Temperature Conditions Research Articles

Efficiently shape-selective synthesis of single crystal silver nanocube with the combination of HNO3/NaCl and reaction time for developing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate

Shape control of noble nanomaterials has garnered significant attention in the past decade because niche applications rely on the relationship between the nanoparticle morphology and optical properties. Although many chemical methods have been reported, there is still a need for improvement in terms of uniformity, yields, and synthesis scale. This work exploited the novel modification approach based on the polyol method to control synthesis to obtain a high amount of single-crystal silver nanocubes (AgNCs) with relatively homogeneous sizes and edge lengths of approximately 100 nm. Furthermore, we have discovered the high effectiveness of controlling temperature conditions to examine the conversion from silver nanocubes to tetrahedron nanoparticles, which had been rarely studied before. These as-prepared AgNCs colloidal solutions were further used to develop the SERS substrate on the glass slide through the facile drop cast method. Additionally, through synthesis using ethylene glycol and redispersed in the ethanol solvent, the obtained AgNCs have a high probability coverage on the glass slide once natural evaporation technique to achieve a remarkable amplification effect and reproducibility behavior. It was explored that these substrates could significantly enhance the Raman signal of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), which is utilized as the probe molecule to assess the SERS behaviors. The enhancement factor (EF) of the SERS substrates prepared using AgNCs was approximately 3.6 × 106. The presence of 4-MBA could be detected with AgNCs in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.40 μM and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 25.46 μM. Through analyzing over 20 different spots on various AgNC substrates, synthesized with similar methods and conditions, the Raman signals of 4-MBA were almost unchanged, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 5.81%, indicating that the SERS signal produced by AgNC substrates was highly reproducible. Based on the results, the SERS nanosubstrates developed with AgNCs could potentially be used to detect trace amounts of other harmful organic compounds.

Inhibitory Effect of Sorbus aucuparia Extracts on the Fusarium proliferatum and F. culmorum Growth and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis.

Fungal infections are among the most common diseases of crop plants. Various species of the Fusarium spp. are naturally prevalent and globally cause the qualitative and quantitative losses of farming commodities, mainly cereals, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, Fusarium spp. can synthesize toxic secondary metabolites-mycotoxins under high temperature and humidity conditions. Among the strategies against Fusarium spp. incidence and mycotoxins biosynthesis, the application of biological control, specifically natural plant extracts, has proved to be one of the solutions as an alternative to chemical treatments. Notably, rowanberries taken from Sorbus aucuparia are a rich source of phytochemicals, such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, as well as minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium, making them promising candidates for biological control strategies. The study aimed to investigate the effect of rowanberry extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) under different conditions on the growth of Fusarium (F. culmorum and F. proliferatum) and mycotoxin biosynthesis. The results showed that various extracts had different effects on Fusarium growth as well as ergosterol content and mycotoxin biosynthesis. These findings suggest that rowanberry extracts obtained by the SFE method could be a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for eradicating Fusarium pathogens in crops, particularly cereal grains. However, more research is necessary to evaluate their efficacy against other Fusarium species and in vivo applications.

Water temperature disturbance alters the conjugate transfer of antibiotic resistance genes via affecting ROS content and intercellular aggregation

Spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems poses a significant global challenge to public health. The potential effects of water temperature perturbation induced by specific water environment changes on ARGs transmission are still unclear. The conjugate transfer of plasmid-mediated ARGs under water temperature perturbation was investigated in this study. The conjugate transfer frequency (CTF) was only 7.16 × 10−7 at a constant water temperature of 5 °C, and it reached 2.18 × 10−5 at 30 °C. Interestingly, compared to the constant 5 °C, the water temperature perturbations (cooling and warming models between 5–30 °C) significantly promoted the CTF. Intracellular reactive oxygen species was a dominant factor, which not only directly affected the CTF of ARGs, but also functioned indirectly via influencing the cell membrane permeability and cell adhesion. Compared to the constant 5 °C, water temperature perturbations significantly elevated the gene expression associated with intercellular contact, cell membrane permeability, oxidative stress responses, and energy driven force for CTF. Furthermore, based on the mathematical model predictions, the stabilization times of acquiring plasmid maintenance were shortened to 184 h and 190 h under cooling and warming model, respectively, thus the water temperature perturbations promoted the ARGs transmission in natural conditions compared with the constant low temperature conditions.

Temperature endurable face-sealing polyisobutylene film with contactable liquid desiccant for the encapsulation of OLEDs

We propose a face-sealed encapsulation solution with simple process and low cost. The polyisobutylene encapsulation patch mixed with calcium oxide particles is attached to the surface of the OLEDs that is exposed to the hygroscopic agent in a face-sealing manner. We find that this encapsulation scheme exhibited excellent waterproof performance. The encapsulated OLED has a long shelf lifetime in water under high temperature conditions, which is manifested in a long underwater shelf lifetime of T95 (luminance drops to 95 % of the initial luminance) of over 336 h at 60°C. We believe that this encapsulating technology can be applied to other organic optoelectronic devices, and the face-sealed encapsulating patch is flexible. This strategy can be extended to roll-to-roll processes to expand the application of flexible organic optoelectronic devices underwater.

Identification of High-Quality Vegetation Areas in Hubei Province Based on an Optimized Vegetation Health Index

This research proposes an optimized method for identifying high-quality vegetation areas, with a focus on forest ecosystems, using an improved Vegetation Health Index (VHI). The study introduces the Land Cover Vegetation Health Index (LCVHI), which integrates the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) and the Temperature Condition Index (TCI) with land cover data. Utilizing MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite imagery and Google Earth Engine (GEE), the study assesses the impact of land cover changes on vegetation health, with particular attention to forested areas. The application of the LCVHI demonstrates that forests exhibit a VHI approximately 25% higher than that of croplands, and wetlands show an 18% higher index compared to grasslands. Analysis of data from 2012 to 2022 in Hubei Province, China, reveals an overall upward trend in vegetation health, highlighting the effectiveness of environmental protection and forest management measures. Different land cover types, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands, significantly impact vegetation health, with forests and wetlands contributing most positively. These findings provide important scientific evidence for regional and global ecological management strategies, supporting the development of forest conservation policies and sustainable land use practices. The research results offer valuable insights into the effective management of regional ecological dynamics.

Temperature-dependent akinete formation strategies of the harmful cyanobacterium Dolichospermum circinale

Cyanobacteria from the orders Nostocales and certain Stigonematales form akinetes, spore-like dormant cells that allow them to survive adverse environmental conditions. Temperature is known to be one of the key factors affecting akinete formation, but there is currently little known about akinete formation during cell growth over a wide range of temperature conditions and its relation to the overall survival strategy of cyanobacteria. Therefore, in the current study, we conducted a temperature-controlled experiment to analyze the akinete formation of a harmful cyanobacterium Dolichospurmum circinale using a growth chamber. We measured the concentration and size of both vegetative cells and different types of akinetes (free, attached, and empty type) under varying temperatures (5–25 °C). We also analyzed the buoyant ability and vertical migration velocity of trichomes along with changes in the volume of vegetative cells and akinetes. The total akinete concentration and ratio (number of akinetes to total number of cells) were both found to be higher at high temperatures (20–25°C) than they were at low temperatures (5–10°C) (p<0.05). Meanwhile, the rate of formation of akinetes (both free and attached akinetes) was highest at low temperature (10 °C) and decreased with increasing temperature. The rate of empty akinete formation increased with increasing temperature and was highest at 25°C, indicating that most of the akinetes produced under high temperature conditions germinated. The change in vegetative cell size was proportional to the increase in the growth rate in response to increasing temperature (p<0.05). At high temperature, vegetative cells exhibited positive buoyancy and higher vertical migration velocity, while at low temperature, they exhibited negative buoyancy and relatively low migration velocity. Akinete size was larger at low temperature than it was at high temperature. These findings suggest that akinetes play an important role in maintaining populations in the water column, with a link between akinete formation and germination during summer cyanobacteria blooms. This information is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the D. circinale life cycle.

Optimized array for powering sensors: Thermal and electromagnetic energy harvesting and fusion

Environmental energy harvesting technology has achieved great success in remote sensor power supply applications. However, existing technologies in the power grid neglect the potential of weak energy sources. This study aims to optimize the most reasonable array configurations and create hybrid energy fusion schemes for different weak energy environments. Taking thermal and electromagnetic energy harvesting from cable surfaces and currents in coaxial cables as an example, this paper introduces a genetic algorithm-based optimization method of harvester array configuration under multiple constraints and a dual-source energy fusion system. First, a vector impedance parameter identification method based on the equivalent circuit model of current transformer (CT) is proposed. Later, an optimization model for harvester array is established. Then, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize array combinations. And, a dual-source energy fusion system is proposed. Finally, thermal and electromagnetic energy harvesting and fusion are performed using 3 × 1 TEGs array and 6 × 1CT array. Under the specified conditions of a hot end temperature of 50 ℃ and an effective current value of 2 A, the power supply for the Zigbee wireless sensing system is realized to monitor the temperature of the cable core.

Rheology modification in a subduction channel due to eclogite facies metasomatism (Rocky Beach Metamorphic Mélange, Port Macquarie, Australia)

The rheological properties of the interface between the down-going and overriding plates in subduction zones provides insight into how plate convergence is accommodated and the controls on seismic and aseismic slip. This interface is known as the subduction channel and exhumed examples provide the only direct information on deformation mechanisms and the impact of metamorphism on rheology. The Rocky Beach Metamorphic Mélange in eastern Australia is one such exhumed subduction channel, composed of eclogite, blueschist and greenschist facies blocks within a mélange matrix. Previous phase equilibria modelling indicates that high pressure blocks were subducted to ca. 100 km depth and then retrogressed during return flow and exhumation. We found that the rheology of blocks is modified by metasomatism, consistent with studies on other subduction channels. However, through comparison of blocks from different metamorphic grades we found that the effect of metasomatism on rheology varied depending on the pressure and temperature conditions of metasomatism. While unmetasomatised eclogites behaved as rigid objects in the mélange matrix, rocks with mineral assemblages that equilibrated during eclogite facies metasomatism accumulated significant strain, forming isoclinal folds and refolded folds. Deformation of these blocks began at eclogite facies and continued during return flow and retrogression to blueschist facies. At blueschist facies, metasomatised blocks developed mm-scale isoclinal folds with shearing parallel to fold limbs forming rootless isoclinal folds. At the transition between blueschist and greenschist facies, pressure solution became important, preferentially focusing along layers of lawsonite, dissolving it from the rock. At greenschist facies, dissolution-precipitation processes caused significant mass loss, producing mm-spacing between pressure solution seams and cuspate folds, analogous to dewatering structures in sediments. In the Rocky Beach Metamorphic Mélange eclogite facies metasomatism reduces the competence of rigid blocks, reducing overall subduction channel heterogeneity during return flow. We suggest that subduction channels that experience widespread eclogite facies metasomatism may be less likely to generate seismic slip during return flow, since the proportion of rigid blocks and block strength are both reduced.

H-atom abstraction reactions of C1-C4 alkanes by ketenyl radical: Kinetic investigation and analysis

The kinetics of 16 H-atom abstraction reactions of C1-C4 alkanes by ketenyl radical (HCCO) are studied to enhance the existing combustion mechanisms. Firstly, the obtain the lowest-energy conformer, vibration frequencies and single point energies for the reactants, prepolymers, transition states, and products are determined using the CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ//B3LYP/6-311G+(d,p) theory level. Subsequently, temperature-dependent reaction rate constants for the major channels are predicted by the TST method. Finally, the H-atom abstraction reactions are validated under multiple temperature conditions, and the effects of the reactions on auto-ignition process and CO emission characteristics of n-heptane/NG mixture are researched. The results indicate that the H-atom abstraction reactions by Cα-atom play a significant role for the diesel/NG combustion. To combine the reaction pathways and rate constants into the existing kinetic mechanisms resulted in more accurate predictions of the ignition delay time. Furthermore, these kinetics data are valuable for revealing the CO emissions of the dual-fuel engines.

Environmental Temperature Variation Affects Brain Lipid Composition in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

This study delves deeper into the impact of environmental temperature variations on the nervous system in teleost fish. Previous research has demonstrated that exposing adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 18 °C and 34 °C for 4 or 21 days induces behavioural changes compared to fish kept at a control temperature of 26 °C, suggesting alterations in the nervous system. Subsequent studies revealed that these temperature conditions also modify brain protein expression, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. The primary aim of this work was to investigate the effects of prolonged exposure (21 days) to 18 °C or 34 °C on the brain lipidomes of adult zebrafish compared to a control temperature. Analysis of the brain lipidome highlighted significant alteration in the relative abundances of specific lipid molecules at 18 °C and 34 °C, confirming distinct effects induced by both tested temperatures. Exposure to 18 °C resulted in an increase in levels of phospholipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, alongside a general reduction in levels of sphingolipids, including sphingomyelin. Conversely, exposure to 34 °C produced more pronounced effects, with increases in levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and those of various sphingolipids such as ceramide, gangliosides, and sphingomyelin, alongside a reduction in levels of ether phospholipids, including lysophosphatidylethanolamine ether, phosphatidylethanolamine ether, and phosphatidylglycerol ether, as well as levels of glycolipids like monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. These results, when integrated with existing proteomic and behavioural data, offer new insights into the effects of thermal variations on the nervous system in teleost fish. Specifically, our proteomic and lipidomic findings suggest that elevated temperatures may disrupt mitochondrial function, increase neuronal susceptibility to oxidative stress and cytotoxicity, alter axonal myelination, impair nerve impulse transmission, hinder synapse function and neurotransmitter release, and potentially lead to increased neuronal death. These findings are particularly relevant in the fields of cell biology, neurobiology, and ecotoxicology, especially in the context of global warming.

Performance optimization of a novel perovskite solar cell with power conversion efficiency exceeding 37% based on methylammonium tin iodide

The development of highly efficient lead-free solar cells is essential for sustainable energy production in the face of depleting fossil fuel resources and the negative effects of climate change. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) containing lead pose considerable environmental and public health hazards, in addition to thermal stability and longevity challenges. Here, a novel lead-free solar cell design of the configuration, ITO/PC61BM/CH3NH3SnI3/PEDOT:PSS/Mo, is investigated for improved light harvesting capabilities, enhanced device performance, and better operational efficiency under various temperature conditions. The optimal thickness of the light-absorbing layer, CH3NH3SnI3, was found to be 1000 nm for maximum quantum efficiency (QE). Further, the temperature tolerance of the solar cell was evaluated using Mott-Schottky (MS) capacitance analysis and showed that the model cell retains about 95% of its power at 400 K, demonstrating excellent thermal stability and robust performance. The solar cell also shows promising electrical output parameters, including a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 34.84 mA/cm², open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.5226 V, Fill factor (FF) of 71.04%, and an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 37.66% at 300 K. The effect of buffer layers such as CdS, ZnS, ZnSe, and V2O5 on the electrical outcomes of the model cell structure has been critically examined. Additionally, parasitic resistances and doping characteristics on the operational performance of the cell have been explored in detail. This work therefore, provides remarkable insights in the field of solar energy harvesting, offering potential sustainable energy generation solutions, supporting de-carbonization of the environment and climate change mitigation efforts towards an energy sustainable future.

CuS modified graphite from spent Li-ion batteries towards building high energy Na-ion capacitors via solvent-co-intercalation process

Sodium-ion capacitors (NICs) are one of the most modern hybrid energy storage devices, and they involve two different energy storage mechanisms (faradaic and non-faradaic). The NICs are bridging the gap between the Na-ion batteries and the capacitors with enhanced power and energy densities. This work explores a new combination electrode material, i.e., recovered graphite (RG) decorated with copper sulphide (CuS, CS) as the anode for the NIC application, in which graphite undergoes the solvent-co-intercalation process, and CuS adopts the conversion reaction. We also report the possibility of efficient direct recovery of the anode of dead/spent Li-ion batteries and upcycling as a battery-type component for NIC with commercially available activated carbon (AC) as the capacitor-type cathode. First, the Na-storage property is analyzed in the half-cell configuration, where the Na/RG-CS half-cell displayed excellent cyclic stability with a stable specific capacity of 113 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles with >96% coulombic efficiency in ether solutions. With a pre-sodiated form of RG-CS as anode and mass-balanced AC as a cathode, the NIC is fabricated. The NIC displayed a superior energy density of 64.6 Wh kg−1 with ultra-long cyclability for more than 10,000 cycles with >85% capacity retention. The compatibility of the NIC in different environmental conditions is also studied, and the cell renders better performance in all temperature conditions.

SEARCH FOR METHODS TO INCREASE THE SEDIMENTATION RATE OF THE UPPER FLOATING LAYER OF OIL SLUDGE PITS

Traditionally, oil sludge with a liquid-viscous consistency is separated into petroleum product, water and solid mechanical impurities. A large number of technological devices, including separators, centrifuges, hydrocyclones of various designs, have been developed to carry out the operation of interfacial separation of liquid-viscous oil sludge.On the territory of every oil refinery that has been in operation for decades, there are oil sludge ponds — natural settling ponds in which large quantities of oil waste accumulate.The problem of processing barn oil sludge in the oil production and refining industry has not yet been completely solved. This is due to the high stability of barn emulsions, the peculiarities of their composition and properties, which are constantly changing under the influence of temperature and various processes occurring in them.The article presents the results of research aimed at identifying the possibility of destruction of a persistent oil-water emulsion taken from the upper floating layer of an oil sludge pit and its preparation without changing the technological scheme and technological parameters.The results of laboratory studies on the destruction of oily liquid during static sedimentation are considered. Simulation of the oily liquid preparation process was carried out in compliance with the temperature and time conditions of operation, with the use of demulsifiers, by analogy with the process of oily liquid preparation, as at the unit. The results of the simulation showed that at the dosage of the demulsifiers used at the unit, even with an increase in the dosage and an increase in the settling time to 5 days, the oil-water emulsion did not collapse at 60 0C. Further studies were carried out by testing eight brands of demulsifiers at different dosages and elevated temperatures. Based on the results of the research and the conclusions made, a scheme for the preparation of oil-containing liquid at static sludge with the existing set of equipment at the unit is proposed.Further studies were carried out to increase the depth and sedimentation rate of the persistent oil-water emulsion.

Effect of artificial aging on fracture toughness and hardness of 3D-printed and milled 3Y-TZP zirconia.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of artificial aging on the fracture toughness and hardness of three-dimensional (3D)-printed and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled 3 mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP). Forty bar-shaped specimens (45 × 4 × 3mm) were prepared using two manufacturing technologies: 3D printing (LithaCon 3Y 210, Lithoz GmbH, Vienna, Austria; n = 20) and milling (Initial Zirconia ST, GC, Japan; n = 20) of 3Y-TZP. The chevron-notch beam method was used to assess the fracture toughness according to ISO 24370. Specimens from each 3Y-TZP group were divided into two subgroups (n = 10) based on the artificial aging process (autoclaving): nonaged and aged. Nonaged specimens were stored at room temperature, while aged specimens underwent autoclave aging at 134°C under 2bar-pressure for 5 h. Subsequently, the specimens were immersed in absolute 99% ethanol using an ultrasonic cleaner for 5 min. Each specimen was preloaded by subjecting it to a 4-point loading test, with a force of up to 200 N applied for three cycles. Further 4-point loading was conducted at a rate of 0.5mm/min under controlled temperature and humidity conditions until fracture occurred. The maximum force (Fmax) was recorded and the chevron notch was examined at 30 × magnification under an optical microscope for measurements before the fracture toughness (KIc) was calculated. Microhardness testing was also performed to measure the Vickers hardness number (VHN). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray unit (EDX) was used to examine surface topography and chemical composition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was conducted to identify crystalline structure. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Student's t-test with a significance level of 0.05. The nonaged 3D-printed 3Y-TZP group exhibited a significantly higher fracture toughness value (6.07MPam1/2) than the milled 3Y-TZP groups (p < 0.001). After autoclave aging, the 3D-printed 3Y-TZP group maintained significantly higher fracture toughness (p < 0.001) compared to the milled 3Y-TZP group. However, no significant differences in hardness values (p = 0.096) were observed between the aged and nonaged groups within each manufacturing process (3D-printed and milled) independently. The findings revealed that the new 3D-printed 3Y-TZP produced by the lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology exhibited superior fracture toughness after autoclave aging compared to the milled 3Y-TZP. While no significant differences in hardness were observed between the aged groups, the 3D-printed material demonstrated greater resistance to fracture, indicating enhanced mechanical stability.

Just-in-Time Morning Ramp-Up Implementation in Warehouses Enabled by Machine Learning-Based Predictive Modelling: Estimation of Achievable Energy Saving through Simulation

This study proposes a simulation-based methodology for estimating the energy saving achievable through the implementation of a just-in-time morning ramp-up procedure in a warehouse (equipped with a heat pump). In this methodology, the operation of the heating supply unit each day is initiated at a different time, aiming at achieving the desired setpoint upon (and not before) the expected arrival of the occupants. It requires the estimation of the ramp-up duration (the time it takes the heating system to bring the indoor temperature to the desired setpoint), which can be provided by machine learning-based models. To justify the corresponding required deployment investment, an accurate estimation of the resulting achievable energy saving is needed. Accordingly, physics-based energy behavior simulations are first performed. Next, various ML algorithms are employed to estimate the ramp-up duration using the simulated time-series data of indoor temperature, setpoints, and weather conditions. It is shown that the proposed pipelines can estimate the ramp-up duration with a mean absolute error of about 3 min in all indoor spaces. To assess the resulting potential energy saving, a re-simulation is conducted using ML-based ramp-up estimations for each day, resulting in an energy savings of approximately 10%.

Fick and Maxwell-Stefan diffusion of the liquid mixture cyclohexane + toluene + acetone + methanol and its subsystems

Transport diffusion of the quaternary mixture cyclohexane + toluene + acetone + methanol and most of its binary and ternary subsystems at ambient conditions of temperature and pressure is studied by molecular dynamics simulation. Liquid-liquid phase separation of cyclohexane + methanol extends into the according ternary and quaternary mixtures, rendering them highly non-ideal. Maxwell-Stefan diffusion and intradiffusion coefficients are predicted with the Green-Kubo formalism, while the thermodynamic factor is sampled with Kirkwood-Buff integration. From these data, the Fick diffusion coefficient is determined and thoroughly compared with experimental literature values. Given that the simulation results for all binaries, one of the ternaries and the quaternary mixture are successfully validated, it can be assumed that the results for the three remaining ternary mixtures, for which no experimental data exist, are sound, too. These three ternaries exhibit non-idealities that entail Maxwell-Stefan diffusion coefficient maxima that are accompanied by Fick diffusion coefficient minima due to the thermodynamic factor. Particularly the very different nature of cyclohexane and methanol molecules, where the latter strongly self-associate, leads to anomalies. The predictive models by Li et al. (2001) and Allie-Ebrahim et al. (2018) for binary and ternary mixtures, respectively, are found to yield good results for predicting the Fick diffusion coefficient of these challenging systems.

Modeling and Application of Drought Monitoring with Adaptive Spatial Heterogeneity Using Eco–Geographic Zoning: A Case Study of Drought Monitoring in Yunnan Province, China

Drought, characterized by frequent occurrences, an extended duration, and a wide range of destruction, has become one of the natural disasters posing a significant threat to both socioeconomic progress and agricultural livelihoods. Large-scale geographical environments often exhibit obvious spatial heterogeneity, leading to significant spatial differences in drought’s development and outcomes. However, traditional drought monitoring models have not taken into account the impact of regional spatial heterogeneity on drought, resulting in evaluation results that do not match the actual situation. In response to the above-mentioned issues, this study proposes the establishment of ecological–geographic zoning to adapt to the spatially stratified heterogeneous characteristics of large-scale drought monitoring. First, based on the principles of ecological and geographical zoning, an appropriate index system was selected to carry out ecological and geographical zoning for Yunnan Province. Second, based on the zoning results and using data from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43, the vegetation condition index (VCI), the temperature condition index (TCI), the precipitation condition index (TRCI), and three topographic factors including the digital elevation model (DEM), slope (SLOPE), and aspect (ASPECT) were selected as model parameters. Multiple linear regression models were then used to establish integrated drought monitoring frameworks at different eco–geographical zoning scales. Finally, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) was used to evaluate the monitoring effects of the model, and the spatiotemporal variation patterns and characteristics of winter and spring droughts in Yunnan Province from 2008–2019 were further analyzed. The results show that (1) compared to the traditional non-zonal models, the drought monitoring model constructed based on ecological–geographic zoning has a higher correlation and greater accuracy with the SPEI and (2) Yunnan Province experiences periodic and seasonal drought patterns, with spring being the peak period of drought occurrence and moderate drought and light drought being the main types of drought in Yunnan Province. Therefore, we believe that ecological–geographic zoning can better adapt to geographical spatial heterogeneity characteristics, and the zonal drought monitoring model constructed can more effectively identify the actual occurrence of drought in large regions. This research finding can provide reference for the formulation of drought response policies in large-scale regions.

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OF HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION FACILITIES

The risk-oriented approach to industrial safety allows for the operation of hazardous production facilities in the cracks presence. There is a problem of assessing the critical size of cracks by non-destructive methods, which are currently not widely tested and standardized. Changing operating conditions and damage accumulation can transfer cracks into the category of developing cracks, and this can lead to catastrophic consequences. From this point of view, close proximity of objects containing explosive substances, as it is the case at processing plants, pumping stations, production platforms, poses a danger. Visualization of hazardous objects and their location areas warns the personnel about the need to comply with increased safety measures. This is aimed at using industrial design, which defines the principles of warning of hazardous objects by using color signs. A common trend in the coating usage is their multifunctionality. In this regard, the present research attempts to combine color warning signs with the possibility of their usage in composite coatings designed for corrosion protection, as well as showing the changes in temperature conditions of processes.

Variation among Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Genotypes for Antioxidant Defence System and Yield under High Temperature Stress

Background: Blackgram is a short duration pulse crop which is sensitive to high temperatures. Raising global temperatures are becoming a serious threat to the production of blackgram by altering biochemical processes at cellular level. Hence, the present investigation was carried out for better understanding of genotypic variability and the biochemical mechanisms governing heat stress tolerance which can help in identifying heat tolerant blackgram genotypes that can yield better under climate change scenarios. Methods: Thirty blackgram genotypes selected from temperature induction response technique were evaluated for biochemical efficiency under natural high temperature conditions during summer, 2022 and 23. Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College Farm, Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, Agricultural College, Bapatla. Biochemical and yield parameters were recorded at flowering and the data were analyzed statistically and pooled. Result: The results of the study revealed that the genotypes TBG-129, LBG-1015, PU-1804 and PU-31 recorded higher seed yield indicating their ability to withstand high temperatures by up-regulating various biochemical pathways involved in increased production of proline, carotenoids and antioxidant defense enzymes that might have scavenged the free radicals that were produced due to high temperature stress, thereby preventing lipid peroxidation. Lower seed yield was recorded in TBG-125 and LBG-1023 which might be due to oxidative damage caused by higher accumulation of free radicals and poor scavenging activity of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the results of correlation analysis revealed that all the biochemical traits such as proline, carotenoids and antioxidant defense enzymes showed positive association with seed yield except free radicals and malondialdehyde. The principal component analysis results revealed considerable variability among the traits accounting for 80.0%. The genotypes TBG-129, LBG-1015, PU-1804 and PU-31 can be used in breeding programmes for development of heat tolerant genotypes.

New insights of the microcrack initiation induced by Mo addition in Ni-based single crystal superalloys during creep at 900 °C

Mo has received much attention in Ni-based single crystal superalloys as a main strengthening element at elevated temperatures above 1000 °C. However, the effects of Mo addition in new generation single crystal superalloys at medium temperature conditions are still not clear. This paper investigated the creep property at 900 °C and 392 MPa in a 4th generation Ni-based single crystal superalloy with different Mo contents, indicating that Mo addition decreased the creep life and induced large amounts of microcracks. Higher Mo content could weaken the interface strength by inducing more stacking faults, causing crack initiation along the interface. The elemental segregation along the stacking faults triggered the nucleation of other precipitates, which could further lead to cracks. The precipitation of topologically close-packed (TCP) phases introduced by more Mo addition caused crack initiation along the interfaces between the TCP phases and γ′ phase. By investigating the microcrack formation induced by Mo during creep at 900 °C, we provided a new perspective for the alloy design.