Average Variation Research Articles

Understanding human-obstacle interaction dynamics on staircases: Implications for emergency evacuation and fire safety in high-rise buildings

Interactions between system components, including human-obstacle, human-building, human-robot, and human-human, significantly impact public safety, system efficiency, and functionality. A deeper understanding of these systems is essential to enhance their resilience and effectiveness. Despite the significance of these interactions, empirical research is limited, particularly regarding behavioral mechanisms when interacting with obstacles on stairways. Our study examines the evacuation behavior of 90 evacuees on the staircase of a high-rise building under different temporary obstacle conditions to understand how key factors affect decision-making and motion behavior during stairway descent. The experiments considered obstacle shapes as control variables and analyzed evacuation time, inner and outer stair route choices, regional speed fluctuations, velocity-relative displacement, evacuation efficiency, and biomechanical analysis of occupants’ comfort. Results show that larger obstacle shapes, increased evacuation urgency time, and closer proximity to the wall lead to a higher proportion of the splitting to merging state before and after obstacle interaction. A strong inner stair route preference emerges in no-obstacle conditions, with significant mean speed differences in downward movements when encountering temporary obstacle. Three phases of average speed variations are observed: deceleration, acceleration, and continued deceleration for the outer route; and deceleration followed by uniform speed for the inner route. A method was developed to calculate regional speed fluctuation using average speeds from trajectories. Comfort analysis revealed that temporary obstacle on building stairways significantly impact safe evacuation. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of crowd dynamics in high-rise building emergency evacuations, with implications for model development, architectural design, building operations, emergency preparedness, behavioral cognition, and fire safety.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic and essential elements in medicinal plants consumed in Zabol, Iran, using the Monte Carlo simulation method

Medicinal plants (MPs) have long been used for their therapeutic properties in traditional forms of medicine. However, the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in MPs raises concerns about their safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to determine the level of potentially toxic and essential elements (PTEEs) in commonly consumed MPs in Zabol, Iran, along with their health risk assessments. To conduct the present study, 10 types of MPs widely used in Zabol, Iran, were selected, and 15 samples of each type (150 samples in total) were taken. Each sample was analyzed for the presence of various PTEEs using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn); and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Finally, to better comprehend the scope of exposure and its possible effects, the Monte Carlo simulation method is successfully applied to assess human health risks related to PTEs in MPs. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant (P < 0.001) variations in PTE averages among MP types. Furthermore, all samples’ overall PTE mean concentration (range: 0.18 to 215.5 µg/kg) was below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regulatory standards. Probabilistic health risks, including non-carcinogenic-target hazard quotient (THQ) for each element, total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for all elements, and carcinogenic-incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for each element, and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for all elements, were significantly lower than the acceptable limit for children and adults. Accordingly, it can be said that consuming MPs sold in Zabol is safe for children and adults regarding carcinogenic (ILCR/TCR = 10− 4) and non-carcinogenic (THQ/TTHQ = 1) effects. In light of the findings presented here, and to our understanding, the primary factor contributing to lower levels of PTEs in MPs in Zabol City markets is the cultivation of plants in nonindustrialized areas, separate from urban and industrial zones. This practice keeps them from environmental contaminations, including soil quality and water sources. It is recommended that it is essential to regulate the sources that enhance the transfer of PTEs and other harmful pollutants from surroundings to the soil and, consequently, MPs. It is also suggested that, like chemical drugs, MPs should undergo rigorous testing by quality control agencies before being made available to the market.

Influence of bottom supporting columns and cooling rate on the surface shape characteristics of sapphire substrates

The manufacturing process of sapphire substrates involves several key steps, including epitaxy, annealing, cutting, and processing. Among these, epitaxy and annealing are particularly crucial. The temperature variances along both the longitudinal and transverse axes within the furnace during the crystallization process play a significant role in determining the crystallization rate and internal structure of sapphire crystals. Furthermore, annealing sapphire serves to alleviate internal stress, enhance crystal structure, optimize physical properties, improve optoelectronic characteristics, enhance surface quality, and increase overall yield. This step is paramount in enhancing the performance and application value of sapphire materials. In order to investigate and optimize the effects of different thermal conductivities of support columns at the base and various annealing procedures on the surface characteristics of sapphire substrates, thereby improving product quality, this study conducted research by utilizing support columns made of different materials and carefully controlling the cooling rate parameters for sapphire. The findings revealed that using graphite as the base support column for the crystal furnace can reduce both the longitudinal and transverse temperature gradients within the furnace, consequently promoting crystal growth and enhancing the quality of sapphire ingots. Additionally, sapphire chips annealed using the rapid one-step annealing program exhibited the highest average warpage and bending rate variation, reaching 2.0 μm, and the average dislocation density was half that of conventionally produced chips, at 108.89 pits/cm2.

Maximizing efficiency in C45 steel machining: an integrated AI-based approach to coated insert optimization

AbstractMachining involves the subtraction of the material from the sample workpiece to achieve the desired shape or surface. This versatile method is capable of producing a wide range of parts, varying from simple to intricate profiles. Coating materials are increasingly being utilized in tool inserts in the production industry owing to their superior thermal properties and wear resistance. The shielding of hard coatings, with thicknesses of only a few microns, enhances performance and durability. In this study, machining of C45 steel using distinct coated inserts was explored. The experimental trials employed PVD and CVD methods for coated tungsten carbide (WC) tools/inserts and PVD-coated cermet tools/inserts with different machining parameters. Performance metrics, such as the surface finish and reliability of the tool, were considered for the evaluation. The average tool life variation between the PVD-coated cermet and PVD-coated WC was 178.86%, and 30.11% between the PVD-coated cermet and CVD-coated WC at 1 mm DOC. ANOVA was performed using Response Surface Methodology to explore the influence of input parameters on output. The results indicate that the depth of machining and spindle speed significantly influence Ra, whereas spindle speed and type of tool insert have a considerable impact on the life span of the tool. The developed mathematical model for the prediction of tool life and Ra indicates its potential for performance forecasting during C45 steel machining. Grey relation analysis was employed to optimize the process parameters. Optimal results were achieved with a spindle speed of 400 m/min, 0.5 mm depth of cut, and cermet tool inserts. PVD-coated WC inserts performed better. ANFIS was applied for the prediction and optimization of the machining parameters.

Fabricating complex parts through optimizing weld bead geometry in WAAM: A comparative study of surface tension transfer and cold metal transfer

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology is being employed in industries such as aerospace, maritime and automotive to produce high-valued metallic parts. With a growing demand for products with complex structures, it is crucial to develop an effective and reliable method for fabricating such parts to meet the demand. Currently, cold metal transfer (CMT), is one of the waveform-controlled short circuit transfer processes, commonly adopted in the WAAM process to fabricate medium to large-scale parts due to its perceived low heat input. However, the approach of using synergic control of wire feed speed and torch travel speed to control weld bead geometry in CMT may not be applicable for fabricating parts with complex structures. In these circumstances, surface tension transfer (STT), a waveform controlled short circuit transfer process, or one of the alternative variants of controlled short circuit transfer with low heat input, may provide more options to control weld bead geometry. There appear to have been few systematic investigations of alternative controlled short circuiting variants for use in WAAM. This paper provides a comparative study to explore the potential of the STT process for fabricating parts with complex geometries in WAAM. Firstly, the working principles of the STT and CMT processes are reviewed. Then, the impacts of welding parameters in the STT and CMT on weld bead geometry are analysed based on experiment results. Finally, a comparison between these two welding processes with regard to flexibility in welding parameter adjustment, heat input and overlapping performance is conducted. Finally, a comparison between these two welding processes is conducted from three critical aspects: (i) Flexibility in parameter adjustment: STT has 333 % and 174 % larger average width and height variation ranges than CMT; (ii) Heat input: STT's heat input is 74.66 % higher than CMT's at TS = 300 mm/min; (iii) Overlapping performance: the average surface roughness of the tested CMT and STT groups is 0.1312 and 0.1823, respectively. Suggestions for using STT and CMT to fabricate parts with complex geometries are provided accordingly.

Enhancing green innovation: the role of science and technology parks

ABSTRACT Green innovation is crucial for creating value for firms and society alike. Firms are key actors in green innovation, benefiting from competitive advantages while positively impacting society. Successful green innovation relies on collaboration and access to knowledge, which clusters can effectively provide. Despite their importance in fostering innovation, the role of science and technology parks (STPs) in green innovation is underexplored. This study empirically examines their impact on firm green innovation, analysing both average effects and variations based on STP age. The findings support the positive but heterogeneous influence of STPs in enhancing green innovation and should stimulate research on the contribution of STPs to green innovation.

Synergistic co-evolution of rhizosphere bacteria in response to acidification amelioration strategies: impacts on the alleviation of tobacco wilt and underlying mechanisms.

Soil acidification represents a severe threat to tobacco cultivation regions in South China, exacerbating bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. The comprehension of the underlying mechanisms that facilitate the restoration of rhizosphere microbial communities in "healthy soils" is imperative for ecologically managing tobacco bacterial wilt. This study focuses on acidified tobacco soils that have been subjected to continuous cultivation for 20 years. The experimental treatments included lime (L), biochar (B), and a combination of lime and biochar (L+B), in addition to a control group (CK). Utilizing rhizosphere biology and niche theory, we assessed disease suppression effects, changes in soil properties, and the co-evolution of the rhizosphere bacterial community. Each treatment significantly reduced tobacco bacterial wilt by 16.67% to 20.14% compared to the control group (CK) (p < 0.05) and increased yield by 7.86% to 27.46% (p < 0.05). The biochar treatment (B) proved to be the most effective, followed by the lime-biochar combination (L+B). The key factors controlling wilt were identified through random forest regression analysis as an increase in soil pH and exchangeable bases, along with a decrease in exchangeable acidity. However, lime treatment alone led to an increase in soil bulk density and a decrease in available nutrients, whereas both biochar and lime-biochar treatments significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between the abundance of Ralstonia and wilt incidence. Nonetheless, all treatments significantly expanded the ecological niche breadth and average variation degree (AVD), enhanced positive interactions and cohesion within the community, and intensified negative interactions involving Ralstonia. This study suggests that optimizing community niches and enhancing pathogen antagonism are key mechanisms for mitigating tobacco wilt in acidified soils. It recommends using lime-biochar mixtures as soil amendments due to their potential ecological and economic benefits. This study offers valuable insights for disease control strategies and presents a novel perspective for research on Solanaceous crops.

UMBU TREE (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam. - Anacardiaceae): FROM EXTRACTIVE TO PLANTED CULTURE IN BRAZIL

Umbu tree (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) is botanical species native to the Caatinga that plays significant cultural and economic role in Northeast Brazil. The aims of this study to evaluate the trend in umbu fruit production over a period of 21 years and to discuss the cultivation of the species, associated with its socioeconomic and environmental advantages in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Data on extractive production and the monetary value of umbu fruit were obtained from the official platform of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Silvicultural aspects cultivation, management, and its market was obtained from specialized literature. Descriptive statistics on the data set and a trend analysis through regression model fitting was carried out using JMP® software. A downward trend in umbu tree fruit was estimated for most states, except for Alagoas, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte. Alagoas was the only one with the best average variation (74.6%) in production and price (US$ 0.83) per kg of production via extractivism. The cultivating through plantations for commercial fruit umbu production is an alternative to overcome the declining trend in extractivism, ensuring continuation of family income and environmental protection of umbu tree populations in their natural habitats.

Variation in Glacier Albedo on the Tibetan Plateau between 2001 and 2022 Based on MODIS Data

Albedo is a primary driver of the glacier surface energy balance and consequent melting. As glacier albedo decreases, it further accelerates glacier melting. Over the past 20 years, glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau have experienced significant melting. However, our understanding of the variations in glacier albedo and its driving factors in this region remains limited. This study used MOD10A1 data to examine the average characteristics and variations in glacier albedo on the Tibetan Plateau from 2001 to 2022; the MOD10A1 snow cover product, developed at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, was employed to analyze spatiotemporal variations in surface albedo. The results indicate that the albedo values of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau predominantly range between 0.50 and 0.60, with distinctly higher albedo in spring and winter, and lower albedo in summer and autumn. Glacier albedo on the Tibetan Plateau decreased at an average linear regression rate of 0.06 × 10−2 yr−1 over the past two decades, with the fastest declines occurring in autumn at an average rate of 0.18 × 10−2 yr−1, contributing to the prolongation of the melting period. Furthermore, significant variations in albedo change rates with altitude were found near the snowline, which is attributed to the transformation of the snow and ice surface. The primary factors affecting glacier albedo on the Tibetan Plateau are temperature and snowfall, whereas in the Himalayas, black carbon and dust primarily influence glacier albedo. Our findings reveal a clear decrease in glacier albedo on the Tibetan Plateau and demonstrate that seasonal and spatial variations in albedo and temperature are the most important driving factors. These insights provide valuable information for further investigation into surface albedo and glacier melt.

Mapping the heterogeneous removal landscape of wastewater virome in effluents of different advanced wastewater treatment systems of swine farm

In advanced wastewater treatment plants on pig farms, meticulous design aims to eliminate intrinsic pollutants such as organic matter, heavy metals, and biological contaminants. In our field survey across Southern China, a notable disparity in wastewater treatment procedures among various farming facilities lies in the utilization of terminal chemical oxidation post-sedimentation tank. However, recent focus in wastewater surveillance has predominantly centered on antibiotic resistance genes, leaving the efficacy of virus removal in different effluent systems largely unexplored. To profile virus composition at the effluent, assess the virus elimination efficiency of chemical oxidation at the effluent end, and the potential environmental driver of virus abundance, we deployed a meta-transcriptomics approach to first determine the total virome in effluent specimens of terminal clean water tank system (CWT) and terminal chemical oxidation system (TCO) in Southern China pig farms, respectively. From these data, 172 viruses were identified, with a median reads per million (RPM) of 27,789 in CWT and 19,982 in TCO. Through the integration of analyses encompassing the co-occurrence patterns within viral communities, the ecology of viral diversity, and a comparative assessment of average variation degrees, we have empirically demonstrated that the procedure of TCO may perturb viral communities and diminish their abundance, particularly impacting RNA viral communities. However, despite the diminished abundance, pathogenic viruses such as PEDV and PRRSV persisted in the effluent following chemical deoxidation at a moderate RPM value, indicating a substantial in situ presence at effluent. Our environmental driver modeling, employing GLM and mantel tests, substantiated the intricate nature of virus community variation within the effluent, influenced heterogeneously by diverse factors. Notably, pond temperature emerged as the foremost determinant, while fishing farming exhibited a positive correlation with virus diversity (p < 0.05). This revelation of the cryptic persistence of virus communities in wastewater effluent expands our understanding of the varied responses of different virus categories to oxidation. Such insights transcend mere virus characterization, offering valuable implications for enhancing biosafety measures in farming practices and informing wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance.

Outcomes and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy as primary versus secondary procedure for kidney stones: A prospective cohort study

Introduction: Currently, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard of treatment for large renal stones. The high prevalence of urolithiasis is associated with a high recurrence rate increasing the risk of re-intervention. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications of PCNL among patients with previous therapeutic interventions for renal stones. Methods: Between August 2018 and September 2023, 245 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study and who underwent PCNL for renal stones at our institution. We compared patients who had no previous renal surgery (group1: n=171) with those who had a history of open renal surgery (group2: n=45) or previous PCNL on the ipsilateral kidney (group 3: n=31). All patients underwent surgery in the Galdakaomodified Valdivia position. Data on stone characteristics and perioperative and postoperative parameters were collected. Technical features, the success rates and morbidity were analysed and compared between the groups. Results: The fluoroscopy time was significantly longer in the group of patients with previous open surgery than in groups 1 and 3 (161.47±52.44, 223.05±33.29, 172.27±30.51sec, P&lt;0.001). Similarly, the operative time was longer in group 2 (138.20±38.86 min, P&lt;0.001). The immediate stone-free rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 74.8%, 72.1%, and 77.4%, respectively(P=0.945). At 1- month, these rates increased to 98.8%, 96.2% and 96.8%, respectively (P=0.857). No difference was detected between the groups in terms of complication rate. The average Hb variation was 1.08±0.82, 1.34±1.01 and 0.94±0.69 g/dL for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively(P=0.082). Hospital stay was longer in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (2.17±1.03, 2.53±1.22, 1.88±1.00 d, P=0.07), respectively. Conclusion: PCNL in patients with a history of renal surgery was associated with longer fluoroscopy and operative time. However, the success and morbidity rates as a secondary procedure were similar to those of PCNL in patients with no previous intervention.

3D printed tinidazole tablets coupled with melt-extrusion techniques for formulating child friendly medicines

This study investigates the feasibility of fabrication of poly(1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Kollidon®25)-mediated filaments for producing tinidazole (TNZ)-loaded, customizable, child-friendly tablets (with varying shapes and sizes) using hot melt extrusion (HME) coupled with fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. Kollidon®25, chosen for its ability to enhance the dissolution of TNZ (a BCS Class II drug), was evaluated for polymer-drug compatibility through Hansen solubility, polarity, and interaction parameter analyses, confirming good miscibility and affinity between TNZ and Kollidon®25. Placebo- and TNZ-loaded filaments were prepared in different ratios using HME, followed by the development of 3D-printed tablets via FDM. The fabricated batches of placebo and TNZ-loaded 3D tablets were characterized, and it was found that they had an average weight variation of 270.41 ± 7.44 mg and 270.87 ± 9.33 mg, hardness of 155.01 ± 11.79 N and 265.3 ± 7.62 N, and friability of 0.1583 ± 0.0011 % and 0.2254 ± 0.0013 %. Amorphization was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a layer-by-layer pattern with tiny fractures on the tablet surfaces, which enhanced media penetration, resulting in improved dissolution profiles. The TNZ release profile showed complete 100 % release within 2.0 h in a gastric acidic medium. These findings support the potential of Kollidon®25 to create customizable, child-friendly, 3D-printed dosage forms with different shapes and sizes for TNZ delivery, offering a unique approach to paediatric medications.

Urbanization reduces the stability of soil microbial community by reshaping the diversity and network complexity

Rapid urbanization considerably alters soil environment, biodiversity, and stability of terrestrial ecosystems. Soil microbial community, a key component of global biodiversity, plays a pivotal role in ecosystem stability and is highly vulnerable to urbanization. However, effects of urbanization on the diversity, stability, and network structure of soil microbial community remain poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the diversity and stability of soil microbial communities, including bacteria, fungi, and protists, across three regions with different levels of urbanization—urban, suburb, and ecoregion—using high-throughput sequencing techniques. Our results revealed that urbanization led to a notable decrease in the alpha diversity of soil microbial community, causing a significant reduction in soil stability, as assessed by the average variation degree (AVD). The loss of stability was linked to the diminished alpha diversity of the soil fungal and protistan communities, along with weakened interactions among bacteria, fungi, and protists. Notably, the majority of keystone species identified through network analysis were classified as bacteria (Proteobacteria) and displayed a strong positive correlation with the environmental factors influencing AVD. This highlights that the variability of bacteria and the immutability of fungi and protists are important to sustain soil microbial stability. Furthermore, structural equation models indicated that protistan diversity primarily drove soil microbial stability across all regions studied. In the suburban and ecoregion areas, soil microbial stability was directly influenced by the soil properties, bacterial diversity, and keystone species, as well as indirectly affected by heavy metals. These results underscore how urbanization can reduce the stability of soil microbial community via declined diversity and network complexity, whereas the establishment of ecoregions maybe contribute to preserve the diversity and stability of soil microbial community.

Orbit determination for spacecraft with continuous low-thrust using nonsingular Thrust-Fourier-Coefficients and filtering-through approach

Orbit determination using optical survey measurements for cataloging spacecraft encounters new obstacles from mega-constellations. These challenges arise from the sparse observations, and the frequent occurrences of unknown maneuvers which are difficult to model using traditional methods. By utilizing 14 Fourier coefficients, the Thrust-Fourier-Coefficients (TFC) model can effectively represent the averaged variations of orbital elements caused by arbitrary maneuvers. However, this model contains systematic offsets that will reduce the accuracy of orbit determination, and is unsuitable for spacecraft in nearly circular orbits. This paper first replaces the classical Keplerian elements of the previous TFC model with the nonsingular elements. Then detailed analytical expressions for model offsets have been derived based on Kozai’s orbit-averaging method. A process noise covariance matrix related to the model offsets has been added to the iterated extended Kalman filter to compensate for the unmodeled dynamics and enhance the accuracy. Simulations based on this modified method demonstrate that the accuracy of orbit determination for maneuvering satellites can meet the requirements of catalog maintenance even with sparse observations.

Lithospheric resistivity structure of the Xuefeng Orogenic Belt and its implications for intracontinental deformation in South China

The Xuefeng Orogenic Belt (XFOB), located in the central part of the South China Block, is a typical Mesozoic intracontinental orogen in the central Jiangnan Orogenic Belt. By collecting magnetotelluric (MT) data across the XFOB, we obtained the resistivity structure of the lithosphere, which sheds light on the Mesozoic intracontinental orogenic processes in the XFOB. The resistivity structure reveals a low-resistivity body (<10 Ω∙m), beneath the XFOB, dipping southeast wards from a depth of 10 km to the bottom of the crust. This conductor is interpreted as a relic of the lower detachment zone, which coincides with low-density areas obtained from joint inversion of seismic models. It is believed to result from mineral fluids migrating along the thrust fault and squeezing sulfides into folds. Four low-resistivity bodies were identified at three extensional locations along the Jiangshan-Shaoxing Fault and at the Cili-Baojing Fault. The low-resistivity body (<10 Ω∙m) at the junction of the Shaoyang and the Hengyang Basin is located at the point where the Moho depth thins. The variation trend of the terrestrial heat flow values, with this low-resistivity body as the plate boundary, is consistent with the average variation of the terrestrial heat flow values within the block. We propose that the low-resistivity body under the Qidong-Yongzhou-Guilin fault conforms to the characteristics of the suture zone in the resistivity structure. Its existence indicates that the missing location of the Jiangshan-Shaoxing suture zone of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Block in the middle-southwest section of the South China Block is the Qidong-Yongzhou-Guilin fault. The Yangtze Block and the Hengyang Basin show high resistivity, the depth of which reaches 100 km and 40 km, respectively. Based on the resistivity model and geological data, the XFOB experienced Triassic compression, leading to basement decollement, thrusting, and nappe structures due to low-angle Paleo-Pacific Plate subduction. This compression also led to the uplift of the orogenic belt. Moreover, under the tension caused by the high-angle retreat of the Paleo-Pacific Plate, the Cretaceous extensional tectonics led to detachment along the thrust faults, forming half-graben and basin structures along the margins.

Power to choose? Examining the link between contraceptive use decision and domestic violence

Contraception is a crucial tool that empowers women to control their bodily autonomy. Concurrently, domestic violence remains a pressing public health issue, depleting women’s autonomy. We establish a causal link between a woman’s contraceptive use decision and the occurrence of intimate partner violence. We use an instrumental variable approach to estimate our causal effects by utilizing nationally representative data for India. Using exogenous variation in the neighbourhood average of women’s exposure to family planning messages via radio, we find that if a woman independently makes the decision to use contraceptives, she is at a significantly higher risk of physical, sexual and emotional domestic violence. We estimate the bounds of our effects by assuming the IV to be plausibly exogenous, where we relax the exogeneity condition. Our findings underscore the importance of reproductive health in initiatives that reduce domestic violence and targeted policies that provide support to younger and employed women and those from backward caste and rural areas.

Seasonality in synthetic average wind speed

There is a growing demand for computer-generated realistic high-fidelity wind speed data for various applications in the wind industry. Such data should capture the non-stationary dynamics of real-world wind time series, as well as be consistent with the statistical descriptors – the probability density function and power spectral density – of the observed wind speed. However, complying with the statistical descriptors is not a guarantee that the seasonality will be correctly reproduced in synthetic data. The seasonality, characterized by the average diurnal and seasonal variations, is driven by the periodicities embedded in diurnal and annual harmonic series respectively. Those periodicities are determined by the long-term orbital forcing components, which establish the insolation for a given latitude and longitude. We show that average diurnal and seasonal variations can be visualized as the output of comb filters, whose fundamental frequencies match the diurnal and annual fundamental frequency respectively. The aforementioned theoretical findings are readily reproduced in synthetic wind speed, generated by a non-parametric data-driven statistical model, based on the phase-randomized Fourier transform. The model, tested on both 10-min and 1-min resolution real-world datasets, yields average non-stationarities in synthetic wind speed with the accuracy close to the computing precision.

Superiority of native soil core microbiomes in supporting plant growth

Native core microbiomes represent a unique opportunity to support food provision and plant-based industries. Yet, these microbiomes are often neglected when developing synthetic communities (SynComs) to support plant health and growth. Here, we study the contribution of native core, native non-core and non-native microorganisms to support plant production. We construct four alternative SynComs based on the excellent growth promoting ability of individual stain and paired non-antagonistic action. One of microbiome based SynCom (SC2) shows a high niche breadth and low average variation degree in-vitro interaction. The promoting-growth effect of SC2 can be transferred to non-sterile environment, attributing to the colonization of native core microorganisms and the improvement of rhizosphere promoting-growth function including nitrogen fixation, IAA production, and dissolved phosphorus. Further, microbial fertilizer based on SC2 and composite carrier (rapeseed cake fertilizer + rice husk carbon) increase the net biomass of plant by 129%. Our results highlight the fundamental importance of native core microorganisms to boost plant production.

A 260 pc resolution ALMA map of HCN(1-0) in the galaxy NGC 4321

The property of star formation rate (SFR) is tightly connected to the amount of dense gas in molecular clouds. However, it is not fully understood how the relationship between dense molecular gas and star formation varies within galaxies and in different morphological environments. Most previous studies have typically been limited to kiloparsec-scale resolution such that different environments could not be resolved. In this work, we present new ALMA observations of HCN(1$-$0) at 260\,pc scale to test how the amount of dense gas and its ability to form stars varies with environmental properties. Combined with existing CO(2$-$1) observations from ALMA and from MUSE, we measured the HCN/CO line ratio, a proxy for the dense gas fraction, and SFR/HCN, a proxy for the star formation efficiency of the dense gas. We find a systematic $&gt; dex $ increase (decreases) of HCN/CO (SFR/HCN) towards the centre of the galaxy, and roughly flat trends of these ratios (average variations $&lt; dex $) throughout the disc. While spiral arms, interarm regions, and bar ends show similar HCN/CO and SFR/HCN, on the bar, there is a significantly lower SFR/HCN at a similar HCN/CO. The strong environmental influence on dense gas and star formation in the centre of NGC\,4321, suggests either that clouds couple strongly to the surrounding pressure or that HCN emission traces more of the bulk molecular gas that is less efficiently converted into stars. Across the disc, where the ISM pressure is typically low, SFR/HCN is more constant, indicating a decoupling of the clouds from their surrounding environment. The low SFR/HCN on the bar suggests that gas dynamics (e.g. shear and streaming motions) can have a large effect on the efficiency with which dense gas is converted into stars. In addition, we show that HCN/CO is a good predictor of the mean molecular gas surface density at 260\,pc scales across environments and physical conditions.

Mechanical Properties of Rock Salt from the Kłodawa Salt Dome-A Statistical Analysis of Geomechanical Data.

Rock salt is a potential medium for underground storage of energy resources and radioactive substances due to its physical and mechanical properties, distinguishing it from other rock media. Designing storage facilities that ensure stability, tightness, and safety requires understanding the geomechanical properties of rock salt. Despite numerous research efforts on the behaviour of rock salt mass, many cases still show unfavourable phenomena occurring within it. Therefore, the formulation of strength criteria in a three-dimensional stress state and the prediction of deformation processes significantly impact the functionality of storage in salt caverns. This article presents rock salt's mechanical properties from the Kłodawa salt dome and a statistical analysis of the determined geomechanical data. The analysis is divided into individual mining fields (Fields 1-6). The analysis of numerical parameter values obtained in uniaxial compression tests for rock salt from mining Fields 1-6 indicates an average variation in their strength and deformation properties. Upon comparing the results of Young's modulus (E) with uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), its value was observed with a decrease in uniaxial compressive strength (E = 4.19968·UCS2, R-square = -0.61). The tensile strength of rock salt from mining Fields 1-6 also exhibits moderate variability. An increasing trend in tensile strength was observed with increased bulk density (σt = 0.0027697·ρ - 4.5892, r = 0.60). However, the results of triaxial tests indicated that within the entire range of normal stresses, the process of increasing maximum shear stresses occurs linearly ((σ1 - σ3)/2 = ((σ1 + σ3)/2)·0.610676 + 2.28335, r = 0.92). A linear relationship was also obtained for failure stresses as a function of radial stresses (σ1 = σ3·2.51861 + 32.9488, r = 0.73). Based on the results, the most homogeneous rock salt was from Field 2 and Field 6, while the most variable rock salt was from Field 3.