The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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19 pages, 6570 KiB  
Article
An Experimental Method to Capture the Thermal Conductivity Coefficient of Fine-Grained Concretes during Transition from Liquid to Solid
by Yannik Schwarz, Denis Ratke, David Sanio, Thomas Meurer and Peter Mark
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092115 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
During the transition from liquid to solid, the thermal conductivity coefficient λ of concrete decreases. Although λ of hardened concrete is well investigated, there is limited research on the transition from liquid to solid and how it depends on hydration. Currently, only simplified [...] Read more.
During the transition from liquid to solid, the thermal conductivity coefficient λ of concrete decreases. Although λ of hardened concrete is well investigated, there is limited research on the transition from liquid to solid and how it depends on hydration. Currently, only simplified qualitative approaches exist for the liquid state and the transient process. An experimental method is not available. For this purpose, a test rig is designed to experimentally capture the evolution of λ for fine-grain concretes during transition. The performance of the test setup is evaluated on a characteristic high-performance concrete (HPC). The results are compared to theoretical predictions from the literature. The developed test rig is mapped in a digital twin to investigate extended boundary conditions, such as different heat sources and temperatures of the experimental setup. It allows the experiment to be repeated and optimized for different setups with little effort. The test principle is as follows: A liquid concrete sample is heated through a controlled external source, while the transient temperature distribution over the height is measured with a fiber optic sensor. The thermal conductivity is derived from the heat flux induced and the temperature distribution over an evaluation length. Experiments show that λ in the liquid state is approximately 1.4 times greater than in the solid state and exponentially decreases for the transient process. Numerical results on the digital twin indicate that the robustness of the results increases with the temperature of the heat source. Moreover, the derivation in λ turns out to be strongly dependent on the evaluation length. A length of three times the maximum grain diameter is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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23 pages, 6024 KiB  
Article
Air Quality Class Prediction Using Machine Learning Methods Based on Monitoring Data and Secondary Modeling
by Qian Liu, Bingyan Cui and Zhen Liu
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050553 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Addressing the constraints inherent in traditional primary Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasting models and the shortcomings in the exploitation of meteorological data, this research introduces a novel air quality prediction methodology leveraging machine learning and the enhanced modeling of secondary data. The dataset [...] Read more.
Addressing the constraints inherent in traditional primary Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasting models and the shortcomings in the exploitation of meteorological data, this research introduces a novel air quality prediction methodology leveraging machine learning and the enhanced modeling of secondary data. The dataset employed encompasses forecast data on primary pollutant concentrations and primary meteorological conditions, alongside actual meteorological observations and pollutant concentration measurements, spanning from 23 July 2020 to 13 July 2021, sourced from long-term air quality projections at various monitoring stations within Jinan, China. Initially, through a rigorous correlation analysis, ten meteorological factors were selected, comprising both measured and forecasted data across five categories each. Subsequently, the significance of these ten factors was assessed and ranked based on their impact on different pollutant concentrations, utilizing a combination of univariate and multivariate significance analyses alongside a random forest approach. Seasonal characteristic analysis highlighted the distinct seasonal impacts of temperature, humidity, air pressure, and general atmospheric conditions on the concentrations of six key air pollutants. The performance evaluation of various machine learning-based classification prediction models revealed the Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) classifier as the most effective, achieving an accuracy rate of 97.5% and an F1 score of 93.3%. Furthermore, experimental results for AQI prediction indicated the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model as superior, demonstrating a goodness-of-fit of 91.37% for AQI predictions, 90.46% for O3 predictions, and a perfect fit for the primary pollutant test set. Collectively, these findings affirm the reliability and efficacy of the employed machine learning models in air quality forecasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Air Quality Assessment: Forecasting and Monitoring)
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18 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Towards Just Energy Transition: Renewable Energy Transition Dynamics and Sectorial Employment in Ghana
by Clement Oteng, Omowumi Iledare, James Atta Peprah and Pius Gamette
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093761 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Energy transition and the creation of sustainable jobs are major concerns towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, particularly in emerging petroleum-producing economies such as Ghana. Our study examines Ghana’s sectorial employment vulnerability to the dynamics of energy transition. Employing a [...] Read more.
Energy transition and the creation of sustainable jobs are major concerns towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13, particularly in emerging petroleum-producing economies such as Ghana. Our study examines Ghana’s sectorial employment vulnerability to the dynamics of energy transition. Employing a dynamic ARDL simulation model, we use quarterly data from 2011 to 2021 from Ghana’s Energy Commission, the Bank of Ghana, and the Public Interest and Accounting Committee. We find that transition scenarios increase industrial sector employment. Also, industrial sector employment changes more favorably under the 5% scenario than under the 1% scenario. Agriculture industry employment is positively impacted by the 1% energy transition scenarios but negatively impacted by the 5% scenarios. Up to the sixth year, both transition scenarios increase employment in the services sector; however, employment opportunities are more affected by the 1% scenario than by the 5% scenario. Therefore, developing a policy architecture that aids Ghana’s transition to renewable energy is essential. Full article
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17 pages, 2597 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sugar- and Polyphenol-Rich, Diluted Cloudy Apple Juice on the Intestinal Barrier after Moderate Endurance Exercise and in Ultra-Marathon Runners
by Sarah Valder, Raphaela Staltner, Daniel Alexander Bizjak, Tuba Esatbeyoglu, Volker Herdegen, Magdalena Köpsel, Tihomir Kostov, Ina Bergheim and Patrick Diel
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1353; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091353 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Exercise and the consumption of sugars result in a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier (IB). Here, we determined the effect of sugar in a natural matrix on the intestinal barrier after moderate (A) and intensive endurance exercise (B). Method: The IB function [...] Read more.
Background: Exercise and the consumption of sugars result in a dysfunction of the intestinal barrier (IB). Here, we determined the effect of sugar in a natural matrix on the intestinal barrier after moderate (A) and intensive endurance exercise (B). Method: The IB function was determined before (pre) and after running (post), and 120 and 180 min after consuming the drink by measuring serum endotoxin concentrations (lipopolysaccharides—LPS), IL-6, CD14, and i-FABP. In study A, nonspecifically trained participants (n = 24, males and females, age 26 ± 4) ran for one hour at 80% of their individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). After finishing, the runners consumed, in a crossover setup, either 500 mL of water, diluted cloudy apple juice (test drink), or an identical drink (placebo) without the fruit juice matrix (FJM). In study B, the participants (n = 30, males and females, age 50 ± 9) completed an ultra-marathon run, were divided into groups, and consumed one of the above-mentioned drinks. Results: Study A: Exercise resulted in a significant increase in serum LPS, i-FABP, and IL-6, which decreased fast after finishing. No impact of the different drinks on LPS i-FABP, or IL-6 could be observed, but there was an impact on CD14. Study B: The ultra-marathon resulted in a strong increase in serum LPS, which decreased fast after finishing in the water and test drink groups, but not in the placebo group. Conclusions: The consumed drinks did not affect the kinetics of IB regeneration after moderate exercise, but impacted CD14 serum concentrations, indicating possible beneficial effects of the FJM on the immune system. After an ultra-marathon, IB function regenerates very fast. The intake of sugar (placebo) seems to have had a negative impact on IB regeneration, which was diminished by the presence of the FJM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Nutrition)
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15 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Testing Textual and Territorial Boundaries in Bulat Okudzhava’s Song “And We to the Doorman: ‘Open the Doors!’”
by Alexander Zholkovsky
Arts 2024, 13(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts13030081 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper contextualizes Okudzhava’s song “And We to the Doorman” (AWD), initially marginal in the Soviet poetic mainstream. It explores its shifts in tone, irregular rhythms, colloquial language, and semi-criminal undertones. AWD’s structure, with uneven stanzas and no clear refrain, reveals underlying symmetry [...] Read more.
This paper contextualizes Okudzhava’s song “And We to the Doorman” (AWD), initially marginal in the Soviet poetic mainstream. It explores its shifts in tone, irregular rhythms, colloquial language, and semi-criminal undertones. AWD’s structure, with uneven stanzas and no clear refrain, reveals underlying symmetry and recurring themes. The meter is predominantly iambic but varies. Unconventional verse endings and various rhyme schemes, including distant chains, characterize its prosody. The narrative touches on social cohesion and class conflict. The style reflects a challenging attitude toward privilege, employing rhetorical devices and indirect threats. The melody aligns with thematic elements, featuring repetitive patterns and a spoken quality. Semantically, AWD presents an ambiguous message on class struggle and moral issues. In sum, this analysis uncovers Okudzhava’s song’s formal complexities, thematic nuances, and stylistic innovations. Full article
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21 pages, 9226 KiB  
Article
Moving Object Detection in Freely Moving Camera via Global Motion Compensation and Local Spatial Information Fusion
by Zhongyu Chen, Rong Zhao, Xindong Guo, Jianbin Xie and Xie Han
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2859; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092859 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Motion object detection (MOD) with freely moving cameras is a challenging task in computer vision. To extract moving objects, most studies have focused on the difference in motion features between foreground and background, which works well for dynamic scenes with relatively regular movements [...] Read more.
Motion object detection (MOD) with freely moving cameras is a challenging task in computer vision. To extract moving objects, most studies have focused on the difference in motion features between foreground and background, which works well for dynamic scenes with relatively regular movements and variations. However, abrupt illumination changes and occlusions often occur in real-world scenes, and the camera may also pan, tilt, rotate, and jitter, etc., resulting in local irregular variations and global discontinuities in motion features. Such complex and changing scenes bring great difficulty in detecting moving objects. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new MOD method that effectively leverages local and global visual information for foreground/background segmentation. Specifically, on the global side, to support a wider range of camera motion, the relative inter-frame transformations are optimized to absolute transformations referenced to intermediate frames in a global form after enriching the inter-frame matching pairs. The global transformation is fine-tuned using the spatial transformer network (STN). On the local side, to address the problem of dynamic background scenes, foreground object detection is optimized by utilizing the pixel differences between the current frame and the local background model, as well as the consistency of local spatial variations. Then, the spatial information is combined using optical flow segmentation methods, enhancing the precision of the object information. The experimental results show that our method achieves a detection accuracy improvement of over 1.5% compared with the state-of-the-art methods on the datasets of CDNET2014, FBMS-59, and CBD. It demonstrates significant effectiveness in challenging scenarios such as shadows, abrupt changes in illumination, camera jitter, occlusion, and moving backgrounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)
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13 pages, 7284 KiB  
Article
Design a Friendly Nanoscale Chemical Sensor Based on Gold Nanoclusters for Detecting Thiocyanate Ions in Food Industry Applications
by Reham Ali and Sayed M. Saleh
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050223 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) induces the aggregation of gold nanoclusters (GNCs), leading to the development of a proposed fluorometric technique for detecting thiocyanate (SCN) ions based on an anti-aggregation mechanism. This approach is straightforward to execute, highly sensitive, and selective. [...] Read more.
The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) induces the aggregation of gold nanoclusters (GNCs), leading to the development of a proposed fluorometric technique for detecting thiocyanate (SCN) ions based on an anti-aggregation mechanism. This approach is straightforward to execute, highly sensitive, and selective. A significant quenching effect occurs in fluorescence upon using the aggregation agent CTAB in GNCs synthesis, resulting in a transition from intense red fluorescence to dim red. The decrease in fluorescence intensity of GNCs in the presence of CTAB is caused by the mechanism of fluorescence quenching mediated by aggregation. As the levels of SCN rise, the fluorescence of CTAB-GNCs increases; this may be detected using spectrofluorometry or by visually inspecting under UV irradiation. The recovery of red fluorescence of CTAB-GNCs in the presence of SCN enables the precise and discerning identification of SCN within the concentration range of 2.86–140 nM. The minimum detectable concentration of the SCN ions was 1 nM. The selectivity of CTAB-GNCs towards SCN ions was investigated compared to other ions, and it was demonstrated that CTAB-GNCs exhibit exceptional selectivity. Furthermore, we believe that CTAB-GNCs have novel possibilities as favorable sensor candidates for various industrial applications. Our detection technique was validated by analyzing SCN ions in milk samples, which yielded promising results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biosensors in Environmental Monitoring)
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23 pages, 2149 KiB  
Article
Inter-Departure Time Correlations in PH/G/1 Queues
by Ruth Sagron and Uri Yechiali
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091362 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
In non-Markovian tandem queueing networks the output process of one site, which is the input process to the next site, is not renewal. Consequently, the correlation analysis of that output processes is essential when studying such networks. A correlation analysis in the M/G/1 [...] Read more.
In non-Markovian tandem queueing networks the output process of one site, which is the input process to the next site, is not renewal. Consequently, the correlation analysis of that output processes is essential when studying such networks. A correlation analysis in the M/G/1 queue has been studied in the literature via derivation of the joint Laplace-Stieltjes transform (LST) of the sum of two consecutive inter-departure times. That LST is obtained by considering all possible cases at departure epochs. However, those epochs are expressed via dependent variables. In this paper, we first extend the analysis to the more general PH/G/1 queue, and investigate various queues, such as E2/G/1 and C2/C2/1. Then, we consider the lag-n correlation, which requires derivation of the joint LST of sum of n + 1 consecutive inter-departure times. Yet, deriving this LST by the common approach becomes impractical for n + 1 ≥ 3, as the number of all possible cases at departure epochs increases significantly. To overcome this obstacle, we derive a corresponding single-parameter LST, which expresses the sum of n+1 consecutive inter-departure times via the (n + 1)-st departure epoch only. Consequently, the latter LST is expressed via a much fewer number of possible cases, and not less important, as a function of independent variables only, eliminating the need to derive the corresponding joint density. Considering the M/G/1 and the E2/G/1 queues, we demonstrate that the joint LST can be reconstructed directly via the corresponding single-parameter LST when n + 1 = 2. We further conjecture that the multi-parameter joint LST can be reconstructed from the corresponding single-parameter LST in more general queues and for values of n + 1 > 2. The conjecture is validated for various PH/G/1 queues and proved for n + 1 = 3 in the M/G/1 case. The new approach facilitates the calculation of lag-n correlation of the departure process from PH/G/1 queue for n + 1 ≥ 3. Our analysis illuminates the cases when using renewal approximation of the output process provides a proper approximation when studying non-Markovian stochastic networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Queueing Theory, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 3491 KiB  
Article
Deep Q-Network Algorithm-Based Cyclic Air Braking Strategy for Heavy-Haul Trains
by Changfan Zhang, Shuo Zhou, Jing He and Lin Jia
Algorithms 2024, 17(5), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17050190 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cyclic air braking is a key element for ensuring safe train operation when running on a long and steep downhill railway section. In reality, the cyclic braking performance of a train is affected by its operating environment, speed and air-refilling time. Existing optimization [...] Read more.
Cyclic air braking is a key element for ensuring safe train operation when running on a long and steep downhill railway section. In reality, the cyclic braking performance of a train is affected by its operating environment, speed and air-refilling time. Existing optimization algorithms have the problem of low learning efficiency. To solve this problem, an intelligent control method based on the deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm for heavy-haul trains running on long and steep downhill railway sections is proposed. Firstly, the environment of heavy-haul train operation is designed by considering the line characteristics, speed limits and constraints of the train pipe’s air-refilling time. Secondly, the control process of heavy-haul trains running on long and steep downhill sections is described as the reinforcement learning (RL) of a Markov decision process. By designing the critical elements of RL, a cyclic braking strategy for heavy-haul trains is established based on the reinforcement learning algorithm. Thirdly, the deep neural network and Q-learning are combined to design a neural network for approximating the action value function so that the algorithm can achieve the optimal action value function faster. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted on the actual track data pertaining to the Shuozhou–Huanghua line in China to compare the performance of the Q-learning algorithm against the DQN algorithm. Our findings revealed that the DQN-based intelligent control strategy decreased the air braking distance by 2.1% and enhanced the overall average speed by more than 7%. These experiments unequivocally demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the DQN-based intelligent control strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algorithms in Evolutionary Reinforcement Learning)
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12 pages, 4281 KiB  
Article
Effect of Wear on Alternating Bending Fatigue Life of 20CrNi2Mo Martensitic Steel
by Xinmao Qin, Xixia Liu, Huaze Huang and Cunhong Yin
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050157 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Bending fatigue failures are commonly related to the wear behavior in an active system. The surface wear and plastic deformation of the tribolayer play crucial roles in the wear–bending fatigue behaviors of steels. In particular, the lamellar structure of martensitic steel leads to [...] Read more.
Bending fatigue failures are commonly related to the wear behavior in an active system. The surface wear and plastic deformation of the tribolayer play crucial roles in the wear–bending fatigue behaviors of steels. In particular, the lamellar structure of martensitic steel leads to its unique wear–bending fatigue behavior. In this work, the wear–bending fatigue testing method and device were introduced to explore the wear–bending fatigue behavior of the martensitic steel. The effect of wear on the alternating bending fatigue life of 20CrNi2Mo martensitic steel was studied under low and high fatigue stress. The influence of wear debris on the fatigue life at two different sliding speeds was also analyzed. The results show that the fatigue life decreased with the wear load increased under high bending stress. Moreover, for systems with nanoscale wear debris on the steel surface, the wear–bending fatigue lifetimes are significantly enhanced compared with large wear debris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Friction and Wear of Alloys)
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14 pages, 1870 KiB  
Article
Enrofloxacin, Effective Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis Infection in Oreochromis niloticus
by Ibrahim Aboyadak and Nadia Gabr Ali
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050901 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum synthetic antimicrobial drug widely used in veterinary medicine. The present study aimed to determine the effective enrofloxacin dose for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis infection in Oreochromis niloticus. P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis isolates were verified using selective differential [...] Read more.
Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum synthetic antimicrobial drug widely used in veterinary medicine. The present study aimed to determine the effective enrofloxacin dose for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis infection in Oreochromis niloticus. P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis isolates were verified using selective differential media and biochemically using the Vitek 2 test. Bacterial isolates were virulent for O. niloticus with LD50 equal to 2.03 × 106 and 2.22 × 107 CFU fish−1 for P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, respectively. Infected fish suffered from decreased feed intake followed by off-food, tail erosion, darkening of the external body surface, exophthalmia, ascites, and loss of escape reflex. Internally, congested hemorrhagic hepatopancreas with engorged distended gall bladder were dominant. The posterior kidney was congested with enlarged spleen, and empty elementary tract. Pathologically, severe degenerative changes were dominant in the hepatopancreas, posterior kidney, spleen, stomach, and gills of infected fish. Antimicrobial sensitivity test indicated the high susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis to enrofloxacin with MIC estimated at 1 and 0.0625 µg/mL, respectively. Enrofloxacin effectively protected O. niloticus against E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa infection when used with medicated feed at doses of 10 and 20 mg kg−1 body weight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology)
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13 pages, 6351 KiB  
Article
Intraoperative Ultrasound: Bridging the Gap between Laparoscopy and Surgical Precision during 3D Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomies
by Ionela Mihai, Horatiu Dura, Cosmin Adrian Teodoru, Samuel Bogdan Todor, Cristian Ichim, Nicolae Grigore, Cosmin Ioan Mohor, Alin Mihetiu, George Oprinca, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Denisa Tanasescu, Dan Georgian Bratu, Adrian Boicean, Bogdan Oros and Adrian Hasegan
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090942 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of 3D laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has emerged as a cornerstone in the surgical arsenal for addressing renal tumors, particularly in managing challenging cases characterized by deeply seated tumors embedded within the renal parenchyma. In these intricate scenarios, the utilization of intraoperative [...] Read more.
The use of 3D laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has emerged as a cornerstone in the surgical arsenal for addressing renal tumors, particularly in managing challenging cases characterized by deeply seated tumors embedded within the renal parenchyma. In these intricate scenarios, the utilization of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) acquires paramount importance, serving as an indispensable tool for guiding and meticulously monitoring the surgical process in real time. To further explore the efficacy of IOUS-guided techniques, we conducted a retrospective study comparing outcomes in patients who underwent partial nephrectomy with IOUS guidance (n = 60) between 2020 and 2022 with a cohort from 2018 to 2019 without IOUS guidance (n = 25). Our comprehensive analysis encompassed various post-operative parameters, including the duration until food resumption, analgesia requirements, and length of the hospital stay. While these parameters exhibited comparable outcomes between the two groups, notable distinctions emerged in the intraoperative metrics. The IOUS-guided cohort demonstrated significantly reduced blood loss, a shorter median operative duration, and diminished ischemia time (p = 0.001). These compelling findings underscore the undeniable benefits of IOUS-guided techniques in not only facilitating the attainment of negative surgical margins but also in enhancing procedural safety and precision, thereby contributing to improved patient outcomes in the management of renal tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
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21 pages, 1330 KiB  
Review
Important Factors Affecting Induction of Cell Death, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage by Nano- and Microplastic Particles In Vitro
by Kamil Płuciennik, Paulina Sicińska, Weronika Misztal and Bożena Bukowska
Cells 2024, 13(9), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13090768 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
We have described the influence of selected factors that increase the toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) with regard to cell viability, various types of cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and genotoxicity. These factors include plastic particle size (NPs/MPs), zeta [...] Read more.
We have described the influence of selected factors that increase the toxicity of nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) with regard to cell viability, various types of cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and genotoxicity. These factors include plastic particle size (NPs/MPs), zeta potential, exposure time, concentration, functionalization, and the influence of environmental factors and cell type. Studies have unequivocally shown that smaller plastic particles are more cytotoxic, penetrate cells more easily, increase ROS formation, and induce oxidative damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA. The toxic effects also increase with concentration and incubation time. NPs with positive zeta potential are also more toxic than those with a negative zeta potential because the cells are negatively charged, inducing stronger interactions. The deleterious effects of NPs and MPs are increased by functionalization with anionic or carboxyl groups, due to greater interaction with cell membrane components. Cationic NPs/MPs are particularly toxic due to their greater cellular uptake and/or their effects on cells and lysosomal membranes. The effects of polystyrene (PS) vary from one cell type to another, and normal cells are more sensitive to NPs than cancerous ones. The toxicity of NPs/MPs can be enhanced by environmental factors, including UV radiation, as they cause the particles to shrink and change their shape, which is a particularly important consideration when working with environmentally-changed NPs/MPs. In summary, the cytotoxicity, oxidative properties, and genotoxicity of plastic particles depends on their concentration, duration of action, and cell type. Also, NPs/MPs with a smaller diameter and positive zeta potential, and those exposed to UV and functionalized with amino groups, demonstrate higher toxicity than larger, non-functionalized and environmentally-unchanged particles with a negative zeta potential. Full article
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13 pages, 5262 KiB  
Article
Metal-Doped NASICON/Polymer Composite Solid Electrolyte for Lithium Titania Anode in Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Chien-Te Hsieh, Tzu-Shaing Cho, Jeng-Kuei Chang and Jagabandhu Patra
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091251 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study reports five types of metal-doped (Co, Cu, Sn, V, and Zr) NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP)/polymer composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) enabling Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anodes to have high rate capability [...] Read more.
This study reports five types of metal-doped (Co, Cu, Sn, V, and Zr) NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP)/polymer composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) enabling Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anodes to have high rate capability and excellent cycling performance. The high Li+-conductivity LATP samples are successfully synthesized through a modified sol–gel method followed by thermal calcination. We find that the cation dopants clearly influence the substitution of Al for Ti, with the type of dopant serving as a crucial factor in determining the ionic conductivity and interfacial resistance of the solid electrolyte. The CSE containing poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and Sn-LATP shows an ionic conductivity of 1.88 × 10−4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The optimum conductivity can be attributed to alterations in the lattice parameters and Li+ transport pathways owing to Sn doping. The solid-state cell equipped with the LTO-supported CSE containing Sn-LATP fillers demonstrates both excellent high rate capability at 5 C (with a capacity retention of 86% compared to the value measured at 0.2 C) and superior cycling stability, maintaining high Coulombic efficiency (>99.0%) over 510 cycles. These findings indicate that the proposed CSE is highly promising for use in solid-state lithium batteries with desirable charge–discharge properties and high durability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composite Materials for Energy Storage)
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11 pages, 728 KiB  
Review
Exercise Physiology: A Review of Established Concepts and Current Questions
by Michael J. Matthews, Shibani Kanungo, Robert J. Baker and Keith Kenter
Physiologia 2024, 4(2), 202-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia4020011 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Exercise physiology is the science that studies the processes of physical activity and their impact on the body. It usually requires a multidisciplinary approach with a team of experts because of the multiple physiological systems involved. At the cellular level, exercise can trigger [...] Read more.
Exercise physiology is the science that studies the processes of physical activity and their impact on the body. It usually requires a multidisciplinary approach with a team of experts because of the multiple physiological systems involved. At the cellular level, exercise can trigger a cascade of events that involve metabolic pathways, muscle recruitment and conditioning, neuromuscular adaptations, and optimization of energy production. On a systematic level, this has involved the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal system, the peripheral and central nervous systems, and even the endocrine system to improve adaptation to meet the demands of exercise, improving strength and endurance with the goal of maximizing performance. This field, which began largely with a focus on the kinetics of oxygen consumption and the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, has expanded with technological advancements such as wearable devices, advanced imaging techniques, and genomics, which has allowed for a greater appreciation of the physiologic responses of exercise at the level of molecular and cellular interactions. Recently, this science has evolved into the study of overall health promotion and disease prevention to meet individual fitness needs and goals. This philosophy, which is captured by the motto “Exercise is Medicine”, has been adopted as a Global Health Initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the advancements in technology and impactful, large-scale studies, a variety of questions, such as how physical activity interacts with aging to affect physical and cognitive function, how inactivity influences acute and chronic disease states, and how we maximize human performance in extreme conditions like microgravity environments, remain. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss established concepts, controversial topics, and unanswered questions within exercise physiology that have allowed this field to become a science that embraces the overall well-being of individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry)
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16 pages, 13339 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Validation on Reweighting Samples for Bias Mitigation via AIF360
by Christina Hastings Blow, Lijun Qian, Camille Gibson, Pamela Obiomon and Xishuang Dong
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3826; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093826 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fairness Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to identify and mitigate bias throughout the AI development process, spanning data collection, modeling, assessment, and deployment—a critical facet of establishing trustworthy AI systems. Tackling data bias through techniques like reweighting samples proves effective for promoting fairness. This [...] Read more.
Fairness Artificial Intelligence (AI) aims to identify and mitigate bias throughout the AI development process, spanning data collection, modeling, assessment, and deployment—a critical facet of establishing trustworthy AI systems. Tackling data bias through techniques like reweighting samples proves effective for promoting fairness. This paper undertakes a systematic exploration of reweighting samples for conventional Machine-Learning (ML) models, utilizing five models for binary classification on datasets such as Adult Income and COMPAS, incorporating various protected attributes. In particular, AI Fairness 360 (AIF360) from IBM, a versatile open-source library aimed at identifying and mitigating bias in machine-learning models throughout the entire AI application lifecycle, is employed as the foundation for conducting this systematic exploration. The evaluation of prediction outcomes employs five fairness metrics from AIF360, elucidating the nuanced and model-specific efficacy of reweighting samples in fostering fairness within traditional ML frameworks. Experimental results illustrate that reweighting samples effectively reduces bias in traditional ML methods for classification tasks. For instance, after reweighting samples, the balanced accuracy of Decision Tree (DT) improves to 100%, and its bias, as measured by fairness metrics such as Average Odds Difference (AOD), Equal Opportunity Difference (EOD), and Theil Index (TI), is mitigated to 0. However, reweighting samples does not effectively enhance the fairness performance of K Nearest Neighbor (KNN). This sheds light on the intricate dynamics of bias, underscoring the complexity involved in achieving fairness across different models and scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics)
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14 pages, 2930 KiB  
Article
Utility of CT Radiomics and Delta Radiomics for Survival Evaluation in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
by Yen-Cho Huang, Shih-Ming Huang, Jih-Hsiang Yeh, Tung-Chieh Chang, Din-Li Tsan, Chien-Yu Lin and Shu-Ju Tu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090941 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: A high incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been observed in Southeast Asia compared to other parts of the world. Radiomics is a computational tool to predict outcomes and may be used as a prognostic biomarker for advanced NPC treated with [...] Read more.
Background: A high incidence rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has been observed in Southeast Asia compared to other parts of the world. Radiomics is a computational tool to predict outcomes and may be used as a prognostic biomarker for advanced NPC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Recently, radiomic analysis of the peripheral tumor microenvironment (TME), which is the region surrounding the gross tumor volume (GTV), has shown prognostic usefulness. In this study, not only was gross tumor volume (GTVt) analyzed but also tumor peripheral regions (GTVp) were explored in terms of the TME concept. Both radiomic features and delta radiomic features were analyzed using CT images acquired in a routine radiotherapy process. Methods: A total of 50 patients with NPC stages III, IVA, and IVB were enrolled between September 2004 and February 2014. Survival models were built using Cox regression with clinical factors (i.e., gender, age, overall stage, T stage, N stage, and treatment dose) and radiomic features. Radiomic features were extracted from GTVt and GTVp. GTVp was created surrounding GTVt for TME consideration. Furthermore, delta radiomics, which is the longitudinal change in quantitative radiomic features, was utilized for analysis. Finally, C-index values were computed using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) to evaluate the performances of all prognosis models. Results: Models were built for three different clinical outcomes, including overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The range of the C-index in clinical factor models was (0.622, 0.729). All radiomics models, including delta radiomics models, were in the range of (0.718, 0.872). Among delta radiomics models, GTVt and GTVp were in the range of (0.833, 0.872) and (0.799, 0.834), respectively. Conclusions: Radiomic analysis on the proximal region surrounding the gross tumor volume of advanced NPC patients for survival outcome evaluation was investigated, and preliminary positive results were obtained. Radiomic models and delta radiomic models demonstrated performance that was either superior to or comparable with that of conventional clinical models. Full article
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19 pages, 8452 KiB  
Review
Waves of Precision: A Practical Guide for Reviewing New Tools to Evaluate Mechanical In-Exsufflation Efficacy in Neuromuscular Disorders
by Michelle Chatwin, Jesus Sancho, Manel Lujan, Tiina Andersen and Joao-Carlos Winck
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2643; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092643 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is essential for secretion clearance, especially in neuromuscular disorders. For the best outcomes, initiation of MI-E should be started at the correct time with regular evaluation to the response to treatment. Typically, cough peak flow has been used to evaluate [...] Read more.
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) is essential for secretion clearance, especially in neuromuscular disorders. For the best outcomes, initiation of MI-E should be started at the correct time with regular evaluation to the response to treatment. Typically, cough peak flow has been used to evaluate cough effectiveness with and without MI-E. This review highlights the limitations of this and discussed other tools to evaluate MI-E efficacy in this rapidly developing field. Such tools include the interpretation of parameters (like pressure, flow and volumes) that derive from the MI-E device and external methods to evaluate upper airway closure. In this review we pinpoint the differences between different devices in the market and discuss new tools to better titrate MI-E and detect pathological responses of the upper airway. We discuss the importance of point of care ultrasound (POCUS), transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy and wave form analysis in this setting. To improve clinical practice newer generation MI-E devices should allow real-time evaluation of waveforms and standardize some of the derived parameters. Full article
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27 pages, 4835 KiB  
Article
Tigecycline Opposes Bortezomib Effect on Myeloma Cells Decreasing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production
by Carlos Ramos-Acosta, Laura Huerta-Pantoja, Milton Eduardo Salazar-Hidalgo, Elsa Mayol, Selene Jiménez-Vega, Pablo García-Peña, Jenifeer Jordi-Cruz, Cristina Baquero, Almudena Porras, Belén Íñigo-Rodríguez, Celina M. Benavente, Andrea R. López-Pastor, Irene Gómez-Delgado, Elena Urcelay, Francisco Javier Candel and Eduardo Anguita
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4887; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094887 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Most patients end up relapsing and developing resistance to antineoplastic drugs, like bortezomib. Antibiotic tigecycline has activity against myeloma. This study analyzed tigecycline and bortezomib combination on cell lines and plasma cells from myeloma patients. [...] Read more.
Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Most patients end up relapsing and developing resistance to antineoplastic drugs, like bortezomib. Antibiotic tigecycline has activity against myeloma. This study analyzed tigecycline and bortezomib combination on cell lines and plasma cells from myeloma patients. Apoptosis, autophagic vesicles, mitochondrial mass, mitochondrial superoxide, cell cycle, and hydrogen peroxide were studied by flow cytometry. In addition, mitochondrial antioxidants and electron transport chain complexes were quantified by reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) or western blot. Cell metabolism and mitochondrial activity were characterized by Seahorse and RT-qPCR. We found that the addition of tigecycline to bortezomib reduces apoptosis in proportion to tigecycline concentration. Supporting this, the combination of both drugs counteracts bortezomib in vitro individual effects on the cell cycle, reduces autophagy and mitophagy markers, and reverts bortezomib-induced increase in mitochondrial superoxide. Changes in mitochondrial homeostasis and MYC upregulation may account for some of these findings. These data not only advise to avoid considering tigecycline and bortezomib combination for treating myeloma, but caution on the potential adverse impact of treating infections with this antibiotic in myeloma patients under bortezomib treatment. Full article
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19 pages, 3374 KiB  
Article
Natural Disasters’ Impact on Water Quality and Public Health: A Case Study of the Cyclonic Season (2019–2023)
by Sérgio Mateus Chilaule, Xadreque Vitorino Macuacua, Alfredo Pedro Mabica, Nelson Alexandre Miranda, Henrique dos Santos Pereira, Eduardo Samo Gudo, Tatiana Marrufo, Santiago García-López and Myriam Lopes
Pollutants 2024, 4(2), 212-230; https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants4020014 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The impact of climate change has made weather events more extreme, unpredictable and frequent. In the last 4 years, Mozambique has been devastated by 8 major cyclones, resulting in material and human damage and affecting the functioning of basic local services, such as [...] Read more.
The impact of climate change has made weather events more extreme, unpredictable and frequent. In the last 4 years, Mozambique has been devastated by 8 major cyclones, resulting in material and human damage and affecting the functioning of basic local services, such as in the water and health sectors. In this study, we explored the environmental components of the climate–water quality–disease relationship that could drive the dynamics of waterborne diseases. Statistical models and geospatial information technologies (GITs) were used to analyse water quality and the relationship with waterborne diseases between 2016 and 2023. Results indicate that water quality is the main element, between precipitation natural disasters and waterborne diseases, on which a relevant public health intervention can act to ameliorate the future negative impacts of climate change and disease incidence. The results of this study also showed that the quality of water affected mainly by heavy rain events varies in different regions and in different seasons. Full article
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14 pages, 2044 KiB  
Article
Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of aH5N1 Vaccine in Adults with and without Underlying Medical Conditions
by Tomas Jelinek, Tino F. Schwarz, Emil Reisinger, Peter Malfertheiner, Eve Versage, Esther Van Twuijver and Matthew Hohenboken
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050481 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Influenza pandemics pose a serious risk to the global population, with the potential for high morbidity and mortality. An adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine (aH5N1) has been approved for prophylaxis against the avian influenza virus H5N1, which is a likely cause of future pandemics. In [...] Read more.
Influenza pandemics pose a serious risk to the global population, with the potential for high morbidity and mortality. An adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine (aH5N1) has been approved for prophylaxis against the avian influenza virus H5N1, which is a likely cause of future pandemics. In this phase-III, stratified, randomized, controlled, observer-blind, multicenter study, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of aH5N1 in four separate groups of adults: adults 18–60 years of age who were healthy or had high-risk medical conditions and older adults ≥61 years of age who were healthy or had high-risk medical conditions. Subjects were randomly assigned to aH5N1 or the comparator, adjuvanted trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (aTIV). Antibody responses to aH5N1 were increased in all four subgroups and, within each age stratum, largely consistent between healthy subjects and those with medical conditions. Injection-site pain was reported by 66–73% of younger and 36–42% of older–aH5N1 recipients, and fatigue and myalgia were reported by 22–41% of subjects across age and health subgroups. No serious adverse events or deaths were considered related to the study vaccine. In conclusion, aH5N1 increased antibody responses regardless of age or health status and demonstrated a clinically acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Full article
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17 pages, 1085 KiB  
Article
The Architectural Layout of Long-Term Care Units: Relationships between Support for Residents’ Well-Being and for Caregivers’ Burnout and Resilience
by Yifat Rom, Ido Morag, Yuval Palgi and Michal Isaacson
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050575 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
With a growing need for long-term care facilities in general, and for specialized dementia units in particular, it is important to ensure that the architectural layouts of such facilities support the well-being of both the residents and the unit caregivers. This study aimed [...] Read more.
With a growing need for long-term care facilities in general, and for specialized dementia units in particular, it is important to ensure that the architectural layouts of such facilities support the well-being of both the residents and the unit caregivers. This study aimed to investigate correlations between the support provided by the architectural layout of long-term care units for enhancing residents’ well-being and for decreasing unit caregivers’ burnout and increasing their resilience—as layouts may impact each party differently. The Psycho Spatial Evaluation Tool was utilized to assess the support provided by the layouts of seventeen long-term care units (ten regular nursing units and seven specialized dementia units) for the residents’ physical and social well-being (five dimensions); a questionnaire was used to measure the unit caregivers’ burnout and resilience. When analyzing layouts’ support for residents’ physical and social well-being, inconsistencies emerged regarding correlations with caregivers’ burnout and resilience across the two types of long-term care units. Supporting residents’ physical well-being was correlated with increased caregiver resilience in dementia units, and with increased burnout and decreased resilience in regular nursing units. Layouts supporting social well-being showed inconsistent correlations with caregivers’ resilience indexes in dementia units, and with burnout and resilience indexes in regular nursing units. The findings underscore the role of the architectural layout of long-term care units in enhancing residents’ well-being; the results also highlight the possible unintentional yet negative impact of the layout on the caregivers’ burnout and resilience. This study emphasizes the need to identify and rectify design shortcomings as a means of enhancing residents’ well-being, while increasing the unit caregivers’ resilience and decreasing their burnout. These insights should be addressed when developing strategies and interventions for ensuring optimal care environments for all parties involved. Full article
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9 pages, 2586 KiB  
Communication
TiO2-Coated Meltblown Nonwoven Fabrics Prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition for the Inactivation of E. coli as a Model Photocatalytic Drinking Water Treatment System
by Alexander G. Aragon, Jaime A. Cárdenas Sánchez, Carlos Zimeri, Eunkyoung Shim, Xiaomeng Fang and Kyana R. L. Young
Environments 2024, 11(5), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11050092 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The controlled manufacturing of semiconductor photocatalysts is crucial to their development for drinking water treatment. In this study, TiO2-coated meltblown nonwoven fabrics prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) are applied for the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli). It [...] Read more.
The controlled manufacturing of semiconductor photocatalysts is crucial to their development for drinking water treatment. In this study, TiO2-coated meltblown nonwoven fabrics prepared via Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) are applied for the inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is observed that in the presence of an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) light source (255 nm), 1.35 log E. coli inactivation is achieved. However, exposure to catalyst-coated fabrics in addition to the light source resulted in >4 log E. coli inactivation, suggesting a much higher rate of hydroxyl radical formation on the surface, leading to cell death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies of Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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