The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
13 pages, 835 KiB  
Article
Medium- and Long-Term Electric Vehicle Ownership Forecasting for Urban Residents
by Zhao-Xia Xiao, Jiang-Wei Jia, Xiang-Yu Liu, Hong-Kun Bai, Qiu-Yan Li and Yuan-Peng Hua
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050212 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
With the rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Chinese cities, accurately forecasting the number of EVs used by urban residents in the next five years and more long term is beneficial for the government to adjust industrial policies of EVs, guide the [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Chinese cities, accurately forecasting the number of EVs used by urban residents in the next five years and more long term is beneficial for the government to adjust industrial policies of EVs, guide the rational planning of urban charging facilities and supporting distribution network, and achieve the rational and orderly development of the EV industry. The paper considers the advantages of using the grey GM(1,1) prediction model to predict the short-term ownership of EVs by urban residents. Then, by forecasting the number of EV users in a certain city in the future and predicting the number of private vehicles in the future, the boundary conditions for long-term year ownership of EVs by residents are determined. Combined with historical data and short-term forecast data generated by the grey prediction model, the model parameters that include the innovation coefficient and imitation coefficient of the Bass model are trained using a genetic algorithm. Finally, the Bass model is used for medium- to long-term ownership forecasting from 2023 to 2040. The prediction error for the target year is provided. The simulation results indicate that the ownership of resident EVs in this city will experience rapid growth in the next five years. Full article
13 pages, 1511 KiB  
Article
Environmental Surveillance through Machine Learning-Empowered Utilization of Optical Networks
by Hasan Awad, Fehmida Usmani, Emanuele Virgillito, Rudi Bratovich, Roberto Proietti, Stefano Straullu, Francesco Aquilino, Rosanna Pastorelli and Vittorio Curri
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3041; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103041 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
We present the use of interconnected optical mesh networks for early earthquake detection and localization, exploiting the existing terrestrial fiber infrastructure. Employing a waveplate model, we integrate real ground displacement data from seven earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from four to six to simulate [...] Read more.
We present the use of interconnected optical mesh networks for early earthquake detection and localization, exploiting the existing terrestrial fiber infrastructure. Employing a waveplate model, we integrate real ground displacement data from seven earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from four to six to simulate the strains within fiber cables and collect a large set of light polarization evolution data. These simulations help to enhance a machine learning model that is trained and validated to detect primary wave arrivals that precede earthquakes’ destructive surface waves. The validation results show that the model achieves over 95% accuracy. The machine learning model is then tested against an M4.3 earthquake, exploiting three interconnected mesh networks as a smart sensing grid. Each network is equipped with a sensing fiber placed to correspond with three distinct seismic stations. The objective is to confirm earthquake detection across the interconnected networks, localize the epicenter coordinates via a triangulation method and calculate the fiber-to-epicenter distance. This setup allows early warning generation for municipalities close to the epicenter location, progressing to those further away. The model testing shows a 98% accuracy in detecting primary waves and a one second detection time, affording nearby areas 21 s to take countermeasures, which extends to 57 s in more distant areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Optical Sensors 2024)
27 pages, 16687 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Variations in Synthesis Conditions on the Phase Composition, Strength and Shielding Characteristics of CuBi2O4 Films
by Dauren B. Kadyrzhanov, Medet T. Idinov, Dmitriy I. Shlimas and Artem L. Kozlovskiy
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050453 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the results of the influence of variation of the synthesis conditions of CuBi/CuBi2O4 films with a change in the applied potential difference, as well as a change in electrolyte solutions (in the case of adding cobalt or [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of the influence of variation of the synthesis conditions of CuBi/CuBi2O4 films with a change in the applied potential difference, as well as a change in electrolyte solutions (in the case of adding cobalt or nickel sulfates to the electrolyte solution) on changes in the phase composition, structural parameters and strength characteristics of films obtained using the electrochemical deposition method. During the experiments, it was found that, in the case of the addition of cobalt or nickel to the electrolyte solutions, the formation of films with a spinel-type tetragonal CuBi2O4 phase is observed. In this case, a growth in the applied potential difference leads to the substitution of copper with cobalt (nickel), which in turn leads to an increase in the structural ordering degree. It should be noted that, during the formation of CuBi/CuBi2O4 films from solution–electrolyte №1, the formation of the CuBi2O4 phase is observed only with an applied potential difference of 4.0 V, while the addition of cobalt or nickel sulfates to the electrolyte solution results in the formation of the tetragonal CuBi2O4 phase over the entire range of the applied potential difference (from 2.0 to 4.0 V). Studies have been carried out on the strength and tribological characteristics of synthesized films depending on the conditions of their production. It has been established that the addition of cobalt or nickel sulfates to electrolyte solutions leads to an increase in the strength of the resulting films from 20 to 80%, depending on the production conditions (with variations in the applied potential difference). During the studies, it was established that substitution of copper with cobalt or nickel in the composition of CuBi2O4 films results in a rise in the shielding efficiency of low-energy gamma radiation by 3.0–4.0 times in comparison with copper films, and 1.5–2.0 times for high-energy gamma rays, in which case the decrease in efficiency is due to differences in the mechanisms of interaction of gamma quanta, as well as the occurrence of secondary radiation as a result of the formation of electron–positron pairs and the Compton effect. Full article
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18 pages, 3629 KiB  
Article
Protective Effects of Dietary Vitamin D3, Turmeric Powder, and Their Combination against Gasoline Intoxication in Rats
by Gulfira A. Yestemirova, Zura B. Yessimsiitova and Michael Danilenko
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050619 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The inhalation of gasoline vapors (GV) is associated with developing various pathologies. Particularly, oil refinery and gas station workers are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and hematological disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, preventing the harmful [...] Read more.
The inhalation of gasoline vapors (GV) is associated with developing various pathologies. Particularly, oil refinery and gas station workers are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and hematological disorders, including acute myeloid leukemia. Therefore, preventing the harmful effects of GV and alleviating their consequences appear to be important and timely issues. In this study, we investigated the potential of vitamin D3, turmeric powder, and their combination to ameliorate the toxicity of gasoline fumes in rats. Separate groups of animals fed with a standard rodent diet, with or without the supplementation of vitamin D3 (750 IU/kg body weight) and/or turmeric powder (0.5%, w/w, in food), were untreated or treated with GV (11.5 ± 1.3 cm3/h/m3/day) for 30, 60, or 90 days. Changes in the body weight were monitored weekly. Histological, biochemical, and hematological parameters were determined at the end of each treatment period. While the exposure of rats to GV resulted in a time-dependent reduction in body weight, supplementation with vitamin D3, but not with turmeric root powder or their combination, partially prevented weight loss. Macroscopical and histological analyses showed pronounced time-dependent changes in the organs and tissues of GV-treated rats. These included alveolar wall collapse in the lungs, the destruction of the lobular structure and hepatocytolysis in the liver, the shrinkage and fragmentation of glomeruli in the kidneys, and the disorganization of the lymphoid follicles in the spleen. However, co-treatment with the nutritional supplements tested, especially vitamin D3, noticeably alleviated the above conditions. This was accompanied by a significant improvement in the blood chemistry and hematological parameters. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the harmful effects of environmental exposure to GV can be reduced upon supplementation of vitamin D3. The fact that the protective activity of vitamin D3 alone was higher than that of turmeric root powder or the combined treatment suggests that combinations of these supplements may not always be more beneficial than each agent applied separately. Full article
22 pages, 2273 KiB  
Article
Robust Fixed-Time Fault-Tolerant Control for USV with Prescribed Tracking Performance
by Zifu Li and Kai Lei
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050799 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The unmanned surface vessel (USV) is an emerging marine tool with its advantages of automation and intelligence in recent years; the good trajectory tracking performance is an important capability. This paper proposes a novel prescribed performance fixed-time fault-tolerant control scheme for a USV [...] Read more.
The unmanned surface vessel (USV) is an emerging marine tool with its advantages of automation and intelligence in recent years; the good trajectory tracking performance is an important capability. This paper proposes a novel prescribed performance fixed-time fault-tolerant control scheme for a USV with model parameter uncertainties, unknown external disturbances, and actuator faults, based on an improved fixed-time disturbances observer. Firstly, the proposed observer can not only accurately and quickly estimate and compensate the lumped nonlinearity, including actuator faults, but also reduce the chattering phenomenon by introducing the hyperbolic tangent function. Then, under the framework of prescribed performance control, a prescribed performance fault-tolerant controller is designed based on a nonsingular fixed-time sliding mode surface, which guarantees the transient and steady-state performance of a USV under actuator faults and meets the prescribed tracking performance requirements. In addition, it is proved that the closed-loop control system has fixed-time stability according to Lyapunov’s theory. Finally, upon conducting numerical simulations and comparing the proposed control scheme with the SMC and the finite-time NFTSMC scheme, it is evident that the absolute error tracking performance index of the proposed control scheme is significantly lower, thus indicating its superior accuracy. Full article
19 pages, 3021 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Potential of Amentoflavone in Adult Zebrafish Undergoing Alcohol Withdrawal: In Vivo and In Silico Studies
by Lucas Soares Frota, Wildson Max Barbosa da Silva, Daniela Ribeiro Alves, Sacha Aubrey Alves Santos Rodrigues, Gabriela Alves do Nascimento, Francisco Ernani Alves Magalhães, Adriana Rolim Campos and Selene Maia de Morais
Receptors 2024, 3(2), 201-219; https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors3020011 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The constant use of alcoholic beverages can deregulate serotonin levels, affecting neurotransmitters and triggering symptoms of anxiety. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the anxiolytic potential and possible action mechanisms of the natural compound amentoflavone against the deleterious [...] Read more.
The constant use of alcoholic beverages can deregulate serotonin levels, affecting neurotransmitters and triggering symptoms of anxiety. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the anxiolytic potential and possible action mechanisms of the natural compound amentoflavone against the deleterious effects caused by alcohol withdrawal on the behavior of adult zebrafish (aZF). The experiments showed that amentoflavone did not change locomotion and did not cause toxicity in aZF during up to 96 h of analysis, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) greater than 1.0 mg/mL. The reversal of anxiety by pretreatment with granisetron suggested that the anxiolytic effect of amentoflavone is dependent on serotonergic 5-HT3A/3B receptors. Furthermore, amentoflavone reversed anxiety due to flumazenil pretreatment, suggesting a dependence on the GABAA receptor. The three concentrations of amentoflavone tested were effective in treating anxiety resulting from alcohol withdrawal. In silico analysis validated the in vivo results, supporting the idea that the interaction of amentoflavone with the protein occurs in a more stable manner than reference compounds. Amid growing interest in natural alternatives to treat anxiety disorders, amentoflavone is a potential candidate for a new anxiolytic compound that acts specifically on the 5HT3A/3B and GABAergic serotonergic pathways. Full article
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18 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
Demographics and Fives Cs of PYD as Predictors of the Domains of Contribution among Youth in Nigeria
by Temitayo Kofoworola Olurin
Youth 2024, 4(2), 661-678; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4020045 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In recent times, research has focused on positive youth development (PYD) amidst the deficits of youth. However, little is known about PYD and its potential to predict social engagement. Thus, this study aimed to examine the presence of the 5Cs of PYD (competence, [...] Read more.
In recent times, research has focused on positive youth development (PYD) amidst the deficits of youth. However, little is known about PYD and its potential to predict social engagement. Thus, this study aimed to examine the presence of the 5Cs of PYD (competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring) and its difference in gender and prediction to contribution, specifically social engagement among family, peers, schools, and community. The sample size consisted of Nigerian youth in University (N = 394, Mage = 18.42, SD = 1.02). The PYD framework served as the theoretical perspective underpinning the study. Questionnaires were administered using the 5Cs model of PYD and contribution items. Data were analysed for descriptive, correlations, and hierarchical regression to examine the predictors of contribution while controlling for demographics. The results showed greater scores in competence, connection, and character for women. Competence and connection (β = 0.56, p < 0.05) specifically had significantly independent associations with community volunteerism. While the findings highlight the Cs experienced and predictive values among each variable in the Nigerian context, future research could consider how each domain of the 5Cs holistically promotes contribution equally in males and females among diverse Nigerian youth. The research has implications for research, policy, and practice. Full article
14 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Racism and Mental Health: The Moderating Role of Critical Consciousness for Black Adolescents
by Elan C. Hope, Alexandrea R. Golden and Nkemka Anyiwo
Youth 2024, 4(2), 647-660; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4020044 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This study examined experiences of individual, institutional, and cultural racism, along with critical consciousness (i.e., critical reflection, critical agency, critical action), and how they are associated with mental health outcomes for Black adolescents (N = 604; Mage = 15.4; 47.4% female). [...] Read more.
This study examined experiences of individual, institutional, and cultural racism, along with critical consciousness (i.e., critical reflection, critical agency, critical action), and how they are associated with mental health outcomes for Black adolescents (N = 604; Mage = 15.4; 47.4% female). Consistent with previous research, we found that more experiences of racism were associated with more mental health distress for Black adolescents. We also found that the relationship between racism and mental health varied by critical reflection and critical action, in a three-way interaction effect. The positive association between racism and mental health distress was weaker for the Black adolescents in our sample who reported higher than average critical reflection and lower than average critical action. This evidence suggests that the reflection and action components of critical consciousness, together, can serve as an adaptive coping strategy to guard against the harm racism can cause to mental health. Black adolescents experience less mental health distress when they have a deep understanding of oppression, but do not engage heavily in actions to dismantle those unjust systems. These findings have implications for how youth researchers and practitioners can support critical consciousness development in ways that do not compromise adolescent mental health. Full article
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15 pages, 949 KiB  
Article
SARS-CoV-2-Induced Type I Interferon Signaling Dysregulation in Olfactory Networks Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
by George D. Vavougios, Theodoros Mavridis, Triantafyllos Doskas, Olga Papaggeli, Pelagia Foka and Georgios Hadjigeorgiou
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(5), 4565-4579; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050277 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Type I interferon signaling (IFN-I) perturbations are major drivers of COVID-19. Dysregulated IFN-I in the brain, however, has been linked to both reduced cognitive resilience and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Previous works from our group have proposed a model where peripheral induction [...] Read more.
Type I interferon signaling (IFN-I) perturbations are major drivers of COVID-19. Dysregulated IFN-I in the brain, however, has been linked to both reduced cognitive resilience and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Previous works from our group have proposed a model where peripheral induction of IFN-I may be relayed to the CNS, even in the absence of fulminant infection. The aim of our study was to identify significantly enriched IFN-I signatures and genes along the transolfactory route, utilizing published datasets of the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb amygdala transcriptomes of COVID-19 patients. We furthermore sought to identify these IFN-I signature gene networks associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology and risk. Gene expression data involving the nasal epithelium, olfactory bulb, and amygdala of COVID-19 patients and transcriptomic data from Alzheimer’s disease patients were scrutinized for enriched Type I interferon pathways. Gene set enrichment analyses and gene–Venn approaches were used to determine genes in IFN-I enriched signatures. The Agora web resource was used to identify genes in IFN-I signatures associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk based on its aggregated multi-omic data. For all analyses, false discovery rates (FDR) <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Pathways associated with type I interferon signaling were found in all samples tested. Each type I interferon signature was enriched by IFITM and OAS family genes. A 14-gene signature was associated with COVID-19 CNS and the response to Alzheimer’s disease pathology, whereas nine genes were associated with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease based on Agora. Our study provides further support to a type I interferon signaling dysregulation along the extended olfactory network as reconstructed herein, ranging from the nasal epithelium and extending to the amygdala. We furthermore identify the 14 genes implicated in this dysregulated pathway with Alzheimer’s disease pathology, among which HLA-C, HLA-B, HLA-A, PSMB8, IFITM3, HLA-E, IFITM1, OAS2, and MX1 as genes with associated conferring increased risk for the latter. Further research into its druggability by IFNb therapeutics may be warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Neuroinflammation)
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19 pages, 5555 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Water Area of an Inland River Terminal Lake (Taitma Lake) Driven by Climate Change and Human Activities, 2017–2022
by Feng Zi, Yong Wang, Shanlong Lu, Harrison Odion Ikhumhen, Chun Fang, Xinru Li, Nan Wang and Xinya Kuang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101703 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Constructed from a dataset capturing the seasonal and annual water body distribution of the lower Qarqan River in the Taitma Lake area from 2017 to 2022, and combined with the meteorological and hydraulic engineering data, the spatial and temporal change patterns of the [...] Read more.
Constructed from a dataset capturing the seasonal and annual water body distribution of the lower Qarqan River in the Taitma Lake area from 2017 to 2022, and combined with the meteorological and hydraulic engineering data, the spatial and temporal change patterns of the Taitma Lake watershed area were determined. Analyses were conducted using Planetscope (PS) satellite images and a deep learning model. The results revealed the following: ① Deep learning-based water body extraction provides significantly greater accuracy than the conventional water body index approach. With an impressive accuracy of up to 96.0%, UPerNet was found to provide the most effective extraction results among the three convolutional neural networks (U-Net, DeeplabV3+, and UPerNet) used for semantic segmentation; ② Between 2017 and 2022, Taitma Lake’s water area experienced a rapid decrease, with the distribution of water predominantly shifting towards the east–west direction more than the north–south. The shifts between 2017 and 2020 and between 2020 and 2022 were clearly discernible, with the latter stage (2020–2022) being more significant than the former (2017–2020); ③ According to observations, Taitma Lake’s changing water area has been primarily influenced by human activity over the last six years. Based on the research findings of this paper, it was observed that this study provides a valuable scientific basis for water resource allocation aiming to balance the development of water resources in the middle and upper reaches of the Tarim and Qarqan Rivers, as well as for the ecological protection of the downstream Taitma Lake. Full article
14 pages, 1059 KiB  
Review
Adverse Skeletal Muscle Adaptations in Individuals Born Preterm—A Comprehensive Review
by Nick L. Dobson, Danielle E. Levitt, Hui Ying Luk and Heather L. Vellers
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(5), 4551-4564; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46050276 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Infants born preterm face an increased risk of deleterious effects on lung and brain health that can significantly alter long-term function and quality of life and even lead to death. Moreover, preterm birth is also associated with a heightened risk of diabetes and [...] Read more.
Infants born preterm face an increased risk of deleterious effects on lung and brain health that can significantly alter long-term function and quality of life and even lead to death. Moreover, preterm birth is also associated with a heightened risk of diabetes and obesity later in life, leading to an increased risk of all-cause mortality in young adults born prematurely. While these preterm-birth-related conditions have been well characterized, less is known about the long-term effects of preterm birth on skeletal muscle health and, specifically, an individual’s skeletal muscle hypertrophic potential later in life. In this review, we discuss how a confluence of potentially interrelated and self-perpetuating elements associated with preterm birth might converge on anabolic and catabolic pathways to ultimately blunt skeletal muscle hypertrophy, identifying critical areas for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Molecular Mechanisms in Human Diseases)
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13 pages, 2859 KiB  
Article
Production of Anthocyanin-Rich Red Rose Petal Extract by Enzymatic Maceration
by Bernardo Dias Ribeiro, Rachel de Moraes Ferreira, Liliana Areia Bastos Coelho and Daniel Weingart Barreto
Biomass 2024, 4(2), 429-441; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4020021 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The use of enzymes to hydrolyze the plant cell matrix is a method known for extracting bioactive substances. The current work used this strategy to produce a rose petal extract rich in anthocyanins that is stable in the presence of marine polysaccharides and [...] Read more.
The use of enzymes to hydrolyze the plant cell matrix is a method known for extracting bioactive substances. The current work used this strategy to produce a rose petal extract rich in anthocyanins that is stable in the presence of marine polysaccharides and has a high antioxidant activity. The process evaluation was carried out sequentially, initially comparing water, ethanol, and their mixtures to anthocyanins extracted in the presence or absence of enzymes. Then, a multi-objective desirability function optimized experimental conditions such as solvent and enzyme concentrations. This study is the first report describing the use of a statistical tool, the central composite rotatable design (CCRD), to optimize anthocyanin extraction from rose petals. This method obtained a maximum extraction of 9.99 mg/g of phenols. The stability of the rose petal extract when using marine polysaccharides retained 60% of the anthocyanins over 28 days without deterioration when protected from sunlight but was practically degraded upon exposure to sunlight. The rose petal extract demonstrated a very high antioxidant capacity of 3.19 μg/mL, close to the literature data for citrus compounds, known to be high in antioxidant compounds for cosmetic food purposes. Full article
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22 pages, 2504 KiB  
Article
Status of Livability in Indonesian Affordable Housing
by Laksana Gema Perdamaian and Zhiqiang (John) Zhai
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 281-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020017 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Indonesia is experiencing population growth, as well as urbanization, thus increasing the needs of housing. As a result, land prices are soaring, and the housing supply cannot meet the demand. The most recent measure to overcome housing problems is the One Million House [...] Read more.
Indonesia is experiencing population growth, as well as urbanization, thus increasing the needs of housing. As a result, land prices are soaring, and the housing supply cannot meet the demand. The most recent measure to overcome housing problems is the One Million House Program, which aims to provide more than a million homes annually, with the majority of them being simple housing. The main characteristics of simple housing are limited space, limited facilities, and the use of basic materials. Regulation stated that any housing must satisfy the requirement of livable housing, which means the fulfilment of safety, health, and living-area requirements. This paper looks at affordability, livability, and sustainability criteria based on government regulation. It is found that the performance of housing cannot satisfy some of the requirements. The problems come from either inherently limited housing design, occupant requirements, or local climates. The existing research only focuses on one of three factors. Intertwined relationships between the three factors make an integrated approach necessary. A solution based on integrated performance modeling of the criteria is proposed. Full article
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11 pages, 1499 KiB  
Article
Temporal Bone Fractures and Related Complications in Pediatric and Adult Cranio-Facial Trauma: A Comparison of MDCT Findings in the Acute Emergency Setting
by Romain Kohler, Marcella Pucci, Basile Landis, Pascal Senn, Pierre-Alexandre Poletti, Paolo Scolozzi, Seema Toso, Minerva Becker and Alexandra Platon
Tomography 2024, 10(5), 727-737; https://doi.org/10.3390/tomography10050056 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting. Methods: A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series [...] Read more.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting. Methods: A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series of 294 consecutive adult and pediatric patients with cranio-facial trauma investigated in the emergency setting was conducted. Findings were compared between the two populations. Preliminary reports made by on-call residents were compared with the retrospective analysis, which was performed in consensus by two experienced readers and served as reference standard. Results: CT revealed 126 fractures in 116/294 (39.5%) patients, although fractures were clinically suspected only in 70/294 (23.8%); p < 0.05. Fractures were longitudinal, transverse and mixed in 69.5%, 10.3% and 19.8% of cases, respectively. Most fractures were otic-sparing fractures (95.2%). Involvement of the external auditory canal, ossicular chain and the osseous structures surrounding the facial nerve was present in 72.2%, 8.7% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Temporal bone fractures extended into the venous sinuses/jugular foramen and carotid canal in 18.3% and 17.5% of cases, respectively. Vascular injuries (carotid dissection and venous thrombosis) were more common in children than in adults (13.6% versus 5.3%); however, the observed difference did not reach statistical significance. 79.5% of patients with temporal bone fractures had both brain injuries and fractures of the facial bones and cranial vault. Brain injuries were more common in adults (90.4%) than in children (63.6%), p = 0.001. Although on-call residents reliably detected temporal bone fractures (sensitivity = 92.8%), they often missed trauma-associated ossicular dislocation (sensitivity = 27.3%). Conclusions: Temporal bone fractures and related complications are common in patients with cranio-facial trauma and need to be thoroughly looked for; the pattern of associated injuries is slightly different in children and in adults. Full article
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26 pages, 7941 KiB  
Article
Spatial and Temporal Changes in the Fish Fauna of a Low-Inflow Estuary following a Mass Mortality Event and Natural and Artificial Bar Breaches
by James R. Tweedley, Stephen J. Beatty, Alan Cottingham, David L. Morgan, Kath Lynch and Alan J. Lymbery
Coasts 2024, 4(2), 366-391; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts4020019 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Estuaries that become closed from the ocean through the formation of a sand bar are particularly susceptible to degradation and often experience poor water quality and fish kills. Sampling was conducted seasonally for two years in the deeper waters of the Vasse–Wonnerup (southwestern [...] Read more.
Estuaries that become closed from the ocean through the formation of a sand bar are particularly susceptible to degradation and often experience poor water quality and fish kills. Sampling was conducted seasonally for two years in the deeper waters of the Vasse–Wonnerup (southwestern Australia) after a large fish mortality event to identify the fish species present and determine if richness, abundance, diversity and faunal composition differed among regions and over time. Species richness, abundance and diversity were far greater in the downstream regions than in the upstream regions, reflecting patterns in salinity. Catch rates of two marine estuarine-opportunist mugilids (Mugil cephalus and Aldrichetta forsteri) and an estuarine-resident sparid (Acanthopagrus butcheri), which were the species most affected by the mortality event, were relatively stable. It is suggested that before sampling commenced, mugilids had entered the estuary following an artificial sand bar breach, while the loss of 0+ (new recruits) A. butcheri in the mortality event and subsequent recruitment failure prevented stocks from increasing. Temporal shifts in fish composition were driven by less abundant species, which utilized the estuary more opportunistically. Increases in the occurrences and abundances of these species coincided with an open bar and salinities close to those of seawater. The data also show how the estuary responds to differing hydrodynamic phases and artificial breaches. Full article
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25 pages, 4593 KiB  
Article
Lightweight Convolutional Network with Integrated Attention Mechanism for Missing Bolt Detection in Railways
by Mujadded Al Rabbani Alif and Muhammad Hussain
Metrology 2024, 4(2), 254-278; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrology4020016 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Railway infrastructure safety is a paramount concern, with bolt integrity being a critical component. In the realm of railway maintenance, the detection of missing bolts is a vital task that ensures the stability and safety of tracks. Traditionally, this task has been approached [...] Read more.
Railway infrastructure safety is a paramount concern, with bolt integrity being a critical component. In the realm of railway maintenance, the detection of missing bolts is a vital task that ensures the stability and safety of tracks. Traditionally, this task has been approached through manual inspections or conventional automated methods, which are often time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. Addressing these challenges, this paper presents a state-of-the-art solution with the development of a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) featuring an integrated attention mechanism. This novel model is engineered to be computationally efficient while maintaining high accuracy, making it particularly suitable for real-time analysis in resource-constrained environments commonly found in railway inspections. The proposed CNN utilises a distinctive architecture that synergises the speed of lightweight networks with the precision of attention-based mechanisms. By integrating an attention mechanism, the network selectively concentrates on regions of interest within the image, effectively enhancing the model’s capability to identify missing bolts with remarkable accuracy. Comprehensive testing showcases a remarkable 96.43% accuracy and an impressive 96 F1-score, substantially outperforming existing deep learning frameworks in the context of missing bolt detection. Key contributions of this research include the model’s innovative attention-integrated approach, which significantly reduces the model complexity without compromising detection performance. Additionally, the model offers scalability and adaptability to various railway settings, proving its efficacy not just in controlled environments but also in diverse real-world scenarios. Extensive experiments, rigorous evaluations, and real-time deployment results collectively underscore the transformative potential of the presented CNN model in advancing the domain of railway safety maintenance. Full article
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11 pages, 1309 KiB  
Article
Genes of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Involved in Biofilm Formation
by Seulgi Lee and Jinru Chen
Appl. Microbiol. 2024, 4(2), 771-781; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol4020053 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Although biofilms contribute to bacterial tolerance to desiccation and survival in low-moisture foods, the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation have not been fully understood. This study created a mutant library from Salmonella Enteritidis using mini-Tn10 transposon mutagenesis. The biofilm-forming potential of acquired [...] Read more.
Although biofilms contribute to bacterial tolerance to desiccation and survival in low-moisture foods, the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm formation have not been fully understood. This study created a mutant library from Salmonella Enteritidis using mini-Tn10 transposon mutagenesis. The biofilm-forming potential of acquired mutants was assessed before the genomic DNA of the mutants that formed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) less biofilm mass than their wildtype parent strain was extracted for deep DNA sequencing. The gene of each mutant interrupted by mini-Tn10 insertion was identified by aligning obtained sequencing data with the reference Genbank sequences using a BLAST search. Sixty-four mutant colonies were selected, and five mutants that formed the least amount of biofilm mass compared to the wildtype parent strain were selected for sequencing analysis. The results of the BLAST search revealed that the gene interrupted by mini-Tn10 in each mutant is responsible for the biosynthesis of aldehyde dehydrogenase (EutE), cysteine desulfurase (SufS or SufE), a transporter protein, porin OmpL, and a ribbon–helix–helix protein from the CopG family, respectively. Knock-off mutant construction is a possible approach to verify the potential of the identified genes to serve as targets of antimicrobial intervention to control Salmonella colonization on low-moisture foods and in their production environment. Full article
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19 pages, 1871 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Online Reviews on Consumers’ Purchase Intentions: Examining the Social Influence of Online Reviews, Group Similarity, and Self-Construal
by Yunjeong Ahn and Jieun Lee
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(2), 1060-1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19020055 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Consumers often rely on evaluations such as online reviews shared by other consumers when making purchasing decisions. Online reviews have emerged as a crucial marketing tool that offers a distinct advantage over traditional methods by fostering trust among consumers. Previous studies have identified [...] Read more.
Consumers often rely on evaluations such as online reviews shared by other consumers when making purchasing decisions. Online reviews have emerged as a crucial marketing tool that offers a distinct advantage over traditional methods by fostering trust among consumers. Previous studies have identified group similarity between consumers and reviewers as a key variable with a potential impact on consumer responses and purchase intention. However, the results remain inconclusive. In this study, we identify self-construal and group similarity as key factors in the influence of online review ratings on consumers’ purchase intentions. We further investigate the role of consumers’ self-construal in shaping consumers’ perceptions of online reviews in terms of belongingness and diagnosticity. To test the hypothesis, we conducted a 2 (online review rating) × 2 (group similarity) × 2 (self-construal) ANOVA on 276 subjects collected through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), and contrast analysis and PROCESS macro model 12 were used for the interaction effect analysis and moderated mediation analysis. Our findings reveal that consumers with an interdependent self-construal are sensitive to both review ratings and group similarity with regards to their purchase intentions. They demonstrate a positive purchase intention when both group similarity and online review ratings are high. However, their purchase intention is not influenced by review ratings when group similarity is low. Conversely, consumers with an independent self-construal exhibit a more positive purchase intention when the online review rating is high, irrespective of group similarity. Additionally, our study highlights the mediating roles of perceived diagnosticity and belongingness in the relationship between online review ratings, group similarity, self-construal, and purchase intentions. Results show significant indirect effects for perceived diagnosticity and belongingness, meaning that the impact of online review ratings on purchase intention is mediated by these two variables. The outcomes of our research offer theoretical and practical implications concerning online reviews and suggest new avenues for future research in the area of online consumer behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Digital Marketing and the Connected Consumer)
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26 pages, 2759 KiB  
Article
Research on B2C Cross-Border Electronic Commerce Return Logistics Model Selection Based on Estimated Return Rate
by Yi Li and Zhiyang Li
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(2), 1034-1059; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19020054 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the estimated return rate and optimal order quantity under three cross-border e-commerce return logistics modes: direct mail (from predecessor), in situ destruction (new), and insurance (new). The estimated return rate under each model was analyzed and it was found that [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the estimated return rate and optimal order quantity under three cross-border e-commerce return logistics modes: direct mail (from predecessor), in situ destruction (new), and insurance (new). The estimated return rate under each model was analyzed and it was found that different modes have different thresholds in delivery lead time (the time retailers need to deliver goods to customers), and within which the estimated return rate increases as the delivery lead time increases. And a size comparison of the estimated return rates for the three models was conducted. A profit model was constructed based on the estimated return rate model, the optimal order quantity was calculated, and the effects of different factors (tax, postage, and delivery lead time etc.) on it were analyzed. For the insurance model, the effect of bearing the insurance ratio between retailers and consumers on the optimal order quantity was examined. The goal of this paper was to construct a model of the estimated return rate for the two new modes and to compare the estimated return rate of the three modes, which provides a reference for retailers to choose among the diversified return logistics modes and then make the best ordering strategy according to the influence of different factors on the optimal order quantity. Full article
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13 pages, 1822 KiB  
Article
Density, Viscosity, Refractive Index, Speed of Sound, Molar Volume, Isobaric Thermal Compressibility, Excess Gibbs Activation for Fluid Flow, and Isentropic Compressibility of Binary Mixtures of Methanol with Anisole and with Toluene at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa
by Hannah S. Slocumb and Gerald R. Van Hecke
Liquids 2024, 4(2), 402-414; https://doi.org/10.3390/liquids4020021 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Density, viscosity, refractive index, and ultrasonic velocity were measured for the pure materials anisole, methanol, and toluene, and for the binary mixtures: methanol—anisole and methanol—toluene. Excess molar volume VE, isobaric thermal compressibility α, excess Gibbs activation energy for fluid flow [...] Read more.
Density, viscosity, refractive index, and ultrasonic velocity were measured for the pure materials anisole, methanol, and toluene, and for the binary mixtures: methanol—anisole and methanol—toluene. Excess molar volume VE, isobaric thermal compressibility α, excess Gibbs activation energy for fluid flow ΔGE*, and excess isentropic compressibility κSE were calculated from the measured quantities. For both binary mixtures VE and κSE were <0 while Δn > 0 and ΔGE* > 0 over the entire mole fraction composition range. Anisole mixtures exhibited more negative values for VE and κSE while more positive values were displayed for Δn and ΔGE* compared to toluene mixtures. For Δη, negative values were observed at low alcohol concentrations but positive values at high alcohol concentrations for both systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Solutions and Liquid Mixtures Research)
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11 pages, 1370 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Blood and Serum Microenvironment on Spin-Labeled Magnetic Nanoparticles
by Tomasz Kubiak
Magnetism 2024, 4(2), 114-124; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetism4020009 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The investigation and clarification of the properties of surface-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in a biological environment are key challenges prior to their medical applications. In the present work, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) combined with the spin labeling technique was utilized to better understand [...] Read more.
The investigation and clarification of the properties of surface-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles in a biological environment are key challenges prior to their medical applications. In the present work, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) combined with the spin labeling technique was utilized to better understand the behavior of nitroxides attached to magnetite nanoparticles dispersed in body fluid. EPR spectra of spin-labeled, silane-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles in human serum and whole blood were recorded and analyzed for both room- and low-temperature values. In all cases, the obtained EPR signal consisted of a broad line from magnetite cores and a characteristic signal from the attached 4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-amino-TEMPO). Even for liquid samples, the anisotropic components of magnetic tensors did not fully average out, which was reflected in the differences in the intensity of three narrow hyperfine lines from nitroxide. At 230 K the irregular slow-motion signal from the attached radical was also simulated using the EasySpin toolbox, which allowed to determine the parameters related to magnetic tensors and the dynamics of the spin label. The study showed that the anisotropy of the motion of the spin label 4-amino-TEMPO reflects its interactions with the surrounding medium and the manner of the attachment of the nitroxide to the surface of nanoparticles. Full article
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12 pages, 450 KiB  
Article
Understanding Clinical Learning Quality Aspects in Mental Health Nursing Practice Course among Students: A Comprehensive Examination
by Gizell Green and Sanaa Adawi
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 1136-1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14020086 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
There is a growing demand for comprehensive evaluations of the clinical learning quality of nursing education and the necessity to establish robust predictors and mediators for enhancing its outcomes within the context of mental health practice. This study is threefold: 1. Evaluating nursing [...] Read more.
There is a growing demand for comprehensive evaluations of the clinical learning quality of nursing education and the necessity to establish robust predictors and mediators for enhancing its outcomes within the context of mental health practice. This study is threefold: 1. Evaluating nursing students’ clinical learning quality before and after mental health nursing practice; 2. Establish if the grade of a theoretical course in mental health nursing and the student’s perception of their theoretical knowledge level predicts the grade of mental health nursing practice; 3. Explore how model learning opportunities, self-directed learning, safety, and nursing care quality mediate learning environment quality and tutorial strategies quality following mental health nursing practice. Using a before and after the study, 107 undergraduate nursing students at an Israeli university completed a questionnaire and the Clinical Learning Quality Evaluation Index tool to assess their perceptions of clinical learning quality before and after mental health nursing practice. The results showed a decline in students’ perceptions of tutorial strategy quality following mental health practical learning in clinical settings, with the theoretical course grade predicting the practical experience grade and underscoring the mediating role of learning opportunities between the learning environment and tutorial strategies. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of an adaptive learning environment and a solid theoretical foundation in fostering effective tutorial strategies and enhancing the overall learning outcomes for nursing students in mental health education. Full article
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3 pages, 170 KiB  
Editorial
Update of the Journal “Aims & Scope”
by Ana M. Díez-Pascual
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 282-284; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020016 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Almost four years have passed since I was appointed editor of the journal Macromol [...] Full article

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