The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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17 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
The Tick Saliva Peptide HIDfsin2 TLR4-Dependently Inhibits the Tick-Borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Mouse Macrophages
by Luyao Wang, Yishuo Liu, Rui Pang, Yiyuan Guo, Yingying Ren, Yingliang Wu and Zhijian Cao
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050449 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens to their hosts by feeding on blood. The interactions and struggle between tick pathogens and hosts have evolved bilaterally. The components of tick saliva can directly or indirectly trigger host biological responses in a manner that promotes [...] Read more.
Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens to their hosts by feeding on blood. The interactions and struggle between tick pathogens and hosts have evolved bilaterally. The components of tick saliva can directly or indirectly trigger host biological responses in a manner that promotes pathogen transmission; however, host cells continuously develop strategies to combat pathogen infection and transmission. Moreover, it is still unknown how host cells develop their defense strategies against tick-borne viruses during tick sucking. Here, we found that the tick saliva peptide HIDfsin2 enhanced the antiviral innate immunity of mouse macrophages by activating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway, thereby restricting tick-borne severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) replication. HIDfsin2 was identified to interact with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand of TLR4, and then depolymerize LPS micelles into smaller particles, effectively enhancing the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathways, which are downstream of TLR4. Expectedly, TLR4 knockout completely eliminated the promotion effect of HIDfsin2 on NF-κB and type I interferon activation. Moreover, HIDfsin2 enhanced SFTSV replication in TLR4-knockout mouse macrophages, which is consistent with our recent report that HIDfsin2 hijacked p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) to promote the replication of tick-borne SFTSV in A549 and Huh7 cells (human cell lines) with low expression of TLR4. Together, these results provide new insights into the innate immune mechanism of host cells following tick bites. Our study also shows a rare molecular event relating to the mutual antagonism between tick-borne SFTSV and host cells mediated by the tick saliva peptide HIDfsin2 at the tick–host–virus interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Peptide Antibiotics from Microbes and Venomous Animals, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6397 KiB  
Article
Selecting the Best Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Design for Use in a Small Wind Turbine
by Marcin Lefik, Anna Firych-Nowacka, Michal Lipian, Malgorzata Brzozowska and Tomasz Smaz
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101929 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The article describes the selection of a permanent magnet synchronous machine design that could be implemented in a small wind turbine designed by the GUST student organization together with researchers working at the Technical University of Lodz. Based on measurements of the characteristics [...] Read more.
The article describes the selection of a permanent magnet synchronous machine design that could be implemented in a small wind turbine designed by the GUST student organization together with researchers working at the Technical University of Lodz. Based on measurements of the characteristics of available machines, eight initial designs of machines with different rotor designs were proposed. The size of the stator, the number of pairs of poles, and the dimensions of the magnets were used as initial parameters of the designed machines. The analysis was carried out about the K-index, the so-called index of benefits. The idea was to make the selected design as efficient as possible while keeping production costs and manufacturing time low. This paper describes how to select the best design of a permanent magnet synchronous generator intended to work with a small wind turbine. All generator parameters were selected keeping in mind the competition requirements, as the designed generator will be used in the author’s wind turbine. Based on the determined characteristics of the generator variants and the value of the K-index, a generator with a latent magnet rotor was selected as the best solution. The aforementioned K-index is a proprietary concept developed for the selection of the most suitable generator design. This paper did not use optimization methods; the analysis was only supported by the K-index. Full article
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14 pages, 7189 KiB  
Article
DNA Microarray and Bioinformatic Analysis Reveals the Potential of Whale Oil in Enhancing Hair Growth in a C57BL/6 Mice Dorsal Skin Model
by Junko Shibato, Fumiko Takenoya, Ai Kimura, Michio Yamashita, Satoshi Hirako, Randeep Rakwal and Seiji Shioda
Genes 2024, 15(5), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050627 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for hair loss. The current study focused on the hair growth effect and effective utilization of fatty oil obtained from Bryde’s [...] Read more.
Much research has been conducted to determine how hair regeneration is regulated, as this could provide therapeutic, cosmetic, and even psychological interventions for hair loss. The current study focused on the hair growth effect and effective utilization of fatty oil obtained from Bryde’s whales through a high-throughput DNA microarray approach in conjunction with immunohistochemical observations. The research also examined the mechanisms and factors involved in hair growth. In an experiment using female C57BL/6J mice, the vehicle control group (VC: propylene glycol: ethanol: water), the positive control group (MXD: 3% minoxidil), and the experimental group (WO: 20% whale oil) were topically applied to the dorsal skin of the mouse. The results showed that 3% MXD and 20% WO were more effective than VC in promoting hair growth, especially 20% WO. Furthermore, in hematoxylin and eosin-stained dorsal skin tissue, an increase in the number of hair follicles and subcutaneous tissue thickness was observed with 20% WO. Whole-genome transcriptome analysis also confirmed increases for 20% WO in filaggrin (Flg), a gene related to skin barrier function; fibroblast growth factor 21 (Fgf21), which is involved in hair follicle development; and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (Crisp1), a candidate gene for alopecia areata. Furthermore, the results of KEGG pathway analysis indicated that 20% WO may have lower stress and inflammatory responses than 3% MXD. Therefore, WO is expected to be a safe hair growth agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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18 pages, 2370 KiB  
Review
Promising Role of Alkaloids in the Prevention and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence
by Giulia Di Dalmazi, Cesidio Giuliani, Ines Bucci, Marco Mascitti and Giorgio Napolitano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105395 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) and thyroid autoimmune disorders (AITD) are among the most common diseases in the general population, with higher incidence in women. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Some studies, indeed, have pointed out the presence of AITD [...] Read more.
Thyroid cancer (TC) and thyroid autoimmune disorders (AITD) are among the most common diseases in the general population, with higher incidence in women. Chronic inflammation and autoimmunity play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Some studies, indeed, have pointed out the presence of AITD as a risk factor for TC, although this issue remains controversial. Prevention of autoimmune disease and cancer is the ultimate goal for clinicians and scientists, but it is not always feasible. Thus, new treatments, that overcome the current barriers to prevention and treatment of TC and AITD are needed. Alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites endowed with several biological activities including anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. In this perspective, alkaloids may represent a promising source of prophylactic and therapeutic agents for TC and AITD. This review encompasses the current published literature on alkaloids effects on TC and AITD, with a specific focus on the pathways involved in TC and AITD development and progression. Full article
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18 pages, 3690 KiB  
Article
Higher Concentrations of Essential Trace Elements in Women Undergoing IVF May Be Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes Following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer
by Roberto Gonzalez-Martin, Andrea Palomar, Silvia Perez-Deben, Stefania Salsano, Alicia Quiñonero, Laura Caracena, Rocio Fernandez-Saavedra, Rodolfo Fernandez-Martinez, Estefania Conde-Vilda, Alberto J. Quejido, Juan Giles, Carmen Vidal, Jose Bellver and Francisco Dominguez
Cells 2024, 13(10), 839; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13100839 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Essential trace elements are micronutrients whose deficiency has been associated with altered fertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes, while surplus may be toxic. The concentrations of eight essential trace elements were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed with respect to clinical [...] Read more.
Essential trace elements are micronutrients whose deficiency has been associated with altered fertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes, while surplus may be toxic. The concentrations of eight essential trace elements were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed with respect to clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in a population of 51 women undergoing IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). Specifically, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum, selenium, lithium, iron, chromium, and manganese were quantified in follicular fluid and whole blood collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and in urine collected the day of VOR and embryo transfer. We found that the whole blood Cu/Zn ratio was significantly associated with superior responses to ovarian stimulation. Conversely, the whole blood zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly associated with poor ovarian response outcomes. Higher levels of whole blood zinc and selenium, urinary selenium, lithium, and iron had significant negative associations with embryologic outcomes following IVF. Regarding clinical IVF outcomes, higher urinary molybdenum concentrations the day of VOR were associated with significantly lower odds of implantation and live birth, while higher urinary Cu/Mo ratios on the day of VOR were associated with significantly higher odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Our results suggest that essential trace element levels may directly influence the IVF outcomes of Spanish patients, with selenium and molybdenum exerting negative effects and copper-related ratios exerting positive effects. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these relationships in other human populations. Full article
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20 pages, 1944 KiB  
Article
The Contrastive and Referential Function of Specific Classifiers in Xiamen Southern Min—Evidence from a Cognitive Experimental Study
by Qi Huang and Walter Bisang
Languages 2024, 9(5), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages9050181 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Southern Min is generally known for not using classifiers [CL] for expressing definiteness/indefiniteness as it is associated with the bare classifier construction [CL N]. This paper offers evidence from Xiamen Southern Min (XSM) that the use of a specific classifier vs. the general [...] Read more.
Southern Min is generally known for not using classifiers [CL] for expressing definiteness/indefiniteness as it is associated with the bare classifier construction [CL N]. This paper offers evidence from Xiamen Southern Min (XSM) that the use of a specific classifier vs. the general classifier é contributes to referentiality in an alternative way by supporting object identification as it is due to the semantic specificity present in specific classifiers and absent in the general classifier. In a dialogic cognitive experiment adapted from the “Hidden color-chips” task (Enfield and Bohnemeyer 2001), 18 participants had to manipulate their addressees’ attention toward various objects situated in their immediate physical space through language as well as deictic gestures. The objects were associated with different specific classifiers or with the general classifier, and they were arranged according to the factors of (a) distance from speaker, (b) visibility for speaker, and (c) uniqueness (adjacency of similar items). The results show, among other things, that there is a higher tendency to use the specific CL in the [demonstrative CL N] construction if adjacent similar objects [−unique] are too far away from the speaker for clear identification by a demonstrative or a pointing gesture. This is seen as a last-resort strategy for creating contrast. Further corroboration comes from the use of specific classifiers in later mentions after the general CL failed to achieve clear identification. These findings can be situated in the broader context of other languages with classifiers in contrastive function (Thai, Vietnamese, and Ponapean) and they show the relevance of using dialogic texts for modeling classifier selection in contrast to narrative texts. Finally, dialogic contexts may serve as bridging contexts for grammaticalization from numeral classifiers to definiteness markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Typology of Chinese Languages: One Name, Many Languages)
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18 pages, 5405 KiB  
Article
Expressway Vehicle Trajectory Prediction Based on Fusion Data of Trajectories and Maps from Vehicle Perspective
by Yuning Duan, Jingdong Jia, Yuhui Jin, Haitian Zhang and Jian Huang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104181 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Research on vehicle trajectory prediction based on road monitoring video data often utilizes a global map as an input, disregarding the fact that drivers rely on the road structures observable from their own positions for path planning. This oversight reduces the accuracy of [...] Read more.
Research on vehicle trajectory prediction based on road monitoring video data often utilizes a global map as an input, disregarding the fact that drivers rely on the road structures observable from their own positions for path planning. This oversight reduces the accuracy of prediction. To address this, we propose the CVAE-VGAE model, a novel trajectory prediction approach. Initially, our method transforms global perspective map data into vehicle-centric map data, representing it through a graph structure. Subsequently, Variational Graph Auto-Encoders (VGAEs), an unsupervised learning framework tailored for graph-structured data, are employed to extract road environment features specific to each vehicle’s location from the map data. Finally, a prediction network based on the Conditional Variational Autoencoder (CVAE) structure is designed, which first predicts the driving endpoint and then fits the complete future trajectory. The proposed CVAE-VGAE model integrates a self-attention mechanism into its encoding and decoding modules to infer endpoint intent and incorporate road environment features for precise trajectory prediction. Through a series of ablation experiments, we demonstrate the efficacy of our method in enhancing vehicle trajectory prediction metrics. Furthermore, we compare our model with traditional and frontier approaches, highlighting significant improvements in prediction accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Image Recognition and Processing Technologies)
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18 pages, 20932 KiB  
Article
Microcontroller-Optimized Measurement Electronics for Coherent Control Applications of NV Centers
by Dennis Stiegekötter, Jens Pogorzelski, Ludwig Horsthemke, Frederik Hoffmann, Markus Gregor and Peter Glösekötter
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3138; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103138 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Long coherence times at room temperature make the NV center a promising candidate for quantum sensors and quantum computers. The necessary coherent control of the electron spin triplet in the ground state requires microwave π pulses in the nanosecond range, obtained from the [...] Read more.
Long coherence times at room temperature make the NV center a promising candidate for quantum sensors and quantum computers. The necessary coherent control of the electron spin triplet in the ground state requires microwave π pulses in the nanosecond range, obtained from the Rabi oscillation of the mS spin states of the magnetic resonances of the NV centers. Laboratory equipment has a high temporal resolution for these measurements but is expensive and, therefore, uninteresting for fields such as education. In this work, we present measurement electronics for NV centers that are optimized for microcontrollers. It is shown that the Rabi frequency is linear to the output of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and is used to adapt the time length π of the electron spin flip, to the limited pulse width resolution of the microcontroller. This was achieved by breaking down the most relevant functions of conventional laboratory devices and replacing them with commercially available integrated components. The result is a cost-effective handheld setup for coherent control applications of NV centers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Sensors and Sensing Technology)
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14 pages, 8016 KiB  
Article
Circulating Anti-Endothelial Cell Antibodies in Patients with Geographic Atrophy Related to Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
by Katarzyna Żuber-Łaskawiec, Joanna Wilańska, Izabella Karska-Basta, Weronika Pociej-Marciak, Bożena Romanowska-Dixon, Marek Sanak and Agnieszka Kubicka-Trząska
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050810 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of central vision loss among elderly patients, and its dry form accounts for the majority of cases. Although several causes and mechanisms for the development and progression of AMD [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of central vision loss among elderly patients, and its dry form accounts for the majority of cases. Although several causes and mechanisms for the development and progression of AMD have previously been identified, the pathogenesis of this complex disease is still not entirely understood. As inflammation and immune system involvement are strongly suggested to play a central role in promoting the degenerative process and stimulating the onset of complications, we aimed to analyze the frequency of serum anti-retinal (ARAs) and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) in patients with dry AMD and to determine their relationship with the clinical features of the disease, notably the area of geographic atrophy (GA). Materials and Methods: This study included 41 patients with advanced-stage dry AMD and 50 healthy controls without AMD, matched for gender and age. ARAs were detected by indirect immunofluorescence using monkey retina as an antigen substrate, and the presence of AECAs was determined using cultivated human umbilical vein endothelial cells and primate skeletal muscle. Results: ARAs were detected in 36 (87.8%) AMD patients (titers ranged from 1:20 to 1:320) and in 16 (39.0%) (titers ranged from 1:10 to 1:40) controls (p = 0.0000). Twenty of the forty-one patients (48.8%) were positive for AECAs, while in the control group, AECAs were present only in five sera (10.0%). The titers of AECAs in AMD patients ranged from 1:100 to 1:1000, and in the control group, the AECA titers were 1:100 (p = 0.0001). There were no significant correlations between the presence of AECAs and disease activity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of circulating AECAs in patients with dry AMD; however, no correlation was found between the serum levels of these autoantibodies and the area of GA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
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24 pages, 5210 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Semi-Supervised Few-Shot Hyperspectral Image Classification via Progressive Sample Selection
by Jiaguo Zhao, Junjie Zhang, Huaxi Huang and Jian Zhang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101747 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Hyperspectral images (HSIs) provide valuable spatial–spectral information for ground analysis. However, in few-shot (FS) scenarios, the limited availability of training samples poses significant challenges in capturing the sample distribution under diverse environmental conditions. Semi-supervised learning has shown promise in exploring the distribution of [...] Read more.
Hyperspectral images (HSIs) provide valuable spatial–spectral information for ground analysis. However, in few-shot (FS) scenarios, the limited availability of training samples poses significant challenges in capturing the sample distribution under diverse environmental conditions. Semi-supervised learning has shown promise in exploring the distribution of unlabeled samples through pseudo-labels. Nonetheless, FS HSI classification encounters the issue of high intra-class spectral variability and inter-class spectral similarity, which often lead to the diffusion of unreliable pseudo-labels during the iterative process. In this paper, we propose a simple yet effective progressive pseudo-label selection strategy that leverages the spatial–spectral consistency of HSI pixel samples. By leveraging spatially aligned ground materials as connected regions with the same semantic and similar spectrum, pseudo-labeled samples were selected based on round-wise confidence scores. Samples within both spatially and semantically connected regions of FS samples were assigned pseudo-labels and joined subsequent training rounds. Moreover, considering the spatial positions of FS samples that may appear in diverse patterns, to fully utilize unlabeled samples that fall outside the neighborhood of FS samples but still belong to certain connected regions, we designed a matching active learning approach for expert annotation based on the temporal confidence difference. We identified samples with the highest training value in specific regions, utilizing the consistency between predictive labels and expert labels to decide whether to include the region or the sample itself in the subsequent semi-supervised iteration. Experiments on both classic and more recent HSI datasets demonstrated that the proposed base model achieved SOTA performance even with extremely rare labeled samples. Moreover, the extended version with active learning further enhances performance by involving limited additional annotation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning for Spectral-Spatial Hyperspectral Image Classification)
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20 pages, 2268 KiB  
Article
A Clinical Study of Urine Amino Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
by Cătălina Mihaela Anastasescu, Veronica Gheorman, Florica Popescu, Mioara Desdemona Stepan, Eugen Cristi Stoicănescu, Victor Gheorman and Ion Udriștoiu
Life 2024, 14(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050629 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Amino acids are organic compounds that enter the protein structure, being involved in the proper functioning of the body. The role of amino acids in the onset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is yet to be established. Our aim was to identify correlations [...] Read more.
Amino acids are organic compounds that enter the protein structure, being involved in the proper functioning of the body. The role of amino acids in the onset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is yet to be established. Our aim was to identify correlations between urine amino acids and their derivatives and ASD. Methods: We designed a case–control study that consisted of 75 boys and girls, aged between 2 and 12 years. For amino acid profile, we used urine samples that were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Descriptive analysis showed higher values for glutamine, hydroxyproline, tyrosine, aspartic acid, and tryptophan and lower values for serine in the autism group than in the control group. Also, we found that boys with autism had higher values than the boys in the control group for serine, threonine, and aspartic acid. For girls from both groups, we did not find statistically significant values. In terms of age groups, we found significantly higher values for histidine, threonine, valine, methionine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alpha amino-adipic acid, sarcosine, alanine, and beta-alanine and significantly lower values for proline for both the autism and control groups under 5 years. Conclusions: The findings of this study support the assumption that amino acids may have a role in the expression of ASD. Full article
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14 pages, 302 KiB  
Article
On Neutrosophic Fuzzy Metric Space and Its Topological Properties
by Samriddhi Ghosh, Sonam, Ramakant Bhardwaj and Satyendra Narayan
Symmetry 2024, 16(5), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16050613 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The present research introduces a novel concept termed “neutrosophic fuzzy metric space”, which extends the traditional metric space framework by incorporating the notion of neutrosophic fuzzy sets. A thorough investigation of various structural and topological properties within this newly proposed generalization of metric [...] Read more.
The present research introduces a novel concept termed “neutrosophic fuzzy metric space”, which extends the traditional metric space framework by incorporating the notion of neutrosophic fuzzy sets. A thorough investigation of various structural and topological properties within this newly proposed generalization of metric space has been conducted. Additionally, counterparts of well-known theorems such as the Uniform Convergence Theorem and the Baire Category Theorem have been established for this generalized metric space. Through rigorous analysis, a detailed understanding of its fundamental characteristics has been attained, illuminating its potential applications and theoretical significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fuzzy Logic and Mathematics with Applications II)
18 pages, 5156 KiB  
Article
Semi-Supervised Medical Image Classification with Pseudo Labels Using Coalition Similarity Training
by Kun Liu, Shuyi Ling and Sidong Liu
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101537 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The development of medical image classification models necessitates a substantial number of labeled images for model training. In real-world scenarios, sample sizes are typically limited and labeled samples often constitute only a small portion of the dataset. This paper aims to investigate a [...] Read more.
The development of medical image classification models necessitates a substantial number of labeled images for model training. In real-world scenarios, sample sizes are typically limited and labeled samples often constitute only a small portion of the dataset. This paper aims to investigate a collaborative similarity learning strategy that optimizes pseudo-labels to enhance model accuracy and expedite its convergence, known as the joint similarity learning framework. By integrating semantic similarity and instance similarity, the pseudo-labels are mutually refined to ensure their quality during initial training. Furthermore, the similarity score is utilized as a weight to guide samples away from misclassification predictions during the classification process. To enhance the model’s generalization ability, an adaptive consistency constraint is introduced into the loss function to improve performance on untrained datasets. The model achieved a satisfactory accuracy of 93.65% at 80% labeling ratio, comparable to supervised learning methods’ performance. Even with very low labeling ratio (e.g., 5%), the model still attained an accuracy of 74.28%. Comparison with other techniques such as Mean Teacher and FixMatch revealed that our approach significantly outperforms them in medical image classification tasks through improving accuracy by approximately 2%, demonstrating this framework’s leadership in medical image classification. Full article
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15 pages, 7443 KiB  
Article
The Process of Digital Data Flow in RE/CAD/RP/CAI Systems Concerning Planning Surgical Procedures in the Craniofacial Area
by Paweł Turek, Ewelina Dudek, Mateusz Grzywa and Kacper Więcek
Knowledge 2024, 4(2), 265-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge4020014 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the process of digital data flow in RE/CAD/RP/CAI systems to develop models for planning surgical procedures in the craniofacial area. At the first RE modeling stage, digital data processing, segmentation, and the reconstruction of the geometry of the anatomical structures [...] Read more.
This paper presents the process of digital data flow in RE/CAD/RP/CAI systems to develop models for planning surgical procedures in the craniofacial area. At the first RE modeling stage, digital data processing, segmentation, and the reconstruction of the geometry of the anatomical structures were performed. During the CAD modeling stage, three different concepts were utilized. The first concept was used to create a tool that could mold the geometry of the cranial vault. The second concept was created to prepare a prototype implant that would complement the anterior part of the mandibular geometry. And finally, the third concept was used to design a customized prototype surgical plate that would match the mandibular geometry accurately. Physical models were made using a rapid prototyping technique. A Bambu Lab X1 3D printer was used for this purpose. The process of geometric accuracy evaluation was carried out on manufactured prototypes of surgical plates made of ABS+, CPE, PLA+, and PETG material. In the geometric accuracy evaluation process, the smallest deviation values were obtained for the ABS plus material, within a tolerance of ±0.1 mm, and the largest were obtained for CPE (±0.2 mm) and PLA plus (±0.18 mm). In terms of the surface roughness evaluation, the highest value of the Sa parameter was obtained for the PLA plus material, which was 4.15 µm, and the lowest was obtained for the CPE material, equal to 3.62 µm. The knowledge of the flow of digital data and the identification of factors determining the accuracy of mapping the geometry of anatomical structures allowed for the development of a procedure that improves the modeling and manufacturing of anatomical structures within the craniofacial region. Full article
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25 pages, 12969 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Steel Wire Mesh/Basalt/Epoxy Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Laminates
by Mohamad Yusuf Bin Salim, Ali Farokhi Nejad, Mohd Yazid Yahya, Tobias Dickhut and Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(5), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8050184 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Hybrid composite materials have been widely used to advance the mechanical responses of fiber-reinforced composites by utilizing different types of fibers and fillers in a single polymeric matrix. This study incorporated three types of fibers: basalt woven fiber and steel (AISI304) wire meshes [...] Read more.
Hybrid composite materials have been widely used to advance the mechanical responses of fiber-reinforced composites by utilizing different types of fibers and fillers in a single polymeric matrix. This study incorporated three types of fibers: basalt woven fiber and steel (AISI304) wire meshes with densities of 100 and 200. These fibers were mixed with epoxy resin to generate plain composite laminates. Three fundamental mechanical tests (tensile, compression, and shear) were conducted according to the corresponding ASTM standards to characterize the steel wire mesh/basalt/epoxy FRP composites used as plain composite laminates. To investigate the flexural behavior of the hybrid laminates, various layer configurations and thickness ratios were examined using a design of experiments (DoE) matrix. Hybrid samples were chosen for flexural testing, and the same procedure was employed to develop a finite element (FE) model. Material properties from the initial mechanical testing procedure were integrated into plain and hybrid composite laminate simulations. The second FE model simulated the behavior of hybrid laminates under flexural loading; this was validated through experimental data. The results underwent statistical analysis, highlighting the optimal configuration of hybrid composite laminates in terms of flexural strength and modulus; we found an increase of up to 25% in comparison with the plain composites. This research provides insights into the potential improvements offered by hybrid composite laminates, generating numerical models for predicting various laminate configurations produced using hybrid steel wire mesh/basalt/epoxy FRP composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites)
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21 pages, 4200 KiB  
Article
Operative Benefits of Residential Battery Storage for Decarbonizing Energy Systems: A German Case Study
by Natapon Wanapinit, Nils Offermann, Connor Thelen, Christoph Kost and Christian Rehtanz
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102376 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The reduction in PV prices and interest in energy independence accelerate the adoption of residential battery storage. This storage can support various functions of an energy system undergoing decarbonization. In this work, operative benefits of storage from the system perspective, namely, generation cost [...] Read more.
The reduction in PV prices and interest in energy independence accelerate the adoption of residential battery storage. This storage can support various functions of an energy system undergoing decarbonization. In this work, operative benefits of storage from the system perspective, namely, generation cost reduction and congestion mitigation, are investigated. Germany is chosen as a case study due to its strong reliance on variable renewable energy. For the analysis, an economic dispatch model with a high spatial resolution is coupled with a pan-European transmission grid model. It is shown that the system’s generation costs are highest when the assets are used only to maximize PV self-consumption, and the costs are lowest when the storage also reacts to the market dynamics. This amounts to a 6% cost reduction. Both operation strategies result in an equal level of grid congestion and infrastructure loading. This is improved with a strategy that accounts for regional peak reduction as a secondary objective. The high congestion level emphasizes that grid expansion needs to keep pace with the generation and electrification expansion necessary to decarbonize other sectors. Lastly, policymakers should enable multipurpose utilization, e.g., via the introduction of market-oriented retail electricity prices with intervention options for grid operators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)
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23 pages, 1591 KiB  
Article
Safe Autonomous Driving with Latent Dynamics and State-Wise Constraints
by Changquan Wang and Yun Wang
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103139 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Autonomous driving has the potential to revolutionize transportation, but developing safe and reliable systems remains a significant challenge. Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a promising approach for learning optimal control policies in complex driving environments. However, existing RL-based methods often suffer from [...] Read more.
Autonomous driving has the potential to revolutionize transportation, but developing safe and reliable systems remains a significant challenge. Reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a promising approach for learning optimal control policies in complex driving environments. However, existing RL-based methods often suffer from low sample efficiency and lack explicit safety constraints, leading to unsafe behaviors. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for safe reinforcement learning in autonomous driving that addresses these limitations. Our approach incorporates a latent dynamic model that learns the underlying dynamics of the environment from bird’s-eye view images, enabling efficient learning and reducing the risk of safety violations by generating synthetic data. Furthermore, we introduce state-wise safety constraints through a barrier function, ensuring safety at each state by encoding constraints directly into the learning process. Experimental results in the CARLA simulator demonstrate that our framework significantly outperforms baseline methods in terms of both driving performance and safety. Our work advances the development of safe and efficient autonomous driving systems by leveraging the power of reinforcement learning with explicit safety considerations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)
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12 pages, 3576 KiB  
Article
Media and Natural Disasters: Organising Storytelling in the Age of Climate Change
by Giacomo Buoncompagni
Journal. Media 2024, 5(2), 614-625; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5020041 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Starting on 2 November 2023, some territories in the Region of Tuscany in Italy were hit by exceptionally intense meteorological and calamitous events. The Region of Tuscany’s government was immediately at the forefront of relief, assisting the population, and aiding restoration. On 3 [...] Read more.
Starting on 2 November 2023, some territories in the Region of Tuscany in Italy were hit by exceptionally intense meteorological and calamitous events. The Region of Tuscany’s government was immediately at the forefront of relief, assisting the population, and aiding restoration. On 3 November, a national state of emergency was declared due to flooding. Journalistic communication is an essential aspect of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. In terms of protecting people and reducing damage, journalists and the media have an important role to play. This article reports an Italian case study analysing the behaviour of local media in cases of natural disaster. Nine focus groups were conducted with local journalists covering the flood emergency. The results highlight the role of social and institutional mediation, rather than mere dissemination, played by the local press in emergency situations, a central element in the construction of a community bond, precisely in moments of insecurity and disorientation. The narration of a disaster from the inside seems to have allowed the emergence and representation of hitherto unknown social realities in Tuscany. The goal of the news coverage was widened, making it possible to respond better to the diverse interests of the reading public and to satisfy in a short time and exhaustively the information needs of individual communities in difficulty. Full article
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28 pages, 12201 KiB  
Article
PlanetiQ Radio Occultation: Preliminary Comparative Analysis of Neutral Profiles vs. COSMIC and NWP Models
by Ibrahim F. Ahmed, Mohammed Alheyf and Mohamed S. Yamany
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4179; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104179 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Radio Occultation (RO) is pivotal for profiling the neutral and ionized atmosphere, with the PlanetiQ mission, via its GNOMES satellites, striving to establish an advanced atmospheric observing system. However, an assessment of the spatiotemporal distributions of PlanetiQ observations and comparisons with reliable datasets [...] Read more.
Radio Occultation (RO) is pivotal for profiling the neutral and ionized atmosphere, with the PlanetiQ mission, via its GNOMES satellites, striving to establish an advanced atmospheric observing system. However, an assessment of the spatiotemporal distributions of PlanetiQ observations and comparisons with reliable datasets are lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining the temporal and spatial distribution of RO observations from PlanetiQ during its initial 198 operational days in 2023, alongside comparisons with COSMIC and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Data from GN02, GN03, and GN04 satellites, yielding 1099, 1313, and 1843 RO events per day, respectively, were analyzed. The satellite constellation’s observations demonstrate a generally well-distributed pattern, albeit minor deficiencies in equatorial and polar regions. Single-profile comparisons with COSMIC data reveal strong correlations for pressure, temperature, Water Vapor Pressure (WVP), and refractivity profiles, with temperature exhibiting larger variations (RMSE = 1.24 °C). Statistical analyses confirm statistically insignificant differences between the PlanetiQ and COSMIC profiles at the same spatio-temporal coordinates. Comparisons with NWP models show slight differences with GFS, with overall RMSE values of 0.23 mb (WVP), 0.6 mb (pressure), 1.3 (refractivity), and 1.5 °C (temperature). However, assessments against GFS/ECMWF models indicate overall compatibility, with insignificant differences between PlanetiQ profiles and model observations. Full article
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20 pages, 2262 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Anticancer Properties of Argemone mexicana L. and Berberine: A Comparative Study
by Joel H. Elizondo-Luevano, Ramiro Quintanilla-Licea, Imelda N. Monroy-García, Miroslava Kačániová, Uziel Castillo-Velázquez, Aldo F. Bazaldúa-Rodríguez, Lourdes M. Garza-Vega, Ángel D. Torres-Hernández and Abelardo Chávez-Montes
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101374 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Argemone mexicana L. has been used in traditional Mexican medicine. Among its bioactive constituents, berberine (BER) has garnered attention for its cytotoxic properties against different tumor cell lines. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity against HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and murine lymphoma [...] Read more.
Argemone mexicana L. has been used in traditional Mexican medicine. Among its bioactive constituents, berberine (BER) has garnered attention for its cytotoxic properties against different tumor cell lines. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity against HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and murine lymphoma (L5178Y-R) cells using the MTT assay of the methanol extract (AmexM), sub-partitions of A. mexicana, and BER. Selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing their cytotoxic effects on VERO (monkey kidney epithelial) and PBMC (human peripheral blood mononuclear) non-tumoral cells. Additionally, the anti-hemolytic effect of these treatments was assessed using the AAPH method. The treatment with the most promising activity against tumor cells and anti-hemolytic efficacy underwent further evaluation for toxicity in Artemia salina and antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. BER demonstrated an IC50 = 56.86 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and IC50 < 5.0 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells, with SI values of 15.97 and >5.40 in VERO and PBMC cells, respectively. No significant hemolytic effects were observed, although AmexM and BER exhibited the highest anti-hemolytic activity. BER also demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy, with lower toxicity in A. salina nauplii compared to the control. Additionally, BER significantly attenuated nitric oxide production. This study highlights the antiproliferative effects of A. mexicana, particularly BER, against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R tumor cell lines, along with its selectivity towards normal cells. Furthermore, its anti-hemolytic and antioxidant potentials were demonstrated, suggesting that BER is a promising candidate for potent chemotherapeutic agents. Full article
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26 pages, 162513 KiB  
Article
Atmospheric Light Estimation Using Polarization Degree Gradient for Image Dehazing
by Shuai Liu, Hang Li, Jinyu Zhao, Junchi Liu, Youqiang Zhu and Zhenduo Zhang
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3137; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103137 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
A number of image dehazing techniques depend on the estimation of atmospheric light intensity. The majority of dehazing algorithms do not incorporate a physical model to estimate atmospheric light, leading to reduced accuracy and significantly impacting the effectiveness of dehazing. This article presents [...] Read more.
A number of image dehazing techniques depend on the estimation of atmospheric light intensity. The majority of dehazing algorithms do not incorporate a physical model to estimate atmospheric light, leading to reduced accuracy and significantly impacting the effectiveness of dehazing. This article presents a novel approach for estimating atmospheric light using the polarization state and polarization degree gradient of the sky. We utilize this approach to enhance the outcomes of image dehazing by applying it to pre-existing dehazing algorithms. Our study and development of a real-time dehazing system has shown that the approach we propose has a clear advantage over previous methods for estimating ambient light. After incorporating the proposed approach into existing defogging methods, a significant improvement in the effectiveness of defogging was noted through the assessment of various criteria such as contrast, PSNR, and SSIM. Full article
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17 pages, 898 KiB  
Article
Study of the Correlation between Streaming Video Platform Content on Food Production Processes and the Behavioral Intentions of Generation Z
by Xi-Yu Zhang, Ching-Tzu Chao, Yi-Tse Chiu and Han-Shen Chen
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101537 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
With an estimated 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses recorded annually in the UK alone, food safety has become a paramount concern among stakeholders. Modern technology has positioned streaming platforms as pivotal conduits for disseminating information. Channels such as YouTube offer detailed recordings [...] Read more.
With an estimated 2.4 million cases of foodborne illnesses recorded annually in the UK alone, food safety has become a paramount concern among stakeholders. Modern technology has positioned streaming platforms as pivotal conduits for disseminating information. Channels such as YouTube offer detailed recordings of the food production process, granting consumers extensive visibility of the food journey from farm to table. This increased transparency not only promotes vigilant monitoring of food safety practices but also solicits consumer feedback regarding the public exposure to food processing videos. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study augments its framework with constructs, such as perceived trust, perceived risk, community experience, and brand identity, to evaluate Taiwan’s Generation Z consumer behavioral intentions. With 226 valid responses amassed, structural equation modeling facilitated elucidation of the relationships among the constructs. This analysis yielded three salient insights. First, Generation Z’s engagement with food processing videos on streaming platforms is positively correlated with their subsequent purchasing behavior. Second, enriched community experience was correlated with strengthened brand identification. Third, both perceived trust and perceived risk had a constructive impact on behavioral intentions within Gen Z’s demographic data. Based on these outcomes, food industry enterprises should proactively develop and bolster community experiential value, thereby encouraging streaming platform users to transform into brand consumers and advocates. Full article
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13 pages, 1671 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Resistance and Not Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Gene Mutation Is Associated with Pyrethroid Resistance of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) from Cambodia
by Sébastien Marcombe, Bros Doeurk, Phoutmany Thammavong, Tuba Veseli, Christian Heafield, Molly-Ann Mills, Sedra Kako, Marcelly Ferreira Prado, Shakira Thomson, Saffron Millett, Timothy Hill, Imogen Kentsley, Shereena Davies, Geethika Pathiraja, Ben Daniels, Lucianna Browne, Miranda Nyamukanga, Jess Harvey, Lyranne Rubinstein, Chloe Townsend, Zack Allen, Christopher Davey-Spence, Adina Hupi, Andrew K. Jones and Sebastien Boyeradd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Insects 2024, 15(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050358 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: In Cambodia, Aedes albopictus is an important vector of the dengue virus. Vector control using insecticides is a major strategy implemented in managing mosquito-borne diseases. Resistance, however, threatens to undermine the use of insecticides. In this study, we present the levels [...] Read more.
(1) Background: In Cambodia, Aedes albopictus is an important vector of the dengue virus. Vector control using insecticides is a major strategy implemented in managing mosquito-borne diseases. Resistance, however, threatens to undermine the use of insecticides. In this study, we present the levels of insecticide resistance of Ae. albopictus in Cambodia and the mechanisms involved. (2) Methods: Two Ae. albopictus populations were collected from the capital, Phnom Penh city, and from rural Pailin province. Adults were tested with diagnostic doses of malathion (0.8%), deltamethrin (0.03%), permethrin (0.25%), and DDT (4%) using WHO tube assays. Synergist assays using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were implemented before the pyrethroid assays to detect the potential involvement of metabolic resistance mechanisms. Adult female mosquitoes collected from Phnom Penh and Pailin were tested for voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) kdr (knockdown resistance) mutations commonly found in Aedes sp.-resistant populations throughout Asia (S989P, V1016G, and F1534C), as well as for other mutations (V410L, L982W, A1007G, I1011M, T1520I, and D1763Y). (3) Results: The two populations showed resistance against all the insecticides tested (<90% mortality). The use of PBO (an inhibitor of P450s) strongly restored the efficacy of deltamethrin and permethrin against the two resistant populations. Sequences of regions of the vgsc gene showed a lack of kdr mutations known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance. However, four novel non-synonymous mutations (L412P/S, C983S, Q1554STOP, and R1718L) and twenty-nine synonymous mutations were detected. It remains to be determined whether these mutations contribute to pyrethroid resistance. (4) Conclusions: Pyrethroid resistance is occurring in two Ae. albopictus populations originating from urban and rural areas of Cambodia. The resistance is likely due to metabolic resistance specifically involving P450s monooxygenases. The levels of resistance against different insecticide classes are a cause for concern in Cambodia. Alternative tools and insecticides for controlling dengue vectors should be used to minimize disease prevalence in the country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Insecticide Resistance)
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