High Density Research Articles

The Comprehensive Effects of Nano Additives on Biodiesel Engines—A Review

In modern society where fossil fuel prices are increasing and environmental issues are becoming more severe, biodiesel, as a new type of clean fuel, is receiving increasing attention. Biodiesel has the advantages of renewability, environmental friendliness, and good fuel properties, demonstrating broad application prospects. However, the use of biodiesel also faces some challenges, such as higher density and kinematic viscosity, lower calorific value, etc. The application of nanoparticles in biodiesel engines helps to achieve the goal of clean fuel. In terms of fuel characteristics, nanoparticles increase the calorific value, cetane value, and flash point of the fuel, improving combustion efficiency and safety, but increasing density may affect combustion. The use of nanoparticles can promote micro explosions and secondary atomization of fuel, improve combustion characteristics, and increase cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and brake thermal efficiency while reducing fuel consumption. Nanoparticles reduce HC and CO emissions, improve combustion through higher oxygen and reaction area, and reduce incomplete combustion products. On the contrary, nanoparticles also increase CO2 emissions because better combustion conditions promote oxidation reactions. For NOX emissions, some nanoparticles lower the combustion temperature to reduce emissions, while others increase emissions. Comparison shows that all nanoparticles offer varying degrees of improvement in engine performance and emissions, but the improvement provided by TiO2 nanoparticles is significantly better than that of other nanoparticles. In the future, the synergistic effect of multiple nanoparticles should be explored to further improve performance and reduce emissions, achieving effects that cannot be achieved by a single nanoparticle.

Optimizing the spatial immune landscape of CD103+CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells in non-small cell lung cancer by neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with immunotherapy is increasingly used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are the primary subset responding to anti-cancer immunity. However, the immunomodulatory effects of NAC on TRM cells remain unknown. We established two NSCLC cohorts including patients undergoing upfront surgery (US) and NAC followed by surgery. Beyond the unpaired comparison between the US cohort (n = 122) and NAC cohort (n = 141) with resection samples, 58 matched pre-NAC biopsy samples were available for paired comparisons. Using multiplex immunofluorescence, we characterized TRM cells (CD103+CD8+) and four heterogeneous TRM subsets, including naive TRM1 (PD-1-Tim-3-), pre-exhausted TRM2 (PD-1+Tim-3-), TRM3 (PD-1-Tim-3+), and terminally exhausted TRM4 (PD-1+Tim-3+). Cell density, cytotoxicity, and two spatial features were defined to evaluate the effect of NAC on TRM subsets. The cell densities, infiltration scores, and cancer-cell proximity scores of TRM cells, especially TRM1&2 subsets, were significantly increased after NAC and associated with better prognosis of patients. In Contrast, no significant change was observed in the TRM4 subset, which was associated with poor prognosis. Besides, the cytotoxicity of TRM subsets was unaltered after NAC. Compared with patients without major pathologic response (MPRs), patients with MPR had higher densities of TRM1&2 subsets and higher cancer-cell proximity scores of TRM2&3 subsets. Furthermore, increased density of CD31 + cancer microvessels was positively associated with both TRM and Tnon-RM cells after NAC. NAC may remodel the cell density and spatial distribution of TRM subsets, which is associated with favorable therapeutic effect and prognosis in patients with NSCLC.

Origin of granular axial segregation bands in a rotating tumbler: An interface-mixing driven Rayleigh-Taylor instability

The origin of large and small particle axial bands in long rotating tumblers is a long-standing question. Using DEM simulations, we show that this axial segregation is due to a Rayleigh-Taylor instability which is characterized by the fact that the density of a granular medium increases with mixing and decreases with segregation. For initially mixed particles, segregation and collisional diffusion in the flowing layer balance and lead to a three-layer system, with a layer of large particles over a layer of small particles, and, interposed between these layers, a layer of more densely packed mixed particles. The higher density mixed particle layer over the lower density small particle layer induces a Rayleigh-Taylor instability, evident as waviness in the interface between the layers. The waviness destabilizes into ascending plumes of small particles and descending plumes of mixed particles with large particles enriched near the surface, which become evident as small and large particle bands visible at the free surface. Rolls driven by segregation at the tilted interface between plumes maintain the pattern of frozen plumes. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Spatial and Socioeconomic Patterns of Mental Health and Healthcare Utilization in Cologne, Germany.

Children and adolescents are significantly tied to their family's socioeconomic position and living environment. Neighbourhood and the living environment have been identified as potential risk factors for mental disorders in this age group. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of mental and behavioural disorders (prevalence) and the provision of mental health services for children and adolescents aged 0-19 years in the city of Cologne. In particular, the study aimed to examine the association of these factors with area deprivation and the availability of mental health services covered by statutory health insurance. Finally, possible spatial variations in these aspects were analysed. Claims data of children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years included in four statutory health insurance of the year 2021 were analysed. A deprivation index using data on the level of the ZIP code area was calculated. Analyses were carried out descriptively, using ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The prevalence of mental and behavioural disorders in children and adolescents varied across ZIP code areas, with higher rates in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the city. The results indicated that the use of services by male children and adolescents with a prevalent diagnosis of mental and behavioural disorders was higher in areas with a higher density of healthcare providers. However, prevalence was on the whole lower in areas with a higher density of healthcare providers. In addition, the density of health care providers was higher in the city centre with comparatively lower deprivation. These results indicate inadequate access to care for children and young people outside the city centre. However, due to the heterogeneity of the population in these areas, this study provides only preliminary insights. Data with a finer geographic resolution are needed for further research in order to analyse the association further.

Remote vapor-phase dual alkali halide salts assisted quasi-van der Waals epitaxy of m-phase ZrO2 thin films with high dielectric constant and stable flexible properties

High-κ dielectric constant and wideband gap of ZrO2 material render it as an excellent candidate for transistor gate dielectric layers. However, current reported synthesis techniques suffer the problems of high precursor volatilization rate, ultrasmall grains with low dielectric constant, and high leakage current, which largely impede its application in electronic devices. Here, the quasi-van der Waals epitaxy growth of compact m-phase ZrO2 thin films has been developed, in which the stable supply of Zr source is realized by the tuned sublimation of ZrC powder with remote vapor-phase dual halide salts assistant. The formation of m-phase ZrO2 is due to the lower Gibbs free energy, in which the crystal nucleates at the etched hole edges of mica substrate, thus forming hexagonal shape polycrystal grains and merging as the continuous thin films. The microstructures and Raman spectrum characterization reveal the two dominated growth orientations and good crystal qualities, which indicate the uniform dielectric constant. The excellent growth reproducibility could be easily adapted to thin metal substrates, such as tungsten, molybdenum, and stainless steel, where the adhesion strength is strong because of the higher density of interfacial chemical bonding. Meanwhile, the metal–insulator–metal flexible capacitors show the high dielectric constant of 23–26 and low leakage current density of 10−4 A/cm2 at large voltage and only exhibit the decreased capacitance density of 7% after several hundred bending cycles. Our work paves a way to achieve the high-quality dielectric thin films on various substrates by the unique chemical vapor deposition design strategy.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the combustion behavior of densified wood: Differences among wood species and impact of char oxidation

Densified wood (DW) is a novel structural material with promissing application potential in construction industry due to its excellent mechanical performance. However, it could also be a disastrous fuel contributing to the development of fires. This work experimentally and numerically investigated the combustion behavior of DW. The differences among wood species (fir, pine and oak) and their char oxidation impacts are emphasized. The experimental results indicate that DW has a 44.7 K lower pyrolysis peak temperature on average, a 32.2 % lower peak mass loss rate, and a 8 % higher residual mass ratio than natural wood (NW) in N2 due to the delignification process. The hemicellulose and cellulose pyrolysis are endothermic in N2 but exothermic in air. Wood pyrolysis has an additional char oxidation reaction in air. The higher density of DW leads to longer times for ignition and flaming combustion. DW presents a higher heat release rate and average 4.7 MJ kg−1 higher effective heat of combustion of char. Two parallel pyrolysis reaction schemes based on ambiance are proposed, which well-predict the microscale characterizations but fail to represent the combustion behavior. An optimized mode was developed by adding a continuous char oxidation reaction to the N2 reaction scheme, which best predicts the combustion behaviors.

Retinal neuroanatomy of two emerging model organisms, the spiny mouse (Acomys dimidiatus) and the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Current research using animal models to investigate retinal cell biology and model retinal degenerative diseases largely utilize small mammals that are nocturnal and lack the ability to restore lost vision. In contrast, the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones) is a diurnal rodent with good photopic vision, and the spiny mouse (Acomys) is a small desert-dwelling rodent with remarkable regenerative capabilities. The goal of this study was to identify antibodies that detect retinal cell classes in Meriones and Acomys, and to describe the retinal anatomy of these two species in comparison to outbred laboratory mice (Mus musculus). Immunohistochemistry was performed on retinal sections with antibodies for various retinal cell types. Sections were imaged by light, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Cell density, morphology, and placement were compared between species qualitatively and quantitatively. Our analyses revealed a classic assembly of retinal cells in Meriones and Acomys, with a few deviations compared to Mus. Meriones displayed the highest density of cones and Acomys the lowest. A higher density of bipolar cell bodies in the proximal portion of the inner nuclear layer was observed in both Acomys and Meriones compared to Mus, and both species exhibited an increase in amacrine cell density compared to Mus. Our results provide a foundation for future research into the visual system adaptations of these interesting species.

Potential exposure of honey bees to neonicotinoid seed treatments in US rice.

Neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments are commonly used in rice (Oryza sativa) production to control rice water weevil (Lisorhoptrus oryzophilus). With the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments, there is potential that honey bees (Apis mellifera) could be exposed to neonicotinoids through translocation to the pollen. Studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 to determine the level of neonicotinoids present in flag leaves, pollen, and grain of rice. Thiamethoxam was applied as a seed treatment and foliar prior to flooding. Clothianidin was applied as a seed treatment and as a foliar at a preflood and postflood timing. Subsamples of flag leaves, pollen, and grain were analyzed for positive neonicotinoid detections and abundance. Thiamethoxam was detected in 8.9% of samples and clothianidin was detected in 1.4% of samples. For both thiamethoxam and clothianidin, more positive samples were observed in flag leaf samples than in pollen or grain. An average of 4.30 ng/g of thiamethoxam was detected in flag leaves from seed-applied thiamethoxam. An average of 1.25 ng/g of clothianidin was found in flag leaves from a preflood application of clothianidin. A survey of honey bees present in rice fields was conducted in Mississippi and Arkansas to determine the abundance of honey bees present in rice fields based on the time of day. Honey bee densities were low in rice, with less than 5% and 3% positive detections observed in Mississippi and Arkansas, respectively. More positive detections and higher densities of honey bees were observed for mid-day sampling than for morning or evening sampling.

CFD modeling investigation of oxy-fuel combustion application in an industrial-scale FCC regenerator

The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and its consequential impact on climate change have elicited increased public concern. The refinery units including fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) generate substantial quantities of CO2. To mitigate the emission from the FCC process, oxy-fuel combustion has emerged as a prospective carbon capture and storage technology. This study presents the first trial for the modeling investigation of a 70 kt/a industrial FCC regenerator under the scenario of retrofitting it with oxy-fuel combustion technology. Employing the Eulerian-Eulerian model, a CFD model integrating heat transfer and coke combustion reactions has been established. The detailed hydrodynamics, temperature, and species concentration distribution inside the regenerator are obtained under both air-firing and oxy-firing conditions, which are further compared to exploit the possibility of oxy-fuel combustion retrofitting. As has been found, decreases in gas temperature and carbon conversion rate were observed for 21 % O2/79 % CO2 atmosphere in comparison to the air reference case due to the differences in gas properties between N2 and CO2. This discrepancy resulted in a drop of 17 K in dilute phase temperature and 2 K in dense phase temperature. The bed density also exhibited a large with the oxy-firing conditions, with notable observations revealing a lower bed density below a height of 4.2 m, transitioning to a higher density above said height. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted for three principal operating parameters, including superficial gas velocity, oxygen partial pressure, and catalyst circulation rate. An increase of oxygen partial pressure to 27 % or a decrease of the catalyst circulation rate to 20.7 kg/s proved effective in achieving the same temperature profile and even a slightly better carbon conversion in comparison to air-firing regeneration.

Strategically designed metal-free deep-ultraviolet birefringent crystals with superior optical properties.

Finding new birefringent materials with deep-ultraviolet (DUV, λ < 200 nm) transparency is urgent, as current commercial materials cannot meet the rapidly growing demands in related application fields. Herein, three guanidinium-based compounds, C(NH2)3CH3SO3, β-C(NH2)3Cl, and γ-C(NH2)3Cl, all featuring [C(NH2)3·X]∞ (X = CH3SO3 and Cl) pseudo layers, were designed through structural motif tailoring. Theoretical calculations indicate that these metal-free compounds all possess broad bandgaps (6.49-6.71 eV, HSE06) and remarkable birefringence (cal. 0.166-0.211 @ 1064 nm). Centimeter-sized C(NH2)3CH3SO3 crystals have been grown using a feasible aqua-solution method. Subsequently, to further optimize the properties, β/γ-C(NH2)3Cl was remolded by further tailoring the [C(NH2)3]+ cationic unit and the acceptor Cl- anion, and then the fourth compound NH2COF was theoretically constructed. Interestingly, NH2COF exhibits the desired coexistence of a wider bandgap (7.87 eV, HSE06) and giant birefringence (cal. 0.241 @ 1064 nm) attributed to its higher density of well-aligned birefringence-active groups (BAGs). Furthermore, among these four designed compounds, C(NH2)3CH3SO3 has been experimentally synthesized and exhibits a short UV cutoff edge. Centimeter-sized crystals have been grown using a feasible aqueous solution method. This study provides an effective strategy to optimize the density of BAGs for large birefringence and offers valuable insights into the strategic design of metal-free DUV birefringent crystals.

Effect of crystallographic orientation on the deformation and mechanical behavior of CoCrFeNi in Berkovich nanoindentation

The hardness and plastic deformation behavior of single-phase concentrated solid solution alloy CoCrFeNi were studied for selected crystallographic orientations (⟨001⟩, ⟨011⟩ and ⟨111⟩) using Berkovich nanoindentation. The integration of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was carried out to elucidate comprehensively the distinction in the deformation mechanisms, the evolution of dislocation structures, and the pile-up of differently oriented CoCrFeNi alloys subjected to indentation by a Berkovich indenter. In MDs, a Berkovich indenter, meticulously crafted to replicate its real geometry, was effectively employed in investigating the nanoindentation. The ⟨001⟩-oriented CoCrFeNi exhibited the highest hardness and the lowest magnitude of pop-in events, followed by the ⟨011⟩ and then the ⟨111⟩ orientations. The pile-up behavior was strongly dependent on the crystallographic orientation and occurred by three sequential processes. The deformation twinning was activated only in the ⟨001⟩ orientation and inclined toward the center direction of the indent due to the force inclining toward the radial direction of the indent. The clear manifestation of the evolution of dislocations in the three orientations during indentation was elucidated. More SFTs or Stair-rods were observed in the ⟨001⟩ orientation, attributable to the intensified reaction of Shockley partials stemming from its higher density of Shockley partials, followed by the ⟨011⟩ and then the ⟨111⟩ orientations. The anisotropic nanoindentation-hardness was correlated with the microstructures. The highest hardness and lowest magnitude of pop-in events of the ⟨001⟩ orientation could be ascribed to its intense dislocation interactions, high-density SFTs and the formation of twins. In the ⟨111⟩ orientation, the three-fold symmetry emission of prismatic dislocation loops along the three slip directions not parallel to the surface leaded to a weak interaction between dislocations, and then resulted in the lowest hardness. This research may be helpful to enhance our comprehension of the intricate mechanical behaviors exhibited by different oriented FCC high entropy alloys under Berkovich indentation.

Estimation of mammalian wildlife density by REM method in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem (Pinus brutia) of Türkiye: how human footprint effects mammal community?

BackgroundDetermining the density of mammalian wildlife in an ecosystem is very important for the ecosystem conservation. The aim of this study is to reveal mammalian wildlife density and compare the effect human footprint index (HFI) on the Mediterranean ecosystems. The mammalian wildlife surveys were conducted between August 2013 and December 2013, using 21 camera traps with 2175 camera trap days in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem in İzmir, Türkiye. We used random encounter model (REM) method to estimate densities.ResultsThe population density for 5 mammals were; for red fox 7.89 ind./km2 (± 0.82 SE), wild boar 4.36 ind./km2 (± 0.46 SE), European hare 15.33 ind./km2 (± 03.37 SE), beech marten 0.99 ind./km2 (± 0.10 SE) and golden jackal 0.50 ind./km2 (± 0.05 SE). These results were compared with mammal community which was previously studied in another Mediterranean ecosystem in Muğla, Türkiye, includes caracal and has a lower human footprint index.ConclusionsAccording to results of this study human activity which can be revealed by Human footprint index (HFI) is one of the main parameter on Mediterranean ecosystem and it is effecting the density and occurence of species in mammal community. Both a higher human footprint index and the absence of caracal might cause higher density of red fox and European hare in İzmir, Türkiye. This study also suggests that caracal might be a serious suppressor on red fox which could be explained by competition. Caracal may also control the European hare in Mediterranean forest ecosystem of Anatolia. Thus, decreasing human footprint index and maintaining caracal suppressor effect are crucial for the conservation of the whole Mediterranean ecosystem.

The importance of electrode-tissue proximity in creating pulsed field ablation lesions: insights from a sub-acute preclinical model.

We sought to evaluate the anatomic and functional lesion development over time at different atrial sites immediately following delivery of pulsed field ablation (PFA). Using a porcine model, PFA ablations were performed in the superior vena cava (SVC), right atrial lateral wall (RA), left atrial appendage (LAA), and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) using four different PFA profiles. Mapping was done sequentially in 5-20-min increments up to 280-min post lesion delivery for low voltage area (LVA) assessment and conduction velocity. Lesion characteristics were noted with voltage mapping immediately post ablation and at the serial time points. In 9 animals, 33 sites were ablated. None of the four different profiles across all sites showed any statistical difference on acute lesion formation or persistence. Higher tissue contact was observed in the SVC and RSPV and lower tissue contact was observed in the LAA and RA locations. Higher contact areas were noted to have higher density electroanatomic low voltage area (LVA) (12/14 vs 5/18, p = 0.01) and larger lesions on gross pathology (2 /14 vs 6/16, p = 0.01) compared to lower contact areas. Lesion regression occurred in 16/33 sites. Sustained lesions were significantly more prevalent in higher versus lower contact sites (65% vs 38%, p = 0.037). The development of significant and durable lesions for PFA in a porcine model appears to be dependent on tissue proximity and contact.

Nationwide seasonal monitoring of lipophilic marine algal toxins in shellfish and causative microalgae along the coasts of South Korea

In this study, lipophilic marine algal toxins (LMATs)-producing microalgae were identified at 23 sites along the coasts of Korea, and distribution characteristics of LMATs in phytoplankton and mussels were investigated. The causative microalgae, including Gonyaulux spinifera, Dinophysis acuminata, D. caudata, and D. fortii, were observed in the study area, with notably higher densities during the summer. Significant correlations were found between the densities of these microalgae and the water temperature. Seasonal distribution patterns of LMATs in phytoplankton closely matched those observed in mussels. Notably, LMAT concentrations in mussels from the Yellow Sea were relatively high. PTX2 was detected predominantly in phytoplankton, and homo-yessotoxin was found mainly in mussels. Overall, LMAT concentrations were elevated in the summer, raising concerns about biotoxin contamination in shellfish. These results provide important insights into the dynamics of unmanaged marine biotoxins in Korea and offer baseline data for future safety management policies and inflow surveillance.

A Electron micrograph of the leaf epidermal structure of legumes

Our goal was to find morphological features that can help us identify or describe the stomata ontogeny and epidermal structures. Our team got seeds of two types of leguminous plants—Arachis hypogaea L. groundnuts and Vigna subterranean L. bambaranuts—from the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority and the Yankaba market in Nassarawa, which is in Kano State. The study specifically evaluated the leaf epidermal studies, stomata development (ontogeny), types of stomata, stomata size, pore length, pore width, and stomata index in both the surfaces of the leaves. We conducted ontogenetic studies using safety razor blades on the epidermal layers. We determined the stomata index by studying the type of stomata, the number of stomata, and the number of epidermal cells. We subjected the obtained data to a one-way analysis of variance. All the studied varieties/species exhibited amphistomatic stomata on both surfaces, with a higher density on the lower surface. In SAMNUT 23, we found the paracytic type of stomata, which is perigynous and has an irregular anticlinal cell wall. In Dandakar, we found the tetracyclic type, which is mesogynous and has a pentagonal epidermal cell shape and a slightly straight anticlinal cell wall. Finally, in Bambara nuts, we found the endocytic type, which is polygonal with a curved anticlinal wall and a mesoperigynous ontogeny.

In-situ twisting of carbon nanotube fiber synthesized by floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition

The carbon nanotube fiber (CNT fiber) represents a remarkable advancement in harnessing nano-level properties akin to those of individual CNTs in macrostructure. The most essential step in achieving this is to densify the CNTs within the fiber. Among various densification techniques, twisting has emerged as one of the prominent methods due to its continuous nature. In this study, we conducted in-situ continuous twisting of CNT fibers synthesized by floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition alongside ex-situ twisting experiments for comparative analysis. Through focused ion beam analysis, we probed the effect of twisting on the densification of CNT fibers, revealing pore elimination and complete fiber densification as outcomes. Intriguingly, in-situ twisting yielded higher density compared to ex-situ twisting despite identical twist levels maintained in both methods. We unraveled the mechanism behind this superior density achieved through in-situ densification. Furthermore, in-situ twisted fibers exhibited superior tensile strength and electrical conductivity when compared to their ex-situ twisted fiber. The in-situ twisting process demonstrated remarkable enhancements, with electrical conductivity increasing by up to 254 % and tensile strength by 125 % compared to untwisted fibers.

Three-dimensional FSI simulation of cell entrapment utilizing acoustic interparticle force in a standing acoustic field

Abstract In recent years, there has been significant development in microfluidic devices for cell separation and sorting using acoustic methods in biomedical applications. The acoustic interparticle force (AIF) arises from particle interactions with the scattered field of other particles, influencing particle motion at close ranges and facilitating optimal trapping and separation. This study analyzes a two-particle system consisting of a fixed particle and a white blood cell (WBC) within a standing acoustic field and creeping flow using fluid-structure interaction (FSI). To reduce computational costs by decoupling the acoustics and FSI, the acoustic pressure equation (AcPr) was solved on the frequency domain to calculate the total acoustic radiation force in each time step. Model accuracy was assessed by evaluating interparticle (AIF) and primary acoustic radiation forces (ARF) on a polystyrene particle and comparing simulation results to analytical and experimental data. Results demonstrate precise ARF performance, with discrepancies in acoustic interparticle force attributed to viscous losses near the particle surface. Moreover, the higher density of the fixed particle compared to WBCs induces significant acoustic interparticle attraction at close distances. Consequently, cell entrapment occurs through strong attraction and collision with fixed aluminum and silicon particles in creeping flow in all three Reynolds numbers 1.4E-3, 2.1E-3, and 3E-3. Increasing Reynolds numbers augment the likelihood of cell separation from the fixed particle. These findings contribute to optimizing cell isolation and entrapment strategies.

Modeling wave dynamics with coastal vegetation using a smoothed particle hydrodynamics porous flow model

Coastal vegetation serves as an effective nature-based solution for protecting shorelines from erosion and storm surges. A detailed understanding of the dynamic interactions between waves and vegetation is crucial for quantifying the mitigation potential of coastal vegetation during extreme climatic events. This study investigates wave dynamic interactions with coastal vegetation by developing a numerical model using the weakly compressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (WCSPH) method. The model simulates the effects of vegetation by incorporating vegetation porosity, drag, and inertia forces into the momentum equations. By integrating porosity information at specific background points, the SPH interpolation method effectively treats the interfaces between fluid and vegetation regions, allowing versatility in modeling various vegetation layouts without explicitly simulating their solid structures, which is computationally prohibitive. The numerical model is validated using laboratory-based measurements and analytical models for both submerged and emergent scenarios involving cylindrical and strip-type vegetation. The model is then utilized to investigate the effects of vegetation as both a natural line of defense and a retrofitting solution in front of a sea dike, to quantify the performance of nature-based solutions for enhancing climate resilience in natural and hybrid coastal protection infrastructures. The results reveal that canopy density significantly impacts solitary wave run-up and energy dissipation. For the configurations tested in this study, high-density vegetation reduces normalized wave run-up by 52% compared to simulations without vegetation, while low-density vegetation achieves a 17% reduction. These findings demonstrate the potential of vegetation, particularly at higher densities, to mitigate solitary wave energy and reduce run-up hazards. Furthermore, simulation results indicate that using vegetation as a retrofitting solution effectively mitigates overtopping rates, achieving a 37% reduction with minimal forest density (∅ = 0.023). These results underscore the effectiveness of nature-based interventions in enhancing coastal protection and resilience.

Comparison of Glucose Metabolizing Properties of Enterobacterial Probiotic Strains In Vitro.

Before the absorption in the intestine, glucose encounters gut bacteria, which may serve as a barrier against hyperglycemia by metabolizing glucose. In the present study, we compared the capacity of enterobacterial strains to lower glucose levels in an in vitro model of nutrient-induced bacterial growth. Two probiotic strains, Hafnia alvei HA4597 (H. alvei) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917, as well as E. coli K12, were studied. To mimic bacterial growth in the gut, a planktonic culture was supplemented twice daily by the Luria Bertani milieu with or without 0.5% glucose. Repeated nutrient provision resulted in the incremental growth of bacteria. However, in the presence of glucose, the maximal growth of both strains of E. coli but not of H. alvei was inhibited. When glucose was added to the culture medium, a continuous decrease in its concentration was observed during each feeding phase. At its highest density, H. alvei displayed more efficient glucose consumption accompanied by a more pronounced downregulation of glucose transporters' expression than E. coli K12. Thus, the study reveals that the probiotic strain H. alvei HA4597 is more resilient to maintain its growth than E. coli in the presence of 0.5% glucose accompanied by more efficient glucose consumption. This experimental approach offers a new strategy for the identification of probiotics with increased glucose metabolizing capacities potentially useful for the prevention and co-treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Artificial neural networks as a tool for seasonal forecast of attack intensity of Spodoptera spp. in Bt soybean.

Soybean (Glycine max) is the world's most cultivated legume; currently, most of its varieties are Bt. Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are important pests of soybean. An artificial neural network (ANN) is an artificial intelligence tool that can be used in the study of spatiotemporal dynamics of pest populations. Thus, this work aims to determine ANN to identify population regulation factors of Spodoptera spp. and predict its density in Bt soybean. For two years, the density of Spodoptera spp. caterpillars, predators, and parasitoids, climate data, and plant age was evaluated in commercial soybean fields. The selected ANN was the one with the weather data from 25 days before the pest's density evaluation. ANN forecasting and pest densities in soybean fields presented a correlation of 0.863. It was found that higher densities of the pest occurred in dry seasons, with less wind, higher atmospheric pressure and with increasing plant age. Pest density increased with the increase in temperature until this curve reached its maximum value. ANN forecasting and pest densities in soybean fields in different years, seasons, and stages of plant development were similar. Therefore, this ANN is promising to be implemented into integrated pest management programs in soybean fields.