The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
20 pages, 4620 KiB  
Article
Estimating Corn Growth Parameters by Integrating Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar Features into the Water Cloud Model
by Yanyan Wang, Zhaocong Wu, Shanjun Luo, Xinyan Liu, Shuaibing Liu and Xinxin Huang
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050695 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Crop growth parameters are the basis for evaluation of crop growth status and crop yield. The aim of this study was to develop a more accurate estimation model for corn growth parameters combined with multispectral vegetation indexes (VIopt) and the differential [...] Read more.
Crop growth parameters are the basis for evaluation of crop growth status and crop yield. The aim of this study was to develop a more accurate estimation model for corn growth parameters combined with multispectral vegetation indexes (VIopt) and the differential radar information (DRI) derived from SAR data. Targeting the estimation of corn plant height (H) and the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical industry) phenological parameters, this study compared the estimation accuracies of various multispectral vegetation indexes (VIopt) and the corresponding VIDRI (vegetation index corrected by DRI) indexes in inverting the corn growth parameters. (1) When comparing the estimation accuracies of four multispectral vegetation indexes (NDVI, NDVIre1, NDVIre2, and S2REP), NDVI showed the lowest estimation accuracy, with a normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of 20.84% for the plant height, while S2REP showed the highest estimation accuracy (nRMSE = 16.05%). In addition, NDVIre2 (nRMSE = 16.18%) and S2REP (16.05%) exhibited a higher accuracy than NDVIre1 (nRMSE = 19.27%). Similarly, for BBCH, the nRMSEs of the four indexes were 24.17%, 22.49%, 17.04% and 16.60%, respectively. This confirmed that the multispectral vegetation indexes based on the red-edge bands were more sensitive to the growth parameters, especially for the Sentinel-2 red-edge 2 band. (2) The constructed VIDRI indexes were more beneficial than the VIopt indexes in enhancing the estimation accuracy of corn growth parameters. Specifically, the nRMSEs of the four VIDRI indexes (NDVIDRI, NDVIre1DRI, NDVIre2DRI, and S2REPDRI) decreased to 19.64%, 18.11%, 15.00%, and 14.64% for plant height, and to 23.24%, 21.58%, 15.79%, and 15.91% for BBCH, indicating that even in cases of high vegetation coverage, the introduction of SAR DRI features can further improve the estimation accuracy of growth parameters. Our findings also demonstrated that the NDVIre2DRI and S2REPDRI indexes constructed using red-edge 2 band information of Sentinel-2 and SAR DRI features had more advantages in improving the estimation accuracy of corn growth parameters. Full article
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12 pages, 1459 KiB  
Review
Taking a BiTE out of Lymphoma: Bispecific Antibodies in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
by Jonathan M. Weiss and Tycel J. Phillips
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091724 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) refers to a heterogenous group of diseases, all of which have a wide range of treatment strategies and patient outcomes. There have been multiple novel, immune-based therapies approved in NHL in the last decade, including bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and [...] Read more.
B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) refers to a heterogenous group of diseases, all of which have a wide range of treatment strategies and patient outcomes. There have been multiple novel, immune-based therapies approved in NHL in the last decade, including bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T). With a host of new therapies, an important next step will be determining how these therapies should be sequenced in contemporary management strategies. This review seeks to offer a framework for the ways in which BsABs can be incorporated into the current management paradigm for NHL, with special attention paid to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Full article
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17 pages, 5970 KiB  
Article
Regeneration Effect of a New Bio-Based Warm-Mix Rejuvenator on Performance and Micro-Morphology of Aged Asphalt
by Zhaoyi He, Le Yu, Shiyuan You, Maorong Li, Lin Kong and Dingbang Wei
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092077 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of warm-mix recycling technology can reduce the mixing temperature and the secondary aging of binders in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), which is one of the effective ways to recycle high-content RAP. In this study, the penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity [...] Read more.
The use of warm-mix recycling technology can reduce the mixing temperature and the secondary aging of binders in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), which is one of the effective ways to recycle high-content RAP. In this study, the penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity were used to characterize the conventional physical properties of aged asphalt after regenerating, while a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), force ductility tester (FDT), and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to evaluate the rheological performance and micro-morphology of aged asphalt incorporating a new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator (BWR) and a commercial warm-mix rejuvenator (ZJ-WR). The regeneration mechanism of warm-mix rejuvenators on aged asphalt was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator can restore the conventional physical properties, low-temperature performance, and micro-morphology of aged asphalt with an appropriate dosage, but it has a negative effect on high-temperature performance. In comparison with 2D area parameters, 3D roughness parameters were more accurate in evaluating the variation in micro-morphology of aged asphalt after regeneration. The FTIR analysis results indicate that both the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator and the commercial warm-mix rejuvenator regenerate aged asphalt by physical action, and AS=O and AC-H values are more reasonable than the AC=O value for the restoration evaluation of aged asphalt. And the new bio-based warm-mix rejuvenator has a better regeneration effect on the performance and micro-morphology of aged asphalt than the commercial warm-mix rejuvenator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials and Structures Used in Pavement Engineering)
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17 pages, 774 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Impact of Positive Peritoneal Cytology on the Survival Rates of Early-Stage-Disease Endometrial Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Vasilios Pergialiotis, Michail Panagiotopoulos, Antonios Koutras, Andreas Daras, Thomas Ntounis, Michalis Liontos, Georgios Daskalakis and Nikolaos Thomakos
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050733 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The impact of positive peritoneal cytology has been a matter of controversy in early-stage endometrial cancer for several years. The latest staging systems do not take into consideration its presence; however, emerging evidence about its potential harmful effect on patient [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The impact of positive peritoneal cytology has been a matter of controversy in early-stage endometrial cancer for several years. The latest staging systems do not take into consideration its presence; however, emerging evidence about its potential harmful effect on patient survival outcomes suggests otherwise. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to accumulate current evidence. Materials and Methods: Medline, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched for relevant articles. Effect sizes were calculated in Rstudio using the meta function. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the possibility of small-study effects and p-hacking. Trial sequential analysis was used to evaluate the adequacy of the sample size. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: Fifteen articles were finally included in the present systematic review that involved 19,255 women with early-stage endometrial cancer. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale indicated that the majority of included studies had a moderate risk of bias in their selection of participants, a moderate risk of bias in terms of the comparability of groups (positive peritoneal cytology vs. negative peritoneal cytology) and a low risk of bias concerning the assessment of the outcome. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that women with early-stage endometrial cancer and positive peritoneal cytology had significantly lower 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazards ratio (HR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.09, 0.71). As a result of the decreased recurrence-free survival, patients with positive peritoneal cytology also exhibited reduced 5-year overall survival outcomes (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27, 0.92). The overall survival of the included patients was considerably higher among those that did not have positive peritoneal cytology (HR 12.76, 95% CI 2.78, 58.51). Conclusions: Positive peritoneal cytology seems to be a negative prognostic indicator of survival outcomes of patients with endometrial cancer. Considering the absence of data related to the molecular profile of patients, further research is needed to evaluate if this factor should be reinstituted in future staging systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Endometrial Cancer Screening and Treatment)
15 pages, 6934 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Diagnostic Potential of Combined Salivary and Skin Biomarkers in Parkinson’s Disease
by Matteo Costanzo, Eleonora Galosi, Maria Ilenia De Bartolo, Gaetano Gallo, Giorgio Leodori, Daniele Belvisi, Antonella Conte, Giovanni Fabbrini, Andrea Truini, Alfredo Berardelli and Giorgio Vivacqua
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094823 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Oligomeric alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in saliva and phosphorylated α-syn deposits in the skin have emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to assess and compare the diagnostic value of these biomarkers in discriminating between 38 PD patients and 24 [...] Read more.
Oligomeric alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in saliva and phosphorylated α-syn deposits in the skin have emerged as promising diagnostic biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aimed to assess and compare the diagnostic value of these biomarkers in discriminating between 38 PD patients and 24 healthy subjects (HSs) using easily accessible biological samples. Additionally, the study sought to determine the diagnostic potential of combining these biomarkers and to explore their correlations with clinical features. Salivary oligomeric α-syn levels were quantified using competitive ELISA, while skin biopsies were analyzed through immunofluorescence to detect phosphorylated α-syn at Ser129 (p-S129). Both biomarkers individually were accurate in discriminating PD patients from HSs, with a modest agreement between them. The combined positivity of salivary α-syn oligomers and skin p-S129 aggregates differentiated PD patients from HSs with an excellent discriminative ability with an AUC of 0.9095. The modest agreement observed between salivary and skin biomarkers individually suggests that they may reflect different aspects of PD pathology, thus providing complementary information when combined. This study’s results highlight the potential of utilizing a multimodal biomarker approach to enhance diagnostic accuracy in PD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circulating Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Neurobiological Diseases)
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19 pages, 16184 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study of Wheat Particle Flow Characteristics in a Horizontal Curved Pipe
by Dongming Xu, Yongxiang Li, Xuemeng Xu, Yongyu Zhang and Lei Yang
Processes 2024, 12(5), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050900 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Energy consumption is one of the important indicators of green development. The pressure drop and the particle kinetic energy loss in the pipe bend result in high energy consumption of wheat pneumatic conveying. In this paper, the CFD-DEM method is used to study [...] Read more.
Energy consumption is one of the important indicators of green development. The pressure drop and the particle kinetic energy loss in the pipe bend result in high energy consumption of wheat pneumatic conveying. In this paper, the CFD-DEM method is used to study the characteristics of flow field in horizontal pipe bend. The results show that the particles converge together under the force of the curved pipe wall to form a particle rope. With increasing pipe bend ratio R/D, the aggregation of particle bundles becomes stronger and the particle spiral phenomenon decreases. The particles impact the pipe wall at an angular position of θ = 30–60° around the bend, and their velocity decreases slowly under the friction resistance of the pipe wall. The velocity loss caused by particles impacting on the pipe wall increases with increasing initial velocity. When the particle mass flow rate is 1.26 kg/s and the gas velocity is 10 m/s, the pressure drop in the bend decreases and then increases with increasing R/D. The pressure drop of the bend is smallest for R/D = 2 and increases gradually with increasing gas-phase velocity. With increasing of R/D, the wall shear force between the particles and the bending pipe decreases and then increases, and the position of the maximum force moves towards the bottom of the bending pipe. The area over which the wall shear force acts continues to decrease because of the aggregation of particle bundles. The research results provide a theory for optimal design and application of pneumatic conveying equipment for wheat particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Multi-Phase Flow and Unconventional Oil/Gas Development)
16 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
Identification of Candidate Genes for Salt Tolerance at Seedling Stage in Rice Using QTL-Seq and Chromosome Segment Substitution Line-Derived Population
by Jiraporn Leawtrakun, Wanchana Aesomnuk, Srisawat Khanthong, Reajina Dumhai, Decha Songtoasesakul, Sunadda Phosuwan, Jiratchaya Nuanpirom, Varodom Charoensawan, Jonaliza L. Siangliw, Vinitchan Ruanjaichon, Theerayut Toojinda, Samart Wanchana, Meechai Siangliw and Siwaret Arikit
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050929 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. However, the pervasive problem of salinity is severely undermining rice production, especially in coastal and low-lying areas where soil salinization is widespread. This stress, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates the [...] Read more.
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. However, the pervasive problem of salinity is severely undermining rice production, especially in coastal and low-lying areas where soil salinization is widespread. This stress, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates the development of salt-tolerant rice varieties to ensure food security. In this study, an F2:3 population (n = 454) from a cross of KDML105 and its chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) was used to identify genomic regions associated with salt tolerance at the seedling stage. Using the QTL-seq approach, a QTL significantly associated with salt tolerance was identified on chromosome 1. Annotation of candidate genes in this region revealed the potential regulators of salt tolerance, including MIKC-type MADS domain proteins, calmodulin-binding transcription factors, and NB-ARC domain-containing proteins. These and other identified genes provide insights into the genetic basis of salt tolerance. This study underscores the importance of using advanced genomics tools and CSSL populations in the study of complex traits such as salt tolerance in rice. Several candidate genes identified in this study could be used in further studies on molecular or physiological mechanisms related to the salt response and tolerance mechanism in rice. Additionally, these genes could also be utilized in plant breeding programs for salt tolerance. Full article
32 pages, 4792 KiB  
Article
SCRP-Radar: Space-Aware Coordinate Representation for Human Pose Estimation Based on SISO UWB Radar
by Xiaolong Zhou, Tian Jin, Yongpeng Dai, Yongping Song and Kemeng Li
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091572 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Human pose estimation (HPE) is an integral component of numerous applications ranging from healthcare monitoring to human-computer interaction, traditionally relying on vision-based systems. These systems, however, face challenges such as privacy concerns and dependency on lighting conditions. As an alternative, short-range radar technology [...] Read more.
Human pose estimation (HPE) is an integral component of numerous applications ranging from healthcare monitoring to human-computer interaction, traditionally relying on vision-based systems. These systems, however, face challenges such as privacy concerns and dependency on lighting conditions. As an alternative, short-range radar technology offers a non-invasive, lighting-insensitive solution that preserves user privacy. This paper presents a novel radar-based framework for HPE, SCRP-Radar (space-aware coordinate representation for human pose estimation using single-input single-output (SISO) ultra-wideband (UWB) radar). The methodology begins with clutter suppression and denoising techniques to enhance the quality of radar echo signals, followed by the construction of a micro-Doppler (MD) matrix from these refined signals. This matrix is segmented into bins to extract distinctive features that are critical for pose estimation. The SCRP-Radar leverages the Hrnet and LiteHrnet networks, incorporating space-aware coordinate representation to reconstruct 2D human poses with high precision. Our method redefines HPE as dual classification tasks for vertical and horizontal coordinates, which is a significant departure from existing methods such as RF-Pose, RF-Pose 3D, UWB-Pose, and RadarFormer. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that SCRP-Radar significantly surpasses these methods in accuracy and robustness, consistently exhibiting lower average error rates, achieving less than 40 mm across 17 skeletal key-points. This innovative approach not only enhances the precision of radar-based HPE but also sets a new benchmark for future research and application, particularly in sectors that benefit from accurate and privacy-preserving monitoring technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art and Future Developments: Short-Range Radar)
10 pages, 1000 KiB  
Article
Forecasting the Performance of the Energy Sector at the Saudi Stock Exchange Market by Using GBM and GFBM Models
by Mohammed Alhagyan
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050182 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Future index prices are viewed as a critical issue for any trader and investor. In the literature, various models have been developed for forecasting index prices. For example, the geometric Brownian motion (GBM) model is one of the most popular tools. This work [...] Read more.
Future index prices are viewed as a critical issue for any trader and investor. In the literature, various models have been developed for forecasting index prices. For example, the geometric Brownian motion (GBM) model is one of the most popular tools. This work examined four types of GBM models in terms of the presence of memory and the kind of volatility estimations. These models include the classical GBM model with memoryless and constant volatility assumptions, the SVGBM model with memoryless and stochastic volatility assumptions, the GFBM model with memory and constant volatility assumptions, and the SVGFBM model with memory and stochastic volatility assumptions. In this study, these models were utilized in an empirical study to forecast the future index price of the energy sector in the Saudi Stock Exchange Market. The assessment was led by utilizing two error standards, the mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results show that the SVGFBM model demonstrates the highest accuracy, resulting in the lowest MSE and MAPE, while the GBM model was the least accurate of all the models under study. These results affirm the benefits of combining memory and stochastic volatility assumptions into the GBM model, which is also supported by the findings of numerous earlier studies. Furthermore, the findings of this study show that GFBM models are more accurate than GBM models, regardless of the type of volatility. Furthermore, under the same type of memory, the models with a stochastic volatility assumption are more accurate than the corresponding models with a constant volatility assumption. In general, all models considered in this work showed a high accuracy, with MAPE ≤ 10%. This indicates that these models can be applied in real financial environments. Based on the results of this empirical study, the future of the energy sector in Saudi Arabia is forecast to be predictable and stable, and we urge financial investors and stockholders to trade and invest in this sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Energy Market and Energy Finance)
20 pages, 5791 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Shikimate Dehydrogenase Inhibition by 6-Nitroquinazoline-2,4-diol and Its Impact on Soybean and Maize Growth
by Aline Marengoni Almeida, Josielle Abrahão, Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas, Paulo Sergio Alves Bueno, Marco Aurélio Schüler de Oliveira, Larissa Fonseca Tomazini, Rodrigo Polimeni Constantin, Wanderley Dantas dos Santos, Rogério Marchiosi and Osvaldo Ferrarese-Filho
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050930 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The shikimate pathway is crucial for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants and represents a promising target for developing new herbicides. This work aimed to identify inhibitors of shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH), a key enzyme of the shikimate pathway that catalyzes the [...] Read more.
The shikimate pathway is crucial for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants and represents a promising target for developing new herbicides. This work aimed to identify inhibitors of shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH), a key enzyme of the shikimate pathway that catalyzes the conversion of 3-dehydroshikimate to shikimate. Virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulations were performed on the SDH active site of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSDH), and 6-nitroquinazoline-2,4-diol (NQD) was identified as a potential inhibitor. In vitro assays showed that NQD decreased the activity of AtSDH by reducing Vmax while keeping KM unchanged, indicating non-competitive inhibition. In vivo, hydroponic experiments revealed that NQD reduced the root length of soybean and maize. Additionally, NQD increased the total protein content and certain amino acids. Soybean roots uptake NQD more efficiently than maize roots. Furthermore, NQD reduced shikimate accumulation in glyphosate-treated soybean roots, suggesting its potential to restrict the flow of metabolites along the shikimate pathway in soybean. The simultaneous treatment of maize seedlings with glyphosate and NQD accumulated gallic acid in the roots, indicating that NQD inhibits SDH in vivo. Overall, the data indicate that NQD inhibits SDH both in vitro and in vivo, providing valuable insights into the potential development of herbicides targeting SDH. Full article
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22 pages, 14311 KiB  
Article
The Genesis of AIbyAI Integrated Circuit: Where AI Creates AI
by Emilio Isaac Baungarten-Leon, Susana Ortega-Cisneros, Mohamed Abdelmoneum, Ruth Yadira Vidana Morales and German Pinedo-Diaz
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091704 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The typical Integrated Circuit (IC) development process commences with formulating specifications in natural language and subsequently proceeds to Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementation. RTL code is traditionally generated through manual efforts, using Hardware Description Languages (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog. High-Level Synthesis [...] Read more.
The typical Integrated Circuit (IC) development process commences with formulating specifications in natural language and subsequently proceeds to Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementation. RTL code is traditionally generated through manual efforts, using Hardware Description Languages (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog. High-Level Synthesis (HLS), on the other hand, converts programming languages to HDL; these methods aim to streamline the engineering process, minimizing human effort and errors. Currently, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) algorithms have been improved with the use of AI, with new advancements in commercial (such as ChatGPT, Bard, among others) Large Language Models (LLM) and open-source tools presenting an opportunity to automate the chip design process. This paper centers on the creation of AIbyAI, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) IC entirely developed by an LLM (ChatGPT-4), and its manufacturing with the first fabricable open-source Process Design Kit (PDK), SKY130A. The challenges, opportunities, advantages, disadvantages, conversation flow, and workflow involved in CNN IC development are presented in this work, culminating in the manufacturing process of AIbyAI using a 130 nm technology, marking a groundbreaking achievement as possibly the world’s first CNN entirely written by AI for its IC manufacturing with a free PDK, being a benchmark for systems that can be generated today with LLMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI and Its Transformative Potential)
11 pages, 775 KiB  
Article
Surface Tension Estimation of Steel above Boiling Temperature
by Joerg Volpp
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3778; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093778 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Surface tension is an important characteristic of materials. In particular at high temperatures, surface tension values are often unknown. However, for metals, these values are highly relevant in order to enable efficient industrial processing or simulation of material behavior. Plasma, electron or laser [...] Read more.
Surface tension is an important characteristic of materials. In particular at high temperatures, surface tension values are often unknown. However, for metals, these values are highly relevant in order to enable efficient industrial processing or simulation of material behavior. Plasma, electron or laser beam processes can induce such high energy inputs, which increase the metal temperatures to, and even above, boiling temperatures, e.g., during deep penetration welding or remote cutting. Unfortunately, both theoretical and experimental methods experience challenges in deriving surface tension values at high temperatures. Material models of metals have limitations in explaining complex ion interactions, and experimentally measuring temperature and surface tension at high temperatures is a challenge for methods and equipment. Therefore, surface wave analysis was conducted in this work to derive surface tension values around the boiling temperature of steel and identify trends. In addition, a simple ion interaction calculation was used to simulate the impacting parameters that define the surface tension. Since both the experimental values and simulation results indicate an increasing trend in surface tension above the boiling temperature, it is concluded that the dominating attractive forces above this temperature should increase with increasing temperature and lead to increasing surface tension forces in the surface layers of liquid metal. Full article
20 pages, 3215 KiB  
Article
Zinc and Silicon Nano-Fertilizers Influence Ionomic and Metabolite Profiles in Maize to Overcome Salt Stress
by Abbas Shoukat, Zulfiqar Ahmad Saqib, Javaid Akhtar, Zubair Aslam, Britta Pitann, Md. Sazzad Hossain and Karl Hermann Mühling
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091224 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Salinity stress is a major factor affecting the nutritional and metabolic profiles of crops, thus hindering optimal yield and productivity. Recent advances in nanotechnology propose an avenue for the use of nano-fertilizers as a potential solution for better nutrient management and stress mitigation. [...] Read more.
Salinity stress is a major factor affecting the nutritional and metabolic profiles of crops, thus hindering optimal yield and productivity. Recent advances in nanotechnology propose an avenue for the use of nano-fertilizers as a potential solution for better nutrient management and stress mitigation. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of conventional and nano-fertilizers (nano-Zn/nano-Si) on maize and subcellular level changes in its ionomic and metabolic profiles under salt stress conditions. Zinc and silicon were applied both in conventional and nano-fertilizer-using farms under stress (100 mM NaCl) and normal conditions. Different ions, sugars, and organic acids (OAs) were determined using ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results revealed significant improvements in different ions, sugars, OAs, and other metabolic profiles of maize. Nanoparticles boosted sugar metabolism, as evidenced by increased glucose, fructose, and sucrose concentrations, and improved nutrient uptake, indicated by higher nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate levels. Particularly, nano-fertilizers effectively limited Na accumulation under saline conditions and enhanced maize’s salt stress tolerance. Furthermore, nano-treatments optimized the potassium-to-sodium ratio, a critical factor in maintaining ionic homeostasis under stress conditions. With the growing threat of salinity stress on global food security, these findings highlight the urgent need for further development and implementation of effective solutions like the application of nano-fertilizers in mitigating the negative impact of salinity on plant growth and productivity. However, this controlled environment limits the direct applicability to field conditions and needs future research, particularly long-term field trials, to confirm such results of nano-fertilizers against salinity stress and their economic viability towards sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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23 pages, 1564 KiB  
Article
Method and Validation of Coal Mine Gas Concentration Prediction by Integrating PSO Algorithm and LSTM Network
by Guangyu Yang, Quanjie Zhu, Dacang Wang, Yu Feng, Xuexi Chen and Qingsong Li
Processes 2024, 12(5), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050898 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
: Gas concentration monitoring is an effective method for predicting gas disasters in mines. In response to the shortcomings of low efficiency and accuracy in conventional gas concentration prediction, a new method for gas concentration prediction based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Long [...] Read more.
: Gas concentration monitoring is an effective method for predicting gas disasters in mines. In response to the shortcomings of low efficiency and accuracy in conventional gas concentration prediction, a new method for gas concentration prediction based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Long Short-Term Memory Network (PSO-LSTM) is proposed. First, the principle of the PSO-LSTM fusion model is analyzed, and the PSO-LSTM gas concentration analysis and prediction model is constructed. Second, the gas concentration data are normalized and preprocessed. The PSO algorithm is utilized to optimize the training set of the LSTM model, facilitating the selection of the training data set for the LSTM model. Finally, the MAE, RMSE, and coefficient of determination R2 evaluation indicators are proposed to verify and analyze the prediction results. Gas concentration prediction comparison and verification research was conducted using gas concentration data measured in a mine as the sample data. The experimental results show that: (1) The maximum RMSE predicted using the PSO-LSTM model is 0.0029, and the minimum RMSE is 0.0010 when the sample size changes. This verifies the reliability of the prediction effect of the PSO-LSTM model. (2) The predictive performance of all models ranks as follows: PSO-LSTM > SVR-LSTM > LSTM > PSO-GRU. Comparative analysis with the LSTM model demonstrates that the PSO-LSTM model is more effective in predicting gas concentration, further confirming the superiority of this model in gas concentration prediction. Full article
17 pages, 12556 KiB  
Article
Lateral Heat Distribution Characteristics of CLP S275 Using Gaussian FFT Algorithm in Optical Thermographic Testing
by Seungju Lee, Yoonjae Chung, Wontae Kim and Hyunkyu Suh
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3776; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093776 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
In general, when using infrared thermography (IRT) techniques to excite a heat source on the surface of an inspection object, the heat source is focused on the center of the image of the infrared (IR) camera. If the object to be inspected is [...] Read more.
In general, when using infrared thermography (IRT) techniques to excite a heat source on the surface of an inspection object, the heat source is focused on the center of the image of the infrared (IR) camera. If the object to be inspected is small, uniform excitation of the heat source is possible, but if the area is large, the heat source is concentrated locally, resulting in uneven heat distribution. Therefore, in this study, heat distribution was analyzed after inducing a non-uniform heat source by exciting the heat source at different locations. Additionally, the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm with Gaussian filtering was applied to resolve the non-uniform distribution of the heat sources. Excellent results were obtained from the amplitude image, and the effectiveness of the FFT algorithm was verified using the Otsu algorithm. Finally, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated, and the detection ability according to each thinning rate was analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT&E))
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28 pages, 2029 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Key Parameters Influencing Shear Behavior in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)-Reinforced Concrete (RC) Interior Slab–Column Connections
by Loai Alkhattabi, Nehal M. Ayash, Mohamed Hassan and Ahmed Gouda
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051251 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article explores the punching shear behavior of GFRP-RC interior slab–column connections. The parameters tested included the column–aspect ratio (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), perimeter-to-depth ratio for square column stubs with side lengths of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 meters, and [...] Read more.
This article explores the punching shear behavior of GFRP-RC interior slab–column connections. The parameters tested included the column–aspect ratio (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), perimeter-to-depth ratio for square column stubs with side lengths of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 meters, and span-to-depth ratios of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. A review of the literature revealed that no previous study has investigated the effect of these parameters or their interactions on this type of connection. Numerically, twenty-five slabs were created using finite element (FE) software (V3), each with square dimensions of 2.5 meters and a constant thickness of 0.2 meters. The central column extended 0.3 meters from the top and bottom of the slab. All four sides of the slabs were supported, and the specimens underwent pure static shear load testing. The test results demonstrated that all slabs failed due to punching shear. Increasing any parameter value reduced the punching shear stresses. Additionally, the results indicated that Canadian (CSA-S806-12) and Japanese (JSCE-97) standards for FRP-RC materials generally provided the closest predictions of punching shear capacity compared to the American guideline, ACI 440.1R-22. However, all standards exhibited shortcomings and require enhancement and modifications, particularly to consider the impact of the span-to-depth ratio. Therefore, three equations were developed to predict the shear strength of the connections, yielding better results than those prescribed by the North American and Japanese standards. Full article
14 pages, 2789 KiB  
Article
Study on Real-Time Water Demand Prediction of Winter Wheat–Summer Corn Based on Convolutional Neural Network–Informer Combined Modeling
by Jianqin Ma, Yijian Chen, Xiuping Hao, Bifeng Cui and Jiangshan Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3699; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093699 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The accurate prediction of crops’ water requirements is an important reference for real-time irrigation decisions on farmland. In order to achieve precise control of irrigation and improve irrigation water utilization, a real-time crop water requirement prediction model combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and [...] Read more.
The accurate prediction of crops’ water requirements is an important reference for real-time irrigation decisions on farmland. In order to achieve precise control of irrigation and improve irrigation water utilization, a real-time crop water requirement prediction model combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the Informer model is presented in this paper, taking the real-time water demand of winter wheat–summer maize from 2017 to 2021 as the research object. The CNN model was used to extract the depth features of the day-by-day meteorological data of the crops, and the extracted feature values were inputted into the Informer model according to the time series for training and prediction to obtain the predicted water demand of winter wheat and summer maize. The results showed that the prediction accuracy of the constructed CNN–Informer combination model was higher compared to CNN, BP, and LSTM models, with an improvement of 1.2%, 25.1%, and 21.9% for winter wheat and 0.4%, 37.4%, and 20.3% for summer maize; based on the good performance of the model in capturing the long-term dependency relationship, the irrigation analysis using the model prediction data showed a significant water-saving effect compared with the traditional irrigation mode, with an average annual water saving of about 1004.3 m3/hm2, or 18.4%, which verified the validity of the model, and it can provide a basis for the prediction of crops’ water demand and sustainable agricultural development. Full article
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15 pages, 1295 KiB  
Article
Effects of Straw Returning on Soil Aggregates and Its Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Retention under Different Mechanized Tillage Modes in Typical Hilly Regions of Southwest China
by Chengyi Huang, Huijuan Huang, Shengjie Huang, Weibo Li, Kairui Zhang, Yian Chen, Liu Yang, Ling Luo and Liangji Deng
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050928 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Tillage modes and straw returning influence soil aggregate stability and the distribution of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in aggregates of different particle sizes. In the typical hilly regions of southwest China, the predominant soil type is purple soil, characterized by heavy [...] Read more.
Tillage modes and straw returning influence soil aggregate stability and the distribution of organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in aggregates of different particle sizes. In the typical hilly regions of southwest China, the predominant soil type is purple soil, characterized by heavy texture and high stickiness, with relatively lower soil fertility compared to other soil types. The improper use of fertilizers and field management practices further exacerbates soil compaction. However, abundant straw resources in the region provide an opportunity for comprehensive straw utilization. The effective utilization of straw resources is of significant importance for stabilizing agricultural ecological balance, improving resource utilization efficiency, and alleviating ecological pressure. Previously, most studies have focused on the impact of different mechanized tillage systems on the physical and chemical properties of soil in hilly areas, while research on the preservation of water-stable aggregates’ organic C and N content remains limited. In this study, the soil properties of fields under a winter pea–summer corn rotation for two years were studied with regards to the effects of straw returning on its water-stable aggregate distribution, macroaggregate content (R0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and the organic C and N content in soil aggregates of different particle sizes and at different depths. The effects of five different tillage modes were assessed, namely rotary tillage with straw mixed retention (RTM), conventional tillage with straw burial retention (CTB), no-tillage with straw covered retention (NTC), subsoiling with straw covered retention (STC), and no-tillage without straw retention (NT). Based on the study results, under different tillage modes, straw returning effectively enhanced the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) reserves at the plow layer (0–30 cm), SOC increased by 17.2% to 88%, and TN increased by 8.6% to 85.9%. At the same time, the content of 0.25–2 mm aggregates increased under the straw-return treatments under different tillage patterns. The NT treatment had the lowest R0.25 and MWD and GMD values for soil aggregates at different depths, which were significantly different (p < 0.05) from the other treatment modes. The correlation coefficients between SOC and soil aggregate stability indices ranged from 0.68 to 0.90, with most of them showing highly significant positive correlations (p < 0.01). In conclusion, straw returning under different tillage systems has improved soil aggregate stability and promoted soil structure stability. Specifically, the STC treatment has shown more pronounced effects on soil improvement in the upper soil layer of the hilly regions in southwest China, while the RTM treatment is beneficial for improving the lower soil layer. Therefore, the comprehensive experimental results indicate that the combination of STC and RTM treatments represents the most promising mechanized tillage and straw returning practices for the hilly regions in southwest China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tillage Systems and Fertilizer Application on Soil Health)
14 pages, 858 KiB  
Article
Effect of Glycolipids Application Combined with Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction on Maize Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Yield
by Xianghai Meng, Qingshan Dong, Baicheng Wang, Zheng Ni, Xingzhe Zhang, Chunguang Liu, Wenquan Yu, Jie Liu, Xinrui Shi, Dehai Xu and Yan Duan
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091222 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microbial-driven N turnover is important in regulating N fertilizer use efficiency through the secretion of metabolites like glycolipids. Currently, our understanding of the potential of glycolipids to partially reduce N fertilizer use and the effects of glycolipids on crop yield and N use [...] Read more.
Microbial-driven N turnover is important in regulating N fertilizer use efficiency through the secretion of metabolites like glycolipids. Currently, our understanding of the potential of glycolipids to partially reduce N fertilizer use and the effects of glycolipids on crop yield and N use efficiency is still limited. Here, a three-year in situ field experiment was conducted with seven treatments: no fertilization (CK); chemical N, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); NPK plus glycolipids (N+PKT); and PK plus glycolipids with 10% (0.9 N+PKT), 20% (0.8 N+PKT), 30% (0.7 N+PKT), and 100% (PKT) N reduction. Compared with NPK, glycolipids with 0–20% N reduction did not significantly reduce maize yields, and also increased N uptake by 6.26–11.07%, but no significant changes in grain or straw N uptake. The N resorption efficiency under 0.9 N+PKT was significantly greater than that under NPK, while the apparent utilization rates of N fertilizer and partial factor productivity of N under 0.9 N+PKT were significantly greater than those under NPK. Although 0.9 N+PKT led to additional labor and input costs, compared with NPK, it had a greater net economic benefit. Our study demonstrates the potential for using glycolipids in agroecosystem management and provides theoretical support for optimizing fertilization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Fertility Management for Sustainable Crop Production)
16 pages, 9655 KiB  
Article
Research on the Preparation of Zirconia Coating on Titanium Alloy Surface and Its Tribological Properties
by Qiancheng Zhao, Li Wang, Tianchang Hu, Junjie Song, Yunfeng Su and Litian Hu
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050154 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Titanium alloys have been widely used in aerospace and other fields due to their excellent properties such as light weight and high strength. However, the extremely poor tribological properties of titanium alloys limit their applications in certain special working conditions. In order to [...] Read more.
Titanium alloys have been widely used in aerospace and other fields due to their excellent properties such as light weight and high strength. However, the extremely poor tribological properties of titanium alloys limit their applications in certain special working conditions. In order to improve the tribological properties of titanium alloys, the zirconia coatings were prepared on the surface of a TC4 titanium alloy using the discharge plasma sintering method in this article. The influence of sintering parameters on properties such as density, adhesion, hardness, and phase composition, as well as tribological properties (friction coefficient, wear rate) were investigated, and the influence mechanism of the coating structure on its mechanical and frictional properties was analyzed. The results showed that, with the increase in sintering temperature, the density, bonding strength, and hardness of the zirconia coating were significantly improved. The zirconia coating prepared at a sintering temperature of 1500 °C and a sintering time of 20 min had the lowest friction coefficient and wear rate, which are 0.33 and 6.2 × 10−8 cm3·N−1·m−1, respectively. Numerical analysis showed that the increase in temperature and the extension of time contributed to the extension of the diffusion distance between zirconia and titanium, thereby improving the interfacial adhesion. The influence mechanism of different sintering temperatures and sintering times on the wear performance of zirconia coatings was explained through Hertz contact theory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Friction and Wear of Ceramics)
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20 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
Back in the Driver’s Seat: How New EU Greenhouse-Gas Reporting Schemes Challenge Corporate Accounting
by Julian Baehr, Florian Zenglein, Guido Sonnemann, Markus Lederer and Liselotte Schebek
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093693 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting schemes for companies are increasingly part of climate-mitigation policies worldwide. Notably, the European Green Deal (2019) boosts new public regulations that oblige companies to compile GHG emission inventories, i.e., account for their emissions in a given system boundary. Along with [...] Read more.
Greenhouse-gas (GHG) reporting schemes for companies are increasingly part of climate-mitigation policies worldwide. Notably, the European Green Deal (2019) boosts new public regulations that oblige companies to compile GHG emission inventories, i.e., account for their emissions in a given system boundary. Along with this boost, the workload for companies increases; at the same time, the quality of reporting is questioned. Given the overarching goal to improve companies’ climate-mitigation performance, the quality of reporting is inseparably connected to the quality of the respective accounting. However, the literature discusses carbon accounting as a universal umbrella term focusing on managerial issues, thus disregarding the crucial role of accounting methodologies in the sense of calculation approaches. In this publication, we apply an analytical approach introducing a clear differentiation between the task of quantitatively accounting for GHG inventories and the task of reporting results from calculated inventories in response to stakeholder or policy expectations. We use this approach to investigate European GHG reporting schemes and related GHG accounting methodologies in detail. Our findings indicate that the current phase of the European Green Deal depicts a quantitative growth in reporting schemes and a significant qualitative change by shifting from formerly voluntary to mandatory reporting schemes, along with the application of accounting methodologies originally not intended for politically compulsory purposes. We analyze the consequences of this shift, which poses new challenges for companies and policymakers, i.e., data-management concepts and refined methodological frameworks. Full article
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56 pages, 1824 KiB  
Article
An Agent-Based Market Analysis of Urban Housing Balance in The Netherlands
by Erik Wiegel and Neil Yorke-Smith
Real Estate 2024, 1(1), 80-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/realestate1010006 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Dutch housing market comprises three sectors: social-rented, private-rented, and owner-occupied. The contemporary market is marked by a shortage of supply and a large subsidised social sector. Waiting lists for social housing are growing, whereas households with incomes above the limit do not [...] Read more.
The Dutch housing market comprises three sectors: social-rented, private-rented, and owner-occupied. The contemporary market is marked by a shortage of supply and a large subsidised social sector. Waiting lists for social housing are growing, whereas households with incomes above the limit do not or cannot leave the social sector. Government policy and market regulations change frequently, not least for political reasons. In view of commonly recognised problems in the housing market, this article considers the ‘internal demand’ of those households that are dissatisfied with their current residence. We examine the effects of regulatory policy by means of an exploratory agent-based simulation. The results provide perspectives on how internal demand is impacted by regulations in a housing market that is suffering from a shortage, and allow decision makers to weigh the pros and cons of policy measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Homeownership and Development)
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13 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Three-Year Mortality of Older Hospitalized Patients with Osteosarcopenia: Data from the OsteoSys Study
by Maryam Pourhassan, Bjoern Buehring, Ulrik Stervbo, Sven Rahmann, Felix Mölder, Sebastian Rütten, Nina Rosa Neuendorff, Timm Henning Westhoff, Nina Babel and Rainer Wirth
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091328 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Osteosarcopenia, the concurrent presence of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis, poses a significant health risk to older adults, yet its impact on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. The aim of this prospective, longitudinal multicentre study was to examine the impact of osteosarcopenia on 3-year [...] Read more.
Osteosarcopenia, the concurrent presence of sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis, poses a significant health risk to older adults, yet its impact on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. The aim of this prospective, longitudinal multicentre study was to examine the impact of osteosarcopenia on 3-year mortality and unplanned hospitalizations among 572 older hospitalized patients (mean age 75.1 ± 10.8 years, 78% female). Sarcopenia and low bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and WHO criteria, respectively. Among participants, 76% had low BMD, 9% were sarcopenic, and 8% had osteosarcopenia. Individuals with osteosarcopenia experienced a significantly higher rate of mortality (46%, p < 001) and unplanned hospitalization (86%, p < 001) compared to those without this condition. Moreover, “healthy” subjects—those without sarcopenia or low BMD—showed markedly lower 3-year mortality (9%, p < 001) and less unplanned hospitalization (53%, p < 001). The presence of osteosarcopenia (p = 0.009) increased the 3-year mortality risk by 30% over sarcopenia alone and by 8% over low BMD alone, underscoring the severe health implications of concurrent muscle and bone deterioration. This study highlights the substantial impact of osteosarcopenia on mortality among older adults, emphasizing the need for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Nutrition)

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