The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
24 pages, 2596 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nb Doping on the Electrical Contact Properties of AgNi Contact Materials
by Jingqin Wang, Menghan Wang, Jing Chen and Guanglin Huang
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050638 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
AgNi contact materials have received widespread attention with the acceleration of the process of replacing AgCdO contact materials. However, the practical applications of AgNi contact materials are limited due to its disadvantage of poor resistance to melting welding. Firstly, following the first principles [...] Read more.
AgNi contact materials have received widespread attention with the acceleration of the process of replacing AgCdO contact materials. However, the practical applications of AgNi contact materials are limited due to its disadvantage of poor resistance to melting welding. Firstly, following the first principles of the density functional theory, we simulated and tested an interfacial model of AgNi doped with varying amounts of Nb. Next, we fabricated AgNi electrical contact materials. Subsequently, we conducted electrical contact tests. Finally, the impact of Nb doping on the arc erosion behavior of AgNi electrical contact materials was analyzed. The results indicate that, with an increase in Nb doping content, the electrical contact performance and the degree of arc erosion exhibit a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing, which aligns with the simulation results. The mean values of arc energy, arc duration, and welding force for the material doped with 4.55% Nb were 181.02 mJ, 9.43 mS, and 38.45 cN, respectively. Moreover, the anode is more responsive to changes in Nb content compared to the cathode. The introduction of Nb enhances the viscosity of the molten pool in the AgNi electrical contact. Furthermore, the mechanisms of grain boundary strengthening and solid solution strengthening by Nb improve the weld performance resistance of the contact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing and Surface Engineering IV)
13 pages, 321 KiB  
Article
How Can the University Environment Support Student Quality of Life? A Novel Conceptual Model
by Alyson Lamont Dodd, Georgia Punton, Joanna Mary Averill McLaren, Elizabeth Sillence and Nicola Byrom
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050547 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
During emerging adulthood (18–25 years), university students have taken steps towards independent living and learning. However, they are also in a liminal phase before the ‘stable roles’ of adulthood. This developmental context distinguishes them from both adolescents and peers who are not attending [...] Read more.
During emerging adulthood (18–25 years), university students have taken steps towards independent living and learning. However, they are also in a liminal phase before the ‘stable roles’ of adulthood. This developmental context distinguishes them from both adolescents and peers who are not attending university. In order to support student well-being, their unique priorities and concerns need to be taken into consideration. This qualitative study explored what life domains were important to students, and what influenced Quality of Life (QoL) within these, in order to build a novel conceptual model of student QoL. Individual interviews (n = 18) were conducted with undergraduate students (aged 18–25 years). The themes derived via Template Analysis were Supportive and Rewarding University Studies, Personal Growth, Social Support, Concerns about Finances and Financial Independence, Physical Environment, Physical and Mental Well-being, and Maintaining Balance. As well as conceptualising QoL in students, this model has practical value for operationalising student QoL. It is a framework to help universities to understand the needs and priorities of students and provide well-being initiatives in line with these needs. Full article
14 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
An Investigative Analysis of Therapeutic Strategies in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Raetrospective Examination of 23 Biopsy-Confirmed Cases Emphasizing the Significance of Histopathological Insights
by Anca Zgura, Mugur Cristian Grasu, Radu Lucian Dumitru, Letitia Toma, Laura Iliescu and Cosmin Baciu
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1916; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101916 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) combines standardized terminology with a classification system for imaging findings in patients with HCC, therefore rendering diagnostic biopsy unnecessary in many cases. This retrospective study included 23 patients with a biopsy diagnosis of HCC, [...] Read more.
Background: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) combines standardized terminology with a classification system for imaging findings in patients with HCC, therefore rendering diagnostic biopsy unnecessary in many cases. This retrospective study included 23 patients with a biopsy diagnosis of HCC, performed either before or after local interventional procedures, in order to evaluate the histopathologic changes induced by previous procedures and their potential influence on the response to immune therapy. Material and Methods: The study encompassed a cohort of patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Diagnosis was established via contrast-enhanced computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging that identified LI-RADS-5 nodules in conjunction with historical liver disease and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels or via histological examination confirming positivity for glypican3, heat shock protein 70, and glutamine synthetase. The study detailed the liver disease etiology, LI-RADS scores, characteristics and dimensions of HCC nodules, serum AFP concentrations, Edmondson–Steiner grading, and the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the tumor cells. Results: Among the study’s cohort of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients, a portion had not received any prior treatments, while the remainder experienced local HCC recurrence following trans-arterial chemoembolization or radiofrequency ablation. Observations indicated elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in those who had not undergone any previous interventions, showing statistical significance. The Edmondson–Steiner classification predominantly identified grade III differentiation across patients, irrespective of their treatment history. Furthermore, an increase in intra-tumoral programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was noted in patients who had not been subjected to previous therapies. Conclusion: Liver biopsy offers valuable insights for patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), assisting in the tailoring of immune therapy strategies, particularly in cases of recurrence following prior local interventions. Full article
11 pages, 6666 KiB  
Article
Application of Laser Remelting Technology in the Case of Cultivator Tines
by István Domokos and Sándor Pálinkás
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050637 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The effectiveness of farming relies heavily on the condition of machinery and equipment, as well as maintaining the ideal soil conditions for the desired yields. Soil cultivation tools endure substantial stress and wear, emphasizing the need to study their durability surrounding soil contact. [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of farming relies heavily on the condition of machinery and equipment, as well as maintaining the ideal soil conditions for the desired yields. Soil cultivation tools endure substantial stress and wear, emphasizing the need to study their durability surrounding soil contact. Our research focuses on enhancing the lifespan of worn-out ploughshares through various heat treatment methods and hot metal spraying. By remelting the surface of ploughshares using a flame or laser, we aim to identify the most effective treatment for agricultural production. The improved surface treatment of the furrows in field tillers can significantly cut costs and enhance tillage efficiency. Our preliminary findings suggest that the metal spraying and remelting of nickel alloy hold promise for achieving these goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Laser Coatings)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 980 KiB  
Article
Study on the Flow Field Distribution in Microfluidic Cells for Surface Plasmon Resonance Array Detection
by Wanwan Chen, Jing Li, Peng Wang, Shuai Ma and Bin Li
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102426 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
This research is dedicated to optimizing the design of microfluidic cells to minimize mass transfer effects and ensure a uniform flow field distribution, which is essential for accurate SPR array detection. Employing finite element simulations, this study methodically explored the internal flow dynamics [...] Read more.
This research is dedicated to optimizing the design of microfluidic cells to minimize mass transfer effects and ensure a uniform flow field distribution, which is essential for accurate SPR array detection. Employing finite element simulations, this study methodically explored the internal flow dynamics within various microfluidic cell designs to assess the impact of different contact angles on flow uniformity. The cells, constructed from Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were subjected to micro-particle image velocimetry to measure flow velocities in targeted sections. The results demonstrate that a contact angle of 135° achieves the most uniform flow distribution, significantly enhancing the capability for high-throughput array detection. While the experimental results generally corroborated the simulations, minor deviations were observed, likely due to fabrication inaccuracies. The microfluidic cells, evaluated using a custom-built SPR system, showed consistent repeatability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Physics)
14 pages, 1218 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Factors of Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with t(8;21) (q22;q22): A Single-Center Retrospective Study
by Jiapeng Yang, Xiaohua Zhu, Honghong Zhang, Yang Fu, Zifeng Li, Ziping Xing, Yi Yu, Ping Cao, Jun Le, Junye Jiang, Jun Li, Hongsheng Wang and Xiaowen Zhai
Children 2024, 11(5), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050605 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to analyze the treatment effect and prognostic factors of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t(8;21). A total of 268 newly diagnosed pediatric AML (pAML) enrolled from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and [...] Read more.
This retrospective study aimed to analyze the treatment effect and prognostic factors of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with t(8;21). A total of 268 newly diagnosed pediatric AML (pAML) enrolled from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, and 50 (18.7%) patients harbored t(8;21) translocation. CR rate, OS, EFS, and RFS were assessed by multivariate Logistic and Cox regression models in these patients. Of the 50 patients, 2 patients abandoned treatment during the first induction course. Of the remaining 48 patients who received double-induction therapy and were included in the final analyses, CR1 and CR2 were 75.0% (36/48) and 95.8% (46/48), respectively. The overall three-year OS, EFS, and RFS were 68.4% (95% CI, 55.0–85.1), 64.2% (95% CI, 50.7–81.4), and 65.5% (95% CI, 51.9–82.8), respectively. The presence of loss of sex chromosome (LOS) at diagnosis (n = 21) was associated with a better 3-year OS [87.5% (95% CI, 72.7–100) vs. 52.7% (95% CI, 35.1–79.3), p = 0.0089], 3-year EFS [81.6% (95% CI, 64.7–100) vs. 49.7% (95% CI, 32.4–76.4), p = 0.023], and 3-year RFS [81.6% (95% CI, 64.7–100) vs. 51.7% (95% CI, 33.9–78.9), p = 0.036] than those without LOS (n = 27), and it was also an independent good prognostic factor of OS (HR, 0.08 [95% CI, 0.01–0.48], p = 0.005), EFS (HR, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.05–0.85], p = 0.029), and RFS (HR, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.05–0.90], p = 0.035). However, extramedullary leukemia (EML) featured the independent risk factors of inferior OS (HR, 10.99 [95% CI, 2.08–58.12], p = 0.005), EFS (HR, 4.75 [95% CI, 1.10–20.61], p = 0.037), and RFS (HR, 6.55 [95% CI, 1.40–30.63], p = 0.017) in pediatric individuals with t(8;21) AML. Further analysis of combining LOS with EML indicated that the EML+LOS− subgroup had significantly inferior OS (92.9%, [95% CI, 80.3–100]), EFS (86.2%, [95% CI, 70.0–100]), and RFS (86.2%, [95% CI, 80.3–100]) compared to the other three subgroups (all p < 0.001). LOS and EML are independent prognostic factors of OS, EFS, and RFS with t(8;21) pAML patients. LOS combined with EML may help improve risk stratification. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 591 KiB  
Article
Nuclear Matter Equation of State in the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock Approach and Standard Skyrme Energy Density Functionals
by Isaac Vidaña, Jérôme Margueron and Hans-Josef Schulze
Universe 2024, 10(5), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10050226 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter as well as the neutron and proton effective masses and their partial-wave and spin–isospin decomposition are analyzed within the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach. Theoretical uncertainties for all these quantities are estimated by using several phase-shift-equivalent nucleon–nucleon forces [...] Read more.
The equation of state of asymmetric nuclear matter as well as the neutron and proton effective masses and their partial-wave and spin–isospin decomposition are analyzed within the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock approach. Theoretical uncertainties for all these quantities are estimated by using several phase-shift-equivalent nucleon–nucleon forces together with two types of three-nucleon forces, phenomenological and microscopic. It is shown that the choice of the three-nucleon force plays an important role above saturation density, leading to different density dependencies of the energy per particle. These results are compared to the standard form of the Skyrme energy density functional, and we find that it is not possible to reproduce the BHF predictions in the (S,T) channels in symmetric and neutron matter above saturation density, already at the level of the two-body interaction, and even more including the three-body interaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Studies in Neutron Stars)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 27408 KiB  
Article
ECMWF Ensemble Forecasts of Six Tropical Cyclones That Formed during a Long-Lasting Rossby Wave Breaking Event in the Western North Pacific
by Russell L. Elsberry, Hsiao-Chung Tsai, Wei-Chia Chin and Timothy P. Marchok
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050610 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The ECMWF‘s ensemble (ECEPS) predictions are documented for the lifecycles of six tropical cyclones (TCs) that formed during a long-lasting Rossby wave breaking event in the western North Pacific. All six TC tracks started between 20° N and 25° N, and between 136° [...] Read more.
The ECMWF‘s ensemble (ECEPS) predictions are documented for the lifecycles of six tropical cyclones (TCs) that formed during a long-lasting Rossby wave breaking event in the western North Pacific. All six TC tracks started between 20° N and 25° N, and between 136° E and 160° E. All five typhoons recurved north of 30° N, and the three typhoons that did not make landfall had long tracks to 50° N and beyond. The ECEPS weighted mean vector motion track forecasts from pre-formation onward are quite accurate, with track forecast spreads that are primarily related to initial position uncertainties. The ECEPS intensity forecasts have been validated relative to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) Working Best Track (WBT) intensities (when available). The key results for Tokage (11 W) were the ECEPS forecasts of the intensification to a peak intensity of 100 kt, and then a rapid decay as a cold-core cyclone. For Hinnamnor (12 W), the key result was the ECEPS intensity forecasts during the post-extratropical transition period when Hinnamnor was rapidly translating poleward through the Japan Sea. For Muifa (14 W), the key advantage of the ECEPS was that intensity guidance was provided for longer periods than the JTWC 5-day forecast. The most intriguing aspect of the ECEPS forecasts for post-Merbok (15 W) was its prediction of a transition to an intense, warm-core vortex after Merbok had moved beyond 50° N and was headed toward the Aleutian Islands. The most disappointing result was that the ECEPS over-predicted the slow intensification rate of Nanmadol (16 W) until the time-to-typhoon (T2TY), but then failed to predict the large rapid intensification (RI) following the T2TY. The tentative conclusion is that the ECEPS model‘s physics are not capable of predicting the inner-core spin-up rates when a small inner-core vortex is undergoing large RI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Typhoon/Hurricane Dynamics and Prediction (2nd Edition))
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
Training a Filter-Based Model of the Cochlea in the Context of Pre-Trained Acoustic Models
by Louise Coppieters de Gibson and Philip N. Garner
Acoustics 2024, 6(2), 470-488; https://doi.org/10.3390/acoustics6020025 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Auditory research aims in general to lead to understanding of physiological processes. By contrast, the state of the art in automatic speech processing (notably recognition) is dominated by large pre-trained models that are meant to be used as black-boxes. In this work, we [...] Read more.
Auditory research aims in general to lead to understanding of physiological processes. By contrast, the state of the art in automatic speech processing (notably recognition) is dominated by large pre-trained models that are meant to be used as black-boxes. In this work, we integrate a physiologically plausible (albeit simple filter-based) model of the cochlea into a much larger pre-trained acoustic model for speech recognition. We show that the hybrid system can be trained and evaluated with various combinations of fine-tuning and self-supervision. The results broadly show that the system automatically yields structures that are known to work well. Moreover, these structures lack artifacts that were apparent in (our) previous work using less sophisticated neural models. We conclude that the hybrid structure is an appropriate way to proceed in auditory research, more generally allowing the work to take advantage of larger models and databases from which it would not otherwise benefit. Full article
17 pages, 1418 KiB  
Article
Location-Aware Range-Error Correction for Improved UWB Localization
by Sander Coene, Chenglong Li, Sebastian Kram, Emmeric Tanghe, Wout Joseph and David Plets
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3203; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103203 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we present a novel localization scheme, location-aware ranging correction (LARC), to correct ranging estimates from ultra wideband (UWB) signals. Existing solutions to calculate ranging corrections rely solely on channel information features (e.g., signal energy, maximum amplitude, estimated range). We propose [...] Read more.
In this paper, we present a novel localization scheme, location-aware ranging correction (LARC), to correct ranging estimates from ultra wideband (UWB) signals. Existing solutions to calculate ranging corrections rely solely on channel information features (e.g., signal energy, maximum amplitude, estimated range). We propose to incorporate a preliminary location estimate into a localization chain, such that location-based features can be calculated as inputs to a range-error prediction model. This way, we can add information to range-only measurements without relying on additional hardware such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU). This improves performance and reduces overfitting behavior. We demonstrate our LARC method using an open-access measurement dataset with distances up to 20 m, using a simple regression model that can run purely on the CPU in real-time. The inclusion of the proposed features for range-error mitigation decreases the ranging error 90th percentile (P90) by 58% to 15 cm (compared to the uncorrected range error), for an unseen trajectory. The 2D localization P90 error is improved by 21% to 18 cm. We show the robustness of our approach by comparing results to a changed environment, where metallic objects have been moved around the room. In this modified environment, we obtain a 56% better P90 ranging performance of 16 cm. The 2D localization P90 error improves as much as for the unchanged environment, by 17% to 18 cm, showing the robustness of our method. This method evolved from the first-ranking solution of the 2021 and 2022 International Conference on Indoor Position and Indoor Navigation (IPIN) Competition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Indoor LBS with Emerging Sensor Technologies)
15 pages, 3744 KiB  
Article
Hot Spots of Bitter Compounds in the Roots of Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca: Wild and Cultivated Comparative
by Óscar González-López, Álvaro Rodríguez-González, Carmelo García Pinto, Julia Arbizu-Milagro and Pedro A. Casquero
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051068 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca M. Lainz is a plant endemic to the north-western mountainous areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its roots are widely used mainly because of the high content of bitter compounds. The occurrence of these valuable bitter compounds in the [...] Read more.
Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca M. Lainz is a plant endemic to the north-western mountainous areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its roots are widely used mainly because of the high content of bitter compounds. The occurrence of these valuable bitter compounds in the roots is rather inhomogeneous, resulting in fluctuating root quality. Methanolic extracts obtained from different parts and tissues of wild and cultivated gentian, in and out of its natural environment, were analysed using HPLC chromatography to investigate the variation in the concentration of amarogentin, gentiopicroside, sweroside and swertiamarin. The distribution patterns of these compounds in the different analysed fractions showed that the concentration of bitter compounds varies significantly. Amarogentin is much more highly concentrated in the secondary roots, and all of the analysed compounds were found in a significantly higher content in the root cortex than in the vascular tissues. Roots cultivated in the natural habitat showed much higher concentrations in amarogentin and more biomass, while in those cultivated out of the natural environment, sweroside concentration was higher. These results allow us to understand that, when cultivated, the variability in the concentration of the different bitter compounds is linked with the edaphoclimatic conditions, but more importantly that it is linked with the dominating kind of tissues and the root system structure, especially when analysing the content of amarogentin and sweroside. The selection of plants with an optimal root system structure for breeding may increase the yield in bitter compounds and contribute to developing the commercial cultivation of this protected plant. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2431 KiB  
Article
Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus in Kidney-Transplanted Patients: Related Factors and Impact on Long-Term Outcome
by Carlo Alfieri, Edoardo Campioli, Paolo Fiorina, Emanuela Orsi, Valeria Grancini, Anna Regalia, Mariarosaria Campise, Simona Verdesca, Nicholas Walter Delfrate, Paolo Molinari, Anna Maria Pisacreta, Evaldo Favi, Piergiorgio Messa and Giuseppe Castellano
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101520 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of glucose metabolism abnormalities and their impact on long-term clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTxps). A retrospective analysis of 832 KTxps (2004–2020) was performed. Patients were assessed at 1 (T1), 6 (T6), and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of glucose metabolism abnormalities and their impact on long-term clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTxps). A retrospective analysis of 832 KTxps (2004–2020) was performed. Patients were assessed at 1 (T1), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months post-transplantation and clinically followed for an average of 103 ± 60 months. At T6, 484 patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test for the diagnosis of alterations in glucose metabolism (AMG+) or post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM+). The prevalence of pre-transplant diabetes was 6.2%, with 22.4% of PTDM+ within the 1st year. Patients with AMG were older and exhibited altered lipid profiles, higher body mass index, and increased inflammatory indices. Age at transplantation, lipid profile, and inflammatory status were significant determinants of PTDM. Graft loss was unaffected by glucose metabolism alterations. Survival analysis demonstrated significantly worse long-term survival for KTxps with diabetes (pre- and PTDM+, p = 0.04). In a comparison of the ND and PTDM+ groups, no significant differences in death with a functioning graft were found. The AMG+ group exhibited worse survival (p < 0.001) than AMG−, even after excluding patients with diabetes mellitus. Future randomized controlled trials are necessary to delve deeper into this subject, specifically examining the effects of new antidiabetic treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet Management in Renal Diseases)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1330 KiB  
Article
Automatic Bird Species Recognition from Images with Feature Enhancement and Contrastive Learning
by Feng Yang, Na Shen and Fu Xu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4278; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104278 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Accurate bird species recognition is crucial for ecological conservation, wildlife monitoring, and biological research, yet it poses significant challenges due to the high variability within species and the subtle similarities between different species. This paper introduces an automatic bird species recognition method from [...] Read more.
Accurate bird species recognition is crucial for ecological conservation, wildlife monitoring, and biological research, yet it poses significant challenges due to the high variability within species and the subtle similarities between different species. This paper introduces an automatic bird species recognition method from images that leverages feature enhancement and contrast learning to address these challenges. Our method incorporates a multi-scale feature fusion module to comprehensively capture information from bird images across diverse scales and perspectives. Additionally, an attention feature enhancement module is integrated to address noise and occlusion within images, thus enhancing the model’s robustness. Furthermore, employing a siamese network architecture allows effective learning of common features within instances of the same class and distinctions between different bird species. Evaluated on the CUB200-2011 dataset, our proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance, surpassing existing methods with an accuracy of 91.3% and F1 score of 90.6%. Moreover, our approach showcases a notable advantage in scenarios with limited training data. When utilizing only 5% of the training data, our model still achieves a recognition accuracy of 65.2%, which is significantly higher than existing methods under similar data constraints. Notably, our model exhibits faster execution times compared to existing methods, rendering it suitable for real-time applications. Full article
21 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Digital Economy on Supply Chain Security: Evidence from China’s Wooden Furniture Industry
by Yiyi Luo, Yilin Chen, Chenlu Tao, Chao Yang, Futao Xiang, Chang Xu and Fanli Lin
Forests 2024, 15(5), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050879 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Supply chain security is a major prerequisite for China’s successful industrial modernization, while the digital economy has significantly contributed to industrial transformation and upgrading. This study considers China’s wooden furniture industry as its research object, constructing an evaluation index system of the digital [...] Read more.
Supply chain security is a major prerequisite for China’s successful industrial modernization, while the digital economy has significantly contributed to industrial transformation and upgrading. This study considers China’s wooden furniture industry as its research object, constructing an evaluation index system of the digital economy and supply chain security of the wooden furniture industry. Then, it studies the impact of the digital economy on supply chain security through theoretical analysis and empirical methods using the two-way fixed model of provinces and time. The findings demonstrate that the digital economy effectively enhances the level of supply chain security in China’s wooden furniture industry, further validating the digital economy’s positive externality impact on the traditional real economy. The impact mechanism test shows that inventory turnover capacity is the focal point for the digital economy to improve the supply chain security of the wood furniture industry, specifying the starting point for that industry’s digital transformation. The heterogeneity findings show that the role of the digital economy in improving the wood furniture industry’s level of supply chain security is more significant in inland areas than in coastal areas. Additional analyses found a threshold effect of the digital economy’s impact on supply chain security, indicating its limitations. This study explores the impact of the digital economy on the real economy from a traditional manufacturing industry, enriching research on the positive externalities of the digital economy as well as providing a reference for traditional manufacturing industries, such as that of wooden furniture, to probe the embedding points of the digital economy and appropriate digital transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Global Economic Changes on the Wood-Based Industry)
17 pages, 1310 KiB  
Article
A New Symmetrical Source-Based DC/AC Converter with Experimental Verification
by Kailash Kumar Mahto, Bidyut Mahato, Bikramaditya Chandan, Durbanjali Das, Priyanath Das, Georgios Fotis, Vasiliki Vita and Michael Mann
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101975 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
This research paper introduces a new topology for multilevel inverters, emphasizing the reduction of harmonic distortion and the optimization of the component count. The complexity of an inverter is determined by the number of power switches, which is significantly reduced in the presented [...] Read more.
This research paper introduces a new topology for multilevel inverters, emphasizing the reduction of harmonic distortion and the optimization of the component count. The complexity of an inverter is determined by the number of power switches, which is significantly reduced in the presented topology, as fewer switches require fewer driver circuits. In this proposed topology, a new single-phase generalized multilevel inverter is analyzed with an equal magnitude of voltage supply. A 9-level, 11-level, or 13-level symmetrical inverter with RL load is analyzed in MATLAB/Simulink 2019b and then experimentally validated using the dSPACE-1103 controller. The experimental verification of the load voltage and current with different modulation indices is also presented. The analysis of the proposed topology concludes that the total required number of components is lower than that necessary for the classical inverter topologies, as well as for some new proposed multilevel inverters that are also compared with the proposed topology in terms of gate driver circuits, power switches, and DC sources, which thereby enhances the goodness of the proposed topology. Thus, a comparison of this inverter with the other topologies validates its acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Power Systems Quality)
17 pages, 1054 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Spatial Heterogeneity of Urban Green Space on Surface Temperature
by Mengru Zhang, Jianguo Wang and Fei Zhang
Forests 2024, 15(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050878 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Urban green space (UGS) has been recognized as a key factor in enhancing the urban ecosystem balance, particularly in arid areas. It is often considered an effective means to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. In this study, the reference comparison method [...] Read more.
Urban green space (UGS) has been recognized as a key factor in enhancing the urban ecosystem balance, particularly in arid areas. It is often considered an effective means to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. In this study, the reference comparison method was utilized to optimize the process of nighttime lighting data; the random forest classification method was employed to extract UGS data; and the radiative transfer method was applied in land surface temperature (LST) inversion. Additionally, moving window analysis was conducted to assess the robustness of the results. The objective of this research was to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of UGS and LST and to explore their bivariate local spatial autocorrelations by calculating four landscape metrics, including the aggregation index (AI), edge density (ED), patch density (PD), and area-weighted mean shape index (Shape_am). It was found that the distribution of UGS in the study area was uneven, with higher temperatures in the eastern and western regions and lower temperatures in the central and southern regions. The results also revealed that ED, PD, and Shape_am were negatively correlated with LST, with correlation coefficients being −0.469, −0.388, and −0.411, respectively, indicating that UGS in these regions were more effective in terms of cooling effect. Conversely, AI was found to be positively correlated with LST (Moran’ I index of 0.449), indicating that surface temperatures were relatively higher in regions of high aggregation. In essence, the fragmented, complex, and evenly distributed green patches in the study area provided a better cooling effect. These findings should persuade decision makers and municipal planners to allocate more UGS in cities for UHI alleviation to improve quality of life and enhance recreational opportunities. Full article
22 pages, 3353 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Water Purification by Integrating Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes into Polyethersulfone Membranes for Improved Hydrophilicity and Anti-Fouling Performance
by Ayesha Bilal, Muhammad Yasin, Faheem Hassan Akhtar, Mazhar Amjad Gilani, Hamad Alhmohamadi, Mohammad Younas, Azeem Mushtaq, Muhammad Aslam, Mehdi Hassan, Rab Nawaz, Aqsha Aqsha, Jaka Sunarso, Muhammad Roil Bilad and Asim Laeeq Khan
Membranes 2024, 14(5), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes14050116 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Water pollution remains a critical concern, one necessitated by rapidly increasing industrialization and urbanization. Among the various strategies for water purification, membrane technology stands out, with polyethersulfone (PES) often being the material of choice due to its robust mechanical properties, thermal stability, and [...] Read more.
Water pollution remains a critical concern, one necessitated by rapidly increasing industrialization and urbanization. Among the various strategies for water purification, membrane technology stands out, with polyethersulfone (PES) often being the material of choice due to its robust mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, PES-based membranes tend to exhibit low hydrophilicity, leading to reduced flux and poor anti-fouling performance. This study addresses these limitations by incorporating titanium dioxide nanotubes (TiO2NTs) into PES nanofiltration membranes to enhance their hydrophilic properties. The TiO2NTs, characterized through FTIR, XRD, BET, and SEM, were embedded in PES at varying concentrations using a non-solvent induced phase inversion (NIPS) method. The fabricated mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were subjected to testing for water permeability and solute rejection capabilities. Remarkably, membranes with a 1 wt.% TiO2NT loading displayed a significant increase in pure water flux, from 36 to 72 L m2 h−1 bar−1, a 300-fold increase in selectivity compared to the pristine sample, and a dye rejection of 99%. Furthermore, long-term stability tests showed only a slight reduction in permeate flux over a time of 36 h, while dye removal efficiency was maintained, thus confirming the membrane’s stability. Anti-fouling tests revealed a 93% flux recovery ratio, indicating excellent resistance to fouling. These results suggest that the inclusion of TiO2 NTs offers a promising avenue for the development of efficient and stable anti-fouling PES-based membranes for water purification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membrane-Based Technologies for Water/Wastewater Treatment)
23 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Real-Size Reconstruction of Porous Media Using the Example of Fused Filament Fabrication 3D-Printed Rock Analogues
by Alexander A. Oskolkov, Alexander A. Kochnev, Sergey N. Krivoshchekov and Yan V. Savitsky
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(3), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8030104 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
The multi-scale study of rock properties is a necessary step in the planning of oil and gas reservoir developments. The amount of core samples available for research is usually limited, and some of the samples can be distracted. The investigation of core reconstruction [...] Read more.
The multi-scale study of rock properties is a necessary step in the planning of oil and gas reservoir developments. The amount of core samples available for research is usually limited, and some of the samples can be distracted. The investigation of core reconstruction possibilities is an important task. An approach to the real-size reconstruction of porous media with a given (target) porosity and permeability by controlling the parameters of FFF 3D printing using CT images of the original core is proposed. Real-size synthetic core specimens based on CT images were manufactured using FFF 3D printing. The possibility of reconstructing the reservoir properties of a sandstone core sample was proven. The results of gas porometry measurements showed that the porosity of specimens No.32 and No.46 was 13.5% and 12.8%, and the permeability was 442.3 mD and 337.8 mD, respectively. The porosity of the original core was 14% and permeability was 271 mD. It was found that changing the layer height and nozzle diameter, as well as the retract and restart distances, has a direct effect on the porosity and permeability of synthetic specimens. This study shows that porosity and permeability of synthetic specimens depend on the flow of the material and the percentage of overlap between the infill and the outer wall. Full article
31 pages, 3523 KiB  
Review
Natural Product-Derived Phytochemicals for Influenza A Virus (H1N1) Prevention and Treatment
by Ruichen Li, Qianru Han, Xiaokun Li, Xinguang Liu and Weijie Jiao
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2371; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102371 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses are prone to antigenic mutations and are more variable than other influenza viruses. Therefore, they have caused continuous harm to human public health since the pandemic in 2009 and in recent times. Influenza A (H1N1) can be prevented and [...] Read more.
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses are prone to antigenic mutations and are more variable than other influenza viruses. Therefore, they have caused continuous harm to human public health since the pandemic in 2009 and in recent times. Influenza A (H1N1) can be prevented and treated in various ways, such as direct inhibition of the virus and regulation of human immunity. Among antiviral drugs, the use of natural products in treating influenza has a long history, and natural medicine has been widely considered the focus of development programs for new, safe anti-influenza drugs. In this paper, we focus on influenza A (H1N1) and summarize the natural product-derived phytochemicals for influenza A virus (H1N1) prevention and treatment, including marine natural products, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids and their derivatives, phenols and their derivatives, polysaccharides, and derivatives of natural products for prevention and treatment of influenza A (H1N1) virus. We further discuss the toxicity and antiviral mechanism against influenza A (H1N1) as well as the druggability of natural products. We hope that this review will facilitate the study of the role of natural products against influenza A (H1N1) activity and provide a promising alternative for further anti-influenza A drug development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Advancements in Battery Cell Finalization: Insights from an Expert Survey and Prospects for Process Optimization
by Tobias Robben, Christian Offermanns, Heiner Heimes and Achim Kampker
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050219 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Battery cell finalization is a crucial process chain in battery manufacturing, contributing to a significant share of CAPEX and OPEX. Thus, there is a high cost-saving potential by improving the process chain. This research paper investigates various crucial facets of the cell finalization [...] Read more.
Battery cell finalization is a crucial process chain in battery manufacturing, contributing to a significant share of CAPEX and OPEX. Thus, there is a high cost-saving potential by improving the process chain. This research paper investigates various crucial facets of the cell finalization process in battery cell production through an expert survey. These include investment cost allocation, potential cost savings in sub-processes, reject generation, early detection of faulty cells, quality measurement techniques, and the utilization of inline data for early quality determination and real-time process control during the formation process. A solution approach for the implementation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for inline early quality determination is given. The results yield valuable insights for optimizing the formation process and enhancing product quality. Full article
16 pages, 3223 KiB  
Article
Time-Domain Transfer Learning for Accurate Heavy Metal Concentration Retrieval Using Remote Sensing and TrAdaBoost Algorithm: A Case Study of Daxigou, China
by Yun Yang, Qingzhen Tian, Han Bai, Yongqiang Wei, Yi Yan and Aidi Huo
Water 2024, 16(10), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101439 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Traditionally, the assessment of heavy metal concentrations using remote sensing technology is sample-intensive, with expensive model development. Using a mining area case study of Daxigou, China, we propose a cross-time-domain transfer learning model to monitor heavy metal pollution using samples collected from different [...] Read more.
Traditionally, the assessment of heavy metal concentrations using remote sensing technology is sample-intensive, with expensive model development. Using a mining area case study of Daxigou, China, we propose a cross-time-domain transfer learning model to monitor heavy metal pollution using samples collected from different time domains. Specifically, spectral indices derived from Landsat 8 multispectral images, terrain, and other auxiliary data correlative to soil heavy metals were prepared. A cross time-domain sample transfer learning model proposed in the paper based on the TrAdaBoost algorithm was used for the Cu content mapping in the topsoil by selective use of soil samples acquired in 2017 and 2019. We found that the proposed model accurately estimated the concentration of Cu in the topsoil of the mining area in 2019 and performed better than the traditional TrAdaBoost algorithms. The goodness of fit (R2) of the test set increased from 0.55 to 0.66; the relative prediction deviation (RPD) increased from 1.37 to 1.76; and finally, the root-mean-square deviation (RMSE), decreased from 8.33 to 7.24 mg·kg−1.The proposed model is potentially applicable to more accurate and inexpensive monitoring of heavy metals, facilitating remediation-related efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Evaluation of Hydrology and Ecology in Mining Areas)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2377 KiB  
Article
Artificial Neuron Based on the Bloch-Point Domain Wall in Ferromagnetic Nanowires
by Carlos Sánchez, Diego Caso and Farkhad G. Aliev
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102425 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Nanomagnetism and spintronics are currently active areas of research, with one of the main goals being the creation of low-energy-consuming magnetic memories based on nanomagnet switching. These types of devices could also be implemented in neuromorphic computing by crafting artificial neurons (ANs) that [...] Read more.
Nanomagnetism and spintronics are currently active areas of research, with one of the main goals being the creation of low-energy-consuming magnetic memories based on nanomagnet switching. These types of devices could also be implemented in neuromorphic computing by crafting artificial neurons (ANs) that emulate the characteristics of biological neurons through the implementation of neuron models such as the widely used leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) with a refractory period. In this study, we have carried out numerical simulations of a 120 nm diameter, 250 nm length ferromagnetic nanowire (NW) with the aim of exploring the design of an artificial neuron based on the creation and destruction of a Bloch-point domain wall. To replicate signal integration, we applied pulsed trains of spin currents to the opposite faces of the ferromagnetic NW. These pulsed currents (previously studied only in the continuous form) are responsible for inducing transitions between the stable single vortex (SV) state and the metastable Bloch point domain wall (BP-DW) state. To ensure the system exhibits leak and refractory properties, the NW was placed in a homogeneous magnetic field of the order of mT in the axial direction. The suggested configuration fulfills the requirements and characteristics of a biological neuron, potentially leading to the future creation of artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on reversible changes in the topology of magnetic NWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanowires: Growth and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 977 KiB  
Article
Identifying p56lck SH2 Domain Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking and In Silico Scaffold Hopping
by Priyanka Samanta and Robert J. Doerksen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4277; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104277 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2024
Abstract
Bacterial infections are the second-leading cause of death, globally. The prevalence of antibacterial resistance has kept the demand strong for the development of new and potent drug candidates. It has been demonstrated that Src protein tyrosine kinases (TKs) play an important role in [...] Read more.
Bacterial infections are the second-leading cause of death, globally. The prevalence of antibacterial resistance has kept the demand strong for the development of new and potent drug candidates. It has been demonstrated that Src protein tyrosine kinases (TKs) play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses to tissue injury, which can trigger the onset of several severe diseases. We carried out a search for novel Src protein TK inhibitors, commencing from reported highly potent anti-bacterial compounds obtained using the Mannich reaction, using a combination of e-pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, ensemble docking, and core hopping. The top-scoring compounds from ligand-based virtual screening were modified using protein structure-based design approaches, and their binding to the Src homology-2 domain of p56lck TK was predicted using ensemble molecular docking. We have prepared a database of 202 small molecules and have identified six novel top hits that can be subjected to further investigation. We have also performed in silico ADMET property prediction for the hit compounds. This combined computer-aided drug design approach can serve as a starting point for identifying novel TK inhibitors that could be further subjected to in vitro studies and validation of antimicrobial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Organic and Medicinal Chemistry)

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop