The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
14 pages, 1728 KiB  
Article
High Concentration of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies 2 Years after COVID-19 Vaccination Stems Not Only from Boosters but Also from Widespread, Often Unrecognized, Contact with the Virus
by Jakub Swadźba, Andrzej Panek, Paweł Wąsowicz, Tomasz Anyszek and Emilia Martin
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050471 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study follows 99 subjects vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines over two years, with particular focus on the last year of observation (between days 360 and 720). The response to the vaccination was assessed with Diasorin’s SARS-CoV-2 TrimericSpike IgG. Screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection [...] Read more.
This study follows 99 subjects vaccinated with Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines over two years, with particular focus on the last year of observation (between days 360 and 720). The response to the vaccination was assessed with Diasorin’s SARS-CoV-2 TrimericSpike IgG. Screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed with Abbott’s SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid IgG immunoassay. Data from questionnaires were also analyzed. Two years after the first vaccine dose administration, 100% of the subjects were positive for anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 IgG and the median antibody level was still high (3600 BAU/mL), dropping insignificantly over the last year. Simultaneously, a substantial increase in seropositivity in anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 IgG was noted, reaching 33%. There was no statistically significant agreement between anti-N seropositivity and reported COVID-19. Higher anti-spike concentrations and lower COVID-19 incidence was seen in the older vaccinees. It was noted that only subjects boosted between days 360 and 720 showed an increase in anti-spike IgG concentrations. The higher antibody concentrations (median 7440 BAU/mL) on day 360 were noted in participants not infected over the following year. Vaccination, including booster administrations, and natural, even unrecognized, contact with SARS-CoV-2 entwined two years after the primary vaccination, leading to high anti-spike antibody concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Antibody Response to Infection and Vaccination)
5 pages, 155 KiB  
Editorial
Sensors and Measurement Systems for Marine Engineering Applications
by Dimitrios Nikolaos Pagonis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3761; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093761 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, vast developments and applications of sensor technologies have been recorded in various industries, including shipbuilding [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors and Measurement Systems for Marine Engineering Applications)
15 pages, 2418 KiB  
Article
Molecular Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Tissue Tropism of Bartonella Species in Small Mammals from Yunnan Province, China
by Pei-Yu Han, Fen-Hui Xu, Jia-Wei Tian, Jun-Ying Zhao, Ze Yang, Wei Kong, Bo Wang, Li-Jun Guo and Yun-Zhi Zhang
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091320 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Bartonella is an intracellular parasitic zoonotic pathogen that can infect animals and cause a variety of human diseases. This study investigates Bartonella infection in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China, focusing on tissue tropism. A total of 333 small mammals were sampled from [...] Read more.
Bartonella is an intracellular parasitic zoonotic pathogen that can infect animals and cause a variety of human diseases. This study investigates Bartonella infection in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China, focusing on tissue tropism. A total of 333 small mammals were sampled from thirteen species, three orders, four families, and four genera in Heqing and Gongshan Counties. Conventional PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) were utilized for detection and quantification, followed by bioinformatic analysis of obtained DNA sequences. Results show a 31.5% detection rate, varying across species. Notably, Apodemus chevrieri, Eothenomys eleusis, Niviventer fulvescens, Rattus tanezumi, Episoriculus leucops, Anourosorex squamipes, and Ochotona Thibetana exhibited infection rates of 44.4%, 27.7%, 100.0%, 6.3%, 60.0%, 23.5%, and 22.2%, respectively. Genetic analysis identified thirty, ten, and five strains based on ssrA, rpoB, and gltA genes, with nucleotide identities ranging from 92.1% to 100.0%. Bartonella strains were assigned to B. grahamii, B. rochalimae, B. sendai, B. koshimizu, B. phoceensis, B. taylorii, and a new species identified in Episoriculus leucops (GS136). Analysis of the different tissues naturally infected by Bartonella species revealed varied copy numbers across different tissues, with the highest load in spleen tissue. These findings underscore Bartonella’s diverse species and host range in Yunnan Province, highlighting the presence of extensive tissue tropism in Bartonella species naturally infecting small mammalian tissues. Full article
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15 pages, 4106 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Changes in Water and Ion Flows of the Pechora River, the Longest Full-Water European Arctic River
by Aleksandr G. Georgiadi, Alesya O. Danilenko and Pavel Y. Groisman
Water 2024, 16(9), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091264 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Long-term series of annual and seasonal water flow and major ions in the Pechora River were analyzed. Long-term phases of increased and decreased water flow were identified, ranging in duration from 11 to 49 years, and the major characteristics of these phases were [...] Read more.
Long-term series of annual and seasonal water flow and major ions in the Pechora River were analyzed. Long-term phases of increased and decreased water flow were identified, ranging in duration from 11 to 49 years, and the major characteristics of these phases were determined. Changes in the sequence and boundaries of contrast phases in the annual and snowmelt spring–summer flood runoff were found to coincide. The difference between the mean seasonal water runoff during the phases of increased and decreased flow varied from 12 to 41%. The ion flow values of contrast phases typically differed by 9 to 36%, which is less than for water flow. This is due to the inverse dependence between ion concentrations and water discharge. Such peculiar negative feedback stabilizes the rates of chemical denudation in the river catchments to some extent and, thus, the discharge of major ions into seas, even during significant variations in water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)
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20 pages, 8175 KiB  
Article
Genetic Enhancement of Blast and Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance in Rice Variety CO 51 through Marker-Assisted Selection
by Samuthirapandi Subburaj, Thiyagarajan Thulasinathan, Viswabharathy Sakthivel, Bharathi Ayyenar, Rohit Kambale, Veera Ranjani Rajagopalan, Sudha Manickam, Raghu Rajasekaran, Gopalakrishnan Chellappan, Kalaimagal Thiyagarajan, Manonmani Swaminathan and Raveendran Muthurajan
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050693 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The increased use of chemicals in rice farming poses significant issues regarding the emergence of pesticide/fungicide resistance and environmental sustainability concerns. This study was aimed at the genetic improvement of blast, bacterial leaf blight (BB) and gall midge resistance in a popular rice [...] Read more.
The increased use of chemicals in rice farming poses significant issues regarding the emergence of pesticide/fungicide resistance and environmental sustainability concerns. This study was aimed at the genetic improvement of blast, bacterial leaf blight (BB) and gall midge resistance in a popular rice variety CO 51 which already harbours a blast resistance gene Pi54. Efforts were made to pyramid an additional blast resistance gene Pi9 along with two BB resistance genes (xa13 and Xa21) and two gall midge resistance genes (Gm1 and Gm4) into an elite rice variety CO 51 to enhance the resistance level to biotic stresses. The superior lines were selected using functional markers conferring resistance to blast (NBS4 and Pi54MAS linked to Pi9 and Pi54 genes, respectively) and BB [(xa13Prom (xa13) and pTA248 (Xa21)] and SSR markers linked to Gm1 (RM1328) and Gm4 (RM22550) for phenotypic screening and agronomic evaluation. The genotyping and phenotyping of F6 and BC2F6 progenies of CO 51 X 562-4, for agronomic traits and resistance to BB and blast, identified ten superior progenies in F6 and five superior progenies in BC2F6. The breeding lines harbouring both xa13+Xa21 exhibited high levels of resistance to BB (score ≤ 1 cm) and Pi9+Pi54 exhibited strong resistance to blast (score ≤ 2). Identified lines can be evaluated further for varietal improvement or utilised as genetic stocks in breeding programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Genotype Evaluation and Breeding)
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26 pages, 9524 KiB  
Review
Steady-State Delivery and Chemical Modification of Food Nutrients to Improve Cancer Intervention Ability
by Sijia Hao, Peng Ge, Wentao Su, Yuxiao Wang, A. M. Abd El-Aty and Mingqian Tan
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091363 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cancer is a crucial global health problem, and prevention is an important strategy to reduce the burden of the disease. Daily diet is the key modifiable risk factor for cancer, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that specific nutrients in foods may [...] Read more.
Cancer is a crucial global health problem, and prevention is an important strategy to reduce the burden of the disease. Daily diet is the key modifiable risk factor for cancer, and an increasing body of evidence suggests that specific nutrients in foods may have a preventive effect against cancer. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of nutrients from foods in cancer intervention. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action of various dietary components, including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The findings of epidemiological and clinical studies on their association with cancer risk are highlighted. The foods are rich in bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and ω-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to have anticancer properties. The effects of steady-state delivery and chemical modification of these food’s bioactive components on anticancer and intervention are summarized. Future research should focus on identifying the specific bioactive compounds in foods responsible for their intervention effects and exploring the potential synergistic effects of combining different nutrients in foods. Dietary interventions that incorporate multiple nutrients and whole foods may hold promise for reducing the risk of cancer and improving overall health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Nutrition)
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15 pages, 2655 KiB  
Article
Laser In Situ U–Pb Isotope Dating of Carbonate Rocks in Weijia Guyot in the Western Pacific Ocean and Its Geological Significance
by Zhenquan Wei, Jinfeng Ma, Gaowen He, Lifeng Zhong, Limin Zhang and Bin Zhao
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050737 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Shallow-water carbonate rocks constitute a crucial component of large guyots, arising in distinct environments and harboring valuable insights into the evolutionary stages of seamount islands as well as the tectonic conditions of the underlying oceanic plate. Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass [...] Read more.
Shallow-water carbonate rocks constitute a crucial component of large guyots, arising in distinct environments and harboring valuable insights into the evolutionary stages of seamount islands as well as the tectonic conditions of the underlying oceanic plate. Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) was used to conduct in situ U–Pb isotope dating of carbonate minerals with low uranium content collected from Weijia Guyot. This dating approach yielded crucial evidence for the vertical development of the seamount. Our study indicates that shallow-water carbonate rocks in Weijia Guyot had a temporal range between 91 My and 137 My. The carbonate rocks underwent two growth phases, Hauterivian to Barremian and Cenomanian to Turonian, with a hiatus of approximately 20 My. Since the Hauterivian age, the shield volcano of Weijia Guyot is essentially complete, with its seamount top exposed at or near sea level and receiving its first stage of shallow-water carbonate sedimentation. Based on the dating of both shallow-water carbonate rocks and hawaiite within the Weijia Guyot, it is inferred that approximately 10 My elapsed from shield-building volcanism to late alkalic volcanism. During the Turonian age, the main reason for the second phase of shallow-water carbonate rocks in the seamounts was the regional tectonic uplift triggered by the drift of the Weijia Guyot along with the Pacific Plate toward the Society hotspot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geological Oceanography)
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20 pages, 2728 KiB  
Article
Have Agricultural Land-Use Carbon Emissions in China Peaked? An Analysis Based on Decoupling Theory and Spatial EKC Model
by Haoyue Wu, Bangwen Ding, Lu Liu, Lei Zhou, Yue Meng and Xiangjiang Zheng
Land 2024, 13(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050585 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio [...] Read more.
Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio decoupling index and environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model to discuss the robustness of the peaking process. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, China’s average ALUCEs were 368.1 Mt C-eq (1349.7 CO2-eq), peaking at 396.9 Mt C-eq (1455.3 Mt CO2-eq) in 2015 before plateauing. Emissions from agricultural materials and soil management had entered the declining period, while those from rice cultivation were in the peaking period, those from straw burning were still rising, and those from livestock breeding remained at the plateauing phase. (2) The provinces of Beijing, Tianjin, and nine others saw a decline in ALUCEs, while Hainan, Guizhou, and another nine provinces observed plateauing, and Ningxia, Qinghai, and six other provinces experienced peaking. (3) Decoupling analysis confirmed that emission-peaking states remained stable even with agricultural growth. Instead of an inverted U-shaped relationship, we found an N-shaped relationship between ALUCEs and agricultural GDP. The spatial EKC model indicated that the peaking process had spillover effects between provinces. It is recommended that China accelerate ALUCE mitigation based on the source and phase of emissions, considering the peaking process and magnitude. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment)
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24 pages, 2345 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Calibration of Benthic Foraminifera Elemental Ratios from the Northeastern Atlantic
by Sophie Sepulcre, Marion Tribondeau, Franck Bassinot, Meryem Mojtahid, Maria-Pia Nardelli, Pierre-Antoine Dessandier and Jérôme Bonnin
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050736 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
On six different species of benthic foraminifera covering various microhabitats and recovered from the Northern Atlantic Ocean, we tested the potential of the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios as proxies for paleoceanography. We performed analysis using two instruments (ICP-OES and ICP-MS) and compared results [...] Read more.
On six different species of benthic foraminifera covering various microhabitats and recovered from the Northern Atlantic Ocean, we tested the potential of the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios as proxies for paleoceanography. We performed analysis using two instruments (ICP-OES and ICP-MS) and compared results obtained from living and dead specimens. Our results are in good agreement with previous published calibrations for Hoeglundina elegans, Uvigerina mediterranea, U. peregrina, Melonis barleeanum, and Globobulimina spp. However, we observed a strong variability between living and dead specimens, and between both instrumental approaches. We discuss the impact of the cleaning procedure, as well as the natural variability between samples recovered at different depths inside the sediment. No specific trend can be deciphered from our dataset, but we observed that species from the Uvigerina genus presented the lowest external reproducibility and the best agreement between living and dead specimens. We highlight that both species should not be mixed for analysis, since U. mediterranea presents lower values and a reduced range of variability compared to U. peregrina. We explored the temperature and the Δ[CO32−] as potential controls on the variability of both ratios from U. peregrina and showed that neither of these two parameters can be discarded. Full article
20 pages, 4771 KiB  
Article
Advancing the Decarbonization of the Construction Sector: Lifecycle Quality and Performance Assurance of Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings
by Emanuele Piaia, Beatrice Turillazzi, Roberto Di Giulio and Rizal Sebastian
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3687; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093687 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Dealing with and maintaining high-quality standards in the design and construction phases is challenging, especially for on-site construction. Issues like improper implementation of building components and poor communication can widen the gap between design specifications and actual conditions. To prevent this, particularly for [...] Read more.
Dealing with and maintaining high-quality standards in the design and construction phases is challenging, especially for on-site construction. Issues like improper implementation of building components and poor communication can widen the gap between design specifications and actual conditions. To prevent this, particularly for energy-efficient buildings, it is vital to develop resilient, sustainable strategies. These should optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, and enhance livability, contributing to carbon neutrality by 2050 and climate change mitigation. Traditional post-occupancy evaluations, which identify defects after construction, are impractical for addressing energy performance gaps. A new, real-time inspection approach is necessary throughout the construction process. This paper suggests an innovative guideline for prefabricated buildings, emphasizing digital ‘self-instruction’ and ‘self-inspection’. These procedures ensure activities impacting quality adhere to specific instructions, drawings, and 3D models, incorporating the relevant acceptance criteria to verify completion. This methodology, promoting alignment with planned energy-efficient features, is supported by BIM-based software and Augmented Reality (AR) tools, embodying Industry 4.0 principles. BIM (Building Information Modeling) and AR bridge the gap between virtual design and actual construction, improving stakeholder communication and enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments. This integration fosters accuracy and efficiency, which are key for energy-efficient and nearly zero-energy buildings, marking a shift towards a more precise, collaborative, and environmentally sensible construction industry. Full article
14 pages, 1697 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Whey for Eco-Friendly Bio-Preservation of Mexican-Style Fresh Cheeses: Antimicrobial Activity of Lactobacillus casei 21/1 Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS)
by Victor E. Vera-Santander, Ricardo H. Hernández-Figueroa, Daniela Arrioja-Bretón, María T. Jiménez-Munguía, Emma Mani-López and Aurelio López-Malo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050560 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Using whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process, is important for maximizing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry. Reusing whey can help minimize environmental impact and produce bio-preservatives for foods with high bacterial loads, such as Mexican-style fresh cheeses. [...] Read more.
Using whey, a by-product of the cheese-making process, is important for maximizing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable practices in the food industry. Reusing whey can help minimize environmental impact and produce bio-preservatives for foods with high bacterial loads, such as Mexican-style fresh cheeses. This research aims to evaluate the antimicrobial and physicochemical effect of CFS from Lactobacillus casei 21/1 produced in a conventional culture medium (MRS broth) and another medium using whey (WB medium) when applied in Mexican-style fresh cheese inoculated with several indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes). The CFSs (MRS or WB) were characterized for organic acids concentration, pH, and titratable acidity. By surface spreading, CFSs were tested on indicator bacteria inoculated in fresh cheese. Microbial counts were performed on inoculated cheeses during and after seven days of storage at 4 ± 1.0 °C. Moreover, pH and color were determined in cheeses with CFS treatment. Lactic and acetic acid were identified as the primary antimicrobial metabolites produced by the Lb. casei 21/1 fermentation in the food application. A longer storage time (7 days) led to significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the microbial population of the indicator bacteria inoculated in the cheese when it was treated with the CFSs (MRS or WB). S. enterica serovar Typhimurium was the most sensitive bacteria, decreasing 1.60 ± 0.04 log10 CFU/g with MRS-CFS, whereas WB-CFS reduced the microbial population of L. monocytogenes to 1.67 log10 CFU/g. E. coli and S. aureus were the most resistant at the end of storage. The cheese’s pH with CFSs (MRS or WB) showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) after CFS treatment, while the application of WB-CFS did not show greater differences in color (ΔE) compared with MRS-CFS. This study highlights the potential of CFS from Lb. casei 21/1 in the WB medium as an ecological bio-preservative for Mexican-style fresh cheese, aligning with the objectives of sustainable food production and guaranteeing food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foods and One Health)
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13 pages, 3119 KiB  
Article
Novel Bicyclic P,S-Heterocycles via Stereoselective hetero-Diels–Alder Reactions of Thiochalcones with 1-Phenyl-4H-phosphinin-4-one 1-Oxide
by Grzegorz Mlostoń, Katarzyna Urbaniak, Marcin Palusiak, Elżbieta Łastawiecka, Sławomir Frynas, Kazimierz Michał Pietrusiewicz and Heinz Heimgartner
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092036 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Thiochalcones undergo cycloaddition reactions in THF solution at 60 °C with the synthetically unexplored 1-phenyl-4H-phosphinin-4-one 1-oxide in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner, yielding hitherto unknown bicyclic P,S-heterocycles containing fused thiopyran and phosphinine rings. The stereochemical structures of [...] Read more.
Thiochalcones undergo cycloaddition reactions in THF solution at 60 °C with the synthetically unexplored 1-phenyl-4H-phosphinin-4-one 1-oxide in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner, yielding hitherto unknown bicyclic P,S-heterocycles containing fused thiopyran and phosphinine rings. The stereochemical structures of two of the obtained (4+2)-cycloadducts were unambiguously assigned by means of the X-ray single-crystal analysis. Based on these assignments, a concerted mechanism of the hetero-Diels–Alder reaction via the preferred endo approach of the heterodiene from the less hindered P=O side of the phosphininone molecule is postulated to explain the established rac-(4RS,8SR,9SR,10SR)-configured (4+2)-cycloadducts isolated as major products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Development of Organophosphorus Chemistry)
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16 pages, 7155 KiB  
Article
Simulating Elastoplastic and Anisotropic Behavior in Thermoplastic Additively Manufactured Components: An Application-Oriented Modeling Approach
by Fabian Ferrano, Miranda Fateri, Markus Merkel and Jan Hertel
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091234 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive approach aimed at developing a coupled process-structure simulation that integrates anisotropic and elastoplastic material behavior for plastic components manufactured through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. The simulation incorporates material orientation considerations, linking the process simulation with structural [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive approach aimed at developing a coupled process-structure simulation that integrates anisotropic and elastoplastic material behavior for plastic components manufactured through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing. The simulation incorporates material orientation considerations, linking the process simulation with structural simulation. Subsequently, stress and strain values from the simulations are compared with the test results. Moreover, the fracture behavior of components manufactured in this way is also taken into account in relation to material orientation. The executed simulations have yielded successful outcomes, affirming the efficacy of the anisotropic and elastoplastic simulation across all strand orientations. Special attention is paid to the application of the method. Here, the simulation method introduced in this contribution with the approaches for describing the material behavior under mechanical load can be used in the future in the dimensioning of FFF manufactured plastic components to predict the deformation behavior and failure, especially under consideration of a well economic and efficient virtual product development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Polymer Materials)
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22 pages, 14311 KiB  
Article
The Genesis of AIbyAI Integrated Circuit: Where AI Creates AI
by Emilio Isaac Baungarten-Leon, Susana Ortega-Cisneros, Mohamed Abdelmoneum, Ruth Yadira Vidana Morales and German Pinedo-Diaz
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091704 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The typical Integrated Circuit (IC) development process commences with formulating specifications in natural language and subsequently proceeds to Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementation. RTL code is traditionally generated through manual efforts, using Hardware Description Languages (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog. High-Level Synthesis [...] Read more.
The typical Integrated Circuit (IC) development process commences with formulating specifications in natural language and subsequently proceeds to Register Transfer Level (RTL) implementation. RTL code is traditionally generated through manual efforts, using Hardware Description Languages (HDL) such as VHDL or Verilog. High-Level Synthesis (HLS), on the other hand, converts programming languages to HDL; these methods aim to streamline the engineering process, minimizing human effort and errors. Currently, Electronic Design Automation (EDA) algorithms have been improved with the use of AI, with new advancements in commercial (such as ChatGPT, Bard, among others) Large Language Models (LLM) and open-source tools presenting an opportunity to automate the chip design process. This paper centers on the creation of AIbyAI, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) IC entirely developed by an LLM (ChatGPT-4), and its manufacturing with the first fabricable open-source Process Design Kit (PDK), SKY130A. The challenges, opportunities, advantages, disadvantages, conversation flow, and workflow involved in CNN IC development are presented in this work, culminating in the manufacturing process of AIbyAI using a 130 nm technology, marking a groundbreaking achievement as possibly the world’s first CNN entirely written by AI for its IC manufacturing with a free PDK, being a benchmark for systems that can be generated today with LLMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI and Its Transformative Potential)
16 pages, 11059 KiB  
Article
Effect of Post-Plasma Nitrocarburized Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Carburized and Quenched 18Cr2Ni4WA Steel
by Dazhen Fang, Jinpeng Lu, Haichun Dou, Zelong Zhou, Jiwen Yan, Yang Li and Yongyong He
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050153 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Under extreme conditions such as high speed and heavy load, 18Cr2Ni4WA steel cannot meet the service requirements even after carburizing and quenching processes. In order to obtain better surface mechanical properties and tribological property, a hollow cathode ion source diffusion strengthening device was [...] Read more.
Under extreme conditions such as high speed and heavy load, 18Cr2Ni4WA steel cannot meet the service requirements even after carburizing and quenching processes. In order to obtain better surface mechanical properties and tribological property, a hollow cathode ion source diffusion strengthening device was used to nitride the traditional carburizing and quenching samples. Unlike traditional ion carbonitriding technology, the low-temperature ion carbonitriding technology used in this article can increase the surface hardness of the material by 50% after 3 h of treatment, from the original 600 HV0.1 to 900 HV0.1, while the core hardness only decreases by less than 20%. The effect of post-ion carbonitriding treatment on mechanical properties and tribological properties of the carburized and quenched 18Cr2Ni4WA steel was investigated. Samples in different treatment are characterized using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optimal SRV-4 high temperature tribotester, as well as Vickers hardness tester. Under two conditions of 6N light load and 60 N heavy load, compared with untreated samples, the wear rate of ion carbonitriding samples decreased by more than 99%, while the friction coefficient remained basically unchanged. Furthermore, the careful selection of ion nitrocarburizing and carburizing tempering temperatures in this study has been shown to significantly enhance surface hardness and wear resistance, while preserving the overall hardness of the carburized sample. The present study demonstrates the potential of ion carbonitriding technology as a viable post-treatment method for carburized gears. Full article
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14 pages, 4456 KiB  
Article
The Epitaxial Growth of Ge and GeSn Semiconductor Thin Films on C-Plane Sapphire
by Emmanuel Wangila, Calbi Gunder, Petro M. Lytvyn, Mohammad Zamani-Alavijeh, Fernando Maia de Oliveira, Serhii Kryvyi, Hryhorii Stanchu, Aida Sheibani, Yuriy I. Mazur, Shui-Qing Yu and Gregory Salamo
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050414 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ge1−xSnx growth on a new sapphire platform has been demonstrated. This involved the growth of GeSn on Ge/GaAs layers using the algorithm developed. The resultant growths of Ge on GaAs/AlAs/sapphire and Ge1−xSnx on Ge/GaAs/AlAs/sapphire were investigated by [...] Read more.
Ge1−xSnx growth on a new sapphire platform has been demonstrated. This involved the growth of GeSn on Ge/GaAs layers using the algorithm developed. The resultant growths of Ge on GaAs/AlAs/sapphire and Ge1−xSnx on Ge/GaAs/AlAs/sapphire were investigated by in situ and ex situ characterization techniques to ascertain the surface morphology, crystal structure, and quality. The growth mode of Ge on GaAs was predominantly two-dimensional (2D), which signifies a layer-by-layer deposition, contributing to enhanced crystal quality in the Ge/GaAs system. The growth of Ge1−xSnx with 10% Sn on a graded profile for 30 min shows uniform composition and a strong peak on the reciprocal space map (RSM). On the other hand, the partially relaxed growth of the alloy on RSM was established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epitaxial Growth of Semiconductor Materials and Devices)
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13 pages, 5609 KiB  
Article
Does the Artificial Enhancement and Release Activity Affect the Genetic Diversity of Marbled Rockfish Sebastiscus marmoratus in Zhoushan Waters?
by Senping Jiang, Xinyi Chen, Pengfei Li, Haoxue Wang, Jiji Li, Kaida Xu and Yingying Ye
Fishes 2024, 9(5), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9050161 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Artificial enhancement and release activity is an important method in the restoration of fishery resources. In order to understand the possible genetic effect of hatchery-released populations on wild populations during the artificial enhancement and release activities of Sebastiscus marmoratus in Zhoushan waters, we [...] Read more.
Artificial enhancement and release activity is an important method in the restoration of fishery resources. In order to understand the possible genetic effect of hatchery-released populations on wild populations during the artificial enhancement and release activities of Sebastiscus marmoratus in Zhoushan waters, we utilized mitochondrial DNA control region sequences to examine the genetic diversity in four S. marmoratus populations, including one farmed population, one released population and two wild populations. A total of 68 haplotypes from 123 individuals were detected, including 3 shared haplotypes. Haplotype diversity ranged from 0.944 to 0.980, with a mean of 0.966. The nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.020 to 0.025, with a mean of 0.022. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) indicated that the primary genetic variation occurs within populations and the index of genetic differentiation between populations (FST) among the four populations showed no differentiation. The results indicate that the current artificial enhancement and release has not impacted the S. marmoratus population in Zhoushan waters. Continued long-term monitoring is essential to protect the high-quality germplasm resources of S. marmoratus. Full article
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9 pages, 563 KiB  
Communication
Adverse Reactions in Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Lymphoma Administered with Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Alone or in Combination with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
by Haolong Lin, Ting Deng, Lijun Jiang, Fankai Meng, Yang Cao, Yicheng Zhang, Renying Ge and Xiaojian Zhu
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1722; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091722 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: The combination of CAR-T with ASCT has been observed to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. However, the impact of this combination on adverse reactions is still uncertain. (2) Methods: Between January 2019 and February 2023, 292 patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The combination of CAR-T with ASCT has been observed to enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. However, the impact of this combination on adverse reactions is still uncertain. (2) Methods: Between January 2019 and February 2023, 292 patients diagnosed with r/r B-cell lymphoma received either CAR-T therapy alone or in combination with ASCT at our institution. We evaluated the incidence of CRS and CRES and utilized a logistic regression model to identify factors contributing to severe CRS (grade 3–4) and CRES (grade 3–4). (3) Results: The overall incidence of CRS and CRES was 78.9% and 8.2% in 147 patients receiving CAR-T alone, and 95.9% and 15.2% in 145 patients receiving CAR-T combined with ASCT, respectively. The incidence of overall CRS (p < 0.0001) and mild CRS (grade 1–2) (p = 0.021) was elevated in the ASCT combined with CAR-T group. No significant difference was observed in severe CRS and CRES between the groups. Among the 26 cases of lymphoma involving the central nervous system (CNS), 96.2% (25/26) developed CRS (15.4% grade 3–4), and 34.6% (9/26) manifested CRES (7.7% grade 3–4). Female patients had a lower incidence of severe CRS but a higher incidence of severe CRES. Lymphomas with CNS involvement demonstrated a higher risk of CRES compared to those without central involvement. (4) Conclusions: The combination of ASCT with CAR-T demonstrated a preferable option in r/r B-cell lymphoma without an increased incidence of severe CRS and CRES. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Immunotherapy in the Management of Hematologic Malignancy)
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11 pages, 3169 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Low Dose of Orally Administered Creatine Monohydrate on Post-Fatigue Muscle Power in Young Soccer Players
by Álvaro Huerta Ojeda, Emilio Jofré-Saldía, Maximiliano Torres-Banduc, Sergio Galdames Maliqueo, Guillermo Barahona-Fuentes, Carlos Cofré Acevedo, Gabriela Lizana Romero, Regina de Villa Garduño, Gerardo Riquelme Vera, Pablo Vera Paredes, Benjamín Barrios Ávalos, Tatiane Morales Serey, María-Mercedes Yeomans-Cabrera and Carlos Jorquera-Aguilera
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091324 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of creatine monohydrate (Cr) in professional soccer is widely documented. However, the effect of low doses of Cr on the physical performance of young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the effect of a low dose of orally administered Cr [...] Read more.
The use of creatine monohydrate (Cr) in professional soccer is widely documented. However, the effect of low doses of Cr on the physical performance of young soccer players is unknown. This study determined the effect of a low dose of orally administered Cr on muscle power after acute intra-session fatigue in young soccer players. Twenty-eight young soccer players (mean age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to either a Cr (n = 14, 0.3 g·kg−1·day−1 for 14 days) or placebo group (n = 14), using a two-group matched, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Before and after supplementation, participants performed 21 repetitions of 30 m (fatigue induction), and then, to measure muscle power, they performed four repetitions in half back squat (HBS) at 65% of 1RM. Statistical analysis included a two-factor ANOVA (p ˂ 0.05). Bar velocity at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.22; group: p = 0.0431, ŋp2 = 0.12, time × group p = 0.0744, ŋp2 = 0.02. Power at HBS, time: p = 0.0006, ŋp2 = 0.12; group: p = 0.16, ŋp2 = 0.06, time × group: p = 0.17, ŋp2 = 0.009. At the end of the study, it was found that, after the induction of acute intra-session fatigue, a low dose of Cr administered orally increases muscle power in young soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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17 pages, 4689 KiB  
Article
A Walking Trajectory Tracking Control Based on Uncertainties Estimation for a Drilling Robot for Rockburst Prevention
by Jinheng Gu, Shicheng He, Jianbo Dai, Dong Wei, Haifeng Yan, Chao Tan, Zhongbin Wang and Lei Si
Machines 2024, 12(5), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12050298 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
A walking trajectory tracking control approach for a walking electrohydraulic control system is developed to reduce the walking trajectory tracking deviation and enhance robustness. The model uncertainties are estimated by a designed state observer. A saturation function is used to attenuate sliding mode [...] Read more.
A walking trajectory tracking control approach for a walking electrohydraulic control system is developed to reduce the walking trajectory tracking deviation and enhance robustness. The model uncertainties are estimated by a designed state observer. A saturation function is used to attenuate sliding mode chattering in the designed sliding mode controller. Additionally, a walking trajectory tracking control strategy is proposed to improve the walking trajectory tracking performance in terms of response time, tracking precision, and robustness, including walking longitudinal and lateral trajectory tracking controllers. Finally, simulation and experimental results are employed to verify the trajectory tracking performance and observability of the model uncertainties. The results testify that the proposed approach is better than other comparative methods, and the longitudinal and lateral trajectory tracking average absolute errors are controlled in 10.23 mm and 22.34 mm, respectively, thereby improving the walking trajectory tracking performance of the walking electrohydraulic control system for the coal mine drilling robot for rockburst prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Technologies in Intelligent Mining Equipment)
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16 pages, 4293 KiB  
Article
Hybrid Materials for Vascular Applications: A Preliminary In Vitro Assessment
by Martina Todesco, Martina Casarin, Deborah Sandrin, Laura Astolfi, Filippo Romanato, Germana Giuggioli, Fabio Conte, Gino Gerosa, Chiara Giulia Fontanella and Andrea Bagno
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050436 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The production of biomedical devices able to appropriately interact with the biological environment is still a great challenge. Synthetic materials are often employed, but they fail to replicate the biological and functional properties of native tissues, leading to a variety of adverse effects. [...] Read more.
The production of biomedical devices able to appropriately interact with the biological environment is still a great challenge. Synthetic materials are often employed, but they fail to replicate the biological and functional properties of native tissues, leading to a variety of adverse effects. Several commercial products are based on chemically treated xenogeneic tissues: their principal drawback is due to weak mechanical stability and low durability. Recently, decellularization has been proposed to bypass the drawbacks of both synthetic and biological materials. Acellular materials can integrate with host tissues avoiding/mitigating any foreign body response, but they often lack sufficient patency and impermeability. The present paper investigates an innovative approach to the realization of hybrid materials that combine decellularized bovine pericardium with polycarbonate urethanes. These hybrid materials benefit from the superior biocompatibility of the biological tissue and the mechanical properties of the synthetic polymers. They were assessed from physicochemical, structural, mechanical, and biological points of view; their ability to promote cell growth was also investigated. The decellularized pericardium and the polymer appeared to well adhere to each other, and the two sides were distinguishable. The maximum elongation of hybrid materials was mainly affected by the pericardium, which allows for lower elongation than the polymer; this latter, in turn, influenced the maximum strength achieved. The results confirmed the promising features of hybrid materials for the production of vascular grafts able to be repopulated by circulating cells, thus, improving blood compatibility. Full article
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10 pages, 1810 KiB  
Article
The Time from Submission to Publication in Primary Health Care Journals: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Tsung-An Chen, Ming-Hwai Lin, Yu-Chun Chen and Tzeng-Ji Chen
Publications 2024, 12(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020013 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: The time from submission to publication can significantly impact the speed of knowledge dissemination and is influenced by multiple factors. This research aims to investigate the time from submission to publication of journals of primary health care and to explore the factors [...] Read more.
Background: The time from submission to publication can significantly impact the speed of knowledge dissemination and is influenced by multiple factors. This research aims to investigate the time from submission to publication of journals of primary health care and to explore the factors that influence this duration. Methods: We selected journals of primary health care and extracted their impact factors, annual publication frequencies, and open access status. The time from submission to acceptance (SA lag), acceptance to publication (AP lag), and submission to publication (SP lag) were calculated. Additionally, we conducted statistical analyses to determine whether impact factors, annual publication frequencies, and journal open access status had an influence on publication time. Results: This study revealed the average SP lag was 243.4 days (interquartile range, IQR 159–306), the average SA lag was 177.8 days (IQR 99–229.3), and the average AP lag was 65.6 days (IQR 14–101). Variations were observed in SP lag, SA lag, and AP lag among different journals. SP lag generally decreased with higher impact factors. Journals with open access had longer SA lag but shorter AP lag. There was a general trend of decreasing SP lag and SA lag with an increasing number of annual publications, but no clear trend was observed for AP lag. Conclusions: Improvements are needed in reducing the duration from submission to publication for primary health care journals. Significant variation exists among journals. Additionally, factors such as the impact factor, open access status, and the number of annual publications may influence publication speed. Full article
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17 pages, 4896 KiB  
Article
Design and Experiment of an Autonomous Navigation System for a Cattle Barn Feed-Pushing Robot Based on UWB Positioning
by Zejin Chen, Haifeng Wang, Mengchuang Zhou, Jun Zhu, Jiahui Chen and Bin Li
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050694 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The autonomous navigation system of feed-pushing robots is one of the key technologies for the intelligent breeding of dairy cows, and its accuracy has a significant influence on the quality of feed-pushing operations. Currently, the navigation methods of feed-pushing robots in the complex [...] Read more.
The autonomous navigation system of feed-pushing robots is one of the key technologies for the intelligent breeding of dairy cows, and its accuracy has a significant influence on the quality of feed-pushing operations. Currently, the navigation methods of feed-pushing robots in the complex environment of cattle barns mainly include visual, LiDAR, and geomagnetic navigation, but there are still problems relating to low navigation accuracy. An autonomous navigation system based on ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning utilizing the dynamic forward-looking distance pure pursuit algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, six anchor nodes were arranged in the corners and central feeding aisle of a 30 × 86 m rectangular standard barn to form a rectangular positioning area. Then, utilizing the 9ITL-650 feed-pushing robot as a platform and integrating UWB wireless positioning technology, a global coordinate system for the cattle barn was established, and the expected path was planned. Finally, the pure pursuit model was improved based on the robot’s two-wheel differential kinematics model, and a dynamic forward-looking distance pure pursuit controller based on PID regulation was designed to construct a comprehensive autonomous navigation control system. Subsequently, field experiments were conducted in the cattle barn. The experimental results show that the static positioning accuracy of the UWB system for the feed-pushing robot was less than 16 cm under no-line-of-sight conditions in the cattle barn. At low speeds, the robot was subjected to linear tracking comparative experiments with forward-looking distances of 50, 100, 150, and 200 cm. The minimum upper-line distance of the dynamic forward-looking distance model was 205.43 cm. In the steady-state phase, the average lateral deviation was 3.31 cm, with an average standard deviation of 2.58 cm and the average root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.22 cm. Compared with the fixed forward-looking distance model, the average lateral deviation, the standard deviation, and the RMSE were reduced by 42.83%, 37.07%, and 42.90%, respectively. The autonomous navigation experiments conducted on the feed-pushing robot at travel speeds of 6, 8, and 10 m/min demonstrated that the maximum average lateral deviation was 7.58 cm, the maximum standard deviation was 8.22 cm, and the maximum RMSE was 11.07 cm, meeting the autonomous navigation requirements for feed-pushing operations in complex barn environments. This study provides support for achieving high-precision autonomous navigation control technology in complex environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Current Research on Intelligent Equipment for Agriculture)
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