Journal of Hunan University Natural Sciences

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a prototype IoT-based system for maize cultivation control at an agroecological farm. The novelty of this study lies in addressing the crisis of depletion of natural resources, food scarcity, and reduction of production costs through innovative and sustainable solutions to support future food and environmental security initiatives. The impact on the problem is that the implementation of automation techniques in Colombian agriculture could reduce costs, improve the quality and consistency of crops, and increase the competitiveness of farmers in the market. The methodology involved four phases: number evaluation, monitoring the operation of the IoT, design and implementation of the electronic system, and testing and maintenance. The research was conducted using a quantitative theoretical-practical approach. The results allowed us to provide solutions and contribute to XBee S2C technologies, the integration of a monitoring and control system that operates over long distances, managing real-time data, automating processes with a high degree of security for irrigation, and improving decision-making and efficiency in water management. The study enabled the implementation of RF devices, which helped ensure secure communication between nodes without data loss, which is essential for irrigation control systems.

Keywords: precision agriculture, maize cultivation, internet of things, sensors, control system.

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.7.18

The aim of this research is to simulate a wireless sensor network (WSN) and implement an internet-of-things (IoT) system to measure environmental variables, such as temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 in greenhouse farming, and to compare the plant stem lengths of tomato crops cultivated in both soil-based and hydroponic systems. The research is composed of two main stages: design and simulation of WSN, which includes the optimal placement of sensor nodes and checking communication protocols for data exchange, and implementation of the IoT system in the greenhouse by deploying physical sensor nodes, configuring the gateway, and establishing communication channels. The novelty of the research lies in the design and simulation of a WSN under the TrueTime framework (MATLAB, Simulink) prior to implementation, allowing us to avoid data loss, latency, and unnecessary implementation efforts. In addition, the evaluation of the aforementioned variables in tomato crops cultivated simultaneously in soil-based and hydroponic systems within a greenhouse was conducted to determine the most suitable method for implementation under tropical weather conditions. The research showed results similar to those of other studies regarding the simulation of a partial or complete WSN using MATLAB/Simulink. Allowing identifying that, hydroponics initially accelerates growth but later faces limitations due to root space; meanwhile, soil-based crops exhibit more uniform growth and yield larger, faster-ripening fruits. Compared to other studies, this research minimizes device quantity, reduces cost and complexity, and also successfully achieved environmental measurements, corroborating findings from other studies that also highlight the use of MATLAB/Simulink for simulating a WSN and components. The study found a match between simulated data communication and real-world data exchange between sensor nodes and gateway nodes, which is crucial for the reliability and accuracy of the sensor network. This study found that soil-based crops experienced less temperature stress due to microclimate variations, leading to uniform growth, which is an essential finding for agricultural practices. In addition, evidence indicates that both hydroponic and soil-based systems showed variations in stem size, where soil-based crops had larger stems at the end of the study period.

Keywords: greenhouse, internet of things, wireless sensor network, Zigbee, crops.

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.7.17

The focus of several researchers has been drawn to the surge in bacterial activity among humans and the resistance to antibacterial agents. The increasing interest in developing long-lasting antibacterial agents has been observed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use an in-silico approach to examine the specific inhibitory activity of pyrrolidine derivatives against the investigated receptor. Therefore, the inhibitory activities of the (2,6-diethylphenyl)-5-oxopyrrolidine derivatives were investigated using insilico approach. In this study, various software programs were employed, including Spartan 14, AutoDock Tools, AutoDock Vina, and Discovery Studio. Compound 9 exhibits the greatest propensity to yield electrons, as indicated by the calculated HOMO, and according to LUMO and band gap, Compound 5 demonstrates the highest potential to accept electrons and exhibit superior reactivity among the other compounds studied. Compounds 8 to 12 displayed the most potent ability to inhibit the Bacillus cereus spor-lytic enzyme (PDB ID: 4PHQ) and Cytolysin A (ClyA) CC6/264 ox (6-303) SleL (PDB ID: 4S3J) compared to other studied ligands. Our findings may open the door for the design of a collection of proficient pyrrolidine-based drug-like molecules as potential antibacterial agents.

Keywords: 2-oxopyrrolidine, antibacterial agent, protein, inhibitors, docking.

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.7.16

Perepat (Sonneratia alba) is a mangrove species widely reported to have potential as a medicinal plant. Encapsulation in coating technology has been developed to prevent bioactive damage and to improve bioavailability. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of ethanol extracts of Sonneratia alba (S. alba) leaves encapsulated using an inulin coating and to determine the encapsulation ability of ethanol extracts from perepat leaves. The highest total phenol and flavonoid extract levels were obtained in PKL at 171,880 mg GAE/g and 25,473 mg QE/g, respectively, in line with its antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ 3,544 μg/mL). The highest total phenol and flavonoid levels were obtained in PKL encapsulating 38.963 mg GAE/g and 5.583 mg QE/g, respectively, with an IC₅₀ of 91.571 μg/mL. IR results of encapsulated ethanol extracts of S. alba leaves from four different regions showed the presence of C-H alkane functional groups, C-H alkene functional groups, C-H aromatic ring functional groups, O-H functional groups, hydrogen/phenol bond alcohols, C=C alkene functional groups, and C-O functional groups of alcohol/ether/carboxylic acids/esters. The IR spectrum confirms the cross-linking reaction and the formation of the Encapsule. SEM produces particles of various sizes, irregular surface structures, and deep hollows in walls. The results of in vitro bioavailability testing of ethanol extract encapsulation from perepat leaves with inulin coating of PKL showed an increase in the percentage of drug release in the pH buffer 1.2 from the previous minute to minute 120, which increased to 41.41%. In the pH buffer 7.4 from the last minute to minute 240, there was an increase in drug release, reaching 98.54%. This finding shows that encapsulation of the extract has good potential as a capsule supplement.

Keywords: antioxidant, bioavailability, encapsule, Sonneratia alba.

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.7.15

The primary subject of this research is the role of drones and anti-drone means in the ongoing development of Indonesia’s national defense and security. Furthermore, the purpose is to identify the roles of drones and anti-drone means, and assess their potential in future special operations prosecuted by intelligence and security institutions. In addition to acquiring the necessary knowledge about electronics and aerodynamics, researchers must also master observations, interviews, discussions, and document study techniques. After data procurement is concluded, the data are analyzed and validated with information and news facts from open sources. There are two significant roles of drones in operations in the intended locations, namely surveillance and assault roles, in which these two roles are performed by drones with cutting-edge technology to fulfill the operations’ goals of attaining real-time military innovations.

Keywords: drone, anti-drone, intelligence, technology, defense, security.

https://doi.org/10.55463/issn.1674-2974.51.7.14