Search Results (1,328)

Environmental impacts of urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can be reduced by recovering nutrients and organic matter (OM) from their streams for agricultural use, decreasing dependence on conventional fertilizers. This study evaluated dehydrated sewage sludge (SS) as an organic amendment and the partial replacement of mineral P fertilizers in lettuce cultivation. Struvite, a byproduct of WWTPs, was also investigated as a sustainable P source. A 43-day greenhouse pot experiment assessed SS (12 t/ha) and struvite (at two P rates: 30 and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha), both alone and combined. SS significantly increased soil OM (p < 0.001), though long-term applications would be required to enhance this effect. The highest struvite rate (60 kg P₂O₅/ha) yielded the greatest extractable soil-P levels (150 ± 8.1 mg P₂O₅/kg), while its combination with SS further increased extractable P (>250 mg P₂O₅/kg), indicating a stable soil P pool. The highest plant dry biomass (8.9 ± 1.1 g, p < 0.05) also occurred under the highest struvite dosage. Complementary effects between SS and struvite were observed in foliar K, Ca, Mg, and S contents, although no significant interaction between both was found for P content. Adequate foliar P levels (0.40–0.52%) were achieved only in treatments containing SS, indicating its essential role in improving plant P nutrition. Full article

Despite the growing use of collaborative robots in high-rise construction, ensuring safe human–robot collaboration (HRC) in hazardous environments remains a critical challenge. Addressing the gap that previous studies optimized human, robot, or task factors in isolation without a systemic coordination perspective, this study develops and empirically validates a Human–Task–Robot Alignment (HTRA) framework to explain how alignment mechanisms enhance safety performance in the construction of HRC. Data from 84 high-rise HRC projects were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results reveal that HTRA serves as a pivotal mechanism for safety improvement, where Human–Robot Alignment (HRA) and Task–Human Alignment (THA) exert stronger effects on bilateral safety perception than Task–Robot Alignment (TRA), underscoring the centrality of human factors at the current stage of HRC development. Moreover, this study identifies a sequential cognitive–behavioral path from safety perception to safety intention and safety behavior performance, explaining how alignment enhances safety performance. Standardized HRC guidelines further strengthen HRA, facilitating safer and more efficient collaboration. This study extends Task–Technology Fit theory to a triadic human–task–robot context and advances the concept of bilateral safety, providing theoretical and managerial guidance for developing next-generation safe collaboration systems in construction. Full article

The accurate diagnosis of Hip Osteoarthritis (HOA) and the prediction of Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) outcomes are crucial for reliable decision-making on treatment and rehabilitation strategies. Gait analysis (GA) is commonly employed for gait disorder examination in clinical settings, but it is still limited due to the massive data size and accuracy problems. A Machine Learning (ML) methodology has seen rapid growth in the past decade, but its development in the context of HOA and THA GA has not been previously examined. Thus, the novel contribution of this review is the evaluation of the current state of ML frameworks for the analysis of HOA and post-THA gaits. Five databases, namely PubMed, Embase, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Scopus, were searched in accordance with the PRISMA framework. Relevant publications published until May 2025 were retrieved, and information on reliability, applicability, and interpretability were extracted for quality assessment. Out of the 759 publications initially considered, 19 studies were selected, with 14 articles focused on classification and 5 articles on outcome prediction. Eight classification studies utilized kinematic features, while four outcome prediction articles utilized spatiotemporal parameters and mostly focused on post-THA gaits. The reported accuracy ranges between 70 and 100%, with the support vector machine (SVM) as the most frequently utilized ML algorithm. Scarce datasets, small sample sizes, and limited design description were the main hindrances revealed in our quality assessment. Nevertheless, this review demonstrated the recent developments in the utilization of ML techniques and evidently improved applicability through a consensus on the important gait features for HOA and post-THA gait analysis. Reliability and interpretability are still major concerns before ML models become widely accepted by medical practitioners. Future research should consider dataset quality, transparent validation protocol, model interpretability, and results’ explainability. Full article

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical root crop widely cultivated for its edible corms and leaves. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of taro morphometric parameters on prolificacy, yield and nutritional value under dryland production. Two sites were used to grow small, medium and large propagules generated under controlled environment conditions from a local landrace. Plant prolificacy, in terms of corms per plant, crop yield (t·ha⁻¹) and nutrient content (macro- and micronutrients) and fibre were used to determine taro quality. The size of propagule was associated with both productivity and nutritional value. There was a positive correlation between propagule size and starch content. A decline in both Acid Detergent Fibre (13%) and Neutral Detergent Fibre (25%) occurred in larger corms. The protein and macronutrient contents improved with corm size, but the micronutrient content decreased. This study revealed that there are benefits in the utilisation of a wide range of corm sizes for upland production purposes. However, there is a need to investigate and expand knowledge of taro food components to include its potential value for specific nutritional and industrial purposes. Full article

Plastic mulch is widely used in organic strawberry production but raises sustainability concerns due to its persistence, disposal challenges, and contribution to microplastic pollution. This study evaluated the potential of high-residue cover crops and living mulches as alternatives to plastic mulch in coastal California. Over two seasons (2022–2024), we compared five mulching treatments: black polyethylene mulch (Plastic); a white clover (Trifolium repens) living mulch (Clover); two roller-crimped sorghum–sudangrass and field pea mixtures (Sorghum 1, Sorghum 2); and a roller-crimped buckwheat–pea mixture (Buckwheat). The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments on (i) soil properties and biological indicators, (ii) weed suppression, and (iii) strawberry yield in organic systems. A schematic timeline was developed to depict cover-crop growth, termination, and strawberry production across both years. Compost (10 t·ha⁻¹) and fish emulsion (5–1–1 NPK, 4 L·ha⁻¹ biweekly) were applied to all treatments during fruiting. Sorghum residues produced the highest biomass (up to 23 t·ha⁻¹) and supported yields comparable to plastic mulch in 2023. Under lower-yield conditions in 2024, sorghum-based treatments outperformed plastic. Soil responses were modest and time-point specific: Sorghum 1 showed higher organic C and organic N pre-harvest in 2023, and both sorghum treatments increased soil organic matter pre-harvest in 2024. Biological indicators such as CO₂–C and microbially active carbon declined seasonally across all treatments, indicating strong temporal control. Weed outcomes diverged by system—Clover suppressed weeds effectively but reduced yield by >50% due to competition, while Buckwheat decomposed rapidly and provided limited late-season suppression. These results demonstrate that rolled high-residue cover crops, particularly sorghum-based systems, can reduce dependence on plastic mulch while maintaining yields and enhancing soil cover. Living mulches and short-lived covers may complement residue systems when managed to minimize competition and extend ground cover. Full article

Background/Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent condition that contributes to adverse outcomes in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study applied machine learning clustering algorithms to identify comorbidity profiles among diabetic THA patients and evaluate their association with postoperative outcomes. Methods: The 2015–2021 National Inpatient Sample was queried using ICD-10 CM/PCS codes to identify DM patients undergoing THA. Forty-nine comorbidities, complications, and clinical covariates were incorporated into clustering analysis. The Davies–Bouldin and Calinski–Harabasz indices determined the optimal number of clusters. Multivariate logistic regression assessed risk of non-routine discharge (NRD), and Kruskal–Wallis H testing evaluated length-of-stay (LOS) differences. Results: A total of 73,606 patients were included. Six clusters were identified, ranging from 107 to 61,505 patients. Cluster 6, enriched for urinary tract infection and sepsis, had the highest risk of NRD (OR 7.83, p < 0.001) and the longest median LOS (9.0 days). Clusters 1–4 had shorter recoveries with median LOS of 2.0 days and narrow variability, while Cluster 5 showed intermediate outcomes. Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc testing confirmed significant differences across clusters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Machine learning clustering of diabetic THA patients revealed six distinct groups with varied comorbidity profiles. Infection-driven clusters carried the highest risk for non-routine discharge and prolonged hospitalization. This approach provides a novel framework for risk stratification and may inform targeted perioperative management strategies. Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes, including in-hospital complications, mortality, and medical costs, after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in super-elderly patients aged ≥85 years compared with elderly patients aged 70–84 years, using a nationwide database in Japan. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database from 2011 to 2023. Patients undergoing unilateral THA were divided into super-elderly and elderly groups. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed based on demographics and comorbidities, including Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcomes included in-hospital complications and mortality; secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, Barthel Index, and medical costs calculated on a fee-for-service basis for the perioperative period (surgery day through postoperative day 7). Results: A total of 11,997 matched pairs were analyzed. The super-elderly group had significantly higher rates of cerebrovascular events (0.6% vs. 0.3%; OR: 2.125; 95% CI: 1.403–3.219) and in-hospital mortality (0.2% vs. 0.0%; OR: 5.565; 95% CI: 2.106–14.71), though absolute risk differences were small (0.0029 and 0.0017, respectively). Hospital stay was longer in the super-elderly group (32.6 ± 21.3 vs. 29.5 ± 19.5 days). No significant difference in perioperative medical costs was observed between groups. Conclusions: Although super-elderly patients demonstrated slightly higher in-hospital risks of cerebrovascular events and mortality, the absolute risk differences were minimal. These findings suggest that elective THA can be safely performed during hospitalization in this population, although further research is needed to evaluate post-discharge outcomes. Full article

Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth) is a promising forage alternative for Brazil’s Cerrado regions, attracting increasing research interest due to its potential to complement or replace widely planted species such as Urochloa and Megathyrsus. Despite the release of three cultivars, significant improvements in dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality are needed to fully realize its agronomic potential. This study aimed to evaluate genetic variability, estimate narrow sense heritability, and predict expected genetic gains for DM yield and key forage quality traits in two gamba grass populations derived from the cultivars BRS Sarandi and Planaltina. Trials were established in spring 2017 in Planaltina, DF, and evaluated during February–March 2018 and January–March 2019. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose (CEL), and hemicellulose (HEMIC) were quantified alongside DM yield. BRS Sarandi exhibited higher CP (12.3% vs. 9.8%) and lower NDF (57.1% vs. 63.4%), ADF (36.2% vs. 41.5%), CEL (20.8% vs. 23.7%), and HEMIC (20.9% vs. 21.9%) compared to Planaltina, while DM yield did not differ significantly between populations (4.57 t·ha⁻¹ vs. 4.50 t·ha⁻¹ per harvest, p > 0.05). Heritability estimates for individual harvests ranged from 0.31 to 0.68 for DM yield and 0.28 to 0.62 for quality traits, whereas multi-harvest models across years yielded lower estimates (0.07–0.27). Expected annual genetic gains were modest, with the highest predicted increase for CP (0.45% per year) and the largest decrease for NDF (−0.78% per year), reflecting the quantitative nature of trait inheritance and strong environmental influence. This study provides novel insights by simultaneously comparing two populations for multiple harvests and quantifying both yield and detailed forage quality traits, offering practical guidance for gamba grass breeding strategies. Results indicate that breeding programs should prioritize multiple selection cycles, precise phenotyping, genotypic and potentially genomic selection to accelerate improvement in both DM yield and forage quality, overcoming the constraints of low heritability and multi-trait selection. Full article

This study analyzed complication rates, perioperative metrics, and hospital readmissions across BMI cohorts in patients undergoing direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a mature hip practice. Currently, the precise BMI cutoff points for risk in THA are not fully understood. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent DAA THA by a single, highly experienced, fellowship-trained surgeon between January 2021 and January 2023. The use of single-surgeon cases allows for control of many potentially confounding variables but may limit the generalizability of the findings. Data collected included patient demographics, hospital readmissions, 12-month complication rates, and intraoperative metrics. Patients with Class II obesity (BMI 35–39.9) kg/m² and Class I obesity (BMI 30–34.9) kg/m² had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss and longer operative times compared to the control group (BMI 20–24.9 kg/m²). No statistically significant differences in hospital readmission rates or complication rates were observed between BMI cohorts. Higher BMI was associated with increased intraoperative blood loss and longer operation time; however, no differences were found in hospital readmissions or complication rates between BMI cohorts. Full article

Biochar-based fertilizers have attracted increasing attention as sustainable soil amendments due to their potential to enhance nitrogen (N) retention and mitigate N losses. However, their effects on N dynamics in tea orchard soils remain inadequately understood. This study investigated the impact of biochar-based fertilizer (BF) on N migration and transformation into acidic tea orchard soils through controlled laboratory experiments comprising nine treatments, including sole urea (U) applications and various combinations of BF and U. The results showed that ammonia (NH₃) volatilization peaked within seven days after application. Compared with urea-only treatments, the application of BF at 15 t·ha⁻¹ combined with a low U application rate (0.72 t·ha⁻¹) significantly reduced NH₃ and total dissolved nitrogen losses by up to 22.33% and 33.56%, respectively, while higher BF rates increased these losses. BF applications markedly improved soil N sequestration, as evidenced by increases in total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and the NH₄⁺-N/NO₃⁻-N ratio. Additionally, soil organic carbon, urease activity, and pH were significantly enhanced. Random forest analysis identified soil pH and organic carbon as the primary predictors of NH₃ volatilization and soil N retention. Partial least squares path modeling revealed that the BF-to-urea ratio governed N dynamics by directly influencing N transformation and indirectly modifying soil physicochemical properties. BF applied at ≤15 t·ha⁻¹ with low U inputs exhibited potential for improving N use efficiency and sustainability, pending further field validation. Full article

The lower Mahanadi basin in eastern India is experiencing significant land and soil transformations that directly influence agricultural sustainability and ecosystem resilience. In this study, we used geospatial techniques to analyze the spatial-temporal variability of soil quality and land cover between 2011 and 2020 in the lower Mahanadi basin. The results revealed that the cropland decreased from 39,493.2 to 37,495.9 km², while forest cover increased from 12,401.2 to 13,822.2 km², enhancing soil organic carbon (>290 g/kg) and improving fertility. Grassland recovered from 4826.3 to 5432.1 km², wastelands declined from 133.3 to 93.2 km², and water bodies expanded from 184.3 to 191.4 km², reflecting positive land–soil interactions. Soil quality was evaluated using the Simple Additive Soil Quality Index (SQI), with core indicators bulk density, organic carbon, and nitrogen, selected to represent physical, chemical, and biological components of soil. These indicators were chosen as they represent the essential physical, chemical, and biological components influencing soil functionality and fertility. The SQI revealed spatial variability in texture, organic carbon, nitrogen, and bulk density at different depths. SQI values indicated high soil quality (SQI > 0.65) in northern and northwestern zones, supported by neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.2–7.4), nitrogen exceeding 5.29 g/kg, and higher organic carbon stocks (>48.8 t/ha). In contrast, central and southwestern regions recorded low SQI (0.15–0.35) due to compaction (bulk density up to 1.79 g/cm³) and fertility loss. Clay-rich soils (>490 g/kg) enhanced nutrient retention, whereas sandy soils (>320 g/kg) in the south increased leaching risks. Integration of LULC with soil quality confirms forest expansion as a driver of resilience, while agricultural intensification contributed to localized degradation. These findings emphasize the need for depth-specific soil management and integrated land-use planning to ensure food security and ecological sustainability. Full article

Experimental studies published to date on the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plants have yielded highly contradictory results: reported outcomes range from growth inhibition to stimulation. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that the ontogenetic stage at the time of exposure to AgNPs is a key determinant of both the qualitative profile and quantitative magnitude of plant responses. For this purpose, laboratory seed priming and small-plot field experiments with wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) treated with stabilized dispersions of AgNPs at 1–100 mg∙L⁻¹ were conducted. It was shown that seed priming with low concentrations of AgNPs (1–5 mg∙L⁻¹) did not affect wheat seedling growth, whereas dispersions at ≥25 mg∙L⁻¹ suppressed development. In agreement, antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT, PPO) increased at 1–5 mg·L⁻¹ and decreased at 100 mg·L⁻¹. By contrast, foliar treatments of field-grown wheat increased plant population density, plant height, spike structure metrics, and grain yield. The optimal regimen—three foliar applications at 5 mg·L⁻¹—increased grain yield by 12.1% from 5.89 t·ha⁻¹ to 6.60 t·ha⁻¹. At low doses of AgNPs, activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase in seedlings tissues increased, indicating activation of nonspecific defense mechanisms; at higher concentrations, activities of these enzymes decreased, indicating antioxidant system exhaustion and dysfunction. The findings demonstrate dose- and stage-dependent effects and corroborate the central role of the developmental stage of wheat in determining responses to AgNPs, indicating opportunities to optimize stage-aware, low-dose application regimes to enhance productivity while minimizing phytotoxic risk. Full article

Tha4, the smallest component of the cpTAT system, is thought to be the pore-forming element in the TAT translocase. A conserved glutamate at the 10th position in its transmembrane helix is crucial for function. Substitution of this glutamate with alanine abolishes transport, while aspartate substitution partially restores it, highlighting the importance of charge and hydrophobicity. To examine these effects, we generated Tha4 variants with different glutamate substitutions and assessed their transport abilities. Additionally, we developed assays to evaluate Tha4 oligomerization in the presence or absence of a proton motive force (PMF) and functional precursor proteins. Glutamate positional substitutions designed to increase proximity to the acidified lumen were not tolerated in the alanine background, whereas aspartate variants showed slight tolerance. Oligomerization assays revealed that Tha4 oligomer formation in the transmembrane helix region was primarily dependent on the presence of a functional precursor, regardless of PMF, while C-tail oligomer formation responded mainly to PMF. The amphipathic region showed no significant response to either factor. Alanine substitution enhanced oligomerization, while aspartate reduced it, likely due to altered packing interactions between monomers. These discoveries highlight the crucial function of the transmembrane glutamate in sustaining Tha4 activity and ensuring appropriate assembly during activation transport. Full article

A full-scale CFD model of a steam turbine, including the regulating and multiple pressure stages, was developed to quantify the axial thrust—a critical parameter for operational safety. The results under various loads reveal two key findings: (1) The blade root hub is the primary source of the total axial thrust, exhibiting a near-linear relationship with mass flow rate under partial loads—a crucial insight for precise thrust forecasting. (2) Significant circumferential pressure non-uniformity was identified as a primary characteristic of partial-load operation. Furthermore, an optimized mixing chamber geometry is proposed, which reduces regulating stage loss by 0.59% and 0.31% under Valve Wide Open (VWO) and Turbine Heat Acceptance (THA) conditions, respectively. This study provides a concrete strategy for enhancing turbine design and safety. Full article

This study evaluated a sustainable strategy for Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) forage using composted cow manure in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. At Nam Can Tho Experimental Farm (January–September 2023), a completely randomized design with three replications and three harvest cycles tested five topdressing rates: 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t/ha/year (TDM0–TDM10). Tiller emergence, plant height, forage quality, biomass yield, and cost–benefit were measured. Tiller counts were unaffected (p > 0.05), but plant height rose significantly with manure rate. Forage quality remained optimal (CP 7.10–7.85%, NDF 60.5–63.8%). Average fresh biomass yield (FBM, t/ha) increased linearly: y = 0.788x + 14.9 (R² = 0.937), where x is manure rate (t/ha/year). TDM10 yielded 50% more fresh forage (22.6 t/ha) and 48% more dry matter (4.43 t/ha) than the control (15.0 and 2.98 t/ha; p = 0.001), with crude protein up 56% (0.347 t/ha) and neutral detergent fiber up 41% (2.68 t/ha). Total cost increased slightly (from 521 to 552 USD/ha), but per-ton cost dropped 30% (from 34.7 to 24.4 USD). At 10 t/ha/year, manure optimized yield, profitability, circular nutrient use, and reduced fertilizer dependence, providing a scalable model for tropical smallholder livestock feed. Full article