Singerwilliford7103

Fractal dimensions of 1.774 and 1.691 are obtained for soot particles in light hydrocarbon PCCI engine, compared to that of 1.81 and 1.785 in conventional diesel engine. Compared to conventional diesel engine, fringe separation distance and fringe tortuosity in light hydrocarbon PCCI engine are smaller while fringe length is larger. The primary particle nanostructures of light hydrocarbon PCCI engine incline to graphitize and change into the orderly structure. Compared with conventional diesel combustion, the average primary particle diameter of light hydrocarbon PCCI approximately reduces 2.0% at 75% load and 18.2% at 100% load, respectively.Terracing of hillslopes is usually regarded as an effective measure to control soil erosion. Although it is often stressed that proper terrace construction and regular terrace maintenance are of great significance to prevent erosion on terraced hillslopes, examples of terrace-induced gully erosion are scarce. Field observations on terraced and partly abandoned hillslopes in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China, a region heavily affected by gully erosion since the middle of the 20th century, indicated that gully formation might be caused by terraces. In order to understand the impact of terracing on gully erosion, we selected several gullies to investigate the cause and timing of their triggering. We used a combination of field mapping, high-resolution digital terrain models, multi-temporal aerial photograph interpretation and interviews with local farmers. Our results showed that several gullies developed after terracing. Improper terrace design caused runoff concentration along terraces and ridges with mean inclination of 3.8%, which resulted in gully incision due to overtopping of terraces at low spots or due to the uncontrolled release of concentrated flow to adjoining unterraced hillslopes. The same processes are responsible for the persistent gully activity after abandonment and vegetation recovery. Furthermore, we showed how terraces affected gully morphology. Finally, we suggested appropriate countermeasures to stop further soil loss and land degradation on abandoned terraced hillslopes in NE China. Our findings are important as they demonstrate how poorly designed terraces may not only be ineffective but may even aggravate gully erosion.It is well known that the indoor environment, particularly indoor air quality (IAQ), has significant effects on building-related symptoms (BRSs) in humans, such as irritation of mucosal membranes, headaches, and allergies, such as asthma and atopic dermatitis. In 2017, Chiba University launched the "Chemiless Town Project Phase 3" to investigate the relationship between IAQ and human health. Two laboratory houses (LHs) were built on a university campus in which the interiors and exteriors were similar, but the levels of indoor air volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were different. A total of 141 participants evaluated IAQ using their sensory perception. There was a significant relationship between differences in VOC levels and BRSs occurrence (OR 6.89, 95% CI 1.40-33.98). It was suggested that people with a medical history of allergies (OR 5.73, 95% CI 1.12-29.32) and those with a high sensitivity to chemicals (OR 8.82, 95% CI 1.16-67.16) tended to experience BRSs. Thus, when buildings are constructed, people with a history of allergies or with a sensitivity to chemicals may be at high risk to BRSs, and it is important to pay attention to IAQ to prevent BRSs.Bisphenol S (BPS) is increasingly used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, resulting in its ubiquitous distribution across the environment, including aquatic ecosystems. Selleck ONC201 Although it is commonly known as a weak/moderate estrogenic compound, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the potential of BPS to cause toxicity by inducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major participant in the development of anxiety-like behaviors in humans and animals. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the impact of BPS on anxiety-like behavior and fear responses in adult zebrafish and also to elucidate the possible linkage between the BPS neurotoxicity and oxidative status of the brain. To this end, adult male and female zebrafish were exposed to 0 (control), 1, 10, and 30 μg/L of BPS and 1 μg/L of 17-β-estradiol (E2) for 75 days. Following exposure, changes in anxiety and fear-related responses were evaluated by applying a novel tank test and by exposing focal fish to chemical alarm cues. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of multiple antioxidant genes in the zebrafish brain. Our results indicate that BPS, irrespective of exposure concentration, and E2 significantly decreased bottom-dwelling behavior and the latency to enter the upper water column. Furthermore, exposure to the highest concentration of BPS and E2 induced a significant decrease in fear-related responses. The impaired anxiety and reduced fear-related responses were associated with a down-regulation in the transcription of genes involved in enzymatic antioxidant defense. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic exposure to BPS impairs anxiety and fear responses in adult zebrafish, possibly by inducing oxidative stress in the brain.Microorganisms play a key role in the carbon (C) cycle through soil organic matter (SOM). The rate of SOM mineralization, the influence of abiotic factors on this rate and the potential behaviour of SOM are of particular interest in the northern Antarctic Peninsula and offshore islands. This is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth with numerous ice-free areas, some with abundant wildlife and with the greatest known soil organic carbon (SOC) storage in Antarctica. The latter implies extended Antarctic summer conditions promote increased terrestrial plant growth and soil microbial activity (SMA). SMA, determined by respirometry, is a measure of ecosystem function, and depends on microclimatic conditions and soil environmental properties. SMA and the effect of abiotic variables have been analysed in locations with different soil types, on Cierva Point (Antarctic Peninsula), Deception Island and Fildes Peninsula (King George Island). Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) ranged from 5.66 to 196.6 mg SMBC kg-1and basal respiration (BR) from 2.