Variations In Characteristics Research Articles

High-resolution synthetic seismic modelling: elucidating facies heterogeneity in carbonate ramp systems

Carbonate ramp systems present significant seismic interpretation challenges due to their pronounced facies heterogeneity, which frequently results in chaotic seismic outputs that obscure the underlying geological structures. The Porto Badisco Calcarenite in Salento, southern Italy, an Oligocene carbonate ramp, serves as the case study for this research, offering an analogue for understanding similar geological systems. By integrating fieldwork, laboratory analysis and MATLAB modelling, this study pioneers the use of detailed petrophysical data to construct innovative velocity models based on the velocity ranges of the different lithofacies analysed. These models distinctly illustrate the impact of facies heterogeneity on seismic velocities, providing fresh insights into acoustic impedance and variable propagation velocities across different facies constituting the carbonate ramp. Through advanced high-resolution synthetic seismic modelling conducted on carefully fine-tuned unmigrated stack sections, the research demonstrates how variations in petrophysical characteristics within measured ranges reflecting carbonate textures can dramatically alter seismic imaging. The innovative models, based on propagation velocity ranges, not only deepen the understanding of the seismic representation of lithofacies but also act as a potent tool for probing the subsurface architecture of complex carbonate systems, providing an interpretative key for the analysis of seismic images. This approach signifies a substantial advancement in seismic modelling that is aimed at refining interpretations and enhancing exploration strategies in carbonate ramp environments globally.

Performance of a Thin CRCP Inlay Designed for a Five-Year Life: a Case Study

The steep uphill section of an interstate highway had experienced considerable damage in the form of serious rutting due to slow-moving heavy vehicles. The asphalt pavement had had to be rehabilitated every 4 years and a decision was made to mill and replace the top 180mm of the slow lane with a CRCP inlay. The inlay design was based on an anticipated 6 million equivalent 80 kN axles over five years and it was envisaged that a concrete overlay would be placed over the full width of the road at the end of this period. However, at the end of six years only approximately 0.25% of the area of the inlay had shown serious distress. It was decided to determine the remaining structural life of the pavement with a view to repairing failed areas permanently, rather than temporarily, if the remaining structural life was found to be significant. This paper describes the testing of behaviour and performance on a relatively highly cracked section of the inlay using the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS). Although the test section had narrowly spaced transverse cracking prior to testing, no punch-outs could be created using the HVS. A detailed survey of the 26 lane km of inlay showed that failure did not necessarily occur at closely spaced cracks, but was more associated with edge loading, loss of slab support and poor quality concrete. It also became very clear that a high variation in concrete characteristics (and in particular concrete strength) resulted in a high risk of structural failure. The results were translated into transfer functions that have been included in cncPave, a mechanistically-based design method for concrete pavements developed for South African conditions.

Cyclodextrin Derivatives as Modulators for Enhanced Drug Delivery from Niosome Membrane: A Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Approach.

Designing efficient drug delivery systems for optimum therapeutic outcomes and minimum adverse effects remains a pivotal focus in pharmaceutical research. Understanding the nature of interactions between drugs and drug carriers and the drug-release mechanism are the key aspects for the development of effective delivery systems. This work presents a detailed investigation into the intricate interactions between niosomes and the drug Phenosafranin (PSF), and the subsequent release induced by a variety of cyclodextrins (CDs) employing a multifaceted approach. Ensemble average spectroscopic and single molecular level investigations based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), are employed to explore the binding interactions of PSF with the niosome membrane. Subsequently, the release of the drug was studied by disrupting the niosome structure using various CDs, and their efficacy was accessed through steady-state and time-resolved photophysical responses. FCS experiments provided precise insights into the binding and drug release process at the single-molecule level through the variation in translational and diffusion characteristics of the drug. Additionally, isothermal titration calorimetric (ITC) investigations further revealed the thermodynamics governing the CD-niosome host:guest interactions and the varying potential of different CDs in disrupting the niosome to release the drug which were further validated by electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy analyses. A broader analysis of niosomes prepared with various nonionic surfactants highlighted the influence of cavitand size and structure on the interaction with different niosome constituents. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the complex interplay of these components and their interactions, providing insights into drug delivery systems and their potential therapeutic applications.

Evaluation of pig farming residue as substrate for biomethane production via anaerobic digestion

Abstract Livestock farming and manure management contribute substantially to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture. Anaerobic digestion (AD) of manure is a promising strategy for mitigating these emissions. This study aimed to assess the biomethane potential (BMP) of various types of pig slurry, investigate factors that influence biomethane production, analyze degradation kinetics, and propose AD process optimization approaches. Thus, substrate analysis, BMP tests in batch assays, kinetic modeling, and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted. In order to further quantify the effects of different substrate qualities in full-scale operation, biomethane production was simulated under steady-state conditions. Results indicated that piglet slurry had the highest volatile solids (VS)–specific BMP (203 ± 72 L kg−1 VS), followed by mixed slurry (202 ± 132 L kg−1 VS), fattening pig slurry (117 ± 56 L kg−1 VS), and sow slurry (86 ± 17 L kg−1 VS). The PCA revealed different substrate types and significant roles for VS, crude fat, volatile fatty acids concentration, and the carbon/nitrogen ratio in achieving high BMPs. First-order two-step kinetic modeling identified hydrolysis as the rate-limiting step, showing a determinant of rate-limiting step of < 0 for each sample. The simulation of continuous operation revealed notable differences in daily biomethane production (36.7–42.7 L day−1) between the different slurries at the same hydraulic retention time and BMP. This research underscores the variability in pig slurry characteristics, exemplified by a total solids range of 1.4–12.1%, and provides crucial insights for optimizing AD processes in livestock waste management.

Fruit Quality and Production Parameters of Some Bitter Cherry Cultivars

Bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) represent a valuable raw material in the traditional Eastern European food industry with high potential within the horticultural chain and circular economy in the context of global food security due to exceptional nutritional properties. The present study was carried out in the period 2022–2024 and had as its main purpose the evaluation of the fruit quality and production indices of some bitter cherry cultivars suitable for the technological norms specific to industrial processing. Five bitter cherry cultivars (C1-Amaris, C2-Amar Maxut, C3-Amar Galata, C4-Silva, C5-Amara) were studied and analyzed in terms of fruit quality—morpho-physiological and organoleptic traits, and physical and chemical parameters—and general productivity—tree vigor, fruiting, and yield indices. The results highlighted a wide variability in the physical characteristics of bitter cherries, with an average weight between 3.3 and 4.9 g and the color of the skin varying from yellow with redness to dark red and blackish. Regarding the chemical attributes, antioxidant activity was relatively higher in fruits with a more intense bitter taste (89.3 μg Trolox·g−1 f.w for C2 and 89.1 μg Trolox·g−1 f.w. for C4 and C5), a fact also found in the content total of polyphenols (with a maximum value of 743.2 mg GAE·100 g−1 f.w at C2). Total soluble solids content had an average value of 20.51°Brix and titratable acidity of 0.85 g malic acid·100 g−1 f.w. The influence of local environmental factors on the productivity of bitter cherry cultivars was highlighted by significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between cultivars. Thus, the resistance to frost in the full flowering phenophase had an average value of 86.69%, and regarding the resistance to fruit cracking, the highest percentage was found in C1, with 99.79% unaffected fruits. The productivity index per tree had an average value of 0.24 kg per cm2 trunk cross-section area. The physico-chemical properties of the fruits and the productivity of bitter cherry cultivars support the possibility of their efficient use in processing and the food industry, yielding high-quality products with nutraceutical value.

Population dynamics and seasonal variation in biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China

This study examined the population dynamics and seasonal variation (winter-summer) in the biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China. Key growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth model, revealing an asymptotic length (L∞) of 505.05 mm and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.26 year-¹, with an estimated longevity of 11.24 years. Mortality analysis showed a total mortality rate (Z) of 0.35 year-¹, primarily driven by natural causes (M = 0.33 year-¹) with minimal fishing impact (F = 0.02 year-¹), resulting in a low exploitation rate (E) of 0.05. Length-weight relationship (LWR) analysis indicated positive allometric growth in females and nearly isometric growth in males, with significant seasonal variations in condition factors (K). Yield Per Recruit (YPR) analysis identified a maximum sustainable exploitation rate (Emax) of 0.421, with a conservative management approach suggested at E0.1 = 0.355. Seasonal variations in reproductive indices, with higher Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) in winter, highlight the species’ reproductive cycle. The findings suggest that Acanthopagrus schlegelii is stable, with low fishing pressure. Seasonal GSI and HSI variations suggest fisheries management should time fishing to reduce impacts on reproductive success. Maintaining exploitation rates below Emax is essential for sustainable management, contributing valuable insights for fisheries conservation in coastal China.

Fast Expansion of Surface Water Extent in Coastal Chinese Mainland from the 1980s to 2020 Based on Remote Sensing Monitoring

High-resolution satellite imagery providing long-term, continuous information on surface water extent in highly developed regions is paramount for elucidating the spatiotemporal dynamics of water bodies. The landscape of water bodies is a key indicator of water quality and ecological services. In this study, we analyzed surface water dynamics, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, using Landsat images spanning from the 1980s to 2020, with a focus on the highly developed Coastal Chinese Mainland (CCM) region. Our objectives were to investigate the temporal and spatial variations in surface water area extent and landscape characteristics, to explore the driving forces behind these variations, to gain insights into the complex interactions between water bodies and evolving environmental conditions, and ultimately to support sustainable development in coastal regions. Our findings revealed that reservoirs constitute the largest proportion of surface water, while lakes occupy the smallest share. Notably, a trend of expansion in surface water extent in the CCM was observed, mainly from the construction of new reservoirs. These reservoirs primarily gained new areas from agricultural land and river floodplains in the early stages (1980s–2000), while a greater proportion of construction land was encroached upon by reservoirs in later periods (2001–2020). At the landscape level, a tendency toward fragmentation and complexity in surface water, particularly in reservoirs, was evident. Human interference, particularly urbanization, played a pivotal role in driving the expansion of water surfaces. While reservoir construction benefits water resource assurance, flood control, and prevention, it also poses eco-hydrological challenges, including water quality deterioration, reduced hydrological connectivity, and aquatic ecosystem degradation. The findings of this study provide essential data support for sustainable water resource development. These insights underscore the urgency and importance of integrated water resource management strategies, particularly in efforts aimed at conservation and restoration of natural water bodies and the scientific regulation of artificial water bodies. Balancing human development needs with the preservation of ecological integrity is crucial to facilitating a water resource management strategy that integrates climatic and socio-economic dimensions, ensuring sustainable water use and protection for future generations.

15N Fractionation of Nitrate Formation Constrained by Dual Oxygen Isotopes Provides Insight Into Its Source Identification in Urban Haze

Abstractδ15N‐NO3− is widely used to trace the NOx/NO3− emission sources without unique source tracers. However, there is still controversy regarding the 15N fractionation effects during NO3− formation, leading to uncertain source apportionment. To address this, this study introduces dual oxygen isotopes (∆17O and δ18O) to constrain the 15N fractionation (∆15N‐∆17O/∆15N‐δ18O) of NO3− formation and compare the impact of δ15N‐NOx (∆17O) and δ15N‐NOx (δ18O) on NOx/NO3− source apportionment. Results found significant differences in ∆15N‐∆17O (−3.7 ∼ +16.1‰) and ∆15N‐δ18O (+8.5 ∼ +16.2‰) in haze, reflecting the ∆15N from three pathways (NO2 + OH, NO3 + HC, N2O5 hydrolysis) and two pathways (NO2 + OH and N2O5 hydrolysis), respectively. The 15N fractionation value differences obtained by dual oxygen isotopes increases with the increase of NO3 + HC contribution (0.02–0.65). Additionally, different results of NOx/NO3− sources apportionment were obtained by δ15N‐NOx(17O) and δ15N‐NOx(δ18O) in NO3 + HC‐induced haze. For example, δ15N‐NOx(17O) identified coal combustion (46 ± 8%) and biomass burning (32 ± 3%) as major NOx/NO3− sources in Zibo haze. Conversely, δ15N‐NOx(δ18O) revealed mobile sources (55 ± 8%) and biomass burning (22 ± 5%) as main contributors. Evidence from diurnal variation of sources and characteristics of source tracers show that δ15N‐NOx(17O) analysis is more sensitive and accurate than δ15N‐NOx(δ18O). These results highlight the non‐negligible role of NO3 + HC in 15N fractionation during NO3− formation and provide insight into improving 15N tracing techniques for NOx/NO3− source identification through the constraint of dual oxygen isotopes.

Contaminated Characteristics Variation in Different Aquaculture Modes: A Case Study in Northern China

Various aquaculture modes have been developed to satisfy the growing demands of aquatic products. The contaminated characteristics may distribute along with the aquaculture modes, threatening the ecological environment to varying degrees. Herein, the five most common aquaculture modes (small-scale intensive mode, extensive free-range mode, concentrated contiguous mode, funnel-type mode, and recirculating aquaculture system) were selected to study the contaminated characteristics (including nine kinds of water quality parameters and eight kinds of antibiotics) in Henan Province, a province in northern China, and analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem secondary mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). The funnel-type mode, as a unique mode developed in Henan Province, appears highest in nutrient content, wherein TN and TP concentrations reach 29.28 mg/L and 2.20 mg/L, respectively. The small-scale intensive mode has the highest average antibiotic concentration in five different aquaculture modes, with a concentration of 502 ng/L. Overall, the most abundant antibiotic was quinolones (QNs), followed by sulfonamides (SAs), chloramphenicols (CAs), and tetracyclines (TCs). Pearson correlation analysis showed that ENR had a strong positive correlation with TN, TP, and Zn, indicating the enrofloxacin (ENR) may have existed as the addictive in aquaculture feed. Moreover, the risk quotient (RQ) analysis indicated that ENR posed a medium to high risk, highlighting the importance of antibiotics man-agement in aquaculture. This work provides theoretical guidance for the formulation of aquaculture water pollutant control of different aquaculture modes.

Hydropower Station diversion tunnel layered excavation deformation mechanism under high crustal stress

Aiming at the crucial engineering challenge of the ambiguous excavation deformation mechanism of hard and brittle surrounding rock under high geos-tress conditions, with the right bank diversion tunnel at the dam site of the hydropower station as the research object, the deformation and failure characteristics of the surrounding rock and their formation mechanisms during the layered excavation of the diversion tunnel were investigated. The research findings show: (1) The main factors influencing the deformation of the diversion tunnel’s surrounding rock are the high ground stress environment, the degree of fracture development in the rock mass, and the effectiveness of the support system. (2) Following the excavation of the first layer, extensive shallow damage predominates, with damaged blocks primarily exhibiting sheet-like and plate-like forms. After excavating the second and third layers, there is a significant reduction in confining pressure in this region, leading to a rapid deterioration in the extent of damage. (3) Layered excavation induces ‘time-dependent’ variations in the yield characteristics of the surrounding rock, while simultaneously being influenced by the location and extent of fracture development. The study results are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the excavation of underground caverns under high ground stress.

Regional variations in the soil characteristics of the Ghiror block in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri District

Soil serves as the basis for plant growth and is essential for agricultural output. Soil testing is decisive in modern agriculture for assessing fertility, nutrient status, and crop suitability. In the current study an attempt has been made to ascertain currents spatial variability of soils from seven different villages of Ghiror Block three different soil samples of each village were gathered from 0-15 cm depth section, and it was examined using the help of standard laboratory techniques. Therefore, the effectiveness of the material showed that the pH values were found in the-neutral to alkaline (Mean=7.98), electrical conductivity of the soils was salinity-free (Mean=0.44 dS m-1) and aadditionally, the soils' carbon content quality was low (mean = 0.27 per cent). having a mean score of 299.45 kg per ha, the amount of available potassium was noted to be relatively more, followed by available phosphorus with a mean score of 36.09 kg per ha, and usable nitrogen with a mean of 132.10 kg per ha. Similarly, the nutrient index values of the Ghiror block were high for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and low for sulphur. These outcomes indicate that maintaining a balanced fertilization program that accounts for crop demand, soil availability, efficiency of fertilizers, and the contribution of animal manure enhances yield and promotes soil health.

Feasibility of hydrological modelling for intermittent streams using HEC-HMS: a process evaluation

ABSTRACT The use of hydrological software in simulating the rainfall–runoff relationships of intermittent streams is rather unfound due to their dynamic flow regimes. This study assessed the feasibility of using Hydrologic Engineering Center – Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS), a widely used open-source hydrological modelling software, in discharge simulation of intermittent streams in a dry tropical zone. Individual calibration was required for each stream, even in adjoining sub-catchments with the same geology and climate. Event-based models with transitional periods captured seasonal variations in catchment characteristics. Strong correlations (Pearson’s r > 0.7, P < 0.05) between observed and simulated discharges indicated model success and, after calibration for one season, flows of the next (similar) season could be predicted without further adjustments. Baseflow and channel infiltration were the most sensitive parameters in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. This study demonstrated the possibility of building accurate hydrological models for intermittent streams by incorporating seasonal variations and extensive calibration.

Nomogram model using serum Club cell secretory protein 16 to predict prognosis and acute exacerbation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis, nomogram model for its prognosis and acute exacerbation was constructed.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty eight patients with IPF were grouped with different severity according to fibrosis area, serum Club cell secretory protein 16(CC16) was compared between these groups. All patients were randomly divided into training and testing sets. COX regression and LASSO algorithm were used to screen featured characteristics. Then nomogram models were constructed, ROC curve, calibration curve and decision curve analysis(DCA) were conducted to evaluate the performance of model. Expression of CC16 were detected in fibrotic human lung tissues, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and Bleomycin(BLM)-treated mouse lung tissues and serums.ResultsSerum CC16 gradually increased with the severity of fibrosis, and was especially high in AE-IPF group. CC16 and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were screened as characteristic variables to construct nomogram model for IPF prognosis. The survival was significantly lower in high-risk group scored by the model. The area under ROC curves(AUCs) for 1-year and 2-year mortality prediction were 0.866 and 0.916, respectively. This model performed better than gender-age-physiology (GAP) index for predicting 2-year and 3-year mortality. Another nomogram model for acute exacerbation of IPF based on CC16, Krebs von den Lungen-6(KL-6) and DLCO was developed, the AUC was 0.815. Expression of CC16 obviously up-regulated in fibrotic lung tissues, BALF and BLM-treated mice lung tissues and serums.ConclusionsThe nomogram model based on CC16 performed good predictive ability for prognosis and acute exacerbation of IPF.

Effect of Environmental Factors on Macrobenthic Community Structure in Chishui River Basin

Tributaries flowing naturally play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of aquatic organisms in dammed rivers. The Chishui River is currently the only undeveloped first-level tributary and an important habitat for aquatic organisms in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Understanding the distribution of the community structure of macrobenthos in the Chishui River and its influencing factors is crucial for the conservation and restoration of aquatic biodiversity in both the Chishui River and the Yangtze River. This study analyzes the community structure characteristics of macrobenthos in the Chishui River using four indicators, i.e., Margalef richness index, EPT taxon richness (the number of taxa in the pollution-sensitive Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera), Simpson dominance index, and Shannon diversity index, examining differences among different types of environmental factors (physical, chemical, and biological) in the upper, middle, and lower reaches. Subsequently, RDA (Redundancy Analysis) is used to analyze the main influencing factors of different types of environmental factors on macrobenthic community structure. VPA (Variance Partitioning Analysis) is employed to assess the relative importance of different types of environmental factors and their joint effects on the characteristics of macrobenthic community structure. The results indicate that physical environmental factors explain 68.7% of the variation in macrobenthic community structure indicators, chemical environmental factors explain 79.3%, and biological environmental factors account for 36.2%. The interaction among chemical, biological, and physical factors is the most significant explanatory variable, accounting for 41.7% of the variation in macrobenthic community structure characteristics. For EPT taxon number and Shannon diversity index, the interaction among chemical, biological, and physical factors is also the most important explanatory variable, accounting for 42.1% and 42.5% of the variation. For the Margalef richness index and Simpson dominance index, the interaction between chemical and physical factors is the most significant, accounting for 45.0% and 85.3% of the variation. Therefore, the impact of multiple environmental factors on aquatic organisms should not be overlooked, and attention should be paid to the contributions of various environmental factors in the conservation of macrobenthos in the Chishui River Basin.

Chemical characteristics and viscoelastic properties of Nothofagus alpina thinning wood thermally modified using a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)

ABSTRACT This study investigated variations in the chemical characteristics and viscoelastic properties of Nothofagus alpina wood from thinning during a thermal modification. In order to study the viscoelastic properties during an in-situ thermal modification process, a dynamic mechanical analysis apparatus was used. The initial moisture content of wood, modification temperature and the heating rate to reach the modification temperature were used as variables to assess their effect on viscoelastic properties. Furthermore, changes in the chemical characteristics before and after the simulated thermal modification process were analyzed by FTIR. The results underlined the importance of water content in wood, as it influenced the chemical characteristics of the modified wood in relation to the initial moisture content, and the changes of viscoelasticity in the variation of the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″), with E″ being more sensitive to the higher humidity used in this study. The modification temperature conditioned the effect of the moisture content, with a second additional peak being observed in E″ and tan δ (damping factor) at the modification of 210°C and 12% moisture content, but not in the oven-dry samples. Additionally, the effect of the heating rate was more pronounced at the lower modification temperature.

Estimating soil organic carbon using UAV and Sentinel-2 images and multilayer perceptron regression in Coastal Wetland

ABSTRACT Hyperspectral imagery from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has been used to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) content. This study compared UAV hyperspectral imagery with Sentinel-2A multispectral imagery and soil spectra in the laboratory to predict the SOC content in Suaeda salsa (S. salsa) coastal wetland. Characteristic variables were determined through correlation analysis comparing observed SOC with constructed spectral indices of SOC, index variables, and spectral bands. Predict Models of SOC were constructed by multilayer perceptron (MLP), the prediction accuracy was evaluated and the spatial maps of SOC were produced. The results showed that estimating SOC using UAV, Sentinel imagery, and laboratory spectra has great potential when using MLP algorithm. The SOC content can be accurately predicted by the laboratory spectra without spatial map. The accuracy of SOC estimation was better when based on Sentinel-2A imagery than UAV imagery, with the model determination coefficients (R 2) of 0.838 and 0.638, the root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.398 and 0.596 g kg−1, ratio of performance to deviations (RPD) of 2.485 and 1.660, and bias of − 0.028 and 0.085 g kg−1, respectively. The SOC estimation model using Sentinel-2A imagery demonstrated better stability than that using UAV imagery, with the mean uncertainty standard deviations (SD) of 0.226 and 0.291 g kg−1, respectively. The spatial SOC maps generated from both UAV and Sentinel-2A imagery presented more subtle variation information when compared with the spatial interpolation results. Although the prediction accuracy of SOC from UAV was lower than that from Sentinel-2A, UAV imagery could disclose more fine distribution information of SOC at the local level. The UAV imagery can be used to estimate SOC in coastal wetlands but with a higher cost than freely available Sentinel images. We recommend using sentinel imagery to predict SOC at regional, national, or even global levels.

Investigating the Effects of Performing the Early Mobilization Protocol on Postoperative Hemorrhaging in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Background: Most adverse effects following cardiac surgery, including hemorrhaging, are related to immobility. The early mobilization of the patient in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can counteract these adverse effects. Despite the awareness, however, the protocol has a low performance rate due to numerous barriers. The present research aims to investigate the effectiveness of performing the early mobilization protocol on hemorrhaging in cardiac surgery patients. Methods: This research is a clinical trial study conducted in 2023-2024 at Ali Ibn AbiTalib Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, on 100 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Purposive sampling was used based on the inclusion criteria. Hemorrhaging risk assessment in patients was evaluated according to the preoperative checklist. The early mobilization protocol was performed on day 2 after surgery on patients in the intervention group with mild to low risk of hemorrhage. The statistical tests of repeated measures, chi-square, and independent t-test were used for data analysis in SPSS 26. Results: There were no statistically significant variations in the demographic characteristics of patients in the intervention and control groups. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the blood volume loss in patients over three different time periods (days 2, 3, and 4 after surgery) were 326.500±16.81, 69.300±11.41, and 51.200±3.82 in the intervention group, respectively, and 350.00±16.81, 325.00±11.41, and 82.10±3.82 in the control group, respectively, indicating the effectiveness of performing the early mobilization protocol (P ˂ 0.001). Conclusion: Performing the early mobilization protocol can reduce the volume of bleeding after cardiac surgery and the early discharge of patients, thus leading to reduced complications. Nurses as the main care providers in intensive care units play a key role in performing the protocol.

Microneedle patches: a new vantage point for diabetic wound treatments.

Microneedle patches have emerged as a promising approach for diabetic wound healing by enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents such as stem cells and their derived exosomes, as well as localized delivery of bioactive moieties. These patches offer a non-invasive and efficient method for administering therapeutic payloads directly to the site of the wound, bypassing systemic circulation and minimizing potential side effects. The targeted delivery of stem cells holds immense potential for promoting tissue regeneration and accelerating wound healing in diabetic patients. Similarly, the localized delivery of stem cell-derived exosomes, which are known for their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, can enhance the healing process. Furthermore, microneedle patches enable the precise and controlled release of bioactive moieties, such as growth factors and cytokines, directly to the wound site, creating a conducive microenvironment for tissue repair and regeneration. The challenges associated with microneedle patches for diabetic wound healing are multifaceted. Biocompatibility issues, variability in skin characteristics among diabetic patients, regulatory hurdles, scalability, cost considerations, long-term stability, and patient acceptance and compliance all present significant barriers to the widespread adoption and optimization of microneedle technology in clinical practice. Overcoming these challenges will require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to advance the field and address critical gaps in research and development. Ongoing research focuses on enhancing the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of microneedle materials, developing customizable technologies for personalized treatment approaches, integrating advanced functionalities such as sensors for real-time monitoring, and improving patient engagement and adherence through education and support mechanisms. These advancements have the potential to improve diabetic wound management by providing tailored and precise therapies that promote faster healing and reduce complications. This review explores the current landscape of microneedle patches in the context of diabetic wound management, highlighting both the challenges that need to be addressed and future perspectives for this innovative treatment modality.

Spatial and temporal variability of physicochemical characteristics in Lancang River sediments amid hydropower development

The construction of river dams disrupts river continuity and sediment transport, altering the riverbed between sediment “sources” and “sinks” and changing the sediment characteristics of the river. In this study, 256 sediment samples from 54 major control cross-sections of the Lancang River (LCR) were analyzed to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of clay and non-clay minerals in the sediment and their relationship with the environmental changes caused by the construction 11 hydropower plants. The results indicate that the construction of terrace dams on the LCR interrupted the downstream refinement trend of sediments, which reappeared once the terrace reservoirs stabilized. Additionally, the interception of the dam increased the accumulation of clay mineral in sediments. From 2011 to 2023, the relative abundance of clay mineral in the regulated reaches (RRs) increased by 2.4 %, the quartz content decreased by 26.2 %, and the contents of calcite, mica, kaolinite, and chlorite increased, respectively. Consequently, the main non-clay mineral assemblage in the sediments shifted from quartz+feldspar to quartz+feldspar+mica. Furthermore, the clay mineral content was higher upstream the main dams (15.3 %) than downstream (14.8 %), with the sediment quartz and calcite contents being higher downstream, and mica and chlorite contents being higher upstream. The feldspar content showed a minimal change. However, the mineral composition of the sediments in individual reservoirs varied significantly, owing to the specific environmental conditions of each reservoir. The distribution of sediment clay also differed between the dry and rainy seasons. This study provides a scientific basis for managing reservoir sediment scheduling and regulating the ecological and environmental safety in watersheds.

Soil microbial carbon and nitrogen limitation constraints soil organic carbon stability in arid and semi-arid grasslands.

Microorganisms play dual roles in soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition and accumulation. Despite advancing insights into their involvement in the carbon cycle, understanding the impact of microbial community structure and physiological traits on SOC stabilization in arid and semi-arid grasslands remains elusive. Here, we analyzed arid and semi-arid grasslands SOC stability by comparing the ratio of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) to particulate organic carbon (POC) across a grassland transect in north-south Ningxia, encompassing various grassland types and a broad climatic gradient (ΔMAP=450mm). By combining phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, enzyme activity vector models and stoichiometric theory, the influence of soil microbial community compositions, metabolic constraints, and carbon use efficiency (CUE) on SOC stability were explored. Results showed that SOC stability was the lowest in desert areas and decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation (MAP) in other grasslands. Microbial physiological traits, including microbial carbon (C) limitation, nitrogen (N) limitation, CUE, and lignocellulose index (LCI) varied among grasslands, with significantly higher LCI and CUE and lower C and N limitation in steppe desert. The variation of microbial physiological characteristics accounted for 53.28% of the variation in SOC stability. Distinct microbial metabolic limitations were evident in these grasslands, with N and C limitation prevailing and exerting strong negative impacts on CUE. Decreased fungal/bacterial (F/B) ratios also reduced microbial CUE and indirectly diminished SOC stability. In addition, clay content emerges as a major factor influencing the stabilization of SOC across environmental gradients. Collectively, our work suggests that mitigating microbial C and N limitation and enhancing microbial CUE under the influence of MAP and clay content are the key mechanisms governing SOC stabilization in regional grasslands. These findings bear significant implications for understanding microbial-mediated carbon cycling processes in arid and semi-arid grasslands.