The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
18 pages, 15686 KiB  
Article
From Point Cloud to BIM: A New Method Based on Efficient Point Cloud Simplification by Geometric Feature Analysis and Building Parametric Objects in Rhinoceros/Grasshopper Software
by Massimiliano Pepe, Alfredo Restuccia Garofalo, Domenica Costantino, Federica Francesca Tana, Donato Palumbo, Vincenzo Saverio Alfio and Enrico Spacone
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091630 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of the paper is to identify an efficient method for transforming the point cloud into parametric objects in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction by four main steps: 3D survey of the structure under investigation, generation of a new point [...] Read more.
The aim of the paper is to identify an efficient method for transforming the point cloud into parametric objects in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction by four main steps: 3D survey of the structure under investigation, generation of a new point cloud based on feature extraction and identification of suitable threshold values, geometry reconstruction by semi-automatic process performed in Rhinoceros/Grasshopper and BIM implementation. The developed method made it possible to quickly obtain geometries that were very realistic to the original ones as shown in the case study described in the paper. In particular, the application of ShrinkWrap algorithm on the simplify point cloud allowed us to obtain a polygonal mesh model without errors such as holes, non-manifold surfaces, compenetrating surfaces, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing in Geomatics)
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18 pages, 11472 KiB  
Article
Heat Transfer Process of the Tea Plant under the Action of Air Disturbance Frost Protection
by Taibai Xu, Qingmin Pan and Yongzong Lu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050959 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Wind machines based on the air disturbance method are progressively employed to mitigate frost damage within the agricultural machinery frost protection. These devices are utilized during radiative frost nights to disrupt near-surface thermal inversion through air mixing. Despite this application, the fundamental mechanisms [...] Read more.
Wind machines based on the air disturbance method are progressively employed to mitigate frost damage within the agricultural machinery frost protection. These devices are utilized during radiative frost nights to disrupt near-surface thermal inversion through air mixing. Despite this application, the fundamental mechanisms underlying these mixing processes are not well comprehended. In this research, numerical simulations were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software version 6.0 to simulate the flow and heat transfer processes between the thermal airflow and both the tea canopy and stems. The results indicated that due to obstruction from the canopy cross-section, the airflow velocity on the contact surface rapidly increased. As the airflow further progressed, the high-speed region of the airflow gradually approached the canopy surface. Turbulent kinetic energy increased initially on the windward side of the canopy cross-section and near the top interface. On the windward side of the canopy, due to the initial impact of the thermal airflow, rapid heating occurred, resulting in a noticeable temperature difference between the windward and leeward sides within a short period. In the interaction between airflow and stems, with increasing airflow velocity, fluctuations and the shedding of wake occurred on the leeward side of the stems. The maximum sensible heat flux at the windward vertex of the stem increased significantly with airflow velocity. At an airflow velocity of 2.0 m/s, the maximum heat flux value was 2.37 times that of an airflow velocity of 1.0 m/s. This research utilized simulation methods to study the interaction between airflow and tea canopy and stems in frost protection, laying the foundation for further research on the energy distribution in tea ecosystem under the disturbance of airflow for frost protection. Full article
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17 pages, 2999 KiB  
Article
Point-of-Care Serum Proenkephalin as an Early Predictor of Mortality in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Septic Shock
by Christos Verras, Sofia Bezati, Vasiliki Bistola, Ioannis Ventoulis, Dionysis Matsiras, Sotirios Tsiodras, John Parissis and Effie Polyzogopoulou
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051004 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate the prognostic utility of point-of-care (POC)-measured proenkephalin (PENK), a novel biomarker, in terms of predicting in-hospital mortality in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with septic shock. Methods: Bedside PENK was measured [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of the present study is to investigate the prognostic utility of point-of-care (POC)-measured proenkephalin (PENK), a novel biomarker, in terms of predicting in-hospital mortality in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with septic shock. Methods: Bedside PENK was measured in consecutive patients presenting to the ED with septic shock according to the Sepsis-3 clinical criteria. The association of PENK with inflammatory and routine biomarkers, and its role as a predictor of in-hospital mortality, was examined. Results: Sixty-one patients with septic shock [53% females, median age 83 years (IQR 71–88)] were evaluated. Median (IQR) values of creatinine, plasma lactate, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (SuPAR), procalcitonin and PENK were 1.7 (1.0–2.9) mg/dL, 3.6 (2.1–6.8) mmol/L, 13.1 (10.0–21.4) ng/mL, 2.06 (0.84–3.49) ng/mL, and 205 (129–425) pmol/L, respectively. LogPENK significantly correlated with LogLactate (rho = 0.369, p = 0.004), LogCreatinine (rho = 0.537, p < 0.001), LogProcalcitonin (rho = 0.557, p < 0.001), and LogSuPAR (rho = 0.327, p = 0.011). During hospitalization, 39/61 (64%) patients died. In a multivariable logistic regression model, logPENK was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 11.9, 95% CI: 1.7–84.6, p = 0.013). Conclusion: POC PENK levels measured upon presentation to the ED strongly correlated with metabolic, renal and inflammatory biomarkers, and may serve as a predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with septic shock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers and More Efficient Therapies for Sepsis)
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16 pages, 2718 KiB  
Article
In Search for Low-Molecular-Weight Ligands of Human Serum Albumin That Affect Its Affinity for Monomeric Amyloid β Peptide
by Evgenia I. Deryusheva, Marina P. Shevelyova, Victoria A. Rastrygina, Ekaterina L. Nemashkalova, Alisa A. Vologzhannikova, Andrey V. Machulin, Alija A. Nazipova, Maria E. Permyakova, Sergei E. Permyakov and Ekaterina A. Litus
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094975 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
An imbalance between production and excretion of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in the brain tissues of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients leads to Aβ accumulation and the formation of noxious Aβ oligomers/plaques. A promising approach to AD prevention is the reduction of free Aβ [...] Read more.
An imbalance between production and excretion of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in the brain tissues of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients leads to Aβ accumulation and the formation of noxious Aβ oligomers/plaques. A promising approach to AD prevention is the reduction of free Aβ levels by directed enhancement of Aβ binding to its natural depot, human serum albumin (HSA). We previously demonstrated the ability of specific low-molecular-weight ligands (LMWLs) in HSA to improve its affinity for Aβ. Here we develop this approach through a bioinformatic search for the clinically approved AD-related LMWLs in HSA, followed by classification of the candidates according to the predicted location of their binding sites on the HSA surface, ranking of the candidates, and selective experimental validation of their impact on HSA affinity for Aβ. The top 100 candidate LMWLs were classified into five clusters. The specific representatives of the different clusters exhibit dramatically different behavior, with 3- to 13-fold changes in equilibrium dissociation constants for the HSA–Aβ40 interaction: prednisone favors HSA–Aβ interaction, mefenamic acid shows the opposite effect, and levothyroxine exhibits bidirectional effects. Overall, the LMWLs in HSA chosen here provide a basis for drug repurposing for AD prevention, and for the search of medications promoting AD progression. Full article
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14 pages, 2236 KiB  
Article
Polyhydroxyalkanoate Copolymer Production by Recombinant Ralstonia eutropha Strain 1F2 from Fructose or Carbon Dioxide as Sole Carbon Source
by Chih-Ting Wang, Ramamoorthi M Sivashankari, Yuki Miyahara and Takeharu Tsuge
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050455 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Ralstonia eutropha strain H16 is a chemoautotrophic bacterium that oxidizes hydrogen and accumulates poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)], a prominent polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), within its cell. R. eutropha utilizes fructose or CO2 as its sole carbon source for this process. A PHA-negative mutant of [...] Read more.
Ralstonia eutropha strain H16 is a chemoautotrophic bacterium that oxidizes hydrogen and accumulates poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] [P(3HB)], a prominent polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), within its cell. R. eutropha utilizes fructose or CO2 as its sole carbon source for this process. A PHA-negative mutant of strain H16, known as R. eutropha strain PHB4, cannot produce PHA. Strain 1F2, derived from strain PHB4, is a leucine analog-resistant mutant. Remarkably, the recombinant 1F2 strain exhibits the capacity to synthesize 3HB-based PHA copolymers containing 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) and 3-hydroxy-4-methyvalerate (3H4MV) comonomer units from fructose or CO2. This ability is conferred by the expression of a broad substrate-specific PHA synthase and tolerance to feedback inhibition of branched amino acids. However, the total amount of comonomer units incorporated into PHA was up to around 5 mol%. In this study, strain 1F2 underwent genetic engineering to augment the comonomer supply incorporated into PHA. This enhancement involved several modifications, including the additional expression of the broad substrate-specific 3-ketothiolase gene (bktB), the heterologous expression of the 2-ketoacid decarboxylase gene (kivd), and the phenylacetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene (padA). Furthermore, the genome of strain 1F2 was altered through the deletion of the 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase gene (hbdH). The introduction of bktB-kivd-padA resulted in increased 3HV incorporation, reaching 13.9 mol% from fructose and 6.4 mol% from CO2. Additionally, the hbdH deletion resulted in the production of PHA copolymers containing (S)-3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionate (3H2MP). Interestingly, hbdH deletion increased the weight-average molecular weight of the PHA to over 3.0 × 106 on fructose. Thus, it demonstrates the positive effects of hbdH deletion on the copolymer composition and molecular weight of PHA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production, Volume 4)
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17 pages, 1180 KiB  
Article
Do Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions by Emerging Market Enterprises Enhance Long-Term Productivity? The Host Country Market Size Effect Moderated by Technological Absorption Efforts
by Xia Liu, Jiaqi Fang, Xin Hu and Yiwei Lv
Systems 2024, 12(5), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050161 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish a spatial structural framework to explore how cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in emerging markets can enhance long-term productivity and select the appropriate host country market structures. Utilizing cross-border M&A data from Chinese companies from [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to establish a spatial structural framework to explore how cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in emerging markets can enhance long-term productivity and select the appropriate host country market structures. Utilizing cross-border M&A data from Chinese companies from 2008 to 2016, we developed a moderated U-shaped mediation model. Employing Two-Stage Least Squares and the Generalized Method of Moments for endogeneity analysis, we offer robust empirical insights. Our findings illustrate that enterprise productivity progression from cross-border M&As is significantly influenced by a U-shaped mediation of the host country’s market size effect, which is further moderated by the technological distance between the home and host countries. A high technological distance intensifies the U-shaped mediation of market size effects on enterprise productivity, while low technological distances result in an inverted U-shaped curve, indicating that such markets may boost short-term productivity but limit long-term growth. Conversely, larger markets with greater technological distances better support sustained productivity increases, even requiring persistent technological absorption efforts. This study underscores the necessity of selecting appropriate host country market structures and effectively managing the acquisition timeline to positively impact both short- and long-term productivity. By conceptualizing firm-level technological absorption efforts as the technological gap between the home and host countries, this study highlights the crucial moderating role that the technological gap plays in influencing long-term productivity at the macro level, providing new insights into the economic geographic strategic decisions and spatial planning for emerging market enterprises in cross-border acquisitions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management in Digital Transformation Era)
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27 pages, 845 KiB  
Review
Bioferments and Biosurfactants as New Products with Potential Use in the Cosmetic Industry
by Marta Klimek-Szczykutowicz, Ewelina Maria Błońska-Sikora, Katarzyna Kulik-Siarek, Aizhan Zhussupova and Małgorzata Wrzosek
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093902 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The cosmetics industry is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of searching for new ingredients. Recently, there has been a growing interest in products made during fermentation, which are being introduced into cosmetics with increasing frequency, creating a market that emphasizes [...] Read more.
The cosmetics industry is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of searching for new ingredients. Recently, there has been a growing interest in products made during fermentation, which are being introduced into cosmetics with increasing frequency, creating a market that emphasizes the positive image of healthy, environmentally friendly components with a positive effect on skin. Scientists mainly focus on examining biological activity as well as the impact on changes in the production of bioactive ingredients in various plant species undergoing fermentation. The studies show that bioferments have scientifically proven anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects, among other skin benefits. Due to the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, ecofriendly compounds are being sought. This group includes surfactants, which are also obtained by fermentation. Plant-based and microbial biosurfactants, due to their multifunctional properties, such as detergency, emulsifying, foaming, moisturizing, and antibacterial activity, can replace chemical surfactants in many skincare formulations. This review focuses especially on elucidating the importance of the bioferments and biosurfactants and their potential in the cosmetic industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering)
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16 pages, 7765 KiB  
Article
Al and A356 Alloy Foam Castings Modified with Low Concentrations of Nano-Sized Particles: Structural Study and Compressive Strength Tests
by Rositza Dimitrova, Tatiana Simeonova, Boyko Krastev, Angel Velikov, Veselin Petkov and Valentin Manolov
Metals 2024, 14(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050542 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Aluminum and A356 alloy foam castings are produced using a melt-foaming method. Prior to foaming, the melt is modified with nano-sized particles (SiC, TiN, or Al2O3). The nano-sized particles are mixed with micro-sized Al particles, which are ultrasonically treated [...] Read more.
Aluminum and A356 alloy foam castings are produced using a melt-foaming method. Prior to foaming, the melt is modified with nano-sized particles (SiC, TiN, or Al2O3). The nano-sized particles are mixed with micro-sized Al particles, which are ultrasonically treated and hot-extruded. Thus, the so-called “modifying nano-composition” is obtained. The resulting compositions are introduced into the melt of the Al foam at the following mass concentrations of nanoparticles: SiC: 0.038 wt. %; TiN: 0.045 wt. %; and Al2O3: 0.046 wt. %. For the A356 foam, we use the following concentrations: SiC: 0.039 wt. %; TiN: 0.052 wt. %; and Al2O3: 0.086 wt. %. The macrostructure of the foam castings is investigated by CT scanning and 3D analysis. The pore size distributions and accumulative fraction dependencies are determined for all samples. The microstructure of the foam castings is investigated by SEM-EDS analysis. The results confirmed the presence of individual nano-sized particles, as well as clusters of particles in foam walls. The conducted compression tests show a significant increase in the plateau stress (up to 237%) of the modified aluminum foam castings compared to non-modified castings. However, a similar effect of the nano-compositions on A356 alloy foam castings is not observed. The obtained results show that the above-indicated concentrations of nanoparticles can positively influence the mechanical properties of aluminum foam castings. The novelty of the current study is two-fold: (1) such low concentrations of added nanoparticles have never been used before to alter Al foam’s properties, and (2) an original method of introducing the nanoparticles into the melt is applied in the form of nano-compositions. Full article
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12 pages, 2791 KiB  
Article
Interpolation Once Binary Search over a Sorted List
by Jun-Lin Lin
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1394; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091394 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Searching over a sorted list is a classical problem in computer science. Binary Search takes at most log2n+1 tries to find an item in a sorted list of size n. Interpolation Search achieves an average time complexity [...] Read more.
Searching over a sorted list is a classical problem in computer science. Binary Search takes at most log2n+1 tries to find an item in a sorted list of size n. Interpolation Search achieves an average time complexity of O(loglogn) for uniformly distributed data. Hybrids of Binary Search and Interpolation Search are also available to handle data with unknown distributions. This paper analyzes the computation cost of these methods and shows that interpolation can significantly affect their performance—accordingly, a new method, Interpolation Once Binary Search (IOBS), is proposed. The experimental results show that IOBS outperforms the hybrids of Binary Search and Interpolation Search for nonuniformly distributed data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Computer Algorithms and Data Structures)
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17 pages, 1009 KiB  
Article
Effects on Child Development and Parent–Child Interaction of the FACAM Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Study of an Interdisciplinary Intervention to Support Women in Vulnerable Positions through Pregnancy and Early Motherhood
by Maiken Pontoppidan, Lene Nygaard, Jonas Cuzulan Hirani, Mette Thorsager, Mette Friis-Hansen, Deborah Davis and Ellen Aagaard Nohr
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050587 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Health inequality can have a profound impact on a child’s life. Maternal mental health challenges can hinder bonding, leading to impaired functioning and poorer child outcomes. To provide extra support for vulnerable pregnant women, the FACAM intervention offers the services of a health [...] Read more.
Health inequality can have a profound impact on a child’s life. Maternal mental health challenges can hinder bonding, leading to impaired functioning and poorer child outcomes. To provide extra support for vulnerable pregnant women, the FACAM intervention offers the services of a health nurse or family therapist from pregnancy until the child starts school. This study examined the effects of FACAM intervention on pregnant women in vulnerable positions and their children until the child turned two years old. We randomly assigned 331 pregnant women to either FACAM intervention or care as usual and assessed them at baseline and when the infant was 3–6, 12–13.5, and 24 months old. The primary outcome was maternal sensitivity measured by Coding Interactive Behavior (CIB). Secondary outcomes included the parent–child relationship, child social–emotional development, child developmental progress, parent–child interaction, and child development. Our findings indicate that care-as-usual children were significantly more involved than FACAM children when the child was 4–6 months old (b = −0.25, [−0.42; −0.08] d = −0.42). However, we suspect this result is due to a biased dropout. We did not find any significant differences in any other outcomes. Therefore, the study suggests that the FACAM intervention is not superior to care as usual regarding child development and parent–child interaction outcomes. Full article
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Article
Exploring the Impact of Rice Husk Ash Masonry Blocks on Building Energy Performance
by Nwakaego C. Onyenokporo, Ahmad Taki, Luis Zapata Montalvo and Muyiwa A. Oyinlola
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051290 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Operational building energy consumption accounts for 55% of global energy consumption. Most of this is attributed to residential buildings, as they make up the largest building type when compared to the total building stock worldwide. As the building envelope is a major contributor [...] Read more.
Operational building energy consumption accounts for 55% of global energy consumption. Most of this is attributed to residential buildings, as they make up the largest building type when compared to the total building stock worldwide. As the building envelope is a major contributor to building energy performance, especially the external walls, its optimisation is therefore imperative to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study set out to assess the effects of waste material additions to external walls and their effect on building energy performance. This research aimed to critically investigate the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) masonry blocks on building energy performance when compared to conventional masonry blocks in tropical climates. A mix of methods, including experimental investigation and simulation studies, were employed for this study. Three variations of RHA block samples were created for this investigation: RHA 5%, RHA 10%, and RHA 15%. Using prototype buildings from the study context, the building simulation results helped quantify the impact on building energy performance from the reuse of rice waste. The largest improvement to the building fabric was recorded with the RHA15% blocks, which resulted in a 9.9% and 11.3% reduction in solar heat gains through the external walls for the selected bungalow and duplex/storey building, respectively. This resulted in a 6.55% and 4.2% reduction in cooling loads and a 4.1% and 2.8% reduction in carbon emissions, respectively, for the bungalow and duplex/storey building. The findings of this research will prove valuable to householders, researchers, architects, and policymakers in their decision-making processes. The findings will also be useful in introducing new methods that can be adopted for similar studies, bridging the knowledge gap while promoting a circular economy through the reuse of landfilled waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
14 pages, 744 KiB  
Article
Genetic Structure of Introduced Plasmodium vivax Malaria Isolates in Greece, 2015–2019
by Ioanna Spiliopoulou, Danai Pervanidou, Nikolaos Tegos, Maria Tseroni, Agoritsa Baka, Annita Vakali, Chrisovaladou-Niki Kefaloudi, Vasilios Papavasilopoulos, Anastasia Mpimpa and Eleni Patsoula
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(5), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9050102 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Greece has been malaria-free since 1974, after an intense malaria control program. However, as Greece hosts migrant populations from P. vivax malaria-endemic countries, there is a risk of introducing the disease to specific vulnerable and receptive areas of the country. Knowledge of the [...] Read more.
Greece has been malaria-free since 1974, after an intense malaria control program. However, as Greece hosts migrant populations from P. vivax malaria-endemic countries, there is a risk of introducing the disease to specific vulnerable and receptive areas of the country. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of P. vivax populations is essential for understanding the dynamics of malaria disease transmission in a given region. We used nine highly polymorphic markers to genotype 124 P. vivax-infected archived DNA samples from human blood specimens referred to the NMRL from all over Greece throughout 2015–2019. The genotypic variability of the samples studied was noted, as they comprised several unique haplotypes, indicative of the importation of a large number of different P. vivax strains in the country. However, only a few events of local transmission were recorded. Genotyping revealed and confirmed the same clusters as those identified through epidemiological investigation. In only one introduction event was the index case found. No sustained/ongoing malaria transmissions in/between the studied regions or during consecutive years or additional foci of local transmission were observed. Genotyping is an important component in assisting malaria surveillance, as it provides information concerning the patterns of introduction and the effectiveness of implemented malaria control and elimination measures. Full article
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8 pages, 491 KiB  
Review
Uncovering the Role of the Early Visual Cortex in Visual Mental Imagery
by Nadine Dijkstra
Vision 2024, 8(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/vision8020029 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The question of whether the early visual cortex (EVC) is involved in visual mental imagery remains a topic of debate. In this paper, I propose that the inconsistency in findings can be explained by the unique challenges associated with investigating EVC activity during [...] Read more.
The question of whether the early visual cortex (EVC) is involved in visual mental imagery remains a topic of debate. In this paper, I propose that the inconsistency in findings can be explained by the unique challenges associated with investigating EVC activity during imagery. During perception, the EVC processes low-level features, which means that activity is highly sensitive to variation in visual details. If the EVC has the same role during visual mental imagery, any change in the visual details of the mental image would lead to corresponding changes in EVC activity. Within this context, the question should not be whether the EVC is ‘active’ during imagery but how its activity relates to specific imagery properties. Studies using methods that are sensitive to variation in low-level features reveal that imagery can recruit the EVC in similar ways as perception. However, not all mental images contain a high level of visual details. Therefore, I end by considering a more nuanced view, which states that imagery can recruit the EVC, but that does not mean that it always does so. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Visual Mental Imagery System: How We Image the World)
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11 pages, 1255 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the First Three Years of Treatment of Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism Identified through the Alberta Newborn Screening Program
by Iveta Sosova, Alyssa Archibald, Erik W. Rosolowsky, Sarah Rathwell, Susan Christian and Elizabeth T. Rosolowsky
Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2024, 10(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns10020035 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The effectiveness of newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) relies on timely screening, confirmation of diagnosis, and initiation and ongoing monitoring of treatment. The objective of this study was to ascertain the extent to which infants with CH have received timely and [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) relies on timely screening, confirmation of diagnosis, and initiation and ongoing monitoring of treatment. The objective of this study was to ascertain the extent to which infants with CH have received timely and appropriate management within the first 3 years of life, following diagnosis through NBS in Alberta, Canada. Deidentified laboratory data were extracted between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2019 from Alberta Health administrative databases for infants born in this time frame. Time to lab collection was anchored from date of birth. Timeliness was assessed as the frequency of monitoring of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and appropriateness as the frequency of children maintaining biochemical euthyroidism. Among 160 term infants, 95% had confirmation of diagnosis by 16 days of age. The cohort had a median of 2 (range 0–5) TSH measurements performed in the time interval from 0 to 1 month, 4 (0–12) from 1 to 6 months, 2 (0–10) from 6 to 12 months, and 7 (0–21) from 12 to 36 months. Approximately half were still biochemically hypothyroid (TSH > 7 mU/L) at 1 month of age. After becoming euthyroid, at least some period of hypo- (60%) or hyperthyroidism (TSH < 0.2 mU/L) (39%) was experienced. More work needs to be performed to discern factors contributing to prolonged periods of hypothyroidism or infrequent lab monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Newborn Screening for Congenital Hypothyroidism)
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17 pages, 3971 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Performance Analysis of Hydrolyzed versus Non-Hydrolyzed Poly(NVF-co-HEA) Hydrogels for Cosmetic Applications
by Maytinee Yooyod, Thanyaporn Pinthong, Sararat Mahasaranon, Jarupa Viyoch, Sukunya Ross and Gareth M. Ross
Gels 2024, 10(5), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050311 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the synthesis and modification of poly(N-vinylformamide-co-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (poly(NVF-co-HEA)) hydrogels for cosmetic applications. Poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels were produced followed by an acid hydrolysis reaction to produce poly(NVF-co-VAm-co-HEA) hydrogels, introducing poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) into the structure. This modification considerably alters the hydrogels’ properties, [...] Read more.
This study explores the synthesis and modification of poly(N-vinylformamide-co-N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (poly(NVF-co-HEA)) hydrogels for cosmetic applications. Poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels were produced followed by an acid hydrolysis reaction to produce poly(NVF-co-VAm-co-HEA) hydrogels, introducing poly(vinyl amine) (PVAm) into the structure. This modification considerably alters the hydrogels’ properties, yielding materials with over 96% water content, predominantly in the form of non-freezing or free water, which is beneficial in the uptake and release of hydrophilic species. The primary amine groups from inclusion of VAm also improved the mechanical properties, as evidenced by an 8-fold increase in Young’s modulus. The hydrogels also possessed pH-responsive behavior, which was particularly noticeable under acidic and basic conditions, where a large decrease in water content was observed (40% to 75% reduction). Characterizing the hydrogels’ release capabilities involved using organic dyes of different functional groups and sizes to examine the pH impact on release. The results indicated that hydrolyzed hydrogels interacted more effectively with charged species, highlighting their suitability for pH-responsive delivery. The release of cosmetic active ingredients was also demonstrated through the controlled release of Liquid Azelaic™, specifically potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD). Our findings reveal that the hydrolyzed hydrogels exhibit superior burst release, especially under alkaline conditions, suggesting their suitability for cosmetic applications where controlled, pH-responsive delivery of active ingredients is desired. Overall, this investigation highlights the potential of hydrolyzed poly(NVF-co-HEA) hydrogels in cosmetic applications. Their ability to combine high water content with mechanical integrity, along with their pH-responsive release ability, allows for use in cosmetic formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Analysis and Characterization)
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3 pages, 156 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue Entitled “Recent Advances in Crosslinked Gels”
by Melike Firlak Demirkan and John G. Hardy
Gels 2024, 10(5), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10050310 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
A gel can be defined as a semi-solid structure that has mechanical properties ranging from tough to soft, depending on their constituents [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Crosslinked Gels)
17 pages, 859 KiB  
Article
Downside Risk in Australian and Japanese Stock Markets: Evidence Based on the Expectile Regression
by Kohei Marumo and Steven Li
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050189 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The expectile-based Value at Risk (EVaR) has gained popularity as it is more sensitive to the magnitude of extreme losses than the conventional quantile-based VaR (QVaR). This paper applies the expectile regression approach to evaluate the EVaR of stock market indices of Australia [...] Read more.
The expectile-based Value at Risk (EVaR) has gained popularity as it is more sensitive to the magnitude of extreme losses than the conventional quantile-based VaR (QVaR). This paper applies the expectile regression approach to evaluate the EVaR of stock market indices of Australia and Japan. We use an expectile regression model that considers lagged returns and common risk factors to calculate the EVaR for each stock market and to evaluate the interdependence of downside risk between the two markets. Our findings suggest that both Australian and Japanese stock markets are affected by their past development and the international stock markets. Additionally, ASX 200 index has significant impact on Nikkei 225 in terms of downside tail risk, while the impact of Nikkei 225 on ASX is not significant. Full article
Article
Decentralized Fuzzy Fault Estimation Observer Design for Discrete-Time Nonlinear Interconnected Systems
by Geun Bum Koo
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091763 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, a fault estimation technique is proposed for discrete-time nonlinear interconnected systems with uncertain interconnections. To achieve the fault estimation, the decentralized fuzzy observer is adopted based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. Based on the estimation error model with the subsystems [...] Read more.
In this paper, a fault estimation technique is proposed for discrete-time nonlinear interconnected systems with uncertain interconnections. To achieve the fault estimation, the decentralized fuzzy observer is adopted based on the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model. Based on the estimation error model with the subsystems of the interconnected system and its decentralized fuzzy observer, the fault estimation condition with H performance is presented. The main idea of this paper is that a novel inequality condition for H performance is used, and the sufficient condition is presented to guarantee the good fault estimation performance. Also, the decentralized fuzzy observer design condition for the fault estimation is converted into linear matrix inequality formats. Finally, a simulation example is provided, and the effectiveness of the proposed fault estimation technique is verified by comparison of the fault estimation performance. Full article
15 pages, 11848 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Gastrointestinal Digestion of Bovine, Caprine and Ovine Milk Reconstituted from Commercial Whole Milk Powders
by Siqi Li, Aiqian Ye, Jian Cui, Yu Zhang, Lara Ware, Jody C. Miller, Holly Abbotts-Holmes, Nicole C. Roy, Harjinder Singh and Warren McNabb
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091403 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The global dairy market has been increasingly diversified with more dairy product offerings of milk products from different animal species. Meanwhile, milk powders remain the main exported dairy product format due to their ease of transportation. In this work, we studied the structural [...] Read more.
The global dairy market has been increasingly diversified with more dairy product offerings of milk products from different animal species. Meanwhile, milk powders remain the main exported dairy product format due to their ease of transportation. In this work, we studied the structural changes, protein hydrolysis and nutrient delivery during dynamic gastric digestion and small intestinal digestion of cow, goat and sheep milk reconstituted from commercial whole milk powders. The results show that the reconstituted milks digest similarly to processed fresh milk. The digestion behaviors of the three reconstituted ruminant milks are broadly similar (gastric coagulation, kinetics of gastric emptying of protein and fat and the high digestibility in the small intestine) with some differences, which are likely contributed by the processing history of the milk powders. The delivery of individual amino acids to the small intestine differed between the early and late stages of gastric digestion, which were primarily affected by the abundance of amino acids in caseins and whey proteins but also by the difference between milk types associated with their gastric coagulation behaviors. This work showed that powdered milk is similar to fresh processed milk in digestion behavior, and the inherent differences between ruminant milks can be modified by processing treatments. Full article
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19 pages, 1074 KiB  
Article
Moringa, Milk Thistle, and Jujube Seed Cold-Pressed Oils: Characteristic Profiles, Thermal Properties, and Oxidative Stability
by Haifa Sebii, Sirine Karra, Abir Mokni Ghribi, Sabine Danthine, Christophe Blecker, Hamadi Attia and Souhail Besbes
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1402; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091402 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Cold-pressed moringa, milk thistle, and jujube seed oils were investigated in terms of their characteristic profiles, thermal properties, and oxidative stability. The findings proved that the extracted oils were characterized by high nutritional values, which encourages their use in various fields. Results showed [...] Read more.
Cold-pressed moringa, milk thistle, and jujube seed oils were investigated in terms of their characteristic profiles, thermal properties, and oxidative stability. The findings proved that the extracted oils were characterized by high nutritional values, which encourages their use in various fields. Results showed significant differences between the obtained oils. Overall, jujube seed oil exhibited the best quality parameters, with acidity equal to 0.762 versus 1% for the moringa and milk thistle seed oils. Milk thistle seed oil showed absorbance in the UV-C (100–290 nm), UV-B (290–320 nm), and UV-A (320–400 nm) ranges, while the moringa and jujube seed oils showed absorbance only in the UV-B and UV-A ranges. Concerning bioactive compounds, jujube seed oil presented the highest content of polyphenols, which promoted a good scavenging capacity (90% at 10 µg/mL) compared to the moringa and milk thistle seed oils. Assessing the thermal properties of the obtained oils showed the presence of four groups of triglycerides in the moringa and milk thistle seed oils, and two groups of triglycerides in the jujube seed oil. The thermograms were constant at temperatures above 10 °C for milk thistle seed oil, 15 °C for jujube seed oil, and 30 °C for moringa seed oil, which corresponded to complete liquefaction of the oils. The extinction coefficients K232 and K270, monitored during storage for 60 days at 60 °C, proved that jujube seed oil had the highest polyphenols content and was the most stable against thermal oxidation. Full article
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35 pages, 1949 KiB  
Article
Green Consumer Profiling and Online Shopping of Imperfect Foods: Extending UTAUT with Web-Based Label Quality for Misshapen Organic Produce
by Rara Dwi Oktaviani, Phaninee Naruetharadhol, Siraphat Padthar and Chavis Ketkaew
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091401 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Misshapen organic vegetables in the food supply chain can easily be discarded in the market if they do not meet aesthetic standards. E-commerce technology enables the distribution of imperfect organic produce from farmers to potential customers, mitigating agri-food waste issues. Green consumers are [...] Read more.
Misshapen organic vegetables in the food supply chain can easily be discarded in the market if they do not meet aesthetic standards. E-commerce technology enables the distribution of imperfect organic produce from farmers to potential customers, mitigating agri-food waste issues. Green consumers are prospective customers of imperfect produce because their purchasing decisions are made based on sustainability and environmental considerations. However, each individual’s degree of green consumption differs, impacting their preferences and behaviors toward green buying activity. Considering the gap between the varying levels of green consumers and their intention to purchase imperfect organic produce through e-commerce, this study aimed to profile three distinct green consumers and explore factors affecting their Online Green Purchase Intention (OGPI) for imperfect organic vegetables. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied in this study, and Web-Based Label Quality (WLQ) was introduced as an extended construct to describe green consumers’ perceptions of the credibility and reliability of labels or product-related information displayed on e-commerce platforms. This study involved 668 internet users from environmental platforms and online communities of organic food enthusiasts. First, the consumers were classified into dark-green, semi/light green, and non-green using a cluster analysis approach. Then, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) were employed to determine the factors affecting OGPI among green consumer groups. This research found that Performance Expectancy (PE), Social Influence (SI), and WLQ positively influenced dark-green consumers’ online green purchase intention. Only Performance Expectancy (PE) positively affected semi/light-green consumers’ OGPI. Meanwhile, the Facilitating Condition (FC) positively affected non-green consumers’ online green purchase intentions. This research revealed dark-green consumers as the target segment, broadening customers’ perspectives on accepting imperfect organic products, including e-commerce technology. Moreover, the research results can be utilized for marketing and business purposes and contribute to food policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)
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14 pages, 1385 KiB  
Article
Total Iodine Quantification and In Vitro Bioavailability Study in Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
by Hansol Doh and Min Hyeock Lee
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091400 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine the total iodine content in Korean abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and to investigate the bioavailability of iodine using an in vitro method. This research paper focuses on total iodine quantification in abalone ( [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to determine the total iodine content in Korean abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and to investigate the bioavailability of iodine using an in vitro method. This research paper focuses on total iodine quantification in abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and its components (viscera and muscle) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, an in vitro bioavailability study explored iodine absorption potential. Abalone pretreatment involved both the European standard method (ES) and microwave-assisted extraction method (MAE). The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.11 ng/g for both ES and MAE, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5.4 ng/g for MAE. Accuracy, assessed using a reference material (fish muscle, ERM—BB422), showed values of 1.5 ± 0.010 mg/kg for ES and 1.6 ± 0.066 mg/kg for MAE, within an acceptable range of 1.4 ± 0.42 mg/kg. Precision, evaluated using the Horwitz ratio (HorRat) with a reference material, was determined to be 0.45 for ES and 0.27 for MAE. Therefore, total iodine contents were estimated as 74 ± 2.2 µg/g for abalone viscera and 17 ± 0.77 µg/g for abalone muscle with ES, and 76 ± 1.0 µg/g for abalone viscera and 17 ± 0.51 µg/g for abalone muscle with MAE. Recovery tests demonstrated an acceptable range of 90–110%. In the in vitro bioavailability assessment, digestion efficiency yielded ranges of 42–50.2% for viscera and 67–115% for muscle. Absorption efficiency variations were determined as 37–43% for viscera and 48–75% for muscle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)
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11 pages, 1398 KiB  
Article
Nutritional and Organoleptic Characteristics of Sausage Based on an Autochthonous Ecuatorian Fish, Old Blue (Andinoacara rivulatus)
by Marlene Medina, Rosa M. García-Gimeno, Juan Alejandro Neira-Mosquera, Alexandra Barrera and Guiomar Denisse Posada-Izquierdo
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091399 - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products has been increasing in recent decades, and it is necessary to strike a balance between production and sustainability in aquaculture; this is essential homework to support the demand for human food. This study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.
The consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products has been increasing in recent decades, and it is necessary to strike a balance between production and sustainability in aquaculture; this is essential homework to support the demand for human food. This study aimed to investigate the sensory and nutritional characteristics of a sausage made from the fillet of the native fish Old Blue (Andinoacara rivulatus) to stimulate the local economy. A multifactorial A*B*C design was used, with Factor A being rearing systems (wild and farmed), Factor B being types of protein (quinoa meal and soybean meal), and Factor C being lipids of animal (pork fat) and vegetable (sunflower oil) origin. Highly significant differences were observed in all formulas, according to Tukey (p < 0.05). The highest protein percentage was with soybean flour at 11.24%, while quinoa flour had 10.80% of the product. In sensory characteristics, the best attributes were for texture in the mouth with a hedonic scale from 0 to 5, with 4.2 firmness being mostly acceptable, odor at 4.5, the aromatic attribute with the highest and best value, and color was the clearest at 4.3 acceptability. The flavor was 4.3, mostly more pleasant according to the tasters. The yield of farmed fillets was 23.16% compared to wild 13.89%, and the balance of sausage yield was 393 g with a yield of 76.33% of the total weight. Microbiological analysis of the sausage with the native species showed the absence of pathogenic microorganisms. A commercial shelf life of 30 days was also established for the sausage, demonstrating an added value through this processing, allowing its exploitation in areas further away from the fishing sites and, thus, a greater possibility of social development in the area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meat)
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