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The Young's modulus degradation of a biodegradable composite based on the exposure time to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution was simulated by estimating the material's effective diffusion coefficient. The relationship between PBS uptake rate and material removal was investigated by comparing the finite element analysis and experimental results, and a criterion for the material removal of finite elements was proposed for an accurate material degradation simulation. The diffusion coefficient was calibrated to determine the best fit for the PBS uptake rate based on exposure time. The degradation behavior of a bone plate made of a fully biodegradable composite was analyzed using a calibrated diffusion coefficient; it was found that the screw hole parts were severely damaged owing to PBS uptake, which induced premature structural failure. To address this drawback, a hybrid bone plate composed of a nondegradable composite and a Mg wire/Polylactic acid (PLA) composite was introduced; its serviceability was verified using finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of a circular economy is becoming a central component of local and regional economies. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to identify the impact of landscape development and the circular economy on achieving sustainable development goals in the context of globalisation and digitalisation of the world economic system. The following methods were used: system-analytical – to evaluate the details of the structure and functioning of mechanisms of state regulation in the formation and development of the circular economy; categorical and analytical – to demonstrate the theoretical foundations of the formation of a purposeful state policy in the field of development. Digital distribution has great potential for implementing the principles of sustainable development and changing consumer behaviour and outlook in the context of globalisation and digitalisation of the world economic system. It has been studied that the depletion of natural resources creates problems for the future development of industry, providing the world’s population with material goods and quality of life. As a result of the irrational use of nature, the increase in material intensity, and inefficient resource provision, there is a deterioration of the ecological state, the depletion of natural resources, a decrease in the efficiency of enterprises, and a deterioration in the quality of products. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the idea of sustainable development has emerged as the primary paradigm for social development in the future and that one of the mechanisms achieving these goals is the development of the circular economy because of its connections to processes like the globalisation and digitalisation of the world economy, the stimulation of innovative activity, and the advancement of digital distribution. It is concluded that this can be considered one of the mechanisms for achieving goals. The provisions, findings, and suggestions produced enhance the theory and practice of the development of the closed-loop economy, which is the practical importance of the acquired results

Deep placement of controlled-release urea is an effective fertiliser management strategy for improving the maize productivity, but it is not clear whether and how controlled-release urea depth affects the stem and root lodging of spring maize. Two consecutive years of field experiments were conducted to elucidate stem and root lodging properties and their relationship between grain yield and lodging behaviours under various controlled-release urea placement depths. Results depicted that compared to broadcast nitrogen treatment (D0), deep controlled-release urea significantly decreased the stem lodging rate by 34.7-80.4%, which contributed to improving the mechanical characteristics of the internode by optimising the internode diameter and dry matter in the third basal internode as well as higher lignin content. In addition, due to a greater and deeper root system (root dry weight, root surface area, root length and root width) as well as larger angle, diameter, and tension of aerial root that significantly decreased root lodging rate (37.0-88.4%). Furthermore, deep placement of controlled-release urea significantly increased the 100-grain weight, grain number and harvested index by constructing a deeper and larger root system, which significantly improved maize grain yield by 14.2-38.5%, and the nitrogen use efficiency increased by 4.8-10.7%. The highest grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency and lowest lodging rate occurred in controlled-release urea placement depths of 15 cm. Hence, our study suggests that controlled-release urea placement depths of 15 cm were an efficient nitrogen fertiliser management strategy to improve crop productivity as well as lodging resistance in spring maize.

Purpose. Determination of the impact of oil pollution at the territory adjacent to the airport on the ecological state of the soil. Methodology. The authors evaluate the impact of petroleum products on the ecological conditions of the soil at the territory adjacent to the airport. In particular, it was done experimentally, using the method of biotesting of soil sample data. Also, the component composition of chemical soil pollution was analyzed applying chromatographic analysis. Using the method of mathematical modeling, a two-factor model was built taking into account the factor of “content of oil products (X1)” in the soil and “distance from the runway (X2)” to describe the impact of air transport processes on the condition of the soil at the territory adjacent to airports. Findings. Based on the obtained experimental data, the level of soil pollution at the territory adjacent to the airport was determined. It was established that for two soil samples, taken at a distance of 50 and 500 m from the runway of the airport, the content of oil products is below the established approximately permissible concentration. For samples taken at distances of 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 m, an excess was established. The results of the chromatographic analysis of the composition of chemical contamination of the soil indicated a significant amount of hydrocarbons characteristic of the fuel fractions of oil. The obtained results demonstrate the dependence of the level of soil contamination with petroleum products on the distance to the runway and the presence of technogenic influence of this enterprise on the ecological state of the soil, which was confirmed with the results of biotesting of these soil samples. A two-factor model was built taking into account the factors of “content of petroleum products (X1)” in the soil and “distance from the runway (X2)” and their influence on soil phytotoxicity. The adequacy of the proposed model is evidenced by the coefficient of determination R² = 0.9153 for the tested soil samples. Originality. The results of the experimental studies show that chemical pollution negatively affects the ecological condition of the soil at the territory adjacent to the airport; has a multi-component composition, and, in addition to hydrocarbons, which are characterize petroleum products used for refueling and operating vehicles, there are products of decomposition and aging of polymers, components of additives. The dependence of the ecological state of the soil on the technologically loaded territory adjacent to the airport on the level of petroleum products pollution and on the distance to the airport runway was determined. To find out the significance of the impact on the level of phytotoxicity of the soil of each of the two factors (the content of petroleum products and the distance from the runway), a multifactor statistical analysis of the obtained data was carried out and a two-factor model was built. This made it possible to establish that the contribution of the factor X1 (content of oil products) to the change in the soil phytotoxicity indicator is significantly greater than the contribution of the factor X2 (distance from the airport). Practical value. Based on the results of the analysis of the obtained experimental data, a two-factor model is proposed, which takes into account the factors X1 and X2 and can be used for further studies of the impact of air transport processes on the state of the soil at the areas near airports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An individual's future behaviour and fitness are strongly influenced by early life experience. Within the suite of factors that underpin juvenile development, sleep plays a particularly important role, fulfilling vital physiological and cognitive functions. Sleep ontogeny is the process by which sleep time becomes shorter and more consolidated into fewer bouts from in utero development to adulthood; however, how sleep quantity, fragmentation and quality develop in neonates in the wild is unknown. We investigated this question in 19 free-ranging fallow deer fawns, Dama dama , during the first 5 weeks of life. Specifically, we examined how sleep developed, how it differed between and within individuals, and how it was affected by environmental conditions, using accelerometer-derived estimates of sleep and a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach. We showed that sleep duration rapidly decreased and became more consolidated, quickly approaching an adult-like condition. Moreover, fawns exhibited consistent individual differences in sleep quantity, fragmentation and quality, as well as in the rate at which sleep developed. Finally, environmental conditions affecting thermoregulation mediated sleep behaviour; sleep time was reduced and was of lower quality on warmer days, and sleep quality was further compromised in more humid conditions but was higher with greater rainfall. While sleep ontogeny in free-ranging fawns is partially shaped by the environment, our study reveals previously unknown individual differences in sleep behaviour present from birth, and in the rate of sleep development. We suggest that such individual differences may represent pace-of-life syndromes and may have important consequences for individual fitness later in life. • Fallow deer fawns' sleep rapidly decreases and consolidates in their first 5 weeks. • Fawns differ in sleep patterns and the rate of development from birth. • High temperature and humidity impair fawns' sleep. • Individual differences in sleep ontogeny may be related to pace-of-life syndromes. • Minimally invasive biologging is a viable approach to studying sleep in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43-16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment.

AbstractRoyal jelly (RJ) has various applications in cosmetics, health food, and apitherapy to treat chronic inflammation disorders. It is a milky white substance rich in proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. RJ acts as an antioxidant, anti–inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent, which helps in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. This review provides an insight into the sensory and chemical analytical aspects of RJ, with a focus on water, 10–hydroxy–2–decenoic acid (10–HDA), protein, and sugar contents, as well as the national and international quality standards of major honey–producing countries. The chemical composition of RJ varies across locations due to external conditions, nectar sources, harvesting conditions, and honeybee species, which affect its quantity and quality. Despite having a consistent composition, the production of RJ per honeybee colony is influenced by environmental conditions, nectar source attributes, and mineral, vitamin, and amino acid content. Advanced analytical methods are required to accurately quantify the diverse ingredients of RJ, which are responsible for its biological and pharmacological effects. Understanding the intricacies of RJ is essential to unlock its therapeutic potential. Notably, apiculture research at the national level acts as sensitive bioindicators, emphasizing the global need for honeybee standards. This exploration contributes to understanding how external factors affect honeybee health and bee product quality.

The effect of global warming and air pollution have shifted more focus to tree planting as a way to combat climate change and improve the environment. Most Nigerian motor parks are polluted; thus, this study investigated the willingness of park users to plant trees in public motor parks to improve park's environmental condition in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria using structured questionnaires in six motor parks. Questionnaires were randomly administered to 12 drivers, 5 traders and 3 commuters, per Motor Park, making a total of 120 respondents. Study revealed that 60.8% of motor park users were under the age of 50; 100% of drivers were men, whereas women (70%) dominated trading. Drivers (94.4%) and traders (83.3%) use motor parks on a daily basis, but commuters (66.7%) use the park occasionally. Most of respondents (47.2%), traders (56.7%), and commuters (83.3%) stated that the park’s environment is not conducive (unsuitable). Respondents (85.8%) of motor park users indicated that they want a better environmental condition. Chi-square test reveals a significant relationship between respondents' educational status and perceived environmental condition of the motor park. Logistic analysis indicated that traders (0.183) and commuters (0.236) are less likely to be interested in tree planting. Most Nigerian motor parks have unsuitable environments, tree planting is one potential solution for improving the environmental condition. Relevant authorities should develop policies that encourage tree planting and tree planting should be incorporated and implemented in the design of new motor parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A lousy environment has the potential to be a predictor of disease transmission, which ultimately results in malnutrition among children. Meanwhile, the mother's role is crucial in the first 1000 days of life. This research aimed to determine the determinants of maternal behavior in preventing chronic malnutrition in children on the basis of environmental aspects. METHODS: This cross-sectional study with a quantitative design was conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, with a sample of 208 pregnant women and 222 mothers of toddlers. A questionnaire was used to identify information related to the dependent variable, chronic malnutritional prevention behavior, on the basis of environmental aspects, and independent variables related to the determinants of maternal behavior. Data were analyzed via Chi-square test using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences. FINDINGS: As many as 80.8 percent of pregnant women and 65.8 percent of mothers under five had good chronic malnutritionchronic malnutrition prevention behavior. The perception of behavioral control in using clean water is significantly related to the behavior of pregnant women and mothers of toddlers, with significance values of 0.012 and 0.013, respectively. The perceived behavioral control towards washing hands with soap has a significant relationship with the behavior of pregnant women and mothers of toddlers, with significance values of 0.003 and 0.005, respectively. Pregnant women with poor behavioral control in washing their hands with clean water and soap were 2.963 times more likely to have poor chronic malnutritionchronic malnutritional prevention behavior than the comparison group. Subjective norms of using clean water and washing hands with clean water and soap in pregnant women are significantly related to chronic malnutritionchronic malnutrition prevention behavior, with significance values of 0.011 and 0.049, respectively, and odds ratios of 2 and 2.280, respectively. CONCLUSION: Environment-based chronic malnutritionchronic malnutritional prevention behavior in mothers is primarily influenced by perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. The family can be part of the subjective norms that drive aspects of attitudes and perceptions of behavioral control related to environment-based chronic malnutritionchronic malnutrition prevention practices. Meanwhile, the aspects of controlling maternal behavior can be intervened through efforts to minimize obstacles and increase the perception of benefits from behavior to prevent chronic malnutrition. Maternal behavioral change interventions could encourage the implementation of good behavior in preventing malnutrition in children. In the end, children could learn the behavior given by their mothers and adopt it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the influence of soil characteristics and the applied amount of nicosulfuron on the degradation rate in soil. Soil samples were collected at three localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina -- Manjača, Kosjerovo and Tunjice. The experiment was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Plant protection product based on nicosulfuron (40 g a.s./L, OD) was applied in concentrations of 0.075, 0.15, and 0.30 mg a.s./kg of soil. Nicosulfuron residues were analysed by the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS. Soils are classified as silty loams, with variations in mechanical composition and chemical properties. In slightly alkaline soil, the half-life (DT50) of nicosulfuron has increased (43.31 days) compared with DT50 (9.43-16.13 days) in acidic soils. The results indicate that soil characteristics and applied concentration significantly influence nicosulfuron persistence. Hence, it can be considered that nicosulfuron, applied to silty loam soils of Bosnia and Herzegovina, poses a low risk to subsequent crops and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Climate warming combined with intensive human activities are modifying ecosystems globally, and the Arctic biota is shifting substantially faster than the global average, allowing many new species to expand their range poleward. One such species, is the American beaver (Castor canadensis), a highly specialized rodent capable of greatly modifying ecosystems by altering forest composition through selective foraging and by flooding the landscape through dam and channel building. As rodent cranial morphology is highly related to its functional requirements for foraging and feeding, the beaver provides an opportunity to evaluate the phenotypic response of species to changing environmental conditions. Here, we test the hypothesis that beaver skull morphology is optimized for its local environmental and habitat conditions across Canadian ecosystems. We found that temperature, precipitations, biomass, and local average tree hardness significantly affect the morphology of key masticatory functional traits of the skull, but not its size. Our results suggest that the beaver's phenotype is locally adapted to environmental conditions as a result of its selective foraging behavior. This work provides insight into the adaptive potential of newly established beaver populations in the sub‐Arctic to inform management strategies for this keystone species. More generally, our work emphasizes the need to consider traits other than body size in research seeking to better understand the response of species to current global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized factorial design was implemented in four replications to determine optimal methods of Ajwain (Carum capticum) standard seeds germination in SPCRI. Ajwain seeds were placed top and between paper and sand exposed to two potassium nitrate (two grams per 1000 ml distilled water) and pre-chilling (seven days under 7-10ºC) pre-treatments which were under six temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 20-30, and 35ºC) in germinator for 25 days so as to germination indices were assessed. Ajwain seeds viability was estimated 75% after tetrazolium test. The highest final and normal seedling percentages were found under 15 and 20ºC in pre-chilling treatment and also 20ºC in potassium nitrate and control. No germination was observed under 35ºC in potassium nitrate and control, however, pre-chilling led to >26% germination. The higher germination potential was shown in top and between papers compared with sand. The lowest germination rate was recorded in control and potassium nitrate and the highest one in pre-chilling. The maximum of seedling weight vigor was suggested in top and between paper when seeds were put under 10, 15, and 20ºC. In order to evaluate optimal standard germination of Ajwain seeds, it was resulted that applying of two potassium nitrate and pre-chilling treatments placed top and between papers under 15 and 20ºC caused maximum of germination potential and seedling weight vigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a continuation of long-term scientific work on studying the impact of climate change on the ecological state of water bodies with the involvement of a large array of statistical data for the period 1961-2020. But since in 2022 the studied territory became a theater of active war actions, it became necessary and scientific relevant to make a research about their impact on the state of water bodies. This is important in the context of changes in people's living conditions, as water is a vital resource, especially in this region, where due to the specifics of water use and the speed of climate change, water resources have undergone a rather rapid degradation, and according to forecasts, Kharkiv region was to face problems of shortage of water resources already in the coming decades. Military operations have accelerated the deterioration of water bodies, and sources of drinking water are especially sensitive to such changes. Thus, in the city of Kharkiv, according to laboratory studies, out of 11 sources of drinking water, the water is suitable for consumption in only 1. To study changes in the state of water bodies, cartographic analysis was actively used, which makes it possible to assess the spatial distribution and differentiation of the speed of these changes, and to establish relationships between the factors affecting this, such as the location of the network of settlements and the concentration of the population, as well as the degree of proximity to the front line and intensity of shelling from all types of ballistic weapons. To determine the changes that took place after the beginning of the full-scale invasion due to the lack of statistical data from stationary monitoring points, data from satellite images were used. The scientific novelty of this research is the study of modern changes in the ecological state of water bodies and their comparison with previous changes due to the nature of climatic dynamics, since taking into account the proximity of the research object to the zone of active hostilities, scientific activity in this area is very complicated, and therefore Currently, studies on a similar topic are just beginning to appear, but they are fragmentary in nature, and therefore there is a scientific need to create a more comprehensive study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the factors influencing housing and its environmental conditions as well as the relationships between residential building types and their environmental conditions in Inisa, Southwestern Nigeria. Data were obtained through a questionnaire survey of 800 (about 10%) respondents using a systematic random sampling technique. Results indicated that there is a significant variation between building types and housing conditions (χ2=81.834, df=2, p-value=0.000); and between environmental and housing conditions (χ2=73.776, df=1, p-value=0.000). The study also found that four variables (Number of Households in Building; House Ownership; Household Size; and Car Ownership) significantly contributed to the classification of respondents into membership groups of the 'Poor Housing' group and 'Good Housing' group in the binary logistic regression. To improve the housing and environmental conditions of medium-sized cities in Nigeria, the study advocates the Physical Development Plan as a spatial base for urban economic revitalization and environmental regeneration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering applications pose major challenge in designing structures that are safe, durable, and sustainable in various environmental situations. The slake durability index (SDI) test is commonly used to evaluate weak rock disintegration, such as evaporates, which are widely found in the Abu Dhabi area near the foundation levels, encountering construction challenges due to their disintegration. This study intends to provide insight into the disintegration characteristics of evaporitic rocks in the Abu Dhabi region under acidic and alkaline environmental conditions. Distilled water and groundwater which was collected from the study area is used as slaking fluids. As a result, rock blocks from the Abu Dhabi region, which is divided into four zones, were collected, and six sets of representative SDI test samples for each zone were prepared and tested using slaking fluids of pH values 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, as well as distilled water and groundwater. In addition, the macroscopic and microscopic (thin section, X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy) descriptions of representative samples from each zone were carried out. According to the findings, the overall average slakes durability weight loss of evaporates lies in the range of 60–72 wt% and could be classified as medium durably for Zones 1 and 4 under the basic environment, and for Zones 2 and 3 under the acidic environment. Thus, this study delivers the detailed explanation about the slaking characteristics of evaporitic rocks under various pH level conditions for engineers and decision makers to overcome degradability problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge in achieving large-scale biogas production still lies in the biogas fermentation process at low temperatures. Our goal was to delve into the metabolic pathway behind the formation of biogas at these lower temperatures, focusing on the dominant bacterial and archaeal communities. Employing a batch system with activated sludge inoculum at 10°C, we fermented cow manure at 12°C for 150 days. Through genetic sequencing and taxonomic analysis using OTUs from the 16S rDNA gene, we investigated bacterial and archaeal species. Correlation analysis between their abundance was conducted using Pearson correlation and t-tests via IBM SPSS Statistics. Our findings revealed a biogas production of around 0.74 L/day, with CH4 levels surpassing 0.45 L/g VS. Peak efficiency occurred between day 60 and 110, reaching its apex on day 90. Clostridium cellulovorans dominated, ranging from 13.9% to 27%, followed by Terrisporobacter petrolarius, around 16.2% to 23%. Specifically, the formation of biogas (CH4) predominantly occurred through the H2 pathway, led by significant hydrogenotrophic Archaea OTUs like Methanocorpusculum sinense (ranging from 4.95% to 37.10%) and Methanobrevibacter millerae (with relative abundances between 2.00% and 11.20%) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental changes alter the strength of interspecific interactions. However, because it is difficult to quantify interaction strength, empirical evidence remains limited on the relationships among environmental change, interaction strength, and consequences on population dynamics. Here, we evaluated how the interactions of two species of Callosobruchus seed beetles changed with increasing the cage size of the experiments and then affected the coexistence period as a property of population dynamics. Specifically, competition experiments were conducted on Callosobruchus maculatus (C. maculatus) and Callosobruchus chinensis (C. chinensis) using cages of different sizes, which altered the density of adults. We focused on two modes of interspecific interactions between these two species: larval resource competition and adult reproductive interference. Convergent cross mapping (CCM) was implemented to the experimental time series of the two species to assess how environmental change altered their interaction strength and the coexistence period (as a proxy of population dynamics). In most replications, C. maculatus persisted, whereas C. chinensis became extinct. The coexistence periods were longer with increasing cage size. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between cage size and interaction strength. Nevertheless, the stronger (or weaker) interaction strength of the competitively inferior (superior) species on competitively superior (inferior) was associated with longer coexistence periods. Overall, this study demonstrated that interaction strength affected population dynamics; however, changing interaction strength by altering environmental conditions did not necessarily mean that increasing habitat size reduces competition strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Micro-segmental hair analysis (MSA), which enables detailed measurement of the distribution of drugs in a single hair strand, is useful for examining the day of death and drug use history of a person. However, corpses are often found in severe environments, such as soil and freezers, which affect the drug contents in hair. Therefore, we examined the effects of temperature, humidity, light, and soil on drug stability in hair as a preliminary study to estimate personal profiles using MSA of corpse hair. Methods: Four hay-fever medicines (fexofenadine, epinastine, cetirizine, and desloratadine) were used as model drugs to evaluate drug stability in hair. Reference hair strands consistently containing the four medicines along the hair shaft were collected from patients with hay-fever who ingested the medicines daily for 4 months. The hair strands were placed in chambers with controlled temperatures (− 30 to 60 °C) and relative humidities (ca. 18 % and > 90 %), exposed to light (sunlight and artificial lights) or buried in soil (natural soil and compost). Results: Sunlight and soil greatly decomposed the hair surfaces and decreased the drug contents in hair (up to 37 %). However, all analytes were successfully detected along the hair shaft, reflecting the intake history, even when the hair was exposed to sunlight for 2 weeks and buried in the soil for 2 months. Conclusions: Although the exposure to sunlight and storage in soil for long times made drug-distribution analysis difficult, MSA could be applied even to hair strands collected from corpses left in severe environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilisation of by-products in paver block production has gained significant attention due to its potential in environmental condition. This research investigates the effect of incorporating rubber tyre waste and bamboo fibre into the fabrication of paver block on compressive strength, water absorption, density and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests. This research comprises two batches of paver blocks fabrications following a 1:2:3 ratio (cement: fine aggregate: coarse aggregate). Batch 1 involves the fabrication of paver blocks by incorporating varying percentages of rubber tyre waste (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50%), which replace a portion of the sand (referred to as rubber paver block). In Batch 2, various dosages of bamboo fibre, used as a reinforcement material were added to the paver block containing 40% rubber tyre waste, which are referred to as rubber-bamboo fibre paver blocks. Nevertheless, the compressive strength of the rubber-bamboo fibre paver blocks was further examined under two simulated environmental conditions: (1) air and dry cycle, and (2) wet and dry conditions. These conditions aim to assess the block's resistance to temperature fluctuations, moisture effects, and their overall durability. The strength of the paver blocks decreases with the additional inclusion of rubber tyre waste. While the utilisation of 0.3% bamboo fibre has shown improvement in its strength performance compared to 0.2% and 0.4%. It suitable to used for non-loading structural applications that require strength below 25 kPa. This study was able to promote sustainable and green construction materials for paving applications through the efficient recycling of waste materials. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many projects have demonstrated that excessive nitrogen (N) addition changed soil microbial biomass; however, the extent varies at different sites around the world. Here, meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of sample site characteristics on the responses of soil microbial biomass to N addition based on 1,642 data from 181 field experiments. Our results showed that soil microbes were more sensitive to N addition in sample sites with mild environmental and soil conditions, such as medium mean annual temperature (1–15 °C), mean annual precipitation (350–600 mm), humidity (30–35), soil carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio (9–20), soil pH (5.0–7.5), or lower ambient N deposition rate (< 25 kg N ha−1 y−1). Under extreme conditions, however, the soil microbial biomass showed less or even insignificant responses to N addition. Contrarily, the ambient soil microbial characteristics, such as total microbial biomass, the ratios of fungi-to-bacteria (F:B), and gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria, were linearly correlated with the microbial responses (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these microbial characteristics are comprehensively structured by the environmental conditions and soil properties. For soil microbiota, fungal biomass decreased the most after N addition, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Saprophytic fungal biomass changed insignificantly and actinomycete biomass even increased. These results indicate that when accurately predicting the effect of N deposition on soil microbial biomass, the characteristics of sample sites should be synthetically considered, especially soil F:B and C:N. Furthermore, more field experiments in Southern hemisphere countries should be executed in the future, as less data are available in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After water, concrete is the most widely used substance on the planet. Carbonation of cementitious materials is an inevitable process through which concrete compositions react with carbon dioxide. Carbonation leads to rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, reducing structures' longevity. This process increases cement production, for repair and replacement, which brings about more carbon dioxide emission. Conversely, plain concrete could be one of the materials with the most potential in terms of carbon dioxide storage. Therefore, an understanding of concrete carbonation and the influential parameters on its carbonation is significant. Identifying the effective parameters helps engineers increase RC structures' carbonation resistance and increase plain concrete capacity as a carbon dioxide capture source, which could be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. In this review, an attempt has been made to summarise present-day knowledge considering cementitious materials' carbonation and point out the areas that need more research to be conducted. Influential factors have been categorised comprehensively. Affecting factors have been explained. Environmental conditions, concrete characteristics and construction operation effects have been reviewed. Furthermore, mathematical models for concrete carbonation proposed by different researchers have been examined to investigate influential parameters in the models and their precision in prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological niche centrality hypothesis states that population abundance is determined by the position in the ecological niche, expecting higher abundances towards the center of the niche and lower at the periphery. However, the variations in the conditions that favor the persistence of populations between the center and the periphery of the niche can be a surrogate of stress factors that are reflected in the production of metabolites in plants. In this study we tested if metabolomic similarity and diversity in populations of the tree species Eucryphia cordifolia Cav. vary according to their position with respect to the structure of the ecological niche. We hypothesize that populations growing near the centroid should exhibit lower metabolites diversity than plants growing at the periphery of the niche. The ecological niche of the species was modeled using correlative approaches and bioclimatic variables to define central and peripheral localities from which we chose four populations to obtain their metabolomic information using UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS. We observed that populations farther away from the centroid tend to have higher metabolome diversity, thus supporting our expectation of the niche centrality hypothesis. Nonetheless, the Shannon index showed a marked variation in metabolome diversity at the seasonal level, with summer and autumn being the periods with higher metabolite diversity compared to winter and spring. We conclude that both the environmental variation throughout the year in combination with the structure of the ecological niche are relevant to understand the variation in expression of metabolites in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of global warming and air pollution have shifted more focus to tree planting as a way to combat climate change and improve the environment. Most Nigerian motor parks are polluted; thus, this study investigated the willingness of park users to plant trees in public motor parks to improve park's environmental condition in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria using structured questionnaires in six motor parks. Questionnaires were randomly administered to 12 drivers, 5 traders and 3 commuters, per Motor Park, making a total of 120 respondents. Study revealed that 60.8% of motor park users were under the age of 50; 100% of drivers were men, whereas women (70%) dominated trading. Drivers (94.4%) and traders (83.3%) use motor parks on a daily basis, but commuters (66.7%) use the park occasionally. Most of respondents (47.2%), traders (56.7%), and commuters (83.3%) stated that the park’s environment is not conducive (unsuitable). Respondents (85.8%) of motor park users indicated that they want a better environmental condition. Chi-square test reveals a significant relationship between respondents' educational status and perceived environmental condition of the motor park. Logistic analysis indicated that traders (0.183) and commuters (0.236) are less likely to be interested in tree planting. Most Nigerian motor parks have unsuitable environments, tree planting is one potential solution for improving the environmental condition. Relevant authorities should develop policies that encourage tree planting and tree planting should be incorporated and implemented in the design of new motor parks.

Study region: The study region was the Tuojiang River, a tributary of the upper Yangtze River. Study focus: Sediment phosphorus (P) release remains unclear in the Tuojiang River in Southwest China. The sediments were collected from the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Tuojiang River in this study. The potential of sediment P release (percentage saturation of zero equilibrium P concentration, EPCsat) was determined by isotherm experiments. The influential factors and mechanisms on sediment P release were explored. New hydrological insights for the region: The sediment mainly acted as a source to release P. Phosphorus bound by Fe oxides (Fe-P), organic matter (OM), water temperature (T), and the P content originally adsorbed on sediment (Q0) were the most influential factors on the EPCsat. The pH, T, or disturbance had the greatest effect on the content of exchangeable P (Ex-P), organic P (Org-P), and Fe-P. FeCl3 has an inhibitory effect on sediment P release. Fe-P mainly participates in the sediment P release process. The release kinetics were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. These results obtained could help to understanding the P pollution status of sediment, improve our knowledge of the sediment P release mechanisms and provide significant information for further management of P pollution in sediment.

Fatigue is a critical issue for concrete structures subjected to repetitive and varying loads, particularly in infrastructure and transportation systems. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on concrete fatigue and identifies areas for further research. Material and size factors that influence fatigue performance and life estimation of concrete such as concrete composition, internal moisture content and reinforcement are explored, along with environmental conditions such as presence of external moisture and seawater exposure. The paper also acknowledges the challenges associated with predicting concrete fatigue life accurately due to the heterogeneous nature of concrete and its complex behavior under cyclic loading.

Grassland health assessment (GHA) is a bridge of study and management of grassland ecosystem. However, there is no standardized quantitative indicators and long-term monitor methods for GHA at a large scale, which may hinder theoretical study and practical application of GHA. In this study, along with previous concept and practices (i.e., CVOR, the integrated indexes of condition, vigor, organization and resilience), we proposed an assessment system based on the indicators monitored by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)-UAVCVOR, and tested the feasibility of UAVCVOR at typical household pastures on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Our findings show that: (1) the key indicators of GHA could be measured directly or represented by the relative counterpart indicators that monitored by UAVs, (2) there was a significantly linear relationship between CVOR estimated by field- and UAV-based data, and (3) the CVOR decreased along with the increasing grazing intensity nonlinearly, and there are similar tendencies of CVOR that estimated by the two methods. These findings suggest that UAVs is suitable for GHA efficiently and correctly, which will be useful for the protection and sustainable management of grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical geochemical variations in total organic carbon (TOC) content and major and trace elements of the Lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation from the Yichang Slope in the Upper Yangtze were investigated to assess the environmental conditions (redox conditions, water mass restriction, terrigenous input, relative sea-level terrestrial, and paleoproductivity) and to determine the primary controlling factors for organic matter enrichment. The Shuijingtuo Shale is divided into three intervals. The lithofacies of interval I are mainly black siliceous shale with high TOC content, and interval II is mainly black siliceous shale with moderate TOC content. Interval III consists of black, clay-rich siliceous shale and dark-gray calcareous shale and is characterized by a low TOC content. The effects of diagenesis and hydrothermal activity on the elements were evaluated prior to analyzing the environmental condition. There are good positive correlations between TOC and U/Al or Mo/Al ratios, suggesting that major/trace elements still retain the geochemical signature of the sedimentary environment. Meanwhile, the geochemical proxies consisting of Al, Fe, Mn, and Ti indicate that the study area did not experience hydrothermal deposits. The redox proxies (U/Th, Corg:Ptot, and MoEF–UEF) indicate that the interval I samples were formed under a strong reducing condition. The diagram of TOC vs. Mo indicates that the water mass was moderately restricted during the deposition of interval I shales. Proxies of terrigenous input and relative sea-level (Zr/Al and Zr/Rb) suggest that the organic-rich shales at the bottom were deposited under a relatively high sea-level and experienced minimal input of terrigenous debris from the source area. Additionally, the paleoproductivity indicated by Sibio and (Ni + Cu + Zn)/Al was high for interval I samples. During the interval II period, the relative sea-level began to decline, the seawater still remained in reducing conditions, and there was no change in the productivity, but the input of terrigenous debris increased significantly. In the interval III depositional period, the relative sea-level continued to decrease, the seawater shifted to a dysoxic condition, and the paleoproductivity was also at a lower level. The evolution of the sedimentary environment indicates that the high TOC content in the interval I samples is mainly attributed to the strong reducing condition, the preservation condition and debris dilution together control the organic matter content within the interval II samples, and the low TOC content within the interval III samples is constrained by a combination of the poor preservation conditions and lower paleoproductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng Meyer is one of Asia's most popular medicinal plants, with triterpene saponins as principal bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the possibility of ginseng cultivation in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India in the Western Himalayas focusing on growth characteristics, and ginsenoside content in the roots. Plant growth parameters increased with an increase in the crop age and reached maximum maturity at the age of five years along with the production of a good amount of seeds and roots. Root fresh and dry weight of the five-year-old plant was 142.6 g and 45.5 g, respectively, which almost doubled as compared with the four-year-old plant. The HPLC analysis of P. ginseng roots leads to the identification of 14 compounds representing 31.81 ± 2.89 mg/g of total ginsenoside contents, where Rb1, Rg2 and Re were found to be major ginsenosides with 7.53 ± 0.37, 7.04 ± 0.61 and 3.77 ± 0.26 mg/g content. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT) represent the major classes of ginsenosides present in the ginseng roots with a 0.98 ratio of PPD/PPT. Our studies revealed that the soil and climate of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh State in the Western Himalayas are suitable for the cultivation of P. ginseng with good content of ginsenosides in five-year-old roots.

Understanding public debates on environmental problems is critical for enhancing the effectiveness and social acceptance of environmental policies. This article aims to understand how factual environmental condition and culture influence the perceived severity of environmental problems in China. Relying on Cultural Theory and Cultural Cognitive Theory, we measure grid with an egalitarianism-hierarchy scale and group with an individualism–communitarianism scale. We use a large scale nationwide representative survey data——the Chinese General Social Survey——to identify Chinese political subcultures and find that environmental condition alone rarely play a role in Chinese environmental perceptions, and that as hypothesized, moving from egalitarianism to hierarchy, people perceive six of eight environmental problems to be less severe, whereas moving from individualism to communitarianism, people perceive five of eight environmental problems to be more severe. Meanwhile, the effect of environmental condition on the relationship between cultural worldview and perceived severity is very limited. This study has implications for environmental communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental conditions determine woody plant life such as species diversity, structure and regeneration status. This research aimed to assess the impact of environmental conditions on woody plant species diversity, structure and regeneration in forest patches of Guna Mountain: the case of Este District, South Gondar Zone, north-west Ethiopia. A total of 71 square sample plots (400 m2 each) were established at 10 transects laid in five forest patches of the study area to collect vegetation data including the abundance of species, height and diameter at breast height (DBH). Environmental data including available potassium, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, soil texture, electrical conductivity, soil acidity, total nitrogen, organic matter, organic carbon, sodium adsorption ratio, exchangeable sodium percentage, bulk density, aspect, elevation, slope, latitude and longitude data were collected in the same plots. A correlation analysis between vegetation and environmental data was performed using rcorr (x) function in package Hmisc in R Programming Language. The most pronounced impacts were observed in altitude, grazing and pH, positively and silt, sand, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity, negatively. In addition, strong and significant impacts on plant structure were also observed due to the variation in soil texture and pH. The difference in aspect, sand and slope also impacted plant regeneration. The study showed that environmental parameters influence the diversity, structure and regeneration of woody plants. These parameters can be considered in the rehabilitation of the vegetation cover and conservation efforts of the rare woody species. Conservation measures that can minimalize the negative influences of environmental conditions can be applied through collaboration with communities around the forest patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives Gait parameters can measure risks of falling and mortality and identify early stages of frailty. The use of walking aid changes gait parameters. The aim of this study was to describe differences in gait parameters among healthy adults when walking on different surfaces and under different conditions, with and without a rollator. Results Ten healthy participants walked first without and then with a rollator upslope, downslope and on flat surface, on bitumen and gravel respectively. Step length, walking speed and sideway deviation was measured using an inertial measurement unit. Walking up a slope using a rollator generated the longest step length and walking down a slope using a rollator the shortest. Fastest walking speed was used when walking up a slope with rollator and slowest when walking down a slope with rollator. Sideway deviation was highest when walking down a slope and lowest when walking on gravel, both without rollator. Highest walk ratio was found when walk up a slope without rollator and lowest when walking down a slope with rollator. Data from this study provides valuable knowledge regarding gait parameters among healthy individuals, useful for future clinical research relevant for rehabilitation and public health.

As a combination of toponym and cultural heritage with rich connotation of toponymic word-culture and entity-culture, toponymic cultural heritage has the significance of protection and inheritance. It is important for transmitting culture and expanding the cultural connotations of tourism activities. Previous analyses of such heritage protection and tourism exploitation mostly concentrated on resource value from an internal perspective, and the researches focused on toponymic words while paying less attention to toponymic cultural heritage entities, neglecting the influence of environmental condition. This study selected an ecologically and culturally sensitive region with environmental complexity and cultural diversity as an example and constructed a toponym database from multi-source heterogeneous toponym data; screened out toponymic cultural heritages based on a decision tree model; constructed an evaluation model of heritage protection value based on internal and external conditions by considering environmental effects, including toponymic words and entities; complemented an environmental condition evaluation by including natural and man-made disturbances; further widened resource value evaluation dimension with expert judgment and public judgment; and formulated a relatively comprehensive protection value assessment for such heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the ceca and litter microbiome of chickens from post-hatch through pre-harvest. To achieve this, six hundred oneday old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were raised on floor pens for 49 days in two separate houses. We performed short-read and full-length sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene present in the meconium and in cecal and litter samples collected over the duration of the study. In addition, we determined the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from the meconium and the ceca of 49-day old chickens. We monitored the relative humidity, temperature, and ammonia in each house daily and the pH and moisture of litter samples weekly. The overall microbial community structure of the ceca and litter consistently changed throughout the course of the grow-out and correlated with some of the environmental parameters measured (p < 0.05). We found that the ceca and litter microbiome were similar in the two houses at the beginning of the experiment, but over time, the microbial community separated and differed between the houses. When we compared the environmental parameters in the two houses, we found no significant differences in the first half of the growth cycle (day 0-21), but morning temperature, morning humidity, and ammonia significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the two houses from day 22-49. Lastly, the prevalence of AMR in cecal E. coli isolates differed from meconium isolates (p < 0.001), while the AMR phenotype of cecal Enterococcus isolates differed between houses (p < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In future engineering applications, it is important for a direct-drive permanent magnet (DDPM) wind generator to be designed with optimized environmental condition boundary. This paper presents a novel extreme joint probability distribution method of boundary design to formulate the evaluation model and correlation between component design and environmental conditions. With this method, the joint probability distributions of multidimensional parameters for typical wind resource areas in China are studied. A 3.3-MW DDPM wind generator is involved in the case study to validate the superiority of the method. Furthermore, to improve the generalizability of the method, some typical wind resource data platforms are calibrated regarding the measured data. It is shown that the ERA5 dataset can be used as a supplement to enhance the representativeness of the measured data for the joint probability distributions. Therefore, the proposed method can be potentially used to optimize the system design of future DDPM wind generators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mobile jack-up unit, the leg supporting the hull is a very important structure, and it is important to closely examine the changes in accident load, environmental load, and seabed ground during jack-up operation. Generally, jack-up rigs are three-legged structures with a triangular hull that comprises several movable legs used to raise the hull above the sea surface. They can be operated in shallow water at less than 120 m, while large jack-up rigs, which have a structure that can withstand severe environmental loads, can be employed at depths ranging from 150 m to 200 m. However, a complex process is required to finalize the structural design of a jack-up rig, and the influence of various parameters must be comprehensively considered. In other words, the rig will encounter variable environmental conditions with variations in parameters such as wave height, wave period, wind speed, air gap, and so on. A unified procedure is proposed to review the structural strength of legs, hulls, and cantilevers, and different models and analyses can be configured so that it can be solved within a unit flow-chart. Through this process, we can expect that engineering time and cost can be reduced. From survey results, it was possible to determine the inputs to examine the effects of variables, and a large jack-up rig operating under extreme environmental conditions was modeled. In the present study, the jack-up rig was operating in the North Sea, and leg length and water depth were 160 m and 100 m, respectively. The basic environmental characteristics included wave height (20 m), wave period (10 s), wind speed (30 m/s), and air gap (22 m). A parametric sensitivity analysis was performed with varying environmental parameters. Through sensitivity analysis of environmental characteristics, the significance and sensitivity of the effect of each environmental parameter on leg strength was clarified. It is expected that this will be very useful guidance about the effect of parameters during the conceptual design stage of jack-up rigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng Meyer is one of Asia's most popular medicinal plants, with triterpene saponins as principal bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the possibility of ginseng cultivation in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India in the Western Himalayas focusing on growth characteristics, and ginsenoside content in the roots. Plant growth parameters increased with an increase in the crop age and reached maximum maturity at the age of five years along with the production of a good amount of seeds and roots. Root fresh and dry weight of the five-year-old plant was 142.6 g and 45.5 g, respectively, which almost doubled as compared with the four-year-old plant. The HPLC analysis of P. ginseng roots leads to the identification of 14 compounds representing 31.81 ± 2.89 mg/g of total ginsenoside contents, where Rb1, Rg2 and Re were found to be major ginsenosides with 7.53 ± 0.37, 7.04 ± 0.61 and 3.77 ± 0.26 mg/g content. Protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT) represent the major classes of ginsenosides present in the ginseng roots with a 0.98 ratio of PPD/PPT. Our studies revealed that the soil and climate of the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh State in the Western Himalayas are suitable for the cultivation of P. ginseng with good content of ginsenosides in five-year-old roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our three consecutive years (2017-2019) field trial was to obtain information as to the effect of weather conditions of the actual year as well as to assess the impact of some technological parameters such as fertilisation, the choice on the hybrid type on the yield parameters, phytosanitary conditions and mycotoxin contamination of maize. According to our results, the climatic characteristics of the years, the examined hybrid characters (FAO 310 and 490) and the fact of N-fertilisation had significant effects on yield parameters and grain moisture content. The additional N-supply did not affect the development or severity of stem rot in any of the hybrid effects. In this respect, the year effect appeared to be the decisive factor since much higher stem rot values were recorded in the plots of the longer growing season hybrids. Among the mycotoxins examined, only zearalenone and fumonisin found in the harvest were significantly influenced by the effect of the year, the length of the growing season as well as nutrient replenishment. It can be stated that the applied technological parameters have a major effect on the expression of this toxin load in maize. Dry maize stocks that have lost their water in the vegetation are predisposing factors for toxin accumulation. N-content of soil and that of plants can play a different role in mycotoxin accumulation in maize plants.

This article, titled "Editorial: Genetics, genomics and climatic adaptation in tropical conditions," discusses the impact of climate change on livestock breeds in tropical regions. The authors highlight the importance of genetic diversity assessment, strengthening local breeds, genetic selection, crossbreeding, and spatial genetic patterns in mitigating the effects of climate change. The article also explores the genetic basis of breed formation and the potential for genetic selection to improve heat stress tolerance in livestock populations. Additionally, the authors discuss the regulation of milk production in dairy cattle in response to amino acids and heat stress. [Extracted from the article]

BACKGROUND:The efficacy of antibiotics against M. tuberculosis has been shown to be influenced by experimental media conditions. Investigations of M. tuberculosis growth in physiological conditions have described an environment that is different from common in vitro media. Thus, elucidating the interplay between available nutrient sources and antibiotic efficacy has clear medical relevance. While genome-scale reconstructions of M. tuberculosis have enabled the ability to interrogate media differences for the past 10 years, recent reconstructions have diverged from each other without standardization. A unified reconstruction of M. tuberculosis H37Rv would elucidate the impact of different nutrient conditions on antibiotic efficacy and provide new insights for therapeutic intervention. RESULTS:We present a new genome-scale model of M. tuberculosis H37Rv, named iEK1011, that unifies and updates previous M. tuberculosis H37Rv genome-scale reconstructions. We functionally assess iEK1011 against previous models and show that the model increases correct gene essentiality predictions on two different experimental datasets by 6% (53% to 60%) and 18% (60% to 71%), respectively. We compared simulations between in vitro and approximated in vivo media conditions to examine the predictive capabilities of iEK1011. The simulated differences recapitulated literature defined characteristics in the rewiring of TCA metabolism including succinate secretion, gluconeogenesis, and activation of both the glyoxylate shunt and the methylcitrate cycle. To assist efforts to elucidate mechanisms of antibiotic resistance development, we curated 16 metabolic genes related to antimicrobial resistance and approximated evolutionary drivers of resistance. Comparing simulations of these antibiotic resistance features between in vivo and in vitro media highlighted condition-dependent differences that may influence the efficacy of antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS:iEK1011 provides a computational knowledge base for exploring the impact of different environmental conditions on the metabolic state of M. tuberculosis H37Rv. As more experimental data and knowledge of M. tuberculosis H37Rv become available, a unified and standardized M. tuberculosis model will prove to be a valuable resource to the research community studying the systems biology of M. tuberculosis.

In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the ceca and litter microbiome of chickens from post-hatch through pre-harvest. To achieve this, six hundred one-day old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were raised on floor pens for 49 days in two separate houses. We performed short-read and full-length sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene present in the meconium and in cecal and litter samples collected over the duration of the study. In addition, we determined the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. isolated from the meconium and the ceca of 49-day old chickens. We monitored the relative humidity, temperature, and ammonia in each house daily and the pH and moisture of litter samples weekly. The overall microbial community structure of the ceca and litter consistently changed throughout the course of the grow-out and correlated with some of the environmental parameters measured (p < 0.05). We found that the ceca and litter microbiome were similar in the two houses at the beginning of the experiment, but over time, the microbial community separated and differed between the houses. When we compared the environmental parameters in the two houses, we found no significant differences in the first half of the growth cycle (day 0–21), but morning temperature, morning humidity, and ammonia significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the two houses from day 22–49. Lastly, the prevalence of AMR in cecal E. coli isolates differed from meconium isolates (p < 0.001), while the AMR phenotype of cecal Enterococcus isolates differed between houses (p < 0.05).

The combustion of combustible gaseous mixture with/without oil droplet is studied based on a rapid compression machine under conditions comparable with the state at the end of compression in SI-engine cylinder. The ignition and burning processes of gaseous mixtures with oil droplet and the pressure traces for same initial state cases with and without oil droplets are obtained experimentally. The combustion of the gaseous mixture without oil droplet is in an integrated homogeneous auto-ignition mode at lower effective pressures or temperature, while it is in an integrated sequential auto-ignition and detonation mode at higher effective pressures and temperature, which is controlled by the ignition delay of gaseous mixtures. For gaseous mixture with oil droplet, the gas-phase pre-ignition can be induced, while the combustion modes are affected significantly by negative temperature coefficient character of the ignition delay. The combustion of gaseous mixture is in the end-gas homogeneous auto-ignition mode with no knock when its effective temperature is in the pre-region of NTC influence region, while it is in the end-gas sequential auto-ignition and detonation mode with knock or super knock when its effective temperature is in the NTC region. The peak pressure is close to that of constant-volume combustion for the integrated (end-gas) homogeneous auto-ignition mode. The peak pressure is close to that of detonation for the integrated (end-gas) sequential auto-ignition and detonation mode under lower effective pressure conditions. However, it is much larger than that of detonation for the end-gas sequential auto-ignition and detonation mode under higher effective pressure conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is one of the most important biological control agents of aphids on crucifer and cereal plants. The reproduction and demographic parameters of D. rapae were investigated at six constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 27.5, and 30 °C) on the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) reared on wheat (var. Pishtaz). No development was observed at 30 °C. The highest value of mummified aphids per parasitoid female was obtained at temperature of 20 °C (120.08). However, the highest (0.374 day-1) and lowest (0.019 day-1) values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) were observed at 25 and 27.5 °C, respectively. The shortest times for doubling and mean generation of parasitoid were resulted at 25 °C (1.85 and 7.73 days, respectively). Based on the results, a range of 20 to 25 °C is the most suitable temperature regime for D. rapae population growth on S. graminum. These findings have potential implications for integrated S. graminum management in wheat fields. However, semi-field and field studies are needed to obtain more environmentally relevant results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the hazard identification ability of workers is an important way to reduce safety accidents at construction sites. Although previous studies have succeeded in improving hazard identification performance, an important gap is that they consider only two factors, the worker's safety experience and objective environmental conditions, to analyze the impact on hazard identification performance. To fill the above gap, a visual cognitive model of hazard identification was established. Sixteen field scenes were selected to represent construction sites in each environmental condition. Eye-movement data were extracted through eye-tracking experiments, and the differences between experts' and novices' gazes during danger recognition in these scenes were analyzed. The results indicate the following: bright construction sites can significantly improve the correct recognition rate and information processing in hazard identification; tidy construction sites can improve the search efficiency and correct recognition rate of hazard identification; safety experience can improve workers' correct recognition rates and information processing; and reducing distractions can effectively improve the correct identification rate of hazards. Overall, optimal site brightness needs to be further studied to improve the efficiency of hazard search and reduce the distraction effect. This study provides recommendations for the direction of safety training and safety management on site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]