Remarkable Peaks Research Articles

Experimental and kinetic study on the solar-driven iron-based chemical looping dry reforming of methane

The chemical looping dry reforming of methane (CL-DRM) represents a promising pathway for large-scale engineering applications of thermochemical decarbonization techniques. To elucidate the intricate reaction mechanism of CL-DRM, a comprehensive kinetic model encompassing both gas-phase reactions and ferrite surface reactions is developed in this study. This model can serve as a numerical foundation for tracing the reaction progression of comparable iron-based oxygen carriers, allowing visualization of all reaction pathways and further determination of optimal reaction conditions. Besides, foam-structured materials employing NiO-doped CoFe2O4 as oxygen carriers were prepared to conduct application experiments for the CL-DRM on a self-designed solar thermochemical platform. The experimental outcomes, obtained under temperature conditions guided by numerical predictions, validate the promising feasibility of employing Ni-doped ferrite in the CL-DRM reaction system. At a reaction temperature of only 1150 K, remarkable peaks in H2 yield of 23.5 mLmin−1g−1, CO yield of 11.6 mLmin−1g−1, and CH4 conversion around 90% are attained, with a net solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency of 1.93%. A comparative analysis conducted with the conventional two-step thermochemical cycle under the same experimental setup underscores the notable advantages of CL-DRM in terms of syngas production capacity and conversion efficiency. Consequently, CL-DRM can be regarded as a pivotal transition towards the realization of a fully carbon-free thermochemical technology.

Millennial to orbital scale Indian summer monsoon evolution inferred from grain size end-members in Tengchongbeihai wetland, southwestern China

Understanding the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) variabilities under different climatic constraints on various timescales is crucial for socio-economic stabilization within the ongoing warming globe. However, aside from stalagmite records, very few terrestrial paleoclimate archives have been used to explore the last glacial ISM characteristic, which limits our understanding of the ISM natural behaviors and their underlying mechanisms on longer timescales. Here, we present a grain size end-member analysis for Tengchongbeihai wetland sediments from southwestern China to investigate the paleo-hydroclimate changes since the late MIS3. The overall low fine silt content before ∼19 cal ka BP resulted from weak catchment erosion indicating weak ISM during cold glacial while the increasing trend thereafter indicates the ISM strengthened during the last deglaciation and Holocene. Such an orbital ISM evolution resembles to the insolation gradient between 25°N and 25°S during the boreal summer periods, which implies that the transequatorial insolation difference could be an alternative explanation for the orbital scale low latitude hydroclimate changes. The remarkable peaks of coarse component around ∼9, 12, 19, 26, 32, 37 and 42 cal ka BP were related to significant water level descending indicating the millennial ISM collapse corresponding to the YD and Heinrich events. However, the absence of sawtooth feature as the NGRIP δ18O and the well correspondence to the Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the ISM collapses evidence the modulation of low latitude forcing on the North Atlantic climate effects on the millennial scale hydroclimate variabilities.

Structural, Electromagnetic and Thermodynamic Analysis of Ion Pollutants Adsorption in Water by Gallium Nitride Nanomaterial: a Green Chemistry Application

Gallium nitride (Ga–N) nanocage can effectively remove alkali and alkaline earth metal ions from water. Therefore, it has been found a selective competition for metal cations in the Ga–N. The electronic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of alkali-alkaline earth metal ion-adsorbed Ga–N have been investigated using density functional theory. The results denote that alkali/alkaline earth-metal ion-adsorbed Ga–N systems are stable compounds, with the most stable adsorption site being the center of the cage ring. In addition, because of charge transfer from Ga–N to the alkali/alkaline earth-metal cations show clear n-type adsorbing behavior. The absorption of alkali metal atoms on alkali/alkaline earth-metal cations occur via chemisorption. In this article, the behavior of trapping of main group cations of Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg+ and Ca2+ by gallium nitride nanocone was observed for sensing the water metal cations. The essence of covalent traits for these clusters has displayed the similar energy value and image of the PDOS for the p states of N, the d states of Ga and s orbitals of metal cations including Li+, Na+, K+/Be2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ through water treatment. The partial density of states (PDOS) can also estimate a certain charge assembly between Li+, Na+, K+/Be2+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ and Ga–N which indicate the complex dominant of metallic features and an exact degree of covalent traits between alkali/alkaline earth-metal cations and gallium nitride nanocage. Furthermore, the NMR spectroscopy has indicated the remarkable peaks around metal elements of Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg+ and Ca2+ through the trapping in the Ga–N during ion detection and removal from water; however, there are some fluctuations in the chemical shielding behaviors of isotropic and anisotropy attributes. In addition, all accounted \\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\Delta G_{R}^{o}$$\\end{document} amounts are very close, which demonstrate the agreement of the measured specifications by all methodologies and the reliability of the computing values.

Age identification of the root of Huanren mountain cultivated ginseng and differentiation with cultivated ginseng using terahertz spectroscopy

Mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG), which is considered the highest quality Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, is priced higher than cultivated ginseng (CG) due to its longer growth period in the forest. However, accurately determining their age has been a persistent challenge. In this study, we examined the concentration of ginsenoside Rg1, Re, Rb1, and Rd in MCG and CG by analyzing their terahertz spectroscopic peaks. We found that MCG exhibited significant absorption peaks at 5.11, 8.23, and 9.07 THz in the range of 2–12 THz, while CG showed remarkable peaks at 8.67 and 10.57 THz. By combining the absorption raw data with multivariate statistical analysis OPLS-DA and machine learning, we were able to effectively distinguish MCG from CG with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 97.5 % and a predictive rate (Q2) of 94.5 %. Additionally, using the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithm, we accurately classified MCG samples aged 5–20 years into three distinct groups with an accuracy of 96.0 %. In contrast, the ginsenoside content analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography only provided broad categories for species and age groups. The terahertz method proved to be a fast and time-saving technique without the need for additional preparation. This method not only enables the differentiation of MCG from CG, but also allows for age-based categorization.

RETRACTED: Mechanistic insight into the bioactivity of prodigiosin-entrapped lipid nanoparticles against triple-negative breast, lung and colon cancer cell lines

This research investigates the potentials of prodigiosin(PG) derived from bacteria and its formulations against triple-negative breast (TNB), lung, and colon cancer cells. The PG was extracted from S. marcescens using continuous batch culture, characterized, and formulated into lyophilized parenteral nanoparticles (PNPs). The formulations were characterized with respect to entrapment efficiency (EE), DSC, FT-IR, TEM, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. In vitro drug release was evaluated in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) while acute toxicity, hematological and histopathological studies were performed on rats. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated against TNB (MCF-7), lung (A-549), and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. High EE (92.3±12%) and drug release of up to 89.4% within 8h were obtained. DSC thermograms of PG and PG-PNPs showed endothermic peaks indicating amorphous nature. The FT-IR spectrum of PG-PNPs revealed remarkable peaks of pure PG, indicating no strong chemical interaction between the drug and excipients. The TEM micrograph of the PG-PNPs showed nano-sized formulations (20-30nm) whose particles were mostly lamellar and hexagonal structures. The 1H NMR result revealed the chemical structure of PG showing all assigned proton chemical shifts. Toxicity results of the PG and its formulation up to a concentration of 5000mg/kg showed insignificant vacuolar changes of hepatocytes in the liver, with normal renal medulla and cortex in the kidney. The PG and PG-PNPs inhibited the growth of breast, lung, and colon cell lines. The nano-sized lipid formulation (PG-PNPs) showed potential in PG delivery and cancer treatments.

東京低地の埋没谷形状と地盤震動特性：上野-小岩測線での検討結果

To better understand how ground motion in the Tokyo Lowland is affected by the geological conditions in the shallow subsurface, we analyzed borehole logs and conducted microtremor observations along the Ueno-Koiwa survey line, which crosses the buried valley beneath the Tokyo Lowland. Remarkable peaks in the H/V spectra at ~1 Hz were found in the area of the lower buried terrace (buried flat surface 2), whereas the peaks at ~1 Hz are small in the area of the buried valley bottom with the thickest valley-filling post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) deposits. The sharp peaks around buried terrace 2 are generated by the large contrast in the physical properties of the soft, muddy post-LGM deposits and the underlying gravel bed, which suggests larger ground-motion amplification during an earthquake. The variation of the ground motion characteristics along the survey line obtained by microtremor observation is consistent with the distribution of seismic intensity during the 1923 Kanto Earthquake. It is, therefore, important to consider not only the thickness and physical properties of the post-LGM deposits during seismic hazard assessment, but also the total geological composition, including the Pleistocene strata below the post-LGM deposits.

Thermal decomposition mechanism analysis of circulating solids sampled from Ende pulverized‐coal gasifier

AbstractEnde pulverized‐coal gasifier (EPCG) is a type of circulating fluidized bed gasifier, in which the circulating solids are resent into the furnace through a return conduit for regasification. Since the solid circulation in the return conduit mainly relies on gravity self‐balancing, it is easy to cause low and unstable solid circulation rate and increase unburned combustible of fly ash. To solve these problems, a circulation enhancement technique using an ejector to provide a stable pressure barrier to promote solid circulation was proposed. To verify its feasibility, considering that the circulating solid‐CO2 reaction is a rate‐controlling step in the gasification process, it is of great significance to explore the reactivity characteristics of the circulating solids under CO2 atmosphere. In this work, thermal decomposition characteristics of Hailar circulating solids (HLE‐CS), Hailar char (HLE‐C), and Shenhua circulating solids (SH‐CS) were investigated by non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis to compare the gasification reaction characteristics of circulating solids and char. The HLE‐CS and SH‐CS used in the experiments were taken from the return conduit of 45,000 and 20,000 Nm3/h EPCGs, respectively, while HLE‐C was made from the raw coal of 45,000 Nm3/h EPCG. The effects of different samples under the same thermal decomposition temperature range were investigated. The kinetic parameters were determined by the distributed activation energy model. The results indicated that remarkable peaks were found in the relationship between temperature (T) and activation energy (E) for HLE‐CS and SH‐CS, but there was no significant peak for HLE‐C, and kinetic compensation effects also existed between ln(k0) and E for different samples. The circulating solids of HLE‐CS and SH‐CS were more easily gasified than that of HLE‐C in the lower temperature ambience. Moreover, HLE‐CS and SH‐CS have obvious pyrolysis and gasification stages, which can be completely introduced into EPCG for regasification, and increasing the circulating solid rate and temperature within a certain range is beneficial to enhance the gasification rate.

Mangrove sediment erosion in the Sunda Shelf during meltwater pulses: Insights from biomarker records

Mangroves have received increasing attention in recent years for their high carbon storage capacity. The effects of sea-level change during the last glacial period on terrestrial deposition and coastal mangrove ecosystems were investigated using various organic lipid proxies in marine sediment cores from the Sunda Shelf in the southern South China Sea (SCS). The gradual reduction in the content of long-chain n-alkanes and n-alkanols, BIT index, and increasing δ13Corg trend from the last glacial to the Holocene indicated that the depocenter moved landward from the studied location during the deglacial sea-level rise. Remarkable peaks in the mangrove proxy (Taraxerol/n-C28 alcohol ratio) occurred during meltwater pulse (MWP) events in the Sunda Shelf area, associated with the drowning and destruction of mangroves that could not withstand the rapid sea-level rise. The decomposition of carbon-rich mangrove deposits may have contributed to atmospheric CO2 concentration during two strong MWP events in Sunda Shelf. Our results suggest the vulnerability of mangrove systems upon rapid sea level change with positive feedback for global warming.

Experimental investigations on the wind load interference effects of single-axis solar tracker arrays

Aiming at the interference effect of wind loads on single-axis solar tracker arrays, this study conducts rigid-model pressure measurement wind tunnel tests on a single-row solar tracker and solar tracker arrays. The effects of the tilt angle and wind direction on aerodynamic characteristics are examined. The basic characteristics of the wind-induced interference effects of a single-axis solar tracker array are clarified. The results reveal that when the tilt angle is small, the interference effect is small, the tilt angle increases, the interference effect becomes stronger. From the mean pressure and torque coefficients, the interference effect is mainly manifested as a shielding effect. Based on the fluctuating pressure and torque coefficients, the interference effect appears as a shielding effect and an amplification effect in small- and large-tilt angle ranges, respectively. The wind load power spectrum of the solar modules in the rear-row of the solar tracker arrays presents remarkable frequency peaks, and is more affected by wind-induced vibration than the front module. The influence of the wind direction results in nonuniform distributions of wind loads along the length of the solar tracker. Thus, the enhancement in wind loads on the edge areas of solar arrays caused by the wind direction should be considered.

Two-year-long high-time-resolution apportionment of primary and secondary carbonaceous aerosols in the Los Angeles Basin using an advanced total carbon–black carbon (TC-BC(λ)) method

In recent years, carbonaceous aerosols (CA) have been recognized as a significant contributor to the concentration of particles smaller than 2.5 μm (i.e., PM2.5), with a negative impact on public health and Earth's radiative balance. In this study, we present a method for CA apportionment based on high-time-resolution measurements of total carbon (TC), black carbon (BC), and spectral dependence of absorption coefficient using a recently developed Carbonaceous Aerosol Speciation System (CASS). Two-year-long CA measurements at two different locations within California's Los Angeles Basin are presented. CA was apportioned based on its optical absorption properties, organic or elemental carbon composition, and primary or secondary origin. We found that the secondary organic aerosols (SOA), on average, represent >50 % of CA in the study area, presumably resulting from the oxidation of anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic components. Remarkable peaks of SOA in summer afternoons were observed, with a fractional contribution of up to 90 %. On the other hand, the peak of primary emitted CA, consisting of BC and primary organic aerosol (POA), contributed >80 % to the CA during morning rush hours on winter working days. The light absorption of BC dominated over the brown carbon (BrC), which contributed to 20 % and 10 % of optical absorption at the lower wavelength of 370 nm during winter nights and summer afternoons, respectively. The highest contribution of BrC, up to 50 %, was observed during the wildfire periods. Although the uncertainty levels can be high for some CA components (such as split between primary emitted and secondary formed BrC during winter nights), further research focused on the optical properties of CA at different locations may help to better constrain the parameters used in CA apportionment studies. We believe that the CASS system combined with the apportionment method presented in this study can offer simplified and cost-effective insights into the composition of carbonaceous aerosols.

Assessment of an accidental hydrogen leak from a vehicle tank in a confined space

This study aims to characterize some safety aspects by examining the geometries of the infrastructure, currently used by societies, against the accumulation of hazardous hydrogen clouds during an accidental leak in areas with limited ventilation. Using ANSYS FLUENT as a modeling tool, the influence of garage roof shape; pyramidal and domed roof compared with the basic model (flat roof), for different leak times, on dispersion and stratification of hydrogen layers, is analyzed. As a result, the domed roof promotes to have a lower hydrogen concentration and presents two remarkable peaks of the Richardson number (Ri) with the highest value more than 2 × 105, which is three times higher than the flat roof. Besides, the influence of the leak time on the dynamic of the flow, concentration, and stratification process are observed: the mole fraction of hydrogen is more than 0.25 after 1 h of leak, whereas it is lower than 0.05 after 100 s. The volume flow and therefore the flammable volume increase. This study highlights the importance of geometrical and sizing parameters on the characteristics of hydrogen leaks and subsequently gives insights to establish performance standards for the availability and reliability of safety critical systems.

Gas-phase CH-Overtone band spectra of methyl acetate and ethyl acetate via incoherent broad-band cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy

Gas-phase overtone bands of methyl acetate and ethyl acetate were detected for up to v = 6–0 by incoherent broad-band cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy. The signal-to-noise ratios of v = 4–0 were achieved to be 40–50 by the 100 s integration time, suggesting an application possibility of this spectroscopic technique for environmental monitoring. Profiles of the observed overtone bands were analyzed in detail with the aid of theoretical calculations and their remarkable peaks were assigned to the progressions starting from the symmetric CH-stretching bands. The harmonic frequencies, the anharmonicities, and the dissociation energies were derived.

Nonequilibrium Kondo regime current noise spectrum of quantum dot systems with the single impurity Anderson model.

We investigate the nonequilibrium current noise spectrum of single impurity Anderson model quantum dot systems on the basis of the accurate dissipation equation of motion evaluations. By comparing between the equilibrium and nonequilibrium cases and between the non-Kondo and Kondo regimes, we identify the current noise spectrum of the nonequilibrium Kondo features that actually appear in the entire region of ω ∈ [-eV,eV]. It is well known that the primary Kondo characteristics at ω = ±eV = ±(μL -μR) display asymmetrical upturns and remarkable peaks in S(ω) and dS(ω)/dω, respectively. These features are originated from the Rabi interference of the transport current dynamics, with the Kondo oscillation frequency of |eV|. Moreover, we also identify the minor but very distinguishable inflections, crossing over from ω = -eV to ω = +eV. This uncovered feature would be related to the interference between two Kondo resonance channels.

A Fish Chorus on the Margin of New Jersey Atlantic Continental Shelf

We report herein an underwater biological chorus coming from the margin of the New Jersey Atlantic continental shelf that we tentatively attribute to a species of fish. The chorus occurred every night for over a month during the Shallow Water 2006 experiment and covers the frequency band 150–4,800 Hz, with maximum intensity in the band from 1450 to 2,000 Hz. Remarkable intensity peaks occurred at 500, 725, 960, 1,215, 1,465, 1,700, and 1,920 Hz, rising to as much as 20 dB above the background noise without the chorus. The chorus begins at sunset and reaches its maximum intensity within an hour, following which it weakens slightly and then gradually climbs again to a peak before sunrise, at which point it quickly weakens and disappears. Its frequency-domain characteristics and the nocturnal timing are reminiscent of sound produced by underwater animals. The intensity of the chorus weakens along the across-shelf path going shoreward, which indicates that the chorus originates from the margin of the continental shelf rather than from the coastal zone, as is generally considered. The chorus contains a single type of acoustic signal that takes the form of double-pulse bursts that last about 8.7 ms, with each pulse containing several acoustic cycles. The time interval between successive bursts varies from 1.5 to 1.9 s. Signals containing a number of bursts vary in length from tens to hundreds of seconds. Although it is impossible to determine the fish species responsible for the chorus, its characteristics, including its low frequency and intensity, its single type of short-duration sound signal, and its multiple peaks in the frequency domain, are all consistent with the general characteristics of fish sounds.

Dynamical Zeeman resonance in spin-orbit-coupled spin-1 Bose gases

We predict a dynamical resonant effect, which is driven by externally applied linear and quadratic Zeeman fields, in a spin-orbit-coupled spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate. The Bose-Einstein condensate is assumed to be initialized in some superposed state of Zeeman sublevels and subject to a sudden shift of the trapping potential. It is shown that the time-averaged center-of-mass oscillation and the spin polarizations of the Bose-Einstein condensate exhibit remarkable resonant peaks when the Zeeman fields are tuned to certain strengths. The underlying physics behind this resonance can be traced back to the out-of-phase interference of the dynamical phases carried by different spinorbit states. By analyzing the single particle spectrum, the resonant condition is summarized as a simple algebraic relation, connecting the strengths of the linear and quadratic Zeeman fields. This property is potentially applicable in quantum information and quantum precision measurement.

An electrochemical platform of bimetallic oxide (Sb2O3@WO3) nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes for the sensitive determination of metaproterenol in pharmaceuticals and biological samples

In this study, a modified electrode was prepared using a composite of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanoparticles of antimony oxide (Sb2O3) and tungsten oxide (WO3) at the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The active surface area was 0.0863, 0.2580, 05780, 0.6150 and 0.8260 cm2 for unmodified GCE, CNTs/GCE, WO3-CNTs/GCE, Sb2O3-CNTs/GCE and Sb2O3@WO3-CNTs/GCE, respectively. Several electrodes are compared with respect to the oxidation of metaproterenol. No remarkable peaks were observed for metaproretenol at unmodified GCE. However, the oxidation of metaproterenol occurred at 0.677 V, 6.75 V, 6.73 V and 0.670 V at CNTs/GCE, WO3-CNTs/GCE, Sb2O3-CNTs/GCE and Sb2O3@WO3-CNTs/GCE, respectively. The proposed method produces a linear dynamic concentration range of 5.2 × 10−8–2.7 × 10−6 M with a detection limit of 6.6 × 10−9 M for metaproterenol. The method was satisfactorily applied for the determination of metaproterenol in tablets and urine sample.

Enhanced Public Interest in Response to the Refugee and Healthcare Crises in Greece.

Background: The Greek National Health System (NHS) has been profoundly affected by the synergy of the economic and refugee crises. We aimed at evaluating the public interest regarding refugee and healthcare issues in Greece. Methods: Google Trends was employed to normalize traffic data on a scale from 0 to 100, presented as monthly relative search volume (RSV) for the search term queries: “refugees”, “health”, “diseases”, “hospital”, and “economic crisis” in Greece, from the period 2008 to 2020. Cross-country comparisons in selected European countries were made. Results: The analysis of RSV data showed an upward trend for the keyword “refugee”, in Greece, in the last five years, with two remarkable peaks from 2015 to 2016 and from 2019 to the present. Interest regarding refugees was more prevalent in the Aegean islands compared to the mainland. The mass influx of refugees has been linked to disease-related concerns. The search terms “hospital” and “health” have been the most popular and constantly quested topics since the beginning of the economic crisis in Greece, in 2009. Similar trends existed across Europe. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for effective public awareness of current politico-ethical and social-economic conditions. The patterns of public interest can formulate public policy.

High-frequency disturbance force suppression mechanism of a flywheel equipped with a flexible dynamic vibration absorber

Flywheels generate speed-related disturbances and induce micro-vibrations that influence the performance of high-sensitivity instruments on board. This study addresses dynamic modeling and disturbance force suppression of the flywheels due to its inherent characteristic structural modes. The disturbance force transmission of a rotating flywheel due to a unit radial force applied at the rim of the wheel body is reported using the three-dimensional finite element method and frequency response function–based substructuring method. The characteristic structural modes for the radial and axial disturbance forces are identified. The axial deformation–dominated flapping mode and the radial deformation–dominated transverse mode will contribute most to the axial and radial disturbance forces, respectively. A flexible ring structure, which is rested on the arms of the wheel body through independent viscoelastic pads and simultaneously in contact with the inner rim of the wheel body by independent resilient cushion members, is proposed to function as a damped dynamic vibration absorber. The modes of the dynamic vibration absorber and the modes of the flywheel equipped with the dynamic vibration absorber are analyzed. It is shown that the dynamic vibration absorber is effective to suppress both the radial and axial disturbance forces at the characteristic structural modes under different rotational speeds, provided that the loss factor of the complex elastic modulus for the viscoelastic pads is larger than 0.2 and the proportional damping constant for the stiffness matrix is larger than 6 Ns/m. Experimental analyses are conducted on a flywheel with a well-designed dynamic vibration absorber to validate the theoretical findings. Modal tests and disturbance force measurements are carried out for the flywheel with/without the dynamic vibration absorber. It is shown that the identified characteristic structural modes will contribute remarkable peaks for the radial and axial disturbance forces. The proposed dynamic vibration absorber is capable to suppress the high-frequency disturbance forces efficiently under different rotational speeds.

Seasonal pattern of influenza and the association with meteorological factors based on wavelet analysis in Jinan City, Eastern China, 2013-2016.

BackgroundInfluenza is a disease under surveillance worldwide with different seasonal patterns in temperate and tropical regions. Previous studies have conducted modeling of influenza seasonality using climate variables. This study aimed to identify potential meteorological factors that are associated with influenza seasonality in Jinan, China.MethodsData from three influenza sentinel hospitals and respective climate factors (average temperature, relatively humidity (RH), absolute humidity (AH), sunshine duration, accumulated rainfall and speed of wind), from 2013 to 2016, were collected. Statistical and wavelet analyses were used to explore the epidemiological characteristics of influenza virus and its potential association with climate factors.ResultsThe dynamic of influenza was characterized by annual cycle, with remarkable winter epidemic peaks from December to February. Spearman’s correlation and wavelet coherence analysis illuminated that temperature, AH and atmospheric pressure were main influencing factors. Multiple wavelet coherence analysis showed that temperature and atmospheric pressure might be the main influencing factors of influenza virus A(H3N2) and influenza virus B, whereas temperature and AH might best shape the seasonality of influenza virus A(H1N1)pdm09. During the epidemic season, the prevalence of influenza virus lagged behind the change of temperature by 1–8 weeks and atmospheric pressure by 0.5–3 weeks for different influenza viruses.ConclusionClimate factors were significantly associated with influenza seasonality in Jinan during the influenza epidemic season and the optional time for influenza vaccination is before November. These finding should be considered in influenza planning of control and prevention.

Assessment of Fusarium Infection and Mycotoxin Contamination of Wheat Kernels and Flour Using Hyperspectral Imaging.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) epidemics in wheat and contamination with Fusarium mycotoxins has become an increasing problem over the last decades. This prompted the need for non-invasive and non-destructive techniques to screen cereal grains for Fusarium infection, which is usually accompanied by mycotoxin contamination. This study tested the potential of hyperspectral imaging to monitor the infection of wheat kernels and flour with three Fusarium species. Kernels of two wheat varieties inoculated at anthesis with F. graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. poae were investigated. Hyperspectral images of kernels and flour were taken in the visible-near infrared (VIS-NIR) (400–1000 nm) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) (1000–2500 nm) ranges. The fungal DNA and mycotoxin contents were quantified. Spectral reflectance of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) was significantly higher than non-inoculated ones. In contrast, spectral reflectance of flour from non-inoculated kernels was higher than that of FDK in the VIS and lower in the NIR and SWIR ranges. Spectral reflectance of kernels was positively correlated with fungal DNA and deoxynivalenol (DON) contents. In the case of the flour, this correlation exceeded r = −0.80 in the VIS range. Remarkable peaks of correlation appeared at 1193, 1231, 1446 to 1465, and 1742 to 2500 nm in the SWIR range.