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25 pages, 4069 KiB  
Article
Forest Volume Estimation in Secondary Forests of the Southern Daxing’anling Mountains Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
by Penghao Ji, Wanlong Pang, Rong Su, Runhong Gao, Pengwu Zhao, Lidong Pang and Huaxia Yao
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081280 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Forest volume is an important information for assessing the economic value and carbon sequestration capacity of forest resources and serves as a key indicator for energy flow and biodiversity. Although remote sensing technology is applied to estimate volume, optical remote sensing data have [...] Read more.
Forest volume is an important information for assessing the economic value and carbon sequestration capacity of forest resources and serves as a key indicator for energy flow and biodiversity. Although remote sensing technology is applied to estimate volume, optical remote sensing data have limitations in capturing forest vertical height information and may suffer from reflectance saturation. While LiDAR data can provide more detailed vertical structural information, they come with high processing costs and limited observation range. Therefore, improving the accuracy of volume estimation through multi-source data fusion has become a crucial challenge and research focus in the field of forest remote sensing. In this study, we integrated Sentinel-2 multispectral data, Resource-3 stereoscopic imagery, UAV-based LiDAR data, and field survey data to quantitatively estimate the forest volume in Saihanwula Nature Reserve, located in Inner Mongolia, China, on the southern part of Daxing’anling Mountains. The study evaluated the performance of multi-source remote sensing features by using recursive feature elimination (RFE) to select the most relevant factors and applied four machine learning models—multiple linear regression (MLR), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting regression tree (GBRT)—to develop volume estimation models. The evaluation metrics include the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative root mean square error (rRMSE). The results show that (1) forest Canopy Height Model (CHM) data were strongly correlated with forest volume, helping to alleviate the reflectance saturation issues inherent in spectral texture data. The fusion of CHM and spectral data resulted in an improved volume estimation model with R2 = 0.75 and RMSE = 8.16 m3/hm2, highlighting the importance of integrating multi-source canopy height information for more accurate volume estimation. (2) Volume estimation accuracy varied across different tree species. For Betula platyphylla, we obtained R2 = 0.71 and RMSE = 6.96 m3/hm2; for Quercus mongolica, R2 = 0.74 and RMSE = 6.90 m3/hm2; and for Populus davidiana, R2 = 0.51 and RMSE = 9.29 m3/hm2. The total forest volume in the Saihanwula Reserve ranges from 50 to 110 m3/hm2. (3) Among the four machine learning models, GBRT consistently outperformed others in all evaluation metrics, achieving the highest R2 of 0.86, lowest RMSE of 9.69 m3/hm2, and lowest rRMSE of 24.57%, suggesting its potential for forest biomass estimation. In conclusion, accurate estimation of forest volume is critical for evaluating forest management practices and timber resources. While this integrated approach shows promise, its operational application requires further external validation and uncertainty analysis to support policy-relevant decisions. The integration of multi-source remote sensing data provides valuable support for forest resource accounting, economic value assessment, and monitoring dynamic changes in forest ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mapping and Modeling Forests Using Geospatial Technologies)
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18 pages, 1632 KiB  
Article
Impact of an Eight-Week Plyometric Training Intervention on Neuromuscular Performance, Musculotendinous Stiffness, and Directional Speed in Elite Polish Badminton Athletes
by Mariola Gepfert, Artur Gołaś, Robert Roczniok, Jan Walencik, Kamil Węgrzynowicz and Adam Zając
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10030304 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on lower-limb explosive strength, jump performance, musculotendinous stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), and multidirectional speed in elite Polish badminton players. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were randomly assigned to [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on lower-limb explosive strength, jump performance, musculotendinous stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), and multidirectional speed in elite Polish badminton players. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15), which supplemented their regular badminton training with plyometric exercises, or a control group (n = 15), which continued standard technical training. Performance assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jumps, sprint tests (5 m, 10 m), lateral movements, musculotendinous stiffness, and RSI measurements. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in jump height, power output, stiffness, and 10 m sprint and lateral slide-step performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Single-leg jump improvements suggested potential benefits for addressing lower-limb asymmetries. Conclusions: An 8-week plyometric intervention significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive performance and multidirectional movement capabilities in young badminton players. These findings support the integration of targeted plyometric training into regular training programs to optimize physical performance, improve movement efficiency, and potentially reduce injury risk in high-intensity racket sports. Full article
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29 pages, 3268 KiB  
Article
Wavelet Multiresolution Analysis-Based Takagi–Sugeno–Kang Model, with a Projection Step and Surrogate Feature Selection for Spectral Wave Height Prediction
by Panagiotis Korkidis and Anastasios Dounis
Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2517; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152517 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The accurate prediction of significant wave height presents a complex yet vital challenge in the fields of ocean engineering. This capability is essential for disaster prevention, fostering sustainable development and deepening our understanding of various scientific phenomena. We explore the development of a [...] Read more.
The accurate prediction of significant wave height presents a complex yet vital challenge in the fields of ocean engineering. This capability is essential for disaster prevention, fostering sustainable development and deepening our understanding of various scientific phenomena. We explore the development of a comprehensive predictive methodology for wave height prediction by integrating novel Takagi–Sugeno–Kang fuzzy models within a multiresolution analysis framework. The multiresolution analysis emerges via wavelets, since they are prominent models characterised by their inherent multiresolution nature. The maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform is utilised to generate the detail and resolution components of the time series, resulting from this multiresolution analysis. The novelty of the proposed model lies on its hybrid training approach, which combines least squares with AdaBound, a gradient-based algorithm derived from the deep learning literature. Significant wave height prediction is studied as a time series problem, hence, the appropriate inputs to the model are selected by developing a surrogate-based wrapped algorithm. The developed wrapper-based algorithm, employs Bayesian optimisation to deliver a fast and accurate method for feature selection. In addition, we introduce a projection step, to further refine the approximation capabilities of the resulting predictive system. The proposed methodology is applied to a real-world time series pertaining to spectral wave height and obtained from the Poseidon operational oceanography system at the Institute of Oceanography, part of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research. Numerical studies showcase a high degree of approximation performance. The predictive scheme with the projection step yields a coefficient of determination of 0.9991, indicating a high level of accuracy. Furthermore, it outperforms the second-best comparative model by approximately 49% in terms of root mean squared error. Comparative evaluations against powerful artificial intelligence models, using regression metrics and hypothesis test, underscore the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Mathematics in Neural Networks and Machine Learning)
28 pages, 2057 KiB  
Article
Design and Fabrication of a Cost-Effective, Remote-Controlled, Variable-Rate Sprayer Mounted on an Autonomous Tractor, Specifically Integrating Multiple Advanced Technologies for Application in Sugarcane Fields
by Pongpith Tuenpusa, Kiattisak Sangpradit, Mano Suwannakam, Jaturong Langkapin, Alongklod Tanomtong and Grianggai Samseemoung
AgriEngineering 2025, 7(8), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7080249 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The integration of a real-time image processing system using multiple webcams with a variable rate spraying system mounted on the back of an unmanned tractor presents an effective solution to the labor shortage in agriculture. This research aims to design and fabricate a [...] Read more.
The integration of a real-time image processing system using multiple webcams with a variable rate spraying system mounted on the back of an unmanned tractor presents an effective solution to the labor shortage in agriculture. This research aims to design and fabricate a low-cost, variable-rate, remote-controlled sprayer specifically for use in sugarcane fields. The primary method involves the modification of a 15-horsepower tractor, which will be equipped with a remote-control system to manage both the driving and steering functions. A foldable remote-controlled spraying arm is installed at the rear of the unmanned tractor. The system operates by using a webcam mounted on the spraying arm to capture high-angle images above the sugarcane canopy. These images are recorded and processed, and the data is relayed to the spraying control system. As a result, chemicals can be sprayed on the sugarcane accurately and efficiently based on the insights gained from image processing. Tests were conducted at various nozzle heights of 0.25 m, 0.5 m, and 0.75 m. The average system efficiency was found to be 85.30% at a pressure of 1 bar, with a chemical spraying rate of 36 L per hour and a working capacity of 0.975 hectares per hour. The energy consumption recorded was 0.161 kWh, while fuel consumption was measured at 6.807 L per hour. In conclusion, the development of the remote-controlled variable rate sprayer mounted on an unmanned tractor enables immediate and precise chemical application through remote control. This results in high-precision spraying and uniform distribution, ultimately leading to cost savings, particularly by allowing for adjustments in nozzle height from a minimum of 0.25 m to a maximum of 0.75 m from the target. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture)
17 pages, 2283 KiB  
Article
A Remote Strawberry Health Monitoring System Performed with Multiple Sensors Approach
by Xiao Du, Jun Steed Huang, Qian Shi, Tongge Li, Yanfei Wang, Haodong Liu, Zhaoyuan Zhang, Ni Yu and Ning Yang
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151690 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Temperature is a key physiological indicator of plant health, influenced by factors including water status, disease and developmental stage. Monitoring changes in multiple factors is helpful for early diagnosis of plant growth. However, there are a variety of complex light interference phenomena in [...] Read more.
Temperature is a key physiological indicator of plant health, influenced by factors including water status, disease and developmental stage. Monitoring changes in multiple factors is helpful for early diagnosis of plant growth. However, there are a variety of complex light interference phenomena in the greenhouse, so traditional detection methods cannot meet effective online monitoring of strawberry health status without manual intervention. Therefore, this paper proposes a leaf soft-sensing method based on a thermal infrared imaging sensor and adaptive image screening Internet of Things system, with additional sensors to realize indirect and rapid monitoring of the health status of a large range of strawberries. Firstly, a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is established by analyzing the environmental interference terms from the other sensors. Secondly, through the relationship between plant physiological metabolism and canopy temperature, a growth model is established to predict the growth period of strawberries based on canopy temperature. Finally, by deploying environmental sensors and solar height sensors, the image acquisition node is activated when the environmental interference is less than the specified value and the acquisition is completed. The results showed that the accuracy of this multiple sensors system was 86.9%, which is 30% higher than the traditional model and 4.28% higher than the latest advanced model. It makes it possible to quickly and accurately assess the health status of plants by a single factor without in-person manual intervention, and provides an important indication of the early, undetectable state of strawberry disease, based on remote operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Agriculture)
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16 pages, 5546 KiB  
Article
Modification of Vegetation Structure and Composition to Reduce Wildfire Risk on a High Voltage Transmission Line
by Tom Lewis, Stephen Martin and Joel James
Fire 2025, 8(8), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080309 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The Mapleton Falls National Park transmission line corridor in Queensland, Australia, has received a number of vegetation management treatments over the last decade to maintain and protect the infrastructure and to ensure continuous electricity supply. Recent treatments have included ‘mega-mulching’ (mechanical mastication of [...] Read more.
The Mapleton Falls National Park transmission line corridor in Queensland, Australia, has received a number of vegetation management treatments over the last decade to maintain and protect the infrastructure and to ensure continuous electricity supply. Recent treatments have included ‘mega-mulching’ (mechanical mastication of vegetation to a mulch layer) in 2020 and targeted herbicide treatment of woody vegetation, with the aim of reducing vegetation height by encouraging a native herbaceous groundcover beneath the transmission lines. We measured vegetation structure (cover and height) and composition (species presence in 15 × 2 m plots), at 12 transects, 90 m in length on the transmission line corridor, to determine if management goals were being achieved and to determine how the vegetation and fire hazard (based on the overall fuel hazard assessment method) varied among the treated corridor, the forest edge environment, and the natural forest. The results showed that vegetation structure and composition in the treated zones had been modified to a state where herbaceous plant species were dominant; there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher native grass cover and cover of herbs, sedges, and ferns in the treated zones, and a lower cover of trees and tall woody plants (>1 m in height) in these areas. For example, mean native grass cover and the cover of herbs and sedges in the treated areas was 10.2 and 2.8 times higher, respectively, than in the natural forest. The changes in the vegetation structure (particularly removal of tall woody vegetation) resulted in a lower overall fuel hazard in the treated zones, relative to the edge zones and natural forest. The overall fuel hazard was classified as ‘high’ in 83% of the transects in the treated areas, but it was classified as ‘extreme’ in 75% of the transects in the adjacent forest zone. Importantly, there were few introduced species recorded. The results suggest that fuel management has been successful in reducing wildfire risk in the transmission corridor. Temporal monitoring is recommended to determine the frequency of ongoing fuel management. Full article
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21 pages, 2068 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Approaches for Motion Artifact Removal from Wireless Mobile EEG During Overground Running
by Patrick S. Ledwidge, Carly N. McPherson, Lily Faulkenberg, Alexander Morgan and Gordon C. Baylis
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4810; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154810 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) is the only brain imaging method light enough and with the temporal precision to assess electrocortical dynamics during human locomotion. However, head motion during whole-body movements produces artifacts that contaminate the EEG and reduces ICA decomposition quality. We compared commonly used [...] Read more.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is the only brain imaging method light enough and with the temporal precision to assess electrocortical dynamics during human locomotion. However, head motion during whole-body movements produces artifacts that contaminate the EEG and reduces ICA decomposition quality. We compared commonly used motion artifact removal approaches for reducing the motion artifact from the EEG during running and identifying stimulus-locked ERP components during an adapted flanker task. EEG was recorded from young adults during dynamic jogging and static standing versions of the Flanker task. Motion artifact removal approaches were evaluated based on their ICA’s component dipolarity, power changes at the gait frequency and harmonics, and ability to capture the expected P300 ERP congruency effect. Preprocessing the EEG using either iCanClean with pseudo-reference noise signals or artifact subspace reconstruction (ASR) led to the recovery of more dipolar brain independent components. In our analyses, iCanClean was somewhat more effective than ASR. Power was significantly reduced at the gait frequency after preprocessing with ASR and iCanClean. Finally, preprocessing using ASR and iCanClean also produced ERP components similar in latency to those identified in the standing flanker task. The expected greater P300 amplitude to incongruent flankers was identified when preprocessing using iCanClean. ASR and iCanClean may provide effective preprocessing methods for reducing motion artifacts in human locomotion studies during running. Full article
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15 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen-Rich Water Attenuates Diarrhea in Weaned Piglets via Oxidative Stress Alleviation
by Pengfei Zhang, Jingyu Yang, Zhuoda Lu, Qianxi Liang, Xing Yang, Junchao Wang, Jinbiao Guo and Yunxiang Zhao
Biology 2025, 14(8), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080997 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Early weaning of piglets elicits weaning stress, which in turn induces oxidative stress and consequently impairs growth and development. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW), characterized by selective antioxidant properties, mitigates oxidative stress damage and serves as an ideal intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Early weaning of piglets elicits weaning stress, which in turn induces oxidative stress and consequently impairs growth and development. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW), characterized by selective antioxidant properties, mitigates oxidative stress damage and serves as an ideal intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HRW on weaned piglets, specifically investigating its impact on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, antioxidant function, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and hepatic metabolites. The results demonstrate that HRW significantly increased the average daily feed intake and significantly reduced the diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. Analysis of serum oxidative stress indicators revealed that HRW significantly elevated the activities of total antioxidant capacity and total superoxide dismutase while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde concentration. Assessment of intestinal morphology showed that HRW significantly increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Microbial analysis indicated that HRW significantly increased the abundance of Prevotella in the colon. Furthermore, HRW increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, in the jejunum and cecum, while concurrently reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria like Escherichia. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed that HRW significantly altered the metabolite composition in the liver of weaned piglets. Differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in oxidative stress-related KEGG pathways, including ABC transporters; pyruvate metabolism; autophagy; FoxO signaling pathway; glutathione metabolism; ferroptosis; and AMPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, HRW alleviates diarrhea and promotes growth in weaned piglets by enhancing antioxidant capacity. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the application of HRW in swine production and serve as a reference for further exploration into the mechanisms underlying HRW’s effects on animal health and productivity. Full article
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18 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
Novel Film-Forming Spray: Advancing Shelf Life Extension and Post-Harvest Loss Reduction in Eggs
by Nagesh Sonale, Rokade J. Jaydip, Akhilesh Kumar, Monika Madheswaran, Rohit Kumar, Prasad Wadajkar and Ashok Kumar Tiwari
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152142 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO2 retention by sealing pores, and [...] Read more.
This study explores the development of a topical film-forming spray infused with phytobiotic herbs to extend egg shelf life and maintain its quality. Unlike traditional surface treatments, film-forming sprays provide uniform drug distribution, better bioavailability, effective CO2 retention by sealing pores, and antibacterial effects. The spray includes a polymer to encapsulate phytoconstituents and form the film. The resulting film is highly water-resistant, glossy, transparent, and dries within two minutes. SEM analysis showed a fine, uniform morphology, while zeta analysis revealed a negative potential of −0.342 mV and conductivity of 0.390 mS/cm, indicating stable dispersion. The spray’s effectiveness was tested on 640 chicken eggs stored at varying temperatures. Eggs treated and kept at 2–8 °C showed the best results, with smaller air cells, higher specific gravity, and superior quality indicators such as pH, albumen weight, albumen height and index, Haugh unit, yolk weight, and yolk index. Additionally, the spray significantly reduced microbial load, including total plate count and E. coli. Eggs stored at 28 °C remained safe for 24–30 days, while those at 2–8 °C lasted over 42 days. This innovative film-forming spray offers a promising approach for preserving internal and external egg quality during storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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10 pages, 386 KiB  
Article
Certified Seed Use Enhances Yield Stability in Cereal Production Under Temperate Climate Conditions
by Patrycja Ojdowska, Tadeusz Oleksiak, Marcin Studnicki and Marzena Iwańska
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081886 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the face of growing demand for food and climate change, ensuring the stability and height of crop yields is becoming a key challenge for modern agriculture. One of the solutions supporting the sustainable development of crop production is the use of certified [...] Read more.
In the face of growing demand for food and climate change, ensuring the stability and height of crop yields is becoming a key challenge for modern agriculture. One of the solutions supporting the sustainable development of crop production is the use of certified seed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using certified seed on the level and stability of yields of three cereal species: winter wheat, winter triticale and spring barley, in temperate climate conditions. Data came from surveys conducted on over 8000 farms in six agroecoregions of Poland in 2021–2023. The analysis showed significantly higher yields on farms using certified seed for all species studied. Additionally, greater yield stability (lower values of Shukla variance and Wricke ecovalence) was noted in the case of using certified seeds, especially in region IV. This indicates the positive impact of certified seeds (e.g., genetic purity, health, and vigor) on the efficiency and resilience of agricultural systems. This phenomenon is of particular importance in the context of climate change and may be an important element of risk management strategies in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genotype × Environment Interactions in Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 4509 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Performance of Switchable Film-Insulated Photovoltaic–Thermal–Passive Cooling Module for Different Design Parameters
by Cong Jiao, Zeyu Li, Tiancheng Ju, Zihan Xu, Zhiqun Xu and Bin Sun
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2471; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082471 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) technology has attracted considerable attention for its ability to significantly improve solar energy conversion efficiency by simultaneously providing electricity and heat during the day. PVT technology serves a purpose in condensers and subcoolers for passive cooling in refrigeration systems at night. [...] Read more.
Photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) technology has attracted considerable attention for its ability to significantly improve solar energy conversion efficiency by simultaneously providing electricity and heat during the day. PVT technology serves a purpose in condensers and subcoolers for passive cooling in refrigeration systems at night. In our previous work, we proposed a switchable film-insulated photovoltaic–thermal–passive cooling (PVT-PC) module to address the structural incompatibility between diurnal and nocturnal modes. However, the performance of the proposed module strongly depends on two key design parameters: the structural height and the vacuum level of the air cushion. In this study, a numerical model of the proposed module is developed to examine the impact of design and meteorological parameters on its all-day performance. The results show that diurnal performance remains stable across different structural heights, while nocturnal passive cooling power shows strong dependence on vacuum level and structural height, achieving up to 103.73 W/m2 at 10 mm height and 1500 Pa vacuum, which is comparable to unglazed PVT modules. Convective heat transfer enhancement, induced by changes in air cushion shape, is identified as the primary contributor to improved nocturnal cooling performance. Wind speed has minimal impact on electrical output but significantly enhances thermal efficiency and nocturnal convective cooling power, with a passive cooling power increase of up to 31.61%. In contrast, higher sky temperatures degrade nocturnal cooling performance due to diminished radiative exchange, despite improving diurnal thermal efficiency. These findings provide fundamental insights for optimizing the structural design and operational strategies of PVT-PC systems under varying environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer Processes)
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18 pages, 8203 KiB  
Article
Puerarin Enhances Eggshell Quality by Mitigating Uterine Senescence in Late-Phase Laying Breeder Hens
by Zhenwu Huang, Guangju Wang, Mengjie Xu, Yanru Shi, Jinghai Feng, Minhong Zhang and Chunmei Li
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080960 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell [...] Read more.
The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell quality in aged hens. Two hundred eighty-eight Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens (50-week-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments containing 0, 40, or 200 mg/kg puerarin (PU), with 8 replicates of 12 birds each, for an 8-week trial. The results demonstrated that dietary PU ameliorated the eggshell thickness and strength, which in turn reduced the broken egg rate (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that PU improved uterus morphology and increased epithelium height in the uterus (p < 0.05). Antioxidative capacity was significantly improved via upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX1 mRNA expression in the uterus (p < 0.05), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and decreased levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, PU treatment reduced the apoptotic index of the uterus, followed by a significant decrease in expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase3 and BAX and the rate of BAX/BCL-2. Additionally, calcium content in serum and uterus, as well as the activity of Ca2+-ATPase in the duodenum and uterus, were increased by dietary PU (p < 0.05). The genes involved in calcium transport including ERα, KCNA1, CABP-28K, and OPN in the uterus were upregulated by PU supplementation (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary PU supplementation could reverse the age-related decline in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota within the uterus (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary PU can improve eggshell quality and calcium transport through enhanced antioxidative defenses and mitigation of age-related uterine degeneration. Full article
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15 pages, 2188 KiB  
Article
Research and Simulation Analysis on a Novel U-Tube Type Dual-Chamber Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Conversion Device
by Shaohui Yang, Haijian Li, Yan Huang, Jianyu Fan, Zhichang Du, Yongqiang Tu, Chenglong Li and Beichen Lin
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4141; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154141 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
With the development of wave energy, a promising renewable resource, oscillating water column (OWC) devices, has been extensively studied for its potential in harnessing this energy. However, traditional OWC devices face challenges such as corrosion and damage from prolonged exposure to harsh marine [...] Read more.
With the development of wave energy, a promising renewable resource, oscillating water column (OWC) devices, has been extensively studied for its potential in harnessing this energy. However, traditional OWC devices face challenges such as corrosion and damage from prolonged exposure to harsh marine environments, limiting their long-term viability and efficiency. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel U-tube type dual chamber OWC wave energy conversion device integrated within a marine vehicle. The research involves the design of a U-tube dual-chamber OWC device, which utilizes the pitch motion of a marine vehicle to drive the oscillation of water columns within the U-tube, generating reciprocating airflow that drives an air turbine. Numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were conducted to analyze the effects of various structural dimensions, including device length, width, air chamber height, U-tube channel width, and bottom channel height, on the aerodynamic power output. The simulations considered real sea conditions, focusing on low-frequency waves prevalent in China’s sea areas. Simulation results reveal that increasing the device’s length and width substantially boosts aerodynamic power, while air chamber height and U-tube channel width have minor effects. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimal design of U-tube dual-chamber OWC devices for efficient wave energy conversion, laying the foundation for future physical prototype development and experimental validation. Full article
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34 pages, 9516 KiB  
Article
Proteus sp. Strain JHY1 Synergizes with Exogenous Dopamine to Enhance Rice Growth Performance Under Salt Stress
by Jing Ji, Baoying Ma, Runzhong Wang and Tiange Li
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1820; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081820 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Soil salinization severely restricts crop growth and presents a major challenge to global agriculture. In this study, a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) was isolated and identified as Proteus sp. through 16S rDNA analysis and was subsequently named Proteus sp. JHY1. Under salt stress, exogenous [...] Read more.
Soil salinization severely restricts crop growth and presents a major challenge to global agriculture. In this study, a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) was isolated and identified as Proteus sp. through 16S rDNA analysis and was subsequently named Proteus sp. JHY1. Under salt stress, exogenous dopamine (DA) significantly enhanced the production of indole-3-acetic acid and ammonia by strain JHY1. Pot experiments revealed that both DA and JHY1 treatments effectively alleviated the adverse effects of 225 mM NaCl on rice, promoting biomass, plant height, and root length. More importantly, the combined application of DA-JHY1 showed a significant synergistic effect in mitigating salt stress. The treatment increased the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, osmotic regulators (proline, soluble sugars, and protein), and reduced lipid peroxidation. The treatment also increased soil nutrients (ammoniacal nitrogen and available phosphorus), enhanced soil enzyme activities (sucrase and alkaline phosphatase), stabilized the ion balance (K+/Na+), and modulated the soil rhizosphere microbial community by increasing beneficial bacteria, such as Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. This study provides the first evidence that the synergistic effect of DA and PGPR contributes to enhanced salt tolerance in rice, offering a novel strategy for alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress on plant growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Microbe Interactions)
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31 pages, 9610 KiB  
Article
Can the Building Make a Difference to User’s Health in Indoor Environments? The Influence of PM2.5 Vertical Distribution on the IAQ of a Student House over Two Periods in Milan in 2024
by Yong Yu, Marco Gola, Gaetano Settimo and Stefano Capolongo
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080936 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigates indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring in a student dormitory located in northern Milan (Italy) using low-cost sensors. This research compares two monitoring periods in June and October 2024 to examine common PM2.5 vertical patterns and differences at the [...] Read more.
This study investigates indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring in a student dormitory located in northern Milan (Italy) using low-cost sensors. This research compares two monitoring periods in June and October 2024 to examine common PM2.5 vertical patterns and differences at the building level, as well as their influence on the indoor spaces at the corresponding positions. In each period, around 30 sensors were installed at various heights and orientations across indoor and outdoor spots for 2 weeks to capture spatial variations around the building. Meanwhile, qualitative surveys on occupation presence, satisfaction, and well-being were distributed in selected rooms. The analysis of PM2.5 data reveals that the building’s lower floors tended to have slightly higher outdoor PM2.5 concentrations, while the upper floors generally had lower PM2.5 indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios, with the top-floor rooms often below 1. High outdoor humidity reduced PM infiltration, but when outdoor PM fell below 20 µg/m3 in these two periods, indoor sources became dominant, especially on the lower floors. Air pressure I/O differences had minimal impact on PM2.5 I/O ratios, though slightly positive indoor pressure might help prevent indoor PM infiltration. Lower ventilation in Period-2 possibly contributed to more reported symptoms, especially in rooms with higher PM from shared kitchens. While outdoor air quality affects IAQ, occupant behavior—especially window opening and ventilation management—remains crucial in minimizing indoor pollutants. Users can also manage exposure by ventilating at night based on comfort and avoiding periods of high outdoor PM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality in Metropolitan Areas and Megacities (Second Edition))
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