The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
14 pages, 1697 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Intact/Delaminated Composite and Sandwich Beams Using a Higher-Order Modeling Technique
by Yuan Feng, Abdul Hamid Sheikh and Guanzhen Li
J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(5), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8050175 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
A simple higher-order model (HOM) is presented in this study for the bending analysis of an intact or delaminated composite and sandwich beam. This model adopts the concept of sub-laminates to simulate multilayered structures, and each sub-laminate takes cubic variation for axial displacement [...] Read more.
A simple higher-order model (HOM) is presented in this study for the bending analysis of an intact or delaminated composite and sandwich beam. This model adopts the concept of sub-laminates to simulate multilayered structures, and each sub-laminate takes cubic variation for axial displacement and linear variation for transverse displacement through the thickness. A sub-laminate possesses displacement components at its surfaces (bottom and top) that provide a straightforward way to improve the accuracy of prediction by stacking several sub-laminates. Thus, analysts will have the flexibility to balance the computational cost and the accuracy by selecting an appropriate sub-lamination scheme. The proposed model was implemented by developing a C0 beam element that has only displacement unknowns. The model was used to solve numerical examples of composite and sandwich beams to demonstrate its performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization and Modelling of Composites, Volume III)
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14 pages, 315 KiB  
Article
The Role of Parental Health Literacy in Establishing Health-Promoting Habits in Early Childhood
by Melinda Csima, Judit Podráczky, Viktória Keresztes, Evelin Soós and Judit Fináncz
Children 2024, 11(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11050576 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In early childhood, children are extremely susceptible to the acquisition of habits and the establishment of health-promoting habits. Therefore, the patterns, routines, and rules transmitted and expected by the adults surrounding the child are of paramount importance and can correlate with the level [...] Read more.
In early childhood, children are extremely susceptible to the acquisition of habits and the establishment of health-promoting habits. Therefore, the patterns, routines, and rules transmitted and expected by the adults surrounding the child are of paramount importance and can correlate with the level of their health literacy. Our cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study aimed to examine the relationships between parental health literacy and preschool children’s health-related habits, using simple, non-random sampling (n = 598). In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics, the measuring tool we compiled included the standardized European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16), as well as a set of questions containing 30 statements suitable for exploring children’s habit systems. The health literacy of the parents involved in our study proved to be more favorable than that of the general population. Regarding children’s habit systems, we found significant differences in several areas by age group (p < 0.05) and gender (p < 0.05). The levels of parental health literacy (0.003 ≤ p ≤ 0.048) and parents’ education (p < 0.05) show a correlation with the children’s health-related habit systems: the indicators of children with parents who have a higher level of health literacy and a higher level of education are more favorable in terms of established habits. In the long term, the formation of health-promoting habits may facilitate the internalization of favorable health behavior motives for the future, contributing to the establishment of positive physical, mental, and social health in adulthood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviour, Health Literacy and Mental Health in Children)
10 pages, 516 KiB  
Protocol
Dose Optimization of Intravenous Indocyanine Green for Malignant Lung Tumor Localization
by Hideki Ujiie, Ryohei Chiba, Akihiro Sasaki, Shunsuke Nomura, Haruhiko Shiiya, Shohei Otsuka, Hiroshi Yamasaki, Aki Fujiwara-Kuroda, Kazuto Ohtaka, Masato Aragaki, Kazufumi Okada, Yuma Ebihara and Tatsuya Kato
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102807 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Intravenously administered indocyanine green (ICG) accumulates in lung tumors, facilitating their detection via a fluorescence spectrum measurement. This method aids in identifying tumor locations that are invisible to the naked eye. We aim to determine the optimal ICG dose and administration method [...] Read more.
Background: Intravenously administered indocyanine green (ICG) accumulates in lung tumors, facilitating their detection via a fluorescence spectrum measurement. This method aids in identifying tumor locations that are invisible to the naked eye. We aim to determine the optimal ICG dose and administration method for accurate tumor identification during lung resection surgeries, utilizing a novel ICG fluorescence spectroscopy system for precise tumor localization. Materials and Methods: ICG should be dissolved in the provided solution or distilled water and administered intravenously approximately 24 h before surgery, beginning with an initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg. If the tumor detection rate is insufficient, the dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 5.0 mg/kg to determine the optimal dosage for effective tumor detection. This fluorescence spectroscopy during surgery may reveal additional lesions that remain undetected in preoperative assessments. The primary endpoint includes the correct diagnostic rate of tumor localization. The secondary endpoints include the measurement of the intraoperative ICG fluorescence spectral intensity in lung tumors, the assessment of the operability and safety of intraperitoneal ICG administrations, the measurement of the ICG fluorescence spectral intensity in surgical specimens, the comparison of the spectral intensity in lung tissues during collapse and expansion, the correlation between ICG camera images and fluorescence spectral intensity, and the comparison of fluorescence analysis results with histopathological findings. The trial has been registered in the jRCT Clinical Trials Registry under the code jRCTs011230037. Results and Conclusions: This trial aims to establish an effective methodology for localizing and diagnosing malignant lung tumors, thereby potentially improving surgical outcomes and refining treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Research Advances in Thoracic Surgery)
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16 pages, 533 KiB  
Systematic Review
Use of Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine in Older-Age Adults: A Systematic Review of Economic Evidence
by Ciaran O’Neill and Grainne E. Crealey
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050523 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Influenza vaccination is an important public health measure that can reduce disease burden, especially among older persons (those aged 65 and over) who have weaker immune systems. Evidence suggests enhanced vaccines, including adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines (aQIV), may be particularly effective in this group. [...] Read more.
Influenza vaccination is an important public health measure that can reduce disease burden, especially among older persons (those aged 65 and over) who have weaker immune systems. Evidence suggests enhanced vaccines, including adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccines (aQIV), may be particularly effective in this group. This study reports the results of a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of aQIV in this population. The review was undertaken and reported in accordance with good practice guidelines. Medline and EMBASE were searched from 2013 to the present. Pre-selected eligibility criteria were employed and quality assessment undertaken using the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC-extended) checklist and Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard (CHEERS) 2022 checklists. A total of 124 records were returned, with 10 full text papers retained. All were modelling studies and exhibited heterogeneity in approach, perspective, and parameter estimation. Nine papers reported cost-effectiveness ranging from EUR 6694/QALY to EUR 20,000/QALY in evaluations employing a payer perspective and from EUR 3936/QALY to EUR 17,200/QALY in those using a societal perspective. Results remained robust to a range of sensitivity analyses. One paper that reported contrary findings adopted a distinct modelling approach. It is reasonable to conclude that there is a broad consensus as to the cost-effectiveness of aQIV in this population group. Full article
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18 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
A Trinitarian Ascent: How Augustine’s Sermons on the Psalms of Ascent Transform the Ascent Tradition
by Mark J. Boone
Religions 2024, 15(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050586 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Augustine’s sermons on the Psalms of Ascent, part of the Enarrationes in Psalmos, are a unique entry in the venerable tradition of those writings that aim to help us ascend to a higher reality. These sermons transform the ascent genre by giving, [...] Read more.
Augustine’s sermons on the Psalms of Ascent, part of the Enarrationes in Psalmos, are a unique entry in the venerable tradition of those writings that aim to help us ascend to a higher reality. These sermons transform the ascent genre by giving, in the place of the Platonic account of ascent, a Christian ascent narrative with a Trinitarian structure. Not just the individual ascends, but the community that is the church, the body of Christ, also ascends. The ascent is up to God, the Idipsum or the Selfsame, the ultimate reality, confessed by the church as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of the Incarnation, God the Son enables us to ascend, making himself the way of ascent from the humility we must imitate at the beginning of the ascent all the way up to Heaven, where he retains his identity as Idipsum. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit works in the ascending church to convert our hearts to the love of God and neighbor. I review the Platonic ascent tradition in Plato’s Republic and Plotinus’ Enneads; overview ascent in some of Augustine’s earlier writings; introduce the narrative setting of the sermons on the Psalms of Ascent; and analyze the Trinitarian structure of their ascent narrative. I close with some reflections on the difference between a preached Trinitarianism that encourages ascent and a more academic effort to understand God such as we find in Augustine’s de Trinitate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Augustine’s Concept of God and His Trinitarian Thought)
18 pages, 306 KiB  
Article
The Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Perceptions of Local Food Market Channels
by Jairus Rossi
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103985 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on food systems. Despite disrupting conventional markets—such as grocery stores—farmers that focused on short supply chains found new market opportunities. As consumers increasingly became concerned with the safety of in-person shopping, some turned to purchasing directly [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on food systems. Despite disrupting conventional markets—such as grocery stores—farmers that focused on short supply chains found new market opportunities. As consumers increasingly became concerned with the safety of in-person shopping, some turned to purchasing directly from farmers and markets that carried products marketed as local, organic, and/or sustainable. With these changes in mind, I ask how consumer perceptions of local food systems (LFSs) changed in the two years after COVID-19. If consumers are more aware of local markets, farmers might reorient production to focus on local supply chains and sustainable production methods. To evaluate consumer perceptions, I use survey responses from residents in five communities in the US South in 2019 and 2022. Using a treatment effects model with propensity score matching, I show that residents became more aware of most local market channels, such as specialty retail stores and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Some residents were also more likely to have a positive perception of markets that provide fresh vegetables to low-income residents. Finally, residents wanted more investment into markets that make fresh, local products more available, such as community-owned groceries and CSA. Full article
21 pages, 4406 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Sand for Sustainable Construction Performance and Environmental Benefits
by Saurabh Singh, Suraj Kumar Singh, Mohamed Mahgoub, Shahnawaz Ahmed Mir, Shruti Kanga, Sujeet Kumar, Pankaj Kumar and Gowhar Meraj
CivilEng 2024, 5(2), 461-481; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng5020023 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This research investigates the potential of utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled sand (RS), derived from crushed concrete cubes, as sustainable alternatives in construction materials. The study comprehensively evaluates the properties of RCA and RS, focusing on workability, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, [...] Read more.
This research investigates the potential of utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled sand (RS), derived from crushed concrete cubes, as sustainable alternatives in construction materials. The study comprehensively evaluates the properties of RCA and RS, focusing on workability, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and compressive strength to determine their viability as substitute construction materials. A notable finding is RS’s enhanced fire and heat resistance when used as a fine aggregate in mortar blends, mixed with cement and Sinicon PP in a 3:1 ratio. The experimental analysis included thorough assessments of uniformity, durability, and curing time, alongside Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for structural examination. Results show that RCA has an Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) of 5.76% and a Los Angeles Abrasion Value (LAA) of 21.78%, demonstrating excellent strength of the recycled aggregates. The mortar mix was also prepared using recycled sand, cement, and Sinicon PP, and its stability was confirmed through soundness tests, which resulted in a 0.53 mm expansion and a satisfactory consistency level of 44%. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests also indicated high-quality concrete formation using RCA and RS. SEM imaging corroborated this by revealing a bond between the cement paste and the aggregates. Incorporating RS and RCA in concrete mixtures impressively yielded a compressive strength of 26.22 N/mm2 in M20-grade concrete. The study concludes that using RCA and RS waste materials in the construction sector underlines that sustainable practices can be integrated without compromising material quality. This approach aligns with sustainable development goals and fosters a more environmentally friendly construction industry. Full article
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14 pages, 2352 KiB  
Article
Cornus mas L. Extract-Mediated Modulations of the Redox State Induce Cytotoxicity in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
by Lucia Klongová, Marek Kovár, Alica Navrátilová, Veronika Fialkova and Miroslava Požgajová
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4049; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104049 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The Cornus mas L. fruit is well known for having a high presence of bioactive substances that include phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and ursolic acid. The health-promoting effects of those substances are mainly associated with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. [...] Read more.
The Cornus mas L. fruit is well known for having a high presence of bioactive substances that include phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and ursolic acid. The health-promoting effects of those substances are mainly associated with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the role of Cornus mas L. fruit ethanolic extract on the cell vitality of a model eukaryotic organism, the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The effect of Cornus mas L. fruit ethanolic extract on cell viability was determined by analyses of cell growth and cell doubling time during exposure to the extract. To determine the ability of Cornus mas L. to reduce or induce oxidative stress, quantification of intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels was performed. Additionally, the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was evaluated together with the determination of changes in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress response. The data suggest a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of the Cornus mas L. fruit ethanol extract, as a higher concentration (2%) led to increased oxidative stress and reduced cell viability of S. pombe cells, while a lower concentration (0.5%) showed only a subtle effect on the analyzed parameters. This study provides a new perspective on the possible antimicrobial or medicinal properties of Cornus mas L. fruit ethanol extract due to its ability to induce oxidative stress in the cell. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Natural Products in Health and Disease)
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29 pages, 3713 KiB  
Article
Linking Land Use and Land Cover Changes and Ecosystem Services’ Potential in Natura 2000 Site “Nordul Gorjului de Vest” (Southwest Romania)
by Simona Mariana Popescu, Oana Mititelu-Ionuș and Dragoș Mihail Ștefănescu
Land 2024, 13(5), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050650 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Considering that land use and land cover (LULC) change is one of the most important challenges to biodiversity today, we used Copernicus products to analyze LULC changes at the level of the “Nordul Gorjului de Vest” Natura 2000 site (Romania) from 1990 to [...] Read more.
Considering that land use and land cover (LULC) change is one of the most important challenges to biodiversity today, we used Copernicus products to analyze LULC changes at the level of the “Nordul Gorjului de Vest” Natura 2000 site (Romania) from 1990 to 2018. The interpretation of the impact of these changes on areas with very high potential for three regulating ecosystem services (ESs) (local climate regulation, regulation of waste, and water purification) was performed. Forest habitats are the major LULC class category in the “Nordul Gorjului de Vest” Natura 2000 site, with broad-leaved forest as the dominant forest class. In terms of areas lost or gained by the different LULC classes for each analyzed time interval, most transformations took place in the period 2000–2006, changes which were also reflected in the overall study period (1990–2018). During this time frame, the conversion of transitional forest shrubs into broad-leaved forest, which is the second largest transition in terms of absolute area changed, led, in terms of contribution rates, to an increase in the areas with very high potential for two of the three analyzed ESs. The conversion of transitional woodland shrub into broad-leaved forest was conductive only to synergy for all the pairwise interactions between the three ESs. Full article
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24 pages, 5490 KiB  
Article
Concept Design of a 15 MW TLP-Type Floating Wind Platform for Korean Offshore Installation
by Sung Youn Boo, Yoon-Jin Ha, Steffen Allan Shelley, Ji-Yong Park, Chang-Hyuck Lim and Kyong-Hwan Kim
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050796 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Offshore wind farms on the east offshore of Korea to produce multi-GW power from floating wind platforms are being planned. The objectives of the present study are to develop a new TLP-type floating wind platform with a 15 MW turbine for the planned [...] Read more.
Offshore wind farms on the east offshore of Korea to produce multi-GW power from floating wind platforms are being planned. The objectives of the present study are to develop a new TLP-type floating wind platform with a 15 MW turbine for the planned site and to confirm the feasibility of the TLP design under extreme typhoon environments. The concept design of the 15 MW TLP floating platform was completed for installation at a water depth of 137 m. The platform was vertically moored with highly pretensioned wire rope tendons. The platform and tendons were designed to withstand extreme conditions for up to 50 years. Additionally, a platform with an integrated turbine was designed to be wet-towable from the quayside without dedicated vessels to minimize the pre-service cost and risk. An extreme response analysis was conducted to evaluate the platform motion, acceleration, airgap and tendon tension for wave variation, intact and damaged condition of the tendon, environment heading change, and water level variation. The platform design results were validated using the design criteria from the industry standards and recommendations, and the design was verified to comply with the design requirements for the planned sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrodynamic Research of Marine Structures)
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15 pages, 1219 KiB  
Review
Role of IL-33/ST2 Pathway in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives
by Walter Giordano, Gabriele Ricciardi, Marco Casciaro, Vincenzo Fiorentino, Cristina Pizzimenti, Anna Viola, Maurizio Martini, Giovanni Tuccari and Antonio Ieni
Gastrointest. Disord. 2024, 6(2), 446-460; https://doi.org/10.3390/gidisord6020030 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a heterogenous and complex group of idiopathic chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and other extraintestinal systems with rising global incidences. The interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors contributes to its pathogenesis. Among the key cytokines [...] Read more.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a heterogenous and complex group of idiopathic chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and other extraintestinal systems with rising global incidences. The interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental factors contributes to its pathogenesis. Among the key cytokines implicated in IBD molecular alterations, IL-33 stands out for its multifaceted roles in both pathogenesis and repair mechanisms. IL-33, known for its action in initiating immune responses, is closely associated with Th2 immunity and is considered a potent inflammatory factor with dual functions, acting both as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a transcriptional regulator. Primarily expressed by non-hematopoietic cells in the gastrointestinal tract, IL-33 interacts with its receptor, ST2, to modulate immune responses. In IBD, dysregulated IL-33 expression exacerbates mucosal inflammation, compromising barrier integrity and promoting tissue damage and fibrosis. Additionally, IL-33 plays a complex role in IBD-related colorectal cancer (CRC), affecting tumor progression and angiogenesis. This review summarizes the multifaceted roles of IL-33 in gastrointestinal health and disease, emphasizing its significance in the pathogenesis of IBD and CRC. Moreover, we thought it of interest to provide new insights into potential therapeutic avenues targeting IL-33 signaling for the management of these debilitating conditions. Full article
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5 pages, 199 KiB  
Editorial
Nutritional Strategy for Cancer—From Prevention to Aftercare
by Jakub Klekowski and Mariusz Chabowski
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101437 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a noteworthy increase in the efficacy of oncological treatments for a variety of neoplasms, which has improved the overall results and survival rates in cancer therapy [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategy for Cancer—from Prevention to Aftercare)
12 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Geometry and Symmetry of Willis’ Circle and Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms Development
by Carmelo Lucio Sturiale, Alba Scerrati, Luca Ricciardi, Oriela Rustemi, Anna Maria Auricchio, Nicolò Norri, Amedeo Piazza, Fabio Raneri, Alberto Benato, Alessio Albanese, Annunziato Mangiola, Donato Carlo Zotta, Giancarlo D’Andrea, Veronica Picotti, Antonino Raco, Lorenzo Volpin and Gianluca Trevisi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2808; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102808 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Background: A relationship between the geometry and symmetry of Willis’ circle and intracranial aneurysms was reported for anterior communicating and posterior communicating (PCom) aneurysms. A similar association with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms instead appeared weaker. Methods: We reviewed 432 [...] Read more.
Background: A relationship between the geometry and symmetry of Willis’ circle and intracranial aneurysms was reported for anterior communicating and posterior communicating (PCom) aneurysms. A similar association with the middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms instead appeared weaker. Methods: We reviewed 432 patients from six Italian centers with unilateral MCA aneurysms, analyzing the relationship between the caliber and symmetry of Willis’ circle and the presence of ruptured and unruptured presentation. CT-angiograms were evaluated to assess Willis’ circle geometrical characteristics and the MCA aneurysm side, dimension and rupture status. Results: The hypoplasia of the first segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A1) was in approximately one-quarter of patients and PCom hypoplasia was in almost 40%. About 9% had a fetal PCom ipsilaterally to the aneurysm. By comparing the aneurysmal and healthy sides, only the PCom hypoplasia appeared significantly higher in the affected side. Finally, the caliber of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the first segment of MCA (M1) caliber were significantly greater in patients with unruptured aneurysms, and PCom hypoplasia appeared related to the incidence of an ipsilateral MCA aneurysm and its risk of rupture. Conclusions: Although according to these findings asymmetries of Willis’ circle are shown to be a risk factor for MCA aneurysm formation and rupture, the indifferent association with ipsilateral or contralateral hypoplasia remains a datum of difficult hemodynamic interpretation, thereby raising the concern that this association may be more casual than causal. Full article
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16 pages, 5693 KiB  
Article
Segmentation and Tracking Based on Equalized Memory Matching Network and Its Application in Electric Substation Inspection
by Huanlong Zhang, Bin Zhou, Yangyang Tian and Zhe Li
Algorithms 2024, 17(5), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17050203 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
With the wide application of deep learning, power inspection technology has made great progress. However, substation inspection videos often present challenges such as complex backgrounds, uneven lighting distribution, variations in the appearance of power equipment targets, and occlusions, which increase the difficulty of [...] Read more.
With the wide application of deep learning, power inspection technology has made great progress. However, substation inspection videos often present challenges such as complex backgrounds, uneven lighting distribution, variations in the appearance of power equipment targets, and occlusions, which increase the difficulty of object segmentation and tracking, thereby adversely affecting the accuracy and reliability of power equipment condition monitoring. In this paper, a pixel-level equalized memory matching network (PEMMN) for power intelligent inspection segmentation and tracking is proposed. Firstly, an equalized memory matching network is designed to collect historical information about the target using a memory bank, in which a pixel-level equalized matching method is used to ensure that the reference frame information can be transferred to the current frame reliably, guiding the segmentation tracker to focus on the most informative region in the current frame. Then, to prevent memory explosion and the accumulation of segmentation template errors, a mask quality evaluation module is introduced to obtain the confidence level of the current segmentation result so as to selectively store the frames with high segmentation quality to ensure the reliability of the memory update. Finally, the synthetic feature map generated by the PEMMN and the mask quality assessment strategy are unified into the segmentation tracking framework to achieve accurate segmentation and robust tracking. Experimental results show that the method performs excellently on real substation inspection scenarios and three generalized datasets and has high practical value. Full article
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23 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
Mutational Analysis of RIP Type I Dianthin-30 Suggests a Role for Arg24 in Endocytosis
by Louisa Schlaak, Christoph Weise, Benno Kuropka and Alexander Weng
Toxins 2024, 16(5), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins16050219 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Saponin-mediated endosomal escape is a mechanism that increases the cytotoxicity of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (type I RIPs). In order to actualize their cytotoxicity, type I RIPs must be released into the cytosol after endocytosis. Without release from the endosomes, type I RIPs [...] Read more.
Saponin-mediated endosomal escape is a mechanism that increases the cytotoxicity of type I ribosome-inactivating proteins (type I RIPs). In order to actualize their cytotoxicity, type I RIPs must be released into the cytosol after endocytosis. Without release from the endosomes, type I RIPs are largely degraded and cannot exert their cytotoxic effects. Certain triterpene saponins are able to induce the endosomal escape of these type I RIPs, thus increasing their cytotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the endosomal escape enhancement of type I RIPs by triterpene saponins has not been fully elucidated. In this report, we investigate the involvement of the basic amino acid residues of dianthin-30, a type I RIP isolated from the plant Dianthus caryophyllus L., in endosomal escape enhancement using alanine scanning. Therefore, we designed 19 alanine mutants of dianthin-30. Each mutant was combined with SO1861, a triterpene saponin isolated from the roots of Saponaria officinalis L., and subjected to a cytotoxicity screening in Neuro-2A cells. Cytotoxic screening revealed that dianthin-30 mutants with lysine substitutions did not impair the endosomal escape enhancement. There was one particular mutant dianthin, Arg24Ala, that exhibited significantly reduced synergistic cytotoxicity in three mammalian cell lines. However, this reduction was not based on an altered interaction with SO1861. It was, rather, due to the impaired endocytosis of dianthin Arg24Ala into the cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Activities of Ribosome Inactivating Proteins II)
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11 pages, 895 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Association between Cathepsin B and Parkinson’s Disease
by Changhao Lu, Xinyi Cai, Shilin Zhi, Xiaofen Wen, Jiaxin Shen, Tommaso Ercoli, Elena Rita Simula, Carla Masala, Leonardo A. Sechi and Paolo Solla
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050482 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between Cathepsin B and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with a particular focus on determining the role of N-acetylaspartate as a potential mediator. Methods: We used summary-level data from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between Cathepsin B and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with a particular focus on determining the role of N-acetylaspartate as a potential mediator. Methods: We used summary-level data from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, exploring the association between Cathepsin B (3301 cases) and PD (4681 cases). A sequential two-step MR approach was applied (8148 cases) to study the role of N-acetylaspartate. Results: The MR analysis yielded that genetically predicted elevated Cathepsin B levels correlated with a reduced risk of developing PD (p = 0.0133, OR: 0.9171, 95% CI: 0.8563–0.9821). On the other hand, the analysis provided insufficient evidence to determine that PD affected Cathepsin B levels (p = 0.8567, OR: 1.0035, 95% CI: 0.9666–1.0418). The estimated effect of N-acetylaspartate in this process was 7.52% (95% CI = −3.65% to 18.69%). Conclusions: This study suggested that elevated Cathepsin B levels decreased the risk of developing PD, with the mediation effect of N-acetylaspartate. Further research is needed to better understand this relationship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approaches in the Exploration of Parkinson’s Disease)
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12 pages, 3952 KiB  
Article
2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl) Ethyl Nitrate Hydrochloride Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment via Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) Signaling Pathway in Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion-Associated Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
by Jiang Li, Shaofeng Xu, Ling Wang and Xiaoliang Wang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050585 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Hypertension reduces the bioavailability of vascular nitric oxide (NO) and contributes to the onset of vascular dementia (VaD). A loss of NO bioavailability increases inflammation and oxidative stress. 2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl) ethyl nitrate hydrochloride (W1302) is a novel nitric oxide donor (NOD) which is undergoing [...] Read more.
Hypertension reduces the bioavailability of vascular nitric oxide (NO) and contributes to the onset of vascular dementia (VaD). A loss of NO bioavailability increases inflammation and oxidative stress. 2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl) ethyl nitrate hydrochloride (W1302) is a novel nitric oxide donor (NOD) which is undergoing phase I clinical trials in China for the treatment of VaD. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of W1302 in VaD rats induced by the permanent occlusion of a bilateral common carotid arteries model related to spontaneous hypertension (SHR-2VO), and we further explored the underlying mechanisms. Nimodipine was used as a positive control. Our results showed that W1302 treatment for 4 weeks (10 mg/Kg/day) exhibited stronger improvement in the spatial learning and memory deficits in SHR-2VO rats compared with nimodipine with slightly lower systolic blood pressure (SBP). Meanwhile, W1302 treatment significantly increased NO and cGMP production, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuated oxidative stress as evidenced by increasing ATP production and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the brain. Furthermore, W1302 treatment markedly inhibited the iNOS activity and decreased TNF-α expression via inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Nimodipine treatment also restored these aberrant changes, but its ATP production was weaker than that of W1302, and there was no significant effect on NO release. Taken together, W1302 exhibited beneficial effects on complications in VaD with hypertension, which is involved in suppressing oxidative damage, and the inflammatory reaction might be mediated by an increase in NO release. Therefore, W1302 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of VaD caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-associated spontaneous hypertension. Full article
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15 pages, 2885 KiB  
Article
A New Culture Medium Rich in Phenols Used for Screening Bitter Degrading Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Employ in Table Olive Production
by Barbara Lanza, Martina Bacceli, Sara Di Marco, Nicola Simone, Giuseppina Di Loreto, Federica Flamminii, Adriano Mollica and Angelo Cichelli
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102236 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The olive oil industry recently introduced a novel multi-phase decanter with the “Leopard DMF” series, which gives a by-product called pâté, made up of pulp and olive wastewater with a high content of phenolic substances and without pits. This study aims to create [...] Read more.
The olive oil industry recently introduced a novel multi-phase decanter with the “Leopard DMF” series, which gives a by-product called pâté, made up of pulp and olive wastewater with a high content of phenolic substances and without pits. This study aims to create a new culture medium, the Olive Juice Broth (OJB), from DMF pâté, and apply it to select bacteria strains able to survive and degrade the bitter substances normally present in the olive fruit. Thirty-five different bacterial strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum from the CREA-IT.PE Collection of Microorganisms were tested. Seven strains characterized by ≥50% growth in OJB (B31, B137, B28, B39, B124, B130, and B51) showed a degradation of the total phenolic content of OJB ≥ 30%. From this set, L. plantarum B51 strain was selected as a starter for table olive production vs. spontaneous fermentation. The selected inoculant effectively reduced the debittering time compared to spontaneous fermentation. Hydroxytyrosol, derived from oleuropein and verbascoside degradation, and tyrosol, derived from ligstroside degradation, were produced faster than during spontaneous fermentation. The OJB medium is confirmed to be useful in selecting bacterial strains resistant to the complex phenolic environment of the olive fruit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Bioactive Compounds in Pharmaceuticals)
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13 pages, 6054 KiB  
Article
Three-Stage Interpolation Method for Demosaicking Monochrome Polarization DoFP Images
by Luping Liu, Xin Li, Jianmin Yang, Xinliang Tian and Lei Liu
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103018 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The emergence of polarization image sensors presents both opportunities and challenges for real-time full-polarization reconstruction in scene imaging. This paper presents an innovative three-stage interpolation method specifically tailored for monochrome polarization image demosaicking, emphasizing both precision and processing speed. The method introduces a [...] Read more.
The emergence of polarization image sensors presents both opportunities and challenges for real-time full-polarization reconstruction in scene imaging. This paper presents an innovative three-stage interpolation method specifically tailored for monochrome polarization image demosaicking, emphasizing both precision and processing speed. The method introduces a novel linear interpolation model based on polarization channel difference priors in the initial two stages. To enhance results through bidirectional interpolation, a continuous adaptive edge detection method based on variance differences is employed for weighted averaging. In the third stage, a total intensity map, derived from the previous two stages, is integrated into a residual interpolation process, thereby further elevating estimation precision. The proposed method undergoes validation using publicly available advanced datasets, showcasing superior performance in both global parameter evaluations and local visual details when compared with existing state-of-the-art techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section State-of-the-Art Sensors Technologies)
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10 pages, 2433 KiB  
Article
Individual Tuning of Directional Emission and Luminance of a Quantum Emitter in a Composite Plasmonic Antenna
by Chaonuo Xin, Yuming Huang, Renpu Li and Yong Ma
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050444 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
High directional emission and high radiative quantum efficiency are strongly needed when moving a single optical nano-emitter (such as a quantum dot) into the practical realm. However, a typical optical nano-emitter struggles to meet the requirements above, which limits its practical applications in [...] Read more.
High directional emission and high radiative quantum efficiency are strongly needed when moving a single optical nano-emitter (such as a quantum dot) into the practical realm. However, a typical optical nano-emitter struggles to meet the requirements above, which limits its practical applications in next-generation nano-photonic devices such as single-photon sources. Here, to achieve these features simultaneously, we propose and theoretically investigate a composite plasmonic antenna consisting of a hemispherical solid immersion lens (SIL) and a bowtie plasmonic nano-antenna, wherein a high directional emission of 10° and 2.5 × 103 of Purcell factor have both been enabled. Moreover, we find that directionality and the Purcell factor can be manipulated independently in our antenna, which provides a novel platform for the optimization of single-photon sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Quantum System)
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10 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
Extended Genotyping to Stratify the Risk of CIN2+ in Women with Persistent HPV Infection, Negative Cytology and Type 3 Transformation Zone
by Maria Teresa Bruno, Gaetano Valenti, Antonino Giovanni Cavallaro, Ilenia Palermo, Tiziana Aiello, Jessica Farina, Marco Marzio Panella and Liliana Mereu
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1816; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101816 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Women with persistent HPV and negative cytology are at greater risk of CIN2+ than women with negative infection. The diagnosis becomes more complicated when the woman has a [...] Read more.
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is recognized as a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Women with persistent HPV and negative cytology are at greater risk of CIN2+ than women with negative infection. The diagnosis becomes more complicated when the woman has a type 3 transformation zone at colposcopy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of CIN2+ in women with persistent HPV, negative cytology and TZ3; how to stratify the risk of CIN2+; and what the best diagnostic strategy is, given TZ3. Methods: In a multicenter retrospective cohort study, we enrolled women with negative cytology and TZ3 among the 213 women referred for colposcopy for persistent HPV. The average age of the women was 53 years; in particular, 83% were postmenopausal women. In the presence of a TZ3, the entire transformation zone cannot be explored, making colposcopy and targeted biopsy useless and inadequate, with great risks of underdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. Women with TZ3 underwent diagnostic LEEP to ensure correct diagnoses. Results: The study highlighted 19% (16/84) of CIN2+ lesions, a higher frequency of non-HPV 16/18 genotypes (76.2%), and 50% of CIN2+ lesions being due to non-HPV 16/18 genotypes. Furthermore, more than half of the women (80.9%) had normal histopathological results in the LEEP sample. Conclusion. Women with viral persistence, negative cytology, and TZ3 have a 19% risk of CIN2+; genotyping helps stratify risk, but extensive genotyping is necessary instead of partial genotyping (16/18), referring to a population of women over 50 years old in which the prevalence of genotypes 16,18 decreases and the prevalence of other genotypes increases; diagnostic LEEP is excessive (only 16 cases of CIN2+ out of 48 cases treated), even though 83% of women had viral clearance after LEEP; p16/Ki67 double staining could be a potential risk marker, which would only highlight women at risk of CIN2+ to undergo LEEP. To individualize the diagnostic workup and treatment and minimize the risk of under diagnosis and overtreatment, future studies should explore the use of extended genotyping and new biomarkers for individual risk stratification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Causes, Screening and Diagnosis)
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14 pages, 234 KiB  
Article
Law, Technology, and Our Governance Dilemma
by Roger Brownsword
Laws 2024, 13(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws13030030 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This article highlights a dilemma that we face when we turn to new tools that promise to improve on law’s imperfect governance. On the one hand, our discontent with law’s governance is both broad and deep, and much of it is rooted in [...] Read more.
This article highlights a dilemma that we face when we turn to new tools that promise to improve on law’s imperfect governance. On the one hand, our discontent with law’s governance is both broad and deep, and much of it is rooted in the human nature of the legal enterprise. Yet, we remain attached to the essentially human nature of law’s governance. On the other hand, we recognise the potential benefits in technological governance but not without some displacement of the human element. Caught on the horns of this dilemma, we attempt to limit the loss of the human element by insisting that governance must be compatible with human rights or human dignity, or, more directly, that governance must limit the applications of technology so that they remain human-centric. Given a demand for human-centric applications of technologies, we consider how far humans might, and should, go in deploying new tools with a view to improving law’s imperfect governance. Should these tools be limited to assisting humans? Or, might they replace humans? Or might we even govern by technological management of places, products, and processes so that reliance on both humans and rules is reduced? It is concluded that, in all spheres of governance and in all human communities, the one thing that is essential is that the applications of new technologies are controlled so that they do not undermine the generic conditions which are presupposed by viable groups of human agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Law and Emerging Technologies)
17 pages, 9055 KiB  
Article
Multi-Perspective Adaptive Paperless Examination Cheating Detection System Based on Image Recognition
by Zuhui Hu, Yaguang Jing, Guoqing Wu and Han Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4048; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104048 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes a multi-perspective adaptive examination cheating behavior detection method to meet the demand for automated monitoring throughout the entire process in paperless online exams. Unlike current dual-perspective cheating behavior detection methods, we expand the monitoring field of view by using three [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a multi-perspective adaptive examination cheating behavior detection method to meet the demand for automated monitoring throughout the entire process in paperless online exams. Unlike current dual-perspective cheating behavior detection methods, we expand the monitoring field of view by using three cameras with different perspectives: the overhead perspective, the horizontal perspective, and the face perspective. This effectively covers areas where cheating may occur. An adaptive cheating behavior detection system based on three perspectives is proposed, including a gaze direction recognition model based on Swin Transformer, a cheating tool detection model based on Lightweight-YOLOv5-Coordinate Attention, and a cheating behavior determination model based on Multilayer Perceptron. To reduce computational complexity and ensure efficient processing while expanding the monitoring field of view, the system uses the results of the gaze direction recognition model to adaptively select the cheating behavior detection model from different perspectives, reducing the three-perspective system to dual-perspective. In online simulation tests, our method achieves cheating behavior determination at 35 frames per second, with an average recognition rate of 95%. It has good real-time performance, accuracy, and a large monitoring range. Full article
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