The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
12 pages, 636 KiB  
Article
Combination of Supramicrosurgical Lymphatico-Venular Anastomosis (sLVA) and Lymph-Sparing Liposuction in Treating Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Rationale for a Regional One-Stage Approach
by Guido Gabriele, Andrea Nigri, Glauco Chisci, Olindo Massarelli, Flavia Cascino, Timek Ewa Komorowska, Kikuchi Kazuki, Hisako Hara, Makoto Mihara and Paolo Gennaro
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102872 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Objective: Cancer-related lymphedema represents a potential complication of cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of lymphatico-venular anastomosis and liposuction in the treatment of secondary lymphedema. Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of patients affected [...] Read more.
Objective: Cancer-related lymphedema represents a potential complication of cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of lymphatico-venular anastomosis and liposuction in the treatment of secondary lymphedema. Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of patients affected by cancer-related unilateral limb lymphedema. Inclusion criteria included previous neoplastic pathology with the consequent development of unilateral limb lymphedema, while the exclusion criteria included the presence of comorbidities and the persistence of cancer, as well as previous lymphatic surgery. The outcomes to be included were a reduction in the limb volume and lymphangitis rate, and an improvement in the quality of life. Patients' data were assessed before surgery and 1 year after surgery. Perioperative management included clinical and ultrasonographical evaluations. Under local anesthesia, lymphatico-venular anastomosis with the supramicrosurgical technique and the liposuction of the affected limb was performed in the same surgical session. Results: A total of 24 patients were enrolled in the study. One year after the surgery, an average volume reduction of 37.9% was registered (p = 0.0000000596). The lymphangitis rate decreased after surgery from 4.67 to 0.95 per year (p = 0.000007899). The quality-of-life score improved from 68.7 to 16 according to the LLIS scale. Conclusions: The combination of LVA and liposuction represents a valid strategy for treating cancer-related lymphedema, ensuring stable results over time. In addition, it can be performed under local anesthesia, resulting in being minimally invasive and well-tolerated by patients. This paper reports on the short-term efficacy of this combined technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Progress in Microsurgical Reconstruction)
20 pages, 1505 KiB  
Article
Advancing Survey Sampling Efficiency under Stratified Random Sampling and Post-Stratification: Leveraging Symmetry for Enhanced Estimation Accuracy in the Prediction of Exam Scores
by Gullinkala Ramya Venkata Triveni, Faizan Danish and Olayan Albalawi
Symmetry 2024, 16(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16050604 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This pioneering investigation introduces two innovative estimators crafted to evaluate the finite population distribution function of a study variable, employing auxiliary variables within the framework of stratified random sampling and post-stratification while emphasizing symmetry in the sampling process. The derivation of mathematical expressions [...] Read more.
This pioneering investigation introduces two innovative estimators crafted to evaluate the finite population distribution function of a study variable, employing auxiliary variables within the framework of stratified random sampling and post-stratification while emphasizing symmetry in the sampling process. The derivation of mathematical expressions for bias and the mean square error up to the first degree of approximation fortifies the credibility of the proposed estimators. Drawing from three distinct datasets, including real-world data capturing student behaviors and exam performances from 500 students, this research highlights the superior efficiency of the proposed estimators compared to existing methods across both sampling schemes. Employing the proposed estimator, we effectively forecast students’ exam scores based on their study hours, backed by empirical evidence showcasing its precision in terms of mean square error and percentage relative efficiency. This study not only introduces inventive solutions to enduring challenges in survey sampling but also provides practical insights into enhancing predictive accuracy in educational assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 3104 KiB  
Article
The Economic Feasibility of (Re-)Introducing Tram-Trains in Canada: Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail
by Tye Boray, Mohamed Hegazi, Holger Busche and Gord Lovegrove
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104081 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Population and tourism growth has increased congestion, collisions, climate harming emissions, and transport inequities in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Surveys indicate a willingness among residents to switch from cars to public transit featuring better service levels and connections. We conducted [...] Read more.
Population and tourism growth has increased congestion, collisions, climate harming emissions, and transport inequities in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Surveys indicate a willingness among residents to switch from cars to public transit featuring better service levels and connections. We conducted an analysis on the economic feasibility of an Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail (OVER PR) powered by zero-emission (ZE) Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Rail (Hydrail) technology along a 342-km route between Osoyoos, B.C., at the US Border and Kamloops, B.C., the Canadian VIA rail hub. Hydrail passenger light-rail has operated successfully since 2018 in Germany and was demonstrated in Quebec, Canada, in 2023. Technical analyses have confirmed the feasibility in B.C. on steep Highway (Hwy) 97 grades and mountainous weather, with mode shift forecasts in the range of 30%. OVER PR economic analyses were also favorable, with net present value (NPV) = CAD 40 billion (CDN, base year 2023), benefit–cost ratio (BCR) = 9:1, and Return on Investments (IRR) = 33% over 30 years. Subject to additional stakeholder consultations and final design reviews, these results were tested against risks using Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) and Reference-Class Forecasting (RCF), including worst-case risks such as 70% cost over-runs. OVER PR promises an economic transition to clean energy, sustainable transportation, and more livable communities, benefiting all Valley communities through greater transportation equity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 6275 KiB  
Review
Inertial Propulsion Devices: A Review
by Christopher G. Provatidis
Eng 2024, 5(2), 851-880; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5020046 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Google Scholar produces about 278 hits for the term “inertial propulsion”. If patents are also included, the number of hits increases to 536. This paper discusses, in a critical way, some characteristic aspects of this controversial topic. The review starts with the halteres [...] Read more.
Google Scholar produces about 278 hits for the term “inertial propulsion”. If patents are also included, the number of hits increases to 536. This paper discusses, in a critical way, some characteristic aspects of this controversial topic. The review starts with the halteres of athletes in the Olympic games of ancient times and then continues with some typical devices which have been developed and/or patented from the second quarter of the twentieth century to the present day. Full article
14 pages, 808 KiB  
Article
Non-Destructive Prediction of Anthocyanin Content of Rosa chinensis Petals Using Digital Images and Machine Learning Algorithms
by Xiu-Ying Liu, Jun-Ru Yu and Heng-Nan Deng
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050503 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Anthocyanins are widely found in plants and have significant functions. The accurate detection and quantitative assessment of anthocyanin content are essential to assess its functions. The anthocyanin content in plant tissues is typically quantified by wet chemistry and spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods [...] Read more.
Anthocyanins are widely found in plants and have significant functions. The accurate detection and quantitative assessment of anthocyanin content are essential to assess its functions. The anthocyanin content in plant tissues is typically quantified by wet chemistry and spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, tedious, expensive, destructive, or require expensive equipment. Digital photography is a fast, economical, efficient, reliable, and non-invasive method for estimating plant pigment content. This study examined the anthocyanin content of Rosa chinensis petals using digital images, a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and the random forest (RF) algorithm. The objective was to determine whether using RGB indices and BPNN and RF algorithms to accurately predict the anthocyanin content of R. chinensis petals is feasible. The anthocyanin content ranged from 0.832 to 4.549 µmol g−1 for 168 samples. Most RGB indices were strongly correlated with the anthocyanin content. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of the BPNN and RF models exceeded 0.75 and 2.00, respectively, indicating the high accuracy of both models in predicting the anthocyanin content of R. chinensis petals using RGB indices. The RF model had higher R2 and RPD values, and lower root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values than the BPNN, indicating that it outperformed the BPNN model. This study provides an alternative method for determining the anthocyanin content of flowers. Full article
11 pages, 1983 KiB  
Article
Surface Ripple Formation by Bombardment with Clusters: Influence of Mass
by José Carlos Jiménez-Sáez, Sagrario Muñoz and Pablo Palacios
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104127 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Nanostructure formation on Co(110) surfaces was studied by using irradiation with cluster ion beams with oblique incidence and an energy of 250 eV/atom. In this work, the effect of the mass of the cluster projectiles on the process was analyzed. The launched clusters [...] Read more.
Nanostructure formation on Co(110) surfaces was studied by using irradiation with cluster ion beams with oblique incidence and an energy of 250 eV/atom. In this work, the effect of the mass of the cluster projectiles on the process was analyzed. The launched clusters were formed by different types of charged atoms: He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. Due to the different collision processes, the formed surface patterns stand out more if the mass of the projectile atoms is greater, regardless of the angle of incidence of the clusters. Two processes control the morphological evolution of the surface during the bombardment phase: sputtering erosion and surface atomic redistribution. At grazing angles, the contribution of sputtering is greater during the process. In fact, heavier species give greater sputtering, and the redistribution factor becomes lower. The weight of redistribution is greater for intermediate angles above the critical angle (50° and 60°), since the displacement is greater for heavier species, and the redistribution factor takes substantially higher values. The experimental results point to a shift in the critical angle with the mass of the projectile atom. In the case of He, a very light ion, the results are marked by channeling and vertical displacements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Engineering and Advanced Coatings)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1479 KiB  
Article
Impact of Nanoencapsulated Rosemary Essential Oil as a Novel Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Gene Expression of Broiler Chicken
by Sheikh Adil, Mohammad T. Banday, Syed A. Hussain, Manzoor A. Wani, Ebtesam Al-Olayan, Amlan K. Patra, Shahid Rasool, Adil Gani, Islam U. Sheikh, Azmat A. Khan and Showkeen Muzamil
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101515 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effect of free and nanoencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and gene expression. Four hundred twenty day-old commercial broiler chicks (VENCOBB) were randomly allocated to seven dietary treatments, each having four replicates of fifteen chicks. The dietary treatments comprised control (CON) fed a basal diet only, AB (basal diet + 10 mg enramycin/kg), CS (basal diet + 150 mg chitosan nanoparticles/kg), REOF100 and REOF200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg free REO/kg, respectively), and REON100 and REON200 (basal diet + 100 mg and 200 mg nanoencapsulated REO/kg, respectively). Overall (7–42 d), REON200 showed the highest (p < 0.001) body weight gain (1899 g/bird) and CON had the lowest gain (1742 g/bird), while the CS, REOF100 and REOF200 groups had a similar gain, but lower than that of the AB and REON100 groups. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatments. Overall, the feed efficiency increased (p = 0.001) by 8.47% in the REON200 group and 6.21% in the AB and REON100 groups compared with the CON. Supplementation of REO improved (p < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein digestibility, with the highest values in REON100 and REON200. Ether extract, crude fiber, calcium and phosphorus digestibility values showed no difference among the groups. The dressing, breast, thigh % increased (p < 0.05) and abdominal fat % decreased (p < 0.001) more in the REON200 group than with other treatments and CON. In breast meat quality, water holding capacity and extract reserve volume increased (p < 0.05) while drip loss and cholesterol content decreased (p < 0.05) in REON100 and REON200. No change was observed in the breast meat color among dietary treatments and CON. The REON100 and REON200 groups had reduced (p < 0.05) meat lipid peroxidation as depicted by the decreased levels of TBARS, free fatty acids and peroxide value compared to other treatments and CON. The expression of the Mucin 2, PepT1 and IL-10 genes was upregulated (p < 0.001) and TNF-α downregulated (p < 0.001) by dietary addition of REO particularly in the nanoencapsulated form compared with the CON. In conclusion, nanoencapsulated REO, especially at 200 mg/kg diet, showed promising results as an antibiotic alternative in improving the performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, meat quality and upregulation of growth and anti-inflammatory genes. Full article
11 pages, 1503 KiB  
Article
Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Brief-BESTest in Stroke Patients
by Beatriz Hernández-Moreda, Inés Llamas-Ramos, Rocío Llamas-Ramos, Juan Luis Sánchez-González, Beatriz María Bermejo-Gil, Fátima Pérez-Robledo, Elisa Frutos-Bernal and Ana María Martín-Nogueras
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2873; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102873 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Balance disorders and postural control treatments play an important role in fall prevention. The Brief-BESTest is a short-scale employed to evaluate balance and fall risk in different populations. Balance assessment is a fundamental element in patients with Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation [...] Read more.
Background: Balance disorders and postural control treatments play an important role in fall prevention. The Brief-BESTest is a short-scale employed to evaluate balance and fall risk in different populations. Balance assessment is a fundamental element in patients with Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation since postural alteration is one of the most frequent sequelae. The objective was to validate the Spanish version of the Brief-BESTest questionnaire in the stroke population. Methods: Subjects of both sexes aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of acute/chronic stroke were included. The BESTest, Mini-BESTest, Brief-BESTest, Berg Balance Scale, and Timed Up & Go Test were used to assess balance. The scales were implemented once. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess the internal consistency and confirmatory factorial analysis was employed to assess validity. Results: A total of 44 patients with a mean age of 65.35 years (SD = 10.665) participated. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed a high internal consistency with a value of 0.839. In the criterion validity, there was a high positive correlation between the Brief-BESTest and BESTest (r = 0.879), Mini-BESTest (r = 0.808), and Berg Balance Scale (r = 0.711). Conclusion: The Spanish version of the Brief-BESTest scale is valid and reliable, showing adequate psychometric properties for balance assessment in patients with acute or chronic stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Neurorehabilitation after Stroke)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
Symmetric Quantum Inequalities on Finite Rectangular Plane
by Saad Ihsan Butt, Muhammad Nasim Aftab and Youngsoo Seol
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101517 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Finding the range of coordinated convex functions is yet another application for the symmetric Hermite–Hadamard inequality. For any two-dimensional interval [a0,a1]×[c0,c1]2, we introduce the notion [...] Read more.
Finding the range of coordinated convex functions is yet another application for the symmetric Hermite–Hadamard inequality. For any two-dimensional interval [a0,a1]×[c0,c1]2, we introduce the notion of partial qθ-, qϕ-, and qθqϕ-symmetric derivatives and a qθqϕ-symmetric integral. Moreover, we will construct the qθqϕ-symmetric Hölder’s inequality, the symmetric quantum Hermite–Hadamard inequality for the function of two variables in a rectangular plane, and address some of its related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Convex Analysis and Mathematical Inequalities)
15 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Multi-Organ Fibrosis
by Fei Wen, Anhua Xu, Wenjing Wei, Shenglong Yang, Zhiliang Xi, Yuanlong Ge, Shu Wu and Zhenyu Ju
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5303; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105303 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent known for its multi-organ toxicity, especially in the heart, which limits its clinical application. The toxic side effects of DOX, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis, are intricately linked to the involvement [...] Read more.
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent known for its multi-organ toxicity, especially in the heart, which limits its clinical application. The toxic side effects of DOX, including DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis, are intricately linked to the involvement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). To assess the effectiveness of the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) in counteracting the multi-organ toxicity of DOX, a mouse model was established through DOX administration, which led to significant reductions in NAD+ in tissues with evident injury, including the heart, liver and lungs. NMN treatment alleviated both multi-organ fibrosis and mortality in mice. Mechanistically, tissue fibrosis, macrophage infiltration and DOX-related cellular damage, which are potentially implicated in the development of multi-organ fibrosis, could be attenuated by NAD+ restoration. Our findings provide compelling evidence for the benefits of NMN supplementation in mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on multiple organs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)
32 pages, 430 KiB  
Article
Mild Solutions for w-Weighted, Φ-Hilfer, Non-Instantaneous, Impulsive, w-Weighted, Fractional, Semilinear Differential Inclusions of Order μ ∈ (1,2) in Banach Spaces
by Zainab Alsheekhhussain, Ahmed Gamal Ibrahim, M. Mossa Al-Sawalha and Khudhayr A. Rashedi
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050289 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this work is to obtain novel and interesting results for mild solutions to a semilinear differential inclusion involving a w-weighted, Φ-Hilfer, fractional derivative of order μ(1,2) with non-instantaneous impulses in Banach spaces [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to obtain novel and interesting results for mild solutions to a semilinear differential inclusion involving a w-weighted, Φ-Hilfer, fractional derivative of order μ(1,2) with non-instantaneous impulses in Banach spaces with infinite dimensions when the linear term is the infinitesimal generator of a strongly continuous cosine family and the nonlinear term is a multi-valued function. First, we determine the formula of the mild solution function for the considered semilinear differential inclusion. Then, we give sufficient conditions to ensure that the mild solution set is not empty or compact. The desired results are achieved by using the properties of both the w-weighted Φ-Laplace transform, w-weighted ψ-convolution and the measure of non-compactness. Since the operator, the w-weighted Φ-Hilfer, includes well-known types of fractional differential operators, our results generalize several recent results in the literature. Moreover, our results are novel because no one has previously studied these types of semilinear differential inclusions. Finally, we give an illustrative example that supports our theoretical results. Full article
25 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Tourism as an Opportunity or the Danger of Saturation for the Historical Coastal Towns
by Nataša Danilović Hristić, Marijana Pantić and Nebojša Stefanović
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4080; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104080 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In the era of urbanization, small towns confront challenges in sustaining and preserving their essence and population. Historical towns have discovered their potential in tourism development, yet this opportunity often escalates into overtourism, particularly in renowned cruising destinations. This paper focuses on examples [...] Read more.
In the era of urbanization, small towns confront challenges in sustaining and preserving their essence and population. Historical towns have discovered their potential in tourism development, yet this opportunity often escalates into overtourism, particularly in renowned cruising destinations. This paper focuses on examples of coastal historical towns dependent on tourism revenue and faced with an excessive influx of tourists in the Mediterranean Region. The objective is to examine various cases across diverse geographical, cultural, and policy contexts to evaluate their success in achieving a balance between economic development and genius loci. This analysis seeks to identify the factors that contributed to the attainment of this equilibrium. Therefore, we selected case studies throughout the Mediterranean coast—from Saint Paul de Vence and Èze at the Azure Coast, Dubrovnik and Kotor in the Adriatic Sea, to Nafplio and Monemvasia in the Aegean Sea. The selected examples range from towns that are almost entirely depopulated to those that are suffocating from the influx of tourists. Observations on the spot and review of policies led us to the conclusion that the geography of the area and cultural values represent comparative (dis)advantages that can be influenced and shaped by policies from the time of the pre-tourist phase to the phase of overtourism. Even though the success of an early policy and the effects of investments aligned with it might be uncertain, pre-tourist policies turn out to be the most successful when it comes to balanced tourist-resident development. Determination of authorities to not only see economic benefit but also genius loci and quality of life of residents is crucial, too. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resident Well-Being and Sustainable Tourism Development)
17 pages, 647 KiB  
Systematic Review
Exploring Factors Influencing Caregiver Burden: A Systematic Review of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Chronic Illness in Local Communities
by Jin Young Choi, Seon Heui Lee and Soyoung Yu
Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12101002 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically review and analyze factors contributing to caregiver burden among family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses in local communities. Specific objectives included exploring the characteristics of older adults with chronic illness and caregiver burden through an extensive [...] Read more.
This study aimed to systematically review and analyze factors contributing to caregiver burden among family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses in local communities. Specific objectives included exploring the characteristics of older adults with chronic illness and caregiver burden through an extensive literature review and identifying factors influencing caregiver burden in this population. Using Korean (RISS, KISS, and KoreaMed) and international (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library) databases, this study employed systematic search methods to identify relevant literature. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were systematically applied in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that addressed caregiver burden among family caregivers of older adults with chronic illnesses in local communities. Following the database search, 15,962 articles were identified. After eliminating duplicates and applying the selection criteria, 18 studies were included in this review. These studies, representing various countries, contribute to a diverse dataset covering caregiver and care-recipient characteristics, including age, sex, chronic conditions, and various caregiver burden assessment tools. This systematic review provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence caregiver burden among family caregivers of older adults with chronic illness in local communities. These findings emphasize the need for integrated nursing interventions and community efforts to address the welfare concerns of this population and support their caregivers. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 12235 KiB  
Article
Silver-Doped CsPbI2Br Perovskite Semiconductor Thin Films
by Tamiru Kebede, Mulualem Abebe, Dhakshnamoorthy Mani, Aparna Thankappan, Sabu Thomas and Jung Yong Kim
Electron. Mater. 2024, 5(2), 56-70; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronicmat5020005 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
All-inorganic perovskite semiconductors have received significant interest for their potential stability over heat and humidity. However, the typical CsPbI3 displays phase instability despite its desirable bandgap of ~1.73 eV. Herein, we studied the mixed halide perovskite CsPbI2Br by varying the [...] Read more.
All-inorganic perovskite semiconductors have received significant interest for their potential stability over heat and humidity. However, the typical CsPbI3 displays phase instability despite its desirable bandgap of ~1.73 eV. Herein, we studied the mixed halide perovskite CsPbI2Br by varying the silver doping concentration. For this purpose, we examined its bandgap tunability as a function of the silver doping by using density functional theory. Then, we studied the effect of silver on the structural and optical properties of CsPbI2Br. Resultantly, we found that ‘silver doping’ allowed for partial bandgap tunability from 1.91 eV to 2.05 eV, increasing the photoluminescence (PL) lifetime from 0.990 ns to 1.187 ns, and, finally, contributing to the structural stability when examining the aging effect via X-ray diffraction. Then, through the analysis of the intermolecular interactions based on the solubility parameter, we explain the solvent engineering process in relation to the solvent trapping phenomena in CsPbI2Br thin films. However, silver doping may induce a defect morphology (e.g., a pinhole) during the formation of the thin films. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 7928 KiB  
Article
Correlation Analysis of Tunnel Deformation and Internal Force in the Earthquake Based on Tunnel Inclination
by Zhiyong Yang, Yin Liu and Can Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1395; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051395 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have shown that the seismic response of shield tunnels differs from that of aboveground structures. While the seismic response of aboveground structures is mainly influenced by the peak acceleration and frequency of the earthquake, the seismic response of [...] Read more.
An increasing number of studies have shown that the seismic response of shield tunnels differs from that of aboveground structures. While the seismic response of aboveground structures is mainly influenced by the peak acceleration and frequency of the earthquake, the seismic response of shield tunnels is more influenced by the ground displacement due to the surrounding soil layers. In this study, it is not appropriate to follow the seismic concept of aboveground structures. Dynamic time-history analysis is a powerful and effective method to study the seismic response of tunnels in the typical subway in this paper. The analysis results show that the overall levelling of the tunnel will not affect the tunnel too much, and the seismic response of the tunnel is mainly related to the relative displacement of the ground around the tunnel. The analysis results show that the internal force of the tunnel and the tunnel inclination have a good linear relationship, and the tunnel inclination can be used to measure the magnitude of the seismic response of the tunnel. In the seismic design of shield tunnels, the inclination of the tunnel can be taken into account to evaluate the change in the internal forces of the tunnel during earthquakes, which avoids the need for complex dynamic time-history analysis and greatly improves the efficiency of the seismic design of shield tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5057 KiB  
Article
Particle Swarm Optimization-Based Model Abstraction and Explanation Generation for a Recurrent Neural Network
by Yang Liu, Huadong Wang and Yan Ma
Algorithms 2024, 17(5), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17050210 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
In text classifier models, the complexity of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is very high because of the vast state space and uncertainty of transitions, which makes the RNN classifier’s explainability insufficient. It is almost impossible to explain the large-scale RNN directly. A feasible [...] Read more.
In text classifier models, the complexity of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is very high because of the vast state space and uncertainty of transitions, which makes the RNN classifier’s explainability insufficient. It is almost impossible to explain the large-scale RNN directly. A feasible method is to generalize the rules undermining it, that is, model abstraction. To deal with the low efficiency and excessive information loss in existing model abstraction for RNNs, this work proposes a PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization)-based model abstraction and explanation generation method for RNNs. Firstly, the k-means clustering is applied to preliminarily partition the RNN decision process state. Secondly, a frequency prefix tree is constructed based on the traces, and a PSO algorithm is designed to implement state merging to address the problem of vast state space. Then, a PFA (probabilistic finite automata) is constructed to explain the RNN structure with preserving the origin RNN information as much as possible. Finally, the quantitative keywords are labeled as an explanation for classification results, which are automatically generated with the abstract model PFA. We demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method in some cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning for Anomaly Detection)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6377 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Pigeage, Délestage, Remontage and Oxygenation Treatments Applied during Maceration on Phenolic Content, Aroma Composition and Sensory Properties of Red Teran (Vitis vinifera L.) Wine
by Marina Tomašević, Katarina Perić, Kristijan Damijanić, Mario Staver, Natka Ćurko and Karin Kovačević Ganić
Fermentation 2024, 10(5), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10050252 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical (pigeage, délestage and remontage) and oxygenation treatments on the phenolic and aromatic compounds and sensory characteristics of Teran wines. The experiment included a 20-day maceration period, during which the above-mentioned treatments [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical (pigeage, délestage and remontage) and oxygenation treatments on the phenolic and aromatic compounds and sensory characteristics of Teran wines. The experiment included a 20-day maceration period, during which the above-mentioned treatments were applied, as well as the post-fermentation processes of pressing and first rack. The analysis of phenolic, chromatic and aroma compounds and the sensory characterization of the wines were used to describe the effects of the treatments investigated. After the observed maceration period, remontage resulted in wines with the highest total phenols (2682.0 ± 14.8 mg GAE/L). In contrast, délestage resulted in the lowest total phenols (2499.1 ± 17.6 mg GAE/L) and total anthocyanins (530.1 ± 2.8 mg/L) and had the strongest effects on chromatic characteristics. The post-fermentation processes (pressing, racking) showed similar trends and resulted in higher phenolic concentrations in the remontage wine, while the délestage was again characterized by lower total phenol and anthocyanin concentrations. In addition, the délestage wine contained a higher concentration of almost all analyzed esters and two higher alcohols (2-methylpropan-1-ol and 1-hexanol), while the remontage wine had the highest concentration of 2-phenylethanol and 3-methylbutyl acetate. Finally, maceration proved to be a key factor in defining the wines’ sensory characteristics, with the remontage-treated wine showing the best overall quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Grape Phenolic Extraction in Wine Production)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1763 KiB  
Article
Characterisation of Low Molecular Weight Compounds of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruit Spirit Aged with Oak Wood
by Ofélia Anjos, Carlos A. L. Antunes, Sheila Oliveira-Alves, Sara Canas and Ilda Caldeira
Fermentation 2024, 10(5), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10050253 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
There is a trend towards the commercialisation of strawberry tree fruit spirit (AUS) with wood ageing, motivated by its favourable sensory characteristics. Additionally, further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal conditions regarding ageing time and toasting level. This study evaluated the changes [...] Read more.
There is a trend towards the commercialisation of strawberry tree fruit spirit (AUS) with wood ageing, motivated by its favourable sensory characteristics. Additionally, further studies are necessary to elucidate the optimal conditions regarding ageing time and toasting level. This study evaluated the changes in colour and low molecular weight compounds (LMWC) of AUS aged for three and six months using oak wood (Quercus robur L.) with light, medium and medium plus toasting levels. For this purpose, phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic, ferulic and syringic acids), phenolic aldehydes (vanillin, syringaldehyde, coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde) and furanic aldehydes (furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 5-methylfurfural) were quantified using the HPLC method. Chromatic characteristics, colour sensory analysis and total polyphenol index were also analysed. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) was used to discriminate between samples. The results emphasized the favourable effect of oak wood contact on enhancing the colour and enriching AUS with low molecular weight compounds (LMWC). AUS aged in medium toasted wood exhibits high levels of total phenolic index, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, coniferaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, sum LMWC and chromatic characteristics b* and C. Concentrations of syringaldehyde, ellagic acid, vanillin and syringic acid and a lighter colour (a* chromaticity coordinates) are higher in AUS aged with slightly more toasted wood. Nearly all analysed parameters showed an increase with ageing time. The FT-NIR technique allowed for the differentiation of aged AUS, focusing more on ageing time than on toasting level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermentation: 10th Anniversary)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1859 KiB  
Article
Breast Cancer Prevention by Dietary Polyphenols: Microemulsion Formulation and In Vitro Studies
by Ghea Putri Cristy, Desy Liana, Jaruwan Chatwichien, Chanat Aonbangkhen, Chantragan Srisomsap and Anuchit Phanumartwiwath
Sci. Pharm. 2024, 92(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm92020025 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Concerns surrounding breast cancer have been increasing, as it leads to the current global cancer incidence and causes a high mortality rate in women. This study investigated the physiological effects of common dietary polyphenols that might prevent breast cancer progression. Quercetin, kaempferol, and [...] Read more.
Concerns surrounding breast cancer have been increasing, as it leads to the current global cancer incidence and causes a high mortality rate in women. This study investigated the physiological effects of common dietary polyphenols that might prevent breast cancer progression. Quercetin, kaempferol, and rosmarinic acid were selected to explore their potential bioactivities. Each polyphenol was formulated into a microemulsion to improve its bioactivity and bioavailability. In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of the selected polyphenols and their microemulsion forms were further investigated. The optimized microemulsion carrier with 1% oleic acid, 3% ethanol, 10% polysorbate 20, and 86% ultrapure water achieved more than 90% polyphenol encapsulation efficiency. The microemulsion was stable for more than 30 days when encapsulating polyphenol in the fluctuating temperature treatment. In vitro studies suggested that rosmarinic acid-loaded microemulsion had the best antioxidant activity compared with other polyphenol-loaded microemulsions (PL-MEs). Blank microemulsion and all PL-MEs significantly inhibited the proliferation of both hormone-dependent (T47D) and hormone-independent (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells. More studies are warranted to confirm the contribution of the microemulsion carrier components to the polyphenols’ improved antioxidant activity and high toxicity of PL-MEs on breast cancer cells. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 716 KiB  
Article
Influence of Clinical Aspects and Genetic Factors on Feline HCM Severity and Development
by Victoria Korobova and Yulia Kruglova
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(5), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11050214 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is associated with thickening of the left ventricular wall, is one of the most common heart pathologies in cats. This disease has a hereditary etiology and is primarily related to mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes. This study [...] Read more.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is associated with thickening of the left ventricular wall, is one of the most common heart pathologies in cats. This disease has a hereditary etiology and is primarily related to mutations in the MYBPC3 and MYH7 genes. This study aims to determine the effect of the presence of heterozygosity or homozygosity for the p. A31P mutation (c.91G > C) in the MYBPC3 gene in cats (Maine Coon) of different ages referring to the HCM severity and development, and to compare echocardiographic data and various clinical aspects for the most objective detection of disease in cats of different breeds. The incidence of HCM was 59% of the 103 cases of heart disease in cats in this study. In 23 cats diagnosed with HCM, cats heterozygous for the mutation accounted for 34%, and homozygous cats accounted for 26%. Cats homozygous for this mutation had moderate to severe HCM, suggesting an association with high penetrance of HCM and a significant risk of cardiac death in this group. The penetrance of the heterozygous type was lower than that of the homozygous genotype. This study also indicates that HCM has some age-related penetrance. The disease did not occur in the study group of cats aged up to 1 year, whereas at the age of 7 and older, the percentage of animals diagnosed with HCM was the highest and amounted to 44.3% of the total number of studied cats with HCM. Full article
13 pages, 6385 KiB  
Article
How Rhizosphere Microbial Assemblage Is Influenced by Dragon Fruits with White and Red Flesh
by Xinyan Zhou, Siyu Chen, Lulu Qiu, Liyuan Liao, Guifeng Lu and Shangdong Yang
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101346 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
The synthesis of betalain using microorganisms is an innovative developmental technology, and the excavation of microorganisms closely related to betalain can provide certain theoretical and technical support to this technology. In this study, the characteristics of soil microbial community structures and their functions [...] Read more.
The synthesis of betalain using microorganisms is an innovative developmental technology, and the excavation of microorganisms closely related to betalain can provide certain theoretical and technical support to this technology. In this study, the characteristics of soil microbial community structures and their functions in the rhizospheres of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) and red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) were analyzed. The results show that the soil bacterial and fungal compositions in the rhizospheres were shaped differently between H. undatus and H. polyrhizus. Bacterial genera such as Kribbella and TM7a were the unique dominant soil bacterial genera in the rhizospheres of H. undatus, whereas Bradyrhizobium was the unique dominant soil bacterial genus in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus. Additionally, Myrothecium was the unique dominant soil fungal genus in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus, whereas Apiotrichum and Arachniotus were the unique dominant soil fungal genera in the rhizospheres of H. undatus. Moreover, TM7a, Novibacillus, Cupriavidus, Mesorhizobium, Trechispora, Madurella, Cercophora, and Polyschema were significantly enriched in the rhizospheres of H. undatus, whereas Penicillium, Blastobotrys, Phialemonium, Marasmius, and Pseudogymnoascus were significantly enriched in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus. Furthermore, the relative abundances of Ascomycota and Penicillium were significantly higher in the rhizospheres of H. polyrhizus than in those of H. undatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Soil Microbe Interactions in Ecosystems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1588 KiB  
Review
Molecular Diagnostics of Cryptococcus spp. and Immunomics of Cryptococcosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
by Irina Vlasova-St. Louis and Hesham Mohei
Diseases 2024, 12(5), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12050101 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Cryptococcal infection poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions near the equator. In this review, we offer a succinct exploration of the Cryptococcus spp. genome and various molecular typing methods to assess the burden and genetic diversity of cryptococcal pathogens [...] Read more.
Cryptococcal infection poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions near the equator. In this review, we offer a succinct exploration of the Cryptococcus spp. genome and various molecular typing methods to assess the burden and genetic diversity of cryptococcal pathogens in the environment and clinical isolates. We delve into a detailed discussion on the molecular pathogenesis and diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with cryptococcosis, with a specific emphasis on cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). Our examination includes the recent literature on CM-IRIS, covering host cellulomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomics. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
Platelets Induce Cell Apoptosis of Cardiac Cells via FasL after Acute Myocardial Infarction
by Kim J. Krott, Friedrich Reusswig, Matthias Dille, Evelyn Krüger, Simone Gorressen, Saoussen Karray, Amin Polzin, Malte Kelm, Jens W. Fischer and Margitta Elvers
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051077 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2024
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell apoptosis in the myocardium plays an important role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to cardiac damage and dysfunction. Platelets are major players in hemostasis and play a [...] Read more.
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cell apoptosis in the myocardium plays an important role in ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, leading to cardiac damage and dysfunction. Platelets are major players in hemostasis and play a crucial role in vessel occlusion, inflammation, and cardiac remodeling after I/R. Here, we studied the impact of platelets on cell apoptosis in the myocardium using a close-chest mouse model of AMI. We found caspase-3-positive resident cardiac cells, while leukocytes were negative for caspase-3. Using two different mouse models of thrombocytopenia, we detected a significant reduction in caspase-3 positive cells in the infarct border zone after I/R injury. Further, we identified platelet FasL to induce cell apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway of Fas receptor activation of target cells. Mechanistically, hypoxia triggers platelet adhesion to FasR, suggesting that platelet-induced apoptosis is elevated after I/R. Platelet-specific FasL knock-out mice showed reduced Bax and Bcl2 expression, suggesting that platelets modulate the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis, leading to reduced infarct size after myocardial I/R injury. Thus, a new mechanism for how platelets contribute to tissue homeostasis after AMI was identified that should be validated in patients soon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Myocardial Infarction)

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop