CURRENT APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Deep Learning for Plant Disease Detection and Classification: A Systematic Analysis and Review

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Detection and classification of leaf and crop diseases in a traditional way is a very laborious task as it involves a significant amount of physical work, huge expert manpower, and valuable time. Automatic systems are more accurate and require less time, labor, and physical work. Artificial intelligence and deep learning-based systems can help in the rapid detection and classification of plant leaf and crop diseases as they occur and help to reduce the hostile effects of disease on food security and the economy. In this systematic and state-of-the-art review, an in-depth study was performed to find and assess the use of different deep learning methods in leaf disease detection and classification. In this study, we exhaustively reviewed contemporary research work on leaf and plant disease detection and classification using deep learning methods performed by several researchers worldwide. Various deep-learning techniques with intermediate steps, public datasets, types of diseases detected and classified, types of plants used, performance metrics used to evaluate models, and achieved results are summarized. Finally, various challenges encountered in using deep learning methods were summarized along with some guidelines that will be helpful for future researchers in this area.

Enhancing Latex Compounds and Vulcanized Rubber Properties with Silver Nanoparticles

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The production process of latex products requires the preparation of latex compounds by mixing latex with chemicals in a dispersion state. This experiment investigated the influence of added zinc oxide and silver nanoparticles on the properties of latex compounds and vulcanized rubber. It was found that increasing the amount of zinc oxide in the rubber compound resulted in a rise in the viscosity of the latex over the storage period. Increasing the zinc oxide content also led to a higher degree of crosslink noticed by a faster chloroform number determination of the vulcanization level and the opposite effect on the swell value of the rubber film with reduced swelling. The amount of 2.0 phr of ZnO as an activator gave the highest value of the tensile strength. The increasing amount of silver nanoparticles caused a decrease in the viscosity and exhibited a slower chloroform number with a decrease in the swelling of the rubber film. The amount of silver nanoparticles in the study period (0.0010-0.0022 phr) had little effect on mechanical properties but a significant effect on antibacterial activity. The 0.0010 phr of silver nanoparticles showed sufficient potential in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Evaluating Noise Reduction Methods for Raman Spectroscopy in Transmission and Reflection Configurations

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This work involved comparing Raman signals obtained from two different Raman spectroscopy configurations, using two distinct noise reduction methods. The excitation light source was a laser diode with a wavelength of 532 nm. A long-pass filter and focusing lens were utilized to block the excited light from the source and concentrate the Raman signals due to their weaker nature compared to the excited light signals. Light of 532 nm wavelength was blocked during green laser diode illumination using a long-pass filter. Two configurations were studied: transmission Raman spectroscopy (TRS) and reflection Raman spectroscopy (RRS). Raman signals from both configurations were compared, and the boxcar averaging and Vancouver Raman algorithm (VRA) noise reduction methods were investigated and compared. The results showed that Raman signals from the transmission configuration were higher than those from the reflection configuration, and noise signals were effectively reduced using both the boxcar averaging and VRA methods.

Impact of Pre-drying Treatments on Antioxidant Activities and Quality of Dried Golden Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The effects of three pre-drying treatments including blanching in hot water (60^oC-70^oC for 3 and 5 min), soaking in NaCl (1-4% w/v for 10 and 20 min), and soaking in citric acid (0.2-0.8% w/v for 10 and 20 min) on dried Golden oyster mushroom (GOM) were studied. Color values (L*, a*, and b*), browning index (BI), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, protein content, flavonoid content (FC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities (metal chelating activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity) of dried mushrooms were evaluated. All pretreated mushrooms had significantly higher lightness (L*) and lower a* and b* values compared to those of un-pretreated ones. Decreases in BI and PPO activity were observed in pretreated mushrooms. Higher blanching temperatures, concentrations of NaCl and citric acid, and time yielded lower protein content, TPC, and FC. Among the pretreatments, the highest antioxidant activities were observed in citric acid treated GOM. Thus, blanching and chemical pretreatments could enhance the lightness and lower BI of dried GOM, although they lowered the nutrient levels and antioxidant activities of the dried GOM.

Color and Firmness Quality Changes of Java Apple During Postharvest Transportation and Storage

Iswahyudi Iswahyudi, Emmy Darmawati, Sutrisno Mardjan, Marchel Putra Garfansa — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Transportation vibration adversely affects fresh produce during transportation. In addition, storage temperature affects the quality of fresh commodities. The physical changes in Java apples during transportation and storage were evaluated in this study. Java apples were transported from local farms to wholesale markets (180 km). Java apples were stored at room temperature (28°C) for six days. Physical qualities such as weight loss and firmness of the Java apple samples were evaluated. The RGB image acquisition system was used to assess changes in the color of the Java apple. The vibration showed that more than 70% of the acceleration occurred between 220-290 cm/s² in the vertical and horizontal directions during transportation. Analysis showed that physical qualities, such as weight loss and firmness, were strongly affected by the packaging used, vibration during transportation, and storage temperature. The weight loss and reduction in firmness was highest in Java apples transported using wholesaler packaging (packaging A). The lightness, yellowness, and hue values decreased significantly because transportation vibration was relatively high, and the Java apples were stored at room temperature. Redness, total color difference, and color index increased significantly in Java apples that were transported using package A and stored at room temperature. The results showed that the use of transportation packaging affected changes in the physical quality of Java apples. Packaging A generally increase in weight loss, hardness, and changes in fruit color than other packaging types.

Properties of Gelatin-based Films Incorporated with Anthocyanins and Curcuminoids and Stability of Antioxidant Activity during In Vitro Digestion

Tatpicha Aowpitaya, Rungarun Sasanatayart — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In this study, gelatin-based films incorporated with two plant pigments; butterfly pea flower anthocyanins (BPA) and turmeric rhizome curcuminoids (TRC) were prepared. Their physical and antioxidant properties were investigated. The results showed that addition of BPA and TRC at different concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30% of gelatin weight) significantly affected the visible color and color values (L*, a*, b*, hue and chroma) of the obtained films. With increasing pigment concentrations, lower % light transmittance was observed (p<0.05). The improved light barrier property corresponded with the increased opacity of the two films (p<0.05). Compared with the control films, the addition of either BPA or TRC slightly increased thickness of films (p<0.05). The moisture content of films increased with increasing BPA concentration but decreased with increasing TRC concentration (p<0.05). However, water solubility was not significantly different among films with varying concentrations of BPA or TRC (p>0.05). Total anthocyanin content (TAC), total curcuminoid content (TCC), total phenol content, and antioxidant activities by FRAP and DPPH increased with increasing pigment concentration in films (p<0.05). Based on in vitro digestion, the film forming solution containing 30% (w/w) plant pigment significantly improved the stability of pigment compounds, TPC, and antioxidant activities during the intestinal phase. Compared to the pigment extract alone, film forming solution containing gelatin and glycerol showed protecting effects against biological conditions during intestinal digestion of the two pigments, BPA and TRC, and therefore, offered greater stability of antioxidant activity (p<0.05).

Alternating Current-Electric Field Inducing Chorio Allantoic Membrane (CAM) Angiogenesis through Exogenous Growth Factor Intervention

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Angiogenesis is widely used in various therapies by promoting or inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. The use of Alternating Current-Electric Fields (AC-EF) in Electro-Capacitive Cancer Therapy (ECCT) showed its potential as an anti-cancer device, and is characterized by its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. However, the role of AC-EF in angiogenesis remains unclear. To investigate the effects of AC-EF on CAM angiogenesis, we used the ex ovo culture method of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). A basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) dose of 30 ng/µL was administered as an exogenous growth factor. The ECCT device, generating AC-EF of 150 kHz and 18 Vpp, was exposed to the CAMs. Subsequently, the 24 CAMs of chick embryo were divided into four groups. Two groups were non-bFGF-induced CAM, while the other two were bFGF-induced CAM, and each group was exposed either with or without AC-EF. The vascularization was evaluated through macroscopic observation, while vascular endothelial growth factor A

(VEGFA) gene expression was measured using qPCR. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA with GraphPad Prism 9.5. The results showed that an AC-EF exposure had no effects on normal CAM angiogenesis (P>0.05). Moreover, VEGFA gene expression did not show significant upregulation (P>0.05) in the bFGF-induced CAM with or without AC-EF exposure. Interestingly, the number of new blood vessels was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the bFGF-induced with AC-EF exposure than in the non-bFGF-induced group. In conclusion, AC-EF of ECCT did not affect normal angiogenesis. AC-EF may trigger CAM angiogenesis with bFGF induction. This observation suggested that AC-EF of intermediate frequency could enhance angiogenesis by administration of external growth factors, offering a potential avenue for addressing obstructive vascular conditions.

Agronomical Performances of Sequential Planting Pak Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis L.) as Responses to Weed-based Liquid Organic Fertilizer

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The use of weed-based liquid organic fertilizers (LOFs) in organic Pak Choi production was expected to improve the effectiveness of solid organic fertilizers. Sequential vegetable planting has been practiced to improve the viability of the organic vegetable business. This research aimed to determine the effects of weed-based LOF on the yields of sequentially cropped organically grown Pak Choi. Field experiments were conducted in Rejang Lebong Highland, Indonesia, using complete randomized block design with three replicates, The first planting was in May 2021, and the second planting was in June 2021. Treatments were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm of weed-based LOF. The results indicated that in each growing season the use of weed-based LOF had no effect on leaf number, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and leaf greenness, as well as the N, P, K uptakes of Pak Choi. Nutrient (N, P and K) uptakes of Pak Choi in the second planting were 27.8%, 91.6% and 51.4% lower than those of the first planting, respectively. In addition, shoot fresh weight in the first planting was 56.2% higher than that found in the second planting. Nevertheless, the fresh weight of Pak Choi in both planting seasons was higher than in many studies and that of the Indonesian market standard for Pak Choi.

Assessing the Genetic Variation of Swarna rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars using SSR marker

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Swarna rice cultivars (Indian cultivar) are widely grown in the northern part of Bangladesh because of their higher yield, drought tolerance, higher quality of grain and good plant appearance. Therefore, a study was conducted to observe genetic diversity among eight Swarna cultivars grown in Bangladesh. The genetic diversity of the cultivars was assessed by one hundred SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. Among these, forty-four primers were polymorphic. In total, 188 alleles from eight rice genotypes with an average of 4.27 alleles per locus were identified. Allele numbers varied from 2 to 11. The average polymorphism information content (PIC) was 0.533, with a range of 0.195 to 0.889. The most suitable markers found were RM149, RM232, and RM3421, which provided the highest PIC value of 0.889. Genetic dissimilarity coefficient values between pairs indicated that the Guti Swarna and Nepali Swarna cultivars along with the Guti Swarna and Deshi Guti Swarna cultivars were the most genetically distant (0.818) cultivars whereas the Nepali Swarna and Nironjon Swarna cultivars were the closest (0.091). A dendrogram constructed based on polymorphism indicated five major groups. It was observed that the Guti Swarna and Sumon Swarna cultivars formed two different solitary groups, I and II whereas the Nepali Swarna and Nironjon Swarna formed group III, the Lal Swarna and Swarna5 constructed group IV, and the Deshi Guti Swarna and Tiger Indian Swarna were in group V. Our findings may help in designing appropriate cross combinations for further improvement of Swarna cultivars.

Effects of Trap Height on the Capture of Bactrocera spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Mango Orchard of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Fruit flies are one of the major pests infesting varieties of economically important fruits worldwide. This pest represents one of the most damaging groups of polyphagous flies. One of the alternatives for the control of the fruit fly that attacks mangoes is the use of pheromone-baited traps. The effectiveness of the pheromone traps depends on several factors such as field conditions, trap location, and environmental conditions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of different trap heights (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 feet above the ground) on fruit fly trapping with traps baited with methyl eugenol. The trap installed at 5 feet above the ground had the highest number (p<0.05) of captured fruit flies compared to other heights evaluated. These results imply that for the effective monitoring and management of fruit flies, pheromone baited traps must be placed 5 feet from the ground level. The results further revealed that weather parameters did not appear to have a significant correlation (p<0.05) with the average population count of the pest. Because of the importance and usefulness of the findings of this study, further research that integrates this technology with other pest management tactics against the tephritid flies infesting mango at farmers’ level is recommended. Optimizing this technology may offer a cost-effective and practical pest management approach for small hold mango farmers.

Phosphorus Uptake Model of Oil Palm Seedlings in the Main Nursery

Adinda Nurul Huda Manurung, Suwarto, Sudirman Yahya, Budi Nugroho — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Oil palm is generally cultivated on tropical soils that have low levels of chemical fertility and various physical fertility. Environmental factors, genetics, and cultivation techniques generally influence oil palm productivity. This study aimed to obtain a model of oil palm growth and phosphorus (P) uptake in the main nursery. The oil palm growth model was carried out through literature studies and field trials. The trial was conducted at Leuwikopo Trial Farm (Bogor Agricultural Institute) IPB University from May 2021-January 2022. The experiment was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consisted of one treatment with five levels of P fertilization: P0 = no fertilizer; P1 = 50% standard fertilization; P2 = 100% standard fertilization; P3 = 150% standard fertilization; and P4 = 200% standard fertilization. The fertilizer dose of 100% using the standard fertilization for oil palm of the Damimas variety was 28 g P seedling^-1. This study concluded that the model of oil palm nutrient P uptake for the main nursery was able to simulate oil palm nutrient uptake as shown by actual measurements (observations in the field). The dry weight simulation results fell within the range of standard deviation values for average measurements in the field. The nutrient uptake simulation model is thus a valid tool for planning the optimal fertilization of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Jasminum officinale L. f. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kob. Leaf Extracts

Patchanee Charoenying, Chamroon Laosinwattana, Nawasit Chotsaeng — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The investigation of phytochemicals and their effects on plants is currently receiving significant attention due to the well-known fact that plants contain secondary metabolites that have high levels of usefulness in various applications. These applications include food additives, biopesticides, and pharmaceuticals. In a recent study, we thoroughly examined the total phenolic content (TPC), and the antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Jasminum officinale L.f. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kob. (also known as Spanish jasmine) leaf extracts, providing valuable insights into its potential benefits. Our study performed a crude methanol (ME) extraction of Spanish jasmine leaves with acid-base solvent partitioning, resulting in an acidic fraction (AE), a neutral fraction (NE), and an aqueous fraction (AQ). The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the TPC of the extracts. The AE fraction displayed the highest TPC (79.8±0.61 mgGAE/g dry weight), followed by the NE and AQ fractions. The extracts were further evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The AE fraction had the highest antioxidant activity with an EC₅₀ value of 4.6±0.40 µg/mL. The main active compound, oleuropein, was isolated and determined using spectral data. The isolated compound displayed excellent antioxidant activity with an EC₅₀ value of 13.0±0.06 µg/mL. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the Spanish jasmine leaf extracts was calculated using the disc diffusion method based on the minimum inhibitory concentration. The AE fraction exhibited activity against the Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with a MIC value of 0.78 µg/mL. The AE fraction also displayed the highest degree of activity against Staphylococcus strains, including drug-resistant

Performance Evaluation of Power Operated Cyclonic Cotton Picker

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

A cyclonic cotton picker was developed and its performance was evaluated on the basis of output capacity, picking efficiency, trash content and collection efficiency at the aspirator speeds of 4500 rpm, 5500 rpm and 6500 rpm, and at the pickup pipe diameters of 18 mm, 25 mm and 32 mm. A maximum output capacity of 8.29 kg/h with maximum picking efficiency of 93.27% was determined for pickup pipe diameter of 32 mm at aspirator speed of 6500 rpm. A minimum trash content (6.59%) and maximum collection efficiency (98.67%) were also seen for the aspirator speed of 6500 rpm when a pickup pipe diameter of 18 mm was used. It was found that the developed cyclonic cotton picker performed better when the aspirator speed was increased. Also, the fuel consumption was found to be 0.77 L/h, 0.96 L/h and 1.30 L/h at the aspirator speeds of 4500, 5500 and 6500 rpm, respectively. Cost analysis was also performed to check the economic feasibility of the developed cyclonic cotton picker. The total cost of the developed cyclonic cotton picker was found to be Rs. 135.30/h. Also, the break-even point was estimated to be 487.90 kg per annum, which was 12.30% of the annual utility rate of 480 h. The custom fee and the operating cost for the cyclonic cotton picker were calculated and found to be Rs. 211.40/h and Rs. 124.62/h, respectively. For a harvesting season of 60 days/year, the pay-back period was found to be 4.15 years.

Understanding the Spread of Insecticide Resistance through Population Genetic Approach: A Review

Irfanul Chakim, Tri dewi Kristini, Sayono, Mifbakhudin — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This review discusses the application of the population genetic approach in elucidating the deployment of insecticide resistance to mosquito vectors. Although there have been a lot of scientific work describing population genetic research and insecticide resistance, a study focusing on the spread of insecticide resistance using the population genetic approach needs to be done. Population genetics explains how a population is diverse in response to fitness and the cost of environmental factors. Thus, readers can relate this process to how insecticides spread in the population. Additionally, some fundamental mechanisms of insecticide resistance are also covered. As successive reproduction of advantageous phenotypic traits, such as resistance depends on many factors including continuous pressure, recombination rate, migration rate, genetic drift, and so on. Currently, genome-wide association studies involve chromosome-wide SNPs in which recombination hotspots occur or microsatellite flanking region of resistance gene target in which the fixation process can potentially serve as a suitable marker for elucidating the deployment. The information provided in this review to facilitate how the susceptible individual still exists despite the predominance of resistant individuals and how the resistance reverts to the vulnerable state.

Formulation of Supplemented Thai Custard Spread Using Jackfruit Rag and Sugar Replacement with Stevia

Panjit Pomasa, Samart Sai-Ut, Sirima Sinthusamran, Chairat Techavuthiporn — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The aims of this study were to investigate whether jackfruit rags could be incorporated into a food product like custard spread, and to evaluate the sensory and physicochemical properties of the resulting products. The first trial comprised four treatments, each of which contained a different concentration of jackfruit rag (0, 20, 40, and 60% w/w). It was found that 40% jackfruit rag substitution gave higher acceptance ratings (appearance, colour, taste, odour, spreadability and overall likeness) than other concentrations. Subsequently, stevia substitution at 20% produced considerably greater sensory acceptability across all treatments. In addition, the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of jackfruit rag-supplemented custard with 0% and 20% stevia were evaluated. Proximate analysis results showed there were no differences no difference between custard spreads fortified with 0% and 20% stevia. However, carbohydrate and energy were reduced about twice in the 20% stevia treatment. Moreover, texture profile analysis revealed that replacement with stevia increased spreadability and decreased stickiness. The results suggested that jackfruit rag could be used in custard spreads and could enhance the recovery of food waste for food production.