Abstract: Rotavirus (RV) it’s the agent of one of the main causes of severe viral gastroenteritis in the pediatric population, being responsible for a significant portion of deaths related to diarrhea among children under five years. RV are identified as a potential reference pathogen and it is known that the persistence and infectivity of the viral particles can be related to environmental factors. The aim of the study was to identify and correlate the presence of Rotavirus in collective and individual water sources (deep tubular wells, shallow tubular wells, shallow dug wells, springs, surface water, rainwater stored in cisterns and water trucks that were collected from surface water) of rural communities in the state of Goiás, with the seasons in which the collections were made (rainy and dry season). For this, 86 water samples in the dry period and 160 samples in the rainy period were collected. Concentration of water samples, extraction of viral genetic material, cDNA synthesis and molecular tests (qPCR) were performed. When analyzing the presence of RV in the samples in relation to the period studied, RV was found to be more prevalent in the dry season (54.7%) than in the rainy season (20%), showing a strong statistical association with the dry season (p-value < 0.001). The proportion of positive samples in the dry period, considering the type of source, resulted in higher in Shallow dug wells (p-value <0.001), higher in surface waters (p = 0.001) and higher in spring water (p-value = 0.02). The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in water is a public risk problem, enabling the emergence of outbreaks, endemics and epidemics. In the present research, there was an association among the presence of Rotavirus and the dry period of the year, when compared to the rainy period. Describing or identifying the seasonal behavior of pathogens is important for prevention and attention to water treatment and help in the monitoring of the virus in the water sources.

Abstract: Field studies with large-stemmed plants Artemisia dubia (wormwood) have been carried out at Vėžaičiai Branch LAMMC since 2018. According to three years of experimental results, annual dry matter (DM) yield varied from 7.94 to 10.14 t ha-1. Growing conditions, nitrogen ap-plication level and harvesting time had significant impacts on Artemisia dubia productivity. This article presents the results of research on preparation and use of Artemisia dubia biomass for en-ergy conversion and evaluation of technological-technical and environmental parameters of these plants utilization for solid biofuel. For experiments were used 6 variants of Artemisia dubia samples, which were grown in 2021: plants were cut three times and two fertilization options were used: (1) no fertilization and (2) fertilization with 180 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. These harvested plants were chopped, milled and were pressed into the pellets. The physi-cal-mechanical characteristics (mоisture content, density and strength) of Artemisia dubia pellets were investigated. During this study, it was found that the density in dry mass (DM) of pellets ranged from 1119.86 to 1192.44 kg m-3. The pellet moisture content ranged from 8.80 to 10.49%. After testing of pellet strength, it was found that the pellets which were made from plant bio-mass PK-1-1, were the most resistant to compression, they withstood 560.36 N of pressure. Dry fuel lower heating value (LHV) of pellets was sufficiently high and was very close to pine saw-dust pellets, it varied from 17.46±0.25 MJ kg-1 to 18.14±0.28 MJ kg-1. The ash content of burned pellets ranged from 3.62±0.02% to 6.47±0.09%. Emissions of harmful pollutants – CO2, CO, NOx and unburnt hydrocarbons (CxHy) did not exceed the maximum permissible levels. Summariz-ing the results of investigated properties, cоmbustion and emissiоns of Artemisia dubia pellets, it can be concluded that this biofuel can be used for production of pressed biofuel and it is charac-terized by sufficient high quality, efficient combustion and permissible emissions to the envi-ronment.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the application of different organic matter, UGmax soil conditioner and simplifications in potato cultivation on the content of dry matter, starch, sugars in tubers of the medium-early edible cultivar 'Satina' after harvest and after long-term storage. The highest dry matter (173.4 g kg-1) and starch (124.6 g kg-1 f. m.) content was ob-tained with the simultaneous application of a manure with soil conditioner at 100% mineral fer-tilization. In the case of sugars, the withdrawal of the soil conditioner from the crop proved most beneficial, for total sugars on the stubble intercrop (5.06 g kg-1 f. m.) and for reducing sug-ars (1.99 g kg-1 f. m.) on the straw. Each protection reduction applied resulted in a significant re-duction in starch content. In this regard, the withdrawal of herbicides with simultaneous appli-cation of manure and UGmax proved most beneficial. Long-term storage of tubers caused a sig-nificant reduction in their quality in terms of dry matter and starch content (average by -3.6 and -2.3%, respectively) and an increase in total and reducing sugars (average by 11.8 and 9.6%, re-spectively). The decrease in dry matter and starch content was significantly influenced by the 50% reduction in NPK fertilization applied during the growing season, while the application of soil conditioner with full protection contributed to the increase in reducing sugars after storage at 28.9 pts%. Our research is in line with current trends of used potato cultivation technologies focused mainly on environmental protection, so the results of this study can provide a basis for validation for researchers currently engaged in such evaluation.

With the application of high-precision, enormous rotating equipment and the addition of harsh working conditions, the advantages of dry gas sealing technology are increasingly obvious. Herein, research on the dynamic stability of dry gas seals is reviewed based on their operating mechanism. The influence of the dry gas seal structure, vibration response, and dynamic followability on the reliability of the shaft end sealing system of rotating machinery is the focus of current dry gas sealing technology. This work reviews the research history; analyzes the key coefficient of instability of the sealing system under external disturbances and the existing research on stability models; discusses the influence of starting and stopping characteristics, working conditions, and groove parameters on the stability of dry gas seals; and points out the shortcomings in the existing research. In addition, potential developments in dynamic stability are proposed, including improving model accuracy, improving experimental techniques, or applying intelligent control and optimization methods to enhance the dynamic stability of the sealing system. Finally, the development prospects for dry gas sealing technology in intelligent monitoring and wide temperature range adaptations are discussed, and theoretical guidance for improving the dry gas seal system is provided.

Under the dual erosion conditions of the dry-wet cycle, which is caused by the high chloride salt concentrations in mine water and fluctuations in mine water level, cemented paste backfill (CPB) suffers serious damage and deterioration. To discuss the mechanical properties and permeability characteristics of CPB under erosion, this study designs an immersion experiment for CPB under chloride salt and dry-wet cycle conditions. Through a uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test, the change law for the mechanical parameters of the CPB was explored, strength constitutive equation of the CPB was constructed, and the process of deterioration of the CPB was analyzed. Through the penetration test, the diffusion characteristics of packing under chloride salt and dry-wet cycle conditions were explored. The results demonstrated that the strength and elastic modulus of the CPB first increased and then decreased rapidly, with maximum decrease rates of 32.2% and 38.2%, respectively. The CPB structure presents an initial non-damage stage, initial damage stage, damage development stage, damage destruction, and residual damage stage. The chloride ion penetration depth gradually increased with an increase in the number of dry-wet cycles, with a maximum diffusion depth of 20.5 mm. The maximum apparent diffusion coefficient of chloride ion was 18.99×10-10m2/s, and the maximum concentration was 0.303 mol/L. Under the double erosion conditions due to chloride salt and dry-wet cycle, the CPB structure is seriously damaged.

We studied the capacity of glutathione and a specific inactivated dry yeast rich in glutathione to protect white grape must from browning compared to using sulphur dioxide. The results indicate that sulphur dioxide drastically reduces the oxygen consumption rate, protects hydroxycinnamic acids from oxidation and prevents grape must against browning even in the presence of laccase. Glutathione, pure or in the form of a specific inactivated dry yeast rich in glutathione, also reduces the oxygen consumption rate but to a lesser extent than sulphur dioxide. It favours the formation of GRP from hydroxycinnamic acids and effectively protects grape must against browning in healthy grape conditions. Nevertheless, in the presence of laccase it was not effective enough. Therefore, both forms of glutathione can be considered as interesting alternative tools to sulphur dioxide for preventing browning in white grape must, but only when the grapes are healthy.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between corneal nerve structure and function in a veteran population. Methods: 83 veterans (mean age: 55 ± 5 years) seen at the Miami Veterans Affairs (VA) eye clinic were included in the study. Each individual filled out questionnaires to evaluate ocular symptoms (5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire, DEQ5, Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI) and ocular pain (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye, NPSI-Eye). Individuals also underwent an ocular surface examination that captured functional nerve tests including corneal sensation, corneal staining, and Schirmer test for tear production. Corneal sub-basal nerve analysis was conducted using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images with corneal nerve density, length, area, width, and fractal dimension captured. IVCM and functional corneal metrics from the right eye were examined using correlational and linear regression analysis. Results: Most corneal structural metrics were not related to functional metrics, except for weak correlations between various IVCM metrics and tear production. In addition, corneal nerve fiber area was positively related to corneal sensation (r = 0.3, p = 0.01). On linear regression analyses, only corneal fractal dimension remained significantly related to tear production (β = -0.26, p = 0.02) and only corneal nerve fiber area remained significantly related to corneal sensation (β = 0.3, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Most corneal nerve structural metrics did not relate to functional metrics in our veteran population, apart from a few weak correlations between structural metrics and tear production. This highlights caution in using corneal nerve anatomy to predict corneal function.

The heat generated during the startup process of dry gas seals, such as the friction heat of the asperities, viscous shear heat, and the expansion heat of the gas film, easily leads to seal failure and endangers the stable operation of turbomachinery. This study combines the statistically modified contact model and the average Reynolds equation by considering the adiabatic index and the microscale effects of dry gas seals to explore the heat generation characteristics of dry gas seals formed in series at multiple times. In particular, the change laws and influencing factors among the components, including the friction heat of asperities and the shear heat and expansion heat of the gas film and total heat, are investigated. A comparative analysis indicates that the slip flow effect increases the total heat during the startup process. The friction heat is much greater than expansion heat and shear heat. Despite constant acceleration, exponential acceleration, or Harrision acceleration, the heat changes are uneven during the startup process. In particular, the heat changes sharply in the early stage and gently in the later stage. The Harrision acceleration mode is the most conducive to sealing stability.

Beef dry aging consist in a selection of unpackaged primal cuts that are placed in a refrigerator room with controlled environment for several weeks. The goals are the concentration of flavor, like nutty and beefy and tenderness improvement. In this study it was intended verify the microbiological and physicochemical behavior and the meat sensorial perception during a process example of meat dry aging. Twelve beef loins were selected for 90 days of dry aging and placed in a refrigerator room with average temperature, relative humidity and forced air 3.17 ± 0.68 °C, 60.65 ± 4.23 % and 0.5-2 m/s, respectively. On 1, 14, 21, 35, 60 and 90 days of dry aging, were taken two samples, crust and lean meat for microbiological counts, pH, aw, color L*a*b* and sensorial analysis. During drying, there weren´t any pathogenic bacteria counts and the average counts were higher for the crust. The aw and pH had an average of 0.98 ± 0.02 and 5.77± 0.015, with a slightly decrease and increase respectively (P&lt;0.05) along aging days. The dry aging process practices, with room refrigeration at RH&lt;65.00% and temperature &lt;4.00 °C can be the reason for aw&lt;0.98 and meat pH&lt;6.00 and therefore for the absence of pathogenic bacteria. The lower microbial counts on the lean meat and the overall acceptability assessed by the sensory panel confirm the importance of the good trimming and storage practices for the dry aged beef.

Fourteen Russian potato cultivars (cvs.) grown for three years in field plots of VIR (Northwestern region of the Russian Federation) were evaluated for productivity and a number of biochemical parameters of tubers. The 12 parameters that have been evaluated in tubers annually one month after harvesting and after cold storage (at 2 - 4°C) include the content of dry matter, starch, protein, ascorbic acid, carotenoids and β-carotene, anthocyanins, total sugars and monosaccharides (reducing sugars), phenolic compounds, as well as total acidity, and antioxidant activity. The cultivars differed significantly in productivity and biochemical composition of tubers. Dry matter content ranged from 16.40% in cv. ʻKumachʼ to 27.28% in ʻNayadaʼ, starch content ranged from 8.96 % in cvs. ʻFioletovyjʼ, ʻKumachʼ to 20.08% in ‘Sokur’, the total sugar content reached 2.46% in cv. ʻSiverskij’ whereas ‘Sokur’ has the smallest content of reducing sugars in post-harvest tubers. Protein content ranged from 1.02% to 2.77% with the highest accumulation in cv. ʻSokurʼ. Content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) ranged from 6.3 mg/100 g FW in ʻKrasa Meŝeryʼ to 26.6 mg/100 g FW in cv. ʻKrasavchikʼ. Carotenoids content ranged from 0.157 mg/100 g FW in cv. ‘Nayada’ to 0.645 mg/100 g FW in cv. ʻGrandʼ. Content of anthocyanins in potato ranged from 1.04 mg/100g FW (not colored tubers of cv. ʻKrasa Meŝeryʼ) to 283.04 mg/100g FW (colored tubers of cv. ʻFioletovyiʼ). The nutritional value of tubers (content of dry matter, sugars, starch and protein) was determined to a greater extent (38-49%) by varietal characteristics, rather than by meteorological conditions in vegetation period. The content of vitamin C, carotenoids, protein and anthocyanins varied depending on the year. The highest content of dry matter, starch and carotenoids was noted in tubers harvested in 2019, marked by low temperatures and precipitation deficit in growing season. The conditions of 2020 with low temperatures and excess precipitation were the most favorable for anthocyanin’s accumulation in potato tubers while not for other biochemical parameters. Of the cultivars, ʻSokurʼ had the highest content of dry matter, protein and starch. Cv. ʻFioletovyiʼ had small starch content and high level of anthocyanins. Cv. ʻPlamyaʼ can be recommended for potato products manufacturing due to dry matter content above 20% and reducing sugars content 0.24%..

A two-way coupled model between polydisperse particle phases with compressible gases and a density-based coupling implicit solution method combining the third-order MUSCL with QUICK spatial discretization scheme and the second-order temporal discretization scheme are constructed based on the discrete-phase model (DPM) and the stochastic wander model (DRWM) in the Eu-lerian-Lagrangian framework in conjunction with a unitary particulate source (PSIC) approach and the SST k-ω turbulence model. The accuracy of the numerical prediction method is verified using previous supersonic nozzle gas-solid two-phase flow experiments. Numerical simulation of two-phase jet of dry powder extinguishing agent gas with pilot-type supersonic nozzle was carried out to analyze the influence of geometrical parameters such as length ratio rL and area ratio rA of main nozzle on the two-phase flow field as well as on the jet performance indexes such as particle mean velocity vp,a, velocity inhomogeneity Φvp, particle dispersion Ψp, particle mean acceleration ap,a and so on. By analyzing the parameters, we indicate the requirements for the combination of jet performance metrics for different flame types such as penetrating, spreading, and dispersing.

Abstract: Microflora play an important role in the fermentation of blueberry wine, influencing the flavor and nutrient formation. Commercial yeasts give blueberry wines an average flavor profile that does not highlight the specific aroma and origin of the blueberry. In the present study, ITS1-ITS2 region sequencing analysis was performed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput technology to sequence fermented blueberry wine samples of three Vaccinium ashei varieties, Gardenblue, Powderblue, and Britewell, from the Majiang appellation in Guizhou province to analyze the trends of fungal communities and the diversity of compositional structures in different periods of blueberry wine fermentation. The study's results revealed that 114 genera from 7 phyla were detected in 9 samples from different fermentation periods of blueberry wine. The main fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Kickxellomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Olpidiomycota. The main fungal genera were Hanseniaspora, Saccharomyces, unidentified, Aureobasidium, Penicillium, Mortierella, Colletotrichum, etc. Hanseniaspora was dominant in the pre-fermentation stage of blueberry wine, accounting for more than 82%; Saccharomyces was the dominant genera in the middle and late fermentation stages of blueberry wine, with Saccharomyces accounting for more than 72% in the middle of fermentation and 93% in the late fermentation stage. This study screened indigenous flora for the natural fermentation of blueberry wine in the Majiang production area of Guizhou, improved the flavor substances of the blueberry wine, highlighted the characteristics of the production area, and made the blueberry wine have the characteristic flavor of the production area.

The application of dry lubrication in rolling contacts is challenging due to wear. In previous studies graphene platelets applied as dry lubricants on the surfaces of angular contact ball bearings demonstrated superior properties. These specific bearings, experiencing both rolling and spinning motion, create more severe conditions for dry lubricants. The applied graphene platelets have a thickness of few graphene layers in the nm range and a diameter in the µm range. Such platelets can be produced by mechanical exfoliation from graphite. To delve deeper into the lubrication effects, investigations were carried out using a milli tribometer. In the tests, a fixed steel ball is sliding against an oscillating counterpart under defined load. During the measurements, the applied load and tangential forces on the ball are recorded to calculate the friction. In our case, a steel ball with a diameter of 6 mm was used against graphene-based films on flat bearing surfaces (axial bearing washer). Comparative investigations included nano graphite particles and fullerene as dry lubricants, in addition to graphene platelets of various staple thicknesses. To increase the adhesion of the films to the surfaces, a pre-rolling process was implemented. Afterwards, the friction on the compressed films was measured. The results indicate that the pre-rolling process effectively reduces the friction of the system. After testing, the surfaces underwent analysis using laser scanning microscopy to assess the formed films, wear, and material transfer. It has been demonstrated that the pre-rolling process leads to the formation of a very thin compacted film with surface protective properties. On the ball as counterpart, the graphene platelets generate a transfer film on the contacting surface.

The focus of our study was the changes in the composition of semi-natural dry grasslands in Hungary. Since these valuable habitats were created with the help of humans, their preservation also requires regular treatment. Our mowing experiment aimed to investigate the suppression of the native Calamagrostis epigejos L. Roth. In Hungary, in the Cserhát Mountains, eight permanent plots were mowed twice a year. The vegetation was sampled annually between 2001 and 2011. The effects of mowing were investigated with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). After 10 years, the C. epigejos cover of the mowed plots decreased significantly, from the initial average of 62.38 to 7.50%. Surprisingly, we also experienced a similar decrease in the control plots. Regular treatment also had a positive effect on the number of species and diversity. Species richness increased continuously in both treatment types, which indicates the combined effect of vegetation succession and treatment. The biomass growth of other Poaceae and Fabaceae species, which are important from a grassland management perspective, was also facilitated by mowing. Our results suggest that long-term in situ experiments and continuous botanical studies are needed to establish a reliable utilization of grasslands.

The study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance, forage yield, and nutritive values of Desho grass varieties under supplementary irrigation at Dambi Dollo University experimental site, Western Ethiopia. Three Desho grass varieties (Areka /DZF#590, Kindu kosha-1/DZF #591, and Kulumsa /DZF #592) were arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The CROPWAT 8.0 model, local climate data, forage data, and soil data were used to determine Desho grass water requirements and irrigation schedules. The agronomic parameters, yield, chemical composition, and in vitro digestibility of the feed samples at standardization cut were determined following the standard procedures. The results showed significant differences (p

Leaf mass per area (LMA) is a key structural parameter that reflects the functional traits of leaves and plays a vital role in simulating the material and energy cycle of plant ecosystems. In this study, vertical whorl-by-whorl sampling of LMA was conducted in a young Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation during the growing season at the Saihanba Forest Farm. The vertical and seasonal variations in LMA were analysed. Subsequently, a predictive model of LMA was constructed. The results revealed that the LMA varied significantly between different crown whorls and growing periods. In the vertical direction of the crown, the LMA decreased with increasing crown depth, but the range of LMA values from the tree top to the bottom was, on average, 30.4 g/m2, which was approximately 2.5 times greater in the fully expanded phase than in the early leaf-expanding phase. The LMA exhibited an allometric growth trend that increased during the leaf-expanding phase and then tended to stabilize. However, the range of LMA values throughout the growing period was, on average, 40.4 g/m2. Among the univariate models, the leaf dry matter content (LDMC) performed well (Ra2=0.45, RMSE=13.48 g/m2) in estimating the LMA. The correlation between LMA and LDMC significantly differed at different growth stages and at different vertical crown whorls. The dynamic predictive model of LMA constructed with the RDINC and DOY as independent variables was reliable in both the assessments (Ra2=0.68, RMSE=10.25 g/m2) and the validation (MAE=8.05 g/m2, FI=0.682). Dynamic simulations of crown LMA provide a basis for elucidating the mechanism of crown development and laying the foundation for the construction of an ecological process model..

The aim of this study is to present the spatial and temporal variability of the frequency of dry and wet days and dry and wet spells against the background of changes in precipitation and atmospheric circulation. The study is based on daily precipitation totals from 46 meteorological stations in Poland for the years 1966-2023. Additionally seven circulation indices were used: GBI, NAO, AO, EA, EA/WR. SCAND ana AMO. Dry days are defined as days without precipitation. Wet days are days with at least 1 mm of precipitation. It was shown that dry spells are much more common that wet spells, are longer and cover larger areas. Long term changes in annual characteristics of dry and wet days and spells are statistically insignificant. Only the length of the longest dry spell in the year increases. However, there are significant changes in their annual cycles. Spring is drier, in summer months, precipitation decreases in the south and increases in the north, November and December, symbols of gloomy rainy weather, are increasingly drier, rainy weather moved to January and February. The impact of circulation varies with seasons and NAO, Ao, SCAN and GBI indices have the strongest impact.

The effect of H2S with high concentrations on catalytic dry reforming of methane (DRM) process has seldom been focused on previously. Herein, a thermodynamic analysis of the DRM reactions in the presence of H2S with the concentration varying in 0-20 vol% was conducted firstly. Several typical types of catalysts including MgO, NiO/MgO and LaNiO3 in different states were prepared for executing DRM at 800 C, 0.1 MPa in the feed of 20 vol% CO2 and 20 vol% CH4 balanced with N2. The catalytic performance of each catalyst for DRM process under conditions of absence and presence of H2S was compared. A promotion effect of increasing H2S concentration on both the conversions of CO2 and CH4 and the molar yields of CO and H2 was observed on all the catalysts especially the MgO and the pristine NiO/MgO. While a significant decline in catalytic activity of either the reduced NiO/MgO or the reduced LaNiO3 catalyst after adding H2S, moderate reactant conversions still sustained. The results of process analysis and catalyst structure characterization suggest that H2S participation can contribute to the increment in CO2 and CH4 conversion, and active S-adsorbed species may play the key role of catalysis in the reactions involving H2S.

Predictive factors associated with a decline in swallowing function after 2 years were examined in 3,409 Japanese older people aged ≥ 75 years who had undergone a dental checkup in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Participants with normal swallowing function in a baseline survey in April 2018 were followed for 2 years. Swallowing function was assessed by a repetitive saliva swallowing test. After 2 years, 429 participants (13%) who could not swallow at least three times in 30 seconds were diagnosed as having a decline in swallowing function. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed the decline in swallowing function after 2 years was associated with male gender (odds ratio [ORs]: 0.772; 95% confidence interval [CIs]: 0.615–0.969), age ≥ 81 years (presence; ORs: 1.523; 95% CIs: 1.224–1.895), support/care-need certification (presence; ORs: 1.815; 95% CIs: 1.361–2.394), periodontal pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm (presence; ORs: 1.469; 95% CIs: 1.163–1.856), difficulty in biting hard food (yes; ORs: 1.439; 95% CIs: 1.145–1.808), choking on tea and water (yes; ORs: 2.543; 95% CIs: 2.025–3.193), and dry mouth (yes; ORs: 1.316; 95% CIs: 1.052–1.646) at baseline. Therefore, the dental checkup items associated with a decline in swallowing function after 2 years were a PPD ≥ 4 mm, difficulty in biting hard food, choking on tea and water, and dry mouth. PPD status and confirming to the self-administered questionnaire about biting, choking, and dry mouth may be useful in predicting future decline in swallowing function.