The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
15 pages, 2580 KiB  
Article
Brain Network Modularity and Resilience Signaled by Betweenness Centrality Percolation Spiking
by Parker Kotlarz, Marcelo Febo, Juan C. Nino and on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4197; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104197 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Modularity and resilience are fundamental properties of brain network organization and function. The interplay of these network characteristics is integral to understanding brain vulnerability, network efficiency, and neurocognitive disorders. One potential methodology to explore brain network modularity and resilience is through percolation theory, [...] Read more.
Modularity and resilience are fundamental properties of brain network organization and function. The interplay of these network characteristics is integral to understanding brain vulnerability, network efficiency, and neurocognitive disorders. One potential methodology to explore brain network modularity and resilience is through percolation theory, a sub-branch of graph theory that simulates lesions across brain networks. In this work, percolation theory is applied to connectivity matrices derived from functional MRI from human, mice, and null networks. Nodes, or regions, with the highest betweenness centrality, a graph theory quantifier that examines shortest paths, were sequentially removed from the network. This attack methodology led to a rapid fracturing of the network, resulting in two terminal modules connected by one transfer module. Additionally, preceding the rapid network fracturing, the average betweenness centrality of the network peaked in value, indicating a critical point in brain network functionality. Thus, this work introduces a methodological perspective to identify hubs within the brain based on critical points that can be used as an architectural framework for a neural network. By applying percolation theory to functional brain networks through a network phase-transition lens, network sub-modules are identified using local spikes in betweenness centrality as an indicator of brain criticality. This modularity phase transition provides supporting evidence of the brain functioning at a near-critical point while showcasing a formalism to understand the computational efficiency of the brain as a neural network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Neuroscience and Neural Engineering)
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25 pages, 8816 KiB  
Article
Bearing Performance of Prestressed High-Strength Concrete Pipe Pile Cap Connections under Truncated Pile Conditions
by Yasheng Liu, Zhaosheng Guo, Wubin He, Xinsheng Ge, Jingyue Wang and Jing Zhao
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051430 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
To investigate the load-carrying performance of the nodes between tubular piles and bearing platforms, low circumferential reciprocating load foot-scale tests were performed on two truncated PHC B 600 130 tubular piles. The development law of node destruction was explored. The test results revealed [...] Read more.
To investigate the load-carrying performance of the nodes between tubular piles and bearing platforms, low circumferential reciprocating load foot-scale tests were performed on two truncated PHC B 600 130 tubular piles. The development law of node destruction was explored. The test results revealed that under the action of tensile–bending–shear loading, the bearing concrete in the node area buckled and was damaged, and an articulation point was formed. When the embedment depth increased from 200 mm to 300 mm, the ultimate bearing capacities of the positive and negative nodes increased by 57.60% and 54.60%, respectively. Numerical simulation was used to analyze the bearing capacities of nodes with different types and embedment depths. Formulas for the bearing capacity of the nodes were proposed. Furthermore, two preferred node types were proposed as follows: pipe pile core-filled longitudinal reinforcement anchored to the bearing node and pipe pile body longitudinal reinforcement anchored to the bearing node + pipe pile core-filled longitudinal reinforcement anchored to the bearing node, with preferred embedment depths of 350 mm and 200 mm, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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23 pages, 733 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Metabolomic Insights into Olive Oil’s Nutritional Value
by Marta Gonçalves, María Rodríguez-Pérez, Anna Calabrò, Emma Burgos-Ramos, Giulia Accardi and Paula Silva
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4203; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104203 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This review explores the critical role of advanced metabolomic methodologies in interpreting the complex relationship between the bioactive compounds in olive oil and their health benefits. Olive oil, the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, [...] Read more.
This review explores the critical role of advanced metabolomic methodologies in interpreting the complex relationship between the bioactive compounds in olive oil and their health benefits. Olive oil, the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, is renowned for its numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. This review begins with an overview of the importance of olive oil for nutrition and health, followed by a detailed discussion of the key metabolites that contribute to its therapeutic potential. It further explores the evolution of analytical techniques in metabolomics from traditional methods to cutting-edge technologies, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which have enhanced our understanding of the complex composition of olive oil. This review highlights how these advanced analytical findings correlate with the known health properties of olive oil and presents case studies in which these methodologies have led to new insights. Finally, we address the challenges in standardizing these techniques and discuss future research directions, underscoring the significance of metabolomics in nutritional science and public health. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide a deeper understanding of the health benefits of olive oil, informed by the latest advancements in analytical methodologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient and Metabolite Profiling in Food Science)
14 pages, 424 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning-Driven Interference Perceptual Multi-Modulation for Full-Duplex Systems
by Taehyoung Kim and Gyuyeol Kong
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101542 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, a novel data transmission scheme, interference perceptual multi-modulation (IP-MM), is proposed for full-duplex (FD) systems. In order to unlink the conventional uplink (UL) data transmission using a single modulation and coding scheme (MCS) over the entire assigned UL bandwidth, IP-MM [...] Read more.
In this paper, a novel data transmission scheme, interference perceptual multi-modulation (IP-MM), is proposed for full-duplex (FD) systems. In order to unlink the conventional uplink (UL) data transmission using a single modulation and coding scheme (MCS) over the entire assigned UL bandwidth, IP-MM enables the transmission of UL data channels based on multiple MCS levels, where a different MCS level is applied to each subband of UL transmission. In IP-MM, a deep convolutional neural network is used for MCS-level prediction for each UL subband by estimating the potential residual self-interference (SI) according to the downlink (DL) resource allocation pattern. In addition, a subband-based UL transmission procedure is introduced from a specification point of view to enable IP-MM-based UL transmission. The benefits of IP-MM are verified using simulations, and it is observed that IP-MM achieves approximately 20% throughput gain compared to the conventional UL transmission scheme. Full article
17 pages, 5930 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Sandy Soil by Combining Microbial Mineralization Technology with Silty Soil
by Jun Hu, Fei Fan, Luyan Huang and Junchao Yu
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102362 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Currently, coastal sandy soils face issues such as insufficient foundation strength, which has become one of the crucial factors constraining urban development. Geotechnical engineering, as a traditional discipline, breaks down disciplinary barriers, promotes interdisciplinary integration, and realizes the green ecological and low-carbon development [...] Read more.
Currently, coastal sandy soils face issues such as insufficient foundation strength, which has become one of the crucial factors constraining urban development. Geotechnical engineering, as a traditional discipline, breaks down disciplinary barriers, promotes interdisciplinary integration, and realizes the green ecological and low-carbon development of geotechnical engineering, which is highly important. Based on the “dual carbon” concept advocating a green and environmentally friendly lifestyle, Bacillus spores were utilized to induce calcium carbonate precipitation technology (MICP) to solidify coastal sandy soils, leveraging the rough-surface and low-permeability characteristics of silty soil. The mechanical-strength variations in the samples were explored through experiments, such as calcium carbonate generation rate tests, non-consolidated undrained triaxial shear tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, to investigate the MICP solidification mechanism. The results indicate that by incorporating silty soil into sandy soil for MICP solidification, the calcium carbonate generation rates of the samples were significantly increased. With the increase in the silty-soil content, the enhancement range was 0.58–3.62%, with the maximum calcium carbonate generation rate occurring at a 5% content level. As the silty-soil content gradually increased from 1% to 5%, the peak deviator stress increased by 4.2–43.2%, enhancing the sample shear strength. Furthermore, the relationship between the internal-friction angle, cohesion, and shear strength further validates the enhancement of the shear strength. Silty soil plays roles in adsorption and physical filling during the MICP solidification process, reducing the inter-particle pores in sandy soil, increasing the compactness, providing adsorption sites, and enhancing the calcium carbonate generation rate, thereby improving the shear strength. The research findings can provide guidance for reinforcing poor coastal sandy-soil foundations in various regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanics of Materials)
8 pages, 377 KiB  
Brief Report
Specific Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain Circulating in Prison Revealed by Cost-Effective Amplicon Sequencing
by Joaquín Hurtado, María Noel Bentancor, Paula Laserra, Cecilia Coitinho and Gonzalo Greif
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050999 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This scientific study focuses on tuberculosis (TB) within prison settings, where persons deprived of liberty (PDL) face significantly higher rates of the disease compared to the general population. The research employs the low-cost amplicon sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, aiming first to identify [...] Read more.
This scientific study focuses on tuberculosis (TB) within prison settings, where persons deprived of liberty (PDL) face significantly higher rates of the disease compared to the general population. The research employs the low-cost amplicon sequencing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, aiming first to identify specific lineages and also to detect mutations associated with drug resistance. The method involves multiplex amplification, DNA extraction, and sequencing, providing valuable insights into TB dynamics and resistance-mutation profiles within the prison system at an affordable cost. The study identifies a characteristic lineage (X) circulating among PDLs in the penitentiary system in Uruguay, absent in the general population, and notes its prevalence at prison entry. No high-confidence mutations associated with drug resistance were found. The findings underscore the importance of molecular epidemiology in TB control, emphasizing the potential for intra-prison transmissions and the need for broader studies to understand strain dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mycobacterial Tuberculosis Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development)
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20 pages, 8159 KiB  
Article
Towards a Sustainable Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process via the Characterisation of Additively Manufactured Nitinol Parts
by Muhannad Ahmed Obeidi, Paul Healy, Hasan Alobaidi, Declan Bourke and Dermot Brabazon
Designs 2024, 8(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs8030045 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Is additive manufacturing (AM) a sustainable process? Can the process be optimised to produce sustainable AM parts and production techniques? Additive manufacturing offers the production of parts made of different types of materials in addition to the complex geometry that is difficult or [...] Read more.
Is additive manufacturing (AM) a sustainable process? Can the process be optimised to produce sustainable AM parts and production techniques? Additive manufacturing offers the production of parts made of different types of materials in addition to the complex geometry that is difficult or impossible to produce by using the traditional subtractive methods. This study is focused on the optimisation of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), one of the most common technologies used in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. This research was carried out by modulating the build layer thickness of the deposited metal powder and the input volumetric energy density. The aim of the proposed strategy is to save the build time by maximizing the applied layer thickness of nitinol powder while retrieving the different AM part properties. The saving in the process time has a direct effect on the total cost of the produced part as a result of several components like electric energy, inert gas consumption, and labour. Nickel-rich nitinol (52.39 Ni at.%) was selected for investigation in this study due to its extremely high superplastic and shape memory properties in addition to the wide application in various industries like aerospace, biomedical, and automotive. The results obtained show that significant energy and material consumption can be found by producing near full dens AM parts with limited or no alteration in chemical and mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering Design)
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19 pages, 444 KiB  
Article
Peru’s National Policy on Financial Inclusion and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goal I
by Alejandro Ticona Machaca, Félix Henry Gutiérrez Castillo, Bertelly Turpo Aliaga, Dominga Micaela Cano Ccoa, Roger Yucra Quispe, John Herbert Cahuana Sánchez, Corina Nanci Duran Ttito, Yasser Malaga Yllpa, Lourdes Janet Silva Flores and Paulo César Callupe Cueva
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104151 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This article analyzes the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) I: Eradicate poverty. Despite the progress achieved, structural gaps persist and substantially limit the NFIS’s contribution to poverty reduction, especially among rural, indigenous, [...] Read more.
This article analyzes the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) I: Eradicate poverty. Despite the progress achieved, structural gaps persist and substantially limit the NFIS’s contribution to poverty reduction, especially among rural, indigenous, extreme poverty, and other vulnerable groups. The article employs a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. On the qualitative side, a hermeneutic documentary analysis of the NFIS and related regulations was carried out, with a critical textual interpretation supported by specialized software. Quantitatively, descriptive statistical techniques were applied to analyze official financial inclusion indicators—methodological integration was achieved through analytical triangulation under a concurrent mixed methods approach. The progress of initiatives under the NFIS was evaluated, identifying limitations such as the digital divide in rural areas, limited financing for Micro and Small Enterprises, gaps in financial education, and growing exposure to digital fraud. Although the NFIS promotes greater access to financial services, it does not explicitly focus on the poorest and most excluded populations. Therefore, it is recommended that the objectives and indicators of the NFIS be reformulated to focus on universal access and effective use of financial services by the population in extreme poverty and chronic exclusion. In addition, a strategic articulation with social protection policies is necessary, as well as promoting culturally relevant microfinance and inclusive finance models, strengthening consumer protection, and consolidating public–private alliances in high-poverty areas. Finally, strong monitoring and accountability are also key. Full article
15 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Compressive Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Lattice-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites Based on ABAQUS
by Weiguo Wu, Jing Qiao, Yuanyuan Wei, Wenfeng Hao and Can Tang
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102370 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Research has established that the incorporation of 3D-printed lattice structures in cement substrates enhances the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. However, given that 3D-printing materials, notably polymers, exhibit varying degrees of mechanical performance under high-temperature conditions, their efficacy is compromised. Notably, at temperatures [...] Read more.
Research has established that the incorporation of 3D-printed lattice structures in cement substrates enhances the mechanical properties of cementitious materials. However, given that 3D-printing materials, notably polymers, exhibit varying degrees of mechanical performance under high-temperature conditions, their efficacy is compromised. Notably, at temperatures reaching 150 °C, these materials soften and lose their load-bearing capacity, necessitating further investigation into their compressive mechanical behavior in such environments. This study evaluates the compressibility of cement materials reinforced with lattice structures made from polyamide 6 (PA6) across different structural configurations and ambient temperatures, employing ABAQUS for simulation. Six distinct 3D-printed lattice designs with equivalent volume but varying configurations were tested under ambient temperatures of 20 °C, 50 °C, and 100 °C to assess their impact on compressive properties. The findings indicate that heightened ambient temperatures significantly diminish the reinforcing effect of 3D-printed materials on the properties of cement-based composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Methods and Modeling Applied for Composite Structures)
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17 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
The Role of Nitrate Supply in Bioactive Compound Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity in the Cultivation of Porphyra linearis (Rhodophyta, Bangiales) for Future Cosmeceutical and Bioremediation Applications
by Débora Tomazi Pereira, Nathalie Korbee, Julia Vega and Félix L. Figueroa
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(5), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22050222 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Porphyra sensu lato has economic importance for food and pharmaceutical industries due to its significant physiological activities resulting from its bioactive compounds (BACs). This study aimed to determine the optimal nitrate dosage required in short-term cultivation to achieve substantial BAC production. A nitrate [...] Read more.
Porphyra sensu lato has economic importance for food and pharmaceutical industries due to its significant physiological activities resulting from its bioactive compounds (BACs). This study aimed to determine the optimal nitrate dosage required in short-term cultivation to achieve substantial BAC production. A nitrate experiment using varied concentrations (0 to 6.5 mM) revealed optimal nitrate uptake at 0.5 mM in the first two days and at 3 and 5 mM in the last five days. Polyphenols and carbohydrates showed no differences between treatments, while soluble proteins peaked at 1.5 and 3 mM. Total mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were highest in algae incubated at 5 and 6.5 mM, and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the 5 mM, potentially related to the MAAs amount. Total carbon and sulfur did not differ between treatments, while nitrogen decreased at higher nitrate. This discovery highlights the nuanced role of nitrate in algal physiology, suggesting that biological and chemical responses to nitrate supplementation can optimize an organism’s health and its commercially significant bioactive potential. Furthermore, given its ability to absorb high doses of nitrate, this alga can be cultivated in eutrophic zones or even in out-/indoor tanks, becoming an excellent option for integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) and bioremediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Sea to Skin: Advancements in Marine-Based Cosmeceuticals)
22 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Immunohistochemical Scoring System of CDX2 Expression as a Prognostic Biomarker in Colon Cancer
by Andreea-Corina Ilie-Petrov, Daniel-Alin Cristian, Florin Andrei Grama, Andrei Chitul, Angela Blajin, Andrei Popa, Draga-Maria Mandi, Luminița Welt, Marina Alina Bara, Rareș Vrîncianu and Carmen Maria Ardeleanu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(10), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14101023 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. [...] Read more.
Encoded by the CDX2 homeobox gene, the CDX2 protein assumes the role of a pivotal transcription factor localized within the nucleus of intestinal epithelial cells, orchestrating the delicate equilibrium of intestinal physiology while intricately guiding the precise development and differentiation of epithelial tissue. Emerging research has unveiled that positive immunohistochemical expression of this protein shows that the CDX2 gene exerts a potent suppressive impact on tumor advancement in colorectal cancer, impeding the proliferation and distant dissemination of tumor cells, while the inhibition or suppression of CDX2 frequently correlates with aggressive behavior in colorectal cancer. In this study, we conducted an immunohistochemical assessment of CDX2 expression on a cohort of 43 intraoperatively obtained tumor specimens from patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Colțea Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, between April 2019 and December 2023. Additionally, we shed light on the morphological diversity within colon tumors, uncovering varying differentiation grades within the same tumor, reflecting the variations in CDX2 expression as well as the genetic complexity underlying these tumors. Based on the findings, we developed an innovative immunohistochemical scoring system that addresses the heterogeneous nature of colon tumors. Comprehensive statistical analysis of CDX2 immunohistochemical expression unveiled significant correlations with known histopathological parameters such as tumor differentiation grades (p-value = 0.011) and tumor budding score (p-value = 0.002), providing intriguing insights into the complex involvement of the CDX2 gene in orchestrating tumor progression through modulation of differentiation processes, and highlighting its role in metastatic predisposition. The compelling correlation identified between CDX2 expression and conventional histopathological parameters emphasizes the prognostic significance of the CDX2 biomarker in colon cancer. Moreover, our novel immunohistochemical scoring system reveals a distinct subset of colon tumors exhibiting reserved prognostic outcomes, distinguished by their “mosaic” CDX2 expression pattern. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management in Digestive Surgery)
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23 pages, 12047 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Yb:YAG Laser Beam Caustics and Thermal Phenomena in Laser–Arc Hybrid Welding Process with Phase Transformations in the Solid State
by Marcin Kubiak, Zbigniew Saternus, Tomasz Domański and Wiesława Piekarska
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102364 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This paper focuses on the mathematical and numerical modeling of the electric arc + laser beam welding (HLAW) process using an innovative model of the Yb:YAG laser heat source. Laser energy distribution is measured experimentally using a UFF100 analyzer. The results of experimental [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the mathematical and numerical modeling of the electric arc + laser beam welding (HLAW) process using an innovative model of the Yb:YAG laser heat source. Laser energy distribution is measured experimentally using a UFF100 analyzer. The results of experimental research, including the beam profile and energetic characteristics of an electric arc, are used in the model. The laser beam description is based on geostatistical kriging interpolation, whereas the electric arc is modeled using Goldak’s distribution. Hybrid heat source models are used in numerical algorithms to analyze physical phenomena occurring in the laser–arc hybrid welding process. Thermal phenomena with fluid flow in the fusion zone (FZ) are described by continuum conservation equations. The kinetics of phase transformations in the solid state are determined using Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) and Koistinen–Marburger (KM) equations. A continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram is determined using interpolation functions and experimental research. An experimental dilatometric analysis for the chosen cooling rates is performed to define the start and final temperatures as well as the start and final times of phase transformations. Computer simulations of butt-welding of S355 steel are executed to describe temperature and melted material velocity profiles. The predicted FZ and heat-affected zone (HAZ) are compared to cross-sections of hybrid welded joints, performed using different laser beam focusing. The obtained results confirm the significant influence of the power distribution of the heat source and the laser beam focusing point on the temperature distribution and the characteristic zones of the joint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer Technologies)
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11 pages, 578 KiB  
Article
Awareness of Proton Pump Inhibitor Adverse Events and Treatment Pattern Change According to Physician Practice: A National Questionnaire Study in Korea
by Yong Hoon Choi, Seung In Seo, Da Hyun Jung, Joon Sung Kim, Seung Young Kim, Hyun Chul Lim and Young Hoon Youn
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050529 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Although adverse events of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been reported, there are few studies on physicians’ perceptions. We aimed to investigate physicians’ awareness of PPI-related adverse events and changes in treatment patterns according to their practice. We conducted an online survey of [...] Read more.
Although adverse events of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been reported, there are few studies on physicians’ perceptions. We aimed to investigate physicians’ awareness of PPI-related adverse events and changes in treatment patterns according to their practice. We conducted an online survey of physicians using a 15-item questionnaire. The survey queried respondents’ demographic information, PPI prescription patterns, perceptions, and concerns on the reported PPI-related adverse events. Concerns regarding the adverse events of PPI were assessed by dividing them into possibilities and medical causality. Of the 450 respondents, 430 were specialists, and 232 were gastroenterologists. A total of 87.8% of the respondents were generally or well aware of the adverse effects of PPI, 29.1% considered side effects when prescribing PPI, and 14.6% explained them to patients. Specialists were more aware of the side effects of PPI than general practitioners (p = 0.005), and gastroenterologists were more aware of the side effects of PPI than non-gastroenterologists (p < 0.001). However, gastroenterologists explained less to patients (p = 0.001) and preferred to reduce the dose of PPI rather than discontinue it. The adverse events that were recognized as having the highest probability of occurrence and strongest association with PPI use were bone diseases, Clostridium difficile infection, gastrointestinal infection, pneumonia, and interactions with anti-thrombotic drugs. Physicians’ awareness of PPI-related adverse events and treatment patterns differed significantly according to their positions and practice. Although a number of adverse events of PPIs were reported, physicians seem to accept their significance differently according to their specialty and practice patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Medicine, Cell, and Organism Physiology)
17 pages, 4530 KiB  
Article
Performance of Atmospheric Plasma-Sprayed Thermal Barrier Coatings on Additively Manufactured Super Alloy Substrates
by Madhura Bellippady, Stefan Björklund, Xin-Hai Li, Robert Frykholm, Bjorn Kjellman, Shrikant Joshi and Nicolaie Markocsan
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050626 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This work represents a preliminary study of atmospheric plasma-sprayed (APS) Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ)-based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) deposited on forged and additive manufactured (AM) HAYNES®282® (H282) superalloy substrates. The effect of different feedstock morphologies and spray gun designs with radial [...] Read more.
This work represents a preliminary study of atmospheric plasma-sprayed (APS) Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ)-based thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) deposited on forged and additive manufactured (AM) HAYNES®282® (H282) superalloy substrates. The effect of different feedstock morphologies and spray gun designs with radial and axial injection on APS-deposited YSZ layer characteristics such as microstructure, porosity content, roughness, etc., has been investigated. The performance of TBCs in terms of thermal cycling fatigue (TCF) lifetime and erosion behaviour were also comprehensively investigated. In view of the high surface roughness of as-built AM surfaces compared to forged substrates, two different types of NiCoCrAlY bond coats were examined: one involved high-velocity air fuel (HVAF) spraying of a finer powder, and the other involved APS deposition of a coarser feedstock. Despite the process and feedstock differences, the above two routes yielded comparable bond coat surface roughness on both types of substrates. Variation in porosity level in the APS topcoat was observed when deposited using different YSZ feedstock powders employing axial or radial injection. However, the resultant TBCs on AM-derived substrates were observed to possess similar microstructures and functional properties as TBCs deposited on reference (forged) substrates for any given YSZ deposition process and feedstock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thermal Spray Coatings: Technologies and Applications)
20 pages, 1288 KiB  
Article
Centering Women of Color: Chronic Vulvovaginal Pain (CVVP) Communication
by Olivia R. Adams, Amanda N. Gesselman and Margaret Bennett-Brown
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(5), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13050265 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Black and white women describe their chronic vulvar pain (CVVP) symptoms differently, indicating a patient–provider communication deficit. This may contribute to the diagnostic delay commonly reported by patients with CVVP and/or pelvic pain. Methods: A pilot study demonstrated CVVP terminology differences between [...] Read more.
Background: Black and white women describe their chronic vulvar pain (CVVP) symptoms differently, indicating a patient–provider communication deficit. This may contribute to the diagnostic delay commonly reported by patients with CVVP and/or pelvic pain. Methods: A pilot study demonstrated CVVP terminology differences between women of color and white women. The present study (N = 488) includes a sample of predominantly cisgender women who identified their race/ethnicity as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American/American Indian, and/or Asian. Participants reported how they describe their CVVP, their healthcare experiences, and characteristics of their diagnostic journey. Results: Descriptions of CVVP were not uniform. Instead, there was great variability in how women described their pain across racial/ethnic identities and pain contexts (e.g., sexual activity, menstrual product use, and pelvic exam). Some pain experiences and descriptors were associated with healthcare outcomes related to diagnostic delay. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the pain communication experiences of women of color with CVVP, an understudied population within the broader CVVP literature. By resisting white and non-white comparative methodologies, this study demonstrates the applicability of intersectionality principles to the study of CVVP and contributes to the existing literature regarding pain communication, race, and ethnicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Health Conditions and Bodies: Methods, Meanings, and Medicine)
20 pages, 3733 KiB  
Article
Aeration Alleviated the Adverse Effects of Nitrogen Topdressing Reduction on Tomato Root Vigor, Photosynthetic Performance, and Fruit Development
by Jingang Li, Pingru He, Qiu Jin, Jing Chen, Dan Chen, Xiaoping Dai, Siyu Ding and Linlin Chu
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101378 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
To explore the compensation effect of aeration on tomato vegetative and reproductive growth in arid and semi-arid areas, a two-year field experiment was conducted with four micro-nano aeration ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and three nitrogen topdressing levels (80, 60, and 40 [...] Read more.
To explore the compensation effect of aeration on tomato vegetative and reproductive growth in arid and semi-arid areas, a two-year field experiment was conducted with four micro-nano aeration ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and three nitrogen topdressing levels (80, 60, and 40 kg·ha−1) during the tomato growth period in Ningxia, China. The results showed that increasing the aeration ratio in the range of 0–15% was conducive to the enhancement of tomato root vigor (the ability of triphenyltetrazolium chloride to be reduced, 3–104%) and the leaf net photosynthetic rate (14–63%), favorable to the facilitation of plant dry matter accumulation (3–59%) and plant nitrogen accumulation (2–70%), and beneficial to the improvement of tomato yield (12–44%) and fruit quality. Interestingly, since the aeration ratio exceeded 10%, the increase in the aeration ratio showed no significant effects on the single-fruit weight, tomato yield, and fruit quality. Moreover, with aerated underground drip irrigation, properly reducing the traditional nitrogen topdressing level (80 kg·ha−1) by 25% was favorable for enhancing tomato root vigor (5–31%), increasing tomato yield (0.5–9%), and improving fruit soluble solid accumulation (2–5%) and soluble sugar formation (4–9%). Importantly, increasing the aeration ratio by 5% could compensate for the adverse effects of reducing the nitrogen topdressing level by 25% by improving the leaf photosynthetic rate, promoting plant dry matter accumulation, increasing tomato yield, and enhancing the soluble solid and soluble sugar accumulation in tomato fruits. Synthetically considering the decrease in the nitrogen topdressing amount, leading to plant growth promotion, a tomato yield increase, and fruit quality improvement, a favorable nitrogen topdressing level of 60 kg·ha−1 and the corresponding proper aeration ratio of 10% were suggested for tomato underground drip irrigation in the Yinbei Irrigation District of Ningxia. Full article
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19 pages, 15461 KiB  
Article
Geometrical Variation Analysis of Landslides in Different Geological Settings Using Satellite Images: Case Studies in Japan and Sri Lanka
by Suneth Neranjan, Taro Uchida, Yosuke Yamakawa, Marino Hiraoka and Ai Kawakami
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101757 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Over the past three decades, Sri Lanka has observed a substantial rise in landslide occurrences linked to intensified rainfall. However, the lack of comprehensive landslide inventories has hampered the development of effective risk analysis and simulation systems, requiring Sri Lanka to rely heavily [...] Read more.
Over the past three decades, Sri Lanka has observed a substantial rise in landslide occurrences linked to intensified rainfall. However, the lack of comprehensive landslide inventories has hampered the development of effective risk analysis and simulation systems, requiring Sri Lanka to rely heavily on foreign-developed models, despite the difficulty of fully examining the similarities between the characteristics of landslides in Sri Lanka and the areas where the model has been developed. Satellite images have become readily available in recent years and have provided information about the Earth’s surface conditions over the past few decades. Thus, this study verifies the utility of satellite images as a cost-effective remote-sensing method to clarify the commonalities and differences in the characteristics of landslides in two regions Ikawa, Japan, and Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka, which exhibit different geological formations despite similar annual rainfall. Using Google Earth satellite images from 2013 to 2023, we evaluated land-slide density, types, and geometry. The findings reveal that Ikawa exhibits a higher landslide density and experiences multiple-type landslides. In contrast, both areas have similar initiation areas; however, Sabaragamuwa predominantly experiences single landslides that are widespread and mobile. The findings also reveal that various characteristics of landslides are mainly influenced by varied topography. Here, we confirmed that even in areas where comprehensive information on landslides is conventionally lacking, we can understand the characteristics of landslides by comparing landslide geometry between sites using satellite imagery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomatics and Natural Hazards)
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22 pages, 855 KiB  
Article
A Dynamic Programming Approach to the Collision Avoidance of Autonomous Ships
by Raphael Zaccone
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101546 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
The advancement of autonomous capabilities in maritime navigation has gained significant attention, with a trajectory moving from decision support systems to full autonomy. This push towards autonomy has led to extensive research focusing on collision avoidance, a critical aspect of safe navigation. Among [...] Read more.
The advancement of autonomous capabilities in maritime navigation has gained significant attention, with a trajectory moving from decision support systems to full autonomy. This push towards autonomy has led to extensive research focusing on collision avoidance, a critical aspect of safe navigation. Among the various possible approaches, dynamic programming is a promising tool for optimizing collision avoidance maneuvers. This paper presents a DP formulation for the collision avoidance of autonomous vessels. We set up the problem framework, formulate it as a multi-stage decision process, define cost functions and constraints focusing on the actual requirements a marine maneuver must comply with, and propose a solution algorithm leveraging parallel computing. Additionally, we present a greedy approximation to reduce algorithm complexity. We put the proposed algorithms to the test in realistic navigation scenarios and also develop an extensive test on a large set of randomly generated scenarios, comparing them with the RRT* algorithm using performance metrics proposed in the literature. The results show the potential benefits of an autonomous navigation or decision support framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Programming)
22 pages, 2056 KiB  
Article
Gas Outburst Warning Method in Driving Faces: Enhanced Methodology through Optuna Optimization, Adaptive Normalization, and Transformer Framework
by Zhenguo Yan, Zhixin Qin, Jingdao Fan, Yuxin Huang, Yanping Wang, Jinglong Zhang, Longcheng Zhang and Yuqi Cao
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3150; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103150 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Addressing common challenges such as limited indicators, poor adaptability, and imprecise modeling in gas pre-warning systems for driving faces, this study proposes a hybrid predictive and pre-warning model grounded in time-series analysis. The aim is to tackle the effects of broad application across [...] Read more.
Addressing common challenges such as limited indicators, poor adaptability, and imprecise modeling in gas pre-warning systems for driving faces, this study proposes a hybrid predictive and pre-warning model grounded in time-series analysis. The aim is to tackle the effects of broad application across diverse mines and insufficient data on warning accuracy. Firstly, we introduce an adaptive normalization (AN) model for standardizing gas sequence data, prioritizing recent information to better capture the time-series characteristics of gas readings. Coupled with the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model, AN demonstrates superior forecasting performance compared to other standardization techniques. Next, Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) is used for feature extraction, guiding the selection of the Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) order. Minimal decomposition errors validate the efficacy of this approach. Furthermore, enhancements to the transformer framework are made to manage non-linearities, overcome gradient vanishing, and effectively analyze long time-series sequences. To boost versatility across different mining scenarios, the Optuna framework facilitates multiparameter optimization, with xgbRegressor employed for accurate error assessment. Predictive outputs are benchmarked against Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), GRU, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), where the hybrid model achieves an R-squared value of 0.980975 and a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.000149, highlighting its top performance. To cope with data scarcity, bootstrapping is applied to estimate the confidence intervals of the hybrid model. Dimensional analysis aids in creating real-time, relative gas emission metrics, while persistent anomaly detection monitors sudden time-series spikes, enabling unsupervised early alerts for gas bursts. This model demonstrates strong predictive prowess and effective pre-warning capabilities, offering technological reinforcement for advancing intelligent coal mine operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)
24 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Mechanisms of the Coexistence of Reintroduced Scimitar-Horned Oryx and Native Dorcas Gazelle in Sidi Toui National Park, Tunisia
by Marouane Louhichi, Touhami Khorchani, Marie Petretto, Douglas Eifler, Maria Eifler, Kamel Dadi, Ali Zaidi, Yamna Karssene and Mohsen Chammem
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101475 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Examining the distribution patterns and spatiotemporal niche overlap of sympatric species is crucial for understanding core concepts in community ecology and for the effective management of multi-species habitats within shared landscapes. Using data from 26 camera-traps, recorded over two years (December 2020–November 2022), [...] Read more.
Examining the distribution patterns and spatiotemporal niche overlap of sympatric species is crucial for understanding core concepts in community ecology and for the effective management of multi-species habitats within shared landscapes. Using data from 26 camera-traps, recorded over two years (December 2020–November 2022), in Sidi Toui National Park (STNP), Tunisia, we investigate habitat use and activity patterns of the scimitar-horned oryx (n = 1865 captures) and dorcas gazelle (n = 1208 captures). Using information theory and multi-model inference methods, along with the Pianka index, we evaluated the habitat characteristics influencing species distribution and their spatial niche overlap. To delineate daily activity patterns, we applied kernel density estimation. Our findings indicate minimal spatial overlap and distinct environmental factors determining suitable habitats for each species. Furthermore, we found significant temporal niche overlaps, indicative of synchrony in daily activity patterns, with both species showing peak activity at dawn and dusk. Our results indicated that oryx and gazelle differ in at least one dimension of their ecological niche at the current density levels, which contributes to their long-term and stable coexistence in STNP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology and Conservation)
14 pages, 2136 KiB  
Article
Simulation of a Pulsed Metastable Helium Lidar
by Jiaxin Lan, Yuli Han, Ruocan Zhao, Tingdi Chen, Xianghui Xue, Dongsong Sun, Hang Zhou, Zhenwei Liu and Yingyu Liu
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050465 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Measurements of atmosphere density in the upper thermosphere and exosphere are of great significance for studying space–atmosphere interactions. However, the region from 200 km to 1000 km has been a blind area for traditional ground-based active remote sensing techniques due to the limitation [...] Read more.
Measurements of atmosphere density in the upper thermosphere and exosphere are of great significance for studying space–atmosphere interactions. However, the region from 200 km to 1000 km has been a blind area for traditional ground-based active remote sensing techniques due to the limitation of facilities and the paucity of neutral atmosphere. To fulfill this gap, the University of Science and Technology of China is developing a powerful metastable helium resonance fluorescent lidar incorporating a 2 m aperture telescope, a high-energy 1083 nm pulsed laser, as well as a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) with high quantum efficiency and low dark noise. The system is described in detail in this work. To evaluate the performance of the lidar system, numerical simulation is implemented. The results show that metastable helium density measurements can be achieved with a relative error of less than 20% above 370 km in winter and less than 200% in 270–460 km in summer, demonstrating the feasibility of metastable helium lidar. Full article
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19 pages, 4599 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Parental Autonomy Support and Children’s Self-Concept in China—The Role of Basic Psychological Needs
by Wei Chen, Ying Sun and Yiqing He
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050415 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6–13 years participated in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept, and to explore the role of basic psychological needs in Chinese primary schools from the perspective of self-determination theory. A total of 3109 children aged 6–13 years participated in eastern China. The results indicated a significant correlation between parental autonomy support, basic psychological needs, and children’s self-concept. Basic psychological needs play a partial mediating role between parental autonomy support and children’s self-concept. Specifically, autonomy support varied by need types whereas parental control steadily played a negative predictive role. Parental autonomy support and control predicted children’s self-concept differently through three basic psychological needs, with differences across gender and grades. Boys and elder children had stronger relationships to competence needs, while girls were sensitive to autonomy needs; in addition, both of them were sensitive to relatedness needs. The mediating effects model and cross-group analyses revealed the complex predictive role of parental autonomy support on children’s self-concept in China, providing an effective entry point for cross-cultural research and family education to improve children’s psychological well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)
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17 pages, 1751 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Polypyrrole Hollow Nanospheres by Hard-Template Method for Supercapacitor Electrode Material
by Renzhou Hong, Xijun Zhao, Rongyu Lu, Meng You, Xiaofang Chen and Xiaoming Yang
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102331 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024
Abstract
Conducting polymers like polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene with nanostructures offers several advantages, such as high conductivity, a conjugated structure, and a large surface area, making them highly desirable for energy storage applications. However, the direct synthesis of conducting polymers with nanostructures poses a [...] Read more.
Conducting polymers like polypyrrole, polyaniline, and polythiophene with nanostructures offers several advantages, such as high conductivity, a conjugated structure, and a large surface area, making them highly desirable for energy storage applications. However, the direct synthesis of conducting polymers with nanostructures poses a challenge. In this study, we employed a hard template method to fabricate polystyrene@polypyrrole (PS@PPy) core–shell nanoparticles. It is important to note that PS itself is a nonconductive material that hinders electron and ion transport, compromising the desired electrochemical properties. To overcome this limitation, the PS cores were removed using organic solvents to create hollow PPy nanospheres. We investigated six different organic solvents (cyclohexane, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, acetone, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)) for etching the PS cores. The resulting hollow PPy nanospheres showed various nanostructures, including intact, hollow, buckling, and collapsed structures, depending on the thickness of the PPy shell and the organic solvent used. PPy nanospheres synthesized with DMF demonstrated superior electrochemical properties compared to those prepared with other solvents, attributed to their highly effective PS removal efficiency, increased specific surface area, and improved charge transport efficiency. The specific capacitances of PPy nanospheres treated with DMF were as high as 350 F/g at 1 A/g. And the corresponding symmetric supercapacitor demonstrated a maximum energy density of 40 Wh/kg at a power density of 490 W/kg. These findings provide new insights into the synthesis method and energy storage mechanisms of PPy nanoparticles. Full article
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