Search

In this paper, a predator–prey system with multiple anti-predator behaviors is developed and studied, where not only the prey may spread between patches but also the fear effect and counter-attack behavior of the prey are taken into account. First, the stability and existence of coexistence equilibria are presented. The unique positive equilibrium may be a saddle-node or a cusp of codimension 2. Then, various transversality conditions of bifurcations such as saddle-node bifurcation, transcritical bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation are obtained. Moreover, compared with a single strategy, the multiple anti-predator strategies are more beneficial to the persistence and the population density of prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient manipulation of magnetization using spin‐orbit torques (SOTs) generated by heavy metals and topological insulators has attracted significant attention. However, the symmetry of these conventional materials makes it challenging to achieve deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization by currents, which prevents the practical application of SOT‐based spintronic devices such as magnetic memories and logics. Here, a composition gradient in a TaxTi1‐x alloy is introduced and the field‐free magnetization switching in TaxTi1‐x/CoFeB heterostructures with controllable SOT efficiencies is realized. Additionally, by engineering the gradient with a tilting angle relative to the current injection arm of the device, highly asymmetric switching loops are achieved, which are attributed to tilted spin polarization. Based on these two switching types, namely field‐free switching and field‐assisted asymmetric switching, five programmable Boolean logic functions are successfully demonstrated using a single device. This work paves the way for high‐density computing‐in‐memory applications with industry compatible artificially‐designed asymmetric SOT materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a 3D model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with crossed channels and an ultra-thin membrane is developed to investigate the feasibility of self-humidification; experiments utilizing a PEMFC stack with identical configurations are conducted to validate the simulation results and further investigate the effects of various operating conditions (OCs) on self-humidification. The results indicate that the crossed flow channel leads to enhanced uniformity of water distribution, resulting in improved cell performance under low/no humidification conditions. External humidifiers for the anode can be removed since the performance difference is negligible (≤3%) between RHa = 0% and 100%. Self-humidification can be achieved in the stack at 90 °C or below with an appropriate back pressure among 100–200 kPa. As the current density increases, there is a gradual convergence and crossing of the voltage at low RH with that at high RH, and the crossover points are observed at 60–80 °C with suitable pressure when successful self-humidification is achieved. Below the current density of the point, the stack's performance is inferior at lower RH due to membrane unsaturation, and conversely, the performance is inferior at higher RH due to flooding; this current density decreases with higher pressure and lower temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) is a widespread industrial pollutant that has detrimental effects on plant growth and development. Photoprotective properties ensure plant survival during stress by protecting the photosynthetic apparatus. This occurs via numerous mechanisms, including non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), cyclic electron flow (CEF) and the water-to-water cycle (WWC). However, whether and how Zn stress affects the photoprotective properties of plants to enhance the tolerance of Zn toxicity remains unknown. In this study, we treated Melia azedarach plants with different Zn concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 mg kg−1. We then analyzed the activities of two leaf photosynthetic pigment components—photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII)—and the relative expression levels of their subunit genes. As expected, we found that Zn treatment decreases photosynthesis and increases photodamage in M. azedarach leaves. The Zn treatments exacerbated a variety of photodamage phenotypes in photosystem activities and altered the expression levels of key photosystem complex genes and proteins. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that PSI was more seriously damaged than PSII under Zn stress. Subsequently, we compared differences in photodamage in the NPQ, CEF and WWC photoprotection pathways under Zn stress and found that each exerted a protective function again photodamage under 200 mg kg−1 Zn stress. The NPQ and CEF may also play major protective roles in the avoidance of irreversible photodamage and helping to ensure survival under higher (i.e. 500 and 1000 mg kg−1) levels of Zn stress. Thus, our study revealed that NPQ- and CEF-based photoprotection mechanisms are more effective than WWC in M. azedarach upon Zn stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transactions of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Contamination by heavy metals has become a serious environmental pollution issue today due to its potential threat to plant, wildlife, and human health. Photosynthesis, a process in which light energy is used to produce sugar and other organic compounds, is sensitive to heavy metals. In the present study, the response of photosynthetic process and carbon assimilation of Schima superba was investigated under cadmium (Cd) stress. Three Cd concentrations (0, 300, and 600 mg kg−1) were used designated as control (CK), low Cd (L1), and high Cd treatment (L2) of plants. Results showed that photosystem II (PSII) acceptor and donor side electron transport were more easily blocked in treatment compared to control, and L2 have more significant changes than L1. A substantial decrease of 820 nm reflection curve absorption was observed both in L1 and L2 treatments. Special energy fluxes showed significant difference between the control group and the treated group, which indicated that low concentration Cd stress can cause decrease in quantum yield of PSII in plants studied. Non-stomatal factors resulted in a decrease in net photosynthetic rate and a decrease in photosystem activity. Our results suggested that Cd can damage structure and function of the photosynthesis of S. superba young plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]