To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 1...To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 100%,as well as on undisturbed and reconstituted non-plastic sandy soils retrieved from earth structures with a history of earthquake-induced damage.The specimens on sand-silt mixtures were produced under an initial degree of compaction of 95%.In these tests,liquefaction histories were applied three times to a single specimen under the same cyclic stress ratio after the respective consolidation stages with the measurements of the shear wave velocities.The following conclusions can be obtained from the test results:(1)The liquefaction resistance obtained in the firstto third cyclicloading stages decreased initially with increasing finescontent up to about 45%,while it increased afterward.Therefore,the susceptibility of sands containing a relatively large amount of non-plastic silt to reliquefaction may be more significantthan that of clean sands;(2)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity decreased significantlyduring the second cyclic-loading stage and after the second consolidation,respectively,despite an increase in the specimen density caused by the first liquefaction history,while they increased in the third stage.The possible reason for this change would be the disturbance of soil structures due to liquefaction,which may be partially evaluated by the volumetric strain during the respective consolidation stages,and the stress-induced anisotropy formed in the previous liquefaction stage;and(3)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity of the undisturbed specimens,which were measured in the firstto third stages,were larger than those of the reconstituted ones due to the aging effects,respectively.That is,the aging effects may not necessarily be eliminated by the subsequent liquefaction history and may remain partially in some cases.展开更多
Soil erosion by water is one of the major threats to soils in the north of Morocco;soil erosion not only decreases agricultural productivity, but also reduces the water availability. In the current study, Oued El Makh...Soil erosion by water is one of the major threats to soils in the north of Morocco;soil erosion not only decreases agricultural productivity, but also reduces the water availability. In the current study, Oued El Makhazine watershed is selected to estimate annual soil loss using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS). GIS data layers including, rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), cover management (C) and conservation practice (P) factors are computed to determine their effects on average annual soil loss in the area. The resultant map of annual soil erosion shows a maximum soil loss of 735 t·h<sup>-1</sup>·y<sup>-1</sup>, about 65.25% (1575 km<sup>2</sup>), of the watershed ranges between 0 and 95 t·h<sup>-1</sup>·y<sup>-1</sup>. Higher soil losses are observed at higher LS factor area. The spatial erosion maps generate with USLE method, remote sensing and GIS can serve as effective inputs in deriving strategies for land planning and management in the environmentally sensitive mountainous areas.展开更多
This study evaluates the trace element contents (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in soils, sediments and rock residues of the artisanal gold mining site of Lite-Bala in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Random sam...This study evaluates the trace element contents (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in soils, sediments and rock residues of the artisanal gold mining site of Lite-Bala in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Random sampling, physicochemical analysis and analysis of total and soluble trace elements by ICP-OES spectrometry as well as calculations of pollution indices (FE and Igeo) and partition coefficient (kd) were carried out in two areas in the dry season and in the rainy season. The soils and sediments of the site are acidic, oxidizing, poor in organic carbon with clayey to sandy textures. Artisanal gold mining at Lite-Bala does not affect, to date, the cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic contents of soils and sediments. On the other hand, the presence of these elements in rock residues, even in low levels, and the mechanization of this exploitation will have an impact on them in the long term;in particular for Hg used as an input and whose levels are close to the higher standard in surface soils.展开更多
Groundwater,surface water and tap water contamination by PTEs(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Kipushi town and Lupoto locality of Kipushi administrative territory in the Upper-Katanga province,Democratic Re...Groundwater,surface water and tap water contamination by PTEs(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Kipushi town and Lupoto locality of Kipushi administrative territory in the Upper-Katanga province,Democratic Republic of Congo.A total of fifty four water samples including thirty two samples from drilled water wells,ten samples from spade-sunk water wells,six samples from supplied tap water,four samples from a mine effluent and two samples from a river were collected from both localities in November and December 2017 and in January,February and March 2018.Then the samples were analyzed for their PTE contents by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTE,such as arsenic,aluminum,cadmium,iron,lead,manganese and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater,surface water and tap water to meet their water needs in both localities are at risk.展开更多
The Agadem block is an area of major oil interest located in the large sedimentary basin of Termit,in the south-east of the Republic of Niger.Since the 1950s,this basin has known geological and geophysical research ac...The Agadem block is an area of major oil interest located in the large sedimentary basin of Termit,in the south-east of the Republic of Niger.Since the 1950s,this basin has known geological and geophysical research activities.However,despite the extensive research carried out,we believe that a geophysical contribution in terms of magnetic properties and their repercussions on the structure of the Agadem block allowing the improvement of existing knowledge is essential.The present study aims to study the structural characteristics of the Agadem block associated with magnetic anomalies.For this,after data shaping,several filtering techniques were applied to the aeromagnetic data to identify and map deep geological structures.The reduction to the pole map shows large negative wavelength anomalies in the southeast half of the block and short positive wavelength anomalies in the northwest part embedded in a large positive anomaly occupying the lower northern half of the block.The maps of the total horizontal derivative and tilt angle show lineaments globally distributed along the NW-SE direction in accordance with the structural style of the study area.The resulting map highlights numerous lineaments that may be associated with faults hidden by the sedimentary cover.The calculation of the Euler deconvolution allowed us to locate and estimate the depths of magnetic sources at variable depths of up to 4000 m.The compilation of the results obtained allowed us to locate zones of high and low intensities which correspond respectively to horsts and grabens as major structures of the Agadem block.展开更多
This study addresses the pressing need to evaluate the quality of water resources in the Oued Guir watershed,highlighting the importance of monitoring both surface water and groundwater in the context of environmental...This study addresses the pressing need to evaluate the quality of water resources in the Oued Guir watershed,highlighting the importance of monitoring both surface water and groundwater in the context of environmental and public health.It focuses on the evaluation of physicochemical and bacteriological water quality downstream of the Kaddoussa Dam,as well as the characterization of wastewater from the Boudnib treatment plant discharged into Oued Guir.The goal is to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on these sensitive environments.A comprehensive analysis was conducted at 15 selected stations during a sampling campaign in November 2023.Groundwater and surface water were assessed using 10 physicochemical parameters,while bacteriological quality was evaluated based on fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli.In addition,38 parameters were studied to characterize the wastewater discharge.All analyses followed standard procedures and the results were compared to Moroccan and World Health Organization(WHO)standards.The study revealed that surface water and groundwater in the study area exhibited strong mineralization,with Electrical Conductivity(EC)exceeding 1400µS/cm at all stations.Nitrogen quality,in terms of Nitrates(NO₃⁻),was moderate across stations,while Ammonium(NH₄⁺)quality was consistently excellent.Physicochemical parameters of surface waters indicated overall excellent quality.Bacteriological analysis showed minimal contamination by fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli,with levels deemed negligible.However,wastewater from the Boudnib treatment plant exceeded Moroccan standards for organic load,presenting a potential environmental risk.展开更多
Protein fibers derived from silk fibroin(SF)were chemically extracted and purified from cocoons.It was used as a reinforced fiber for hydrogel formation with collagen(Col)and hyaluronic acid(HA).Calcium chloride(8 wt....Protein fibers derived from silk fibroin(SF)were chemically extracted and purified from cocoons.It was used as a reinforced fiber for hydrogel formation with collagen(Col)and hyaluronic acid(HA).Calcium chloride(8 wt.%)was employed as a crosslinking reagent to synthesize the SF/Col/HA-based hydrogel composite.FTIR spec-troscopy confirmed the presence of N-H stretching due to the plane bending of amide II in theβ-sheet structure.XRD analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the SF/Col/HA-based hydrogel composite.Scanning electron mi-croscopy revealed three-dimensional porous structures with interconnected pores.These porous structures can serve as reservoirs for storing adsorbent media.The hydrogel composite was thermally stable at 250℃.The lowboiling bound solvent evaporation temperature,glass transition temperature,and degradation temperature were 102℃-105℃,298℃-300℃,and 524℃-545℃,respectively.The ranges of porosity and gel fraction were 60%-80%and 90%-95%,respectively.The hydrogel composite was rapidly swollen within 1 h,reaching a plateau afterward.The compressive strength was 4-6 MPa.As absorbent media,hydrogels can easily adhere to lead ions via electrostatic interactions.They can be used as reservoirs for the adsorption of heavy metals.展开更多
While exerting their metabolic activities in the gastrointestinal milieu,probiotics impact the host well-being by boosting immunity,treating metabolic disorders,and modulating microbiota and metabolome.Due to the high...While exerting their metabolic activities in the gastrointestinal milieu,probiotics impact the host well-being by boosting immunity,treating metabolic disorders,and modulating microbiota and metabolome.Due to the high incidence of gluten-based disorders,the present work aims to deeply explore the metabolism of two selected microbial consortia(MCs)during gluten digestion under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.Featured by high protease and peptidase activity,both MCs accounted for different lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus strains that were combined with two commercial protease enzymes.Gluten substrates were used as purified extracts,white and whole wheat breads.Control samples,instead,relied onto the microbial enzyme lack.Twenty-four hours of simulated digestion were sufficient to completely hydrolyze gluten in one of the two MC-containing experimental sets,and the relative 48 h-digested extract did not alter the cytokine expression in duodenal biopsies from celiac disease(CeD)patients.When digested samples were assayed for antioxidant and phytase activities,microbial enzymes demonstrated to significantly improve both 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)scavenging activity and to decrease the phytic acid concentration.The inspection of the free amino acid profiles allowed for distinguishing the two MCs,whereas the detection of a heterogeneous panel of volatile organic compounds supported the presence/activity of microbial enzymes without statistically significant differences between MCs.As functional contribution,digested extracts with MCs also proved to reduce the inflammatory cytokine concentrations in cell lines exposed to lipopolysaccharide trigger.Therefore,in line with studies exploring novel adjuvant therapies,the present innovative probiotic consortium featured by high gluten-hydrolyzing metabolism also showed the capability to improve various parameters usually found to be altered in patients affected by gluten-based disorders or CeD.展开更多
Transition metal selenides(TMSs)are effective pre-electrocatalysts and are commonly used in electrochemical processes.During the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction(OER),metal cations in TMSs are in-situ recons...Transition metal selenides(TMSs)are effective pre-electrocatalysts and are commonly used in electrochemical processes.During the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction(OER),metal cations in TMSs are in-situ reconstructed and converted into high-valence metal oxyhydroxides.However,a limited understanding of the effects of electro-oxidation and anion leaching has resulted in insufficient theoretical guidance for the rational design of efficient catalysts.Herein,FeSe@NiSe nanorods were fabricated for the OER using a facile hydrothermal selenization method supported on FeNi foam.In-situ Raman spectroscopy and multiple characterization techniques were employed to elucidate the mechanism of FeSe@NiSe surface evolution.Metal cations on the catalyst surface were reconstructed and converted into OER-active species Fe/NiOOH at low potential.As the applied potential increased,electro-oxidation and leaching of Se occurred,resulting in SeO_(4)^(2−)adsorption on the catalyst surface,which further enhanced catalytic activity.As a result,the reconstructed FeSe@NiSe/iron-nickel foam(INF)exhibited exceptional catalytic activity for OER,achieving an ultralow overpotential of 283 mV at a current density of 100 mA·cm^(−2).Notably,the bifunctional FeSe@NiSe/INF electrode facilitated overall water splitting,affording a current density of 10 mA·cm^(−2) only at 1.53 V,even superior to the noble RuO_(2)(+)||Pt/C(−).This work offers valuable insights into the surface evolution and electrocatalytic mechanisms of TMSs.展开更多
Objective:To examine how emotional labor demands and strategies influence work engagement and occupational identity among Portuguese volunteer firefighters.Methods:Participants completed the Emotional Work Requirement...Objective:To examine how emotional labor demands and strategies influence work engagement and occupational identity among Portuguese volunteer firefighters.Methods:Participants completed the Emotional Work Requirements Scale,Emotional Labour Scale,Utrecht Work Engagement Scale,and Social Identity Scale.Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the predictive effects of emotional labor demands and strategies on work engagement and occupational identity.Results:Emotional labor explained 11.8%of the variance in work engagement and 10.9%in occupational identity.Positive emotion expression significantly predicted higher work engagement and a stronger occupational identity,while the suppression of negative emotions predicted a weaker occupational identity.Other emotional labor dimensions were not significant.Conclusions:Findings underscore the dual role of emotional labor—as a resource when positive emotions are expressed and as a strain when negative emotions are habitually suppressed.Targeted interventions to promote authentic positive expression and effective emotional processing may enhance firefighters’well-being,strengthen crisis team performance,and benefit the communities they serve.Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of emotional labor in crisis response contexts.展开更多
The Malacca Strait(MS)is a vital conduit for the exchange of water and sediment between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean,serving as a critical‘gateway'for sediment transport.Here,we present the geochemical ...The Malacca Strait(MS)is a vital conduit for the exchange of water and sediment between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean,serving as a critical‘gateway'for sediment transport.Here,we present the geochemical characteristics of surface sediments in the MS to elucidate the relationship between terrestrial material inputs and modern oceanic dynamic transport processes in the strait.The results reveal that the MS can be divided into three distinct geochemical provinces.ProvinceⅠ,located in the central region of the strait,is characterized by residual deposits.The preservation of these residual deposits can be attributed to the restricted sediment supply and the relatively weaker modern sedimentary hydrodynamic conditions.ProvinceⅡ,situated to the north of ProvinceⅠ,exhibits provenance differences between its southern and northern regions.The northern region is primarily supplied by sediments originating from the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea,whereas sediments derived from Sumatra and the Sunda Shelf are predominantly deposited in the southern part of ProvinceⅡ.ProvinceⅢextends along the western coast of the Malaysian Peninsula,with sediments primarily sourced from the Malaysian Peninsula and the Sunda Shelf,while contributions from Sumatra and the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea are negligible.River sediments from the Malaysian Peninsula and Sumatra are transported northwestward along their respective coasts by prevailing currents,which also facilitate the transportation of Sunda Shelf sediments within the strait,while sediments from the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea are delivered to the MS via southward coastal currents during the southwest monsoon period.The southward currents and well-developed eddies potentially impede the northward transport of sediments from the Sunda Shelf and restrict the distribution of Andaman Sea sediments within the strait.This study substantially enhances the understanding of source-to-sink processes in the Indo-Pacific region.展开更多
One of the main obstacles to the development of aquaculture in Senegal is the availability of fry and juveniles in sufficient quantities. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with the hor...One of the main obstacles to the development of aquaculture in Senegal is the availability of fry and juveniles in sufficient quantities. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with the hormone 17 alpha methyl testosterone (17-&-MT) and different doses of Nauclea latifolia root powder on the masculinization rates of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus larvae in Senegal. A total of 450 larvae of Oreochromis niloticus, with an average size of 0.012 g, were placed in 15 aquariums, each containing 30 individuals and fed one of the 5 diets in triplicate. These individuals were fed either a diet containing a plant extract at a dose of 180 mg (T180), 200 mg (T200) and 250 mg (T250) per kg of food, or a diet containing 60 mg/kg of the hormone 17-&-MT (TMT), or a diet without either the plant extract or the hormone (T0). Individuals were fed for 30 days with the treatment diets, and then with the industrial feed for the rest of the experiment. At the end of the study, the results of the masculinization rate were: 80.49%, 73.13%, 69.23%, 66.67% and 45.95% for T250;T200, TMT, T180 and T0 respectively. In summary, we can say that the 250 mg/kg dose provides better masculinization, followed by 200mg/kg and then 17 α MT. For the plant, the increase in the percentage of males is dose-dependent. These results also translate into better growth of individuals in this order. However, the relatively lower survival rates observed in batches treated with Nauclea latifolia extract indicate that these treatments could have a deleterious effect on the survival of Oreochromis niloticus larvae. These results suggest the use of N. latifolia extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg feed for better production of male O. niloticus larvae without compromising their growth.展开更多
In the Republic of Benin,as in many other West African countries,urban areas have experienced rapid popula-tion growth in recent years.This situation has led to an increasing demand for sanitation facilities,necessita...In the Republic of Benin,as in many other West African countries,urban areas have experienced rapid popula-tion growth in recent years.This situation has led to an increasing demand for sanitation facilities,necessitating regular emptying of these systems.In a bid to reduce health risks and protect the surrounding natural environment,the manage-ment of the by-products from these systems has become a significant concern for decision-makers at various levels.This study aims to characterize fecal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggest a mixed biological treatment approach.Fifteen sewage sludge samples were collected in 1,500 ml plastic bottles from Adjagbo’s Sewage Treatment Station,operated by SGDS-SA,a Waste Management and Sanitation company.Physico-chemical parameters were de-termined using spectrophotometric analysis.Colonies were enumerated using membrane filtration and inoculation.Cor-relation analysis was performed on sewage sludge samples.The main results indicate an alkaline character(pH>7)and a high organic pollutant load in the fecal sludge,with average concentrations of Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD)and Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days(BOD_(5))at 18,730 mg O_(2).L^(-1)and 6,612 mg O_(2).L^(-1),respectively.The COD/BOD_(5) ratio of 2.83 suggests that the material is partially biodegradable.Furthermore,the nutrients exhibited high con-centrations of nitrates,with an average value of 4,786 mg.L^(-1),while nitrites,ammoniacal nitrogen,and orthophosphates had average concentrations of 22.48 mg.L^(-1),119.74 mg.L^(-1),and 239.0 mg.L^(-1),respectively.This study characterized fe-cal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggests a mixed biological treatment approach.展开更多
Micro/nano hierarchical structures could endow materials with various surface functions.However,the multilayer and multiscale characteristics of micro/nano hierarchical structures bring difficulties for their one step...Micro/nano hierarchical structures could endow materials with various surface functions.However,the multilayer and multiscale characteristics of micro/nano hierarchical structures bring difficulties for their one step and controllable fabrication.Accordingly,based on tip-based fabrication techniques,this study proposed a micro-amplitude vibration-assisted scratching method by introducing a periodic backward displacement into the conventional scratching process,which enabled the synchronous creation of the microscale V-groove and nanoscale ripples,i.e.a typical micro/nano hierarchical structure.The experiments and finite element modeling were employed to explore the formation process and mechanism of the micro/nano hierarchical structures.Being different from conventional cutting,this method was mainly based on the plow mechanism,and it could accurately replicate the shape of the indenter on the material surface.The microscale V-groove was formed due to the scratching action,and the nanoscale ripple was formed due to the extrusion action of the indenter on the microscale V-groove’s surface.Furthermore,the relationships between the processing parameters and the dimensions of the micro/nano hierarchical structures were established through experiments,and optimized processing parameters were determined to achieve regular micro/nano hierarchical structures.By this method,complex patterns constructed by various micro/nano hierarchical structures were fabricated on both flat and curved surfaces,achieving diverse surface structural colors.展开更多
Earthworms play a vital role in enhancing soil quality and structure in agricultural ecosystems.This study investigated the diversity of earthworm species found in banana and guava orchards in Nakhon Pathom,Thailand,w...Earthworms play a vital role in enhancing soil quality and structure in agricultural ecosystems.This study investigated the diversity of earthworm species found in banana and guava orchards in Nakhon Pathom,Thailand,where 166 samples were collected.The results showed that 56.63%of earthworms were in the adult stage.In the banana orchard,researchers identified two families and four species:from the family Megascolecidae,they found Amynthas alexandri,Metaphire posthuma,and Polypheretima elongata,along with one species from the family Moniligastridae,Drawida sp.In the guava orchard,two families and two species were identified:from the family Megascolecidae,Metaphire posthuma,and from the family Moniligastridae,Drawida sp.Fungi isolated from the intestines of earthworms,precisely the strains EW2,EW3,EW6,EW13,EW16,EW23,EW25,EW26,EW28,EW38,EW39,EW40,EW41,EW43,and EW44,have demonstrated the ability to produce cellulase.Among these,the fungus EW41 exhibited the highest cellulase activity,measuring 32.97 units per milliliter at an optimal temperature of 60℃ and a pH of 5.0.This study high-ranlightsthat most earthworm species in agricultural soils belong to the family Megascolecidae.Furthermore,earthwormsplay a crucial role in enhancing the chemical properties of the soil.The cellulolytic fungi present in earthworm intestinescontribute to the natural decomposition of organic matter,thereby promoting soil health by converting plant residuesinto nutrient-rich compost.These findings suggest promising applications of earthworm-associated fungi in sustainableagriculture and organic waste management.展开更多
Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and...Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and environmental factors influencing its distribution in the semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. We surveyed 388 plots (5 m radius) at different altitudes, recording life stages, stem diameters, and regeneration patterns, and analyzed soil samples. Multivariate analyses, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), and Multiple Regression Modeling (MRM), identified key environmental factors affecting its distribution. Findings show that O. lanceolata populations in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat districts are severely degraded due to overexploitation. The species is primarily regenerating through coppicing rather than seedlings, with an exploitation intensity of 56.6%. Population densities are low, distribution is irregular, and sustainable harvesting is not viable. Soil properties, particularly Ca2+, N, P, K+, Na+, and organic matter, significantly influence its abundance. Conservation efforts should focus on identifying suitable provenances for genetic preservation and plantation establishment. Areas with at least 9 trees per hectare in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat could serve as potential sites for ex-situ plantations. Further research should explore how biotic interactions, genetic diversity, and morphology affect oil yield and quality to support restoration, breeding, and domestication initiatives.展开更多
In light of the growing urgency to address environmental degradation and improve carbon sequestration strategies,this study rigorously investigates the potential of Cistus ladaniferus as a viable feedstock for biochar...In light of the growing urgency to address environmental degradation and improve carbon sequestration strategies,this study rigorously investigates the potential of Cistus ladaniferus as a viable feedstock for biochar and activated carbon production.The influence of pyrolysis temperature,heating rate and particle size on biochar yield was systematically examined.The results demonstrate that increasing pyrolysis temperature and heating rate significantly reduces biochar yield,while particle size plays a crucial role in thermal degradation and biochar retention.To evaluate the structural and chemical properties of the materials,various characterization techniques were employed,including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis(EDXA).FTIR identified key functional groups,while SEM and EDXA provided valuable insights into the morphology and elemental composition of the materials.Activated carbons exhibited enhanced porosity and carbon content compared to their biochar counterparts,achieving specific surface areas of up to 1210 m^(2) g^(-1) for acidactivated shells(AC-Sha).The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)method confirmed the mesoporous characteristics of these materials,with AC-Sa displaying a surface area of 678.74 m^(2) g^(-1) and an average pore size of 2.73 nm.Elemental analysis revealed that activated carbons possessed a higher carbon content(96.40 wt.%for AC-Sha)and lower oxygen content(2.37 wt.%),highlighting their suitability for applications in adsorption and catalysis.These findings underscore the significant impact of activation processes on the stability and adsorption capabilities of Cistus-derived biochars and activated carbons,paving the way for future research and practical applications in pollution control,carbon sequestration,and bioenergy.展开更多
A reliable estimation of Candida bloodstream infection prevalence is increasingly important to track changes in Candida species distribution and define burden of ongoing candidemia.A systematic review and meta-analysi...A reliable estimation of Candida bloodstream infection prevalence is increasingly important to track changes in Candida species distribution and define burden of ongoing candidemia.A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate candidemia prevalence and identify patterns of Candida species in South-eastern Asia.Systematic electronic-databases literature search was performed on published studies recorded candidemia prevalence in South-Eastern Asia.Using meta-analysis of proportions,the overall pooled prevalences of candidemia by Candida(C.)albicans,C.tropicalis,C.parapsilosis and C.glabrata were calculated as 28.4%(95%CI 24.9-31.8),29.2%(95%CI 24.7-33.7),19.1%(95%CI 14.8-23.4)and 14.0%(95%CI 10.4-17.5),respectively.Based on publication year and country,subgroup analyses were conducted on Candida species to determine heterogeneity source.The findings may not precisely reflect true candidemia prevalence in different countries.Therefore,it highlights continuous need to conduct prevalence studies,assess and monitor growing burden,control effect of potential risk factors and implement regional surveillance programs to prevent further rise.展开更多
Electric vehicles(EVs)are gradually being deployed in the transportation sector.Although they have a high impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,their penetration is challenged by their random energy demand and d...Electric vehicles(EVs)are gradually being deployed in the transportation sector.Although they have a high impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,their penetration is challenged by their random energy demand and difficult scheduling of their optimal charging.To cope with these problems,this paper presents a novel approach for photovoltaic grid-connected microgrid EV charging station energy demand forecasting.The present study is part of a comprehensive framework involving emerging technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence designed to support the EVs’charging scheduling task.By using predictive algorithms for solar generation and load demand estimation,this approach aimed at ensuring dynamic and efficient energy flow between the solar energy source,the grid and the electric vehicles.The main contribution of this paper lies in developing an intelligent approach based on deep recurrent neural networks to forecast the energy demand using only its previous records.Therefore,various forecasters based on Long Short-term Memory,Gated Recurrent Unit,and their bi-directional and stacked variants were investigated using a real dataset collected from an EV charging station located at Trieste University(Italy).The developed forecasters have been evaluated and compared according to different metrics,including R,RMSE,MAE,and MAPE.We found that the obtained R values for both PV power generation and energy demand ranged between 97%and 98%.These study findings can be used for reliable and efficient decision-making on the management side of the optimal scheduling of the charging operations.展开更多
The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is la...The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown.In patients who underwent discontinuation after multiple injections of denosumab,the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b increased compared to pretreatment levels,indicating a phenomenon known as“overshoot.”The rate of decrease in bone mineral density during the withdrawal period was higher than the rate of decrease associated with aging,suggesting that the physiological bone metabolism had broken down.Overshoot and significant bone loss were also observed in mice receiving continuous administration of anti-RANKL antibody after treatment was interrupted,resembling the original pathology.In mice long out of overshoot,bone resorption recovered,but osteoblast numbers and bone formation remained markedly reduced.The bone marrow exhibited a significant reduction in stem cell(SC)antigen 1-and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-expressing osteoblast progenitors(PαS cells)and alkaline phosphatase-positive early osteoblasts.Just before the overshoot phase,the osteoclast precursor cell population expands and RANKL-bearing extracellular vesicles(EVs)became abundant in the serum,leading to robust osteoclastogenesis after cessation of anti-RANKL treatment.Thus,accelerated bone resorption due to the accumulation of RANKLbearing EVs and long-term suppression of bone formation uncoupled from bone resorption leads to the severe bone loss characteristic of denosumab discontinuation.展开更多
基金supported by JSPS KAKENHI(Grant Nos.JP22K04305 and JP19K15083).
文摘To investigate the influencesof non-plastic silt and soil aging on the re-liquefaction resistance of sands,a series of undrained triaxial tests was performed on sand-silt mixtures with finescontent ranging from 0%to 100%,as well as on undisturbed and reconstituted non-plastic sandy soils retrieved from earth structures with a history of earthquake-induced damage.The specimens on sand-silt mixtures were produced under an initial degree of compaction of 95%.In these tests,liquefaction histories were applied three times to a single specimen under the same cyclic stress ratio after the respective consolidation stages with the measurements of the shear wave velocities.The following conclusions can be obtained from the test results:(1)The liquefaction resistance obtained in the firstto third cyclicloading stages decreased initially with increasing finescontent up to about 45%,while it increased afterward.Therefore,the susceptibility of sands containing a relatively large amount of non-plastic silt to reliquefaction may be more significantthan that of clean sands;(2)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity decreased significantlyduring the second cyclic-loading stage and after the second consolidation,respectively,despite an increase in the specimen density caused by the first liquefaction history,while they increased in the third stage.The possible reason for this change would be the disturbance of soil structures due to liquefaction,which may be partially evaluated by the volumetric strain during the respective consolidation stages,and the stress-induced anisotropy formed in the previous liquefaction stage;and(3)The liquefaction resistance and the shear wave velocity of the undisturbed specimens,which were measured in the firstto third stages,were larger than those of the reconstituted ones due to the aging effects,respectively.That is,the aging effects may not necessarily be eliminated by the subsequent liquefaction history and may remain partially in some cases.
文摘Soil erosion by water is one of the major threats to soils in the north of Morocco;soil erosion not only decreases agricultural productivity, but also reduces the water availability. In the current study, Oued El Makhazine watershed is selected to estimate annual soil loss using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS). GIS data layers including, rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), slope length and steepness (LS), cover management (C) and conservation practice (P) factors are computed to determine their effects on average annual soil loss in the area. The resultant map of annual soil erosion shows a maximum soil loss of 735 t·h<sup>-1</sup>·y<sup>-1</sup>, about 65.25% (1575 km<sup>2</sup>), of the watershed ranges between 0 and 95 t·h<sup>-1</sup>·y<sup>-1</sup>. Higher soil losses are observed at higher LS factor area. The spatial erosion maps generate with USLE method, remote sensing and GIS can serve as effective inputs in deriving strategies for land planning and management in the environmentally sensitive mountainous areas.
文摘This study evaluates the trace element contents (cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic) in soils, sediments and rock residues of the artisanal gold mining site of Lite-Bala in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Random sampling, physicochemical analysis and analysis of total and soluble trace elements by ICP-OES spectrometry as well as calculations of pollution indices (FE and Igeo) and partition coefficient (kd) were carried out in two areas in the dry season and in the rainy season. The soils and sediments of the site are acidic, oxidizing, poor in organic carbon with clayey to sandy textures. Artisanal gold mining at Lite-Bala does not affect, to date, the cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic contents of soils and sediments. On the other hand, the presence of these elements in rock residues, even in low levels, and the mechanization of this exploitation will have an impact on them in the long term;in particular for Hg used as an input and whose levels are close to the higher standard in surface soils.
文摘Groundwater,surface water and tap water contamination by PTEs(Potentially Toxic Elements)was assessed in Kipushi town and Lupoto locality of Kipushi administrative territory in the Upper-Katanga province,Democratic Republic of Congo.A total of fifty four water samples including thirty two samples from drilled water wells,ten samples from spade-sunk water wells,six samples from supplied tap water,four samples from a mine effluent and two samples from a river were collected from both localities in November and December 2017 and in January,February and March 2018.Then the samples were analyzed for their PTE contents by ICP-SF-MS(Inductively Coupled Plasma-Sector Field Mass Spectrometry).Twenty PTEs including aluminum,arsenic,barium,bismuth,cadmium,cesium,chromium,cobalt,copper,iron,lead,manganese,molybdenum,nickel,strontium,thallium,tungsten,uranium,vanadium and zinc were detected at various concentrations in each one of the samples.Many samples had concentrations and mean concentrations of PTE,such as arsenic,aluminum,cadmium,iron,lead,manganese and zinc,higher than the respective acceptable limits set for drinking water by the EU(European Union),the USEPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency),and the WHO(World Health Organization)standards.Most PTEs being deleterious to human health even at very low concentrations,people who use the groundwater,surface water and tap water to meet their water needs in both localities are at risk.
文摘The Agadem block is an area of major oil interest located in the large sedimentary basin of Termit,in the south-east of the Republic of Niger.Since the 1950s,this basin has known geological and geophysical research activities.However,despite the extensive research carried out,we believe that a geophysical contribution in terms of magnetic properties and their repercussions on the structure of the Agadem block allowing the improvement of existing knowledge is essential.The present study aims to study the structural characteristics of the Agadem block associated with magnetic anomalies.For this,after data shaping,several filtering techniques were applied to the aeromagnetic data to identify and map deep geological structures.The reduction to the pole map shows large negative wavelength anomalies in the southeast half of the block and short positive wavelength anomalies in the northwest part embedded in a large positive anomaly occupying the lower northern half of the block.The maps of the total horizontal derivative and tilt angle show lineaments globally distributed along the NW-SE direction in accordance with the structural style of the study area.The resulting map highlights numerous lineaments that may be associated with faults hidden by the sedimentary cover.The calculation of the Euler deconvolution allowed us to locate and estimate the depths of magnetic sources at variable depths of up to 4000 m.The compilation of the results obtained allowed us to locate zones of high and low intensities which correspond respectively to horsts and grabens as major structures of the Agadem block.
文摘This study addresses the pressing need to evaluate the quality of water resources in the Oued Guir watershed,highlighting the importance of monitoring both surface water and groundwater in the context of environmental and public health.It focuses on the evaluation of physicochemical and bacteriological water quality downstream of the Kaddoussa Dam,as well as the characterization of wastewater from the Boudnib treatment plant discharged into Oued Guir.The goal is to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on these sensitive environments.A comprehensive analysis was conducted at 15 selected stations during a sampling campaign in November 2023.Groundwater and surface water were assessed using 10 physicochemical parameters,while bacteriological quality was evaluated based on fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli.In addition,38 parameters were studied to characterize the wastewater discharge.All analyses followed standard procedures and the results were compared to Moroccan and World Health Organization(WHO)standards.The study revealed that surface water and groundwater in the study area exhibited strong mineralization,with Electrical Conductivity(EC)exceeding 1400µS/cm at all stations.Nitrogen quality,in terms of Nitrates(NO₃⁻),was moderate across stations,while Ammonium(NH₄⁺)quality was consistently excellent.Physicochemical parameters of surface waters indicated overall excellent quality.Bacteriological analysis showed minimal contamination by fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli,with levels deemed negligible.However,wastewater from the Boudnib treatment plant exceeded Moroccan standards for organic load,presenting a potential environmental risk.
基金supported by a Matching Fund between Tham-masat University Research Fund and the National Taipei University of Technology(Taipei Tech),contract no MF 1/2567National Taipei University of Technology-Thammasat University Joint Research Program(NTUT-TU Joint Research Program NTUT-TU-113-03).
文摘Protein fibers derived from silk fibroin(SF)were chemically extracted and purified from cocoons.It was used as a reinforced fiber for hydrogel formation with collagen(Col)and hyaluronic acid(HA).Calcium chloride(8 wt.%)was employed as a crosslinking reagent to synthesize the SF/Col/HA-based hydrogel composite.FTIR spec-troscopy confirmed the presence of N-H stretching due to the plane bending of amide II in theβ-sheet structure.XRD analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the SF/Col/HA-based hydrogel composite.Scanning electron mi-croscopy revealed three-dimensional porous structures with interconnected pores.These porous structures can serve as reservoirs for storing adsorbent media.The hydrogel composite was thermally stable at 250℃.The lowboiling bound solvent evaporation temperature,glass transition temperature,and degradation temperature were 102℃-105℃,298℃-300℃,and 524℃-545℃,respectively.The ranges of porosity and gel fraction were 60%-80%and 90%-95%,respectively.The hydrogel composite was rapidly swollen within 1 h,reaching a plateau afterward.The compressive strength was 4-6 MPa.As absorbent media,hydrogels can easily adhere to lead ions via electrostatic interactions.They can be used as reservoirs for the adsorption of heavy metals.
文摘While exerting their metabolic activities in the gastrointestinal milieu,probiotics impact the host well-being by boosting immunity,treating metabolic disorders,and modulating microbiota and metabolome.Due to the high incidence of gluten-based disorders,the present work aims to deeply explore the metabolism of two selected microbial consortia(MCs)during gluten digestion under simulated gastrointestinal conditions.Featured by high protease and peptidase activity,both MCs accounted for different lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus strains that were combined with two commercial protease enzymes.Gluten substrates were used as purified extracts,white and whole wheat breads.Control samples,instead,relied onto the microbial enzyme lack.Twenty-four hours of simulated digestion were sufficient to completely hydrolyze gluten in one of the two MC-containing experimental sets,and the relative 48 h-digested extract did not alter the cytokine expression in duodenal biopsies from celiac disease(CeD)patients.When digested samples were assayed for antioxidant and phytase activities,microbial enzymes demonstrated to significantly improve both 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)scavenging activity and to decrease the phytic acid concentration.The inspection of the free amino acid profiles allowed for distinguishing the two MCs,whereas the detection of a heterogeneous panel of volatile organic compounds supported the presence/activity of microbial enzymes without statistically significant differences between MCs.As functional contribution,digested extracts with MCs also proved to reduce the inflammatory cytokine concentrations in cell lines exposed to lipopolysaccharide trigger.Therefore,in line with studies exploring novel adjuvant therapies,the present innovative probiotic consortium featured by high gluten-hydrolyzing metabolism also showed the capability to improve various parameters usually found to be altered in patients affected by gluten-based disorders or CeD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22469018)the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Department of Science and Technology of Shaanxi Province(Nos.2023-JC-ZD-22 and 2023-JC-YB-404)the Scientific Research Startup Program for Introduced Talents of Shaanxi University of Technology(Nos.SLGRCQD2303 and SLGRCQD2306).
文摘Transition metal selenides(TMSs)are effective pre-electrocatalysts and are commonly used in electrochemical processes.During the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction(OER),metal cations in TMSs are in-situ reconstructed and converted into high-valence metal oxyhydroxides.However,a limited understanding of the effects of electro-oxidation and anion leaching has resulted in insufficient theoretical guidance for the rational design of efficient catalysts.Herein,FeSe@NiSe nanorods were fabricated for the OER using a facile hydrothermal selenization method supported on FeNi foam.In-situ Raman spectroscopy and multiple characterization techniques were employed to elucidate the mechanism of FeSe@NiSe surface evolution.Metal cations on the catalyst surface were reconstructed and converted into OER-active species Fe/NiOOH at low potential.As the applied potential increased,electro-oxidation and leaching of Se occurred,resulting in SeO_(4)^(2−)adsorption on the catalyst surface,which further enhanced catalytic activity.As a result,the reconstructed FeSe@NiSe/iron-nickel foam(INF)exhibited exceptional catalytic activity for OER,achieving an ultralow overpotential of 283 mV at a current density of 100 mA·cm^(−2).Notably,the bifunctional FeSe@NiSe/INF electrode facilitated overall water splitting,affording a current density of 10 mA·cm^(−2) only at 1.53 V,even superior to the noble RuO_(2)(+)||Pt/C(−).This work offers valuable insights into the surface evolution and electrocatalytic mechanisms of TMSs.
基金funded by national funds through FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e a TecnologiaI.P.(Foundation for Science and Technology,I.P.) under project UIDB/05037/2020.
文摘Objective:To examine how emotional labor demands and strategies influence work engagement and occupational identity among Portuguese volunteer firefighters.Methods:Participants completed the Emotional Work Requirements Scale,Emotional Labour Scale,Utrecht Work Engagement Scale,and Social Identity Scale.Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the predictive effects of emotional labor demands and strategies on work engagement and occupational identity.Results:Emotional labor explained 11.8%of the variance in work engagement and 10.9%in occupational identity.Positive emotion expression significantly predicted higher work engagement and a stronger occupational identity,while the suppression of negative emotions predicted a weaker occupational identity.Other emotional labor dimensions were not significant.Conclusions:Findings underscore the dual role of emotional labor—as a resource when positive emotions are expressed and as a strain when negative emotions are habitually suppressed.Targeted interventions to promote authentic positive expression and effective emotional processing may enhance firefighters’well-being,strengthen crisis team performance,and benefit the communities they serve.Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of emotional labor in crisis response contexts.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42206076,42476078)the National Program on Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction(No.GASI-02-SCSCJB01)the China-Malaysia Cooperation Project‘Effect on variability of seasonal monsoon on sedimentary process in Peninsular Malaysia waters’。
文摘The Malacca Strait(MS)is a vital conduit for the exchange of water and sediment between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean,serving as a critical‘gateway'for sediment transport.Here,we present the geochemical characteristics of surface sediments in the MS to elucidate the relationship between terrestrial material inputs and modern oceanic dynamic transport processes in the strait.The results reveal that the MS can be divided into three distinct geochemical provinces.ProvinceⅠ,located in the central region of the strait,is characterized by residual deposits.The preservation of these residual deposits can be attributed to the restricted sediment supply and the relatively weaker modern sedimentary hydrodynamic conditions.ProvinceⅡ,situated to the north of ProvinceⅠ,exhibits provenance differences between its southern and northern regions.The northern region is primarily supplied by sediments originating from the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea,whereas sediments derived from Sumatra and the Sunda Shelf are predominantly deposited in the southern part of ProvinceⅡ.ProvinceⅢextends along the western coast of the Malaysian Peninsula,with sediments primarily sourced from the Malaysian Peninsula and the Sunda Shelf,while contributions from Sumatra and the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea are negligible.River sediments from the Malaysian Peninsula and Sumatra are transported northwestward along their respective coasts by prevailing currents,which also facilitate the transportation of Sunda Shelf sediments within the strait,while sediments from the eastern shelf of the Andaman Sea are delivered to the MS via southward coastal currents during the southwest monsoon period.The southward currents and well-developed eddies potentially impede the northward transport of sediments from the Sunda Shelf and restrict the distribution of Andaman Sea sediments within the strait.This study substantially enhances the understanding of source-to-sink processes in the Indo-Pacific region.
文摘One of the main obstacles to the development of aquaculture in Senegal is the availability of fry and juveniles in sufficient quantities. The objective of our study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with the hormone 17 alpha methyl testosterone (17-&-MT) and different doses of Nauclea latifolia root powder on the masculinization rates of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus larvae in Senegal. A total of 450 larvae of Oreochromis niloticus, with an average size of 0.012 g, were placed in 15 aquariums, each containing 30 individuals and fed one of the 5 diets in triplicate. These individuals were fed either a diet containing a plant extract at a dose of 180 mg (T180), 200 mg (T200) and 250 mg (T250) per kg of food, or a diet containing 60 mg/kg of the hormone 17-&-MT (TMT), or a diet without either the plant extract or the hormone (T0). Individuals were fed for 30 days with the treatment diets, and then with the industrial feed for the rest of the experiment. At the end of the study, the results of the masculinization rate were: 80.49%, 73.13%, 69.23%, 66.67% and 45.95% for T250;T200, TMT, T180 and T0 respectively. In summary, we can say that the 250 mg/kg dose provides better masculinization, followed by 200mg/kg and then 17 α MT. For the plant, the increase in the percentage of males is dose-dependent. These results also translate into better growth of individuals in this order. However, the relatively lower survival rates observed in batches treated with Nauclea latifolia extract indicate that these treatments could have a deleterious effect on the survival of Oreochromis niloticus larvae. These results suggest the use of N. latifolia extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg feed for better production of male O. niloticus larvae without compromising their growth.
文摘In the Republic of Benin,as in many other West African countries,urban areas have experienced rapid popula-tion growth in recent years.This situation has led to an increasing demand for sanitation facilities,necessitating regular emptying of these systems.In a bid to reduce health risks and protect the surrounding natural environment,the manage-ment of the by-products from these systems has become a significant concern for decision-makers at various levels.This study aims to characterize fecal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggest a mixed biological treatment approach.Fifteen sewage sludge samples were collected in 1,500 ml plastic bottles from Adjagbo’s Sewage Treatment Station,operated by SGDS-SA,a Waste Management and Sanitation company.Physico-chemical parameters were de-termined using spectrophotometric analysis.Colonies were enumerated using membrane filtration and inoculation.Cor-relation analysis was performed on sewage sludge samples.The main results indicate an alkaline character(pH>7)and a high organic pollutant load in the fecal sludge,with average concentrations of Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD)and Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days(BOD_(5))at 18,730 mg O_(2).L^(-1)and 6,612 mg O_(2).L^(-1),respectively.The COD/BOD_(5) ratio of 2.83 suggests that the material is partially biodegradable.Furthermore,the nutrients exhibited high con-centrations of nitrates,with an average value of 4,786 mg.L^(-1),while nitrites,ammoniacal nitrogen,and orthophosphates had average concentrations of 22.48 mg.L^(-1),119.74 mg.L^(-1),and 239.0 mg.L^(-1),respectively.This study characterized fe-cal sludge at the Abomey-Calavi treatment station and suggests a mixed biological treatment approach.
基金supported by the Jilin Province Key Research and Development Plan Project(20240302066GX)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52075221)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2023-JCXK-02)。
文摘Micro/nano hierarchical structures could endow materials with various surface functions.However,the multilayer and multiscale characteristics of micro/nano hierarchical structures bring difficulties for their one step and controllable fabrication.Accordingly,based on tip-based fabrication techniques,this study proposed a micro-amplitude vibration-assisted scratching method by introducing a periodic backward displacement into the conventional scratching process,which enabled the synchronous creation of the microscale V-groove and nanoscale ripples,i.e.a typical micro/nano hierarchical structure.The experiments and finite element modeling were employed to explore the formation process and mechanism of the micro/nano hierarchical structures.Being different from conventional cutting,this method was mainly based on the plow mechanism,and it could accurately replicate the shape of the indenter on the material surface.The microscale V-groove was formed due to the scratching action,and the nanoscale ripple was formed due to the extrusion action of the indenter on the microscale V-groove’s surface.Furthermore,the relationships between the processing parameters and the dimensions of the micro/nano hierarchical structures were established through experiments,and optimized processing parameters were determined to achieve regular micro/nano hierarchical structures.By this method,complex patterns constructed by various micro/nano hierarchical structures were fabricated on both flat and curved surfaces,achieving diverse surface structural colors.
文摘Earthworms play a vital role in enhancing soil quality and structure in agricultural ecosystems.This study investigated the diversity of earthworm species found in banana and guava orchards in Nakhon Pathom,Thailand,where 166 samples were collected.The results showed that 56.63%of earthworms were in the adult stage.In the banana orchard,researchers identified two families and four species:from the family Megascolecidae,they found Amynthas alexandri,Metaphire posthuma,and Polypheretima elongata,along with one species from the family Moniligastridae,Drawida sp.In the guava orchard,two families and two species were identified:from the family Megascolecidae,Metaphire posthuma,and from the family Moniligastridae,Drawida sp.Fungi isolated from the intestines of earthworms,precisely the strains EW2,EW3,EW6,EW13,EW16,EW23,EW25,EW26,EW28,EW38,EW39,EW40,EW41,EW43,and EW44,have demonstrated the ability to produce cellulase.Among these,the fungus EW41 exhibited the highest cellulase activity,measuring 32.97 units per milliliter at an optimal temperature of 60℃ and a pH of 5.0.This study high-ranlightsthat most earthworm species in agricultural soils belong to the family Megascolecidae.Furthermore,earthwormsplay a crucial role in enhancing the chemical properties of the soil.The cellulolytic fungi present in earthworm intestinescontribute to the natural decomposition of organic matter,thereby promoting soil health by converting plant residuesinto nutrient-rich compost.These findings suggest promising applications of earthworm-associated fungi in sustainableagriculture and organic waste management.
文摘Osyris lanceolata is heavily and illegally exploited in East Africa for its essential oils, yet little is known about its population status and ecological requirements. This study examined its population structure and environmental factors influencing its distribution in the semi-arid Karamoja sub-region, Uganda. We surveyed 388 plots (5 m radius) at different altitudes, recording life stages, stem diameters, and regeneration patterns, and analyzed soil samples. Multivariate analyses, including Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS), and Multiple Regression Modeling (MRM), identified key environmental factors affecting its distribution. Findings show that O. lanceolata populations in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat districts are severely degraded due to overexploitation. The species is primarily regenerating through coppicing rather than seedlings, with an exploitation intensity of 56.6%. Population densities are low, distribution is irregular, and sustainable harvesting is not viable. Soil properties, particularly Ca2+, N, P, K+, Na+, and organic matter, significantly influence its abundance. Conservation efforts should focus on identifying suitable provenances for genetic preservation and plantation establishment. Areas with at least 9 trees per hectare in Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Amudat could serve as potential sites for ex-situ plantations. Further research should explore how biotic interactions, genetic diversity, and morphology affect oil yield and quality to support restoration, breeding, and domestication initiatives.
文摘In light of the growing urgency to address environmental degradation and improve carbon sequestration strategies,this study rigorously investigates the potential of Cistus ladaniferus as a viable feedstock for biochar and activated carbon production.The influence of pyrolysis temperature,heating rate and particle size on biochar yield was systematically examined.The results demonstrate that increasing pyrolysis temperature and heating rate significantly reduces biochar yield,while particle size plays a crucial role in thermal degradation and biochar retention.To evaluate the structural and chemical properties of the materials,various characterization techniques were employed,including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis(EDXA).FTIR identified key functional groups,while SEM and EDXA provided valuable insights into the morphology and elemental composition of the materials.Activated carbons exhibited enhanced porosity and carbon content compared to their biochar counterparts,achieving specific surface areas of up to 1210 m^(2) g^(-1) for acidactivated shells(AC-Sha).The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET)method confirmed the mesoporous characteristics of these materials,with AC-Sa displaying a surface area of 678.74 m^(2) g^(-1) and an average pore size of 2.73 nm.Elemental analysis revealed that activated carbons possessed a higher carbon content(96.40 wt.%for AC-Sha)and lower oxygen content(2.37 wt.%),highlighting their suitability for applications in adsorption and catalysis.These findings underscore the significant impact of activation processes on the stability and adsorption capabilities of Cistus-derived biochars and activated carbons,paving the way for future research and practical applications in pollution control,carbon sequestration,and bioenergy.
文摘A reliable estimation of Candida bloodstream infection prevalence is increasingly important to track changes in Candida species distribution and define burden of ongoing candidemia.A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate candidemia prevalence and identify patterns of Candida species in South-eastern Asia.Systematic electronic-databases literature search was performed on published studies recorded candidemia prevalence in South-Eastern Asia.Using meta-analysis of proportions,the overall pooled prevalences of candidemia by Candida(C.)albicans,C.tropicalis,C.parapsilosis and C.glabrata were calculated as 28.4%(95%CI 24.9-31.8),29.2%(95%CI 24.7-33.7),19.1%(95%CI 14.8-23.4)and 14.0%(95%CI 10.4-17.5),respectively.Based on publication year and country,subgroup analyses were conducted on Candida species to determine heterogeneity source.The findings may not precisely reflect true candidemia prevalence in different countries.Therefore,it highlights continuous need to conduct prevalence studies,assess and monitor growing burden,control effect of potential risk factors and implement regional surveillance programs to prevent further rise.
基金University of Jeddah,Jeddah,Saudi Arabia,grant No.(UJ-23-SRP-10).
文摘Electric vehicles(EVs)are gradually being deployed in the transportation sector.Although they have a high impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions,their penetration is challenged by their random energy demand and difficult scheduling of their optimal charging.To cope with these problems,this paper presents a novel approach for photovoltaic grid-connected microgrid EV charging station energy demand forecasting.The present study is part of a comprehensive framework involving emerging technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence designed to support the EVs’charging scheduling task.By using predictive algorithms for solar generation and load demand estimation,this approach aimed at ensuring dynamic and efficient energy flow between the solar energy source,the grid and the electric vehicles.The main contribution of this paper lies in developing an intelligent approach based on deep recurrent neural networks to forecast the energy demand using only its previous records.Therefore,various forecasters based on Long Short-term Memory,Gated Recurrent Unit,and their bi-directional and stacked variants were investigated using a real dataset collected from an EV charging station located at Trieste University(Italy).The developed forecasters have been evaluated and compared according to different metrics,including R,RMSE,MAE,and MAPE.We found that the obtained R values for both PV power generation and energy demand ranged between 97%and 98%.These study findings can be used for reliable and efficient decision-making on the management side of the optimal scheduling of the charging operations.
文摘The discontinuation of denosumab[antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand(RANKL)]therapy may increase the risk of multiple vertebral fractures;however,the underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown.In patients who underwent discontinuation after multiple injections of denosumab,the levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b increased compared to pretreatment levels,indicating a phenomenon known as“overshoot.”The rate of decrease in bone mineral density during the withdrawal period was higher than the rate of decrease associated with aging,suggesting that the physiological bone metabolism had broken down.Overshoot and significant bone loss were also observed in mice receiving continuous administration of anti-RANKL antibody after treatment was interrupted,resembling the original pathology.In mice long out of overshoot,bone resorption recovered,but osteoblast numbers and bone formation remained markedly reduced.The bone marrow exhibited a significant reduction in stem cell(SC)antigen 1-and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-expressing osteoblast progenitors(PαS cells)and alkaline phosphatase-positive early osteoblasts.Just before the overshoot phase,the osteoclast precursor cell population expands and RANKL-bearing extracellular vesicles(EVs)became abundant in the serum,leading to robust osteoclastogenesis after cessation of anti-RANKL treatment.Thus,accelerated bone resorption due to the accumulation of RANKLbearing EVs and long-term suppression of bone formation uncoupled from bone resorption leads to the severe bone loss characteristic of denosumab discontinuation.
