Search Results (2,138)

The transition from pure to mixed-species forest stands is increasingly promoted to enhance ecosystem stability and multifunctionality. The growth conditions may influence the physical and mechanical properties of wood. This study evaluated wood density in pure and mixed stands of silver birch, Norway spruce, and Scots pine in Lithuania and analyzed its relationships with tree allometric parameters. Nine study plots representing pure (100%) and mixed (70/30%) stands were established under comparable site conditions. Wood density at breast height was assessed using resistance drilling (IML Resi PD500), and the increment core samples were analyzed with the LIGNOSTATION™ system. The mean values of wood density for silver birch differed by 11%, depending on the wood density determination method used. Differences between pure and mixed stands were insignificant and generally did not exceed 6%–10%. No consistent trend that was attributable to species mixing was identified. The combined data from pure and mixed stands indicate that the mean wood density, converted from microdrilling measurements, was highest in silver birch (546 kg m⁻³ ± 1.87 kg m⁻³), followed by Scots pine (476 kg m⁻³ ± 1.85 kg m⁻³) and Norway spruce (437 kg m⁻³ ± 1.66 kg m⁻³). Resistance drilling showed a moderate relationship with the core samples’ wood density (R² = 0.59), supporting its suitability as a semi-nondestructive method. Diameter at breast height was the only tree parameter that was consistently significant across all predictive models. The combined model for all species explained up to 43% of wood density variation, while species-specific models had lower explanatory power. Overall, the results indicate that species mixing has a limited effect on wood density under the studied conditions and is unlikely to substantially alter wood quality in terms of wood density. Full article

Vegetation in desert ecosystems is strongly affected by seasonal climatic fluctuations and soil physical and chemical properties. Rawdat Nourah is a natural watershed depression within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia. It is colonized by grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Climatic variability and soil heterogeneity are influencing the vegetation dynamics and regeneration patterns in this ecosystem. Based on the literature review, no previous study analyzed and determined either the vegetation composition or the soil seed-bank of Rawdat Nourah. So, the general objective of this study is to examine the vegetation composition and its relationships with soil physicochemical properties and soil seed-bank composition across Rawdat Nourah across different seasons. Floristic analyses, vegetation composition, soil properties, and soil seed-bank were performed within two seasons (winter–spring and summer–fall seasons) of 2023–2024. The obtained data were analyzed using multivariate and statistical approaches. Six plant associations were identified: winter–spring (WVG I: Zilla spinosa–Malva parviflora; WVG II: Rhazya stricta–Zilla spinosa; WVG III: Cynodon dactylon–Convolvulus pilosellifolius) and summer–fall (SVG I: Calotropis procera–Pulicaria undulata; SVG II: Cynodon dactylon–Zilla spinosa; SVG III: Rhazya stricta–Schismus arabicus). Species richness was higher in winter–spring (2.4 species stand⁻¹) than in summer–fall (1.66 species stand⁻¹), while the seed-bank densities were 633.9 and 575.1 seeds m⁻², respectively. Vegetation responded strongly to marked seasonal contrasts in temperature and moisture (~15 °C, 11 mm vs. ~36 °C, 3 mm). Moderate human activity enhanced vegetation cover, whereas prolonged grazing exclusion reduced diversity through the dominance of a few species. The response of vegetation structure and species richness to climatic factors varies greatly depending on the increase in water availability, and moisture content during the mild weather Winter–Spring season (mean temperature is 15 °C and rainfall is 11 mm), compared to the Summer–Autumn season (mean temperature is 36 °C and rainfall is 3 mm). The richness and cover of the plants were generally affected by human activity, where long-term grazing will reduce species richness and increase competition between species, making one or two species dominant. Although above-ground vegetation exhibited clear seasonal and spatial shifts in species composition and abundance, these changes were not reflected in the soil seed-bank. This relation suggests that above-ground communities and seed-banks are regulated by different ecological processes under arid conditions. The data of the present study showed low correlation between the current vegetation and the soil seed bank, which reflects a degradation in this region. Therefore, these findings suggest that sustained protection of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is essential for enhancing seed-bank persistence, vegetation recovery, and ecosystem resilience under arid conditions. Full article

In addition to being influenced by global drivers, forest herb-layer communities are also shaped by various local factors, such as topography, stand characteristics and soil properties. The responses of ground vegetation were studied in the ravine forests of a Natura 2000 site in eastern Slovenia. A high species richness of 218 plant species was observed in the herb layer, including some woody species. On average, 52.8 different plant species were recorded per plot. Species richness was significantly associated with topographic and forest stand factors, rather than soil characteristics. It was positively associated with altitude and the amount of deadwood and negatively associated with tree height. However, the main predictors for the species composition of the ground vegetation were tree layer cover and soil pH. Among the studied ravine forests, Tilia-dominated stands are characterised by the highest species diversity and the lowest herb-layer cover, indicating a composition of less competitive, site-specific species inhabiting sites with high resource heterogeneity and diverse microhabitats. To preserve the high level of biodiversity of heterogeneous ravine forests and to maintain their favourable conservation status, it is crucial to sustain the natural state of forest soils and stands by implementing appropriate management measures. Such measures may include close-to-nature forest management, which is already being implemented in the studied ravine forests. Full article

This paper presents the analysis and results of the numerical simulation of the biofuel combustion process: namely, the volumetric mixture of diesel oil (ON) and camelina seed oil methyl ester (CSME) in a diesel engine. The mathematical model used in the simulation is based on a four-stroke diesel engine acting as a power generator. To enable simulations depending on the type of biofuel, a model algorithm was developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment that allowed for the conditions and parameters to be adjusted according to specific test requirements. The numerical simulation was built on the basis of a real stand, in order to confirm the results of previous research both theoretically and in real applications. The calculation approach starts with the elemental composition of the fuel and goes through the intake, compression, combustion, and expansion stages, culminating in the thermal balance of the engine. The mathematical model confirmed the obtained results, which are comparable to the results from the research station. The obtained results confirm the legitimacy of using CSME as an additive to diesel and show its impact on engine performance that can be optimized to achieve the desired results. The use of pure CSME (100%) resulted in an increase in engine power and torque, probably due to the oxygen content of the biofuel molecules and its higher cetane number, which improves its ignition characteristics. However, an increase in unit fuel consumption has been observed, indicating lower energy efficiency compared to clean diesel, which is partially offset by the higher density of biofuel. The model takes into account the physicochemical properties of the fuel, such as the viscosity, cetane number and density, which significantly affect the fuel injection and atomization processes. Although the simulation is based on simplified assumptions, its results highlight the potential of biofuels in heavy transport and their cost-effectiveness as an alternative to fossil fuels. The developed model is used not only to evaluate the engine performance, but also as a tool for assessing the thermal efficiency, and optimizing the composition of the fuel mixture. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a prevalent global health issue with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits profound molecular and clinical heterogeneity, which limits the effectiveness of current therapeutic strategies. Circadian rhythm disruption has been implicated in metabolic reprogramming, proliferation, and immune modulation in cancer, but its role in shaping HCC heterogeneity remains poorly defined. Methods: Four public HCC transcriptomic cohorts (TCGA-LIHC, CHCC, LIRI, LICA) were integrated using RMA normalization and ComBat for batch correction. Consensus clustering based on 31 core circadian clock genes (CCGs) identified robust molecular subtypes. Multi-omics characterization—including genomic alterations, pathway activity (GSEA/GSVA), immune microenvironment profiling (CIBERSORT, EPIC, MCP-counter, xCell), and drug-sensitivity prediction (pRRophetic/oncoPredict)—was performed to delineate subtype-specific biological properties. A nine-gene CCG-based RiskScore model was constructed using LASSO Cox regression to internally validate subtype robustness and intra-subtype risk stratification. Results: Using consensus clustering of 31 core CCGs in TCGA-LIHC and three independent validation cohorts (CHCC, LIRI, LICA), we identified three reproducible subtypes—Cluster-1 (metabolic–quiescent), Cluster-2 (transition–intermediate), and Cluster-3 (proliferation–inflammatory)—which were recapitulated across cohorts and showed distinct overall survival (Cluster-3 worst; log-rank p values significant across datasets). Multi-omic characterization revealed that Cluster-3 exhibits the highest tumor mutational burden and CNV burden with enrichment of TP53/AXIN1/TERT alterations, strong activation of cell-cycle, E2F, and G2M programs, and an immune-hot yet immunosuppressed microenvironment enriched for TAMs, Tregs and MDSCs. By contrast, Cluster-1 shows relative genomic stability, dominant hepatic metabolic signatures (fatty-acid oxidation, bile-acid and xenobiotic metabolism) and an immune-cold phenotype. Single-cell mapping linked ALAS1 expression to malignant hepatocytes predominating in Cluster-1, whereas NONO and CSNK1D localized to stromal (CAFs/TECs) and both malignant/immune compartments respectively in Cluster-3, providing a cellular mechanism for subtype-specific metabolism, angiogenesis and immune modulation. Finally, a nine-gene CCG-based RiskScore validated prognostic stratification and drug-sensitivity predictions indicated subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities (notably increased predicted TKI sensitivity in Cluster-3). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study proposes a robust circadian rhythm-based molecular classification of hepatocellular carcinoma, revealing three biologically and clinically distinct subtypes characterized by divergent genomic alterations, metabolic programs, immune microenvironment states, and prognostic patterns. By integrating bulk and single-cell transcriptomic data, we identify subtype-specific roles of key circadian regulators—including ALAS1, NONO, and CSNK1D—in shaping tumor metabolism, proliferation, stromal remodeling, and immune suppression. These findings highlight circadian dysregulation as a potential upstream factor associated with HCC heterogeneity and provide a conceptual framework for developing subtype-tailored mechanistic studies and circadian-informed therapeutic strategies. Full article

Here we perform a detailed information-theoretic (IT) analysis of atomic electron densities in the periodic table, from hydrogen (Z = 1) to lawrencium (Z = 103). By use of the Shannon entropy, the Fisher information and the disequilibrium functionals in both position and momentum spaces as fundamental descriptors of the atomic densities, the periodic table can be represented in a three-dimensional information space as a continuous, highly ordered manifold. The analysis shows that chemical periodicity naturally emerges as a helicoidal manifold (reminiscent of a helix) at the coordinates of a 3D theoretic-information space (Shannon, Fisher, Disequilibrium), with each period forming one segment within the continuous global trajectory. We find information-theoretic signatures of shell structure, sub-shell filling, and electron-configuration anomalies, such as the familiar irregularities seen in chromium and copper. Therefore, the helicoidal character emerges naturally and is not imposed a priori. Further, through the uncertainty principle of the complementary analysis in momentum space, more insights are gained by exposing maximal information-theoretic differentiation for lighter atoms and compression among heavy elements. Notably, momentum-space analysis reveals that hydrogen occupies a natural intermediate position between helium and lithium based on kinetic energy distribution—contrasting with IT position-space results that emphasize hydrogen’s unique delocalized electron density. Indeed, the 3D IT representation of the elements in position space aligns with the view that H does not belong to either the alkali metals or the halogens, but rather stands as a unique, standalone element. This complementary perspective provides new quantitative support for understanding hydrogen’s dual chemical nature, providing new quantitative insight into ongoing debates about hydrogen’s optimal periodic table position. Furthermore, by considering triadic relationships and complexity properties in relation to the López–Mancini–Ruiz (LMC) and Fisher–Shannon (FS) functionals, we show that atomic complexity increases monotonically along with nuclear charge, and we provide a quantitative measure of how organized atomic electron densities are distributed throughout the periodic system. Based on our IT analyses, the fundamental character of periodicity could be addressed by employing helicoidal representations that highlight the characteristics of hydrogen, while simultaneously preserving the autonomy of the blocks of elements. Full article

In many densely populated towns and semi-urban areas, masonry buildings often stand close to busy roads, exposing them to blasts from improvised explosives or other localized sources. Such structures are rarely designed to resist sudden explosive forces, making severe damage or even progressive collapse likely. Even moderate-intensity blasts can weaken walls, endanger occupants, and cause significant property loss. Unlike reinforced concrete, masonry is highly susceptible to explosive impact. Therefore, understanding how these buildings behave under blast loads and developing affordable protection methods is crucial. Low-rise unreinforced masonry (URM) structures, usually up to about 13 m in height (roughly 2–4 stories), common in villages, semi-urban regions, and conflict-prone zones, are particularly at risk. In many areas, these poorly constructed buildings lack proper engineering design and are therefore highly vulnerable to blast damage. Non-load-bearing internal dividers and perimeter enclosures are especially prone to lateral displacement, which can initiate instability and, in severe cases, lead to overall structural failure. This research focuses on reducing catastrophic damage in URM walls when exposed to close-proximity blast forces using concrete-based protective coatings, both with and without embedded steel-welded wire mesh. The study references a previously tested laterally supported clay brick wall built with cement–sand mortar as the baseline model, with its behavior validated against experimental findings from existing literature. Two blast cases were considered corresponding to scaled stand-off distances of 2.19 m/kg^1/3 and 1.83 m/kg^1/3, representing moderate flexural-shear cracking and full structural failure, respectively. To replicate the observed behavior, a comprehensive 3D numerical simulation was developed using the ABAQUS/Explicit 2020 solver. The model’s predictions were benchmarked and verified through comparison with reported test data. While both blast intensities were used to confirm computational accuracy, the effectiveness of UHPC and UHPFRC protective coatings with and without embedded wire mesh was specifically evaluated under the more severe collapse scenario (Z = 1.83 m/kg^1/3). Results indicated that at a scaled distance of 1.83 m/kg^1/3, the uncoated URM wall could not withstand the blast because of poor tensile and bending capacity. In contrast, the UHPC- and UHPFRC-coatings provided improved confinement and better stress distribution. When welded wire mesh was embedded, crack control improved further, the interface bond strengthened, and a larger portion of blast energy was absorbed and dissipated. Full article

In this work, measurements of thermal diffusivity, heat capacity and thermal expansion of 40HM (42CrMo4, 1.7225, AISI 4140) steel manufactured conventionally and via Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) were carried out in the temperature range from room temperature (RT) to 1000 °C. Thermophysical properties were tested using specialized test stands from NETZSCH. Thermal diffusivity was studied using both the LFA 427 laser flash apparatus and the LFA 467 xenon flash apparatus. Specific heat capacity was investigated using DSC 404 F1 Pegasus differential scanning calorimeter, and thermal expansion was investigated using the DIL 402 C. Inconel 600 and A310 steel were selected as the reference materials during the thermal diffusivity test using LFA467 in the RT÷500 °C range. The conventionally manufactured 40HM steel, in the form of hot-rolled bar stock, was subjected to standard heat treatment for this steel grade—quenching followed by high-temperature tempering. The additively manufactured 40HM steel was subjected to stress-relief annealing. The results revealed no significant differences between the thermophysical properties of the L-PBF-produced samples in the out-of-plane and in-plane build orientations. Furthermore, no substantial differences were observed between the thermophysical properties of the conventionally produced material and the material manufactured using the L-PBF technique. Full article

Eutectic alloys stand out for their ability to combine high strength and good ductility; a behaviour rooted in their characteristic two-phase microstructure—lamellar or globular—formed at a constant solidification temperature that minimizes segregation and suppresses brittle phases. Their low interfacial energy limits microcrack propagation, while interfacial sliding and dislocation blocking at phase boundaries enhance both strength and toughness. In this work, we investigate how controlled microstructural modifications influence the behaviour of the eutectic high-entropy alloy AlCoCrFeNi2.1, composed of B2 (Ni–Al-rich) and L12 (Co–Fe–Ni-rich) phases. Because these phases exhibit distinct mechanical responses, microconstituent morphology becomes a design parameter. Powder metallurgy is the only processing route capable of providing the level of microstructural control required in this study. It preserves the rapidly solidified eutectic architecture of gas-atomised powders while allowing its intentional transformation during consolidation. Two strategies were implemented: (i) tuning the thermal–electrical input in Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Electrical Resistance Sintering (ERS), and (ii) engineering the particle size distribution, including a bimodal design that enhances surface-energy-driven morphological transitions. SPS enables a gradual lamellar-to-globular evolution, whereas ERS induces ultrafast transformations governed by current intensity. The bimodal PSD significantly accelerates globularisation at lower energy input. EBSD-KAM (Electron Backscatter Diffraction—Kernel Average Misorientation) mapping identifies the lamellar B2 phase as metastable and highly strained, while globular B2 domains show reduced dislocation density. Nanoindentation confirms that intrinsic phase properties remain unchanged, whereas microhardness scales with morphology and lamellar spacing. These results demonstrate that the macroscopic mechanical response is governed by microstructure, establishing powder metallurgy as a uniquely powerful pathway for microstructure-driven design in eutectic HEAs. Full article

Physical properties are important for the selection of concrete armour units (CAUs) for a specific site. Geometric properties are closely linked to physical properties. Here, new concepts in geometric properties that may be related to structural stability are proposed. Void ratio, overall slenderness, member slenderness, mass distribution with the distance from the gravity centre, and moment of inertia with respect to the gravity centre or pivot line are measurable, and we focus on geometric properties of several CAU structures. All CAUs have the same mass of 32 t. Hexacone has exceptionally high mass density near the leg tips, which helps to increase the moment of inertia. The moment of inertia of a Hexacone with respect to the horizontal pivot axis at the bottom line of the units is also the largest of the four tested. Hexacone is the most resistant to external torques when standing on its own. There is a possibility that a layer of Hexacones could be the most stable of the four types of units, especially when Hexacones are randomly placed or regularly placed with mixed vertical and horizontal columns. Future development of CAUs will aim to achieve a larger moment of inertia, raising the interlocking level and strengthening member endurance at the same time. Full article

Background: Oxidative stress arises from an imbalance in redox homeostasis, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. This condition is associated with premature aging, as well as the progression of several chronic noncommunicable diseases. Among the natural products, geopropolis stands out as a source of molecules with different biological properties. Despite reports of its therapeutic potential, data on the effects on biomolecules and lifespan remains unexplored. Objectives: In this context, we investigated the effects of hydroethanolic geopropolis extracts of Melipona orbignyi and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides on in vitro and in vivo protection against oxidative stress, as well as their toxicity and effects on lifespan. Methods: Firstly, we assessed the effect on protein integrity under AAPH-induced oxidative stress and on DNA stability following exposure to hydrogen peroxide and UV radiation. Furthermore, we evaluated the extracts toxicity, protection against juglone-induced oxidative stress and thermal stress, and effects on longevity in a Caenorhabditis elegans preclinical model. Results: In vitro, both extracts protected bovine serum albumin (BSA) from AAPH-induced oxidation, with maximum BSA integrity reaching 98.2 ± 1.8% (HGMO) and 91.7 ± 3.0% (HGMQ). In a UV/H₂O₂ plasmid assay, both extracts protected against oxidative DNA fragmentation across the tested range, achieving 100% protection (fully preserved DNA integrity) at the highest evaluated concentrations. In vivo, HGMO and HGMQ showed no acute toxicity (24–48 h), with survival comparable to controls, and increased survival under juglone-induced oxidative stress (80 µM, 24 h), with maximum viability gains of 37.3% (HGMO) and 23.9% (HGMQ). Both extracts extended lifespan, increasing maximum lifespan from 24 to 32 days (+33%). Conclusions: Overall, these findings support geopropolis extracts as promising candidates for biotechnological products targeting oxidative stress and healthy aging. Full article

Cancer represents a major global public health challenge, and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are frequently associated with adverse effects. Among these, oral mucositis (OM) stands out as a debilitating inflammatory condition that compromises quality of life and may lead to interruption of cancer therapy. Given the limited efficacy of conventional treatments, propolis has been investigated as a natural therapeutic alternative due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This narrative literature review, conducted between 2012 and 2025, included studies indexed in the Public Medical Database (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. We analyzed clinical trials that evaluated different forms of propolis administration, such as gel, mouthwashes, oral solutions, and topical applications, in patients with various types of cancer undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combined treatment. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in pain, dysphagia, dysgeusia, and OM severity, as well as a delay in the onset and progression of lesions, with a low incidence of adverse effects. However, variability in the chemical composition of propolis and the lack of standardized protocols still limit the reproducibility and comparability of the findings. Overall, these results reinforce the therapeutic potential of propolis for the prevention and treatment of OM in oncology patients, while underscoring the need for long-term, randomized clinical trials to establish optimal concentrations, pharmacological formulations, and standardized application protocols. Full article

With the growing global emphasis on space resources, the significance of space detection and surveillance technologies has escalated. Currently, space-based optical surveillance stands as the primary means for acquiring information on space objects. However, constrained by the diffraction limits of space telescopes, distant space objects are typically imaged as point sources. The resulting lack of sufficient spatial resolution renders traditional image-based recognition algorithms ineffective. In contrast, the Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) fully characterizes surface light scattering properties through four-dimensional features, significantly outperforming traditional two-dimensional spectral techniques in material identification. Consequently, leveraging BRDF signatures at varying phase angles has emerged as an effective approach for Space Object Identification. In this study, we developed an automated BRDF measurement system to characterize various typical aerospace materials and investigated the BRDF properties of mixed-material surfaces. A material composition ratio prediction model was constructed based on a One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN). This model effectively extracts key features, including local slope variations and global waveform characteristics, from the BRDF curves. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves a maximum relative percentage error of 6.21%, implying a prediction accuracy for mixed-material composition ratios consistently exceeding 93.79%. Compared to image classification methods based on remote sensing imagery, the proposed approach offers higher computational efficiency, significantly reduced model complexity and computational cost, and enhanced robustness. This work provides essential data support for material identification by space-based telescopes and establishes an algorithmic and experimental foundation for intelligent space situational awareness systems. Full article

Soil tillage practices play a key role in controlling soil’s physical properties, water infiltration, and runoff generation, particularly in erosion-prone cropping systems such as maize monocultures. The cultivation of wide-row crops is restricted on erosion-prone land; however, these crops constitute a fundamental basis for livestock feed and represent a key input raw material for biogas plants. This 4-year study evaluated the effects of three tillage practices—conventional ploughing, shallow tillage, and no tillage—on selected soil’s physical and chemical properties and on water infiltration processes in a maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture. Experimental maize stands were established in a field with a silty clay Luvic Chernozem. Field measurements were performed over multiple years and included soil bulk density, macroporosity, cone index, soil organic carbon, soil pH, soil aggregate stability, and water infiltration. Infiltration processes were assessed using a combination of double-ring infiltrometers, rainfall simulation, and dye tracer experiments to characterize water flow patterns under controlled conditions. The results demonstrated that soil tillage significantly influenced the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon and pH, soil aggregate stability, soil compaction, and pore characteristics, with the most pronounced differences observed in the upper soil layers. Soil aggregate stability in the 0–0.10 m layer showed a clear numerical trend, with the highest mean value under ST (0.42) compared with PL (0.28) and no tillage (NT) (0.26). Topsoil Cox was the highest under ST (3.591%) compared with PL (2.838%) and NT (2.634%). Differences among tillage practices were particularly evident during simulated rainfall events, affecting infiltration rates, runoff initiation, and preferential flow patterns. Ring infiltrometer measurements indicated higher infiltration in PL (e.g., 21.1 mm min⁻¹ at minute 1 in PL vs. 11.1/11.9 mm min⁻¹ in ST/NT; 10.9 mm min⁻¹ at minute 10 in PL vs. 5.3/7.6 mm min⁻¹ in ST/NT). However, rainfall simulation showed the highest runoff in PL, including the earliest runoff onset (4.5 min). Despite the soil’s high infiltration capacity due to low bulk density and higher porosity, the decisive factor promoting water infiltration into the soil is the condition of the soil surface, which is influenced by the stability of soil aggregates; this stability was enhanced by the input of organic matter from plant residues. The findings confirm that long-term soil tillage management substantially modifies soil hydraulic behaviour and highlight the importance of tillage system selection for improving soil water infiltration and reducing runoff risk in maize monoculture systems. Full article

Aerosol–cloud interactions (ACIs) remain a long-standing uncertainty in quantifying cloud microphysical properties, convection, and precipitation. There are fewer investigations into the effects of ACIs on the southwest vortex (a mesoscale circulation with a spatial scale of 300–500 km). Satellite-retrieved MODIS data (2002–2022) reveals a decreasing trend in the June–August (JJA) seasonal mean ice droplet effective radius (DER_Ice) over the Sichuan Basin (SCB) since 2013, corresponding to China’s emission reduction efforts. Concurrently, post-2013 trends exhibit a positive shift in cloud-top height (CTH) and a negative trend in cloud-top pressure (CTP), collectively indicative of intensified convective activity. This contradicts the conventional conclusion that increased anthropogenic emissions reduce droplet effective radius (DER) and intensify convection under constant cloud water content. To address this discrepancy, we simulated the precipitation event caused by the southwest vortex (SWV) during 11–14 August 2020, under distinct initial aerosol loading (clean vs. polluted), using the fully coupled WRF-ACI-Full cloud-resolving model (incorporating sophisticated aerosol parameterizations). Results show that increased aerosols reduce basin-averaged precipitation by 0.54% and updraft speed by 0.37% in the polluted case compared to the clean case, which is negligible. These findings differ from previous studies on ACI-related cloud and precipitation responses. Full article