The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
23 pages, 3256 KiB  
Article
Combined Treatment of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma with Gamma Secretase Inhibitor MK-0752 and Chemotherapeutic Agents Decreases Cellular Invasion and Increases Apoptosis
by Yasmin Abedin, Alexander Fife, Cherie-Ann Samuels, Rasheena Wright, Trystn Murphy, Xusheng Zhang, Emily Alpert, Emma Cheung, Qingshi Zhao, Mark H. Einstein and Nataki C. Douglas
Cancers 2024, 16(12), 2184; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16122184 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Due to limited effective therapeutics for uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS), the impact of the gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) MK-0752 with common chemotherapeutics was explored in uLMS. MTT assays were performed on two human uLMS cell lines, SK-UT-1B and SK-LMS-1, using MK-0752, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and [...] Read more.
Due to limited effective therapeutics for uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS), the impact of the gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) MK-0752 with common chemotherapeutics was explored in uLMS. MTT assays were performed on two human uLMS cell lines, SK-UT-1B and SK-LMS-1, using MK-0752, docetaxel, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine, individually and in combination, to determine cell viability after treatment. Synergistic combinations were used in transwell invasion assays, cell cycle flow cytometry, proliferation assays, and RNA sequencing. In SK-UT-1B, MK-0752 was synergistic with doxorubicin and gemcitabine plus docetaxel. In SK-LMS-1, MK-0752 was synergistic with all individual agents and with the combination of gemcitabine plus docetaxel. MK-0752, gemcitabine, and docetaxel decreased invasion in SK-UT-1B 2.1-fold* and in SK-LMS-1 1.7-fold*. In SK-LMS-1, invasion decreased 1.2-fold* after treatment with MK-0752 and docetaxel and 2.2-fold* after treatment with MK-0752 and doxorubicin. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated increases in the apoptotic sub-G1 population with MK-0752 alone in SK-UT-1B (1.4-fold*) and SK-LMS-1 (2.7-fold**), along with increases with all combinations in both cell lines. The combination treatments had limited effects on proliferation, while MK-0752 alone decreased proliferation in SK-LMS-1 (0.63-fold**). Both MK-0752 alone and in combination altered gene expression and KEGG pathways. In conclusion, the combinations of MK-0752 with either doxorubicin, docetaxel, or gemcitabine plus docetaxel are potential novel therapeutic approaches for uLMS. (* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management and Prognosis of Gynecological Cancer)
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13 pages, 465 KiB  
Article
An Assessment of Existing Sport-Related Concussion Guidelines in Ireland: The Need for a United Approach
by Ayrton Walshe, Ed Daly and Lisa Ryan
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020101 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
In 2014, an Irish parliament white paper called for greater addressing of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in Ireland, requesting the adoption of the Concussion in Sport Group’s (CISGs) guidelines and greater consistency in SRC return to play (RTP) management. Ten years later, it is [...] Read more.
In 2014, an Irish parliament white paper called for greater addressing of sport-related concussions (SRCs) in Ireland, requesting the adoption of the Concussion in Sport Group’s (CISGs) guidelines and greater consistency in SRC return to play (RTP) management. Ten years later, it is unclear how these requests have been addressed. Recently, the United Kingdom’s government centralised guidelines to one SRC document for all grassroots sports. This study aimed to investigate all publicly available SRC guidance in Irish sports and national governing bodies (NGBs) to determine if centralised guidelines are warranted. Sport Ireland and the Irish Federation of Sports were searched for all recognised NGBs and sports in Ireland. Websites were searched for any information pertaining to SRCs and data were extracted and collated in Microsoft Excel. In total, 15 of 83 sports and/or NGBs included SRC guidance, nine of which provided RTP protocols. Various iterations of the CISGs guidance and tools were implemented. Several sports with a documented SRC risk had no guidelines present. The findings indicate disjointed and outdated guidance across Irish sport. Additionally, there are sports with a documented concussion risk that have no SRC guidance available. This study provides support for centralised guidelines to be adopted in Irish grassroots sports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sports Medicine and Nutrition)
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13 pages, 2108 KiB  
Article
Association between Time to Emergent Surgery and Outcomes in Trauma Patients: A 10-Year Multicenter Study
by Chi-Hsuan Tsai, Meng-Yu Wu, Da-Sen Chien, Po-Chen Lin, Jui-Yuan Chung, Chi-Yuan Liu, I-Shiang Tzeng, Yueh-Tseng Hou, Yu-Long Chen and Giou-Teng Yiang
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060960 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: Research on the impact of reduced time to emergent surgery in trauma patients has yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between waiting emergent surgery time (WEST) and outcomes in trauma patients. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study used [...] Read more.
Background: Research on the impact of reduced time to emergent surgery in trauma patients has yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between waiting emergent surgery time (WEST) and outcomes in trauma patients. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study used data from the Tzu Chi Hospital trauma database. The primary clinical outcomes were in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) of ≥30 days. Results: A total of 15,164 patients were analyzed. The median WEST was 444 min, with an interquartile range (IQR) of 248–848 min for all patients. Patients who died in the hospital had a shorter median WEST than did those who survived (240 vs. 446 min, p < 0.001). Among the trauma patients with a WEST of <2 h, the median time was 79 min (IQR = 50–100 min). No significant difference in WEST was observed between the survival and mortality groups for patients with a WEST of <120 min (median WEST: 85 vs. 78 min, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that WEST was not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17–6.35 for 30 min ≤ WEST < 60 min; aOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.22–5.70 for 60 min ≤ WEST < 90 min; and aOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.13–2.74 for WEST ≥ 90 min). Conclusions: Our findings do not support the “golden hour” concept because no association was identified between the time to definitive care and in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, and prolonged hospital stay of ≥30 days. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Future Directions of Bone Trauma Surgery)
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22 pages, 2910 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Wildland Firefighters’ Exposure to Coarse, Fine, and Ultrafine Particles; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; and Metal(loid)s, and Estimation of Associated Health Risks
by Joana Teixeira, Gabriel Sousa, Rui Azevedo, Agostinho Almeida, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Xianyu Wang, Alice Santos-Silva, Francisca Rodrigues and Marta Oliveira
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060422 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Firefighters’ occupational activity causes cancer, and the characterization of exposure during firefighting activities remains limited. This work characterizes, for the first time, firefighters’ exposure to (coarse/fine/ultrafine) particulate matter (PM) bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal(loid)s during prescribed fires, Fire 1 and Fire [...] Read more.
Firefighters’ occupational activity causes cancer, and the characterization of exposure during firefighting activities remains limited. This work characterizes, for the first time, firefighters’ exposure to (coarse/fine/ultrafine) particulate matter (PM) bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metal(loid)s during prescribed fires, Fire 1 and Fire 2 (210 min). An impactor collected 14 PM fractions, the PM levels were determined by gravimetry, and the PM-bound PAHs and metal(loid)s were determined by chromatographic and spectroscopic methodologies, respectively. Firefighters were exposed to a total PM level of 1408.3 and 342.5 µg/m3 in Fire 1 and Fire 2, respectively; fine/ultrafine PM represented more than 90% of total PM. Total PM-bound PAHs (3260.2 ng/m3 in Fire 1; 412.1 ng/m3 in Fire 2) and metal(loid)s (660.8 ng/m3 versus 262.2 ng/m3), distributed between fine/ultrafine PM, contained 4.57–24.5% and 11.7–12.6% of (possible/probable) carcinogenic PAHs and metal(loid)s, respectively. Firefighters’ exposure to PM, PAHs, and metal(loid)s were below available occupational limits. The estimated carcinogenic risks associated with the inhalation of PM-bound PAHs (3.78 × 10−9 − 1.74 × 10−6) and metal(loid)s (1.50 × 10−2 − 2.37 × 10−2) were, respectively, below and 150–237 times higher than the acceptable risk level defined by the USEPA during 210 min of firefighting activity and assuming a 40-year career as a firefighter. Additional studies need to (1) explore exposure to (coarse/fine/ultrafine) PM, (2) assess health risks, (3) identify intervention needs, and (4) support regulatory agencies recommending mitigation procedures to reduce the impact of fire effluents on firefighters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Firefighters’ Occupational Exposures and Health Risks)
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21 pages, 606 KiB  
Article
Between Wine and Tea: A Discussion Based on Master Taixu’s Use of Dual Imagery
by Xiaoxiao Xu
Religions 2024, 15(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15060718 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
The imagery of wine and tea is important in classical and modern Chinese poetry, with an intricate relationship between the two especially evident in the work of Taixu 太虛 (1890–1947), a prominent poet–monk in 20th-century China. Taixu’s attitude toward wine—a drink that is [...] Read more.
The imagery of wine and tea is important in classical and modern Chinese poetry, with an intricate relationship between the two especially evident in the work of Taixu 太虛 (1890–1947), a prominent poet–monk in 20th-century China. Taixu’s attitude toward wine—a drink that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture—evolves significantly over time, from initial approval to eventual condemnation due to its detrimental effects on both personal health and society. Nevertheless, it continues to feature prominently in his poetry. The same is true of tea, which Taixu often uses to evoke either Buddhist study or his own healthy lifestyle. This article explores this and other complex meanings in Taixu’s poems, such as his association of wine with knights and tea with hermits. It also discusses how he achieves a delicate balance between the two beverages, sometimes employing both types of imagery in a single poem—a literary innovation that helped to establish his reputation as a central figure in modern Chinese poetry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The History of Religions in China: The Rise, Fall, and Return)
14 pages, 3232 KiB  
Article
A Fault Diagnosis Method for Analog Circuits Based on Improved TQWT and Inception Model
by Xinjia Yuan, Siting Yang, Wenmin Wang, Yunlong Sheng, Xuye Zhuang and Jiancheng Yin
Symmetry 2024, 16(6), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16060720 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
A soft fault in an analog circuit is a symptom where the parameter range of a component exists symmetrically to the left and right of its nominal value and exceeds a specific range. The proposed method uses the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) optimized [...] Read more.
A soft fault in an analog circuit is a symptom where the parameter range of a component exists symmetrically to the left and right of its nominal value and exceeds a specific range. The proposed method uses the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) optimized tunable Q-factor wavelet transform (TQWT) algorithm for feature refinement, the Inception model for feature extraction, and an SVM for fault diagnosis. First, the Q-factor is optimized to make it more compatible with the signal. Second, the signal is decomposed, and a single-branch reconstruction is performed using the TQWT to extract features adequately. Then, fault feature extraction is conducted using the Inception model to obtain multiscale features. Finally, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to complete the entire fault diagnosis process. The proposed method is comprehensively evaluated using the Sallen–Key bandpass filter circuit and the four-op-amp biquad high-pass filter circuit widely used in electronic systems. The experimental results prove that the proposed method outperforms the existing methods in terms of diagnosis accuracy and reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section "Engineering and Materials" 2024)
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13 pages, 3880 KiB  
Technical Note
Experimental Co-Polarimetric GPR Survey on Artificial Vertical Concrete Cracks by the Improved Time-Varying Centroid Frequency Scheme
by Xuebing Zhang, Junxuan Pei, Xianda Sha, Xuan Feng, Xin Hu, Changle Chen and Zhengchun Song
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(12), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122095 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
The experimental setup is devised to simulate the presence of vertical cracks with varying widths within concrete structures. Co-polarimetric ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys are carried out to acquire the “VV” and “HH” polarization data. The time-varying centroid frequency attribute is employed to describe [...] Read more.
The experimental setup is devised to simulate the presence of vertical cracks with varying widths within concrete structures. Co-polarimetric ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys are carried out to acquire the “VV” and “HH” polarization data. The time-varying centroid frequency attribute is employed to describe the vertical variation in the center frequency of the radar wave, unveiling a gradual vertical decay in the centroid frequency at the locations of vertical cracks. An improved time-varying centroid frequency attribute based on the adaptive sparse S-transform (ASST) is proposed and tested by a finite-difference time-domain model and co-polarimetric GPR data, which can offer better resolution compared to that of the conventional S-transform. By analyzing the waveform and centroid frequency properties of the two polarizations, we conclude that the “VV” polarization is relatively sensitive to centimeter scale cracks, while the “HH” polarization is more sensitive to millimeter scale cracks. Full article
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16 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
Leuconostoc gelidum Is the Major Species Responsible for the Spoilage of Cooked Sausage Packaged in a Modified Atmosphere, and Hop Extract Is the Best Inhibitor Tested
by Giuseppe Comi, Andrea Colautti, Cristian Edoardo Maria Bernardi, Simone Stella, Elisabetta Orecchia, Francesca Coppola and Lucilla Iacumin
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061175 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cooked sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP: 20% CO2, 70% N2, <0.2% O2) with evident yellow stains were analyzed. The aims of this work were to study the microbial cause of the spoilage and to evaluate different [...] Read more.
Cooked sausages packaged in a modified atmosphere (MAP: 20% CO2, 70% N2, <0.2% O2) with evident yellow stains were analyzed. The aims of this work were to study the microbial cause of the spoilage and to evaluate different antimicrobial compounds to prevent it. Leuconostoc gelidum was identified as the primary cause of the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. Leuconostoc gelidum was the main bacteria responsible for the yellow coating in spoiled cooked sausage, as confirmed by its intentional inoculation on slices of unspoiled sausage. The yellow color was also evident during growth in the model system containing cooked sausage extract, but the colonies on MRS agar appeared white, demonstrating that the food substrate stimulated the production of the yellow pigment. The spoilage was also characterized by different volatile compounds, including ketones, ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate, found in the spoiled cooked sausage packages. These compounds explained the activity of Leuc. gelidum because they are typical of heterofermentative LAB, cultivated either on food substrates or in artificial broths. Leuc. gelidum also produced slight swelling in the spoiled packages. The efficacy of different antimicrobials was assessed in model systems composed of cooked sausage extract with the antimicrobials added at food product concentrations. The data showed that sodium lactate, sodium acetate, and a combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate could only slow the growth of the spoiler—they could not stop it from occurring. Conversely, hop extract inhibited Leuc. gelidum, showing a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of approximately 0.008 mg CAE/mL in synthetic broth and 4 mg CAE/kg in cooked sausage slices. Adding hop extract at the MIC did not allow Leuc. gelidum growth and did not change the sensorial characteristics of the cooked sausages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the antimicrobial activities of hop extracts against Leuc. gelidum either in vitro or in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Microbiota and Food Safety)
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28 pages, 12978 KiB  
Article
A Novel Double Closed Loop Control of Temperature and Rotational Speed for Integrated Multi-Parameter Hydro-Viscous Speed Control System (HSCS)
by Kai Zhao, Yuan Wang, Shoukun Wang, Feiyue Gao, Xiang Feng, Hu Shen, Lin Zhang, Liang Wang, Bin Yu and Kaixian Ba
Machines 2024, 12(6), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12060394 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Hydro-viscous clutch has already become an inevitable choice for special vehicle transmission in the present and future. As a nonlinear system with a large hysteresis loop, its speed control performance is affected by input rotational speed, lubricating oil temperature, lubrication pressure, and other [...] Read more.
Hydro-viscous clutch has already become an inevitable choice for special vehicle transmission in the present and future. As a nonlinear system with a large hysteresis loop, its speed control performance is affected by input rotational speed, lubricating oil temperature, lubrication pressure, and other factors. The traditional control method cannot adjust the temperature and rotational speed, which will lead to problems of narrow speed range, poor rotational speed stability, and large dynamic load impact. In order to solve the above problems, this paper studies the control method of an integrated multi-parameter hydro-viscous speed control system (HSCS) in a controlled environment. Through the mechanism analysis of the law of HSCS, the influence law of speed and temperature during the system operation is found. The temperature closed loop based on model predictive control (MPC) is introduced to control the rotational speed, and then the traditional PID control results are compensated according to the speed closed loop. Next, a novel double closed loop control method of temperature and rotational speed for HSCS is formed. Finally, the simulating verification is carried out. Compared with the traditional control method, the design method in this paper can adjust the control parameters according to the temperature of the lubricating oil and the input rotational speed and effectively expand the domain of HSCS and the speed control stability. The effective transmission ratio is extended to 0.2~0.8, and the hydro-viscous torque and speed fluctuation under the engine rotational speed fluctuation are reduced by more than 30%. The novel control method of HSCS designed in this paper can effectively improve the influence of input rotational speed and lubricating oil temperature on the speed control performance of HSCS and can be widely used in nonlinear HSCS such as hydro-viscous clutch. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Mechanical System Engineering)
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12 pages, 337 KiB  
Review
Advantages and Limitations of the Body Mass Index (BMI) to Assess Adult Obesity
by Yilun Wu, Dan Li and Sten H. Vermund
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060757 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Obesity reflects excessive fat deposits. At-risk individuals are guided by healthcare professionals to eat fewer calories and exercise more, often using body mass index (BMI; weight/height2) thresholds for screening and to guide progress and prognosis. By conducting a mini-narrative review of [...] Read more.
Obesity reflects excessive fat deposits. At-risk individuals are guided by healthcare professionals to eat fewer calories and exercise more, often using body mass index (BMI; weight/height2) thresholds for screening and to guide progress and prognosis. By conducting a mini-narrative review of original articles, websites, editorials, commentaries, and guidelines, we sought to place BMI in the context of its appropriate use in population health, clinical screening, and monitoring in clinical care. The review covers studies and publications through 2023, encompassing consensus reviews and relevant literature. Recent consensus reviews suggest that BMI is a valuable tool for population surveys and primary healthcare screening but has limitations in predicting the risk of chronic diseases and assessing excess fat. BMI can guide nutritional and exercise counseling, even if it is inadequate for reliable individual risk prediction. BMI cut-offs must be reconsidered in populations of varying body build, age, and/or ethnicity. Since BMI-diagnosed overweight persons are sometimes physically and physiologically fit by other indicators, persons who are overweight on BMI should be more fully evaluated, diagnosed, and monitored with combined anthropometric and performance metrics to better clarify risks. The use of combined anthropometric and performance metrics involves integrating measurements of body composition with assessments of physical function and fitness to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s health and fitness status. Eligibility for bariatric surgery or semaglutide satiety/appetite-reduction medications should not be determined by BMI alone. Awareness of the advantages and limitations of using BMI as a tool to assess adult obesity can maximize its appropriate use in the context of population health and in rapid clinical screening and evaluation. Full article
19 pages, 4926 KiB  
Article
Effect of Subsequent Subgrade on Seismic Response of the High-Speed Railway Track–Bridge System
by Biao Wei, Shuaijie Yuan, Lizhong Jiang, Yujie Yu, Binqi Xiao, Jun Chen, Ruimin Zhang, Zhixing Yang and Shuaijun Li
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5037; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125037 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
As an important part of the boundary conditions on both sides of the high-speed railway track–bridge system, the seismic response of the subgrade structure is different from that of the bridge structure. This difference has become increasingly significant with the widespread adoption of [...] Read more.
As an important part of the boundary conditions on both sides of the high-speed railway track–bridge system, the seismic response of the subgrade structure is different from that of the bridge structure. This difference has become increasingly significant with the widespread adoption of continuous welded rail technology in bridge construction. Therefore, investigating the seismic response of the bridge system, with a specific focus on the longitudinal constraint effects of the subsequent subgrade track structure, is of paramount importance. Utilizing finite element software, two distinct bridge models are developed: one incorporating the subsequent subgrade track structure and another excluding it. Through nonlinear time history analysis under varying seismic intensities, it is demonstrated that the longitudinal constraint of the subsequent subgrade track structure mitigates the longitudinal displacements and internal forces in critical components of the high-speed railway track–bridge system. Concurrently, acknowledging the heightened complexity and cost associated with post-earthquake repairs of the bridge structure compared to subgrade structure, this study uses a risk transfer connecting beam device. This device can redirect seismic damage from bridge structure to subgrade structure, thereby potentially reducing post-seismic repair expenses for the bridge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridge Structural Analysis)
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13 pages, 314 KiB  
Article
Classical 1-Absorbing Primary Submodules
by Zeynep Yılmaz Uçar, Bayram Ali Ersoy, Ünsal Tekir, Ece Yetkin Çelikel and Serkan Onar
Mathematics 2024, 12(12), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12121801 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Over the years, prime submodules and their generalizations have played a pivotal role in commutative algebra, garnering considerable attention from numerous researchers and scholars in the field. This papers presents a generalization of 1-absorbing primary ideals, namely the classical 1-absorbing primary submodules. Let [...] Read more.
Over the years, prime submodules and their generalizations have played a pivotal role in commutative algebra, garnering considerable attention from numerous researchers and scholars in the field. This papers presents a generalization of 1-absorbing primary ideals, namely the classical 1-absorbing primary submodules. Let be a commutative ring and M an -module. A proper submodule K of M is called a classical 1-absorbing primary submodule of M, if xyzηK for some ηM and nonunits x,y,z, then xyηK or ztηK for some t1. In addition to providing various characterizations of classical 1-absorbing primary submodules, we examine relationships between classical 1-absorbing primary submodules and 1-absorbing primary submodules. We also explore the properties of classical 1-absorbing primary submodules under homomorphism in factor modules, the localization modules and Cartesian product of modules. Finally, we investigate this class of submodules in amalgamated duplication of modules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Algebra, Geometry and Topology)
17 pages, 2927 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effects of Salicylic Acid and Bacillus butanolivorans KJ40 for Enhancing Napa Cabbage (Brassica napa subsp. pekinensis) Resilience to Water-Deficit Stress
by Sang Tae Kim and Mee Kyung Sang
Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060618 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Climate change exacerbates drought, globally impacting crop production and necessitating the adoption of sustainable strategies. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of salicylic acid (SA) and Bacillus butanolivorans KJ40 (KJ40) on napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) under water-deficit stress conditions by [...] Read more.
Climate change exacerbates drought, globally impacting crop production and necessitating the adoption of sustainable strategies. This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of salicylic acid (SA) and Bacillus butanolivorans KJ40 (KJ40) on napa cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) under water-deficit stress conditions by watering withheld for five days. Results demonstrate that the combined application of KJ40 and SA, particularly at concentrations of 0.5 mM and 1 mM, significantly enhances plant growth and mitigates the negative impacts of water deficit. Moreover, the combination treatment with SA (0.5 mM) and KJ40 (1 × 108 cells/mL) reduces lipid oxidation and enhances antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating improved plant stress tolerance. Analysis of soil microbial profiles reveals alterations in metabolic activity and substrate utilization patterns, suggesting potential changes in rhizosphere dynamics. Additionally, this study examines the impact of SA on KJ40 population dynamics in soil, revealing concentration-dependent effects on bacterial survival. Overall, the combination of KJ40 and SA was effective in mitigating water-deficit stress in napa cabbage. These findings highlight the combination as a novel synergistic strategy to enhance plant resilience to water-deficit stress, offering insights into plant–microbe interactions and soil ecosystem dynamics. Full article
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18 pages, 1994 KiB  
Article
Innovative Fermented Beverages Based on Bread Waste—Fermentation Parameters and Antibacterial Properties
by Krzysztof Juś, Mateusz Ścigaj, Daniela Gwiazdowska, Katarzyna Marchwińska and Wiktoria Studenna
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5036; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125036 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Faced with challenges related to environmental degradation and the growing need for sustainable development, the food sector must look for innovative and ecological production solutions. One of the increasingly popular directions is the zero-waste approach, which limits waste generation and enables its reuse. [...] Read more.
Faced with challenges related to environmental degradation and the growing need for sustainable development, the food sector must look for innovative and ecological production solutions. One of the increasingly popular directions is the zero-waste approach, which limits waste generation and enables its reuse. This research aimed to evaluate selected quality indicators of the lactic acid fermentation process of beverages based on waste from the bakery industry (wheat–rye bread) to determine the optimal fermentation conditions using two strains of lactic acid bacteria: Lacticasibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Preliminary process optimization was carried out, taking into account the beverage composition, fermentation time, and starting culture. The process evaluation and the selection of the optimal variant were based on the microbiological quality, pH value, and antimicrobial activity of fermented beverages. The results showed that the bread waste may constitute a base for obtaining fermented beverages as evidenced by the high number of lactic acid bacteria, above 108 CFU/mL, and low pH values (≤3.5) after the appropriate incubation time. Fermented beverages exhibited antibacterial properties against tested indicator microorganisms, which confirmed their functional properties. The analysis of the obtained results and the adopted assumptions enabled the selection of the most optimal variant—the beverage with ground flaxseed, fermented by L. paracasei for 24 h. The conducted research indicates great potential for lactic acid fermentation in the management of bakery waste to create innovative, sustainable food products with probiotic potential. Full article
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15 pages, 25363 KiB  
Article
Atomic-Scale Insights into the Effects of the Foaming Degree on the Glass–Ceramic Matrix Derived from Waste Glass and Incineration Bottom Ash
by Ying Wei, Ziwei Chen and Hao Wang
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122820 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Precise management of the inverse correlation between the total porosity and compressive strength is crucial for the progress of foaming glass–ceramics (FGCs). To deeply understand this relationship, we investigated the atomic-level transformations of five CO2-foaming FGC samples using molecular dynamics simulation. [...] Read more.
Precise management of the inverse correlation between the total porosity and compressive strength is crucial for the progress of foaming glass–ceramics (FGCs). To deeply understand this relationship, we investigated the atomic-level transformations of five CO2-foaming FGC samples using molecular dynamics simulation. The short-range and intermediate-range structures of the FGCs with varying total porosities (36.68%, 66.28%, 66.96%, 72.21%, and 79.88%) in the system were elucidated. Na cations were observed to exhibit a strong interaction with CO2, accumulating at the surface of the pore wall and influencing the oxygen species. Therefore, the change in the atomic structure of the matrix was accompanied by an increase in the total porosity with an increasing CO2 content. Specifically, as the total porosity increased, the bridging oxygen content within the FGCs rose accordingly. However, once the total porosity exceeded 66.96%, the bridging oxygen content began to decline. This observation was significant considering the role of the bridging oxygen content in forming a continuous cross-linked network of chemical bonds, which contributed to the enhanced mechanical strength. Consequently, the influence of the total porosity on the oxygen species resulted in a two-stage reduction in the compressive strength. This study offers valuable insights for the development of high-strength lightweight FGCs. Full article
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19 pages, 38991 KiB  
Article
Dynamics of the Net Precipitation in China from 2001 to 2020
by Jing Pan, Yongyue Ji, Lingyun Yan, Yixia Luo and Jilong Chen
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(12), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122094 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Net precipitation (NP) is the primary source of soil water essential for the functioning of vegetated ecosystems. By quantifying NP as the difference between gross precipitation and canopy interception evaporation, this study examined the dynamics of NP in China from 2001 to 2020 [...] Read more.
Net precipitation (NP) is the primary source of soil water essential for the functioning of vegetated ecosystems. By quantifying NP as the difference between gross precipitation and canopy interception evaporation, this study examined the dynamics of NP in China from 2001 to 2020 and the contribution of environmental factors to NP variations was investigated. The findings revealed a multiyear mean NP of 674.62 mm, showcasing a 2.93 mm/yr increase. The spatiotemporal variations in NP were mainly attributed to a remarkable increase in precipitation rather than canopy interception. Notably, climate (temperature, wind speed, surface solar radiation downward and vapor pressure deficit) and vegetation factors (leaf area index and net primary productivity) played a dominant role in NP in 61.53% and 15.39% of China, respectively. The dominant factors contributing to NP changes were vapor pressure deficit (mean contribution rate: −43.68%), temperature (mean contribution rate: 11.69%), and leaf area index (mean contribution rate: 2.13%). The vapor pressure deficit negatively exerts a negative influence on the southern and eastern regions. Temperature and leaf area index have the greatest effect on the northeastern and southwestern regions, respectively. The results provide valuable insights into the pivotal role of climatic and vegetation factors in ecohydrological cycles. Full article
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13 pages, 2561 KiB  
Article
A Small Auxin-Up RNA Gene, IbSAUR36, Regulates Adventitious Root Development in Transgenic Sweet Potato
by Yuanyuan Zhou, Aixian Li, Taifeng Du, Zhen Qin, Liming Zhang, Qingmei Wang, Zongyun Li and Fuyun Hou
Genes 2024, 15(6), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15060760 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Small auxin-upregulated RNAs (SAURs), as the largest family of early auxin-responsive genes, play important roles in plant growth and development processes, such as auxin signaling and transport, hypocotyl development, and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, the functions of few SAUR genes [...] Read more.
Small auxin-upregulated RNAs (SAURs), as the largest family of early auxin-responsive genes, play important roles in plant growth and development processes, such as auxin signaling and transport, hypocotyl development, and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, the functions of few SAUR genes are known in the root development of sweet potatoes. In this study, an IbSAUR36 gene was cloned and functionally analyzed. The IbSAUR36 protein was localized to the nucleus and plasma membrane. The transcriptional level of this gene was significantly higher in the pencil root and leaf.This gene was strongly induced by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), but it was downregulated under methyl-jasmonate(MeJA) treatment. The promoter of IbSAUR36 contained the core cis-elements for phytohormone responsiveness. Promoter β-glucuronidase (GUS) analysis in Arabidopsis showed that IbSAUR36 is highly expressed in the young tissues of plants, such as young leaves, roots, and buds. IbSAUR36-overexpressing sweet potato roots were obtained by an efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated root transgenic system. We demonstrated that overexpression of IbSAUR36 promoted the accumulation of IAA, upregulated the genes encoding IAA synthesis and its signaling pathways, and downregulated the genes encoding lignin synthesis and JA signaling pathways. Taken together, these results show that IbSAUR36 plays an important role in adventitious root (AR) development by regulating IAA signaling, lignin synthesis, and JA signaling pathways in transgenic sweet potatoes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Breeding of Sweetpotato)
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12 pages, 4896 KiB  
Article
Electronic and Steric Effects on Oxygen Reactivities of NiFeSe Complexes Related to O2-Damaged [NiFeSe]-Hydrogenases’ Active Site
by Yuchen Qiao, Enting Xu, Yameng Hao, Xuemei Yang and Ming Ni
Inorganics 2024, 12(6), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12060163 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Hydrogen has the potential to serve as a new energy resource, reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Natural hydrogenases exhibit impressive catalytic abilities for hydrogen production, but they often lack oxygen tolerance. Oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases can work under oxygen by reacting [...] Read more.
Hydrogen has the potential to serve as a new energy resource, reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Natural hydrogenases exhibit impressive catalytic abilities for hydrogen production, but they often lack oxygen tolerance. Oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases can work under oxygen by reacting with oxygen to form inactive states, which can be reactivated to catalytic states by oxygen atom removal. Herein, we synthesized three NiFeSe complexes: (NiSe(CH3)FeCp, NiSe(CH3)FeCp* and NiSe(PhNMe2)FeCp) with features of active sites of [NiFeSe]-H2ases, which are the oxygen-tolerant hydrogenases, and we investigated the influence of electronic and steric factors on the oxygen reaction of these “biomimetic” complexes. In our research, we found that they react with oxygen, forming 1-oxygen species, which is related to the O2-damaged [NiFeSe] active site. Through a comparative analysis of oxygen reactions, we have discovered that electronic factors and steric hindrance on Se play a significant role in determining the oxygen reactivity of NiFe complexes related to hydrogenases’ active sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metal Complexes Diversity: Synthesis, Conformations, and Bioactivity)
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24 pages, 1623 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Sentiment Analysis Models for Customer Support: Methodology and Case Study in the Portuguese Retail Sector
by Catarina Almeida, Cecilia Castro, Víctor Leiva, Ana Cristina Braga and Ana Freitas
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2024, 19(2), 1493-1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19020074 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Sentiment analysis is a cornerstone of natural language processing. However, it presents formidable challenges due to the intricacies of lexical diversity, complex linguistic structures, and the subtleties of context dependence. This study introduces a bespoke and integrated approach to analyzing customer sentiment, with [...] Read more.
Sentiment analysis is a cornerstone of natural language processing. However, it presents formidable challenges due to the intricacies of lexical diversity, complex linguistic structures, and the subtleties of context dependence. This study introduces a bespoke and integrated approach to analyzing customer sentiment, with a particular emphasis on a case study in the Portuguese retail market. Capitalizing on the strengths of SentiLex-PT, a sentiment lexicon curated for the Portuguese language, and an array of sophisticated machine learning algorithms, this research constructs advanced models that encapsulate both lexical features and the subtleties of linguistic composition. A meticulous comparative analysis singles out multinomial logistic regression as the pre-eminent model for its applicability and accuracy within our case study. The findings of this analysis highlight the pivotal role that sentiment data play in strategic decision-making processes such as reputation management, strategic planning, and forecasting market trends within the retail sector. To the extent of our knowledge, this work is pioneering in its provision of a holistic sentiment analysis framework tailored to the Portuguese retail context, marking an advancement for both the academic field and industry application. Full article
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18 pages, 4168 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome-Based Analysis of the Regulation of Leaf Senescence in the Upper and Middle Canopy of Different Soybean Cultivars
by Nan Wang, Zhenghao Zhang, Jiayi Li, Ruoning Li, Xuejing Zhang, Xingdong Yao and Futi Xie
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061250 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Premature leaf failure is one of the major factors contributing to crop yield reduction. High-yielding soybean cultivars exhibit a longer leaf lifespan during the reproductive period, promoting higher yields. In this experiment, physiological indexes and transcriptomics analysis were carried out on leaves of [...] Read more.
Premature leaf failure is one of the major factors contributing to crop yield reduction. High-yielding soybean cultivars exhibit a longer leaf lifespan during the reproductive period, promoting higher yields. In this experiment, physiological indexes and transcriptomics analysis were carried out on leaves of different canopy parts of two soybean cultivars with different senescence sensitivities of LD32 and SND28 as test materials. The results showed that the leaf senescence rates of the two soybean cultivars, tested at the grain-filling stage, were significantly different, and the senescence rates of the upper and middle canopy leaves of LD32 were significantly lower than those of SND28. In comparison to SND28, LD32 exhibited slower decreases in chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate, and SPAD values in the upper and middle canopy leaves. The differentially expressed genes for senescence of upper and middle canopy leaves of both cultivars were enriched in four pathways: the photosynthesis pathway, the photosynthesis–antenna protein pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway–plant hormone signal transduction pathway, and the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. The differential expression of 20 genes (Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, etc.) in the “carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms” pathway of LD32 may be involved in the regulation of reducing the rate of leaf senescence in the middle of the canopy at the grain-filling stage of LD32. Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase in LD32 may reduce the rate of leaf senescence in the middle of the canopy during seed filling. Full article
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22 pages, 2325 KiB  
Review
Understanding Aβ Peptide Binding to Lipid Membranes: A Biophysical Perspective
by Hasna Ahyayauch, Massimo E. Masserini, Alicia Alonso and Félix M. Goñi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(12), 6401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126401 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Aβ peptides are known to bind neural plasma membranes in a process leading to the deposit of Aβ-enriched plaques. These extracellular structures are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, the major cause of late-age dementia. The mechanisms of Aβ plaque formation and deposition are far [...] Read more.
Aβ peptides are known to bind neural plasma membranes in a process leading to the deposit of Aβ-enriched plaques. These extracellular structures are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, the major cause of late-age dementia. The mechanisms of Aβ plaque formation and deposition are far from being understood. A vast number of studies in the literature describe the efforts to analyze those mechanisms using a variety of tools. The present review focuses on biophysical studies mostly carried out with model membranes or with computational tools. This review starts by describing basic physical aspects of lipid phases and commonly used model membranes (monolayers and bilayers). This is followed by a discussion of the biophysical techniques applied to these systems, mainly but not exclusively Langmuir monolayers, isothermal calorimetry, density-gradient ultracentrifugation, and molecular dynamics. The Methodological Section is followed by the core of the review, which includes a summary of important results obtained with each technique. The last section is devoted to an overall reflection and an effort to understand Aβ-bilayer binding. Concepts such as Aβ peptide membrane binding, adsorption, and insertion are defined and differentiated. The roles of membrane lipid order, nanodomain formation, and electrostatic forces in Aβ–membrane interaction are separately identified and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structure and Formation Mechanism of Amyloid Fibrils)
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19 pages, 10451 KiB  
Article
Lossy Compression of Single-channel Noisy Images by Modern Coders
by Sergii Kryvenko, Vladimir Lukin and Benoit Vozel
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(12), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16122093 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
Lossy compression of remote-sensing images is a typical stage in their processing chain. In design or selection of methods for lossy compression, it is commonly assumed that images are noise-free. Meanwhile, there are many practical situations where an image or a set of [...] Read more.
Lossy compression of remote-sensing images is a typical stage in their processing chain. In design or selection of methods for lossy compression, it is commonly assumed that images are noise-free. Meanwhile, there are many practical situations where an image or a set of its components are noisy. This fact needs to be taken into account since noise presence leads to specific effects in lossy compressed data. The main effect is the possible existence of the optimal operation point (OOP) shown for JPEG, JPEG2000, some coders based on the discrete cosine transform (DCT), and the better portable graphics (BPG) encoder. However, the performance of such modern coders as AVIF and HEIF with application to noisy images has not been studied yet. In this paper, analysis is carried out for the case of additive white Gaussian noise. We demonstrate that OOP can exist for AVIF and HEIF and the performance characteristics in it are quite similar to those for the BPG encoder. OOP exists with a higher probability for images of simpler structure and/or high-intensity noise, and this takes place according to different metrics including visual quality ones. The problems of providing lossy compression by AVIF or HEIF are shown and an initial solution is proposed. Examples for test and real-life remote-sensing images are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data Processing)
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13 pages, 16968 KiB  
Article
Elastic Self-Recovering Hybrid Nanogenerator for Water Wave Energy Harvesting and Marine Environmental Monitoring
by Qiuxiang Wang, Gao Yu, Ying Lou, Mengfan Li, Jiaxi Hu, Jiaodi Li, Weiqi Cui, Aifang Yu and Junyi Zhai
Sensors 2024, 24(12), 3770; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24123770 (registering DOI) - 10 Jun 2024
Abstract
To achieve large-scale development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for water wave energy harvesting and powering the colossal sensors widely distributed in the ocean, facile and scalable TENGs with high output are urgently required. Here, an elastic self-recovering hybrid nanogenerator (ES-HNG) is proposed for [...] Read more.
To achieve large-scale development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for water wave energy harvesting and powering the colossal sensors widely distributed in the ocean, facile and scalable TENGs with high output are urgently required. Here, an elastic self-recovering hybrid nanogenerator (ES-HNG) is proposed for water wave energy harvesting and marine environmental monitoring. The elastic skeletal support of the ES-HNG is manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, which is more conducive to the large-scale integration of the ES-HNG. Moreover, the combination of a TENG and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) optimizes the utilization of device space, leading to enhanced energy harvesting efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the TENG achieves a peak power output of 42.68 mW, and the EMG reaches a peak power output of 4.40 mW. Furthermore, various marine environment monitoring sensors, such as a self-powered wireless meteorological monitoring system, a wireless alarm system, and a water quality monitoring pen, have been successfully powered by the sophisticated ES-HNG. This work introduces an ES-HNG for water wave energy harvesting, which demonstrates potential in marine environment monitoring and offers a new solution for the sustainable development of the marine internet of things. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sensing)
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