Elevational patterns of warming effects on plant community and topsoil properties: focus on subalpine meadows ecosystem

Climate warming profoundly affects plant biodiversity, community productivity, and soil properties in alpine and subalpine grassland ecosystems. However, these effects are poorly understood across elevational gradients in subalpine meadow ecosystems. To reveal the elevational patterns of warming effects on plant biodiversity, community structure, productivity, and soil properties, we conducted a warming experiment using open-top chambers from August 2019 to August 2022 at high(2764 m a. s. l.), medium(2631 m a. s. l.), and low(2544 m a. s. l.) elevational gradients on a subalpine meadow slope of Mount Wutai, Northern China. Our results showed that three years of warming significantly increased topsoil temperature but significantly decreased topsoil moisture at all elevations(P<0.05), and the percentage of increasing temperature and decreasing moisture both gradually raised with elevation lifting. Warming-induced decreasing proportions of soil organic carbon(SOC, by 19.24%), and total nitrogen(TN, by 24.56%) were the greatest at high elevational gradients. Experimental warming did not affect topsoil C: N, p H, NO_(3)^(-)-N, or NH_(4)^(+)-N at the three elevational gradients. Warming significantly increased species richness(P<0.01) and Shannon-Weiner index(P<0.05) at low elevational gradients but significantly decreased belowground biomass(P<0.05) at a depth of 0–10 cm at three elevational gradients. Warming caused significant increases in the aboveground biomass in the three elevational plots. Warming significantly increased the aboveground biomass of graminoids in medium(by 92.47%) and low(by 98.25%) elevational gradients, that of sedges in high(by 72.44%) and medium(by 57.16%) elevational plots, and that of forbs in high(by 75.88%), medium(by 34.38%), and low(by 74.95%) elevational plots. Species richness had significant linear correlations with SOC, TN, and C: N(P<0.05), but significant nonlinear responses to soil temperature and soil moisture in the warmed treatment(P<0.05). The warmed aboveground biomass had a significant nonlinear response to soil temperature and significant linear responses to soil moisture(P<0.05). This study provided evidence that altitude is a factor in sensitivity to climate warming, and these different parameters(e.g., plant species richness, Shannon-Weiner index, soil temperature, soil moisture, SOC, and TN) can be used to measure this sensitivity.

Volcanic Risk Perception and Coping Strategies from Mounts Cameroon and Nyiragongo Eruptions, Central Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Approximately 2,000,000 people are exposed to volcanic risks in communities situated at the flanks of Mounts Cameroon (MC) and Nyiragongo (MN) volcanoes in Central Africa. This study therefore sought to investigate risk perception from four previous eruptions of MC, namely the 1959, 1982, 1999, and 2000 eruptions;and two previous eruptions of MN: 1977 and 2002. The study was initiated with co-design workshops held with major stakeholders in the cities of Buea and Goma at the flanks of MC and MN, respectively, in 2017, to develop the research objectives for the study. A non-random questionnaire survey was later conducted within 14 and 15 communities in Buea and Goma respectively, on the effects, perceived risks, and coping strategies for the chosen eruptions. Three age groups (18 - 30, 31 - 45 and >45 years) and gender (male and female) were considered. The population at the flanks of both volcanoes cited scientific and indigenous factors to be responsible for eruptions from these volcanoes. At MC and MN, ≥45% of the sampled participants (with a higher female population) perceived that the sampled eruptions posed a very high risk to the population. In terms of the effects, the age group of 18 - 30 was the least knowledgeable. In terms of direct effect on persons, over 90% of participants at MC and MN attested that they were overcome by fear/panic. On measures to cope with any likely eruption, the following order was established at the flanks of both volcanoes: sensitization of population, use of religious (prayers) and of traditional/indigenous strategies. In terms of future coping strategies, while the males at MC maintained sensitization as the favourite option, 62% of the males at MN opted for traditional/indigenous strategies. The female population at both MC and MN showed a higher preference for religious strategies like prayers.

Decoupling Analysis for a Powertrain Mounting System with a Combination of Hydraulic Mounts

The existing torque roll axis(TRA) decoupling theories for a powertrain mounting system assume that the stiffness and viscous damping properties are constant. However, real-life mounts exhibit considerable spectrally varying stiffness and damping characteristics, and the influence of the spectrally-varying properties of the hydraulic mounts on the powertrain system cannot be ignored. To overcome the deficiency, an analytical quasi-linear model of the hydraulic mount and the coupled properties of the powertrain and hydraulic mounts system are formulated. The influence of the hydraulic mounts on the TRA decoupling of a powertrain system is analytically examined in terms of eigensolutions, frequency, and impulse responses, and then a new analytical axiom is proposed based on the TRA decoupling indices. With the experimental setup of a fixed decoupler hydraulic mount in the context of non-resonant dynamic stiffness testing procedure, the quasi-linear model of the hydraulic mount is verified by comparing the predictions with the measurement. And the quasi-linear formulation of the coupled system is also verified by comparing the frequency responses with the numerical results obtained by the direct inversion method. Finally, the mounting system with a combination of hydraulic mounts is redesigned in terms of the stiffness, damping and mount locations by satisfying the new axiom. The frequency and time domain results of the redesigned system demonstrate that the torque roll axis of the redesigned powertrain mounting system is indeed decoupled in the presence of hydraulic mounts (given oscillating torque or impulsive torque excitation). The proposed research provides an important basis and method for the research on a powertrain system with spectrally-varying mount properties, especially for the TRA decoupling.

Petrochemical Studies of Fouimba and Goma Mounts, Central-West of Cote d’Ivoire: Implication on Petrogenesis Tectonic Setting

Petrogeochemical analysis of mafic rocks of Fouimba and Goma Mount in the Séguéla region (central-western Côte d’Ivoire) is the subject of this study. This analysis combines remote sensing, geophysics, petrography and geochemistry, in order to determine the major characteristics of the mafic formations in the said area, and above all to participate in the detailed mapping of all the Ivorian terrains. The mafic formations encountered in this region are essentially metatonalites to metadiorites, amphibolites, amphibole bearing pyroxenites and porphyry basalts. Chemical analysis indicates that these mafic formations are tonalitic to monzonitic. They are thought to have derived from mantle depleted magmas.

Soil Organic Carbon Stock and Soil Quality under Four Major Agroecosystems in the Eastern Flank of Mount Bambouto (West-Cameroon)

Assessing soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) and soil quality (SQ) helps design better agricultural practices to improve environmental sustainability and productivity. The purpose of the study is to assess SOCS and soil quality SQ in the main agroecosystems (AES) of the eastern flank of Mount Bambouto (West, Cameroon). Using multiple statistics tests and principal component analysis (PCA), SOCS and Soil Quality Index (SQI) were computed for each AES. SOCS and SQI were computed based on soil chemical properties and analysis of variance. Topsoil samples (0 - 30 cm) were collected in a different AES and analyzed in the laboratory. The four AES identified and selected are cultivated land (CL), forest areas (FA), mixed areas (MA), and bush areas (BA). Further, multiple comparison tests were used to compare soils from different AES. PCA was used to select the most appropriate indicators that control SOCS and SQ. Several soil properties showed high to very high coefficient of variation within the AES. Organic matter (OM) was significantly high in FA. SOCS and SQ differ significantly (p = 0.000) between the AES. The study further indicates that the main variables controlling SQ within the eastern flank of Mount Bambouto are OM, pHw, N, C/N, and CEC. While the main soil parameters controlling SOCS are OM, OC, BD, C/N, S, and pHKCl.

Advances in wearable and implantable bioelectronics for precision medicine

The continuous pursuit for a better quality of life promotes continuous advancements in intelligent technology.Flexible wearable and implantable bioelectronics have emerged as an innovative complement to rigid material-based electronic devices[1-3].Due to their distinct advantages in terms of ductile,ultrathin,and biocompatible features,these elastic and soft bioelectronic devices can be seamlessly mounted onto various real or artificial tissues and organs.

Analysis of optical axis deviation caused by structural stiffness in equatorial telescopes

The impact of structural stiffness on optical axis deviation poses a significant challenge in the design of equatorial telescope structures.A comprehensive analysis during the design process can reduce the reliance of a telescope on advanced control technologies,thereby improving its economic feasibility.Although full-system finite element analyses are reliable,they are encumbered by significant time requirements and limitations in covering all possible telescope orientations.Therefore,we propose an efficient and comprehensive analytical method to evaluate the optical axis deviation of equatorial telescopes across a full range of angles.To address the challenge of ensuring that the analysis covers all possible positions of an equatorial telescope,based on a model from SiTian project,we analyze the optical axis deviations caused by the fork arm at 25 different angles and then use fitting methods to obtain results for all angles.Based on the analysis results of the optical axis deviation caused by the stiffness of the optical tube in the horizontal position,we derive the results for the tube at any position using geometric relationships.Finally,we calculate the coupling factors and combine these impacts.Furthermore,we identify six discrete feature points to reflect possible telescope orientations and conduct comprehensive finite element analyses.The results are in alignment with those acquired through a comprehensive computational approach.

Debris Fan Produced by Failure of Canyon-Blocking Pyroclastic Flows

Ash-rich pyroclastic flows from the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Mazama (~7700 yr. B. P.), Cascade volcanic arc, Oregon, entered and blocked the narrow, bedrock-lined canyon of the Williamson River approximately 35 to 44 km from the source volcano. The blockage impounded a body of water which then released producing four stratigraphic units in the downstream debris fan. The four stratigraphic units are a boulder core comprised of locally sourced bedrock boulders and three sand-rich units including a fine-grained sand unit, a sandy pumice gravel (±basalt/hydrovolcanic tuff) unit, and a pumice pebble-bearing, crystal-rich sand unit. Hand-drilled auger holes up to ~1.6 m deep were used to obtain samples of the sand-rich units. Units were delimited using surface and down-hole observations, composition and texture, estimated density, statistical parameters of grain size, and vertical and lateral distribution of properties. Overtopping followed by rapid incision into the ash-rich pyroclastic flows progressively cleared the canyon, but a bedrock knickpoint near the head of the canyon limited the volume of debris available for transport to about 0.04 km3 to 0.08 km3. Co-deposition of bedrock boulders and lithic-rich sand was followed by rapid deposition with minimal reworking of remobilized pyroclastics. Continued draining of the impounded lake sent hyperconcentrated flows onto the debris fan depositing pumice-rich gravels that graded upward to crystal-rich sands.

Rebuild Trust to Promote Global Recovery

Amid gloomy forecasts for the global economy in 2024,news of China’s 5.2 percent GDP growth in 2023 was a shot in the arm for a world still beset with regional conflicts,lackluster economic recovery,and mounting geopolitical tension.But despite this outstanding economic performance,dire predictions,and assumptions that China’s economy is on the verge of collapse continued to dominate some Western media portals.Certain Western media obstinately dwell on the so-called economic“strains”on China’s economy,despite evidence to the contrary in the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS)of China’s January 17 release of this data.

CHINESE DOCUMENTARIES

Captain Qomolangma Director:Wu Xi Length:One Episode Producer:Mountain Climbing Films,Emei Film Group Broadcasting Platforms:Migu Video,bilibili Sula Wangping was born in a small village at the foot of Mount San’ao in southeastern China’s Sichuan Province.More than 20 years ago,he participated in an expedition to San’ao with China’s national mountaineering team.Being amazed by the grandeur of the snow-capped mountain and obssessed with the exhilaration of climbing,he decided to pursue climbing as a professional career.In June 2019,he led eight amateur mountaineers to the summit of Mount Qomolangma.After overcoming hardships in extreme cold conditions,they became the world’s first team to reach the top of the mountain in 2019.

Nature’s Gift

Mount Fanjing Mount Fanjing,located in the eastern Guizhou Province of China,is the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains.Spanning altitude between 500 metres to 2,570 metres above sea level and covering an area of over 775 square km,it emerges as an island of metamorphic rock amid a sea of karst.Established as a nature reserve in 1978 and later designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986,Mount Fanjing earned further recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.Mount Fanjing is much taller than it is wide,a vertical pinnacle that resembles a pencil standing on a desk.To reach the top,visitors have to ascend more than 8,000 steps or take a cable car ride up from the road below.

Optimization Design and Performance Analysis of Vehicle Powertrain Mounting System

The design strategies for powertrain mounting systems play an important role in the reduction of vehicular vibration and noise. As stiffness and damping elements connecting the transmission system and vehicle body, the rubber mount exhibits better vibration isolation performance than the rigid connection. This paper presents a complete design process of the mounting system, including the vibration decoupling, vibration simulation analysis, topology optimization, and experimental verification. Based on the 6?degrees?of?freedom vibration coupling model of the powertrain mounting system, an optimization algorithm is used to extract the best design parameters of each mount, thus rendering the mounting system fully decoupled and the natural frequency well configured, and the optimal parameters are used to design the mounting system. Subsequently, vibration simulation analysis is applied to the mounting system, considering both transmission and road excitations. According to the results of finite element analysis, the topological structure of the metal frame of the front mount is optimized to improve the strength and dynamic characteristics of the mounting system. Finally, the vibration bench test is used to verify the availability of the optimization design with the analysis of acceleration response and vibration transmissibility of the mounting system. The results show that the vibration isolation performance of the mounting system can be improved effectively using the vibration optimal decoupling method, and the structural modification of the metal frame can well promote the dynamic characteristics of the mounting system.

The Study of SMT Product Manufacturing Grid System

Surface mount technology product manufacturing grid(SMT-MG) is a typical application which grid technology was applied to SMT product manufacturing.In this paper,for SMT-MG system,conception and intension of SMT-MG were analyzed.Then six-layer architecture of SMT-MG was constructed and mesh three-dimensional matrix organization mode of SMT-MG was studied.Operation mechanism of SMT-MG was discussed emphatically which include adaptive evolution mechanism,PUSH/PULL driving mechanism,cooperation game mechanism,feedback,regulation and control mechanism,coordination mechanism and impetus mechanism.The study of SMT-MG must be useful for developing of electronic product manufacturing.

OPTIMUM DESIGN AND NON-LINEAR MODEL OF POWERPLANT HYDRAULIC MOUNT SYSTEM

6-DOF non-linear mechanics model of powerplant hydraulic mount system isestablished. Optimum design of the powerplant hydraulic mount system is made with the hydraulicmount parameters as variables and with uncoupling of energy, rational disposition of naturefrequency and minimum of reactive force at mount's location as objective functions. And based on theoptimum design, software named ODPHMS (optimum design of powerplant hydraulic mount system) used inpowerplant mount system optimum design is developed.

Analysis of Different Vibration Control Strategies for Soft Mounted Induction Motors with Sleeve Bearings Using Active Motor Foot Mounts

The paper presents a theoretical analysis of different vibration control strategies of soft mounted induction motors with sleeve bearings, using active motor foot mounts. After the vibration model is presented, different controllers in combination with different feedback strategies are mathematically investigated. The focus is here on the forced vibrations, caused by dynamic rotor eccentricity—rotor mass eccentricity, magnetic eccentricity and bent rotor deflection. After the mathematically coherences are described, a numerical example is shown, where the forced vibrations caused by bent rotor deflection are investigated, for different control strategies, where the mass matrix, the stiffness matrix and the damping matrix are influenced by different control parameters. The aim of the paper is to show the mathematically coherences and the possibility to influence the vibration behaviour, by different control strategies to optimize the vibration behaviour of soft mounted induction motors.

Monochrome HUD’s Imaging Projector Based on Laser-DMD System

Design and tolerance of a new head up display’s projector system is reported. It is based on laser-micro display modules. We designed optical diffraction limited modules and some of our novelties were compactness, using common material and spherical lenses in optical design, easy and economical manufacturing process, uniform intensity and minimum aberrations of final image, economical and repairable designed system. Projector magnification is 10.0X and diagonal of image plane is 76.2 mm. ZEMAX software is employed for optical design and tolerance.

Image-Based Methods for Interaction with Head-Worn Worker-Assistance Systems

In this paper, a mobile assistance-system is described which supports users in performing manual working tasks in the context of assembling complex products. The assistance system contains a head-worn display for the visualization of information relevant for the workflow as well as a video camera to acquire the scene. This paper is focused on the interaction of the user with this system and describes work in progress and initial results from an industrial application scenario. We present image-based methods for robust recognition of static and dynamic hand gestures in realtime. These methods are used for an intuitive interaction with the assistance-system. The segmentation of the hand based on color information builds the basis of feature extraction for static and dynamic gestures. For the static gestures, the activation of particular sensitive regions in the camera image by the user’s hand is used for interaction. An HMM classifier is used to extract dynamic gestures depending on motion parameters determined based on the optical flow in the camera image.

Software Engineering in Photo Electricity Orient System

We have designed a photo electricity orient system to control nuclei physics experiments.In this paper I will introduce its software.This photo electricity orient systemic software is designed by C language.Exploitation environment is Turbo C of Borland Inc.Help design instrument is PlayCase.The block diagram of this software is given in Fig.1.

Investigation of Self Excited Torsional Vibrations of Different Configurations of Automatic Transmission Systems during Engagement

The vehicle drive line system is subjected to torsional vibration from different sources of the system such as;engine fluctuating torque, Hook’s joint and the final drive. However, the essential source is the friction torque induced in the friction elements, during their engagement. In the automatic transmission system, the planetary gear set includes several friction elements such as;clutch, band brakes, and one way clutch. During the engagement, severe torsional vibration is induced by friction which is noticeable by the passengers in the form of what so called vehicle shunt. In present paper, a torsional vibration model for Drive Line (DL) system includes three different configurations of automatic transmission is constructed. A computer program using MATLAB subroutines is implemented to obtain the system response. Effect of system parameters on the dynamic behavior and stability has been investigated. The system damping and the trend of the friction coefficient have an essential effect on the dynamic behavior and stability of the system. The system response is now predictable with change of the system parameters which opens up the opportunity in future to control the vibration level.

HQ-61 Surf ace-to-Air Missile System

This paper describes China’s HQ 61 surface-to-air missile system, especially the main tactical and technical performances, missile aerodynamic configuration, propulsion system, warhead, guidance and electric system. The paper also briefs the weapon’s launching facilities and operation process.