Search Results (25,396)

Soil salinization threatens agricultural sustainability in arid zones, yet quantitative attribution of its spatiotemporal dynamics to multi-source drivers remains scarce at regional scales. To address this, we developed an explainable framework merging Sentinel-1/2, ERA5-Land, and topographic-hydrological indices with XGBoost, trained under weak supervision with proxy labels and independently validated using field-measured ECe. A 7-group, 44-feature ensemble with spatial block 5-fold cross-validation ensured robust assessment. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) quantified driver contributions and enabled a novel dominant driver zoning (DDZ) framework. Monitoring the Hexi Corridor and Tarim Basin (2017–2024) revealed contrasting trajectories: Hexi’s dynamics were primarily climate-driven (Aridity Index), whereas 19.2% of Tarim showed significant salinization along oasis–desert margins co-dominated by elevation, soil indices, and temperature. The model achieved spatial cross-validation R² values around 0.65. DDZ mapping showed climate dominance in 98.2% of Hexi compared to 76.5% in Tarim, where terrain and optical factors were more influential. The weak supervision strategy overcomes scarce in-situ measurements, while the DDZ maps identified that Land-use-dominated zones recorded the highest salinity, offering clear directives for targeted salinity control in arid basins. Full article

Grain-oriented (GO) silicon steel cores in low-voltage current transformers suffer magnetic degradation from residual stress and increased dislocation density during slitting and winding. This study addresses the gap in systematic optimization of secondary annealing on assembled toroidal cores using a 3² full-factorial design varying temperature (650, 850, 1050 °C) and holding time (60, 90, 120 min) on M4 grade cores. Results showed temperature is the dominant factor, while holding time exhibits a synergistic non-linear effect. The optimal condition (850 °C, 90 min) reduced specific losses from 0.85 W/kg to 0.43 W/kg (49% reduction). Mechanistic analysis confirmed this improvement is driven by complete primary recrystallization (equiaxed grains ~50–60 µm), dislocation annihilation (~10 HV hardness reduction), and reinforcement of the Goss texture ({110} <001>). SEM, EDS, and ICP-OES demonstrated that the Carlite coating remained dimensionally (1.67–1.83 µm) and chemically stable, with beneficial decarburization. Temperatures above 850 °C caused magnetic deterioration due to excessive grain growth. These results provide a validated, industrial framework for recovering magnetic efficiency in wound toroidal cores without compromising coating integrity. Full article

Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23) fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) exhibits well-known susceptibility to adhesive wear and tribo-oxidation under dry sliding, yet the tribological consequences of in-process laser remelting remain poorly characterized. This study investigates the influence of an in-layer laser scan strategy (single-scan and double-scan), normal forces in the 5–15 N range, and a sliding speed of 0.10–0.20 m·s⁻¹ on the dry sliding tribological response of additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V ELI. A full factorial experimental design was carried out and the most significant factors and their contributions to the coefficient of friction, specific wear rate, and contact temperature were identified by a statistical method using a general linear model (GLM). The optimal parameters for both of the scan strategies were predicted using a response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, to assess the effect of the laser scan strategy and the in-layer remelting on the local mechanical properties, a microscale and nanoscale indentation was carried out. The results show that the normal load was the dominant factor with a contribution of 89.3% for the coefficient of friction, 54% for the specific wear rate, and 40.5% for the temperature. A significant load–scan strategy interaction that governed the wear behavior was detected. The double-scan strategy exhibited higher wear at 5 N but lower wear at 15 N than the single-scan, a counter-intuitive reversal attributed to the load-threshold tribolayer stabilization promoted by the remelting-induced near-surface microstructural modification. The novelty of this study was the setup of a robust GLM–RSM framework for predictive modeling and optimization of additively manufactured surfaces under tribological loading. Full article

The global methane budget is largely driven by biogenic sources, many of which remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we investigated the community composition and seasonal dynamics of methanogenic and methanotrophic assemblages to elucidate the key contributors to methane cycling and the environmental factors shaping these processes in lake sediments of the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). Methanogenic communities are primarily composed of Methanothrix, Methanosarcina, Methanobacterium and Methanoregula with summer peaks in Methanothrix and Methanoregula, and cold-season proliferation of Methanobacterium. Methanotrophic communities are dominated by representatives of the Pseudomonadota, including Crenothrix, Methylobacter, and Methylocystis with summer maxima observed for Crenothrix and Methylobacter. Methanosarcina and Methylocystis showed relatively stable abundances throughout the ice-free season. Ordination and correlation analyses revealed that temperature, pH, and carbon (organic and inorganic) concentration and lability emerged as the environmental drivers influencing on microbial communities, with seasonally variable effects on methane-cycling microorganisms. These findings provide a foundation for future research on methane cycling in alpine lake ecosystems of the Rila Mountains and contribute to improving predictions of methane emissions under changing climatic conditions. Full article

The stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in high-latitude permafrost regions plays a critical role in the global carbon balance. However, a systematic understanding of SOC pool fractions and their response to warming across different wetland types in the Great Hing’an Mountains remains lacking. In this study, soil samples were collected from forested, shrub, and herbaceous wetlands at depths of 0–60 cm and incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. A three-pool first-order kinetic model was employed to analyze SOC mineralization characteristics, carbon pool fractions, and influencing factors. The results showed that SOC mineralization rates exhibited a pattern of rapid increase followed by a peak and gradual decline over time, decreased with soil depth, and increased with temperature. The mineralization potential followed the order of shrub wetlands > herbaceous wetlands > forest wetlands. The temperature sensitivity (Q₁₀) was lowest in the deep soil layer of shrub wetlands (1.2), whereas a deeper soil layer of forest wetlands exhibited the highest Q₁₀ value (3.5). Across the three wetland types, SOC was dominated by the inert carbon pool (61–72%), with forest wetlands showing the highest proportion of inert carbon (72%). The active carbon pool in shrub wetlands was most sensitive to warming, while herbaceous wetlands had the largest inert carbon stock. Soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with the inert carbon pool, whereas soil moisture content showed a significantly positive correlation. Path analysis further revealed that SOC had the largest total effect on inert carbon accumulation, whereas available nitrogen and pH showed the strongest direct associations with Q₁₀. Wetland type was indirectly associated with inert carbon stocks through its influence on soil moisture, pH, SOC, and available nitrogen. These results highlight that both direct and indirect pathways jointly influence SOC stability in permafrost wetlands. Overall, Wetland type and soil physicochemical properties jointly regulate SOC stability and its response to warming. These results suggest that although forest wetlands possess stronger carbon stability, their stable carbon pools may become increasingly vulnerable under climate warming. Full article

Acantholyda posticalis (Hymenoptera: Pamphiliidae) is a forestry pest in China. They primarily infest pine trees, causing serious ecological damage. The research aims to identify the key environmental factors influencing the suitable distribution area of Acantholyda posticalis and their optimal conditions, and investigate the impacts of climate change and possible impacts of its main host plants on the distribution of Acantholyda posticalis. By utilizing the MaxEnt model, we predict the potential distribution of Acantholyda posticalis and its main host plant, Pinus tabuliformis, under current and future climatic conditions. The results indicate that under current climatic conditions, the suitable areas for Acantholyda posticalis in China are extensive in the Loess Plateau and North China Plain regions and have extensive overlapping area with the distribution of Pinus tabuliformis. The dominant environmental factors influencing the distribution of suitable areas for Acantholyda posticalis are the Minimum Temperature of the Coldest Month, Precipitation of the Wettest Quarter, Altitude and Temperature Seasonality. Under the SSP126 and SSP585 climate scenarios for the period 2081–2100, the overall suitable area for Acantholyda posticalis is projected to follow a decreasing trend, exhibiting a tendency to extend toward the southern and eastern regions. Meanwhile, the moderately and highly suitable areas are more concentrated and extensive. The research provides a theoretical foundation for the control of Acantholyda posticalis and the protection of the ecological environment. Full article

Contaminated gas flows are encountered in most industrial processes and require efficient removal of fine dispersed particles of various types and characteristics. Conventional cyclones are widely used under harsh operating conditions; however, their separation efficiency for fine particulate fractions remains relatively low. In this study, next-generation cyclones with a multichannel design featuring cylindrical and spiral casings are investigated, enabling particle collection efficiencies of approximately 90% for particles with a diameter of 2 µm. Under harsh microclimatic conditions—particularly at high humidity levels of 70% or higher and elevated temperatures of 50 to 200 °C—such technology is prone to clogging, necessitating complex regeneration procedures. Recent research has focused on improved channel geometries incorporating secondary peripheral flows, adapted for gas cleaning in harsh environments. Experimental results demonstrate effective removal of fine-dispersed glass and clay particles up to 20 µm in size at initial concentrations of 0.5–15 g/m³. The theoretical assessment of the influence of harsh gas flow conditions includes analyses of critical flow characteristics and the mechanical forces acting on fine particles under varying temperature and humidity conditions. The results indicate a maximum purification efficiency of up to 87.3% with an aerodynamic pressure drop of 440 Pa. The impact of harsh microclimatic conditions is most pronounced in the magnitudes of the centrifugal and drag forces: with an increase in the gas flow temperature by every 50 °C within the range from 0 to 200 °C, these forces increase by factors of 7.3–32.7 and 4–6.3, respectively. Full article

Thermophilic microbial inoculant (CI) has been demonstrated to optimize the green waste composting (GWC) process. The pathways through which it enhances lignocellulose degradation remain unclear. This study evaluated composting performance under four treatments: CI, effective microorganisms (EM), Phanerochaete chrysosporium (WF), and natural composting (CK). To elucidate the biological differences between efficient lignocellulose-degrading systems and CK, metagenomic analyses were conducted on CI and CK based on lignocellulose degradation rates. The results indicated that CI inoculation did not negatively affect the compost heating process and produced a nitrogen-rich, safe, and mature compost product. Compared to other treatments, CI increased the lignocellulose degradation rate by 3.66% to 31.8%. Metagenomic analysis revealed that CI inoculation enriched genes encoding glycoside hydrolases (GHs), glycosyl transferases (GTs), carbohydrate esterases (CEs), and carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) across multiple composting phases, positively impacting dominant carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families including AA3, CE1, and CE7. CI inoculation also elevated the relative abundance of lignocellulose-degrading microorganisms (0.70~2.73%), simplified microbial network structure, and strengthened microbial cooperation. Within the microbial network, Chryseolinea, Protaetiibacter, and unclassified_f__Burkholderiaceae were identified as core taxa involved in lignocellulose degradation. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified temperature as the primary factor influencing biological factors, with CI improving composting efficiency by optimizing the microenvironment. Collectively, this work provides a novel strategy for microbial inoculant application in composting and offers new perspectives for identifying core taxa, contributing to advancing composting efficiency. Full article

Marine by-products represent a promising source of bioactive peptides. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a low-molecular-weight peptide fraction with antioxidant activity from Argentine shortfin squid carcass by-products, and to evaluate in vitro its cytocompatibility and protective effects against corticosterone (CORT)-induced oxidative injury in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and human astrocyte (hACs) cells. Argentine squid antioxidant peptide (PASN) was obtained by size-exclusion chromatography and fractionation-based screening. PASN exhibited the strongest overall free-radical-scavenging activity and consisted predominantly of components below 1 kDa (211.73–1013.48 Da). Spectroscopic analyses indicated that enzymatic hydrolysis transformed its structure from a rigid triple-helix conformation to a more flexible conformation dominated by β-turns (50.78%) and random coils (17.38%). In addition, thermogravimetric analysis confirmed its excellent thermal stability, with an onset decomposition temperature as high as 244.81 °C, supporting its potential applicability in high-temperature food-processing matrices. In vitro assays demonstrated that PASN exhibited high biocompatibility and promoted proliferation of both PC12 cells and hACs, while significantly improving cell viability under CORT challenge. PASN also reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage (hACs: 38.31%; PC12: 31.17%) in both cell models and restored total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (hACs: 69.46%, PC12: 66.40%). Immunofluorescence further revealed that PASN rescued the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (hACs: 35.23%, PC12: 12.50%) and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD1/2) (hACs: 102.66%, PC12: 31.31%), key markers associated with synaptic plasticity and GABAergic sleep regulation. Collectively, PASN is a thermally stable squid-derived peptide fraction that exerts antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in neural cell models in vitro and represents a promising sustainable candidate for nutraceutical development. Full article

Grazing is widely used to manage grasslands, but its effects on plant diversity and community composition are context-dependent. In the Canary Islands, pastures are limited and fragmented but represent some of the most species-rich plant communities. This study evaluates the effects of grazing abandonment and grazing intensity on plant diversity and composition in the mountain pastures of Gran Canaria under wildfire prevention management. Vegetation was surveyed in 11 paired grazed and ungrazed plots across an environmental gradient over two years. Grazing intensity was quantified using livestock GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracking, distinguishing low- and high-intensity regimes. A total of 112 plant species were recorded, mostly typical of pasture communities. Species richness remained stable across treatments, grazing intensities, and years (2023–2024), indicating strong short-term resistance. However, species composition varied along the grazing intensity gradient: high-intensity grazing produced more homogeneous communities dominated by grazing-tolerant species, while low-intensity grazing maintained greater variability. Grazing abandonment showed no clear compositional shifts, suggesting delayed responses. Environmental factors such as soil, moisture, temperature, and coastal influence also structured species distributions. Overall, grazing intensity is the main driver of plant community structure, highlighting its importance for biodiversity conservation, wildfire risk reduction, and maintaining traditional pastoral practices. Full article

The thermodynamic prediction of the fast refueling process for vehicular hydrogen storage cylinders faces the complex problem of modeling multi-layer composite walls. Drawing on the series thermal resistance principle, this paper introduces an equivalent thermal conductivity approach, simplifying the multi-layer structure into homogeneous material. Combined with the real-gas-state equation, a coupled thermodynamic framework combining zero-dimensional gas dynamics and one-dimensional cylinder wall heat transfer is developed. The comparison and verification with the 70 MPa fast charging experimental data have demonstrated that the proposed model exhibits sufficient accuracy and robustness for the problem. By comparing the temperature rise changes of different volume type-III gas cylinders, it was found that the surface area-to-volume ratio (A/V) was the primary geometric factor—the key geometric parameter that governs the temperature rise behavior. Larger volume gas cylinders exhibit more significant temperature rise due to their lower heat dissipation efficiency. A further comparison of the thermal response characteristics between Type-III and Type-IV cylinders demonstrates that the equivalent thermal conductivity is the dominant parameter determining the temperature rise behavior: The lower this coefficient, the stronger the limitation on the cylinder’s heat dissipation capacity, and the more pronounced the temperature rise. The proposed method not only ensures accuracy but also reduces the complexity of the modeling process, providing an efficient theoretical tool for optimizing the refueling strategy and conducting thermal safety assessment of vehicular hydrogen storage systems. Full article

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles is an effective approach to create biocompatible nanomaterials. In this study, gold nanoparticles (BC-AuNPs) were prepared by reducing chloroauric acid with black corncob (BC) extract at relatively low temperatures. The optimal preparation conditions were obtained through a single-factor experiment, which included 5 mL of black corncob extract and 0.12 mL of 3% HAuCl₄ solution at a pH of 5.0, and the reaction was carried out at 50 °C in a water bath for 3 h. The prepared BC-AuNPs were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta-potential measurement, which showed that they were dispersed spherical particles with an average size of approximately 23.0 nm and their surfaces were covered with various black corncob active components. The photothermal performance test indicated a good photothermal effect with a conversion efficiency of 41.3%. Antibacterial experiments revealed that BC-AuNPs had excellent antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for E. coli and Salmonella were 25.00 and 50.00 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, this study proved a potential application for gold nanoparticles in photothermal antibacterial fields. Full article

Maize production in the black soil region of Northeast China is highly vulnerable to drought and flood stress, yet stage-specific mechanisms under rain-fed conditions remain unclear. Daily meteorological records from 1951 to 2024 were used to calculate the Crop Water Surplus Deficit Index (CWSDI) for four maize phenological stages, and 2025 in situ soil moisture and temperature observations were used to derive root-zone soil water storage (SWS), soil water depletion rate (SWDR), and the soil temperature–moisture coupling index (STMI). The growing season showed a persistent water deficit (mean CWSDI = −39.19%). Drought risk was greatest during sowing–jointing (S1; CWSDI = −64.73%; drought frequency = 73.0%) and milk–maturity (S4; CWSDI = −49.84%; drought frequency = 58.1%), whereas jointing–tasseling (S2) had the highest flood frequency (13.5%). Soil hydrothermal indicators showed that S1 drought was evaporation-driven, S2 involved potential hot-wet compound stress, tasseling–milk (S3) had rapid root-zone water depletion, and S4 drought was driven by insufficient late-season precipitation. These findings show that maize water stress is a sequence of stage-specific mechanisms rather than a uniform seasonal phenomenon. We therefore propose a regulation strategy combining soil moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, precision supplemental irrigation, and field drainage to improve maize resilience. Full article

Rhodium is a high-value strategic platinum-group metal extensively applied in automotive exhaust purification, fine chemicals, glass production and high-temperature materials. Restricted by uneven primary resource distribution and volatile market prices, recovering rhodium from secondary resources has become increasingly critical. Solvent extraction is regarded as a promising technology for continuous and selective separation of rhodium, yet direct extraction of Rh(III) from chloride media faces severe industrial limitations. These bottlenecks are mainly attributed to diversified chloro-aqua complexes, kinetic inertness of low-spin Rh(III), strong hydration capacity and polynuclear species generation, while solution aging and inconsistent thermodynamic-experimental results further complicate extraction behaviors. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in rhodium solvent extraction from chloride media, correlating aqueous speciation regulation, activation chemistry, extractant molecular structure and extraction-stripping mechanisms. Special emphasis is placed on SnCl₂-, ascorbic acid-, trichloroacetic acid- and malonate-assisted activation systems, as well as amine-, phosphorus-, sulfur-based, synergistic, ionic-liquid and deep-eutectic-solvent extractants. Key factors affecting extraction efficiency, distribution ratio, selectivity and stripping performance are clarified, and current challenges are outlined. Future research should focus on quantitative speciation analysis, in situ mechanistic characterization, targeted extractant design, and integrated evaluation of extraction, stripping, recyclability, cost and real-feed adaptability, so as to provide theoretical support for efficient and clean rhodium recovery. Full article

Low temperature and low irradiance (LTLI) stress severely limits strawberry growth and productivity during winter protected cultivation. This study investigated the physiological responses of the short-day strawberry cultivar ‘Benihoppe’ to individual and combined LTLI stress and developed a quantitative damage evaluation index. Seedlings were exposed to four treatments for 20 d: control (25/15 °C, 600 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), single low temperature (LT: 15/5 °C), single low irradiance (LI: 100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), and combined stress (LTLI: 15/5 °C, 100 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Compared to isolated stress factors, combined LTLI treatment exhibited a statistically verified synergistic damaging effect (two-factor ANOVA, LT × LI p < 0.01) on leaf structure and function. LTLI-treated plants showed severe reductions in leaf area, palisade tissue thickness, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), alongside elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) analysis revealed that LTLI stress strongly blocked the electron transport chain at the PSII acceptor side, increasing the J-step relative variable fluorescence (Vj) and suppressing the performance index (PI). To quantify these impacts, a Low Temperature and Low Irradiance Damage Index (LTLDI) was derived from 12 core physiological and morphological variables. The LTLDI scores demonstrated that LTLI induced severe damage by day 10 (score: 0.69) and extremely severe damage by day 20 (0.87), which were substantially higher than the damage caused by LT (0.58 at 20 d) and LI (0.63 at 20 d) alone. The index reliability was confirmed by its strong correlation (r > 0.9) with key stress markers (Fv/Fm, Pn, and MDA). Overall, combined LTLI stress exacerbates structural degradation and PSII photoinhibition in strawberry leaves. The proposed LTLDI offers a practical, standardized tool for evaluating stress severity, facilitating timely environmental management in greenhouse strawberry production. Full article