The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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18 pages, 1274 KiB  
Article
The Role of Homogeneous Waiting Group Criteria in Patient Referrals: Views of General Practitioners and Specialists in South Tyrol, Italy
by Giuliano Piccoliori, Christian J. Wiedermann, Verena Barbieri and Adolf Engl
Healthcare 2024, 12(10), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12100985 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Homogeneous waiting group (HWG) criteria are central to the patient referral process, guiding primary care physicians and hospitalists in directing patient care to specialists. This cross-sectional observational study, conducted in South Tyrol, Italy, in 2023, aimed to assess the implementation and impact of [...] Read more.
Homogeneous waiting group (HWG) criteria are central to the patient referral process, guiding primary care physicians and hospitalists in directing patient care to specialists. This cross-sectional observational study, conducted in South Tyrol, Italy, in 2023, aimed to assess the implementation and impact of HWG criteria on healthcare from the perspective of general practitioners and hospital physicians. A questionnaire was developed to gain knowledge about referral practices as perceived by general practitioners and specialists. The survey included 313 participants (82 general practitioners and 231 hospital physicians) and was designed to capture a range of factors influencing the application of HWG criteria, including communication and collaboration practices. The results showed moderate levels of familiarity with HWG criteria and opinions about the need for criteria refinement among hospitalists, indicating that further education and refinement of these criteria are warranted. Both general practitioners and hospital physicians expressed dissatisfaction with the current specialist referral system, highlighting the significant gaps in effective communication and collaboration. The survey also demonstrated the influence of patient demands and waiting times on referral practices, and the need for streamlined and accessible specialist care. This study highlights the need for improvement and adaptation of HWG criteria to better meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients in South Tyrol. By addressing the identified gaps in communication, collaboration, and education related to the HWG system, the efficiency, effectiveness, and patient-centeredness of the referral process can be improved, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Professional Education and Primary Health Care)
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24 pages, 393 KiB  
Article
A New Closed-Form Formula of the Gauss Hypergeometric Function at Specific Arguments
by Yue-Wu Li and Feng Qi
Axioms 2024, 13(5), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13050317 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, the authors briefly review some closed-form formulas of the Gauss hypergeometric function at specific arguments, alternatively prove four of these formulas, newly extend a closed-form formula of the Gauss hypergeometric function at some specific arguments, successfully apply a special case [...] Read more.
In this paper, the authors briefly review some closed-form formulas of the Gauss hypergeometric function at specific arguments, alternatively prove four of these formulas, newly extend a closed-form formula of the Gauss hypergeometric function at some specific arguments, successfully apply a special case of the newly extended closed-form formula to derive an alternative form for the Maclaurin power series expansion of the Wilf function, and discover two novel increasing rational approximations to a quarter of the circular constant. Full article
20 pages, 2623 KiB  
Article
A Genome-Wide Analysis of the BAM Gene Family and Identification of the Cold-Responsive Genes in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
by Longbo Liu, Suwan Xu, Lehao Zhang and Jie Zheng
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101321 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Beta-amylases (BAMs, EC 3.2.1.2), belonging to a multigene family, play a pivotal role in starch breakdown and are also involved in hormonal and stress responses, notably to cold stress. Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L.) are adapted to warm climates and are sensitive [...] Read more.
Beta-amylases (BAMs, EC 3.2.1.2), belonging to a multigene family, play a pivotal role in starch breakdown and are also involved in hormonal and stress responses, notably to cold stress. Pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L.) are adapted to warm climates and are sensitive to cold temperatures. In this study, we analyzed eight PgBAM genes from the pomegranate genome dataset. These members unevenly distributed across chromosomes and were categorized into four groups based on their orthologous members. The motif composition was highly consistent among most members. In contrast, exon numbers and arrangements were conserved within groups or subgroups, whereas significant diversity was observed between different groups. A syntenic analysis revealed that three PgBAM members (PgBAM1/4/5) showed a total of 11 syntenic relationships with the BAM members from Arabidopsis, kiwifruit, and Chinese white pear, respectively. Promoter binding motif prediction suggested potential roles for PgBAMs’ genes in light, stress, hormones, and development signaling. Gene expression indicated that PgBAM4 was predominantly expressed in leaves, PgBAM7 in flowers, and PgBAM8 in roots and leaves and during fruit ripening, particularly in pericarp development. A transcriptome analysis identified the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway (map00500) as a key factor in the cold stress response of cold-sensitive cultivar ‘Tunisia’ seedlings. PgBAM4 exhibited remarkable expression and was closely associated with the cold-responsive BAM genes, characterized by a closer phylogenetic relationship, conserved catalytic residues, and similar secondary and tertiary structures. Moreover, the differences in soluble sugar levels and PgBAM4 expression were closely associated with the varying cold stress resistance observed between ‘Tunisia’ and ‘Sanbai’ seedlings. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed that PgCBF7, a critical transcription factor for enhancing freezing tolerance, binds to the promoter region of PgBAM4. Our findings provide a systematic overview of the PgBAM gene family and shed new light on the regulatory mechanisms underlying cold stress tolerance in pomegranate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth, Development, and Stress Response of Horticulture Plants)
15 pages, 255 KiB  
Article
Quasi-Contraction Maps in Subordinate Semimetric Spaces
by Areej Alharbi, Hamed Alsulami and Maha Noorwali
Axioms 2024, 13(5), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13050318 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Throughout this study, we discuss the subordinate Pompeiu–Hausdorff metric (SPHM) in subordinate semimetric spaces. Moreover, we present a well-behaved quasi-contraction (WBQC) to solve quasi-contraction (QC) problems in subordinate semimetric spaces under some local constraints. Furthermore, we provide examples to support our conclusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Fixed Point Theory and Application)
18 pages, 2363 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on Femtosecond Laser Poling of Ferroelectrics
by Yan Sheng, Xin Chen, Tianxiang Xu, Shan Liu, Ruwei Zhao and Wieslaw Krolikowski
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050447 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Ferroelectric domain engineering has wide applications in optical and electronic industries. Compared with traditional electric field poling, femtosecond laser poling has many advantages, such as higher fabrication resolution, 3D engineering applicability, and lower costs of production. In this review, the recent research progress [...] Read more.
Ferroelectric domain engineering has wide applications in optical and electronic industries. Compared with traditional electric field poling, femtosecond laser poling has many advantages, such as higher fabrication resolution, 3D engineering applicability, and lower costs of production. In this review, the recent research progress on ferroelectric domain engineering with femtosecond laser pulses is presented. We show the latest results, including complex domain structures fabricated in various kinds of ferroelectric crystals, and discuss the influence of laser poling parameters and conditions on the morphologies of inverted domains and their physical mechanisms. The technical challenges to overcome in future are also briefly discussed. Full article
15 pages, 7440 KiB  
Article
Exploring Motion Stability of a Novel Semi-Submersible Platform for Offshore Wind Turbines
by Hongxu Zhao, Xiang Wu and Zhou Zhou
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102313 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The stability of offshore floating wind turbine foundation platforms is a fundamental requirement for the efficiency and safety of wind power generation systems. This paper proposes a novel small-diameter float-type semi-submersible platform to improve system stability. To evaluate the superior motion stability of [...] Read more.
The stability of offshore floating wind turbine foundation platforms is a fundamental requirement for the efficiency and safety of wind power generation systems. This paper proposes a novel small-diameter float-type semi-submersible platform to improve system stability. To evaluate the superior motion stability of the proposed floating platform, a comprehensive frequency–domain response analysis and experimental study were conducted in comparison with the OC4-DeepCwind platform developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The respective comparison of the frequency–domain response analysis and the experimental results demonstrated that the proposed floating wind turbine platform shows better hydrodynamic characteristics and resonance avoidance capability. This not only reduces the Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs), but also enhances the system stability, namely, effectively avoiding the regions of concentrated wave loading and low-frequency ranges. Furthermore, the proposed small-diameter semi-submersible platform has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs, providing valuable insights for the manufacturing of offshore floating wind turbine systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Power Science and Technology)
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25 pages, 1176 KiB  
Article
Research on Sustainable Port: Evaluation of Green Port Policies on China’s Coasts
by Kai Zhou, Xiang Yuan, Ziyuan Guo, Jianrui Wu and Ruijia Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4017; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104017 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Increasing port pollution has forced governments to enact policies related to green ports to maintain the sustainability of maritime transportation. In this article, we established a policy evaluation system based on the PMC (policy modeling consistency) index model to evaluate 17 green port-related [...] Read more.
Increasing port pollution has forced governments to enact policies related to green ports to maintain the sustainability of maritime transportation. In this article, we established a policy evaluation system based on the PMC (policy modeling consistency) index model to evaluate 17 green port-related policies currently enacted on coastal China, providing a new perspective on existing maritime policy evaluations. The results show that the average overall consistency of the policies is 7.16 with “good” performance, and no policy is “low” consistency. While this suggests that the existing policy design is sound, some deficiencies exist, such as insufficient cooperation between governments and insufficient emphasis on incentives. We provide recommendations for improvement based on these deficiencies and analyzed and optimized every policy in detail. Meanwhile, we found that policy texts from southern ports perform better, contrary to the previous view. The discovery could be a good entry point for future research. We also offer some suggestions for the development of green ships in China. The research makes these contributions and may provide some insights for policymakers. Full article
16 pages, 2919 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Two-Dimensional Barcode Restoration Based on Recurrent Feature Reasoning and Structural Fusion Attention Mechanism
by Jinwang Yi and Jianan Chen
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1873; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101873 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In practical scenarios, such as in electronics, where barcodes on electronic component carriers often wear out, and in logistics, where package labels frequently get damaged, this type of damage makes the recognition of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes challenging. In this study, a new repair [...] Read more.
In practical scenarios, such as in electronics, where barcodes on electronic component carriers often wear out, and in logistics, where package labels frequently get damaged, this type of damage makes the recognition of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes challenging. In this study, a new repair method was introduced for quick response (QR) and PDF417 codes. In addition, a structural fusion attention (SFA) mechanism with a recurrent feature reasoning network was integrated to enhance structural integrity and recognition rates. The proposed method significantly outperforms existing inpainting models in terms of accuracy and robustness, which is demonstrated by the custom dataset provided by the authors. Notably, the approach ensures near-perfect recognition rates despite extensive structural impairments. It achieves an accuracy of 98% for large-area PDF417 occlusions and maintains a recognition rate of 100% for QR codes with 75–90% structural damage. These findings highlight the exceptional ability of the proposed method to restore 2D barcodes impaired by diverse levels of structural occlusion. Full article
18 pages, 2695 KiB  
Article
Stress Responses and Ammonia Nitrogen Removal Efficiency of Oocystis lacustris in Saline Ammonium-Contaminated Wastewater Treatment
by Yuqi Zhu, Yili Zhang, Hui Chen, Lisha Zhang and Chensi Shen
Toxics 2024, 12(5), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050353 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The increasing concern over climate change has spurred significant interest in exploring the potential of microalgae for wastewater treatment. Among the various types of industrial wastewaters, high-salinity NH4+-N wastewater stands out as a common challenge. Investigating microalgae’s resilience to NH [...] Read more.
The increasing concern over climate change has spurred significant interest in exploring the potential of microalgae for wastewater treatment. Among the various types of industrial wastewaters, high-salinity NH4+-N wastewater stands out as a common challenge. Investigating microalgae’s resilience to NH4+-N under high-salinity conditions and their efficacy in NH4+-N utilization is crucial for advancing industrial wastewater microalgae treatment technologies. This study evaluated the effectiveness of employing nitrogen-efficient microalgae, specifically Oocystis lacustris, for NH4+-N removal from saline wastewater. The results revealed Oocystis lacustris’s tolerance to a Na2SO4 concentration of 5 g/L. When the Na2SO4 concentration reached 10 g/L, the growth inhibition experienced by Oocystis lacustris began to decrease on the 6th day of cultivation, with significant alleviation observed by the 7th day. Additionally, the toxic mechanism of saline NH4+-N wastewater on Oocystis lacustris was analyzed through various parameters, including chlorophyll-a, soluble protein, oxidative stress indicators, key nitrogen metabolism enzymes, and microscopic observations of algal cells. The results demonstrated that when the Oocystis lacustris was in the stationary growth phase with an initial density of 2 × 107 cells/L, NH4+-N concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 mg/L achieved almost 100% removal of the microalgae on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th days of treatment, respectively. On the other hand, saline NH4+-N wastewater minimally impacted photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and antioxidant systems within algal cells. Additionally, NH4+-N within the cells was assimilated into glutamic acid through glutamate dehydrogenase-mediated pathways besides the conventional pathway involving NH4+-N conversion into glutamine and assimilation amino acids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation)
16 pages, 2339 KiB  
Article
From a Penny to Self-Disgust: How Cashback Rewards for Favorable Comments and Relationship Norms Affect Consumers’ Post-Purchase Behavioral Intentions
by Qingqing Guo
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(2), 1079-1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19020056 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Sellers of platforms offering cashback rewards for favorable comments (hereinafter CRFC) to generate positive online reviews are ubiquitous. This research examines when and how a CRFC influences consumers’ post-purchase behavioral intentions regarding repurchase and recommendation. Anchoring on the relationship norms theory and casting [...] Read more.
Sellers of platforms offering cashback rewards for favorable comments (hereinafter CRFC) to generate positive online reviews are ubiquitous. This research examines when and how a CRFC influences consumers’ post-purchase behavioral intentions regarding repurchase and recommendation. Anchoring on the relationship norms theory and casting light on consumers’ self-perceptions, the effect of a CRFC on consumers’ post-purchase behavioral intentions is contingent on the relationship norms. The findings of a pilot study and two experimental studies show that after a CRFC offer, communal consumers experienced lower post-purchase behavioral intentions than exchange consumers, and that consumers’ feeling of self-disgust is the mechanism underlying this interactive effect. Specifically, a CRFC is effective for exchange consumers but not for communal consumers because it triggers self-disgust in communal consumers. This paper thus reveals the mediating role of self-disgust in the interactive effect of CRFC and relationship norms on post-purchase behavioral intentions. The implications for sellers, platforms and consumers are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Consumer Psychology and Business Applications)
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25 pages, 1080 KiB  
Article
Brief Analysis of the Location and Determination of Maximum Capacity of Distributed Generation in Electrical Systems Considering Demand Scenarios in Ecuador
by Roger David De la Cruz, Luis Fernando Tipán and Cristian Cristobal Cuji
Energies 2024, 17(10), 2308; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102308 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This research focuses on evaluating the importance of the use of renewable sources through distributed generation and its implication in the operation of electrical systems given that its incorporation has a direct impact on the expansion of the capacity of the networks, the [...] Read more.
This research focuses on evaluating the importance of the use of renewable sources through distributed generation and its implication in the operation of electrical systems given that its incorporation has a direct impact on the expansion of the capacity of the networks, the minimization losses, and the impact on end users, all supported by the growth of demand. Under this context, the study focuses on incorporating distributed generation (DG), taking scenarios of base, medium, and peak demand and the modeling of the network, and subsequently evaluating the service quality indices and operating costs in addition to the electrical variables of the system. For this purpose, the present work proposes an optimization model to be solved using the Matlab (2021b) computational program together with GAMS (37.1.0 Major release (11 November 2021)) and mixed-integer nonlinear programming, determining the optimal insertion and determination of the maximum capacity of distributed generators while complying with the technical restrictions of the system and applying optimal AC power flows. Localizing and determining maximum capacity for distributed generation (DG) in electrical systems are critical aspects of modern grid planning and operation. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources and the growing complexity of energy demand patterns, efficient integration of DG has become paramount for ensuring grid reliability and sustainability. In this context, the analysis of DG localization and capacity determination considering demand scenarios emerges as a critical area of research in electrical engineering. By employing advanced optimization techniques such as mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINP), this research addresses the multidimensional challenges associated with DG deployment, including technical constraints, economic considerations, and environmental impacts. Understanding the contribution of this optimization approach to electrical engineering is fundamental for optimizing grid performance, enhancing renewable energy integration, and supporting the transition towards more resilient and sustainable energy systems. Consequently, investigating this optimization model represents a crucial step towards advancing the state-of-the-art in grid planning and facilitating the transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F1: Electrical Power System)
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17 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Great Recession on Well-Being across Europe Ten Years On: A Cluster Analysis
by Elisabetta Croci Angelini, Francesco Farina and Silvia Sorana
Economies 2024, 12(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12050115 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
To evaluate variations in the well-being dimensions of European citizens, we rely upon Principal Component Analysis methodology, whereby a large set of interrelated indicators are reduced to a small number of aggregate synthetic variables. We find that the 2008 crisis impinged differently on [...] Read more.
To evaluate variations in the well-being dimensions of European citizens, we rely upon Principal Component Analysis methodology, whereby a large set of interrelated indicators are reduced to a small number of aggregate synthetic variables. We find that the 2008 crisis impinged differently on the various dimensions of well-being. The evolution of the indicators has affected different clusters of countries in various ways. Most importantly, we observe that there has been a shift of the principal component from the poor in terms of material deprivation to the risk of poverty for the worsening conditions in the labor market. Full article
19 pages, 527 KiB  
Article
Interaction between Enrofloxacin and Three Essential Oils (Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud and Lavender Flower)—A Study on Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from 1-Day-Old Broiler Chickens
by Sławomir Zych, Michalina Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska, Małgorzata Anna Szewczuk and Danuta Szczerbińska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105220 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes a variety of infections outside the intestine. The treatment of these infections is becoming increasingly difficult due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, which can also be a direct or indirect threat to humans as [...] Read more.
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes a variety of infections outside the intestine. The treatment of these infections is becoming increasingly difficult due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, which can also be a direct or indirect threat to humans as consumers of poultry products. Therefore, alternative antimicrobial agents are being sought, which could be essential oils, either administered individually or in interaction with antibiotics. Sixteen field isolates of E. coli (originating from 1-day-old broilers) and the ATCC 25922 reference strain were tested. Commercial cinnamon bark, clove bud, lavender flower essential oils (EOs) and enrofloxacin were selected to assess the sensitivity of the selected E. coli strains to antimicrobial agents. The checkerboard method was used to estimate the individual minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each antimicrobial agent as well as to determine the interactions between the selected essential oil and enrofloxacin. In the case of enrofloxacin, ten isolates were resistant at MIC ≥ 2 μg/mL, three were classified as intermediate (0.5–1 μg/mL) and three as sensitive at ≤0.25 μg/mL. Regardless of the sensitivity to enrofloxacin, the MIC for cinnamon EO was 0.25% v/v and for clove EO was 0.125% v/v. All MDR strains had MIC values for lavender EO of 1% v/v, while drug-sensitive isolates had MIC of 0.5% v/v. Synergism between enrofloxacin and EO was noted more frequently in lavender EO (82.35%), followed by cinnamon EO (64.7%), than in clove EO (47.1%). The remaining cases exhibited additive effects. Owing to synergy, the isolates became susceptible to enrofloxacin at an MIC of ≤8 µg/mL. A time–kill study supports these observations. Cinnamon and clove EOs required for up to 1 h and lavender EO for up to 4 h to completely kill a multidrug-resistant strain as well as the ATCC 25922 reference strain of E. coli. Through synergistic or additive effects, blends with a lower than MIC concentration of enrofloxacin mixed with a lower EO content required 6 ±2 h to achieve a similar effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Antimicrobial Agents)
19 pages, 556 KiB  
Review
Exploring Vitamin B12 Supplementation in the Vegan Population: A Scoping Review of the Evidence
by Sávio Fernandes, Leandro Oliveira, Alda Pereira, Maria do Céu Costa, António Raposo, Ariana Saraiva and Bruno Magalhães
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101442 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
With a significant portion of the population adopting veganism and conflicting views among nutrition professionals regarding the necessity of vitamin B12 supplementation, this review aims to explore existing studies evaluating interventions through food supplementation. It focuses on the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency [...] Read more.
With a significant portion of the population adopting veganism and conflicting views among nutrition professionals regarding the necessity of vitamin B12 supplementation, this review aims to explore existing studies evaluating interventions through food supplementation. It focuses on the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency across different demographics. The present study seeks to understand how research has addressed the relationship between the rise in veganism and vitamin B12 deficiency over the past decade. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA flow diagram. Studies from 2010 to 2023 were identified using Boolean operators and key terms in electronic databases such as PubMed/ MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EBSCO (Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, and Academic Search Complete). Out of 217 articles identified, 70 studies were included. The topical analysis categorized the studies into three groups: those associating vitamin B12 deficiency with diseases (n = 14), those analyzing the dietary habits of vegetarian individuals (vegan or not) without a specific focus on vitamin B12 (n = 49), and those addressing food guides and nutrition institution positions (n = 7). The authors concluded that vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among vegans due to limited consumption of animal products. For vegetarians, supplementation is an efficient means of treating and preventing deficiency; a daily dose of 50 to 100 micrograms is advised. There are still significant gaps in the research, nevertheless, such as the absence of randomized controlled trials evaluating various forms or dosages of vitamin B12 among vegetarians and the requirement for more information and awareness of the vitamin’s significance in vegan diets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition and Food Security for All: A Step towards the Future)
21 pages, 4658 KiB  
Article
Flood Disaster Risk Assessment in Wuhan City Based on GIS Analysis and Indicator Ranking Using Random Forest
by Jingrong Wu and Xiang Jiang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051370 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In recent years, with the acceleration of urbanization and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather globally, the risk of urban flood disasters has gradually increased, and its potential consequences are immeasurable. Therefore, conducting risk assessment of urban flood disasters is of great significance, [...] Read more.
In recent years, with the acceleration of urbanization and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather globally, the risk of urban flood disasters has gradually increased, and its potential consequences are immeasurable. Therefore, conducting risk assessment of urban flood disasters is of great significance, as it is one of the foundations and decision-making means for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and has become a hot topic and trend in current research. This paper starts by exploring the concept and formation mechanism of urban flood disasters, taking Hazard Factors, Disaster-prone Environment sensitivity, Vulnerability of Exposed Bodies, and Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Capabilities as primary indicators. Based on this, a risk assessment index system is established with 14 secondary indicators, such as annual average rainfall, distance to water systems, elevation, and terrain undulation. The spatialization of each indicator data point is processed through ArcGIS10.7, and the importance of hazard and sensitivity indicators is ranked using the Random Forest algorithm. The indicators are then weighted using a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the entropy method, and the combined weights of each assessment indicator are calculated. Taking Wuhan City as the research area, the weights of each indicator are input into the established risk assessment model. ArcGIS spatial analysis techniques and raster calculation functions are utilized to solve the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the assessment model, obtaining zoning maps of risk levels for hazard, sensitivity, vulnerability, disaster prevention, and mitigation capabilities, as well as the distribution of comprehensive risk levels. The validity and rationality of the model results are verified by actual disaster data, providing important reference for urban flood disaster prevention in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
48 pages, 10221 KiB  
Article
Callovian Marine Reptiles of European Russia
by Nikolay Zverkov, Maxim Arkhangelsky, Denis Gulyaev, Alexey Ippolitov and Alexey Shmakov
Diversity 2024, 16(5), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16050290 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Our knowledge of marine reptiles of the Callovian age (Middle Jurassic) is majorly based on the collections from the Oxford Clay Formation of England, which yielded a diverse marine reptile fauna of plesiosaurians, ichthyosaurians, and thalattosuchians. However, outside of Western Europe, marine reptile [...] Read more.
Our knowledge of marine reptiles of the Callovian age (Middle Jurassic) is majorly based on the collections from the Oxford Clay Formation of England, which yielded a diverse marine reptile fauna of plesiosaurians, ichthyosaurians, and thalattosuchians. However, outside of Western Europe, marine reptile remains of this age are poorly known. Here, we survey marine reptiles from the Callovian stage of European Russia. The fossils collected over more than a century from 28 localities are largely represented by isolated bones and teeth, although partial skeletons are also known. In addition to the previously described rhomaleosaurid and metriorhynchids, we identify pliosaurids of the genera Liopleurodon and Simolestes; cryptoclidid plesiosaurians, including Cryptoclidus eurymerus, Muraenosaurus sp., and cf. Tricleidus, and ophthalmosaurid ichthyosaurians, including the iconic Ophthalmosaurus icenicus. These findings expand the ranges of several Callovian marine reptile taxa far to the Eastern Europe, and support the exchange of marine reptile faunas between Western and Eastern European seas in the middle to late Callovian. However, some specimens from the lower Callovian of European Russia show differences from typical representatives of the middle Callovian Oxford Clay fauna, possibly representing the earlier stages of evolution of some of these marine reptiles not yet recorded in Western Europe or elsewhere. Full article
18 pages, 17861 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Torque and Reduction of Torque Ripples through Assisted-Poles in Low-Speed, High-Torque Density Spoke-Type PMSMs
by Sayyed Haleem Shah, Yun-Chong Wang, Dan Shi and Jian-Xin Shen
Machines 2024, 12(5), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12050327 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In this article, rotor designs utilizing assisted-poles are investigated for a high-torque density spoke-type permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) with fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) to explore the rich air-gap magnetic field harmonics and torque generation mechanism. Due to their higher average torque [...] Read more.
In this article, rotor designs utilizing assisted-poles are investigated for a high-torque density spoke-type permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) with fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) to explore the rich air-gap magnetic field harmonics and torque generation mechanism. Due to their higher average torque output, spoke-type PMSMs with FSCW are increasingly used in high-torque density applications. However, slot harmonics generate torque ripples that are difficult to eliminate in FSCW spoke-type PMSMs. Removing slot harmonics from the stator or winding results in a large drop in torque since their winding factors are identical to those of the main harmonic. Therefore, rotor designs having assisted-poles (symmetrical and asymmetrical) are investigated in this work to mitigate slot harmonics and minimize torque ripples. Firstly, the air-gap flux density is analyzed for the machines having assisted-poles, and a model of interaction between the stator and rotor-MMF harmonics is created and validated through Finite element analysis (FEA) to analyze the torque production mechanism. In addition, an analytical relationship between the assisted-poles’ dimensions and the generated torque harmonics is proposed. Furthermore, a generalized torque ripple reduction concept for the FSCW spoke-type PMSM having asymmetrically designed assisted-poles is presented. The proposed design and optimization method are validated through analytical calculations and FEA simulations, and a brief comparative analysis is presented for the analyzed machine prototypes. It has been established that the machine designed by applying the proposed asymmetrical assisted-poles can achieve a reduction in torque ripples while also significantly lowering cogging torque in comparison to the conventional spoke-type PMSMs and other spoke-type PMSMs with rotor having symmetrical assisted-poles. Full article
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16 pages, 5823 KiB  
Article
Phylogeographic Substructuring in the Southernmost Refugium of the European Common Frog Rana temporaria
by Marija Ilić, Vanja Bugarski-Stanojević, Bogdan Jovanović, Gorana Stamenković, Katarina Zorić, Momir Paunović and Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101430 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Rana temporaria is one of the most widespread Palearctic brown frogs. We aimed to clarify distribution pattern of two main genetic clades in the understudied Balkan peninsula by using 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB sequences, already widely applied in analyses of populations from other parts [...] Read more.
Rana temporaria is one of the most widespread Palearctic brown frogs. We aimed to clarify distribution pattern of two main genetic clades in the understudied Balkan peninsula by using 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB sequences, already widely applied in analyses of populations from other parts of Europe, while focusing on the broad area along the Morava river (central Balkans) as a known gap in the species distribution. Additionally, we were interested in revealing the extent of haplotype diversity within the main genetic clades in the Balkans, particularly around the supposed suture zone. The results revealed a suture zone between the Western and Eastern Clades in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. This indicated the existence of a historical barrier between the Balkan Mountain Belt and geographically close mountains surrounding the Vlasina Plateau (Rhodope/Serbian–Macedonian Massif). The overall observed haplotype diversity in populations of R. temporaria from the Balkan Peninsula seems high. Harboring both main genetic clades of R. temporaria qualifies the Balkan Peninsula as another important center of species' genetic diversity, as well as rich in unique haplotypes. This points out the necessity of applying conservation measures focused on the common European frog populations and habitats in this part of the species' distribution area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wildlife Genetic Diversity)
10 pages, 385 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of the Serious Educational Game in Nursing Appraisal Scale
by Carla Sílvia Fernandes, Maria Joana Campos, Maria Teresa Moreira, Andreia Lima, Salomé Ferreira and Maria Manuela Martins
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 1148-1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14020087 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate the Serious Educational Game in Nursing Appraisal Scale (SEGiNAS), a tool designed to evaluate the implementation of serious games within nurse education contexts of quantity of process, quality of process, and learning outcomes. Methods and [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate the Serious Educational Game in Nursing Appraisal Scale (SEGiNAS), a tool designed to evaluate the implementation of serious games within nurse education contexts of quantity of process, quality of process, and learning outcomes. Methods and Materials: This methodological and psychometric study aimed to develop and validate a scale. The item generation phase was based on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, resulting in a 20-item scale. The validation phase involved evaluating the psychometric scale by surveying 160 Portuguese nurses. Results: A factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure corresponding to the scale’s designed dimensions, explaining a total variance of 64.5%. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency for all factors, including engagement and teaching effectiveness (0.925), learning impact and practical application (0.883), and content relevance and clarity (0.848). The dimensions were engagement and teaching effectiveness, learning impact and practical application, and content relevance and clarity. Conclusions: The SEGiNAS scale represents a valid and reliable tool for evaluating serious games in nursing education. Its development fills an existing gap in assessing the teaching–learning process with serious games. This study was not registered. Full article
39 pages, 4815 KiB  
Review
Unstable Metal Hydrides for Possible On-Board Hydrogen Storage
by Zhijie Cao, Franziska Habermann, Konrad Burkmann, Michael Felderhoff and Florian Mertens
Hydrogen 2024, 5(2), 241-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen5020015 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen storage in general is an indispensable prerequisite for the introduction of a hydrogen energy-based infrastructure. In this respect, high-pressure metal hydride (MH) tank systems appear to be one of the most promising hydrogen storage techniques for automotive applications using proton exchange membrane [...] Read more.
Hydrogen storage in general is an indispensable prerequisite for the introduction of a hydrogen energy-based infrastructure. In this respect, high-pressure metal hydride (MH) tank systems appear to be one of the most promising hydrogen storage techniques for automotive applications using proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. These systems bear the potential of achieving a beneficial compromise concerning the comparably large volumetric storage density, wide working temperature range, comparably low liberation of heat, and increased safety. The debatable term “unstable metal hydride” is used in the literature in reference to metal hydrides with high dissociation pressure at a comparably low temperature. Such compounds may help to improve the merits of high-pressure MH tank systems. Consequently, in the last few years, some materials for possible on-board applications in such tank systems have been developed. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art developments of these metal hydrides, mainly including intermetallic compounds and complex hydrides, and offers some guidelines for future developments. Since typical laboratory hydrogen uptake measurements are limited to 200 bar, a possible threshold for defining unstable hydrides could be a value of their equilibrium pressure of peq > 200 bar for T < 100 °C. However, these values would mark a technological future target and most current materials, and those reported in this review, do not fulfill these requirements and need to be seen as current stages of development toward the intended target. For each of the aforementioned categories in this review, special care is taken to not only cover the pioneering and classic research but also to portray the current status and latest advances. For intermetallic compounds, key aspects focus on the influence of partial substitution on the absorption/desorption plateau pressure, hydrogen storage capacity and hysteresis properties. For complex hydrides, the preparation procedures, thermodynamics and theoretical calculation are presented. In addition, challenges, perspectives, and development tendencies in this field are also discussed. Full article
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24 pages, 5614 KiB  
Article
The Influence of the Soil Profile on the Formation of the Elemental Image of Grapes and Wine of the Cabernet Sauvignon Variety
by Zaual Temerdashev, Aleksey Abakumov, Alexan Khalafyan, Mikhail Bolshov, Aleksey Lukyanov, Alexander Vasilyev and Evgeniy Gipich
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102251 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The features for assessing the authenticity of wines by region of origin are studied, based on the relationship between the mineral composition of the wine, the grapes, and the soil profile (0 to 160 cm) from the place of growth of Cabernet Sauvignon [...] Read more.
The features for assessing the authenticity of wines by region of origin are studied, based on the relationship between the mineral composition of the wine, the grapes, and the soil profile (0 to 160 cm) from the place of growth of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Soil, grape, and wine samples were taken from the territories of six vineyards in the Anapa district of Krasnodar Territory, Russia. Using the methods of ICP-OES, thermal, and X-ray phase analysis, the soils were differentiated into three groups, differing in mineralogical and mineral compositions. The soil samples of the first group contained up to 31% quartz, the second group up to 25% quartz and 19% mixed calcite, and the third group up to 32% calcite and 15% quartz. The formation of the elemental image of the grapes was studied, taking into account the total content and mobile forms of metals in the soil. The territorial proximity of the vineyards did not affect the extraction of elements from the soil into the grape berry, and the migration of metals for each territory was selective. According to the values of the biological absorption coefficient, the degree of transition of metals from the soil to a berry was estimated. For K, Ti, Zn, Rb, Cu, and Fe in all berries, the coefficient was higher than 1.00, which means that the berry extracts contained not only mobile-form, but also difficult-to-dissolve metal compounds. The migration of macro-components from the soil to the berry was low, and amounted to 6–7% for Ca, 0.8–3.0% for Na, and 25–70% for Mg of the concentration of their mobile forms. For all territories, the maximum correlation between metal concentrations in grapes and soil was observed for samples from a depth of 0–40 cm. The discriminant model based on concentrations of Rb, Al, K, Sr, Co, Na, Pb, Ca, and Ni showed the formation of clusters in the territories of vineyard cultivation. The developed model allow the problems of identifying wines by region to be solved with high accuracy, using their elemental image. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analytical Chemistry)
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18 pages, 623 KiB  
Article
Academic Intrapreneurs: Exploring the Antecedents of Academic Intrapreneurial Intention
by Kemal Kanısoy, Harun Şeşen and Mehmet Ali Ekemen
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104019 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic [...] Read more.
It is widely accepted that intrapreneurial behavior is imperative for any type of organization to maintain sustainability in terms of growth and performance. In this context, it is also important to investigate the factors that play a role in promoting intrapreneurship within dynamic industries, such as the higher education industry. For this purpose, this study aimed to explore the antecedents of intrapreneurial intention in academic staff to provide theoretical as well as practical contributions for universities. We used a survey method to collect data with a sample consisting of 236 academic staff from universities in Northern Cyprus, and tested hypotheses through three different structural models by using structural equation modeling (SEM). Following a deductive approach to establish constructs in the models, we treated academic intrapreneurial intention as the dependent variable, and self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital as the independent variables. In addition, attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were individually tested as mediating variables. The results of this study indicate that self-leadership, self-efficacy, and psychological capital have direct and indirect effects on academic intrapreneurial intention, and attitudes toward intrapreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control play a mediating role between these antecedents and academic intrapreneurial intention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Business Models and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development)
20 pages, 2855 KiB  
Article
Novel Functional Food Properties of Forest Onion (Eleutherine bulbosa Merr.) Phytochemicals for Treating Metabolic Syndrome: New Insights from a Combined Computational and In Vitro Approach
by Happy Kurnia Permatasari, Nuril Farid Abshori, Rony Abdi Syahputra, Urip Harahap, Nurlinah Amalia, Dian Aruni Kumalawati, Nelly Mayulu, Nurpudji Astuti Taslim, Trina Ekawati Tallei, Raymond Rubianto Tjandrawinata, Elvan Wiyarta, Adriyan Pramono, Bonglee Kim, Apollinaire Tsopmo, Lluis Serra-Majem and Fahrul Nurkolis
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101441 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is a global health problem. The use of functional foods as dietary components has been increasing. One food of interest is forest onion extract (FOE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of FOE on lipid and glucose metabolism in silico [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome is a global health problem. The use of functional foods as dietary components has been increasing. One food of interest is forest onion extract (FOE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of FOE on lipid and glucose metabolism in silico and in vitro using the 3T3-L1 mouse cell line. This was a comprehensive study that used a multi-modal computational network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking in silico and 3T3-L1 mouse cells in vitro. The phytochemical components of FOE were analyzed using untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Next, an in silico analysis was performed to determine FOE’s bioactive compounds, and a toxicity analysis, protein target identification, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were carried out. FOE’s effect on pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase inhibition was determined. Finally, we determined its effect on lipid accumulation and MAPK8, PPARG, HMGCR, CPT-1, and GLP1 expression in the preadipocyte 3T3-L1 mouse cell line. We showed that the potential metabolites targeted glucose and lipid metabolism in silico and that FOE inhibited pancreatic lipase levels, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase in vitro. Furthermore, FOE significantly (p < 0.05) inhibits targeted protein expressions of MAPK8, PPARG, HMGCR, CPT-1, and GLP-1 in vitro in 3T3-L1 mouse cells in a dose-dependent manner. FOE contains several metabolites that reduce pancreatic lipase levels, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and targeted proteins associated with lipid and glucose metabolism in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Health: 2nd Edition)

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