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10 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
A Retrospective, Multicenter Analysis of a Novel Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Device on Safety and Efficacy at 12 Months: Access Study
by Michael J. Dorsi, Pankaj Mehta, Chau Vu, Angel Boev, Ashley Bailey-Classen, Greg Moore, David Reece, Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Steven Falowski and Jason E. Pope
Healthcare 2025, 13(13), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13131544 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 719
Abstract
Introduction: Arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has evolved over the last 5 years, with many trajectory strategies emerging. Innovation has outpaced data generation on the safety and efficacy of novel SIJ arthrodesis techniques. This retrospective review of the use of a [...] Read more.
Introduction: Arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) has evolved over the last 5 years, with many trajectory strategies emerging. Innovation has outpaced data generation on the safety and efficacy of novel SIJ arthrodesis techniques. This retrospective review of the use of a SiLO TFX SIJ fusion system provides 12-month post-implant outcome data that can be compared with other techniques from published literature. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients that underwent the SiLO TFX sacroiliac joint fusion procedure at eight sites with data on pain reduction and functional improvement from baseline, as measured by a numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), along with some safety and device integrity assessments recorded at 12 months post-implant. Safety was assessed by identifying key serious adverse events (bleeding, infection, nerve injury), and device integrity was assessed by evaluating misplaced or malfunctioned devices. ODI and NRS outcomes were compared with published rates from the literature. Results: Between 16 March 2023 and 20 February 2024, 42 subjects with 12-month ODI data available were enrolled. The subjects had a mean age of 60 ± 11 years, and 71% were female. The mean ODI score of 33 ± 15 at baseline improved to 17 ± 11 at 12 months, with a statistically significant improvement from baseline of 16 ± 15 (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 52% of subjects had a 15-point absolute ODI improvement. Mean NRS of 7.1 ± 2.8 at baseline improved to 2.9 ± 2.2 at 12 months with a statistically significant reduction in pain of 4.2 ± 3.4 (p < 0.0001). No key serious adverse events or device integrity complications were noted. Subgroup analyses for a cohort of subjects with baseline ODI ≥ 30 and VAS pain ≥ 50 demonstrated that performance was similar to that in previously published literature with a mean improvement in ODI of 23.3 ± 12.7 (p < 0.0001) with 78% of subjects achieving a 15-point improvement at 12 months, and mean NRS improving by 4.7 ± 3.0 (p < 0.0001) with 88.9% achieving an improvement of 2 points. Conclusions: This data supports the safety and efficacy of SiLO TFX for SIJ fusion. The retrospective outcomes are comparable to those published for lateral-approach SIJ fusion. As follow up is limited to 12 months in this retrospective dataset; long-term fusion and cost-effectiveness remain to be addressed. Prospective, randomized controlled trials with a larger cohort are needed further to compare SiLO TFX to other available SIJ fusion techniques. Full article
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28 pages, 2795 KiB  
Article
A Data Protection Method for the Electricity Business Environment Based on Differential Privacy and Federal Incentive Mechanisms
by Xu Zhou, Hongshan Luo, Simin Chen and Yuling He
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133403 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 232
Abstract
In the development process of the power industry, accurately assessing the level of development of the electricity business environment is of great significance. However, traditional evaluation systems have limitations, with the issue of “data silos” being prominent, and user privacy under federated learning [...] Read more.
In the development process of the power industry, accurately assessing the level of development of the electricity business environment is of great significance. However, traditional evaluation systems have limitations, with the issue of “data silos” being prominent, and user privacy under federated learning is also at risk. This paper proposes a federated learning-based data protection method for the electricity business environment to address these challenges. Based on the World Bank’s B-READY framework, this paper constructs an electricity business environment evaluation system containing nine indicators, focusing on three aspects: electricity regulations, public services, and operational efficiency. The indicators are weighted using the Sequence Relation and Entropy Weight Method. To address the issue of sensitive data protection, we first use federated learning technology to build a distributed modeling framework, ensuring that raw data never leaves the local environment during the collaborative modeling process. Next, we embed a differential privacy mechanism in the model parameter transmission stage, encrypting the model parameters by adding controlled noise. Finally, an incentive mechanism based on contribution quantification is implemented to encourage participation from all parties. This paper conducts experiments using the data of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province. Compared with the FNN model and the SVR model, the MLP model reduces MAE by 78.9% and 94.12%, respectively, and increases R2 by 37.95% and 55.62%, respectively. The superiority of the method proposed in this paper has been proved. Full article
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19 pages, 2852 KiB  
Article
Immunological AI Optimizer Deployment in a 330 MW Lignite-Fired Unit for NOx Abatement
by Konrad Świrski, Łukasz Śladewski, Konrad Wojdan and Xianyong Peng
Energies 2025, 18(12), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18123032 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 559
Abstract
This study presents an advanced NOx reduction strategy for a 330 MW lignite-fired boiler using an immunological AI system: the SILO (Stochastic Immune Layer Optimizer) combustion optimizer inspired by artificial immune systems. The immunological AI optimizer adaptively models multi-variable interactions and fireball [...] Read more.
This study presents an advanced NOx reduction strategy for a 330 MW lignite-fired boiler using an immunological AI system: the SILO (Stochastic Immune Layer Optimizer) combustion optimizer inspired by artificial immune systems. The immunological AI optimizer adaptively models multi-variable interactions and fireball shape in real time, optimizing fuel–air mixing to reduce NOx formation at the source. Unlike reactive secondary methods, the combustion optimizer reshapes the combustion process to reduce emissions while improving efficiency. Real-time temperature data from the AGAM acoustic system inform the combustion optimizer’s fireball modeling, ensuring combustion uniformity. A urea-based SNCR system serves as a secondary layer, controlled based on local furnace conditions to target thermal zones. Field results confirmed that SILO reduced NOx emissions below 200 mg/Nm3, decreased urea consumption by up to 34%, and improved boiler efficiency by 0.29%. The architecture offers a scalable, DCS-integrated solution for aligning fossil-fueled operations with tightening emission standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Clean Coal Technology)
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32 pages, 596 KiB  
Article
Developing a STAMP-Based Port Risk Control Structure to Understand Interorganizational Risk Management in Canadian Ports
by Elvira Meléndez and Floris Goerlandt
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(6), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061131 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Interorganizational risk management (IRM) in Canadian ports faces significant challenges due to the interconnected nature of operations and the interdependence of safety, security, environmental, organizational, and technological risks. Existing siloed risk management frameworks often fail to capture these dynamic interrelations, underscoring the need [...] Read more.
Interorganizational risk management (IRM) in Canadian ports faces significant challenges due to the interconnected nature of operations and the interdependence of safety, security, environmental, organizational, and technological risks. Existing siloed risk management frameworks often fail to capture these dynamic interrelations, underscoring the need for a more integrated, systemic approach. This study introduces a Port Risk Control Structure (PRCS) designed specifically for Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs), based on the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). The PRCS maps control actions, feedback loops, and stakeholder roles across international, national, and local levels to better reflect the layered nature of port governance. The model aims to clarify the roles of key actors, such as the International Maritime Organization, Transport Canada, and local port stakeholders, and is designed to facilitate more structured risk identification, communication, and coordination across organizational levels. Although the model has not yet been empirically validated, its design suggests strong potential for scalability and adaptability across diverse port contexts. This research contributes to IRM literature by illustrating how STAMP principles can be operationalized within port systems. Future research will focus on integrating a taxonomy of IRM challenges to refine control structures and feedback mechanisms in response to evolving risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Hazards)
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18 pages, 2211 KiB  
Article
Early Fermentation Dynamics and Aerobic Stability of Maize Silage Improved by Dual-Strain Lactic Acid Bacteria Inoculation
by Jonas Jatkauskas, Rafael Camargo do Amaral, Kristian Lybek Witt, Jens Noesgaard Joergensen, Ivan Eisner and Vilma Vrotniakiene
Fermentation 2025, 11(5), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11050293 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 649
Abstract
This study aimed to provide deeper insights into fermentation dynamics, aerobic stability, and bacterial community composition during the short-term ensiling of maize forage with lactic acid bacteria-based inoculants. A 50:50 combination of Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM2250 and Lactococcus lactis DSM11037 (LBL target application: 150,000 [...] Read more.
This study aimed to provide deeper insights into fermentation dynamics, aerobic stability, and bacterial community composition during the short-term ensiling of maize forage with lactic acid bacteria-based inoculants. A 50:50 combination of Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM2250 and Lactococcus lactis DSM11037 (LBL target application: 150,000 CFU per 1 g forage) was tested alongside an untreated control (C) over fermentation periods of 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 days. A total of 50 3 L mini-silos were filled with 2 kg of fresh maize each and stored at 20 °C. The pH, dry matter, nutrient profiles, volatile fatty acids, lactic acid, alcohols, ammonia-N, microbiological counts (yeast and mold), and aerobic stability of all samples were analyzed after seven days of air exposure. LBL silage showed higher average dry matter content (DMc) and crude protein (CP) levels by 1.5%, p < 0.001, and 10.8%, p < 0.001, respectively, as well as reduced average dry matter (DM) losses by half (p < 0.001) compared to pure silage. The beneficial effects of inoculation became more pronounced with prolonged storage, particularly by day 32 of fermentation. LBL silage showed increased production of lactic and acetic acids by an average of 55.5% and 5.0%, respectively, (p < 0.01) and significantly reduced butyric acid formation by approximately 14 times. Ethanol and ammonia-N concentrations were also reduced by 55.4% and 25.6%, respectively (p < 0.001), while the pH value remained 0.17 units lower (p < 0.001) compared to the control. The combination of the two strains improved silage aerobic stability by 2.4 days (p < 0.001) and extended shelf life by reducing yeast counts (8.02 vs. 7.35 log10CFU g−1 FM, p < 0.001), while maintaining the pH value close to its initial level. Therefore, compared to the untreated control, the inoculated silage exhibited higher nutritional value, reduced fermentation losses, and suppressed undesirable microbial activity. The positive effects of inoculation became increasingly evident over time, particularly by day 32, highlighting the synergistic benefits of using mixed-strain lactic acid bacteria. These findings support the use of LBL inoculants as an effective strategy to enhance short-term silage quality and stability. Full article
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17 pages, 1995 KiB  
Article
Predicting Heat Treatment Duration for Pest Control Using Machine Learning on a Large-Scale Dataset
by Stavros Rossos, Paraskevi Agrafioti, Vasilis Sotiroudas, Christos G. Athanassiou and Efstathios Kaloudis
Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051254 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 614
Abstract
Pest control in industrial buildings, such as silos and storage facilities, is critical for maintaining food safety and economic stability. Traditional methods like fumigation face challenges, including insect resistance and environmental concerns, prompting the need for alternative approaches. Heat treatments have emerged as [...] Read more.
Pest control in industrial buildings, such as silos and storage facilities, is critical for maintaining food safety and economic stability. Traditional methods like fumigation face challenges, including insect resistance and environmental concerns, prompting the need for alternative approaches. Heat treatments have emerged as an effective and eco-friendly solution, but optimizing their duration and efficiency remains a challenge. This study leverages machine learning (ML) to predict the duration of heat treatments required for effective pest control in various industrial buildings. Using a dataset of 1423 heat treatment time series collected from IoT devices, we applied exploratory data analysis (EDA) and ML models, including random forest, XGBoost, ridge regression, and support vector regression (SVR), to predict the time needed to reach 50 °C, a critical threshold for pest mortality. Results revealed significant variations in treatment effectiveness based on building type, geographical location, and ambient temperature. XGBoost and random forest models outperformed others, achieving high predictive accuracy. The findings highlight the importance of tailored heat treatment protocols and the potential of data-driven approaches to optimize pest control strategies, reduce energy consumption, and improve operational efficiency in industrial settings. This study underscores the value of integrating IoT and ML for real-time monitoring and adaptive control in pest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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21 pages, 1914 KiB  
Article
Robust Enhanced Auto-Tuning of PID Controllers for Optimal Quality Control of Cement Raw Mix via Neural Networks
by Dimitris Tsamatsoulis
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9030052 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Ensuring efficient long-term quality control of the raw mix remains a priority for the cement industry, supporting initiatives to lower the CO2 footprint by incorporating significant amounts of alternative fuels and raw materials in clinker production. This study presents an effective method [...] Read more.
Ensuring efficient long-term quality control of the raw mix remains a priority for the cement industry, supporting initiatives to lower the CO2 footprint by incorporating significant amounts of alternative fuels and raw materials in clinker production. This study presents an effective method for creating a robust auto-tuner for proportional–integral–differential (PID) controller control of the lime saturation factor (LSF) of the raw mix using artificial neural networks (ANNs). This auto-tuner, combined with a previously studied robust PID controller, forms an integrated system that adapts to process changes and maintains low long-term variance in LSF. The ANN links each of the three PID gains to the process dynamic parameters, with the three ANNs also interconnected. We employed the Levenberg–Marquardt method to optimize the ANNs’ synaptic weights and applied the weight decay method to prevent overfitting. The industrial implementation of our control system, using the auto-tuner for 16,800 h of raw mill operation, shows an average LSF standard deviation of 2.5, with fewer than 10% of the datasets exceeding a standard deviation of 3.5. Considering that the measurement reproducibility is 1.44 and assuming a low mixing ratio of the raw meal in the silo equal to 2, the LSF standard deviation in the kiln feed approaches the analysis reproducibility, indicating that disturbances in the raw meal largely diminish in the kiln feed. In conclusion, integrating traditional, well-established tools like PID controllers with newer advanced techniques, such as ANNs, can yield innovative solutions. Full article
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19 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
Barriers to Effective Management of Mediterranean Coastal Lagoons Following Key European Union Directives: Perceptions of Managers of Natura 2000 Lagoon Sites in South France
by Nathalie Boutin, Louise Chourot, Jean-Claude Raynal and Rutger De Wit
Environments 2025, 12(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12050137 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
This paper focuses on the challenges for the co-implementation of two European Union Directives, i.e., the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive, for the management of Mediterranean coastal lagoons as protected areas. Many of these ecosystems are included in the Natura 2000 [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the challenges for the co-implementation of two European Union Directives, i.e., the Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive, for the management of Mediterranean coastal lagoons as protected areas. Many of these ecosystems are included in the Natura 2000 network, the largest network of protected areas in the world. Based on semi-structured interviews with 45 stakeholders from 41 institutions, the study identified five main types of perceived barriers: economic, political and socio-cultural, historical, administrative, and ecological. The study confirmed that the co-implementation of the Habitats Directive (HD) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Mediterranean coastal lagoons generated multiple and interrelated barriers. Beyond their regulatory complexity, these EU directives confronted managers with deep operational challenges. First, mismatches between administrative and ecological boundaries weakened their ability to control key ecological processes such as nutrient flows. Second, the proliferation of indicators, often perceived as disconnected from local realities, reinforced the critique of a management by numbers approach. Finally, the widespread use of regulatory exemptions, while intended to adapt EU rules to local contexts, frequently fueled persistent mistrust among stakeholders, especially in historically degraded environments. These challenges were further exacerbated by a siloed organization of administrations, limiting coordination and adaptive management. Overall, these findings call for more integrated governance frameworks, a more critical and context-sensitive use of indicators, and greater transparency in derogation procedures. Full article
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12 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Fermentation and Nutritional Value of BRS Capiaçu Elephant Grass Silage at Two Regrowth Ages
by Daiana Lopes Lelis, Mirton José Frota Morenz, Domingos Sávio Campos Paciullo, João Paulo Santos Roseira, Carlos Augusto de Miranda Gomide, Odilon Gomes Pereira, Jackson Silva e Oliveira, Fernando Cesar Ferraz Lopes, Vanessa Paula da Silva, Tâmara Chagas da Silveira and Fernanda Helena Martins Chizzotti
Animals 2025, 15(8), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081150 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculation on the fermentation profile and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu elephant grass silages harvested at two regrowth ages. The treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculation on the fermentation profile and nutritional value of BRS Capiaçu elephant grass silages harvested at two regrowth ages. The treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with five inoculants (I) and two regrowth ages (A, 90 and 105 days), in a completely randomized design, with three replicates. There were I × A interactions (p < 0.05) on pH, acetic acid, and water-soluble carbohydrates. The silage treated with Kera-Sil showed a lower pH compared with the control silage. The highest ammonia nitrogen content was recorded in the silage treated with Yakult®. There were I × A interactions (p < 0.05) on the dry matter (DM) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) and NDF (IVNDFD). Silages treated with Kera-Sil and Silo-Max at 90 days of regrowth showed a higher DM and higher IVDMD (p < 0.05). A higher NDF content and lower IVDMD and IVNDFD were recorded in silages produced with grass harvested at 105 days of regrowth (p < 0.05). The use of commercial microbial inoculants improved the fermentative and nutritional parameters of the silages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Silage-Based Forages on Ruminant Health and Welfare)
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16 pages, 2585 KiB  
Article
Viability of Cyperus esculentus Seeds and Tubers After Ensiling, Digestion by Cattle, and Manure Storage
by Jeroen Feys, Emiel Welvaert, Mattie De Meester, Joos Latré, Eva Wambacq, Danny Callens, Shana Clercx, Gert Van de Ven, Dirk Reheul and Benny De Cauwer
Agronomy 2025, 15(4), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15040844 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Cyperus esculentus is an invasive sedge causing high losses in many crops. Prevention is key in minimizing further spread and damage. Propagules (tubers or seeds) may spread via cattle manure. This study examined the effect of ensiling, digestion, and storage in manure on [...] Read more.
Cyperus esculentus is an invasive sedge causing high losses in many crops. Prevention is key in minimizing further spread and damage. Propagules (tubers or seeds) may spread via cattle manure. This study examined the effect of ensiling, digestion, and storage in manure on the viability of C. esculentus propagules. Propagules were subjected to five durations (0–16 weeks) in silage maize, seven durations (0–48 h) of ruminal digestion, and five durations of storage (0–16 weeks) in manure (slurry or farmyard), or combinations of previous processes. Afterwards, the viabilities were determined by a germination and tetrazolium test. After 6 weeks in a maize silo, the viability of the propagules was reduced by at least 96%. Incubation for 36 h in the rumen, followed by post-ruminal digestion in vitro, reduced seed viability by 30%. However, for the tubers, no effect was observed. The viability of seeds and tubers was reduced by 90% after 11.5 and 13.7 weeks of incubation in slurry, respectively. Compared with seeds, tubers were less tolerant to 12–24 h of animal digestion, followed by 8 weeks of storage in slurry. Keeping a maize silo closed for at least 6 weeks and maintaining slurry storage for at least 16 weeks are excellent measures to eliminate C. esculentus. For farmers, these preventive measures are relatively easy and cheap to implement compared to the requirements of curative control methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Free from Herbicides: Ecological Weed Control)
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16 pages, 5727 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of Influence Mechanism of Orifice Eccentricity on Silo Discharge Rate
by Yinglong Wang, Yanlong Han, Anqi Li, Hao Li, Haonan Gao, Ze Sun, Shouyu Ji, Zhuozhuang Li and Fuguo Jia
Agriculture 2025, 15(5), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15050490 - 25 Feb 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Eccentric silo is an extremely common type of silo, but it is still unclear how to accurately control the discharge by adjusting eccentric orifices, limiting the application and development of eccentric silo. In this study, the rice particle discharging process on silos with [...] Read more.
Eccentric silo is an extremely common type of silo, but it is still unclear how to accurately control the discharge by adjusting eccentric orifices, limiting the application and development of eccentric silo. In this study, the rice particle discharging process on silos with different eccentricities was simulated by the discrete element method (DEM), and the influence mechanism of orifice eccentricity on silo discharge rate was analyzed. The results show that eccentricity has a direct influence on the particle volume fraction and vertical velocity that determine the discharge rate of the silo. In fully eccentric silo, it is not easy for particle flow to achieve balance, particles will pass through outlet with more kinetic energy. Moreover, continuous force network cannot be formed between particles with shear resistance, resulting in weak interlocking action between particles. The orientation of particle in fully eccentric silo is more vertical, especially near the silo wall, which will produce larger local particle volume fraction above the orifice. When the eccentricity exceeds the critical eccentricity, the sparse flow area on the discharge orifice becomes larger, and the particle acceleration area increases accordingly. Research findings may offer valuable insights for the accurate control of discharge rate of eccentric silo, as well as for optimizing silo design. Full article
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23 pages, 9640 KiB  
Article
Full-Scale Testing and Stability Analysis of Prefabricated Steel Plate-Concrete Composite Walls in Underground Granaries
by Hao Zhang, Ruixin Wang, Lei Chen and Jun Chuai
Buildings 2025, 15(4), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040561 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Underground granaries naturally preserve grain quality by maintaining low temperatures and reduced oxygen levels, eliminating the need for artificial cooling and pest control. However, cast-in-place reinforced concrete construction faces challenges such as waterproofing and complex on-site processes, necessitating prefabricated steel plate-concrete composite structures [...] Read more.
Underground granaries naturally preserve grain quality by maintaining low temperatures and reduced oxygen levels, eliminating the need for artificial cooling and pest control. However, cast-in-place reinforced concrete construction faces challenges such as waterproofing and complex on-site processes, necessitating prefabricated steel plate-concrete composite structures with robust joints for enhanced structural integrity and streamlined construction. The study utilizes a full-scale prefabricated steel plate-concrete underground silo, instrumented with strain gauges on circumferential steel bars and internal steel plates to monitor stress variations during six distinct backfilling loading cases. Concurrently, finite element models were developed using ABAQUS 6.14 software for numerical simulations, which were validated against experimental data. Stability analyses, including buckling load assessments and parameter sensitivity studies, were conducted to evaluate the effects of joint quantity and bending stiffness on the structural performance of the composite walls. The results revealed that circumferential joints play a critical role in stress distribution within the composite walls, underscoring the necessity of optimized joint design. The numerical model accurately replicated experimental results, with deviations below 9%, confirming its reliability. Furthermore, an equivalent joint design method was established, demonstrating that a joint bending stiffness ratio above 1.1 ensures that prefabricated composite walls achieve critical buckling loads comparable to cast-in-place walls. These findings provide a robust framework for enhancing the structural performance and reliability of prefabricated underground silos. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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37 pages, 735 KiB  
Review
Blockchain-Assisted Self-Sovereign Identities on Education: A Survey
by Weilin Chan, Keke Gai, Jing Yu and Liehuang Zhu
Blockchains 2025, 3(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains3010003 - 11 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2785
Abstract
The education sector has witnessed a significant shift towards digitising student records, with relevant data now stored in centralized data repositories. While traditional identity management solutions in education are functional, they often face various challenges, including data privacy concerns, limited portability, and reliability [...] Read more.
The education sector has witnessed a significant shift towards digitising student records, with relevant data now stored in centralized data repositories. While traditional identity management solutions in education are functional, they often face various challenges, including data privacy concerns, limited portability, and reliability challenges. As the volume of student data continues to grow, inadequate data management practices have led to several problems. These include students losing control and empowerment over their educational information, increased vulnerability to potential data breaches and unauthorized access, a lack of transparency and accountability, data silos and inconsistencies, and administrative inefficiencies. To address these limitations, the implementation of a blockchain-assisted self-sovereign identity (Ba-SSI) concept in the education system presents a viable solution. Self-sovereign identity (SSI) represents a paradigm shift from traditional centralized identity systems, allowing individuals to maintain full control of their identity data without relying on centralized authorities. By leveraging the decentralized nature, SSI frameworks can ensure security, interoperability, and scalability, thereby improving user-centric identity management. This survey paper explores the potential of Ba-SSI within the context of education. It thoroughly reviews the current state of digital identity management in education, highlighting the limitations of conventional systems and the emerging role of blockchain technology in addressing these challenges. The paper discusses the fundamental principles of blockchain technology and how it can be utilized to enhance security, interoperability, and scalability in identity management. Additionally, it examines the insights and benefits of this approach for the education system. Finally, the paper concludes by addressing the issues, challenges, benefits, and future research directions in this domain, underscoring the potential of Ba-SSI solutions to revolutionize the management and empowerment of student data within the education sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Blockchains)
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11 pages, 949 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Exogenous Lactobacillus plantarum and Fibrolytic Enzymes on Fermentation Quality, Fiber Degradation, and In Vitro Digestibility of Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) Silage
by Dong Dong, Lei Zhang, Jie Zhao, Zhihao Dong, Junfeng Li and Tao Shao
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020340 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005
Abstract
This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous L. plantarum, fibrolytic enzymes, and their combination on fermentation quality, structural carbohydrate components, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The treatments included (i) no additives (control), (ii) L. plantarum (L), (iii) fibrolytic [...] Read more.
This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous L. plantarum, fibrolytic enzymes, and their combination on fermentation quality, structural carbohydrate components, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The treatments included (i) no additives (control), (ii) L. plantarum (L), (iii) fibrolytic enzymes (E), and (iv) a combination of fibrolytic enzymes and L. plantarum (EL). After being fermented for 1, 3, 7, and 30 days, the silos were opened for subsequent analysis. L and EL increased the lactic acid content and decreased the pH value and NH3-N content compared to silages without the addition of L. plantarum (p < 0.05). Compared to the control, enzymes alone or combined with L. plantarum improved enzymatic hydrolysis with higher water-soluble carbohydrates being retained at the early stage of ensiling; lower contents of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, and cellulose were observed at the end of ensiling (p < 0.05). The IVDMD was improved in E and EL silage, and the highest IVDMD was observed in E. The L silage showed no significant difference in terms of the structural carbohydrate components or IVDMD compared to the control (p > 0.05). A principal component analysis showed that L. plantarum addition did not contribute to an increase in IVDMD, whereas LA fermentation was further enhanced when EL was synergistically involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)
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10 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Propionic Acid on Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Aerobic Stability of High-Moisture Corn Grain Silage
by Jinze Bao, Lei Wang and Zhu Yu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010033 - 27 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202
Abstract
This investigation aimed to assess the effect of additives on the aerobic stability, fermentation profile, and chemical composition of high-moisture corn grain silage. The corn grain was milled and divided this into four distinct treatment groups: Lentilactobacillus buchneri, propionic acid, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, [...] Read more.
This investigation aimed to assess the effect of additives on the aerobic stability, fermentation profile, and chemical composition of high-moisture corn grain silage. The corn grain was milled and divided this into four distinct treatment groups: Lentilactobacillus buchneri, propionic acid, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and no additive (control). The capacity of the silos was 1 L and density was 1000 kg/m3. Each group had three replicates and was fermented for 45 d. At silo opening, one part of silage was used for fermentation parameters, chemical composition, and in vitro dry matter digestibility analysis; another part was used for aerobic stability determination. Compared with the control, all additives increased lactic acid and dry matter concentrations (p < 0.001) and decreased neutral detergent fiber level (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control, the application of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and propionic acid improved silage aerobic stability, showed by lower pH level and yeast and mold populations after exposure to air. The findings offer theoretical groundwork and technological backing for the use of high-moisture corn grain silage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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