Saved Queries

Precipitation forecasting is essential for disaster prevention, water resource management, and socio-economic resilience. The field has evolved from numerical weather prediction (NWP) and optical-flow-based methods toward data-driven deep learning approaches that can exploit larger observational datasets and model complex nonlinear relationships. Against this background, this study evaluates multi-station temporal forecasting models within a single-year, station-based proof-of-concept benchmark under unified data conditions. We adapt the Transformer and Informer architectures to this meteorological setting, rigorously preprocess the AWS dataset to avoid data leakage, and select predictive variables using complementary linear and nonlinear relevance criteria. Model performance is assessed using continuous and categorical precipitation metrics, including the Critical Success Index (CSI). The results show that the Informer outperforms the recurrent neural network (RNN) baselines and achieves the lowest mean MAE and RMSE together with the highest mean CSI among the evaluated models while using substantially fewer parameters than the standard Transformer. However, its sample-wise absolute error distribution remains statistically comparable to that of the standard Transformer. Overall, this study establishes a single-year, station-based proof-of-concept benchmark for comparing architectures in very-short-term (1–5 h ahead) precipitation forecasting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Modeling with Artificial Intelligence Technologies)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3405 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

Impact of Transportation Duration on the Growth, Pathological Stress, and Dry Biomass Yield of Kappaphycus striatus Propagules

by Albaris B. Tahiluddin, Aldimar S. Bara, Adzhar M. Abduhasad and Nurizna T. Jumaide

Phycology 2026, 6(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology6020045 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Seaweed cultivation is a primary economic driver in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, yet the industry faces significant challenges regarding the physiological integrity of propagules during inter-island transit. This study evaluated the effects of varying transportation durations (0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h) on the specific growth rate (SGR), occurrence of ice-ice disease, and dry biomass yield of Kappaphycus striatus over a 30-day cultivation period using a modified fixed-off-bottom method. The results demonstrated that transportation duration significantly influenced SGR at Day 10 and Day 30 (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at Day 20. The control group (0 h transport) exhibited the highest growth performance (4.61 ± 0.18% day⁻¹ at Day 10), whereas the lowest growth was recorded in the 48 h treatment group at Day 30 (0.93 ± 0.49% day⁻¹). Pathological assessment indicated that ice-ice disease occurrence was highly significant during the initial recovery phase (Days 1–7) and at Day 20 (p < 0.05). Specifically, propagules subjected to 48 h transport reached 100% disease incidence within the first four days post-transplant, while the 36 h group reached 96.67%, highlighting acute transport-induced stress. Although the 48 h group exhibited significantly higher initial ice-ice spot counts (p < 0.05), statistical differences diminished between Day 10 and Day 30, suggesting a degree of physiological resilience and recovery capacity. Ultimately, prolonged transportation exceeding 24 h induced severe dehydration stress, resulting in a 62.7% reduction in SGR by Day 30 compared to the control. These findings suggest that seedling transport should be optimized within a 24 h window to preserve thallus vigor and maximize sustainable yields. Future research should investigate post-transport recovery protocols to mitigate the effects of unavoidable shipping delays. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3822 KB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Supervised Learning to Optimize Urban Greening Strategies for Combined Sewer Overflow Pollution Reduction

by Siyan Wang, Haokai Zhao, Gregory Yetman, Wade R. McGillis and Patricia J. Culligan

Water 2026, 18(9), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18090994 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Many cities adopt greening strategies to reduce contamination from combined sewer overflows (CSOs). Nonetheless, quantifying the impact of urban greening on CSO-affected water quality at the city scale remains challenging. To address this challenge, this work leveraged supervised learning to link water swimmability with the greening of a CSO shed (the drainage area of a CSO outfall), using New York City (NYC) as a case study. Random forest classification models were built to predict water swimmability after rainfall at 46 sites in NYC water bodies impacted by CSOs. A 14-feature model (AUROC =0.81, accuracy = 0.78) revealed that greening improved local water quality. However, water flow speed, antecedent rain depth, and CSO shed area were also influential. A simplified four-feature model (AUROC = 0.8, accuracy = 0.75) explored links between levels of greening and the probability of non-swimmable waters (

P_{n s}

) following different 18 h rainfall depths. Increased greening was found to be most impactful in reducing

P_{n s}

for CSO sheds discharging to water bodies with flow speeds < 6 cm/s. For CSO sheds discharging to water bodies with flow speeds

\geq

14.7 cm/s, urban greening had no impact on

P_{n s}

. The work illustrates the utility of supervised learning in supporting citywide decisions regarding urban greening investments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Water Management: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 226 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Clinical Isolates in Republic of Korea

by Yun Ha Lee, Yewon An, Yu Jin Lee, Jihee Lee, Su Yeon Kim and Byung Hak Kang

J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050302 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Aspergillus fumigatus are critical for understanding the evolution of resistance in clinical and environmental settings. We performed comprehensive genomic characterization of A. fumigatus isolates using whole-genome sequencing combined with phenotypic susceptibility assays. SnpEff-based variant annotation identified 76,079 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, revealing a high proportion of mutations (78.8%) in upstream and downstream regulatory regions, whereas high-impact coding variants remained rare (0.083%). Several key mutations were identified, including the well-established cyp51A M220V and HMG1 S212P/Y564H mutations. Moreover, a diverse array of peripheral cyp51A polymorphisms (M39I, E402D, N248K, and K372N) was detected, although these variants did not correlate with the resistant phenotypes. Our comparative genomic analysis identified a novel A586T substitution in the FKS1 gene in an isolate with an elevated minimum effective concentration of caspofungin, suggesting its possible association with reduced susceptibility, although functional validation is required. In isolates lacking canonical target-site mutations, the high frequency of regulatory-region variants indicated the involvement of non–target-site mechanisms. This study provides a detailed map of the genomic landscape of A. fumigatus and identifies candidate loci for future functional validation. Our results demonstrate the utility of high-throughput genomic surveillance for monitoring emerging resistance trends and characterizing the genetic background of clinical fungal pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Genomics, Genetics and Molecular Biology)

32 pages, 27590 KB

Open AccessArticle

Arsenic Removal from Water Using Mg-Based Adsorbents in the Presence of Silicic Acid

by Hajime Sugita, Kazuya Morimoto, Takeshi Saito and Junko Hara

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4162; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094162 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Dissolved silicic acid (Si) in groundwater can reduce the As-removal performance of adsorbents used for treating contaminated water. However, its effects on Mg-based adsorbents remain largely unexplored. In this study, As-removal tests were conducted under various test conditions to evaluate the suitability of Mg-based adsorbents (MgO, Mg(OH)₂, and MgCO₃) for the purification of As-contaminated water in the presence of Si. As-removal performance varied significantly depending on the Mg-based adsorbent type and dosage (W_Ad0/V), As valence, and the initial As and Si (C_Si0) concentrations. In some cases, As removal improved at relatively low C_Si0; however, overall performance decreased with increasing C_Si0 for all Mg-based adsorbents. Moreover, compared with Mg(OH)_2, the performance of MgO and MgCO₃ was more strongly affected by Si. This inhibition is attributed to competition between Si and As for adsorption sites on the adsorbent surface. Furthermore, for MgO and MgCO₃, the amount of As removed by coprecipitation with secondarily generated Mg(OH)₂ aggregates was inferred to decrease with increasing C_Si0, because higher C_Si0 lowered the solution pH. Overall, MgO and Mg(OH)₂ can function effectively as adsorbents for As treatment when W_Ad0/V is appropriately selected, considering the range of Si concentrations typically found in groundwater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoenvironmental Engineering and Water Pollution Control)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 10196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Regression Models of Arithmetic Groundwater Quality Indices in Coastal Purba Medinipur, India: Seasonal Trends and Remedial Strategies

by Souvik Chakraborty and Subhasish Das

Water 2026, 18(9), 995; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18090995 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Seventy-one percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, with groundwater being one of the most important natural resources globally. In Purba Medinipur, the population growth rate has surged to ~0.75% per annum, outpacing that of West Bengal, due to agricultural and industrial development. Urbanization has led to an increase in the built-up area by 139.10% per annum, which has reduced the percolation of water into the groundwater table. Currently, 72% blocks are affected by salinity. Groundwater quality parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, iron, manganese, total hardness, and chloride were assessed over three seasons—pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon—using 326 data points from 2015 to 2022. Turbidity and iron are the primary concerns for groundwater quality, contributing to pollution. Other parameters, including TDS and total hardness, were approaching acceptable limits across all seasons. Since 2021, turbidity has exceeded permissible limits during the pre-monsoon season, resulting from the dissolved minerals and seawater intrusion. The arithmetic weighted groundwater quality index has shown an increasing magnitude over time, indicating a decline in drinking water quality by 2030. The pre-monsoon season exhibits the most severely affected groundwater quality. Principal component analysis indicated that TDS and chloride are the major contaminants during the pre-monsoon, confirming seawater intrusion. In other seasons, metals like iron, TDSs, and manganese are significant contaminants. The hydraulic barriers, subsurface dams, and hybrid treatment can be adopted in the study area to abate the increasing groundwater quality concentration both on a yearly and seasonal basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 2532 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Antibacterial Activity and Photocatalytic Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Biosynthesized Using Licania tomentosa Leaf Extract: Optimization and Kinetic Studies

by Moudo Thiam, Vanessa O. Arnoldi Pellegrini, Ruth Celestina Condori Mamani, Fernanda Cassieri, Haryne Lizandrey Azevedo Furtado, Michael Santos Ribeiro, Aruanã Joaquim Matheus Costa Rodrigues Pinheiro, Luís Cláudio Nascimento da Silva, Balla D. Ngom, Mario de Oliveira and Igor Polikarpov

Processes 2026, 14(9), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14091334 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Licania tomentosa leaf extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) which were systematically analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies and energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) methods. Based on XRD scans, the green NPs have an average crystallite size of 15.9 nm as estimated using the Scherrer equation and have a roughly spherical shape with an average diameter of 25.15 ± 1.2 nm as calculated from SEM data. As estimated from the Tauc plot based on UV-Vis absorption spectra, ZnO NPs have a small band gap of 3.0 eV. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were effectively utilized for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) dyes under UV illumination with resulting MB and CV degradation efficiencies of ~94% and ~81% after 60 min and 70 min, with pH = 12 and pH = 10, respectively. Different experimental parameters such as NPs quantity, experimental pH, light intensity and initial concentration of dyes were varied to test the performance of the catalyst. Furthermore, efficient recycling of the catalyst was demonstrated. We also undertook antimicrobial studies of the green ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29737, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, P. aeruginosa B3, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, and S. aureus SA01, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the inhibitory concentrations associated with 50% effect (IC50) values ranging from 250 to 2000 µg/mL and 7.74 to 283.14 µg/mL, respectively. The nanoparticles also significantly inhibited biofilm formation by E. faecalis ATCC 29737, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27856, and S. aureus SA03. The antimicrobial efficiency of the ZnO NPs against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus SA03 isolates was also assessed using the disk diffusion assays. Taken together, our results reveal that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs are promising multifunctional materials with potential applications in antimicrobial treatments, biofilm control, and photocatalytic remediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)

15 pages, 1542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Super Oxidized Water Redox Properties by DOE for Targeted Disinfection Applications

by Jorge Salvador-Carlos, Ernesto Beltran-Partida, Jhonathan Castillo-Saenz, Roberto Gamboa-Becerra and Benjamín Valdez-Salas

Processes 2026, 14(9), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14091333 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Super oxidized water is a disinfectant generated by electrolysis whose effectiveness depends mainly on oxidation–reduction potential and pH. In this study, a 2² factorial Design of Experiments was applied to evaluate the influence of applied potential (8.2–12.2 V) and NaCl concentration (0.05–0.25 wt.%) on the redox properties of SOW, aiming to produce solutions with targeted disinfection profiles. The obtained models showed excellent predictive capacity (R² > 0.99), identifying NaCl concentration as the most influential factor affecting both oxidation–reduction potential and pH. The system enabled the controlled generation of SOW with ORP values ranging from approximately 950 to 1100 mV and pH between ~3.8 and 5.0, with experimental errors below 1.5%. Stability tests demonstrated that oxidation–reduction potential and pH remained within ±25 mV and ±0.15 units, respectively, over 24 weeks of storage. Microbiological evaluation revealed effective antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with inhibition halos of up to ~5 mm depending on ORP and microorganism. The results demonstrate that Design of Experiments enables precise adjustment of SOW redox properties, allowing optimization of antimicrobial performance for specific applications. This positions super oxidized water as a flexible, stable, and scalable disinfection technology for industrial and clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization in Chemical Engineering)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 19563 KB

Open AccessArticle

Living on the Edge: Conservation of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations in a Sardinian Urban Area Close to Nature

by Donatella Cogoni and Giuseppe Fenu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4076; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094076 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

A first study analyzed the effect of the presence of a highly frequented tourist trail on the size and reproductive capacity of Globularia alypum, a Mediterranean shrub of conservation interest. In Sardinia, this species is a typical example of a plant with Extremely Small Populations (PSESPs), restricted to a natural area embedded within an urban matrix, which makes it particularly vulnerable to ecological pressures. In this second contribution, the investigation expands to the entire population of the species distributed across different habitats. The possible correlations between vegetative and reproductive traits of the plant are examined, along with the influence exerted by both habitat type and varying levels of human disturbance. To evaluate potential drivers of its persistence, morphological (H, diameter and plant volume) and reproductive traits (number of flowers, number of fruits and number of seed per plant) were recorded at the individual level. Additionally, to assess human disturbance (consisting mainly of trampling), the presence of trails was used as a proxy and, accordingly, each plant was categorized following its relative position to the nearest path according to three categories: Near Trail (NT), Mid-Trail Distance (MTD), or Far from Trail (FT). A total of 114 individuals distributed across four habitat types were measured. Statistical analyses revealed only marginal associations between habitat type and vegetative or reproductive traits. While trail proximity did not influence flower and fruit production, plant volume tended to be greater in individuals located farther from trails, suggesting a potential, albeit limited, effect of reduced human pressure on plant growth. These findings highlight the importance of understanding subtle ecological interactions that shape the persistence of PSESPs in urban close to nature area and provide valuable insights for developing targeted conservation and management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Diversity of Plant Species, Communities, and Ecology)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2641 KB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling of Grape Pomace from Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache: Varietal Effects on Anthocyanin Extract Properties and Performance in Semi-Solid Topical Formulations

by Antonia L. Cruz-Diaz, Valentina V. General, Daniela Orellana, Angie V. Caicedo-Paz and Cassamo U. Mussagy

Foods 2026, 15(9), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15091466 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Grape pomace represents a widely available agro-industrial by-product in Chile with considerable potential for valorization within circular economy frameworks; however, its functionality as a cosmetic ingredient depends on both grape cultivar and processing strategy. In this study, the direct incorporation of solid grape pomace residues into cream formulations was first evaluated, revealing limitations related to color control, homogeneity, and sensory performance. Subsequently, the influence of varietal origin (Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache) on the extraction, stability, color behavior, and functional performance of anthocyanin-rich extracts was investigated for cosmetic applications. pH-standardized color analysis revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) varietal differences, with Malbec extracts showing superior chromatic stability under acidic and near-neutral conditions, exhibiting lower reduction in a* values across the pH range compared to other varieties. In contrast, Syrah, Grenache, and Merlot showed a more pronounced decrease in red chromaticity, indicating higher sensitivity to pH-induced structural transformations. Although Merlot and Syrah exhibited higher ABTS antioxidant activity, Malbec presented the highest total phenolic content and the most balanced functional profile when considering both stability and color retention. Incorporation of anthocyanin-rich extracts into cosmetic cream formulations demonstrated that a 4.5% (m/v) loading ensured a skin-compatible pH (4.5–5.5), with Malbec-based creams exhibiting superior color stability and formulation performance over time. These findings demonstrate that grape pomace valorization requires variety-specific evaluation and identify extraction as a key enabling step for the development of sustainable, bio-based color-functional cosmetic ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Clean and Sustainable Food Processing: Circular Bioeconomy and Food Waste Valorization)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5784 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Tanzawaic Acids from a Marine Algicolous Fungus, Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41040

by Yingying Song, Jiamin Wang, Yuchen Lin, Jianglian She, Yalin Liu, Xiangxi Yi, Chenghai Gao, Junfeng Wang and Yonghong Liu

Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24050147 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Three new, previously undescribed tanzawaic acids, steckwaic acids H–J (1–3), and twenty-three known natural products (4–26) were isolated from the marine algicolous fungus Penicillium steckii SCSIO 41040. Structurally, compound 3 underwent a rare hydration reaction at the double bond of its carboxylic acid side chain. The chemical structures and stereochemistry were determined using comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and verified by literature comparison. The protective effect of tanzawaic acids on inflammatory damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier was assessed using an LPS-stimulated Caco-2/THP-1 co-culture model. Notably, immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays showed that compound 10 significantly enhanced the fluorescence signals and protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin, alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier damage in Caco-2 cells, and contributed to the re-establishment of intestinal barrier homeostasis. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of tanzawaic acids in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, identifying them as promising lead compounds for UC treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Marine Fungi as a Source of Bioactive Natural Products, 3rd Edition)

►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 1586 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Biodegradation of Chlorothalonil Residual Pollutants in Soil and Tomato Plants by Microencapsulated Proteus terrae ZQ02

by Sajjad Ahmad, Jie Liu and Murugesan Chandrasekaran

Toxics 2026, 14(5), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14050352 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Chlorothalonil is a widely used fungicide in agriculture, but its excessive application can lead to environmental contamination. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of Proteus terrae ZQ02 in free and immobilized forms. Under optimal conditions (37 °C, pH 7), free cells degraded 97.2–98.7% of chlorothalonil (50 mg/L) within seven days. Bacterial microcapsules were prepared using 3% sodium alginate, 2% calcium chloride, and 60 g/L wet biomass, with encapsulation times ranging from 6 to 12 h. The microcapsules displayed uniform size, high mechanical strength, porous structure, and excellent mass transfer, ensuring stable degradation activity. Encapsulated cells demonstrate enhanced tolerance to variations in pH, temperature, and salinity compared to free cells. In soil, microcapsules reduced chlorothalonil half-lives to 1.33–5.45 days for concentrations of 10–30 mg/L, achieving 92–96% degradation over 14–35 days. In tomato-planted soils, encapsulated and free cells degraded 96.3% and 81.6% of residues, respectively, after 28 days, significantly exceeding the control. These findings highlight that immobilization improves the stability, reusability, and efficiency of P. terrae ZQ02, making it a promising strategy for sustainable chlorothalonil biodegradation. The study demonstrates the potential of combining microbial strains with carrier materials for effective pesticide remediation and environmental protection, providing a foundation for large-scale applications in contaminated agroecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degradation and Remediation of Environmental Pollutants)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3206 KB

Open AccessArticle

Edge-Based Multi-Scale Predator Detection for Stingless Bee Protection Using Attention-Integrated YOLOv11

by Ashan Milinda Bandara Ratnayake, Marha Sahirah Majid, Hartini Yasin, Abdul Ghani Naim and Pg Emeroylariffion Abas

Technologies 2026, 14(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14050246 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Stingless bee colonies are vulnerable to predators of widely varying sizes, and repeated intrusions can cause stress, reduce productivity, and trigger colony absconding. Existing automated surveillance systems detect only a limited range of predators and often struggle with multi-scale object detection in high-resolution images. This study proposes a real-time predator monitoring system that integrates a Multi-Scale Attention module into the YOLOv11-nano architecture (MSYOLO11) to enhance detection performance across both small and large predators. The proposed model combines convolutional features with an attention mechanism to improve global–local feature fusion. Experimental evaluation shows that MSYOLO11 increases overall Recall from 0.830 to 0.853 compared to YOLOv11-nano, with substantial improvements for small-object classes such as ants (+0.096), humans (+0.083), and H. itama (+0.026), while maintaining comparable Precision (0.868 vs 0.842) and mAP50 (0.898 vs 0.896) at a nearly identical computational cost (6.3 GFLOPs). The system operates at 5 FPS on a Jetson Orin Nano, with an end-to-end latency of 181 ms. A Firebase-integrated mobile application delivers instant push notifications, displays detected predators with bounding boxes, and provides real-time data synchronization. The results demonstrate that MSYOLO11 offers a practical and efficient solution for multi-scale predator detection, supporting continuous hive surveillance and timely beekeeper intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Optimization in Robotics and Precision Agriculture)

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1698 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Damage in Soybeans by Pneumatic Seeder

by Fabricio Ardais Medeiros, Nixon da Rosa Westendorff, Lilian Vanussa Madruga de Tunes, Ângelo Vieira dos Reis, Aleksander Westphal Muniz and Geri Eduardo Menegello

Crops 2026, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops6030049 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

Research has advanced in the development of precision seed metering devices to ensure proper seed distribution at high speeds. However, little is known about the effect of increasing seeding speed, as well as seeding at different inclinations of the tractor-seeder unit, on the integrity and physiological quality of soybean seeds. This study aimed to identify the effect of travel speeds (5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 km h⁻¹) combined with three longitudinal inclinations of a pneumatic seed metering device (−11°, 0°, and 11°), simulating field conditions, on the distribution and integrity of soybean seeds. We used a 5 × 3 factorial design was used with an additional control treatment in which the seeds did not pass through the metering device. The variables evaluated included the percentage of spacing between individual seeds, germination, mechanical damage (tetrazolium test), and seedling emergence. The results demonstrated that increasing the speed did not prevent the spacing between individual seeds from falling below the minimum limit of 90% for pneumatic seed metering devices. The treatments did not affect germination compared to the control. Sowing on a slope caused the greatest mechanical damage to soybean seeds. All treatments significantly reduced plant emergence, except when the pneumatic metering device operated at an incline of 0° at 9 km h⁻¹. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1194 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multiplex One-Tube Nested Real-Time PCR Assay for the Point-of-Care Testing of Infectious Meningitis

by Duoxiao Zhang, Jie Wang, Zijin Zhao, Yanqing Tie, Jianing Wu, Shihao Jiao, Xingyu Liu, Yuxin Wang, Shijue Gao, Mengchuan Zhao, Pei Zhao, Zhiqiang Han, Xiaona Lyu, Xinxin Shen, Xuejun Ma and Zhishan Feng

Pathogens 2026, 15(5), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15050456 - 22 Apr 2026

Abstract

In this study, we developed a multiplex one-tube nested real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (mONRT-PCR) assay integrated with a portable, fully automated nucleic acid point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for the detection of Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The assay enables nested amplification within a closed system using conventional primers and probes, thereby reducing operational complexity and minimizing contamination risk. Analytical evaluation demonstrated limits of detection of 10⁰ copies/μL for H. influenzae and L. monocytogenes, and 10¹ copies/μL for C. neoformans using recombinant plasmids, as well as 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻⁶ ng/μL using genomic DNA. No cross-reactivity was observed when tested against a panel of 17 common non-target microorganisms encountered in clinical microbiology laboratories. In simulated CSF samples, the assay maintained detectable amplification at low pathogen concentrations. When implemented on the POCT platform, detection limits reached 5, 10, and 50 CFU/mL for the three pathogens, respectively. Clinical evaluation using 43 CSF samples showed almost perfect agreement with conventional qPCR (κ = 0.861, p < 0.001). Notably, additional C. neoformans detections were observed by mONRT-PCR-POCT compared with qPCR, suggesting improved sensitivity under clinical conditions. The assay yielded results within approximately 1 h and 47 min. These findings indicate that the proposed assay provides a rapid, sensitive, and integrated approach for meningitis pathogen detection, while maintaining a practical balance between analytical performance and operational simplicity. Further validation in larger cohorts is warranted. Full article

►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Error

Oops... you haven't selected anything for export.

Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 2000.

Go to page 1 2 3 4 5

Search Results (181,879)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI