Application Techniques Research Articles

Edible Coatings: A Novel Approach to Extending the Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables

The rapid deterioration of fruits and vegetables during pre- and post-harvest conditions leads to significant post-harvest losses, affecting both quality and shelf life. Edible coatings have emerged as an effective solution to mitigate these issues, providing a protective layer that can be safely consumed as part of the food. Recently, there has been growing interest in using herbal extracts such as lemongrass, oregano, Aloe vera, Tulsi, mint, neem, cinnamon, and clove for edible coatings due to their beneficial properties. These herbal-based coatings have been shown to prevent water loss, control the ripening process and respiration rate, delay oxidative browning, and reduce microbial growth in various fruits and vegetables, including grapes, papaya, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, and mangoes. Research indicates that these herbal edible coatings can extend the storage time of fresh produce to 15-35 days at low temperatures, compared to the 8-10 days for uncoated produce. The use of herbal extracts in edible coatings is a promising alternative to post-harvest chemical treatments, offering an innovative approach for commercial application. Edible coatings not only extend the post-harvest life of fresh produce but also improve food appearance and safety due to their environmentally friendly nature. They can be derived from animal or vegetable sources and may consist of proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, resins, or combinations thereof. Acting as barriers to moisture and gases, these coatings reduce food deterioration and enhance safety, often incorporating antimicrobial compounds. The advantages of edible coatings include reduced packaging waste, extended shelf life, and protection from environmental effects while maintaining the transfer of oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, aroma, and taste. Given the high market demand for nutritious fruits and vegetables and their perishable nature, edible coatings present an effective method to address post-harvest challenges, benefiting both consumers and the environment. This review discusses the components, benefits, and application techniques of edible coatings, focusing on their potential to enhance the shelf life and quality of fresh produce.

Review of Control Strategies for Improving the Photovoltaic Electrical Efficiency by Hybrid Active Cooling

Photovoltaic (PV) cooling systems are used widely in order to increase the PV efficiency. Most review paper was published for the role, design and cooling techniques of PV applications, there is a lack of collected and organised information regarding the latest and the newest updates on control strategies for PV cooling control systems. Hence, this paper presents a comprehensive review of PV cooling control strategies discussing the latest research works during the years from 2010 to 2022. PV/T hybrid cooling types are highlighted, followed by the main focus of this paper an extensive review of the control schemes for diverse types of PV cooling systems that have been carried out. This paper summarises most of the related work and also pays a special focus on research trends regarding the control of PV cooling systems that have been previously published in the literature. This review paper will be helpful to new researchers when identifying research directions for this particular area of interest.

Residual Effect of Organic Waste Mulching and Intercropping Aerobic Rice with Peanut on Yield Performance of Mungbean Direct-seeded Following Rice on Raised-beds in Lombok, Indonesia

In Indonesia, in the paddy fields, mungbean is generally planted in the dry season as a rotation crop for rice when irrigation water is insufficient for growing rice, so the productivity of mungbean is generally very low. This research aims to determine the impact of cultivation techniques of aerobic-irrigated red rice grown on permanent raised-beds applied with various organic wastes on growth and yield of mungbean direct-seeded following harvest of red rice. The experiment carried out in June-August 2020, was arranged according to Split Plot design, with two treatment factors: techniques of cultivating aerobic-irrigated red rice, as main plots (T1: monocrop; T2: intercropping with peanuts), and application of various organic wastes to the red rice, as subplots (L0: no waste, L1: rice husks, L2: rice husk ash , L3: rice husk ash + cattle manure). The results indicated that techniques of red rice cultivation and application of various wastes to the red rice showed significant interaction effect on pod number and dry filled-pod weight of mungbean direct-seeded following the red rice, in which dry filled-pod weight was highest (14.44 g/clump) in mungbean direct seeded following aerobic-irrigated red rice intercropped with peanuts receiving rice husk ash (T2L2), and lowest (6.74 g/clump) in mungbean direct-seeded following monocropped red rice without organic wastes (T1L0). Both intercropping with peanuts and application of organic wastes to the red rice preceding mungbean, in general, resulted in higher grain yields of mungbean direct-seeded without tillage following harvest of the aerobic-irrigated red rice grown on raised-beds.

Application Techniques of Photosynthesis Bacteria and Its Effect on The Growth and Yield of Local Bantul Shallot Variety (Allium cepa var. aggregatum cv. Crok Kuning)

Application Techniques of Photosynthesis Bacteria and Its Effect on The Growth and Yield of Local Bantul Shallot Variety (Allium cepa var. aggregatum cv. Crok Kuning)

A Comparative Analysis of Tannin and Commercial Fire Retardants in Wood Fire Protection

In civil construction, one of the primary challenges associated with wood application is its high flammability and low durability during fires. Although chemical treatment with fire-retardant properties exists, they are expensive and of non-renewable origin. Tannin, a wood extractive, being a phenolic compound, holds promise for enhancing the thermal properties of wood. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of tannin as a fire retardant and compare it with a commercial product, as well as comparing different application techniques for these products. Wood samples from the Simarouba amara Aubl. species were utilized. Tannin and a commercial flame retardant were applied via immersion, vacuum impregnation, brushing, and a treatment of tannin incorporated into water-based wood varnish. Alongside the burning test performance, assessments of the wood’s physical properties, such as colorimetry, thermal stability, and mass retention, were conducted. The application of tannin altered the wood’s color and reduced the spread of fire; its presence significantly reduced the flame duration and maintained the wood’s structural integrity. However, tannin retention was lower compared to commercial flame retardant, leading to reduced fire retardancy. Among the methods tested, immersion proved to be the most effective in enhancing the wood’s resistance to flame contact.

Applications of artificial intelligence for machine- and patient-specific quality assurance in radiation therapy: current status and future directions.

Machine- and patient-specific quality assurance (QA) is essential to ensure the safety and accuracy of radiotherapy. QA methods have become complex, especially in high-precision radiotherapy such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and various recommendations have been reported by AAPM Task Groups. With the widespread use of IMRT and VMAT, there is an emerging demand for increased operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is quickly growing in various fields owing to advancements in computers and technology. In the radiotherapy treatment process, AI has led to the development of various techniques for automated segmentation and planning, thereby significantly enhancing treatment efficiency. Many new applications using AI have been reported for machine- and patient-specific QA, such as predicting machine beam data or gamma passing rates for IMRT or VMAT plans. Additionally, these applied technologies are being developed for multicenter studies. In the current review article, AI application techniques in machine- and patient-specific QA have been organized and future directions are discussed. This review presents the learning process and the latest knowledge on machine- and patient-specific QA. Moreover, it contributes to the understanding of the current status and discusses the future directions of machine- and patient-specific QA.

Grain Yield and Seed Quality Attributes of Maize Grown Under Different Zinc Sulphate Application Techniques in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Grain Yield and Seed Quality Attributes of Maize Grown Under Different Zinc Sulphate Application Techniques in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria

Local ablative procedures for treatment of thyroid nodules

Thyroid nodules are very frequent in the iodine deficiency regions of central Europe and some of the affected patients are referred for definitive treatment, such as surgery and radioiodine treatment. In recent years nonsurgical and non-radioiodine techniques have been introduced to treat thyroid gland pathologies. These techniques include the probe-based techniques of radiofrequency, microwave and laser application. The only noninvasive technique is high-intensity focused ultrasound. All mentioned techniques have the goal to reduce the volume of the thyroid nodule by application of energy/heat. The knowledge of all techniques and their advantages and risks is necessary to help physicians and patients in making decisions for the appropriate method of treatment of thyroid nodules.

Sasanian Niello Inlay: Microanalytical Investigation of a Silver Oval Bowl with Tigers and Grapevines

ABSTRACT Researchers utilized non-invasive analytical techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction (µ-XRD), and micro-Raman spectroscopy to examine a silver oval bowl adorned with tigers and grapevines, believed to date back to the Sasanian period of Iran (third to seventh centuries CE). The bowl, currently housed in the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, underwent analysis aimed at identifying the composition of both the silver alloy and the niello used in its decoration. The primary objective of the study was to discern the alloy composition and the niello application technique employed by Sasanian metalworkers. The findings revealed that the bowl is crafted from a silver–copper alloy containing approximately 3 wt.% of copper. Additionally, the niello inlays were determined to consist solely of silver sulfide (acanthite). The composition of the niello closely resembles that of early Roman niello inlays, suggesting a possible technological connection with Romans in the Sasanian period.

Effect of Quality Attributes of Potato by Using Biochar and NPK Fertilizers with Biozyme Granules

The present study, which took place at the central Research Farm of Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, spanned across the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Throughout this study, an experiment was meticulously conducted utilizing a variety of Kufri badhash under the Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design. This experiment included three replications, each encompassing three levels (2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) of Biochar and three levels (50%, 75%, 100%) of Inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, two levels (25 and 50 kg ha-1) of Biozyme granules were also part of this comprehensive research design. The results obtained regarding various quality parameters in the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, such as moisture content (80 and 81 100g-1), tuber dry matter content (20.98% and 21.96 %), starch content (13.54% and 14.12%), reducing sugar (0.28% and 0.30%), non-reducing sugar (0.35% and 0.37%), and total sugar (0.58% and 0.59%) were notably elevated with the application of T16. Notably, the maximum protein content (2.07 and 2.31%), carbohydrate (14.58% and 14.85%), and total soluble solid (6.44% and 6.77%) were observed with the application of T18 in accordance with the recommended practices. Conversely, the minimum values were recorded for T1, showcasing the significant impact of the application techniques on the various parameters studied.

INCLUSIVE TECHNIQUES OF COLOR HARMONIZATION OF THE INTERIOR SPACE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The work, based on systematized theoretical and practical experience, defines the main inclusive techniques of color harmonization of the interior space of public buildings in the aspect of comfortable perception of the architectural environment by groups of the population with limited mobility and people with special needs: the technique of using contrasting colors, the technique of using a color coding system, the technique of using Braille and tactile elements, the technique of application of light signals, the technique of using neutral colors for the floor and walls, the technique of using audiovisual signals, the technique of providing touch accessibility, the technique of color indicators of doors and entrance area, the technique of color coding of infrastructure. During the study of inclusive techniques of harmonizing the internal space of public buildings, several aspects that need improvement were identified. The introduction of tactile and sound indicators, effective use of contrasts and a color scheme allowed to create an environment that takes into account the needs of people with visual impairments. For the further development of inclusive spaces, it is recommended to take into account the needs of the community and use the latest research methods. The integration of tactile and sound indicators, the development of multimodal information systems and the application of technological innovations are important elements of increasing the effectiveness of inclusive design.

Advances in Dynamization of Plate Fixation to Promote Natural Bone Healing.

The controlled dynamization of fractures can promote natural fracture healing by callus formation, while overly rigid fixation can suppress healing. The advent of locked plating technology enabled new strategies for the controlled dynamization of fractures, such as far cortical locking (FCL) screws or active plates with elastically suspended screw holes. However, these strategies did not allow for the use of non-locking screws, which are typically used to reduce bone fragments to the plate. This study documents the first in vivo study on the healing of ovine tibia osteotomies stabilized with an advanced active plate (AAP). This AAP allowed plate application using any combination of locking and non-locking screws to support a wide range of plate application techniques. At week 9 post-surgery, tibiae were harvested and tested in torsion to failure to assess the healing strength. The five tibiae stabilized with an AAP regained 54% of their native strength and failed by spiral fracture through a screw hole, which did not involve the healed osteotomy. In comparison, tibiae stabilized with a standard locking plate recovered 17% of their strength and sustained failure through the osteotomy. These results further support the stimulatory effect of controlled motion on fracture healing. As such, the controlled dynamization of locked plating constructs may hold the potential to reduce healing complications and may shorten the time to return to function. Integrating controlled dynamization into fracture plates that support a standard fixation technique may facilitate the clinical adoption of dynamic plating.

Evaluating spray drift from Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems: A machine learning and variance-based sensitivity analysis of environmental and spray system parameters

Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems (UASS), commonly called drones, have become an important application technique for plant protection products in Asia and worldwide. As such, environmental variables and spray system parameters influencing spray drift deserve detailed investigations. This study presents the data analysis of 114 UASS drift trials conducted between December 2021 and December 2022 in China. Study design was based on the ISO 22866:2005 protocol for spray drift trials and considered different UASS platforms, nozzles, and release heights, and specifically continuously measured weather conditions. The relative importance of the environmental variables and spray system parameters was evaluated by a random forest (RF) feature importance analysis, a Sobol sensitivity analysis and partial dependence plots. This approach was preferred to linear ranking techniques such as ANOVA (analysis of variance) due to the non-linearity of the system. In addition, partial dependence plots are proposed to visualize the relationship between specific input parameters within the system.Drift deposition curves calculated from the 114 trials show good agreement with previous UASS trials reported in the literature. As reported in previous studies, spray drift following UASS applications is lower than for manned aerial vehicles, greater than for ground spray applications, and similar to drift observed from orchard air blast applications. In addition, 9 trials were conducted on corn fields in order to evaluate the potential effect of crop cover on spray drift. Spray drift was observed to be reduced over the cropped soil, suggesting that plant cover might possibly reduce spray drift. These findings could help supporting drift mitigation policies, stewardship advice and product labelling around the world.

Soybean seedlings development under different water levels inoculated with PcO6 and different application ways of synthetic ZnO NPs

Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) has been used as a fertilizer alternative, although some applications technique and metal-microbial effects should be studied. This research evaluated the bioefficiency of synthetic ZnO NPs in soybean seedlings combined with different water status and with or without PcO6 bacteria. ZnO NPs performed in sand inhibited growth and fluorescence parameters. Still, when soybean seeds were exposed to ZnO NPs seed priming the root mass was increased, mainly in non-drought conditions. Soybean plants cultivated in drought conditions will have compromised development, although was demonstrate soybeans seed inoculation with PcO6 may decrease undesired effects from drought. Also, PcO6 soybean inoculation mitigate metal ZnO toxicity. Here, one of the first positive report about soybean interaction with PcO6 by drought and metal mitigation of toxicity. In addition, the best way to apply ZnO was through seed priming, while sand application was toxic and foliar application had no effects.

Safe production of rice in Cd-polluted paddy fields by rhizosphere application of zero-valent iron nanoplates at specific growth stages

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) is efficient in immobilizing soil heavy metals for rice safe production, but is still limited in field application due to the relatively short effective duration and the required high dose. Herein, ball-milled ZVI nanoplates (10, 100, and 1000 mg kg−1) of ∼5 μm in width and ∼100 nm in thickness were injected into rice rhizosphere at different growth stages in three paddy fields with different Cd pollution levels (0.76–27.34 mg kg−1) to explore the optimum application time and dose for rice safe production. Although applying ZVI nanoplates at the pre-sowing, jointing, and flowering stages all promoted root iron plaque (IP) formation and Cd sequestration by IP, it could not prevent Cd accumulation in brown rice due to the later IP weathering and subsequent Cd remobilization. In contrast, the brown rice Cd content was significantly reduced to the safe level by the 100 and 1000 mg kg−1 ZVI nanoplate treatments at the grain-filling stage when the grain Cd accumulation occurs; moreover, the 100 mg kg−1 ZVI nanoplate treatment at this stage significantly increased the rice yield and thousand kernel weight, without adversely affecting soil microbial community. The findings provide a feasible nZVI application technique for safe production of rice in Cd-polluted paddy fields.

An Innovative Layer-by-Layer Edible Coating to Regulate Oxidative Stress and Ascorbate–Glutathione Cycle in Fresh-Cut Melon

Fresh-cut fruits, renowned for their convenience and nutritional value, are susceptible to rapid deterioration, compromising their quality and shelf life. In this study, a sustainable and environmentally friendly edible coating was developed based on sodium alginate (SA; 1% w/v), cedar mucilage (CM; 4% w/v), and calcium chloride (2% w/v), applied using a layer-by-layer technique to preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut melon. Fruits were cut into cubes coated or uncoated by dipping and subsequently packaged in a polyethylene terephthalate container and stored for 15 days at 4 °C. Physicochemical traits and qualitative features such as polyphenol, flavonoid, carotenoid, ascorbic acid content, as well as antioxidant activity, were assessed. Furthermore, the enzymatic antioxidant system and the ascorbate–glutathione cycle were investigated. The coating reduced weight loss and enhanced polyphenol, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity during cold storage. Edible coating (SA + CM) represents a valid tool to extend the postharvest life, improve the storability, and enhance the physicochemical and qualitative traits of fresh-cut melon. Further research is required to optimize coating formulations and application techniques to maximize their effectiveness and commercial viability in the food industry.

Abstract PO2-03-01: Personalized 3D tumor models drive shared decision-making in early breast cancer

Abstract Background: Decision-making for early (Stages 1-3) breast cancer (eBC) care is complex and highly personal, requiring discussions between patients and multiple physicians. Shared decision-making (SDM) is an accepted process that combines input from both patients and physicians, although its overall use is low due to a lack of time and incentives, complicated application techniques, and few communication tools. Reviews show that SDM results in “improved affective-cognitive outcomes” but evidence linking to patient outcomes is sparse. Consequently, patients often receive mixed messages and feel anxious when making treatment decisions. SimBioSys (SBS) developed the TumorSight(TM) platform for individualized treatment planning, coordinated care, and SDM. The first application on this platform, TumorSight Viz, rapidly builds 3D computational models from standard breast MRI data, and further integrates deep learning, genomic/genetic testing, metabolomics, and clinical and demographic data to tailor these models for each individual diagnosed with eBC. The platform can also transform acquired data (e.g., prone) to surgical position (e.g., supine) to create realistic images for precision surgical planning and tools for better SDM with eBC patients. We are assessing how surgeons and patient advocates (PA) perceive TumorSight, and how it may support better SDM and treatment implementation. Methods: SBS conducted an exploratory survey with 31 eBC surgeons to assess the utility of TumorSight Viz visualizations across a range of didactic and planning applications and to query preferences for future components like predicted response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Questions were developed with input from breast surgeon advisors. More exploration on TumorSight Viz utility is planned with semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess patient advocates’ perceptions of 3D visualizations, surgical planning, and ability to support decision making. PAs will represent geographic, experience, and race/ethnicity diversity. Questions to elicit patient needs, perception of SBS tools, and quality-of-life are being finalized with academic advisors. These will also be used to develop a future eBC patient survey. Results: The SBS surgeon survey revealed that 96% of breast surgeons find visualization important to surgical planning, and these depictions were considered to be critical by a third of breast surgeons surveyed. 96% also listed the conversion of prone to supine visualizations as important (45% critical, 35% valuable, 16% nice to have, 0% not important) for surgical planning value. Surgeons also assigned strong utility for: Graphical 3D rotation to determine tumor shape, size, location, positioning, and landmarks relative to other breast structures – 100% Ability to instantly provide tumor-to-breast volume determination with high accuracy – 96% Ability to instantly provide anticipated tumor extirpation volume to breast volume with high accuracy – 96% Automatic tumor-to-landmark structures measurements (nipple, chest, skin) – 96% Visualization of tumor in the context of other anatomical structures (e.g., skin, blood vessels, chest, heart) – 87% Initial PA discussions (n=3) listed the importance of individualized treatment based on evidence instead of hunches; reasons to avoid prophylactic mastectomies; and ways to lower patient anxiety. Conclusions: Survey-based feedback shows value to eBC surgeons and patients to coordinate care and personalize approaches for optimal outcomes. Computational tools can facilitate patient understanding and patient-tailored treatment. Additional surveys are planned with patients and eBC patient advocacy groups to assess the utility and potential expansion of patient-specific 3D tumor visualizations, both of which will be further discussed. Citation Format: Deborah Collyar, Matthew Biancalana, Anuja Antony, Nicole Liadis, Jyoti Palaniappan, Rebecca Seago-Coyle. Personalized 3D tumor models drive shared decision-making in early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-03-01.

Assessing the potential efficacy of 830-nanometer low-level laser therapy in cats: Extraoral applications.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown benefits as an alternative treatment of feline chronic gingivostomatitis by reducing pain and inflammation within the oral cavity. Extraoral application technique in cats provides more comfort compared to intraoral application. However, the efficacy of LLLT through buccal tissue is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the penetration efficacy of LLLT using 830 nm continuous waves with various settings and different application techniques. Twenty-four healthy cats were included in this study. The wavelength of LLLT was 830 nm with an output power of 200 mW through extraoral application, using fluences of 2 and 6 J/cm2 in continuous-wave mode. This study compared different distances (contact and non-contact) and three different transmission media (absent media, alcohol, and normal saline solution). Measurement of the laser power within the oral cavity is represented as the mean output power (MOP). Penetration efficacy was detectable for all fluences, distances, and transmission media, with an average buccal thickness of 2.68 mm. MOP did not differ between fluences of 2 and 6 J/cm2 (p = 0.19). In the absence of media, MOP was significantly higher compared with alcohol (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from normal saline solution (p = 0.26). Extraoral application of LLLT demonstrated penetration efficacy through the buccal tissue with both contact and non-contact skin (<10 mm). This is a potential alternative treatment for oral diseases in clinical practice. However, there is a need for further study on the efficacy of treatment in clinical practice.

Farming Legumes for Food Security and Agricultural Sustainability in Somalia

This research was carried out in 2023 in a total of 5 cities (Muqdisho, Afgooye, Baydoa, Jowhar and Belet-hawa) from different regions of Somalia, in order to reveal the problems faced by legume growers and to investigate ways to solve them, thus contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability. A total of 100 farmers, 20 randomly selected from each province, participated in 30 survey questions face to face. As a result of the research conducted in the mentioned regions, it was seen that there are problems in pest and disease control, weed control, fertilizer application and irrigation techniques and water use in legume agriculture. These problems are the main factors affecting the production of legumes. In order to prevent such problems and mistakes, farmers need to pay extra attention to get better quality and higher yields from their legume production, and sustainability-based studies must be increased to solve such problems, especially for food security.

DEVELOPMENT OF A GIS-BASED SYSTEM FOR IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND FLOW DISTRIBUTION

Abstract. The systematic management of irrigation operation of medium and large gravity irrigation systems (IS) significantly affects the delivery efficiency of irrigation from the source to the farm level. An interactive spatial database that integrates system data handling and irrigation distribution assessment functionality can be implemented, which has not yet been developed in existing NIS in the Philippines. This study proposes a framework model in developing a geographic information system (GIS) database for irrigation systems that integrates a GIS-based irrigation network distribution analysis model. The creation of a model framework for the development of a functional GIS-based database for IS management and flow distribution is comprised of five stages namely: (1) selection and determination of significant irrigation system data, (2) determination of required estimation parameters, (3) GIS development, (4) irrigation network distribution model development, and (5) selection of applicable water distribution assessment techniques. The GIS-based database and integrated model for irrigation provide essential data records of the irrigation system that could easily be viewed systematically and integrated into any GIS. In addition, data packages can easily be shared and run even on low-end computers. Features of the proposed irrigation model include flow volume simulation, time of delivery simulation, irrigation scheduling, remote sensing model integration for automated evapotranspiration computation, volumetric assessment, assessment of the timing of irrigation, and distribution optimization.