Search Results (59)

Olive tree leaf is a phenol-rich, high-potential-value biomass that can be used to formulate food additives and supplements. Leaf phenolic content varies depending on numerous factors, like cultivar, geographical origin, year, and season of harvest. The aim of this research was to evaluate the variations in phenolic profile of four major Tuscan cultivars (Frantoio, Leccio del Corno, Leccino, and Moraiolo) over four different phenological phases and across two years. All 96 olive leaf samples were harvested from trees grown in the same orchard located in Florence. After drying, their phenolic profile was characterized using HPLC-DAD-MS, and the obtained data were processed by ANOVA, GA-LDA, and RF methods. A total of 25 phenolic derivatives were analyzed, with total contents ranging 16,674.0–50,594.3 mg/kg and oleuropein (4570.0–27,547.7 mg/kg) being the predominant compound regardless of cultivar, year, and season of harvest. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol glucoside showed inverse proportionality and similar behavior across years in all cultivars, and therefore were highlighted as main phenolic compounds correlated with the seasonal variability in studied cultivars. Interesting behavior was also pointed out for apigenin rutinoside. Application of GA-LDA and RF methods allowed pointing out the excellent performance of leaf phenols in discriminating samples based on cultivar, harvest year, and harvesting season. Full article

This paper presents an analysis of the abrasive wear influence on the tooth flank geometry of plastic gear wheels, emphasizing the contribution of tooth stiffness to the observed changes. The study examined gear wheels made from polylactic acid (PLA) with wall thicknesses of 0.6 mm, 1.0 mm and 2.4 mm, manufactured using FDM technology. A standard layer height of 0.2 mm was chosen as it offers a balance between good precision and reasonable printing times. The PLA gear wheels were tested for wear in a meshing configuration with a metallic reference gear. The results indicate that wear intensity increases as tooth stiffness decreases, suggesting an inverse proportionality between abrasive wear and tooth stiffness. In all tested cases, the tooth tip was more affected by abrasive wear compared to the rest of the profile. The analysis establishes that sliding velocity has the greatest influence on the abrasive wear characteristics of the evaluated gears. Based on experimental findings, a mathematical model was developed for simulating abrasive wear in plastic gears, with scalability across various manufacturing technologies. For PLA gears, both experimental and simulated data confirm that full tooth infill is essential for functional durability. Full article

Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi), an economically important freshwater fish in China, faces ammonia nitrogen stress under high-density aquaculture. This study investigated chronic ammonia nitrogen exposure effects on juvenile fish (95 ± 5 g) to establish safe concentration. Acute toxicity tests revealed a 96 h-LC₅₀ of 12.91 mg/L ammonia nitrogen, with a safe concentration of 1.29 mg/L ammonia nitrogen (non-ionic ammonia: 0.097 mg/L). In 28-day chronic experiments with ammonia nitrogen levels at 0, 0.61, 1.29, and 2.58 mg/L, ammonia nitrogen induced hepatic oxidative stress, with total superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and malondialdehyde content increasing proportionally to ammonia nitrogen concentration initially but declining over time. Concurrently, gill Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity was significantly suppressed, while the gene expression of ammonia transporters (rhag, rhbg, and rhcg) exhibited ammonia nitrogen concentration-dependent upregulation, inversely correlated with the exposure duration. Histological gill damage intensified at higher concentrations. Hepatic ammonia detoxification enzymes activities (asparagine synthase, glutamine synthetase, and glutamate dehydrogenase) and glutamine accumulation increased with ammonia nitrogen levels, aligning with gene expression trends, though enzyme activity diminished over time. Serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities and their gene expressions rose with ammonia nitrogen levels, while total protein declined. These findings demonstrate that chronic ammonia nitrogen stress disrupts antioxidant capacity, osmoregulation, and nitrogen metabolism, compelling Chinese perch to mitigate toxicity via glutamine synthesis. To ensure sustainable aquaculture, ammonia nitrogen levels should remain below 1.29 mg/L under adequate dissolved oxygen conditions. Full article

Exploration in the Tarim Craton has established that small-displacement strike–slip faults control carbonate reservoirs’ development and oil and gas accumulation. Oil and gas primarily accumulate within a defined lateral distance from these faults. Material point method (MPM) simulations of such fault systems revealed a functional relationship between the regular spacing of initial oblique Riedel fractures and brittle layer thickness under simple shear. This thickness critically governs the spatial organization of the resultant fault system. Riedel shear zones propagate upwards from the base in a semi-elliptical pattern, producing fewer, but longer, shear zones with increasing brittle layer thickness. Stratum thickness exerts a first-order control on fault configuration during strike-slip deformation, modulating both fault segmentation patterns and interconnectivity. Key quantitative relationships emerged: (1) an inverse proportionality between stratum thickness and Riedel shear zone density and (2) a positive correlation between shear zone length and stratum thickness. This article provides experimental evidence and theoretical guidance for exploring deep-seated strike-slip faults in cratonic basins. Full article

The Activity Concentration Index (ACI), defined in Directive 2013/59/Euratom, serves as a criterion for the radiological significance of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs) concentrated in building materials, considering related exposures due to the external gamma radiation field but not due to radon concentration levels. This study proposes a simple way of applying the ACI to interior spaces when concrete is the dominant construction material. Three calculation methods were examined, using four spaces within existing buildings, namely Method A, using the building elements’ mass proportions as a weighting factor; Method B, using only the geometrical characteristics of the internal space; and Method C, combining the mass proportions and inverse square distances. This methodology proposes a way of calculating the ACI based on data provided by existing studies about NORM concentrations in building materials and, thus, no sampling and subsequent NORM concentration measurements were required. The spatial data could be easily determined using either building plans or in situ measurements, using a handheld laser distance meter. The advantages and disadvantages of all three methods were analyzed, along with a comparison to in situ gamma radiation field measurements, performed with a portable Geiger–Müller detector. All the methods showed proportionality to the measured values. Method C was found to be the most suitable, especially for existing buildings, and Method A is recommended for early-stage design assessments. Full article

Development of bio-based active packaging systems for lipid stabilization presents critical importance in preserving lipid integrity and ensuring food safety. Zein/citric acid (Z/CA) composite films containing grape seed ethanol extract (GSEE) (0–8% w/w) were prepared by the solvent casting method. The structural, functional, and environmental properties of the films, including physical and chemical properties, mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, oxidation inhibition effect, and biodegradability, were comprehensively characterized and evaluated. Progressive GSEE enrichment significantly enhanced film thickness (p < 0.05), hydrophobicity, and total phenolic content, while increasing water vapor permeability by 61.29%. Antioxidant capacity demonstrated radical scavenging enhancements of 83.75% (DPPH) and 89.33% (ABTS) at maximal GSEE loading compared to control films. Mechanical parameters exhibited inverse proportionality to GSEE concentration, with tensile strength and elongation at break decreasing by 28.13% and 59.43%, respectively. SEM microstructural analysis revealed concentration-dependent increases in surface asperity and cross-sectional phase heterogeneity. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated selective bacteriostatic effects against Gram-negative pathogens. Notably, the composite film containing 6 wt% GSEE had a remarkable restraining effect on the oxidation of lard. The soil degradation experiment has confirmed that the Z/CA/GSEE composite film can achieve obvious degradation within 28 days. The above results indicate that the Z/CA/GSEE composite material emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable active food packaging applications. Full article

The Hetao Plain Irrigation District of Inner Mongolia faces critical agricultural sustainability challenges due to its arid climate, exacerbated by tightening Yellow River water allocations and pervasive water inefficiencies in the current wheat cultivation practices. This study addresses water scarcity by evaluating the impact of regulated deficit irrigation strategies on spring wheat production, with the dual objectives of enhancing water conservation and optimizing yield–quality synergies. Through a two-year field experiment (2020~2021), four irrigation regimes were implemented: rain-fed control (W0), single irrigation at the tillering–jointing stage (W1), dual irrigation at the tillering–jointing and heading–flowering stages (W2), and triple irrigation incorporating the grain-filling stage (W3). A comprehensive analysis revealed that an incremental irrigation frequency progressively enhanced plant morphological traits (height, upper three-leaf area), population dynamics (leaf area index, dry matter accumulation), and physiological performance (flag leaf SPAD, net photosynthetic rate), all peaking under the W2 and W3 treatments. While yield components and total water consumption exhibited linear increases with irrigation inputs, grain yield demonstrated a parabolic response, reaching maxima under W2 (29.3% increase over W0) and W3 (29.1%), whereas water use efficiency (WUE) displayed a distinct inverse trend, with W2 achieving the optimal balance (4.6% reduction vs. W0). The grain quality parameters exhibited divergent responses: the starch content increased proportionally with irrigation, while protein-associated indices (wet gluten, sedimentation value) and dough rheological properties (stability time, extensibility) peaked under W2. Notably, protein content and its subcomponents followed a unimodal pattern, with the W0, W1, and W2 treatments surpassing W3 by 3.4, 11.6, and 11.3%, respectively. Strong correlations emerged between protein composition and processing quality, while regression modeling identified an optimal water consumption threshold (3250~3500 m³ ha⁻¹) that concurrently maximized grain yield, protein output, and WUE. The W2 regime achieved the synchronization of water conservation, yield preservation, and quality enhancement through strategic irrigation timing during critical growth phases. These findings establish a scientifically validated framework for sustainable, intensive wheat production in arid irrigation districts, resolving the tripartite challenge of water scarcity mitigation, food security assurance, and processing quality optimization through precision water management. Full article

The co-occurrence of microplastics (MPs) and antibiotics as emerging contaminants demonstrates significant ecological perturbations in soil matrices. Of particular scientific interest is the potential for MPs to mediate the environmental fate and transport dynamics of co-existing antibiotics. This study investigated MP-mediated ciprofloxacin (CIP) adsorption in lateritic soils. Batch experiments with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and poly (ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) revealed soil components dominated CIP retention, while 10% (w/w) MPs reduced soil adsorption capacity by ≥10.8%, with inhibition intensity following PET > PE > PP. Adsorption thermodynamics exhibited significant pH dependence, achieving maximum sorption efficiency at pH 5.0 (± 0.2), which was approximately 83%. Competitive adsorption analysis demonstrated inverse proportionality between ionic strength and CIP retention, with trivalent cations exhibiting superior competitive displacement capacity compared to mono- and divalent counterparts. Isothermal modeling revealed multilayer adsorption mechanisms governed by hybrid chemisorption/physisorption processes in both soil and MP substrates. Spectroscopic characterization suggested differential adsorption pathways: MP-CIP interactions were primarily mediated through hydrophobic partitioning and π-π electron coupling, while soil–MP composite systems exhibited dominant cation exchange capacity and surface complexation mechanisms. Notably, electrostatic attraction/repulsion forces modulated adsorption efficiency across all experimental conditions, particularly under varying pH regimes. This work advances understanding of co-contaminant dynamics in soil ecosystems, informing risk assessment frameworks. Full article

The generalized proportionality hypothesis (GPH) highlights the competitive relationships among hydrological components as precipitation (P) transforms into runoff (Q) and evapotranspiration (E), providing a novel perspective on E partitioning that differs from the traditional physical source-based approach. To achieve sequential partitioning of E into initial (E_i) and continuing (E_c) evapotranspiration under the GPH, a P-Q relationship-based E_i estimation method was proposed for the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) catchments. On this basis, we analyzed the relationship between the GPH-based E components and the physical source-based ones separated by the Penman-Monteith-Mu algorithm. Additionally, we explored the differences between the calculated and inverse Budyko-WT model parameter (E_i/E) and discussed the implications for the Budyko framework. The results showed the following: (1) A significant linear P-Q relationship (p < 0.05) prevailed in the MOPEX catchments, providing a robust data foundation for E_i estimation. Across the MOPEX catchments, E_i and E_c contributed 73% and 27% of total E, respectively. (2) The combined proportion of evaporation from canopy interception and wet soil averaged about 25%, and it was much lower than that of E_i, indicating that it was difficult to establish a connection between E_i and the physical source-based E components. (3) The potential evapotranspiration (E_P) satisfying the Budyko-WT model was strictly constrained by the GPH, while the inappropriate E_P estimation method largely explained the discrepancy between the calculated and inverse E_i/E. This study deepens the knowledge of the sequential partitioning of E components, uncovers the discrepancies between different E partitioning frameworks, and provides new insights into the characterization of key variables in Budyko models. Full article

The steady smoldering of rod-shaped fuels, a traditional Chinese disinfection and pest control technique, presents unique challenges in theoretical modeling. Conventional analytical approaches based on energy and mass conservation equations form an underdetermined system, failing to uniquely resolve three critical parameters: temperature field, char morphology, and propagation velocity. This study establishes a quantitative relationship between smoldering propagation velocity and smoke schlieren thickness through integrated experimental and theoretical methodologies. Systematic experiments were conducted on vertically oriented fuel rods (upward and downward configurations), measuring propagation velocity, char cone geometries, and schlieren photographs. By incorporating surface oxidation kinetics and oxygen transport mechanisms into a theoretical model, we revealed an inverse proportionality between propagation velocity and schlieren thickness, thereby introducing a third constraint to resolve the system. Comparative analysis demonstrated excellent agreement between calculated and measured velocities for downward smoldering, with deviations below 20% for biomass rods and 60% for commercial incense rods. Significant discrepancies in upward smoldering were attributed to smoke plume entrainment effects. This work enhances the mechanistic understanding of smoldering propagation dynamics in anisotropic fuel systems. Full article

Recently, polycyclic arenes with positive curvature have gained increasing significance in the field of material chemistry. This study specifically explores the inversion barriers of a series of positively curved circulenes by using five-membered heterocycles integrated into the backbone of primitive [5]circulenes and [6]circulenes. For hetero[5]circulenes, where one benzenoid ring is replaced by a heterocycle, the inversion barriers exhibit a strong correlation with the rotary angles of the heterocycles, and larger rotary angles result in lower inversion barriers. Additionally, the aromaticity of the circulene undergoes a significant reduction during the inversion process. As the number n of replaced rings increases, the inversion barriers can be adjusted, demonstrating an almost linear relationship with n. In the case of hetero[6]circulenes, molecules bearing heterocycles with small rotary angles also show positive curvatures. Furthermore, we examine the relationship between the radii of the fitted sphere for the circulenes and the inversion barriers, revealing an intriguing inverse proportionality between the fourth power of the radius and the inversion barrier. We anticipate that this research will offer a fresh perspective on studies related to positively curved polycyclic arenes. Full article

At high speeds, skew and skid may frequently occur for the rollers in cylindrical roller bearings, especially when under eccentric load, as the uneven load distribution along the generatrix of the roller further aggravates this phenomenon. In this paper, a dynamic model of a cylindrical roller bearing was established, taking into account roller skewing and interactions with the cage. Firstly, the interaction between the roller and the raceway was calculated by slicing the roller along its generatrix. Furthermore, the computation of the interaction between the roller and the cage is based on elastic theory, taking into account pocket clearance. Subsequently, the dynamic equations for both rollers and cage were derived. Based on this foundation, an investigation was conducted to reveal how rotational speed, radial loads, and moment loads affect roller slipping, skewing characteristics, and interactions with the cage under uneven load conditions. The findings indicate a direct proportionality between roller slipping and bearing speed while exhibiting an inverse relationship with load magnitude. Additionally, it was observed that both bearing speed and load have a direct influence on roller skewing angle. Moreover, normal interaction force between the roller and cage demonstrates a direct proportionality to bearing speed while inversely correlating with load magnitude. Full article

Asphalt pavements make up a majority of the essential transportation systems in the US. Asphalt mixtures age and degrade over time, reducing the pavement performance. Pavement performance critically depends on the aging of asphalt binder. The aging of asphalt binder during construction is traditionally modeled by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) testing, while aging during service life is modeled by pressure aging vessel (PAV) testing. Comparing these models to the aging of binders in actual pavements is limited because, to be used for current testing, binders must be separated from the pavement’s aggregate by solvent extraction. Solvent extraction will, at least in part, compromise the structural integrity of asphalt binder samples. Spin-lattice NMR relaxometry has been shown to nondestructively evaluate asphalt properties in situ through the analysis of hydrogen environments. The molecular mobility of hydrogen environments and with it the stiffness of asphalt binder samples can be determined by characteristic T₁ relaxation times, indicating the complexity of asphalt-binder aging. In this study, two laboratory-generated asphalt mixtures, a failed field sample, and several laboratory-aged binder samples are compared by NMR relaxometry. NMR relaxometry was found to be able to differentiate between asphalt samples based on their binder percentage. According to the relaxometry findings, the RTFO binder aging compared favorably to the 6% laboratory-mixed sample. The PAV aging, however, did not compare well to the relaxometry results found for the field-aged sample. The amount of aggregate was found to have an influence on the relaxation times of the binder in the mixed samples and an inverse proportionality of the binder content to the primary NMR relaxation time was detected. It is concluded that molecular water present in the pores of the aggregate material gives rise to such a relationship. The findings of this study lay the foundation for nondestructive asphalt performance evaluation by NMR relaxometry. Full article

We explicitly calculate the value of the cosmological constant, $\mathsf{\Lambda }$, based on the recently developed theory connecting entropic gravity with quantum events induced by transactions, called transactional gravity. We suggest a novel interpretation of the cosmological constant and rigorously show its inverse proportionality to the squared radius of the causal universe $\mathsf{\Lambda }~R_U^{-2}$. Full article

Genomic imbalance in aneuploidy is often detrimental to organisms. To gain insight into the molecular basis of aneuploidies in humans, we analyzed transcriptome data from several autosomal and sex chromosome aneuploidies. The results showed that in human aneuploid cells, genes located on unvaried chromosomes are inversely or proportionally trans-modulated, while a subset of genes on the varied chromosomes are compensated. Less genome-wide modulation is found for sex chromosome aneuploidy compared with autosomal aneuploidy due to X inactivation and the retention of dosage sensitive regulators on both sex chromosomes to limit the effective dosage change. We also found that lncRNA and mRNA can have different responses to aneuploidy. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between dosage-sensitive transcription factors and their targets, which illustrated the modulations and indicates genomic imbalance is related to stoichiometric changes in components of gene regulatory complexes.In summary, this study demonstrates the existence of trans-acting effects and compensation mechanisms in human aneuploidies and contributes to our understanding of gene expression regulation in unbalanced genomes and disease states. Full article