Growth Phase Research Articles

Morphology and Allometry of Juvenile Açaí Palms Under Cultivation Conditions in Central Amazonia

Two Amazonian species of açaí palm trees (Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria) are exploited in the commercial production of açaí pulp or juice. While E. oleracea benefits from developed cultivation technologies, E. precatoria lacks such advancements. Studies on the morphology and development of açaí palms under cultivation conditions can contribute to increasing the productivity of the species. The aim of this study was to carry out morphological characterization, assess growth and development in the juvenile phase of the plants, and obtain allometric models for E. precatoria and E. oleracea. Evaluations were conducted between 44 and 48 months post-planting. Allometric equations were formulated to accurately estimate leaf area. The results showed that E. oleracea begins reproduction earlier and exhibits greater growth in stem dimensions and leaf areas compared to E. precatoria, indicating that E. precatoria can be cultivated at higher planting densities. Allometric models, based on leaf length and width, effectively predicted individual leaf areas for both species, demonstrating their utility in optimizing cultivation strategies.

Mapping the technological landscape of green smart buildings: A patent analytics of key topics, leading companies, and technology gaps

In this study, we investigate the technological landscape of green smart buildings, using patent data from the European Patent Office (EPO) from 2007 onwards. Latent Dirichlet Allocation identified five key technology topics, with the HVAC system (Topic 4) emerging as particularly promising. Technology life cycle analysis revealed a growth phase for leading companies' patents after the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period, with a predicted shift towards maturity after the Paris Agreement. Self-Organizing Maps and Social Network Analysis further pinpointed eight vacant technology nodes and 39 high-centrality patents within them, predominantly held by Japanese companies. This research provides valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of green smart building technologies, facilitating informed decision-making for industry stakeholders and contributing to a more sustainable built environment. The novelty lies in the combined application of topic modeling, technology life cycle analysis, and network analysis to comprehensively explore the green smart building patent landscape, offering a unique perspective on its evolution and potential future directions.

Grouper bone nano-calcium and substitution long-chain triglyceride (LCT) into medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) enhanced calcium bioavailability and rat’s bone density

BACKGROUND: The most effective strategy to prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis in the old life is to consume an adequate amount of calcium from childhood through adulthood. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the bioavailability of CaCO3 which is the standard non-dairy calcium supplementation with grouper bone nano-calcium (GBN) combined with various percentages of Long-Chain Triglyceride (LCT) into Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) on calcium bioavailability and rat’s bones density. METHODS: This study was carried out during the rat’s growth period, from the weaning until the rats reached 16 weeks. Thirty-five weaned rats were separated into seven groups and fed varied feeds for 12 weeks. The seven groups of feed were (1) CCa: standard feed AIN-93G, (2) C0: standard calcium deficient feed (without calcium), (3) G0: GBN + MCT:LCT 0 : 100%, (4) G25: GBN + MCT:LCT 25 : 75%, (5) G50: GBN + MCT:LCT 50 : 50%, (6) G75: GBN + MCT:LCT 75 : 25%, and (7) G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0%. Parameters observed were serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, femur bone characteristics, bone microarchitecture by histomorphometry, micro computed-tomography (μCT), and mechanical strength. RESULTS: The CCa and G100 groups had the best dietary results based on all parameters. The G100 group was superior to CCa in calcium and phosphorus bioavailability, rat’s bone strength and density. CONCLUSIONS: G100: GBN + MCT:LCT 100 : 0% group feed beneficially affected the bioavailability of calcium, was letting he rat’s bones to develop properly, had high density, and been strong throughout the growth phase.

Spatially defined microenvironment for engineering organoids

In the intricately defined spatial microenvironment, a single fertilized egg remarkably develops into a conserved and well-organized multicellular organism. This observation leads us to hypothesize that stem cells or other seed cell types have the potential to construct fully structured and functional tissues or organs, provided the spatial cues are appropriately configured. Current organoid technology, however, largely depends on spontaneous growth and self-organization, lacking systematic guided intervention. As a result, the structures replicated in vitro often emerge in a disordered and sparse manner during growth phases. Although existing organoids have made significant contributions in many aspects, such as advancing our understanding of development and pathogenesis, aiding personalized drug selection, as well as expediting drug development, their potential in creating large-scale implantable tissue or organ constructs, and constructing multicomponent microphysiological systems, together with functioning at metabolic levels remains underutilized. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that the spatial definition of growth factors not only induces directional growth and migration of organoids but also leads to the formation of assembloids with multiple regional identities. This opens new avenues for the innovative engineering of higher-order organoids. Concurrently, the spatial organization of other microenvironmental cues, such as physical stresses, mechanical loads, and material composition, has been minimally explored. This review delves into the burgeoning field of organoid engineering with a focus on potential spatial microenvironmental control. It offers insight into the molecular principles, expected outcomes, and potential applications, envisioning a future perspective in this domain.

Single-cell resolution of intestinal regeneration in pythons without crypts illuminates conserved vertebrate regenerative mechanisms

Canonical models of intestinal regeneration emphasize the critical role of the crypt stem cell niche to generate enterocytes that migrate to villus ends. Burmese pythons possess extreme intestinal regenerative capacity yet lack crypts, thus providing opportunities to identify noncanonical but potentially conserved mechanisms that expand our understanding of regenerative capacity in vertebrates, including humans. Here, we leverage single-nucleus RNA sequencing of fasted and postprandial python small intestine to identify the signaling pathways and cell-cell interactions underlying the python's regenerative response. We find that python intestinal regeneration entails the activation of multiple conserved mechanisms of growth and stress response, including core lipid metabolism pathways and the unfolded protein response in intestinal enterocytes. Our single-cell resolution highlights extensive heterogeneity in mesenchymal cell population signaling and intercellular communication that directs major tissue restructuring and the shift out of a dormant fasted state by activating both embryonic developmental and wound healing pathways. We also identify distinct roles of BEST4+ enterocytes in coordinating key regenerative transitions via NOTCH signaling. Python intestinal regeneration shares key signaling features and molecules with mammalian gastric bypass, indicating that conserved regenerative programs are common to both. Our findings provide different insights into cooperative and conserved regenerative programs and intercellular interactions in vertebrates independent of crypts which have been otherwise obscured in model species where temporal phases of generative growth are limited to embryonic development or recovery from injury.

Formation of vertical columnar seismic structures and seafloor depressions by groundwater discharge in the drowned Miami Terrace platform and overlying deep-water carbonates, southeastern Florida

The presence of vertical cross-formational fluid migration passageways within sedimentary basins can profoundly impact aquifer and reservoir fluid-flow and their identification is fundamental to informing management of subsurface fluid resources (groundwater, oil, gas). In an onshore and offshore southeastern part of Florida, 2D/3D seismic-reflection and bathymetry data document ∼153 vertical columnar structures composed of reflection disruptions up to 790 m in the height and averaging 360 m in diameter, and ∼219 subcircular to circular seafloor depressions up to 1334 m wide. Our study focuses on these features found within the offshore shallow-marine carbonate Miami Terrace platform, which drowned approximately at the end of the middle Miocene, and within overlying Plio-Quaternary deep-water carbonate slope and drift deposits. Most columnar structures are rooted in stratiform aquifers of the Miami Terrace platform and associated with faults or fault intersections produced by Eocene and circa late Miocene tectonics. The columns commonly terminate within the platform or as subcircular depressions along an amalgamated karstic and drowning unconformity at the platform top. The columns typically stretch upwards from a zone of deep karst cavity collapse through the Miami Terrace platform with upward decreasing sag on internal reflections. Following drowning and Plio-Quaternary partial burial of the Miami Terrace platform by deep-water deposits, the subcircular depressions and faults along the platform top were points of origin for a second phase of column growth upward into the deep-water deposits. The continuation of deep platform cavity collapse and column evolution produced pockmarks along paleo-seafloors within the deep-water deposits and at the present-day sea floor. The Plio-Quaternary pockmarks formed at water depths too deep to suggest an origin related to meteoric karst above or near sea level, but rather their formation is suggested to be related to cyclic sea level falls that drove increased groundwater head and density gradients, and seafloor discharge of offshore freshened groundwater sourced from the underlying platform. Plausibly, mixing of freshened groundwater and seawater at the seafloor discharge sites drove dissolution of the host deep-water deposits, which together with erosion by groundwater venting and current scouring formed the pockmarks.Seaward of the Plio-Quaternary seafloor pockmarks, at the late-middle Miocene upper slope of the Miami Terrace platform and along the regional karst/drowning unconformity is a slope-parallel band of ∼189 densely distributed subcircular seafloor depressions with diameters up to 1334 m at water depths up to ∼660 m. It is plausible that along the upper slope, faults and fractures produced by gravity-driven slope instability and possibly tectonics formed a dense network of fluid passageways that promoted upward artesian freshened groundwater flow to sites of discharge where mixing with seawater generated limestone dissolution and the depressions. But tectonic uplift may have forced emersion and initial meteoric sinkhole formation circa late Miocene with later enhancement by freshened groundwater discharge and bottom current erosion.

Dynamic of the B Chromosome’s System in the Population of the Korean Field Mouse Apodemus Peninsulae (Mammalia, Rodentia) from the Northern Region of the Teletskaya Taiga of Altai Mountains Over a 36-Year Period

The process of changes of the number and morphology of B-chromosomes in the populations of mice (Apodemus peninsulae) in the northern region of the Teletskaya taiga of Altai Mountains: over a 36-year period (1978‒2014) was traced. Three time’s phases can be distinguished. From 1978 to 2002 (24 years) – a phase of steady growth in the number of B chromosomes, with a relatively uniform average increase of 1.4 chromosomes per decade (from 3.17 ± 0.2 to 6.5 ± 0.54). The stabilization’s phase of the indicator in a narrow range of 6.3‒6.9 (2002‒2012), but at more than a twofold high level compared to the beginning of the 1980s (differences are significant) and the period (2012‒2014) of the emerging trend towards a decrease in the number of additional chromosomes (differences are also significant). The change in the index of the conditional mass of B chromosomes (mB) also has similar dynamics, and during the period of stabilization it was at its maximum for the species. The dynamics of different types of B-chromosomes shows an unequal contribution to the overall dynamics. The main contribution is made by macro-B-metacentrics. Micro-B-chromosomes and acrocentrics are absent in the growth phase and appear in the stabilization phase at the maximum of other indicators.

Methane pulse spray and irrigation promote seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch

BackgroundGrazing livestock emits methane through rumen intestinal activity, however, its impact on plant growth in grassland while grazing still has not been explored in detail. Therefore, the study examined the effects of methane pulse spray (MPS), according to grazing intensity, at four grazing intensities (0, 3.6, 5.0, and 6.5 sheep·hm− 2 yr− 1) on seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch (Vicia sativa), while two irrigation rates (35 and 53 ml d− 1) were employed to simulate the precipitation.ResultsThe study revealed significant interactions between MPS and irrigation rate on seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Under moderate MPS intensities (0.74 and 1.04 mol m− 2), seed germination rate, potential, index, and vigor index improved, especially at higher irrigation rates (53 ml d− 1). Conversely, excessive MPS (1.33 mol m− 2) inhibited particularly at the germination rate and growth,. The seedling growth dynamics fitted a logistic model, with MPS advancing the rapid growth phase and increasing maximum growth rates.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that low to moderate levels of MPS from ruminants can promote seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch, while excessive MPS inhibits these processes. Irrigation enhances plant sensitivity to MPS, with wetter conditions (620 mm yr− 1) facilitating a more pronounced response. The findings introduce a new model elucidating plant responses to external perturbations, which can inform grazing management strategies in diverse ecosystems. In wetter regions, moderate grazing intensities may leverage MPS benefits, while arid regions require careful grazing regulation to maintain grassland-livestock balance.

A Thermally Rearranged Poly(benzoxazole) Composite Membrane for Gas Separation Prepared by Vapor Phase Growth

A Thermally Rearranged Poly(benzoxazole) Composite Membrane for Gas Separation Prepared by Vapor Phase Growth

CLINICAL CASES OF SPITZOID NEOPLASMS

Spitz nevi account for about 2% of the total number of melanocytic skin neoplasms. There are benign Spitz nevi, atypical Spitz tumour, and malignant Spitz melanoma. These clinically similar lesions, usually represented by a flesh-coloured, pink or brownish-black spot or nodule, are often heavily vascularised, grow rapidly in size and change in structure, raising concerns about malignancy. Dynamic observations have revealed the possibility of long-term stabilisation and periods of regressive changes. Dermoscopy is used for early diagnosis due to the initially small size of nevi. When examining the magnified image of the tumour surface, the structure of the neoplasm is recognized. In the case of Spitz nevi, special patterns of “starburst” and “stardust” are identified, which allow to suspect the diagnosis and the period of involution, respectively. Pathohistologically, Spitz nevi are defined as melanocytic proliferations with large epithelioid or spindle-shaped melanocytes with large nuclei, vesicular chromatin and prominent nucleoli. However, the differentiation between different subtypes of spitzoid neoplasms remains a difficult issue. As of today, the review of H&E-stained structures still prevails over immunohistochemical and molecular genetic diagnostic methods. Even nowadays, Spitz nevi still cause difficulties in clinical and morphological diagnosis and management approaches. The publication considers several interesting cases from personal clinical practice. Case 1: Patient A, a 24-year-old woman. She complained of a single rash on the outer surface of the right thigh, which gradually increased in size over the last year. On clinical examination, a small erythematous, partially pigmented, heterogeneous nodule was observed in this area. The demonstrated Spitz nevus is heterogeneous in structure. Being in the phase of active growth, it showed an asymmetrical “starburst” pattern formed by vascular elements in a linear arrangement, and white reticular lines or structureless zones. Case 2: Patient B, 34 years old. A full examination of the right popliteal fossa revealed a heterogeneous spot up to 4 mm in diameter, which caused concern. A case of Spitz nevus is represented by a globular pattern in the centre and a reticular pattern on the periphery, which is more common for lesions that have been on the skin for some time, but no longer show signs of active growth. Case 3: Patient C, a 25-year-old woman, skin phototype 2, with a family history of skin tumours in several previous generations. The examination revealed a heterogeneous nodule of suspicious morphology in the left scapula. Dermoscopically, the above-described lesion is represented by two zones of different structure. The central zone has the signs of radial markings formed by various pattern elements; the polychromatic zone has areas of negative pigment network, white lines, dots and globules. There was also an eccentrically located area with a radially oriented hyperchromatic pigment network and a clear border along the outer edge. Most Spitz nevi are independent lesions, but some of them can be associated with other skin neoplasms. This is likely to be the example in the above-mentioned case, so it was the nevus-associated Spitz melanoma. Spitz nevi are an urgent problem of modern medicine. The similarity of the clinical, dermoscopic and pathological picture to malignant skin neoplasms causes diagnostic difficulties. Visual variability requires considerable clinical experience of a specialist.

Polymer‐Assisted Nucleation for Stable Single‐Crystal Perovskite Thin Films

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite single crystals have emerged as a strong candidate in photovoltaic and general optoelectronic applications. However, the high supersaturation of the precursor solution leads to the rapid formation of a significant number of nuclei and a diminished concentration of perovskite solute. Consequently, the inadequate availability of precursors poses challenges in sustaining the subsequent crystal growth phase, culminating in the development of small‐sized single crystals. In this work, we report a controlled nucleation process to foster the growth of large‐size single crystals. This method through the coordination interaction between polyacrylic acid and Pb2+ ions, and substitution of the coordination with I‐ ions. This reduces the formation of the Pb‐I6 complex, which promptly emerges in a state of supersaturation and acts as a nucleus, thereby effectively reducing the number of nuclei formed. The single crystals produced using this method exhibit a lateral size exceeding 5 mm, an extended absorption range, a longer carrier lifetime of 10.93 ns, and enhanced stability. These crystals demonstrate the ability to remain stable even after storage in an ambient environment (T = 20 ± 5 °C, RH = 60 ± 5 %) for a period of 20 days.

Nano-treating enhanced ductility and fluidity of Zn-4Al alloy

This study showcased the application of emerging nano-treating technology to improve the fluidity and properties of the Zn-4Al alloy. Our experiments showed that adding 0.5 vol% nanoparticles into the melt of Zn-4Al enhanced its fluidity by over 30% while also increasing the alloy’s ductility from 4% to 40%. Nanoparticles facilitate a refined microstructure by enhancing nucleation, restricting dendritic growth in both primary and secondary phases, and promoting a more gradual solidification process, to result in improved ductility and fluidity. The result demonstrated the significant benefits of nano-treating for Zn-4Al alloy, expanding their application range.

Exploring the antimicrobial efficacy of tea tree essential oil and chitosan against oral pathogens to overcome antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundConsidering that antimicrobial resistance among oral pathogens is a significant concern in dental practice, with broader implications for overall health due to the oral microbiota serving as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), research into natural products is crucial for addressing this issue. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate tea tree oil (TTO) and chitosan (CH) performance against oral pathogens, including mixed-species biofilm, and its effects on bacteria growth, in addition to chemical characterization and cytotoxicity of TTO. MethodsTea Tree Oil and low molecular weight chitosan were used in this study. The chemical composition of TTO was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To evaluate TTO's antimicrobial properties, time-kill and cell viability assays were conducted. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum microbiocidal concentration (MMC), checkerboard, and biofilm assays were performed using TTO and CH alone and in combination. ResultsTTO chromatography peaks found consistent with the standard ISO4730:2017 and literature. TTO and CH exhibited inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. The predominantly microbiostatic activity of TTO is probably related to terpinen-4-ol associated with terpinene. The oil at MIC value was able to delay the log phase of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans growth. Fibroblasts (L929) viability remained above 70 % during 24 h for TTO concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 0.0625 mg/ml. TTO-CH combination showed a synergistic activity (FIC = 0.5) against A. actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus sanguinis, at a concentration of 0,25MIC for both species. The compounds at MIC concentration inhibited both monospecies and mixed-species biofilms studied bacteria to the same extent as the azithromycin control. ConclusionTTO and CH demonstrated efficacy in combating oral pathogens and TTO-CH combination offers a promising approach to confront microbial resistance in the oral environment.

Orogen-scale inverted metamorphism during Cretaceous−Paleogene terminal suturing along the North American Cordillera, Alaska, USA

The northern North American Cordilleran margin has been active for >200 million years, as recorded by punctuated phases of crustal growth and deformation. Accretion of the exotic Wrangellia Composite Terrane (Insular Belt) is considered the largest addition of juvenile crust to the Cordilleran margin, though margin-parallel translation during the Cenozoic has obscured much of the accretionary history. Three zones of inverted metamorphism spatially correspond to the Insular−North American suture zone from north to south: (1) Clearwater Mountains; (2) Kluane Lake; and (3) Coast Mountains, each preserving kinematics indicative of thrusting of North American−derived rocks over Insular-derived assemblages. We performed in situ monazite petrochronology on samples collected across strike in both the Clearwater and Coast Mountain regions. New and recently published data from these three metamorphic belts indicate that thrust-sense deformation accompanied the formation of inverted metamorphic isograds from 72 to 56 Ma. We leverage recent estimates of Denali fault offset to reconstruct a >1000-km-long zone of inverted metamorphism and interpret it as the Insular−North America terminal suture.

Productivity, quality and suitability for processing of various potato varieties when grown in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation

Relevance. The study of the reaction of potato varieties, especially new ones, to the use of a complex of agrotechnical techniques, including foliar top dressing with water-soluble fertilizers, is an urgent task. For this purpose, 4 potato varieties of different ripeness groups (Red Scarlett, Nevsky, Golubizna, Grand) were studied in two regions of Russia using agrochemicals Agrovin Micro. Methods. The article presents experimental data on the study of biometric indicators, yield and quality of potatoes for non-root top dressing in conditions of leached chernozem and sod-podzolic sandy loam soils of the Central region of Russia. The objects of research were potato varieties of various ripeness groups. Foliar fertilization of plants with agrochemicals Agrovin Micro was carried out in the phases of germination, budding and 20 days after the last treatment in two consumption rates – 1.0 and 2.0 l / ha. Control – without processing (K) with background N90Р90К135.Results. On average, over the years of research, the best options for all varieties turned out to be options with the use of additional leaf treatment with an agrochemical at a maximum dose of 2 liters /ha. Due to three-fold foliar top dressing for the critical phases of potato plant growth, the greatest yield increases and maximum values of dry matter and starch content to the mineral background were obtained. In the conditions of the Tambov region, the increase in yield, depending on the variety, ranged from 24.2 to 59.3% or 6.0-10.5 /ha and in the conditions of the Moscow region – 3.3-28.9% or 1.2-7.1 t/ha. The most suitable for processing into fried potato products from the studied varieties turned out to be Red Scarlett and Grand. All other things being equal, the color index of crispy potatoes and fries on these varieties was higher than the Nevsky variety by 1.0-1.5 points.

Rapid growth rate of Enterobacter sp. SM3 determined using several methods

BackgroundBacterial growth rate, commonly reported in terms of doubling time, is frequently determined by one of two techniques: either by measuring optical absorption of a growing culture or by taking samples at different times during their growth phase, diluting them, spreading them on agar plates, incubating them, and counting the colonies that form. Both techniques require measurements of multiple repeats, as well careful assessment of reproducibility and consistency. Existing literature using either technique gives a wide range of growth rate values for even the most extensively studied species of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. This work aims to apply several methods to reliably determine the growth rate of a recently identified species of Enterobacteriaceae, called Enterobacter sp. SM3, and to compare that rate with that of a well-known wildtype E. coli strain KP437.ResultsWe extend conventional optical density (OD) measurements to determine the growth rate of Enterobacter sp. SM3. To assess the reliability of this technique, we compare growth rates obtained by fitting the OD data to exponential growth, applying a relative density method, and measuring shifts in OD curves following set factors of dilution. The main source of error in applying the OD technique is due to the reliance on an exponential growth phase with a short span. With proper choice of parameter range, however, we show that these three methods yield consistent results. We also measured the SM3 division rate by counting colony-forming units (CFU) versus time, yielding results consistent with the OD measurements. In lysogeny broth at 37oC, SM3 divides every 21 ± 3 min, notably faster than the RP437 strain of E. coli, which divides every 29 ± 2 min.ConclusionThe main conclusion of this report is that conventional optical density (OD) measurements and the colony-forming units (CFU) method can yield consistent values of bacterial growth rate. However, to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of the measured growth rate of each bacterial strain, different methods ought to be applied in close comparison. The effort of checking for consistency among multiple techniques, as we have done in this study, is necessary to avoid reporting variable values of doubling time for particular species or strains of bacteria, as seen in the literature.

Prediction and Simulation for Land Use and Land Cover Change of Paddy Field Influence by Salinization in Coastal Demak Regency

The extent of coastal rice paddy agricultural land is vulnerable to land use and land cover (LULC) changes to non-agricultural uses due to land degradation, one of which is caused by salinity. This study aims to detect and project LULC changes up to 2031, particularly in coastal rice paddy areas affected by salinity, by comparing LULC in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Sentinel-2 Imagery is used for LULC classification, with recordings selected during the generative phase of rice growth to obtain the most optimal rice paddy area. There are six LULC classifications: water, wetland, low-medium-high vegetation cover, and built-up area. To understand the impact of salinity on crops, several vegetation indices (VIs) such as NDVI, SAVI, EVI, and ARVI are used. The LULC changes classified according to VIs are compared with the MOLUSCE plugin based on artificial neural networkmultilayer perceptron (ANN-MLP) and Cellular Automata (CA). The comparison of VIs results shows that NDVI is better at describing LULC changes due to the influence of salinity, with a kappa value of 0.63 and a Correctness of 72.565. The LULC projection using CA in all VIs indicates that wetland areas are more likely to convert into water bodies, suggesting that high salinity land tends to be unproductive for rice paddies, making it prone to conversion.

Optimised prediction of tunnel fire heat release rate using the ResNet18_2CLSTM model with bagging for multimodal data

Accurate predictions of HRR will improve preparedness and response strategies, enhance safety, and minimise damage in tunnel fires. In this study, a deep learning prediction model for HRR under multimodal data fusion is proposed. A multimodal dataset is first established to obtain flame images and flue gas time series data through model-scale tunnel fire experiments. During the model training process, ResNet18 was used to extract features from the flame image, and 2CLSTM was employed to understand the time series of the flame image features and flue gas features to establish the correlation with the HRR. It was evaluated that the error analyses of the measured and predicted values of the validation set yielded R2 greater than 0.85, with errors and standard deviations less than 4 kW. And the model predicted better in the flame growth and decay phases. However, there is some deviation in the predictions near the peak HRR. To address this issue, the Bagging algorithm was introduced to optimise the model. The results show that the ResNet18_2CLSTM model with Bagging reduces the RMSE by 20.47 % and increases the R2 by 4.64 % compared to the original model, and the accuracy is greatly improved.

Shading Impairs Mycorrhizal Benefits on Plant Growth, Leaf Gas Exchange, and Active Ingredients in Polygonum cuspidatum

Polygonum cuspidatum, an important medicinal plant, often experiences shading from surrounding vegetation during its growth phase, raising questions about the impact of such conditions on the functionality of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This study investigated the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Funneliformis mosseae) on the growth, leaf gas exchange, and concentrations of active ingredient concentrations in leaves and roots of P. cuspidatum under shading (with a 72% shading rate) conditions. A nine-week shading intervention significantly suppressed root colonization by F. mosseae and the formation of soil mycorrhizal mycelium. Shading significantly inhibited the above-ground growth performance, biomass production, leaf photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration, while F. mosseae significantly increased these variables in the absence of shading. Plant height, leaf biomass, stem biomass, leaf photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance were all decreased by F. mosseae when the plants were shaded. The shading treatment also significantly diminished the concentrations of active components measured in both leaves and roots. Under no-shading conditions, F. mosseae significantly boosted the concentrations of polydatin, resveratrol, aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in roots, as well as the concentrations of polydatin and chrysophanol in leaves. Conversely, in the presence of shading, F. mosseae distinctly reduced these active ingredient levels in roots, followed by an increase in leaf polydatin and chrysophanol concentrations. In summary, shading substantially impaired the mycorrhizal benefits on plant growth, leaf gas exchange, and root active ingredients in P. cuspidatum, highlighting the importance of sufficient light to maximize mycorrhizal contributions.

Strengthening effects from Mg and Ni in Al-mischmetal eutectic alloys: Insights from microstructures and Bayesian analysis

This study investigates, both experimentally and via machine-learning modeling, the strengthening mechanisms and effects of Mg and Ni additions to Al-MM (mischmetal, a sustainable Ce+La+Nd mixture to replace Ce) alloys, aiming to develop creep- and coarsening-resistant Al-MM-Mg-Ni alloys with a focus on twin eutectic co-solidification microstructures. Based on near-eutectic Al-9MM (wt%) alloy, the Mg and Ni additions introduce solid-solution and eutectic strengthening, respectively. Ternary hypo-eutectic Al-9MM-0.25/0.5/0.75Mg variants improve hardness up to 592 MPa. Ternary Al-9MM-2/4Ni display hypo-eutectic microstructures. Al-9MM-2Ni shows separated growth of Al11MM3 and Al3Ni eutectic phases, while Al-9MM-4Ni features finely intertwined Al11MM3-Al3Ni fibers from co-solidification. The hyper-eutectic Al-9MM-5Ni contains primary Al3Ni particles alongside the intertwined fibers, raising the hardness to 739 MPa. Finally, quaternary Al-9MM-0.5/0.75Mg-4/4.5Ni alloys maintain hypo-eutectic microstructures with a significant increase of hardness to 929 MPa. The series Al-9MM, Al-9MM-0.75Mg, Al-9MM-4Ni, and Al-9MM-4.5Ni-0.75Mg exhibits increasing tensile yield strengths of 70, 83, 88, and 105 MPa, with decreasing ductility of 12.0, 5.8, 2.0, and 0.8 %. All Al-9MM-Mg-Ni alloys exhibit excellent hardness retention and coarsening resistance after thermal exposure at 300 or 350°C for up to 11 weeks. A machine-learning model accurately predicts the alloy's hardness evolution under thermal exposure. Feature analysis quantitively shows the strengthening impact of MM, Ni, and Mg addition and demonstrate enhanced strengthening retention, under thermal exposure, of Al11MM3 over Al3Ni, alongside the beneficial effects of Mg homogenization. At 300 °C, Al-9MM-Mg-Ni alloys demonstrate higher creep resistance than most precipitation-strengthened Al-Sc-Zr-based alloys and solid-solution-strengthened Al-Mg alloys, with Al-9MM-4Ni as the best performer.