The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
12 pages, 452 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with the Health-Related Quality of Life of Malaysian Young Adults Post-Pandemic
by Ke Xin Lee, Kia Fatt Quek and Amutha Ramadas
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 1158-1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14020088 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The transition from school to university brings significant adjustments in lifestyle, body weight, and living environment for young adults, potentially impacting their quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated these changes. This cross-sectional study [...] Read more.
The transition from school to university brings significant adjustments in lifestyle, body weight, and living environment for young adults, potentially impacting their quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated these changes. This cross-sectional study involved 361 young adults (18–25 years) from Malaysian tertiary institutions, aiming to identify factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) post-COVID-19 restrictions. Data were collected online between April and July 2022, utilizing the WHOQOL-BREF for HRQOL assessment. Participants, with a median age of 23, scored highest in the physical health domain (mean: 63.2, SD = 16.2) and lowest in psychological health (mean: 58.2, SD = 16.9). Physical health domain scores varied by ethnicity, the field of study, weight category, and prescription medicine usage; environmental health scores by ethnicity and household income; and social health scores by age. Moderate perceived stress and low perceived support were significant predictors of poor HRQOL. Across the weight categories, sleep quality, perceived stress, and support have consistently impacted the HRQOL domain scores. This study underscores the multifaceted influences on young adults’ quality of life during the transition to university, especially in post-pandemic adjustments, highlighting the importance of addressing factors such as perceived stress and support to enhance overall well-being. Full article
16 pages, 910 KiB  
Article
Quantifying the Environmental Impact of Private and Commercial Pilot License Training in Canada
by Syed A. Q. Rizvi, Suzanne Kearns and Shi Cao
Air 2024, 2(2), 162-177; https://doi.org/10.3390/air2020010 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
As the global aviation sector expands to accommodate increasing air travel demand, the subsequent rise in flights exacerbates carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, challenging the sector’s environmental sustainability. Targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, international aviation agencies are stressing the imperative of reducing [...] Read more.
As the global aviation sector expands to accommodate increasing air travel demand, the subsequent rise in flights exacerbates carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, challenging the sector’s environmental sustainability. Targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, international aviation agencies are stressing the imperative of reducing emissions directly at their source. While the literature provides abundant estimates of aviation emissions from airline flights, there has been a lack of work aimed at quantifying CO2 emissions specific to the general aviation sector. This study investigates CO2 emissions attributed to the pilot training sub-sector within Canada’s general aviation sector. It specifically examines the initial phase of pilot training, known as ab initio training, extending through to the attainment of a commercial pilot license. Utilizing a mathematical framework alongside assumptions, combined with data on license issuances over a 23-year period, it estimated that each hour of flight training emits about 70.4 kg of CO2, varying between 44.9 kg and 94.9 kg per hour. Annual CO2 emissions from Canada’s ab initio pilot training are estimated at approximately 30,000 tons, with a possible range of 19,000 to 40,000 tons. The study also explores mitigation opportunities, such as flight simulation training devices and electric aircraft. Though focusing on Canada’s ab initio pilot training, the findings have international relevance. Full article
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16 pages, 387 KiB  
Article
Gender-Based Biopsychosocial Correlates of Truancy in Physical Education: A National Survey among Adolescents in Benin
by Medina Srem-Sai, Edmond Kwesi Agormedah, John Elvis Hagan, Jr., Newton Isaac Gbordzoe and Jacob Owusu Sarfo
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(5), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13050257 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Truancy among in-school adolescents has long been established as a major issue that negatively impacts educational attainment or goals and mental health-related issues. However, research on subjects such as physical education (PE) truancy and its correlates is somewhat limited. This study estimated the [...] Read more.
Truancy among in-school adolescents has long been established as a major issue that negatively impacts educational attainment or goals and mental health-related issues. However, research on subjects such as physical education (PE) truancy and its correlates is somewhat limited. This study estimated the prevalence of PE and assessed the factors associated with PE truancy in Benin among in-school adolescents. The 2016 Benin’s Global School-Based Health Survey (GSHS) data from a sample of in-school adolescents (n = 2496; 13–17 years) were used for data analysis. The overall prevalence of past 30-day truancy in PE class was 15.4%, with female adolescents reporting a higher prevalence of PE truancy than their male counterparts. Stratified by gender, the regression analyses showed that males in 3rd–6th grade (aOR = 0.69, CI = 0.50–0.96) experiencing hunger (aOR = 0.51, CI = 0.32–0.81) and having suicidal ideations (aOR = 1.64, CI = 1.07–2.53) predisposed adolescents to PE truant behaviour. For female in-school adolescents experiencing hunger (aOR = 1.75, CI = 1.15–2.65), drinking alcohol (aOR = 0.62, CI = 0.44–0.87), having sedentary lifestyles (aOR = 0.62, CI = 0.40–0.96), and being physically attacked (aOR = 0.53, CI = 0.33–0.87) were significantly associated with PE truancy. However, understanding and supportive parents [aOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.91] was a protective factor against PE truancy. The present findings suggest the design of gender-sensitive school-based interventions to help minimise or prevent PE truancy among in-school adolescents in Benin based on the predisposing factors while emphasising the protective influences. Full article
10 pages, 282 KiB  
Article
Baire 1 Functions and the Topology of Uniform Convergence on Compacta
by Ľubica Holá and Dušan Holý
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1494; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101494 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Let X be a Tychonoff topological space, B1(X,R) be the space of real-valued Baire 1 functions on X and τUC be the topology of uniform convergence on compacta. The main purpose of this paper is [...] Read more.
Let X be a Tychonoff topological space, B1(X,R) be the space of real-valued Baire 1 functions on X and τUC be the topology of uniform convergence on compacta. The main purpose of this paper is to study cardinal invariants of (B1(X,R),τUC). We prove that the following conditions are equivalent: (1) (B1(X,R),τUC) is metrizable; (2) (B1(X,R),τUC) is completely metrizable; (3) (B1(X,R),τUC) is Čech-complete; and (4) X is hemicompact. It is also proven that if X is a separable metric space with a non isolated point, then the topology of uniform convergence on compacta on B1(X,R) is seen to behave like a metric topology in the sense that the weight, netweight, density, Lindelof number and cellularity are all equal for this topology and they are equal to c=|B1(X,R)|. We find further conditions on X under which these cardinal invariants coincide on B1(X,R). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Algebra, Geometry and Topology)
20 pages, 1122 KiB  
Article
Attention-Based Two-Branch Hybrid Fusion Network for Medical Image Segmentation
by Jie Liu, Songren Mao and Liangrui Pan
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4073; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104073 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Accurate segmentation of medical images is vital for disease detection and treatment. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Transformer models are widely used in medical image segmentation due to their exceptional capabilities in image recognition and segmentation. However, CNNs often lack an understanding of [...] Read more.
Accurate segmentation of medical images is vital for disease detection and treatment. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Transformer models are widely used in medical image segmentation due to their exceptional capabilities in image recognition and segmentation. However, CNNs often lack an understanding of the global context and may lose spatial details of the target, while Transformers struggle with local information processing, leading to reduced geometric detail of the target. To address these issues, this research presents a Global-Local Fusion network model (GLFUnet) based on the U-Net framework and attention mechanisms. The model employs a dual-branch network that utilizes ConvNeXt and Swin Transformer to simultaneously extract multi-level features from pathological images. It enhances ConvNeXt’s local feature extraction with spatial and global attention up-sampling modules, while improving Swin Transformer’s global context dependency with channel attention. The Attention Feature Fusion module and skip connections efficiently merge local detailed and global coarse features from CNN and Transformer branches at various scales. The fused features are then progressively restored to the original image resolution for pixel-level prediction. Comprehensive experiments on datasets of stomach and liver cancer demonstrate GLFUnet’s superior performance and adaptability in medical image segmentation, holding promise for clinical analysis and disease diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering)
34 pages, 633 KiB  
Article
Competition between New Energy and Fuel Vehicles with Behavior-Based Pricing Strategies When Considering Environmental Concerns and Green Innovation
by Shaohua Chen and Guomin Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4018; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104018 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This [...] Read more.
Environmental sustainability is an important issue in supply chain management (SCM). New energy vehicles (NEVs) have significant environmental value when compared to traditional fuel vehicles (FVs). Currently, there is intense competition between fuel and new energy vehicles, owing to differentiated pricing strategies. This paper focuses on behavior-based pricing (BBP) strategies between energy vehicles and fuel vehicles in a two-echelon supply chain wherein consumers are environmentally conscious. A two-period game-theoretic model is built to examine the effect of consumers’ environmental concerns on competition between fuel and energy vehicles, behavior-based pricing strategies, supply chain efficiency, and social welfare. The analytical results indicate that consumers’ environmental concerns facilitate the market share competition by new energy vehicle firms in the second period. If consumers care more about the environment, supply chain efficiency is improved in cases of retail as well as wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies. Wholesale-and-retail behavior-based pricing strategies benefit all members of the supply chain, but this is not the case for retail behavior-based pricing strategies. If consumers are sufficiently concerned about the environment and new energy vehicle firms are more efficient, a win–win–win scenario for firms, consumers, and social welfare occurs in the two behavior-based pricing strategies. Counterintuitively, green innovation improves new energy vehicle, fuel vehicle as well as overall supply chain efficiency, in three cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Supply Chain and Sustainable Development)
23 pages, 714 KiB  
Article
Risk and Resilience Variants in the Retinoic Acid Metabolic and Developmental Pathways Associated with Risk of FASD Outcomes
by Leo McKay, Berardino Petrelli, Molly Pind, James N. Reynolds, Richard F. Wintle, Albert E. Chudley, Britt Drögemöller, Abraham Fainsod, Stephen W. Scherer, Ana Hanlon-Dearman and Geoffrey G. Hicks
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050569 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 2–5% of North Americans. FASD is induced by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during pregnancy and while there is a clear genetic contribution, few genetic factors are currently identified or [...] Read more.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 2–5% of North Americans. FASD is induced by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during pregnancy and while there is a clear genetic contribution, few genetic factors are currently identified or understood. In this study, using a candidate gene approach, we performed a genetic variant analysis of retinoic acid (RA) metabolic and developmental signaling pathway genes on whole exome sequencing data of 23 FASD-diagnosed individuals. We found risk and resilience alleles in ADH and ALDH genes known to normally be involved in alcohol detoxification at the expense of RA production, causing RA deficiency, following PAE. Risk and resilience variants were also identified in RA-regulated developmental pathway genes, especially in SHH and WNT pathways. Notably, we also identified significant variants in the causative genes of rare neurodevelopmental disorders sharing comorbidities with FASD, including STRA6 (Matthew–Wood), SOX9 (Campomelic Dysplasia), FDG1 (Aarskog), and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (TBX1). Although this is a small exploratory study, the findings support PAE-induced RA deficiency as a major etiology underlying FASD and suggest risk and resilience variants may be suitable biomarkers to determine the risk of FASD outcomes following PAE. Full article
17 pages, 837 KiB  
Article
Efficient Quantum Private Comparison Based on GHZ States
by Min Hou, Yue Wu and Shibin Zhang
Entropy 2024, 26(5), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050413 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Quantum private comparison (QPC) is a fundamental cryptographic protocol that allows two parties to compare the equality of their private inputs without revealing any information about those inputs to each other. In recent years, QPC protocols utilizing various quantum resources have been proposed. [...] Read more.
Quantum private comparison (QPC) is a fundamental cryptographic protocol that allows two parties to compare the equality of their private inputs without revealing any information about those inputs to each other. In recent years, QPC protocols utilizing various quantum resources have been proposed. However, these QPC protocols have lower utilization of quantum resources and qubit efficiency. To address this issue, we propose an efficient QPC protocol based on GHZ states, which leverages the unique properties of GHZ states and rotation operations to achieve secure and efficient private comparison. The secret information is encoded in the rotation angles of rotation operations performed on the received quantum sequence transmitted along the circular mode. This results in the multiplexing of quantum resources and enhances the utilization of quantum resources. Our protocol does not require quantum key distribution (QKD) for sharing a secret key to ensure the security of the inputs, resulting in no consumption of quantum resources for key sharing. One GHZ state can be compared to three bits of classical information in each comparison, leading to qubit efficiency reaching 100%. Compared with the existing QPC protocol, our protocol does not require quantum resources for sharing a secret key. It also demonstrates enhanced performance in qubit efficiency and the utilization of quantum resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Computation, Communication and Cryptography)
19 pages, 1587 KiB  
Article
Discrepant Phenotyping of Monocytes Based on CX3CR1 and CCR2 Using Fluorescent Reporters and Antibodies
by Katrin Sommer, Hilal Garibagaoglu, Eva-Maria Paap, Maximilian Wiendl, Tanja M. Müller, Imke Atreya, Gerhard Krönke, Markus F. Neurath and Sebastian Zundler
Cells 2024, 13(10), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13100819 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Monocytes, as well as downstream macrophages and dendritic cells, are essential players in the immune system, fulfilling key roles in homeostasis as well as in inflammatory conditions. Conventionally, driven by studies on reporter models, mouse monocytes are categorized into a classical and a [...] Read more.
Monocytes, as well as downstream macrophages and dendritic cells, are essential players in the immune system, fulfilling key roles in homeostasis as well as in inflammatory conditions. Conventionally, driven by studies on reporter models, mouse monocytes are categorized into a classical and a non-classical subset based on their inversely correlated surface expression of Ly6C/CCR2 and CX3CR1. Here, we aimed to challenge this concept by antibody staining and reporter mouse models. Therefore, we took advantage of Cx3cr1GFP and Ccr2RFP reporter mice, in which the respective gene was replaced by a fluorescent reporter protein gene. We analyzed the expression of CX3CR1 and CCR2 by flow cytometry using several validated fluorochrome-coupled antibodies and compared them with the reporter gene signal in these reporter mouse strains. Although we were able to validate the specificity of the fluorochrome-coupled flow cytometry antibodies, mouse Ly6Chigh classical and Ly6Clow non-classical monocytes showed no differences in CX3CR1 expression levels in the peripheral blood and spleen when stained with these antibodies. On the contrary, in Cx3cr1GFP reporter mice, we were able to reproduce the inverse correlation of the CX3CR1 reporter gene signal and Ly6C surface expression. Furthermore, differential CCR2 surface expression correlating with the expression of Ly6C was observed by antibody staining, but not in Ccr2RFP reporter mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that phenotyping strategies for mouse monocyte subsets should be carefully selected. In accordance with the literature, the suitability of CX3CR1 antibody staining is limited, whereas for CCR2, caution should be applied when using reporter mice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Microenvironment)
16 pages, 2738 KiB  
Article
A Semantic Analysis Method of Public Public Built Environment and Its Landscape Based on Big Data Technology: Kimbell Art Museum as Example
by Zhongzhong Zeng, Meizhu Wang, Dingyi Liu, Xuan Yu and Bo Zhang
Land 2024, 13(5), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050655 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Based on big data, a new public space evaluation method is proposed. Using programming technology to collect visitor reviews from the travel website TripAdvisor to build a database, based on the data of 99,240 words in 1573 visitor reviews in 10 years, the [...] Read more.
Based on big data, a new public space evaluation method is proposed. Using programming technology to collect visitor reviews from the travel website TripAdvisor to build a database, based on the data of 99,240 words in 1573 visitor reviews in 10 years, the connection between data and reality is established through systematic data classification and visualization. Following an assessment of the Kimbell Art Museum’s functionality, architectural design, and landscape design, along with visitor feedback, a new evaluation methodology was formulated for application to public buildings with landscapes. By utilizing the unique advantages of big data, it provides convenient and efficient analysis methods for public spaces with similar data foundations and opens the way for the optimization of the built environment in the information age. Full article
24 pages, 2538 KiB  
Article
Effects of Microbial Inoculants Combined with Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
by Shanmu He, Ying Zhang, Xiaolei Yang, Qi Li, Changning Li and Tuo Yao
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051016 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this [...] Read more.
Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this study, we investigated seven fertilizer combinations, ranging from no fertilizer to various proportions of chemical fertilizers with microbial inoculants, on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) growth, chlorophyll content, soil properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. A randomized block design was employed to analyze these effects. The results indicate that the combination of 85% chemical fertilizer with microbial inoculants significantly increased timothy yield and chlorophyll content. In addition, a reduction to 55% chemical fertilizer in conjunction with microbial inoculants resulted in comparable yield to that of 100% fertilizer with no inoculants. The microbial inoculants treatments notably elevated soil catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase activities, along with soil fast-acting nutrient content. The sequencing results show that the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, while that of fungi decreased in the soil rhizosphere after the application of microbial inoculants. This study underscored the potential of microbial inoculants combined with reductions in chemical fertilizers to enhance soil microbiology, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting timothy growth and yield. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices, providing valuable insights for optimizing microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizer formulations to mitigate the sustainability challenges posed by conventional fertilizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)
12 pages, 2823 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties of High- and Low-Fusing Zirconia Veneering Ceramics Fired on Different Trays and Substrates
by Moritz Hoffmann, Andrea Coldea, Mustafa Borga Dönmez, John Meinen and Bogna Stawarczyk
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102261 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ceramic type, firing tray, and firing substrate on the density, shrinkage, biaxial flexural strength, Martens’ hardness, and elastic indentation modulus of zirconia veneering ceramics. Disk-shaped specimens were fabricated from a high-fusing (HFZ) and a low-fusing [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ceramic type, firing tray, and firing substrate on the density, shrinkage, biaxial flexural strength, Martens’ hardness, and elastic indentation modulus of zirconia veneering ceramics. Disk-shaped specimens were fabricated from a high-fusing (HFZ) and a low-fusing (STR) zirconia veneering ceramic. These specimens were then divided into 10 groups according to firing trays (round, small honeycomb-shaped, cordierite [RSC]; round, large honeycomb-shaped, aluminum oxide [RLA]; rectangular, plane, silicon nitride [RCPS]; round, plane, silicon nitride [RPS]; and rectangular, plane, calcium silicate [RCPC]) and firing substrates (firing cotton and platinum foil) used (n = 12). The density, shrinkage, biaxial flexural strength, Martens’ hardness, and indentation modulus were measured, and analyzed with generalized linear model analysis (α = 0.05). The interaction between the ceramic type and firing substrate affected density (p < 0.001), and the other outcomes were affected by the interaction among all main factors (p ≤ 0.045). Higher density was observed with HFZ or platinum foil (p ≤ 0.007). RSC and RLA led to a higher density than RCPS within HFZ and led to the lowest density within STR (p ≤ 0.046). STR had a higher shrinkage (p < 0.001). RSC mostly led to a lower shrinkage of HFZ (p ≤ 0.045). The effect of ceramic type and firing substrates on the biaxial flexural strength, Martens’ hardness, and indentation modulus was minimal while there was no clear trend on the effect of firing tray on these properties. Ceramic type, firing tray, and firing substrate affected the mechanical properties of the tested zirconia veneering ceramics. Firing the tested zirconia veneering ceramics over a round and small honeycomb-shaped cordierite firing tray with firing cotton mostly led to improved mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics of Dental Ceramics)
16 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Chebyshev–Jensen-Type Inequalities Involving χ-Products and Their Applications in Probability Theory
by Ru Liu, Jiajin Wen and Lingzhi Zhao
Mathematics 2024, 12(10), 1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12101495 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
By means of the functional analysis theory, reorder method, mathematical induction and the dimension reduction method, the Chebyshev-Jensen-type inequalities involving the χ-products ·χ and [·]χ are established, and we proved that our main results are the [...] Read more.
By means of the functional analysis theory, reorder method, mathematical induction and the dimension reduction method, the Chebyshev-Jensen-type inequalities involving the χ-products ·χ and [·]χ are established, and we proved that our main results are the generalizations of the classical Chebyshev inequalities. As applications in probability theory, the discrete with continuous probability inequalities are obtained. Full article
16 pages, 4321 KiB  
Article
A Quadruplex Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting Canine Coronavirus, Canine Rotavirus, Canine Parvovirus, and Canine Distemper Virus
by Yandi Shi, Feng Long, Kaichuang Shi, Mengyi He, Yuwen Shi, Shuping Feng, Yanwen Yin, Xiankai Wei and Zongqiang Li
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(2), 746-761; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15020049 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine rotavirus (CRV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) cause gastroenteritis in dogs, and co-infections of these pathogens are common in China. In particular, CCoV and CRV are confirmed to have important zoonotic potential and cause public [...] Read more.
Background: Canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine rotavirus (CRV), canine parvovirus (CPV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) cause gastroenteritis in dogs, and co-infections of these pathogens are common in China. In particular, CCoV and CRV are confirmed to have important zoonotic potential and cause public health issues. It is difficult to diagnose these diseases based only on clinical manifestations and pathological damage. Methods: In this study, four pairs of specific primers and probes targeting the CCoV M, CRV VP7, CPV VP2, and CDV N genes were designed. The reaction conditions, including the primer and probe concentrations, annealing temperatures, and reaction cycles, were optimized for the development of a quadruplex RT-qPCR for the detection of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV. The assay was used to test 1028 clinical samples to validate its application. Results: A quadruplex RT-qPCR was successfully established for the differential detection of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV, with good specificity, high sensitivity, and excellent repeatability. The assay could specifically detect CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV without cross-reactivity with the other canine viruses tested. It showed high sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) of 1.1 × 102 copies/reaction for all four plasmid constructs. It showed excellent repeatability, with 0.05–0.90% intra-assay variation and 0.02–0.94% inter-assay variation. The 1028 clinical samples were tested using the quadruplex RT-qPCR and a reported reference RT-qPCR. The positivity rates of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV were 9.53%, 0.97%, 25.68%, and 5.06% using the developed assay, and 9.05%, 0.88%, 25.68%, and 4.86% using the reference assay, with agreements higher than 99.32%. Conclusion: The results indicated that a rapid and accurate quadruplex RT-qPCR was developed for the detection and differentiation of CCoV, CRV, CPV, and CDV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
22 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Application of Oversampling Techniques for Enhanced Transverse Dispersion Coefficient Estimation Performance Using Machine Learning Regression
by Sunmi Lee and Inhwan Park
Water 2024, 16(10), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16101359 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
The advection–dispersion equation has been widely used to analyze the intermediate field mixing of pollutants in natural streams. The dispersion coefficient, manipulating the dispersion term of the advection–dispersion equation, is a crucial parameter in predicting the transport distance and contaminated area in the [...] Read more.
The advection–dispersion equation has been widely used to analyze the intermediate field mixing of pollutants in natural streams. The dispersion coefficient, manipulating the dispersion term of the advection–dispersion equation, is a crucial parameter in predicting the transport distance and contaminated area in the water body. In this study, the transverse dispersion coefficient was estimated using machine learning regression methods applied to oversampled datasets. Previous research datasets used for this estimation were biased toward width-to-depth ratio (W/H) values ≤ 50, potentially leading to inaccuracies in estimating the transverse dispersion coefficient for datasets with W/H > 50. To address this issue, four oversampling techniques were employed to augment the dataset with W/H > 50, thereby mitigating the dataset’s imbalance. The estimation results obtained from data resampling with nonlinear regression method demonstrated improved prediction accuracy compared to the pre-oversampling results. Notably, the combination of adaptive synthetic sampling (ADASYN) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting regression (XGBoost) exhibited improved accuracy compared to other combinations of oversampling techniques and nonlinear regression methods. Through the combined ADASYN–XGBoost approach, it is possible to enhance the transverse dispersion coefficient estimation performance using only two variables, W/H and bed friction effects (U/U*), without adding channel sinuosity; this represents the effects of secondary currents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contaminant Transport Modeling in Aquatic Environments)
16 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Converging Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies: Accelerated Growth Effects in Technological Evolution
by Mario Coccia
Technologies 2024, 12(5), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12050066 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
One of the fundamental problems in the field of technological studies is to clarify the drivers and dynamics of technological evolution for sustaining industrial and economic change. This study confronts the problem by analyzing the converging technologies to explain effects on the evolutionary [...] Read more.
One of the fundamental problems in the field of technological studies is to clarify the drivers and dynamics of technological evolution for sustaining industrial and economic change. This study confronts the problem by analyzing the converging technologies to explain effects on the evolutionary dynamics over time. This paper focuses on technological interaction between artificial intelligence and quantum technologies using a technometric model of technological evolution based on scientific and technological information (publications and patents). Findings show that quantum technology has a growth rate of 1.07, artificial intelligence technology has a rate of growth of 1.37, whereas the technological interaction of converging quantum and artificial intelligence technologies has an accelerated rate of growth of 1.58, higher than trends of these technologies taken individually. These findings suggest that technological interaction is one of the fundamental determinants in the rapid evolution of path-breaking technologies and disruptive innovations. The deductive implications of results about the effects of converging technologies are: (a) accelerated evolutionary growth; (b) a disproportionate (allometric) growth of patents driven by publications supporting a fast technological evolution. Our results support policy and managerial implications for the decision making of policymakers, technology analysts, and R&D managers that can direct R&D investments towards fruitful inter-relationships between radical technologies to foster scientific and technological change with positive societal and economic impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Quantum Technologies)
20 pages, 7879 KiB  
Article
Characteristics of Citrate-Esterified Starch and Enzymatically Debranched Starch and Their Effects on Diabetic Mice
by Nannan Wang, Changhe Ding, Yingying Xie, Jun Meng, Xing Fan, Duoduo Fan, Haowei Wan and Zhengqiang Jiang
Foods 2024, 13(10), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101486 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Chickpea has significant benefits as an adjuvant treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The properties of chickpea resistant starches (RSs) and their abilities to reduce T2DM symptoms and control intestinal flora were investigated. The RS content in citrate-esterified starch (CCS; 74.18%) was [...] Read more.
Chickpea has significant benefits as an adjuvant treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The properties of chickpea resistant starches (RSs) and their abilities to reduce T2DM symptoms and control intestinal flora were investigated. The RS content in citrate-esterified starch (CCS; 74.18%) was greater than that in pullulanase-modified starch (enzymatically debranched starch (EDS); 38.87%). Compared with those of native chickpea starch, there were noticeable changes in the granular structure and morphology of the two modified starches. The CCS showed surface cracking and aggregation. The EDS particles exhibited irregular layered structures. The expansion force of the modified starches decreased. The CCS and EDS could successfully lower blood glucose, regulate lipid metabolism, lower the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), reduce the expressions of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleuki n-10 (IL-10), and decrease diabetes-related liver damage. Moreover, the CCS and EDS altered the intestinal flora makeup in mice with T2DM. The abundance of Bacteroidota increased. Both types of chickpea RSs exhibited significant hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects, contributing to the reduction in inflammatory levels and the improvement in gut microbiota balance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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12 pages, 904 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Effects of Fermented Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus Extract
by Ju Yeon Kim, Min Joo Chae, Yun Gon Son, Su Min Jo, Na Rae Kang, Seong Doo Kang, Kwang Dong Kim, Sang Won Lee and Jeong Yoon Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4074; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104074 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, a microbial strain was isolated from humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as the Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited antifungal effects against four types [...] Read more.
In this study, a microbial strain was isolated from humus soil to ferment Sophora flavescens and Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus extracts. The isolated microbial was identified as the Bacillus genus by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The fermented plant extracts exhibited antifungal effects against four types plant pathogen, P. carotorum, B. cinerea, C. fructicola Sau-3, and C. gloeosporioides, according to incubation time. In particular, the fermented plant extracts showed the most activity for Colletotrichum genus in inhibiting mycelium growth. Metabolite changes in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts were confirmed through LC-Q-TOF/MS. Flavonoid and peptide derivatives were improved in fermented S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts compared to their unfermented counterparts. This study suggested that isolated Bacillus microbial fermentation could be a valuable tool in improving the bioactivity of S. flavescens and E. sessiliflorus extracts, with the potential to form more environmentally friendly antifungal agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biological Activities and Application of Plant Extracts)
16 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Revascularization in Chronic Coronary Syndrome/Disease: Concepts and Misconceptions
by Beatriz Nogueira-Garcia, Marta Vilela, Catarina Oliveira, Daniel Caldeira, Ana Margarida Martins and Miguel Nobre Menezes
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050506 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease represents a significant global burden of morbidity and mortality. While revascularization strategies are well defined in acute settings, there are uncertainties regarding chronic coronary artery disease treatment. Recent trials have raised doubts about the necessity of revascularization for “stable”, chronic [...] Read more.
Ischemic heart disease represents a significant global burden of morbidity and mortality. While revascularization strategies are well defined in acute settings, there are uncertainties regarding chronic coronary artery disease treatment. Recent trials have raised doubts about the necessity of revascularization for “stable”, chronic coronary syndromes or disease, leading to a shift towards a more conservative approach. However, the issue remains far from settled. In this narrative review, we offer a summary of the most pertinent evidence regarding revascularization for chronic coronary disease, while reflecting on less-often-discussed details of major clinical trials. The cumulative evidence available indicates that there can be a prognostic benefit from revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome patients, provided there is significant ischemia, as demonstrated by either imaging or coronary physiology. Trials that have effectively met this criterion consistently demonstrate a reduction in rates of spontaneous myocardial infarction, which holds both prognostic and clinical significance. The prognostic benefit of revascularization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains especially problematic, with a single contemporary trial favouring surgical revascularization. The very recent publication of a trial focused on revascularizing non-flow-limiting “vulnerable” plaques adds further complexity to the field. The ongoing debates surrounding revascularization in chronic coronary syndromes emphasize the importance of personalized strategies. Revascularization, added to the foundational pillar of medical therapy, should be considered, taking into account symptoms, patient preferences, coronary anatomy and physiology, ischemia tests and intra-coronary imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Medicine, Cell, and Organism Physiology)
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15 pages, 2835 KiB  
Article
Pertussis Epidemiology in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia, 1948–2023
by Mioljub Ristić, Snežana Medić, Vladimir Vuković, Smiljana Rajčević, Marko Koprivica, Jelena Banjac, Stefan Ljubičić and Vladimir Petrović
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050525 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Pertussis continues to be a significant public health concern. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Vojvodina, which accounts for almost a third of Serbia’s population. Our aim was to determine the overall and age-specific incidence and mortality rates of [...] Read more.
Pertussis continues to be a significant public health concern. We aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Vojvodina, which accounts for almost a third of Serbia’s population. Our aim was to determine the overall and age-specific incidence and mortality rates of pertussis in Vojvodina from 1948 to 2023, as well as the coverage of immunization against pertussis from 1960 to 2023. In the period 1948–2023, 42,259 cases of pertussis were reported. Following the introduction of the DTwP vaccine (1960) in Serbia, the reported incidence of pertussis began to decline. In 2001, for the first time since introduction of pertussis surveillance in Vojvodina, no pertussis cases were reported. Since 2012, the reported incidence of pertussis has once again increased, and peaked (41.1/100,000) in 2023, approaching the incidence rates recorded shortly after the introduction of DTwP vaccine. A shift in the age profile of pertussis from children aged 0–6 years to school-aged children (7–14 years) occurred between 2012 and 2023, when 48.3% of pertussis cases occurred in this age group. Although the incidence rates of pertussis among individuals aged 20 years and older were significantly lower than among younger age groups, there is evidence of an increasing trend in pertussis cases, particularly among those aged 40–49 years, since 2012. Based on the findings of this study, it is imperative to introduce additional booster doses of the aP vaccine for individuals aged 14 years, along with implementing maternal immunization strategies targeting women of childbearing age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations in the Pandemic Period)
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14 pages, 5122 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Microgel-Modified Hydrogel Flexible Strain Sensors Using Electrohydrodynamic Direct Printing Method
by Junyan Feng, Peng Cao, Tao Yang, Hezheng Ao and Bo Xing
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3038; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103038 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Hydrogel flexible strain sensors, renowned for their high stretchability, flexibility, and wearable comfort, have been employed in various applications in the field of human motion monitoring. However, the predominant method for fabricating hydrogels is the template method, which is particularly inefficient and costly [...] Read more.
Hydrogel flexible strain sensors, renowned for their high stretchability, flexibility, and wearable comfort, have been employed in various applications in the field of human motion monitoring. However, the predominant method for fabricating hydrogels is the template method, which is particularly inefficient and costly for hydrogels with complex structural requirements, thereby limiting the development of flexible hydrogel electronic devices. Herein, we propose a novel method that involves using microgels to modify a hydrogel solution, printing the hydrogel ink using an electrohydrodynamic printing device, and subsequently forming the hydrogel under UV illumination. The resulting hydrogel exhibited a high tensile ratio (639.73%), high tensile strength (0.4243 MPa), and an ionic conductivity of 0.2256 S/m, along with excellent electrochemical properties. Moreover, its high linearity and sensitivity enabled the monitoring of a wide range of subtle changes in human movement. This novel approach offers a promising pathway for the development of high-performance, complexly structured hydrogel flexible sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Materials)
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11 pages, 7137 KiB  
Article
Effect of Co Contents on Microstructure and Cavitation Erosion Resistance of NiTiAlCrCoxN Films
by Hongjuan Yan, Fangying Cheng, Lina Si, Ye Yang, Zhaoliang Dou and Fengbin Liu
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050603 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of Co contents on the structure and cavitation erosion property, NiTiAlCrCoxN films were prepared by the magnetron sputtering system. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD), the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the effect of Co contents on the structure and cavitation erosion property, NiTiAlCrCoxN films were prepared by the magnetron sputtering system. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD), the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the films. The nanoindenter and the scratch tester were used to analyze the mechanical properties of the films. Cavitation erosion experiments were carried out by the ultrasonic vibration cavitation machine. The results show that NiTiAlCrCoxN films with different Co contents have a simple face-centered cubic (FCC) structure and show a preferred orientation on the (200) crystal plane. The diffraction angle on the (200) crystal plane decreases and the interplanar spacing increases with the increase in Co content in NiTiAlCrCoxN films. NiTiAlCrCoxN films exhibit a typical columnar crystalline structure. With the increase in Co content, the nanohardness of the films increases and the elastic modulus of the films decreases, while the mass loss of cavitation erosion monotonously increases except for the film with a 1.2 Co molar ratio. The NiTiAlCrCo1.4N film has a minimum hardness of 13.264 GPa, a maximum elastic modulus of 253.22 GPa and a minimum mass loss of 0.72 mg in the cavitation erosion experiment. The NiTiAlCrCo1.4N film exhibits the best cavitation corrosion resistance because the addition of the Co element enhances the solid solution strengthening effect and the NiTiAlCrCox1.4N film with the biggest elastic modulus has better elasticity to reduce the micro jet impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation on Corrosion Behaviour of Metallic Materials)
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4 pages, 262 KiB  
Editorial
Application of Polymeric Micelles for Drug and Gene Delivery
by Emi Haladjova and Stanislav Rangelov
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(5), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16050646 (registering DOI) - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Polymeric micelles have been extensively studied because of their ability to transfer biologically active agents, such as drugs and nucleic acids[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymeric Micelles for Drug and Gene Delivery)

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