found between both groups. Conclusions: This study failed to find a significant effect of 12-month MNP supplementation on serum hemoglobin level, anemia, and growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
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33 pages, 4686 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Dynamics of Nonideal Mixer at Oscillation and Aperiodic Damped Mode of Driving Member Motion
by Kuatbay Bissembayev, Zharilkassin Iskakov, Assylbek Jomartov and Akmaral Kalybayeva
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8391; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158391 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
The dynamics of the vibrational mode of motion of the driving member of a nonideal system, a mixing–whipping device based on a simple slide-crank mechanism, was studied. The highly nonlinear differential equations of motion were solved numerically by the Runge–Kutta method. The interaction [...] Read more.
The dynamics of the vibrational mode of motion of the driving member of a nonideal system, a mixing–whipping device based on a simple slide-crank mechanism, was studied. The highly nonlinear differential equations of motion were solved numerically by the Runge–Kutta method. The interaction of the mixing–whipping device with the nonideal excitation source causes the rotational speed of the engine shaft and the rotation angle of the driving member to fluctuate, accomplishing a damped process. The parameters of the device and the nonideal energy source have an effect on the kinematic, vibrational and energy characteristics of the system. An increase in the engine’s torque, crank length, number and radius of piston holes, and piston mass, as well as a decrease in the fluid’s density, leads to a reduction in the oscillation range of the crank angle, amplitude and period of angular velocity oscillations of the engine shaft and the mixing–whipping force power. The effects of a nonideal energy source may be used in designing a mixing–whipping device based on a slider-crank mechanism to select effective system parameters and an energy-saving motor in accordance with the requirements of technological processes and products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics and Vibrations of Nonlinear Systems with Applications)
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16 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
A New Depth-Averaged Eulerian SPH Model for Passive Pollutant Transport in Open Channel Flows
by Kao-Hua Chang, Kai-Hsin Shih and Yung-Chieh Wang
Water 2025, 17(15), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152205 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Various nature-based solutions (NbS)—such as constructed wetlands, drainage ditches, and vegetated buffer strips—have recently demonstrated strong potential for mitigating pollutant transport in open channels and river systems. Numerical modeling is a widely adopted and effective approach for assessing the performance of these interventions. [...] Read more.
Various nature-based solutions (NbS)—such as constructed wetlands, drainage ditches, and vegetated buffer strips—have recently demonstrated strong potential for mitigating pollutant transport in open channels and river systems. Numerical modeling is a widely adopted and effective approach for assessing the performance of these interventions. This study presents the first development of a two-dimensional (2D) meshless advection–diffusion model based on an Eulerian smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) framework, specifically designed to simulate passive pollutant transport in open channel flows. The proposed model marks a pioneering application of the ESPH technique to environmental pollutant transport problems. It couples the 2D depth-averaged shallow water equations with an advection–diffusion equation to represent both fluid motion and pollutant concentration dynamics. A uniform particle arrangement ensures that each fluid particle interacts symmetrically with eight neighboring particles for flux computation. To represent the pollutant transport process, the dispersion coefficient is defined as the sum of molecular and turbulent diffusion components. The turbulent diffusion coefficient is calculated using a prescribed turbulent Schmidt number and the eddy viscosity obtained from a Smagorinsky-type mixing-length turbulence model. Three analytical case studies, including one-dimensional transcritical open channel flow, 2D isotropic and anisotropic diffusion in still water, and advection–diffusion in a 2D uniform flow, are employed to verify the model’s accuracy and convergence. The model demonstrates first-order convergence, with relative root mean square errors (RRMSEs) of approximately 0.2% for water depth and velocity, and 0.1–0.5% for concentration. Additionally, the model is applied to a laboratory experiment involving 2D pollutant dispersion in a 90° junction channel. The simulated results show good agreement with measured velocity and concentration distributions. These findings indicate that the developed model is a reliable and effective tool for evaluating the performance of NbS in mitigating pollutant transport in open channels and river systems. Full article
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31 pages, 8031 KiB  
Article
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Coal Gangue Materials Used in Coal Mine Underground Assembled Pavement
by Jiang Xiao, Yulin Wang, Tongxiaoyu Wang, Yujiang Liu, Yihui Wang and Boyuan Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8180; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158180 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 181
Abstract
To address the limitations of traditional hardened concrete road surfaces in coal mine tunnels, which are prone to damage and entail high maintenance costs, this study proposes using modular concrete blocks composed of fly ash and coal gangue as an alternative to conventional [...] Read more.
To address the limitations of traditional hardened concrete road surfaces in coal mine tunnels, which are prone to damage and entail high maintenance costs, this study proposes using modular concrete blocks composed of fly ash and coal gangue as an alternative to conventional materials. These blocks offer advantages including ease of construction and rapid, straightforward maintenance, while also facilitating the reuse of substantial quantities of solid waste, thereby mitigating resource wastage and environmental pollution. Initially, the mineral composition of the raw materials was analyzed, confirming that although the physical and chemical properties of Liangshui Well coal gangue are slightly inferior to those of natural crushed stone, they still meet the criteria for use as concrete aggregate. For concrete blocks incorporating 20% fly ash, the steam curing process was optimized with a recommended static curing period of 16–24 h, a temperature ramp-up rate of 20 °C/h, and a constant temperature of 50 °C maintained for 24 h to ensure optimal performance. Orthogonal experimental analysis revealed that fly ash content exerted the greatest influence on the compressive strength of concrete, followed by the additional water content, whereas the aggregate particle size had a comparatively minor effect. The optimal mix proportion was identified as 20% fly ash content, a maximum aggregate size of 20 mm, and an additional water content of 70%. Performance testing indicated that the fabricated blocks exhibited a compressive strength of 32.1 MPa and a tensile strength of 2.93 MPa, with strong resistance to hydrolysis and sulfate attack, rendering them suitable for deployment in weakly alkaline underground environments. Considering the site-specific conditions of the Liangshuijing coal mine, ANSYS 2020 was employed to simulate and analyze the mechanical behavior of the blocks under varying loads, thicknesses, and dynamic conditions. The findings suggest that hexagonal coal gangue blocks with a side length of 20 cm and a thickness of 16 cm meet the structural requirements of most underground mine tunnels, offering a reference model for cost-effective paving and efficient roadway maintenance in coal mines. Full article
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14 pages, 3379 KiB  
Article
Effects of Isaria cateniannulata and Beauveria bassiana on Buckwheat Growth and Associated Insect Pest
by Xiaona Zhang, Lingdi Gu, Can Liu, Guimin Yang, Xue Yang, Kaifeng Huang and Qingfu Chen
Biomolecules 2025, 15(7), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15071039 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 264
Abstract
The Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the primary pests affecting buckwheat, and its management has become increasingly critical. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising way to solve this problem by providing both pest control and disease resistance, as well as promoting [...] Read more.
The Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the primary pests affecting buckwheat, and its management has become increasingly critical. Entomopathogenic fungi offer a promising way to solve this problem by providing both pest control and disease resistance, as well as promoting plant growth through endophytic colonization. This study investigated the effects of applying Isaria cateniannulata (Liang) Samson & Hywel-Jones and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. on different buckwheat varieties, and analyzed the physiological indices of buckwheat, the population of T. urticae and Euseius nicholsi (Ehara & Lee). Results showed that the optimum concentration for fungal colonization on buckwheat was 1 × 107 spores/mL. The combined application of I. cateniannulata and B. bassiana significantly enhanced buckwheat growth, with root length, plant height, main stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight reaching 63.3 mm, 24.1 cm, 2.1 mm, 2.0 g, and 0.1 g, respectively. The highest escape rate of T. urticae was 76.33%. Furthermore, the combined application of mixed fungal suspension and E. nicholsi had the best control effect on T. urticae, with pest suppression exceeding 97.83% and an oviposition as low as 0.25 eggs per female. This study is the first to demonstrate that the joint application of I. cateniannulata and B. bassiana can promote buckwheat growth and, when combined with predatory mites, effectively control T. urticae. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of integrated biocontrol strategies combining entomopathogenic fungi and predatory mites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Biocontrol and Plant-Microbe Interactions)
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10 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Symptom-Triggered Alcohol Detoxification Compared to Fixed-Dose Regimen of Benzodiazepines: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
by Laurent Becciolini, Fabienne Wehrli, Jens Kronschnabel, Carolina Wiesendanger, Norbert Scherbaum and Patrik Roser
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070758 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 315
Abstract
Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common clinical challenge that may lead to significant complications if not properly managed. Symptom-triggered therapy (STT) represents a promising alternative to fixed-dose regimens (FDRs) providing benzodiazepine prescriptions based on objectively quantified withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a common clinical challenge that may lead to significant complications if not properly managed. Symptom-triggered therapy (STT) represents a promising alternative to fixed-dose regimens (FDRs) providing benzodiazepine prescriptions based on objectively quantified withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of STT using the Hamburg Alcohol Withdrawal Scale (HAES) compared to FDRs in the management of inpatient alcohol detoxification. Methods: In a retrospective case–control study, alcohol detoxification treatment in STT was compared with FDRs. During a twelve-month observation period, a total of 123 patients in the STT group were recruited and compared with 123 controls in the FDR group (matched according to sex, age, and current amount of alcohol consumption) treated in the same hospital before the implementation of STT. The study outcomes included the total benzodiazepine dosage, duration of acute detoxification phase, length of inpatient stay, and occurrence of complications such as epileptic seizures and delirium tremens. Results: STT showed a significantly lower total benzodiazepine dosage (22.50 mg vs. 115.00 mg, p < 0.001), a shorter duration of the detoxification phase (48.00 h vs. 201.75 h, p < 0.001), and a reduced length of inpatient stay (23.00 days vs. 28.00 days, p = 0.003) compared to FDRs. There were no significant differences in the rates of complications between the two settings. Linear mixed model analysis revealed that the differences remained highly significant even after adjusting for various explanatory variables (i.e., age, sex, standard units of alcohol, psychiatric comorbidities, treatment discontinuation, and occurrence of any complication). Conclusions: STT appears to be as effective and safe as traditional fixed-dose regimens of benzodiazepines for the management of inpatient alcohol detoxification. This approach may thereby minimize unnecessary pharmacological exposure, facilitate the earlier integration of patients into psychoeducational and psychosocial interventions, and reduce healthcare costs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychiatry and Addiction: A Multi-Faceted Issue)
21 pages, 15482 KiB  
Article
InSAR Detection of Slow Ground Deformation: Taking Advantage of Sentinel-1 Time Series Length in Reducing Error Sources
by Machel Higgins and Shimon Wdowinski
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(14), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17142420 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 333
Abstract
Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to observe slow ground deformation can be challenging due to many sources of error, with tropospheric phase delay and unwrapping errors being the most significant. While analytical methods, weather models, and data exist to mitigate tropospheric error, [...] Read more.
Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) to observe slow ground deformation can be challenging due to many sources of error, with tropospheric phase delay and unwrapping errors being the most significant. While analytical methods, weather models, and data exist to mitigate tropospheric error, most of these techniques are unsuitable for all InSAR applications (e.g., complex tropospheric mixing in the tropics) or are deficient in spatial or temporal resolution. Likewise, there are methods for removing the unwrapping error, but they cannot resolve the true phase when there is a high prevalence (>40%) of unwrapping error in a set of interferograms. Applying tropospheric delay removal techniques is unnecessary for C-band Sentinel-1 InSAR time series studies, and the effect of unwrapping error can be minimized if the full dataset is utilized. We demonstrate that using interferograms with long temporal baselines (800 days to 1600 days) but very short perpendicular baselines (<5 m) (LTSPB) can lower the velocity detection threshold to 2 mm y−1 to 3 mm y−1 for long-term coherent permanent scatterers. The LTSPB interferograms can measure slow deformation rates because the expected differential phases are larger than those of small baselines and potentially exceed the typical noise amplitude while also reducing the sensitivity of the time series estimation to the noise sources. The method takes advantage of the Sentinel-1 mission length (2016 to present), which, for most regions, can yield up to 300 interferograms that meet the LTSPB baseline criteria. We demonstrate that low velocity detection can be achieved by comparing the expected LTSPB differential phase measurements to synthetic tests and tropospheric delay from the Global Navigation Satellite System. We then characterize the slow (~3 mm/y) ground deformation of the Socorro Magma Body, New Mexico, and the Tampa Bay Area using LTSPB InSAR analysis. The method we describe has implications for simplifying the InSAR time series processing chain and enhancing the velocity detection threshold. Full article
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15 pages, 1368 KiB  
Article
The Epidemiology of Emergency Calls in a Tertiary Emergency Department for Admitted Patients: A TECOR Study
by Viet Tran, Toni Dunbabin, Simone Page, Lauren Thurlow and Giles Barrington
Healthcare 2025, 13(14), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13141670 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Emergency calls, including medical emergency team and code blue calls, aim to respond to and assess patients at an earlier stage of clinical deterioration (to potentially avoid cardiac arrest and death). With an increasing prevalence of hospital access block, more admitted patients are [...] Read more.
Emergency calls, including medical emergency team and code blue calls, aim to respond to and assess patients at an earlier stage of clinical deterioration (to potentially avoid cardiac arrest and death). With an increasing prevalence of hospital access block, more admitted patients are boarding in the Emergency Department (ED). Although emergency calls were traditionally a ward-based system, they are now occurring more often in the ED. Large variations exist in the staffing mix and specialist skill sets between ED- and ward-based care. There is a paucity of evidence describing the epidemiology of patients that require emergency calls in the ED setting. Objectives: We aim to evaluate the population of adult patients that require emergency calls in our tertiary ED. Methods: This study utilised the Tasmanian Emergency Care Outcomes registry (TECOR) to perform a retrospective cohort study of emergency calls occurring over a 13-month period. Descriptive statistics are used to summarize the data. Categorical variables are presented as frequencies and their percentages and continuous variables are depicted as means and standard deviations (SDs) or medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs), as appropriate. Results: There were 600 emergency calls in the ED, involving 423 unique patients and 596 (99.33%) MET calls. The mean patient age was 68.68 years (SD 17.87). The mean ED length of stay for patients with an emergency call was 18.28 h (SD 8.96). Calls made were predominantly for systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg (310, 51.67%). The mean duration of an emergency call was 40.89 min (SD 20.48). Most patients had a single emergency call (311, 73.18%). For our cohort, goals of care remained unchanged following 341 (56.83%) emergency calls. Conclusions: Emergency calls in the ED are uncommon, representing 2.08% of all admissions from the ED. Patients in the ED requiring an emergency call have a mean length of stay twice that of all ED presentations. Recognising and responding early to address the concerns that trigger a call may help to mitigate this additional burden. More research is required to explore the factors that will lead to effective and appropriate care before, during, and after an ED emergency call is made. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety)
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20 pages, 2334 KiB  
Article
Study on Mechanical Properties of Alkali-Activated Coal Gasification Slag Concrete
by Rongjian Shen, Xiaojun Li and Shen Li
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143240 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Coal gasification slag (CGS) is a solid byproduct generated during coal gasification. Stacking and land-filling of CGS wastes substantial land resources and has significant environmental risks. In this paper, based on the Ca/Si and Si/Al ratios of the raw materials, the mix design [...] Read more.
Coal gasification slag (CGS) is a solid byproduct generated during coal gasification. Stacking and land-filling of CGS wastes substantial land resources and has significant environmental risks. In this paper, based on the Ca/Si and Si/Al ratios of the raw materials, the mix design of alkali-activated CGS concrete was optimized using a pure center-of-gravity design method. The compressive and flexural strengths of geopolymer concrete with varying mix proportions were measured to investigate the effects of sodium silicate modulus, material content, and dry density on its mechanical properties. Specimens of different sizes were prepared to analyze the influence of testing methods on the compressive, flexural, and tensile properties. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete are significantly influenced by the raw material composition and the modulus of the activator. With increasing curing age, both compressive and flexural strengths exhibit varying degrees of improvement. The stress-strain behavior of alkali-activated CGS concrete aligns closely with that of ordinary concrete. A comparative analysis of 100 mm length and 20 mm length cubic specimens revealed a compressive strength size conversion coefficient of approximately 0.456, while the flexural specimen exhibited a coefficient of 0.599. For tensile strength evaluation, both the Brazilian splitting method and the double punch test method yielded consistent and reliable results, demonstrating their suitability for assessing CGS-based concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Low-Carbon Concrete)
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29 pages, 3946 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Age and Growth Rates of Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida
by Wei Chen, Jessica L. Carroll and Geoffrey S. Cook
Fishes 2025, 10(7), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10070336 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus; Family: Lutjanidae) local habitat preferences have been assessed, but the biotic and abiotic factors influencing age and growth rates in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, have not been quantified. To address this knowledge gap, the goal of [...] Read more.
Gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus; Family: Lutjanidae) local habitat preferences have been assessed, but the biotic and abiotic factors influencing age and growth rates in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida, have not been quantified. To address this knowledge gap, the goal of this study was to estimate mean age and growth rate of gray snapper, and use generalized linear mixed models to investigate if prey and/or other environmental factors (e.g., abiotic/biotic conditions, time, location, or habitat restoration status) impact size at both the lagoon- and habitat-specific scales. Age data were extracted via otolith microstructural analyses, and incorporated with size into a lagoon-scale linear growth model. Based on microstructural analyses, mean age of gray snapper at the lagoon scale was 175 ± 66 days (range = 56–350 days). The results indicate the most common life stage of gray snapper in Mosquito Lagoon is juveniles, with living shoreline habitats having a greater proportion of relatively young juveniles (111 ± 36 days) and oyster reef habitats having a greater proportion of relatively older juveniles (198 ± 58 days). The estimated growth rate was 0.43 mm/day. Body mass and body length were correlated positively with habitat quality and lagged salinity levels. Hence future studies should strive to characterize benthic habitat characteristics, and investigate biotic and abiotic factors that potentially influence gray snapper growth. Collectively, this study increases our understanding of environmental drivers affecting juvenile gray snapper development and shows that the restoration of benthic habitats can produce conditions conducive to gray snapper growth. The age-, size-, and habitat-specific growth rates of juveniles from this study can be incorporated into stock assessments, and thereby be used to refine and develop more effective ecosystem-based management strategies for gray snapper fisheries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat as a Template for Life Histories of Fish)
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21 pages, 4077 KiB  
Article
A Study on Ejector Structural and Operational Conditions Based on Numerical Simulation
by Gen Li, Yuan Liu, Dalin Wang, Xing Li, Daqian Liu, Zhongyu Hu, Bingyuan Hong, Xiaoping Li and Jing Gong
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072182 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 275
Abstract
The Shenfu Gas Field faces challenges with uneven wellhead pressures, where low-pressure wells lose discharge capacity and high-pressure wells require throttling, leading to significant energy waste. Ejectors offer potential for energy recovery by utilizing high-pressure gas to boost low-pressure production. A computational fluid [...] Read more.
The Shenfu Gas Field faces challenges with uneven wellhead pressures, where low-pressure wells lose discharge capacity and high-pressure wells require throttling, leading to significant energy waste. Ejectors offer potential for energy recovery by utilizing high-pressure gas to boost low-pressure production. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed using simulation software to simulate ejector performance. Parametric studies analyzed key structural parameters (mixing chamber length Lm, diameter Dm, nozzle spacing Lc, diffuser length Ld) and operational variables (compression ratio, working/entrained fluid pressures). Model validity was confirmed via grid independence tests and experimental comparisons (error < 10%). Network-level efficacy was verified using pipeline simulation software. Entrainment ratio (ε) and isentropic efficiency (η) exhibited non-linear relationships with structural parameters, with distinct optima depending on compression ratio. Dm had the strongest influence on ε. Higher compression ratios reduced ε, while increasing working fluid pressure or entrained fluid pressure improved ε. Optimal configurations were identified. Network simulations confirmed functional effectiveness, though efficiency diminished over production time. Ejector efficiency is highly sensitive to specific structural and operational parameters. Deployment in gas gathering networks is viable but most beneficial in early production stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)
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19 pages, 7489 KiB  
Article
Biochar-Coconut Shell Mixtures as Substrates for Phalaenopsis ‘Big Chili’
by Yun Pan, Daoyuan Chen, Yan Deng, Shunshun Wang, Feng Chen, Fei Wang, Luyu Xue, Yanru Duan, Yunxiao Guan, Jinliao Chen, Xiaotong Ji and Donghui Peng
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142092 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Phalaenopsis is a widely cultivated ornamental plant of considerable economic value worldwide. However, traditional growing medium, sphagnum moss, is limited and non-renewable. It also decomposes slowly and is prone to environmental issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify more environmentally friendly [...] Read more.
Phalaenopsis is a widely cultivated ornamental plant of considerable economic value worldwide. However, traditional growing medium, sphagnum moss, is limited and non-renewable. It also decomposes slowly and is prone to environmental issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify more environmentally friendly and efficient alternatives. Biochar, a sustainable material with excellent physical and chemical properties, has been recognized as an effective promoter of plant growth. In this study, we investigated the influence of biochar derived from three raw materials (corn straw, bamboo, and walnut) mixed1 with coconut shell at ratios of 1:2, 1:10, and 4:1, on the growth of Phalaenopsis ‘Big Chili’. Over a 150-day controlled experiment, we evaluated multiple growth parameters, including plant height, crown width, total root length, total projected area, total surface area, and root volume. Compared to the traditional growing medium, the optimal biochar-coconut shell mixture (maize straw biochar: coconut shell = 1:2) increased plant height and crown width by 7.55% and 6.68%, respectively. Root metrics improved substantially, with total root length increasing by 10.96%, total projected area by 22.82%, total surface area by 22.14%, and root volume by 38.49%. Root biomass in the optimal treatment group increased by 42.47%, while aboveground and belowground dry weights increased by 6.16% and 77.11%, respectively. These improvements were closely associated with favorable substrate characteristics, including low bulk density, high total and water-holding porosity, moderate aeration, and adequate nutrient availability. These findings demonstrate that substrate characteristics critically influence plant performance and that biochar–coconut shell mixtures, particularly at a 1:2 ratio, represent a viable and sustainable alternative to sphagnum moss for commercial cultivation of Phalaenopsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology and Metabolism)
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25 pages, 14432 KiB  
Article
Source Term-Based Synthetic Turbulence Generator Applied to Compressible DNS of the T106A Low-Pressure Turbine
by João Isler, Guglielmo Vivarelli, Chris Cantwell, Francesco Montomoli, Spencer Sherwin, Yuri Frey, Marcus Meyer and Raul Vazquez
Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2025, 10(3), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtpp10030013 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 365
Abstract
Direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of the T106A low-pressure turbine were conducted for various turbulence intensities and length scales to investigate their effects on flow behaviour and transition. A source-term formulation of the synthetic eddy method (SEM) was implemented in the Nektar++ spectral/hp [...] Read more.
Direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of the T106A low-pressure turbine were conducted for various turbulence intensities and length scales to investigate their effects on flow behaviour and transition. A source-term formulation of the synthetic eddy method (SEM) was implemented in the Nektar++ spectral/hp element framework to introduce anisotropic turbulence into the flow field. A single sponge layer was imposed, which covers the inflow and outflow regions just downstream and upstream of the inflow and outflow boundaries, respectively, to avoid acoustic wave reflections on the boundary conditions. Additionally, in the T106A model, mixed polynomial orders were utilized, as Nektar++ allows different polynomial orders for adjacent elements. A lower polynomial order was employed in the outflow region to further assist the sponge layer by coarsening the mesh and diffusing the turbulence near the outflow boundary. Thus, this study contributes to the development of a more robust and efficient model for high-fidelity simulations of turbine blades by enhancing stability and producing a more accurate flow field. The main findings are compared with experimental and DNS data, showing good agreement and providing new insights into the influence of turbulence length scales on flow separation, transition, wake behaviour, and loss profiles. Full article
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23 pages, 2820 KiB  
Article
Optimized Spectral and Spatial Design of High-Uniformity and Energy-Efficient LED Lighting for Italian Lettuce Cultivation in Miniature Plant Factories
by Zihan Wang, Haitong Huang, Mingming Shi, Yuheng Xiong, Jiang Wang, Yilin Wang and Jun Zou
Horticulturae 2025, 11(7), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11070779 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Optimizing artificial lighting in controlled-environment agriculture is crucial for enhancing crop productivity and resource efficiency. This study presents a spectral–spatial co-optimization strategy for LED lighting tailored to the physiological needs of Italian lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. italica). A miniature plant factory [...] Read more.
Optimizing artificial lighting in controlled-environment agriculture is crucial for enhancing crop productivity and resource efficiency. This study presents a spectral–spatial co-optimization strategy for LED lighting tailored to the physiological needs of Italian lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. italica). A miniature plant factory system was developed with dimensions of 400 mm × 400 mm × 500 mm (L × W × H). Seven customized spectral treatments were created using 2835-packaged LEDs, incorporating various combinations of blue and violet LED chips with precisely controlled concentrations of red phosphor. The spectral configurations were aligned with the measured absorption peaks of Italian lettuce (450–470 nm and 640–670 nm), achieving a spectral mixing uniformity exceeding 99%, while the spatial light intensity uniformity surpassed 90%. To address spatial light heterogeneity, a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was employed to determine the optimal LED arrangement, which increased the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) uniformity from 83% to 93%. The system operates with a fixture-level power consumption of only 75 W. Experimental evaluations across seven treatment groups demonstrated that the E-spectrum group—comprising two violet chips, one blue chip, and 0.21 g of red phosphor—achieved the highest agronomic performance. Compared to the A-spectrum group (three blue chips and 0.19 g of red phosphor), the E-spectrum group resulted in a 25% increase in fresh weight (90.0 g vs. 72.0 g), a 30% reduction in SPAD value (indicative of improved light-use efficiency), and compared with Group A, Group E exhibited significant improvements in plant morphological parameters, including a 7.05% increase in plant height (15.63 cm vs. 14.60 cm), a 25.64% increase in leaf width (6.37 cm vs. 5.07 cm), and a 6.35% increase in leaf length (10.22 cm vs. 9.61 cm). Furthermore, energy consumption was reduced from 9.2 kWh (Group A) to 7.3 kWh (Group E). These results demonstrate that integrating spectral customization with algorithmically optimized spatial distribution is an effective and scalable approach for enhancing both crop yield and energy efficiency in vertical farming systems. Full article
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