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Flexible sensors have emerged as essential components in next-generation technologies such as wearable electronics, smart healthcare, soft robotics, and human–machine interfaces, owing to their outstanding mechanical flexibility and multifunctional sensing capabilities. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as the trade-off between sensitivity and detection range, and poor signal stability under cyclic deformation remain unresolved. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, this work introduces a high-performance soft sensor featuring a dual-layered electrode system, comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carbon black (CB), coupled with a laser-engraved crack-gradient microstructure. This structural strategy facilitates progressive crack formation under applied strain, thereby achieving enhanced sensitivity (1.56 kPa⁻¹), broad operational bandwidth (50–600 Hz), fine frequency resolution (0.5 Hz), and a rapid signal response. The synergistic structure also improves signal repeatability, durability, and noise immunity. The sensor demonstrates strong applicability in health monitoring, motion tracking, and intelligent interfaces, offering a promising pathway for reliable, multifunctional sensing in wearable health monitoring, motion tracking, and soft robotic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Flexible Sensing Applications and Electronics)

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12 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Relationship Between the Introduction of the Acellular Pertussis Vaccine and Whooping Cough Resurgence in the United States

by Jeegan Parikh, Ismael Hoare and Ricardo Izurieta

Vaccines 2025, 13(8), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13080841 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The whole cell pertussis vaccine was introduced in the United States in the 1940s and switched to the acellular pertussis vaccine partially in 1992 and completely in 1997. This study examines the relationship between the resurgence of pertussis in the United States and the change in the type of pertussis vaccines. Methods: Pertussis cases from 1922 to 2024 were obtained from the CDC’s national notifiable disease surveillance system, and vaccination coverage was obtained from the WHO. A trend analysis and Pearson’s correlation test were conducted between the incidence of cases and the coverage of the third and fourth doses of the pertussis vaccine. An ANOVA test and multivariable linear regression were performed to assess the association between the type of vaccine and the number of pertussis cases. Results: The number of cases increased from 4083 in 1992 to 35,435 in 2024, with cyclical outbreaks in 2010, 2012–2014, and 2024. The third and fourth doses of pertussis vaccine coverage had mild and moderate correlations with the number of pertussis cases. The vaccine type had a significant association with the number of pertussis cases and stayed significant after adjusting for vaccination coverage. Conclusions: The switch in pertussis vaccine has impacted the epidemiology of pertussis outbreaks in the United States. A combination of factors, such as different types of immune response to vaccines, waning of immunity, and selection of non-vaccine bacterial strains, may explain the observed results. Further research on newer, improved vaccinations or alternative schedules in children needs to be conducted to address the resurgence of pertussis in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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24 pages, 4902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Classification Method for the Severity of Aloe Anthracnose Based on the Improved YOLOv11-seg

by Wenshan Zhong, Xuantian Li, Xuejun Yue, Wanmei Feng, Qiaoman Yu, Junzhi Chen, Biao Chen, Le Zhang, Xinpeng Cai and Jiajie Wen

Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081896 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Anthracnose, a significant disease of aloe with characteristics of contact transmission, poses a considerable threat to the economic viability of aloe cultivation. To address the challenges of accurately detecting and classifying crop diseases in complex environments, this study proposes an enhanced algorithm, YOLOv11-seg-DEDB, based on the improved YOLOv11-seg model. This approach integrates multi-scale feature enhancement and a dynamic attention mechanism, aiming to achieve precise segmentation of aloe anthracnose lesions and effective disease level discrimination in complex scenarios. Specifically, a novel Disease Enhance attention mechanism is introduced, combining spatial attention and max pooling to improve the accuracy of lesion segmentation. Additionally, the DCNv2 is incorporated into the network neck to enhance the model’s ability to extract multi-scale features from targets in challenging environments. Furthermore, the Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network structure, which includes an additional p2 detection head, replaces the original PANet network. A more lightweight detection head structure is designed, utilizing grouped convolutions and structural simplifications to reduce both the parameter count and computational load, thereby enhancing the model’s inference capability, particularly for small lesions. Experiments were conducted using a self-collected dataset of aloe anthracnose infected leaves. The results demonstrate that, compared to the original model, the improved YOLOv11-seg-DEDB model improves segmentation accuracy and mAP@50 for infected lesions by 5.3% and 3.4%, respectively. Moreover, the model size is reduced from 6.0 MB to 4.6 MB, and the number of parameters is decreased by 27.9%. YOLOv11-seg-DEDB outperforms other mainstream segmentation models, providing a more accurate solution for aloe disease segmentation and grading, thereby offering farmers and professionals more reliable disease detection outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Pest Control for Building Farm Resilience)

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27 pages, 16782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Grain Yield to Extreme Precipitation in Major Grain-Producing Areas of China Against the Background of Climate Change—A Case Study of Henan Province

by Keding Sheng, Rui Li, Fengqiuli Zhang, Tongde Chen, Peng Liu, Yanan Hu, Bingyin Li and Zhiyuan Song

Water 2025, 17(15), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152342 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Based on the panel data of daily meteorological stations and winter wheat yield in Henan Province from 2000 to 2023, this study comprehensively used the Mann–Kendall trend test, wavelet coherence analysis (WTC), and other methods to reveal the temporal and spatial evolution of extreme precipitation and its multi-scale stress mechanism on grain yield. The results showed the following: (1) Extreme precipitation showed the characteristics of ‘frequent fluctuation-gentle trend-strong spatial heterogeneity’, and the maximum daily precipitation in spring (RX1DAY) showed a significant uplift. The increase in rainstorm events (R95p/R99p) in the southern region during the summer is particularly prominent; at the same time, the number of consecutive drought days (CDDs > 15 d) in the middle of autumn was significantly prolonged. It was also found that 2010 is a significant mutation node. Since then, the synergistic effect of ‘increasing drought days–increasing rainstorm frequency’ has begun to appear, and the short-period coherence of super-strong precipitation (R99p) has risen to more than 0.8. (2) The spatial pattern of winter wheat in Henan is characterized by the three-level differentiation of ‘stable core area, sensitive transition zone and shrinking suburban area’, and the stability of winter wheat has improved but there are still local risks. (3) There is a multi-scale stress mechanism of extreme precipitation on winter wheat yield. The long-period (4–8 years) drought and flood events drive the system risk through a 1–2-year lag effect (short-period (0.5–2 years) medium rainstorm intensity directly impacted the production system). This study proposes a ‘sub-scale governance’ strategy, using a 1–2-year lag window to establish a rainstorm warning mechanism, and optimizing drainage facilities for high-risk areas of floods in the south to improve the climate resilience of the agricultural system against the background of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 20111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Streamflow Forecasting: A Comparative Analysis of ARIMAX, Rolling Forecasting LSTM Neural Network and Physically Based Models in a Pristine Catchment

by Diego Perazzolo, Gianluca Lazzaro, Alvise Fiume, Pietro Fanton and Enrico Grisan

Water 2025, 17(15), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152341 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Accurate streamflow forecasting at fine temporal and spatial scales is essential to manage the diverse hydrological behaviors of individual catchments, particularly in rapidly responding mountainous regions. This study compares three forecasting models ARIMAX, LSTM, and HEC-HMS applied to the Posina River basin in northern Italy, using 13 years of hourly hydrological data. While recent literature promotes multi-basin LSTM training for generalization, we show that a well-configured single-basin LSTM, combined with a rolling forecast strategy, can achieve comparable accuracy under high-frequency, data-constrained conditions. The physically based HEC-HMS model, calibrated for continuous simulation, provides robust peak flow prediction but requires extensive parameter tuning. ARIMAX captures baseflows but underestimates sharp hydrological events. Evaluation through NSE, KGE, and MAE shows that both LSTM and HEC-HMS outperform ARIMAX, with LSTM offering a compelling balance between accuracy and ease of implementation. This study enhances our understanding of streamflow model behavior in small basins and demonstrates that LSTM networks, despite their simplified configuration, can be reliable tools for flood forecasting in localized Alpine catchments, where physical modeling is resource-intensive and regional data for multi-basin training are often unavailable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section New Sensors, New Technologies and Machine Learning in Water Sciences)

20 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Porphyrin-Modified Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes for Enhanced Bacterial Inactivation and Filtration Performance

by Funeka Matebese, Nonkululeko Malomane, Meladi L. Motloutsi, Richard M. Moutloali and Muthumuni Managa

Membranes 2025, 15(8), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15080239 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was conducted to improve bacterial inactivation in complex municipal wastewater and enhance the fouling resistance and filtration performance. The synthesis and fabrication of porphyrin nanofillers and the resultant membrane characteristics were studied. The incorporation of porphyrin-based nanofillers improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, morphology, and flux (247 Lm⁻² h⁻¹), with the membrane contact angle (CA) decreasing from 90° to ranging between 58° and 50°. The membrane performance was monitored for its flux, antifouling properties, reusability potential, municipal wastewater, and humic acid. The modified membranes demonstrated an effective application in wastewater treatment, achieving notable antibacterial activity, particularly under light exposure. The In-BP@SW/PES membrane demonstrated effective antimicrobial photodynamic effects against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. It achieved at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial viability, meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for efficient antimicrobial materials. Among the variants tested, membranes modified with In-PB@SW nanofillers exhibited superior antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios (FRRs) of 78.9% for the humic acid (HA) solution and 85% for the municipal wastewater (MWW), suggesting a strong potential for long-term filtration use. These results highlight the promise of porphyrin-functionalized membranes as multifunctional tools in advanced water treatment technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane and Other Innovative Technologies for Water Purification: Design, Development, and Application)

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31 pages, 4260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Global TCWV and AI Hybrid Model Prediction

by Longhao Xu, Kebiao Mao, Zhonghua Guo, Jiancheng Shi, Sayed M. Bateni and Zijin Yuan

Hydrology 2025, 12(8), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12080206 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Extreme precipitation events severely impact agriculture, reducing yields and land use efficiency. The spatiotemporal distribution of Total Column Water Vapor (TCWV), the primary gaseous form of water, directly influences sustainable agricultural management. This study, through multi-source data fusion, employs methods including the Mann–Kendall test, sliding change-point detection, wavelet transform, pixel-scale trend estimation, and linear regression to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of global TCWV from 1959 to 2023 and its impacts on agricultural systems, surpassing the limitations of single-method approaches. Results reveal a global TCWV increase of 0.0168 kg/m²/year from 1959–2023, with a pivotal shift in 2002 amplifying changes, notably in tropical regions (e.g., Amazon, Congo Basins, Southeast Asia) where cumulative increases exceeded 2 kg/m² since 2000, while mid-to-high latitudes remained stable and polar regions showed minimal content. These dynamics escalate weather risks, impacting sustainable agricultural management with irrigation and crop adaptation. To enhance prediction accuracy, we propose a novel hybrid model combining wavelet transform with LSTM, TCN, and GRU deep learning models, substantially improving multidimensional feature extraction and nonstationary trend capture. Comparative analysis shows that WT-TCN performs the best (MAE = 0.170, R² = 0.953), demonstrating its potential for addressing climate change uncertainties. These findings provide valuable applications for precision agriculture, sustainable water resource management, and disaster early warning. Full article

20 pages, 718 KiB

Open AccessReview

State of the Art on the Interaction of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria to Innovate a Sustainable Plant Health Product

by Islam Ahmed Abdelalim Darwish, Daniel P. Martins, David Ryan and Thomais Kakouli-Duarte

Crops 2025, 5(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops5040052 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

13 pages, 5981 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Fe-Free AlCoCrNiNb_0.2 and AlCoCr_0.5NiNb_0.2 High-Entropy Alloys

by Olga Samoilova, Svetlana Pratskova, Nataliya Shaburova, Ahmad Ostovari Moghaddam and Evgeny Trofimov

Materials 2025, 18(15), 3701; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153701 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

The microstructure, phase composition, and high-temperature oxidation resistance of Fe-free AlCoCrNiNb_0.2 and AlCoCr_0.5NiNb_0.2 high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were investigated. In the as-cast HEAs, niobium was found to mainly release as a Laves phase in the interdendritic region, and its solubility in the dendrites of the BCC solid solution was about 2 at.%. Both samples exhibited parabolic behavior during 100 h oxidation at 1000 °C and 1100 °C. The AlCoCrNiNb_0.2 alloy demonstrated higher resistance to high-temperature oxidation compared to AlCoCr_0.5NiNb_0.2. The specific weight changes after 100 h of isothermal holding at 1000 °C and 1100 °C were 0.65 mg/cm² and 1.31 mg/cm², respectively, which are superior compared to the Fe-containing HEAs. Cr was revealed to play an important role in the oxidation behavior of the HEAs, decreasing the parabolic oxidation rate constant and increasing the activation energy of the oxidation process in the alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Science and Technology of High Entropy Materials)

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17 pages, 1865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarkers in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Immunohistochemical Validation Study

by Brett Berezowski, Robert Boothe, Billy Chaplin, Sharon J. Del Vecchio, Zakariya Fares, Tyrone L. R. Humphries, Keng Lim Ng, Taylor Noonan, Hemamali Samaratunga, Aaron Urquhart, David A. Vesey, Simon T. Wood, Glenda C. Gobe and Robert J. Ellis

Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152588 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The worldwide incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) rose by 22% between 2012 and 2022. In Australia, RCC accounted for 2.8% of all cancer diagnoses and contributing to 1.8% of cancer-related deaths. Identification of RCC biomarkers may aid in diagnosis and management. Methods: A systematic review of immunohistochemical markers of RCC studies published between 1990 and 2019 was undertaken to select candidate biomarkers of RCC. Immunohistochemical staining of 73 clear cell RCC tumors and paired normal tissue was undertaken using selected markers. Semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis of staining intensity between paired samples was undertaken to evaluate utility as potential biomarkers, using Chi-square tests and paired t-tests for analysis. As an exploratory analysis, staining intensity was also compared on clinical/demographic variables using linear and logistic regression. Results: There were 123 candidate biomarkers identified in 91 studies. Four candidate markers were selected for further investigation: aminopeptidase A (APA)/cluster of differentiation (CD)249, aminopeptidase N (APN)/CD13, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). APA, GGT, and APN all demonstrated reduced staining intensity in the tumor compared with normal tissue (p < 0.001 for all). NSE demonstrated a statistically significant increase in expression in tumor compared with normal tissue (p < 0.001), and this was more pronounced in patients aged >60 years (p = 0.038). Conclusions: The utility of APA, APN, and GGT as diagnostic biomarkers in clear cell RCC is limited. NSE may have some role as a biomarker for clear cell RCC, particularly among older patients; however, further investigation is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Surgical Procedures and Outcomes in Renal Cancer)

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19 pages, 1548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, and Anticancer Potential of Afzelia quanzensis Welw—Bark Extract: A Traditional Remedy Utilized by Indigenous Communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa

by Siphamandla Qhubekani Njabuliso Lamula, Thando Bhanisa, Martha Wium, Juliano Domiraci Paccez, Luiz Fernando Zerbini and Lisa V. Buwa-Komoreng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157623 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Despite the significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the fight against cancer is ongoing worldwide. This study evaluated the pharmacological properties and anticancer activity of Afzelia quanzensis bark, traditionally used by the indigenous communities of KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa to treat cancer and related illnesses. Phytochemical screening, high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were carried out using established protocols. The antioxidant activity was assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and nitric oxide radicals. The anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and phlobatannins. The HPLC-DAD analysis detected seven distinctive peaks in the aqueous extract and three distinctive peaks in the methanolic extract. The FTIR spectra of the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks corresponding to O-H, C=O, C=C, and =C–H functional groups. Among the tested extracts, the methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, followed by the ethanolic extract, in both DPPH and nitric oxide. The methanol extract showed a higher cell proliferation inhibition against the DU-145 cancer cell line with the percentage of inhibition of 37.8%, followed by the aqueous extract with 36.3%. In contrast, limited activity was observed against PC-3, SK-UT-1, and AGS cell lines. The results demonstrated notable dose-dependent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Afzelia quanzensis bark in cancer management. These findings warrant further investigation into its bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

11 pages, 671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Mattress Use on Sacral Interface Pressure in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Hye Young Lee, In Sun Jang, Jung Eun Hong, Je Hyun Kim and Seungmi Park

Geriatrics 2025, 10(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10040107 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pressure injuries are a significant concern among older adults, particularly in community-based long-term care settings where prolonged immobility is prevalent. This study aimed to identify factors influencing sacral interface pressure in community-dwelling older adults, with an emphasis on support surface usage and clinical risk indicators. Methods: A total of 210 participants aged 65 years and older, all receiving long-term care services in South Korea, were enrolled in this study. Sacral interface pressure was measured in the supine position using a portable pressure mapping device (Palm Q7). General characteristics, Braden Scale scores, Huhn Scale scores, and mattress usage were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: Mattress non-use was identified as the strongest predictor of elevated sacral interface pressure (OR = 6.71, p < 0.001), followed by Braden Scale scores indicating moderate risk (OR = 4.8, p = 0.006). Huhn Scale scores were not significantly associated with interface pressure. These results suggest that support surface quality and skin condition have a stronger impact on interface pressure than mobility-related risk factors. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of providing high-quality pressure-relieving mattresses and implementing standardized nursing assessments to reduce the risk of pressure injuries. Integrating smart technologies and expanding access to advanced support surfaces may aid in developing tailored preventive strategies for vulnerable older adults. Full article

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12 pages, 1362 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Physiological Response to Foliar Application of Antitranspirant on Avocado Trees (Persea americana) in a Mediterranean Environment

by Giulia Modica, Fabio Arcidiacono, Stefano La Malfa, Alessandra Gentile and Alberto Continella

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080928 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pre- and Post-Harvest Factors Regulating Secondary Metabolites in Fruit)

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20 pages, 1788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Legume–Cereal Cover Crops Improve Soil Properties but Fall Short on Weed Suppression in Chickpea Systems

by Zelalem Mersha, Michael A. Ibarra-Bautista, Girma Birru, Julia Bucciarelli, Leonard Githinji, Andualem S. Shiferaw, Shuxin Ren and Laban Rutto

Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081893 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Chickpea is a highly weed-prone crop with limited herbicide options and high labor demands, raising the following question: Can fall-planted legume–cereal cover crops (CCs) improve soil properties while reducing herbicide use and manual weeding pressure? To explore this, we evaluated the effect of fall-planted winter rye (WR) alone in 2021 and mixed with hairy vetch (HV) in 2022 and 2023 at Randolph farm in Petersburg, Virginia. The objectives were two-fold: (a) to examine the effect of CCs on soil properties using monthly growth dynamics and biomass harvested from fifteen 0.25 m²-quadrants and (b) to evaluate the efficiency of five termination methods: (1) green manure (GM); (2) GM plus pre-emergence herbicide (GMH); (3) burn (BOH); (4) crimp mulch (CRM); and (5) mow-mulch (MW) in suppressing weeds in chickpea fields. Weed distribution, particularly nutsedge, was patchy and dominant on the eastern side. Growth dynamics followed an exponential growth rate in fall 2022 (R² ≥ 0.994, p < 0.0002) and a three-parameter sigmoidal curve in 2023 (R² ≥ 0.972, p < 0.0047). Biomass averaged 55.8 and 96.9 t/ha for 2022 and 2023, respectively. GMH consistently outperformed GM in weed suppression, though GM was not significantly different from no-till systems by the season’s end. Kabuli-type chickpeas under GMH had significantly higher yields than desi types. Pooled data fitted well to a three-parametric logistic curve, predicting half-time to 50% weed coverage at 35 (MM), 38 (CRM), 40 (BOH), 46 (GM), and 53 (GMH) days. Relapses of CCs were consistent in no-till systems, especially BOH and MW. Although soil properties improved, CCs alone did not significantly suppress weed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)

30 pages, 4444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Potential of Novel Ternary Chalcogenide SrHfSe₃ for Eco-Friendly, Self-Powered, Near-Infrared Photodetectors: A SCAPS-1D Simulation Study

by Salah Abdo, Ambali Alade Odebowale, Amer Abdulghani, Khalil As’ham, Sanjida Akter, Haroldo Hattori, Nicholas Kanizaj and Andrey E. Miroshnichenko

Sci 2025, 7(3), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7030113 - 6 Aug 2025

Abstract

Ternary chalcogenide-based sulfide materials with distorted morphologies such as BaZrS₃, CaZrS₃, and SrZrS₃, have recently gained much attention in optoelectronics and photovoltaics due to their high structural and thermal stability and compatibility with low-cost, earth-abundant synthesis routes. However, their relatively large bandgaps often limit their suitability for near-infrared (NIR) photodetectors. Here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of SrHfSe₃, a ternary chalcogenide with an orthorhombic crystal structure and distinctive needle-like morphology, as a promising candidate for NIR photodetection. SrHfSe₃ exhibits a direct bandgap of 1.02 eV, placing it well within the NIR range. Its robust structure, high temperature stability, phase stability and natural abundance make it a compelling material for next-generation, self-powered NIR photodetectors. An in-depth analysis of the SrHfSe₃-based photodetector was performed using SCAPS-1D simulations, focusing on key performance metrics such as J–V behavior, photoresponsivity, and specific detectivity. Device optimization was achieved by thoroughly altering each layer thickness, doping concentrations, and defect densities. Additionally, the influence of interface defects, absorber bandgap, and operating temperature was assessed to enhance the photoresponse. Under optimal conditions, the device achieved a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 45.88 mA/cm², an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.7152 V, a peak photoresponsivity of 0.85 AW⁻¹, and a detectivity of 2.26 × 10¹⁴ Jones at 1100 nm. A broad spectral response spanning 700–1200 nm confirms its efficacy in the NIR region. These results position SrHfSe₃ as a strong contender for future NIR photodetectors and provide a foundation for experimental validation in advanced optoelectronic applications. Full article

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