Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland)
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Evaluation of Sensor-Based Soil EC Responses to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Under Laboratory and Field Conditions
No full textImproving nutrient use efficiency and minimizing environmental pollution from excessive fertilization require appropriate nutrient management supported by continuous monitoring of soil nutrient levels during crop growth. As only a few real-time sensors for the measurement of soil nutrients are available, this study evaluated the potential of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, which reflect the ionic concentrations of the soil solution, for real-time estimation of plant-available nutrient levels. Nitrogen and potassium were sequentially supplied to achieve cumulative application rates of 25–300% of the nutrient uptake-based fertilization rate. The relationship between cumulative fertilization rate and accumulated sensor-based EC increase was described using linear, polynomial, and nonlinear saturation models. Sensor EC increased linearly from 25 to 125% of the nutrient uptake-based fertilization rate, while higher application rates were better explained by the nonlinear saturation equation. Sensor-based EC showed strong correlation with soil ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), indicating that the sensor effectively reflected nutrient dynamics. In open-field pepper soil, fertigation-induced increases in sensor EC followed the patterns predicted by both the linear and nonlinear saturation models established in the laboratory. These results demonstrate that EC sensors can be used for real-time monitoring of soil nutrient levels and may contribute to efficient nutrient management in open-field cultivation
A Dual-Band Full-Polarized Annular-Ring Slot Antenna with High Polarization Isolation
No full textThis paper proposes a dual-band, full-polarized (dual-sense circular polarization and arbitrary linear polarization) annular-ring slot antenna centered at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which effectively overcomes the limitations of narrow bandwidth and limited polarization diversity in conventional designs. By employing an eccentric annular-ring slot and two orthogonal 50-ohm patches, the antenna achieves dual-band circular polarization (CP) radiation with single-port feeding. Based on the theory of orthogonal dual-circular polarization synthesis, arbitrary linear polarization (LP) can be generated by adjusting the phase difference when both ports are fed. The measured results show that the 10 dB return loss bandwidth of LP spans 2–2.8 GHz (relative bandwidth of 33.3%) and 4.5–7.5 GHz (relative bandwidth of 50%), with polarization isolation exceeding 50 dB. For CP mode, the measured bandwidth (for 10 dB return loss and 3 dB axial ratio) ranges from 2.24 to 2.58 GHz (relative bandwidth of 14.1%) and from 5.1 to 6.6 GHz (relative bandwidth of 25.64%), with polarization isolation greater than 15 dB. The proposed antenna simultaneously features a high frequency ratio (2.42), full polarization, high polarization isolation, a low profile (0.008 λ0), and bidirectional radiation, which can meet the urgent demand of modern information systems for dual-band, full-polarized antennas
Intrinsic Asymmetry in Weak Acid Transmembrane Transporters
No full textTransmembrane facilitation of substrates by channels and secondary active transporters results in a defined steady-state concentration ratio across the membrane. Evidence is accumulating that asymmetry in the structural build of the transporters, or interaction with asymmetric partner proteins, can shift the position of the transmembrane equilibrium by biased transport directionality. For instance, the bacterial lactose transporter, LacY, and two amino acid transporters, i.e., the human excitatory amino acid carrier, EAAC1, and the yeast lysine permease, Lyp1, were reported to exhibit distinct transport kinetics in the inward and outward direction by protein-intrinsic properties. A recent example is transport modulation of human monocarboxylate transporters, MCT, by shedding of the extracellular domain of an ancillary protein, basigin. Loss of the domain selectively increases export of lactate from lung cancer cells by a factor of four, contributing to the Warburg effect and malignancy. Further, intrinsic properties of monocarboxylate transporters involving asymmetric affinities of substrate binding, or biased open probabilities were shown to generate preference for one transport direction. Here, we discuss molecular mechanisms and physiological contexts of asymmetric secondary active transmembrane transport. Focus is laid on experimentally established cases, and examples are given in which putative bias in transport directionality may have been overlooked
CSSA: An Enhanced Sparrow Search Algorithm with Hybrid Strategies for Engineering Optimization
No full textTo address the limitations of the standard Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) in complex optimization problems—such as insufficient convergence accuracy and susceptibility to local optima—this paper proposes a Composite Strategy Sparrow Search Algorithm (CSSA) for multidimensional optimization. The algorithm first employs chaotic mapping during initialization to enhance population diversity; second, it integrates coordinate axis pattern search to strengthen local exploitation capabilities; third, it applies intelligent crossover operations to promote effective information exchange among individuals; and finally, it introduces an adaptive vigilance mechanism to dynamically balance exploration and exploitation throughout the optimization process. Compared with seven state-of-the-art algorithms, CSSA demonstrates superior performance in both 30-dimensional low-dimensional and 100-dimensional high-dimensional test scenarios. It achieves optimal solutions in three real-world engineering applications: thermal management of electric vehicle battery packs, photovoltaic power system configuration, and data center cooling systems. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests further confirm the statistical significance of these improvements. Experimental results show that CSSA significantly outperforms mainstream optimization methods in terms of convergence accuracy and speed, demonstrating substantial theoretical value and practical engineering significance
Analyzing the Impact of Different Lane Management Strategies on Mixed Traffic Flow with CAV Platoons
No full textMixed traffic flow composed of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles (HDVs) represents a core characteristic of intelligent transportation systems. However, its operational efficiency is significantly constrained by lane management strategies and CAV cooperative driving behaviors. To investigate this, a cellular automata-based simulation model is developed that integrates multiple car-following rules, a lane-changing strategy, and a platoon coordination mechanism. Through a systematic comparison of 13 lane management strategies in one-way two-lane and three-lane configurations, this study analyzes the influence mechanisms of lane allocation and cooperative driving on traffic flow, considering fundamental diagram characteristics, operating speed, CAV degradation behavior, and maximum platoon size. The results indicate that the performance of different strategies exhibits phased evolution with increasing CAV penetration rates. At low penetration rates, providing relatively independent space for HDVs effectively suppresses random disturbances and improves throughput. At medium to high penetration rates, dedicated CAV lanes—especially those with spatial continuity—enable cooperative platoons to fully leverage their advantages, leading to significant improvements in traffic capacity and operational stability. These findings demonstrate an optimal alignment between cooperative driving mechanisms and lane configurations, offering theoretical support for highway lane management in mixed traffic environments
The Mediating Role of Internationalization in Higher Education in the Relationship Between Cultural Intelligence and Intercultural Sensitivity
No full textThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Cultural Intelligence (CI) and Intercultural Sensitivity (IS) and to test the mediating role of Internationalisation in Higher Education (IHE). A correlational survey design was employed with full-time academics in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (N = 391). Standardised instruments were administered: the Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS), the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS), and the Internationalisation Perception Scale for Academics (IPSA). Construct validity and reliability were verified via confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural model was estimated using structural equation modelling (SEM) in SPSS–AMOS. The analysis revealed that CI exerts a positive and statistically significant effect on IS. CI was also found to be positively associated with IHE, and IHE demonstrated a positive and significant effect on IS. Mediation testing indicated that IHE functions as a significant partial mediator of the CI–IS relationship. Robustness checks with control variables showed that academic rank and faculty type have small but significant positive associations with IS. Overall, the findings suggest that the development of CI among academic staff directly enhances intercultural responsiveness and, additionally, strengthens IS through engagement with internationalisation processes. The results provide practical guidance for universities seeking socially sustainable internationalisation, indicating that institution-level strategies that embed intercultural learning and support academics’ international engagement may amplify the translation of CI into demonstrable intercultural sensitivity
Application of a One-Health Approach for Dermatophyte Infections
No full textDermatomycoses pose significant zoonotic and public health challenges, involving interactions among fungal agents, host immunity, and environmental reservoirs. Eight cases of dermatophyte infection involving five humans, two cats and one dog were investigated in the Umbria region applying a One-Health approach, as recommended by the CDC. Fungal isolates were identified by mycological and molecular methods as Microsporum canis (n = 4), Nannizzia gypsea (n = 3), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes genotype III* (n = 1). The source of infection was identified in four cases enabling the implementation of appropriate treatment, removal of fomites, and environmental sanitization; as a result, no recurrences were observed. In the remaining cases, environmental assessments showed no fungal burden, indicating likely incidental transmission. Close cohabitation or contact with cats emerged as a risk factor. The patient’s medical history should always include exposure to animals in order to facilitate early recognition, correct management, and prevention. Interdisciplinary collaboration among dermatologists, veterinarians, and laboratory technicians is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and to prevent potential antifungal resistance phenomena. Moreover, continuous surveillance under a One-Health framework will enable better epidemiological understanding of dermatophyte species dynamics, particularly zoonotic agents
Deciphering the Mechanisms Underlying Enhanced Drought Tolerance in Autotetraploid Apple ‘Redchief’: Physiological, Biochemical, Molecular, and Anatomical Insights
No full textIt is generally believed that plant polyploids exhibit greater tolerance to abiotic stress conditions than their diploid counterparts. The aim of the present research was to investigate the mechanisms underlying enhanced drought tolerance in the autotetraploid apple ‘Redchief’ as compared to its diploid counterpart. The study was conducted on potted plants over two growing seasons, and simulated drought conditions were induced by limiting or withholding irrigation. Under drought stress, the responses of the clone ‘Redchief’ 4x-25 and its diploid counterpart were compared at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. In addition, changes in leaf anatomical structure, stomatal characteristics, and parameters related to growth dynamics were examined in drought-challenged plants. The results indicate that apple tetraploids have a greater ability to adapt to water-deficit conditions than diploids. Under drought stress, apple tetraploids exhibited better physiological and biochemical parameters and maintained a greater capacity for continued growth than diploids. We propose that the primary mechanism underlying the increased drought tolerance in apple tetraploids is a faster and more efficient activation of antioxidant defenses and proline accumulation compared to diploids. The high plasticity of anatomical traits in apple tetraploids in response to adverse environmental conditions was also demonstrated
Improved Sphincter Muscle Regeneration by Myoblasts from M. extensor carpi radialis in a Large Animal Model of Urinary Incontinence
No full textPurpose: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a significant medical challenge affecting substantial parts of modern societies. Several studies suggested that cell therapy may alleviate the symptoms. However, in many cases, the overall efficacy was not satisfactory for the patient’s needs. Moreover, in our recent preclinical studies, myoblasts isolated from M. semitendinosus failed to restore significant urethral sphincter function. We, therefore, investigated in our large animal SUI model whether myoblasts from other muscles yielded better sphincter recovery. Methods: Urethral sphincter deficiency was induced surgically in six female littermates and confirmed by measuring the urethral wall pressure. Three days after induction of sphincter deficiency in gilts, homologous myoblasts were injected into the sphincter complex. The urethral wall pressure and urine status were monitored weekly for a six-week follow-up. Results: Myoblasts isolated from M. extensor carpi radialis yielded a high expression of the myogenic markers desmin, CD56, ACTA1, MSTN, Myf6, and MyoD; were differentiation-competent; and formed myotubes in vitro. Such cells restored significant sphincter deficiency (2494 ± 266 U; ≙92%; p < 0.001; n = 6) and yielded a complete functional recovery from the induced sphincter deficiency (481 ± 123 U, ≙18%) when compared to the starting levels of untreated healthy pigs (2683 ± 764 U; ≙100%). The experimental group showed significant recovery compared to the mock controls (p < 0.045). Conclusions: The choice of myoblasts contributes to the clinical outcome in our large animal model of urinary incontinence. Myoblasts from M. extensor carpi radialis facilitated better sphincter recovery compared to myoblasts from M. semitendinosus
Combining GPR and VES Techniques for Detecting Shallow Urban Cavities in Quaternary Deposits: Case Studies from Sefrou and Bhalil, Morocco
No full textThe detection of underground cavities and dissolution features is a critical component in assessing geohazards within karst terrains, particularly where natural processes interact with long-term human occupation. This study investigates two contrasting sites in the Sefrou region of northern Morocco: Binna, a rural travertine-dolomite system shaped by Quaternary karstification, and the urban Old Medina of Bhalil, where traditional cave dwellings are carved into carbonate formations. A combined geophysical and geological approach was applied to characterize subsurface heterogeneities and assess the extent of near-surface void development. Vertical electrical soundings (VES) at Binna site delineated high-resistivity anomalies consistent with air-filled cavities, dissolution conduits, and brecciated limestone horizons, all indicative of an active karst system. In the Bhalil old Medina site, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) with low-frequency antennas revealed strong reflection contrasts and localized signal attenuation zones corresponding to shallow natural cavities and potential anthropogenic excavations beneath densely constructed areas. Geological observations, including lithostratigraphic logging and structural cross-sections, provided additional constraints on cavity geometry, depth, and spatial distribution. The integrated results highlight a high degree of subsurface karstification across both sites and underscore the associated geotechnical risks for infrastructure, cultural heritage, and land-use stability. This work demonstrates the value of combining electrical and radar methods with geological analysis for mapping hazardous subsurface voids in cavity-prone Quaternary landscapes, offering essential insights for risk mitigation and sustainable urban and rural planning