Background: Facial redness is multifactorial in nature and may be a sign of many different conditions,including rosacea, photo damage and flushing. Herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years to treat a var...Background: Facial redness is multifactorial in nature and may be a sign of many different conditions,including rosacea, photo damage and flushing. Herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of dermatological conditions. Turmeric(Curcuma longa) and its constituents have been shown to mediate dilation and constriction of peripheral arterioles and have demonstrated anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.Objective: To investigate the effects of turmeric and turmeric-containing polyherbal combination tablets versus placebo on facial redness.Design, setting, participants, and interventions: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized pilot study. Thirty-three healthy participants were recruited from the dermatology clinic at the University of California, Davis and nearby community from 2016 to 2017. Thirty participants were enrolled, and28 participants completed the study. The enrolled participants were randomized to receive one of three interventions(placebo, turmeric or polyherbal combination tablets) and were told to take the intervention tablets by mouth twice daily for 4 weeks. Facial redness was assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention by clinical grading and by image-based analysis.Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was image-based facial quantification of redness using a research camera and software analysis system. The investigators performed an intention-to-treat analysis by including all subjects who were enrolled in the trial and received any study intervention.Differences were considered statistically significant after accounting for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes for clinical grading were calculated with a Hedges' g where indicated.Results: Twenty-eight participants completed the study and there were no reported adverse events.Based on clinical grading, facial redness intensity and distribution down trended in the polyherbal combination group after 4 weeks(P = 0.1). Under photographic image analysis, the polyherbal combination group had a significant decrease in redness of 40% compared to baseline(P = 0.03). The placebo and turmeric groups had no statistically significant changes in image analysis-based facial redness.Conclusion: Polyherbal combination tablet supplementation improved facial redness compared to the turmeric or placebo. Overall, our findings suggested further investigations into the effects of turmeric and polyherbal formulations in skin conditions associated with facial redness would be warranted.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03065504.展开更多
Maqui berries are wildly grown or cultivated in the Patagonian region in Chile. The berries contain large amounts of anthocyanins, especially delphinidin glycosides, which are strong anti-oxidants. We previously repor...Maqui berries are wildly grown or cultivated in the Patagonian region in Chile. The berries contain large amounts of anthocyanins, especially delphinidin glycosides, which are strong anti-oxidants. We previously reported that standardized maqui berry extract, which contained lots of anthocyanins, has ameliorative effects against dry eyes and visible light-induced photoreceptor cell damage. However, the influence of maqui berry extract on the human skin has not been evaluated even though many skin troubles are related to active oxygen species. Therefore, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study with Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span>, a maqui berry extract standardized for anthocyanins, especially delphinidins and cyanidins, in healthy Japanese female subjects. Capsules containing Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span> (60 mg) or placebo were orally administered to subjects aged 27 to 57 years old for eight weeks. Skin conditions [pigmentation, redness, skin tone, wrinkles, texture, oil content, water content, trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), collagen score, dermal thickness, and elasticity] were measured before and after intervention. In the Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span> group, the saturation significantly increased after eight weeks and reddish spots significantly decreased after four weeks of intake. The collagen score, which decreases with age, slightly increased with age by Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span> ingestion for eight weeks. Thus, the anthocyanin-standardized maqui berry extract Delphinol<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span></span> increased skin brightness and collagen content, and improved facial skin redness. This study suggests that the daily oral intake of maqui berry extract can help maintain a healthy facial condition.展开更多
In order to explore the correlation of 3 different methods of evaluating the degree of skin redness,45 healthy Chinese subjects aged 18~45 were recruited to attend a human efficacy evaluation test.An emulsion product ...In order to explore the correlation of 3 different methods of evaluating the degree of skin redness,45 healthy Chinese subjects aged 18~45 were recruited to attend a human efficacy evaluation test.An emulsion product which declares soothing and repair efficacy was used each time in the morning and evening for 4 weeks.Three methods,including visual assessment,image analysis and instrument measurement,were taken to test the related indices of skin redness degree respectively.The improvement of skin redness and the correlation of 3 methods were evaluated by comparing the changes of each index before and after using the product.The results show that the face redness degree score and the image analysis a*value significantly reduce at all time points after using the sample(P<0.05),while the instrument probe a*value significantly reduce at the time point after using for 2 weeks(P<0.05).The correlation coefficient of the face redness degree score and the instrument probe a*value is more than 0.33 and less than 0.67,and the significance level is less than 0.01.Therefore,the sample has soothing and repair efficacy for improving skin redness;and the methods of visual assessment and instrument measurement present moderate positive correlation.展开更多
To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM ...To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM methods,and a novel hydrothermal process based on the conversion principle was finally proposed.The crystal structure simulation shows that the HA with varied silicon saturation coefficients is more stable than HG,and the HA with a high iron substitution coefficient is more difficult to be converted from HG.The(110)plane of Fe_(2)O_(3) is easier to combine with HG to form HA,and the binding energy is 81.93 kJ/mol.The effects of raw material ratio,solution concentration and hydrothermal parameters on the conversion from HG to HA were revealed,and the optimal conditions for the alumina recovery were obtained.The recovery efficiencies of alumina and Na_(2)O from the RM are 63.06%and 97.34%,respectively,and the Na_(2)O content in the treated RM is only 0.13%.展开更多
The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color...The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color parameters,anthocyanin content,and overall polyphenol levels in the wine samples.The copigmentation effect of malvidin-3-Oglucoside and sinapic acid was further explored in model solution and through theoretical calculations.The results indicated that the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids significantly enhanced the wine's color with sinapic acid(before the fermentation)showing the most pronounced color protection effect.Compared to control samples,the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids resulted in a 36%increase in total phenolic content and a 28% increase in total anthocyanin content.Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the interaction between sinapic acid and malvidin-3-O-glucoside was spontaneous and exothermic.Theoretical studies identified hydrogen bonding(HB)and dispersion forces as the main primary stabilizing forces,with the carboxyl group of sinapic acid playing a critical role while the anthocyanin backbone also influenced the interaction.展开更多
After securing a market for their dried red chilli peppers in China,elated farmers in Uganda are expanding the spicy crop cultivation to thousands of acres.China’s increasing appetite for international cuisine and sp...After securing a market for their dried red chilli peppers in China,elated farmers in Uganda are expanding the spicy crop cultivation to thousands of acres.China’s increasing appetite for international cuisine and spices has created a most welcome demand for high-quality chillies.And given Uganda’s unique climate and soil conditions that allow for diverse chilli varieties,the East African country has a competitive edge.This has led to Uganda and China now having trade agreements in place,facilitating exports.展开更多
Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described...Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).展开更多
Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capa...Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capacity would be encountered if the conventional strength method is used.This paper presents the shakedown analysis on RMF,with a specific emphasis on the effect of water content.A series of cyclic triaxial tests with 50,000 loading cycles was conducted.Two-stage behavior of permanent deformation and dissipated energy responses was clearly characterized,from which an energy-based criterion was proposed to determine the shakedown limits.The proposed energy-based criterion was validated by examining its performance to various geomaterials including cohesive soils and unbound granular materials(UGMs).By applying the proposed method to RMF,the S-shape evolution curve was obtained in terms of shakedown limits with initial suction.Microfabric difference was believed as the main consequence of the S-shape mode.Demonstration was confirmed by the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)and scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses.By applying the proposed method to different geomaterials,an extensive comparison was made between the shakedown limits and the static shear strength.The ratio of shakedown limits to the static shear strength for saturated RMF specimen fell within the range of soft clays,while that of unsaturated specimen lies within the range of UGMs.展开更多
Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general contr...Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general control zones—are established based on the ecological red line,the lower-limit line for environmental quality,and the resource use line.Human activities are regulated through a permit system.Integrated and multifactorial protection of soil,plant,hydrological,and atmospheric elements is promoted at the regional level.A follow-up assessment contributes to the improvement of policy implementation and effectiveness.This study demonstrates the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province.Results show that(1)276 protection zones have been established under the ecological red line,covering key ecosystems and protected areas to ensure environmental security.Under the lower-limit line,1,626 functional(priority,key,and general control)zones have been designated to regulate air,water,and soil quality,enhancing environmental capacity and pollution control.(2)Through the integration and merging of the three lines,1,128 integrated management zones have been established,including 375,625,and 128 priority protection,critical control,and general control zones,respectively.Each zone has its own list of environmental permits to regulate human activities according to different environmental protection and natural resource development regimes.(3)The design of the follow-up assessment index system was informed by regional primary functions and industrial structure.The index system for provinces and cities is structured around three primary indicators—implementation updating,application,and guarantees—and 15 secondary indicators.The system for critical control zones is structured around environmental access,management,and effectiveness and 14 secondary indicators.A stringent environmental zoning system has been established through the TLOP policy,thereby safeguarding environmental security,promoting harmonious existence between humans and nature,and supporting the vision of Beautiful China.展开更多
Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises stru...Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.展开更多
Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels o...Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels on growth,photosynthesis,and secondary metabolite accumulation in red leaf lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.var.‘Super Caesar’s Red’).Plants were cultivated for three weeks in sealed chambers under 101 kPa(atmospheric pressure),66 kPa(moderate low pressure),and 33 kPa(severe low pressure).Growth analysis showed that leaf length and leaf area decreased significantly with reduced pressure,while chlorophyll content and SPAD values increased gradually.Photosynthetic measurements indicated lower transpiration and stomatal conductance under low pressure relative to atmospheric conditions,consistent with reduced stomatal size and density observed by SEM.Secondary metabolite analysis showed strong induction of anthocyanins(41.3%at 66 kPa and 190.8%at 33 kPa),with significant increases in phenolic and flavonoid contents.Thus,low-pressure conditions may suppress morphological growth but promote secondary metabolite contents,offering potential advantages for quality-oriented cultivation strategies.This study provides fundamental insights into physiological adaptation under low pressure and practical implications for crop selection and management in space agriculture and other controlled environments.展开更多
Chinese New Year is a time of vibrant energy and delightful surprises.Streets across China glow with red and gold decorations,while the air carries the scent of freshly steamed pastries and a wide variety of sweet tre...Chinese New Year is a time of vibrant energy and delightful surprises.Streets across China glow with red and gold decorations,while the air carries the scent of freshly steamed pastries and a wide variety of sweet treats.As the Year of the Horse gallops in,it brings a surge of vitality to the communities.Beyond fireworks,decorations,and dragon dances.展开更多
In this article,we provide an impact evaluation of an intervention in Peru regarding preparedness for El Nino impacts in Picsi District of Chiclayo Province in Peru’s northwestern coastal Lambayeque region.This effor...In this article,we provide an impact evaluation of an intervention in Peru regarding preparedness for El Nino impacts in Picsi District of Chiclayo Province in Peru’s northwestern coastal Lambayeque region.This effort involved the provision of special kits that reduce the potential damage to homes as a consequence of rainfall and floods associated with an El Nino-Southern Oscillation event.Information was collected in 2016 when this Forecast-based Financing early action was activated by an El Nino forecast,and after a coastal El Nino actually struck in 2017.This dual database permits us to estimate the impact of the intervention on the damage level of homes by comparing those homes supported by the program with those homes not receiving pilot-program support.This comparison is achieved by using propensity score matching techniques,which identify the most comparable homes to the ones that were supported by the intervention.The main findings of the study suggest a positive impact of the program in terms of its effectiveness in mitigating the damage caused by the 2017 El Ni?o.These results suggest a drop in the scale of house damage(less damage)by around 63%for a home that received the modular kit treatment.When considering other specifications of the model,the decrease in the scale of house damage improves up to approximately 66%.展开更多
This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of t...This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of two dyes(TR+CG-H3G).The Cockle Shell(CS)was used as a natural bio-adsorbent.The characterizations of CS were investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET).The adsorption potential of Cockle Shells was tested in two cases(single and binary system)and determined by:contact time(0–60 min),bio-adsorption dose(3–15 g/L),initial concentration(10–300 mg/L),temperature(22–61°C)and pH solution(2–12).The study of bio-adsorption(equilibrium and kinetics)was conducted at 22°C.The kinetic studies demon-strated that a pseudo-second-order adsorption mechanism had a good correlation coefficient(R2≥0.999).The Langmuir isotherm modeling provided a well-defined description of TR and CG-H3G bio-adsorption on cockle shells,exhibiting maximum capacities of 29.41 and 3.69 mg/g respectively at 22°C.The thermodynamic study shows that the reaction between the TR,CG-H3G dyes molecules and the bio-adsorbent is exothermic,spontaneous in the range of 22–31°C with the aleatory character decrease at the solid-liquid interface.The study of selectivity in single and binary systems has been performed under optimal operating conditions using the industrial textile rejection pH(pH=6.04).CG-H3G dye is found to have a higher selectivity than TR in single(0–60 min)and binary systems with a range of 6–45 min,as shown by the selectivity measurement.It was discovered that CS has the capability to remove both CG-H3G and TR dyes in both simple and binary systems,making it a superior bio-adsorbent.展开更多
文摘Background: Facial redness is multifactorial in nature and may be a sign of many different conditions,including rosacea, photo damage and flushing. Herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of dermatological conditions. Turmeric(Curcuma longa) and its constituents have been shown to mediate dilation and constriction of peripheral arterioles and have demonstrated anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.Objective: To investigate the effects of turmeric and turmeric-containing polyherbal combination tablets versus placebo on facial redness.Design, setting, participants, and interventions: This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized pilot study. Thirty-three healthy participants were recruited from the dermatology clinic at the University of California, Davis and nearby community from 2016 to 2017. Thirty participants were enrolled, and28 participants completed the study. The enrolled participants were randomized to receive one of three interventions(placebo, turmeric or polyherbal combination tablets) and were told to take the intervention tablets by mouth twice daily for 4 weeks. Facial redness was assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention by clinical grading and by image-based analysis.Main outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was image-based facial quantification of redness using a research camera and software analysis system. The investigators performed an intention-to-treat analysis by including all subjects who were enrolled in the trial and received any study intervention.Differences were considered statistically significant after accounting for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes for clinical grading were calculated with a Hedges' g where indicated.Results: Twenty-eight participants completed the study and there were no reported adverse events.Based on clinical grading, facial redness intensity and distribution down trended in the polyherbal combination group after 4 weeks(P = 0.1). Under photographic image analysis, the polyherbal combination group had a significant decrease in redness of 40% compared to baseline(P = 0.03). The placebo and turmeric groups had no statistically significant changes in image analysis-based facial redness.Conclusion: Polyherbal combination tablet supplementation improved facial redness compared to the turmeric or placebo. Overall, our findings suggested further investigations into the effects of turmeric and polyherbal formulations in skin conditions associated with facial redness would be warranted.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03065504.
文摘Maqui berries are wildly grown or cultivated in the Patagonian region in Chile. The berries contain large amounts of anthocyanins, especially delphinidin glycosides, which are strong anti-oxidants. We previously reported that standardized maqui berry extract, which contained lots of anthocyanins, has ameliorative effects against dry eyes and visible light-induced photoreceptor cell damage. However, the influence of maqui berry extract on the human skin has not been evaluated even though many skin troubles are related to active oxygen species. Therefore, we conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study with Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span>, a maqui berry extract standardized for anthocyanins, especially delphinidins and cyanidins, in healthy Japanese female subjects. Capsules containing Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span> (60 mg) or placebo were orally administered to subjects aged 27 to 57 years old for eight weeks. Skin conditions [pigmentation, redness, skin tone, wrinkles, texture, oil content, water content, trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), collagen score, dermal thickness, and elasticity] were measured before and after intervention. In the Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span> group, the saturation significantly increased after eight weeks and reddish spots significantly decreased after four weeks of intake. The collagen score, which decreases with age, slightly increased with age by Delphinol<span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span> ingestion for eight weeks. Thus, the anthocyanin-standardized maqui berry extract Delphinol<span style="white-space:nowrap;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;white-space:normal;background-color:#FFFFFF;">®</span></span></span></span> increased skin brightness and collagen content, and improved facial skin redness. This study suggests that the daily oral intake of maqui berry extract can help maintain a healthy facial condition.
文摘In order to explore the correlation of 3 different methods of evaluating the degree of skin redness,45 healthy Chinese subjects aged 18~45 were recruited to attend a human efficacy evaluation test.An emulsion product which declares soothing and repair efficacy was used each time in the morning and evening for 4 weeks.Three methods,including visual assessment,image analysis and instrument measurement,were taken to test the related indices of skin redness degree respectively.The improvement of skin redness and the correlation of 3 methods were evaluated by comparing the changes of each index before and after using the product.The results show that the face redness degree score and the image analysis a*value significantly reduce at all time points after using the sample(P<0.05),while the instrument probe a*value significantly reduce at the time point after using for 2 weeks(P<0.05).The correlation coefficient of the face redness degree score and the instrument probe a*value is more than 0.33 and less than 0.67,and the significance level is less than 0.01.Therefore,the sample has soothing and repair efficacy for improving skin redness;and the methods of visual assessment and instrument measurement present moderate positive correlation.
基金the financial support from the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFC2904405)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22078055,51774079)。
文摘To synergistically recover alumina and alkali from red mud(RM),the structural stability and conversion mechanism of hydroandradite(HA)from hydrogarnet(HG)were investigated via the First-principles,XRF,XRD,PSD and SEM methods,and a novel hydrothermal process based on the conversion principle was finally proposed.The crystal structure simulation shows that the HA with varied silicon saturation coefficients is more stable than HG,and the HA with a high iron substitution coefficient is more difficult to be converted from HG.The(110)plane of Fe_(2)O_(3) is easier to combine with HG to form HA,and the binding energy is 81.93 kJ/mol.The effects of raw material ratio,solution concentration and hydrothermal parameters on the conversion from HG to HA were revealed,and the optimal conditions for the alumina recovery were obtained.The recovery efficiencies of alumina and Na_(2)O from the RM are 63.06%and 97.34%,respectively,and the Na_(2)O content in the treated RM is only 0.13%.
基金supported by the Key R&D Program of Shaanxi Province,China(2024NC-YBXM-146)the Xi’an Agricultural Technology Research and Development Project,China(24NYGG0048)+1 种基金the Key R&D Program of Xianyang,China(L2024-ZDYF-ZDYF-NY-0028)the National Foreign Expert Project of China(G2023172002L)。
文摘The effect of adding hydroxycinnamic acids(caffeic acid,sinapic acid,p-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid)in Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine before and after fermentation was investigated,taking into account the color parameters,anthocyanin content,and overall polyphenol levels in the wine samples.The copigmentation effect of malvidin-3-Oglucoside and sinapic acid was further explored in model solution and through theoretical calculations.The results indicated that the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids significantly enhanced the wine's color with sinapic acid(before the fermentation)showing the most pronounced color protection effect.Compared to control samples,the addition of hydroxycinnamic acids resulted in a 36%increase in total phenolic content and a 28% increase in total anthocyanin content.Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the interaction between sinapic acid and malvidin-3-O-glucoside was spontaneous and exothermic.Theoretical studies identified hydrogen bonding(HB)and dispersion forces as the main primary stabilizing forces,with the carboxyl group of sinapic acid playing a critical role while the anthocyanin backbone also influenced the interaction.
文摘After securing a market for their dried red chilli peppers in China,elated farmers in Uganda are expanding the spicy crop cultivation to thousands of acres.China’s increasing appetite for international cuisine and spices has created a most welcome demand for high-quality chillies.And given Uganda’s unique climate and soil conditions that allow for diverse chilli varieties,the East African country has a competitive edge.This has led to Uganda and China now having trade agreements in place,facilitating exports.
基金support of the ORG.one project of Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT),the Rufford Grants(45249-1)the Idea Wild Grants(Project ID-KJOSINDI0125-00)the Mohamed Bin Zyed Species Conservation(MBZ)(GEF Grant no-240535253)Funds in our efforts to conserve threatened trees in the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot Forest regions.
文摘Plants constitute nearly 80%of the planet’s total biomass(Bar-On et al.,2018);however,this vital group is experiencing severe threats,and recent evaluations indicate that approximately 45%of the world's described plant species are at risk of extinction(Bachman et al.,2024).The number of plant extinctions has increased by 60%in the last 100 years(Di Marco et al.,2017).Over the past 250 years,571 plant species have gone extinct—more than twice the combined total of extinct birds,mammals,and amphibians(217 species)(Briggs,2019).
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.52278432 and 52478475)the Science and Technology Research and Development Plan of China National Railway Group Co.,Ltd.(Grant No.K2023G033)were greatly appreciated.
文摘Understanding the shakedown behavior of fill material is paramount to estimate the deformation stability of railway subgrade.Especially for red mudstone fill material(RMF),the noticeable overestimation of bearing capacity would be encountered if the conventional strength method is used.This paper presents the shakedown analysis on RMF,with a specific emphasis on the effect of water content.A series of cyclic triaxial tests with 50,000 loading cycles was conducted.Two-stage behavior of permanent deformation and dissipated energy responses was clearly characterized,from which an energy-based criterion was proposed to determine the shakedown limits.The proposed energy-based criterion was validated by examining its performance to various geomaterials including cohesive soils and unbound granular materials(UGMs).By applying the proposed method to RMF,the S-shape evolution curve was obtained in terms of shakedown limits with initial suction.Microfabric difference was believed as the main consequence of the S-shape mode.Demonstration was confirmed by the mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)and scanning electron microscope(SEM)analyses.By applying the proposed method to different geomaterials,an extensive comparison was made between the shakedown limits and the static shear strength.The ratio of shakedown limits to the static shear strength for saturated RMF specimen fell within the range of soft clays,while that of unsaturated specimen lies within the range of UGMs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers 42171085)and the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2024YFF1307801,2024YFF1307804).
文摘Integrated environmental management is important for sustainable development.Under China’s“Three Lines One Permit”(TLOP)policy,three types of management zones—priority protection,critical control,and general control zones—are established based on the ecological red line,the lower-limit line for environmental quality,and the resource use line.Human activities are regulated through a permit system.Integrated and multifactorial protection of soil,plant,hydrological,and atmospheric elements is promoted at the regional level.A follow-up assessment contributes to the improvement of policy implementation and effectiveness.This study demonstrates the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province.Results show that(1)276 protection zones have been established under the ecological red line,covering key ecosystems and protected areas to ensure environmental security.Under the lower-limit line,1,626 functional(priority,key,and general control)zones have been designated to regulate air,water,and soil quality,enhancing environmental capacity and pollution control.(2)Through the integration and merging of the three lines,1,128 integrated management zones have been established,including 375,625,and 128 priority protection,critical control,and general control zones,respectively.Each zone has its own list of environmental permits to regulate human activities according to different environmental protection and natural resource development regimes.(3)The design of the follow-up assessment index system was informed by regional primary functions and industrial structure.The index system for provinces and cities is structured around three primary indicators—implementation updating,application,and guarantees—and 15 secondary indicators.The system for critical control zones is structured around environmental access,management,and effectiveness and 14 secondary indicators.A stringent environmental zoning system has been established through the TLOP policy,thereby safeguarding environmental security,promoting harmonious existence between humans and nature,and supporting the vision of Beautiful China.
文摘Optimization is the key to obtaining efficient utilization of resources in structural design.Due to the complex nature of truss systems,this study presents a method based on metaheuristic modelling that minimises structural weight under stress and frequency constraints.Two new algorithms,the Red Kite Optimization Algorithm(ROA)and Secretary Bird Optimization Algorithm(SBOA),are utilized on five benchmark trusses with 10,18,37,72,and 200-bar trusses.Both algorithms are evaluated against benchmarks in the literature.The results indicate that SBOA always reaches a lighter optimal.Designs with reducing structural weight ranging from 0.02%to 0.15%compared to ROA,and up to 6%–8%as compared to conventional algorithms.In addition,SBOA can achieve 15%–20%faster convergence speed and 10%–18%reduction in computational time with a smaller standard deviation over independent runs,which demonstrates its robustness and reliability.It is indicated that the adaptive exploration mechanism of SBOA,especially its Levy flight–based search strategy,can obviously improve optimization performance for low-and high-dimensional trusses.The research has implications in the context of promoting bio-inspired optimization techniques by demonstrating the viability of SBOA,a reliable model for large-scale structural design that provides significant enhancements in performance and convergence behavior.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation(NRF)funded by the Korean government(MSIT)(No.RS-2024-00459463).
文摘Understanding plant responses under low-pressure conditions is important for developing closed cultivation systems that simulate space environments.This study aimed to assess the effects of different pressure levels on growth,photosynthesis,and secondary metabolite accumulation in red leaf lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.var.‘Super Caesar’s Red’).Plants were cultivated for three weeks in sealed chambers under 101 kPa(atmospheric pressure),66 kPa(moderate low pressure),and 33 kPa(severe low pressure).Growth analysis showed that leaf length and leaf area decreased significantly with reduced pressure,while chlorophyll content and SPAD values increased gradually.Photosynthetic measurements indicated lower transpiration and stomatal conductance under low pressure relative to atmospheric conditions,consistent with reduced stomatal size and density observed by SEM.Secondary metabolite analysis showed strong induction of anthocyanins(41.3%at 66 kPa and 190.8%at 33 kPa),with significant increases in phenolic and flavonoid contents.Thus,low-pressure conditions may suppress morphological growth but promote secondary metabolite contents,offering potential advantages for quality-oriented cultivation strategies.This study provides fundamental insights into physiological adaptation under low pressure and practical implications for crop selection and management in space agriculture and other controlled environments.
文摘Chinese New Year is a time of vibrant energy and delightful surprises.Streets across China glow with red and gold decorations,while the air carries the scent of freshly steamed pastries and a wide variety of sweet treats.As the Year of the Horse gallops in,it brings a surge of vitality to the communities.Beyond fireworks,decorations,and dragon dances.
文摘In this article,we provide an impact evaluation of an intervention in Peru regarding preparedness for El Nino impacts in Picsi District of Chiclayo Province in Peru’s northwestern coastal Lambayeque region.This effort involved the provision of special kits that reduce the potential damage to homes as a consequence of rainfall and floods associated with an El Nino-Southern Oscillation event.Information was collected in 2016 when this Forecast-based Financing early action was activated by an El Nino forecast,and after a coastal El Nino actually struck in 2017.This dual database permits us to estimate the impact of the intervention on the damage level of homes by comparing those homes supported by the program with those homes not receiving pilot-program support.This comparison is achieved by using propensity score matching techniques,which identify the most comparable homes to the ones that were supported by the intervention.The main findings of the study suggest a positive impact of the program in terms of its effectiveness in mitigating the damage caused by the 2017 El Ni?o.These results suggest a drop in the scale of house damage(less damage)by around 63%for a home that received the modular kit treatment.When considering other specifications of the model,the decrease in the scale of house damage improves up to approximately 66%.
基金supported by the University Salah Boubnider-Constantine 3 (Algeria).
文摘This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes,Cibacron Green H3G(CG-H3G)and Terasil Red(TR),in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of two dyes(TR+CG-H3G).The Cockle Shell(CS)was used as a natural bio-adsorbent.The characterizations of CS were investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller(BET).The adsorption potential of Cockle Shells was tested in two cases(single and binary system)and determined by:contact time(0–60 min),bio-adsorption dose(3–15 g/L),initial concentration(10–300 mg/L),temperature(22–61°C)and pH solution(2–12).The study of bio-adsorption(equilibrium and kinetics)was conducted at 22°C.The kinetic studies demon-strated that a pseudo-second-order adsorption mechanism had a good correlation coefficient(R2≥0.999).The Langmuir isotherm modeling provided a well-defined description of TR and CG-H3G bio-adsorption on cockle shells,exhibiting maximum capacities of 29.41 and 3.69 mg/g respectively at 22°C.The thermodynamic study shows that the reaction between the TR,CG-H3G dyes molecules and the bio-adsorbent is exothermic,spontaneous in the range of 22–31°C with the aleatory character decrease at the solid-liquid interface.The study of selectivity in single and binary systems has been performed under optimal operating conditions using the industrial textile rejection pH(pH=6.04).CG-H3G dye is found to have a higher selectivity than TR in single(0–60 min)and binary systems with a range of 6–45 min,as shown by the selectivity measurement.It was discovered that CS has the capability to remove both CG-H3G and TR dyes in both simple and binary systems,making it a superior bio-adsorbent.