Combining the critical nitrogen concentration and machine learning algorithms to estimate nitrogen deficiency in rice from UAV hyperspectral data

Rapid and large area acquisition of nitrogen(N)deficiency status is important for achieving the optimal fertilization of rice.Most existing studies,however,focus on the use of unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)remote sensing to diagnose N nutrition in rice,while there are fewer studies on the quantitative description of the degree of N deficiency in rice,and the effects of the critical N concentration on the spectral changes in rice have rarely been explored.Therefore,based on the canopy spectral data obtained by remotely-sensed UAV hyperspectral images,the N content in rice was obtained through field sampling.The construction method of the rice curve for the northeastern critical N concentration was studied,and on this basis,N deficiency was determined.Taking the spectrum of the critical N concentration state as the standard spectrum,the spectral reflectivity data were transformed by the ratios and differences,and the feature extraction of the spectral data was carried out by the successive projections algorithm(SPA).Finally,by taking the characteristic band as the input variable and N deficiency as the output variable,a set of multivariate linear regression(MLR),long short-term memory(LSTM)inversion models based on extreme learning machine(ELM),and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithmⅢextreme learning machine(NSGA-Ⅲ-ELM)were constructed.The results showed two key aspects of this system:1)The correlation between the N deficiency data and original spectrum was poor,but the correlation between the N deficiency data and N deficiency could be improved by a difference change and ratio transformation;2)The inversion results based on the ratio spectrum and NSGA-Ⅲ-ELM algorithm were the best,as the R2values of the training set and validation set were 0.852 and 0.810,and the root mean square error(RMSE)values were 0.291 and 0.308,respectively.From the perspective of the spectral data,the inversion accuracy of the ratio spectrum was better than the accuracy of the original spectrum or difference spectrum.At the algorithm level,the model inversion results based on LSTM algorithms showed a serious overfitting phenomenon and poor inversion effect.The inversion accuracy based on the NSGA-Ⅲ-ELM algorithm was better than the accuracy of the MLR algorithm or the ELM algorithm.Therefore,the inversion model based on the ratio spectrum and NSGA-Ⅲ-ELM algorithm could effectively invert the N deficiency in rice and provide critical technical support for accurate topdressing based on the N status in the rice.

A Method for Determination of Critical Micellar Concentration of Surfactant

Measure the chemiluminescence value of acridine compound as luminescent agent in the surfactant solution with a series of concentrations,according to the value of the obtained luminescent value and the value of the corresponding surfactant concentration in the surfactant solution,linear fitting is carried out to obtain several fitting lines,and the minimum value of the surfactant concentration corresponding to the intersection of the two adjacent fitting lines is the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant.According to the results,the critical micelle concentration of Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride is 11.5 mmol/L,Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium Bromide is 0.357 mmol/L,Sodium dodecyl sulfate is 7.64 mmol/L,sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate is 0.890 mmol/L,Triton X-100 is 0.309 mmol/L,3-((3-Cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonium)-1-propanesulfonate is 9.53 mmol/L,3-(N,N-dimethyldodecylammonio)propanesulfonate is 1.73 mmol/L.The results were similar to those obtained by traditional methods,the method can be used in the study of critical micelle concentration of surfactants.

Determining nitrogen status and quantifying nitrogen fertilizer requirement using a critical nitrogen dilution curve for hybrid indica rice under mechanical pot-seedling transplanting pattern

Field experiments of nitrogen(N)treatment at five different application rates(0,75,150,225,and 300 kg ha^(-1))were conducted under pot-seedling mechanical transplanting(PMT)in 2018 and 2019.Two high-quality and high-yielding hybrids of indica rice,Huiliangyou 898 and Y Liangyou 900,were used in this study.The N nutrition index(NNI)and accumulated N deficit(N_(and)),used to assess the N nutrition status in real-time,were calculated for the indica cultivars under PMT with a critical nitrogen concentration(N_(c))dilution model based on shoot dry matter(DM)during the whole rice growth stage.The relationships between NNI and N_(and) with relative yield(RY)were determined,and accurate N application schemes were developed for hybrids indica rice under PMT.The results indicated that high application rate of N-fertilizer significantly increased the concentrations of shoot DM and N in aboveground organs during the observed stages in the two cultivars for two years(P<0.05).The N_(c) dilution model of hybrid indica cultivars was N_(c)=4.02 DM^(-0.42)(R^(2)=0.97)combining the two cultivars under PMT.Root-mean-square error and normalized root-mean-square error of the curve verification were 0.23 and 10.61%,respectively.The NNI and Nand ranged from 0.58 to 1.31 and 109 to–55 kg ha^(-1),respectively,in the two cultivars for all N treatments.NNI showed a linear relationship with Nand during the entire growth stage(0.53<R^(2)<0.99,P<0.01).In addition,NNI showed a linear-plateau relationship with RY(0.73<R<0.92,P<0.01)throughout the observed stages.These results suggest that the models can accurately diagnose the N-nutrition status and support effective N-fertilizer management in real-time for hybrid indica rice under PMT.

Critical Transitions of Microviscosity in Concentrated Polystyrene Solutions Revealed by Excimer Formation of Pyrenyl Probes

Excimer formation of pyrene and benzyl 4-(1-pyrenyl) butanoate was used to study the microviscosity of polystyrene/toluene solutions over the entire concentration range. Two critical concentrations (CPS～0.32, 0.82g/ml) have been observed from the log-log plot of IE/IM vs CPS. The results are explained in terms of the onset of cohesional interaction and the glass transition of the polymer chains.

Long-lasting chemiluminescence by aggregation-induced emission surfactant with ultralow critical micelle concentration

The development of green and simple chemiluminescence(CL)systems with intensive and long-lasting emission is highly desirable in lighting and extension of their applications.In this study,it is found that the involvement of aggregation-induced emission(AIE)surfactant could greatly enhance the CL of luminol–H2O2–Co2+system.The inserted hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene fluorophore in AIE is able to increase the hydrophobicity of alkyl chain and decrease the critical micelle concentration(CMC)of surfactant.The synergistic effect of micelle-improved enrichment and CL resonance energy transfer endows luminol–H2O2–Co2+system intensive and long-lasting emission under neutral pH conditions(pH 7.4).The visible emission is still observed even after 60 min.Our study has opened a new avenue for exploring green and simple effective CL systems through AIE surfactant with unltralow CMC toward various applications in lighting,optical sensing,and photocatalysis,etc.

Physico-chemical parameters for the assembly of moxifloxacin hydrochloride and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride mixture in aqueous and alcoholic media

The aggregation behavior of the mixture of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride(CTAC), a cationic surfactant, and moxifloxacin hydrochloride(MFH), a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug, has been studied using the conductivity technique in aqueous and alcoholic(EtOH, 1-PrOH, and 2-BuOH)media. The study was performed at several temperatures between 298.15 and 323.15 K at 5 K intervals.The assembly has been characterized by evaluating the micellar parameters, such as the critical micelle concentration(CMC) and the counter ion binding(β), of the CTAC + MFH mixture. The values of the CMC for the assembly of the CTAC + MFH mixture were reliant on the composition of alcohols in the mixed solvents and the temperature. The CMC values of the CTAC + MFH mixture increased with increasing temperature;that is, assembly was delayed by increased temperature. The micellization of the CTAC + MFH mixed system was delayed in alcoholic media. The observed-ΔG0mvalues for the association of the CTAC + MFH mixed system demonstrated a spontaneous aggregation process under all study conditions.Based on the-ΔH^(0)_(m) and +ΔS^(0)_(m) values, the association of the CTAC + MFH mixture is exothermic and the interaction forces acting between the CTAC and MFH species are hydrophobic, ion–dipole, and electrostatic interactions. The transfer properties and enthalpy–entropy compensation were also assessed and described comprehensively.

Adsorption of Natural Surfactant on Sandstone in Enhanced Oil Recovery: Isotherms and Kinetics Studies

In chemical enhanced oil recovery, surfactants are injected into the reservoir with the intention to lower interfacial tension (IFT) between the water and oil phases, and thereby bring about efficient displacement of oil. However, the adsorption of the surfactants to reservoir rock surfaces leads to the loss and reduction in concentration of the surfactants, which in turn reduces the overall efficiency of the oil recovery process, with attendant financial losses. In this work, the adsorption of Quillaja Saponaria (QS), a novel, natural, non-ionic surfactant, on crushed sandstone reservoir rock is investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study of clean sandstone particles has been undertaken to determine the main components present in the sand particles. The conductivity method was used to measure CMC and the surfactant concentrations in aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were used to determine the amount of QS adsorbed on rock surface. Equilibrium conditions were reached after almost 5 days. From the results of the study, the Langmuir isotherm model is more suited for predicting the adsorption behaviour of QS on sandstone. The kinetic adsorption of QS obeys the pseudo-second order model. This study is particularly relevant in surfactant selection for chemical EOR processes.

Imbalance between nitrogen and potassium fertilization influences potassium deficiency symptoms in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) leaves

Chlorosis at leaf margins is a typical symptom of potassium(K) deficiency, but inappropriate application of K with other nutrients often masks symptoms of K deficiency. A two-year field experiment was conducted to measure the interactive effects of N and K on leaf photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation and the resulting growth dilution effect on K concentration and leaf K deficiency symptoms. N application aggravated the imbalance of N and K nutrients and further exacerbated K deficiency symptoms under K limitation. Synergistic effects of N and K promoted plant growth, amplified the growth dilution effect, and reduced the critical K concentration in leaves. Using 90% of the maximum shoot biomass as a threshold,the critical K concentration was 0.72% at the recommended N(N180) fertilization level. The critical K concentration increased by 62.5% owing to the reduced biomass under insufficient N(N;) supply. In contrast, high N(N;) reduced the critical K concentration(0.64%), accelerating chlorophyll decomposition and exacerbating K deficiency symptoms. The basis of changing the critical K concentration by magnifying growth dilution effect was the functional synergistic effect of N and K on photosynthetic characteristics. Under insufficient N, the low maximum carboxylation rate(V;) limited the net photosynthetic rate(An) and necessitated more K to maintain high CO;transmission capacity, to improve the total conductance g;/V;ratio. High N supply increased gtotand V;possibly mitigating the effect of K reduction on photosynthesis. In conclusion, it is unwise to judge K status of plants only by K concentration without accounting for crop mass(or dilution effect), critical K concentration and deficiency symptoms are affected by N fertilization, and the synergistic effect of N and K on leaf photosynthesis is the foundation of maximal growth of plants under diverse critical K concentrations.

Emulsion Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate in the Presence of a New Cationic Surfactant

In this study, the emulsion homopolymerization system containing vinyl acetate, potassium persulfate, a new cationic polymeric surfactant and water was studied by the applying semi-continuous emulsion polymerization process. The effects of new polymeric emulsifier on the physicochemical properties of obtained vinyl acetate latexes were investigated depending on vinyl acetate percentage in the polymerization recipe, and two thermal initiators in homopolymerization.

An insight into aggregation kinetics of polystyrene nanoplastics interaction with metal cations

Once inevitably released into the aquatic environment,polystyrene nanoplastics(PS-NPs)will present complicated environmental behaviors,of which the aggregation is a key process determining their environmental fate and impact.In this study,the aggregation kinetics of different sizes(30 nm and 100 nm)of PS-NPs with metal cations(Na^(+),K^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and Pb^(2+))at different solution pH(3,6 and 8)were investigated.The results showed that the aggregation of PS-NPs increased with cation concentration.Taking Pb^(2+)as an example,the adsorption behavior of cations onto PS-NPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and energy dispersive X-ray(EDX)spectroscopy,which demonstrated Pb^(2+)could be adhered onto the surface of PS-NPs with the effect of charge neutralization.The critical coagulation concentrations(CCC)of smaller PS-NPs were higher than that of larger PS-NPs for monovalent cations,whereas a different pattern is observed for divalent cations.It was suggested that there were other factors that DLVO theory does not consider affect the stability of NPs with different particle sizes.In addition,it should be noted that PS-NPs had the capacity of adsorbing large amounts of heavy metal cations and carried them transport to a long distance,and the corresponding ecological risks need to further elucidate.

A discussion on evaluation criteria for crevice corrosion of various stainless steels

In this study,crevice corrosion performances of a newly developed LDSS 2002 and three commercial stainless steels(AISI 304,AISI 316L and DSS 2205)were investigated and discussed.Crevice repassivation potential(ER,CREV),which was measured by the potentiodynamic-galvanostatic-potentiodynamic(PDGS-PD)test,was applicable to crevice corrosion evaluation of 304 and 316 L stainless steels.However,much lower(ER,CREV values were obtained for DSS 2205 and LDSS 2002.These abnormal(ER,CREV values for duplex stainless steels may be related to the selective attack of the less corrosion-resistant phase,the lower corrosion potential in the crevice-like solution,and more crevice corrosion sites in the PD-GS-PD test.A critical chloride concentration of crevice corrosion(CCCCREV)measurement was introduced for crevice corrosion evaluation of various stainless steels.The derived CCCCREVwas proved to be a valid criterion for crevice corrosion evaluation of both the austenitic and duplex stainless steels.An order of crevice corrosion resistance of AISI 304≈LDSS 2002<AISI 316 L<DSS 2205 was suggested,which agreed well with the orders of pitting resistance equivalent number and critical crevice index of the less corrosion-resistant phase in each material.

Specific ion effect of H^(+) on variably charged soil colloid aggregation

Specific ion effects(Hofmeister effects)have recently attracted the attention of soil scientists,and it has been found that ionic non-classic polarization plays an important role in the specific ion effect in soil.However,this explanation cannot be applied to H+.The aim of this work was to characterize the specific ion effect of H+on variably charged soil(yellow soil)colloid aggregation.The total average aggregation(TAA)rate,critical coagulation concentration(CCC),activation energy,and zeta potential were used to characterize and compare the specific ion effects of H+,K+,and Na+.Results showed that strong specific ion effects of H+,K+,and Na+existed in variably charged soil colloid aggregation.The TAA rate,CCC,and activation energy were sensitive to H+,and the addition of a small amount of H+changed the TAA rate,CCC,and activation energy markedly.The zeta potential results indicated that the specific ion effects of H+,K+,and Na+on soil colloid aggregation were caused by the specific ion effects of H+,K+,and Na+on the soil electric field strength.In addition,the origin of the specific ion effect for H+was its chemical adsorption onto surfaces,while those for alkali cations were non-classic polarization.This study indicated that H+,which occurs naturally in variably charged soils,will dominate variably charged soil colloid aggregation.

Effects of fatty acid chain length and degree of unsaturation on the surface activities of monoacyl trehaloses

The surface properties of monoacyl trehaloses with different acyl chains were investigated at 30℃,40℃,50℃,and 60℃.Monoacyl trehaloses were enzymatically synthesized and purified with silica gel column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),and the purity of products was identified by mass spectrometry(MS)and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR).The surface tension of monoacyl trehalose in pure water was measured using Doüy ring method at different temperatures.The critical micelle concentrations(CMC),surface tension at the CMC,γCMC,and residual area per molecule,a,were estimated from the curves.The CMC value of unsaturated monoacyl trehalose was affected by both the degree of unsaturation and the acyl chain length,and the effect of chain length on the CMC value was much stronger than that of the unsaturation degree.However,there was no significant dependency of theγCMC value and a values on the chain length or the unsaturated degree.

Effects of low molecular weight organic acids on aggregation behavior of biochar colloids at acid and neutral conditions

Low molecular weight organic acids(LMWOAs),as active components in the rhizosphere carbon cycling,may influence the environmental behaviors of biochar colloids.This study selected the pine-wood and wheat-straw biochars(PB and WB)as two typical biochars.The effects of typical LMWOAs(oxalic acid,citric acid,and malic acid)on aggregation kinetics of PB and WB colloids were investigated under pH 4 and 6 conditions.Critical coagulation concentrations(CCCs)of both PB and WB colloids were decreased with the LMWOAs regardless of the types of biochar and the solution pH,and the most significant effect occurred in pH 4 due to more LMWOAs sorption on the biochar colloids.The different types of LMWOAs caused various CCCs changes.For example,the CCC values of PB colloids decreased from 75 mM to 56,52,and 47 mM in the pH 4 NaCl solutions when 1 mM oxalic acid,citric acid,and malic acid were present in the suspensions,respectively.The chemical structure(functional groups)and molecular weight of LMWOAs,solution pH,and the electrophoretic mobility(EPM)of biochar co-influence the interactions between biochar colloids and LMWOAs,thus affecting the stability of biochar colloids in the presence of LMWOAs.The presence of LMWOAs accelerated the aggregation of colloidal biochar by increasing the interaction of surface bridging bonds(hydrogen bonding)and decreasing the repulsive force between colloidal biochar particles.This study showed that LMWOAs could accelerate the aggregation of biochar colloids in acidic or neutral environments and reduce the mobility of biochar colloids in soil rhizosphere.

Accurate and sensitive probing of onset of micellization based on absolute aggregation-caused quenching effect

Probing the onset of micellization,or determining the critical micelle concentration(CMC),is of crucial importance while remains to be challenged by growing demand for extraordinary sensitivity and accuracy.Although fluorometry has attracted wide attention owing to its superiority in simplicity and sensitivity over other methods,the presence and fluctuation of background fluorescence of conventional fluorescent probes undermine the accuracy of CMC determination.Herein,a series of novel fluorescent probes without background fluorescence at a concentration below CMC owing to absolute aggregation-caused quenching(aACQ)are utilized for sensitive and accurate measurement of CMC.The aACQ probes aggregate spontaneously and instantly in an aqueous environment owing to molecular π-π stacking with fluorescence quenching absolutely.Therefore,the absence of background fluorescence at a concentration below CMC clears relevant interference associated with conventional fluorophores.In this study,the new method is applied for versatile surfactants with CMCs ranging from nanomolar to millimolar concentrations,especially copolymers with ultralow CMC.The higher sensitivity and accuracy are highlighted by comparison with conventional probes.