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19 pages, 1918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Energy Transfer in the Ignition System for High-Speed Combustion Engines

by Filip Szwajca, Krzysztof Wisłocki and Marcin Różański

Energies 2024, 17(20), 5091; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205091 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

In order to produce reliable and reproducible ignition of lean fuel–air mixtures and highly stratified mixtures, it is necessary to ensure a high concentration of spark discharge energy and to provide a strong energy impulse for the triggering of chain processes of chemical [...] Read more.

In order to produce reliable and reproducible ignition of lean fuel–air mixtures and highly stratified mixtures, it is necessary to ensure a high concentration of spark discharge energy and to provide a strong energy impulse for the triggering of chain processes of chemical decomposition of fuel molecules. For this reason, studies have been undertaken on the flow of electrical energy from the ignition system to the spark plug and on the formation of an electric discharge arc with a high concentration of thermal energy. The experimental results were obtained using an ignition coil energy test stand and a constant volume chamber with high-speed spark discharge recording capability. It was confirmed that increasing the charging time of the ignition coil from 0.5 ms to 5.0 ms increases the energy delivered to the coil from 9.5 mJ to 330 mJ. In the same range, the energy generated by the coil was recorded to range from 4.2 mJ to 70 mJ. The coil’s efficiency was found to decrease with increasing charging time from 45% up to 20.5%. Further energy losses were presented when the spark discharge energy was analyzed. In the paper, the results of investigations concerning electric discharge arc development have been presented, illustrated by a few exemplary photos, and discussed. The mathematical interpretation of the electrical energy flux in the ignition system resulting from the energy of the discharge arc has been conducted and illustrated by some functional independences and relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines: 2nd Edition)

15 pages, 4016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors and the Capsid Inhibitor Lenacapavir against HIV-2, and Exploring the Effect of Raltegravir on the Activity of SARS-CoV-2

by Irene Wanjiru Kiarie, Gyula Hoffka, Manon Laporte, Pieter Leyssen, Johan Neyts, József Tőzsér and Mohamed Mahdi

Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101607 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Retroviruses perpetuate their survival by incorporating a copy of their genome into the host cell, a critical step catalyzed by the virally encoded integrase. The viral capsid plays an important role during the viral life cycle, including nuclear importation in the case of [...] Read more.

Retroviruses perpetuate their survival by incorporating a copy of their genome into the host cell, a critical step catalyzed by the virally encoded integrase. The viral capsid plays an important role during the viral life cycle, including nuclear importation in the case of lentiviruses and integration targeting events; hence, targeting the integrase and the viral capsid is a favorable therapeutic strategy. While integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are recommended as first-line regimens given their high efficacy and tolerability, lenacapavir is the first capsid inhibitor and the newest addition to the HIV treatment arsenal. These inhibitors are however designed for treatment of HIV-1 infection, and their efficacy against HIV-2 remains widely understudied and inconclusive, supported only by a few limited phenotypic susceptibility studies. We therefore carried out inhibition profiling of a panel of second-generation INSTIs and lenacapavir against HIV-2 in cell culture, utilizing pseudovirion inhibition profiling assays. Our results show that the tested INSTIs and lenacapavir exerted excellent efficacy against ROD-based HIV-2 integrase. We further evaluated the efficacy of raltegravir and other INSTIs against different variants of SARS-CoV-2; however, contrary to previous in silico findings, the inhibitors did not demonstrate significant antiviral activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrase Inhibitors 2023)

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15 pages, 1036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of a Telephone-Intervention on Caregiving Burden and Mental Health among Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Syarifah Amirah Binti Syed Ahmad, Zarina Nahar Kabir, Marie Tyrrell, Åsa Craftman and Hashima E. Nasreen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(10), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21101354 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Identifying effective and accessible interventions for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) is crucial as the prevalence of dementia increases in Asia. This study investigated the efficacy of a telephone-intervention on the reduction in caregiver burden, as well as depressive and anxiety [...] Read more.

Identifying effective and accessible interventions for family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) is crucial as the prevalence of dementia increases in Asia. This study investigated the efficacy of a telephone-intervention on the reduction in caregiver burden, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms among family caregivers (FCs) of PWD in Malaysia. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out with 121 FCs of PWD selected from memory or psychiatry clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia, who were randomly allocated into the intervention or control group. The intervention group received the psychoeducational intervention delivered by healthcare staff via telephone for 10 sessions over 12 weeks. The outcome of the intervention was measured by the Malay version of the Zarit Burden Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and post-intervention. An intention to treat analysis shows that caregiver burden, anxiety symptoms, and psychological distress among FCs in the intervention group decreased by 7.57 units (p < 0.001), 2.46 units (p < 0.001), and 2.98 units (p = 0.011), respectively, at post-intervention, compared to the differences from baseline to post-intervention in the control group. Policies aimed at integrating the telephone-intervention into memory/psychiatry clinics in Malaysia may help FCs of PWD to reduce their caregiver burden and stress while caring for a family member with dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Caregiving of Older Adults)

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15 pages, 717 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Insights into the Assessment of Peri-Operative Risk in Women Undergoing Surgery for Gynecological Neoplasms: A Call for a New Tool

by Alfred-Dieter Krutsch, Cristina Tudoran and Alexandru Catalin Motofelea

Medicina 2024, 60(10), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101679 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Existing tools for predicting postoperative complications in women undergoing surgery for gynecological neoplasms are evaluated in this narrative review. Although surgery is a very efficient therapy for gynecological tumors, it is not devoid of the possibility of negative postoperative outcomes. Widely used tools [...] Read more.

Existing tools for predicting postoperative complications in women undergoing surgery for gynecological neoplasms are evaluated in this narrative review. Although surgery is a very efficient therapy for gynecological tumors, it is not devoid of the possibility of negative postoperative outcomes. Widely used tools at present, such as the Surgical Apgar Score and the Modified Frailty Index, fail to consider the complex characteristics of gynecological malignancies and their related risk factors. A thorough search of the PubMed database was conducted for our review, specifically targeting studies that investigate several aspects impacting postoperative outcomes, including nutritional status, obesity, albumin levels, sodium levels, fluid management, and psychological well-being. Research has shown that both malnutrition and obesity have a substantial impact on postoperative mortality and morbidity. Diminished sodium and albumin levels together with compromised psychological well-being can serve as reliable indicators of negative consequences. The role of appropriate fluid management in enhancing patient recovery was also investigated. The evidence indicates that although current mechanisms are useful, they have limitations in terms of their range and do not thoroughly address these recently identified risk factors. Therefore, there is a need for a new, more comprehensive tool that combines these developing elements to more accurately forecast postoperative problems and enhance patient results in gynecological oncology. This paper highlights the need to create such a tool to improve clinical practice and the treatment of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Findings in Diagnosis and Treatment of Gynecological Malignancies—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Density Functional Theory Study on Na⁺ and K⁺ Catalysis in the Transformation of Glucose to Fructose and HMF in Hydrothermal Environments

by Long Gao, Qihao Chen, Yanhong Wang, Deyong Che, Baizhong Sun and Shuai Guo

Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4849; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204849 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an efficient method for converting biomass into biochar. Hydrochar contains catalytic components such as alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs); however, the mechanisms by which highly active metals such as potassium (K) and sodium (Na) catalyze the conversion of [...] Read more.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is an efficient method for converting biomass into biochar. Hydrochar contains catalytic components such as alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs); however, the mechanisms by which highly active metals such as potassium (K) and sodium (Na) catalyze the conversion of small carbon–water compounds into hydrochar in hydrothermal environments remain unclear. In this study, glucose was used as a small molecule model, and Na⁺ and K⁺ were used as catalysts to investigate the catalytic reaction mechanism during the hydrothermal process using density functional theory (DFT). In the presence of different ions at various binding sites, glucose isomerizes into fructose, which subsequently undergoes three consecutive dehydration reactions to form 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The results indicate that the catalytic effectiveness of Na⁺ and K⁺ in the isomerization of glucose to fructose is optimal when interacting with specific oxygen sites on glucose. For Na⁺, the interaction with the O1 and O2 oxygens provides the lowest reaction barrier of 37.16 kcal/mol. For K⁺, the most effective interactions are with the O3 and O4 oxygens and the O5 and O6 oxygens, resulting in reduced reaction barriers of 54.35 and 31.50 kcal/mol, respectively. Dehydration of fructose to HMF catalyzed by Na⁺ ions, the catalytic effectiveness at different positions is ranked as O5O6 > O1O5, whereas for K⁺, the ranking is O1O5 > O5O6. This study explores the catalytic effects of Na⁺ and K⁺ at different binding sites on the hydrothermal reactions of glucose at the atomic level, offering theoretical support for designing catalysts for the HTC of sludge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy, Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass)

21 pages, 3598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potato–Soybean Intercropping Increased Equivalent Tuber Yield by Improving Rhizosphere Soil Quality, Root Growth, and Plant Physiology of Potato

by Can Wang, Zelin Yi, Siyu Chen, Fangli Peng, Qiang Zhao, Zhurui Tang, Mingbo Shao and Dianqiu Lv

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102362 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Potato–legume intercropping has been confirmed to increase productivity in modern agricultural systems. However, the physiological and ecological mechanisms of potato–soybean intercropping for promoting tuber yield formation in potato remain unclear. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to explore the responses of [...] Read more.

Potato–legume intercropping has been confirmed to increase productivity in modern agricultural systems. However, the physiological and ecological mechanisms of potato–soybean intercropping for promoting tuber yield formation in potato remain unclear. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to explore the responses of tuber yield formation, rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato in potato–soybean intercropping. The soil at the experimental site is Cambisols. The treatments included sole cropping potato, sole cropping soybean, and potato–soybean intercropping. Our results indicated that potato –soybean intercropping decreased the water content, increased the total K content and activities of urease and catalase in rhizosphere soil, and enhanced the root mean diameter, root projected area, and root length density in the 0–5 cm and 15–20 cm soil layers of potato. Moreover, potato–soybean intercropping improved the plant photosynthetically active radiation and light transmittance rate of the middle and lower layers as well as the leaf area index, enhanced the leaf chlorophyll b content and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, and increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate and organ dry matter accumulation amounts of potato. The changes in the above parameters resulted in an increased tuber weight per plant (19.4%) and commercial tuber number (42.5%) and then enhanced the equivalent tuber yield of potato (38.2%) and land equivalent ratio (1.31 in 2022 and 1.33 in 2023). Overall, potato–soybean intercropping greatly increased the equivalent tuber yield by improving the rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato and then achieved a higher land equivalent ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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10 pages, 807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder after 70 Years Leads to Worse Health-Related Quality of Life

by Nikolaos Pyrgidis, Gerald Bastian Schulz, Benedikt Ebner, Friedrich Jokisch, Lennert Eismann, Deniz Karatas, Sarah Takayama Fouladgar, Julian Hermans, Patrick Keller, Christian Stief and Yannic Volz

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(20), 6102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206102 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) with the formation of an ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) may adversely affect long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL). An advanced age at the time of ONB construction could further exacerbate the decline in HRQOL. This study aims to establish [...] Read more.

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) with the formation of an ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) may adversely affect long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL). An advanced age at the time of ONB construction could further exacerbate the decline in HRQOL. This study aims to establish an evidence-based age threshold at the time of RC with ONB, beyond which a significant deterioration in HRQOL is observed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all bladder cancer patients in our department between 2013 and 2022 that fulfilled the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after RC with ONB. Patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy or benign/palliative RC were excluded. Results: Overall, 120 patients (81% males) with a mean age of 66 ± 9.6 years underwent RC with ONB and fulfilled the selection criteria. The Global Health Status (GHS) of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 was 64 ± 23 preoperatively, was 64 ± 20 three months postoperatively, and was 68 ± 23 twelve months postoperatively. Overall, 80 (67%) patients presented an increase in GHS at twelve months compared to their preoperative values. The perioperative complications did not differ between patients with decreased and increased GHS. Patients with increased GHS had values of 58 ± 24 preoperatively, 67 ± 19 at 3 months, and 77 ± 16 at 12 months. Patients with decreased GHS had values of 76 ± 16 preoperatively, 57 ± 21 at 3 months, and 50 ± 25 at 12 months. Using ROC analyses with Youden’s index, we defined a threshold of 70 years, after which RC with ONB may lead to worse GHS twelve months postoperatively. Worse continence outcomes were the only perioperative and long-term parameters that predicted worse HRQOL in elderly patients. Conclusions: Based on HRQOL, we suggest that RC with an ileal conduit as a urinary diversion should be recommended in patients older than 70 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)

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29 pages, 365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Enterprise Architecture on Digital Transformation Success: A Global Perspective

by Hassan Alghamdi

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8865; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208865 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

This research paper aims to analyze the significant contributions of enterprise architecture (EA) in leveraging digital transformation (DT) success at an international level. The paper adopts a meta-analytical approach, examining the patterns of EA’s strategic alignment and operational impact. EA plays a crucial [...] Read more.

This research paper aims to analyze the significant contributions of enterprise architecture (EA) in leveraging digital transformation (DT) success at an international level. The paper adopts a meta-analytical approach, examining the patterns of EA’s strategic alignment and operational impact. EA plays a crucial role in managing digital ecosystem complexity, which is a key factor in successful DT. The methodology also focuses on the systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationships between EA and other advanced technological systems such as AI, IoT, and Blockchain to reveal how these technologies improve EA’s flexibility and strategic approaches. The paper emphasizes the importance of organizational culture, technological incorporation, and regional economic factors as critical determinants of EA practices in DT activities. It underscores the necessity for customized EA approaches to DT success within different cultural and economic contexts and their impact on sustainable management. This practical insight is a crucial contribution of the paper, providing a strategic roadmap for organizations aiming to optimize their digital transformation strategies through enhanced EA practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Triple Nexus: Sustainable Management, Responsible Practices and Digital Transformation)

26 pages, 10221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights into the Understanding of High-Pressure Air Injection (HPAI): The Role of the Different Chemical Reactions

by Dubert Gutiérrez, Gord Moore, Don Mallory, Matt Ursenbach, Raj Mehta and Andrea Bernal

Geosciences 2024, 14(10), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14100270 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

High-pressure air injection (HPAI) is an enhanced oil recovery process in which compressed air is injected into deep, light oil reservoirs, with the expectation that the oxygen in the injected air will react with a fraction of the reservoir oil at an elevated [...] Read more.

High-pressure air injection (HPAI) is an enhanced oil recovery process in which compressed air is injected into deep, light oil reservoirs, with the expectation that the oxygen in the injected air will react with a fraction of the reservoir oil at an elevated temperature to produce carbon dioxide. The different chemical reactions taking place can be grouped into oxygen addition, thermal cracking, oxygen-induced cracking, and bond scission reactions. The latter reactions involve the combustion of a flammable vapor as well as the combustion of solid fuel, commonly known as “coke”. Since stable peak temperatures observed during HPAI experiments are typically below 300 °C, it has been suggested that thermal cracking and combustion of solid fuel may not be important reaction mechanisms for the process. The objective of this work is to assess the validity of that hypothesis. Therefore, this study makes use of different oxidation and combustion HPAI experiments, which were performed on two different light oil reservoir samples. Modeling of those tests indicate that thermal cracking is not an important reaction mechanism during HPAI and can potentially be ignored. The work also suggests that the main fuel consumed by the process is a flammable vapor generated by the chemical reactions. This represents a shift from the original in situ combustion paradigm, which is based on the combustion of coke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enhanced Oil Recovery Technologies, 3rd Volume)

15 pages, 1330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiotic Resistance Pattern of Pathogens Isolated from Pediatric Patients during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Andreea-Loredana Golli, Simona Georgiana Popa, Monica Laura Cara, George-Alin Stoica, Dragos Fortofoiu and Maria Stoica

Antibiotics 2024, 13(10), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13100966 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The present study aims to highlight the possible significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the resistance of pathogens involved in cases of pediatric infections. Methods: This study included children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Surgery and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The present study aims to highlight the possible significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the resistance of pathogens involved in cases of pediatric infections. Methods: This study included children hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Surgery and Pediatrics from a tertiary teaching hospital, during and after the COVID-19 period (2020–2023). Results: The research included 845 samples collected during 2020–2023, from 685 pediatric patients. A total of 937 bacterial isolates were obtained, of which 509 isolates (54.32%) were Gram-negative bacteria. Around 30% of all the pathogens were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with a statistically significant increase post-pandemic, in the case of the MDR Escherichia coli strains (p < 0.05). A very high percentage of MDR Acinetobacter spp. isolates was found, with an important, but not statistically significant, increase in the post-pandemic period. The highest percentage of the MDR Gram-positive pathogens was registered in the case of S. aureus strains (31.80%). Over 20% of the Coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) strains isolated between 2020 and 2023 were MDR, with an important increase in the post-COVID-19 period. The proportion of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens significantly decreased in the post-COVID-19 period compared with the COVID-19 period (p < 0.05), especially in the case of the Klebsiella spp. strains. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the increase in the post-COVID-19 period of the prevalence of MDR strains of Acinetobacter spp., CoNS, and Escherichia coli isolated in pediatric patient samples and a significant decline in the trend of the carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, which may be due to the testing rate and to the specific pathology of the pediatric patients hospitalized in the two periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance in Hospital-Acquired Infections)

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21 pages, 2159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Has Environmental Regulation Promoted the Spatial Agglomeration of Hog Production in Administrative Border Regions? Evidence from the Yangtze River Basin in China

by Qianrong Wu, Lanzhuang Xu, Xinwang Wu and Quantao Zhu

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208864 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study finds that the livestock environmental regulation (LER) imposed by China has promoted the spatial agglomeration of hog production in the administrative border areas, thereby posing a threat to ecological sustainability. We apply the difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) method to a unique dataset in [...] Read more.

This study finds that the livestock environmental regulation (LER) imposed by China has promoted the spatial agglomeration of hog production in the administrative border areas, thereby posing a threat to ecological sustainability. We apply the difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) method to a unique dataset in counties along the main stem and 38 important tributaries of the Yangtze River basin in China from 2008 to 2019. Specifically, the slaughter volume and density of hogs in the most downstream border counties of a city are 7.87% and 9.56% higher, respectively, than those of otherwise identical counties within the same municipal jurisdiction. Conversely, in the most upstream border counties, these figures decreased by 12.02% and 15.35%, respectively. Moreover, we find that the fixed capital investment in the most downstream border counties is 22.54% less than that in otherwise identical counties. These findings imply that LER has driven the agglomeration of hog production in downstream administrative border areas, inadvertently shifting the pollution burden to these regions and posing potential challenges to the effectiveness of environmental policies. Full article

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19 pages, 1500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Poultry Manure-Derived Biochar and Bio-Fertilizer Application to Boost Production of Black Cumin Plants (Nigella sativa L.) Grown on Sandy Loam Soil

by Yasser A. Sayed, Ahmed M. Ali, Mostafa F. Ibrahim, Mohamed E. Fadl, Cristiano Casucci, Marios Drosos, Antonio Scopa and Hassan M. Al-Sayed

Agriculture 2024, 14(10), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14101801 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Biochar derived from poultry manure increases nutrient availability and promotes plant growth. This study investigated the effect of biochar with mycorrhizal and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on soil fertility, chemical properties, oil, and seed yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants. A [...] Read more.

Biochar derived from poultry manure increases nutrient availability and promotes plant growth. This study investigated the effect of biochar with mycorrhizal and/or plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on soil fertility, chemical properties, oil, and seed yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) plants. A split-plot design with three replicates was employed, with biochar derived from poultry litter (BC) applied at rates of 0, 5, and 10 t ha⁻¹, with beneficial microbes such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) affecting the growth of Black Cumin plants, and some soil properties, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility index (FI), showing significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among biochar and/or bio-fertilizer treatments. All biochar treatments with or without bio-fertilizers significantly increased pH, EC, OM and FI in comparison to the control treatment. The results demonstrated that applying biochar at the highest rate (10 t ha⁻¹) increased fresh and dry capsule weights by 94.51% and 63.34%, respectively, compared to the control treatment (C). These values were significantly increased by 53.05 and 18.37%, compared to untreated plants when combined with AMF and PGPR. Furthermore, when biochar was applied in conjunction with both AMF and PGPR, fresh and dry capsule weights saw significant increases of 208.84% and 91.18%, respectively, compared to the untreated control treatment. The interaction between biochar, AMF, and PGPR significantly improved plant growth, yield, soil properties, and the fixed and volatile oil content of Black Cumin. These findings suggest that the combined application of biochar, AMF, and PGPR enhances nutrient availability and uptake, leading to improved growth and higher yields in Black Cumin plants, resulting in increased yield production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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38 pages, 3035 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Planting for the Urban Rain—Vegetation in Urban Bioretention Systems for Stormwater Management under Temperate Climate Conditions—A Systematic Review

by Daniela Corduan and Norbert Kühn

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8861; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208861 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Weather extremes such as heavy rainfall and long periods of drought brought about by climate change put a strain on the environment and people. Cities can counter these weather extremes with blue-green infrastructure, usually focusing on plant-based solutions. The ecosystem services of plants [...] Read more.

Weather extremes such as heavy rainfall and long periods of drought brought about by climate change put a strain on the environment and people. Cities can counter these weather extremes with blue-green infrastructure, usually focusing on plant-based solutions. The ecosystem services of plants offer added value to these systems. Bioretention systems are a central element of rainwater management, and pioneering research into the role of vegetation in bioretention systems has taken place in the USA and Australia. There are comparatively few publications from Europe. A systematic literature search was carried out in Web of Science using the PRISMA model. A search was made for articles that investigated the use of plants in bioretention systems in order to obtain information on practices and their use in the temperate climate of Central Europe. A strength of this review is the compilation of all species used and their reported vitality. A total of 391 taxa were described in the journals. For almost all plant species, their vitality, performance, or function in bioretention systems was only documented once. Only Carex appressa, Juncus effusus, and Panicum virgatum were examined multiple times. Of particular importance are the functional characteristics observed, which determine the survival of the plants and their ecosystem services for this application. An understanding of functional traits can be of particular assistance in selecting the right plants to optimize stormwater management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate-Proof and Healthy Cities)

15 pages, 4192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Mechanism of Porous Carbons Derived from Biomass as Adsorbent for Removal of Cr(VI)

by Bingbing Mi and Yuanjie Wang

Processes 2024, 12(10), 2229; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102229 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

To solve the problem of heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution in water bodies, this study was carried out to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon by using bamboo shoots as the raw material and KHCO₃ as the activator, which has a good ability [...] Read more.

To solve the problem of heavy metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution in water bodies, this study was carried out to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon by using bamboo shoots as the raw material and KHCO₃ as the activator, which has a good ability to remove Cr(VI) from water bodies. The prepared N-doped carbon materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the prepared carbon material had hierarchical pore structures and abundant functional groups, which is conducive to the adsorption of Cr(VI). The effects of various factors on the adsorption performance of Cr(VI), such as the carbon materials prepared under different conditions, the pH of the initial solution, the concentration of the initial solution, and the contact time between the carbon and Cr(VI), were explored. The results showed that the bamboo shoot-based nitrogen-doped carbon materials, especially BSNC-800 (prepared at 800 °C with a mass ratio of KHCO₃ to bamboo shoot of 4:1), performed well in removing Cr(VI) from a water solution. The maximum adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 under equilibrium conditions was 385.8 mg g⁻¹ (conditions: at the pH of 2 with the initial concentration of 400 mg L⁻¹). The adsorption kinetics and isotherms were analyzed, and the adsorption mechanism was discussed. It can be found that the adsorption of Cr(VI) by BSNC-800 fits better with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption mechanism between the Cr(VI)-containing solution and BSNC-800 was controlled by membrane diffusion and chemisorption. The results broaden the ways of utilizing biomass resources as precursors of carbon materials, which is significant and helpful for applying biomass carbon materials as adsorbents for wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar Pyrolysis Process and Carbon Emission)

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29 pages, 4055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Malware Detection Based on API Call Sequence Analysis: A Gated Recurrent Unit–Generative Adversarial Network Model Approach

by Nsikak Owoh, John Adejoh, Salaheddin Hosseinzadeh, Moses Ashawa, Jude Osamor and Ayyaz Qureshi

Future Internet 2024, 16(10), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16100369 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Malware remains a major threat to computer systems, with a vast number of new samples being identified and documented regularly. Windows systems are particularly vulnerable to malicious programs like viruses, worms, and trojans. Dynamic analysis, which involves observing malware behavior during execution in [...] Read more.

Malware remains a major threat to computer systems, with a vast number of new samples being identified and documented regularly. Windows systems are particularly vulnerable to malicious programs like viruses, worms, and trojans. Dynamic analysis, which involves observing malware behavior during execution in a controlled environment, has emerged as a powerful technique for detection. This approach often focuses on analyzing Application Programming Interface (API) calls, which represent the interactions between the malware and the operating system. Recent advances in deep learning have shown promise in improving malware detection accuracy using API call sequence data. However, the potential of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for this purpose remains largely unexplored. This paper proposes a novel hybrid deep learning model combining Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) and GANs to enhance malware detection based on API call sequences from Windows portable executable files. We evaluate our GRU–GAN model against other approaches like Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) on multiple datasets. Results demonstrated the superior performance of our hybrid model, achieving 98.9% accuracy on the most challenging dataset. It outperformed existing models in resource utilization, with faster training and testing times and low memory usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Privacy and Security in Computing Continuum and Data-Driven Workflows)

15 pages, 3366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of the Hypoglycemic Active Components of Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera hypoglauca Miq. by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

by Qinxuan Wu, Di Zhao, Ying Leng, Canhui Chen, Kunyu Xiao, Zhaoquan Wu and Fengming Chen

Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4848; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204848 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera hypoglauca are famous Chinese medicines used for hyperglycemia; however, the specific compounds that contributed to the hypoglycemic activity and mechanism are still unknown. In this study, the antidiabetic activity of L. japonica buds and L. hypoglauca buds, roots, [...] Read more.

Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Lonicera hypoglauca are famous Chinese medicines used for hyperglycemia; however, the specific compounds that contributed to the hypoglycemic activity and mechanism are still unknown. In this study, the antidiabetic activity of L. japonica buds and L. hypoglauca buds, roots, stems, and leaves extracts was primarily evaluated, and the L. japonica buds and L. hypoglauca buds, roots, and stems extracts displayed significant hypoglycemic activity, especially for the buds of L. hypoglauca. A total of 72 high-level compounds, including 9 iridoid glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 34 organic acids, and 17 saponins, were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with the fragmentation pathways of standards from different parts of L. japonica and L. hypoglauca extracts. Among them, 19 metabolites, including 13 saponins, were reported for the first time from both medicines. Seven high-content compounds identified from L. hypoglauca buds extract were further evaluated for hypoglycemic activity. The result indicated that neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C displayed significant antidiabetic activity, especially for isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C, which demonstrated that the five chlorogenic-acid-type compounds were the active ingredients of hypoglycemic activity for L. japonica and L. hypoglauca. The potential mechanism of hypoglycemic activity for isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C was inhibiting the intestinal α-glucosidase activity to block the supply of glucose. This study was the first to clarify the hypoglycemic active ingredients and potential mechanism of L. japonica and L. hypoglauca, providing new insights for the comprehensive utilization of both resources and the development of hypoglycemic drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Traditional Medicinal Plants: Extraction, Identification, and Health Implications)

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19 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustaining and Reinforcing the Perceived Value of Higher Education: E-Learning with Micro-Credentials

by Ravi Narayanaswamy, Caitlyn S. Albers, Tami L. Knotts and Nancy D. Albers

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208860 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

An important aspect of sustaining higher education is to produce graduates prepared for careers with the expertise and experiences desired by prospective employers. Micro-credentials delivered by higher education can confirm the students’ mastery of demanded skills and knowledge. The use of micro-credentials as [...] Read more.

An important aspect of sustaining higher education is to produce graduates prepared for careers with the expertise and experiences desired by prospective employers. Micro-credentials delivered by higher education can confirm the students’ mastery of demanded skills and knowledge. The use of micro-credentials as an e-learning technology supports sustainability in higher education by reinforcing students’ employability. With hundreds of thousands of these credentials available in the United States, it is predictable that not all are equal. We explored the perceived value of micro-credentials reported by students and employers. Clear differences were found, with employers recognizing their value more than students. Additionally, we considered the source of the credential, which is the organization that creates, brands, and sponsors the award. Results demonstrated that employers used the sources for assessing value. We also tested the differences when higher education was the provider of the micro-credential, and institution type (issuer) was relevant to employers’ value. Finally, this study distinguished between the academic rigor and integrity of university-delivered micro-credentials associated with earning transcripted course credits and credentials that could be earned without course credits (non-transcripted). Employers valued transcripted micro-credentials more. This study found support for the use of micro-credentials to represent the mastery of skills and knowledge in higher education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable E-Learning and Educational Technology)

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15 pages, 706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sustainable Management of Ecohotels for the Support of Ecotourism—A Case Study

by Henrieta Pavolová, Tomáš Bakalár, Alexander Tokarčík and Iveta Cimboláková

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8863; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208863 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Ecotourism represents a modern form of tourism that accepts the principles of sustainable development and the adequacy of the conditions of tourist destinations. The environmental awareness of all parties participating in tourism, objects, and subjects of tourism determines the development of ecotourism. Ecohotels, [...] Read more.

Ecotourism represents a modern form of tourism that accepts the principles of sustainable development and the adequacy of the conditions of tourist destinations. The environmental awareness of all parties participating in tourism, objects, and subjects of tourism determines the development of ecotourism. Ecohotels, or “green hotels”, as an integral part of ecotourism, represent tourist accommodation facilities that have the “The Flower” certificate, their business activities minimize the impact on environmental quality. The management of ecohotels therefore implements programs and measures determining sustainable competitiveness at the local, regional, and supra-regional levels in the business in interaction with reducing the carbon footprint, water consumption, energy consumption, and waste production. They also support the use of recyclable materials and bio-products and the introduction of environmental management respecting the principles of green management in all areas of the tourism business. The competitiveness of ecohotels is in interaction with the willingness of tourists to use their pro-environmental services. The presented study is focused on the willingness of tourists to use the services of ecohotels, with an emphasis on identifying an effective strategy for supporting the development of ecotourism in the Slovak Republic. The study concentrates on the willingness of tourists to use ecohotels as part of their tourist activities based on a questionnaire survey. The study identifies the factors of strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats of the use of ecohotels by tourists in supporting the development of ecotourism. Through the exact quantification of the weights of individual factors in terms of Saaty’s matrix and a SWOT analysis, an effective strategy for the use of ecohotels in supporting the development of ecotourism is defined. In recent years, the stimulation and use of tourists’ interest in environmental quality, with an emphasis on reducing negative impacts on the environment, has resonated; thus, a model of effective marketing strategy is presented. Full article

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27 pages, 7731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Spatial Patterns of Heavy Metals in Topsoil and Asthma in the Western Salt Lake Valley, Utah

by Long Yin Lee, Ruth Kerry, Ben Ingram, Connor S. Golden and Joshua J. LeMonte

Environments 2024, 11(10), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11100223 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Mining activities, particularly in large excavations like the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Utah, have been increasingly linked to respiratory conditions due to heavy-metal-enriched waste and dust. Operating continuously since 1906, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine contributes 4.4% of the Salt Lake Valley [...] Read more.

Mining activities, particularly in large excavations like the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Utah, have been increasingly linked to respiratory conditions due to heavy-metal-enriched waste and dust. Operating continuously since 1906, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine contributes 4.4% of the Salt Lake Valley PM2.5 pollution. However, the extent of its contributions to larger-sized particulate matter (PM10) dust, soil and water contamination, and human health impacts is largely unknown. Aerosol optical depth data from Sentinel-2 imagery revealed discernible dust clouds downwind of the mine and smelter on non-prevailing-wind days, suggesting potential heavy metal dispersion from this fugitive dust and subsequent deposition to nearby surface soils. Our analysis of topsoils from across the western Salt Lake Valley found mean arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc concentrations to be well above global background concentrations. Also, the minimum values for arsenic and maximum values for lead were well above the US EPA regional screening levels for residential soils. Thus, arsenic is the metal of greatest concern for impacts on human health. Elevated concentrations of all metals were most notable near the mine, smelter, and tailings pond. Our study linked these elevated heavy metal levels to regional asthma outcomes through cluster analysis and distance-related comparison tests. Significant clusters of high asthma rates were observed in regions with elevated topsoil heavy metal concentrations, impacting both low- and high-income neighborhoods. The findings of this preliminary study suggest that the mine, smelter, and recent construction activities, especially on lands reclaimed from former tailings ponds, could be contributing to atmospheric dust containing high levels of heavy metals and exacerbating asthma outcomes for residents. However, the methods used in the study with aggregated health outcome data cannot determine causal links between the heavy metal contents of soil and health outcomes; they can only point to potential links and a need for further investigation. Such further investigation should involve individual-level data and control for potential confounding factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and lifestyle factors, to isolate the effect of metal exposures on asthma outcomes. This study focused on atmospheric deposition as a source of heavy metal enrichment of topsoil. However, future research is also essential to assess levels of heavy metals in subsoil parent materials and local surface and groundwaters to be able to assess the links between the sources or methods of soil contamination and health outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Soil Quality and Management)

11 pages, 2580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introgression of Herbicide-Resistant Gene from Genetically Modified Brassica napus L. to Brassica rapa through Backcrossing

by Subramani Pandian, Young-Sun Ban, Eun-Kyoung Shin, Senthil Kumar Thamilarasan, Muthusamy Muthusamy, Young-Ju Oh, Ho-Keun An and Soo-In Sohn

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202863 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Interspecific hybridization between two different Brassicaceae species, namely Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (♀) (AA, 2n = 2x = 20) and genetically modified Brassica napus (♂) (AACC, 2n = 4x = 38), was performed to study the transmission of a herbicide resistance gene from [...] Read more.

Interspecific hybridization between two different Brassicaceae species, namely Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (♀) (AA, 2n = 2x = 20) and genetically modified Brassica napus (♂) (AACC, 2n = 4x = 38), was performed to study the transmission of a herbicide resistance gene from a tetraploid to a diploid Brassica species. Initially, four different GM B. napus lines were used for hybridization with B. rapa via hand pollination. Among the F1 hybrids, the cross involving the B. rapa (♀) × GM B. napus (♂) TG#39 line exhibited the highest recorded crossability index of 14.7 ± 5.7. However, subsequent backcross progenies (BC1, BC2, and BC3) displayed notably lower crossability indices. The F1 plants displayed morphological characteristics more aligned with the male parent B. napus, with significant segregation observed in the BC1 generation upon backcrossing with the recurrent parent B. rapa. By the BC2 and BC3 generations, the progeny stabilized, manifesting traits from both parents to varying degrees. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a substantial reduction in chromosome numbers, particularly in backcrossing progenies. BC1 plants typically exhibited 21–25 chromosomes, while BC2 progenies showed 21–22 chromosomes, and by the BC3 generation, stability was achieved with an average of 20 chromosomes. SSR marker analysis confirmed the progressive reduction of C-genome regions, retaining minimal C-genome-specific bands throughout successive backcrossing. Despite the extensive elimination of C-genome-specific genomic regions, the glyphosate resistance gene from the male parent B. napus was introgressed into BC3 progenies, suggesting that the glyphosate resistance gene located and introgressed in A-chromosome/genome regions of the Brassica plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Brassica napus L.)

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17 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reversible Photochromic Reactions of Bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarum at Femto- and Picosecond Times

by Olga Smitienko, Tatyana Feldman, Ivan Shelaev, Fedor Gostev, Arseniy Aybush, Dmitry Cherepanov, Victor Nadtochenko and Mikhail Ostrovsky

Molecules 2024, 29(20), 4847; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29204847 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

The operation of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) from the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum is based on the photochromic reaction of isomerization of the chromophore group (the retinal protonated Schiff base, RPSB) from the all-trans to the 13-cis form. The ultrafast dynamics of [...] Read more.

The operation of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) from the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum is based on the photochromic reaction of isomerization of the chromophore group (the retinal protonated Schiff base, RPSB) from the all-trans to the 13-cis form. The ultrafast dynamics of the reverse 13-cis → all-trans photoreaction was studied using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in comparison with the forward photoreaction. The forward photoreaction was initiated by photoexcitation of BR by pulse I (540 nm). The reverse photoreaction was initiated by photoexcitation of the product K₅₉₀ at an early stage of its formation (5 ps) by pulse II (660 nm). The conversion of the excited K₅₉₀ to the ground state proceeds at times of 0.19, 1.1, and 16 ps with the relative contributions of ~20/60/20, respectively. All these decay channels lead to the formation of the initial state of BR as a product with a quantum yield of ~1. This state is preceded by vibrationally excited intermediates, the relaxation of which occurs in the 16 ps time range. Likely, the heterogeneity of the excited state of K₅₉₀ is determined by the heterogeneity of its chromophore center. The forward photoreaction includes two components—0.52 and 3.5 ps, with the relative contributions of 91/9, respectively. The reverse photoreaction initiated from K₅₉₀ proceeds more efficiently in the conical intersection (CI) region but on the whole at a lower rate compared to the forward photoreaction, due to significant heterogeneity of the potential energy surface. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Photochemistry)

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32 pages, 8762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Inhibition of Deamidated Triosephosphate Isomerase by Disulfiram, Curcumin, and Sodium Dichloroacetate: Synergistic Therapeutic Strategies for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Jurkat Cells

by Luis A. Flores-López, Ignacio De la Mora-De la Mora, Claudia M. Malagón-Reyes, Itzhel García-Torres, Yoalli Martínez-Pérez, Gabriela López-Herrera, Gloria Hernández-Alcántara, Gloria León-Avila, Gabriel López-Velázquez, Alberto Olaya-Vargas, Saúl Gómez-Manzo and Sergio Enríquez-Flores

Biomolecules 2024, 14(10), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14101295 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a challenging childhood cancer to treat, with limited therapeutic options and high relapse rates. This study explores deamidated triosephosphate isomerase (dTPI) as a novel therapeutic target. We hypothesized that selectively inhibiting dTPI could reduce T-ALL cell viability [...] Read more.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a challenging childhood cancer to treat, with limited therapeutic options and high relapse rates. This study explores deamidated triosephosphate isomerase (dTPI) as a novel therapeutic target. We hypothesized that selectively inhibiting dTPI could reduce T-ALL cell viability without affecting normal T lymphocytes. Computational modeling and recombinant enzyme assays revealed that disulfiram (DS) and curcumin (CU) selectively bind and inhibit dTPI activity without affecting the non-deamidated enzyme. At the cellular level, treatment with DS and CU significantly reduced Jurkat T-ALL cell viability and endogenous TPI enzymatic activity, with no effect on normal T lymphocytes, whereas the combination of sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) with DS or CU showed synergistic effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that dTPI was present and accumulated only in Jurkat cells, confirming our hypothesis. Finally, flow cytometry confirmed apoptosis in Jurkat cells after treatment with DS and CU or their combination with DCA. These findings strongly suggest that targeting dTPI represents a promising and selective target for T-ALL therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Enzymology)

16 pages, 7268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traffic Intensity as a Factor Influencing Microplastic and Tire Wear Particle Pollution in Snow Accumulated on Urban Roads

by Karolina Mierzyńska, Wojciech Pol, Monika Martyniuk and Piotr Zieliński

Water 2024, 16(20), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16202907 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

Traffic-related roads are an underestimated source of synthetic particles in the environment. This study investigated the impact of traffic volume on microplastic (MP) and tire wear particle (TWP) pollution in road snow. An examination was conducted in a medium-sized city situated in northeastern [...] Read more.

Traffic-related roads are an underestimated source of synthetic particles in the environment. This study investigated the impact of traffic volume on microplastic (MP) and tire wear particle (TWP) pollution in road snow. An examination was conducted in a medium-sized city situated in northeastern Poland, known for being one of the cleanest regions in the country. MPs and TWPs were found at all 54 sites, regardless of the intensity of traffic. The average concentration for all samples was 354.72 pcs/L. Statistically significant differences were found between the average values of the particle concentration on low, medium, and heavy traffic roads, amounting to 62.32 pcs/L, 335.97 pcs/L, and 792.76 pcs/L, respectively. Within all three studied groups of roads, MPs and TWPs with the smallest size, ranging from 50 to 200 μm, were prevalent. In all of the studied groups of roads, four analyzed shapes of particles were found, with irregular fragments being the most abundant form (89.23%). The most frequently recorded color among the collected samples was black (99.85%), and the least frequently recorded color was blue, constituting only 0.01%. This study suggests that snow cover on the roads may act like a temporary storage of pollutants during winter particularly in the temperate climate zone and, after thawing can significantly increase the concentration of MPs and TWPs in surface waters. Possible measures to decrease the release of MPs and TWPs into the environment in the city may include reducing the traffic volume and speed, implementing street sweeping, utilizing filtration chambers, and installing stormwater bioretention systems or settling ponds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Water Management)

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19 pages, 4730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inversion of Crop Water Content Using Multispectral Data and Machine Learning Algorithms in the North China Plain

by Zhenghao Zhang, Gensheng Dou, Xin Zhao, Yang Gao, Saisai Liu and Anzhen Qin

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102361 (registering DOI) - 13 Oct 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Accurate inversion of crop water content is key to making an intelligent irrigation decision. However, little effort has been devoted to accurately estimating the crop water content of winter wheat in the North China Plain. (2) Method: The crop water content [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Accurate inversion of crop water content is key to making an intelligent irrigation decision. However, little effort has been devoted to accurately estimating the crop water content of winter wheat in the North China Plain. (2) Method: The crop water content of winter wheat was measured at jointing, flowering and grain-filling stages, respectively. UAV-based multispectral remote sensing images were used to calculate thirteen vegetation indices, including SAVI, EVI, R-M, NDRE, OSAVI, GOSAVI, REOSAVI, GBNDVI, NDVI, RVI, DVI, GNDVI, and TVI. Five machine learning (ML) algorithms (i.e., MLR, RF, PLSR, ElasticNet, and ridge regression) were adopted to estimate the crop water content of winter wheat at the three growth stages. The benchmark datasets, which include CWC as well as vegetation indices calculated based on spectral indices, were adopted to validate the performance of the ML models. (3) Results: The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.64 to 0.82 at different growth stages. The optimal vegetation indices were GNDVI for the jointing stage, NDRE for the flowering and the grain-filling stage, respectively. Among the five machine learning methods, random forest (RF) showed the best performance across the three growth stages, with its coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.80, or an increase by 20.1% than those of other models. In addition, the RMSE and RPD of the RF model at the flowering stage were 3.00% and 2.01, which significantly outperformed other models and growth stages. (4) Conclusion: This study may provide theoretical support and technical guidance for monitoring current water status in wheat crops, which is useful to develop a precise irrigation prescription map for local farmers. (5) Limitation: The main limitation of this study is that the sample size is relatively small and may not fully reflect the characteristics of the target groups. At the same time, subjectivity and bias may exist in the data collection, which may have a certain impact on the accuracy of the results. Future studies could consider expanding sample sizes and improving data collection methods to overcome these limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Water Relationships for Sustainable Agriculture)

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