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25 pages, 7782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering the Genetic Links between Psychological Stress, Autophagy, and Dermatological Health: Insights from Bioinformatics, Single-Cell Analysis, and Machine Learning in Psoriasis and Anxiety Disorders

by Xiao-Ling Liu and Long-Sen Chang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105387 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

The relationship between psychological stress, altered skin immunity, and autophagy-related genes (ATGs) is currently unclear. Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation of unclear etiology that is characterized by persistence and recurrence. Immune dysregulation and emotional disturbances are recognized as significant risk factors. Emerging [...] Read more.

The relationship between psychological stress, altered skin immunity, and autophagy-related genes (ATGs) is currently unclear. Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation of unclear etiology that is characterized by persistence and recurrence. Immune dysregulation and emotional disturbances are recognized as significant risk factors. Emerging clinical evidence suggests a possible connection between anxiety disorders, heightened immune system activation, and altered skin immunity, offering a fresh perspective on the initiation of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential shared biological mechanisms underlying the comorbidity of psoriasis and anxiety disorders. Psoriasis and anxiety disorders data were obtained from the GEO database. A list of 3254 ATGs was obtained from the public database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by taking the intersection of DEGs between psoriasis and anxiety disorder samples and the list of ATGs. Five machine learning algorithms used screening hub genes. The ROC curve was performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. Then, GSEA, immune infiltration analysis, and network analysis were carried out. The Seurat and Monocle algorithms were used to depict T-cell evolution. Cellchat was used to infer the signaling pathway between keratinocytes and immune cells. Four key hub genes were identified as diagnostic genes related to psoriasis autophagy. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes are indeed related to T cells, autophagy, and immune regulation, and have good diagnostic efficacy validated. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we expanded our understanding of key cellular participants, including inflammatory keratinocytes and their interactions with immune cells. We found that the CASP7 gene is involved in the T-cell development process, and correlated with γδ T cells, warranting further investigation. We found that anxiety disorders are related to increased autophagy regulation, immune dysregulation, and inflammatory response, and are reflected in the onset and exacerbation of skin inflammation. The hub gene is involved in the process of immune signaling and immune regulation. The CASP7 gene, which is related with the development and differentiation of T cells, deserves further study. Potential biomarkers between psoriasis and anxiety disorders were identified, which are expected to aid in the prediction of disease diagnosis and the development of personalized treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)

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14 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raman Spectroscopy of Disperse Systems with Varying Particle Sizes and Correction of Signal Losses

by Erik Spoor, Viktoria Oerke, Matthias Rädle and Jens-Uwe Repke

Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3132; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103132 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a dispersion of glass beads of different sizes in an ammonium nitrate solution is investigated with the aid of Raman spectroscopy. The signal losses caused by the dispersion are quantified by an additional scattered light measurement and used to correct [...] Read more.

In this paper, a dispersion of glass beads of different sizes in an ammonium nitrate solution is investigated with the aid of Raman spectroscopy. The signal losses caused by the dispersion are quantified by an additional scattered light measurement and used to correct the measured ammonium nitrate concentration. Each individual glass bead represents an interface at which the excitation laser is deflected from its direction causing distortion in the received Raman signal. It is shown that the scattering losses measured with the scattered light probe correlate with the loss of the Raman signal, which means that the data obtained can be used to correct the measured values. The resulting correction function considers different particle sizes in the range of 2–99 µm as well as ammonium nitrate concentrations of 0–20 wt% and delivers an RMSEP of 1.952 wt%. This correction provides easier process access to dispersions that were previously difficult or impossible to measure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectral Detection Technology, Sensors and Instruments)

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14 pages, 3598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PGPB Consortium Formulation to Increase Fermentable Sugar in Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue: A Study in the Field

by Beatriz G. Guardado-Fierros, Diego A. Tuesta-Popolizio, Miguel A. Lorenzo-Santiago, Ramón Rubio-Cortés, Rosa M. Camacho-Ruíz, José J. Castañeda-Nava, Antonia Gutiérrez-Mora and Silvia M. Contreras-Ramos

Plants 2024, 13(10), 1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101371 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. [...] Read more.

Agave tequilana Weber var. Blue is used as the primary raw material in tequila production due to its fructans (inulin) content. This study evaluates the formulation of a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) consortium (Pseudomonas sp. and Shimwellia sp.) to increase sugars in A. tequilana under field conditions. A total of three doses were tested: low (5 L ha⁻¹), medium (10 L ha⁻¹), and high (15 L ha⁻¹), with a cellular density of 1 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹ and one control treatment (without application). Total reducing sugars (TRS), inulin, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and plant growth were measured in agave plants aged 4–5 years at 0 (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months. Yield was recorded at T12. The TRS increased by 3%, and inulin by 5.3% in the high-dose treatment compared to the control at T12. Additionally, a low content of sucrose, glucose, and fructose (approximately 1%) was detected. At T12, the weight of agave heads increased by 31.2% in the medium dose and 22.3% in the high dose compared to the control. The high dose provided a higher inulin content. The A. tequilana plants were five years old and exhibited growth comparable to the standards for 6–7-year-old plants. This study demonstrates a sustainable strategy for tequila production, optimizing the use of natural resources and enhancing industry performance through increased sugar content and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Formulations to Increase Crop Production, from Laboratory to Fields)

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18 pages, 5196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening Antioxidant Components in Different Parts of Dandelion Using Online Gradient Pressure Liquid Extraction Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Antioxidant Analysis System and Molecular Simulations

by Xia Cao, Gaoquan Li, Juying Xie, Mengqi Wu, Wenhao Wang, Li Xiao and Zhengming Qian

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102315 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Utilizing online gradient pressure liquid extraction (OGPLE) coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography antioxidant analysis system, we examined the antioxidative active components present in both the aerial parts and roots of dandelion. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, we identified the ferric reducing–antioxidant power [...] Read more.

Utilizing online gradient pressure liquid extraction (OGPLE) coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography antioxidant analysis system, we examined the antioxidative active components present in both the aerial parts and roots of dandelion. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, we identified the ferric reducing–antioxidant power system as the most suitable for online antioxidant reactions in dandelion. Compared to offline ultrasonic extraction, the OGPLE method demonstrated superior efficiency in extracting chemical components with varying polarities from the samples. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed twelve compounds within the dandelion samples, with nine demonstrating considerable antioxidant efficacy. Of these, the aerial parts and roots of dandelion contained nine and four antioxidant constituents, respectively. Additionally, molecular docking studies were carried out to investigate the interaction between these nine antioxidants and four proteins associated with oxidative stress (glutathione peroxidase, inducible nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, and xanthine oxidase). The nine antioxidant compounds displayed notable binding affinities below −5.0 kcal/mol with the selected proteins, suggesting potential receptor–ligand interactions. These findings contribute to enhancing our understanding of dandelion and provide a comprehensive methodology for screening the natural antioxidant components from herbs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Natural Antioxidants: Extraction, Detection and Biofunctions)

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31 pages, 3930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perception of Locals on Multiple Contributions of NTFPs to the Livelihoods of Forest Fringe Communities in Ghana

by Obed Asamoah, Jones Abrefa Danquah, Dastan Bamwesigye, Emmanuel Amoah Boakye, Mark Appiah and Ari Pappinen

Forests 2024, 15(5), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050861 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Forest-dwelling residents frequently collect non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for various reasons, such as food, medicine, firewood, religious reasons, or handicrafts. This study examines the multiple benefits derived from NTFPs and how they contribute to the livelihoods of Ghanaian communities to alleviate poverty. Resources [...] Read more.

Forest-dwelling residents frequently collect non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for various reasons, such as food, medicine, firewood, religious reasons, or handicrafts. This study examines the multiple benefits derived from NTFPs and how they contribute to the livelihoods of Ghanaian communities to alleviate poverty. Resources and services provided by NTFPs have an essential role in providing economic, nutritional, medicinal, cultural, and environmental benefits. This study examines the diverse range of NTFPs locals collect, such as chewing sticks, games, herbs, honey, leaves, mushrooms, pestles, raffia and palms, snails, and straws. In addition to serving different purposes, these NTFPs contribute to income generation, food security, health care, cultural practices, and the protection of the environment. A qualitative research approach was used in this study to collect data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with members on multiple collections of NTFPs and their multiple benefits. We interviewed 732 residents regarding their multiple NTFPs and their potential to improve the livelihood of the locals. The data for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics. As a result of the survey, the frequency and percentages of responses were analysed for each indicator related to multiple values of NTFPs. Both males and females collected a list of NTFPs during the survey. Regarding NTFPs used for sale, 275 were reported, representing 37.57% of the total. In addition to emphasising the importance of sustainable management practices and equitable distribution of benefits, the study explores the multiple benefits of NTFPs for poverty alleviation in Ghanaian communities. It is essential to ensure the conservation of forest ecosystems and promote inclusive policies to harness the potential of NTFPs and maximise their positive impact on livelihoods. NTFPs provide multiple benefits for Ghanaian communities, including income, nutrition, healthcare, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. To promote sustainable development, it is imperative to understand the role of NTFPs and implement appropriate strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Valuation of Forest Resources)

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15 pages, 4006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Is New about the Semimembranosus Distal Tendon? Ultrasound, Anatomical, and Histological Study with Clinical and Therapeutic Application

by Pere Iglesias-Chamorro, Albert Pérez-Bellmunt, Sara Ortiz-Miguel, Ingrid Möller, Juan Blasi, Juan Ortiz-Sagristà, Carlo Martinoli, Xavier Sanjuan and Maribel Miguel-Pérez

Life 2024, 14(5), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14050631 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

The semimembranosus muscle inserts into several tendons that are associated with some pathologies. Although ultrasound is useful for studying, diagnosing, and managing these pathologies, the correct interpretation of any images requires a clear knowledge of the related anatomical structures and the inter-related functions. [...] Read more.

The semimembranosus muscle inserts into several tendons that are associated with some pathologies. Although ultrasound is useful for studying, diagnosing, and managing these pathologies, the correct interpretation of any images requires a clear knowledge of the related anatomical structures and the inter-related functions. We studied 38 cryopreserved non-paired knees from adult anatomical specimens and 4 non-paired knees from 29 to 38-week-old fetuses. The semimembranosus muscle and its tendons were located, observed, and injected under ultrasound guidance. The macroscopic anatomy was studied using dissection and anatomical cuts and the tendons were analyzed histologically. Measurements of muscle were taken 10 cm from the medial epicondyle and just before the tendon divided. The ultrasound facilitated the identification of the different divisions of the tendon of semimembranosus muscle and the rotation of the muscle and tendon from medial to posterior. An anatomical study confirmed this rotation and revealed an average width, thickness, and diameter of 38.29 mm, 14.36 mm, and 112.64 mm, respectively. Important relationships were observed between the divisions of the main tendons and the medial collateral ligament, the posterior side of the knee and popliteus muscle. This information can help to explain knee pathologies and facilitate rehabilitation after surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topographic and Functional Anatomy of Musculoskeletal System)

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13 pages, 10556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of HiPIMS Pulse Widths on the Structure and Properties of Copper Films

by Xincheng Liu, Heda Bai, Yongjie Ren, Jin Li and Xiangli Liu

Materials 2024, 17(10), 2342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102342 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

High-power pulse magnetron sputtering is a new type of magnetron sputtering technology that has advantages such as high peak power density and a high ionization rate compared to DC magnetron sputtering. In this paper, we report the effects of different pulse widths on [...] Read more.

High-power pulse magnetron sputtering is a new type of magnetron sputtering technology that has advantages such as high peak power density and a high ionization rate compared to DC magnetron sputtering. In this paper, we report the effects of different pulse widths on the current waveform and plasma spectrum of target material sputtering, as well as the structure and properties of Cu films prepared under the same sputtering voltage and duty cycle. Extending the pulse width can make the sputtering enter the self-sputtering (SS) stage and improve the ion quantity of sputtered particles. The Cu film prepared by HiPIMS with long pulse width has higher bond strength and lower electrical resistivity compared to the Cu film prepared by short pulse width. In terms of microstructure, the Cu film prepared by HiPIMS with the long pulse width has a larger grain size and lower micro-surface roughness. When the pulse width is bigger than 200 μs, the microstructure of the Cu film changes from granular to branched. This transformation reduces the interface on the Cu film, further reducing the resistivity of the Cu film. Compared to short pulses, long pulse width HiPIMS can obtain higher quality Cu films. This result provides a new process approach for preparing high-quality Cu films using HiPIMS technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thin Films Materials: Properties, Characterization, Physical Vapor Deposition and Application)

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14 pages, 1530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coordinated Reconfiguration with Energy Storage System for Load Restoration in Integrated Electric and Heating Systems

by Ke Wang, Jing Wang, Pengfei Su and Song Zhang

Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1931; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101931 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Coordinated load restoration of integrated electric and heating systems (IEHSs) has become indispensable following natural disasters due to the increasingly relevant integration between power distribution systems (PDS) and district heating systems (DHS). In this paper, a coordinated reconfiguration with an energy storage system [...] Read more.

Coordinated load restoration of integrated electric and heating systems (IEHSs) has become indispensable following natural disasters due to the increasingly relevant integration between power distribution systems (PDS) and district heating systems (DHS). In this paper, a coordinated reconfiguration with an energy storage system is introduced to optimize load restoration in the aftermath of natural catastrophes. By modifying the DHS network topology, it is possible to maintain an uninterrupted energy supply in unfaulty zones by shifting heat loads among sources and adjusting the operation of coupled devices. Additionally, energy storage systems with rapid response times are implemented to enhance load restoration efficiency, especially when working in conjunction with multiple energy sources. Comprehensive case analyses have been systematically conducted to demonstrate the impact of coordinated reconfiguration with energy storage systems on improving load restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Innovations and Challenges)

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16 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Different Methods for Separating n-Hexane and Ethanol

by Aleksandra Sander, Ana Petračić, Marko Rogošić, Mirela Župan, Leonarda Frljak and Matija Cvetnić

Separations 2024, 11(5), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050151 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Conventional distillation methods cannot effectively separate the components of an azeotropic mixture since both phases have the same composition, thereby preventing further separation. Additional techniques such as pressure swing distillation or distillation with entrainers are often employed to overcome this limitation and achieve [...] Read more.

Conventional distillation methods cannot effectively separate the components of an azeotropic mixture since both phases have the same composition, thereby preventing further separation. Additional techniques such as pressure swing distillation or distillation with entrainers are often employed to overcome this limitation and achieve separation. The aim of this investigation was to select the most effective method for separating n-hexane and ethanol. The feasibility of three methods was analyzed: reduced pressure distillation, extractive distillation, and liquid–liquid extraction. The mutual solubility of n-hexane and prepared deep eutectic solvents (DESs) (nine hydrophilic: choline chloride with glycerol, ethylene glycol, or carboxylic acid (malic, citric, glycolic); tetramethylammonium chloride with glycolic acid; lactic acid with glycerol; K₂CO₃ with glycerol or ethylene glycol; two hydrophobic: menthol with decanoic or dodecanoic acid) was experimentally determined. Extraction experiments were conducted to test the solubility of DESs in the feed mixture. The effect of changing DES-to-feed mass ratio was further investigated with choline chloride–glycerol (1:2). The same DES and both hydrophobic DESs were able to increase the relative volatility and enhance the separation of ethanol and n-hexane. Based on the obtained results, extraction was selected as the most effective method for the separation of n-hexane and ethanol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Purification Technology)

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32 pages, 1481 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review

by Nkanyiso C. Nkosi, Albertus K. Basson, Zuzingcebo G. Ntombela, Nkosinathi G. Dlamini and Rajasekhar V. S. R. Pullabhotla

Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050492 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the [...] Read more.

Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery)

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13 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Catalytic Activity of 2-Imino-1,10-phenthrolyl Fe/Co Complexes via Linear Machine Learning

by Zubair Sadiq, Wenhong Yang, Md Mostakim Meraz, Weisheng Yang and Wen-Hua Sun

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102313 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

In anticipation of the correlations between catalyst structures and their properties, the catalytic activities of 2-imino-1,10-phenanthrolyl iron and cobalt metal complexes are quantitatively investigated via linear machine learning (ML) algorithms. Comparatively, the Ridge Regression (RR) model has captured more robust predictive performance compared [...] Read more.

In anticipation of the correlations between catalyst structures and their properties, the catalytic activities of 2-imino-1,10-phenanthrolyl iron and cobalt metal complexes are quantitatively investigated via linear machine learning (ML) algorithms. Comparatively, the Ridge Regression (RR) model has captured more robust predictive performance compared with other linear algorithms, with a correlation coefficient value of R² = 0.952 and a cross-validation value of Q² = 0.871. It shows that different algorithms select distinct types of descriptors, depending on the importance of descriptors. Through the interpretation of the RR model, the catalytic activity is potentially related to the steric effect of substituents and negative charged groups. This study refines descriptor selection for accurate modeling, providing insights into the variation principle of catalytic activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning in Molecular Science and Technology)

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19 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research Data Management in the Croatian Academic Community: A Research Study

by Radovan Vrana

Publications 2024, 12(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020016 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an empirical research study of Croatian scientists’ use and management of research data. This research study was carried out from 28 June 2023 until 31 August 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. The answers [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of an empirical research study of Croatian scientists’ use and management of research data. This research study was carried out from 28 June 2023 until 31 August 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. The answers of 584 respondents working in science were filtered out for further analysis. About three-quarters of the respondents used the research data of other scientists successfully. Research data were mostly acquired from colleagues from the same department or institution. Roughly half of the respondents did not ask other scientists directly for their research data. Research data are important to the respondents mostly for raising the quality of research. Repeating someone else’s research by using their research data is still a problem. Less than one-third of the respondents provided full access to their research data mostly due to their fear of misuse. The benefits of research data sharing were recognized but few of the respondents received any reward for it. Archiving research data is a significant problem for the respondents as they dominantly use their own computers prone to failure for that activity and do not think about long-term preservation. Finally, the respondents lacked deeper knowledge of research data management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary Special Issue "PUBMET2023 Conference on Scholarly Communication in the Context of Open Science")

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16 pages, 18541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Metabolite Profiles of Chinese Soy Sauce at Different Time Durations of Fermentation Studied by ¹H-NMR-Based Metabolomics

by Jalal Uddin, Samra Yasmin, Ghulam Mustafa Kamal, Mufarreh Asmari, Muhammad Saqib and Heyu Chen

Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050285 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Fermentation parameters, especially the duration, are important in imparting a peculiar taste and flavor to soy sauce. The main purpose of this research was to monitor metabolic changes occurring during the various time intervals of the fermentation process. NMR-based metabolomics was used to [...] Read more.

Fermentation parameters, especially the duration, are important in imparting a peculiar taste and flavor to soy sauce. The main purpose of this research was to monitor metabolic changes occurring during the various time intervals of the fermentation process. NMR-based metabolomics was used to monitor the compositional changes in soy sauce during fermentation. The ¹H-NMR spectra of the soy sauce samples taken from the fermentation tanks at 0 to 8 months were analyzed using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and the obtained spectra were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square Discriminate analysis (PLSDA) revealed the separation of samples fermented for various time durations under identical conditions. Key metabolites shown by corresponding loading plots exhibited variations in amino acids (lysine, threonine, isoleucine, etc.), acetate, glucose, fructose, sucrose, ethanol, glycerol, and others. The levels of ethanol in soy sauce increased with longer fermentation durations, which can be influenced by both natural fermentation and the intentional addition of ethanol as a preservative. The study shows that the variation in metabolite can be very efficiently monitored using ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics, thus suggestion to optimize the time duration to get the soy sauce product with the desired taste and flavor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Metabolomics in Food Fermentation)

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20 pages, 9234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Spatial-Temporal Disparities and Factors Influencing Electricity Consumption Carbon Emissions in China

by Pinjie Xie, Sheng Wang, Jie Liao and Feihu Sun

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4128; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104128 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Investigating the factors influencing the spatial-temporal disparities in China’s electricity consumption carbon emissions (ECCEs) will be of great help to advancing the reduction in carbon emissions on the consumption side of electricity. Based on the measurement of the ECCEs in 30 Chinese provinces [...] Read more.

Investigating the factors influencing the spatial-temporal disparities in China’s electricity consumption carbon emissions (ECCEs) will be of great help to advancing the reduction in carbon emissions on the consumption side of electricity. Based on the measurement of the ECCEs in 30 Chinese provinces between 2005 and 2021, we utilized the natural breakpoint method and the Dagum Gini coefficient to analyze the spatial-temporal disparities in ECCEs at the provincial and regional levels, and then we used Geodetector to explore the factors influencing the spatial-temporal disparities in ECCEs. The results revealed the following: (1) There were obvious inter-provincial spatial disparities in ECCEs, with coastal provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong consistently ranking at the top of the country and inland provinces such as Qinghai and Yunnan having relatively low carbon emission values. (2) The overall disparities in China’s ECCEs fluctuated and rose, with inter-regional disparities being the primary source of the overall disparities. (3) Economic development, industrialization level, population density, and foreign direct investment all had strong explanations for the spatial-temporal disparities in China’s ECCEs. When all these influencing factors were spatially superimposed, their effects were enhanced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Economy and Sustainable Energy)

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18 pages, 5376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Steamed Purple Sweet Potato-Based Films Containing Mandarin Essential Oil for Smart Packaging

by Ruixue Yue, Yiren Zhang, Jun Liu and Jian Sun

Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102314 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Anthocyanin-rich steamed purple sweet potato (SPSP) is a suitable raw material to produce smart packaging films. However, the application of SPSP-based films is restricted by the low antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins. In this study, SPSP-based smart packaging films were produced by adding mandarin [...] Read more.

Anthocyanin-rich steamed purple sweet potato (SPSP) is a suitable raw material to produce smart packaging films. However, the application of SPSP-based films is restricted by the low antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins. In this study, SPSP-based smart packaging films were produced by adding mandarin essential oil (MEO) as an antimicrobial agent. The impact of MEO content (3%, 6%, and 9%) on the structures, properties, and application of SPSP-based films was measured. The results showed that MEO created several pores within films and reduced the hydrogen bonding system and crystallinity of films. The dark purple color of the SPSP films was almost unchanged by MEO. MEO significantly decreased the light transmittance, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength of the films, but remarkably increased the oxygen permeability, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The SPSP-MEO films showed intuitive color changes at different acid-base conditions. The purple-colored SPSP-MEO films turned blue when chilled shrimp and pork were not fresh. The MEO content greatly influenced the structures, physical properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films. However, the MEO content had no impact on the color change ability of the films. The results suggested that SPSP-MEO films have potential in the smart packaging of protein-rich foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Materials for Sustainable Food Packaging: Chemistry, Design, and Applications)

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16 pages, 4315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Variational Mode Decomposition Analysis and Prediction Simulation of DO in the Water Environment of the Chengdu Area, China

by Mei Li, Deke Wang, Rui Xu and Kexing Chen

Water 2024, 16(10), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101405 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

DO is an important index to characterize environmental water quality. The time series fluctuation of DO can be analyzed via frequency band decomposition, which is very valuable for water quality simulations. In this paper, DO in the Chengdu area of China was studied [...] Read more.

DO is an important index to characterize environmental water quality. The time series fluctuation of DO can be analyzed via frequency band decomposition, which is very valuable for water quality simulations. In this paper, DO in the Chengdu area of China was studied using variational mode decomposition with daily meteorological data and water quality data from 2020 to 2022. After variable decomposition, the DO data were first decomposed into different frequency band signals named IMF1, IMF2, IMF3, IMF4, and IMF5. IMF1 represented the low-frequency signal with long-term trend characteristics of the data. IMF2 to IMF5 represented the high-frequency signal with short-term mutation characteristics of the data. By combining the variable decomposition results with the correlation analysis, it was found that the long-term trend characteristics of DO are affected by the superposition of meteorological factors, hydrological factors, and water pollution factors but have a weak correlation with any single determining factor. The air temperature, water temperature, phosphorus, air pressure, pH value, chemical oxygen demand, and nitrogen were relatively strongly correlated with the long-term trend characteristics of DO. The short-term mutation characteristics of DO were mainly determined using the characteristics of the water body itself, while the influence of the meteorological factors could basically be ignored. The water temperature, pH value, and eutrophication were the biggest influencing factors. Then, a predictive framework combining frequency division with a deep learning model or a machine learning model was constructed to predict DO. The predicted results of GRU, random forest, and XGBoost with and without the framework were compared. It was shown that, after removing the interference factors with correlations less than 0.3, the predicted value of DO was much closer to the actual value. The XGBoost and random forest models with decomposed signals had a high degree of simulation fitting and could be used to predict DO in the Chengdu area. The above research approach can be applied to further explore the prediction of various pollution factors in different areas of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section New Sensors, New Technologies and Machine Learning in Water Sciences)

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14 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modifications to Enhance Outcomes of Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa: A Scoping Review

by Signe Holm Pedersen, Lasse Carlsson and Mette Bentz

Psychiatry Int. 2024, 5(2), 217-230; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5020015 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Family-based treatment (FBT) is recommended for anorexia nervosa (AN) in young people (YP). However, a substantial proportion of YP undergoing FBT do not recover. Several modifications to standard FBT have been tested to improve recovery rates. This review provides an updated overview of [...] Read more.

Family-based treatment (FBT) is recommended for anorexia nervosa (AN) in young people (YP). However, a substantial proportion of YP undergoing FBT do not recover. Several modifications to standard FBT have been tested to improve recovery rates. This review provides an updated overview of empirically tested modifications to FBT for AN in YP and estimates whether such modifications increase the percentage recovering. Computerized searches performed in five databases resulted in the inclusion of 43 papers (representing 40 original studies), highlighting that a variety of modifications to standard FBT have been tested and appear promising. However, only 11 studies compared the results of a modification to standard FBT. In conclusion, some modifications, such as parent-focused treatment, the addition of home treatment, or interventions for families at risk of non-response, appear to have the potential to improve the recovery rate, either at the group or subgroup level. Other modifications, such as FBT-based guided self-help, virtually delivered FBT, or FBT delivered during in- or day-patient stays, enable the dissemination of FBT principles to other contexts and to patient groups with limited access. Small additions to FBT, such as a workshop or parent-to-parent consultation, do not seem to improve the recovery rate. Full article

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10 pages, 2244 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Value of PET/CT in Particle Therapy Planning of Various Tumors with SSTR2 Receptor Expression: Comparative Interobserver Study

by Carola Lütgendorf-Caucig, Patricia Wieland, Eugen Hug, Birgit Flechl, Slavisa Tubin, Razvan Galalae, Petra Georg, Piero Fossati, Marta Mumot, Semi Harrabi, Irina Pradler and Maciej J. Pelak

Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101877 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

The overexpression of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) is a property of various tumor types. Hybrid imaging utilizing [⁶⁸Ga]1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetra-acetic acid (DOTA) may improve the differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue. We conducted an experimental study on 47 anonymized patient cases including [...] Read more.

The overexpression of somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) is a property of various tumor types. Hybrid imaging utilizing [⁶⁸Ga]1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetra-acetic acid (DOTA) may improve the differentiation between tumor and healthy tissue. We conducted an experimental study on 47 anonymized patient cases including 30 meningiomas, 12 PitNET and 5 SBPGL. Four independent observers were instructed to contour the macroscopic tumor volume on planning MRI and then reassess their volumes with the additional information from DOTA-PET/CT. The conformity between observers and reference volumes was assessed. In total, 46 cases (97.9%) were DOTA-avid and included in the final analysis. In eight cases, PET/CT additional tumor volume was identified that was not detected by MRI; these PET/CT findings were potentially critical for the treatment plan in four cases. For meningiomas, the interobserver and observer to reference volume conformity indices were higher with PET/CT. For PitNET, the volumes had higher conformity between observers with MRI. With regard to SBGDL, no significant trend towards conformity with the addition of PET/CT information was observed. DOTA PET/CT supports accurate tumor recognition in meningioma and PitNET and is recommended in SSTR2-expressing tumors planned for treatment with highly conformal radiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical PET Studies in Neuro-Oncology (Volume II))

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11 pages, 4986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multiplexing Optical Temperature Sensing System for Induction Motors Using Few-Mode Fiber Spatial Mode Diversity

by Feng Liu, Tianle Gu and Weicheng Chen

Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1932; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101932 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Induction motors are widely applied in motor drive systems. Effective temperature monitoring is one of the keys to ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of the motors. Therefore, this paper introduces a multiplexed optical temperature sensing system for induction motors based on few-mode [...] Read more.

Induction motors are widely applied in motor drive systems. Effective temperature monitoring is one of the keys to ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of the motors. Therefore, this paper introduces a multiplexed optical temperature sensing system for induction motors based on few-mode fiber (FMF) spatial mode diversity. By using the spatial mode dimension of FMF, fiber Bragg grating (FBG) carried by different spatial modes of optical paths is embedded in different positions of the motor to realize multipoint synchronous multiplexing temperature monitoring. The paper establishes and demonstrates a photonic lantern-based mode division sensing system for motor temperature monitoring. As a proof of concept, the system demonstrates experiments in multiplexed temperature sensing for motor stators using the fundamental mode LP₀₁ and high-order spatial modes LP₁₁, LP₂₁, and LP₀₂. The FBG sensitivity carried by the above mode is 0.0107 nm/°C, 0.0106 nm/°C, 0.0097 nm/°C, and 0.0116 nm/°C, respectively. The dynamic temperature changes in the stator at different positions of the motor under speeds of 1k rpm, 1.5k rpm, 2k rpm with no load, 3 kg load, and 5 kg load, as well as at three specific speed–load combinations of 1.5k rpm_3 kg, 1k rpm_0kg, 2k rpm_5 kg and so on are measured, and the measured results of different spatial modes are compared and analyzed. The findings indicate that different spatial modes can accurately reflect temperature variations at various positions in motor stator winding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensing Technology and Intelligent Application)

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11 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of CYP2C19 Gene Variants on Long-Term Treatment with Atorvastatin in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

by Darius Čereškevičius, Vytautas Zabiela, Ali Aldujeli, Vaiva Lesauskaitė, Kristina Zubielienė, Vytautas Raškevičius, Ieva Čiapienė, Diana Žaliaduonytė, Agnė Giedraitienė, Vaidotas Žvikas, Valdas Jakštas, Vilius Skipskis, Olivija Dobilienė, Gintarė Šakalytė and Vacis Tatarūnas

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105385 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

The effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies may be insufficient in high-risk cardiovascular patients and depends on the genetic variability of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Customizing statin therapy, including treatment with atorvastatin, may improve clinical outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines allowing the prediction of [...] Read more.

The effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies may be insufficient in high-risk cardiovascular patients and depends on the genetic variability of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Customizing statin therapy, including treatment with atorvastatin, may improve clinical outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines allowing the prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of lipid-lowering statin therapy. This study aimed to determine the effects of clinically significant gene variants of CYP2C19 on atorvastatin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndromes. In total, 92 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) were sequenced for target regions within the CYP2C19 gene on the Illumina Miniseq system. The CYP2C19 poor metabolizer phenotype (carriers of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*4, and CYP2C19*8 alleles) was detected in 29% of patients. These patients had significantly lower responses to treatment with atorvastatin than patients with the normal metabolizer phenotype. CYP2C19-metabolizing phenotype, patient age, and smoking increased the odds of undertreatment in patients (∆LDL-C (mmol/L) < 1). These results revealed that the CYP2C19 phenotype may significantly impact atorvastatin therapy personalization in patients requiring LDL lipid-lowering therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

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15 pages, 6455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Tower Crane Safety: A UAV-Based Intelligent Inspection Approach

by Xin Jiao, Na Wu, Xin Zhang, Jian Fan, Zhenwei Cai, Ying Wang and Zhenglong Zhou

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051420 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Tower cranes play a crucial role in the construction industry, facilitating the vertical and horizontal movement of materials and aiding in building construction, especially for high-rise structures. However, tower crane accidents can lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of effective safety management [...] Read more.

Tower cranes play a crucial role in the construction industry, facilitating the vertical and horizontal movement of materials and aiding in building construction, especially for high-rise structures. However, tower crane accidents can lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of effective safety management and inspection. This paper presents a novel approach to tower crane safety inspections using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with high-definition cameras and an intelligent inspection APP system. The system utilizes real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and digital image processing to perform efficient and comprehensive inspections, reducing the reliance on manual labor and associated risks. A case study demonstrated the method’s practicality and effectiveness, with the UAV inspections capable of identifying 76.3% of major hazards, 64.8% of significant hazards, and 76.2% of general hazards within a 30-minute timeframe. Preliminary identification rates were also promising. Despite the initial requirement for manual drone piloting and the current manual review of images, the approach shows significant potential for enhancing safety in the construction industry. Future work will focus on integrating AI for hazard recognition and automating the inspection process further. The proposed method marks a step forward in tower crane safety management, offering a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional inspection methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Material and Smart Construction Technologies for Urban Development)

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14 pages, 8031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterisation of a New Generation of AlMgZr and AlMgSc Filler Materials for Welding Metal–Ceramic Composites

by Jan Wysocki, Marek Staude, Andrzej Trytek and Mariusz Sosnowski

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4177; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104177 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

When manufacturing the welded joints of components made of metal–ceramic composites of the Al-Si/SiC type, we encounter significant difficulties. This is related to the presence of a ceramic phase in the aluminium alloy matrix. The interaction between the molten metal matrix and the [...] Read more.

When manufacturing the welded joints of components made of metal–ceramic composites of the Al-Si/SiC type, we encounter significant difficulties. This is related to the presence of a ceramic phase in the aluminium alloy matrix. The interaction between the molten metal matrix and the ceramic particles in the weld pool influences a complex of physicochemical phenomena resulting in, among other things, the structure of the welded joint. This is particularly true of the effect of the distribution of ceramic particles and their influence on the crystallisation process in the weld pool. An important issue is the influence of the reinforcing particles on the susceptibility of the aluminium matrix to both hot and cold cracking. The scope of the research included the development of the chemical composition of an additive material for the TIG welding of aluminium–ceramic composites. This material was made in the form of so-called sticks, cast from alloys containing elements such as magnesium, scandium or zirconium in addition to aluminium. The appropriate composition of the mass content of the individual components was intended to change the crystallisation mode of the weld pool and to obtain strengthening precipitates. The most favourable structure was obtained in the case of a modification of the AlMg5 alloy by the addition of scandium. Minor dispersions of Al₃Sc became the nucleation pads of fine grains, which improved the mechanical properties of the alloy. Also, in the case of the addition of zirconium, the crystallisation shifted from dendritic to fine-grain growth. In this paper, the basic strength properties of the developed materials were tested and the most favourable chemical compositions of the filling materials were selected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Additive Manufacturing Technologies)

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12 pages, 1824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Step Approach to the Surgical Treatment of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

by Camillo Fulchignoni, Luigi Cianni, Maria Rosaria Matrangolo, Mariagrazia Cerrone, Francesco Cavola, Elisabetta Pataia, Raffaele Vitiello, Giulio Maccauro, Pasquale Farsetti and Giuseppe Rovere

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(5), 2805-2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31050213 (registering DOI) - 15 May 2024

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, limb-sparing procedures are the gold standard in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs. Wide tumor resection with appropriate oncological margins, reconstruction, and stabilization of the involved bone and joint and restoration of the soft tissue lost are essential in [...] Read more.

Background: Nowadays, limb-sparing procedures are the gold standard in the treatment of soft-tissue sarcomas of the limbs. Wide tumor resection with appropriate oncological margins, reconstruction, and stabilization of the involved bone and joint and restoration of the soft tissue lost are essential in order to obtain good clinical and functional outcomes. Tumor excision and soft-tissue reconstruction performed in one-step surgery is chosen by many centers as the preferred approach; however, according to our experience in some selected patients, two-step surgery performed using a dermal regeneration template first and then a margin revision, taking into account the definitive results of the anatomopathological exam conducted over the surgical specimen from the previous surgery, associated with definitive reconstruction surgery over a healthy bed of granulated tissue, showed many potential benefits. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on thirteen patients who underwent a two-step reconstruction procedure using dermal substitution after soft-tissue sarcoma excision. Results: Clinically, the enrolled patients achieved excellent contour and cosmesis of their surgical wounds, with a mean VSS value of 3.07. During the follow-up period, no local recurrences were observed in any patient. Conclusions: Two-step surgery represents the most suitable solution to allow surgical radicality with minimal recurrency and adequate soft-tissue reconstruction, avoiding the possibility of wasting autologous tissue. Our patients generally embraced this approach and the management that followed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology)

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