The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
24 pages, 6796 KiB  
Article
Digital Light Processing Route for 3D Printing of Acrylate-Modified PLA/Lignin Blends: Microstructure and Mechanical Performance
by Sofiane Guessasma, Nicolas Stephant, Sylvie Durand and Sofiane Belhabib
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101342 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, digital light processing (DLP) was utilized to generate 3D-printed blends composed of photosensitive acrylate-modified polylactic acid (PLA) resin mixed with varying weight ratios of lignin extracted from softwood, typically ranging from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The microstructure of these [...] Read more.
In this study, digital light processing (DLP) was utilized to generate 3D-printed blends composed of photosensitive acrylate-modified polylactic acid (PLA) resin mixed with varying weight ratios of lignin extracted from softwood, typically ranging from 5 wt% to 30 wt%. The microstructure of these 3D-printed blends was examined through X-ray microtomography. Additionally, the tensile mechanical properties of all blends were assessed in relation to the weight ratio and post-curing treatment. The results suggest that post-curing significantly influences the tensile properties of the 3D-printed composites, especially in modulating the brittleness of the prints. Furthermore, an optimal weight ratio was identified to be around 5 wt%, beyond which UV light photopolymerization experiences compromises. These findings regarding acrylate-modified PLA/lignin blends offer a cost-effective alternative for producing 3D-printed bio-sourced components, maintaining technical performance in reasonable-cost, low-temperature 3D printing, and with a low environmental footprint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
23 pages, 1424 KiB  
Review
Laboratory Diagnosis of Intrathecal Synthesis of Immunoglobulins: A Review about the Contribution of OCBs and K-index
by Maria Morello, Simone Mastrogiovanni, Fabio Falcione, Vanessa Rossi, Sergio Bernardini, Stefania Casciani, Antonietta Viola, Marilina Reali and Massimo Pieri
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5170; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105170 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The diagnosis of MS relies on a combination of imaging, clinical examinations, and biological analyses, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments. G-Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are considered a “gold standard” for MS diagnosis due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Recent advancements have [...] Read more.
The diagnosis of MS relies on a combination of imaging, clinical examinations, and biological analyses, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assessments. G-Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are considered a “gold standard” for MS diagnosis due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Recent advancements have involved the introduced of kappa free light chain (k-FLC) assay into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (S), along with the albumin quotient, leading to the development of a novel biomarker known as the “K-index” or “k-FLC index”. The use of the K-index has been recommended to decrease costs, increase laboratory efficiency, and to skip potential subjective operator-dependent risk that could happen during the identification of OCBs profiles. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of recent scientific articles, focusing on updated methods for MS diagnosis with an emphasis on the utility of the K-index. Numerous studies indicate that the K-index demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity, often comparable to or surpassing the diagnostic accuracy of OCBs evaluation. The integration of the measure of the K-index with OCBs assessment emerges as a more precise method for MS diagnosis. This combined approach not only enhances diagnostic accuracy, but also offers a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. Full article
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26 pages, 7275 KiB  
Article
Angular Integral Autocorrelation for Speed Estimation in Shear-Wave Elastography
by Hamidreza Asemani, Irteza Enan Kabir, Juvenal Ormachea, Marvin M. Doyley, Jannick P. Rolland and Kevin J. Parker
Acoustics 2024, 6(2), 413-438; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics6020023 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The utilization of a reverberant shear-wave field in shear-wave elastography has emerged as a promising technique for achieving robust shear-wave speed (SWS) estimation. However, many types of estimators cannot accurately measure SWS within such a complicated 3D wave field. This study introduces an [...] Read more.
The utilization of a reverberant shear-wave field in shear-wave elastography has emerged as a promising technique for achieving robust shear-wave speed (SWS) estimation. However, many types of estimators cannot accurately measure SWS within such a complicated 3D wave field. This study introduces an advanced autocorrelation estimator based on angular integration known as the angular integral autocorrelation (AIA) approach to address this issue. The AIA approach incorporates all the autocorrelation data from various angles during measurements, resulting in enhanced robustness to both noise and imperfect distributions in SWS estimation. The effectiveness of the AIA estimator for SWS estimation is first validated using a k-Wave simulation of a stiff branching tube in a uniform background. Furthermore, the AIA estimator is applied to ultrasound elastography experiments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies across a range of different excitation frequencies on tissues and phantoms, including in vivo scans. The results verify the capacity of the AIA approach to enhance the accuracy of SWS estimation and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), even within an imperfect reverberant shear-wave field. Compared to simple autocorrelation approaches, the AIA approach can also successfully visualize and define lesions while significantly improving the estimated SWS and SNR in homogeneous background materials and providing improved elastic contrast between structures within the scans. These findings demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the AIA approach across a wide range of applications, including ultrasound elastography, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and optical coherence elastography (OCE), for accurately identifying the elastic properties of biological tissues in diverse excitation scenarios. Full article
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17 pages, 3526 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Winery By-Products as Bio-Fillers for Biopolymer-Based Composites
by Filippo Biagi, Alberto Giubilini, Paolo Veronesi, Giovanni Nigro and Massimo Messori
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101344 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices—poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)—to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least [...] Read more.
Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices—poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)—to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least 30 v% bio-filler, with a sample reaching 40 v%, as we sought to determine a composition that could be economically and environmentally effective as a substitute for a pure biopolymer matrix. The compounding process employed a twin-screw extruder followed by an injection molding procedure to fabricate the specimens. An acetylation treatment assessed the specimen’s efficacy in enhancing matrix–bio-filler affinity, particularly for WL and GS. The fabricated bio-composites underwent an accurate characterization, revealing no alteration in thermal properties after compounding with bio-fillers. Moreover, hygroscopic measurements indicated increased water-affinity in bio-composites compared to neat biopolymer, most significantly with GP, which exhibited a 7-fold increase. Both tensile and dynamic mechanical tests demonstrated that bio-fillers not only preserved, but significantly enhanced, the stiffness of the neat biopolymer across all samples. In this regard, the most promising results were achieved with the PBAT and acetylated GS sample, showing a 162% relative increase in Young’s modulus, and the PBS and WL sample, which exhibited the highest absolute values of Young’s modulus and storage modulus, even at high temperatures. These findings underscore the scientific importance of exploring the interaction between bio-fillers derived from winery by-products and three different biopolymer matrices, showcasing their potential for sustainable material development, and advancing polymer science and bio-sourced material processing. From a practical standpoint, the study highlighted the tangible benefits of using by-product bio-fillers, including cost savings, waste reduction, and environmental advantages, thus paving the way for greener and more economically viable material production practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites in Waste Recycling)
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25 pages, 2568 KiB  
Review
Revolution in Cancer Treatment: How Are Intelligently Designed Nanostructures Changing the Game?
by Désirée Gül, Burcu Önal Acet, Qiang Lu, Roland H. Stauber, Mehmet Odabaşı and Ömür Acet
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105171 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties [...] Read more.
Nanoparticles (NPs) are extremely important tools to overcome the limitations imposed by therapeutic agents and effectively overcome biological barriers. Smart designed/tuned nanostructures can be extremely effective for cancer treatment. The selection and design of nanostructures and the adjustment of size and surface properties are extremely important, especially for some precision treatments and drug delivery (DD). By designing specific methods, an important era can be opened in the biomedical field for personalized and precise treatment. Here, we focus on advances in the selection and design of nanostructures, as well as on how the structure and shape, size, charge, and surface properties of nanostructures in biological fluids (BFs) can be affected. We discussed the applications of specialized nanostructures in the therapy of head and neck cancer (HNC), which is a difficult and aggressive type of cancer to treat, to give an impetus for novel treatment approaches in this field. We also comprehensively touched on the shortcomings, current trends, and future perspectives when using nanostructures in the treatment of cancer. Full article
12 pages, 474 KiB  
Article
Concentrations of Bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, Mn) in Serum and Bone Tissue of Aging Men Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction
by Aleksandra Rył, Żaneta Ciosek, Aleksandra Szylińska, Alina Jurewicz, Andrzej Bohatyrewicz and Iwona Rotter
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050565 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) stands out as one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men, with its incidence progressively escalating with age. As delineated by the International Consultation Committee for Sexual Medicine on Definitions/Epidemiology/Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction, the prevalence of ED [...] Read more.
Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) stands out as one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men, with its incidence progressively escalating with age. As delineated by the International Consultation Committee for Sexual Medicine on Definitions/Epidemiology/Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction, the prevalence of ED among men under 40 years is estimated to be within the range of 1–10%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men with and without erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods: The retrospective cohort study included 152 men who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis at the Department of Orthopaedic Traumatology and Musculoskeletal Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Certain exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the integrity of the study. These included individuals with diabetes, a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, liver or kidney failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure, and those taking medications that affect bone metabolism, such as mineral supplements, neuroleptics, chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or antidepressants. Patients with hypogonadism or infertility were excluded from the study. Results: The study showed an association between bioT concentrations and Cu concentrations in both patients with and without erectile dysfunction. A correlation between bioactive testosterone and Cr concentrations was also observed in both groups. Patients with erectile dysfunction showed a relationship between bioT concentration and Zn concentration, TT concentration and Mn concentration, FT concentration and Zn concentration, and E2 concentration and Cr concentration. An analysis of elemental concentrations in bone tissue showed an association between FT and Mg and Mn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between FT and Cu concentrations. A correlation was also observed between bioT concentrations and Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between bioT and Cu concentrations. Conclusions: Studying the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men may be important in explaining the etiology of the problem. The study of the concentration of Zn and Cu in bone tissue and serum showed that these two elements, regardless of the place of accumulation, may be related to the concentration of androgens in men. Full article
25 pages, 6597 KiB  
Article
To Bind or Not to Bind? A Comprehensive Characterization of TIR1 and Auxins Using Consensus In Silico Approaches
by Fernando D. Prieto-Martínez, Jennifer Mendoza-Cañas and Karina Martínez-Mayorga
Computation 2024, 12(5), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/computation12050094 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Auxins are chemical compounds of wide interest, mostly due to their role in plant metabolism and development. Synthetic auxins have been used as herbicides for more than 75 years and low toxicity in humans is one of their most advantageous features. Extensive studies [...] Read more.
Auxins are chemical compounds of wide interest, mostly due to their role in plant metabolism and development. Synthetic auxins have been used as herbicides for more than 75 years and low toxicity in humans is one of their most advantageous features. Extensive studies of natural and synthetic auxins have been made in an effort to understand their role in plant growth. However, molecular details of the binding and recognition process are still an open question. Herein, we present a comprehensive in silico pipeline for the assessment of TIR1 ligands using several structure-based methods. Our results suggest that subtle dynamics within the binding pocket arise from water–ligand interactions. We also show that this trait distinguishes effective binders. Finally, we construct a database of putative ligands and decoy compounds, which can aid further studies focusing on synthetic auxin design. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind focusing on TIR1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Computation—Computational Chemistry)
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14 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
The Sick Body Writing: Towards an Affective Genetic Criticism
by Emily Bell and Andrea Davidson
Humanities 2024, 13(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/h13030073 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The Sick Body Writing: Towards an Affective Genetic Criticism examines the idea that manuscripts can be affected by illness as much as their authors’ bodies are. This article aims to highlight a critical gap in the methodology of literary genetic criticism by introducing [...] Read more.
The Sick Body Writing: Towards an Affective Genetic Criticism examines the idea that manuscripts can be affected by illness as much as their authors’ bodies are. This article aims to highlight a critical gap in the methodology of literary genetic criticism by introducing a new lens of affective genetic criticism. Genetic criticism looks at the archive of drafts and notes related to a literary work-in-progress. The application of affect theory brings focus to the impacts of the author’s bodily experience during writing while in different states of un/healthiness. The effects of authors’ health on their writing, especially textual non/production and the representations of un/healthiness, can be found in their archive in a variety of forms, whether represented in the narrative or responsible for elements of the narrative’s structure. Using two case studies from different literary canons, James Joyce (modernist) and Aidan Chambers (children’s and Young Adult), the article concludes that this lens can be productively applied to understand better the embodiment of writing processes and adaptations of writing environments as a result of affective needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Literature and Medicine)
14 pages, 802 KiB  
Article
Response of Functional Traits of Aquatic Plants to Water Depth Changes under Short-Term Eutrophic Clear-Water Conditions: A Mesocosm Study
by Yang Liu, Leah Ndirangu, Wei Li, Junfeng Pan, Yu Cao and Erik Jeppesen
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101310 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Aquatic plants play a key role in the structuring and functioning of shallow lake ecosystems. However, eutrophication often triggers shifts in plant communities and species diversity, especially in the early stages when the water is still clear. Additionally, water depth is an important [...] Read more.
Aquatic plants play a key role in the structuring and functioning of shallow lake ecosystems. However, eutrophication often triggers shifts in plant communities and species diversity, especially in the early stages when the water is still clear. Additionally, water depth is an important factor regulating aquatic plant communities. We conducted a 50-day mesocosm study to investigate how water depth (50 cm and 100 cm) affected the functional traits (vertical expansion versus horizontal colonisation) of 20 aquatic plants under eutrophic clear-water conditions. Among the selected species, the submerged plants Hydrocotyle vulgaris and Limnophila indica exhibited higher plant height or biomass in deeper water, while the emergent plants Myriophyllum aquaticum showed the opposite trend. Additionally, Ludwigia peploides subsp. stipulacea exhibited better vertical growth than the remaining species, and the submerged species Vallisneria denseserrulata had better horizontal colonisation. There was a positive correlation between plant height and rhizome length, indicating the absence of a trade-off between vertical growth and horizontal expansion. Our findings suggest an overall resilience of aquatic plants to varying water depths within our study range and highlight the importance of analysing functional traits when selecting appropriate species in freshwater ecosystem restoration, particularly in the face of climate change-induced water depth fluctuations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Plant Biology 2023)
19 pages, 1145 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Compound Extraction of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Leaves through Response Surface Methodology Optimization
by Theodoros Chatzimitakos, Vassilis Athanasiadis, Ioannis Makrygiannis, Dimitrios Kalompatsios, Eleni Bozinou and Stavros I. Lalas
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1300-1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020075 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Hemp, commonly known as Cannabis sativa L., is a medicinal plant species of the Cannabaceae family. For the efficient extraction of C. sativa leaves using the conventional stirring process with water as the solvent, three crucial extraction parameters (i.e., extraction duration, liquid–solid ratio, [...] Read more.
Hemp, commonly known as Cannabis sativa L., is a medicinal plant species of the Cannabaceae family. For the efficient extraction of C. sativa leaves using the conventional stirring process with water as the solvent, three crucial extraction parameters (i.e., extraction duration, liquid–solid ratio, and temperature) were investigated through the response surface methodology (RSM). The concentrations of the extracted bioactive compounds (polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids) showed significant variations in the RSM design points, suggesting the importance of finding the optimal extraction conditions in which liquid–solid ratio and extraction temperature were found to have the highest impact. Further analysis was conducted on the optimal extract employing several assays to determine their polyphenol content, total carotenoid content, color evaluation, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant capacity through FRAP, DPPH, and H2O2 assays. Α low extraction time (30 min) at 50 °C and a high liquid–solid ratio (50:1) were required for the highest possible yield of polyphenols. The total polyphenol content was determined to be 9.76 mg gallic acid equivalents/g under optimum conditions, with pelargonin being the most abundant polyphenol (1.51 mg/g) in C. sativa extracts. Ascorbic acid was measured at 282.23 μg/g and total carotenoids at 356.98 μg/g. Correlation analyses revealed that anti-inflammatory activity was negatively correlated with specific polyphenols. As determined by DPPH (27.43 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g), FRAP (49.79 μmol AAE/g), and H2O2 (230.95 μmol AAE/g) assays, the optimized aqueous extract showed a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, it demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity at 17.89%, with the potential to increase to 75.12% under particular extraction conditions. Given the high added-value of the aqueous extracts, the results of this study highlight the potential utility of C. sativa leaves as a source of health-improving antioxidant compounds in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article
16 pages, 476 KiB  
Article
A Study of Vitamin D Status and Its Influencing Factors among Pregnant Women in Szeged, Hungary: A Secondary Outcome of a Case–Control Study
by Evelin Polanek, Anita Sisák, Regina Molnár, Zsuzsanna Máté, Edina Horváth, Gábor Németh, Hajnalka Orvos, Edit Paulik and Andrea Szabó
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101431 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Adequate vitamin D (VD) intake during pregnancy is needed for fetal development and maternal health maintenance. However, while there is no doubt regarding its importance, there is not a unified recommendation regarding adequate intake. The main aim of our study was to measure [...] Read more.
Adequate vitamin D (VD) intake during pregnancy is needed for fetal development and maternal health maintenance. However, while there is no doubt regarding its importance, there is not a unified recommendation regarding adequate intake. The main aim of our study was to measure the VD serum level of studied women, together with its potential influencing factors: demographic (i.e., age, level of education, relationship status and type of residence), conception and pregnancy related factors. Results are based on secondary data analyses of a retrospective case–control study of 100 preterm and 200 term pregnancies, where case and control groups were analyzed together. Data collection was based on a self-administered questionnaire, health documentation, and maternal serum VD laboratory tests. VD intake was evaluated by diet and dietary supplement consumption. According to our results, 68.1% of women took some kind of prenatal vitamin, and only 25.9% of them knew about its VD content. Only 12.1% of included women reached the optimal, 75 nmol/L serum VD level. Higher maternal serum levels were associated with early pregnancy care visits (p = 0.001), assisted reproductive therapy (p = 0.028) and advice from gynecologists (p = 0.049). A correlation was found between VD intake and serum levels (p < 0.001). Despite the compulsory pregnancy counselling in Hungary, health consciousness, VD intake and serum levels remain below the recommendations. The role of healthcare professionals is crucial during pregnancy regarding micronutrients intake and the appropriate supplementation dose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
32 pages, 5703 KiB  
Article
Hyperspectral Image Mixed Noise Removal via Double Factor Total Variation Nonlocal Low-Rank Tensor Regularization
by Yongjie Wu, Wei Xu and Liangliang Zheng
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101686 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
A hyperspectral image (HSI) is often corrupted by various types of noise during image acquisition, e.g., Gaussian noise, impulse noise, stripes, deadlines, and more. Thus, as a preprocessing step, HSI denoising plays a vital role in many subsequent tasks. Recently, a variety of [...] Read more.
A hyperspectral image (HSI) is often corrupted by various types of noise during image acquisition, e.g., Gaussian noise, impulse noise, stripes, deadlines, and more. Thus, as a preprocessing step, HSI denoising plays a vital role in many subsequent tasks. Recently, a variety of mixed noise removal approaches have been developed for HSI, and the methods based on spatial–spectral double factor and total variation (DFTV) regularization have achieved comparable performance. Additionally, the nonlocal low-rank tensor model (NLR) is often employed to characterize spatial nonlocal self-similarity (NSS). Generally, fully exploring prior knowledge can improve the denoising performance, but it significantly increases the computational cost when the NSS prior is employed. To solve this problem, this article proposes a novel DFTV-based NLR regularization (DFTVNLR) model for HSI mixed noise removal. The proposed model employs low-rank tensor factorization (LRTF) to characterize the spectral global low-rankness (LR), introduces 2-D and 1-D TV constraints on double-factor to characterize the spatial and spectral local smoothness (LS), respectively. Meanwhile, the NLR is applied to the spatial factor to characterize the NSS. Then, we developed an algorithm based on proximal alternating minimization (PAM) to solve the proposed model effectively. Particularly, we effectively controlled the computational cost from two aspects, namely taking small-sized double factor as regularization object and putting the time-consuming NLR model before the main loop with fewer iterations to solve it independently. Finally, considerable experiments on simulated and real noisy HSI substantiate that the proposed method is superior to the related state-of-the-art methods in balancing the denoising effect and speed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing: 15th Anniversary)
12 pages, 1615 KiB  
Article
Cotton Fabric-Reinforced Hydrogels with Excellent Mechanical and Broad-Spectrum Photothermal Antibacterial Properties
by Xiangnan Yuan, Jun Zhang, Jiayin Shi, Wenfu Liu, Andreii S. Kritchenkov, Sandra Van Vlierberghe, Lu Wang, Wanjun Liu and Jing Gao
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101346 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings hold great potential in eliminating bacteria and accelerating the healing process. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogel wound dressings that simultaneously exhibit excellent mechanical and photothermal antibacterial properties. Here we report the development of polydopamine-functionalized graphene oxide [...] Read more.
Antibacterial hydrogel wound dressings hold great potential in eliminating bacteria and accelerating the healing process. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate hydrogel wound dressings that simultaneously exhibit excellent mechanical and photothermal antibacterial properties. Here we report the development of polydopamine-functionalized graphene oxide (rGO@PDA)/calcium alginate (CA)/Polypyrrole (PPy) cotton fabric-reinforced hydrogels (abbreviated as rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs) for tackling bacterial infections. The mechanical properties of hydrogels were greatly enhanced by cotton fabric reinforcement and an interpenetrating structure, while excellent broad-spectrum photothermal antibacterial properties based on the photothermal effect were obtained by incorporating PPy and rGO@PDA. Results indicated that rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs exhibited superior tensile strength in both the warp (289 ± 62.1 N) and weft directions (142 ± 23.0 N), similarly to cotton fabric. By incorporating PPy and rGO@PDA, the swelling ratio was significantly decreased from 673.5% to 236.6%, while photothermal conversion performance was significantly enhanced with a temperature elevated to 45.0 °C. Due to the synergistic photothermal properties of rGO@PDA and PPy, rGO@PDA/CA/PPy FHs exhibited excellent bacteria-eliminating efficiency for S. aureus (0.57%) and E. coli (3.58%) after exposure to NIR for 20 min. We believe that the design of fabric-reinforced hydrogels could serve as a guideline for developing hydrogel wound dressings with improved mechanical properties and broad-spectrum photothermal antibacterial properties for infected-wound treatment. Full article
27 pages, 3299 KiB  
Review
Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application
by Mónica P. S. Ferreira, Afonso S. Gonçalves, Joana C. Antunes, João Bessa, Fernando Cunha and Raúl Fangueiro
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101345 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In recent decades, the interest in responsive fibrous structures has surged, propelling them into diverse applications: from wearable textiles that adapt to their surroundings, to filtration membranes dynamically altering selectivity, these structures showcase remarkable versatility. Various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, electricity, and [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the interest in responsive fibrous structures has surged, propelling them into diverse applications: from wearable textiles that adapt to their surroundings, to filtration membranes dynamically altering selectivity, these structures showcase remarkable versatility. Various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, electricity, and chemical compounds, can serve as triggers to unleash physical or chemical changes in response. Processing methodologies such as weaving or knitting using responsive yarns, electrospinning, as well as coating procedures, enable the integration of responsive materials into fibrous structures. They can respond to these stimuli, and comprise shape memory materials, temperature-responsive polymers, chromic materials, phase change materials, photothermal materials, among others. The resulting effects can manifest in a variety of ways, from pore adjustments and altered permeability to shape changing, color changing, and thermal regulation. This review aims to explore the realm of fibrous structures, delving into their responsiveness to external stimuli, with a focus on temperature, light, and pH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Smart Applications of Functional Polymeric Materials)
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3 pages, 635 KiB  
Editorial
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Götz von Berlichingen, and the „Iron Hands“
by Andreas Otte
Prosthesis 2024, 6(3), 506-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis6030035 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Knight Götz von Berlichingen (1480–1562) was born into a time of upheaval during the transition from the late Middle Ages to modern times [...] Full article
18 pages, 8587 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Diffusion Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Particulate Matter in Ship Exhaust Plume in Arctic Environment Based on CFD
by Yuanqing Zhu, Qiqi Wan, Qichen Hou, Yongming Feng, Jia Yu, Jie Shi and Chong Xia
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050580 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The gradual opening of the Arctic shipping route has made navigation possible. However, the harm caused by ship exhaust emissions is increasingly severe. Therefore, it is necessary to study the diffusion characteristics of ship exhaust plumes during Arctic navigation. The study focuses on [...] Read more.
The gradual opening of the Arctic shipping route has made navigation possible. However, the harm caused by ship exhaust emissions is increasingly severe. Therefore, it is necessary to study the diffusion characteristics of ship exhaust plumes during Arctic navigation. The study focuses on a merchant vessel as the subject of investigation, employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation techniques to analyze the diffusion characteristics of particulate matter (PM) within ship exhaust plumes under Arctic environmental conditions. The diffusion law of ship exhaust plume PM is clarified, and the influence of three factors, synthetic wind speed, yaw angle and chimney angle, on the PM diffusion is analyzed. It was found that after the PM was discharged from the chimney, the majority of the PM dispersed directly backward along with the external flow field, while a minor fraction lingered at the stern of the ship for an extended period before eventually diffusing backward. Among them, 1235 particles were captured within a range of 200 m from the stern, with a capture rate of 0.6%. When the synthetic wind shows a yaw angle, the capture rate of PM in the interval increases rapidly with the increase of yaw angle, while other factors have less influence on the capture rate of PM. This study provides foundational guidance for predicting PM diffusion from ship exhaust plumes in Arctic environments, thereby enabling more effective strategies for managing such emissions. Full article
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17 pages, 402 KiB  
Article
Joint Transmit and Receive Beamforming Design for DPC-Based MIMO DFRC Systems
by Chenhao Yang, Xin Wang and Wei Ni
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101846 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes an optimal beamforming strategy for a downlink multi-user multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system with dirty paper coding (DPC) adopted at the transmitter. We aim to achieve the maximum weighted sum rate of communicating users while adhering to a [...] Read more.
This paper proposes an optimal beamforming strategy for a downlink multi-user multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system with dirty paper coding (DPC) adopted at the transmitter. We aim to achieve the maximum weighted sum rate of communicating users while adhering to a predetermined transmit covariance constraint for radar performance assurance. To make the intended problem trackable, we leverage the equivalence of the weighted sum rate and the weighted minimum mean squared error (MMSE) to reframe the issue and devise a block coordinate descent (BCD) approach to iteratively calculate transmit and receive beamforming solutions. Through this methodology, we demonstrate that the optimal receive beamforming aligns with the traditional MMSE approach, whereas the optimal transmit beamforming design can be cast into a quadratic optimization problem defined on a complex Stiefel manifold. Based on the majorization–minimization (MM) method, an iterative algorithm is then developed to compute the optimal transmit beamforming design by solving a series of orthogonal Procrustes problems (OPPs) that admit closed-form optimal solutions. Numerical findings serve to validate the efficacy of our scheme. It is demonstrated that our approach can achieve at least 73% higher spectral efficiency than the existing methods in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microwave and Wireless Communications)
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18 pages, 1514 KiB  
Article
Quercetin and Rutin as Tools to Enhance Antioxidant Profiles and Post-Priming Seed Storability in Medicago truncatula
by Shraddha Shridhar Gaonkar, Federico Sincinelli, Alma Balestrazzi and Andrea Pagano
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050738 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Seed priming is routinely applied to improve germination rates and seedling establishment, but the decrease in longevity observed in primed seeds constitutes a major drawback that compromises long-term storability. The optimization of priming protocols able to preserve primed seeds from aging processes represents [...] Read more.
Seed priming is routinely applied to improve germination rates and seedling establishment, but the decrease in longevity observed in primed seeds constitutes a major drawback that compromises long-term storability. The optimization of priming protocols able to preserve primed seeds from aging processes represents a promising route to expand the scope of seed priming. The present work explores this possibility in the model legume Medicago truncatula by testing the effectiveness of quercetin- and rutin-supplemented seed priming at improving the response to subsequent artificial aging. In comparison with a non-supplemented hydropriming protocol, supplementation with quercetin or rutin was able to mitigate the effects of post-priming aging by increasing germination percentage and speed, improving seed viability and seedling phenotype, with consistent correlations with a decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species and an increase in antioxidant potential. The results suggest that quercetin and rutin can reduce the effects of post-priming aging by improving the seed antioxidant profiles. The present work provides novel information to explore the physiological changes associated with seed priming and aging, with possible outcomes for the development of tailored vigorization protocols able to overcome the storability constrains associated with post-priming aging processes. Full article
12 pages, 1218 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Mass-Manufactured Sand Concrete by Incorporating Granite Powder
by Jian Huang, Guangfeng Xu, Shujie Chen, Demei Yu, Tengfei Fu, Chao Feng and Yulin Wang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102234 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
The production of manufactured sand and stone processing can cause dust pollution due to the generation of a significant amount of stone powder. This dust (mainly granite powder) was collected and incorporated as a cement replacement into mass-manufactured sand concrete in order to [...] Read more.
The production of manufactured sand and stone processing can cause dust pollution due to the generation of a significant amount of stone powder. This dust (mainly granite powder) was collected and incorporated as a cement replacement into mass-manufactured sand concrete in order to enhance the mechanical properties and microstructures. The heat of the hydration was measured by adding the granite powder into the cementitious material system. The mechanical properties, autogenous shrinkage, and pore structures of the concrete were tested. The results showed that the mechanical strength of the concrete increased first and then decreased with the increase in granite powder content. By replacing the 5% cement with the granite powder, the 28 d compressive and flexural strength increased by 17.6% and 20.9%, respectively. The autogenous shrinkage was mitigated by the incorporation of the 10% granite powder and decreased by 19.7%. The mechanism of the granite powder in the concrete was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The porosity decreased significantly within the 10% granite powder. A microstructure analysis did not reveal a change in the type of hydration products but rather that the granite powder played a role in the microcrystalline nucleation during the hydration process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Cement-Based Composites for Civil Engineering (Volume II))
18 pages, 1142 KiB  
Article
An Electronically Reconfigurable Highly Selective Stop-Band Ultra-Wideband Antenna Applying Electromagnetic Bandgaps and Positive-Intrinsic-Negative Diodes
by Anees Abbas, Niamat Hussain, Md. Abu Sufian, Wahaj Abbas Awan, Jaemin Lee and Nam Kim
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050638 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
In this article, an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna featuring two reconfigurable quasi-perfect stop bands at WLAN (5.25–5.75 GHz) and lower 5G (3.4–3.8 GHz) utilizing electromagnetic bandgaps (EBGs) and positive-intrinsic-negative (P-I-N) diodes is proposed. A pair of EBG structures are applied to generate sharp notch [...] Read more.
In this article, an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna featuring two reconfigurable quasi-perfect stop bands at WLAN (5.25–5.75 GHz) and lower 5G (3.4–3.8 GHz) utilizing electromagnetic bandgaps (EBGs) and positive-intrinsic-negative (P-I-N) diodes is proposed. A pair of EBG structures are applied to generate sharp notch bands in the targeted frequency spectrum. Each EBG creates a traditional notch, while two regular notches are combined to make a quasi-perfect, sharp, notch band. Four P-I-N diodes are engraved into the EBG structures to enable notch band reconfigurability. By switching the operational condition of the four diodes, the UWB antenna can dynamically adjust its notching characteristics to enhance its adaptability to various communication standards and applications. The antenna can be reconfigured as a UWB (3–11.6 GHz) without any notch band, a UWB with a single sharp notch (either at WLAN or 5G), or a UWB with two quasi-perfect notch bands. Moreover, the antenna’s notch bands can also be switched from a traditional notch to a quasi-perfect notch and vice versa. To confirm the validity of the simulated outcomes, the proposed reconfigurable UWB antenna is fabricated and measured. The experimental findings are aligned closely with simulation results, and the antenna offers notch band reconfigurability. The antenna shows a consistently favorable radiation pattern and gain. The dimension of the presented antenna is 20 × 27 × 1.52 mm3 (0.45 λc × 0.33 λc × 0.025 λc, where λc is the wavelength in free space). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microwave Passive Components, 2nd Edition)
16 pages, 1031 KiB  
Article
An Improved Suppression Method of AC Transient Overvoltage for Line Commuted Converter Based High Voltage Direct Current Considering AC-DC System Coupling
by Jinxin Ouyang, Yujie Chen, Xinyu Pan and Yanbo Diao
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101844 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Commutation failures in line commuted converter-based high voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) transmission systems leads to an increase in the converter bus voltage of the rectifier station, thus resulting in AC transient overvoltage in the sending-end grid. The transient overvoltage could lead to the [...] Read more.
Commutation failures in line commuted converter-based high voltage direct current (LCC-HVDC) transmission systems leads to an increase in the converter bus voltage of the rectifier station, thus resulting in AC transient overvoltage in the sending-end grid. The transient overvoltage could lead to the disconnection of renewable energy generation and threaten the stable operation of the sending-end grid. However, the influences of the coupling between AC and DC systems caused by the interaction between the active and reactive power of the sending-end grid, the AC bus voltage of the rectifier station, and the DC current are ignored. The AC transient overvoltage cannot be accurately suppressed. Therefore, in this study, the transient voltage characteristics of the rectifier station under a commutation failure of the inverter station are analyzed. The influence of LCC-HVDC control on the AC bus voltage of a rectifier station through the active and reactive power of the rectifier station is analyzed. A dynamic model of the AC bus voltage of a rectifier station under an AC-DC system coupling is established. The calculation method of the command value of the DC current of the rectifier station is proposed by a predictive control model, and an improved suppression method for AC transient overvoltage is proposed. The case studies show that the accuracy and effectiveness of the suppression of AC transient overvoltage are improved by considering the coupling between AC and DC systems. Full article
14 pages, 3357 KiB  
Article
Music and Religion in the Spiritual World of the Hungarian Aristocracy: The Case of Count Anton Erdődy (1714–1769)
by Jana Kalinayová-Bartová and Eva Szórádová
Religions 2024, 15(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050584 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
This study deals with the forms and expressions of the Christian piety of the Hungarian aristocracy in the early modern period on the example of Anton Erdődy (1714–1769), a representative of one of the most influential and most ancient Hungarian–Croatian noble families. The [...] Read more.
This study deals with the forms and expressions of the Christian piety of the Hungarian aristocracy in the early modern period on the example of Anton Erdődy (1714–1769), a representative of one of the most influential and most ancient Hungarian–Croatian noble families. The personal piety of this socially high-ranking aristocrat was shaped by familial, social, and spiritual traditions, which determined the nature of his artistic patronage. The unique Baroque organ preserved in the chapel of his no longer existing mansion in Trenčianske Bohuslavice, Slovakia (former Bohuslavice, Upper Hungary) is a magnificent manifestation of this patronage. The reconstruction of Anton Erdődy’s idea of the spiritual world and of his piety enables us to formulate a hypothesis that the atypical architectural and structural design of this organ did not result only from the aesthetic requirements of its commissioner, but also had a theological foundation and religious essence in addition to its visual effect. This study is the result of extensive heuristic research and analysis of sources and extant artefacts using the methods of music historiography. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soundscapes of Religion)
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31 pages, 1326 KiB  
Review
Nanostructured Metal Oxide-Based Electrochemical Biosensors in Medical Diagnosis
by Gulsu Keles, Elif Sifa Ataman, Sueda Betul Taskin, İlker Polatoglu and Sevinc Kurbanoglu
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050238 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2024
Abstract
Nanostructured metal oxides (NMOs) provide electrical properties such as high surface−to−volume ratio, reaction activity, and good adsorption strength. Furthermore, they serve as a conductive substrate for the immobilization of biomolecules, exhibiting notable biological activity. Capitalizing on these characteristics, they find utility in the [...] Read more.
Nanostructured metal oxides (NMOs) provide electrical properties such as high surface−to−volume ratio, reaction activity, and good adsorption strength. Furthermore, they serve as a conductive substrate for the immobilization of biomolecules, exhibiting notable biological activity. Capitalizing on these characteristics, they find utility in the development of various electrochemical biosensing devices, elevating the sensitivity and selectivity of such diagnostic platforms. In this review, different types of NMOs, including zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron (II, III) oxide (Fe3O4), nickel oxide (NiO), and copper oxide (CuO); their synthesis methods; and how they can be integrated into biosensors used for medical diagnosis are examined. It also includes a detailed table for the last 10 years covering the morphologies, analysis techniques, analytes, and analytical performances of electrochemical biosensors developed for medical diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Enzyme-Based Biosensors)
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