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19 pages, 9915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Performance of Self-Leveling Mortar Utilizing Tungsten Tailings as the Aggregate

by Wenyi Zhang, Chen Yang, Lijinhong Huang, Zekai Wang, Chaocong Zeng, Junzhen Zhu and Wanfu Huang

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5545; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135545 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

A significant quantity of tailings is produced during the development of different metal mines in China. In particular, fine-grained tailings pose challenges to the sustainable development of the mining industry. This study examines the utilization of finely ground tungsten tailings as a replacement for natural aggregates in self-leveling mortar (SLM). The study examined the impact of the aggregate-cement ratio, cement mix ratio, and varying substitution levels of different grain sizes of tungsten tailings on the flow properties, mechanical properties, and dimensional change rate of SLM. Additionally, the role of tungsten tailings in SLM was analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and SEM methods. The findings demonstrated that the utilization of sulphoaluminate cement (SAC) had a notable impact on improving the initial strength of the SLM. Additionally, a high aggregate-cement ratio negatively affected the fluidity of the SLM. The doping of tungsten tailings improved the grading relationship of the SLM. Substituting tungsten tailings of 38–75 μm grain size for natural aggregates in the preparation of SLM did not have a negative impact on its performance. In fact, substituting 60% tungsten tailings had a positive effect on the 28-day mechanical properties of the SLM. The compressive and flexural strengths of the SLM after 28 days were 26.53 MPa and 9.06 MPa, respectively, which were enhanced by 18.81% and 26% compared to the control group (C0). According to the environmental leaching test, SLM can effectively fix the heavy metal ions in tungsten tailings, and the leaching concentration of heavy metals is significantly reduced after long-term curing. The doping of finely fragmented tungsten tailings accelerated the process of hydration, resulting in the creation of hydrocalcium zeolite crystals in the latter phases of hydration. Furthermore, an increase in tailings substitution resulted in the production of a greater amount of hydration products, specifically C-S-H gels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Resources and Sustainable Utilization)

22 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing for the Production of Hydrangeas in Antioquia—Colombia

by Cindy Natalia Arenas, Ana Patricia Bello, Nicolas Fernando Molina, Jaime Leòn Botero and Mariluz Betancur

Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1408; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071408 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

In the floriculture sector, it has been identified that the use of agrochemicals, fuels, and various raw materials has a significant impact on the environment, and, from an economic point of view, their use improves the quality of life of the people involved in the activity, and at the same time contributes to the development of the territories. Therefore, in order to address these issues, sustainability-oriented solutions have been proposed. This study focuses on the performance of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of hydrangea production, addressing its environmental and economic dimensions, using the conventional method according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. The functional unit was defined as one kilogram (1 kg) of hydrangea stems from a 36-week production cycle in three different crop sizes, as follows: small (0.45 ha), medium (1.20 ha), and large (2.99 ha). The boundaries of the gate-to-gate system were used, including the stages of growing and transporting of the flowers, to delivery to the marketer. The results showed significant environmental impacts in the areas of climate change, human toxicity, and acidification, resulting from phytosanitary management; use of fertilizers, fuel, and raw materials for infrastructure; and packaging of flowers for delivery to the marketer. In addition, from an economic point of view, it was shown that the most significant internal costs were associated with the cultivation phase, while the external costs were associated with CO₂ emissions. The return on investment was less than 0.15 years, with human productivity more than 73%, and infrastructure investment less than 16%. These results highlight the need to implement effective measures to mitigate negative impacts and promote more sustainable practices in floriculture to further strengthen the sector, as hydrangeas are an export product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

19 pages, 529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Fulfilling ESG Responsibilities Curb Corporate Leverage Manipulation? Evidence from Chinese-Listed Companies

by Yalin Mo, Fenglan Wei and Yihan Huang

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135543 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Against the backdrop of economic transformation and sustainable development, this paper utilizes listed companies from the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets from 2009 to 2021 as research samples, measures corporate leverage manipulation levels using the XLT-LEVM method, and employs a panel fixed effects model to empirically examine the impact of corporate ESG responsibility fulfillment on leverage manipulation behaviors and its underlying mechanisms. The results show that the performance of ESG responsibility can inhibit the leverage manipulation behavior of enterprises, and this effect is more obvious in enterprises with low analyst attention and excessive debt. Mechanism tests reveal that the fulfillment of ESG responsibilities by corporations exerts both reputational and informational effects, which, by mitigating financing constraints and enhancing information transparency, subsequently curtail corporate leverage manipulation. The analysis of economic consequences demonstrates that the inhibitory effect of ESG responsibility fulfillment on corporate leverage manipulation contributes to reducing the risk of corporate debt default. The research conclusions of this paper hold instructive significance for the positive governance role of ESG performance. Consequently, governments and regulatory bodies should guide and support enterprises in assuming ESG responsibilities, and corporations should increase their investments in ESG and enhance their ESG performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

16 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Performance/Cost Ratio Analysis of Carbon/Glass Interlayer and Intralayer Hybrid Composites

by Weili Wu

Coatings 2024, 14(7), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14070810 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Hybrid composites combining carbon and glass fibers are increasingly studied for their potential to enhance mechanical properties and cost efficiency. Understanding how different hybrid structures influence these properties is critical for optimizing material design and application. In this paper, the mechanical properties of carbon/glass (C/G) interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites, including tensile, compressive, and flexural properties, were tested, and the cost performances of hybrid composites were analyzed to assess the economic feasibility of different stacking configurations. It was revealed that the specific tensile, compressive, and flexural modulus/cost and strength/cost ratios of interlayer and intralayer hybrid composites decreased with increasing carbon fiber content, indicating that adding carbon fiber reduced cost performance. With the combined hybrid ratio and the interlayer structure with glass fiber sandwiching carbon fiber, the tensile and compressive properties were the most cost-effective. When the dispersion degree of the intralayer hybrid structure was 0, the tensile and compressive properties were the most cost-effective. Specifically, for intralayer hybrid composites with a dispersion degree of 0 and C:G = 1:4, the specific tensile strength/cost ratio was 6.7 × 10⁴ N·m/USD, and the specific compressive modulus and strength/cost ratio was 3.8 × 10⁶ N·m/USD and 4.7 × 10³ N·m/USD, respectively. However, the flexural performance/cost ratio was found to be opposite to the tensile and compressive results. When carbon fiber was distributed in the bottom layer or used to sandwich the glass fiber, the flexural performance/cost ratio of interlayer hybrid composites was nearly as good as that of glass fiber. Moreover, by considering the working condition of composites, the cost performance of mechanical properties can be optimized and improved through careful design of hybrid ratios and stacking structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Advances in Multi-Layer Fibre-Reinforced Composites)

19 pages, 533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Predicting the Safety Factor of Plain Shotcrete Support in Laneways Based on BO-CatBoost Model

by Haiping Yuan, Shuaijie Ji, Chuanqi Zhu and Lei Wang

Biomimetics 2024, 9(7), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9070394 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 76

Abstract

In general, the design of a safe and rational laneway support scheme signifies a crucial prerequisite for ensuring the security and efficiency of mining exploitation in mines. Nevertheless, the conventional empirical support system for mining laneways faces challenges in assessing the rationality of support methods, which can compromise the safety and reliability of the laneways. To address this issue, the safety factor was incorporated into research on laneway support, and a safety evaluation method for laneway support in line with the safety factor was established. In light of the data from a specific iron mine laneway in central China, the CRITIC method was employed to preprocess the sample data. Going one step further, a Bayesian algorithm was utilized to optimize the hyperparameters of the CatBoost model, followed by proposing a prediction model based on the BO-CatBoost model for evaluating laneway safety factors of plain shotcrete support. Furthermore, the performance indexes, such as the root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), the correlation coefficient (R²), the variance accounts for (VAF), and the a-20 index, were determined to examine the predictive performance of each proposed model. In contrast to the other models, the BO-CatBoost model demonstrated the optimal predictive output item for safety factors with the lowest RMSE and MAE, the largest R² and VAF, and an appropriate a-20 index value of 0.5688, 0.4074, 0.9553, 95.25%, and 0.9167 in the test set, respectively. Therefore, the BO-CatBoost model was proven to be the most appropriate machine learning method that can more accurately predict the safety factor, which will provide a novel approach for optimizing laneway support design and laneway safety evaluation. Full article

14 pages, 3805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Calculous Pyonephrosis by CT-Based Radiomics and Deep Learning

by Guanjie Yuan, Lingli Cai, Weinuo Qu, Ziling Zhou, Ping Liang, Jun Chen, Chuou Xu, Jiaqiao Zhang, Shaogang Wang, Qian Chu and Zhen Li

Bioengineering 2024, 11(7), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11070662 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Urgent detection of calculous pyonephrosis is crucial for surgical planning and preventing severe outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the performance of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics and a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) model, integrated with independent clinical factors, to identify patients with calculous pyonephrosis. We recruited 182 patients receiving either percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement or percutaneous nephrolithotomy for calculous hydronephrosis or pyonephrosis. The regions of interest were manually delineated on plain CT images and the CT attenuation value (HU) was measured. Radiomics analysis was performed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). A 3D-CNN model was also developed. The better-performing machine-learning model was combined with independent clinical factors to build a comprehensive clinical machine-learning model. The performance of these models was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis and decision curve analysis. Fever, blood neutrophils, and urine leukocytes were independent risk factors for pyonephrosis. The radiomics model showed higher area under the curve (AUC) than the 3D-CNN model and HU (0.876 vs. 0.599, 0.578; p = 0.003, 0.002) in the testing cohort. The clinical machine-learning model surpassed the clinical model in both the training (0.975 vs. 0.904, p = 0.019) and testing (0.967 vs. 0.889, p = 0.045) cohorts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)

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24 pages, 5102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Reliability Maps of Code-Compliant Italian Reinforced-Concrete Bare and Infilled Frame Buildings

by Gianantonio Feltrin, Lorenzo Hofer and Mariano Angelo Zanini

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1970; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071970 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The present study illustrates the main results of an extensive campaign of numerical simulations aimed at quantifying the seismic reliability of reinforced concrete (RC) bare and masonry-infilled frames compliant with the current Italian Building Code. For this purpose, a set of different residential-use archetype structures are considered, and a prototype seismic design-assessment tool is created to quantify their performance with respect to the relevant limit states, deriving fragility curves via the execution of several non-linear time-history analyses (NLTHAs). The fragilities are subsequently combined with the hazard curves derived for each of the over 8000 Italian municipalities based on the national seismic hazard model currently in force to obtain the respective seismic mean failure rates across Italy. The seismic reliability maps obtained for the investigated code-compliant designs highlight how the current Italian Building Code fails to provide uniform seismic safety across Italy, showing—on the contrary—a strong hazard-dependency. The results are finally used to calibrate regression laws able to correlate the seismic mean failure rates with an intensity measure representative of the seismic hazard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

17 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

No Impairment in Bone Turnover or Executive Functions in Well-Treated Preschoolers with Phenylketonuria—A Pilot Study

by Beatrice Hanusch, Michael Falkenstein, Stefan Volkenstein, Stefan Dazert, Thomas Lücke and Kathrin Sinningen

Nutrients 2024, 16(13), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16132072 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) present signs of impaired executive functioning and bone health in adolescence and adulthood, depending in part on the success of therapy in childhood. Therefore, nine children with well-treated PKU (4–7 years old, 22.2% ♀, seven with a full set of data, two included into partial analysis) and 18 age-, gender- and season-matched controls were analyzed for differences in executive functioning and bone parameters in plasma. Plasma was analyzed with commercially available kits. Cognitive performance in tonic alertness, visuo-spatial working memory, inhibitory control and task switching was assessed by a task battery presented on a touch screen. Regarding cognition, only the performance in incongruent conditions in inhibitory control was significantly better in children with PKU than in controls. No further differences in cognitive tests were detected. Furthermore, no significant difference in the bone turnover markers osteocalcin, undercarboxylated osteocalcin and CTX were detected between children with PKU and controls, while children with PKU had a significantly higher vitamin D concentration (69.44 ± 12.83 nmol/L vs. 41.87 ± 15.99 nmol/L, p < 0.001) and trended towards lower parathyroid hormone concentrations than controls (48.27 ± 15.16 pg/mLmL vs. 70.61 ± 30.53 pg/mL, p = 0.066). In this small group of well-treated preschoolers with PKU, no impairments in cognitive performance and bone turnover were observed, while vitamin D supplementation of amino acid supplements seems to be sufficient to achieve good vitamin D status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effect of Vitamin D on Metabolic Bone Disease and Chronic Diseases)

48 pages, 739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 and Non-Performing Loans in Europe

by John Hlias Plikas, Dimitrios Kenourgios and Georgios A. Savvakis

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(7), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17070271 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 61

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on the non-performing loans (NPLs) in Europe, distinguishing by European subregion, country-level prosperity, NPL type, and NPL economic sector. We utilized panel data analysis covering the period 2015Q1–2021Q4 while controlling for macro, bank-specific, and regulatory indicators. We derived that the COVID-19 deaths and the strictness of lockdown measures positively affected the NPLs, while the economic support policies exerted a negative effect. Profitable, capitalized banks fared better. The strictness of lockdown measures hindered the ability of SMEs to repay their loans, increasing their NPLs. Sectors involving physical work-related activities also experienced an increase in their NPLs. We also deduced that bank securitization and national culture significantly contributed to NPL reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Papers in Mathematics and Finance)

23 pages, 4244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pangenome Analysis Reveals Novel Contact-Dependent Growth Inhibition System and Phenazine Biosynthesis Operons in Proteus mirabilis BL95 That Are Located in an Integrative and Conjugative Element

by Andrey Tatarenkov, Iván Muñoz-Gutiérrez, Isabel Vargas, Judith Behnsen and Luis Mota-Bravo

Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071321 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 73

Abstract

Proteus mirabilis is a leading cause of urinary tract infections and a common commensal of the gastrointestinal tract. Our recent study (JB) showed that P. mirabilis strain BL95 employs a novel contact-dependent killing system against enteric bacteria in the mouse gut and in vitro. To uncover the genetic determinants of this system, we performed whole-genome sequencing of BL95 and compared it with 98 complete genomes of P. mirabilis. BL95 carries 56 coding sequences (CDSs) not found in other P. mirabilis. Over half of these unique genes are located on a novel integrative conjugative element (ICE) named ICEPm2, inserted in tRNA-Phe and exclusive to BL95. ICEPm2 has integration, conjugation, and DNA replication modules nearly identical to ICEPm1 (common in P. mirabilis), but ICEPm2 of BL95 carries two unique operons for P. mirabilis—a phenazine biosynthesis and a contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) system. ICEPm2 is absent in the P. mirabilis (AR_0156) closest to BL95 and it is present in the genomes of several Escherichia coli from mouse intestines, indicating its recent horizontal mobilization. BL95 shares over 100 genes of five different secretion systems with other P. mirabilis, mostly poorly studied, making a large pool of candidate genes for the contact-dependent growth inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology and Immunology)

13 pages, 390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Mediating Effect of Team-Member Exchange on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Performance of People with Disabilities: A Study of Hong Kong Employers of People with Disabilities

by Anthony Tak Kin Wong

Merits 2024, 4(3), 211-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4030015 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 55

Abstract

Purpose—This study aims to examine the links between transformational leadership, team-member exchange and job performance of people with disabilities in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach—Data were collected from a sample of 108 direct supervisors of people with disabilities via an online survey with validated scales. The structural equation modelling approach via SmartPLS (Version 3.0) was used to investigate the linear relations and the mediated effect amongst the variables. Findings—Transformational leadership was positively related to team-member exchange (p = 0.013), but its link with job performance was insignificant (p ≥ 0.05). Team-member exchange was positively related to job performance (p = 0.000). Hence, team-member exchange fully mediated the relationship between leaders’ transformational leadership and the job performance of people with disabilities. Originality/value—Transformational leadership is favorable for the job performance of people with disabilities, but its influence is indirect. High level of team-member exchange quality is necessary, as team-member exchange fully mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and the job performance of people with disabilities. Managers should demonstrate transformational leadership to all employees and not only pay attention to people with disabilities. This insight helps drive workplace disability inclusion. Full article

17 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Green Inventory Management through Periodic Review Inventory Systems—A Comprehensive Literature Review and Directions for Future Research

by Jasmina Žic, Samir Žic, Goran Đukić and Svetlana Dabić-Miletić

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135544 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 91

Abstract

With the increasing environmental concerns and legislative pressures, the focus on incorporating ecologically sustainable practices into inventory management systems has grown, leading to the emergence of green inventory management. However, this field is not without its challenges, with numerous conflicting real-world constraints and goals. A comprehensive literature review targeting green inventory management operating under a periodic review inventory system was conducted to identify research gaps and potential directions for future research. Despite the growing interest in the field, this review highlighted the scarcity of relevant studies. Out of the 1272 papers reviewed, only 16 studies, or 1.3%, met the criteria for exploring periodic review inventory systems while simultaneously considering environmental and economic aspects. These studies were further analyzed in detail and categorized according to key classification criteria. The future research directions highlighted the need for additional studies on periodic review inventory systems operating under stochastic market demand in the context of green supply chain management. The standardization of emission calculation methodologies was also emphasized as a crucial step towards aligning inventory management practices with the aim of increasing inventory management efficiency and the related improvement in the environmental performance of supply chains. Full article

13 pages, 508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Fosfomycin against Escherichia coli Isolates from Canine Urinary Tract Infection

by Nattha Jariyapamornkoon, Suphachai Nuanualsuwan and Nipattra Suanpairintr

Animals 2024, 14(13), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131916 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Fosfomycin is a bactericidal drug recommended as an alternative treatment for canine bacterial cystitis, particularly in cases involving multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections when no other options are available. In this study, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) of fosfomycin were determined against 79 clinical E. coli isolates using the agar dilution method. The susceptibility rate of E. coli to fosfomycin was 86.06%, with MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ values of 4 mg/L and 96 mg/L, respectively. MPC₅₀ and MPC₉₀ values were 64 mg/L and 192 mg/L. Using pharmacokinetic (PK) data from dogs given a single 80 mg/kg oral dose of fosfomycin, the area under the curve per MIC₅₀ (AUC_0–24/MIC₅₀) was 85.79 with time above MIC₅₀ (T > MIC₅₀) exceeding 50%. In urine, the AUC_0–24/MIC₅₀ was 10,694.78, and the AUC_0–24/MPC₉₀ was 222.81, with T > MPC₉₀ extending beyond 24 h. Therefore, fosfomycin exhibited significant antibacterial activity against canine uropathogenic E. coli, including MDR strains, at concentrations below the susceptible MIC breakpoint. However, the high MPC values, especially the MPC₉₀, indicate the critical importance of performing susceptibility testing for fosfomycin and maintaining ongoing resistance monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in Veterinary Clinical Microbiology)

15 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Laminated Bio-Polymer Fabrication for Food Packaging Application: A Sustainable Plasma-Activated Approach

by Giacomo Foli, Filippo Capelli, Mariachiara Grande, Stefano Tagliabue, Matteo Gherardi and Matteo Minelli

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131851 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The current level of packaging consumption imposes a need to fabricate single-use food packaging with renewable and compostable materials, such as bio-polyesters (e.g., polylactic acid, PLA and polybutylene succinate, PBS) or cellulose, but their use is still problematic. Fabrication of bio-compostable composites can specifically address impeding challenges, and adhesive lamination, achieved with compostable glue, is becoming more and more popular with respect to the less versatile hot lamination. In this context, plasma activation, a chemical-free oxidation technique of a material’s surface, is used to increase the affinity of three different biomaterials (cellulose, PLA and PBS) toward a compostable polyurethane adhesive to decrease its amount by gluing bio-polyesters to cellulose. Optical Microscopy reveals activation conditions that do not affect the integrity of the materials, while Water Contact Analyses confirm the activation of the surfaces, with contact angles decreased to roughly 50 deg in all cases. Unexpectedly, ζ-potential analyses and subtractive infrared spectroscopy highlight how the activation performed superficially etches cellulose, while for both PLA and PBS, a general decrease in surface potential and an increase in superficial hydroxyl group populations confirm the achievement of the desired oxidation. Thus, we rationalize continuous activation conditions to treat PLA and PBS and to glue them to neat cellulose. While no beneficial effect is observed with activated PLA, bi-laminate composites fabricated with activated PBS fulfill the benchmark for adhesion strength using less than before, while oxygen permeation analyses exclude plasma-induced etching even at a nanoscale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers from Renewable Sources and Their Applications II)

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12 pages, 1352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increasing Cyetpyrafen Spray Volume and Ozone SprayImproves the Control Effects against Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) in Strawberries

by Lili Jiang, Hairong Wang, Kang Qiao and Chong Wu

Plants 2024, 13(13), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131792 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a constant threat to greenhouse strawberry production. The application of synthetic acaricides is the main method of controlling T. urticae. However, resistance development to traditional acaricides reduces their efficacy and eventually leads to control failure. It is important for strawberry growers to look for new acaricides and application technologies that can limit the harmfulness of T. urticae in environmentally friendly ways. In the current study, laboratory toxicity tests and field trials were performed to screen high-efficiency acaricides, and then application technologies were improved to enhance the management of T. urticae. In the laboratory toxicity tests, the results showed that the LC₅₀ (median lethal concentration) value of cyetpyrafen, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, bifenazate, abamectin, azocyclotin, pyridaben, spirodiclofen, and etoxazole against adult T. urticae was 0.226, 0.240, 0.415, 3.583, 5.531, 25.58, 39.69, 140.3, and 267.7 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the LC₅₀ value of the nine acaricides against eggs of T. urticae was 0.082, 0.097, 0.931, 18.56, 25.52, 45.61, 36.32, 1.954, and 0.040 mg/L, respectively. The field trial results showed that the best control effect was obtained in cyetpyrafen at 300 mL/ha treatment. Cyetpyrafen was chosen for further application technology tests. In the spray volume tests, the results showed that increasing the spray volume from 900 to 1050 L/ha significantly improved the control of T. urticae. In addition, the results from the spray instrument tests demonstrated that the control effects on T. urticae in the ozone spray treatments were significantly higher than those of the conventional and electrostatic sprays 1 and 3 days after treatment (DAT). Therefore, this study suggested that cyetpyrafen effectively controlled T. urticae both in the laboratory tests and in the field trials. Increasing the spray volume and application of ozone spray significantly improved T. urticae management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Lab to Field: Translating Research Findings into Practical Solutions for Plant Protection)

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