The West African market gardening sector has been plagued in recent decades by phytophagous mite damage to solanaceous crops. Recent studies in Benin and Burkina Faso have confirmed West African outbreaks of red spider mites (Tetranychus evansi), a novel mite species native to South America, which has now virtually replaced local species. This study aimed to identify the different mite species infesting solanaceous crops in Côte d'Ivoire, while assessing their abundance and mapping their distributions. Tomato, eggplant and African eggplant crops were sampled along a north-south transect. Structured interviews were conducted to gather information on the crop protection practices. We confirmed the presence of the invasive species, Tetranychus evansi, with higher densities noted in the north, where the hot dry climatic conditions were suitable for its development. Local Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus species were not very abundant. The highest spider mite diversity was observed in the Abidjan area, where two new species of the T. urticae group were found. Very few Phytoseiidae predatory mites were present, even in plots that had barely been treated or not at all. Five species were identified: Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus teke, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius tamatavensis, and Paraphytoseius horrifer. These predatory phytoseiid species seemed unable to control T. evansi populations. According to farmers, abamectin was the only pesticide effective for controlling these pests. To reduce the chemical control intensity, biological control based on the introduction and dissemination of a specific predatory mite such as Phytoseiulus longipes could be considered on a national and regional scale.

We aimed to establish an external quality assessment (EQA) programme for the yaws eradication campaign that would meet the needs of reference and district-level laboratories in low- and middle-income countries. We designed proficiency testing items (PTIs) using a plasmid containing gene target sequences for Treponema pallidum (TP) and Haemophilus ducreyi (HD). The storage stability of the plasmids under different environmental conditions was then tested. A proficiency testing panel of seven swabs loaded with different concentrations of plasmids in different combinations, as well as human HEK293 cells to simulate the sample background, was prepared and sent to participating reference (RL) and district (DL) laboratories in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon followed by three rounds of blinded proficiency testing. We tested quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) performance of reference laboratories and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) performance of district laboratories and retested 20% of human field samples at the PTI provider's laboratory to further assess qPCR quality. PTIs proved to be stable in dry conditions with no significant loss of copy number. Participating laboratories achieved qPCR results with a concordance of 95.0-100.0% (97.7% ± 5.2% (mean±standard deviation ((SD)) with the provider and a concordance of 76.0-100.0% (TP: 90.3 ± 13.7% and HD: 78.5 ± 7.5% (mean±SD)) for LAMP results, with inconsistencies, particularly in the detection of low HD plasmid DNA levels combined with high TP plasmid copies. Retesting of field samples resulted in 100% correct TP and HD sample identification by the African reference laboratories. We have developed a functional plasmid-based EQA programme specifically designed to meet the needs of resource-poor settings in the tropics. The programme is suitable as a blueprint for other disease programmes.

Photodegradation of polyamide, polyester, and HDPE aquaculture cage nets: Implications for microplastic pollution.

Fine roots regulate plant water uptake, but the dynamic cell-level hydraulic behaviour of these organs remains poorly understood, particularly at the onset of drought. We investigated changes in fine root (<2 mm diameter) shrinkage, turgor loss, cell layer viability and uptake during dehydration and rehydration in soybean (Glycine max)to identify critical physiological thresholds of water potentials experienced by plants exposed to experimental drought. Fine root diameter shrank by over 50% at the completion of drying, with 55.36% of this relative shrinkage occurring by -0.25 MPa, and most of that water volume loss was attributed to epidermal and cortex cells. Epidermal cells lost turgor at -0.5 MPa and cortex cells reached mortality by -1.0 MPa, prior to xylem embolism onset. Cells within the stele remained viable after cortex and epidermal mortality until -1.75 MPa, coinciding with the 50% loss of xylem conductivity through embolism (whole-plant P50). Drought recovery experiments revealed that cortical and epidermal cell mortality slowed but did not prevent rehydration of those same cell layers, or whole plant rehydration, prior to embolism. The rapid, dynamic changes in cortical and epidermal cells during the earliest stages of drought exposure, and subsequent recovery, likely act to physically decouple fine roots from the surrounding soil to limit plant dehydration; an effect likely accelerated by bare-root lab drying conditions. Movement of water through these dead cell layers allows rehydration of living stele tissue prior to embolism, supporting root growth and recovery post-drought.

Water availability shapes drought-tolerance strategies in forest phytophysiognomies in the Brazilian Savanna.

Abstract Railway curve squeal is a significant source of environmental noise, arising from friction-induced instabilities in the wheel–rail contact. These instabilities are influenced by prevailing friction conditions which are affected by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. This study presents a statistical analysis of long-term curve squeal measurements from a curve operated by commuter trains in Sweden. The analysis focuses on the relationship between environmental variables and squeal occurrence, distinguishing between squeal generated on the low and high rail. The results reveal distinct differences in squeal tendencies. Low rail squeal is most likely during relative rail humidity 55%–75%, absolute humidity 7–9 g/m 3 , and temperatures 7–15 °C, with peak occurrence in the morning hours and during the autumn season. The probability decreases notably outside these ranges. A specific range of estimated friction coefficients is also associated with low rail squeal. Conversely, high rail squeal exhibits increased probability during dry conditions and elevated temperatures. Both low rail and high rail squeal probabilities are reduced during low temperatures, rail temperatures close to the dew point, high relative humidity, and during the winter season. The observed differences suggest that separate mechanisms may be responsible for squeal on the low and high rail, involving wheel tread contact on the low rail, and wheel flange or two-point contact on the high rail. The results provide new insights into the environmental dependencies of low rail and high rail generated curve squeal, which can support the development of targeted squeal noise mitigation strategies.

Artificial neural network (ANN) models have become essential for precise predictions and improving engineering systems. This study investigated the effects of air velocity (2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 m s-1), grain flow rate (5.5, 7.0, and 8.5 kg min-1), and infrared temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C) on drying kinetics, thermal performance, and quality properties in corn using a graphene-based far-infrared dryer. An ANN was used to predict optimal drying conditions to balance heating characteristics for corn quality attributes. The results showed that a 4.0 m s-1 air velocity, 60 °C infrared temperature, and 8.5 kg min-1 flow rate reduced drying time from 8.5 to 3.5 h, lipase activity from 18.92% to 10.78%, and acidity content from 1.88 to 1.22 g NaOH kg-1. The highest drying conditions achieved the lowest energy usage, resulting in a maximum thermal efficiency of 82.28% at minimum drying time. However, increasing the infrared temperature to 40-60 °C while maintaining the same 5.5 kg min-1 grain flow rate and 4.0 m s-1 air velocity resulted in an improved antioxidant activity, from 10.22 to 12.11 g catechin gallate equivalents kg-1 dry weight. The study used precise ANN modeling to highlight the complex interactions between drying parameters and thermal performance, which recorded a strong predictive performance of 99% accuracy. Principal component analysis showed that acidity and energy consumption have commonalities. This study highlights the potential of cutting-edge computational tools to enhance energy efficiency through graphene-based heating without compromising product quality. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

ABSTRACT Sunlight‐driven catalytic urea synthesis offers a sustainable ambient‐pressure pathway for fertilizer production, but energy‐intensive liquid‐urea separation limits its practicality. Non‐aqueous photothermal urea synthesis from gaseous NH 3 and CO 2 offers a promising alternative, though molecular activations under dry and mild conditions remain challenging. Here, we report photothermal urea synthesis over Ru nanocrystals supported on acidic Al 2 O 3 , basic MgO, and neutral SiO 2 , achieving an optimal rate of 2745.71 ± 46.91 µmol urea g Ru −1 h −1 , an order‐of‐magnitude higher than state‐of‐the‐arts at ambient pressure. Mechanistic studies elucidate a reaction pathway, initiated photothermally by Ru and orchestrated by an acidic chemical environment that promoted the availability of reactants, in which exothermic N–H bond dissociation of NH 3 matches endothermic C–N coupling with CO 2 in a thermodynamically favorable manner. This work demonstrates an ultra‐efficient pioneering synthesis paradigm under near‐ambient conditions, circumventing industrial reliance on harsh thermochemical conditions.

This study investigated segmented drying strategies for Gastrodia elata (RGE), combining microwave hot-air rolling-bed drying (MHRD) with hot-air drying (HD). Four transition points (60%, 45%, 30%, and 15% moisture content) were applied to examine their effects on drying performance, moisture migration, rehydration, and bioactive retention. The segmented approach significantly altered drying kinetics and water state dynamics. Under the drying conditions of microwave power density 0.8 W/g and hot-air velocity 2.5 m/s, the mid-to-late transition points, particularly at 15%, produced dried products with enhanced color (L*=51.98), rehydration ratio (4.84), and microstructure. Chemical profiling confirmed its high contents of phenolic (3.03 g GAE/kg), gastrodin (4.422 g/kg), and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (1.413 g/kg). An LSTM model was developed to predict moisture content and moisture ratio. The model achieved high predictive accuracy (R2 > 0.99). This work provides insight into how MHRD-HD influences the dried RGE, offering a practical framework for intelligent drying through AI-assisted moisture prediction.

This study presents the development and evaluation of surface functionalized solidly mounted resonators (SMRs), including custom developed at the University of Warwick (UWAR) devices and commercial Sorex sensors, for the detection and classification of plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The sensors were tested against linalool, trans-2-hexenal (T2H), and D-limonene at different concentrations under both dry and humid conditions (30% ± 3% RH). A Python-based (v3.13.5) signal-processing workflow was established to filter frequency responses and extract key features, such as baseline, saturation point, and frequency shift (Δf). Adsorption behaviour was modelled using the Freundlich isotherm, showing good agreement with experimental data and suggesting heterogeneous, multilayer adsorption on CH3-terminated EC surfaces. A 2D polar classification framework combining vector-normalized Δf values from UWAR and Sorex sensors enabled a clear separation of the VOCs. The results highlight the complementary performance of the two types of SMR sensors and demonstrate that feature-engineered resonant devices, combined with computational classification, offer strong potential for future use in plant health monitoring systems.

Drying is a thermodynamic process involving moisture phase transition and migration, crucial for extending the shelf life of traditional Chinese medicinal materials and reducing postharvest degradation. Eriobotryae folium (EF), the dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. (Rosaceae), is valued for its medicinal and functional food applications. The retention of its bioactive compounds is strongly influenced by drying methods. In this study, the effects of shade drying, hot air-drying (50°C, 75°C, 100°C), microwave drying, and vacuum freeze-drying on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of EF were systematically evaluated. Using fingerprint profiling and multivariate statistical analysis, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid (CGAs) were identified as key differential components. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis, based on Pearson product-moment correlation analysis (PPMC) and gray relational analysis (GRA), confirmed these three compounds as not only distinguishing markers under different drying conditions but also major bioactive constituents contributing to EF's therapeutic effects. Thus, they are proposed as potential quality markers. A reliable quantitative method was developed for their determination, combined with final moisture content and visual assessment of appearance, to analyze which drying method yielded samples with the best overall quality. CGAs were confirmed as key differential components. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis confirmed these three compounds as distinguishing markers and major bioactive constituents. Microwave-dried samples exhibited the best overall quality. This study established an integrated evaluation system-"fingerprint profiling-spectrum-effect correlation-targeted component quantification"-providing a practical and scientific approach for EF quality control and offering a reference for standardizing processing of leaf-derived herbal medicines.

Genetic and climatic factors influence the nutritional content of fruit, with vitamin C being a key component. Using HPLC, we quantified the amount of vitamin C in cherries, apricots, plums, and apples from 2022 to 2024. Contents ranged from 1.6 to 24.6 mg/100 g fresh weight basis (FW), with apples and plums displaying the highest coefficient of variation (32.53% and 45.25%). The highest content was consistently found in accession 'HL827', which exceeded 20 mg/100 g FW. Cherries reached up to 12.1 mg/100 g FW in 2023 ('13590'), but decreased to 1.9 mg/100 g FW in 2024 ('Jacinta'). Apricots showed high fluctuation, with 'Betinka', 'Candela', and 'HL08-052' exceeding the 30% variance coefficient. Accessions that remained stable ('HL96-266') maintained a low variance only. Plums were the most sensitive, experiencing low vitamin C content under hot and dry conditions. Regression analysis identified temperature (NTavg-20) as the dominant climatic driver in plums and cherries (R2 = 0.999, p < 0.05 and R2 = 0.995, p < 0.05) respectively, whereas apples and apricots showed negligible responses (R2 ≤ 0.210). These findings underscore the importance of genotype/environment interactions at the local level and highlight the value of stable accessions as valuable resources for breeding cultivars with high and resilient vitamin C content.

This study investigates the machinability and surface integrity of hardened X38CrMoV5-1 steel (50 HRC) during dry hard turning using coated and uncoated mixed ceramic cutting tools (Al₂O₃/TiC). The influence of cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nose radius on surface roughness (Ra), cutting force (Fc), specific cutting force (Kc), and material removal rate (MRR) was analyzed using Taguchi design, Response Surface Methodology (RSM), and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Experimental results showed that Ra varied between 0.18 and 1.51μm, Fc between 25.57 and 207.45N, and Kc between 1423 and 3925MPa within the selected cutting conditions. Feed rate and depth of cut were identified as the most significant parameters affecting surface roughness and cutting forces. Uncoated ceramic tools consistently produced lower cutting forces, improved surface finish, and longer tool life compared with TiN-coated tools under identical dry machining conditions. The maximum tool life reached 41min for the uncoated insert (r = 1.2mm), while the coated insert reached 28.5min under the same parameters (Vc = 150m/min, f = 0.08mm/rev, ap = 0.30mm). Two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface analyses, along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), revealed that abrasion was the dominant wear mechanism, with adhesion and diffusion contributing to crater formation. The developed RSM models demonstrated high goodness of fit within the studied parameter range. This work provides a comparative evaluation of coated and uncoated Al₂O₃/TiC ceramic tools for sustainable dry hard turning of hardened steel, highlighting the influence of machining parameters on surface integrity and tool performance.

Background: Rising global health concerns and diet-related non-communicable diseases have intensified interest in functional foods. Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] and barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) offer high dietary fiber and micronutrients, while moong dal (Vigna radiata (L) provides plant-based protein. This study aimed to develop a multi-millet pancake premix from finger millet, barnyard millet, moong dal, blended with flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, milk powder, cocoa powder and sugar for nutritionally enhanced products. Methods: Three preliminary flour combinations were optimized using sensory analysis with a 9-point hedonic scale. The resulting multi-millet premix was analyzed for nutritional properties. Accelerated shelf-life testing was conducted at 40±2°C and 75±5% relative humidity for sixty days. Result: The optimized multi-millet premix contained per 100 g: 13.04 g protein, 78.05 g carbohydrates, 3.35 g fat, 3.24 g ash, 2.24 g crude fiber, 0.02% saturated fatty acid, 1.28% monounsaturated fatty acid and 0.96% polyunsaturated fatty acid. Total energy was 394.5 kcal. Stability testing under recommended cool, dry storage conditions demonstrated a shelf life of 6 months, with all critical quality parameters remaining within acceptable specifications throughout this period. The formulated multi-millet premix demonstrated a favorable nutritional profile and sensory acceptability, with confirmed stability. Characterized by high protein content and supplemented with PUFAs from oilseeds, it represents a healthier nutritional alternative to conventional carbohydrate-based staple foods.

Commonly used methodologies applied to studying the atmospheric degradation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) require analyses to be conducted offline and under dry conditions, potentially limiting the atmospheric relevance of the resulting mechanism and kinetics. We coupled an oxidation flow reactor (OFR) to a proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS), focusing on the NOx-free oxidation of a perfluorocarboxylic acid precursor - the 4:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (FTOH) - in the first application of this system to PFAS. The PTR-ToF-MS was calibrated under dry conditions (0 to 1% RH) and at relative humidities (RHs) of 22%, 44%, and 60%. The oxidation of 42 FTOH by ˙OH radicals was observed in real-time, as a function of RH, with PTR-ToF-MS detecting both primary and secondary 4:2 FTOH degradation products: the 4:2 fluorotelomer aldehyde and 4:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid, respectively. The resulting pseudo-first-order kinetics (kobs) were determined and compared to previously reported FTOH values. The determined kobs values were (1.0 ± 0.1) × 10-12 (22% RH), (7.4 ± 0.8) × 10-13 (44% RH), and (7.2 ± 0.8) × 10-13 cm3 molecules-1 s-1 (60% RH), comparable to prior reports at 22% RH and lower as RH increased. This type of experiment demonstrates that the OFR-PTR-ToF-MS technique can be transferred to study other suspected, but uncharacterized, atmospheric PFAS transformations.

Atomic-scale tribological behaviors of wheel-rail interface under dry conditions: a molecular dynamics simulation

The increasing frequency of wildfires in California, fueled by climate change through hotter, drier conditions, poses uncertain public health risks due to repeated wildfire smoke exposure. This study explores the “recovery period,” the time between smoke waves, which may offer respite from smoke impacts, including health risks and adaptation demands. We examine trends in wildfire smoke wave frequency, duration, and recovery periods in California from 2006 to 2020, aiming to assess repeated exposures and develop a framework to evaluate associated health risks via recovery periods. We define a smoke wave as two or more consecutive days with wildfire‐specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) > 1 μg/m3, at the census tract level. Recovery periods are calculated as the days between smoke waves, ending with the first wave of 2021. We also examine community characteristics such as income, race, and education. From 2006 to 2010 to 2016–2020, we observed a 60% reduction in recovery periods, an 85% increase in smoke events, and longer durations. Spatial variability was substantial across census tracts, with the greatest reductions in recovery periods in Southern and Central Valley regions. Northern California, with the shortest recovery periods, showed minimal changes. Communities with higher proportions of minority race groups, single female householders, and lower incomes experienced the largest reductions in recovery period length. This study introduces a framework to assess the repeated impacts of smoke waves, highlighting changing spatio‐temporal patterns. Incorporating recovery periods into health risk assessments can guide public health strategies to address compounding risks from wildfire smoke.

Hyaluronate (HA) is widely utilized in skin rejuvenation treatments, yet mono-component injectable sodium hyaluronate solution (ISHA) is limited by its modest moisturizing performance and frequent dosing requirements. The combination of HA with active ingredients such as amino acids represent a promising strategy to improve hydration efficacy. This study aimed to develop a novel injectable sodium hyaluronate composite solution (Co-ISHA) incorporating three amino acids-glycine, alanine, and proline-and to systematically evaluate its moisturizing effects through phenomenological and mechanistic analyses at cellular and tissue levels. This study developed a novel Co-ISHA containing glycine, alanine, and proline, and evaluated its moisturizing performance through a comprehensive invitro assessment system. The reparative and protective effects of Co-HA on cells and tissues under dry conditions were examined, along with the expression of moisturizing-related genes and natural moisturizing factors (NMF). This system integrated both cellular and tissue-level models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that the addition of these three amino acids significantly enhanced the moisturizing efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA). Both cellular and tissue-level evidence confirmed that, compared to single-component HA, Co-ISHA more effectively protected and repaired cells damaged by dryness and promoted the production of moisturizing-related genes and NMF. This study successfully developed a Co-ISHA formulation with superior moisturizing properties and established a robust invitro evaluation system for assessing hydration efficacy. The findings provide a strategic framework for advancing the development of "Cruelty-Free" cosmetic products.

During dry conditions, traditional surface-drained grasslands support higher earthworm abundances than contemporary deeply drained grasslands

The Heat Stress Compensability Classification (HSCC) is a physiology-based modeling system that categorizes uncompensable heat stress (UHS) in humans into four climate-based categories. These categories are based on the relative constraints of dry and evaporative heat exchanges in maintaining heat balance at a constant metabolic heat production (112Wm- 2), applying basic principles of human heat exchange. The HSCC focuses on conditions in which sustained heat exposure can cause core temperatures to rise unless individuals engage in cool-seeking behaviors. Based on recent modeling advancements, this short communication updates the HSCC to incorporate physiological limits to sweating-specifically, the maximum whole-body sweat rate, SRmax-which can constrain the maximum evaporative heat loss, especially in dry conditions. Further, we provide background information to support HSCC application through a tutorial with published code on a public repository. Findings indicate that HSCC model adjustment results in minor changes, yet no shifts by category compared to the original application (i.e., all changes stayed within Category 4, or "Excessive dry heat gain") for a healthy young adult. Thus, the drivers for UHS type remain unchanged in the categorization, as the SRmax constraint addition only slightly alters the dry heat load. However, this model adjustment will become more significant if the HSCC is applied to older adults and/or those with sweating restrictions, as well as in hotter climates. Overall, the updated model enhances the physiological realism of the HSCC, while the code availability enhances accessibility as a tool for climate-health research and policy, supporting more impactful and collaborative research.