Lower Values Research Articles

The role of peatlands in carbon footprints of countries and products

Global peatland degradation is a major emission source (2 Gt CO2eq/yr), but it is often excluded from product carbon footprints or consumption-based emission inventories. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of peatlands on the carbon footprints of countries and products. The analysis was performed by combining the updated Global Peatland Assessment emission inventory with the EXIOBASE 3 multiple-region input-output model and propagating the emissions from primary production to final demand of products. The structure of the network of production and consumption was analyzed by identifying the paths and nodes that had the highest embodied peatland emissions. Based on the analysis, the consumption-based emission inventory had hotspots in Indonesia, China, and Russia, where a few key sectors (construction, rice, and other foods) contributed to 31 % of the global peatland emissions. Unlike in many other environmental impact categories, Europe was a net exporter (104 Mt CO2eq/yr) of embodied peatland emissions and Africa & Middle East region was the largest net importer (64 Mt CO2eq/yr). The embodied peatland emissions are focused on agricultural and forestry products in the countries with the largest share of degraded peatlands. Products originating from peatlands can have multiple times higher carbon footprints than non-peatland farmed products. The societal cost of carbon (SCC) of peatland originating products can even be higher than the value of the products. Therefore including peatland emissions into product carbon footprints would create incentives for mitigating emissions. Local emission mitigation will require tailored combinations of rewetting, restoration, and paludiculture. As the current uses of peatlands are emission intensive and have low value added, the potential for cost-effective emission reduction is considerable.

Exergetic, economic and exergy-based sustainability analysis of a power generation system with CO2 capture and methanol production

This study proposes a new biomass-based Combined Heat and Power (CHP)/renewable methanol production through captured carbon dioxide. A liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) stores and releases hydrogen. Literature review shows that LOHC has been integrated into such a system for the first time. The exergetic, exergoeconomic, and economic performance are researched. On average, results show that the exergetic efficiency of the system is 6.6 %. Depletion ratio (DR) is the depletion rate of the exergy source given to the system, which is desired to have low values. The sustainability index (SI) is the DR's reverse, representing the required exergy source per exergy destruction (exergy depletion). High values of this index indicate less exergy source consumed in the system. Exergetic ecological index (EECI) compares the useful products or depleted exergy per consumed exergy source destruction. The negative value of EECI means that the depletion of the exergy source is more significant than the product exergy and vice versa. The exergy-based sustainability indices, including DR, SI, and EECI, are found as 0.934, 1.071, and −0.868, respectively. Exergoeconomic analysis reveals that the exergy destruction rate at the system's capital cost (REX) value is 0.087×102. Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), gasifier, and Heat Exchanger 1 (HE1) are obtained as 5.153×10−2 (kW/€), 1.707×10−2 (kW/€), 3.094×10−2 (kW/€) respectively. The payback period and the REX are 14.56 years and 0.087×10−2 (kW/€), respectively; it seems long for an engineering application, but these technologies are relatively new, and their costs might decrease soon. Exergy destruction or lost power per capita, which means depleted investment, costs much less than 1. Although the thermodynamic values of the system seem low because irreversibilities occurred in chemical reactions, CO2 saved and produced methanol and cannot be ignored in terms of its environmental and economic benefits, considering CO2 taxes and the methanol economy.

Nondestructive and accurate prediction of IGBT junction temperature in wind power converters: based on IDMOA-ELM prediction method

ABSTRACT This study has made significant advancements in predicting junction temperature of IGBTs in wind power converters. An improved dwarf mongoose optimisation algorithm (IDMOA) with superior performance was developed. The IDMOA improves the initial solution quality through Hammersley initialisation, balances global search and local optimisation with nonlinear dynamic decreasing weight factors, and enhances population diversity via differential evolution strategy to avoid local optima. The IDMOA optimizes random parameters of extreme learning machine (ELM), overcoming the limitations of traditional manual parameter setting and constructing a high-precision IDMOA optimised ELM (IDMOA-ELM) model. Simulation results indicate that the IDMOA-ELM excels in predicting the IGBT junction temperature, achieving a low RMSE value of 0.1034 ℃. This significantly surpasses existing technologies and provides robust support for temperature management in wind power converters. Furthermore, to verify the performance of the DMOA-ELM in practical application scenarios, IGBT accelerated ageing experiments were conducted, yielding a comprehensive validation dataset. The high accuracy and effectiveness of the IDMOA-ELM were confirmed through comparative analysis with experimental data, enhancing the credibility of the research. This study achieved non-destructive and high-precision prediction of IGBT junction temperature in wind power converters and significantly improving the reliability of wind power converters.

Effect of continuous FYM and fertilizer applications over nine years utilizing STCR based targeted yield equations on transfer and uptake of micronutrients in an acid Alfisol under a maize-wheat cropping system

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-term Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) based nutrient management in regulating soil micronutrient status and optimizing crop productivity under a maize-wheat cropping system in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was initiated during monsoon 2007, consisted of eight treatments viz., control, farmers’ practice, general recommended dose, soil test-based, STCR based targeted yield of 25 (wheat)/30 (maize) and 35 (wheat)/40 (maize) q ha−1 with FYM @ 5 t ha−1 and without FYM. Results revealed that the soil available Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn exhibited depletion in unfertilized plots over initial status. However, the STCR (Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply; IPNS) based targeted yield approach of fertilizer application maintains higher values of DTPA extractable micronutrients in comparisons to all other treatments. After nine continuous years, the highest DTPA- extractable Fe (27.6 mg kg−1), Mn (25.1 mg kg−1), Zn (1.25 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.75 mg kg−1) were recorded in treatment where, FYM was added along with fertilizers for targeted yield of 35 q ha−1. The micronutrient uptake by wheat was higher in STCR (IPNS) treatments. Low SRC values of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn indicated that long-term prescription based chemical fertilizers and FYM application can meet the plant nutritional requirement of wheat crop. Hence long-term STCR based integration of FYM (with NPK fertilizers) has an advantage in regulating the supply of micronutrients in soil-plant system and addressing the micronutrient deficiencies.

Application of single surface isotropic damage plasticity model in nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna Dam

PurposeIn the present study, the application of a recent damage plasticity model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. This is a single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model, which is based on the decomposition of stresses and was proposed in a previous study. The theoretical aspects of the model are initially reviewed, and a few preliminary verification examples are illustrated. Thereafter, the HHT-α (i.e. Hilber–Hughes–Taylor) algorithm is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of concrete gravity dams.Design/methodology/approachBased on the prepared tools, nonlinear behavior of the Koyna Dam is studied by applying the invoked damage plasticity model. For this purpose, three cases are considered for the present study. Case A, which is based on the linear model, is mainly used for comparative purposes. The other two cases (B and C) correspond to the nonlinear (i.e. damage plasticity) model. The basic data for these two cases are similar. However, the employed damping algorithms are different and correspond to constant and variable damping algorithms, respectively. This means that the damping matrix is either kept constant or updated for all iterations of different time increments through the course of analysis.FindingsThe time histories of horizontal displacement at the dam crest were initially compared for the three cases: the linear Case A, and two nonlinear Cases B and C. It was observed that nonlinear cases’ responses begin to deviate from the corresponding linear case after the time of about 4.3 s. However, the amount of change for Case C (i.e. variable damping) was much greater than for Case B (i.e. constant damping). This was manifested initially in the peaks of response. It was also noticed that the period of response changed slightly for Case B in comparison with the linear Case A, while this change was significant for Case C. The obtained tensile and compressive damages were subsequently compared for the two nonlinear cases. For constant damping Case B, it was noticed that tensile damage occurred in the D/S face kink and on the U/S face slightly at a lower elevation. Moreover, it had a scattered nature. However, in variable damping Case C, it was noticed that tensile damage was much more localized and acted similar to a discrete crack. Of course, both cases also show tensile damages at the dam’s heel. In regard to compressive damages, it is observed that low values are occurring for both nonlinear cases as expected.Originality/valueThe application of a recent single surface isotropic damage plasticity concrete model is presented for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the Koyna gravity dam. The nonlinear response of the dam is investigated for two different damping algorithms. Moreover, the influence of variable characteristic length is also investigated in the latter part of this study.

Assessing MRI referrals’ appropriateness for low back pain post a radiology-initiated intervention

IntroductionThis study evaluated a pilot intervention to reduce low-value Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) referrals for Low Back Pain (LBP). MethodsThis before-after intervention study analysed MRI referrals for LBP at two private imaging centres in Norway. MRI referrals for LBP obtained before and after an intervention of information campaigns and sending a return letter to clinicians for declined referrals were evaluated on information, quality, and justification rates. Four radiologists and two radiographers assessed the referrals. A point system was used to calculate referral quality. Each referral was given a score ‘good’ when rated above 5.5 and ‘poor’ below 2.5. Justification was based on assessors categorised rating as justified, unjustified or need more information. Stata Statistical Software (Release 18) was used for analysis. A mixed model analysed variations of the referrals pre- and post-intervention. A p-value of <.05 in variations was considered statistically significant. ResultsA total n = 300 patients’ referrals (150 referrals pre- and post-intervention) were collected and assessed. Post-intervention, 68% of referrals were justified, up from 63% pre-intervention. The assessment showed a 4% decrease in referrals with poor scores and a 2% increase in those rated as good or intermediate quality post-intervention. These changes were not statistically significant. ConclusionIt is important to state that it was not possible in our study to identify the subgroup of referrals that are known to be from clinicians who had received a return letter, although the information campaign targeted all referrers. Despite the limitations our findings suggest that providing reasons for declined referrals can serve as an educational tool for clinicians and contribute to the reduction of low value MRI for LBP. Implications for practiceRadiology department initiatives that raise awareness and offer referral criteria guidance to clinicians can serve as valuable educational tools, and further emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive information in MRI referrals for LBP.

Penilaian Tingkat Kesehatan Keuangan Berdasarkan Rasio Likuiditas, Solvabilitas, dan Profitabilitas Pada PT. Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia

The aim of this research is to assess the financial condition of PT. Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia in the 2019-2023 period based on liquidity, solvency and profitability ratios. The methodology used is quantitative descriptive analysis using secondary data from the company's financial reports. The research results show that although the company's liquidity is said to be liquid, a turnover ratio of more than 500% is considered too high. This indicates inadequate capital utilization. The solvency ratio shows a company's healthy financial position, identifying the company as being able to fulfill its long-term obligations. However, the profitability ratio shows poor financial health with the ratio far below standard, tends to decline, and has low ROA and ROE values. The company's inability to use resources efficiently to generate profits is the cause of this decline. Overall, even though PT Wilmar Cahaya Indonesia is liquid and solvable, its financial health for the 2019-2023 period still needs to be improved, especially in terms of profitability. The analysis shows that to increase profitability, companies must improve the effectiveness of current asset management and maximize resource utilization. This study provides an overview of the company's financial situation and can be used as a reference for future management.

Pressure effect on the structural, electronic, mechanical, optical and thermal properties of Ga2TiX6 (X = Cl, Br): A DFT simulation

The pressure effect on the physical properties of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) has been carried out through density function theory (DFT) accomplished via CASTEP guidelines. At ambient condition the structural aspects of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) show well accord with the previous theoretical data. A dramatically decrease of lattice constants, cell volumes and bond length with pressure is perceived. The negative enthalpy energy ensured the chemical formation of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br). The positive stiffness constants (Cij) ensure the mechanical stability of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) at ambient and hydrostatic pressure. Moreover, the fundamental polycrystalline factors of phases Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) such as bulk, shear and Young’s moduli, Poisson’s and Pugh’s fraction, machinability index as well as hardness of these materials have been calculated and discussed at ambient and hydrostatic pressure. Having very low values of bulk modulus (<100 GPa) they can be considered as soft materials. The increase of machinable index with pressure ensure the high lubricating properties, low friction, and high plastic strain of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) and also ensure their possible industrial applications. Band structure analysis ensure the semiconducting nature of Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) at ambient condition but the semiconducting nature shift to metallic manner at 55 GPa and 65 Gpa respectively. The decrease of total density of states is observed at high pressure. The creation of new bond at high pressure is also observed in materials Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br). The investigated optical features ensured that the studied phases can be used in UV photodiodes, and UV light emitters since they revel intense peaks at UV region. Very low Debye temperature, melting temperature and thermal conductivity are observed at ambient condition which ensures that the compounds Ga2TiX6(X = Cl, Br) can be used as thermal barrier coating materials (TBC).

Integral oxidation Value used as a new oxidation indicator for evaluation of advanced stages of oxidative processes: Intox value

Oxidation of food lipids is one of the main causes of food spoilage. Oxidative processes of oxidisable substances, such as vegetable oils generate primary and secondary oxidation compounds. Peroxide Value and Anisidine Value are indicators of these compounds. TOTOV Value is an indicator that complements the interpretation of both results (2*PV + AV), but in advanced oxidative processes it does not usually fit the situation efficiently due to the decrease of PV. The aim of this research work was to develop an indicator that was efficiently adapted to advanced oxidative processes. Integral Oxidation Value (INTOX Value) calculated as PV + 2*AV, allowed for an improvement in the regression slopes, and the R2 fits went from low values in TOTOX Value (0.61–0.62) to acceptable values in INTOX Value (0.84–0.93). INTOX Value is a suitable indicator for advanced oxidation processes when the PV indicator decreases.

Economic analysis of reciprocating engine generating with bio-syngas at predicted maximum power condition

In order to effectively utilize woody biomass, which has a low abundance density, it is necessary to develop a power generation system that can convert it with high efficiency even with a small capacity as less than 2 MW. For electricity generation, it is reasonable to use a small reciprocating engine. In the case of a naturally aspirated spark ignition reciprocating engine (SIRE), the amount of aspirated gas in one cycle is determined almost entirely by the displacement. The thermal efficiency of the SIRE generally increases with the power. Therefore, to improve the thermal efficiency, it is effective to make the low heating value (LHV) of the fuel higher to increase the power of the naturally aspirated SIRE. In this paper, three methods are used to increase the LHV of the bio-syngas: 1) reducing the nitrogen density of the bio-syngas (upgrade bio-syngas), 2) adding hydrogen to the bio-syngas, and 3) adding methane to the bio-syngas. Using these fuels, 1) the conditions for high power, and 2) the costs assumed for each condition, are evaluated through experiments and estimates. The results showed that the upgrade bio-syngas, obtained by gasification with oxygen-enriched air, had the highest power and the best cost-effectiveness.

Can Siphon Hole Morphometrics Be Used for Population Assessments of Intertidal Soft-Shell Clams, Mya arenaria?

AbstractMeasuring infaunal population dynamics relies on destructive sampling that disturbs sediments and removes animals from their habitat. Establishing effective, non-invasive sampling methods for monitoring infaunal populations can reduce the impact of scientific sampling and facilitate efficient population assessments. Using intertidal soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria L.) in eastern Canada, we explored whether population density and size structure could be estimated from visible siphon holes. Across four sites with varying sediment characteristics and infaunal species assemblages, we predicted the presence of M. arenaria with 78–100% accuracy by visually assessing siphon holes. Smaller holes (&lt; 7.5 mm) were more likely to be misidentified. Siphon hole count was a strong predictor of actual clam count and biomass at most sites, except the site with wet muddy sediment and high densities of other infaunal species. Siphon hole length was positively related to clam shell length and wet weight at all sites; however, relationships typically had low R2 values (&lt; 0.35). Ultimately, visual assessments of intertidal siphon holes can be effective for estimating M. arenaria densities and size structure in some habitats. Testing the application of this method to other habitats and species is warranted.

Light-driven acetic acid coupling for the production of succinic acid

Treating and recycling high concentration acetic acid in the exhaust water has long posed a challenge in industry. These wastes containing acetic acid are typically processed via basic neutralization, characterized by high acidity and resistance to degradation, which can bring potential economic burden and environmental hazards. Here we report a new photocatalytic conversion route for addressing high concentrations of acetic acid. This process transforms acetic acid into valuable succinic acid through dehydrogenative coupling. Additionally, the photocatalytic conversion of acetic acid exhibits structure sensitivity when employing Pt cocatalysts of varying sizes. Through inhibiting the undesirable H termination of active free radicals over small Pt atoms and clusters, the rate of undesired decarboxylation reactions can be decreased by 75 %. This effectively enhances the selectivity of the coupling product succinic acid by 2.1 times, achieving a succinic acid formation rate of 7.28 mmol/(gcat•h). This work offers a theoretical guidance for searching value-added reaction pathways of acetic acid, thereby establishing an innovative approach for high concentration exhaust acetic acid treatment and converting low value monocarboxylic molecules into valuable diacid polymerization monomers under a mild and green condition.

Enhanced magnetic behavior of LaFeO3 by co-doping with Nd3+ and V5+ substitution (La0.8Nd0.2Fe0.95V0.05O3)

To enhance the quality of applications of LaFeO3 (LFO) as a magnetoelectric multiferroic through the improvement of magnetic behaviour, co-doping of Nd3+ (20 %) and V5+ (5 %) was considered for partial substitution in place of La3+ and Fe3+, respectively. Co-doped sample of La0.8Nd0.2Fe0.95V0.05O3 (LNFVO) was prepared by solid state reaction method. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractograms confirmed the formation as well as successful incorporation of dopants (Nd3+ and V5+) in La3+ and Fe3+ sites of the distorted perovskite structure with Pbnm space group. Morphological features including information related to crystallographic phase were examined by TEM. Distortion due to co-doping helped to achieve the stated objectives. Valence states of dopants and host cations were explored by analyzing XPS observations. Detailed magnetic measurements in the temperature range starting from 300 K down to 2 K suggested that magnetic property was drastically enhanced compared to that of the undoped, which was attributed to mismatch of valence states, ionic diameters etc. between dopants with host cations. The doped sample showed antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition at and below 19 K. All such findings related to magnetic property would be quite attractive for the improvement of multiferroic applications as the low value of magnetization of pristine sample of LFO restrict it to become a good magnetoelectric multiferroic.

A Wavelet Shrinkage Mixed with a Single-level 2D Discrete Wavelet Transform for Image Denoising

The single-level 2D discrete wavelet transform method is a powerful technique for effectively removing Gaussian noise from natural images. Its effectiveness is attributed to its ability to capture a signal's energy at low energy conversion values, allowing for efficient noise reduction while preserving essential image details. The wavelet noise reduction method mitigates the noise present in the waveform coefficients produced by the discrete wavelet transform. In this study, three different wavelet families—Daubechies (db7), Coiflets (coif5), and Fejér-Korovkin (fk4)—were evaluated for their noise removal capabilities using the Bayes shrink method. This approach was applied to a set of images, and the performance was analyzed using the Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) metrics. Our results demonstrated that among the wavelet families tested, the Fejér-Korovkin (fk4) wavelet consistently outperformed the others. The fk4 wavelet family yielded the lowest MSE values, indicating minimal reconstruction error, and the highest PSNR values, reflecting superior noise suppression and better image quality across all tested images. These findings suggest that the fk4 wavelet family, when combined with the Bayes shrink method, provides a robust framework for Gaussian noise reduction in natural images. The comparative analysis highlights the importance of selecting appropriate wavelet families to optimize noise reduction performance, paving the way for further research and potential improvements in image denoising techniques.

Climate Change and Soil Health: Explainable Artificial Intelligence Reveals Microbiome Response to Warming

Climate change presents an unprecedented global challenge, demanding collective action to both mitigate its effects and adapt to its consequences. Soil health and function are profoundly impacted by climate change, particularly evident in the sensitivity of soil microbial respiration to warming, known as Q10. Q10 measures the rate of microbial respiration’s increase with a temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius, playing a pivotal role in understanding soil carbon dynamics in response to climate change. Leveraging machine learning techniques, particularly explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), offers a promising avenue to analyze complex data and identify biomarkers crucial for developing innovative climate change mitigation strategies. This research aims to evaluate the extent to which chemical, physical, and microbiological soil characteristics are associated with high or low Q10 values, utilizing XAI approaches. The Extra Trees Classifier algorithm was employed, yielding an average accuracy of 0.923±0.009, an average AUCROC of 0.964±0.004, and an average AUCPRC of 0.963±0.006. Additionally, through XAI techniques, we elucidate the significant features contributing to the prediction of Q10 classes. The XAI analysis shows that the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration increases with microbiome variables but decreases with non-microbiome variables beyond a threshold. Our findings underscore the critical role of the soil microbiome in predicting soil Q10 dynamics, providing valuable insights for developing targeted climate change mitigation strategies.

Genome-wide association mapping of quantitative trait loci for chalkiness-related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Grain chalkiness directly affects the commercial value of rice. Genes related to chalkiness reported thus far have been discovered in mutants, but it has not been identified whether these genes can be used to improve rice quality by breeding. Therefore, discovering more quantitative trait loci (QTLs) or genes related to chalkiness in the rice germplasm is necessary. This study entails a genome-wide association study on the degree of endosperm chalkiness (DEC) and percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGWC) by combining 1.2 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the phenotypic data of 173 rice accessions. Thirteen QTLs for DEC and nine for PGWC were identified, of which four were detected simultaneously for both DEC and PGWC; further, qDEC11/qPGWC11 was identified as the major QTL. By combining linkage disequilibrium analysis and SNP information, LOC_Os11g10170 was identified as the candidate gene for DEC. There were significant differences among the haplotypes of LOC_Os11g10170, and the Hap 1 of LOC_Os11g10170 was observed to reduce the DEC by 6.19%. The qRT-PCR results showed that the gene expression levels in accessions with high DEC values were significantly higher than those in accessions with low DEC values during days 21-42after flowering, with a maximum at 28days. These results provide molecular markers and germplasm resources for genetic improvement of the chalkiness-related traits in rice.

An Ultra-Wideband Frequency Selective Rasorber with Low Infrared Emissivity.

The paper proposes an ultra-wideband frequency selective rasorber (FSR) with low infrared emissivity for the composite detection threat of both radars and infrared sensors. Firstly, the equivalent circuit (EC) method based on transmission line (TL) theory is utilized to analyze the absorption/transmission conditions. Then, based on the analysis above, sinusoidal microstrip lines with non-frequency-varying characteristics are adopted in the design, which significantly enhances the transmission bandwidth of FSR. The FSR demonstrates an absorption band ranging from 2.65 GHz to 8.80 GHz and a transmission band ranging from 9.15 GHz to 17.71 GHz. Furthermore, an infrared shielding layer (IRSL) exhibiting low emissivity in the infrared band and high transmittance in the microwave band is applied to the FSR. The simulation and experiment results verify that the IRSL-FSR demonstrates an ultra-wide transmission band ranging from 9.16 GHz to 17.94 GHz and an ultra-wide absorption band ranging from 2.66 GHz to 8.01 GHz. Additionally, it exhibits a low emissivity value (0.23) in 8-14 μm, providing a viable solution to the formidable challenge of radar-infrared bistealth for satellites and other communication-enabled flying platforms.

Invasiveness of Impatiens parviflora in Carpathian Beech Forests: Insights from Soil Nematode Communities

Invasive plants are capable of homogenizing both aboveground and belowground biota and, along with climate change, are recognized as one of the biggest threats to global biodiversity. Soil nematode communities reflect the surroundings they inhabit and are therefore frequently employed as biological indicators of soil condition. In this study, soil properties and nematode communities in Carpathian beech forest floor covered by dense vegetation of invasive Impatiens parviflora (small balsam) were investigated over two vegetation seasons. We assumed that the spread of invasive I. parviflora could influence soil fauna through litter accumulation when established and could also change several soil properties, consequently altering soil nematode communities. A total of 52 nematode species were found in the soil samples. The mean number of species varied from 18 to 31, but did not significantly differ between invaded and uninvaded plots across all sampling dates. However, redundancy analysis indicated that the nematode community in plots with small balsam differed significantly from that in uninvaded plots, reflecting different proportions of genera in the two communities. Invasion by small balsam significantly enhanced the relative abundance of bacterivores, whereas it decreased the abundance of plant parasites and root-fungal feeders, mainly in the spring and summer season. Ordination of nematode species along the structure index and enrichment index trajectories revealed a maturing food web, low to moderately disturbed in the I. parviflora invaded soils as well as in uninvaded forest plots. Decomposition channels of soil food webs in both plots were balanced and fungal–bacterial mediated, although low values of the channel index suggested prevailing bacterial decomposition. Our study reveals that the expansion of I. parviflora moderately influenced the composition of nematode communities and the soil food web, increased soil nitrogen, carbon and C/N ratio, but did not modify soil acidity.

Investigation of quantitative precursory indicators for rock failure using spatio-temporal characteristics of velocity

Stress redistribution and crack development are prominent features in rock failure. However, these processes are complex and challenging to analyze, making early warning of instability in rock engineering difficult. To characterize the rock failure process and obtain reliable precursory indicators, the imaging method that combines active and passive sources was employed to construct the velocity field during the rock failure process in this study. The micro-crack propagation law and its potential connection with the stress environment were investigated by mapping the velocity field, the acoustic emission (AE) density field, and the energy field. Moreover, the Mutation Trend Coefficient (MTC) and Deformation Coefficient (DC) were proposed as precursory indicators of instability based on the spatio-temporal correlation and directional differences of velocity evolution. Results show that the nucleation of AE sources and the release of energy accumulation are key to the formation of the velocity gradient, and progressive rock failure is accompanied by the intensification of velocity anisotropy. Additionally, low-velocity regions usually preferentially extend in the direction parallel to the principal stress, while expansion in the direction vertical to the principal stress is dominant in the plastic stage, indicating that the stress environment controls the spatial heterogeneity of the velocity field. The evolution trend of precursor indicators shows that the increase of MTC from a low value and the continuous decrease of DC can be regarded as the initiation of rock secondary cracks. The proposed indicators and method not only provide beneficial complements to the understanding of the evolution mechanism of rock damage but also have potential in the early warning and identification of the early stage of crack propagation, offering references for the safety prevention and control of rock engineering disasters.

Impact of relative cisplatin dose to skeletal muscle mass on adverse events in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy.

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with high-dose cisplatin (CDDP) is the standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Although dosing is based on body surface area (BSA), some patients experience CDDP-related adverse events (AEs). We aimed to evaluate the impact of relative CDDP dose to skeletal muscle mass (SMM) on chemotherapy-associated AEs in patients with HNSCC undergoing CRT with high-dose CDDP. We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent CRT with high-dose CDDP (80-100mg/m2, triweekly) between 2010 and 2023. SMM was measured as the cross-sectional muscle area at the third cervical vertebra (C3-SMM) using computed tomography; the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was defined as SMM normalized by squared height. The CDDP index was defined as the prescribed CDDP dose divided by SMI. CDDP-related AEs were assessed during the first cycle using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0. Overall, 306 patients were identified. The CDDP index cutoff value best associated with grade ≥ 3 AEs was 10.312. Grade ≥ 3 hematological toxicities exhibited stronger association with high CDDP index value than with low CDDP index value (26.9% vs 16.3%, P = .033). Multivariate analysis revealed that high CDDP index value and creatinine clearance < 70mL/minute were predictive factors for grade ≥ 3 AEs (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, P = .008; OR 3.68, P = .002, respectively). The CDDP index based on C3-SMM was an independent predictive factor for grade ≥ 3 CDDP-related AEs. C3-SMM is potentially more useful than BSA for determining the optimal CDDP dose in patients with HNSCC.