The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
19 pages, 9721 KiB  
Article
FEMSFNet: Feature Enhancement and Multi-Scales Fusion Network for SAR Aircraft Detection
by Wenbo Zhu, Liu Zhang, Chunqiang Lu, Guowei Fan, Ying Song, Jianbo Sun and Xueying Lv
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091589 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Aircraft targets, as high-value subjects, are a focal point in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image interpretation. To tackle challenges like limited SAR aircraft datasets and shortcomings in existing detection algorithms (complexity, poor performance, weak generalization), we present the Feature Enhancement and Multi-Scales Fusion [...] Read more.
Aircraft targets, as high-value subjects, are a focal point in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image interpretation. To tackle challenges like limited SAR aircraft datasets and shortcomings in existing detection algorithms (complexity, poor performance, weak generalization), we present the Feature Enhancement and Multi-Scales Fusion Network (FEMSFNet) for SAR aircraft detection. FEMSFNet employs diverse image augmentation and integrates optimized Squeeze-and-Excitation Networks (SE) with residual network (ResNet) in a SdE-Resblock structure for a lightweight yet accurate model. It introduces ssppf-CSP module, an improved pyramid pooling model, to prevent receptive field deviation in deep network training. Tailored for SAR aircraft detection, FEMSFNet optimizes loss functions, emphasizing both speed and accuracy. Evaluation on the SAR Aircraft Detection Dataset (SADD) demonstrates significant improvements compared to the contrasted algorithms: precision rate (92%), recall rate (96%), and F1 score (94%), with a maximum increase of 12.2% in precision, 12.9% in recall, and 13.3% in F1 score. Full article
11 pages, 1111 KiB  
Article
Eye-Tracking and Visual Preference: Maybe Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder?
by Patrick A. Miller
Land 2024, 13(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050598 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The “Content-Identifying Methodology”, or CIM, is an approach developed by environmental psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan to understand the landscape characteristics that people find visually attractive. The Kaplans did this by surveying people’s landscape preferences and then analyzing the preferences to develop sets [...] Read more.
The “Content-Identifying Methodology”, or CIM, is an approach developed by environmental psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan to understand the landscape characteristics that people find visually attractive. The Kaplans did this by surveying people’s landscape preferences and then analyzing the preferences to develop sets of landscape scenes to which people reacted in a similar pattern. The underlying assumption is that a common stimulus or content exists in the photographs of a set responsible for the preference. However, identifying the common stimulus or content in each set or grouping of scenes and how it affects preference can still be challenging. Eye-tracking is a tool that can identify what the survey participants were looking at when indicating their preference for a landscape. This paper demonstrates how eye-tracking was used in two different landscape preference studies to identify the content important to people’s preferences and provide insights into how the content affected preference. Eye-tracking can help identify a common stimulus, help determine if the stimulus is a physical or spatial characteristic of the landscape, and show how the stimulus varies in different landscape contexts. Full article
23 pages, 915 KiB  
Review
Melatonin/Sericin Wound Healing Patches: Implications for Melanoma Therapy
by Katarzyna Adamiak, Vivian A. Gaida, Jasmin Schäfer, Lina Bosse, Clara Diemer, Russel J. Reiter, Andrzej T. Slominski, Kerstin Steinbrink, Alina Sionkowska and Konrad Kleszczyński
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094858 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Melatonin and sericin exhibit antioxidant properties and may be useful in topical wound healing patches by maintaining redox balance, cell integrity, and regulating the inflammatory response. In human skin, melatonin suppresses damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which involves numerous mechanisms associated with [...] Read more.
Melatonin and sericin exhibit antioxidant properties and may be useful in topical wound healing patches by maintaining redox balance, cell integrity, and regulating the inflammatory response. In human skin, melatonin suppresses damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which involves numerous mechanisms associated with reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) generation and enhancing apoptosis. Sericin is a protein mainly composed of glycine, serine, aspartic acid, and threonine amino acids removed from the silkworm cocoon (particularly Bombyx mori and other species). It is of interest because of its biodegradability, anti-oxidative, and anti-bacterial properties. Sericin inhibits tyrosinase activity and promotes cell proliferation that can be supportive and useful in melanoma treatment. In recent years, wound healing patches containing sericin and melatonin individually have attracted significant attention by the scientific community. In this review, we summarize the state of innovation of such patches during 2021–2023. To date, melatonin/sericin-polymer patches for application in post-operational wound healing treatment has been only sparingly investigated and it is an imperative to consider these materials as a promising approach targeting for skin tissue engineering or regenerative dermatology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
13 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Results of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with at Least 10 Brain Metastases at Diagnosis
by Rémy Kinj, Andreas Felix Hottinger, Till Tobias Böhlen, Mahmut Ozsahin, Véronique Vallet, Vincent Dunet, Hasna Bouchaab, Solange Peters, Constantin Tuleasca, Jean Bourhis and Luis Schiappacasse
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091742 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Purpose: to evaluate an SRT approach in patients with at least 10 lesions at the time of BM initial diagnosis. Methods: This is a monocentric prospective cohort of patients treated by SRT, followed by a brain MRI every two months. Subsequent SRT could [...] Read more.
Purpose: to evaluate an SRT approach in patients with at least 10 lesions at the time of BM initial diagnosis. Methods: This is a monocentric prospective cohort of patients treated by SRT, followed by a brain MRI every two months. Subsequent SRT could be delivered in cases of new BMs during follow-up. The main endpoints were local control rate (LCR), overall survival (OS), and strategy success rate (SSR). Acute and late toxicity were evaluated. Results: Seventy patients were included from October 2014 to January 2019, and the most frequent primary diagnosis was non-small-cell lung cancer (N = 36, 51.4%). A total of 1174 BMs were treated at first treatment, corresponding to a median number of 14 BMs per patient. Most of the patients (N = 51, 72.6%) received a single fraction of 20–24 Gy. At 1 year, OS was 62.3%, with a median OS of 19.2 months, and SSR was 77.8%. A cumulative number of 1537 BM were treated over time, corresponding to a median cumulative number of 16 BM per patient. At 1-year, the LCR was 97.3%, with a cumulative incidence of radio-necrosis of 2.1% per lesion. Three patients (4.3%) presented Grade 2 toxicity, and there was no Grade ≥ 3 toxicity. The number of treated BMs and the treatment volume did not influence OS or SSR (p > 0.05). Conclusions: SRT was highly efficient in controlling the BM, with minimal side effects. In this setting, an SRT treatment should be proposed even in patients with ≥10 BMs at diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Tumor Ablation (Volume II))
24 pages, 1730 KiB  
Article
Influence of Rotor Inflow, Tip Loss, and Aerodynamics Modeling on the Maximum Thrust Computation in Hover
by Berend G. van der Wall
Aerospace 2024, 11(5), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11050357 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Comprehensive rotorcraft simulation codes are the workhorses for designing and simulating helicopters and their rotors under steady and unsteady operating conditions. These codes are also used to predict helicopters’ limits as they approach rotor stall conditions. This paper focuses on the prediction of [...] Read more.
Comprehensive rotorcraft simulation codes are the workhorses for designing and simulating helicopters and their rotors under steady and unsteady operating conditions. These codes are also used to predict helicopters’ limits as they approach rotor stall conditions. This paper focuses on the prediction of maximum rotor thrust when hovering (due to stall limits) and the thrust and power characteristics when the collective control angle is further increased. The aerodynamic factors that may significantly affect the results are as follows: steady vs. unsteady aerodynamics, steady vs. dynamic stall, blade tip losses, curvature flow, yaw angle, inflow model, and blade-vortex interaction. The inflow model and tip losses are found to be the most important factors. For real-world applications vortex-based inflow models are considered the best choice, as they reflect the blade circulation distribution within the inflow distribution. Because the focus is on the impact of aerodynamic modeling on rotor stall, the blade design and its flexibility are intentionally not considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vertical Lift: Rotary- and Flapping-Wing Flight)
26 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Using Genetic Algorithms and Core Values of Cooperative Games to Solve Fuzzy Multiobjective Optimization Problems
by Hsien-Chung Wu
Axioms 2024, 13(5), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13050298 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
A new methodology for solving the fuzzy multiobjective optimization problems is proposed in this paper by considering the fusion of cooperative game theory and genetic algorithm. The original fuzzy multiobjective optimization problem needs to be transformed into a scalar optimization problem, which is [...] Read more.
A new methodology for solving the fuzzy multiobjective optimization problems is proposed in this paper by considering the fusion of cooperative game theory and genetic algorithm. The original fuzzy multiobjective optimization problem needs to be transformed into a scalar optimization problem, which is a conventional optimization problem. Usually, the assignments of suitable coefficients to the corresponding scalar optimization problem are subjectively determined by the decision makers. However, these assignments may cause some biases by their subjectivity. Therefore, this paper proposes a mechanical procedure to avoid this subjective biases. We are going to formulate a cooperative game using the α-level functions of the multiple fuzzy objective functions. Under this setting, the suitable coefficients can be determined mechanically by involving the core values of the cooperative game, which is formulated using the multiple fuzzy objective functions. We shall prove that the optimal solutions of the transformed scalar optimization problem are indeed the nondominated solutions of fuzzy multiobjective optimization problem. Since the core-nondominated solutions will depend on the coefficients that are determined by the core values of cooperative game, there will be a lot of core-nondominated solutions that will also depend on the corresponding coefficients. In order to obtain the best core-nondominated solution, we shall invoke the genetic algorithms by evolving the coefficients. Full article
18 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
Impact of Risk, Subsidy, and Bid-Criteria on the Private Investment in Public–Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Projects
by Mohinder Dugal and Shalini Rahul Tiwari
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050184 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are formed to finance and deliver large infrastructural projects that may not be entirely feasible by governments alone. This study investigates the intricate role of financial risks, subsidies, and bidding criteria in the context of PPPs in India, and their [...] Read more.
Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) are formed to finance and deliver large infrastructural projects that may not be entirely feasible by governments alone. This study investigates the intricate role of financial risks, subsidies, and bidding criteria in the context of PPPs in India, and their relationship to the amount and extent of investments made by private partners. Studies have claimed that the success of PPP projects is determined by the type of funding, the nature of risk undertaken by investors, and the bidding criteria used by a government to attract investors. However, there is sparse literature on these variables impacting the private investment in these projects. Thus, in an attempt to address this gap, we collated data from the World Bank for a ten-year period (i.e., 2009 to 2019) for the study variables, and used regression to analyze the hypotheses, while adopting both SPSS 24 and PROCESS Macro. This study disapproved some commonly held notions of risk relationships, such as the government using “viability gap” funding to attract private investment, and that “leverage” does not moderate the relationship between risk assumed and private investment, thereby contributing to the literature on private investment in PPPs as impacted by several factors. This study is among the first to recognize and elaborate on financial risk relationships, specifically in the context of Indian PPPs. These findings are significant for both private and public participants in terms of financial considerations in PPP projects, especially within the ambits of emerging markets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Business and Entrepreneurship)
17 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Biochar Derived from Chinese Herbal Medicine Residue for Efficient Removal of Norfloxacin
by Pengwei Li, Ziheng Zhao, Miaomiao Zhang, Hang Su, Ting Zhao, Weisheng Feng and Zhijuan Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092063 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
One-step carbonization was explored to prepare biochar using the residue of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Atropa belladonna L. (ABL), as the raw material. The resulting biochar, known as ABLB4, was evaluated for its potential as a sustainable material for norfloxacin (NOR) adsorption [...] Read more.
One-step carbonization was explored to prepare biochar using the residue of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Atropa belladonna L. (ABL), as the raw material. The resulting biochar, known as ABLB4, was evaluated for its potential as a sustainable material for norfloxacin (NOR) adsorption in water. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics was conducted through batch adsorption experiments. The maximum calculated NOR adsorption capacity was 252.0 mg/g at 298 K, and the spontaneous and exothermic adsorption of NOR on ABLB4 could be better suited to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model and Langmuir model. The adsorption process observed is influenced by pore diffusion, π–π interaction, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding between ABLB4 and NOR molecules. Moreover, the utilization of response surface modeling (RSM) facilitated the optimization of the removal efficiency of NOR, yielding a maximum removal rate of 97.4% at a temperature of 304.8 K, an initial concentration of 67.1 mg/L, and a pH of 7.4. Furthermore, the biochar demonstrated favorable economic advantages, with a payback of 852.5 USD/t. More importantly, even after undergoing five cycles, ABLB4 exhibited a consistently high NOR removal rate, indicating its significant potential for application in NOR adsorption. Full article
17 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Cymbidium Species (Orchidaceae) Based on the Potential DNA Barcodes matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and Internal Transcribed Spacer
by Zhenming Chen, Ling Gao, Huizhong Wang and Shangguo Feng
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050933 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Numerous Cymbidium species have significant commercial value globally due to their exotic ornamental flowers. Identifying Cymbidium species is challenging due to their similar shapes, which hinders their rational use and the conservation of germplasm resources. In the present study, firstly, four plastid loci [...] Read more.
Numerous Cymbidium species have significant commercial value globally due to their exotic ornamental flowers. Identifying Cymbidium species is challenging due to their similar shapes, which hinders their rational use and the conservation of germplasm resources. In the present study, firstly, four plastid loci (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and atpF-atpH) and a nuclear locus (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) were initially examined to identify Cymbidium species. Secondly, we inferred the interspecific phylogeny of Cymbidium species using ITS sequences. All of these DNA regions, with the exception of atpF-atpH, could be readily amplified from Cymbidium, and the corresponding DNA sequences can be successfully obtained by sequencing. Our research demonstrated that ITS exhibited the highest intra- and interspecific divergences, the greatest barcoding gap, and the highest proportion of species identification. The phylogenetic analysis of Cymbidium species based on the ITS regions primarily corroborated the results obtained using traditional morphological methods. A comparative analysis of candidate DNA barcodes has shown that the ITS can be used not only for barcoding Cymbidium species but also for the phylogenetic analysis of Cymbidium. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Genetic Resources and Biotechnology)
11 pages, 1243 KiB  
Article
Host RNA Expression Signatures in Young Infants with Urinary Tract Infection: A Prospective Study
by Kia Hee Schultz Dungu, Emma Louise Malchau Carlsen, Jonathan Peter Glenthøj, Lisbeth Samsø Schmidt, Inger Merete Jørgensen, Dina Cortes, Anja Poulsen, Nadja Hawwa Vissing, Frederik Otzen Bagger and Ulrikka Nygaard
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4857; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094857 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Early diagnosis of infections in young infants remains a clinical challenge. Young infants are particularly vulnerable to infection, and it is often difficult to clinically distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in young [...] Read more.
Early diagnosis of infections in young infants remains a clinical challenge. Young infants are particularly vulnerable to infection, and it is often difficult to clinically distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in young infants, and the incidence of associated bacteremia has decreased in the recent decades. Host RNA expression signatures have shown great promise for distinguishing bacterial from viral infections in young infants. This prospective study included 121 young infants admitted to four pediatric emergency care departments in the capital region of Denmark due to symptoms of infection. We collected whole blood samples and performed differential gene expression analysis. Further, we tested the classification performance of a two-gene host RNA expression signature approaching clinical implementation. Several genes were differentially expressed between young infants with UTI without bacteremia and viral infection. However, limited immunological response was detected in UTI without bacteremia compared to a more pronounced response in viral infection. The performance of the two-gene signature was limited, especially in cases of UTI without bloodstream involvement. Our results indicate a need for further investigation and consideration of UTI in young infants before implementing host RNA expression signatures in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
24 pages, 9712 KiB  
Article
On the Generalizability of Machine Learning Classification Algorithms and Their Application to the Framingham Heart Study
by Nabil Kahouadji
Information 2024, 15(5), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15050252 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of machine learning algorithms in healthcare can amplify social injustices and health inequities. While the exacerbation of biases can occur and be compounded during problem selection, data collection, and outcome definition, this research pertains to the generalizability impediments that occur during [...] Read more.
The use of machine learning algorithms in healthcare can amplify social injustices and health inequities. While the exacerbation of biases can occur and be compounded during problem selection, data collection, and outcome definition, this research pertains to the generalizability impediments that occur during the development and post-deployment of machine learning classification algorithms. Using the Framingham coronary heart disease data as a case study, we show how to effectively select a probability cutoff to convert a regression model for a dichotomous variable into a classifier. We then compare the sampling distribution of the predictive performance of eight machine learning classification algorithms under four stratified training/testing scenarios to test their generalizability and their potential to perpetuate biases. We show that both extreme gradient boosting and support vector machine are flawed when trained on an unbalanced dataset. We then show that the double discriminant scoring of type 1 and 2 is the most generalizable with respect to the true positive and negative rates, respectively, as it consistently outperforms the other classification algorithms, regardless of the training/testing scenario. Finally, we introduce a methodology to extract an optimal variable hierarchy for a classification algorithm and illustrate it on the overall, male and female Framingham coronary heart disease data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Data Science for Health Services)
11 pages, 542 KiB  
Article
Association between Hearing Aid Use and Cognitive Function in Persons with Hearing Impairment Stratified by Cardiovascular Risk
by Kouki Tomida, Sangyoon Lee, Keitaro Makino, Osamu Katayama, Kenji Harada, Masanori Morikawa, Ryo Yamaguchi, Chiharu Nishijima, Kazuya Fujii, Yuka Misu and Hiroyuki Shimada
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050479 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults with hearing impairment, stratified by cardiovascular risk level. This cross-sectional study covers 1857 hearing-impaired individuals selected among 10,674 [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults with hearing impairment, stratified by cardiovascular risk level. This cross-sectional study covers 1857 hearing-impaired individuals selected among 10,674 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years of age) in Japan. We investigate the association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline stratified by cardiovascular risk level, by assessing self-reported hearing impairment and hearing aid use, absolute cardiovascular risk, cognitive function, and potential confounding factors. The association between hearing impairment severity and increased cardiovascular risk, and the benefit of hearing aid use in preventing cognitive decline, were examined in a binomial logistic regression analysis, with the presence of cognitive decline as the objective variable. In the low cardiovascular risk group, hearing aid users had a lower odds ratio for decline in executive function than non-users (odds ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.98). However, there was no significant association between hearing aid use and cognitive decline in the high cardiovascular risk group (p > 0.05). Among older adults with hearing impairment, hearing aid use was associated with the maintenance of executive function in individuals of low cardiovascular risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine for Otolaryngology (ENT))
21 pages, 33618 KiB  
Article
Research on a Real-Time Prediction Method of Hull Girder Loads Based on Different Recurrent Neural Network Models
by Qiang Wang, Lihong Wu, Chenfeng Li, Xin Chang and Boran Zhang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050746 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Real-time prediction of hull girder loads is of great significance for the safety of ship structures. Some scholars have used neural network technology to investigate hull girder load real-time prediction methods based on motion monitoring data. With the development of deep learning technology, [...] Read more.
Real-time prediction of hull girder loads is of great significance for the safety of ship structures. Some scholars have used neural network technology to investigate hull girder load real-time prediction methods based on motion monitoring data. With the development of deep learning technology, a variety of recurrent neural networks have been proposed; however, there is still a lack of systematic comparative analysis on the prediction performance of different networks. In addition, the real motion monitoring data inevitably contains noise, and the effect of data noise has not been fully considered in previous studies. In this paper, four different recurrent neural network models are comparatively investigated, and the effect of different levels of noise on the prediction accuracy of various load components is systematically analyzed. It is found that the GRU network is suitable for predicting the torsional moment and horizontal bending moment, and the LSTM network is suitable for predicting the vertical bending moment. Although filtering has been applied to the original noise data, the prediction accuracy still decreased as the noise level increased. The prediction accuracy of the vertical bending moment and horizontal bending moment is higher than that of the torsional moment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analysis of Marine Structures—Edition II)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 482 KiB  
Article
Association of School Instructional Mode with Community COVID-19 Incidence during August–December 2020 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
by Pauline D. Terebuh, Jeffrey M. Albert, Jacqueline W. Curtis, Kurt C. Stange, Suzanne Hrusch, Kevin Brennan, Jill E. Miracle, Wail Yar, Prakash R. Ganesh, Heidi L. Gullett and Johnie Rose
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050569 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
 Remote and hybrid modes of instruction were employed as alternatives to in-person instruction as part of early mitigation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the impact of a public school district’s instructional mode on cumulative incidence and transmission in the [...] Read more.
 Remote and hybrid modes of instruction were employed as alternatives to in-person instruction as part of early mitigation efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the impact of a public school district’s instructional mode on cumulative incidence and transmission in the surrounding community by employing a generalized estimating equations approach to estimate the association with weekly COVID-19 case counts by zip code in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, from August to December 2020. Remote instruction only (RI) was employed by 7 of 20 school districts; 13 used some non-remote instruction (NRI) (2–15 weeks). Weekly incidence increased in all zip codes from August to peak in late fall before declining. The zip code cumulative incidence within NRI school districts was higher than in those offering only RI (risk ratio = 1.12, p = 0.01; risk difference = 519 per 100,000, 95% confidence interval (123–519)). The mean effect for NRI on emergent cases 2 weeks after mode exposure, controlling for Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), was significant only for high SVI zip codes 1.30, p < 0.001. NRI may be associated with increased community COVID-19 incidence, particularly in communities with high SVI. Vulnerable communities may need more resources to open schools safely.  Full article
15 pages, 749 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Assessment of Tumor Contact with Neurogenic Zones and Its Effects on Survival: Insights beyond Traditional Predictors
by Kirsten Jung, Johanna Kempter, Georg Prokop, Tim Herrmann, Michael Griessmair, Su-Hwan Kim, Claire Delbridge, Bernhard Meyer, Denise Bernhardt, Stephanie E. Combs, Claus Zimmer, Benedikt Wiestler, Friederike Schmidt-Graf and Marie-Christin Metz
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091743 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
So far, the cellular origin of glioblastoma (GBM) needs to be determined, with prevalent theories suggesting emergence from transformed endogenous stem cells. Adult neurogenesis primarily occurs in two brain regions: the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate [...] Read more.
So far, the cellular origin of glioblastoma (GBM) needs to be determined, with prevalent theories suggesting emergence from transformed endogenous stem cells. Adult neurogenesis primarily occurs in two brain regions: the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Whether the proximity of GBM to these neurogenic niches affects patient outcome remains uncertain. Previous studies often rely on subjective assessments, limiting the reliability of those results. In this study, we assessed the impact of GBM’s relationship with the cortex, SVZ and SGZ on clinical variables using fully automated segmentation methods. In 177 glioblastoma patients, we calculated optimal cutpoints of minimal distances to the SVZ and SGZ to distinguish poor from favorable survival. The impact of tumor contact with neurogenic zones on clinical parameters, such as overall survival, multifocality, MGMT promotor methylation, Ki-67 and KPS score was also examined by multivariable regression analysis, chi-square test and Mann–Whitney-U. The analysis confirmed shorter survival in tumors contacting the SVZ with an optimal cutpoint of 14 mm distance to the SVZ, separating poor from more favorable survival. In contrast, tumor contact with the SGZ did not negatively affect survival. We did not find significant correlations with multifocality or MGMT promotor methylation in tumors contacting the SVZ, as previous studies discussed. These findings suggest that the spatial relationship between GBM and neurogenic niches needs to be assessed differently. Objective measurements disprove prior assumptions, warranting further research on this topic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life)
8 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Periprosthetic Hip Fractures around the Stem: Can the Stem Design Affect Fracture Features?
by Luca Costanzo Comba, Luca Gagliardi, Francesco Onorato and Fabrizio Rivera
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092627 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries; nevertheless, many of these surgeries are the causes of failure, and among them, periprosthetic fractures are one of the major causes of revision. Our study focuses on periprosthetic hip fractures with two [...] Read more.
Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries; nevertheless, many of these surgeries are the causes of failure, and among them, periprosthetic fractures are one of the major causes of revision. Our study focuses on periprosthetic hip fractures with two different stem designs. The aim of the study was to analyze the obtained results, focusing on the features of periprosthetic stem fractures observed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed periprosthetic fractures occurring between 2010 and 2023, involving Alloclassic® or CLS® uncemented femoral stems. We analyzed demographic data, proximal femur morphology, and the fracture type. Results: We identified 97 patients. Considering the proximal femur morphology, we found that there was statistically significant prevalence of Dorr A proximal femur morphology in the CLS® group and of Dorr C in the Alloclassic® group. Considering the distribution of the fracture pattern, we reported a non-statistically significant prevalence of the fracture pattern with stable stems in the CLS® group. Conclusions: The choice of the prosthetic design of the femoral stem is a crucial element when planning total hip arthroplasty. However, we found a non-statistically significant difference between the two stems considered, raising questions about the real role of stem design as a primary determinant of periprosthetic hip fractures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Trauma and Trauma Care in Orthopedics)
30 pages, 13289 KiB  
Article
A Study of the Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Coupling Coordination between Ecosystem Service Values and Habitat Quality in Diverse Scenarios: The Case of Chengdu Metropolitan Area, China
by Gaoliu Huang, Shiming Feng and Chunguang Hu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3741; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093741 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The global ecological decline resulting from urban development presents a significant challenge for numerous regions striving to reconcile conservation efforts with developmental needs. This study explores the relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and habitat quality (HQ) under various scenarios to elucidate prospective [...] Read more.
The global ecological decline resulting from urban development presents a significant challenge for numerous regions striving to reconcile conservation efforts with developmental needs. This study explores the relationship between ecosystem service value (ESV) and habitat quality (HQ) under various scenarios to elucidate prospective development trajectories. This study utilized the PLUS model to simulate land use patterns in the Chengdu metropolitan area across four distinct development scenarios. Furthermore, it employed the equivalent factor method and the Invest model to quantify ESV and HQ values, and investigated the coupling coordination between ESV and HQ for each city using a coupling coordination model (CCM). The findings are as follows: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, land use in the Chengdu metropolitan area primarily expanded through the development of construction land. (2) Concurrently, ESV demonstrated a fluctuating trend characterized by an initial decline succeeded by an upsurge, culminating under the Development–Ecological Balance Scenario. Likewise, HQ displayed a similar fluctuating pattern with an initial decline succeeded by an increase, reaching its zenith under the Ecological Dominance Scenario. (3) The coupling coordination between ESV and HQ exhibited variability across cities and scenarios. Ultimately, this study offers a distinctive perspective on evaluating the interplay between urban development and conservation, providing valuable insights for promoting sustainable development in other regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bringing Ecosystem Services into Decision-Making)
35 pages, 2621 KiB  
Review
Macroalgae Bioplastics: A Sustainable Shift to Mitigate the Ecological Impact of Petroleum-Based Plastics
by Nehal E. Elkaliny, Nurah M. Alzamel, Shaaban H. Moussa, Nour I. Elodamy, Engy A. Madkor, Esraa M. Ibrahim, Mostafa E. Elshobary and Gehan A. Ismail
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091246 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The surge in global utilization of petroleum-based plastics, which notably heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased its harm to ecosystems. Considering the escalating environmental impact, a pivotal shift towards bioplastics usage is imperative. Exploring and implementing bioplastics as a viable alternative [...] Read more.
The surge in global utilization of petroleum-based plastics, which notably heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, has substantially increased its harm to ecosystems. Considering the escalating environmental impact, a pivotal shift towards bioplastics usage is imperative. Exploring and implementing bioplastics as a viable alternative could mitigate the ecological burden posed by traditional plastics. Macroalgae is a potential feedstock for the production of bioplastics due to its abundance, fast growth, and high cellulose and sugar content. Researchers have recently explored various methods for extracting and converting macroalgae into bioplastic. Some of the key challenges in the production of macroalgae bioplastics are the high costs of large-scale production and the need to optimize the extraction and conversion processes to obtain high-quality bioplastics. However, the potential benefits of using macroalgae for bioplastic production include reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions, using healthier materials in various life practices, and developing a promising area for future research and development. Also, bioplastic provides job opportunities in free enterprise and contributes to various applications such as packaging, medical devices, electronics, textiles, and cosmetics. The presented review aims to discuss the problem of petroleum-based plastic, bioplastic extraction from macroalgae, bioplastic properties, biodegradability, its various applications, and its production challenges. Full article
8 pages, 377 KiB  
Article
Chip-Based Electronic System for Quantum Key Distribution
by Siyuan Zhang, Wei Mao, Shaobo Luo and Shihai Sun
Entropy 2024, 26(5), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050382 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has garnered significant attention due to its unconditional security based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. While QKD has been demonstrated by various groups and commercial QKD products are available, the development of a fully chip-based QKD system, [...] Read more.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has garnered significant attention due to its unconditional security based on the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. While QKD has been demonstrated by various groups and commercial QKD products are available, the development of a fully chip-based QKD system, aimed at reducing costs, size, and power consumption, remains a significant technological challenge. Most researchers focus on the optical aspects, leaving the integration of the electronic components largely unexplored. In this paper, we present the design of a fully integrated electrical control chip for QKD applications. The chip, fabricated using 28 nm CMOS technology, comprises five main modules: an ARM processor for digital signal processing, delay cells for timing synchronization, ADC for sampling analog signals from monitors, OPAMP for signal amplification, and DAC for generating the required voltage for phase or intensity modulators. According to the simulations, the minimum delay is 11ps, the open-loop gain of the operational amplifier is 86.2 dB, the sampling rate of the ADC reaches 50 MHz, and the DAC achieves a high rate of 100 MHz. To the best of our knowledge, this marks the first design and evaluation of a fully integrated driver chip for QKD, holding the potential to significantly enhance QKD system performance. Thus, we believe our work could inspire future investigations toward the development of more efficient and reliable QKD systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Quantum Key Distribution)
15 pages, 2438 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Drag Reduction Performance and Rheological Properties of Drag-Reducing Additives
by Ailian Chang, Le Huang, Song Wei and Minglu Shao
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091247 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the practical application of hydraulic rotating machinery, it is essential to thoroughly explore drag reduction and rheological characteristics of drag-reducing additives to optimize machinery efficiency and reduce equipment consumption. This paper combines simulation and experimental approaches to investigate the drag-reduction performance and [...] Read more.
In the practical application of hydraulic rotating machinery, it is essential to thoroughly explore drag reduction and rheological characteristics of drag-reducing additives to optimize machinery efficiency and reduce equipment consumption. This paper combines simulation and experimental approaches to investigate the drag-reduction performance and rheological properties of drag-reducing additives. Numerical simulations are initially conducted to investigate the shear-thinning properties of drag-reducing fluid and explore variations in drag-reduction rate. Turbulent phenomena characteristics are described by analyzing turbulent statistical quantities. Subsequently, the rheological behaviors of polyethylene oxide (PEO), cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC), and their mixed solutions under different conditions are scrutinized using a rotational rheometer. The findings indicate that the drag reduction effect amplifies as the rheological index n and characteristic time λ decrease. The numerical simulations show a maximum drag reduction rate of 20.18%. In rheological experiments, a three-stage viscosity variation is observed in single drag-reducing additives: shear thickening, shear thinning, and eventual stabilization. Composite drag-reducing additives significantly reduce the apparent viscosity at low shear rates, thereby strengthening the shear resistance of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Development of Polymer Additives)
27 pages, 1798 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Traditional Mosque Architecture in the Hehuang Area (China)
by Yuehao Huang and Qianming Xue
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051258 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and influencing factors of mosque architecture in China’s Hehuang region has significant positive implications for the overall protection and development of the region’s architectural cultural heritage. This study utilizes field surveys and acquires POI data of traditional mosques built [...] Read more.
Clarifying the spatiotemporal distribution and influencing factors of mosque architecture in China’s Hehuang region has significant positive implications for the overall protection and development of the region’s architectural cultural heritage. This study utilizes field surveys and acquires POI data of traditional mosques built before 1993 in the region to analyze the distribution characteristics of mosques, aiming to explore future development trends of these religious structures. It also investigates the influencing factors, with the goal of emphasizing the primary and secondary factors affecting mosque distribution. The study finds the following: (1) Mosques are generally centered around the Huangshui Valley, displaying a “central clustering, peripheral dispersal” distribution pattern, forming a spatial structure of “two cores, one belt, multiple points”, with distinct differentiation and overall uneven distribution. (2) Mosques are primarily situated at elevations between 2147 and 2764 m; on slopes less than 15°, in sunny and gentle slopes; within 20 km from rivers; within 14 km from roads; in areas receiving 400–500 mm annual rainfall; and within temperature ranges of 5.54–10.22°C. (3) The study also finds that the spatial distribution of mosques is profoundly influenced by both natural geographical factors and human environmental factors. The better the natural location, the larger and denser the population, the richer the cultural resources, the higher the level of economic development, and the greater the concentration of Hui people, the more numerous and concentrated the mosques. (4) Population factors are the dominant factors for the clustered distribution of traditional mosques in the Hehuang area. Since the construction of mosques in the region is closely related to the number of Hui people and the proportion of Muslim adherents, areas with a high concentration of mosques also have relatively larger populations of Hui people. Temperature, precipitation, altitude, rivers, and roads are foundational factors for traditional mosques in the Hehuang area, influencing mosque distribution as external factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
11 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
The Interplay of Sleep Quality, Mental Health, and Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors among Italian College Freshmen
by Jessica Dagani, Chiara Buizza, Herald Cela, Giulio Sbravati, Giuseppe Rainieri and Alberto Ghilardi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2626; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092626 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Sleep and mental health are closely linked, with sleep deprivation increasing the risk of mental health problems in college students. This study aimed to analyze the role of sleep in the mental health status of a sample of Italian freshmen, considering [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Sleep and mental health are closely linked, with sleep deprivation increasing the risk of mental health problems in college students. This study aimed to analyze the role of sleep in the mental health status of a sample of Italian freshmen, considering various mental health outcomes and potential interactions between sleep and other relevant factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, academic experiences, and mental health history. Methods: All freshmen from a medium-sized Italian university were invited to participate in a multidimensional online survey (n = 3756). Sleep quality was assessed through questions on average hours of sleep per night and on satisfaction of perceived sleep quality. Mental health outcomes included psychophysical well-being, psychological distress, substance use, and problematic internet use. Statistical analysis involved multivariate analysis of variance, followed by pairwise comparisons. Results: The sample (n = 721) exhibited low levels of well-being and a high prevalence of psychological distress (52.1%). Approximately one-third of students (n = 258) were dissatisfied with their sleep quality, and one-fourth (n = 186) reported inadequate sleep (less than 7 hours per night). More specifically, 24.4% of students slept on average six hours per night, and 1.4% slept five hours or less. Satisfaction with perceived sleep quality significantly influenced well-being, psychological distress, and cannabis use (ηp2 = 0.02). Interaction effects were observed between satisfaction with sleep quality and drop-out intentions (ηp2 = 0.01), as well as between satisfaction with sleep quality and history of mental health diagnosis (ηp2 = 0.02), both of which were significant for psychological distress and cannabis use. Conclusions: This study highlights the influence of perceived sleep quality on academic distress among college freshmen, particularly those with higher intentions of leaving university and with a history of mental health diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Long-Term Insomnia on Mental Health)
17 pages, 1424 KiB  
Article
Research on Brain Networks of Human Balance Based on Phase Estimation Synchronization
by Yifei Qiu and Zhizeng Luo
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050448 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Phase synchronization serves as an effective method for analyzing the synchronization of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals among brain regions and the dynamic changes of the brain. The purpose of this paper is to study the construction of the functional brain network (FBN) based on [...] Read more.
Phase synchronization serves as an effective method for analyzing the synchronization of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals among brain regions and the dynamic changes of the brain. The purpose of this paper is to study the construction of the functional brain network (FBN) based on phase synchronization, with a special focus on neural processes related to human balance regulation. This paper designed four balance paradigms of different difficulty by blocking vision or proprioception and collected 19-channel EEG signals. Firstly, the EEG sequences are segmented by sliding windows. The phase-locking value (PLV) of core node pairs serves as the phase-screening index to extract the valid data segments, which are recombined into new EEG sequences. Subsequently, the multichannel weighted phase lag index (wPLI) is calculated based on the new EEG sequences to construct the FBN. The experimental results show that due to the randomness of the time points of body balance adjustment, the degree of phase synchronization of the datasets screened by PLV is more obvious, improving the effective information expression of the subsequent EEG data segments. The FBN topological structures of the wPLI show that the connectivity of various brain regions changes structurally as the difficulty of human balance tasks increases. The frontal lobe area is the core brain region for information integration. When vision or proprioception is obstructed, the EEG synchronization level of the corresponding occipital lobe area or central area decreases. The synchronization level of the frontal lobe area increases, which strengthens the synergistic effect among the brain regions and compensates for the imbalanced response caused by the lack of sensory information. These results show the brain regional characteristics of the process of human balance regulation under different balance paradigms, providing new insights into endogenous neural mechanisms of standing balance and methods of constructing brain networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Posture and Movement on Intrinsic Brain Activity)

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop