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26 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Economic Efficiency of Fuel Reduction Treatments in Sagebrush Ecosystems That Vary in Ecological Resilience and Invasion Resistance

by Thomas A. Bridges-Lyman, Jessi L. Brown, Jeanne C. Chambers, Lisa M. Ellsworth, Matthew C. Reeves, Karen C. Short, Eva K. Strand and Michael H. Taylor

Land 2024, 13(12), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122131 (registering DOI) - 9 Dec 2024

Abstract

The concepts of resilience and resistance (R&R) have been used to improve wildland fuel treatment outcomes by identifying parts of the landscape that are more likely to respond well to treatment. This study examined how the economic benefits and costs of fuel treatments [...] Read more.

The concepts of resilience and resistance (R&R) have been used to improve wildland fuel treatment outcomes by identifying parts of the landscape that are more likely to respond well to treatment. This study examined how the economic benefits and costs of fuel treatments in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems varied with the resilience and resistance properties of the treatment site. Generalized ecological models were developed for the economic analysis of fuel treatments that integrated ecological succession, annual grass invasion, pinyon–juniper expansion, and wildfire to simulate ecosystem dynamics over time. The models incorporated resilience and resistance by varying model parameters related to each plant community’s ability to resist annual grass invasion and recover post-disturbance. Simulations produced estimates of the expected (ex ante) benefit–cost ratio for each treatment. The approach also considered the benefits associated with the system remaining in an ecologically favorable condition, allowing us to report a more holistic measure of the net economic benefits of fuel treatments. The results from the simulations indicated fuel treatment was economically efficient in late-successional sagebrush and early-successional juniper in mountain big sagebrush associations. For sagebrush associations where treatment was economically efficient, higher R&R status sites had higher benefit–cost ratios. The results suggested that treatment costs were more determinative of economic efficiency than treatment benefits. Full article

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27 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Backdoor Attack Against Dataset Distillation in Natural Language Processing

by Yuhao Chen, Weida Xu, Sicong Zhang and Yang Xu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11425; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311425 (registering DOI) - 9 Dec 2024

Abstract

Dataset distillation has become an important technique for enhancing the efficiency of data when training machine learning models. It finds extensive applications across various fields, including computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP). However, it essentially consists of a deep neural network [...] Read more.

Dataset distillation has become an important technique for enhancing the efficiency of data when training machine learning models. It finds extensive applications across various fields, including computer vision (CV) and natural language processing (NLP). However, it essentially consists of a deep neural network (DNN) model, which remain susceptible to security and privacy vulnerabilities (e.g., backdoor attacks). Existing studies have primarily focused on optimizing the balance between computational efficiency and model performance, overlooking the accompanying security and privacy risks. This study presents the first backdoor attack targeting NLP models trained on distilled datasets. We introduce malicious triggers into synthetic data during the distillation phase to execute a backdoor attack on downstream models trained with these data. We employ several widely used datasets to assess how different architectures and dataset distillation techniques withstand our attack. The experimental findings reveal that the attack achieves strong performance with a high (above 0.9 and up to 1.0) attack success rate (ASR) in most cases. For backdoor attacks, high attack performance often comes at the cost of reduced model utility. Our attack maintains high ASR while maximizing the preservation of downstream model utility, as evidenced by results showing that the clean test accuracy (CTA) of the backdoored model is very close to that of the clean model. Additionally, we performed comprehensive ablation studies to identify key factors affecting attack performance. We tested our attack method against five defense strategies, including NAD, Neural Cleanse, ONION, SCPD, and RAP. The experimental results show that these defense methods are unable to reduce the attack success rate without compromising the model’s performance on normal tasks. Therefore, these methods cannot effectively defend against our attack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)

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18 pages, 11052 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Robust Path Tracking Controller for Autonomous Mobility with Control Delay Compensation Using Backstepping Control

by Munjung Jang, Sehwan Kim, Byeonghun Yoo and Kwangseok Oh

Actuators 2024, 13(12), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13120508 (registering DOI) - 9 Dec 2024

Abstract

Control delay phenomena, such as time delays and actuator lags, can compromise the control performance of autonomous mobility systems, leading to increased control errors. Therefore, it is essential to develop a control delay compensation algorithm. This paper proposes a Lyapunov-based backstepping steering control [...] Read more.

Control delay phenomena, such as time delays and actuator lags, can compromise the control performance of autonomous mobility systems, leading to increased control errors. Therefore, it is essential to develop a control delay compensation algorithm. This paper proposes a Lyapunov-based backstepping steering control algorithm to compensate for control delays in autonomous mobility systems. To estimate the control delay in the steering system, the Recursive Least Squares (RLS) algorithm was employed to calculate the time constant in real time. The control delay was estimated using an RLS designed based on a first-order differential equation. A backstepping steering controller was developed to calculate the desired steering angle using simplified error dynamics for reference path tracking. The control errors, specifically the lateral preview and yaw angle errors, were derived by calculating the path error between the current position and the waypoint. The performance of the proposed control algorithm was evaluated using the DC motor and CarMaker software 8.1.1(IPG Automotive, Karlsruhe, Germany) under scenarios involving sinusoidal input and four-curved loop and S-curved paths respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Intelligent Vehicle Dynamics and Control)

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13 pages, 3830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of O,F Co-Modified g-C₃N₄ for Photocatalytic H₂ Evolution Activity Improvement and Corrosion Protection

by Shiyu Zhou, Pei Li, Chunbo Zhang, Yang Wang, Jingting Hu and Ruokun Jia

Crystals 2024, 14(12), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121063 (registering DOI) - 9 Dec 2024

Abstract

Herein, we report the rational synthesis of porous g-C₃N₄ co-modified with oxygen (O) and fluorine (F) for the first time. Incorporating colloidal SiO₂ during thermal polymerization introduces lattice oxygen, forming C–O bonds, while post-treatment with NH₄·HF₂ [...] Read more.

Herein, we report the rational synthesis of porous g-C₃N₄ co-modified with oxygen (O) and fluorine (F) for the first time. Incorporating colloidal SiO₂ during thermal polymerization introduces lattice oxygen, forming C–O bonds, while post-treatment with NH₄·HF₂ establishes C–F bonds. The dual incorporation of O and F elements extends visible light absorption and effectively promotes the separation and transport of photoexcited charge carriers. Consequently, the co-modified g-C₃N₄ (O,F-g-C₃N₄) achieves a 13.2-fold increase in H₂ evolution rate compared to pristine g-C₃N₄. This synthesized O,F-g-C₃N₄ is then dispersed in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to create an anti-corrosive coating for Q235 carbon steel substrates. Water resistance, mechanical property, and electrochemical characterization analyses reveal that the O,F-g-C₃N₄/WPU composite coating exhibits remarkable corrosion resistance with a high protection efficiency of 90.23%. This work offers a straightforward approach for developing highly efficient g-C₃N₄-based photocatalysts and corrosion-resistant coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)

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14 pages, 3290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Mitochondrial Genome of Cambaroides schrenckii (Astacidea: Cambaridae) and Its Phylogenetic Implications

by Xuewei Liu, Ben Li, Yan Yang, Jun Zhang, Chunbo Hu, Yuxi Zhang, Jiawang Zhou, Yinlong Liu, Hongyu Qiu, Chunren Wang and Junfeng Gao

Genes 2024, 15(12), 1578; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15121578 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Background: Cambaroides schrenckii is an endangered freshwater crayfish in China, belonging to the genus Cambaroides, that can act as a complementary host for paragonimus. The objective of this study was to examine the complete mitochondrial genome characteristics and their evolutionary relationships within the [...] Read more.

Background: Cambaroides schrenckii is an endangered freshwater crayfish in China, belonging to the genus Cambaroides, that can act as a complementary host for paragonimus. The objective of this study was to examine the complete mitochondrial genome characteristics and their evolutionary relationships within the Astacidea. Methods: The analysis of gene rearrangements and evolutionary relationships was conducted through the sequencing of the mitochondrial genome of C. schrenckii. Results: C. schrenckii mitochondrial genome length was 15,572, comprising thirteen PCGs, two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and one d-loop region of C. schrenckii. The mitochondrial genome of C. schrenckii exhibits an A + T content of 69.61% and a G + C content of 30.39%. Among the thirteen PCGs, cytb, nad3, and nad6 have a start codon of ATT, while the other ten PCGs have ATC, ATA, and ATG start codons. All 22 tRNA genes displayed a typical cloverleaf secondary structure. Gene rearrangement analysis showed that seven gene arrangements were identified based on PCGs in the infraorder Astacidea, with type I being the most common. Conclusions: The relationship between the American Cambaridae is closer to Astacidae than the Asian Cambaridae. The present study provides a theoretical basis for further discussions of developmental relationships in the infraorder Astacidea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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18 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Metal Ion Status Along Pregnancy and Perinatal Outcomes in a Group of Mexican Women

by Johana Vásquez-Procopio, Johnatan Torres-Torres, Elodia Rojas-Lima, Salvador Espino-y-Sosa, Juan Mario Solis-Paredes, Maribel Sánchez-Martínez, Mari-Cruz Tolentino-Dolores, Otilia Perichart-Perera, Fanis Missirlis and Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13206; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313206 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Pregnancy increases the demand for essential metal ions to support fetal development, making the maternal metal ion status a critical determinant of perinatal outcomes. This prospective cohort study examined changes in metal ion levels across the three trimesters, evaluated the influence of preexisting [...] Read more.

Pregnancy increases the demand for essential metal ions to support fetal development, making the maternal metal ion status a critical determinant of perinatal outcomes. This prospective cohort study examined changes in metal ion levels across the three trimesters, evaluated the influence of preexisting metabolic conditions on the metal ion status, and assessed the associations between maternal metal ion levels and perinatal outcomes in 206 pregnant women from the Biochemical and Epigenetic Origin of Overweight and Obesity (OBESO) cohort receiving care at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatología in Mexico City from 2017 to 2020. Six essential metal ions (iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) were measured in blood samples using inductively coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry. Significant variations in the metal ion levels were observed across the trimesters, with notable decreases in iron and magnesium and increases in copper as pregnancies progressed. Maternal hypothyroidism was associated with significantly low levels of zinc and magnesium during pregnancy. Regression analyses revealed robust associations between maternal metal ion levels and perinatal outcomes. For instance, declining magnesium levels as pregnancies progressed were positively associated with gestational diabetes (OR: 2.92, p = 0.04; OR: 2.72, p = 0.03). The maternal metal ion status significantly influences perinatal outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Trace Elements in Nutrition and Health)

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13 pages, 3203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Curvature Shape on the Impact Strength of Additively Manufactured Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Parts Produced via Fused Deposition Modeling

by Muhammad Fahad, Waseem Raja, Muhammad Naveed Iqbal and Abdul Waheed Awan

Designs 2024, 8(6), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs8060132 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) has greatly revolutionized manufacturing due to its ability to manufacture complex shapes without the need for additional tooling. Most AM applications are based on geometries comprising curved shapes subjected to impact loads. The main focus of this study was on [...] Read more.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has greatly revolutionized manufacturing due to its ability to manufacture complex shapes without the need for additional tooling. Most AM applications are based on geometries comprising curved shapes subjected to impact loads. The main focus of this study was on investigating the influence of infill density and the radius of curvature on the impact strength of parts manufactured via an FDM process. Standard geometrical specimens with varying part infill densities and radii of curvature were produced and subjected to Charpy impact tests to evaluate their impact strength. The results suggest that the impact strength increases with the increased density caused by higher amounts of material as well as by the changing cross-sectional areas of the beads. Also, the radius of curvature of the parts shows a clear inverse relationship with the impact energy absorbed by the specimens (i.e., increasing the radius decreased the impact energy of the parts) produced via an FDM process, which can be explained using the beam theory of structural mechanics. The maximum value of impact strength obtained was 287 KJ/m², and this was achieved at the highest infill density (i.e., solid) and for the smallest radius of curvature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Post-manufacturing Testing and Characterization of Materials)

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10 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rates of PCR Positivity of Pleural Drainage Fluid in COVID-19 Patients: Is It Expected?

by Hasan Turut, Neslihan Ozcelik, Aysegul Copur Cicek, Kerim Tuluce, Gokcen Sevilgen, Mustafa Sakin, Basar Erdivanli, Aleksandra Klisic and Filiz Mercantepe

Life 2024, 14(12), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121625 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Background: Tube thoracostomy, utilized through conventional methodologies in the context of pleural disorders such as pleural effusion and pneumothorax, constitutes one of the primary therapeutic interventions. Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that invasive procedures, including tube thoracostomy, are classified as aerosol-generating activities [...] Read more.

Background: Tube thoracostomy, utilized through conventional methodologies in the context of pleural disorders such as pleural effusion and pneumothorax, constitutes one of the primary therapeutic interventions. Nonetheless, it is imperative to recognize that invasive procedures, including tube thoracostomy, are classified as aerosol-generating activities during the management of pleural conditions in patients afflicted with COVID-19, thus raising substantial concerns regarding the potential exposure of healthcare personnel to the virus. The objective of this investigation was to assess the SARS-CoV-2 viral load by detecting viral RNA in pleural drainage specimens from patients who underwent tube thoracostomy due to either pleural effusion or pneumothorax. Methods: In this single-center prospective cross-sectional analysis, a real-time reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed to conduct swab tests for the qualitative identification of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 in pleural fluids acquired during tube thoracostomy between August 2021 and December 2021. Results: All pleural drainage specimens from 21 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 via nasopharyngeal PCR, of which 14 underwent tube thoracostomy due to pneumothorax, 4 due to both pneumothorax and pleural effusion, and 3 due to pleural effusion, were found to be negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Moreover, individuals exhibiting pleural effusion were admitted to the intensive care unit with a notably higher incidence, yet demonstrated significantly more radiological anomalies in patients diagnosed with pneumothorax. Conclusions: The current findings, inclusive of the results from this study, do not furnish scientific evidence to support the notion that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via aerosolization during tube thoracostomy, and it remains uncertain whether the virus can be adequately contained within pleural fluids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Investigations: Characteristics, Clinical Course, Prevention, Treatment and Prognosis)

15 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Cloning, Characterization and Transesterification Reactions of Mgl-C255, a Lipolytic Enzyme from Neobacillus thermocopriae C255 Isolated from Ash from Popocatépetl Volcano

by Graciela Espinosa-Luna, Aaron S. Bustos-Baena, Rocio Solis-Palacios, Jonathan Lara-Sanchez, Aurelio Espinosa-Honorato and Rosa María Oliart-Ros

Macromol 2024, 4(4), 871-885; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4040051 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Lipases and carboxylesterases are enzymes of biotechnological interest both for their reactions and their specificity. They have wide-ranging applications in the food, pharmaceuticals, biodiesel synthesis, and bioremediation industries. For that reason, the strain Neobacillus thermocopriae C255 was isolated from ash from Popocatepetl volcano [...] Read more.

Lipases and carboxylesterases are enzymes of biotechnological interest both for their reactions and their specificity. They have wide-ranging applications in the food, pharmaceuticals, biodiesel synthesis, and bioremediation industries. For that reason, the strain Neobacillus thermocopriae C255 was isolated from ash from Popocatepetl volcano and studied as a new source of lipolytic enzymes. It was identified using 16S ribosomal RNA and flagellar protein FliF sequence homology, yielding 100% identity. From the sequencing of its genome, an enzyme with lipolytic activity, classified as a monoacylglycerol lipase, and named Mgl-C255, was cloned in E. coli BL21, and then expressed, biochemically characterized, and tested via transesterification reactions with alcohols and monosaccharides. Based on its sequence and structure, it was placed within family V, having a catalytic triad of S90-D207-H237. Biochemical characterization showed its highest activity at 40 °C, pH 7.5 to 8.5, with C-2 length substrate preference. No metal ions or inhibitors influenced lipolytic activity, except for PMSF, SDS, Cu⁻², and Hg⁻². Mgl-C255 retained about 50% of its activity in non-polar solvents and showed synthetic activity in organic solvents, making it a good candidate for studying its catalytic potential and selectivity. Full article

53 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technology Development in Online Grocery Shopping—From Shopping Services to Virtual Reality, Metaverse, and Smart Devices: A Review

by Kinga Stecuła, Radosław Wolniak and Barış Aydın

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3959; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233959 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the technologies and services associated with online grocery shopping. The progress in the field of online grocery shopping has been very rapid in recent years. Hence, there was a need to systematize knowledge about the latest various [...] Read more.

This paper presents a review of the technologies and services associated with online grocery shopping. The progress in the field of online grocery shopping has been very rapid in recent years. Hence, there was a need to systematize knowledge about the latest various solutions used in this topic. The authors searched the internet, focusing on websites of different supermarkets, shops, and other services that offer online shopping, as well as reviewed scientific papers. Based on the collected material, the authors created four thematic parts, which include: (1) supermarket services; (2) dedicated grocery delivery services and farm-to-table; (3) shopping in Virtual Reality and the metaverse; smart devices and (4) AI in food ordering—the last part includes smart devices, such as smart refrigerators, ovens, their functionality, and the services connected with them. The authors refer to 243 sources. The research includes the three following objectives: (1) exploring and presenting the emerging applied ways of online grocery shopping, (2) exploring and presenting the latest technological advances related to the digitalization of grocery shopping, (3) discussing the upcoming technologies, services, and methods in online grocery shopping. This paper provides knowledge about a wide range of solutions offered by both supermarkets and stores (e.g., shopping applications, VR applications, metaverse shopping) and other companies (e.g., deliveries, product tracking), highlighting the numerous functions available thanks to smart devices (e.g., voice control, own shopping lists, control of products, their quantities and expiration dates, management of user preferences, and many more). This paper also discusses social issues related to the presented solutions, such as their influence on consumer behavior, barriers to adoption, and the associated challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for the Food Industry)

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22 pages, 9397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Water Depth of Different Waterbodies Using Deep Learning Super Resolution from HJ-2 Satellite Hyperspectral Images

by Shuangyin Zhang, Kailong Hu, Xinsheng Wang, Baocheng Zhao, Ming Liu, Changjun Gu, Jian Xu and Xuejun Cheng

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(23), 4607; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16234607 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Hyperspectral remote sensing images offer a unique opportunity to quickly monitor water depth, but how to utilize the enriched spectral information and improve its spatial resolution remains a challenge. We proposed a water depth estimation framework to improve spatial resolution using deep learning [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral remote sensing images offer a unique opportunity to quickly monitor water depth, but how to utilize the enriched spectral information and improve its spatial resolution remains a challenge. We proposed a water depth estimation framework to improve spatial resolution using deep learning and four inversion methods and verified the effectiveness of different super resolution and inversion methods in three waterbodies based on HJ-2 hyperspectral images. Results indicated that it was feasible to use HJ-2 hyperspectral images with a higher spatial resolution via super resolution methods to estimate water depth. Deep learning improves the spatial resolution of hyperspectral images from 48 m to 24 m and shows less information loss with peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM), and spectral angle mapper (SAM) values of approximately 37, 0.92, and 2.42, respectively. Among four inversion methods, the multilayer perceptron demonstrates superior performance for the water reservoir, achieving the mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.292 m and 22.188%, respectively. For two rivers, the random forest model proves to be the best model, with an MAE of 0.750 m and an MAPE of 10.806%. The proposed method can be used for water depth estimation of different water bodies and can improve the spatial resolution of water depth mapping, providing refined technical support for water environment management and protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Spatial Information Science and Cartography in the Big Remotely Sensed Data Era)

8 pages, 5101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Volume Expansion of Vanadium-Based Alloy Powders and Compacts During Hydrogen Sorption

by Mojia Li, Yunfeng Hu, Hanyang Kong, Qiuwei Huang, Yusong Chen and Yigang Yan

Inorganics 2024, 12(12), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12120318 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Storing hydrogen in solid metal hydrides provides a safe and efficient storage approach. However, the large volume expansion of metal hydrides during hydrogen absorption imposes substantial stresses on the wall of a hydrogen storage tank. In this study, volume expansion behavior of a [...] Read more.

Storing hydrogen in solid metal hydrides provides a safe and efficient storage approach. However, the large volume expansion of metal hydrides during hydrogen absorption imposes substantial stresses on the wall of a hydrogen storage tank. In this study, volume expansion behavior of a V-based hydrogen storage alloy, V₆₁Cr₂₄Ti₁₂Ce₃, with body-centered-cubic, was investigated using a self-developed in situ expansion testing device. The lattice expansion of the V₆₁Cr₂₄Ti₁₂Ce₃ alloy after full hydrogenation was determined to be 37.85% using X-ray diffraction(XRD). The powder bed, composed of alloy powder with an average size of 3.35 mm in diameter, displays a large volume expansion ratio of 131% at the first hydrogen absorption cycle and 40–45% in the following four cycles. The stable compact bed, made of alloy powders, organic silicone gel, and graphite flakes, shows significantly smaller volume expansion ratio, which is 97% at the first cycle and 21% at the second cycle, and stabilizes at 13% in the following cycles. Also, the compact bed shows similar hydrogen absorption capacity, but faster absorption kinetics compared to the powder bed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Inorganic Materials 2024)

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13 pages, 865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Psychological Capital on Climate Change Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in the uMkhanyakude District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

by Mbongeni Maziya, Lelethu Mdoda and Lungile Pearl Sindiswa Mvelase

Climate 2024, 12(12), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12120213 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Climate change and variability pose a challenge to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Previous studies on climate change in the context of smallholder farming have mainly focused on the influence of socio-economic factors in understanding farmers’ responses to climate change. However, little is [...] Read more.

Climate change and variability pose a challenge to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Previous studies on climate change in the context of smallholder farming have mainly focused on the influence of socio-economic factors in understanding farmers’ responses to climate change. However, little is known about the effect of psychological capital on climate change adaptation. There are calls for better empirical models and transdisciplinary approaches to understand the underlying drivers of climate change adaptation in smallholder farming systems. This study draws from behavioural decision research to assess psychological factors influencing climate change adaptation in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal. This study adopted the Theory of Planned Behaviour to understand the effect of psychological capital on climate change adaptation. Data were collected from a sample of 400 smallholder farmers who were randomly selected from the uMkhanyakude district. Survey data were analysed using a multivariate probit regression model. The results of the multivariate probit regression model indicated that psychological capital (attitudes towards climate change, subjective norms, and trust) played an important role in influencing climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation is also influenced by the gender of the farmer, education level, household size, and Tropical Livestock Units. These findings underscore the role of psychological capital in shaping climate change adaptation. This study recommends using transdisciplinary approaches (i.e., combining economics and psychology) in evaluating farmers’ responses to climate change. Full article

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16 pages, 3074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SS3DNet-AF: A Single-Stage, Single-View 3D Reconstruction Network with Attention-Based Fusion

by Muhammad Awais Shoukat, Allah Bux Sargano, Alexander Malyshev, Lihua You and Zulfiqar Habib

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11424; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311424 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Learning object shapes from a single image is challenging due to variations in scene content, geometric structures, and environmental factors, which create significant disparities between 2D image features and their corresponding 3D representations, hindering the effective training of deep learning models. Existing learning-based [...] Read more.

Learning object shapes from a single image is challenging due to variations in scene content, geometric structures, and environmental factors, which create significant disparities between 2D image features and their corresponding 3D representations, hindering the effective training of deep learning models. Existing learning-based approaches can be divided into two-stage and single-stage methods, each with limitations. Two-stage methods often rely on generating intermediate proposals by searching for similar structures across the entire dataset, a process that is computationally expensive due to the large search space and high-dimensional feature-matching requirements, further limiting flexibility to predefined object categories. In contrast, single-stage methods directly reconstruct 3D shapes from images without intermediate steps, but they struggle to capture complex object geometries due to high feature loss between image features and 3D shapes and limit their ability to represent intricate details. To address these challenges, this paper introduces SS3DNet-AF, a single-stage, single-view 3D reconstruction network with an attention-based fusion (AF) mechanism to enhance focus on relevant image features, effectively capturing geometric details and generalizing across diverse object categories. The proposed method is quantitatively evaluated using the ShapeNet dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving accurate 3D reconstructions while overcoming the computational challenges associated with traditional approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computer Graphics and 3D Technologies)

17 pages, 6890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Flavonoid-Mediated Regulation of Seed Antioxidant Properties in Peanut Seed Vigor

by Fangping Gong, Di Cao, Zhuo Li, Yi Fan, Yaru Zhang, Lin Zhang, Kai Zhao, Ding Qiu, Zhongfeng Li, Rui Ren, Xingli Ma, Xingguo Zhang, Kunkun Zhao and Dongmei Yin

Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1497; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121497 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an oilseed crop grown worldwide. Flavonoids have profound benefits for plant growth and development because of their powerful antioxidant properties. Seed vigor is an important indicator of seed quality. However, how flavonoids impact seed vigor formation in [...] Read more.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an oilseed crop grown worldwide. Flavonoids have profound benefits for plant growth and development because of their powerful antioxidant properties. Seed vigor is an important indicator of seed quality. However, how flavonoids impact seed vigor formation in large-seed peanuts is still poorly understood. Here, we profiled flavonoids, phytohormones, and transcriptomes of developing seeds of large-seed peanut varieties with low (ZP06) and high (H8107) seed vigor. A total of 165 flavonoids were identified, 51 of which were differentially accumulated in ZP06 and H8107. Lower levels of dihydromyricetin (0.28 times) and hesperetin-7-O-glucoside (0.26 times) were observed in ZP06 seeds than in H8107. All flavonoid biosynthesis structural genes were down-regulated in ZP06. The different hormone levels found in ZP06 and H8107 seeds could be associated with the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes via MYB and bHLH transcription factors. Dihydromyricetin could relate to ZP06′s poor seed vigor by impacting its seed antioxidant properties. Thus, the presence of flavonoids in large-seed peanuts could contribute to their physiological quality and germination potential through controlling the accumulation of reactive oxygen species to improve seed antioxidant properties. Full article

18 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Rice Varieties and Water Management Practices on Greenhouse Gas (CH₄ and N₂O) Emissions in the Ratoon Rice System in the Upper Yangtze River Region, China

by Wujun Zhang, Bin Du, Xiujian Duan, Zimeng Liang, Yongqun Tang, Jingyong Li and Xiong Yao

Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122251 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Ratoon rice can improve rice yield by increasing the multiple cropping index in China. However, the greenhouse gas (CH₄ and N₂O) emission characteristics from ratoon rice fields and the cultivation methods to reduce CH₄ and N₂O emissions [...] Read more.

Ratoon rice can improve rice yield by increasing the multiple cropping index in China. However, the greenhouse gas (CH₄ and N₂O) emission characteristics from ratoon rice fields and the cultivation methods to reduce CH₄ and N₂O emissions are rarely reported. This study first conducted the analysis of genotype differences in greenhouse gas emission fluxes using five strong ratoon ability rice varieties in 2020. Second, water management methods, including alternating the wet–dry irrigation (AWD) pattern and conventional flooding irrigation (CF) during the main season, were carried out in 2021. CH₄ and N₂O emission flux, agronomic traits, and rice yield during both main and ratoon seasons were investigated. The results showed that the CH₄ emission flux during the main and ratoon seasons was 157.05–470.73 kg·ha^–1 and 31.03–84.38 kg·ha^–1, respectively, and the total N₂O emission flux was 0.13–0.94 kg·ha^–1 in the ratoon rice system over the two seasons (RRSTS). Compared with the main season, the CH₄ emission flux during the ratoon season was significantly reduced, thus decreasing the greenhouse gas global warming potential (GWP) and greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) in the ratoon rice system. Cliangyouhuazhan (CLYHZ) showed a high yield, and the lowest GWP and GHGI values among the five rice varieties in RRSTS. Compared with CF, the AWD pattern reduced the CH₄ emission flux during the main and ratoon seasons by 67.4–95.3 kg·ha^–1 and 1.7–5.1 kg·ha^–1, respectively, but increased the N₂O emission flux by 0.1–0.6 kg·ha^–1 during the RRSTS. Further, compared with CF, the AWD pattern had a declined GWP by 14.3–19.4% and GHGI by 30.3–34.3% during the RRSTS, which was attributed to the significant reduction in GWP and GHGI during the main season. The AWD pattern significantly increased rice yield by 21.9–22.9% during the RRSTS, especially for YX203. Correlation analysis showed that CH₄, GWP, and GHGI exhibited significant negative correlations with spikelet number per m² and the harvest index during the main and ratoon seasons. Collectively, selecting the high-yield, low-emission variety CLYHZ could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ratoon rice while maintaining a high yield. The AWD pattern could reduce total CH₄ emission during the main season, reducing the GWP and GHGI while increasing the ratoon rice system yield. It could be concluded that a variety of CLYHZ and AWD patterns are worthy of promotion and application to decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the ratoon rice area in the upper reaches of Yangtze River, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Responses of Food Crops to Fertilization and Conservation Tillage)

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21 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Conventional Pasteurization, High Temperature Short Time, Ultra-High Temperature, and Storage Time on Physicochemical Characteristics, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Microbiological Quality of Fruit Nectars

by Natalia Polak, Stanisław Kalisz, Elżbieta Hać-Szymańczuk and Bartosz Kruszewski

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3963; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233963 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Berries are a valuable source of numerous bioactive compounds, and they have an interesting organoleptic profile. Unfortunately, their low storage life determines the need for their preservation. Among the various methods used in this regard, it was decided to use the High Temperature [...] Read more.

Berries are a valuable source of numerous bioactive compounds, and they have an interesting organoleptic profile. Unfortunately, their low storage life determines the need for their preservation. Among the various methods used in this regard, it was decided to use the High Temperature Short Time (HTST) (90 °C/15 s) and Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) (130 °C/5 s) methods to preserve the produced fruit nectar blends (strawberry–blackcurrant and strawberry–chokeberry). For comparison, the nectars were also preserved using conventional pasteurization (90 °C/10 min). Physicochemical, chromatographic, and microbiological determinations were carried out in the tested nectars before and immediately after processing, as well as after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 months of refrigerated storage. All methods allowed for the significant inactivation of selected microbial groups. Non-significant changes were observed as a result of HTST and UHT processing in the context of pH, TSS, and titratable acidity. Varied major changes occurred in the content of bioactive components (TPC—decrease or increase by 2–4%, TAC—decrease by 3–20%, vitamin C—decrease by 15–78%), antioxidant activity (decrease or increase by 3–9%), and nephelometric turbidity (decrease or increase by 11–65%). Both nectars showed better quality and nutritional value after the HTST and UHT processes compared to treatment with classic pasteurization. Storage affected the degradation of bioactive compounds, reduced antioxidant activity, increased turbidity, and caused the brightening of samples together with reducing redness and yellowness. Considering the results obtained, it is reasonable to recommend the use of the HTST and UHT methods in industrial conditions for the preservation of liquid fruit and vegetable products such as juices, nectars, and beverages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Food Safety through PCR and Modern Detection Techniques)

16 pages, 3140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hardness-Dependent Freshwater Quality Criteria for the Protection of Aquatic Organisms for Cadmium in China

by Zeya Zhang, Rui Huang, Zhongjie Shen, Yili Fan, Chenglian Feng and Yingchen Bai

Toxics 2024, 12(12), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12120892 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Cadmium poses a significant threat to freshwater aquatic organisms and ecosystems, making it essential to establish regional freshwater quality criteria (FWQC) in China to safeguard these organisms. The toxicity database for cadmium covered 249 acute toxicity data from 52 species (seven phyla and [...] Read more.

Cadmium poses a significant threat to freshwater aquatic organisms and ecosystems, making it essential to establish regional freshwater quality criteria (FWQC) in China to safeguard these organisms. The toxicity database for cadmium covered 249 acute toxicity data from 52 species (seven phyla and 27 families) and 62 chronic toxicity data from 21 species (four phyla and 12 families). During short-term exposure, Morone saxatilis displayed the most sensitivity to cadmium, whereas Daphnia magna showed the most sensitivity in long-term exposure scenarios. Significant correlations were identified between water hardness and the toxicity data for cadmium, with the acute toxicity coefficient (K_ATD) at 1.0227 (n = 52, p < 0.05) and the chronic toxicity coefficient (K_CTD) at 0.4983 (n = 21, p < 0.05). With the species sensitivity distribution method, the short-term freshwater quality criteria (S-FWQC) were derived with a normal distribution as the best fit (R² 0.9793), while the long-term freshwater quality criteria (L-FWQC) were calculated using a logistic distribution as the best fit (R² 0.9686). The formulas for the S-FWQC and L-FWQC were represented as

10^{(1.0227 \times l g (H) - 1.5444)}

and

10^{(0.4983 \times l g (H) - 1.7549)}

, respectively, with water hardness serving as an independent variable. This study offers valuable insights for improving the management of cadmium to protect freshwater aquatic organisms in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cadmium and Trace Elements Toxicity)

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19 pages, 3946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Sensing Estimation of CDOM for Songhua River of China: Distributions and Implications

by Pengju Feng, Kaishan Song, Zhidan Wen, Hui Tao, Xiangfei Yu and Yingxin Shang

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(23), 4608; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16234608 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Rivers are crucial pathways for transporting organic carbon from land to ocean, playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) are major components of dissolved organic matter and have significant impacts on [...] Read more.

Rivers are crucial pathways for transporting organic carbon from land to ocean, playing a vital role in the global carbon cycle. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) are major components of dissolved organic matter and have significant impacts on maintaining the stability of river ecosystems and driving the global carbon cycle. In this study, the in situ samples of a_CDOM(355) and DOC collected along the main stream of the Songhua River were matched with Sentinel-2 imagery. Multiple linear regression and five machine learning models were used to analyze the data. Among these models, XGBoost demonstrated a superior, highly stable performance on the validation set (R² = 0.85, RMSE = 0.71 m⁻¹). The multiple linear regression results revealed a strong correlation between CDOM and DOC (R² = 0.73), indicating that CDOM can be used to indirectly estimate DOC concentrations. Significant seasonal variations in the CDOM distribution in the Songhua River were observed: a_CDOM(355) in spring (6.23 m⁻¹) was higher than that in summer (5.3 m⁻¹) and autumn (4.74 m⁻¹). The a_CDOM(355) values in major urban areas along the Songhua River were generally higher than those in non-urban areas. Using the predicted DOC values and annual flow data at the sites, the annual DOC flux in Harbin was calculated to be approximately 0.2275 Tg C/Yr. Additionally, the spatial variation in annual CDOM was influenced by both natural changes in the watershed and human activities. These findings are pivotal for a deeper understanding of the role of river systems in the global carbon cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue River and Lake Dynamic Monitoring and Ecological Assessment Based on Remote Sensing)

20 pages, 6025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Two Water Quality Indices for Evaluating the Health and Management of a Tropical Lake

by Meareg D. Nerae, Fasikaw A. Zimale, Tammo S. Steenhuis and Mebrahtom G. Kebedew

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120212 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

With increasing pressure on freshwater resources in developing countries due to population growth, further research and potential interventions are crucial. Lake Tana, located in the headwaters of the Blue Nile, serves as a critical example of these precious freshwater resources. This study evaluated [...] Read more.

With increasing pressure on freshwater resources in developing countries due to population growth, further research and potential interventions are crucial. Lake Tana, located in the headwaters of the Blue Nile, serves as a critical example of these precious freshwater resources. This study evaluated the water quality of Lake Tana for both ecological health and drinking purposes using the Arithmetic Weighted Water Quality Index (AW WQI) and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI). Samples were collected from 20 lake sampling stations four times between July 2018 and June 2019 to calculate the two water quality indices using ten measured parameters. The average annual AW WQI ranged from good to very poor for ecological health and very poor to unsuitable for drinking water. The CCME WQI categorized Lake Tana’s water quality as poor to fair for both uses. According to the water quality indices, the water quality was most impacted by turbidity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, and phosphorus. However, except for ammonium, these factors were immaterial for lake management because the lake was nitrogen-limited, and the turbidity resulted from sediment stirred up by waves from the lake bottom, which cannot be managed easily. Dissolved oxygen is related to turbidity. Moreover, the WQIs did not identify two pesticides in the lake that negatively affected the fish. Thus, WQI indices may document water quality changes over time. Therefore, in addition to a favorable economic and political climate, improving lake water management requires insights from experts, the scientific literature, and possibly additional monitoring in addition to what is provided by the WQIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Human Impact on Freshwater Water Resources: Rivers and Lakes)

19 pages, 410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lifestyle Habits and Nutritional Profile of the Spanish Population: A Comparison Between the Period During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Elena Sandri, Lisa Ursula Werner and Vicente Bernalte Martí

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3962; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233962 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in habits regarding the health and lifestyle of the Spanish population during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected during the pandemic from 22,181 participants and after the pandemic from 3907 participants using the NutSo-HH Scale, assessing demographic, nutritional, and lifestyle variables. Key findings reveal a slight increase in exercise duration (+6.61%) post-pandemic, along with reductions in fried food (−3.57%), juice (−6.45%), and alcohol consumption (−9.66%). Conversely, there were notable increases in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (+2.16%), soft drinks (+6.47%), and coffee/energy drinks (+38.95%). Sleep quality, body image, and self-perceived health showed minor declines. These findings indicate that despite some positive behavioral changes, there is still a significant dependence on unhealthy dietary choices, negatively impacting both mental and physical health. The results highlight the need for public health strategies which encourage healthier eating, increased physical activity, and better sleep quality to reduce the long-term effects of lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic. Focused interventions are necessary to curb the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages while fostering overall well-being. This study underscores the vital role of ongoing surveillance and customized public health initiatives to enhance general health in the post-pandemic era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)

22 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Manual Dexterity and Toothbrushing Efficiency in Preschool Children: A Crossover Study

by Lisbeth Macote-Orosco, Andrea Martín-Vacas, Marta M. Paz-Cortés, María Rosa Mourelle Martínez and M. Joaquín de Nova

Children 2024, 11(12), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11121498 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral hygiene (OH) efficiency and manual dexterity skills in Spanish five-year-old children using two fine motor tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a pre–post evaluation was designed. The children’s OH was [...] Read more.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between oral hygiene (OH) efficiency and manual dexterity skills in Spanish five-year-old children using two fine motor tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a pre–post evaluation was designed. The children’s OH was measured according to the Silness and Löe plaque index (PI) before toothbrushing upon arrival at school (pre) and after supervised toothbrushing (post). Motor skills (children’s dexterity) were determined with the Visual Motor Skills and Resistance to Fatigue test (VMSRF test) and the scale for the Behavioural Assessment of Preschool Skills (BAPS scale). Data were analysed with the SPSS^® statistics software with a 95% confidence interval and bilateral significance. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine children were evaluated. The mean PI was 2.5, indicating generally poor OH in the sample. No difference in OH was observed between genders or in the brushing frequency categories. No significant differences in OH or the PI were found between right- and left-handed children either (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found between the OH category pre and post toothbrushing in the total sample, as well as in the various sextants and surfaces evaluated. The results of the VMSRF and BAPS tests indicate moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average skill level. A statistically significant improvement in the PI was found in children with higher scores in the VMSRF and BAPS tests. Conclusions: A significantly higher OH efficacy was found in children with better motor skills, although five-year-old children showed moderate visuomotor skills and fatigue resistance and a poor average preschool skill level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Dentistry & Oral Medicine)

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15 pages, 13438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Hot-Dipped Tin Coating Treatment on Metallurgical Bonds Between AZ91D and Cu by Composite Casting

by Haochuan Wan, Jiahong Dai, Jianyue Zhang and Bin Jiang

Metals 2024, 14(12), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14121404 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Mg-Cu bimetallic materials have been widely studied because of their low density, good electrical conductivity, and excellent hydrogen storage properties. However, the interface bonding strength of Mg/Cu is low. In this study, we examined the effect of hot-dip tin coating (HDTC) with copper [...] Read more.

Mg-Cu bimetallic materials have been widely studied because of their low density, good electrical conductivity, and excellent hydrogen storage properties. However, the interface bonding strength of Mg/Cu is low. In this study, we examined the effect of hot-dip tin coating (HDTC) with copper (Cu) on the interfacial metallurgical bonds between AZ91D Magnesium (Mg) alloy and Cu composite casting. A transition layer composed of Mg₂Cu and MgCu₂ intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formed at the interface of the AZ91D/HDTC-Cu composite casting. However, the transition layer was about 1 μm at the AZ91D/Cu interface, mainly comprising Mg(Al, Cu)₂IMC. Both the AZ91D/Cu and AZ91D/HDTC-Cu interfaces exhibited many labyrinthine Mg(Al, Cu)₂ IMCs and layer-like Mg₂(Al, Cu) IMCs. Moreover, the interfacial shear strength of the AZ91D/Cu was changed from 12.6 MPa to 52.4 MPa due to the solid solution of Sn atom and the precipitation of Mg₂Sn IMC at the interface after HDTC treatment. Meanwhile, the shear fracture surfaces are characterized by brittle fractures. Full article

20 pages, 1264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Waste to Taste: Coffee By-Products as Starter Cultures for Sustainable Fermentation and Improved Coffee Quality

by Anna María Polanía Rivera, Jhennifer López Silva, Laura Torres-Valenzuela and José Luis Plaza-Dorado

Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10763; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310763 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Utilizing coffee by-products in the fermentation process of coffee offers a sustainable strategy by repurposing agricultural waste and enhancing product quality. This study evaluates the effect of applying a starter culture, derived from coffee residues, on the dynamics of reducing and total sugars [...] Read more.

Utilizing coffee by-products in the fermentation process of coffee offers a sustainable strategy by repurposing agricultural waste and enhancing product quality. This study evaluates the effect of applying a starter culture, derived from coffee residues, on the dynamics of reducing and total sugars during coffee fermentation, as well as the composition of aromatic compounds, organic acids, and the sensory profile of coffee inoculated with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus), in comparison to a spontaneously fermented sample. Volatile compounds were identified and quantified using dynamic headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS/GC-MS), with predominant detection of 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-methyl; 2-furanmethanol; and furfural—compounds associated with caramel, nut, and sweet aromas from the roasting process. A reduction in sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) occurred over the 36 h fermentation period. Lactic acid (2.79 g/L) was the predominant organic acid, followed by acetic acid (0.69 g/L). The application of the inoculum improved the sensory quality of the coffee, achieving a score of 86.6 in evaluations by Q-graders, compared to 84 for the control sample. Additionally, descriptors such as red apple, honey, and citrus were prominent, contributing to a uniform and balanced flavor profile. These findings indicate that controlled fermentation with starter cultures derived from coffee by-products enhances sustainability in coffee production. It achieves this by supporting a circular economy, reducing reliance on chemical additives, and improving product quality. This approach aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social well-being within the coffee industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances in Food Science: Towards Sustainable Product Development and Innovation)

23 pages, 2931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of an Artificial Sandbar on Wave Transformation and Runup over a Nourished Beach

by Cuiping Kuang, Liyuan Chen, Xuejian Han, Dan Wang, Deping Cao and Qingping Zou

Geosciences 2024, 14(12), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14120337 (registering DOI) - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Due to increasing coastal flooding and erosion for climate change and sea level rise, there is a growing need for coastal protection and ecological restoration. Artificial sandbars have become popular green coastal infrastructure to protect coasts from excessive concession. To assess the effect [...] Read more.

Due to increasing coastal flooding and erosion for climate change and sea level rise, there is a growing need for coastal protection and ecological restoration. Artificial sandbars have become popular green coastal infrastructure to protect coasts from excessive concession. To assess the effect of an artificial sandbar on wave transformation over a beach under normal and storm wave conditions, a high-resolution non-hydrostatic model based on XBeach is established at the laboratory scale. Under normal wave conditions, wave energy is mainly concentrated in short wave frequency bands. The wave setup is negligible on the shoreface but becomes more significant over the beach face, and wave nonlinearity increases with decreasing water depth. The artificial sandbar reduces the wave setup by 22% and causes considerable changes in wave skewness, wave asymmetry, and flow velocity. Under storm wave conditions, as the incident wave height increases, the wave energy in the long wave frequency bands rises, while it decreases in the short wave frequency bands. The wave dissipation coefficient of an artificial sandbar increases first and then decreases with increasing incident wave height, and the opposite is true with the transmission coefficient. It features that the effect of an artificial sandbar on wave energy dissipation strengthens first and then weakens with increasing incident wave height. Additionally, an empirical formula for the wave runup was proposed based on the model results of the wave runup for storm wave conditions. The study reveals the complex processes of wave–structure–coast interactions and provides scientific evidence for the design of an artificial sandbar in beach nourishment projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)

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