Fatima-Ezzahra Soussani^1,2,3, Youssef Ait Rahou^1,2,4, Chayma Ikan^1,2, Allal Douira³, Rachid Benkirane³, Essaid Ait Barka⁵, Rachid Lahlali^6,*, Abdelilah Meddich^1,2,7,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.9, pp. 2415-2438, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.055050 - 30 September 2024

Abstract This study assesses the effectiveness of using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (M) and compost applied alone or in combination (vs. conventional chemical fertilizer application (NPK)) on tomato resistance to vascular wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae. In this study, ten treatments were applied: (1) Control (2) M: Rhizophagus irregularis (3) C: Compost (4) MC: The combination of M and compost (5) NPK: conventional chemical fertilizer (6) V: plants infected with V. dahliae (7) MV: plants infected with a conidial suspension of V. dahliae and M, (8) CV: The combination of compost and V. dahliae, (9) MCV: The combination of M, compost and V. dahliae,… More >

Mingzhao Han¹, Susilawati Kasim^1,*, Zhongming Yang², Xi Deng², Noor Baity Saidi³, Md Kamal Uddin¹, Effyanti Mohd Shuib¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.9, pp. 2149-2166, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.054009 - 30 September 2024

Abstract It is imperative to enhance crop yield to meet the demands of a burgeoning global population while simultaneously safeguarding the environment from adverse impacts, which is one of the dominant challenges confronting humanity in this phase of global climate change. To overcome this problem and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizer, scientists now view the implementation of biostimulant strategies as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to achieving sustainable agriculture. Plant extracts are rich in bioactive phytocompounds, which can enhance plant resistance to disease, pest, and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, and extreme temperature), and promote… More >

Mohamed Abdel-Mongy¹, Mudassir Iqbal², M. Farag³, Ahmed. M. Yosri^1,*, Fahad Alsharari¹, Saif Eldeen A. S. Yousef⁴

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.141, No.1, pp. 525-543, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.052505 - 20 August 2024

Abstract Alkali-activated materials/geopolymer (AAMs), due to their low carbon emission content, have been the focus of recent studies on ecological concrete. In terms of performance, fly ash and slag are preferred materials for precursors for developing a one-part geopolymer. However, determining the optimum content of the input parameters to obtain adequate performance is quite challenging and scarcely reported. Therefore, in this study, machine learning methods such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and gene expression programming (GEP) models were developed using MATLAB and GeneXprotools, respectively, for the prediction of compressive strength under variable input materials and content… More >

Tareq Hamadneh¹, Khalid Kaabneh², Omar Alssayed³, Gulnara Bektemyssova^4,*, Galymzhan Shaikemelev⁴, Dauren Umutkulov⁴, Zoubida Benmamoun⁵, Zeinab Monrazeri⁶, Mohammad Dehghani^6,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.80, No.2, pp. 2005-2030, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2024.052401 - 15 August 2024

Abstract The efficiency of businesses is often hindered by the challenges encountered in traditional Supply Chain Management (SCM), which is characterized by elevated risks due to inadequate accountability and transparency. To address these challenges and improve operations in green manufacturing, optimization algorithms play a crucial role in supporting decision-making processes. In this study, we propose a solution to the green lot size optimization issue by leveraging bio-inspired algorithms, notably the Stork Optimization Algorithm (SOA). The SOA draws inspiration from the hunting and winter migration strategies employed by storks in nature. The theoretical framework of SOA is… More >

Apip Amrullah¹, Widya Fatriasari², Novia Amalia Sholeha³, Edy Hartulistiyoso⁴, Obie Farobie^4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.6, pp. 1087-1102, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.050201 - 02 August 2024

Abstract The escalating demand for energy coupled with environmental concerns necessitates exploring sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. The study explores the viability of using large ocean-based seaweeds as a source of third-generation biomass, specifically focusing on their conversion to biofuel via the process of pyrolysis. Sargassum plagiophyllum and Ulva lactuca represent prevalent forms of macroalgae, posing significant discharge challenges for coastal regions globally. However, the exploration of their potential for bio-oil generation via pyrolysis remains limited. This study investigates the pyrolysis process of S. plagiophyllum and U. lactuca for biofuel production, aiming to provide valuable insights into their utilization and… More > Graphic Abstract

S. F. Ismael^1,2,*, A. H. Alias¹, N. A. Haron¹, B. B. Zaidan³, Abdulrahman M. Abdulghani⁴

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.18, No.5, pp. 525-551, 2024, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2024.050088 - 19 July 2024

Abstract In this review paper, we present a thorough investigation into the role of pavement technologies in advancing urban sustainability. Our analysis traverses the historical evolution of these technologies, meticulously evaluating their socio-economic and environmental impacts, with a particular emphasis on their role in mitigating the urban heat island effect. The evaluation of pavement types and variables influencing pavement performance to be used in the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to choose the optimal pavement application are at the heart of our research. Which serves to assess a spectrum of pavement options, revealing insights into the most More >

Chia-Nan Wang, Thuy-Duong Thi Pham^*, Nhat-Luong Nhieu

Energy Engineering, Vol.121, No.8, pp. 2039-2064, 2024, DOI:10.32604/ee.2024.050224 - 19 July 2024

Abstract Geothermal energy is considered a renewable, environmentally friendly, especially carbon-free, sustainable energy source that can solve the problem of climate change. In general, countries with geothermal energy resources are the ones going through the ring of fire. Therefore, not every country is lucky enough to own this resource. As a country with 117 active volcanoes and within the world’s ring of fire, it is a country whose geothermal resources are estimated to be about 40% of the world’s geothermal energy potential. However, the percentage used compared to the geothermal potential is too small. Therefore, this… More >

Ponusa Songtipya^1,2,*, Thummanoon Prodpran^1,2, Ladawan Songtipya^1,2, Theerarat Sengsuk¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.5, pp. 951-967, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.049068 - 17 July 2024

Abstract The synergistic effect of organoclay (OC) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the crucial properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposite films was systematically investigated herein. After their incorporation into PLA via the solvent casting technique, the water vapor barrier property of the PLA/OC/ZnO film improved by a maximum of 86% compared to the neat PLA film without the deterioration of Young’s modulus or the tensile strength. Moreover, the film’s self-antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens, including gram-negative (Escherichia coli, E. coli) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus) bacteria, was enhanced by a maximum of approximately 98–99% compared to the neat… More > Graphic Abstract

Chuang Liu^1,2, Jing Xie², Hao Liu², Can Zhong², Gen Pan², Shuihan Zhang², Jian Jin^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.93, No.6, pp. 1221-1236, 2024, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2024.050759 - 27 June 2024

Abstract Medicinal plants have aroused considerable interest as an alternative to chemical drugs due to the beneficial effects of their active secondary metabolites. However, the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in pursuit of yield has caused serious pollution to the environment, which is not conducive to sustainable development in the field of medicinal plants. Microbial fertilizers are a type of “green fertilizer” containing specific microorganisms that can improve the soil microbial structure, enhance plant resistance to biological and abiotic stresses, and increase the yield of medicinal plants. The root exudates of medicinal plants attract… More >

Wadah Mohammed^1,2, Zeinab Osman², Salah Elarabi³, Bertrand Charrier^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.4, pp. 721-736, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.031050 - 12 June 2024

Abstract The chemical composition and thermal properties of natural fibers are the most critical variables that determine the overall properties of the fibers and influence their processing and use in different sustainable applications, such as their conversion into bioenergy and biocomposites. Their thermal and mechanical properties can be estimated by evaluating the content of cellulose, lignin, and other extractives in the fibers. In this research work, the chemical composition and thermal properties of three fibers, namely bagasse, kenaf bast fibers, and cotton stalks, were evaluated to assess their potential utilization in producing biocomposites and bioenergy materials.… More >