The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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15 pages, 2862 KiB  
Article
Three New Species of Penicillium from East and Northeast China
by He Song, Yi-Jing Ding, Wen-Ying Zhuang, Guang-Zhou Ding and Xin-Cun Wang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050342 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Penicillium species are ubiquitous in the environment and are of substantial importance, especially in industrial and medical aspects. During our investigation of the biodiversity of Penicillium, three new species were discovered in soil samples collected from East and Northeast China. They were [...] Read more.
Penicillium species are ubiquitous in the environment and are of substantial importance, especially in industrial and medical aspects. During our investigation of the biodiversity of Penicillium, three new species were discovered in soil samples collected from East and Northeast China. They were determined as new to science based on morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, and were found to belong to the subgenus Penicillium section Robsamsonia and subgenus Aspergilloides sections Aspergilloides and Citrina. Descriptions and illustrations of these species are provided, and their geographic distributions are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Fungal Biodiversity and Ecology)
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14 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
Scientific Utility of Selected Latin American Global Geoparks: A Literature-Based Case Study
by Dmitry A. Ruban and Natalia N. Yashalova
Geosciences 2024, 14(5), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14050128 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Global geoparks, i.e., the members of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) network, possess highly valuable geoheritage resources, which can be used for the purposes of not only education and tourism, but also science. Five examples from four Latin American countries (Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, [...] Read more.
Global geoparks, i.e., the members of the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) network, possess highly valuable geoheritage resources, which can be used for the purposes of not only education and tourism, but also science. Five examples from four Latin American countries (Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru) were employed to realize the importance of these global geoparks as facilitators of international research. Journal articles devoted to these geoparks were selected with the major bibliographical databases, and the information from them was analyzed quantitatively. Particularly, the numbers of articles published before and after the UGGp membership, paying significant and marginal attention to geoparks, and published by international teams were calculated; the general themes of the articles were outlined. It was established that the total number of publications grew after the UGGp membership of these geoparks, but not steadily. The established dynamics of publishing are unstable and differ between the geoparks. Geoparks of Mexico (Mixteca Alta) and Peru (Colca y Volcanes de Andagua) are notable examples because they started to facilitate international research before the UGGp membership. Many articles consider geoparks only marginally (nonetheless, there are also articles paying significant attention to geoparks, especially in the cases of two Mexican geoparks). The author teams are often not restricted to Latin America. The research themes are rather diverse (geoheritage, geology, ecology, innovations, society, technology), although the majority of the publications are geoheritage-focused. Of special interest is the Colca y Volcanes de Andagua global geopark, which has been considered in the innovation-focused article. Generally, our results indicate a moderate importance of the considered global geoparks to international research activity and the incomplete exploitation of their scientific potential. Two Mexican geoparks (Comarca Minera and Mixteca Alta) seem to be the most successful in the facilitation of international research. Indeed, the scientific utility of global geoparks should be strengthened. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism)
26 pages, 4934 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Analysis of a Moored Spar Platform in a Uniform Current: Fluid Load Prediction Using a Surrogate Model
by Xinming Wei, Xiangqian Zhu, Ruiyang Cao, Jinglei Wang, Xinyu Li, Qing’an Li and Jin-Hwan Choi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050792 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
A moored spar platform, equipped with various instruments, serves as a crucial tool in hydrological monitoring. However, conducting dynamic analyses of a single spar that endures wind and current requires significant amount of computational time. To address this challenge, this study proposes an [...] Read more.
A moored spar platform, equipped with various instruments, serves as a crucial tool in hydrological monitoring. However, conducting dynamic analyses of a single spar that endures wind and current requires significant amount of computational time. To address this challenge, this study proposes an efficient surrogate model to represent fluid loads. A database is established to capture the relationship between fluid loads, spar displacements and uniform currents based on a numerical model of the spar. Subsequently, an artificial neural network method is employed to construct the surrogate model. Finally, the surrogate model is integrated with a numerical model of the cable, developed using the lumped mass method, to create a coupled model of the moored spar. The dynamic responses of this coupled model align closely with those obtained from the purely numerical model, demonstrating the efficacy of the surrogate model in capturing fluid loads on the spar. In addition to the surrogate model generation approach, this research provides an efficient method to couple the surrogate model with the numerical model in dynamic analysis of floating systems in uniform currents. Full article
17 pages, 4962 KiB  
Article
Inversion of the Permeability Coefficient of a High Core Wall Dam Based on a BP Neural Network and the Marine Predator Algorithm
by Junrong Duan and Zhenzhong Shen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104008 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The parameters’ inversion of saturated–unsaturated is important in ensuring the safety of earth dams; many scholars have conducted some research regarding the inversion of hydraulic conductivity based on seepage pressure monitoring data. The van Genuchten model is widely used in saturated–unsaturated seepage analysis, [...] Read more.
The parameters’ inversion of saturated–unsaturated is important in ensuring the safety of earth dams; many scholars have conducted some research regarding the inversion of hydraulic conductivity based on seepage pressure monitoring data. The van Genuchten model is widely used in saturated–unsaturated seepage analysis, which considers the permeability connected to the water content of the soil and the soil’s shape parameters. A BP neural artificial network is a mature prediction technique based on enough data, and the marine predator algorithm is a new nature-inspired metaheuristic inspired by the movement of animals in the ocean. The BP neural artificial network and marine predator algorithm are applied in the permeability coefficient inversion of a core-rock dam in China; the results show that in the normal operation status, the BP network shows better accuracy, and the average of the absolute error and variance of the absolute error are both minimum values, which are 2.21 m and 1.43 m, respectively. While the water storage speed changes, the marine predator algorithm shows better accuracy; the objective function is calculated to be 0.253. So, the marine predator algorithm is able to accurately reverse the desired results in some situations. According to the actual condition, employing suitable methods for the inverse permeability coefficient of a dam can effectively ensure the safe operation of dams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Advances in Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFM))
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16 pages, 4639 KiB  
Article
Prediction of the Potential Distribution of Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923 (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) in China Using Habitat Suitability Models
by Yinghan Liu, Xuemei Zhang and Shixiang Zong
Forests 2024, 15(5), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050828 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The Golden Kaiser-I-Hind (Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923) is the only butterfly among Class I national protected animals in China and is known as the national butterfly. In this study, by accurately predicting the suitable habitat in China under current and future climate [...] Read more.
The Golden Kaiser-I-Hind (Teinopalpus aureus Mell, 1923) is the only butterfly among Class I national protected animals in China and is known as the national butterfly. In this study, by accurately predicting the suitable habitat in China under current and future climate scenarios, the potential distribution area of T. aureus was defined, providing a theoretical basis for conservation and management. Based on species distribution records, we utilized the Biomod2 platform to combine climate data from the BCC-CSM2-MR climate model, future shared socio-economic pathways, and altitude data. The potential distribution areas of T. aureus in the current (1970–2000s) and future SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5 climate scenarios in China in 2041–2060 (2050s), 2061–2080 (2070s), and 2081–2100 (2090s) were predicted. The AUC and TSS values of the combined model based on five algorithms were greater than those of the single models, and the AUC value of the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.990, indicating that the model had high reliability and accuracy. The screening of environmental variables showed that the habitat area of T. aureus in China was mainly affected by annual precipitation, precipitation in the driest month, the lowest temperature in the coldest month, temperature seasonality, elevation, and other factors. Under the current circumstances, the habitat area of T. aureus was mainly located in southern China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Taiwan, and other provinces. The suitable area is approximately 138.95 × 104 km2; among them, the highly suitable area of 34.43 × 104 km2 is a priority area in urgent need of protection. Under both SSP1_2.6 and SSP5_8.5, the population centroid tended to shift southward in the 2050s and 2070s, and began to migrate northeast in the 2090s. Temperature, rainfall, and altitude influenced the distribution of T. aureus. In the two climate scenarios, the habitat area of T. aureus declined to different degrees, and the reduction was most obvious in the SSP5_8.5 scenario; climate was the most likely environmental variable to cause a change in the geographical distribution. Climate change will significantly affect the evolution and potential distribution of T. aureus in China and will increase the risk of extinction. Accordingly, it is necessary to strengthen protection and to implement active and effective measures to reduce the negative impact of climate change on T. aureus. Full article
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22 pages, 24259 KiB  
Article
The Waelz Slag from Electric Arc Furnace Dust Processing: Characterization and Magnetic Separation Studies
by Pavel Grudinsky, Anfisa Yurtaeva, Denis Pankratov, Liliya Pasechnik, Roman Musaelyan and Valery Dyubanov
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102224 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The Waelz slag generated during electric arc furnace dust processing is an iron-rich product with significant amounts of iron, zinc and copper. About 600–800 kg of the Waelz slag is generated per ton of the dust processed. The Waelz slag samples from two [...] Read more.
The Waelz slag generated during electric arc furnace dust processing is an iron-rich product with significant amounts of iron, zinc and copper. About 600–800 kg of the Waelz slag is generated per ton of the dust processed. The Waelz slag samples from two different plants were thoroughly characterized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), chemical phase analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy and other supporting methods. The phase distribution of iron, zinc and copper was determined in the Waelz slag samples. Low-intensity wet magnetic separation was tested for the iron recovery from the Waelz slag samples. It was found that the Waelz slag samples have complex chemical and mineralogical compositions, which can impede the selective recovery of valuable elements. The obtained results indicate that the chemical and mineralogical composition of the Waelz slag samples has a considerable effect on the magnetic separation indexes. The experiments showed that the iron concentrates with Fe contents of 73% and 46.8% with the metallization degrees of 87.2% and 57.5% and the iron recovery degree of 54.8% and 52.9% were obtained at optimal conditions for two different samples, respectively, without selective segregation of Cu and Zn in the magnetic or non-magnetic fraction. Full article
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12 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
Retrospective Comparison of the Anesthetic Effects of Tiletamine–Zolazepam with Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine with Dexmedetomidine in Captive Formosan Serow (Capricornis swinhoei)
by Li-Jen Chang, Hsin-Yi Weng, Chen-Yeh Lien and Kuan-Sheng Chen
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101413 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Formosan serows are endemic to the mountainous regions of Taiwan. This crossover study aimed to assess and compare the anesthetic induction and recovery using either dexmedetomidine–tiletamine–zolazepam (DZ) or dexmedetomidine–ketamine (DK) by intramuscular injection from a blow-dart in a zoo environment. Ten anesthetic procedures [...] Read more.
Formosan serows are endemic to the mountainous regions of Taiwan. This crossover study aimed to assess and compare the anesthetic induction and recovery using either dexmedetomidine–tiletamine–zolazepam (DZ) or dexmedetomidine–ketamine (DK) by intramuscular injection from a blow-dart in a zoo environment. Ten anesthetic procedures were performed with five adult Formosan serows. Each participant was anesthetized with both combinations at least once with a minimal 12-month washout. The average dosages were 22.6 ± 8.3 µg/kg and 35.8 ± 2.5 µg/kg for dexmedetomidine and 185.6 ± 123.6 and 357.8 ± 25.2 µg/kg for atipamezole for the DZ and DK groups, respectively. The doses of tiletamine–zolazepam and ketamine were 2.1 ± 0.25 mg/kg and 3.6 ± 0.3 mg/kg, respectively, in the DZ and DK groups. All participants were induced within 10 min (median: 8 min for both groups), except one serow in the DK group with an induction time of 22 min. Serows in the DZ group had a lower respiratory rate (p = 0.016) and lower rectal temperature (p = 0.008) than those in the DK group. The quality of recovery was poor for DZ because of paddling, prolonged recovery, and ataxia after antagonism of dexmedetomidine with atipamezole. The induction of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine–tiletamine–zolazepam was uneventful and rapid. However, recovery from this combination was not smooth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
21 pages, 1305 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Decision Making through Intelligent Task Planning and Behavior Tree Optimization
by Dan Yu, Hongjian Wang, Xu Cao, Zhao Wang, Jingfei Ren and Kai Zhang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050791 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The expansion of underwater scenarios and missions highlights the crucial need for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to make informed decisions. Therefore, developing an efficient decision-making framework is vital to enhance productivity in executing complex tasks within tight time constraints. This paper delves into [...] Read more.
The expansion of underwater scenarios and missions highlights the crucial need for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to make informed decisions. Therefore, developing an efficient decision-making framework is vital to enhance productivity in executing complex tasks within tight time constraints. This paper delves into task planning and reconstruction within the AUV control decision system to enable intelligent completion of intricate underwater tasks. Behavior trees (BTs) offer a structured approach to organizing the switching structure of a hybrid dynamical system (HDS), originally introduced in the computer game programming community. In this research, an intelligent search algorithm, MCTS-QPSO (Monte Carlo tree search and quantum particle swarm optimization), is proposed to bolster the AUV’s capacity in planning complex task decision control systems. This algorithm tackles the issue of the time-consuming manual design of control systems by effectively integrating BTs. By assessing a predefined set of subtasks and actions in tandem with the complex task scenario, a reward function is formulated for MCTS to pinpoint the optimal subtree set. The QPSO algorithm is then leveraged for subtree integration, treating it as an optimal path search problem from the root node to the leaf node. This process optimizes the search subtree, thereby enhancing the robustness and security of the control architecture. To expedite search speed and algorithm convergence, this paper recommends reducing the search space by pre-grouping conditions and states within the behavior tree. The efficacy and superiority of the proposed algorithm are validated through security and timeliness evaluations of the BT, along with comparisons with other algorithms for automatic AUV decision control behavior tree design. Ultimately, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm are corroborated through simulations on a multi-AUV complex task platform, showcasing its practical applicability and efficiency in real-world underwater scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unmanned Marine Vehicles: Perception, Planning, Control and Swarm)
21 pages, 4420 KiB  
Article
Acoustic Emission Monitoring for Damage Assessment of a Magnetite Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (MUHPC) Block in a Bending Test
by Cyrus Bourbour
NDT 2024, 2(2), 87-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ndt2020006 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is widely used because of its exceptional properties, such as high compressive and flexural strength, low permeability, and resistance to abrasion and chemical attack. It is commonly employed for intricate constructions like skyscrapers, precast concrete components, and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the [...] Read more.
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is widely used because of its exceptional properties, such as high compressive and flexural strength, low permeability, and resistance to abrasion and chemical attack. It is commonly employed for intricate constructions like skyscrapers, precast concrete components, and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the incorporation of appropriate fibers into UHPC is carried out in order to accomplish objectives such as augmenting strength, enhancing toughness, and regulating cracking. This study employed magnetite as an additive to a UHPC block in order to examine the mechanical characteristics of a newly cast UHPC block. Acoustic emission was employed to evaluate the damage to the UHPC block for tracking purposes. Acoustic emission is a non-invasive testing technique that does not cause harm to the specimen when it is exposed to a load. On the basis of this, many critical locations that indicated the propagation of cracks were analyzed, as well as various loading stages across the specimen. The b-value is a method that can evaluate the extent of damage by analyzing the amplitude distribution. Distinct paths of b-values were noted for each loading stage, indicating major damage scenarios based on their slopes. Full article
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30 pages, 11157 KiB  
Article
4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid-Based Hydrazide–Hydrazones as Potent Growth Inhibition Agents of Laccase-Producing Phytopathogenic Fungi That Are Useful in the Protection of Oilseed Crops
by Halina Maniak, Konrad Matyja, Elżbieta Pląskowska, Joanna Jarosz, Paulina Majewska, Joanna Wietrzyk, Hanna Gołębiowska, Anna Trusek and Mirosław Giurg
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102212 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The research on new compounds against plant pathogens is still socially and economically important. It results from the increasing resistance of pests to plant protection products and the need to maintain high yields of crops, particularly oilseed crops used to manufacture edible and [...] Read more.
The research on new compounds against plant pathogens is still socially and economically important. It results from the increasing resistance of pests to plant protection products and the need to maintain high yields of crops, particularly oilseed crops used to manufacture edible and industrial oils and biofuels. We tested thirty-five semi-synthetic hydrazide–hydrazones with aromatic fragments of natural origin against phytopathogenic laccase-producing fungi such as Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Cerrena unicolor. Among the investigated molecules previously identified as potent laccase inhibitors were also strong antifungal agents against the fungal species tested. The highest antifungal activity showed derivatives of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic aldehydes with 3-tert-butyl, phenyl, or isopropyl substituents. S. sclerotiorum appeared to be the most susceptible to the tested compounds, with the lowest IC50 values between 0.5 and 1.8 µg/mL. We applied two variants of phytotoxicity tests for representative crop seeds and selected hydrazide–hydrazones. Most tested molecules show no or low phytotoxic effect for flax and sunflower seeds. Moreover, a positive impact on seed germination infected with fungi was observed. With the potential for application, the cytotoxicity of the hydrazide–hydrazones of choice toward MCF-10A and BALB/3T3 cell lines was lower than that of the azoxystrobin fungicide tested. Full article
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14 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Aboveground Epichloë Endophytic Fungi on the Rhizosphere Microbial Functions of the Host Melica transsilvanica
by Chuanzhe Wang, Chong Shi, Wei Huang, Mengmeng Zhang and Jiakun He
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050956 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
In nature, the symbiotic relationship between plants and microorganisms is crucial for ecosystem balance and plant growth. This study investigates the impact of Epichloë endophytic fungi, which are exclusively present aboveground, on the rhizosphere microbial functions of the host Melica transsilvanica. Using [...] Read more.
In nature, the symbiotic relationship between plants and microorganisms is crucial for ecosystem balance and plant growth. This study investigates the impact of Epichloë endophytic fungi, which are exclusively present aboveground, on the rhizosphere microbial functions of the host Melica transsilvanica. Using metagenomic methods, we analyzed the differences in microbial functional groups and functional genes in the rhizosphere soil between symbiotic (EI) and non-symbiotic (EF) plants. The results reveal that the presence of Epichloë altered the community structure of carbon and nitrogen cycling-related microbial populations in the host’s rhizosphere, significantly increasing the abundance of the genes (porA, porG, IDH1) involved in the rTCA cycle of the carbon fixation pathway, as well as the abundance of nxrAB genes related to nitrification in the nitrogen-cycling pathway. Furthermore, the presence of Epichloë reduces the enrichment of virulence factors in the host rhizosphere microbiome, while significantly increasing the accumulation of resistance genes against heavy metals such as Zn, Sb, and Pb. This study provides new insights into the interactions among endophytic fungi, host plants, and rhizosphere microorganisms, and offers potential applications for utilizing endophytic fungi resources to improve plant growth and soil health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Microbe-Induced Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants)
20 pages, 13316 KiB  
Article
Confluence Effect of Debris-Filled Damage and Temperature Variations on Guided-Wave Ultrasonic Testing (GWUT)
by Samuel C. Olisa and Muhammad A. Khan
Processes 2024, 12(5), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050957 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Continuous monitoring of structural health is essential for the timely detection of damage and avoidance of structural failure. Guided-wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT) assesses structural damages by correlating its sensitive features with the damage parameter of interest. However, few or no studies have been [...] Read more.
Continuous monitoring of structural health is essential for the timely detection of damage and avoidance of structural failure. Guided-wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT) assesses structural damages by correlating its sensitive features with the damage parameter of interest. However, few or no studies have been performed on the detection and influence of debris-filled damage on GWUT under environmental conditions. This paper used the pitch–catch technique of GWUT, signal cross-correlation, statistical root mean square (RMS) and root mean square deviation (RMSD) to study the combined influence of varying debris-filled damage percentages and temperatures on damage detection. Through experimental result analysis, a predictive model with an R2 of about 78% and RMSE values of about 7.5×105 was established. When validated, the model proved effective, with a comparable relative error of less than 10%. Full article
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12 pages, 782 KiB  
Article
Effect of Geopolymerization Reaction on the Flexural Strength of Kaolin-Based Systems
by Binghuan Gao, Yangyang Li, Seongwan Jang, Hyeonjin Son, Heesoo Lee and Chang-Jun Bae
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102223 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Geopolymers exhibit broad application prospects, including construction and radiation shielding, which require excellent mechanical performances. However, investigations on the nature of geopolymerization reactions and their consequential impact on mechanical performance are still vague. In this study, the effect of the major factors of [...] Read more.
Geopolymers exhibit broad application prospects, including construction and radiation shielding, which require excellent mechanical performances. However, investigations on the nature of geopolymerization reactions and their consequential impact on mechanical performance are still vague. In this study, the effect of the major factors of Si/Al ratio and curing time on the geopolymerization reaction and flexural strength were studied based on the microstructure evolution and chemical bonding formation analyzed using the SEM, FTIR, peak deconvolution, and XRD methods. The microstructure of geopolymers was transferred from initially layered smooth particles of kaolinite to a 3D network porous structure, corresponding to sodalite. A spectrum exclusive to the geopolymer structure occurred at 973 cm−1, corresponding to the sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) links, the integral area of which represents the degree of geopolymerization reaction. Furthermore, a controllable reaction degree was achieved by adjusting the Si/Al ratio and curing time, where the maximum reaction degree of 55% was achieved at a Si/Al ratio of 1.94 when cured for 7 d. The correlation between the flexural strength and reaction degree was found to follow a proportional relationship, achieving a flexural strength of 21.11 MPa with a degree of 45%. This study provides insight into the development of mechanical strength through controlling the reaction process. Full article
14 pages, 1369 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Mathematical Models for Identifying the Thickness of the Fouling Layer in Natural Gas Coolers
by Mária Čarnogurská, Miroslav Příhoda, Miriam Andrejiová and Lukáš Tóth
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4003; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104003 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
This article presents an analysis of three different approaches to the identification of the thickness of the fouling layer inside the pipes of natural gas (NG) coolers. At present, there is no existing simple analytical procedure for the identification of the fouling layer [...] Read more.
This article presents an analysis of three different approaches to the identification of the thickness of the fouling layer inside the pipes of natural gas (NG) coolers. At present, there is no existing simple analytical procedure for the identification of the fouling layer thickness. The authors of this article describe in detail the balance method, which required the use of a large number of physical parameters, changes in their sizes depending on the output temperature of the gas, the temperature of the cooling air, the air quantity, as well as the physical properties of both media. The computational model was robust, and its disadvantage was the iterative computation. The second analysed method was a dimensional analysis. It was applied using the Buckingham’s theorem to express the individual similarity criteria. In this method, 10 simplexes and two complexes were created. The fouling layer thickness, expressed using a derived criterial equation, exhibited real results. The third analysed method was based on analysing selected physical parameters with the use of a multiple regression analysis in MinitabX 18 software. The analysis showed that the fouling layer thickness depended on fewer parameters than the number of parameters assumed in the dimensional analysis or the balance method. The standard deviation that was identified in the multiple linear regression for a double crossflow cooler was 0.0667 and the value of reliability (the coefficient of determination of the multiple linear regression) R2 was 0.9985. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Thermal Engineering)
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26 pages, 3350 KiB  
Review
Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review
by An Li, Chong Guo, Jian Gu, Yanyuan Hu, Zhaoyang Luo and Xunzhi Yin
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051337 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Over the past decade, the concept of a circular economy has increasingly gained attention as a framework for guiding businesses and policymakers. Given its significant environmental impact, the building industry plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a circular economy. To address [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, the concept of a circular economy has increasingly gained attention as a framework for guiding businesses and policymakers. Given its significant environmental impact, the building industry plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a circular economy. To address this, our review proposes a bio-based building material, specifically straw bale, which elaborates on the circularity of bio-based buildings based on the 3R principles of a circular economy: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In terms of the “reduce” principle, straw-bale buildings can reduce construction waste, the environmental impact, energy requirements, and carbon emissions. Regarding the “reuse” principle, straw-bale buildings utilize agricultural waste resources and are easily disassembled due to their prefabrication. As for the “recycle” principle, straw-bale buildings can undergo physical, biological, and biochemical conversion processes (thermochemical conversion), yielding both wooden composite boards and potential biogas and biomass fuels for electricity and heating. This study evaluates the contribution of straw packaging construction and the use of straw as a raw material, using the 3R principles to determine future research opportunities for the construction industry to achieve a circular economy. The results of this study offer circular economy solutions and interdisciplinary research insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the building environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)
18 pages, 895 KiB  
Review
The Interplay between KSHV Infection and DNA-Sensing Pathways
by Chunyan Han, Chenwu Gui, Shuhong Dong and Ke Lan
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050749 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
During viral infection, the innate immune system utilizes a variety of specific intracellular sensors to detect virus-derived nucleic acids and activate a series of cellular signaling cascades that produce type Ⅰ IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an [...] Read more.
During viral infection, the innate immune system utilizes a variety of specific intracellular sensors to detect virus-derived nucleic acids and activate a series of cellular signaling cascades that produce type Ⅰ IFNs and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic double-stranded DNA virus that has been associated with a variety of human malignancies, including Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman disease. Infection with KSHV activates various DNA sensors, including cGAS, STING, IFI16, and DExD/H-box helicases. Activation of these DNA sensors induces the innate immune response to antagonize the virus. To counteract this, KSHV has developed countless strategies to evade or inhibit DNA sensing and facilitate its own infection. This review summarizes the major DNA-triggered sensing signaling pathways and details the current knowledge of DNA-sensing mechanisms involved in KSHV infection, as well as how KSHV evades antiviral signaling pathways to successfully establish latent infection and undergo lytic reactivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)
16 pages, 5172 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning-Based Fine Classification of Agricultural Crops in the Cross-Border Basin of the Heilongjiang River between China and Russia
by Meng Liu, Juanle Wang, Denis Fetisov, Kai Li, Chen Xu and Jiawei Jiang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101670 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The transboundary region along the Heilongjiang River, encompassing the Russian Far East and Northeast China, possesses abundant agricultural natural resources crucial for global food security. In the face of the challenge of disruptions in the global food supply chain, the precise monitoring and [...] Read more.
The transboundary region along the Heilongjiang River, encompassing the Russian Far East and Northeast China, possesses abundant agricultural natural resources crucial for global food security. In the face of the challenge of disruptions in the global food supply chain, the precise monitoring and exploitation of agricultural resources in the Heilongjiang Basin becomes imperative. This study employed deep learning to classify crop status in 2023 in the Heilongjiang Basin using Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing images at a 10 m resolution. Various vegetation indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), the Modified Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (MSAVI), and others, were computed and analyzed for different crops. The Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was utilized for validation point sampling based on plot objects. The random forest (RF) classification method was successfully employed to classify and identify major crops in the study area (wheat, maize, rice, and soybean), as well as wetlands, tree cover, grassland, water, and constructed land, with an overall classification accuracy of 86%. Tree cover dominated the land cover, constituting 62%, while wheat, maize, rice, and soybeans accounted for 7% of the total area. Of these, soybeans occupied the largest area (57,646.60 hectares), followed by rice (53,209.53 hectares), maize (39,998.37 hectares), and wheat (8782.31 hectares). This study demonstrated that sample selection based on plot objects facilitates efficient sample labeling, providing insights into crop classification in other, potentially larger, areas. This method simultaneously distinguishes wetland, cultivated land, and forest features, supporting further integrated investigations for more natural resources. Full article
16 pages, 1577 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Growth and Gut Health in Squabs: The Impact of Fermented Mixed Feed
by Changfeng Xiao, Xin Li, Zhizhao Ding, Hongcai Zhang, Wenwei Lv, Changsuo Yang, Daqian He and Lihui Zhu
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101411 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented mixed feed (FMF) (soybean meal–rapeseed meal–corn bran (6:3:1, m/m/m)) on the growth performance, intestinal microbial communities, and metabolomes of squabs. One hundred and eighty 1-day-old squabs [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fermented mixed feed (FMF) (soybean meal–rapeseed meal–corn bran (6:3:1, m/m/m)) on the growth performance, intestinal microbial communities, and metabolomes of squabs. One hundred and eighty 1-day-old squabs were randomly allocated to two groups, each containing six replicates of fifteen squabs cared for by 60 pairs of breeding pigeons secreting crop milk. Each pair of breeding pigeons cared for three squabs. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental group was fed the basal diet containing 5% FMF. The results showed that daily weight gain, carcass weight, villus height, and the mRNA level of ZO-1 in the ileum were increased in the birds fed FMF compared to the control squabs (p < 0.05). Greater abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, and Bacillus as well as fewer harmful bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus, Veillonella, and Corynebacterium) in the ilea of squabs fed FMF. Six differential metabolites were identified in the FMF-treated squabs; one metabolite was increased (ω-salicoyisalicin) and five were decreased (3-benzoyloxy-6-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid, estradiol-17-phenylpropionate, aminotriazole, phosphatidyl ethanolamine (22:6/0:0), and 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphoinositol). Positive correlations were observed between the abundance of Lactobacillus and villus height. Overall, FMF treatment improved both growth and intestinal health in pigeons, suggesting potential benefits for pigeon production. Full article
23 pages, 6957 KiB  
Article
Study on Early Identification of Rainfall-Induced Accumulation Landslide Hazards in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area
by Zhen Wu, Runqing Ye, Shishi Yang, Tianlong Wen, Jue Huang and Yao Chen
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101669 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The early identification of potential hazards is crucial for landslide early warning and prevention and is a key focus and challenging issue in landslide disaster research. The challenges of traditional investigation and identification methods include identifying potential hazards of landslides triggered by heavy [...] Read more.
The early identification of potential hazards is crucial for landslide early warning and prevention and is a key focus and challenging issue in landslide disaster research. The challenges of traditional investigation and identification methods include identifying potential hazards of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall and mapping areas susceptible to landslides based on rainfall conditions. This article focuses on the problem of early identification of rainfall-induced accumulation landslide hazards and an early identification method is proposed, which is “first identifying the accumulation that is prone to landslides and then determining the associated rainfall conditions”. This method is based on identifying the distribution and thickness of accumulation, analyzing the rainfall conditions that trigger landslides with varying characteristics, and establishing rainfall thresholds for landslides with different accumulation characteristics, ultimately aiming to achieve early identification of accumulation landslide hazards. In this study, we focus on the Zigui section of the Three Gorges Reservoir as study the area, and eight main factors that influence the distribution and thickness of accumulation are extracted from multi-source data, then the relative thickness information extraction model of accumulation is established by using the BP neural network method. The accumulation distribution and relative thickness map of the study area are generated, and the study area is divided into rocky area (less than 1 m), thin (1 to 5 m), medium (5 to 10 m), and thick area (thicker than 10 m) according to accumulation thickness. Rainfall is a significant trigger for landslide hazards. It increases the weight of the sliding mass and decreases the shear strength of soil and rock layers, thus contributing to landslide events. Data on 101 rainfall-induced accumulation landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir area and rainfall data for the 10 days prior to each landslide event were collected. The critical rainfall thresholds corresponding to a 90% probability of landslide occurrence with different characteristics were determined using the I-D threshold curve method. Prediction maps of accumulation landslide hazards under various rainfall conditions were generated by analyzing the rainfall threshold for landslides in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, serving as a basis for early identification of rainfall-induced accumulation landslides in the region. The research provides a method for the early identification of landslides caused by heavy rainfall, delineating landslide hazards under different rainfall conditions, and providing a basis for scientific responses, work arrangements, and disaster prevention and mitigation of landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Full article
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15 pages, 580 KiB  
Article
Hydrothermal Hydrolysis of Cocoa Bean Shell to Obtain Bioactive Compounds
by Marta Sánchez, Tamara Bernal, Amanda Laca, Adriana Laca and Mario Díaz
Processes 2024, 12(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050956 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Cocoa bean shell (CBS), a by-product from the chocolate industry, is an interesting source of bioactive compounds. In this work, the effects of time and pH on the hydrothermal hydrolysis of CBS were evaluated with the aim of maximizing the extraction of antioxidant [...] Read more.
Cocoa bean shell (CBS), a by-product from the chocolate industry, is an interesting source of bioactive compounds. In this work, the effects of time and pH on the hydrothermal hydrolysis of CBS were evaluated with the aim of maximizing the extraction of antioxidant and functional compounds from this biomass. In general, all treatments tested led to improvements in the extraction of bioactive compounds compared to untreated samples. The maximum values for antioxidant activity (187 µmol TE/g CBS dw) and phenolic compounds (14.5 mg GAE/g CBS dw) were obtained when CBS was treated at pH 4 for 10 min. In addition, maximum amounts of flavonoids (10.1 mg CE/g CBS dw), tannins (6.5 mg CE/g CBS dw) and methylxanthines (9 mg/g CBS dw) were obtained under mild pH conditions (4–5). It is noteworthy that these values are higher than those reported in the literature for other vegetable substrates, highlighting the potential of CBS to be valorized as a source of different value-adding products. Full article
22 pages, 1306 KiB  
Article
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of the Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
by Xinlin Yan, Shi Hou, Cheng Xing, Yuanyuan Zhang, Jiajia Chang, Junhai Xiao and Feng Lin
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2211; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102211 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to most clinically relevant antimicrobials, the use of traditional antibiotic treatments in hospitals is challenging. The formation of biofilms, which is regulated by the quorum-sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is an [...] Read more.
Due to the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to most clinically relevant antimicrobials, the use of traditional antibiotic treatments in hospitals is challenging. The formation of biofilms, which is regulated by the quorum-sensing (QS) system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is an important cause of drug resistance. There are three main QS systems in P. aeruginosa: the las system, the rhl system, and the pqs system. The inhibitors of the las system are the most studied. Previously, the compound AOZ-1 was found to have a certain inhibitory effect on the las system when screened. In this study, twenty-four compounds were designed and synthesized by modifying the Linker and Rings of AOZ-1. Using C. violaceum CV026 as a reporter strain, this study first assessed the inhibitory effects of new compounds against QS, and their SAR was investigated. Then, based on the SAR analysis of compound AOZ-1 derivatives, the parent core of AOZ-1 was replaced to explore the structural diversity. Then, nine new compounds were designed and synthesized with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one. The compound Y-31 (IC50 = 91.55 ± 3.35 µM) was found to inhibit the QS of C. violaceum CV026. Its inhibitory effect on C. violaceum CV026 was better than that of compound AOZ-1 (IC50 > 200 µM). Furthermore, biofilm formation is one of the important causes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 resistance. In this study, it was found that compound Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, had the highest biofilm inhibition rate (40.44%). The compound Y-31 has a certain inhibitory effect on the production of PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase) and swarming. When the concentration of compound Y-31 was 162.5 µM, the inhibition rates of pyocyanin, rhamnolipid, and elastase were 22.48%, 6.13%, and 22.67%, respectively. In vivo, the lifetime of wildtype Caenorhabditis elegans N2 infected with P. aeruginosa PAO1 was markedly extended by the new parent nucleus Y-31. This study also performed cytotoxicity experiments and in vivo pharmacokinetics experiments on the compound Y-31. In conclusion, this study identified a compound, Y-31, with a new nucleus core component of 3-amino-tetrahydro-l,3-oxazin-2-one, which is a potential agent for treating P. aeruginosa PAO1 that is resistant to antibiotics and offers a way to discover novel antibacterial medications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Bioactive Organic Compounds for Drug Discovery, 2nd Edition)
16 pages, 553 KiB  
Review
Applying Red Mud in Cadmium Contamination Remediation: A Scoping Review
by Jintao Li, Xuwei Li, Matthew Fischel, Xiaochen Lin, Shiqi Zhou, Lei Zhang, Lei Wang and Jiali Yan
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050347 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
Red mud is an industrial solid waste rarely utilized and often disposed of in landfills, resulting in resource waste and environmental pollution. However, due to its high pH and abundance of iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides, red mud has excellent adsorption properties [...] Read more.
Red mud is an industrial solid waste rarely utilized and often disposed of in landfills, resulting in resource waste and environmental pollution. However, due to its high pH and abundance of iron and aluminum oxides and hydroxides, red mud has excellent adsorption properties which can effectively remove heavy metals through ion exchange, adsorption, and precipitation. Therefore, red mud is a valuable resource rather than a waste byproduct. In recent years, red mud has been increasingly studied for its potential in wastewater treatment and soil improvement. Red mud can effectively reduce the migration and impact of heavy metals in soils and water bodies. This paper reviews the research results from using red mud to mitigate cadmium pollution in water bodies and soils, discusses the environmental risks of red mud, and proposes key research directions for the future management of red mud in cadmium-contaminated environments. Full article
12 pages, 994 KiB  
Article
Effect of Fermentation and Extraction Techniques on the Physicochemical Composition of Copoazú Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum) as an Ingredient for the Cosmetic Industry
by Luisa L. Orduz-Díaz, Kimberly Lozano-Garzón, Willian Quintero-Mendoza, Raquel Díaz, Juliana E. C. Cardona-Jaramillo, Marcela P. Carrillo, Diana Carolina Guerrero and Maria Soledad Hernández
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030077 (registering DOI) - 8 May 2024
Abstract
The Copoazú is a Theobroma species of Amazonian origin, and its derived products have a high content of lipids valuable for both the cosmetic and food industries. The composition of the butter extracted from its seeds can vary depending on the postharvest process [...] Read more.
The Copoazú is a Theobroma species of Amazonian origin, and its derived products have a high content of lipids valuable for both the cosmetic and food industries. The composition of the butter extracted from its seeds can vary depending on the postharvest process and the diverse extraction techniques employed. In this study, the composition of this butter processed with and without seed fermentation was analyzed using two extraction techniques: expeller pressing and hydraulic pressing. Parameters such as lipid profile, quality indexes, melting point, and the content of phytosterols and glyceric compounds were compared with a highly sought-after commercial raw material assessed through standardized volumetric and spectroscopic methodologies. The results showed that non-fermentation and cold-pressing conditions preserved the properties of the butter. This analysis is the first step in a standardized process for developing high-quality cosmetic ingredients derived from Copoazú butter. Full article

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