The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
11 pages, 1575 KiB  
Communication
Novel Tetrazolium-Based Colorimetric Assay for Helicase nsp13 in SARS-CoV-2
by Triet M. Pham, Morgan G. Howard, Shane M. Carey, Lindsey R. Baker and Edward L. D’Antonio
BioChem 2024, 4(2), 115-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/biochem4020006 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a human pathogenic virus that encodes for a helicase (SC2Hel) that is essential for viral replication. SC2Hel has the ability to unravel dsRNA or dsDNA in an NTP-dependent manner from the 5′ [...] Read more.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a human pathogenic virus that encodes for a helicase (SC2Hel) that is essential for viral replication. SC2Hel has the ability to unravel dsRNA or dsDNA in an NTP-dependent manner from the 5′ to 3′ directionality. The standard helicase assay from studies involving SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 have relied on the concept of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Adding to the collection of helicase assays, herein, we have developed a novel tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay system for the detection of ADP that is produced via SC2Hel activity. This SC2Hel assay combines three enzyme-coupled steps involving the ADP-dependent Thermococcus litoralis glucokinase (TlGlcK), Leuconostoc mesenteroides glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (LmG6PDH), and Clostridium kluyveri diaphorase (CkDIA). Iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT), a colorimetric tetrazolium reagent, was used in the final step of the assay that converted into INT-formazan during reduction. INT-formazan in the assay’s buffered solution at pH 7.6 exhibited an intense colorimetric response at a wavelength maximum of 505 nm. The assay exhibited excellent performance characteristics as it revealed a Z’ factor of 0.87 and it has the potential to be further adopted into high-throughput screening studies for therapeutic drug discovery research. Full article
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20 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Antecedents of College Students’ Continuance Behaviors in Online Fragmented Learning: An Empirical Analysis from the Extended ECM Perspective
by Maoyan She, Yuhan Tan and Zhigang Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104138 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
With the popularity of mobile networks and intelligent terminals, online fragmented learning, as a new learning method, has become the mainstream way for college students to acquire knowledge and study independently. However, college students are prone to “accept-interruption” in online fragmented learning; thus, [...] Read more.
With the popularity of mobile networks and intelligent terminals, online fragmented learning, as a new learning method, has become the mainstream way for college students to acquire knowledge and study independently. However, college students are prone to “accept-interruption” in online fragmented learning; thus, it is difficult for them to master a complete knowledge system and form a rigorous logic system, which is essential to ensure the effect of online fragmented learning. Therefore, this study investigates the antecedents of college students’ continuance behaviors in online fragmented learning (CBOFL). Based on the expectation confirmation model (ECM), a theoretical model is developed to examine the factors influencing college students’ CBOFL. Taking a total of 429 undergraduate students who have studied contest courses on the Chinese university massive open online courses (MOOCs) for research subjects, the mechanism underlying the determinants of college students’ CBOFL is analyzed, and six hypotheses are tested by a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique with AMOS. The results indicate that confirmation positively impacts intrinsic learning motivation and satisfaction; intrinsic learning motivation, satisfaction, and teachers’ influence all significantly positively affect college students’ CBOFL. Additionally, the predicting powers of different factors on college students’ CBOFL vary broadly; therein, satisfaction has the most significant effect. This study makes theoretical contributions to the quantitative research on college students’ CBOFL and literature on the ECM. Still, it also has important practical significance in guiding college students’ CBOFL and facilitating the sustainability of online fragmented learning. Full article
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19 pages, 5863 KiB  
Article
GAT-ABiGRU Based Prediction Model for AUV Trajectory
by Mingxiu Zhao, Jing Zhang, Qin Li, Junzheng Yang, Estevao Siga and Tianchi Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4184; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104184 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are critical components of current maritime operations. However, because of the complicated marine environment, AUVs are at significant risk of being lost, and such losses significantly impact the continuity and safety of aquatic activities. This article suggests a methodology [...] Read more.
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are critical components of current maritime operations. However, because of the complicated marine environment, AUVs are at significant risk of being lost, and such losses significantly impact the continuity and safety of aquatic activities. This article suggests a methodology for forecasting the trajectory of lost autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) based on GAT-ABiGRU. Firstly, the time-series data of the AUV are transformed into a graph structure to represent the dependencies between data points. Secondly, a graph attention network is utilized to capture the spatial features of the trajectory data, while an attention-based bidirectional gated recurrent unit network learns the temporal features of the trajectory data; finally, the predicted drift trajectory is obtained. The findings show that the GAT-ABiGRU model outperforms previous trajectory prediction models, is highly accurate and robust in drift trajectory prediction, and presents a new method for forecasting the trajectory of wrecked AUVs. Full article
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16 pages, 1838 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Nasal Samples of Healthy Dairy Goats in Algeria
by Yacine Titouche, Madjid Akkou, Allelen Campaña-Burguet, Carmen González-Azcona, Yasmina Djaoui, Donia Mechoub, Abdelhak Fatihi, Pascal Bouchez, Laurence Bouhier, Karim Houali, Yacine Nia, Carmen Torres and Jacques-Antoine Hennekinne
Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050408 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from the nasal swabs of goats. A total of 232 nasal samples (one per animal) were collected from goats on 13 farms located in two regions of [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from the nasal swabs of goats. A total of 232 nasal samples (one per animal) were collected from goats on 13 farms located in two regions of Algeria and were analyzed for the presence of S. aureus. The detection of virulence factors was carried out using PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of the recovered isolates was assessed using the disc diffusion method. The biofilm formation ability was assessed by the Congo red agar method and a microtiter plate assay, and the molecular characterization of isolates was carried out by spa-typing, and for selected isolates also by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Overall, 36 out of 232 nasal swabs (15.5%) contained S. aureus, and 62 isolates were recovered. Regarding the virulence factors, at least one staphylococcal enterotoxin gene was detected in 30 (48.4%) isolates. The gene tst encoding the toxic shock syndrome toxin was detected in fifteen isolates (24.2%), but none of the isolates harbored the gene of Panton–Valentine leukocidin (lukF/S-PV). Nine different spa-types were identified, including the detection of a new one (t21230). The recovered isolates were assigned to three clonal complexes, with CC5 (51.8%) being the most common lineage. Two isolates were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and belonged to ST5 (CC5) and to spa-types t450 and t688. Moreover, 27 (43.5%) of the S. aureus isolates were found to be slime producers in Congo red agar, and all of the recovered isolates could produce biofilms in the microtiter plate assay. Our study showed that the nares of healthy goats could be a reservoir of toxigenic and antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus isolates, including MRSA, which could have implications for public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection and Epidemiology of Drug-Resistant Bacteria)
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14 pages, 1374 KiB  
Communication
Innate and Adaptive Immune Parameters following mRNA Vaccination in Mice
by Srinivasa Reddy Bonam, Nicholas C. Hazell, Mano Joseph Mathew, Yuejin Liang, Xuxiang Zhang, Zhi Wei, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Drew Weissman and Haitao Hu
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050543 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the standard regarding the current vaccine development pace, as several messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have proved their ability to induce strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy. We developed 1-methylpseudouridine-containing mRNA-LNP vaccines, expressing either the more conserved SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the standard regarding the current vaccine development pace, as several messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have proved their ability to induce strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy. We developed 1-methylpseudouridine-containing mRNA-LNP vaccines, expressing either the more conserved SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (mRNA-N) or spike protein (mRNA-S), both based on the prototypic viral sequences. When combining both mRNA-S and mRNA-N together (mRNA-S+N), the vaccine showed high immunogenicity and broad protection against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including wildtype, Delta, BA.1, BA.5, and BQ.1. To better understand the mechanisms behind this broad protection obtained by mRNA-S+N, we analyzed innate and adaptive immune parameters following vaccination in mice. Compared to either mRNA-S or mRNA-N alone, mice vaccinated with mRNA-S+N exhibited an increase in the innate immune response, as depicted by the higher cytokine (IL-6 and chemokine (MCP-1) levels. In addition, lymph node immunophenotyping showed the maturation and activation of dendritic cells and natural killer cells, respectively. To understand the adaptive immune response, RNA-Seq analyses of the lung and spleen samples of the vaccinated mice were performed in parallel and revealed a stronger immune gene-expression profile in the lung than that in the spleen. Compared to mRNA-S alone, mRNA-S+N vaccination elicited higher levels of expression for genes involved in multiple immune pathways, including T cells, cytokine signaling, antigen presentation, B cells, and innate immunity. Together, our studies provide immunological insights into the mechanisms of broad protection conferred by dual mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Use of Nanoparticles for Vaccine Platform Development)
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13 pages, 3546 KiB  
Article
Vignetting Compensation Method for CMOS Camera Based on LED Spatial Array
by Shuo Huang, Xifeng Zheng, Xinyue Mao, Yufeng Chen and Yu Chen
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101936 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
To solve the problem of pixel light intensity information distortion caused by camera vignetting in optical devices such as CMOS or CCD cameras, existing studies mainly focus on small spatial light fields and point light sources and adopt an integrating sphere and function [...] Read more.
To solve the problem of pixel light intensity information distortion caused by camera vignetting in optical devices such as CMOS or CCD cameras, existing studies mainly focus on small spatial light fields and point light sources and adopt an integrating sphere and function model for vignetting correction, but it is not suitable for large LED optical composite display devices. Under this background, this paper innovatively proposes a camera vigneting compensation method based on an LED spatial array, independently develops a two-dimensional translation device driven by a high-precision guide rail, uses spatial array technology to obtain the brightness distribution of the corrected display screen to quantify its camera vigneting distortion characteristics, and adopts systematic mathematical operations and iterative compensation strategies. Industry standard tests show that the brightness uniformity of the display has been improved by 5.06%. The above research results have been applied to mass production and industrialization. Full article
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17 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
The Tick Saliva Peptide HIDfsin2 TLR4-Dependently Inhibits the Tick-Borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Mouse Macrophages
by Luyao Wang, Yishuo Liu, Rui Pang, Yiyuan Guo, Yingying Ren, Yingliang Wu and Zhijian Cao
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050449 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens to their hosts by feeding on blood. The interactions and struggle between tick pathogens and hosts have evolved bilaterally. The components of tick saliva can directly or indirectly trigger host biological responses in a manner that promotes [...] Read more.
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens to their hosts by feeding on blood. The interactions and struggle between tick pathogens and hosts have evolved bilaterally. The components of tick saliva can directly or indirectly trigger host biological responses in a manner that promotes pathogen transmission; however, host cells continuously develop strategies to combat pathogen infection and transmission. Moreover, it is still unknown how host cells develop their defense strategies against tick-borne viruses during tick sucking. Here, we found that the tick saliva peptide HIDfsin2 enhanced the antiviral innate immunity of mouse macrophages by activating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, thereby restricting tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) replication. HIDfsin2 was identified to interact with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand of TLR4, and then depolymerize LPS micelles into smaller particles, effectively enhancing the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathways, which are downstream of TLR4. Expectedly, TLR4 knockout completely eliminated the promotion effect of HIDfsin2 on NF-κB and type I interferon activation. Moreover, HIDfsin2 enhanced SFTSV replication in TLR4-knockout mouse macrophages, which is consistent with our recent report that HIDfsin2 hijacked p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to promote the replication of tick-borne SFTSV in A549 and Huh7 cells (human cell lines) with low expression of TLR4. Together, these results provide new insights into the innate immune mechanism of host cells following tick bites. Our study also shows a rare molecular event relating to the mutual antagonism between tick-borne SFTSV and host cells mediated by the tick saliva peptide HIDfsin2 at the tick–host–virus interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Antibiotics from Microbes and Venomous Animals, 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 6403 KiB  
Review
Evaluation and Rehabilitation after Adult Lumbar Spine Surgery
by Tomoyoshi Sakaguchi, Sharvari Gunjotikar, Masato Tanaka, Tadashi Komatsubara, Kajetan Latka, Shashank J. Ekade, Shrinivas P. Prabhu, Kazuhiko Takamatsu, Yosuke Yasuda and Masami Nakagawa
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2915; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102915 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Purpose: With an increase in the proportion of elderly patients, the global burden of spinal disease is on the rise. This is gradually expected to increase the number of surgical procedures all over the world in the near future. As we know, rehabilitation [...] Read more.
Purpose: With an increase in the proportion of elderly patients, the global burden of spinal disease is on the rise. This is gradually expected to increase the number of surgical procedures all over the world in the near future. As we know, rehabilitation following spine surgery is critical for optimal recovery. However, the current literature lacks consensus regarding the appropriate post-operative rehabilitation protocol. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the optimal protocol for rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery in adults. Materials and Methods: The goals of rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery are to improve physical and psychosocial function and may include multiple modalities such as physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, specialized instruments, and instructions to be followed during activities of daily living. In recent years, not only are a greater number of spine surgeries being performed, but various different techniques of lumbar spine surgery and spinal fusion have also emerged. (1) Our review summarizes post-operative rehabilitation under the following headings—1. Historical aspects, 2. Subjective functional outcomes, and (3) Actual rehabilitation measures, including balance. Results: Physical therapy programs need to be patient-specific and surgery-specific, such that they consider patient-reported outcome measures and take into consideration the technique of spinal fusion used and the muscle groups involved in these surgeries. By doing so, it is possible to assess the level of functional impairment and then specifically target the strengthening of those muscle groups affected by surgery whilst also improving impaired balance and allowing a return to daily activities. Conclusions: Rehabilitation is a multi-faceted journey to restore mobility, function, and quality of life. The current rehabilitation practice focuses on muscle strengthening, but the importance of spinal balance is less elaborated. We thus equally emphasize muscle strengthening and balance improvement post-lumbar spine surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Rehabilitation)
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20 pages, 1357 KiB  
Article
Puppy Socialisation Experiences in Relation to Age and COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions in the UK and ROI
by Rachel H. Kinsman, Hoi-Lam Jim, Rachel A. Casey, Eliza Ruiz-Izaguirre, Sara Owczarczak-Garstecka, Ben Cooper, Séverine Tasker and Jane K. Murray
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101471 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Limited socialisation can contribute to the development of undesirable dog behaviours. The COVID-19 lockdown potentially limited socialisation opportunities, which may negatively impact the future behaviour of puppies raised during lockdown. Data were gathered from longitudinal study participants in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland [...] Read more.
Limited socialisation can contribute to the development of undesirable dog behaviours. The COVID-19 lockdown potentially limited socialisation opportunities, which may negatively impact the future behaviour of puppies raised during lockdown. Data were gathered from longitudinal study participants in the United Kingdom/Republic of Ireland via multiple questionnaires between May 2016 and November 2022. The impact of age and lockdown phase (pre-, during, and post-) on the types of socialisation experiences of 8-to-19-week-old puppies and the recency of socialisation experiences of approximately 6-month-old puppies were examined. Puppies under 19-weeks had significantly more types of socialisation experiences (from a predefined list) as they aged, and pre-lockdown compared to post-lockdown, but not between other lockdown phases. Most 6-month-old puppies had met a new adult or dog outside the household, a familiar dog, and/or a child within the last 1–7 days, and this was similar between lockdown phases. During lockdown, 6-month-old puppies experienced longer periods between meeting a new adult in their home. Puppies were hypothesised to have had fewer experiences during lockdown, but this was not found. However, the quantity and quality of these experiences may have been affected. Future research within this longitudinal study will explore relationships between the timing and type of experiences had by puppies and their subsequent behaviour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human-Animal Interactions, Animal Behaviour and Emotion)
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11 pages, 6540 KiB  
Article
Robust Ferromagnetism in Hexagonal Honeycomb Transition Metal Nitride Monolayer
by Xiaolin Ma, Zengqian Wang, Yuanfang Yue, Miao Gao, Fengjie Ma and Xun-Wang Yan
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2322; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102322 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Two-dimensional intrinsic magnetic materials with high Curie temperature are promising candidates for next-generation spintronic devices. In this work, we design two kinds of two-dimensional transition metal nitrides, VN2 and FeN2, both with a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. Based on the formation [...] Read more.
Two-dimensional intrinsic magnetic materials with high Curie temperature are promising candidates for next-generation spintronic devices. In this work, we design two kinds of two-dimensional transition metal nitrides, VN2 and FeN2, both with a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. Based on the formation energy, and phonon spectra calculations as well as the molecular dynamics simulations, their structural stability is demonstrated. Then, we determine the ferromagnetic ground states of VN2 and FeN2 monolayers through the energy calculations, and the Curie temperatures of 222 K and 238 K are estimated by solving the Heisenberg model using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Hence, the VN2 and FeN2 monolayers are demonstrated to be new two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials with high temperature ferromagnetism or large-gap half-metallicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Computational Materials Sciences)
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16 pages, 1368 KiB  
Article
Readiness for Implemented Sustainable Procurement in Indonesian Government Construction Project
by Ade Achmad Al Fath, Dyah Erny Herwindiaty, Mochamad Agung Wibowo and Endah Murtiana Sari
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051424 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Procurement is the process of obtaining goods and services in a construction project and is a crucial point for the success of a design and build (DB) project. The success of a DB project has an effect on work performance metrics such as [...] Read more.
Procurement is the process of obtaining goods and services in a construction project and is a crucial point for the success of a design and build (DB) project. The success of a DB project has an effect on work performance metrics such as cost, quality, and time. Therefore, this research aims to develop a readiness model for implementing sustainable procurement in a DB project with a financing system in the state/regional budget (APBN/APBD). By using previous literature reviews, this research adopted a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Specifically, the qualitative method was conducted using in-depth interviews, and conclusions were drawn using the Delphi method and focus group discussion (FGD). Meanwhile, the quantitative method was used to analyze secondary data from the current DB project in order to examine sustainable procurement. The projects examined were spread across the country and had a value of at least 100 billion. Consequently, the results showed that various factors influenced sustainable procurement in the DB management project. In addition, this research impacted better procurement management in the DB project based on APBN/APBD funding, thereby increasing project productivity and innovation, as well as other beneficial values to stakeholders. Typically, the result could be used as a readiness model for implementing sustainable procurement in a DB project with APBN/APBD funding schemes, serving as a guide for construction management in the future and being useful for decision making on government projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Life Cycle Management of Civil Engineering)
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35 pages, 15243 KiB  
Review
Coordinative Compounds Based on Unsaturated Carboxylate with Versatile Biological Applications
by Gina Vasile Scaeteanu, Mihaela Badea and Rodica Olar
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102321 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This review presents an overview of the biological applications of coordinative compounds based on unsaturated carboxylates accompanied by other ligands, usually N-based heterocyclic species. The interest in these compounds arises from the valuable antimicrobial and antitumor activities evidenced by some species, as well [...] Read more.
This review presents an overview of the biological applications of coordinative compounds based on unsaturated carboxylates accompanied by other ligands, usually N-based heterocyclic species. The interest in these compounds arises from the valuable antimicrobial and antitumor activities evidenced by some species, as well as from their ability to generate metal-containing polymers suitable for various medical purposes. Therefore, we describe the recently discovered aspects related to the synthesis, structure, and biological activity of a wide range of unsaturated carboxylate-containing species and metal ions, originating mostly from 3d series. The unsaturated carboxylates encountered in coordinative compounds are acrylate, methacrylate, fumarate, maleate, cinnamate, ferulate, coumarate, and itaconate. Regarding the properties of the investigated compounds, it is worth mentioning the good ability of some to inhibit the development of resistant strains or microbial biofilms on inert surfaces or, even more, exert antitumor activity against resistant cells. The ability of some species to intercalate into DNA strands as well as to scavenge ROS species is also addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Developing Complexes as Biological Active Species II)
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16 pages, 4672 KiB  
Review
If You Want to Prevent Hamstring Injuries in Soccer, Run Fast: A Narrative Review about Practical Considerations of Sprint Training
by Pedro Gómez-Piqueras and Pedro E. Alcaraz
Sports 2024, 12(5), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12050134 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports. In soccer, the ability to sprint is key, not only because of its relation to performance but also due to its possible protective effect against HSIs. Although many authors [...] Read more.
Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) are one of the most common injuries in sprint-based sports. In soccer, the ability to sprint is key, not only because of its relation to performance but also due to its possible protective effect against HSIs. Although many authors have focused on the “how”, “when”, and “what” training load should be implemented, there is a lack of practical proposals for sprint training in a high-level professional environment. The objective of this narrative review is, after a deep review of the scientific literature, to present a practical approach for sprint training, trying to answer some of the questions that most strength and conditioning coaches ask themselves when including it in soccer. Once the literature published on this topic was reviewed and combined with the practical experience of the authors, it was concluded that sprint training in soccer, although it presents an obvious need, is not something about which there is methodological unanimity. However, following the practical recommendations from this narrative review, strength and conditioning coaches can have a reference model that serves as a starting point for optimal management of the internal and external training load when they wish to introduce sprint training in the competitive microcycle in professional soccer players, with the aim of reducing HSIs. Full article
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58 pages, 35660 KiB  
Review
Update on Chitin and Chitosan from Insects: Sources, Production, Characterization, and Biomedical Applications
by Zhenying Mei, Pavel Kuzhir and Guilhem Godeau
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050297 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Insects, renowned for their abundant and renewable biomass, stand at the forefront of biomimicry-inspired research and offer promising alternatives for chitin and chitosan production considering mounting environmental concerns and the inherent limitations of conventional sources. This comprehensive review provides a meticulous exploration of [...] Read more.
Insects, renowned for their abundant and renewable biomass, stand at the forefront of biomimicry-inspired research and offer promising alternatives for chitin and chitosan production considering mounting environmental concerns and the inherent limitations of conventional sources. This comprehensive review provides a meticulous exploration of the current state of insect-derived chitin and chitosan, focusing on their sources, production methods, characterization, physical and chemical properties, and emerging biomedical applications. Abundant insect sources of chitin and chitosan, from the Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Dictyoptera, Odonata, and Ephemeroptera orders, were comprehensively summarized. A variety of characterization techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and microscopy, were used to reveal their physical and chemical properties like molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and crystallinity, laying a solid foundation for their wide application, especially for the biomimetic design process. The examination of insect-derived chitin and chitosan extends into a wide realm of biomedical applications, highlighting their unique advantages in wound healing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and antimicrobial therapies. Their intrinsic biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties position them as promising candidates for innovative solutions in diverse medical interventions. Full article
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14 pages, 2799 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Ocean Color Algorithms to Retrieve Chlorophyll-a Concentration in the Mexican Pacific Ocean off the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
by Patricia Alvarado-Graef, Beatriz Martín-Atienza, Ramón Sosa-Ávalos, Reginaldo Durazo and Rafael Hernández-Walls
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101748 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Mathematical algorithms relate satellite data of ocean color with the surface Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), a proxy of phytoplankton biomass. These mathematical tools work best when they are adapted to the unique bio-optical properties of a particular oceanic province. Ocean color [...] Read more.
Mathematical algorithms relate satellite data of ocean color with the surface Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), a proxy of phytoplankton biomass. These mathematical tools work best when they are adapted to the unique bio-optical properties of a particular oceanic province. Ocean color algorithms should also consider that there are significant differences between datasets derived from different sensors. Common solutions are to provide different parameters for each sensor or use merged satellite data. In this paper, we use satellite data from the Copernicus merged product suite and in situ data from the southernmost part of the California Current System to test two widely used global algorithms, OCx and CI, and a regional algorithm, CalCOFI2. The OCx algorithm yielded the most favorable results. Consequently, we regionalized it and conducted further testing, leading to significant improvements, especially in eutrophic and oligotrophic waters. The database was then separated according to (a) dynamic boundaries in the area, (b) bio-optical properties, and (c) climatic conditions (El Niño/La Niña). Regional algorithms were obtained and tested for each partition. The Chl-a retrievals for each model were tested and compared. The best fit for the data was for the regional algorithms that considered the climatic conditions (El Niño/La Niña). These results will allow for the construction of consistent regionally adapted time series and, therefore, will demonstrate the importance of El Niño/La Niña events on the bio-optical properties of the area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Remote Sensing)
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14 pages, 3490 KiB  
Article
Rapid and Sensitive Detection by Combining Electric Field Effects and Surface Plasmon Resonance: A Theoretical Study
by Qijie Qiu and Yan Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050653 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been extensively employed in biological sensing, environmental detection, as well as chemical industry. Nevertheless, the performance possessed by conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors can be further limited by the transport of analyte molecules to the sensing surface, [...] Read more.
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been extensively employed in biological sensing, environmental detection, as well as chemical industry. Nevertheless, the performance possessed by conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors can be further limited by the transport of analyte molecules to the sensing surface, noteworthily when small molecules or low levels of substances are being detected. In this study, a rapid and highly sensitive SPR biosensor is introduced to enhance the ability of the target analytes’ collection by integrating AC electroosmosis (ACEO) and dielectrophoresis (DEP). Both the above-mentioned phenomena principally arise from the generation of the AC electric fields. This generation can be tailored by shaping the interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) that also serve as the SPR biomarker sensing area. The effects exerted by different parameters (e.g., the frequency and voltage of the AC electric field as well as microelectrode structures) are considered in the iSPR (interdigitated SPR) biosensor operation, and the iSPR biosensors are optimized with the sensitivity. The results of this study confirm that the iSPR can efficiently concentrate small molecules into the SPR sensing area, such that SPR reactions achieve an order of magnitude increase, and the detection time is shortened. The rapid and sensitive sensor takes on critical significance in the development of on-site diagnostics in a wide variety of human and animal health applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micromachines for Dielectrophoresis, 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 6074 KiB  
Article
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Tenebrionidae Larvae
by Erika Alessia Di Liberto, Giuseppe Battaglia, Rosalia Pellerito, Giusy Curcuruto and Nadka Tz. Dintcheva
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101404 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Polystyrene (PS) is an extremely stable polymer with a relatively high molecular weight and a strong hydrophobic character that makes it highly resistant to biodegradation. In this study, PS was subjected to biodegradation tests by Tenebrio Molitor (T. Molitor) and Zophobas Morio [...] Read more.
Polystyrene (PS) is an extremely stable polymer with a relatively high molecular weight and a strong hydrophobic character that makes it highly resistant to biodegradation. In this study, PS was subjected to biodegradation tests by Tenebrio Molitor (T. Molitor) and Zophobas Morio (Z. Morio) larvae. Specifically, six different experimental diets were compared: (i) T. Molitor fed with bran; (ii) T. Molitor fed only PS; (iii) T. Molitor fed only PS treated with H2O2; (iv) Z. Morio fed with bran; (v) Z. Morio fed only PS; and (vi) Z. Morio fed only PS treated with H2O2. Therefore, the mass change of the larvae and the survival rate were measured periodically, while the frass collected after 15 and 30 days was analyzed by different analyses, such as spectroscopy (FTIR), spectrometry (molecular weight and polydispersity), thermal analysis (TGA) and microscopy (scanning electron microscopy observations). The obtained results suggest that in the case of T. Molitor larvae, larvae feeding on bran showed the highest survival rate of ~94% at 30 days, while in the case of the Z. Morio larvae, the highest survival rate was exhibited by larvae eating PS-H2O2. Although not strongly pronounced, the Mw and Mn of PS in the frass of both T. Molitor and Z. Morio larvae decreased over 30 days, suggesting PS biodegradation. Finally, the morphological analysis shows that PS samples isolated from the frass of T. Molitor and Z. Morio larvae showed completely different, rough and irregularly carved surface structures, in comparison to PS before biodegradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Circular and Green Polymer Science)
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15 pages, 1364 KiB  
Article
Application of the New Importance–Performance Analysis Method to Explore the Strategies of Rural Outdoor Dining Experiences in Taiwan
by Shang-Pin Li
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050208 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Taiwan is an island where the city and nature combine to become the most beautiful open-air museum in the world, known as Formosa. With climate change and industrial development as the main changes in consumption behavior, the integration of ecology, the environment, and [...] Read more.
Taiwan is an island where the city and nature combine to become the most beautiful open-air museum in the world, known as Formosa. With climate change and industrial development as the main changes in consumption behavior, the integration of ecology, the environment, and agriculture into food culture is gradually becoming valued in Taiwan. This study explores the quality of the rural outdoor dining experience in Taiwan; therefore, questionnaires were distributed to outdoor dining attendees from the north, central, south, and east, and we obtained 396 valid questionnaires. The rural outdoor dining satisfaction experience can be improved using the innovative New Importance–Performance Analysis (NIPA) model, which is based on the original IPA methodology but modified by the performance of the risk management judge. Additionally, we applied the zone of tolerance (ZOT) to evaluate the quality of priority and the importance–performance analysis (IPA) to make innovation decisions. The model also encourages decision-makers to consider environmental factors and customer feedback. It has not only been used to measure customer satisfaction, assess customer behavior, identify customer needs, and determine areas where quality needs to be improved, but it can also be used to measure the success of business decisions and identify potential areas for improvement. The results show that rural outdoor dining experiences in Taiwan have led to the development of a low carbon economy and a new business model for operators in order to follow the result of NIPA and develop service marketing strategies. Full article
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11 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Schwannoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study
by Aman Singh, Ann-Christin von Vogelsang, Victor Gabriel El-Hajj, Ali Buwaider, Alexander Fletcher-Sandersjöö, Jenny Pettersson-Segerlind, Erik Edström and Adrian Elmi-Terander
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101882 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Spinal schwannomas are the second most common primary intradural spinal tumor. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work after the surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas. HRQoL was compared to a sample of the [...] Read more.
Spinal schwannomas are the second most common primary intradural spinal tumor. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work after the surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas. HRQoL was compared to a sample of the general population. Patients operated for spinal schwannomas between 2006 and 2020 were identified in a previous study and those alive at follow-up (171 of 180) were asked to participate. Ninety-four (56%) responded and were included in this study. Data were compared to the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general population. An analysis for any potential non-response bias was performed and showed no significant differences between the groups. HRQoL was equal between the spinal schwannoma sample and the general population sample in all but one dimension; men in the spinal schwannoma sample reported more moderate problems in the usual activities dimension than men in the general population (p = 0.020). In the schwannoma sample, there were no significant differences between men and women in either of the dimensions EQ-5Dindex or EQVAS. Before surgery, a total of 71 (76%) were working full-time and after surgery almost all (94%) returned to work, most of them within 3 months of surgery. Eighty-nine (95%) of the patients responded that they would accept the surgery for their spinal schwannoma if asked again today. To conclude, surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas is associated with good HRQoL and with a high frequency of return to work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)
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27 pages, 4542 KiB  
Article
A Low-Cost Energy Monitoring System with Universal Compatibility and Real-Time Visualization for Enhanced Accessibility and Power Savings
by Hashim Raza Khan, Majida Kazmi, Lubaba, Muhammad Hashir Bin Khalid, Urooj Alam, Kamran Arshad, Khaled Assaleh and Saad Ahmed Qazi
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4137; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104137 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Energy management is important for both consumers and utility providers. Utility providers are concerned with identifying and reducing energy wastage and thefts. Consumers are interested in reducing their energy consumption and bills. In Pakistan, residential and industrial estates account for nearly 31,000 MW [...] Read more.
Energy management is important for both consumers and utility providers. Utility providers are concerned with identifying and reducing energy wastage and thefts. Consumers are interested in reducing their energy consumption and bills. In Pakistan, residential and industrial estates account for nearly 31,000 MW of the maximum total demand, while the transmission and distribution capacity has stalled at about 22,000 MW. This 9000 MW gap in demand and supply, as reported in 2022, has led to frequent load shedding. Although the country now has an excess generation capacity of about 45,000 MW, the aging transmission and distribution network cannot deliver the requisite power at all times. Hence, electricity-related problems are likely to continue for the next few years in the country and the same is true for other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Several energy monitoring systems (EnMS) have been proposed, but they face limitations in terms of cost, ease of application, lack of universal installation capability, customization, and data security. The research below focused on the development of an economical, secure, and customizable real-time EnMS. The proposed EnMS comprises low-cost hardware for gathering energy data with universal compatibility, a secured communication module for real-time data transmission, and a dashboard application for visualization of real-time energy consumption in a user-preferred manner, making the information easily accessible and actionable. The experimental results and analysis revealed that approximately 40% cost savings in EnMS development could be achieved compared to other commercially available EnMSs. The performance of the EnMS hardware was evaluated and validated through rigorous on-site experiments. The front-end of the EnMS was assessed through surveys and was found to be interactive and user-friendly for the target clients. The developed EnMS architecture was found to be an economical end-product and an appropriate approach for small and medium clients such as residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial consumers, all on one platform. Full article
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20 pages, 3749 KiB  
Article
Belief Reliability Modeling Method for Wind Farms Considering Two-Directional Rotor Equivalent Wind Speed
by Shuyu Li, Rui Kang, Meilin Wen and Tianpei Zu
Symmetry 2024, 16(5), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16050614 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Compared to conventional energy sources, wind power is a clean energy source with high intermittence and uncertainty. As a system that converts wind energy into electricity, wind farms inevitably face severe reliability issues. In this paper, based on reliability theory, a new reliability [...] Read more.
Compared to conventional energy sources, wind power is a clean energy source with high intermittence and uncertainty. As a system that converts wind energy into electricity, wind farms inevitably face severe reliability issues. In this paper, based on reliability theory, a new reliability modeling method for wind farms is proposed. Firstly, a belief reliability model for wind farms is constructed. Then, a power generation model based on two-directional rotor equivalent wind speed is established to represent the wind farm performance in the belief reliability model. Finally, several numerical studies are conducted to verify the power generation model under different wind speeds and directions, to demonstrate the belief reliability model with different levels of uncertainty, and to compare the belief reliability considering two-directional rotor equivalent wind speed with other methods. Full article
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25 pages, 7876 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Bx Involved in Benzoxazinoids Biosynthesis Revealed the Roles of DIMBOA during Early Somatic Embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour
by Xiaoqiong Xu, Chunyu Zhang, Chunwang Lai, Zhilin Zhang, Jiajia Wu, Qun Su, Yu Gan, Zihao Zhang, Yukun Chen, Rongfang Guo, Yuling Lin and Zhongxiong Lai
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101373 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are tryptophan-derived indole metabolites and play a role in various physiological processes, such as auxin metabolism. Auxin is essential in the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in plants. In this study, we used bioinformatics, transcriptome data, exogenous treatment experiments, and qPCR [...] Read more.
Benzoxazinoids (BXs) are tryptophan-derived indole metabolites and play a role in various physiological processes, such as auxin metabolism. Auxin is essential in the process of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in plants. In this study, we used bioinformatics, transcriptome data, exogenous treatment experiments, and qPCR analysis to study the evolutionary pattern of Bx genes in green plants, the regulatory mechanism of DlBx genes during early SE, and the effect of 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazine-3-one (DIMBOA) on the early SE in Dimocarpus longan Lour. The results showed that 27 putative DlBxs were identified in the longan genome; the Bx genes evolved independently in monocots and dicots, and the main way of gene duplication for the DlBx was tandem duplication (TD) and the DlBx were strongly constrained by purification selection during evolution. The transcriptome data indicated varying expression levels of DlBx during longan early SE, and most DlBxs responded to light, temperature, drought stress, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment; qRT-PCR results showed DlBx1, DlBx6g and DlBx6h were responsive to auxin, and treatment with 0.1mg/L DIMBOA for 9 days significantly upregulated the expression levels of DlBx1, DlBx3g, DlBx6c, DlBx6f, DlB6h, DlBx7d, DlBx8, and DlBx9b. The correlation analysis showed a significantly negative correlation between the expression level of DlBx1 and the endogenous IAA contents; DIMBOA significantly promoted the early SE and significantly changed the endogenous IAA content, and the IAA content increased significantly at the 9th day and decreased significantly at the 13th day. Therefore, the results suggested that DIMBOA indirectly promote the early SE by changing the endogenous IAA content via affecting the expression level of DlBx1 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content in longan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics in Modern Plant Science)
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20 pages, 1793 KiB  
Article
ResNet1D-Based Personal Identification with Multi-Session Surface Electromyography for Electronic Health Record Integration
by Raghavendra Ganiga, Muralikrishna S. N., Wooyeol Choi and Sungbum Pan
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3140; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103140 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Personal identification is an important aspect of managing electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring secure access to patient information, and maintaining patient privacy. Traditionally, biometric, signature, username/password, photo identity, etc., are employed for user authentication. However, these methods can be prone to security breaches, [...] Read more.
Personal identification is an important aspect of managing electronic health records (EHRs), ensuring secure access to patient information, and maintaining patient privacy. Traditionally, biometric, signature, username/password, photo identity, etc., are employed for user authentication. However, these methods can be prone to security breaches, identity theft, and user inconvenience. The security of personal information is of paramount importance, particularly in the context of EHR. To address this, our study leverages ResNet1D, a deep learning architecture, to analyze surface electromyography (sEMG) signals for robust identification purposes. The proposed ResNet1D-based personal identification approach using the sEMG signal can offer an alternative and potentially more secure method for personal identification in EHR systems. We collected a multi-session sEMG signal database from individuals, focusing on hand gestures. The ResNet1D model was trained using this database to learn discriminative features for both gesture and personal identification tasks. For personal identification, the model validated an individual’s identity by comparing captured features with their own stored templates in the healthcare EHR system, allowing secure access to sensitive medical information. Data were obtained in two channels when each of the 200 subjects performed 12 motions. There were three sessions, and each motion was repeated 10 times with time intervals of a day or longer between each session. Experiments were conducted on a dataset of 20 randomly sampled subjects out of 200 subjects in the database, achieving exceptional identification accuracy. The experiment was conducted separately for 5, 10, 15, and 20 subjects using the ResNet1D model of a deep neural network, achieving accuracy rates of 97%, 96%, 87%, and 82%, respectively. The proposed model can be integrated with healthcare EHR systems to enable secure and reliable personal identification and the safeguarding of patient information. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Sensing Technologies for Human Health Monitoring)
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