The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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11 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Different Stretching Techniques Used in Warm-Up on the Triggering of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Soccer Players
by Kemal Kurak, İsmail İlbak, Stefan Stojanović, Ramazan Bayer, Tijana Purenović-Ivanović, Tomasz Pałka, Tadeusz Ambroży, Krzysztof Kasicki, Wojciech Czarny and Łukasz Rydzik
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4347; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114347 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male [...] Read more.
The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different stretching techniques used during warm-up exercises prior to post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) on the explosive lower extremity strength performance of soccer players. This cross-sectional study involved the participation of 13 male soccer players with an average age of 22.38 ± 1.75, body height of 174.38 ± 3.94, and body mass of 72.30 ± 4.13. To determine the participants’ maximal strength performance, one repeated maximal strength (1-RM) squat exercise was applied. The PAPE protocol was then implemented with a squat exercise consisting of three repetitions at 80% of 1-RM. The warm-up protocols consisted of 5 min of cycling, followed by dynamic stretching, static stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises. These protocols were applied on four different days with a 72 h interval. A vertical jump test was conducted to measure the participants’ explosive strength performance. The research data were analyzed using IBM Statistics (SPSS version 26.0, Armonk, NY, USA) software. The findings of this study revealed statistically significant differences in vertical jump performance values after PAPE among participants based on the different stretching techniques used during warm-up (p = 0.00). In this context, the research concluded that dynamic stretching is the optimal stretching technique during warm-up exercises before PAPE to maximize its effects. On the other hand, static stretching was found to negatively affect performance by absorbing the PAPE effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis in Sport and Exercise Ⅱ)
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15 pages, 1217 KiB  
Article
Postharvest Quality of Citrus medica L. (cv Liscia-Diamante) Fruit Stored at Different Temperatures: Volatile Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils
by Laura Quintieri, Michela Palumbo, Ilde Ricci, Bernardo Pace, Leonardo Caputo, Angelo Adduci, Anna Luparelli, Maria Cefola, Francesco Siano and Rosaria Cozzolino
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111596 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Citron (Citrus medica L. cv. Liscia-diamante), cultivated in the “Riviera dei Cedri” (southern Italy), is mainly utilized in the production of candied fruit and essential oils (EOs). Up to now, no information regarding the effect of storage temperatures on citron has been [...] Read more.
Citron (Citrus medica L. cv. Liscia-diamante), cultivated in the “Riviera dei Cedri” (southern Italy), is mainly utilized in the production of candied fruit and essential oils (EOs). Up to now, no information regarding the effect of storage temperatures on citron has been reported. Here, citron samples, after harvesting, were stored at different temperatures (5, 10 and 20 °C at 70% relative humidity) for two weeks, and the main postharvest quality parameters were evaluated. Moreover, EOs extracted from the stored samples were chemically characterized to reveal changes in the volatiles profile and antimicrobial activity. The EOs presented monoterpene hydrocarbons (87.1 to 96.3% of the total oil profile) as the most abundant compounds, followed by oxygenated metabolites ranging from 9.7 to 3.1% of the total pattern. Postharvest quality traits showed a good retention of green peel color during storage at 5 °C, while EOs from samples stored for 7 and 14 days at 10 and 20 °C, respectively, showed the highest antimicrobial activity against most assayed strains. The results indicated storage at 10 °C for 7 days as the most suitable for the preservation of the postharvest quality of the fruit and the antimicrobial activity of the extracted EOs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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6 pages, 188 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for Special Issue: “Monitoring Terrestrial Water Resource Using Multiple Satellite Sensors”
by Nan Xu, Yue Ma, Song Li and Debao Tan
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111821 - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In the past few decades, with the advent of climate change, population growth, agricultural irrigation, and industrial development, there have been increasing demands for water resources across the globe, especially in widely distributed arid areas or densely populated areas [...] Full article
23 pages, 617 KiB  
Article
Navigating Land Conservation, Utilization, and Market Solutions: Insights from the Lanyang River Watershed, Taiwan
by Wan-Jiun Chen, Jihn-Fa Jan, Chih-Hsin Chung and Shyue-Cherng Liaw
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4326; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114326 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In the current fraught relationship between nature and human society, land conservation and utilization have spawned intensive conflicts that require mediation. The present study explores this issue of coordination between nature and society in a fragile watershed located in northeastern Taiwan: the Lanyang [...] Read more.
In the current fraught relationship between nature and human society, land conservation and utilization have spawned intensive conflicts that require mediation. The present study explores this issue of coordination between nature and society in a fragile watershed located in northeastern Taiwan: the Lanyang River Watershed. Land zoning in this area has been historically classified and legally implemented, and additional development is constrained by an application review process. Currently, additional land utilization is still in demand in sensitive areas of this watershed, such as for mining and tilling. Due to the geographically, geologically, and climatically fragile characteristics of the watershed, the hillside residents have benefited from the conservation of nature with comprehensive ecosystem services but are at the forefront of the loss of life and property caused by forest ecosystem degradation. They are one of the key local resource users and main stakeholders. Applying the contingent valuation method to survey the hillside residents, the present study assessed the economic value they receive from the comprehensive ecosystem services offered by the natural forest ecosystems. Their opinions are explored using a survey on their awareness of ecosystem damage, their opinions on damage compensation, and on the feasible compensation channels for damage. As the study results ascertained the high value of the comprehensive ecosystem services continuously delivered by the conserved forest ecosystem, the study affirmed that conservation in the area classified and zoned as sensitive is an economic beneficial policy. With a high regard for ecosystem services and awareness of the impact of degradation and of the general agreement for the feasibility of channels of damage compensation, the continuity of conservation for these comprehensive ecosystem services is the preferred strategy for the local hillside residents. To emphasize this further, the opinions of the local community at the intersection of nature and society, where there is a delineated land zoning framework, strongly favor conservation over intensive resource exploitation and agricultural expansion, making further development an unfavorable strategy. Full article
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25 pages, 6743 KiB  
Article
Novel Hybrid Mexican Axolotl Optimization with Fuzzy Logic for Maximum Power Point Tracker of Partially Shaded Photovoltaic Systems
by Ali M. Eltamaly and Majed A. Alotaibi
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112445 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Due to the nonlinear relation between the generated power and voltage of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, there is a need to stimulate PV arrays to operate at maximum possible power. Maximum power can be tracked using the maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Due to [...] Read more.
Due to the nonlinear relation between the generated power and voltage of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, there is a need to stimulate PV arrays to operate at maximum possible power. Maximum power can be tracked using the maximum power point tracker (MPPT). Due to the presence of several peaks on the power–voltage (P–V) characteristics of the shaded PV array, conventional MPPT such as hill climbing may show premature convergence, which can significantly reduce the generated power. Metaheuristic optimization algorithms (MOAs) have been used to avoid this problem. The main shortcomings of MOAs are the low convergence speed and the high ripples in the waveforms. Several strategies have been introduced to shorten the convergence time (CT) and improve the accuracy of convergence. The proposed technique sequentially uses a recent optimization algorithm called Mexican Axolotl Optimization (MAO) to capture the vicinity of the global peak of the P–V characteristics and move the control to a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to accurately track the maximum power point. The proposed strategy extracts both the benefits of the MAO and FLC and avoids their limitations with the use of the high exploration involved in the MOA at the beginning of optimization and uses the fine accuracy of the FLC to fine-track the MPP. The results obtained from the proposed strategy show a substantial reduction in the CT and the highest accuracy of the global peak, which easily proves its superiority compared to other MPPT algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)
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14 pages, 4817 KiB  
Article
Cryptotanshinone-Induced Permeabilization of Model Phospholipid Membranes: A Biophysical Study
by Julia Ortiz, Francisco J. Aranda, José A. Teruel and Antonio Ortiz
Membranes 2024, 14(6), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14060118 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The Danshen terpenoid cryptotanshinone (CPT) is gaining enormous interest in light of its various outstanding biological activities. Among those, CPT has been shown to interact with cell membranes and, for instance, to have antibacterial activity. Several works have shown that CPT alone, or [...] Read more.
The Danshen terpenoid cryptotanshinone (CPT) is gaining enormous interest in light of its various outstanding biological activities. Among those, CPT has been shown to interact with cell membranes and, for instance, to have antibacterial activity. Several works have shown that CPT alone, or in combination with other drugs, can effectively act as an antibiotic against various infectious bacteria. Some authors have related the mechanism underlying this action to CPT–membrane interaction. This work shows that CPT readily partitions into phosphatidylcholine membranes, but there is a limiting capacity of accommodation of ca. 1 mol CPT to 3 mol phospholipid. The addition of CPT to unilamellar liposomes composed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC) causes membrane permeabilization, as shown by fluorescent probe leakage. This process has been kinetically studied, as well as its modulation by incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylglycerol, as a model for pathogenic cell membranes. The thermotropic behavior of 1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) model membranes is weakly affected by CPT, but the terpenoid causes significant dehydration of the polar region of the bilayer and weak disordering of the acyl chain palisade, as observed in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) shows that CPT increases DMPC bilayer thickness, which could be due to localization near the phospholipid/water interface. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations show that the lateral diffusion coefficient of the phospholipid increases with the presence of CPT. CPT extends from the polar head region to the center of the bilayer, being centered between the carbonyl groups and the unsaturated region of the POPC, where there is greater overlap. Interestingly, the free energy profiles of a water molecule crossing the lipid membrane show that the POPC membrane becomes more permeable in the presence of CPT. In summary, our results show that CPT perturbs the physicochemical properties of the phospholipid membrane and compromises its barrier function, which could be of relevance to explain part of its antimicrobial or anticancer activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Membrane Composition and Structures)
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23 pages, 9661 KiB  
Article
Oil and Gas Structures: Forecasting the Fire Resistance of Steel Structures with Fire Protection under Hydrocarbon Fire Conditions
by Marina Gravit, Ivan Dmitriev, Nikita Shcheglov and Anton Radaev
Fire 2024, 7(6), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060173 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The hydrocarbon temperature–time curve is widely used instead of the standard curve to describe the temperature in the environment of structural surfaces exposed to fire in oil and gas chemical facilities and tunnels. This paper presents calculations of the ratio of time to [...] Read more.
The hydrocarbon temperature–time curve is widely used instead of the standard curve to describe the temperature in the environment of structural surfaces exposed to fire in oil and gas chemical facilities and tunnels. This paper presents calculations of the ratio of time to reach critical temperatures at different nominal fire curves for steel structures such as bulkheads and columns with different types of fireproofing. The thermophysical properties of the fireproofing materials were obtained by solving the inverse heat conduction problem using computer simulation. It was found that the time interval for reaching critical temperatures in structures with different types of fireproofing in a hydrocarbon fire decreased, on average, by a factor of 1.2–1.7 compared to the results of standard fire tests. For example, for decks and bulkheads with mineral wool fireproofing, the K-factor of the ratio of the time for reaching the critical temperature of steel under the standard curve to the hydrocarbon curve was 1.30–1.62; for plaster, it was 1.56; for cement boards, it was 1.34; for non-combustible coatings, it was 1.38–2.0; and, for epoxy paints, it was 1.71. The recommended values of the K-factor for fire resistance up to 180 min (incl.) were 1.7 and, after 180 min, 1.2. The obtained dependencies would allow fireproofing manufacturers to predict the insulation thickness for expensive hydrocarbon fire experiments if the results of fire tests under standard (cellulosic) conditions are known. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in New Energy Materials and Fire Safety)
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9 pages, 1220 KiB  
Article
ROX Index Variation as a Predictor of Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients
by Augusto Maldonado, Pablo Endara, Patricio Abril, Henry Carrión, Carolina Largo and Patricia Benavides
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3025; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113025 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency departments were overcrowded with critically ill patients, and many providers were confronted with ethical dilemmas in assigning respiratory support to them due to scarce resources. Quick tools for evaluating patients upon admission were necessary, as many existing [...] Read more.
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency departments were overcrowded with critically ill patients, and many providers were confronted with ethical dilemmas in assigning respiratory support to them due to scarce resources. Quick tools for evaluating patients upon admission were necessary, as many existing scores proved inaccurate in predicting outcomes. The ROX Index (RI), a rapid and straightforward scoring system reflecting respiratory status in acute respiratory failure patients, has shown promise in predicting outcomes for COVID-19 patients. The 24 h difference in the RI accurately gauges mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) among patients with COVID-19. Methods: Study design: Prospective cohort study. A total of 204 patients were admitted to the emergency department from May to August 2020. Data were collected from the clinical records. The RI was calculated at admission and 24 h later, and the difference was used to predict the association with mortality and the need for IMV, a logistic regression model was used to adjust for age, sex, presence of comorbidities, and disease severity. Finally, the data were analyzed using ROC. Results: The difference in respiratory RI between admission and 24 h is a good predictor for death (AUC 0.92) and for mechanic ventilation (AUC: 0.75). Each one-unit decrease in the RI difference at 24 h was associated with an odds ratio of 1.48 for the risk of death (95%CI: 1.31–1.67) and an odds ratio of 1.16 for IMV (95% IC: 1.1–1.23). Conclusions: The 24 h variation of RI is a good prediction tool to allow healthcare professionals to identify the patients who will benefit from invasive treatment, especially in low-resource settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Emergency Medicine)
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32 pages, 3270 KiB  
Article
Towards Global Explainability of Artificial Intelligence Agent Tactics in Close Air Combat
by Emre Saldiran, Mehmet Hasanzade, Gokhan Inalhan and Antonios Tsourdos
Aerospace 2024, 11(6), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11060415 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we explore the development of an explainability system for air combat agents trained with reinforcement learning, thus addressing a crucial need in the dynamic and complex realm of air combat. The safety-critical nature of air combat demands not only improved [...] Read more.
In this paper, we explore the development of an explainability system for air combat agents trained with reinforcement learning, thus addressing a crucial need in the dynamic and complex realm of air combat. The safety-critical nature of air combat demands not only improved performance but also a deep understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) decision-making processes. Although AI has been applied significantly to air combat, a gap remains in comprehensively explaining an AI agent’s decisions, which is essential for their effective integration and for fostering trust in their actions. Our research involves the creation of an explainability system tailored for agents trained in an air combat environment. Using reinforcement learning, combined with a reward decomposition approach, the system clarifies the agent’s decision making in various tactical situations. This transparency allows for a nuanced understanding of the agent’s behavior, thereby uncovering their strategic preferences and operational patterns. The findings reveal that our system effectively identifies the strengths and weaknesses of an agent’s tactics in different air combat scenarios. This knowledge is essential for debugging and refining the agent’s performance and to ensure that AI agents operate optimally within their intended contexts. The insights gained from our study highlight the crucial role of explainability in improving the integration of AI technologies within air combat systems, thus facilitating more informed tactical decisions and potential advancements in air combat strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)
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7 pages, 502 KiB  
Opinion
Repurposing Waste from Aggressive Acacia Invaders to Promote Its Management in Large Invaded Areas in Southwestern Europe
by Paula Lorenzo and Maria Cristina Morais
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111428 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Several Acacia species are aggressive invaders outside their native range, often occupying extensive areas. Traditional management approaches have proven to be ineffective and economically unfeasible, especially when dealing with large infestations. Here, we explain a different approach to complement traditional management by using [...] Read more.
Several Acacia species are aggressive invaders outside their native range, often occupying extensive areas. Traditional management approaches have proven to be ineffective and economically unfeasible, especially when dealing with large infestations. Here, we explain a different approach to complement traditional management by using the waste from Acacia management activities. This approach can provide stakeholders with tools to potentially reduce management costs and encourage proactive management actions. It also prioritizes potential applications of Acacia waste biomass for agriculture and forestry as a way of sequestering the carbon released during control actions. We advocate the use of compost/vermicompost, green manure and charcoal produced from Acacia waste, as several studies have shown their effectiveness in improving soil fertility and supporting crop growth. The use of waste and derivatives as bioherbicides or biostimulants is pending validation under field conditions. Although invasive Acacia spp. are banned from commercialization and cultivation, the use of their waste remains permissible. In this respect, we recommend the collection of Acacia waste during the vegetative stage and its subsequent use after being dried or when dead, to prevent further propagation. Moreover, it is crucial to establish a legal framework to mitigate potential risks associated with the handling and disposal of Acacia waste. Full article
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13 pages, 2051 KiB  
Article
Capsid Integrity Detection of Enteric Viruses in Reclaimed Waters
by Pablo Puchades-Colera, Azahara Díaz-Reolid, Inés Girón-Guzmán, Enric Cuevas-Ferrando, Alba Pérez-Cataluña and Gloria Sánchez
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060816 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and droughts are depleting water resources in some parts of the globe, where recycling and reusing wastewater is a strategy for different purposes. To counteract this, the EU regulation for water reuse sets minimum requirements for the use [...] Read more.
Climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and droughts are depleting water resources in some parts of the globe, where recycling and reusing wastewater is a strategy for different purposes. To counteract this, the EU regulation for water reuse sets minimum requirements for the use of reclaimed water for agricultural irrigation, including a reduction in human enteric viruses. In the present study, the occurrence of several human enteric viruses, including the human norovirus genogroup I (HuNoV GI), HuNoV GII, and rotavirus (RV), along with viral fecal contamination indicator crAssphage was monitored by using (RT)-qPCR methods on influent wastewater and reclaimed water samples. Moreover, the level of somatic coliphages was also determined as a culturable viral indicator. To assess the potential viral infectivity, an optimization of a capsid integrity PMAxx-RT-qPCR method was performed on sewage samples. Somatic coliphages were present in 60% of the reclaimed water samples, indicating inefficient virus inactivation. Following PMAxx-RT-qPCR optimization, 66% of the samples tested positive for at least one of the analyzed enteric viruses, with concentrations ranging from 2.79 to 7.30 Log10 genome copies (gc)/L. Overall, most of the analyzed reclaimed water samples did not comply with current EU legislation and contained potential infectious viral particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Viruses)
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20 pages, 7520 KiB  
Article
Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysm: The Importance of the Rheological Model in Blood Flow Simulations
by Maria Antonietta Boniforti, Giorgia Vittucci and Roberto Magini
Bioengineering 2024, 11(6), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11060522 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysm strongly depends on the non-Newtonian blood behavior due to the large number of suspended cells and the ability of red blood cells to deform and aggregate. However, most numerical investigations on intracranial hemodynamics adopt the Newtonian hypothesis to model [...] Read more.
Hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysm strongly depends on the non-Newtonian blood behavior due to the large number of suspended cells and the ability of red blood cells to deform and aggregate. However, most numerical investigations on intracranial hemodynamics adopt the Newtonian hypothesis to model blood flow and predict aneurysm occlusion. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the blood rheological model on the hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysms in the presence or absence of endovascular treatment. A numerical investigation was performed under pulsatile flow conditions in a patient-specific aneurysm with and without the insertion of an appropriately reconstructed flow diverter stent (FDS). The numerical simulations were performed using Newtonian and non-Newtonian assumptions for blood rheology. In all cases, FDS placement reduced the intra-aneurysmal velocity and increased the relative residence time (RRT) on the aneurysmal wall, indicating progressive thrombus formation and aneurysm occlusion. However, the Newtonian model largely overestimated RRT values and consequent aneurysm healing with respect to the non-Newtonian models. Due to the non-Newtonian blood properties and the large discrepancy between Newtonian and non-Newtonian simulations, the Newtonian hypothesis should not be used in the study of the hemodynamics of intracranial aneurysm, especially in the presence of endovascular treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interventional Radiology and Vascular Medicine)
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12 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Invasive Streptococcal Infection in Children: An Italian Case Series
by Francesca Rivano, Martina Votto, Silvia Caimmi, Patrizia Cambieri, Riccardo Castagnoli, Marta Corbella, Mara De Amici, Maria De Filippo, Enrico Landi, Pavia Pediatric Task Force, Antonio Piralla, Ivan Taietti, Fausto Baldanti, Amelia Licari and Gian Luigi Marseglia
Children 2024, 11(6), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11060614 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Since October 2022, alerts have spread from several countries about the increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) and scarlet fever cases affecting young children. We aim to analyze the epidemiology of GAS infections in the last 12 years in our hospital and [...] Read more.
Since October 2022, alerts have spread from several countries about the increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) and scarlet fever cases affecting young children. We aim to analyze the epidemiology of GAS infections in the last 12 years in our hospital and identify the clinical features of invasive cases observed in 2023. We conducted a retrospective study enrolling children and adolescents hospitalized at our pediatric clinic from January to December 2023 for a definitive diagnosis of iGAS infection. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected and analyzed. Comparing 2016 and 2023, we observed a similar number of GAS infections (65 vs. 60 cases). Five children with iGAS infection were hospitalized between March and April 2023. The median age was five years. At admission, all patients showed tachycardia disproportionate to their body temperature. Vomiting was a recurrent symptom (80%). Laboratory tests mostly showed lymphopenia, hyponatremia, and high inflammatory markers. The number of pediatric iGAS cases significantly increased in 2023. Clinical (pre-school-aged children with high fever, unexplained tachycardia, and vomiting) and laboratory parameters (high procalcitonin levels, hyponatremia, and lymphopenia) could help identify and suspect a potential iGAS infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases)
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20 pages, 7552 KiB  
Article
Analysis of MicroRNA Cargo in Circulating Extracellular Vesicles from HIV-Infected Individuals with Pulmonary Hypertension
by Aatish Mahajan, Sumedha Gunewardena, Alison Morris, Matthias Clauss and Navneet K. Dhillon
Cells 2024, 13(11), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13110886 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (PH) in people living with HIV is at least 300-fold higher than in the general population, and illicit drug use further potentiates the development of HIV-associated PH. The relevance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing both coding as [...] Read more.
The risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (PH) in people living with HIV is at least 300-fold higher than in the general population, and illicit drug use further potentiates the development of HIV-associated PH. The relevance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing both coding as well as non-coding RNAs in PH secondary to HIV infection and drug abuse is yet to be explored. We here compared the miRNA cargo of plasma-derived EVs from HIV-infected stimulant users with (HIV + Stimulants + PH) and without PH (HIV + Stimulants) using small RNA sequencing. The data were compared with 12 PH datasets available in the GEO database to identify potential candidate gene targets for differentially altered miRNAs using the following functional analysis tools: ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), over-representation analysis (ORA), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). MiRNAs involved in promoting cell proliferation and inhibition of intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathways were among the top upregulated miRNAs identified in EVs from the HIV + Stimulants + PH group compared to the HIV + Stimulants group. Alternatively, the downregulated miRNAs in the HIV + Stimulants + PH group suggested an association with the negative regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, IL-2 mediated signaling, and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathways. The validation of significantly differentially expressed miRNAs in an independent set of HIV-infected (cocaine users and nondrug users) with and without PH confirmed the upregulation of miR-32-5p, 92-b-3p, and 301a-3p positively regulating cellular proliferation and downregulation of miR-5571, -4670 negatively regulating smooth muscle proliferation in EVs from HIV-PH patients. This increase in miR-301a-3p and decrease in miR-4670 were negatively correlated with the CD4 count and FEV1/FVC ratio, and positively correlated with viral load. Collectively, this data suggest the association of alterations in the miRNA cargo of circulating EVs with HIV-PH. Full article
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14 pages, 5825 KiB  
Article
A Proposal for a Solar Position Sensor System with Multifiber Optical Cable
by Fernanda Oliveira, Gustavo Cruz, Maria Barbosa, Fernando Junior, Ricardo Lima and Luis Gómez-Malagón
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113269 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
A solar position sensor is an essential optoelectronic device used to monitor the sun’s position in solar tracking systems. In closed-loop systems, this sensor is responsible for providing feedback signals to the control system, allowing motor adjustments to optimize the angle of incidence [...] Read more.
A solar position sensor is an essential optoelectronic device used to monitor the sun’s position in solar tracking systems. In closed-loop systems, this sensor is responsible for providing feedback signals to the control system, allowing motor adjustments to optimize the angle of incidence and minimize positioning errors. The accuracy required for solar tracking systems varies depending on the specific photovoltaic concentration. In the case of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV), it is normally essential to track the sun with a position error of less than ±0.6°. To achieve such precision, a proposed sensor configuration composed of low-cost embedded electronics and multifiber optical cable is subjected to characterization through a series of measurements covering range, sensitivity, and resolution. These measurements are performed in controlled indoor environments as well as outdoor conditions. The results obtained exhibit a resolution of 2.6×103 degrees when the sensor is illuminated within its designated field of view of ±0.1°, particularly in external conditions. Considering the performance demonstrated by the proposed solar position sensor, coupled with its straightforward modeling and assembly compared to position sensors documented in the literature, it emerges as a promising candidate for integration into solar tracking systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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16 pages, 7672 KiB  
Article
Strengthening and Toughening of ZG25SiMn2CrB Steel without Tempering Brittleness via Electropulsing Treatment
by Yang Zhao, Xinwei Cui, Yuguang Zhao, Zhihui Zhang, Lijun Shi, Baoyu Zhang and Luquan Ren
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2480; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112480 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
High-strength low-alloy steels are widely used, but their traditional heat-treatment process is complex, energy-intensive, and makes it difficult to fully exploit the material’s potential. In this paper, the electropulsing processing technology was applied to the quenching and tempering process of ZG25SiMn2CrB steel. Through [...] Read more.
High-strength low-alloy steels are widely used, but their traditional heat-treatment process is complex, energy-intensive, and makes it difficult to fully exploit the material’s potential. In this paper, the electropulsing processing technology was applied to the quenching and tempering process of ZG25SiMn2CrB steel. Through microstructural characterization and mechanical property testing, the influence of electropulsing on the solid-state phase transition process of annealing steel was systematically studied. The heating process of the specimen with the annealing state (initial state) is the diffusion-type transition. As the discharge time increased, the microstructure gradually transformed from ferrite/pearlitic to slate martensite. Optimal mechanical properties and fine microstructure were achieved after quenching at 500 ms. The steel subjected to rapid tempering with 160 ms electropulsing exhibited good, comprehensive mechanical properties (tensile strength 1609 MPa, yield strength 1401.27 MPa, elongation 11.63%, and hardness 48.68 HRC). These favorable mechanical properties are attributed to the coupled impact of thermal and non-thermal effects induced by high-density pulse current. Specifically, the thermal effect provides the thermodynamic conditions for phase transformation, while the non-thermal effect reduces the nucleation barrier of austenite, which increases the nucleation rate during instantaneous heating, and the following rapid cooling suppresses the growth of austenite grains. Additionally, the fine microstructure prevents the occurrence of temper brittleness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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13 pages, 3900 KiB  
Article
Application Cluster Analysis as a Support form Modelling and Digitalizing the Logistics Processes in Warehousing
by Jana Kronova, Gabriela Izarikova, Peter Trebuna, Miriam Pekarcikova and Milan Filo
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4343; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114343 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The article deals with the application of cluster analysis in modeling in-house processes, specifically supply processes. An algorithm is designed on the theoretical basis of cluster analysis and according to the analysis of the supply processes in selected industrial companies. Specifically, the algorithm [...] Read more.
The article deals with the application of cluster analysis in modeling in-house processes, specifically supply processes. An algorithm is designed on the theoretical basis of cluster analysis and according to the analysis of the supply processes in selected industrial companies. Specifically, the algorithm is based on the hierarchical methods of cluster analysis, and the selected hierarchical clustering method is applicable in modeling storage systems under various production conditions in industrial companies. The methodology of clustering regarding the supply processes is subsequently experimentally verified. Based on the results of the cluster analysis, a system of organization was proposed for the analyzed warehouse in the form of 2D and 3D layout models of the warehouse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Automation and Digitization in Industry: Advances and Applications)
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16 pages, 4054 KiB  
Article
N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Inhibits Melanogenesis via Induction of Autophagy
by Kei Yoshikawa and Kazuhisa Maeda
Cosmetics 2024, 11(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11030082 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is the predominant form of sialic acid present in the glossy swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta). It is also the only form of sialic acid detected in the human body. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying melanogenesis [...] Read more.
N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is the predominant form of sialic acid present in the glossy swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta). It is also the only form of sialic acid detected in the human body. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying melanogenesis inhibition by Neu5Ac. We discovered that a reduction in tyrosinase protein levels led to an inhibition of melanin production by Neu5Ac. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of ubiquitin-specific protease (USP5) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II increased, while those of p62 decreased, indicating enhanced autophagic activity. Lysosomal cathepsin L2 protein levels also increased, and immunostaining revealed colocalization of lysosomal membrane protein (LAMP)-1 and tyrosinase. Additionally, levels of chaperonin containing T-complex polypeptide (CCT), implicated in increased autophagic flux, were elevated. Altogether, these findings suggest that tyrosinase-containing coated vesicles are transported by Neu5Ac into the autophagic degradation pathway, suppressing mature melanosome generation. This process involves increased USP5 levels preventing recognition of polyubiquitin by proteasomes. Furthermore, elevated CCT3 protein levels may enhance autophagic flux, leading to the incorporation of tyrosinase-containing coated vesicles into autophagosomes. These autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes for cathepsin L2–mediated degradation. Thus, our findings suggest that Neu5Ac reduces tyrosinase activity and inhibits melanosome maturation by promoting selective autophagic degradation of abnormal proteins by p62. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Cosmetics—Recent Advances and Perspectives)
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14 pages, 2257 KiB  
Article
Rapid Determination of Kinetic Constants for Slow-Binding Inhibitors and Inactivators of Human Histone Deacetylase 8
by Aleksandra Kopranovic and Franz-Josef Meyer-Almes
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115593 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The kinetics and mechanism of drug binding to its target are critical to pharmacological efficacy. A high throughput (HTS) screen often results in hundreds of hits, of which usually only simple IC50 values are determined during reconfirmation. However, kinetic parameters such as [...] Read more.
The kinetics and mechanism of drug binding to its target are critical to pharmacological efficacy. A high throughput (HTS) screen often results in hundreds of hits, of which usually only simple IC50 values are determined during reconfirmation. However, kinetic parameters such as residence time for reversible inhibitors and the kinact/KI ratio, which is the critical measure for evaluating covalent inactivators, are early predictive measures to assess the chances of success of the hits in the clinic. Using the promising cancer target human histone deacetylase 8 as an example, we present a robust method that calculates concentration-dependent apparent rate constants for the inhibition or inactivation of HDAC8 from dose–response curves recorded after different pre-incubation times. With these data, hit compounds can be classified according to their mechanism of action, and the relevant kinetic parameters can be calculated in a highly parallel fashion. HDAC8 inhibitors with known modes of action were correctly assigned to their mechanism, and the binding mechanisms of some hits from an internal HDAC8 screening campaign were newly determined. The oxonitriles SVE04 and SVE27 were classified as fast reversible HDAC8 inhibitors with moderate time-constant IC50 values of 4.2 and 2.6 µM, respectively. The hit compound TJ-19-24 and SAH03 behave like slow two-step inactivators or reversible inhibitors, with a very low reverse isomerization rate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Techniques and Strategies in Drug Design and Discovery, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 6120 KiB  
Article
Implementation of Numerical Model for Prediction of Temperature Distribution for Metallic-Coated Firefighter Protective Clothing
by Jawad Naeem, Adnan Mazari, Zdenek Kus, Antonin Havelka and Mohamed Abdelkader
Micro 2024, 4(2), 368-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro4020023 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study is to predict the distribution of temperature at various positions on silver-coated firefighter protective clothing when subjected to external radiant heat flux. This will be helpful in the determination of thermal protective performance. Firefighter clothing consists of three [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to predict the distribution of temperature at various positions on silver-coated firefighter protective clothing when subjected to external radiant heat flux. This will be helpful in the determination of thermal protective performance. Firefighter clothing consists of three layers, i.e., the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner. The outer shell is the exposed surface, which was coated with silver particles through a physical vapor deposition process called magnetron sputtering. Afterwards, these uncoated and silver-coated samples were exposed to radiant heat transmission equipment at 10 kW/m2 as per the ISO 6942 standard. Silver-coated samples displayed better thermal protective performance as the rate of temperature rise in silver-coated samples slowed. Later, a numerical approach was employed, contemplating the impact of metallic coating on the exterior shell. The finite difference method was utilized for solving partial differential equations and the implicit method was employed to discretize the partial differential equations. The numerical model displayed a good prediction of the distribution of temperature at different nodes with respect to time. The comparison of time vs. temperature graphs at different nodes for uncoated and silver-coated samples acquired from numerical solutions showed similar patterns, as witnessed in the experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microscale Materials Science)
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7 pages, 201 KiB  
Article
Quantification of Equivocal Findings in F18-Fluciclovine PET/CT Scans for Biochemical Recurrence of Localized Prostate Cancer
by Daeun Sung, Jessica A. Baumgartner and Jonathan D. Tward
Radiation 2024, 4(2), 142-148; https://doi.org/10.3390/radiation4020011 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
PET/CT scans are being used to assess patients who have experienced biochemical failure following surgery or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the language used in report impressions and to determine the level of confidence that radiologists have when [...] Read more.
PET/CT scans are being used to assess patients who have experienced biochemical failure following surgery or radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer. We aimed to evaluate the language used in report impressions and to determine the level of confidence that radiologists have when reporting on lesions in various anatomic sites. Between 2015 and 2021, 295 F18-fluciclovine PET/CT scan reports were identified. Thirteen phrases commonly used by radiologists in the report impression section to describe a lesion of interest were identified and categorized into three confidence categories: definitive (positive and negative), likely (consistent with, most likely, favors, probable), and unsure (suspicious for, concerning for, non-specific, conspicuous, compatible with, borderline, unknown). The use of definitive language varied depending on the anatomic site, with the highest use in bone (87.1%) and the lowest use in the intact prostate (34.6%). In patients with a PSA < 0.5, there was the highest degree of definitive certainty (89.2%), whereas in patients with a PSA > 1, there was the least definitive certainty (66.2%). The language used in these reports has not been standardized, with definitive, likely, and unsure findings reported in 68.6%, 9.7%, and 21.7% of scans, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radiation in Medical Imaging)
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14 pages, 1891 KiB  
Article
Trace Elements in Stenella coeruleoalba: Assessment of Marine Environmental Pollution and Dolphin Health Status
by Clara Naccari, Vincenzo Ferrantelli, Gaetano Cammilleri, Stefano Ruga, Fabio Castagna, Roberto Bava and Ernesto Palma
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111514 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
Heavy metals are environmental contaminants and can easily accumulate and biomagnify in various marine species (fishes and mammalians) at the top of the aquatic food chain. Among marine mammalians, the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant cetacean in the [...] Read more.
Heavy metals are environmental contaminants and can easily accumulate and biomagnify in various marine species (fishes and mammalians) at the top of the aquatic food chain. Among marine mammalians, the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant cetacean in the Mediterranean Sea and is considered to be a sentinel species to monitor the environmental marine pollution. In this study, the contents of toxic metals and metalloids (Cd, Pb, Hg, and As), micro-elements (Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Se and Zn) and macro-elements (Na, Ca, K, Mg and P) were evaluated by ICP-MS analysis in several organs/tissues (lung, skin, muscle and liver) of Stenella coeruleoalba. The assessment of marine environmental pollution and dolphins health status was carried out through further analysis of the same specific parameters such as the metal pollution index (MPI) and coefficient of condition (K). Finally, the correlation between toxic metals and metalloids and essential micro-elements, expressed as molar ratios, was analyzed to evaluate the detoxifying ability (effectiveness) of Zn, Se and Cu. Data obtained showed the presence of toxic metals and metalloids analyzed in the Stenella coeruleoalba samples but the MPI values suggested a low environmental contamination of the Mediterranean Sea where dolphins lived. The content of micro- and macro-elements was found to be in a normal range for this species and predictive of dolphins good health status, as confirmed by the coefficient of condition K. However, the correlation between toxic and essential metals, expressed as molar ratios, showed that the following toxic metals cannot be detoxified by the essential metals: 66Zn/201Hg, 82Se/201Hg, 63Cu/201Hg and 66Zn/52Cr, 82Se/52Cr, 63Cu/52Cr. Therefore, this study highlights the key role of dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba to assess marine pollution and the importance of analyzing the complete mineral profile to evaluate the animal health status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)
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9 pages, 3012 KiB  
Article
The Electric Properties of the Magnetopause Boundary Layer
by Lai Gao, Chao Shen, Yong Ji, Yufei Zhou and Yulia V. Bogdanova
Magnetochemistry 2024, 10(6), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry10060037 (registering DOI) - 21 May 2024
Abstract
The magnetopause plays a pivotal role in the coupling among solar wind, the magnetosheath, and the magnetosphere. By analyzing magnetopause crossing events using MMS, we reveal a local non-neutrality of electric charges in the magnetopause boundary layer and the associated electric field. There [...] Read more.
The magnetopause plays a pivotal role in the coupling among solar wind, the magnetosheath, and the magnetosphere. By analyzing magnetopause crossing events using MMS, we reveal a local non-neutrality of electric charges in the magnetopause boundary layer and the associated electric field. There are two types of electric structures. In one group, which typically occurs on the dusk side, the electric field directs towards the Earth. In the other, which generally occurs on the day side, the field directs away from the Earth. The spatial extent of this electric non-neutrality spans approximately 600 km, which is at the scale of ion gyrational motion. These findings provide valuable insights into the fine structures of the magnetopause and the coupling between the magnetosheath and the magnetosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight into the Magnetosheath)
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