Decreasing Trend Research Articles

Molecular Dynamics Study on Microporous Direction Effect on C-S-H Fracture Performance

The hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H) gel is the main hydration product and source of paste strength of cement. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation method based on ClayFF was used to investigate the effect of micropore direction on the fracture performance of C-S-H under tensile load and interpret the micro deformation, fracture, and failure processes of cement concrete. After establishing a complete C-S-H model with chemical formula (CaO)1.60(SiO2)(H2O)1.57 and micropore models with different pore sizes and directions, the influence of micropore direction on the fracture performance of the C-S-H models was analyzed from three perspectives: mechanical property, micro fracture process, and energy evolution. It was found that the ultimate stress and Young’s modulus of the C-S-H models showed a decreasing trend with the increase of micropore size, and were less affected by the direction of micropores. It was also found that the direction of micropores had a significant impact on the structural failure of the C-S-H models in the x direction tensile simulation, followed by the y direction, and had the smallest effect on the z direction. It was also found that the elastic energy and input energy of the C-S-H models exhibited decreasing trends with the increase of pore size, and the three-dimensional critical energy release rates of different pore models’ difference also decreased.

Investigating the fluctuating nature of post-COVID pain symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: the LONG-COVID-EXP multicenter study.

This cohort study used Sankey plots and exponential bar plots for visualizing the fluctuating nature and trajectory of post-COVID pain in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. A cohort of 1266 subjects hospitalised because of COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic were scheduled for a telephone interview at 8.4 (T1), 13.2 (T2), and 18.3 (T3) months in average after hospitalization for collecting data about post-COVID pain. Patients were asked for about pain symptomatology that was attributed to the infection. Hospitalization and clinical data were collected from medical records. The prevalence of myalgia as COVID-19-associated symptom was 29.82% (n = 389) at hospitalization (T0). The prevalence of post-COVID pain was 41.07% (n = 520) at T1, 34.29% (n = 434) at T2, and 28.47% (n = 360) at T3. The recovery exponential curve revealed a decrease trend visualizing that post-COVID pain improved over the time span investigated. Pain in the lower extremity and widespread pain were the most prevalent locations. Female sex (OR 1.507, 95% CI 1.047-2.169), pre-existing pain symptoms (OR 1.724, 95% CI 1.237-2.403), headache as onset-symptom (OR 2.374, 95% CI 1.550-3.639), days at hospital (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.000-1.025), and presence of post-COVID pain at T1 (OR 13.243, 95% CI 9.428-18.601) were associated with post-COVID pain at T2. Only the presence of post-COVID pain at T1 (OR 5.383, 95% CI 3.896-7.439) was associated with post-COVID pain at T3. Current results show a fluctuating evolution with a decreasing tendency of post-COVID pain during the first years after hospitalization. The development of post-COVID pain soon after SARS-CoV-2 infection predispose for long-lasting chronic pain.

Experimental study and numerical simulation verification of the macro- and micromechanical properties of the sandstone–concrete interface under freeze–thaw cycles

In cold-region tunnel engineering, the bonding surface between concrete and surrounding rock is highly susceptible to engineering disasters such as the cracking of support structures under the influence of freeze-thaw cycles, which severely affects the stability of tunnel engineering. This study investigates the macroscopic and microscopic mechanical properties of the sandstone–concrete interface under freeze–thaw cycles and reveals the microdamage and fracture evolutionary laws during the freeze–thaw loading process via the coupled expansion of water–ice particle phase changes via particle flow numerical simulation methods, aiming to provide theoretical support for the design and construction of rock–soil and tunnel engineering in high-altitude frozen soil areas. The results indicate that the interface strength characteristics of the sandstone–concrete specimens exhibit a stable decreasing trend with an increase in the number of freeze-thaw cycles and a decrease in roughness. Taking the most unfavorable condition as an example, the exacerbation of freeze-thaw deterioration resulted in shear strength reductions of 16.53%, 27.01%, and 37.17% for specimens (JRC=3.727), while an increase in roughness led to shear strength increases of 11.00% and 15.14% for specimens (NT=60 cycles). The acoustic emission characteristics during the loading process of the sandstone–concrete interface specimens reflect the microcracking evolutionary activity of the specimens quite well, and setting 1.0 as the recommended value for the precursor determination of the b-value and CV(k) index is most reasonable. Under freeze-thaw cycles, cracks first initiate partial microcracks at the interface and on the outer side of the specimen, primarily dominated by tensile cracks and evolving with a "slow–fast" trend toward both sides of the interface. Under shear stress, particles at the interface first undergo slip dislocation due to their lower bonding strength, generating cracks, subsequently inducing significant displacement of particles on both sides of the interface, resulting in crack propagation toward both sides of the interface, ultimately penetrating and forming shear bands leading to macroscopic failure.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in kidney transplant patients

IntroductionThe global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe mortality and morbidity. Immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant recipients, are particularly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. ObjectiveThe aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in patients with kidney transplants. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective study, 254 patients with kidney transplants were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and a fraction of these contracted COVID-19. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing, and the patients received treatment involving immunosuppressive and COVID-19-specific protocols. ResultsSARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in 38 (14.96%) patients before the COVID-19 vaccine was administered. After vaccination, an additional 29 (11.42%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Risk factors for hospitalization included age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and time elapsed since renal transplantation (p = 0.025, 0.038, 0.012, and 0.046, respectively). COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from 63.16% to 34.48% (p = 0.020). The proportion of patients from this cohort placed in intensive care units decreased from 23.68% to zero. Allograft rejections exhibited a decreasing trend from 13.16% to 6.90% (p = 0.690). This patient cohort displayed 15.79% mortality prior to COVID-19 vaccination that was reduced to nil after immunization. ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced COVID-19 severity and mortality in this cohort of patients with kidney transplants. The risk factors for hospitalization were determined to be age, BMI, comorbidities, and time since renal transplantation. COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a clinical outcome of reduced hospitalization and a decrease in clinical complications. The COVID-19 vaccination-derived adverse effects in this cohort were found to be comparable to those in the immunocompetent population.

Global, regional, and national burden of trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer among women of reproductive age, 1990–2019

BackgroundTrachea, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer has demonstrated a discernible feminization and a tendency towards younger onset in recent decades. Therefore, our objective is to examine the most recent patterns in the worldwide prevalence of TBL among women of reproductive age on a global, regional, and national scale. MethodsTo assess the prevalence trends of TBL in women of reproductive age, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized death rate (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These calculations were based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, there was a global increase in the absolute number of incidence cases, deaths, and DALYs of TBL in women of reproductive age. However, the ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rates were decreasing over this period, with EAPC of -0.77 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.03 to -0.51), -1.08 (95 % CI: -1.34 to -0.82), and -1.10 (95 % CI: -1.36 to -0.84), respectively. This trend was observed even in regions with higher Socio-Demographic Index (SDI). East Asia consistently had the highest ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rate, but there was a decreasing trend. Conversely, Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa displayed an increasing burden pattern. When examining countries individually, Monaco, Greenland, and Palau had the highest ASIR. Moreover, in most countries, the ASIR for TBL increased with age, particularly among women aged 35–49 years. ConclusionsDespite a global decline in ASIR, ASDR, and age-standardized DALY rates for TBL in women of reproductive age over the past three decades, there is still a troubling increase observed in low- and low-middle SDI regions. It is crucial to implement effective preventive and curative measures in these regions in order to address this concerning trend.

Differences in maternal subgingival microbiome between preterm and term births: The MOHEPI study.

Periodontitis is a potential risk factor for preterm birth (PTB) in women; however, the causal relationship or the exact mechanism remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the oral microbiome features of mothers with full-term birth (FTB) with those who had preterm delivery. This study prospectively enrolled 60 women (30 mothers with PTB and 30 mothers with FTB), and subgingival plaque samples were collected and analysed by metagenomic 16S rDNA sequencing. Clinical measurements, including periodontal probing depth, clinical attachment level, modified gingival index (mGI) and plaque index, were performed to determine the periodontal state of the participants. Medical and obstetric data were collected as well. Among the periodontal measurements, mGI score, reflecting the level of gingival inflammation, exhibited a statistically significant association with PTB (adjusted odds ratio 2.705, 95% confidence interval 1.074-6.811, p = .035). When subgroup analysis was conducted based on mean mGI scores (mGI ≥ 2, high inflammation [HI] versus mGI < 2, low inflammation [LI]), microbiome analysis revealed clear distinctions in microbial compositions between PTB and FTB mothers in both the HI and LI groups. Especially in the HI group, alpha diversity exhibited a decreasing trend in PTB mothers compared to FTB mothers. Beta diversity also revealed significant differences between the two groups. In Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis, certain anaerobic taxa, including the genera Spirochaetes, Treponema and Porphyromonas, were relatively abundant in the FTB/HI group, whereas the PTB/HI group showed a high abundance of the order Actinomycetales. Network analysis showed that the FTB/HI had relatively stronger connectivity in microbial composition than the PTB/HI group. Dysbiosis ratio of plaque microbiome, in terms of periodontitis, was significantly lower in PTB/HI group compared to FTB/HI group. The compositions of maternal subgingival microbiomes differed between PTB and FTB mothers in both the high and low levels of gingival inflammation groups. In the presence of high level of gingival inflammation, dysbiosis in plaque microbiome, in terms of periodontitis, was decreased in PTB mothers compared to FTB mothers.

Does the universal adaptive strategy theory apply to natural regeneration in heterogeneous subtropical karst forests?

The universal adaptive strategy theory (UAST) describes how the ecological strategy of plants changes along the succession after disturbance. However, whether it applies to those off-peak successional pathways in extremely heterogeneous forests is uncertain. This study established a series of forest dynamic plots along the natural regeneration in subtropical karst forests, and aimed to verify whether UAST applied to the succession in extremely heterogeneous forests. By measuring the dominant plant functional traits (PFTs) and quantifying the plant ecological strategy spectrum, we found that the PFTs varied significantly along the natural regeneration, as did plant ecological strategies. Further results showed that the C- and S-strategy dominated the community-level ecological strategy spectrum. In addition, the C-strategy gradually increased along the natural regeneration, while the S-strategy exhibited a decreasing trend. The community spatial structure and abiotic factors including soil physicochemical properties and topographic factors jointly drove the ecological strategy spectrum of the plant community, with the community spatial structure playing a more important role. This study provided clear evidence to support Grime’s CSR theory and the UAST, which emphasized the abiotic stress conditions supported the S-strategy plants, while the C-strategy would dominate in relative fertile soil conditions.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality in Japan: an analysis of national data from 2010 to 2022

BackgroundAlthough the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected trends of multiple health outcomes in Japan, there is a paucity of studies investigating the effect of the pandemic on adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the onset of the pandemic on the trends in adverse birth outcomes and fetal mortality using national data in Japan.MethodsWe used the 2010–2022 birth and fetal mortality data from the Vital Statistics in Japan. We defined the starting time of the effect of the pandemic as April 2020, and the period from January 2010 to March 2020 and that from April 2020 to December 2022 were defined as the pre- and post- pandemic period, respectively. The rates of preterm birth, term low birth weight (TLBW), small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), spontaneous fetal mortality, and artificial fetal mortality were used as outcomes. An interrupted time series analysis was conducted using monthly time series data of the outcomes to evaluate the effects of the pandemic. In addition, a modified Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the effects of the pandemic on these outcomes using individual-level data, and the adjusted risk ratio of the effect was calculated.ResultsThe adverse birth and fetal mortality outcomes showed a decreasing trend over the years, except for preterm birth and LGA birth rates, and SGA birth rates tended to reach their lowest values after the onset of the pandemic. The interrupted time series analysis revealed that the pandemic decreased preterm birth, TLBW, and SGA birth rates. In addition, the regression analysis revealed that the pandemic decreased the TLBW, SGA, and artificial fetal mortality rates.ConclusionsAnalyses performed using national data suggested that the pandemic decreased the TLBW and SGA rates in Japan.

Effect of annealing temperature on physical properties and photoelectrochemical behavior of electrodeposited nanostructured NiO thin films for optoelectronic applications

Our paper used a low-cost electrodeposition technique to grow Nickel Oxide (NiO) thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. As-deposited films were annealed at different temperatures (350, 400, 450, and 500 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectrophotometer, photoluminescence (PL), Cyclic voltammetry (CV), photocurrent (PC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis (MS) were used to study and investigate the effect of annealing temperatures on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of prepared thin films. XRD patterns proved the cubic phase of all NiO samples with the preferential orientation in (111) direction. SEM results showed that the grain size increased with increasing annealing temperature. The optical transmission was studied by a UV–vis spectrophotometer, where high transmittance for NiO thin films was found to vary in the range of 73–84 % in the visible wavelength region, depending on the annealing temperatures. At the same time, UV–visible measurements indicate an absorption band edge at 311 nm, mainly recognized as a characteristic direct band gap for prepared NiO. The optical gap calculated from the Tauc relation showed a decreasing trend from 3.97 to 3.86 eV with increasing annealing temperature from 300 °C to 500 °C. PL spectra of synthesized samples revealed two distinct emission peaks at around 400 nm and 490 nm. RAM analysis confirmed the presence of three characteristic peaks related to the vibration of Ni–O bonds. The NiO film annealed at 500 °C displays the highest specific capacitance value by CV analysis. The P-type conductivity of manufactured arrays and enhanced electrical properties were confirmed by PC, EIS, and MS analysis. The highest carrier concentration values (9.19 × 1018 cm−3) and flat band potential (0.82 V) were obtained for samples annealed at 500 °C. Our outcomes proved that NiO-500 °C thin films are ideal candidates for optoelectronic applications.

Safety and surgical outcomes of robotic adrenalectomy from a 15-year experience at a single institution

Robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has gained significant popularity in the management of adrenal gland diseases. We report our experience at a single tertiary institution and evaluate the safety and surgical outcomes of RA. The data of 122 consecutive patients who underwent RA from October 2009 to December 2022 at Korea University Anam Hospital (Seoul, Korea) were reviewed. There were no perioperative complications. Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed through complete chart reviews. Noteworthy findings include the influence of sex, tumor size, and body mass index on operation time, with the female and small tumor groups exhibiting shorter operation times (P = 0.018 and P = 0.009, respectively). Pheochromocytoma was identified as a significant independent risk factor for a longer operation time in the multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR), 3.709; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.127–12.205; P = 0.031]. A temporal analysis revealed a decreasing trend in mean operation times across consecutive groups, reflecting a learning curve associated with RA adoption. RA is a safe and effective operative technique alternative to laparoscopic adrenalectomy that has favorable surgical outcomes and enhances the convenience of the operation.

Benign transient hyperphosphatasemia in the pediatric population: a single center cohort study.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) can be increased in a benign condition known as benign-transient hyperphosphatasemia (BTH). We aimed to evaluate the demographic, and clinical characteristics of infants and children with BTH. In our retrospective study, infants and children diagnosed with BTH between September 2019 and September 2023 were included. Of 249 children with elevated ALP levels, 95 (38.1 %) had BTH. The mean age at diagnosis of children with BTH was 2.4±1.3 years (min 0.6- max 6.2 years). ALP mean value was 2,587±1252 U/L (min 972- max 5757 U/L). ALP value was an average 7.4±3.6 times higher than the corresponding upper limit of normal. The second measurement was made after an average of 13.2±6days, and a statistically significant difference was detected compared to the first value, with a decrease of 61±23 % in the ALP value (p<0.001). ALP value returned to normal in an average of 44±29.2days. Elevated ALP was detected during infection in 49 (51.6 %) children. When the sample was divided into those under 2 years of age and aged 2 and over, no statistical difference was observed in ALP levels in the time it took for ALP levels to return to the normal range (p=0.480). BTH should be kept in mind if high serum ALP is detected in children without clinical or laboratory suspicion of bone or liver disease. In the follow up detecting a significant decrease trend compared to the first value may be guiding for BTH.

Effects of combined nitrogen and phosphorus application on soil phosphorus fractions in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production in China

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers change the morphological structure and effectiveness of P in the soil, which in turn affects crop growth, yield, and quality. However, the effects and mechanism of combined N and P application on the content of P fractions and the transformation of effective forms in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production is unclear. This experiment was conducted with four levels of N: 0 (N0), 60 (N1), 120 (N2) and 180 kg·ha-1 (N3); and two levels of P (P2O5): 0 (P0) and 100 kg·ha-1 (P1). The results indicated that, under the same N level, P application significantly increased soil total N, and total P, available P, and content of various forms of inorganic P when compared to no P application, while decreasing the content of various forms of organic P and pH value. In general, under P0 conditions, soil total N content tended to increase with increasing N application, while total P, available P content, pH, inorganic P content in all forms, and organic P content in all forms showed a decreasing trend. When compared to no N application, insoluble P (Fe-P, O-P, Ca10-P) of the N application treatments was reduced 2.80 - 22.72, 2.96 - 20.42, and 5.54 - 20.11%, respectively. Under P1 conditions, soil total N and O-P tended to increase with increasing N application, while, pH, Ca2-P, Al-P, Fe-P, Ca10-P, and organic P content of each form tended to decrease. Total P, available P, and labile organic P (LOP) of N application reduced 0.34 - 8.58, 4.76 - 19.38, and 6.27 - 14.93%, respectively, when compared to no application. Nitrogen fertilization reduced the soil Ca2-P ratio, while P fertilization reduced soil Fe-P, moderately resistant organic P (MROP), and highly resistant P (HROP) ratios, and combined N and P elevated the Ca8-P to LOP ratio. The results of redundancy analysis showed that soil total N content, available P content, and pH were the key factors affecting the conversion of P fractions in the soil. Nitrogen and P reduced the proportion of soil insoluble P, promoted the activation of soil organic P, resulting in accumulation of slow-acting P in the soil, thereby improving the efficiency of soil P in alfalfa production.

Agricultural drought-driven mechanism of coupled climate and human activities in the karst basin of southern China.

Timely and accurate agricultural drought monitoring and drought-driven mechanism analysis in karst basins in the context of global warming are highly important for drought disaster monitoring and sustainable ecological development in a basin. In this study, based on MODIS data, meteorological and topographic data and land use data from 2001 to 2020, we used the Sen slope, the Mann-Kendall test and a geographic detector to explore the driving mechanisms of agricultural drought caused by climate change and human activities in the karst basin of southern China from 2001 to 2020. The results showed that (1) the spatial distribution of the TVDI in the karst basin in southern China has obvious regional characteristics, showing a decreasing trend from west to east. (2) According to the interannual trend of drought, the degree of drought in the South China karst basin exhibited a weakening trend over the last 20 years, with the most severe drought occurring in 2003. Regarding the seasonal change in the TVDI, drought in spring, summer and autumn exhibited a decreasing trend, while that in winter exhibited an increasing trend, and the drought intensity decreased in the following order: spring (0.58) > autumn (0.53) > summer (0.5) > winter (0.48). (3) Single-factor detection the results showed that rainfall, temperature and elevation were the main factors driving aridification in the study area; multifactor coupling (mean) drove drought in descending order: rainfall (q = 0.424) > temperature (q = 0.340) > elevation (q = 0.219) > land use (q = 0.188) > population density (q = 0.061) > slope (q = 0.057). Therefore, revealing the mechanism of agricultural drought in karst basins through the study of this paper has important theoretical significance and provides technical guidance for drought relief in karst areas.

Climate–Growth Relationships of Mongolian Pine (Pinussylvestris var. mongholica) along an Altitudinal Gradient of Northeast China

To study the radial growth of Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongholica, MP) trees in response to climatic factors against the global warming background in the northeast part of the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKM), 101 tree cores were collected at contrasting altitudes (1100 and 650 m) in the Mordoga area, a tree-ring width chronology of MP was established for that region at both altitudes, and the relation between climatic factors and ring width trends at different time scales was investigated. The results revealed four major findings. (1) The ring width chronology of MP in the low-altitude area has better quality. (2) The growth of MP at high (low) altitude was mainly influenced by temperature (precipitation) factors. (3) Before a sudden change in temperature, there was a decreasing trend in the annual indices of MPs at higher altitudes. The chronological coefficients of MPs at both altitudes showed a significant upward trend after the increase in temperature. (4) The sliding analysis results showed that the stability of the relationship between MP growth and its response to climatic factors at both altitudes was also mostly similar. MP growth is relatively stable and sensitive and to climatic factors as temperatures increase.

Structural phase transition of G-type antiferromagnetic SrMnO3 under pressure

Abstract SrMnO3 is a versatile material with applications in transistors, supercapacitors, and spintronic devices. This study employs the DFT+U calculations to investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of two polymorphs: 4H-SrMnO3 and 3C-SrMnO3 under isotropic pressure conditions up to 60 GPa. A novel approach based on density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) is employed to precisely determine the on-site Hubbard U value, yielding a computed value of 4.552 eV, consistent with experimental reports. Below P = 14 GPa, the G-AFM phase of 4H-SrMnO3 is the most favored stable, and transitioning to the G-AFM phase of 3C-SrMnO3 beyond 14 GPa. Notably, we observed significant changes in the band gaps, exhibiting an increasing trend under isotropic pressure,&amp;#xD;while the magnetic moments of the Mn sites exhibit a decreasing trend from ≈ 2.8 μB to ≈ 2.3 μB for P = 0 GPa and 60 GPa, respectively. The projected density of states (PDOS) reveals the p-d hybridization contributions between the 3d-Mn and 2p-O covalent bonds, along with d-d Mott Hubbard interactions within the localized 3d orbitals of neighboring Mn-Mn atoms. Furthermore, a decrease in the Mn1-O-Mn2 distance prompts enhanced charge transfer which was facilitated by ligand holes, leading to a noticeable decrease in the magnetic moment of the Mn site in the G-AFM phase of SrMnO3.

Analysis of Lake Area Dynamics and Driving Forces in the Jianghan Plain Based on GEE and SEM for the Period 1990 to 2020

The lakes of Jianghan Plain, as an important component of the water bodies in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River plain, have made significant contributions to maintaining the ecological health and promoting the sustainable development of the Jianghan Plain. However, there is a relatively limited understanding regarding the trends of lake area change for different types of lakes and their dominant factors over the past three decades in the Jianghan Plain. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, combined with the water body index method, the changes in area of three different types of lakes (area &gt; 1 km2) in the Jianghan Lake Group from 1990 to 2020 were extracted and analyzed. Additionally, the Partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyze the driving factors affecting the changes in water body area of these lakes. The results show that from 1990 to 2020, the area of the lakes of the wet season and level season exhibited a decreasing trend, decreasing by 893.1 km2 and 77.9 km2, respectively. However, the area of dry season lakes increased by 59.27 km2. The areas of all three types of lakes reached their minimum values in 2006. According to the PLS-SEM results, the continuous changes in the lakes’ area are mainly controlled by environmental factors overall. Furthermore, human factors mainly influence the mutation of the lakes’ area. This study achieved precise extraction of water body areas and accurate analysis of driving factors, providing a basis for a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic changes in the lakes of Jianghan Plain, which is beneficial for the rational utilization and protection of water resources.

Twenty-Year Climatology of Solar UV and PAR in Cyprus: Integrating Satellite Earth Observations with Radiative Transfer Modeling

In this study, we present comprehensive climatologies of effective ultraviolet (UV) quantities and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) over Cyprus for the period 2004 to 2023, leveraging the synergy of earth observation (EO) data and radiative transfer model simulations. The EO dataset, encompassing satellite and reanalysis data for aerosols, total ozone column, and water vapor, alongside cloud modification factors, captures the nuanced dynamics of Cyprus’s atmospheric conditions. With a temporal resolution of 15 min and a spatial of 0.05° × 0.05°, these climatologies undergo rigorous validation against established satellite datasets and are further evaluated through comparisons with ground-based global horizontal irradiance measurements provided by the Meteorological Office of Cyprus. This dual-method validation approach not only underscores the models’ accuracy but also highlights its proficiency in capturing intra-daily cloud coverage variations. Our analysis extends to investigating the long-term trends of these solar radiation quantities, examining their interplay with changes in cloud attenuation, aerosol optical depth (AOD), and total ozone column (TOC). Significant decreasing trends in the noon ultraviolet index (UVI), ranging from −2 to −4% per decade, have been found in autumn, especially marked in the island’s northeastern part, mainly originating from the (significant) positive trends in TOC. The significant decreasing trends in TOC, of −2 to −3% per decade, which were found in spring, do not result in correspondingly significant positive trends in the noon UVI since variations in cloudiness and aerosols also have a strong impact on the UVI in this season. The seasonal trends in the day light integral (DLI) were generally not significant. These insights provide a valuable foundation for further studies aimed at developing public health strategies and enhancing agricultural productivity, highlighting the critical importance of accurate and high-resolution climatological data.

Dynamic Failure Characteristics of Sandstone Containing Different Angles of Pre-Existing Crack Defects

Fracture within the rock is one of the main factors leading to rock destabilization and has a significant effect on the stability of the project. In this study, sandstone is used as a research target, specimens with crack inclination angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° are prefabricated, and the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) impact test of sandstone with cracks is carried out based on digital image recognition technology to explore the dynamic damage characteristics of the specimens with five angles. The basic mechanical parameters of sandstone are tested to determine the RHT model intrinsic parameters, and the numerical computational RHT model of sandstone containing crack defects is established, which is verified in comparison with the test to analyze the validity of the model. Finally, the failure characteristics of the numerical model under initial stress were carried out. The study shows the following: with the increase in the fracture angle, the dynamic compressive strength and deformation modulus are distributed in a slanting V-shape, and the inclination angle of 45° is the smallest. The strain rate and energy dissipation rate are distributed in a slanting N-shape, and the inclination angle of 45° is the largest. The transmittance shows a decreasing trend, which is the opposite of the reflectivity pattern. The crack angle determines the location and direction of the initial crack, which affects the failure mode. In addition, the parameters of the RHT constitutive model suitable for sandstone are obtained, and the damage and strength patterns of the established RHT model are highly consistent with the laboratory test results. The damage range of numerical models for crack defects with different inclination angles is negatively correlated with confining pressure values and positively correlated with axial pressure values. The damage zones are symmetrically distributed approximately perpendicular to the direction of cracks, and the confining pressure has a contributing role in the peak of the element stresses; however, the axial compression has no contribution in the peak of the element stresses.

Association of Child Growth Failure Indicators With Household Sanitation Practices in India (1998-2021): Spatiotemporal Observational Study.

Undernutrition among children younger than 5 years is a subtle indicator of a country's health and economic status. Despite substantial macroeconomic progress in India, undernutrition remains a significant burden with geographical variations, compounded by poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services. This study aimed to explore the spatial trends of child growth failure (CGF) indicators and their association with household sanitation practices in India. We used data from the Indian Demographic and Health Surveys spanning 1998-2021. District-level CGF indicators (stunting, wasting, and underweight) were cross-referenced with sanitation and sociodemographic characteristics. Global Moran I and Local Indicator of Spatial Association were used to detect spatial clustering of the indicators. Spatial regression models were used to evaluate the significant determinants of CGF indicators. Our study showed a decreasing trend in stunting (44.9%-38.4%) and underweight (46.7%-35.7%) but an increasing prevalence of wasting (15.7%-21.0%) over 15 years. The positive values of Moran I between 1998 and 2021 indicate the presence of spatial autocorrelation. Geographic clustering was consistently observed in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Gujarat. Improved sanitation facilities, a higher wealth index, and advanced maternal education status showed a significant association in reducing stunting. Relative risk maps identified hotspots of CGF health outcomes, which could be targeted for future interventions. Despite numerous policies and programs, malnutrition remains a concern. Its multifaceted causes demand coordinated and sustained interventions that go above and beyond the usual. Identifying hotspot locations will aid in developing control methods for achieving objectives in target areas.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized unintentional injuries among children in central China from 2017–2023

ObjectivesTo examine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized unintentional injuries among children in Central China and theoretically propose preventive and control measures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of children aged 0–18 years with unintentional injuries who were admitted to a tertiary hospital in Central China from January 2017 to December 2023. We examined various aspects of the unintentional injuries, including age, gender, urban-rural distribution, external causes, trends, location of injury, cost, and length of stay.ResultsA total of 20,166 children with hospitalized unintentional injuries were enrolled. The median age with IQR was 2.8 (1.6, 5.1) years, with majority of the patients (57.0%) were aged 1–3 years, while the fewest were aged 11–18 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1, and the urban-to-rural ratio was 1.1:1. The most common external causes were foreign bodies (41.7%), exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (25.1%), and falls (22.1%). The most frequently injured body parts were head (72.5%). The total number of unintentional injuries exhibited an increasing trend from 2017–2022, and a decreasing trend from 2022–2023. The urban-rural distribution reversed after 2020. The overall hospitalization cost was 20,810,870.4 USD, with an median cost of 758.7 (556.4, 1,186.2) USD per person.ConclusionUnintentional injuries imposed a heavy burden on society and families. However, the number of cases and the urban-rural distribution showed significant trend changes from 2017–2023. The external causes varied by age group, gender, and region, while prevention and control measures should be developed accordingly.