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25 pages, 946 KiB  
Article
Short-Term Forecasting of the JSE All-Share Index Using Gradient Boosting Machines
by Mueletshedzi Mukhaninga, Thakhani Ravele and Caston Sigauke
Economies 2025, 13(8), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13080219 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 469
Abstract
This study applies Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) and principal component regression (PCR) to forecast the closing price of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) All-Share Index (ALSI), using daily data from 2009 to 2024, sourced from the Wall Street Journal. The models are evaluated [...] Read more.
This study applies Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) and principal component regression (PCR) to forecast the closing price of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) All-Share Index (ALSI), using daily data from 2009 to 2024, sourced from the Wall Street Journal. The models are evaluated under three training–testing split ratios to assess short-term forecasting performance. Forecast accuracy is assessed using standard error metrics: mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean absolute scaled error (MASE). Across all test splits, the GBM consistently achieves lower forecast errors than PCR, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. To validate the significance of this performance difference, the Diebold–Mariano (DM) test is applied, confirming that the forecast errors from the GBM are statistically significantly lower than those of PCR at conventional significance levels. These findings highlight the GBM’s strength in capturing nonlinear relationships and complex interactions in financial time series, particularly when using features such as the USD/ZAR exchange rate, oil, platinum, and gold prices, the S&P 500 index, and calendar-based variables like month and day. Future research should consider integrating additional macroeconomic indicators and exploring alternative or hybrid forecasting models to improve robustness and generalisability across different market conditions. Full article
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33 pages, 4464 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical and Structural Characteristics of Date Seed and Starch Composite Powder as Prepared by Heating at Different Temperatures
by Muna Al-Mawali, Maha Al-Khalili, Mohammed Al-Khusaibi, Myo Tay Zar Myint, Htet Htet Kyaw, Mohammad Shafiur Rahman, Abdullahi Idris Muhammad and Nasser Al-Habsi
Polymers 2025, 17(14), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17141993 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Date seeds, a by-product of the pitted-date industry, are often discarded as waste. This study investigated the interaction between date seed powder and starch at different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 g/25 g composite) and temperatures (40 °C and 70 °C). [...] Read more.
Date seeds, a by-product of the pitted-date industry, are often discarded as waste. This study investigated the interaction between date seed powder and starch at different concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 g/25 g composite) and temperatures (40 °C and 70 °C). The results revealed that the hygroscopicity of date seed powder (9.94 g/100 g) was lower than starch (13.39 g/100 g), and its water absorption (75.8%) was also lower than starch (88.3%), leading to a reduced absorbance capacity in composites. However, the solubility increased with a higher date seed content due to its greater solubility (17.8 g/L) compared to starch (1.6 g/L). A morphological analysis showed rough, agglomerated particles in date seed powder, while starch had smooth, spherical shapes. This study also found that the composites formed larger particles at 40 °C and porous structures at 70 °C. Crystallinity decreased from 41.6% to 12.8% (40 °C) and from 24.0% to 11.3% (70 °C). A thermal analysis revealed three endothermic peaks (glass transitions and solid melting), with an additional oil-melting peak in high-seed samples. FTIR spectra showed changes in peak intensities and locations upon seed incorporation. Overall, these findings revealed that, the incorporation of date seed powder–starch composites into bakery formulations offers a promising strategy for developing fiber-enriched products, positioning them as functional ingredients with added nutritional value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
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24 pages, 615 KiB  
Opinion
Driving the Future: Strategic Imperatives and Systemic Challenges in Myanmar’s Transition to Electric Mobility
by Nay Zar Oo, Walton Wider, Leilei Jiang, Jem Cloyd M. Tanucan, Joseline M. Santos, Anantha Raj A. Arokiasamy and Pengfei Deng
World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(7), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16070348 - 23 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1234
Abstract
This study critically reflects on Myanmar’s readiness and potential to transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) amidst escalating climate pressures, energy insecurity, and regional technological shifts. It aims to advocate a systemic and inclusive EV strategy rooted in [...] Read more.
This study critically reflects on Myanmar’s readiness and potential to transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) amidst escalating climate pressures, energy insecurity, and regional technological shifts. It aims to advocate a systemic and inclusive EV strategy rooted in environmental, economic, and governance imperatives. Drawing on an extensive review of scholarly literature, policy documents, and regional best practices, this study synthesizes evidence to frame a normative argument for accelerating the adoption of EVs in Myanmar. It combines the environmental, infrastructural, and political–economic perspectives to support its position. Myanmar’s EV transition is not merely a technological leap, but a structural transformation intertwined with energy equity, public health, and geopolitical positioning. While significant barriers, such as grid unreliability, policy inconsistency, and socioeconomic disparities, persist, coordinated national efforts and regional cooperation can unlock transformative opportunities. Policy clarity, grid modernization, public engagement, and international partnerships are essential enablers. This study offers a timely and region-specific perspective on the EV debate, highlighting Myanmar’s unique vulnerabilities and latent advantages. It presents a value-based call for inclusive, future-oriented policymaking that aligns Myanmar’s mobility system with its sustainability and development goals. Full article
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19 pages, 760 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Challenges Among Children Under Five in Limpopo Province, South Africa: Complementary Feeding Practices and Dietary Diversity Deficits
by Tshilidzi Mafhungo, Lindiwe Priscilla Cele, Mmampedi Mathibe and Perpetua Modjadji
Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1919; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111919 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess complementary feeding practices and dietary diversity in relation to the nutritional status of children under five attending health facilities in the Thabazimbi sub-district, Limpopo Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 mother–child [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess complementary feeding practices and dietary diversity in relation to the nutritional status of children under five attending health facilities in the Thabazimbi sub-district, Limpopo Province. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 mother–child pairs. Data on socio-demographics, feeding practices, and anthropometry were collected using validated tools. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO growth standards, and dietary diversity was evaluated using WHO infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and a 24 h dietary recall. Associations were analyzed using prevalence ratios in STATA 18. Results: Among 409 children (median age: 18 months, IQR: 12–24), 38% were stunted, 13% were underweight, 5% were thin, and 17% were overweight/obese. Exclusive breastfeeding was reported in 27%, and only 24% met the minimum dietary diversity (DDS ≥ 4). Complementary feeding practices varied significantly by maternal age, with mixed feeding more common among older mothers and younger mothers more likely to receive feeding advice (p = 0.001). Stunting was associated with being a boy (PR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.00–1.61), age > 24 months (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16–0.65), and DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52–0.99). Underweight was more prevalent among boys (PR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.40–4.11), but less likely in children with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20–0.92) and those from spouse-headed households (PR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13–0.87). Thinness was associated with DDS ≥ 4 (PR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.13–6.45) and age 12–24 months (PR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.02–7.64). Overweight/obesity was linked to age 12–24 months (PR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.25–3.03) and household income > ZAR 15,000 (PR = 4.09; 95% CI: 2.33–7.17). Conclusions: Complementary feeding and dietary diversity deficits contribute significantly to the dual burden of malnutrition in rural Limpopo, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific nutrition interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Outcomes and Early-Life Nutrition)
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15 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Yield and Yield Components Stability of Winter Wheat and Spring Barley in Long-Term Experiment in Poland
by Magdalena Wijata, Irena Suwara, Marcin Studnicki, Aneta Perzanowska, Abu Zar Ghafoor and Renata Leszczyńska
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4577; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104577 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term crop rotation and fertilization treatments on the yield and yield component stability of spring barley and winter wheat on the basis of selected data over 30 years. The stability was measured [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term crop rotation and fertilization treatments on the yield and yield component stability of spring barley and winter wheat on the basis of selected data over 30 years. The stability was measured using statistical methods (the Shukla stability index and linear mixed models). The long-term field experiments established in 1955 were conducted in central Poland (Chylice near Warsaw, 52°06′ N, 20°33′ E) and consisted of two crop rotations with the same fertilization regime. The first field experiment (A—NOR) is typical of the Norfolk rotation and consists of the following four crops: 1. sugar beet, 2. spring barley with undersown red clover, 3. red clover, and 4. winter wheat, while the second field experiment (B—NONleg) contains a sequence of crops without legumes: 1. sugar beet, 2. spring barley, 3. winter rapeseed, and 4. winter wheat. The following fertilization regimes are used in both experiments: a control without any fertilization (O), mineral fertilization (NPK), farmyard manure (FM), and mixed mineral and organic fertilization (½ NPK + ½ FM). The average yields of winter wheat and spring barley (in t*ha−1) were 4.34 (a max of 5.48 in NONleg_NPK) and 4.27 (a max of 5.67 in NONleg_NPK) in the NONleg rotation treatment and 5.39 (a max of 6.12 in NOR_NPK) and 4.28 (a max of 5.22 in NOR_½ NPK + ½ FM), respectively, in the legume-based NOR rotation treatment. In the legume-free rotation treatment, the highest yield stability was found in the treatments fertilized only with manure (NONleg_FM) and in a mixed manner (NONleg_½NPK + ½FM), while in the Norfolk rotation treatment, the yield stability was the highest in the treatments with mixed fertilization (NOR_½NPK+½FM) and the treatments in which only mineral fertilizers were used (NOR_NPK). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture, Land and Farm Management)
14 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Economic Analysis of Segmented Soil Salinity Management Using Current Irrigation Technology
by Nicolette Matthews, Bennie Grové and Johannes Hendrikus Barnard
Agriculture 2025, 15(8), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15080850 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Due to significant initial investments, adopting complex reactive irrigation technologies to manage salinity can be financially risky for farmers. This paper explores using existing irrigation systems to manage salinity by adjusting irrigation timing and amounts to manage salt and water stress. An integrated [...] Read more.
Due to significant initial investments, adopting complex reactive irrigation technologies to manage salinity can be financially risky for farmers. This paper explores using existing irrigation systems to manage salinity by adjusting irrigation timing and amounts to manage salt and water stress. An integrated bioeconomic model, combining a crop model and an economic model, was developed to simulate the impact of irrigation decisions on crop yield and profitability. This paper used secondary data to develop the case study used in the analysis. The results indicated that the margin above specified costs for a segmented irrigation approach was consistently higher than for the uniform approach. The economic benefit varied depending on the soil salinity category that made up the uniform approach, with a maximum potential benefit of 161 ZAR/ha. Increasing irrigation in high-salinity zones to dilute salts enhanced crop yields through improved osmotic and matric potentials, leading to higher total soil water potential. Interestingly, despite higher irrigation applications, there was minimal leaching of salts. The conclusion is that farmers can effectively manage salt and water stress using their current irrigation technology, avoiding costly reactive technologies. Adjusting irrigation timing and amounts offers a viable, cost-effective solution for managing salinity and optimising crop yields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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11 pages, 1393 KiB  
Article
Honey Harvesting from Wild (Unmanaged) Honeybee Colonies (Apis mellifera scutellata L.) Supports Rural Community Livelihoods in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
by Vhuawelo Simba, Vanessa Couldridge, Natasha P. Mothapo and Tlou S. Masehela
Wild 2025, 2(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/wild2020010 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Honeybees provide a variety of services and products that are beneficial to humans, including pollination, honey, propolis, and other harvested products. In South Africa, it is believed that honey harvesting from wild (unmanaged) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is widely practiced. However, [...] Read more.
Honeybees provide a variety of services and products that are beneficial to humans, including pollination, honey, propolis, and other harvested products. In South Africa, it is believed that honey harvesting from wild (unmanaged) honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies is widely practiced. However, there is limited knowledge regarding this practice. Using structured questionnaire surveys and site visits for validation, we aimed to (1) confirm the practice of honey harvesting and ascertain the extent to which it is practiced; and (2) quantify the economic benefits of this practice to communities’ livelihoods. We found that honey and other products (i.e., brood and pollen) harvesting from wild honeybee colonies is still a common practice among the rural communities of selected areas within the Vhembe District, which was confirmed by 44% of the respondents. These products are either consumed by the harvesters or sold, helping to generate total household incomes ranging from R500.00 ($26USD) to R2000.00 ($112USD) South African Rands (ZAR), which contribute towards offsetting various household costs. Although the overall population and health status of the wild honeybees in the area is unknown, the survey respondents (29%) indicated that they are generally healthy. From these findings, we were able to establish a good level of dependence on wild honeybee colonies by rural communities for income generation, albeit at a small scale. Given the wide array of pressures on insect pollinators, particularly honeybees, from factors such as habitat loss, climate change, pests, pathogens, and pesticides, our findings serve as a strong basis for considering protection and preservation mechanisms for these populations. These could be accommodated under various local and provincial conservation efforts, especially those preventing habitat loss. Full article
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18 pages, 1043 KiB  
Article
Transforming South African Agriculture: The Role of Credit in Supporting Value Chain Sustainability
by Nomonde Jonas and Mzuyanda Christian
Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060620 - 14 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Access to credit is essential for transforming South Africa’s agricultural sector, particularly in enhancing value chain sustainability. This study investigated the role of credit access in supporting smallholder farmers’ value chain sustainability, as part of a broader project focused on developing a credit [...] Read more.
Access to credit is essential for transforming South Africa’s agricultural sector, particularly in enhancing value chain sustainability. This study investigated the role of credit access in supporting smallholder farmers’ value chain sustainability, as part of a broader project focused on developing a credit risk model for South African farmers. Data were collected from 223 SAFDA farmers in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga using a structured questionnaire. The average treatment effects (ATEs) of a propensity score matching (PSM) model was used to estimate the impacts of credit on the following four key variables: farm ownership, farm size, farm income, and farm assets. The results showed that farm ownership was associated with credit access, as ownership provided 1.84 times the chances of loan approval. Additionally, farm income increased by ZAR 2,849,398 for credit recipients compared to non-recipients. This income boost enhances market linkages and food value chain sustainability. This study rejects the hypothesis that credit access has no impact on smallholder farmers, highlighting its vital role in promoting agricultural development and value chain growth. It is recommended that policymakers enhance credit access and risk mitigation strategies to further support smallholder farmers. To improve access to credit for smallholder farmers in South Africa, we recommend the following measures: (1) establishing credit guarantee schemes in partnership with financial institutions to reduce lending risks; and (2) implementing financial education programs for smallholder farmers to enhance their debt management skills. Credit access has the potential to promote positive change across economic, social, and environmental aspects, improving not only the livelihoods of smallholder farmers but also contributing to broader sustainable development goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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30 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Feasibility and Optimal Design Approach of Grid-Connected Hybrid Power Generation Systems for Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Station
by Lumbumba Taty-Etienne Nyamayoka, Lesedi Masisi, David Dorrell and Shuo Wang
Energies 2025, 18(5), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18051208 - 1 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 893
Abstract
Fossil fuel depletion, environmental concerns, and energy efficiency initiatives drive the rapid growth in the use of electric vehicles. However, lengthy battery charging times significantly hinder their widespread use. One proposed solution is implementing battery swapping stations, where depleted electric vehicle batteries are [...] Read more.
Fossil fuel depletion, environmental concerns, and energy efficiency initiatives drive the rapid growth in the use of electric vehicles. However, lengthy battery charging times significantly hinder their widespread use. One proposed solution is implementing battery swapping stations, where depleted electric vehicle batteries are quickly exchanged for fully charged ones in a short time. This paper evaluates the techno-economic feasibility and optimal design of a grid-connected hybrid wind–photovoltaic power system for electric vehicle battery swapping stations. The aim is to evaluate the viability of this hybrid power supply system as an alternative energy source, focusing on its cost-effectiveness. An optimal control model is developed to minimize the total life cycle cost of the proposed system while reducing the reliance on the utility grid and maximizing system reliability, measured by loss of power supply probability. This model is solved using mixed-integer linear programming to determine key decision variables such as the power drawn from the utility grid and the number of wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels. A case study validates the effectiveness of this approach. The simulation results indicate that the optimal configuration comprises 64 wind turbines and 402 solar panels, with a total life cycle cost of ZAR 1,963,520.12. These results lead to an estimated energy cost savings of 41.58%. A life cycle cost analysis, incorporating initial investment, maintenance, and operational expenses, estimates a payback period of 5 years and 6 months. These findings confirm that the proposed hybrid power supply system is technically and economically viable for electric vehicle battery swapping stations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Networked Control and Optimization of the Smart Grid)
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36 pages, 2332 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of VAR and SVAR Models in Assessing Oil Price Shocks and Exchange Rate Transmission to Consumer Prices in South Africa
by Luyanda Majenge, Sakhile Mpungose and Simiso Msomi
Econometrics 2025, 13(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/econometrics13010008 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4023
Abstract
This study compared standard VAR, SVAR with short-run restrictions, and SVAR with long-run restrictions to investigate the effects of oil price shocks and the foreign exchange rate (ZAR/USD) on consumer prices in South Africa after the 2008 financial crisis. The standard VAR model [...] Read more.
This study compared standard VAR, SVAR with short-run restrictions, and SVAR with long-run restrictions to investigate the effects of oil price shocks and the foreign exchange rate (ZAR/USD) on consumer prices in South Africa after the 2008 financial crisis. The standard VAR model revealed that consumer prices responded positively to oil price shocks in the short term, whereas the foreign exchange rate (ZAR/USD) revealed a fluctuating currency over time. That is, the South African rand (ZAR) initially appreciated against the US dollar (USD) in response to oil price shocks (periods 1:7), followed by a depreciation in periods 8:12. Imposing short-run restrictions on the SVAR model revealed that the foreign exchange rate (ZAR/USD) reacted to oil price shocks in a manner similar to the VAR model, with ZAR appreciating during the initial periods (1:7) and subsequently depreciating in the later periods (8:12). Consumer prices responded positively to oil price shocks, causing consumer prices to increase in the short run, which is consistent with the VAR findings. However, imposing long-run restrictions on our SVAR model yielded results that contrasted with those obtained under short-run restrictions and the standard VAR model. That is, oil price shocks had long-lasting effects on the foreign exchange rate, resulting in the depreciation of ZAR relative to USD over time. Additionally, oil price shocks reduced consumer prices, resulting in a deflationary effect in the long run. This study concluded that South Africa’s position as a net oil importer with a floating exchange rate renders the country vulnerable to short-term external shocks. Nonetheless, in the long term, the results indicated that the economy tends to adapt to oil price shocks over time. Full article
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15 pages, 1395 KiB  
Article
Influence of Genotype, Environment, and Crop Management on the Yield and Bread-Making Quality in Spring Wheat Cultivars
by Abu Zar Ghafoor, Alicja Ceglińska, Hassan Karim, Magdalena Wijata, Grzegorz Sobczyński, Adriana Derejko, Marcin Studnicki, Jan Rozbicki and Grażyna Cacak-Pietrzak
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122131 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3156
Abstract
Obtaining optimal wheat cultivars that balance high productivity and grain processing quality in diverse environmental and crop management conditions requires a comprehensive assessment of the influence of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. This study investigated the influence of these factors on [...] Read more.
Obtaining optimal wheat cultivars that balance high productivity and grain processing quality in diverse environmental and crop management conditions requires a comprehensive assessment of the influence of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. This study investigated the influence of these factors on yield, grain quality, and bread-making traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. The study was conducted at four trial locations in the temperate climate area over two consecutive growing seasons, each with two different crop management approaches (moderate and high input). We observed a strong influence of genotype on grain quality (e.g., protein content, test weight) and farinographic in spring wheat. Environmental factors strongly influenced the variability of dough softening and quality number among the studied rheological traits. However, we observed that crop management significantly impacted dough stability. The strength of the relationships between yield, grain quality, and bread-making traits depended on the specific crop management used. The multi-trait stability of genotypes in yield, grain quality, and bread-making traits also varied, depending on the crop management method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)
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23 pages, 7345 KiB  
Article
New Accountability Approach: Utilising Dynamic Zero-Waste Baselines to Mitigate Water Wastage in Gold Mines
by Erik George Jordaan, Johann van Rensburg and Jamie du Preez
Mining 2024, 4(4), 943-965; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4040053 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
The South African gold mining industry requires complex water reticulation systems to deliver chilled water to underground production areas. However, chilled- and service-water wastage, including leaks and misuse, contribute to approximately 50% of the total chilled-water demand. The current inefficiency detection methods rely [...] Read more.
The South African gold mining industry requires complex water reticulation systems to deliver chilled water to underground production areas. However, chilled- and service-water wastage, including leaks and misuse, contribute to approximately 50% of the total chilled-water demand. The current inefficiency detection methods rely on broad, infrequent, and labour-intensive work, focusing only on identifying and quantifying wastages without comprehensive mitigation strategies. This study aimed to develop a novel accountability framework employing dynamic zero-waste baselines to identify and address inefficiencies closer to active working areas. The proposed method incorporates four key components—define, assess, execute, and communicate—into an accountability system to monitor performance and ensure sustainable improvements. The integration of dynamic zero-waste baselines within this accountability framework will ensure faster and more accurate inefficiency detection and, more importantly, the mitigation thereof, significantly reducing water wastage. This study successfully reduced the daily water wastage, with an annual energy cost benefit of approximately USD 1.6 million (ZAR 28.7 million). The successful implementation of this method met all the research objectives, confirming its effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Post-Mining Management)
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24 pages, 3815 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Level Embedding Framework for Decoding Sarcasm Using Context, Emotion, and Sentiment Feature
by Maryam Khanian Najafabadi, Thoon Zar Chi Ko, Saman Shojae Chaeikar and Nasrin Shabani
Electronics 2024, 13(22), 4429; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13224429 - 12 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1547
Abstract
Sarcasm detection in text poses significant challenges for traditional sentiment analysis, as it often requires an understanding of context, word meanings, and emotional undertones. For example, in the sentence “I totally love working on Christmas holiday”, detecting sarcasm depends on capturing the contrast [...] Read more.
Sarcasm detection in text poses significant challenges for traditional sentiment analysis, as it often requires an understanding of context, word meanings, and emotional undertones. For example, in the sentence “I totally love working on Christmas holiday”, detecting sarcasm depends on capturing the contrast between affective words and their context. Existing methods often focus on single-embedding levels, such as word-level or affective-level, neglecting the importance of multi-level context. In this paper, we propose SAWE (Sentence, Affect, and Word Embeddings), a framework that combines sentence-level, affect-level, and context-dependent word embeddings to improve sarcasm detection. We use pre-trained transformer models SBERT and RoBERTa, enhanced with a bidirectional GRU and self-attention, alongside SenticNet to extract affective words. The combined embeddings are processed through a CNN and classified using a multilayer perceptron (MLP). SAWE is evaluated on two benchmark datasets, Sarcasm Corpus V2 (SV2) and Self-Annotated Reddit Corpus 2.0 (SARC 2.0), outperforming previous methods, particularly on long texts, with a 4.2% improvement on F1-Score for SV2. Our results emphasize the importance of multi-level embeddings and contextual information in detecting sarcasm, demonstrating a new direction for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signal and Image Processing Applications in Artificial Intelligence)
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21 pages, 3497 KiB  
Article
Time Series Perspective on the Sustainability of the South African Food and Beverage Sector
by Thabiso E. Masena, Sarah L. Mahlangu and Sandile C. Shongwe
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9746; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229746 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360
Abstract
This study aims to quantify and graphically illustrate the negative lingering effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the sales in South African Rands (ZAR) of the food and beverage sector using the time series seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous components [...] Read more.
This study aims to quantify and graphically illustrate the negative lingering effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the sales in South African Rands (ZAR) of the food and beverage sector using the time series seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous components (SARIMAX) intervention model. The SARIMAX2, 1, 00, 1, 212 intervention model provided the best fit, supported by the lowest values of the model selection and error metrics (Akaike’s information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and root mean square error). The total estimated loss of sales in the 52 months during the intervention period (March 2020 to June 2024) amounts to ZAR 130,579 million. The most affected months were April 2020 and May 2020 with estimated losses of ZAR 7719 million and ZAR 7633 million, respectively. The findings of this study align with the Statistics South Africa® statistical report based on empirical estimation without any model fitting, thus highlighting the effectiveness of the SARIMAX intervention model in quantifying the effects of the pandemic. The lingering negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still continues to threaten the sustainability of the South African food and beverage sector, violating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal, Number 2, which is to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Full article
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16 pages, 3844 KiB  
Article
Identification of the HbZAR1 Gene and Its Potential Role as a Minor Gene in Response to Powdery Mildew and Anthracnose of Hevea brasiliensis
by Qifeng Liu, Anqi Qiao, Shaoyao Zhou, Yiying Lu, Ye Yang, Lifeng Wang, Bi Qin, Meng Wang, Xiaoyu Liang and Yu Zhang
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111891 - 26 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1170
Abstract
Powdery mildew and anthracnose are the main diseases of rubber trees. In recent years, there have been large outbreaks in the rubber-planting areas of Asia, seriously affecting the yield and quality of rubber latex. ZAR1 is a conserved and distinctive coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich [...] Read more.
Powdery mildew and anthracnose are the main diseases of rubber trees. In recent years, there have been large outbreaks in the rubber-planting areas of Asia, seriously affecting the yield and quality of rubber latex. ZAR1 is a conserved and distinctive coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich (CNL) repeat in the plant kingdom, playing a crucial role in disease-resistance processes. To elucidate the function of the HbZAR1 gene in rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), three candidate HbZAR1 genes were identified using bioinformatics methods and comprehensively analyzed. The results indicate that the HbZAR1 protein is conserved in different plant species. Examination of cis-regulatory element sequences of HbZAR1genes reveals that the HbZAR1 gene promoter exhibits a remarkable enrichment of stress, light, and hormone elements. An expression analysis shows that the expression levels of the three HbZAR1 genes are highest in the bark and lowest in latex. Three HbZAR1 genes can respond to both rubber tree Erysiphe quercicola and Colletotrichum siamense infection; especially, HbZAR1.1 and HbZAR1.2 show significant upregulation in expression levels during the early stages of infection. These findings suggest that the three HbZAR1 genes may be involved in rubber tree susceptibility to E. quercicola and C. siamense through different immune mechanisms. Subcellular localization results indicate that the HbZAR1 genes are expressed in the nucleus and plasma membrane. This study also shows that the three HbZAR1 genes and activated mutant HbZAR1.1D481V do not induce stable ROS production and cell death, suggesting possible gene degradation, functional redundancy, or acting as minor genes in disease resistance. This research provides valuable insights for further studying the function of HbZAR1 genes in rubber trees and the mechanisms of immune molecules. Full article
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