Inconsistent Trend Research Articles

Pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes in adolescent girls with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

ABSTRACT Aims: To study the pattern of physical growth and pubertal changes in adolescent girls with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Methods and Material: Weight, height, BMI, waist and hip circumference among 50 adolescent SLE girls (aged 8–17 years) were cross-sectionally studied using standardized techniques and instruments. Breast development stage, presence or absence of pubic and axillary hair and age of attainment of menarche were also noted. Results: With the advancement of age, weight and height of SLE girls increased but they were lighter and shorter compared to normal Indian peers. 18.4% of study girls were short-statured while only one participant was underweight. As per mid-parental height, 34.3% were predicted to have shorter final heights. BMI demonstrated an inconsistent trend with 12.3% and 9.2% being obese and overweight, respectively. Interestingly, 10.7% of SLE girls were at risk of metabolic syndrome (waist circumference >70th centile). About 50% of study girls had attained menarche (mean age: 13.04 ± 1.38 years). Appearance of pubic and axillary hair occurred around 1 year later than attainment of menarche. 33.80% of study subjects were in prepubertal stage of breast development and rest 66.20% were in advanced stages of breast development. SLE girls who had younger age at diagnosis and longer duration of therapy had significant delay in breast development and attainment of menarche. Conclusions: SLE girls show delayed growth and pubertal attainments compared to their normal Indian and Western counterparts. The data presented will provide an understanding of the auxological dynamics and pattern of pubertal changes among adolescent girls with SLE living in north-western India.

Precipitation, topography, and soil conservation measures determine the spatiotemporal pattern of sediment yield at the regional scale

Exploring the driving effects of control factors on changes in sediment yield from a watershed perspective is of paramount importance for refined watershed management. The objective of this research is to unveil the spatiotemporal variation of sediment yield in the Coarse Sandy Hilly Catchments (CSHC) region from 1956 to 2019 and further investigate the relationship between sediment yield and driving factors. The findings revealed that the mutation years of sediment load (SL) at Toudaoguai and Longmen stations were 1986 and 1996, respectively, with annual SL declining by 66.75 % and 79.04 % after the mutation. Water and sediment discharge at Toudaoguai station exhibited more consistent fluctuations over time, while water and sediment discharge at Longmen station remained relatively consistent before 1967, followed by an entirely inconsistent trend. The spatial pattern of the annual average specific sediment yield (SSY) indicated that the northwest watersheds had a relatively higher erosion rate compared to the southeast. Over time, the SSY of each watershed exhibited a decreasing trend. The SSY showed significant negative correlations with terrace, afforestation, topographic position index (TPI), grass planting (GP), and elevation, while demonstrating significant positive correlations with rainfall indicators and runoff depth. Changes in precipitation, topography, vegetation and engineering measures accounted for 58.5 % of the variance in SSY. The total impact of precipitation on SSY change was positive (standard path coefficient (SPC) = 0.567, P < 0.01), whereas the total impact of topography, vegetation measures, and engineering measures on SSY change was negative (SPC = -0.282, −0.231, and −0.087, respectively). This study quantified the impact of different types of controlling factors on sediment yield at the watershed level. The insights provided by these results can contribute to sustainable watershed management and the optimal allocation of soil and water conservation measures (SWCMs).

Clinical and histopathological characteristics of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in Turkish adults

The data regarding primary FSGS (pFSGS) from different parts of the world differ. While the prevalence of pFSGS has been increasing in Western countries like the USA, it follows an inconsistent trend in Europe and Asia and a decreasing trend in Far Eastern countries such as China in the last two decades. There are undetermined factors to explain those national and geographic discrepancies. Herein, we aimed to reveal the current prevalence with clinical and histopathological characteristics of pFSGS in Turkish adults. This study includes the biopsy-proven pFSGS patients data recorded between 2009 and 2019, obtained from the national multicenter primary glomerulonephritis registry system of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) database. 850 of the 3875 primer glomerulonephritis patients(21.9%) have pFSGS. The mean age is 40.5 ± 14.2 and 435 (51.2%) of patients are male. Nephrotic syndrome is the most common biopsy indication (59.2%). 32.6% of patients have hematuria, 15.2% have leukocyturia and 7.8% have both. Serum creatinine, albumin, and proteinuria are 1.0 mg/dL (IQR = 0.7–1.4) mg/dl, 3.4 ± 0.9 g/dl, 3400 mg/day(IQR, 1774–5740), respectively. Females have lower mean arterial pressure (− 2.2 mmHg), higher eGFR (+ 10.0 mL/min/1.73 m2), and BMI (+ 1.6 kg/m2) than males. Thickened basal membrane(76.6%) and mesangial proliferation (53.5%) on light microscopy are the major findings after segmental sclerosis. IgM (32.7%) and C3 (32.9%) depositions are the most common findings on immunofluorescence microscopy. IgM positivity is related to lower eGFR, serum albumin, and higher proteinuria. The prevalence of pFSGS is stable although slightly increasing in Turkish adults. The characteristics of the patients are similar to those seen in Western countries.

A scoping review of arab public relations scholarship

Arab public relations research (APRR) has reached many milestones since its inception; however, no study has investigated extant literature to map the trends and patterns within the subject area. As a result, this study aims to aggregate the landscape of APRR from 1979 to date. To achieve this, this current study adopts a multi-method approach of content analysis and text mining of 106 peer-reviewed APRR articles. Findings show an inconsistent trend of APRR. Findings also illustrate the status of APRR methods, analytical methods, media genres, media platforms, organizations, industries, most used words and dominant perspectives within the subject area. This study concludes that despite the irregularities in the progression, APRR is an emergent sub-area with the potential to gain prominence concerning interest and output.

Co-foliar application of zinc and nano-silicon to rice helps in reducing cadmium exposure risk: Investigations through in-vitro digestion with human cell line bioavailability assay

Foliar application of zinc (Zn) or silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) may exert regulatory effects on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice grains, however, their impact on Cd bioavailability during human rice consumption remains elusive. This study comprehensively investigated the application of Zn with or without Si-NPs in reducing Cd accumulation in rice grains as well to exactly evaluate the potential risk of Cd exposure resulting from the rice consumption by employing field experiment as well laboratory bioaccessibility and bioavailability assay. Sole Zn (ZnSO4) or in combination with Si (ZnSO4 +Si and ZnO+Si) efficiently lowered the Cd concentration in rice grains. However, the impact of bioaccessible (0.1215–0.1623 mg kg−1) and bioavailable Cd (0.0245–0.0393 mg kg−1) during simulated human rice consumption depicted inconsistent trend. The straw HCl-extractable fraction of Cd (FHCl-Cd) exhibited a significant correlation with total, bioaccessible, and bioavailable Cd in grains, indicating the critical role of FHCl-Cd in Cd accumulation and translocation from grains to human. Additionally, foliar spraying of Zn+Si raised the nutritional value of rice grains, leading to increased protein content and reduced phytic acid concentration. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of foliar application of ZnSO4 +Si in mitigating the Cd levels in rice grains and associated health risks upon consumption.

Demography and Genealogical Analysis of Massese Sheep, a Native Breed of Tuscany.

This study investigates the genealogical and demographic trends of the Massese sheep breed in Tuscany from 2001 to 2021. The Herd Book kept by the Italian Sheep and Goat Breeders Association (Asso.Na.Pa) provided the data. The descriptive statistics were analyzed using JMP software. The pedigree parameters of a total of 311,056 animals (whole population-WP) were analyzed using CFC, ENDOG, and Pedigree viewer software. A total of 24,586 animals born in the period 2007-2021 represented the Reference Population (RP), and 18,554 animals the Base Population (BP). The demographic results showed an inconsistent trend of offspring registration. This study showed a short period of productivity for both ewes and rams, with means of 1.47 and 19.2 registered newborn ewes and rams, respectively. The genealogical analysis revealed incomplete data, highlighting inaccurate assessments of the relationships among the animals, and inbreeding with large differences among provinces. The average inbreeding coefficient in the WP was 1.16%, and it was 2.26% in the RP. The total number of inbreds was 2790 in the WP, with an average FPED of 13.56%, and 2713 in the RP, with an average FPED of 12.82%. The use of pedigree data is a key and economical approach to calculating inbreeding and relationship coefficients. It is the primary step in genetic management, playing a crucial role in the preservation of a breed. The regular updating of genealogical data is the first step to ensuring the conservation of animal genetic resources, and this study is compromised by the lack of such updates.

Thermodynamic and Dynamic Components of Winter Temperature Changes in Western Canada, 1950–2020

Abstract Most of the globe has experienced significant warming trends that have been attributed to anthropogenic climate change. However, these rates of warming are also influenced by short-term climate fluctuations driven by atmospheric circulation dynamics, resulting in inconsistent trend magnitudes in both time and space. This research evaluated winter (December–February) temperature trends over 1950–2020 at 91 climate stations across British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), and Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, and determined the components attributed to thermodynamic and dynamic (atmospheric circulation) factors. A synoptic climatological approach was used to classify atmospheric circulation patterns in the midtroposphere, relate those patterns to surface temperature, and evaluate changes in frequency. Moderate to high temperature increases over 71 years were found for most of the region, averaging 3.1°C in southern SK to 4.1°C in central-northern AB, and a maximum of 5.8°C in northern BC. Low to moderate increases were found for southern BC, averaging 1.2°C. Changes in atmospheric circulation accounted for 29% and 31% of observed temperature changes in central-northern BC and AB, respectively. Dynamic factors were a moderate driver in southern AB (18%) and central-northern SK (13%), and low in southern SK (5%). Negative dynamic contributions in southern BC (−6%), suggest that atmospheric circulation changes counteracted thermodynamically driven temperature changes. Results were consistent with trend analyses, indicating this method is well suited for trend detection and identification of thermodynamic and dynamic drivers. Results of this research improve our understanding of the magnitude of winter temperature changes critical for informing adaptation and climate-related policy decisions. Significance Statement Winter temperatures are strongly influenced by atmospheric circulation patterns, which move warm or cold air masses over large distances. We wanted to understand how changes in atmospheric circulation affect observed changes in winter temperatures in three provinces in western Canada. This also helps us to understand how much temperature change is due to anthropogenic (e.g., caused by greenhouse gases and land cover changes) and naturally occurring changes to Earth’s energy balance. Our results highlight the importance of understanding variability when selecting a time series for trend analyses or climate baselines for modeling studies. This study also helps to inform climate-related policies, decision-making, and adaptation strategies.

Can Urbanization-Driven Land-Use and Land-Cover Change Reduce Ecosystem Services? A Case of Coupling Coordination Relationship for Contiguous Poverty Areas in China

New urbanization often leads to land-use and land-cover change (LUCC), which inevitably affects ecosystem services (ESs). Although it is traditionally believed that urbanization reduces ecosystem services, some studies have shown that reasonable urban development facilitates ecosystem conservation. Previous studies have focused on the impacts of urbanization on either LUCC or ESs, with fewer dynamic assessments of the coordination of the three. Taking China’s contiguous poor areas (CPAs) as an example, this study applied coupling coordination, path analysis, and a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to identify the dynamic relationship among urbanization, land use, and the environment and then predicted their coupling coordination under shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP-RCP) in 2035 using the Patch Generation Land Use Simulation (PLUS) and a random forest model. The results of the study show that (1) urbanization, land-use change, and environmental loads in China’s CPAs showed an inconsistent upward trend. There was a slight overall decrease in ESs before 2013, which was consistent with the early stage of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC); after that time, they showed different characteristics. (2) From 2000 to 2018, the coupling coordination degree of CPAs decreased slightly due to urbanization, geographic factors, and grassland and unused land. LUCC was essential to maintaining the system balance. The SN (southern contiguous poverty area) was at a basic level of coordination, while the other regions showed a moderate imbalance. (3) According to scenario projections, the degree of coupling coordination in all regions will increase by 2035. Environmental prioritization and sustainable routes are the best options for CPAs’ development. The SN is more stable, while the WN (western contiguous poverty area) has the lowest coupling coordination. (4) Environmentally friendly urbanization should be carried out with land management tailored to local conditions. Measures that could be recommended include establishing ecological pilot zones in SN areas, prioritizing the protection of grassland ecosystems in WN areas, and promoting intensive land use in the NN (northern contiguous poverty area). The present study offers a novel perspective on the interplay between the economy and the environment at the county level and achieves predictive coupling coordination through the integration of PLUS and random forest models. This investigation into coordinated urbanization–LUCC–ES development in CPAs yields valuable insights for enhancing environmental and economic well-being in similar regions within China, as well as globally.

Alkaline chlorination of drinking water: A trade-off between genotoxicity control and trihalomethane formation

The pH of chlorination is an important factor affecting the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). In this study, we discovered that the genotoxicity induced by chlorination can be effectively reduced under alkaline conditions. As the pH of chlorination increased from 6.5 to 8.5, the genotoxicity of investigated waters reduced by ∼30–90 %. By assessing the genotoxicity of the mixture of measured DBPs, it was found that the contribution of measured DBPs to the overall genotoxicity was lower than 5 %, and the significant reduction of genotoxicity was largely associated with unknown DBPs. The result of Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that humified organics and soluble microbial byproducts were likely responsible for the genotoxicity, and their derived genotoxic compounds (i.e., unknown DBPs) tended to decompose during alkaline chlorination. However, the control of genotoxicity by alkaline chlorination was achieved at the expense of promoting trihalomethane (THM) formation. The highest genotoxicity reduction (93 %) was observed for chlorinated granular activated carbon-treated waters, but the formation of THMs was promoted to a level approaching that in untreated waters. The inconsistent trend of overall genotoxicity and THM concentration during alkaline chlorination suggested the inadequacy of THMs as metric for DBP exposure, and considerations should also be given to the toxicity of bulk water in addition to regulated DBPs.

Monitoring of crack healing in geopolymer concrete using a nonlinear ultrasound approach in phase-space domain

Ultrasonic testing is a robust non-destructive evaluation method frequently employed in the health monitoring of concrete structures. Cracking in concrete can be one of the most critical problems, and its healing is important for structural safety. The current study proposes the evaluation of crack healing in geopolymer concrete (GPC) using different linear and nonlinear ultrasonic techniques. In this regard, a notched GPC beam was constructed at the laboratory and geopolymer grout was applied as a repair material. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and signal waveform tests were performed at several stages before and after grouting the notch. Nonlinear wave signals were processed in the phase-space domain for qualitative health monitoring of GPC. Furthermore, feature extraction was applied to phase-plane attractors using fractal dimension for quantitative assessment. The sideband peak count-index (SPC-I) method was also utilized to assess the ultrasound waves. The results indicate that the phase-space analysis of ultrasound can successfully represent the healing progress inside the GPC beam. At the same time, the fractal dimension can be used as a healing index. Ultrasound signal attenuation demonstrated high sensitivity to crack healing. The SPC-I technique exhibited an inconsistent trend at the early stage of healing. However, it provided a clear indication of repair at the advanced stage. Although the linear UPV method was found sensitive to the grouting at the initial stages, it demonstrated insufficient capability to monitor the healing process fully. Therefore, the phase-space-based ultrasonic method and the attenuation parameter could be employed as reliable techniques for the robust monitoring of progressive healing in concrete.

Spatiotemporal Variations in Fractional Vegetation Cover and Their Responses to Climatic Changes on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The alpine vegetation of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is extremely vulnerable and sensitive to climatic fluctuations, making it an ideal area to study the potential impacts of climate on vegetation dynamics. Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) is regarded as one of the key indicators in monitoring semiarid and arid ecosystems due to its sensitive responses to vegetation behavior under climatic changes. Although many studies have analyzed the responses of vegetation on the QTP to climatic change, limited information is available on the influence of climatic variables on FVC changes in this area. In this study, we used satellite images and meteorological data to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of FVC during the growing season (FVCGS) during 1998–2018 and evaluated the responses to changes in climatic variables. Results showed that FVCGS displayed an overall fluctuating rise of 0.01/10 a (p &lt; 0.01) over the study period. The FVCGS variation was spatially heterogeneous, with a general trend of greening in the northern and browning in the southern QTP. Obvious correlations were observed between the average FVC, average temperature, and total precipitation of the growing season, with precipitation being the primary controlling factor for vegetation growth. Some regions in the northwestern and northeastern QTP showed greening trends due to the positive influence of precipitation. Some areas in the southwestern QTP experienced browning trends due to water shortages caused, probably, by the weakening of the Indian monsoon. Browning in the southeastern parts was likely caused by drought and permafrost degradation resulting from high temperature. The inconsistent trend of vegetation change on the QTP is relatively high considering the continuous warming and changing atmospheric circulation patterns. FVC in most regions of the QTP has 0–1 month temporal responses to precipitation and temperature. Moreover, the one-month lagged effects of temperature and precipitation had a greater influence on steppe and desert vegetation than on other vegetation types. This research provides new perspectives for understanding the QTP vegetation response to climatic changes and a basis for making reasonable vegetation conservation and management policies.

The distribution pattern of corneal volume in Chinese myopic patients from multiple centers

AbstractCorneal volume (CV) is a useful index for detecting forme fruste keratoconus from normal corneas. It can be used to evaluate the whole cornea, since it can measure corneal areas up to 10 mm in diameter. Thus, CV has become the clinicians' interest as a diagnostic tool of corneal ectatic disease and a measure of corneal integrity to determine suitability for refractive surgery. We conducted a cross‐sectional study including 7893 myopic patients from five ophthalmic centers to investigate the distribution pattern of CV. Our study showed that distribution of CV‐3, CV‐5, and CV‐7 mm were slightly positively skewed and the 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles were 3.6–4.4, 10.4–12.8, 22.5–27.5 mm3, respectively. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was significantly correlated with CV in all measurement regions. The correlation between CV and CCT showed an inconsistent trend with the increase of age. The correlation coefficient between CV and CCT did not change significantly with the increase of myopia degree in low to moderate myopia, but fluctuated significantly in high myopia (less than −6.0 diopters). According to our results, corneal volume follows a slightly positively skewed distribution pattern in myopic Chinese patients. The information is useful for screening refractive surgery candidates and assessing the risk of corneal refractive surgery.

Divergent sensitivity of vegetation to aridity between drylands and humid regions

The land surface has been drying over recent decades, which is inconsistent with the greening of the Earth. The extent and spatial variation in the sensitivity of vegetation to aridity changes in drylands and humid regions remain unclear. In this study, satellite observation and reanalysis data were used to analyze the relationship between vegetation growth and atmospheric aridity changes in different climatological regions on a global scale. Our results showed that the leaf area index (LAI) increased at a rate of 0.032/decade from 1982 to 2014, while the aridity index (AI) increased slightly at a rate of 0.005/decade. Over the past three decades, the sensitivity of the LAI to AI has decreased in drylands and increased in humid regions. Thus, the LAI and AI were decoupled in drylands, whereas the effect of aridity on vegetation was enhanced in humid regions during the study period. The physical and physiological effects of increasing CO2 concentration are responsible for the divergent responses of vegetation sensitivity to aridity in drylands and humid regions. The results of the structural equation models showed that the effect of increasing CO2 concentration via LAI and temperature, with respect to decreasing AI, enhanced the negative relationship between LAI and AI in humid regions. The greenhouse effect of increasing CO2 concentration resulted in an increase in temperature and a reduction in aridity, whereas the fertilization effect of CO2 increased LAI, thus creating an inconsistent trend with LAI and AI in drylands.

Properties Comparison of Oxidized and Heat Moisture Treated (HMT) Starch-Based Biodegradable Films.

Starch-based biodegradable films have been studied for a long time. To improve starch properties and to increase film characteristics, starch is commonly modified. Amongst different types of starch modifications, oxidation and heat moisture treatment are interesting to explore. Unfortunately, review on these modifications for film application is rarely found, although these starch modifications provide interesting results regarding the starch and film properties. This paper aims to discuss the progress of research on oxidized and heat moisture-treated-starch for edible film application. In general, both HMT and oxidation modification on starch lead to an increase in film's tensile strength and Young's modulus, suggesting an improvement in film mechanical properties. The elongation, however, tends to decrease in oxidized starch-based film, hence more brittle film. Meanwhile, HMT tends to result in a more ductile film. The drawback of HMT film is its lower transparency, while the opposite is observed in oxidized films. The observation on WVP (water vapor permeability) of HMT starch-based film shows that the trend of WVP is not consistent. Similarly, an inconsistent trend of WVP is also found in oxidized starch films. This suggests that the WVP parameter is very sensitive to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Starch source and its concentration in film, film thickness, RH (relative humidity) of film storage, oxidation method and its severity, plasticizer type and its concentration in film, and crystallinity value may partly play roles in determining film properties.

Effect of Sorghum Tannin on the Performance of Broiler Chicks and their Carcass Characteristics

A feeding trial was carried out to study the effects of sorghumtannin on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks.Seven experimental diets were formulated using zero tannin maize ascontrol and six sorghum grain varieties, each two with low, medium andhigh tannin level. Diets were fed to 196 unsexed Hubbard commercialbroilers chicks for 5 weeks. Low tannin Safra had the best amino acidscomposition followed by high tannin sorghum varieties. Broilersperformance and carcass characteristics showed inconsistent trend as thelevel of tannin increased, since the birds consuming sorghums with hightannin content gave better performance than their counterparts fedmedium tannin. In addition, the results showed that sorghum varietieswith the same tannin level gave different effects on broiler performanceand carcass characteristics. These results indicate that, tannin level maynot be the sole factor affecting nutritional quality of sorghum grains; otherfactors may be involved.

Influences of variability of stable isotopes and composition of moisture sources on precipitation at multiple timescales in the Alpine regions of Central Asia

The accurate representation of variability of isotopic composition of modern precipitation based on long-term continuous monitoring is vital for interpreting hydrological and climatic processes. Based on measurements of δ2H and δ18O of 353 precipitation samples from five stations in the Alpine Mountains of Central Asia (ACA) during 2013–2015, the spatiotemporal variability of isotopic composition of precipitation and its controlling factors under multiple timescales were explored. Results showed that (1) the stable isotopes in precipitation at multiple timescales displayed an obviously inconsistent trend, especially in winter. (2) δ18O composition of precipitation (δ18Op) under multiple timescales had a significant correlation with the variability of air temperature, except for in the case of the synoptic scale, while the correlation was weak between precipitation amount and variability in altitude. (3) The westerly wind had a stronger influence on the ACA, the southwest monsoon had an important influence on the transport of water vapor in the Kunlun Mountains region, and Arctic water vapor had a higher contribution to the region of the Tianshan Mountains. (5) The contribution rate of recycled vapor to precipitation ranged from 15.44 to 24.11 %, and the composition of moisture source of precipitation in arid inland areas of Northwestern China exhibited spatial heterogeneity. The results of this study improve our understanding of the regional water cycle and will enable the optimization of the allocation of regional water resources.

The Relationship between Digital Marketing Dimension and International Virtual Heritage Tourism in Indonesia: A Conceptual Model

In the midst of Indonesia moving from a pandemic to a Covid-19 endemic, the tourism industry is showing an inconsistent trend. With the development of information and communication technology, it is important to provide a new model to provide innovation in tourism by utilizing technological advances supported by digital marketing. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide an alternative framework for virtual tourism and digital marketing. The dimensions of digital marketing consist of website design, social media marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, and affiliate marketing. Within this conceptual framework, there are several variables such as online destination knowledge, online destination authenticity, entertainment, enjoyment, and international virtual heritage tourism. There are five hypotheses proposed by the researcher in this conceptual article. This paper suggests future studies to test it empirically with collected data from respondents and analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis, F test and t test.

Long-Term Tibetan Alpine Vegetation Responses to Elevation-Dependent Changes in Temperature and Precipitation in an Altered Regional Climate: A Case Study for the Three Rivers Headwaters Region, China

Recent studies offer more evidence that the rate of warming is amplified with elevation, indicating thereby that high-elevation ecosystems tend to be exposed to more accelerated changes in temperature than ecosystems at lower elevations. The phenomenon of elevation-dependent warming (EDW), as one of the regional climate-change impacts, has been observed across the Tibetan Plateau. Studies have often found large-scale greening trends, but the drivers of vegetation dynamics are still not fully understood in this region, such that the local implications of vegetation change have been infrequently discussed. This study was designed to quantify and characterize the seasonal changes in vegetation across the Three Rivers Headwaters Region (TRHR), where the land cradles the headwaters of the Yangtze, the Yellow, and the Lancang (Mekong). By mapping the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) over the growing season from 1982 to 2015, we were able to evaluate seasonal changes in vegetation cover over time. The results show a slightly increased tendency in green vegetation cover, which could possibly be attributed to sustained warming in this region over the past three decades, whereas a decline in the green-up rate with elevation was found, indicating an inconsistent trend of vegetation greening with EDW. The cause of the green-up rate decline at high elevations could be linked to the reduced soil water availability induced by the fast increase in warming rates associated with EDW. The findings of this study have important implications for devising adaptation strategies for alpine ecosystems in a changing climate.

Spatiotemporal evolution of global long-term patterns of soil moisture

Surface soil moisture (SM) is essential for existence of biotic lifeform and geophysical processes. However, with increasing global warming due to climatic changes, its spatiotemporal evolution is uncertain and largely unknown. In this study we detected long-term (40 years; 1981–2020) SM patterns of global vegetated areas through spatial timeseries clustering using the state-of-the-art ERA5-Land dataset. In addition, we also analyzed long-term patterns of precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (bare soil evaporation (BSe) and vegetation transpiration (VT)), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our results indicate that surface SM (0–7 cm depth) of about 48 % and 9 % of the global vegetated area is showing drying and wetting pattern over the past 40 years, respectively. The detected soil drying, and wetting patterns were largely consistent across different soil depth, with 90 % and 80 % pattern similarity of surface soil layer with 2nd soil layer (7–28 cm) and 3rd soil layer (28–100 cm), respectively. About 80 % of areas with drying soil pattern also showed increasing evapotranspiration and/or decreasing precipitation. Specifically, decreasing P, increasing BSe and VT pattern were detected for 11 % of the soil drying pattern area. Similarly, increasing BSe and VT pattern, only decreasing P and only increasing VT pattern were detected for 17 %, 25 % and 12 % of soil drying areas, respectively. Both decreasing precipitation and increasing evapotranspiration patterns showed about 40 % similarity with decreasing soil moisture patterns. Across different landcover types, broadleaved forests, and cropland areas showed largest drying pattern. Under the future global warming scenario, the global soil water is expected to decrease as evapotranspiration would increase with inconsistent trend of global precipitation change. Our findings are of utmost importance for global soil water resource conservation and management.

Mechanical, Thermal Stability and Water Absorption Properties of Recycled Thermoplastic Blend Nanocomposites: Comparison of Nanoclay and Carbon Nanotube

This present paper investigates the influenceof clay (Cloisite 10A) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) loading for the tensile, flexural, thermal stability and water absorption properties of recycled thermoplastic blend made from recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE)and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). The nanocomposites were prepared via extrusion blending technique by using extruder and compressed using hot and cold press molding machine. The findings showed that the sample with 1 phr of Cloisite 10A and 4 phr of MWCNT showedthe optimumof tensile strength at 13.9 MPa and 14.5 MPa as compared to other loadings. The flexural strength exhibited inconsistent trend with the increasing of Cloisite 10A and MWCNT content. The addition of Cloisite 10A and MWCNT-reinforced nanocomposite showed better thermal stability than pure polymer blend. As the increment of Cloisite 10A and MWCNT loading, the percentages of water uptake increased but the values were still lower than the neat thermoplastic blend.