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3 pages, 149 KiB  
Editorial
Public Spaces: Socioeconomic Challenges
by Teresa de Noronha
Land 2024, 13(4), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040544 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This Special Issue, entitled ‘Public Spaces: Socioeconomic Challenges’ considers the concept of general well-being from the point of view of collective achievements and/or external conditions that can favorably impact the individual when implemented within an urban structure [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Public Spaces: Socioeconomic Challenges)
13 pages, 2321 KiB  
Article
DMSO and Its Role in Differentiation Impact Efficacy of Human Adenovirus (HAdV) Infection in HepaRG Cells
by Katharina Hofmann, Samuel Hofmann, Franziska Weigl, Julia Mai and Sabrina Schreiner
Viruses 2024, 16(4), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16040633 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Differentiated HepaRG cells are popular in vitro cell models for hepatotoxicity studies. Their differentiation is usually supported by the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an amphipathic solvent widely used in biomedicine, for example, in potential novel therapeutic drugs and cryopreservation of oocytes. Recent [...] Read more.
Differentiated HepaRG cells are popular in vitro cell models for hepatotoxicity studies. Their differentiation is usually supported by the addition of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an amphipathic solvent widely used in biomedicine, for example, in potential novel therapeutic drugs and cryopreservation of oocytes. Recent studies have demonstrated drastic effects, especially on epigenetics and extracellular matrix composition, induced by DMSO, making its postulated inert character doubtful. In this work, the influence of DMSO and DMSO-mediated modulation of differentiation on human adenovirus (HAdV) infection of HepaRG cells was investigated. We observed an increase in infectivity of HepaRG cells by HAdVs in the presence of 1% DMSO. However, this effect was dependent on the type of medium used for cell cultivation, as cells in William’s E medium showed significantly stronger effects compared with those cultivated in DMEM. Using different DMSO concentrations, we proved that the impact of DMSO on infectability was dose-dependent. Infection of cells with a replication-deficient HAdV type demonstrated that the mode of action of DMSO was based on viral entry rather than on viral replication. Taken together, these results highlight the strong influence of the used cell-culture medium on the performed experiments as well as the impact of DMSO on infectivity of HepaRG cells by HAdVs. As this solvent is widely used in cell culture, those effects must be considered, especially in screening of new antiviral compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Clinical Application of Adenovirus (AdV), Volume II)
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23 pages, 16457 KiB  
Article
Research on the Law of Layered Fracturing in the Composite Roof Strata of Coal Seams via Hydraulic Fracturing
by Bo Wang, Enke Hou, Liang Ma, Zaibin Liu, Tao Fan, Zewen Gong, Yaoquan Gao, Wengang Du, Qiang Liu and Bingzhen Ma
Energies 2024, 17(8), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081941 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Horizontal wells within the roof are an effective method to develop gas in broken and soft coal seams, and layer-penetrating fracturing is a key engineering method for the stimulating of horizontal wells within the roof of a coal seam. To understand the propagation [...] Read more.
Horizontal wells within the roof are an effective method to develop gas in broken and soft coal seams, and layer-penetrating fracturing is a key engineering method for the stimulating of horizontal wells within the roof of a coal seam. To understand the propagation law of fracture in the composite roof of coal seams, this study conducted research using numerical simulation and physical similarity simulation methods. Furthermore, engineering experiments were carried out at the Panxie coal mine in the Huainan Mining Area and the Luling coal mine in Huaibei Mining Area, to further validate this technology. The numerical simulation results indicated that fracture within the coal seam roof can propagate from the roof to the target coal seam, effectively fracturing the coal seam. Due to the coal seam’s plasticity being greater than that of the roof mudstone, the coal seam forms a broader fracture than the roof. With the increase in pseudo roof mudstone thickness and being under constant fracturing displacement, the energy consumed by the pseudo roof mudstone during fracturing causes a decrease in pore pressure when fracture extends to the coal seam, resulting in a reduction in fracture width. Therefore, the pseudo roof mudstone is an adverse factor for the expansion of hydraulic fracturing. Physical similarity simulation results demonstrated that when horizontal boreholes were arranged within the siltstone of the coal seam roof, were under reasonable vertical distance and high flow rate fracturing via fluid injection conditions, and if the coal seam had a thin pseudo roof mudstone, the fracture could propagate through the direct roof-pseudo roof interface and the pseudo roof-coal seam interface, extending to the lower coal seam. The fracture form was curved and had irregular vertical fractures, indicating that hydraulic fracturing can achieve production enhancement and the transformation of soft and hard coal seams. However, when the coal seam had a thick pseudo roof mudstone, the mudstone posed strong resistance to hydraulic fracturing, making it difficult for the fracture to propagate to the lower coal seam. Therefore, the pseudo roof mudstone plays a detrimental role in hydraulic fracturing and the production enhancement of coal seams. The engineering verification conducted at Panxie coal mine and Luling coal mine showed that by utilizing a construction drainage rate of 7.5 cubic meters per minute at Panxie coal mine, the maximum fracture length reached 218.3 m, with a maximum fracture height of 36.8 m. The maximum daily gas production of a single well reached 1450 cubic meters per day, with a total gas extraction volume of 43.62 × 104 cubic meters across 671 days. At Luling coal mine, utilizing a construction drainage rate of 10 cubic meters per minute, the maximum fracture length reached 169.1 m, with a maximum fracture height of 20.5 m. The maximum daily gas production of a single well reached 10,775 cubic meters per day, with a total gas extraction volume of 590 × 104 cubic meters for 1090 days. This indicated that the fracture within the roof of coal seams can penetrate the composite roof of coal seams and extend to the interior of the coal seams, achieving the purpose of transforming fractured and low-permeability coal seams and providing an effective mode of gas extraction. Full article
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8 pages, 5629 KiB  
Case Report
Management of Double-Seropositive Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane and Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies with 100% Crescentic Glomerulonephritis and Nephrotic Range Proteinuria in a Young Female
by Lalida Kunaprayoon, Emily T. C. Scheffel and Emaad M. Abdel-Rahman
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040906 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Nephrotic range proteinuria in the setting of dual-positive anti-glomerular basement membrane (AGBM) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) is rare. Furthermore, using rituximab as a primary immunosuppressant along with steroids and plasmapheresis has not been widely studied. We present a case of dual AGBM [...] Read more.
Nephrotic range proteinuria in the setting of dual-positive anti-glomerular basement membrane (AGBM) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) is rare. Furthermore, using rituximab as a primary immunosuppressant along with steroids and plasmapheresis has not been widely studied. We present a case of dual AGBM and ANCA with nephrotic range proteinuria in a young female, where rituximab was used as a primary immunosuppressant with partial recovery. Full article
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7 pages, 195 KiB  
Editorial
Research on Green Adsorbents
by Małgorzata Wiśniewska and Piotr Nowicki
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081855 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Adsorption processes play a crucial role in air purification, wastewater treatment, soil remediation technologies, noble metals recovery, and long-term energy storage systems [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Green Adsorbents)
23 pages, 10293 KiB  
Article
Spatial-Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Driving Force Analysis of NDVI in Hubei Province, China, from 2001 to 2020
by Peng Chen, Hongzhong Pan, Yaohui Xu, Wenxiang He and Huaming Yao
Forests 2024, 15(4), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15040719 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Exploring the characteristics of vegetation dynamics and quantitatively analyzing the potential drivers and the strength of their interactions are of great significance to regional ecological environmental protection and sustainable development. Therefore, based on the 2000–2022 MODIS NDVI dataset, supplemented by climatic, topographic, surface [...] Read more.
Exploring the characteristics of vegetation dynamics and quantitatively analyzing the potential drivers and the strength of their interactions are of great significance to regional ecological environmental protection and sustainable development. Therefore, based on the 2000–2022 MODIS NDVI dataset, supplemented by climatic, topographic, surface cover, and anthropogenic data for the same period, the Sen+Mann–Kendall trend analysis, coefficient of variation, and Hurst exponent were employed to examine the spatial and temporal characteristics and trends of NDVI in Hubei Province, and a partial correlation analysis and geographical detector were used to explore the strength of the influence of driving factors on the spatial differentiation of NDVI in vegetation and the underlying mechanisms of interaction. The results showed that (1) the mean NDVI value of vegetation in Hubei Province was 0.762 over 23 years, with an overall increasing trend and fluctuating upward at a rate of 0.01/10a (p < 0.005); geospatially, there is a pattern of “low east and high west”; the spatial change in NDVI shows a trend of “large-scale improvement in the surrounding hills and mountains and small-scale degradation in the middle plains”; it also presents the spatial fluctuation characteristics of “uniform distribution in general, an obvious difference between urban and rural areas, and a high fluctuation of rivers and reservoirs”, (2) the future trend of NDVI in 70.76% of the region in Hubei Province is likely to maintain the same trend as that of the 2000–2022 period, with 70.78% of the future development being benign and dominated by sustained improvement, and (3) a combination of partial correlation analysis and geographical detector analysis of the drivers of vegetation NDVI change shows that land cover type and soil type are the main drivers; the interactions affecting the distribution and change characteristics of NDVI vegetation all showed two-factor enhancement or nonlinear enhancement relationships. This study contributes to a better understanding of the change mechanisms in vegetation NDVI in Hubei Province, providing support for differentiated ecological protection and project implementation. Full article
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12 pages, 2342 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of High-Entropy Rare-Earth Perovskite Nanofibers: (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 in Low-Temperature Carbon Monoxide Oxidation
by Paweł A. Krawczyk, Jan Wyrwa and Władysław W. Kubiak
Materials 2024, 17(8), 1883; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17081883 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the catalytic properties of low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide, focusing on (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 synthesized via a glycothermal method using 1,4-butanediol and diethylene glycol at 250 °C. This synthesis route bypasses [...] Read more.
This study investigated the catalytic properties of low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide, focusing on (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 synthesized via a glycothermal method using 1,4-butanediol and diethylene glycol at 250 °C. This synthesis route bypasses the energy-intensive sintering process at 1200 °C while maintaining a high-entropy single-phase structure. The synthesized material was characterized structurally and chemically by X-ray diffraction and SEM/EDX analyses. The material was shown to form nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, thereby increasing the active surface area for catalytic reactions, and crystallize in the model Pbnm space group of distorted perovskite cell. Using a custom setup to investigate catalytic properties of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3, the CO oxidation behavior of those high-entropy perovskite oxide was investigated, showing an overall conversion of 78% at 50 °C and 97% at 100 °C. These findings highlight the effective catalytic activity of nanofibers of (Y0.2La0.2Nd0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2)CoO3 under mild conditions and their versatility in various catalytic processes of robust CO neutralization. The incorporation of rare-earth elements into a high-entropy structure could impart unique catalytic properties, promoting a synergistic effect that enhances performance. Full article
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18 pages, 1822 KiB  
Review
Microcystin Contamination in Irrigation Water and Health Risk
by Mohammed Haida, Fatima El Khalloufi, Richard Mugani, Yasser Essadki, Alexandre Campos, Vitor Vasconcelos and Brahim Oudra
Toxins 2024, 16(4), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16040196 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microcystins (MCs), natural hepatotoxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria, pose significant risks to water quality, ecosystem stability, and the well-being of animals, plants, and humans when present in elevated concentrations. The escalating contamination of irrigation water with MCs presents a growing threat to terrestrial [...] Read more.
Microcystins (MCs), natural hepatotoxic compounds produced by cyanobacteria, pose significant risks to water quality, ecosystem stability, and the well-being of animals, plants, and humans when present in elevated concentrations. The escalating contamination of irrigation water with MCs presents a growing threat to terrestrial plants. The customary practice of irrigating crops from local water sources, including lakes and ponds hosting cyanobacterial blooms, serves as a primary conduit for transferring these toxins. Due to their high chemical stability and low molecular weight, MCs have the potential to accumulate in various parts of plants, thereby increasing health hazards for consumers of agricultural products, which serve as the foundation of the Earth’s food chain. MCs can bioaccumulate, migrate, potentially biodegrade, and pose health hazards to humans within terrestrial food systems. This study highlights that MCs from irrigation water reservoirs can bioaccumulate and come into contact with plants, transferring into the food chain. Additionally, it investigates the natural mechanisms that organisms employ for conjugation and the microbial processes involved in MC degradation. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the role of MCs in the terrestrial food chain and to elucidate the specific health risks associated with consuming crops irrigated with water contaminated with these toxins, further research is necessary. Full article
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18 pages, 1462 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Related Mechanisms of Astragalin
by Jingya Ruan, Zhongwei Shi, Xiaoyan Cao, Zhunan Dang, Qianqian Zhang, Wei Zhang, Lijie Wu, Yi Zhang and Tao Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084476 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other illnesses. In the academic field, there is a constant demand for effective methods to alleviate inflammation. Astragalin (AST), a type of [...] Read more.
Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and other illnesses. In the academic field, there is a constant demand for effective methods to alleviate inflammation. Astragalin (AST), a type of flavonoid glycoside that is the primary component in several widely used traditional Chinese anti-inflammatory medications in clinical practice, has garnered attention from numerous experts and scholars. This article focuses on the anti-inflammatory effects of AST and conducts research on relevant literature from 2003 to 2023. The findings indicate that AST demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory potential in various models of inflammatory diseases. Specifically, AST is believed to possess inhibitory effects on inflammation-related factors and protein levels in various in vitro cell models, such as macrophages, microglia, and epithelial cells. In vivo studies have shown that AST effectively alleviates neuroinflammation and brain damage while also exhibiting potential for treating moderate diseases such as depression and stroke; it also demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects on both large and small intestinal epithelial cells. Animal experiments have further demonstrated that AST exerts therapeutic effects on colitis mice. Molecular biology studies have revealed that AST regulates complex signaling networks, including NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT pathways, etc. In conclusion, this review will provide insights and references for the development of AST as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as for related drug development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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26 pages, 10994 KiB  
Article
A New Module for the Evaluation of Bridges Based on Visual Inspection through a Digital Application Linked to an Up-to-Date Database of Damage Catalog for Colombia
by Edgar E. Muñoz-Diaz, Andrés Vargas-Luna, Federico Nuñez-Moreno, Carlos F. Florez, Yezid A. Alvarado, Daniel M. Ruiz, Álvaro Mora and Juan F. Correal
Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041150 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Road structures undergo a series of chemical and physical processes once they are put into service. This phenomenon results from the action of the load and the influence of the environment, which causes their progressive deterioration. In order to mitigate the risk of [...] Read more.
Road structures undergo a series of chemical and physical processes once they are put into service. This phenomenon results from the action of the load and the influence of the environment, which causes their progressive deterioration. In order to mitigate the risk of progressive deterioration and guarantee their stability and durability, various maintenance tasks are required, including visual inspections. The Intelligent Bridge Management System of Colombia (SIGP) includes visual inspection as one of its modules. The system has been designed based on state-of-the-art criteria and national experience with relevant damages and bridge collapses. This paper presents the visual inspection methodology, which includes several stages such as a classification scale, condition index, evaluation areas, damage catalog, and evaluation criteria. In addition, a digital application has been developed to facilitate real-time data collection during field inspections using mobile devices, which can be uploaded directly to the system database hosted in the cloud. The results from the inspection of bridges of different typologies and years of construction are presented, as well as general inspection results from 150 bridges in Colombia. The relevance, comprehensiveness, and accuracy of the inspection are supported by a damage catalog, which allows the identification of intervention needs and reduces the bias of the collected data. Full article
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11 pages, 256 KiB  
Article
Association between MCU Gene Polymorphisms with Obesity: Findings from the All of Us Research Program
by Jade Avery, Tennille Leak-Johnson and Sharon C. Francis
Genes 2024, 15(4), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040512 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Obesity is a public health crisis, and its prevalence disproportionately affects African Americans in the United States. Dysregulation of organelle calcium homeostasis is associated with obesity. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex is primarily responsible for mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. Obesity is [...] Read more.
Obesity is a public health crisis, and its prevalence disproportionately affects African Americans in the United States. Dysregulation of organelle calcium homeostasis is associated with obesity. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) complex is primarily responsible for mitochondrial calcium homeostasis. Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which genetic underpinnings such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to disease progression. The objective of this study was to identify genetic variations of MCU with anthropometric measurements and obesity in the All of Us Research Program. Methods: We used an additive genetic model to assess the association between obesity traits (body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference) and selected MCU SNPs in 19,325 participants (3221 normal weight and 16,104 obese). Eleven common MCU SNPs with a minor allele frequency ≥ 5% were used for analysis. Results: We observed three MCU SNPs in self-reported Black/African American (B/AA) men, and six MCU SNPs in B/AA women associated with increased risk of obesity, whereas six MCU SNPs in White men, and nine MCU SNPs in White women were protective against obesity development. Conclusions: This study found associations of MCU SNPs with obesity, providing evidence of a potential predictor of obesity susceptibility in B/AA adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics of Obesity)
15 pages, 4732 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Neighbor Attention Initialization (NAI) for Efficient Training of Pretrained LLMs
by Qiao Tan and Jingjing Zhang
Electronics 2024, 13(8), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081550 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the realm of pretrained language models (PLMs), the exponential increase in computational resources and time required for training as model sizes expand presents a significant challenge. This paper proposes an innovative approach named neighbor attention initialization (NAI) to expedite the training process [...] Read more.
In the realm of pretrained language models (PLMs), the exponential increase in computational resources and time required for training as model sizes expand presents a significant challenge. This paper proposes an innovative approach named neighbor attention initialization (NAI) to expedite the training process of larger PLMs by leveraging smaller PLMs through parameter initialization. Our methodology hinges on the hypothesis that smaller PLMs, having already learned fundamental language structures and patterns, can provide a robust foundational knowledge base for larger models, which is called function preserving. Specifically, we present a comprehensive framework detailing the process of transferring learned features on transformer-based language models mainly using the neighbor attention head and neighbor layer. We conducted experiments in GPT-2 and demonstrated that our method yields considerable savings in training costs compared to standard approaches, including learning from scratch and bert2BERT, indicating a notable improvement in training efficiency for large PLMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)
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14 pages, 2568 KiB  
Article
Development of New Predictive Equations for the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) of Women with Lipedema
by Małgorzata Jeziorek, Jakub Wronowicz, Łucja Janek, Krzysztof Kujawa and Andrzej Szuba
Metabolites 2024, 14(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14040235 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to develop a novel predictive equation for calculating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in women with lipedema. Methods: We recruited 119 women diagnosed with lipedema from the Angiology Outpatient Clinic at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. RMR was assessed using indirect [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to develop a novel predictive equation for calculating resting metabolic rate (RMR) in women with lipedema. Methods: We recruited 119 women diagnosed with lipedema from the Angiology Outpatient Clinic at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. RMR was assessed using indirect calorimetry, while body composition and anthropometric measurements were conducted using standardized protocols. Due to multicollinearity among predictors, classical multiple regression was deemed inadequate for developing the new equation. Therefore, we employed machine learning techniques, utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction and predictor selection. Regression models, including support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), and k-nearest neighbor (kNN) were evaluated in Python’s scikit-learn framework, with hyperparameter tuning via GridSearchCV. Model performance was assessed through mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and cross-validation, complemented by Bland–Altman plots for method comparison. Results: A novel equation incorporating body composition parameters was developed, addressing a gap in accurate RMR prediction methods. By incorporating measurements of body circumference and body composition parameters alongside traditional predictors, the model’s accuracy was improved. The segmented regression model outperformed others, achieving an MAPE of 10.78%. Conclusion: The proposed predictive equation for RMR offers a practical tool for personalized treatment planning in patients with lipedema. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology, Nutrition and Metabolism)
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16 pages, 4018 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation for Power Generation by Microbial Fuel Cells Treating Municipal Wastewater in Guelph, Canada
by Yiming Li and Shunde Yin
Clean Technol. 2024, 6(2), 497-512; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol6020026 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Significant research endeavors have focused on microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems within wastewater treatment protocols owing to their unique capacity to convert chemical energy from waste into electricity while maintaining minimal nutrient concentrations in the effluent. While prior studies predominantly relied on empirical [...] Read more.
Significant research endeavors have focused on microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems within wastewater treatment protocols owing to their unique capacity to convert chemical energy from waste into electricity while maintaining minimal nutrient concentrations in the effluent. While prior studies predominantly relied on empirical investigations, there remains a need to explore modeling and simulation approaches. Assessing MFC systems’ performance and power generation based on real wastewater data is pivotal for their practical implementation. To address this, a MATLAB model is developed to elucidate how MFC parameters and constraints influence system performance and enhance wastewater treatment efficiency. Leveraging actual wastewater data from a municipal plant in Guelph, Canada, six sets of MFC models are employed to examine the relationship between power generation and six distinct parameters (inflow velocity, membrane thickness, internal resistance, anode surface area, feed concentration, and hydraulic retention time). Based on these analyses, the final model projects a total power generation of 50,515.16 kW for the entire wastewater treatment plant in a day, capable of supporting approximately 2530 one-person households. Furthermore, the model demonstrates a notably higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate (75%) compared to the Guelph WWTP. This comprehensive model serves as a valuable tool for future simulations in similar wastewater treatment plants, providing insights for optimizing performance and aiding in practical applications. Full article
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17 pages, 3888 KiB  
Article
Design Analysis of Mass Timber and Volumetric Modular Strategies as Counterproposals for an Existing Reinforced Concrete Hotel
by Marie-Laure Filion, Sylvain Ménard, Carlo Carbone and Mohamad Bader Eddin
Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041151 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Construction professionals work in silos and use traditional design and construction methods. The growing demand for rapidly built and high-quality construction is making off-site manufacturing mainstream. Studies have shown that collaboration among all stakeholders is a necessary component for success in the construction [...] Read more.
Construction professionals work in silos and use traditional design and construction methods. The growing demand for rapidly built and high-quality construction is making off-site manufacturing mainstream. Studies have shown that collaboration among all stakeholders is a necessary component for success in the construction of such buildings. This multidisciplinary study of an existing concrete hotel aims to explore an alternative structural design in mass timber or volumetric modular construction. To this end, the reinforced concrete floor plan of Club Med de Charlevoix in Quebec, Canada, was used as a benchmark for two different structural systems. The first strategy investigated CLT (cross-laminated timber) and glulam columns to replicate the reinforced concrete system (column–slab), while the second involved maximum prefabrication (volumetric modular construction). Both mass timber and volumetric modular strategies can lead to a smaller carbon footprint. The main conclusion is that the plan should be designed from the outset to be either traditional or prefabricated since major changes are required if the choice is made to switch from one system to the other. Moreover, when structural systems maximize off-site construction, such as volumetric modular construction, the various professions need to be included during early planning. This is necessary to avoid task duplication and prevent the neglect of considerations such as manufacturable dimensions and partition organization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber Buildings - Design for the Future)
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13 pages, 3279 KiB  
Article
Opportunistic CT for Prediction of Adverse Postoperative Events in Patients with Spinal Metastases
by Neal D. Kapoor, Olivier Q. Groot, Colleen G. Buckless, Peter K. Twining, Michiel E. R. Bongers, Stein J. Janssen, Joseph H. Schwab, Martin Torriani and Miriam A. Bredella
Diagnostics 2024, 14(8), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14080844 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the value of body composition measures obtained from opportunistic abdominal computed tomography (CT) in order to predict hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day postoperative complications, and reoperations in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases. 196 [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to assess the value of body composition measures obtained from opportunistic abdominal computed tomography (CT) in order to predict hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day postoperative complications, and reoperations in patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases. 196 patients underwent CT of the abdomen within three months of surgery for spinal metastases. Automated body composition segmentation and quantifications of the cross-sectional areas (CSA) of abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue and abdominal skeletal muscle was performed. From this, 31% (61) of patients had postoperative complications within 30 days, and 16% (31) of patients underwent reoperation. Lower muscle CSA was associated with increased postoperative complications within 30 days (OR [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.98–0.99], p = 0.03). Through multivariate analysis, it was found that lower muscle CSA was also associated with an increased postoperative complication rate after controlling for the albumin, ASIA score, previous systemic therapy, and thoracic metastases (OR [95% CI] = 0.99 [0.98–0.99], p = 0.047). LOS and reoperations were not associated with any body composition measures. Low muscle mass may serve as a biomarker for the prediction of complications in patients with spinal metastases. The routine assessment of muscle mass on opportunistic CTs may help to predict outcomes in these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Orthopedic Oncology)
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12 pages, 2260 KiB  
Article
Tensile Yield Strain of Human Cortical Bone from the Femoral Diaphysis Is Constant among Healthy Adults and across the Anatomical Quadrants
by Massimiliano Baleani, Paolo Erani, Alice Acciaioli and Enrico Schileo
Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040395 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The literature suggests that the yield strain of cortical bone is invariant to its stiffness (elastic modulus) and strength (yield stress). However, data about intra-individual variations, e.g., the influence of different collagen/mineral organisations observed in bone aspects withstanding different habitual loads, are lacking. [...] Read more.
The literature suggests that the yield strain of cortical bone is invariant to its stiffness (elastic modulus) and strength (yield stress). However, data about intra-individual variations, e.g., the influence of different collagen/mineral organisations observed in bone aspects withstanding different habitual loads, are lacking. The hypothesis that the yield strain of human cortical bone tissue, retrieved from femoral diaphyseal quadrants subjected to different habitual loads, is invariant was tested. Four flat dumbbell-shaped specimens were machined from each quadrant of the proximal femoral diaphysis of five adult donors for a total of 80 specimens. Two extensometers attached to the narrow specimen region were used to measure deformation during monotonic tensile testing. The elastic modulus (linear part of the stress–strain curve) and yield strain/stress at a 0.2% offset were obtained. Elastic modulus and yield stress values were, respectively, in the range of 12.2–20.5 GPa and 75.9–136.6 MPa and exhibited a positive linear correlation. All yield strain values were in the narrow range of 0.77–0.87%, regardless of the stiffness and strength of the tissue and the anatomical quadrant. In summary, the results corroborate the hypothesis that tensile yield strain in cortical bone is invariant, irrespective also of the anatomical quadrant. The mean yield strain value found in this study is similar to what was reported by inter-species and evolution studies but slightly higher than previous reports in humans, possibly because of the younger age of our subjects. Further investigations are needed to elucidate a possible dependence of yield strain on age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomechanics and Sports Medicine)
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16 pages, 2347 KiB  
Article
Application and Analysis of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Technology in Practical Projects
by Hanqi Li, Xi Zhang, Chenjun Zhang, Zhenfeng Ding and Xu Jin
Energies 2024, 17(8), 1940; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081940 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In contemporary times, the utilization of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) has gained prominence due to their high volumetric storage density and material properties closely resembling conventional fuels. Numerous countries are incorporating LOHCs in hydrogen demonstration initiatives, encompassing applications such as hydrogen refueling [...] Read more.
In contemporary times, the utilization of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) has gained prominence due to their high volumetric storage density and material properties closely resembling conventional fuels. Numerous countries are incorporating LOHCs in hydrogen demonstration initiatives, encompassing applications such as hydrogen refueling stations, hydrogen-powered ships, and trains. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of seventeen LOHC projects, spanning Germany, Europe, and other nations, presenting detailed project specifications. This review includes information on project consortiums, funding sources, covered supply chains, transport modalities, and employed technologies. Through a global evaluation of LOHC projects, this review underscores the promising and competitive nature of LOHCs as a viable option for the large-scale and long-distance storage and transportation of hydrogen. The future development of this field is discussed at in the last section. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Research in Fuel Cells and Energy Conversion/Storage)
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7 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
The Predictive Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality of Melioidosis: A Cohort Study
by Sunee Chayangsu, Chusana Suankratay, Apichat Tantraworasin and Jiraporn Khorana
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040654 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, and it has a wide range of clinical symptoms. It is endemic in tropical areas, including Southeast Asia. Despite the availability of effective treatment, the mortality rate is still [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, and it has a wide range of clinical symptoms. It is endemic in tropical areas, including Southeast Asia. Despite the availability of effective treatment, the mortality rate is still high, especially in patients presenting with septic shock. The aim of this study was to determine and explore clinical characteristics, microbiology, treatment outcomes, and factors associated with in-hospital mortality which could predict prognosis and provide a guide for future treatment. Materials and Methods: The population in this retrospective cohort study included all 262 patients with a diagnosis of melioidosis who were hospitalized at Surin Hospital, Surin, Thailand, from April 2014 to March 2017. We included patients older than 15 years with a positive culture for B. pseudomallei. Data regarding the clinical characteristics, microbiology, and treatment outcomes of the patients were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups dependent on outcome, specifically non-survival and survival. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: Out of the 262 patients with melioidosis during the study period, 117 (44.7%) patients died. The mean age was 57.2 ± 14.4 years, and 193 (73.7%) patients were male. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (123, 46.9%), followed by chronic kidney disease (35, 13.4%) and chronic liver disease (31, 11.8%). Four risk factors were found to be associated with in-hospital mortality, including age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07), respiration rate (aOR 1.18, 95%CI: 1.06–1.32), abnormal chest X-ray finding (aOR 4.79, 95%CI: 1.98–11.59), and bicarbonate levels (CO2) (aOR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85–0.99). Conclusions: Our study identified age, respiration rate, abnormal chest X-ray finding, and CO2 levels are predictive factors associated with in-hospital mortality in melioidosis patients. Physicians should be aware of these factors, have access to aggressive treatment options, and closely monitor patients with these risk factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Disease)
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15 pages, 368 KiB  
Article
The First Latin Translation of Li 礼 from the Analects of Confucius: Roman Virtues or Religious Acts?
by Michele Ferrero
Religions 2024, 15(4), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15040505 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article centers around the early translation of the term Li 礼 in the Analects of Confucius (论语). This Latin translation shows that the interpretation of the Confucian term Li 礼 mostly did not include any religious meaning. This article also centers on [...] Read more.
This article centers around the early translation of the term Li 礼 in the Analects of Confucius (论语). This Latin translation shows that the interpretation of the Confucian term Li 礼 mostly did not include any religious meaning. This article also centers on the personal formation of the Jesuits of that time. Taking Michele Ruggieri as reference, this article details how studies based on the Latin Classics (especially Cicero) provided them with a reference to interpret this term as unrelated to religious worship. When the Jesuits arrived in China, at the end of the Ming dynasty, strong emphasis was given to the proper etiquette towards state officials. This in turn derived from the situation in the imperial court. In this historical environment, the Confucian rites (Li 礼) were interpreted as “good manners”. This article also presents briefly the question of whether for Christians, Li 礼 as a proper social behavior inspired by a particular cultural tradition has any connection with or can be a problem for the rituals of the Christian tradition instituted by Jesus as vehicles of divine grace. Full article
16 pages, 2477 KiB  
Article
Tackling the Phylogeny of Lampreys—Insight from the Croatia’s Danube Basin
by Sara Pleše and Ivana Buj
Water 2024, 16(8), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16081153 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research addresses the pressing issue of protecting endangered lamprey species in Croatia, a crucial element in preserving biodiversity, particularly in the face of increasing human-induced impacts on natural ecosystems due to global warming. Lampreys, a group of vertebrates with an ancient lineage, [...] Read more.
This research addresses the pressing issue of protecting endangered lamprey species in Croatia, a crucial element in preserving biodiversity, particularly in the face of increasing human-induced impacts on natural ecosystems due to global warming. Lampreys, a group of vertebrates with an ancient lineage, are not fully understood taxonomically, posing a challenge to conservation efforts. In the Danube and Adriatic basins of Croatia, where lampreys are found, the lack of modern molecular methods and analyses has hindered an accurate determination of species numbers. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge gap by assessing the genetic diversity and structure of identified lamprey species and lineages in Croatia using the gene for cytochrome b. The research revealed four distinct lineages within the species Eudontomyzon vladykovi Oliva and Zanandrea, 1959 and confirmed the presence of the species Eudontomyzon danfordi Regan, 1911 in Croatia. Genetic diversity and differentiation tests, coupled with molecular diagnostic analyses, indicated moderate to high levels of genetic diversity within and between the identified species and lineages, emphasizing the deep structuring within Eudontomyzon vladykovi species. These results highlight the significance of understanding lamprey taxonomy and genetic diversity for effective conservation. The study provides important insights into the intricate relationships and conservation needs of lampreys, and provides a basis for future discussions involving additional genetic markers. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the taxonomy, ecology, and genetic diversity of lampreys, we can ensure their conservation and that of associated ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Freshwater Ecosystems—Biodiversity and Protection)
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12 pages, 1782 KiB  
Article
Narirutin-Rich Celluclast Extract from Mandarin (Citrus unshiu) Peel Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Promotes Energy Metabolism in C57BL/6 Mice
by Seung Tae Im, Heejoo Kang, Jusang Kim, Song-Rae Kim, Kil-Nam Kim and Seung-Hong Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084475 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Mandarin peel, a main by-product from the processing of citrus juice, has been highlighted for its various bioactivities and functional ingredients. Our previous study proved the inhibitory effects of Celluclast extract from mandarin peel (MPCE) on lipid accumulation and differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. [...] Read more.
Mandarin peel, a main by-product from the processing of citrus juice, has been highlighted for its various bioactivities and functional ingredients. Our previous study proved the inhibitory effects of Celluclast extract from mandarin peel (MPCE) on lipid accumulation and differentiation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of MPCE in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis exhibited that narirutin and hesperidin are the main active components of MPCE. Our current results showed that MPCE supplementation decreased adiposity by reducing body and organ weights in HFD-induced obese mice. MPCE also reduced triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and leptin contents in the serum of HFD-fed mice. Moreover, MPCE significantly inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation by regulating the expression levels of proteins associated with lipid metabolism, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Furthermore, MPCE administration significantly inhibited both adipogenesis and lipogenesis, with modulation of energy metabolism by activating 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and lipolytic enzymes such as hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the white adipose tissue (WAT). Altogether, our findings indicate that MPCE improves HFD-induced obesity and can be used as a curative agent in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to alleviate obesity and related disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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13 pages, 1798 KiB  
Review
Daily Green Exposure, Mobility, and Health: A Scoping Review
by Tong Liu, Winifred E. Newman and Matthew H. E. M. Browning
Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3412; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083412 (registering DOI) - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests urban greenery promotes physical activity and human health. However, scholars have differing views on defining or measuring the terms related to green mobility behavior (MB). Therefore, evaluating how green MB impacts health is challenging. After an initial review of the [...] Read more.
Mounting evidence suggests urban greenery promotes physical activity and human health. However, scholars have differing views on defining or measuring the terms related to green mobility behavior (MB). Therefore, evaluating how green MB impacts health is challenging. After an initial review of the literature on mobility, greenness, and health, we proposed “daily greenness exposure” (DGE) to define people’s exposure to natural/green settings. This approach lets us review and compare general and emerging measures of greenery exposure and differentiate study outcomes in MB and health. We identified 20 relevant Web of Science Core Collection studies during a scoping review completed in November 2021. Three types of DGE assessments were observed: ecological momentary, effect, and spatiotemporal. Four relationships were noted between DGE, MB, and health: moderation, mediation, independence, and undifferentiated. Incorporating these assessments and DGE modeling relationships contributes to better analysis and communication of environmental factors promoting health to environmental designers and policymakers. Full article
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