Lower Values Research Articles

Paradoxical founders’ identity and its impact on social venture performance

Purpose This study explores the structure of founders’ hybrid personal identities and their relationship to social venture performance. The authors hypothesize that founders experience the tension between the social and commercial goals of their venture as a paradox rooted in their personal values. Design/methodology/approach The authors surveyed 112 social enterprise founders in Chile and used structural equation modeling to test hypotheses about the relationship between self-transcendent values (i.e. promotion of others’ welfare and care for nature) and self-enhancement values (i.e. pursuing own interests and power over others) on a multidimensional scale of social venture performance. Findings Self-transcendence and self-enhancement are distinct yet interrelated values that coexist within social venture founders (i.e. they constitute a paradox). Self-transcendence values negatively moderate the positive relationship between self-enhancement values and social venture performance. Practical implications Mere benevolence is insufficient for effective social venturing; success depends on the founder’s self-enhancement values or their “drive” to succeed. Founder values can thus inform organizational design choices (e.g. tasks, team composition, structures and processes) and guide public and private investment decisions. Originality/value This research empirically assesses the structure of hybrid personal identities, uncovering how the concurrent action of self-transcendence and self-enhancement values influences social venture performance. The authors challenge the belief that balancing social and commercial goals benefits social venture performance. Best-performing ventures are those whose founder’s exhibit high self-enhancement and low self-transcendence values.

Extremely low loss and high electrical resistivity in CaBi2Nb2O9 high-temperature piezoelectric ceramic by adding WO3

An appropriate amount of WO3 was added into CaBi2Nb2O9 high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics to improve the dense microstructure and enhance the electrical properties. A portion of W ions can be incorporated into the lattice, resulting in an increase in the lattice distortion and spontaneous polarization. As a result, the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics are promoted. Additionally, reducing the concentration of oxygen vacancies can increase the resistivity of ceramics and significantly reduce the dielectric loss. The CBNO-0.375 wt% WO3 sample shows a large piezoelectric coefficient of 17.1 pC/N, a high remnant polarization of 12.60 µC/cm2, a high TC of 951°C and a large electrical resistivity of 1.86 × 106 Ω·cm at 600 °C. Moreover, the dielectric loss at 600 °C maintains a low value of 0.0076, which is one to two orders of magnitude lower than that of CBNO-based ceramics. Therefore, the method of adding WO3 to construct a CBNO ceramic provides a new strategy for high-temperature piezoelectric applications.

Understanding factors impacting patient-reported outcome measures integration in routine clinical practice: an umbrella review.

Patient-report outcome measures (PROMs) have gained widespread support as a mechanism to improve healthcare quality. We aimed to map out key enablers and barriers influencing PROMs implementation strategies in routine clinical practice. An umbrella review was conducted to identify reviews exploring enablers and barriers related to the integration of PROMs in routine clinical practice from January 2000 to June 2023. Information on key enablers and barriers was extracted and summarised thematically according to the Theoretical Domains Framework. 34 reviews met our criteria for inclusion. Identified reviews highlighted barriers such as limited PROMs awareness among clinicians and patients, perceived low value by clinicians and patients, PROMs that were too complex or difficult for patients to complete, poor usability of PROMs systems, delayed feedback of PROMs data, clinician concerns related to use of PROMs as a performance management tool, patient concerns regarding privacy and security, and resource constraints. Enablers encompassed phased implementation, professional training, stakeholder engagement prior to implementation, clear strategies and goals, 'change champions' to support PROMs implementation, systems to respond to issues raised by PROMs, and integration into patient pathways. No consensus favoured paper or electronic PROMs, yet offering both options to mitigate digital literacy bias and integrating PROMs into electronic health records emerged as important facilitators. The sustainable implementation of PROMs is a complex process that requires multicomponent organisational strategies covering training and guidance, necessary time and resources, roles and responsibilities, and consultation with patients and clinicians.

From efficiency to resilience: unraveling the dynamic coupling of land use economic efficiency and urban ecological resilience in Yellow River Basin

This study investigates the Dynamic Coupling between Land Use Economic Efficiency (LUEE) and Urban Ecological Resilience (UER) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). This exploration is pivotal for elucidating the interaction mechanisms between economic growth and ecological governance. Furthermore, understanding this relationship is essential for fostering high-quality, sustainable urban development in the YRB. Utilizing panel data from 56 cities spanning 2003 to 2020, this study employed the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, spatial correlation analysis, Kernel density estimation, convergence model, and Geodetector to systematically analyze the spatio-temporal distribution, dynamic trend, and determinants of the CCD between LUEE and UER in the YRB. The findings indicate that: (1) A general upward trend in both LUEE and UER, accompanied by a steady improvement in their CCD. (2) Significant spatial disparities in their CCD, with higher levels in the lower reaches. (3) Marked positive spatial autocorrelation, predominantly characterized by clusters where high (low) values are surrounded by high (low) values. (4) Regarding the impact of individual factors, government fiscal budget expenditure demonstrates the most robust explanatory power for the CCD within the YRB. Concerning the effects of two-factor interactions, the interplay between industrial structure upgrading and government fiscal budget expenditure emerges as the most significant determinant in influencing the CCD between LUEE and UER. This study enhances our comprehensive understanding of the interplay between economic and ecological systems. It offers scientific insights and strategic direction for harmonizing ecological governance with urban economic growth at both the regional and global scales.

Experimental and numerical study on the influence of N2/H2 on the laminar combustion characteristics of syngas premixed flames

This paper primarily analyzes the influence of N2 and H2 content on the laminar combustion characteristics of low calorific value syngas, using a constant-volume combustion bomb to measure the laminar combustion velocity (SL) of the fuel and compare it with five commonly used mechanisms. The study reveals that higher N2 content significantly reduces the SL of CO/CH4/CO2 mixed fuels, primarily due to a general decrease in the mole fractions of key intermediates and net reaction rates. Increasing H2 content leads to an increase in the SL of CO/CH4/CO2/N2 mixed fuels. The thermal effect becomes increasingly prominent with the elevation of H2 content, while the proportion of thermal effect initially decreases and subsequently increases as the equivalence ratio rises. With the increase in N2 content, the mole fraction of NO experiences a significant decrease, and the rate of decline in thermal NO production is even faster. Conversely, with the increase in H2 content, the rate of rise in non-thermal NO generation is faster, and the mole fraction of NO tends to increase.

Impact of low sodium values on survival outcomes of patients with cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Background: Low serum sodium affects cancer prognosis, but its impact on immunotherapy is unclear. Objective: Assessing the association of pre- and post-ICI treatment sodium levels with survival. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients receiving ICI in January 2012-December 2023, collecting serum sodium levels at treatment initiation and 4weeks post-ICI, with overall survival (OS) as the primary outcome. Results: Low sodium was observed in 125 and 119 patients pre-and post-treatment respectively. Pre-ICI and post-ICI low sodium correlated with decreased OS [10.6 vs. 22.9months (p =0.001) and 11.6 vs. 27.2months (p =0.009)]. Multivariate analysis identified pre-ICI low sodium [HR: 1.685; 95% CI: 1.050-2.705; p =0.031] as an independent risk factor for worse OS. Conclusion: Low baseline serum sodium was an independent risk factor for poor OS in patients treated with ICIs.

Tracking Free-Ranging Pantaneiro Sheep during Extreme Drought in the Pantanal through Precision Technologies

The Pantanal has been facing consecutive years of extreme drought, with an impact on the quantity and quality of available pasture. However, little is known about how locally adapted breeds respond to the distribution of forage resources in this extreme drought scenario. This study aimed to evaluate the movement of free-grazing Pantaneiro sheep using a low-cost GPS to assess the main grazing sites, measure the daily distance traveled, and determine the energy requirements for walking with body weight monitoring. In a herd of 100 animals, 31 were selected for weighing, and six ewes were outfitted with GPS collars. GPS data collected on these animals every 10 m from August 2020 to May 2021 was analyzed using the Python programming language. The traveled distance and activity energy requirements (ACT) for horizontal walking (Mcal/d of NEm) were determined. The 31 ewes were weighed at the beginning and end of each season. The available dry matter (DM) and floristic composition of the grazing sites were estimated at the peak of the drought. DM was predicted using power regression with NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) (R2 = 0.94). DM estimates averaged 450 kg/ha, ranging from traces to 3830 kg/ha, indicating overall very low values. Individual variation in the frequency of use of grazing sites was observed (p < 0.05), reflecting the distances traveled and the energetic cost of the activity. The range of distances traveled by the animals varied from 3.3 to 17.7 km/d, with an average of 5.9 km/d, indicating low energy for walking. However, the traveled distance and ACT remained consistent over time; there were no significant differences observed between seasons (p > 0.05). On average, the ewes’ initial weight did not differ from the weight at the drought peak (p > 0.05), indicating that they maintained their initial weight, which is important for locally adapted breeds as it confers robustness and resilience. This study also highlighted the importance of the breed’s biodiverse diet during extreme drought, which enabled the selection of forage for energy and nutrient supplementation. The results demonstrated that precision tools such as GPS and satellite imagery enabled the study of animals in extensive systems, thereby contributing to decision-making within the production system.

Association between mpMRI detected tumor apparent diffusion coefficient and 5-year biochemical recurrence risk after radical prostatectomy.

To assess the ability of tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values obtained from multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to predict the risk of 5-year biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP). This retrospective analysis included 1207 peripheral and 232 non-peripheral zone prostate cancer (PCa) patients who underwent mpMRI before RP (2012-2015), with the outcome of interest being 5-year BCR. ADC was evaluated as a continuous variable and as categories: low (< 850µm2/s), intermediate (850-1100µm2/s), and high (> 1100µm2/s). Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank testing of BCR-free survival, multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were formed to estimate the risk of BCR. Among the 1439 males with median age 63 (± 7) years, the median follow-up was 59months, and 306 (25%) patients experienced BCR. Peripheral zone PCa patients with BCR had lower tumor ADC values than those without BCR (874 versus 1025µm2/s, p < 0.001). Five-year BCR-free survival rates were 52.3%, 74.4%, and 87% for patients in the low, intermediate, and high ADC value categories, respectively (p < 0.0001). Lower ADC was associated with BCR, both as continuously coded variable (HR: 5.35; p < 0.001) and as ADC categories (intermediate versus high ADC-HR: 1.56, p = 0.017; low vs. high ADC-HR; 2.36, p < 0.001). In the non-peripheral zone PCa patients, no association between ADC and BCR was observed. Tumor ADC values and categories were found to be predictive of the 5-year BCR risk after RP in patients with peripheral zone PCa and may serve as a prognostic biomarker.

Harnessing Cold Sintering to Fabricate Composite Polymer Electrolytes - A Paradigm Shift in Organic-Inorganic Material Assembly

Abstract The development of composite electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries is an emerging field, but the creation of predominantly inorganic electrolytes remains challenging. In this study, Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr2O12 (Al-LLZO), a ceramic material selected for its high ionic conductivity (1x104 S.cm-1 at ambient temperature) was shaped by the cold-sintering process (CSP). The organic phase was synthesized by free-radical polymerization of two poly(ethylene oxide) methacrylate derivatives in the presence of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salts (LiTFSI). The polymethacrylate network with dangling poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains was thus obtained. This in-situ polymerization allows the one-pot synthesis of the composite electrolyte during CSP. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity of the CSP pellet varied with the nature of the organic phase, ranging from 1x10−4 to 1x10−5 S.cm-1 for non-grafted and grafted TFSI anion on the PEO-based network, respectively. Additionally, the transport of Li+ remained unaffected by the inorganic material's nature as long as it contained Li species. Furthermore, a significant enhancement of the ionic conductivity was observed in the composite pellet compared to the TFSI grafted network (10−5 to 10−7 S.cm-1, respectively). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed changes in the Al-LLZOPEO-based polymer interface during CSP with the formation of an interphase, confirmed by a low activation energy value (0.1 eV).

The effect of biostimulants and red mud on the growth and yield of shallots in post-unlicensed gold mining soil

Abstract Shallot production in West Kalimantan is still low. Land that has the potential for the development of shallots is the soil from post-unlicensed gold mining (PUGM). The soil at PUGM was exploited very extensively and can be used to develop shallots, but it is obstacled by low pH values and nutrient content. This research aims to investigate the impact of biostimulants and red mud on the growth and yield of shallots. The experiment was carried out in two stages: (1) investigated the ratio of the red mud and PUGM soil at the laboratory and (2) investigated the biostimulants and red mud effect on two varieties of shallots in a screen house. For the second experiment, there were three factors. The first factor was the biostimulant (0, 2, 3, and 4%); the second factor was the dose of red mud (0, 2, and 4 tons ha−1); and the third factor was the shallot varieties (Bima Brebes and Tajuk). The results of the first research indicated that the application of the red mud and PUGM soil in a ratio of 1:500 and 1:1,000 had a pH of 7.88 (slightly alkaline) and 7.24 (neutral), respectively. The second study found that a 2% concentration of biostimulant increased plant height and tuber count by 23.78 cm and 6.55 tubers, respectively. The Bima Brebes variety produced better fresh tubers weight clump−1 and dry tubers weight clump−1 than the Tajuk variety, with, respectively, 42.08 g (7.36 tons ha−1) and 32.60 g (5.71 tons ha−1). These findings show that the use of the biostimulants and red mud together in integrated management can help shallots grow and produce more, especially on PUGM land that has obstacles with low soil fertility. This research contributes to the identification of sustainable solutions for agricultural development in environments that have experienced severe land degradation, such as unlicensed gold mining activities.

Limnological Characteristics and Relationships with Primary Productivity in Two High Andean Hydroelectric Reservoirs in Ecuador

Studies on limnology are essential to reservoir management; nevertheless, few are known about the limnological features of the Andean reservoirs in Ecuador. To overcome this limitation in the information, from December 2018 to December 2019, the limnological characteristics of El Labrado and Chanlud reservoirs in the Machángara river basin (Ecuador south) were examined. Using the light/dark bottles technique, the primary productivity (PP) of phytoplankton was studied in conjunction with (1) vertical profiles of oxygen concentrations, water temperature, nitrogen, phosphorus, alkalinity, and heterotrophic bacteria; (2) Secchi disk transparency; and (3) meteorological factors such as wind force, precipitation, and water level. Data indicate that both reservoirs are polymictic, with alkaline waters, low nutrients, and low PP rates. Despite this, a principal component analysis revealed that Chanlud exhibits higher nitrogen, alkalinity, heterotrophic bacteria, and PP values. In two approaches through multiple linear regression analysis, each per reservoir, the PP was explained mainly by water temperature, depth, light, heterotrophic bacteria, and meteorological parameters. The low concentrations of nutrients and the low residency time explain the low PP values. Likewise, the altitudinal factor (i.e., both reservoirs are 3400 m above sea level) and the low human perturbations in surrounding reservoir zones play a crucial role in explaining their poor PP. Notwithstanding the low metabolic rates, clear seasonal trends were observed in both reservoirs; the lowest PP rates occurred during the cold season. To our knowledge, this is the first limnological study of high Andean reservoirs in Ecuador. These findings should be part of Andean reservoir management protocols, contributing significantly to local conservation efforts. Additionally, they could be extrapolated as a frame of reference to similar eco-hydrological systems.

Preoperative psychological factors influence analgesic consumption and self-reported pain intensity following breast cancer surgery

BackgroundPsychological factors such as anxiety and mood appear to influence acute postoperative pain; however, there is conflicting evidence on the relationship between preoperative psychological parameters and the severity of postoperative pain. In the context of the stressful setting of initial surgery for breast cancer, we conducted a prospective observational study of patients who were scheduled to undergo initial breast cancer surgery.MethodsThe objectives were to examine the potential associations between predefined preoperative psychological parameters and (i) Self-reported pain scores at discharge from the postoperative acute care unit, (ii) Cumulative perioperative opioid consumption at four hours postoperatively and (iii) Self-reported pain as measured during the first seven days after surgery. Patients completed the following questionnaires during the three hours prior to surgery: the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI State and Trait), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Cohen Stress Questionnaire (CSQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS A and D), and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Postoperative pain experience was assessed using patient self-reports of pain (SF Magill Pain questionnaire on discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit and a pain diary for seven days postoperatively) and records of analgesic consumption.ResultsPre- to postoperative self-reported pain was significantly different with respect to the STAI State, Cohen score and PCS for both low and high values (p < 0.001), but only patients categorized as having low STAI Trait, HADS A, and HADS D values achieved significant differences (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between preoperative state anxiety (STAI) and the most severe pain reported during the first seven days postoperatively (r = 0.271, p = 0.013). Patients who were categorized preoperatively as having a “high value” for each of the psychological parameters studied (HADS A and D, STAI State and Trait and PCS) tended to have greater perioperative opioid consumption (up to four hours postoperatively); this trend was statistically significant for HADS D and HADS A only. Using a linear regression model, state anxiety was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative pain based on self-reports during the first seven postoperative days (standardized β = 0.271, t = 2.286, p = 0.025).ConclusionPreoperative state anxiety, in particular, is associated with the severity of postoperative pain experienced by women undergoing initial breast cancer surgery. Formal preoperative assessment of anxiety may be warranted in this setting with a view to optimize perioperative analgesia and wellbeing.

Assessing the Sustainability and Performance of Hempcrete

Aim: Traditional construction materials like cement, concrete, glass, asphalt, and steel require more energy in the manufacturing process, which results in high GHG emissions. Therefore, researchers from all over the world are focusing on solutions to tackle carbon emissions, with hempcrete emerging as a less polluting construction material. Hempcrete is a bio-composite comprising a woody core of hemp stem and hydrated lime. The objective of the study is to find out the physical and mechanical properties of hemp-lime concrete. Study Design: The present research paper is part of the ongoing study on hempcrete at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The present study chose an experimental research design. Methodology: The study presents its results in two parts: performance and sustainability. The first part investigates the performance of hempcrete in terms of its physical and mechanical characteristics. The researcher conducted numerous trials to fix mix designs, focusing on their workability. Cubes of size 10 cm were cast manually for five distinct mix designs. The second part of the paper examines the sustainability aspect of hemp-lime concrete via a relevant literature review. Results: During the specified time intervals of 28, 56, 84, and 112 days, the cubes exhibited a range in weight density from 506 to 674 kg/m3. In parallel, the compression test results demonstrated varying values, spanning from 0.510 Mpa to 0.810 Mpa across the same time points. Results show that there is a negative correlation between density and compressive strength and a positive correlation between density and water absorption rate. Conclusion: The results pertaining to weight density highlight the lightweight nature of hempcrete, to the extent that the cubes have the propensity to float in water. Due to its relatively low compressive strength values, hempcrete is deemed suitable for non-load-bearing applications within building construction.

Investigation of the Basin Characteristics through Morphometric Analysis of Hadejia River Sub-Basin: Implications for Groundwater Recharge

Understanding the geohydrological properties of a drainage basin in relation to the topographical feature and its flow patterns depends heavily on morphometric analysis. Estimating a watershed's frequency of infiltration and runoff as well as its other hydrological characteristics is also helpful. The study was conducted using Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques with the aim of establishing relationship between surface morphometry, underlying geology and groundwater recharge. For detailed measurement and analysis, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and high resolution imageries were employed for basin delineation, slope characterization, channel network extraction and stream ordering in order to derive the linear, areal, and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The findings showed that a total number of 116 streams joined the 4th order stream in which 83 streams were 1st order, 25 streams were 2nd order, 7 streams were 3rd order and the major trunk was 4th order stream, occupied an area of 1486.86km2. The stream network's drainage system exhibits dendritic design. The results further indicate that the values for stream frequency, infiltration number, drainage density, drainage texture, length of overland flow, elongation ratio and basin relief are 0.08, 0.032, 0.41km/km2, 0.023, 1.22km, 0.54 and 28.59m respectively. The observed values of both linear, areal and relief parameters were generally low. Low values for the areal and relief criteria indicates that the sub-basin is at its youthful stage of development and possesses very good permeable subsurface formation and prospect with the possibility of high potential groundwater resources. The result help us understand the connections between hydrological variables and geomorphological parameters as guidance and/or decision-making instruments for the authorities to develop decisions for the environmentally friendly growth of the basin, water supply planning, water budgeting, and disaster mitigation within the Hadejia river sub-basin.

Approximation of the Pressure-discharge Curve in Inline Drip Irrigation System

The efficiency of drip irrigation systems depends directly on the uniformity of water discharge from emission devices. Ideally, all emitters should discharge equal amounts of water, but variations occur due to hydraulic and manufacturing factors. This study established the pressure-discharge relationship curve and determined emitter flow variation caused by the hydraulic and the manufacturer’s coefficients of variation for 2 and 4 lph inline emitters. The power exponent and constant of the pressure-discharge curve were determined by measuring the emitter flow rates at operating pressures ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 kg/cm². The emitter flow rates of 100 emitters were measured at an operating pressure of 1.0 kg/cm² to determine the manufacturing coefficient (Vm) and emitter flow variation (qvar(m)). The discharge exponent was found to be 0.46 for both emitter flow rates, with proportionality constants of 0.692 for 2 lph and 1.387 for 4 lph emitters respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between pressure and flow rate, with RMSE values of 0.51 and 0.34 lph, and coefficients of determination of 0.988 and 0.991 for 2 and 4 lph emitters, respectively. High manufacturing precision was indicated by low Vm values of 0.0491 for 2 lph and 0.055 for 4 lph emitters, while qvar(m) values were 0.261 for 2 lph and 0.283 for 4 lph emitters. Total coefficient of variation (Vq) values were 0.1 for 2 lph and 0.14 for 4 lph emitters, with total emitter flow variations (qvar) of 0.29 for 2 lph and 0.39 for 4 lph emitters. The study established the pressure-discharge curve for inline drip irrigation systems, emphasizing the critical relationship between pressure and flow rate. The derived chart from pressure discharge relationship is a valuable tool for estimating emitter flow variation due to hydraulic variation within the same subunit. Precise manufacturing and effective management of hydraulic variations are essential for ensuring uniform water distribution, optimizing drip irrigation systems, and ultimately enhancing crop yield and resource utilization.

Intake of Artificial Sweeteners through Soft Drinks in the Preschool- and School-Aged Population

One of the main public health issues that has recently been observed in a greater number of children is being overweight. The cause certainly lies in the decreasing physical activity of children, but mostly in their eating habits. Soft drinks are recognized as the most significant contributor to body overweight due to high sugar content; thus, as a result of numerous campaigns, part of the sugar is replaced by artificial sweeteners (ASs). Despite their advantage due to their low caloric value, WHO recommends that they should not be used to achieve weight control or as prevention for reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, as there is no evidence of their effectiveness. Apart from beverages, artificial sweetener combinations are also added to a variety of “low fat” and “high protein” food products, which are highly favored especially among the young population. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the cumulative intake. The conducted study included a survey of 323 parents of children aged 1–14 years, as well as an analysis of the AS content in the products most often consumed by the respondents. The results of the survey show that a large part of children (40%) aged 3–14 often consume soft drinks. Different products (soft drinks, juices/nectars, syrups) were sampled based on the respondents’ responses, and an analysis showed that 54% of them contained one or more ASs. In addition, the survey indicated parents’ lack of information about the presence of AS in products, as 51% of parents declared that they do not read the declarations of the products they buy. It is necessary to persist in consumer education and changes in dietary preferences and habits, especially among children.

Approximation of the Pressure-discharge Curve in Inline Drip Irrigation System

The efficiency of drip irrigation systems depends directly on the uniformity of water discharge from emission devices. Ideally, all emitters should discharge equal amounts of water, but variations occur due to hydraulic and manufacturing factors. This study established the pressure-discharge relationship curve and determined emitter flow variation caused by the hydraulic and the manufacturer’s coefficients of variation for 2 and 4 lph inline emitters. The power exponent and constant of the pressure-discharge curve were determined by measuring the emitter flow rates at operating pressures ranging from 0.2 to 3.0 kg/cm². The emitter flow rates of 100 emitters were measured at an operating pressure of 1.0 kg/cm² to determine the manufacturing coefficient (Vm) and emitter flow variation (qvar(m)). The discharge exponent was found to be 0.46 for both emitter flow rates, with proportionality constants of 0.692 for 2 lph and 1.387 for 4 lph emitters respectively. The results showed a strong correlation between pressure and flow rate, with RMSE values of 0.51 and 0.34 lph, and coefficients of determination of 0.988 and 0.991 for 2 and 4 lph emitters, respectively. High manufacturing precision was indicated by low Vm values of 0.0491 for 2 lph and 0.055 for 4 lph emitters, while qvar(m) values were 0.261 for 2 lph and 0.283 for 4 lph emitters. Total coefficient of variation (Vq) values were 0.1 for 2 lph and 0.14 for 4 lph emitters, with total emitter flow variations (qvar) of 0.29 for 2 lph and 0.39 for 4 lph emitters. The study established the pressure-discharge curve for inline drip irrigation systems, emphasizing the critical relationship between pressure and flow rate. The derived chart from pressure discharge relationship is a valuable tool for estimating emitter flow variation due to hydraulic variation within the same subunit. Precise manufacturing and effective management of hydraulic variations are essential for ensuring uniform water distribution, optimizing drip irrigation systems, and ultimately enhancing crop yield and resource utilization.

The Water Hammer Characteristics of Long-Distance Water Pipelines under Different Water Supply Modes

The pressure characteristics of long-distance water pipelines during hydraulic transient processes are crucial for ensuring the safe, stable, and long-term operation of water transfer projects. This paper establishes a one-dimensional mathematical model based on sections of the Yinjiangjihuai long-distance water diversion project in China. The water supply requirements of the pipelines are categorized into two replenishment modes as follows: gravity supply and pump-pressurized water supply. The opening and closing strategies of the water pipelines under different flow conditions are simulated and analyzed to explore the hydraulic transient processes under various water supply modes. The transient variations of key hydraulic parameters during valve closure are clarified. Simulation results indicate that the water pipeline design is reasonable, meeting the water supply demands at relatively low Manning values and that it has the capability for long-term supply. Due to the excessive head provided by the pumps, pump-pressurized water supply and gravity supply modes cannot operate simultaneously. Under gravity supply mode, the minimum pressure in the downstream pipeline is relatively higher overall, while the maximum pressure in the upstream pipeline is relatively lower overall. In the pump-pressurized water supply mode, the safety and stability of the water supply can be ensured by adjusting the closing time of individual pumps and the interval time between adjacent pumps. The research findings provide technical guidance and scientific basis for the construction of national water networks and water transfer projects.

Controllable self-cleaning FET self-assembled RNA-cleaving DNAzyme based DNA nanotree for culture-free Staphylococcus aureus detection

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) poses a serious risk to human and animal health, necessitating a low-cost and high-performance analytical platform for point-of-care diagnostics. Cellulose paper-based field-effect transistors (FETs) with RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCDs) can fulfill the low-cost requirements, however, its high hydrophilicity and lipophilicity hinder biochemical modification and result in low sensitivity, poor mechanical stability and poor fouling performance. Herein, we proposed a controllable self-cleaning FET to simplify biochemical modification and improve mechanical stability and antifouling performance. Then, we constructed an RCD-based DNA nanotree to significantly enhance the sensitivity for SA detection. For controllable self-cleaning FET, 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane based-polymeric nanoparticles were synthesized to decorate cellulose paper and whole carbon nanofilm wires. O2 plasma was applied to regulate to reduce fluorocarbon chain density, and then control the hydrophobic-oleophobic property in sensitive areas. Because negatively charged DNA affected the sensitivity of semiconducting FETs, three Y-shaped branches with low-cost were designed and applied to synthesize an RCD-based DNA-Nanotree based on similar DNA-origami technology, which further improved the sensitivity. The trunk of DNA-Nanotree was composed of RCD, and the canopy was self-assembled using multiple Y-shaped branches. The controllable self-cleaning FET biosensor was applied for SA detection without cultivation, which had a wide linear range from 1 to 105 CFU/mL and could detect a low value of 1 CFU/mL.

The potential fish provisioning services of vegetated and unvegetated habitat in a lagoon nursery

The potential fish provisioning services of the Ria Formosa lagoon (Portugal) were calculated for single cohorts of 7 commercially fished species, based on densities of juveniles sampled with beach seines on a monthly basis over a 17-month period at 41 locations. The potential maximum yield per recruit (F0.1 criteria) was calculated for vegetated (V) and unvegetated (UV) habitat for low and high natural mortality values. Vegetated habitat enhanced yield (g m−2) of 5 of the 7 species, with the greatest enhancement for the herbivore Sarpa salpa (137 and 150 fold for low and high M). At F0.1, the calculated total potential yield of the 7 cohorts was 463 tons (low M) and 333 tons (high M), worth EUR 5,649,084 and 3,651,881, respectively. Mean annual landings of the 7 species from 1997 to 2017 ranged from 407 to 577 tons, with a mean of 495 tons (s.e. = 11.1), highlighting the importance of the lagoon nursery as a major source of recruits for local small-scale coastal fisheries. The methodology used here is the first to calculate the potential maximum yield and the corresponding fishing mortality (F0.1) for single cohorts and for different habitats within an important fish nursery. It provides more realistic values of potential fish provisioning services and economic contribution to local fisheries than studies that do not consider fishing mortality.