The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, is one of the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes, affecting chickpea and causing substantial yield losses worldwide. The damage potential and population dynamics of this nematode in chickpea in Ethiopia have yet to be investigated. In this study, six chickpea cultivars were tested using 12 ranges of initial population densities (Pi) of M. javanica second-stage juveniles (J2): 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 128 J2 (g dry soil)-1 in a controlled glasshouse pot experiment. The Seinhorst yield loss and population dynamics models were fitted to describe population development and the effect on different measured growth variables. The tolerance limit (TTFW) for total fresh weight ranged from 0.05 to 1.22 J2 (g dry soil)-1, with corresponding yield losses ranging from 31 to 64%. The minimum yield for seed weight (mSW) ranged from 0.29 to 0.61, with estimated yield losses of 71 and 39%. The 'Haberu' and 'Geletu' cultivars were considered good hosts, with maximum population densities (M) of 16.27 and 5.64 J2 (g dry soil)-1 and maximum multiplication rate (a) values of 6.25 and 9.23, respectively. All other cultivars are moderate hosts for M. javanica; therefore, it is crucial to initiate chickpea-breeding strategies to manage the tropical root-knot nematode M. javanica in Ethiopia.

To investigate the effect of interface temperature on the soil-reinforcement interaction mechanism, a series of pullout tests were conducted considering different types of reinforcement (geogrid and non-woven geotextile), backfill (dry sand, wet sand, and clay), and six interface temperatures. The test results indicate that at interface temperatures of 0 degrees C and above, reinforcement failure didn't occur during the pullout tests, whereas it predominantly occurred at subzero temperatures. Besides, the pullout resistance for the same soil-reinforcement interface gradually decreased as the interface temperature rose. At a given positive interface temperature, the pullout resistance between wet sand and reinforcement was significantly higher than that of the clayreinforcement interface but lower than that of the dry sand-reinforcement interface. Compared with geotextile reinforcements, geogrids were more difficult to pull out under the same interface temperature and backfill conditions. In addition, the lag effect in the transfer of tensile forces within the reinforcements was significantly influenced by the type of soil-reinforcement interface and the interface temperature. Finally, the progressive deformation mechanism along the reinforcement length at different interface temperatures was analyzed based on the strain distribution in the reinforcement.

Ensuring the accuracy of free-field inversion is crucial in determining seismic excitation for soil-structure interaction (SSI) systems. Due to the spherical and cylindrical diffusion properties of body waves and surface waves, the near-fault zone presents distinct free-field responses compared to the far-fault zone. Consequently, existing far-fault free-field inversion techniques are insufficient for providing accurate seismic excitation for SSI systems within the near-fault zone. To address this limitation, a tailored near-fault free-field inversion method based on a multi-objective optimization algorithm is proposed in this study. The proposed method establishes an inversion framework for both spherical body waves and cylindrical surface waves and then transforms the overdetermined problem in inversion process into an optimization problem. Within the multi-objective optimization model, objective functions are formulated by minimizing the three-component waveform differences between the observation point and the delayed reference point. Additionally, constraint conditions are determined based on the attenuation property of propagating seismic waves. The accuracy of the proposed method is then verified through near-fault wave motion characteristics and validated against real downhole recordings. Finally, the application of the proposed method is investigated, with emphasis on examining the impulsive property of underground motions and analyzing the seismic responses of SSI systems. The results show that the proposed method refines the theoretical framework of near-fault inversion and accurately restores the free-field characteristics, particularly the impulsive features of near-fault motions, thereby providing reliable excitation for seismic response assessments of SSI systems.

Pile foundations are frequently used in the construction of bridges, offshore platforms, and offshore wind turbines, which are often subjected to complex lateral cyclic loading from wind, wave, or current. These lateral loads usually come from different directions or constantly change their direction, which is ignored by most existing calculation models. A two-dimensional p -y model is proposed in this study for the lateral response of the pile subjected to multi-directional cyclic loading in sand. Without introducing additional parameters, the p -y response in two dimensions is coupled by developing the model within the framework of the bounding surface p -y model. Combined with the collapse and recompression model, the effect of sand collapse around the pile during cyclic loading is considered to approach reality. The pile lateral displacement and soil resistance are obtained in incremental form using the finite difference method in the two-dimensional case. By comparing with the model test results, it is demonstrated that the proposed model is able to reasonably predict the lateral cyclic response of the pile as well as the effects of multi-directional cyclic loading. The distribution and variation characteristics of the soil resistance are further discussed by analyzing the results calculated by the proposed model.

The application of prefabricated assembly technology in underground structures has increasingly garnered attention due to its potential for urban low-carbon development. However, given the vulnerability of such structures subjected to unexpected seismic events, a resilient prefabricated underground structure is deemed preferable for mitigating seismic responses and facilitating rapid recovery. This study proposes a resilient slip-friction connection-enhanced self-centering column (RSFC-SCC) for prefabricated underground structures to promote the multi-level self-centering benefits against multi-intensity earthquakes. The RSFC-SCC is composed of an SCC with two sub-columns and a series of multi-arranged replaceable RSFCs, intended to substitute the fragile central column. The mechanical model and practical manufacturing approach are elucidated, emphasizing its potential multi-level self-centering benefits and working mechanism. Given the established simulation model of RSFC-SCC-equipped prefabricated underground structures, the seismic response characteristics and mitigation capacity are investigated for a typical underground structure, involving robustness against various earthquakes. A multi-level self-centering capacity-oriented design with suggested parameter selection criteria is proposed for the RSFC-SCC to ensure that prefabricated underground structures achieve the desired vibration mitigation performance. The results show that the SCC with multi-arranged replaceable RSFCs exhibits a significant vibration isolating effect and enhanced self-centering capacity for the entire prefabricated underground structure. Benefiting from the multi-level self-centering process, the RSFC-SCC illustrates a robust capacity that adapts to varying intensities of earthquakes. The multi-level self-centering capacity-oriented design effectively facilitates the target seismic response control for the prefabricated underground structures. The energy dissipation burden and residual deformation of primary structures are mitigated within the target performance framework. Given the replacement ease of RSFCs and SCC, a rapid recovery of the prefabricated underground structure after an earthquake is ensured.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a globally prevalent disease, yet achieving dual repair of tissue and function presents significant challenges. Considering reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a primary cause of IVDD, and given the decrease of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and extensive degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) during IVDD development, the present study, inspired by the seeds-and-soil strategy, has developed NPCsloaded TBA@Gel&Chs hydrogel microspheres. These microspheres serve as exogenous supplements of NPCs and ECM analogs, replenishing seeds and soil for nucleus pulposus repair, and incorporating polyphenol antioxidant components to interrupt the oxidative stress-IVDD cycle, thereby constructing a microsphere system where NPCs and ECM support each other. Experiments proved that TBA@Gel&Chs exhibited significant extra-cellular ROS-scavenging antioxidant capabilities while effectively upregulating intracellular antioxidant proteins expression (Sirt3 and Sod2). This dual-action antioxidant capability effectively protects the vitality and physiological functions of NPCs. The therapeutic effects of microspheres on IVDD were also confirmed in rat models, which was found significantly restore histological structure and mechanical properties of degenerated discs. Additionally, RNA-seq results have provided evidences of antioxidant mechanism by which TBA@Gel&Chs protected NPCs from oxidative stress. Therefore, the NPCs-loaded TBA@Gel&Chs microspheres developed in this study have achieved excellent therapeutic effects, offering a paradigm using antioxidant biomaterials combined with cellular therapy for IVDD treatment.

Shallow cut-and-cover underground structures, such as subway stations, are traditionally designed as rigid boxes (moment-resisting connections between the main structural members), seeking internal hyperstaticity and high lateral (transverse) stiffness to achieve important seismic capacity. However, since seismic ground motions impose racking drifts, this proved rather prejudicial, with great structural damage and little resilience. Therefore, two previous papers proposed an opposite strategy seeking low lateral (transverse) stiffness by connecting the structural elements flexibly (hinging and sliding). Under severe seismic inputs, these structures would accommodate racking without significant damage; this behaviour is highly resilient. The seismic resilience of this solution was numerically demonstrated in the well-known Daikai station (Kobe, Japan) and a station located in Chengdu (China). This paper is a continuation of these studies; it aims to extend, deepen, and ground this conclusion by performing a numerical parametric study on these two stations in a wide and representative set of situations characterised by the soil type, overburden depth, engineering bedrock position, and high- and lowlateral-stiffness of the stations. The performance indices are the racking displacement and the structural damage (quantified through concrete damage variables). The findings of this study validate the previous remarks and provide new insights.

Forests are increasingly impacted by climate change, affecting tree growth and carbon sequestration. Tree-ring width, closely related to tree growth, is a key climate proxy, yet models describing ring width or growth often lack comprehensive environmental data. This study assesses ERA5-Land data for tree-ring width prediction compared to automatic weather station observations, emphasizing the value of extended and global climate data. We analyzed 723 site-averaged and detrended tree-ring chronologies from two broadleaved and two gymnosperm species across Europe, integrating them with ERA5-Land climate data, CO2 concentration, and a drought index (SPEI12). A subset was compared with weather station data. For modelling interannual variations of tree-ring width we used linear models to assess parameter importance. ERA5-Land and weather-station-based models performed similarly, maintaining stable correlations and consistent errors. Models based on meteorological data from weather stations highlighted SPEI12, sunshine duration, and temperature extremes, while ERA5-Land models emphasized SPEI12, dew-point temperature (humidity), and total precipitation. CO2 positively influenced the growth of gymnosperm species. ERA5-Land facilitated broader spatial analysis and incorporated additional factors like evaporation, snow cover, and soil moisture. Monthly assessments revealed the importance of parameters for each species. Our findings confirm that ERA5-Land is a reliable alternative for modeling tree growth, offering new insights into climate-vegetation interactions. The ready availability of underutilized parameters, such as air humidity, soil moisture and temperature, and runoff, enables their inclusion in future growth models. Using ERA5-Land can therefore deepen our understanding of forest responses to diverse environmental drivers on a global scale.

This paper deals with the contribution of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects to the seismic analysis of cultural heritage buildings. This issue is addressed by considering, as a case study, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Spain). This study is focussed on the Abd al-Rahman I sector, which is the most ancient part, that dates from the 8th century. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is located in a moderate seismic hazard zone. It is built on soft alluvial strata, which amplifies the SSI. Since invasive tests are not allowed in heritage buildings, in this work a non-destructive test campaign has been performed for the characterisation of the structure and the soil. Ambient vibration tests have been used to calibrate a refined 3D macro-mechanical-based finite element model. The soil parameters have been obtained through an in situ geotechnical campaign, that has included geophysical tests. The SSI has been accounted for by following the direct method. Nonlinear static and dynamic time-history analyses have been carried out to assess the seismic behaviour. The results showed that the performance of the building, if the SSI is accounted for, is reduced by up to 20 % and 13 % in the direction of the arcades and in the perpendicular direction, respectively. Also, if the SSI is taken into account, the damage increased. This study showed that considering the SSI is important to properly assess the seismic behaviour of masonry buildings on soft strata. Finally, it should be highlighted that special attention should be paid to the SSI, which is normally omitted in this type of studies, to obtain a reliable dynamic identification of the built heritage.

Soil-plant-atmosphere interaction (SPAI) plays a significant role on the safety and serviceably of geotechnical infrastructure. The mechanical and hydraulic soil behaviour varies with the soil water content and pore water pressures (PWP), which are in turn affected by vegetation and weather conditions. Focusing on the hydraulic reinforcement that extraction of water through the plant roots offers, this study couples advances in ecohydrological modelling with advances in geotechnical modelling, overcoming previous crude assumptions around the application of climatic effects on the geotechnical analysis. A methodology for incorporating realistic ecohydrological effects in the geotechnical analysis is developed and validated, and applied in the case study of a cut slope in Newbury, UK, for which field monitoring data is available, to demonstrate its successful applicability in boundary value problems. The results demonstrate the positive effect of vegetation on the infrastructure by increasing the Factor of Safety. Finally, the effect of climate change and changes in slope vegetation cover are investigated. The analysis results demonstrate that slope behaviour depends on complex interactions between the climate and the soil hydraulic properties and cannot be solely anticipated based on climate data, but suctions and changes in suction need necessarily to be considered.