Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Different Altitudes Affect Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Abundance and Colonization in Cacao Plantations of Cameroon

This study aims to investigate the abundance of AMF according to soil properties and altitudes in different cacao plantations of Cameroon. Physico-chemical analyses were made on soil samples collected from three agro-ecological zones. Soil samples were also used to evaluate directly the AMF abundance following the various altitudes and after trapping by sorghum plant. The results showed that soil properties, AMF spore abundances and colonization fluctuated significantly at different altitudes. The most represented texture was sandy loam. The bimodal zone presented a homogeneous texture (sandy loam) in all its localities. Cacao soil chemical characteristics showed that, the highest nitrogen rate (0.47%;p 0.05, Scott-Knott test) was recorded at Melong in a monomodal zone while Tonga in the Western highlands displayed the lowest rate (0.13%). Soil P concentration was significantly high in monomodal zones (Mbanga and Melong). Soil pH level indicated that the soil from Tonga in the Western highlands was neutral (pH = 6.67), and soils of other localities under study were acidic with the lowest (4.75) pH level recorded at Melong in a monomodal zone. In soil samples, the highest spore density (1.03 spores/g soil) was observed at Ntui in Bimodal zone, while the lowest spore density (0.26 spores/g soil) was observed at Bafang in the Western highlands. Root colonization showed that the sample from Bokito in a bimodal zone displayed the best frequency of mycorrhization (86.11%) while the sample from Bafang in the Western highlands recorded the lowest (27.11%). The PCA analysis highlighted that available phosphorus, pH and altitude all strongly correlated with AMF root colonization ability and can be used as a predictor of AMF colonization ability in cacao rhizosphere.

The characteristics of negative corona discharge and radio interference at different altitudes based on coaxial wire-cylinder gap

The corona discharge from transmission lines in high-altitude areas is more severe than at lower altitudes. The radio interference caused thereby is a key factor to be considered when designing transmission lines. To study the influence of altitude on negative corona characteristics, an experimental platform comprising a movable small corona cage was established: experiments were conducted at four altitudes in the range of 1120-4320 m, and data on the corona current pulse and radio interference level of 0.8-mm diameter fine copper wire under different negative voltages were collected. The experimental results show that the average amplitude, repetition frequency and average current of the corona current pulse increase with increasing altitude. The dispersion of pulse amplitude increases with increase in altitude, while the randomness of the pulse interval decreases continuously. Taking the average current as an intermediate variable,the relationship between radio interference level and altitude is obtained. The result of this research has some significance for understanding the corona discharge characteristics of ultra-highvoltage lines.

Physicochemical composition and climate response of surface sediments at different altitudes in Motuo on the southern slope of the Himalayas

Background,aim,and scope Certain physicochemical indexes of topsoil are closely related to climatic factors including temperature,and precipitation.Understanding the relationship between modern topsoil properties and climatic factors is essential for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction.Motuo located in the eastern Himalayas,exhibits a significant elevation gradient of over 7000 m from Nnamjagbarwa Peak(7782 m a.s.l.)to the Baxika(150 m a.s.l.).This region features a complete vertical zonation of vegetation,from alpine meadow to tropical forest,presenting an ideal place to investigate the relationships among vegetation,soil and climate conditions across altitudinal gradients.This study aims to explore the vertical variations in the physicochemical composition of topsoil and its relationship with temperature and precipitation.Materials and methods Twenty-seven topsoil samples were collected at 100 m intervals from 800 m to 3600 m a.s.l.along the southern slope of the Himalayas.Grain size,magnetic susceptibility and geochemical elements were measured to discuss the vertical variation characteristics of topsoil composition and their correlation with climatic factors.Results(1)The grain size of topsoil at different altitudes in Motuo is mainly composed of sand accounting for an averaged 53.2%,followed by silt and clay.(2)In the mixed forest zone,frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility(χfd%)shows a clear relationship with altitude,and clay is positively correlated with both altitude and climatic factors.(3)The oxides of topsoil in this area mainly consist of SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3) and Fe_(2)O_(3),followed by MgO,CaO,Na_(2)O and K_(2)O,with slight variations in the primary components at different altitudes.The sensitivity of elements to climate varies across different altitudes and vegetation zone,likely due to the region’s complex topography and vegetation.(4)Physical and biological weathering dominates in the broad-leaved forest zone of Motuo,while chemical weathering is more prominent in the coniferous forest zone,with the mixed forest zone falling in between.Discussion The formation of topsoil across the three vegetation zones is influenced by various factors,including parent material,vegetation,and climate.In the broad-leaved forest zone,physical weathering(precipitation,root wedging etc.)and pedogenesis dominate,resulting in finer grain size.The χ_(fd)% increases with altitude likely due to the high temperature and abundant precipitation in this zone,which facilitate the transformation of strong magnetic miners into weaker ones,particularly when the soil is oversaturated.Zirconium(Zr),primarily found in zircon,is depleted at lower altitudes by strong current erosion.Barium(Ba)is similarly reduced at low altitudes in this zone.In mixed forest zone,clay content is the lowest,indicating weaker physical weathering conditions than broad-leaved forest zone.The coarser grain size may result from the combined effects of topography and vegetation coverage.Magnetic susceptibility and organic matter show a positive correlation with altitude.Zr concentration is higher than that in the broad-leaved forest zone,likely resulting from decreased precipitation.In the coniferous zone,the clay content shows considerable fluctuations,with grain size generally becoming finer as altitude increases.This trend may be explained by intensified soil disintegration from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.The χ_(fd)% values lack a clear trend or pattern,possibly due to soil erosion causing the migration of magnetic minerals or insufficient iron precipitation,which reduces the concentration of magnetic minerals in the soil.Additionally,a positive correlation is observed between altitude and organic matter content,with higher altitudes associated with greater organic matter accumulation.This may be attributed to lower microbial activity in colder conditions,which slows the decomposition and transformation of organic matter.Conclusions The variations in grain size,magnetic susceptibility,and geochemical elements differ across altitudes and vegetation zones,closely connected to the complex interplay of terrain,vegetation,and climate in Motuo.In the mixed forest,altitude has a significant impact onχfd%,and the clay component is particularly sensitive to changes in altitude,mean annual temperature,and precipitation.Zr shows a strong correlation with altitude and climate factors,making it a valuable indicator for assessing changes in atmospheric precipitation within specific altitude ranges.Recommendations and perspectives This study enhances our understanding of the relationships between the physicochemical properties of topsoil and climate conditions,offering valuable insights for paleoclimate reconstruction in Motuo.

Study on Skin Care Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Camellia Japonica Flowers at High and Low Altitudes

The active ingredients of Camellia japonica flowers(CJF)at high and low altitudes,as well as their skin care efficacy were compared.The dried red CJF at high and low altitudes were ultrasonically extracted with 70%ethanol,and these extracts were concentrated and then diluted to a constant volume.The content of total flavonoids,total polyphenols and total proteins was tested and analyzed.In addition,DPPH free radical scavenging,inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products,and inhibitory activity against elastase was measured to compare their skin care efficacy in anti-oxidation,anti-glycation,anti-wrinkling and firming.The results showed that,based on the dry weight of CJF,the content of total flavonoids and total proteins of the CJF at high altitude was approximately 1.5 times of the CJF at low altitude,while the content of total polyphenols was approximately 2.4 times that of the CJF at low altitude.The skin care efficacy of CJF at high altitude was significantly better than that of the CJF at low altitude.This work could provide theoretical basis for the selection and application of Camellia japonica flowers in the field of cosmetics.

Research on the distribution characteristics of explosive shock waves at different altitudes

There are great differences in the distribution characteristics of shock waves produced by ammunition explosions at different altitudes.At present,there are many studies on plain explosion shock waves,but there are few studies on the distribution characteristics of plateau explosion shock waves,and there is still a lack of complete analysis and evaluation methods.This paper compares and analyzes shock wave overpressure data at different altitudes,obtains the attenuation effect of different altitudes on the shock wave propagation process and proposes a calculation formula for shock wave overpressure considering the effect of altitude.The data analysis results show that at the same TNT equivalent and the same distance from the measuring point,the shock wave overpressure at high altitude is lower than that at low altitude.With the increase in the explosion center distance of the measuring point,the peak attenuation rate of the shock wave overpressure at high altitudes is smaller than that at low altitudes,and the peak attenuation rate of the shock wave overpressure at high altitudes gradually intensifies with increasing proportional distance.The average error between the shock wave overpressure and measured shock wave overpressure in a high-altitude environment obtained by using the above calculation formula is 11.1389%.Therefore,this method can effectively predict explosion shock wave overpressure in plateau environments and provides an effective calculation method for practical engineering tests.

A Strategy to Control the Turbocharger Energy of a Diesel Engine at Different Altitudes

Power deterioration is a major problem for diesel engines operating at high altitudes.This problem stems from the limited availability of turbocharger energy,which is not enough to increase the boost pressure to the required level.In this study,a control strategy is introduced in order to achieve engine power recovery at different altitudes.It is shown that as the altitude increases from 0 to 4500 m,the required boost pressure ratio increases from 2.4 to 4.3.The needed turbocharger energy should be increased accordingly by 240%,and the TCC(turbine characterization coefficient)should be adjusted within wide ranges.A 12%decrease in the TCC can lead to a rise of the intake air pressure,which can compensate the pressure decrease due to a 1000 m altitude increase.The fluctuation range of boost pressure was within 14.5 kPa for variations in altitude from 0 to 4500 m.

Characteristics of Leaf Epidermis of 22 Lilieae (Liliaceae) under Different Altitudes in China

In this study, 22 leaf samples of 22 Lilieae species were collected in six Province at 90 - 3740 m to study the variations of leaf characteristics with altitude change. The Qualitative character of leaf epidermis and two stomatal indexes, viz. stomatal area (SA), stomatal index (SI), were analyzed in laboratory. The results show that: 1) the shape of the leaf epidermis cells and the pattern of the anticlinal walls provide some useful taxonomic information to distinguish the genus, however, none of the stable traits are exclusive to a genus;2) there are significant or even very significant linear correlations between the two indexes and altitude, of which SA exhibit a negative correlation with altitude (r2 = 0.294, p = 0.009), while SI exhibit a positive correlation with altitude (r2 = -0.254, p = 0.017). As a result, the pattern of leaf cells and anticlinal walls is influenced by genetic factors, while the stomatal area and stomatal index are influenced by environmental factors. Members of the tribe Lilieae have a relatively stable elevation range, which is related to their long-term adaptation to the local environment in the structure of their leaf epidermis.

Effect of dissolved-oxygen on the flotation behavior of pyrite at high altitude area

With the continuous development of mineral resources to high altitude areas,the study of sulfide ore flotation in unconventional systems has been emphasized.There is a consensus that moderate oxidation of sulfide ore is beneficial to flotation,but the specific suitable dissolved oxygen value is inconclusive,and there are few studies on sulfide ore flotation under low dissolved oxygen environment at high altitude.In this paper,we designed and assembled an atmosphere simulation flotation equipment to simulate the flotation of pyrite at high altitude by controlling the partial pressure of N_(2)/O_(2) and dissolved oxygen under atmospheric conditions.X-ray photoelectron spec-troscopy(XPS),atomic force microscope(AFM),Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FT-IR),UV-vis spectrophotometer,zeta po-tential,and contact angle measurements were used to reveal the effects of surface oxidation and agent adsorption on pyrite at high altitude(4600 m dissolved oxygen(DO)=4.0 mg/L).The results of pure mineral flotation indicated that the high altitude and low dissolved oxy-gen environment is favorable for pyrite flotation.Contact angle measurements and XPS analysis showed that the high altitude atmosphere nslows down the oxidation of pyrite surface,facilitates S_(n)^(2-)/S^(0) production and enhances surface hydrophobicity.Electrochemical calcula-tions and zeta potential analysis showed that the influence of atmosphere on the form of pyrite adsorption is small,and the different atmo-spheric conditions are consistent with dixanthogen electrochemical adsorption,with lower Zeta potential under high altitude atmosphere and significant potential shift after sodium isobutyl xanthate(SIBX)adsorption.The results of FT-IR,UV-vis,and AFM analysis showed that SIBX adsorbed more on the surface of pyrite under high altitude atmosphere and adsorbed on the surface in a mesh structure com-posed of column/block.The results of the experimental study revealed the reasons for the easy flotation of sulfide ores at high altitude with less collector dosage,and confirmed that the combined DO-pH regulation is beneficial to achieve more efficient flotation of pyrite.

Overview of radar detection methods for low altitude targets in marine environments

In this paper,a comprehensive overview of radar detection methods for low-altitude targets in maritime environments is presented,focusing on the challenges posed by sea clutter and multipath scattering.The performance of the radar detection methods under sea clutter,multipath,and combined conditions is categorized and summarized,and future research directions are outlined to enhance radar detection performance for low-altitude targets in maritime environments.

The cardiovascular system at high altitude:A bibliometric and visualization analysis

BACKGROUND When exposed to high-altitude environments,the cardiovascular system undergoes various changes,the performance and mechanisms of which remain controversial.AIM To summarize the latest research advancements and hot research points in the cardiovascular system at high altitude by conducting a bibliometric and visualization analysis.METHODS The literature was systematically retrieved and filtered using the Web of Science Core Collection of Science Citation Index Expanded.A visualization analysis of the identified publications was conducted employing CiteSpace and VOSviewer.RESULTS A total of 1674 publications were included in the study,with an observed annual increase in the number of publications spanning from 1990 to 2022.The United States of America emerged as the predominant contributor,while Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia stood out as the institution with the highest publication output.Notably,Jean-Paul Richalet demonstrated the highest productivity among researchers focusing on the cardiovascular system at high altitude.Furthermore,Peter Bärtsch emerged as the author with the highest number of cited articles.Keyword analysis identified hypoxia,exercise,acclimatization,acute and chronic mountain sickness,pulmonary hypertension,metabolism,and echocardiography as the primary research hot research points and emerging directions in the study of the cardiovascular system at high altitude.CONCLUSION Over the past 32 years,research on the cardiovascular system in high-altitude regions has been steadily increasing.Future research in this field may focus on areas such as hypoxia adaptation,metabolism,and cardiopulmonary exercise.Strengthening interdisciplinary and multi-team collaborations will facilitate further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular changes in high-altitude environments and provide a theoretical basis for standardized disease diagnosis and treatment.

Modification of streamer-to-leader transition model based on radial thermal expansion in the sphere-plane gap discharge at high altitude

Historically,streamer-to-leader transition studies mainly focused on the rod-plane gap and low altitude analysis,with limited attention paid to the sphere-plane gap at high altitude analysis.In this work,sphere-plane gap discharge tests were carried out under the gap distance of 5 m at the Qinghai Ultra High Voltage(UHV)test base at an altitude of 2200 m.The experiments measured the physical parameters such as the discharge current,electric field intensity and instantaneous optical power.The duration of the dark period and the critical charge of streamer-toleader transition were obtained at high altitude.Based on radial thermal expansion of the streamer stem,we established a modified streamer-to-leader transition model of the sphere-plane gap discharge at high altitude,and calculated the stem temperature,stem radii and the duration of streamer-to-leader transition.Compared with the measured duration of sphere-plane electrode discharge at an altitude of 2200 m,the error rate of the modified model was 0.94%,while the classical model was 6.97%,demonstrating the effectiveness of the modified model.From the comparisons and analysis,several suggestions are proposed to improve the numerical model for further quantitative investigations of the leader inception.

China Seeks to Grab Opportunities Brought about by the Low-Altitude Economy

Since the inclusion of the low-altitude economy in the government work report during the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in March,many cities have sought to enter this area first to seize the benefits of the low-altitude economy.According to incomplete statistics,17 provinces(municipalities,autonomous regions)in China have currently written the low-altitude economy into their 2024 government work report.In addition,cities such as Shenzhen,Guangzhou,Chengdu,Suzhou,Zhuhai,and Ganzhou have also included the low-altitude economy in their government work reports.More than 20 provincial and municipal governments,represented by Shenzhen,Hefei,Guangzhou and Chengdu,have introduced also policies to support the development of the low-altitude economy and its business ecosystem.

Differential pressure difference based altitude control of a stratospheric satellite

An autonomous altitude adjustment system for a stratospheric satellite(StratoSat)platform is proposed.This platform consists of a helium balloon,a ballonet,and a two-way blower.The helium balloon generates lift to balance the platform gravity.The two-way blower inflates and deflates the ballonet to regulate the buoyancy.Altitude adjustment is achieved by tracking the differential pressure difference(DPD),and a threshold switching strategy is used to achieve blower flow control.The vertical acceleration regulation ability is decided not only by the blower flow rate,but also by the designed margin of pressure difference(MPD).Pressure difference is a slow-varying variable compared with altitude,and it is adopted as the control variable.The response speed of the actuator to disturbance can be delayed,and the overshoot caused by the large inertia of the platform is inhibited.This method can maintain a high tracking accuracy and reduce the complexity of model calculation,thus improving the robustness of controller design.

Study on complexity of plant communities at different altitudes on the Northern Slope of Changbai Mountain

By the method of gradient pattern analysis, twenty plots were set at altitudes of 700-2600 m with an interval of 100 m on the northern slope of the Changbai Mountain. The dissimilarity of respective sub-plots in the same community was measured and the complexity of plant communities at different altitudes was analyzed. The result from binary data of tree species in canopy tree indicated that the sub-plots in the communities, except subalpine Betula ermanii forest, showed comparatively high dissimilarity in species composition. Especially, the dissimilarity index (0.7) of broadleaved/Korean pine forest at low altitudes was obviously higher than other communities. The differences are not obvious between communities referring to dark coniferous forest. Comparatively, the dissimilarity in sub-plots of the communities at altitude of 1400 m was slightly higher than that of other communities, which reflected the complexity of tree species compositions of transitory-type communities. For subalpine Betula ermanii forest, tree species composition was simple and showed a high similarity between sub-plots. The results derived from binary data of shrub showed that the dissimilarity index of shrub species in broadleaved/Korean pine forest at low altitudes was higher than that in other communities, but the divergence tendency wasn抰 so obvious as that of arbor species. The dissimilarity derived from binary data of herb and all plant species at different altitudes showed greatly close tendency, and the differences in herb and all plant species between sub-plots were the greatest for the communities of broad-leaved-Korean pine forest and alpine tundra zone..

Starch RVA Profile Properties for Cold Tolerant and Sensitive Cultivars of Japonica Rice at Different Altitudes

[Objective] By investigating of change rule rice starch RVA profile properties and the influence of cold tolerance on rice quality,the aim was to provide scientific references to the breeding of new cold-tolerant japonica rice varieties with high quality in the Yunnan plateau.[Method] Four cold-tolerant and five cold-sensitive japonica rice cultivars were grown at three locations with different altitudes in Yunnan plateau to investigate rice starch RVA profile characteristics.[Result] The results showed that with increasing altitude,the setback viscosity in cold-sensitive cultivars increased significantly,while the peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity decreased significantly.However,the peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity in cold-tolerant cultivars initially decreased and then gradually increased with rising altitude,whereas the setback viscosity initially increased and then decreased.[Conclusion] The starch RVA parameters of cold-tolerant cultivars were less sensitive to different environments than those of cold-sensitive cultivars.Cooking and eating quality of cold-tolerant cultivars had relatively stable trends with rising altitude,whereas cooking and eating quality of cold-sensitive cultivars had a trend toward inferior.

The changes of co-possession of plant species between communities with altitudes on northern slope of Changbai Mountain

Twenty plots were investigated on northern slope of Changbai Mountain at an attitude interval of 100 m (from 700 to 2600 m). The species co-possession between plant communities at different altitudes was analyzed by Jaccard index. The analytical results showed that the co-possession calculated according to species in different layers or all species between adjacent communities was higher than that between disjunct communities. The co-possessions between adjacent communities calculated by species in different layers had comparability and dissimilarity. If the two adjacent communities belong to different types of vegetation, then their co-possession was lower. The peak values and valley values of species co-possession between communities along elevation gradient just matched vegetation gradient patterns, and species subrogation of shrubs had more obvious rule on northern slope of Changbai Mountain. Co-possessions between communities with same altitude difference were much similar, and it decreased as the increase of elevation difference, which showed that species compositions in different layers of the communities were highly related.

Study on Species Diversity of Alpine Vegetation with Different Altitudes in Daban Mountain

[Objective] The aim of this study is to investigate species diversity of alpine vegetation in different altitudes of Daban mountain. [Method] Plant communities were surveyed in three different altitudes （3 025 m,3 405 m,3 813 m） of Daban mountain,the eastern Qilian,and the richness or diversity index of vegetation in three different altitudes was comparatively analyzed. [Result] The species richness decreased with the gradual increase of altitude,and species diversity of plant communities was relatively lower in medium altitude. Furthermore,community similarity also decreased with the increase of altitude,and β diversity of communities had a significant change. [Conclusion] Environmental factor change caused by different altitudes and human disturbance are important reasons for the change of species distribution pattern in different altitudes.

Research on the Correlation between Meteorological Factors and Flue-cured Tobacco Chemical Components in Different Altitudes of Lincang Region

In this study, the relationship between major meteorological factors and tobacco chemical components in different altitudes of Yongde County, Lincang Region of Yunnan Province was studied using correlation analysis and path analysis methods.The results showed that there was a difference on meteorological factors in different altitudes, causing different impacts on chemical components of flue-cured tobacco; contents of nicotine and total nitrogen decreased with the rising of altitude, conversely, total sugar and reducing sugar contents increased with the rising trend of altitude, and the differences on the contents of potassium （K） and chlorine（CI）, and the ratio of K to CI in different altitudes were not significant, at the altitude of 1 250-1 450 m, each chemical component indicator was better. The correlation between main meteorological factors and conventional chemical components of tobacco leaves was as follows： contents of reducing sugar and total sugar increased with the increase of rainfall and relative humidity, and decreased with the increase of sunshine duration; nicotine content increased with the increase of accumulated temperature and sunshine duration; total nitrogen （N） content increased with the increase of daily mean temperature and accumulated temperature; sugar-alkali ratio increased with the increase of rainfall. Path analysis showed that the direct effect of sunshine duration on reducing sugar and total sugar of tobacco leaves was faint, but the indirect effect was obvious; meanwhile, the direct and indirect effects of it on nicotine and total N were the greatest.

Serum testosterone levels and excessive erythrocytosis during the process of adaptation to high altitudes

Populations living at high altitudes （HAs）, particularly in the Peruvian Andes, are characterized by a mixture of subjects with erythrocytosis （16 g dl-1〈haemoglobin （Hb）≤21 gdl-1） and others with excessive erythrocytosis （EE） （Hb〉21 g dl-1）. Elevated haemoglobin values （EE） are associated with chronic mountain sickness, a condition reflecting the lack of adaptation to HA. According to current data, native men from regions of HA are not adequately adapted to live at such altitudes if they have elevated serum testosterone levels. This seems to be due to an increased conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate （DH EAS） to testosterone. Men with erythrocytosis at HAs show higher serum androstenedione levels and a lower testosterone/androstenedione ratio than men with EE, suggesting reduced 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase （17beta-HSD） activity. Lower 17beta-HSD activity via A4-steroid production in men with erythrocytosis at HA may protect against elevated serum testosterone levels, thus preventing EE. The higher conversion of DHEAS to testosterone in subjects with EE indicates increased 17beta-HSD activity via the A5-pathway. Currently, there are various situations in which people live （human biodiversity） with low or high haemoglobin levels at HA. Antiquity could be an important adaptation component for life at HA, and testosterone seems to participate in this process.

Comparison of New Maize Cultivars at Different Altitudes

[Objective] This study aimed to meet the demand of farmers for highyielding, high-quality, wide-adaptability and multi-resistant new maize cultivars, and to make food production grow continuously. [Method] Comparative test of new maize cultivars was conducted at different altitudes in 2015, and the yield, main economic characters, agronomic traits, growth period and resistance of maize cultivars were analyzed. [Result] Ruidan 26 and Yongrui 16 can be cultivated in the areas below the altitude of 2 200 m; Huaxingdan 88 can be cultivated in the areas below the altitude of 1 750 m; the other new maize cultivars still need to be tested further. [Cenclusion] The research results can be applied in this area and other similar areas, which will effectively promote the upgrading of maize cultivars and improve the yield per unit area.