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This research aimed to apply a risk management methodology to multiple surface water sources in urban and rural areas of a developing country. The applied methodology enabled the identification of hazards, classification, and the prioritization of risks at 21 collection points in the rural area and 9 collection points in the urban area. Both rural and urban areas exhibited common events with a high-risk level, such as human access (100% in urban areas and 90% in rural areas), climatic events, and inadequate collection structures (100% of points in both urban and rural areas). However, rural areas presented specific risks associated with animal husbandry (70% of points with high risk), a lack of monitoring, limited infrastructure (30% of points with high risk), and wildlife, including birds and worms (50% of points with high risk in rural areas and 10% in urban points). On the other hand, urban areas faced challenges related to vandalism and sabotage (high risk in 40% of points). Understanding these similarities and differences permits integrated risk management among the various stakeholders who can contribute to risk management within a watershed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Water Management)

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27 pages, 11159 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rock Wettability Alteration Induced by the Injection of Various Fluids: A Review

by Darezhat Bolysbek, Kenbai Uzbekaliyev and Bakytzhan Assilbekov

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8663; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198663 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Wettability is a key parameter that determines the distribution and behavior of fluids in the porous media of oil reservoirs. Understanding and controlling wettability significantly impacts the effectiveness of various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods and CO2 sequestration. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of various methods for measuring and altering wettability, classifying them by mechanisms and discussing their applications and limitations. The main methods for measuring wettability include spontaneous imbibition methods such as Amott–Harvey tests and USBM, contact angle measurement methods, and methods based on the characteristics of imbibed fluids such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These methods offer varying degrees of accuracy and applicability depending on the properties of rocks and fluids. Altering the wettability of rocks is crucial for enhancing oil recovery efficiency. The article discusses methods such as low-salinity water flooding (LSWF), the use of surfactants (SAAs), and carbonated water injection (CWI). LSWF has shown effectiveness in increasing water wettability and improving oil displacement. Surfactants alter interfacial tension and wettability, aiding in better oil displacement. CWI also contributes to altering the wettability of the rock surface to a more water-wet state. An important aspect is also the alteration of wettability through the dissolution and precipitation of minerals in rocks. The process of dissolution and precipitation affects pore structure, capillary pressure, and relative permeabilities, which in turn alters wettability and oil displacement efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)

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13 pages, 5914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Half-Size ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters Are Implicated in Aluminum Tolerance in Soybean

by Junjun Huang, Huanan Li, Yiwei Chen, Xiaoyu Li, Ziyu Jia, Kunxia Cheng, Luyu Wang and Huahua Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910332 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) toxicity severely restricts plant production in acidic soils. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters participate in plant tolerance to various environmental stresses. However, ABC transporters implicated in soybean Al tolerance are still rare. Here, we functionally characterized two half-size ABC transporters (GmABCB48 and GmABCB52) in soybean. Expression analysis showed that GmABCB48 and GmABCB52 were induced only in the roots, especially in the root tips. Both GmABCB48 and GmABCB52 were localized at the plasma membrane. Overexpression of GmABCB48 or GmABCB52 in Arabidopsis reduced Al accumulation in roots and enhanced Al tolerance. However, expression of GmABCB48 or GmABCB52 in yeast cells did not affect Al uptake. Furthermore, transgenic lines expressing GmABCB48 or GmABCB52 had lower Al content in root cell walls than wild-type plants under Al stress. Further investigation showed that the Al content in cell wall fractions (pectin and hemicellulose 1) of transgenic lines was significantly lower than that of wild-type plants, which was coincident with the changes of pectin and hemicellulose 1 content under Al exposure. These results indicate that GmABCB48 and GmABCB52 confer Al tolerance by regulating the cell wall polysaccharides metabolism to reduce Al accumulation in roots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Responses to Heavy Metals: From Deficiency to Excess)

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16 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Industrial Production Process of Tunisian Date Paste for Sustainable Food Systems

by Sana Ben Amara, Atef Lakoud, Imen Mahmoudi, Imene Ben Tekaya, Assila Amri, Ahmed Snoussi, Mondher Hachani, Sami Fattouch and Mnasser Hassouna

Processes 2024, 12(10), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12102083 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

The production of date paste from second-grade date fruits is a fast-growing industrial activity which promotes more sustainable food systems. The industrial date paste process is mainly dependent on the thermal treatments of hydration and drying that precede flesh crushing. These thermal treatments are commonly performed industrially using steam hydration instead of water soaking and convective hot air drying, which are known to be energy-intensive operations leading to high greenhouse gas emissions. The objective of this work was to optimize, on the one hand, the operations of hydration and drying of dates at an industrial scale using a response surface Box–Behnken experimental design in order to reduce the energy consumption and, on the other hand, to assess the biochemical and microstructural properties of date paste produced under optimized conditions. Optimization was performed based on the measurements of sensory attributes, instrumental texture firmness, moisture content, water activity (a_w), and color parameters (L*, a*, b*), as well as on the energy savings related to the factors of hydration duration and temperature and time of drying. The optimal conditions to ensure the highest quality of the final product and the lowest energy consumption were 9.6 min of hydration at 80 °C and 3 h of drying at 52.28 °C. The biochemical analysis of the date paste produced under the optimized process showed that it is rich in dietary fibers (9.80 ± 2.10%) and total phenols (261 ± 6.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g of extract). Furthermore, the studied sample exhibited a higher antioxidant potential than the raw date material as a result of the heat-inhibitory effect of oxidases. The obtained results suggest that date paste presents a good source of natural bioactive molecules and could potentially be considered as a functional food ingredient. SEM analysis showed that the microstructural properties of date paste produced under optimal conditions may promote its quality preservation during storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in the "Food Process Engineering" Section)

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17 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Effects of Credit Constraints on Productivity of Peruvian Agriculture

by Tiemen Woutersen, Katherine Hauck and Shahidur R. Khandker

Econometrics 2024, 12(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/econometrics12040027 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes an estimator for the endogenous switching regression models with fixed effects. The decision to switch from one regime to the other may depend on unobserved factors, which would cause the state, such as being credit constrained, to be endogenous. Our estimator allows for this endogenous selection and for conditional heteroscedasticity in the outcome equation. Applying our estimator to a dataset on the productivity in agriculture substantially changes the conclusions compared to earlier analysis of the same dataset. Intuitively, the reason that our estimate of the impact of switching between states is smaller than previously estimated is that we captured the selection issue: switching between being credit constrained and credit unconstrained may be endogenous to farm production. In particular, we find that being credit constant has the substantial effect of reducing yield by 11%, but not the previously estimated very dramatic effect of reducing yield by 26%. Full article

13 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resection of the Inferior Vena Cava Due to Tumor Involvement Allows Long-Term Survival in Different Neoplasms

by Isabel Jaén-Torrejimeno, Diego López-Guerra, Adela Rojas-Holguín, Antonio Enrique Gómez-Martin and Gerardo Blanco-Fernández

Gastroenterol. Insights 2024, 15(4), 865-877; https://doi.org/10.3390/gastroent15040060 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: The involvement of the inferior vena cava in advanced abdominal tumors is a surgical challenge, given the high postoperative morbidity and poor long-term prognosis. Our goal was to analyze our experience, perioperative management, and results. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated short and long-term results of surgical resections of tumors with associated inferior vena cava resection performed in our facilities between 2012 and 2023. Results: A total of 25 patients were selected for our retrospective study: 3 with renal carcinoma, 5 with sarcoma, 12 with metastatic lesions, 2 with adrenal tumors, 1 pancreatic tumor, 1 extra-adrenal paraganglioma and 1 with hepatocellular carcinoma. Postoperative severe complications (Dindo-Clavien score ≥ IIIa) affected 36% of patients and the mortality rate was 8%. Partial resection with primary repair was performed in 13 patients (52%), with patch reconstruction in 6 (24%), and vascular reconstruction with prosthesis in 6 patients (24%). The mean disease-free survival was 7 months (IQR 2.5–11.5). Graft thrombosis occurred in 2 patients during follow-up. Conclusions: In selected patients, the resection of the inferior vena cava is a complex surgery with an assumable morbimortality and relative survival improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Gastrointestinal Cancer)

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14 pages, 5975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Suitability Assessment for Two Burrowing Rodents on the Island of Lesvos: A Niche-Based Approach

by Stylianos P. Zannetos, Konstantinos Theodorou, Yiannis G. Zevgolis, Eleni Galinou and Triantaphyllos Akriotis

Life 2024, 14(10), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101231 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

We conducted a habitat suitability assessment for two burrowing rodents, Anatolian or Nehring’s blind mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) and Harting’s vole (Microtus hartingi), on the island of Lesvos using a niche-based approach. We collected data on the presence of the two species across the island and selected several environmental variables, including land cover, geology, and habitat topography, to assess their influence on habitat suitability. We used the Maxent species distribution modelling algorithm to predict suitable habitats. The results showed that both species preferred habitats with low slopes and specific geological substrates, i.e., alluvial deposits and volcanic rocks. M. hartingi showed a preference for open habitats such as saltmarshes and non-irrigated arable land, while N. xanthodon preferred non-irrigated arable land, pastures, and discontinuous urban fabric. The model predicted a wider area of suitable habitats for Microtus hartingi compared to N. xanthodon. Interestingly, the two species are absent from the southeastern part of the island despite our model predicting high suitability; this indicates that a natural barrier of hilly terrain, extensive pine forests, and limestone rock formations may exist that impedes dispersal. Our study provides valuable insights into the habitat preferences of these two burrowing rodents on the island of Lesvos, which can inform biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Small Mammals: Exploring Biodiversity, Climate Resilience, and Ecosystem Dynamics through Small Mammal Monitoring and Research: 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 29455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FloatingBlue: A Delay Tolerant Networks-Enabled Internet of Things Architecture for Remote Areas Combining Data Mules and Low Power Communications

by Ruan C. M. Teixeira, Celso B. Carvalho, Carlos T. Calafate, Edjair Mota, Rubens A. Fernandes, Andre L. Printes and Lennon B. F. Nascimento

Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6218; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196218 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Monitoring vast and remote areas like forests using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) presents significant challenges, such as limited energy resources and signal attenuation over long distances due to natural obstacles. Traditional solutions often require extensive infrastructure, which is impractical in such environments. To address these limitations, we introduce the “FloatingBlue” architecture. This architecture, known for its superior energy efficiency, combines Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology with Delay Tolerant Networks (DTN) and data mules. It leverages BLE’s low power consumption for energy-efficient sensor broadcasts while utilizing DTN-enabled data mules to collect data from dispersed sensors without constant network connectivity. Deployed in a remote agricultural area in the Amazon region, “FloatingBlue” demonstrated significant improvements in energy efficiency and communication range, with a high Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR). The developed BLE beacon sensor achieved state-of-the-art energy consumption levels, using only 2.25 µJ in sleep mode and 11.8 µJ in transmission mode. Our results highlight “FloatingBlue” as a robust, low-power solution for remote monitoring in challenging environments, offering an energy-efficient and scalable alternative to traditional WSN approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficient Design in Wireless Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks)

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12 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Interfacial Fusion Bonding on Hybrid Additively Manufactured Components under Torsional Load

by Melike Kizak, Anna von Bartschikowski, Anna Trauth, Christian Heigl and Klaus Drechsler

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192719 (registering DOI) - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Hybrid manufacturing processes integrate multiple manufacturing techniques to leverage their respective advantages and mitigate their limitations. This study combines additive manufacturing and injection molding, aiming to efficiently produce components with extensive design flexibility and functional integration. The research explores the interfacial fusion bonding of hybrid additively manufactured components under torsional loading. Specifically, it examines the impact of various surface treatments on injection molded parts and the influence of different build chamber temperatures during additive manufacturing on torsional strength. Polycarbonate components, neat, with glass or carbon fiber-reinforcement, are produced and assessed for dimensional accuracy, torsional strength, and fracture behavior. The findings emphasize the critical role of surface treatment for the injection molded components before additive manufacturing. Additionally, the study identifies the influence of chamber temperatures on both dimensional accuracy and torsional strength. Among all investigated materials, plasma-treated neat samples exhibited the best torsional strength. The torsional strength was increased by up to

87 %

by actively heating the build chamber to 186 °C for neat polycarbonate. These insights aim to advance the quality and performance of hybrid additively manufactured components, broadening their application potential across diverse fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Plastics Processing)

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458 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Hydroacoustic Model for the Identification of Incipient Cavitation: A Preliminary Study

by Renato Montillo, Maria Cristina Morani, Oreste Fecarotta and Armando Carravetta

Eng. Proc. 2024, 69(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024069172 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

Recent research has focused on the dynamic control and regulation of hydraulic devices like pumps and turbines to enhance the efficiency of water systems. These devices are adjusted to maintain nearly optimal hydraulic conditions and operating efficiency, although achieving both can be challenging due to factors like machine type and changes in distribution patterns. Incipient cavitation, which can cause mechanical damage and reduce efficiency, presents a specific challenge. It produces a distinct noise which this study aims to detect through a proposed methodology. Using the LES WALE model in OpenFOAM and Lighthill’s acoustic analogy, this research simulates and analyzes the noise generated by the dynamic of a confined flow. This work aims to be the starting point for more complex models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry (WDSA/CCWI 2024))

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1154 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Rapid Prototyping in Pakistan: A Technical Feasibility Study with Analytical Hierarchy Process Analysis, Bridging Civil and Industrial Engineering Perspectives

by Ghulam Ameer Mukhtar, Sana Shehzadi, Muhammad Moazzam Ali, Abdul Ahad Malik and Muhammad Mohsin Arshad

Eng. Proc. 2024, 75(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024075030 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the prospect of using rapid prototyping, particularly additive manufacturing, in Pakistan’s construction and manufacturing sectors, aiming to encourage R&D by the analysis of technical feasibility of this technology and collaboration between civil and industrial engineering. To solve this puzzle, we collected data from field experts, academia researchers, and license holders of this technology. Further, analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a sub-branch of multicriteria decision-making method (MCDM), was used to gauge the systematically by prioritizing selection criteria for solving the problem. AHP makes the methodical process more accurate and organized, which helped us to proposed a feasibility study for the technology’s success in Pakistan’s construction and manufacturing industries. The findings show a 79.4% probability, which indicates interaction among both engineering disciplines. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to enhance the dependability of the AHP model, which assists in sound decision making during ambiguous conditions. Apart from economic technical aspects, sustainability plays a very crucial role in the evaluation process. This text shows the environmental effects and sustainability implications associated with the assimilation of rapid prototyping technologies. This supports the integration of rapid prototyping in Pakistan, contributing to discussions on technological innovations in emerging nations. This will also lay a foundation for future interdisciplinary collaboration and technological enrichments in both engineering domains. Full article

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15 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Covariance-Free Strictly Complex-Valued Relevance Vector Machine for Reducing the Order of Linear Time-Invariant Systems

by Weixiang Xie and Jie Song

Mathematics 2024, 12(19), 2991; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12192991 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) linear time-invariant (LTI) systems exhibit enormous computational costs for high-dimensional problems. To address this problem, we propose a novel approach for reducing the dimensionality of MIMO systems. The method leverages the Takenaka–Malmquist basis and incorporates the strictly complex-valued relevant vector machine (SCRVM). We refer to this method as covariance-free maximum likelihood (CoFML). The proposed method avoids the explicit computation of the covariance matrix. CoFML solves multiple linear systems to obtain the required posterior statistics for covariance. This is achieved by exploiting the preconditioning matrix and the matrix diagonal element estimation rule. We provide theoretical justification for this approximation and show why our method scales well in high-dimensional settings. By employing the CoFML algorithm, we approximate MIMO systems in parallel, resulting in significant computational time savings. The effectiveness of this method is demonstrated through three well-known examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Mathematics in Data Science and High-Performance Computing)

28 pages, 12022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Synchronization Method Based on Negative Databases and Physical Channel State Characteristics of Wireless Sensor Network

by Haoyang Pu, Wen Chen, Hongchao Wang and Shenghong Bao

Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6217; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196217 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

Due to their inherent openness, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are vulnerable to eavesdropping attacks. Addressing the issue of secure Internet Key Exchange (IKE) in the absence of reliable third parties like CA/PKI (Certificate Authority/Public Key Infrastructure) in WSNs, a novel key synchronization method named NDPCS-KS is proposed in the paper. Firstly, through an initial negotiation process, both ends of the main channels generate the same initial key seeds using the Channel State Information (CSI). Subsequently, negotiation keys and a negative database (NDB) are synchronously generated at the two ends based on the initial key seeds. Then, in a second-negotiation process, the NDB is employed to filter the negotiation keys to obtain the keys for encryption. NDPCS-KS reduced the risk of information leakage, since the keys are not directly transmitted over the network, and the eavesdroppers cannot acquire the initial key seeds because of the physical isolation of their eavesdropping channels and the main channels. Furthermore, due to the NP-hard problem of reversing the NDB, even if an attacker obtains the NDB, deducing the initial key seeds is computationally infeasible. Therefore, it becomes exceedingly difficult for attackers to generate legitimate encryption keys without the NDB or initial key seeds. Moreover, a lightweight anti-replay and identity verification mechanism is designed to deal with replay attacks or forgery attacks. Experimental results show that NDPCS-KS has less time overhead and stronger randomness in key generation compared with other methods, and it can effectively counter replay, forgery, and tampering attacks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)

13 pages, 2813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geometry of Non-Diffusive Tracer Transport in Gridded Atmospheric Models

by Robert McGraw and Tamanna Subba

Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101151 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

A first-order linear and numerically non-diffusive Eulerian transport algorithm, minVAR, was recently developed for preservation of correlations between interrelated tracers during advective transport. The present study extends this work by: (1) providing further investigation of several interesting geometric constructions found in contours of constant minVAR, short for minimum variance, through extension to three coordinate dimensions. These contours capture point-by-point representations of thousands of individual atmospheric aerosol and/or cloud particles as they evolve and are rendered on Eulerian grids at a level of sub-grid resolution limited only by numerical precision; and (2) exploration of geometric similarities between the Arakawa C-grid, used to obtain interpolated values of the wind field at grid scale and minVAR. In particular, we consider interpolation of the u and v horizontal components of wind velocity from grid to sub-grid scales. The last results are motivated by recent applications of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model applied in the coastal Houston region, where the recent TRacking Aerosol Convection Interactions ExpeRiment (TRACER) field campaign was organized. A unique and fully consistent mapping is obtained between particles moving along meteorological wind trajectories and the non-diffusive, non-dispersive representation of such trajectories on an Eulerian grid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geometry in Meteorology and Climatology)

17 pages, 2794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Security Operations Centers: Use Case Best Practices, Coverage, and Gap Analysis Based on MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge

by Samir Achraf Chamkar, Yassine Maleh and Noreddine Gherabi

J. Cybersecur. Priv. 2024, 4(4), 777-793; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcp4040036 (registering DOI) - 25 Sep 2024

Abstract

The rising frequency and complexity of cybersecurity threats necessitate robust monitoring and rapid response capabilities to safeguard digital assets effectively. As a result, many organizations are increasingly establishing Security Operations Centers (SOCs) to actively detect and respond to cybersecurity incidents. This paper addresses the intricate process of setting up a SOC, emphasizing the need for careful planning, substantial resources, and a strategic approach. This study outlines the essential steps involved in defining the SOC’s objectives and scope, selecting appropriate technologies, recruiting skilled cybersecurity professionals, and developing processes throughout the SOC lifecycle. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the SOC’s threat detection capabilities and use cases. It also highlights the importance of choosing technologies that integrate seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure to ensure broad coverage of SOC activities. Furthermore, this study offers actionable insights for organizations looking to enhance their SOC capabilities, including a technical overview of SOC use case coverage and a gap assessment of detection rules. This assessment is based on an alignment with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and an analysis of events generated by the company’s existing IT devices and products. The findings from this research elucidate the indispensable role that SOCs play in bolstering organizational cybersecurity and resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cybersecurity Risk Prediction, Assessment and Management)

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