Advancing Open Science
for more than 25 years
Supporting academic communities
since 1996
 
19 pages, 4616 KiB  
Article
Early Ontogeny of Cichlids Using Selected Species as Examples
by Radosław Piesiewicz, Jan Krzystolik, Agata Korzelecka-Orkisz, Adam Tański and Krzysztof Formicki
Animals 2024, 14(8), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14081238 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to characterize in detail the reproductive strategy, course of embryogenesis, and development of larvae in three species of fishes of the genus Cichlasoma: the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), the red discus (Symphysodon discus [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to characterize in detail the reproductive strategy, course of embryogenesis, and development of larvae in three species of fishes of the genus Cichlasoma: the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), the red discus (Symphysodon discus), and the jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis). Eggs for the study were obtained from five pairs of each species (300 eggs from each female) and incubated at 26 °C. The developing eggs were observed under a microscope (Carl Zeiss Stereo Discovery. V12 and Nikon 2000SE software (NIS-Elements F 4.30.01 64-bit) from fertilization to larval hatching until complete yolk-sac resorption. The largest average number of eggs per female was found in the jaguar cichlid (x¯ = 2991 eggs), a smaller average number of eggs was shown in the green terror (x¯ = 922 eggs), and the red discus showed the smallest average number of eggs (x¯ = 300 eggs). There were significant differences in the sizes of the eggs of the studied species: jaguar cichlid eggs were the smallest (1.060 ± 0.05 mm3), red discus eggs were larger (1.070 ± 0.07 mm3), and green terror eggs were the largest (1.365 ± 0.16 mm3). The embryogenesis time in the red discus was 2132 °H (82 Hpf), in the green terror it was 2158 °H (83 Hpf), and the longest in the jaguar cichlid was 2470 °H (87 Hpf). At the end of embryogenesis, the average size of the larvae after hatching was measured (red discus x¯ = 4.346 mm, green terror x¯ = 5.203 mm, and jaguar cichlid x¯ = 5.301 mm) and the time of yolk-sac resorption from the moment of hatching to the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding was determined (jaguar cichlid 5 days, green terror 6 days, and red discus 3 days). The results of this study may contribute to the development of reproductive biotechnology for the studied fishes that could be used in aquaculture and, thus, help protect them in their natural habitats. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 21202 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Semisynthetic Derivatives of 7α-Acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone from Plectranthus sp.: An In Silico Approach
by Anna Merecz-Sadowska, Vera M. S. Isca, Przemysław Sitarek, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Magdalena Małecka, Karolina Zajdel, Hanna Zielińska-Bliźniewska, Mariusz Jęcek, Patricia Rijo and Radosław Zajdel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084529 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
The diterpene 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus demonstrates promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its bioactivity may be enhanced via strategic structural modifications of such natural products through semisynthesis. The anticancer potential of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone and five derivatives was analyzed in silico via [...] Read more.
The diterpene 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone isolated from Plectranthus grandidentatus demonstrates promising antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, its bioactivity may be enhanced via strategic structural modifications of such natural products through semisynthesis. The anticancer potential of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxyroyleanone and five derivatives was analyzed in silico via the prediction of chemicals absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), quantum mechanical calculations, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation. The protein targets included regulators of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Additionally, network pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and signaling pathways. Derivatives 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone achieved high predicted binding affinities towards their respective protein panels, with stable molecular dynamics trajectories. Both compounds demonstrated favorable ADMET parameters and toxicity profiles. Their stability and reactivity were confirmed via geometry optimization. Network analysis revealed their involvement in cancer-related pathways. Our findings justify the inclusion of 7α-acetoxy-6β-hydroxy-12-O-(2-fluoryl)royleanone and 7α-acetoxy-6β-(4-fluoro)benzoxy-12-O-(4-fluoro)benzoylroyleanone in in vitro analyses as prospective anticancer agents. Our binding mode analysis and stability simulations indicate their potential as selective inhibitors. The data will guide studies into their structure optimization, enhancing efficacy and drug-likeness. Full article
16 pages, 4340 KiB  
Article
Measuring Deprivation and Micro-Segregation in Greek Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies: Time to Apply a Common Method?
by Nikos Karadimitriou and Stavros Spyrellis
Land 2024, 13(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040552 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
During the Programming Period 2014–2020, dozens of Greek cities drafted Integrated Territorial Investment programmes, based on Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies (ITI SUDs). The Strategies justified the selection of intervention and activity areas using socio-economic analysis. The parameters of that analysis, as specified [...] Read more.
During the Programming Period 2014–2020, dozens of Greek cities drafted Integrated Territorial Investment programmes, based on Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Strategies (ITI SUDs). The Strategies justified the selection of intervention and activity areas using socio-economic analysis. The parameters of that analysis, as specified by the National Coordination Authority, reflected the socio-economic and functional parameters highlighted in the relevant EU regulations. This paper uses a recently published methodology in order to estimate and map deprivation in Greek cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, and compares the results with the activity areas identified in the ITI SUDs of those cities. The paper also makes an estimation of the potential for micro-segregation in deprived areas, in an effort to uncover the links between deprivation, built form and social composition at the micro-scale. The analysis shows that deprivation is comparatively more pronounced in Athens and Thessaloniki, and that the use of a common methodology to measuring deprivation, but with customized measurement scales, could support a more targeted allocation of urban policy resources. On the other hand, micro-segregation seems to be a factor worth exploring only in Athens and Thessaloniki, and not in Patra, Larissa, Volos and Heraklion, where the building stock in areas of deprivation is mostly low-rise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Micro-Segregation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 10230 KiB  
Article
A Super-Resolution Reconstruction Model for Remote Sensing Image Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
by Wenyi Hu, Lei Ju, Yujia Du and Yuxia Li
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(8), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16081460 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
In current times, reconstruction of remote sensing images using super-resolution is a prominent topic of study. Remote sensing data have a complex spatial distribution. Compared with natural pictures, remote sensing pictures often contain subtler and more complicated information. Most super-resolution reconstruction algorithms cannot [...] Read more.
In current times, reconstruction of remote sensing images using super-resolution is a prominent topic of study. Remote sensing data have a complex spatial distribution. Compared with natural pictures, remote sensing pictures often contain subtler and more complicated information. Most super-resolution reconstruction algorithms cannot restore all the information contained in remote sensing images when reconstructing them. The content of some areas in the reconstructed images may be too smooth, and some areas may even have color changes, resulting in lower quality reconstructed images. In response to the problems presenting in current reconstruction algorithms about super-resolution, this article proposes the SRGAN-MSAM-DRC model (SRGAN model with multi-scale attention mechanism and dense residual connection). This model roots in generative adversarial networks and incorporates multi-scale attention mechanisms and dense residual connections into the generator. Furthermore, residual blocks are incorporated into the discriminator. We use some remote sensing image datasets of real-world data to evaluate this model, and the results indicate the SRGAN-MSAM-DRC model has shown enhancements in three evaluation metrics for reconstructed images about super-resolution. Compared to the basic SRGAN model, the SSIM (structural similarity), PSNR (peak signal-to-noise ratio), and IE (image entropy) increase by 5.0%, 4.0%, and 4.1%, respectively. From the results, we know the quality of the reconstructed images of remote sensing using the SRGAN-MSAM-DRC model is better than basic SRGAN model, and verifies that the model has good applicability and performance in reconstruction of remote sensing images using super-resolution. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 263 KiB  
Article
Monotonic Random Variables According to a Direction
by José Juan Quesada-Molina and Manuel Úbeda-Flores
Axioms 2024, 13(4), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13040275 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the concept of monotonicity according to a direction for a set of random variables. This concept extends well-known multivariate dependence notions, such as corner set monotonicity, and can be used to detect dependence in multivariate distributions not detected [...] Read more.
In this paper, we introduce the concept of monotonicity according to a direction for a set of random variables. This concept extends well-known multivariate dependence notions, such as corner set monotonicity, and can be used to detect dependence in multivariate distributions not detected by other known concepts of dependence. Additionally, we establish relationships with other known multivariate dependence concepts, outline some of their salient properties, and provide several examples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Classical and Applied Mathematics)
3 pages, 130 KiB  
Editorial
Robotics and AI for Precision Agriculture
by Giulio Reina
Robotics 2024, 13(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13040064 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
To meet the rising food demand of a world population predicted to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, while also guaranteeing environmental sustainability, it is critical to improve crop production by introducing new technologies and artificial intelligence to accelerate [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and AI for Precision Agriculture)
20 pages, 1084 KiB  
Article
When Optimization Meets AI: An Intelligent Approach for Network Disintegration with Discrete Resource Allocation
by Ruozhe Li, Hao Yuan, Bangbang Ren, Xiaoxue Zhang, Tao Chen and Xueshan Luo
Mathematics 2024, 12(8), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12081252 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Network disintegration is a fundamental issue in the field of complex networks, with its core in identifying critical nodes or sets and removing them to weaken network functionality. The research on this problem has significant strategic value and has increasingly attracted attention, including [...] Read more.
Network disintegration is a fundamental issue in the field of complex networks, with its core in identifying critical nodes or sets and removing them to weaken network functionality. The research on this problem has significant strategic value and has increasingly attracted attention, including in controlling the spread of diseases and dismantling terrorist organizations. In this paper, we focus on the problem of network disintegration with discrete entity resources from the attack view, that is, optimizing resource allocation to maximize the effect of network disintegration. Specifically, we model the network disintegration problem with limited entity resources as a nonlinear optimization problem and prove its NP-hardness. Then, we design a method based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL), Net-Cracker, which transforms the two-stage entity resource and network node selection task into a single-stage object selection problem. Extensive experiments demonstrate that compared with the benchmark algorithm, Net-Cracker can improve the solution quality by about 862%, while enabling a 30-to-160-fold speed up. Net-Cracker also exhibits strong generalization ability and can find better results in a near real-time manner even when the network scale is much larger than that in training data. Full article
16 pages, 291 KiB  
Article
Lie Modules of Banach Space Nest Algebras
by Pedro Capitão and Lina Oliveira
Mathematics 2024, 12(8), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12081251 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the present work, we extend to Lie modules of Banach space nest algebras a well-known characterisation of Lie ideals of (Hilbert space) nest algebras. Let A be a Banach space nest algebra and L be a weakly closed Lie A-module. We [...] Read more.
In the present work, we extend to Lie modules of Banach space nest algebras a well-known characterisation of Lie ideals of (Hilbert space) nest algebras. Let A be a Banach space nest algebra and L be a weakly closed Lie A-module. We show that there exist a weakly closed A-bimodule K, a weakly closed subalgebra DK of A, and a largest weakly closed A-bimodule J()containedinL,suchthat J()LK+DK,with[K,A]L.Thefirstinclusionholdsingeneral,whilstthesecondisshowntobevalidinaclassofnestalgebras. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Nonlinear Functional Analysis)
12 pages, 1495 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Variations in Nitrate Sources and Transformations in the Midstream of the Yellow River Determined Based on Nitrate Isotopes and Hydrochemical Compositions
by Caili Su, Yuxuan Su, Rongkai Zhang, Xiaohang Xu and Junhua Li
Water 2024, 16(8), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16081173 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Nitrate pollution is a major environmental problem threatening rivers, and nitrogen and oxygen isotopes have proved to be an effective means of analyzing the sources and transformations of nitrate in rivers. However, a low monitoring frequency cannot accurately reflect the changes in nitrate. [...] Read more.
Nitrate pollution is a major environmental problem threatening rivers, and nitrogen and oxygen isotopes have proved to be an effective means of analyzing the sources and transformations of nitrate in rivers. However, a low monitoring frequency cannot accurately reflect the changes in nitrate. In this study, the sources and transformations of nitrate in the middle reaches of the Yellow River and its tributaries during the dry season and the wet season were analyzed based on water quality parameters and nitrate isotopes. Stable isotope analysis conducted using the R (SIAR) model was used to estimate the proportions of different nitrate sources. The results showed that the main nitrate sources in the main stream were soil nitrogen (40.95–45.83%) and domestic sewage and manure (30.93–32.60%), respectively, with little variation between the dry season and wet season because of the large flow of the Yellow River. During the dry season, the nitrate sources of the two tributaries were mainly domestic sewage and manure (45.23–47.40%), followed by soil nitrogen (31.35–34.00%). However, the primary nitrate source of T2 (Qin River) became soil nitrogen (40.05%) during the wet season, a phenomenon that was mainly caused by the significant increase in river discharge and in soil erosion in the basin. During the wet season, the concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate (NO3) significantly decreased in the main stream and tributaries, and nitrification and denitrification processes occurred in both the main stream and tributaries of the Yellow River. In addition, the T2 tributary (Qin River) was also significantly affected by mixed dilution. High-frequency sampling can reflect the isotopic information of nitrate in the river more comprehensively, which helps us to understand the conversion process of nitrate more accurately. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1238 KiB  
Article
Information Provision Regarding Health-Related Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing for Dutch Consumers: An In-Depth Content Analysis of Sellers’ Websites
by Danny Bruins, Suzanne M. Onstwedder, Martina C. Cornel, Margreet G. E. M. Ausems, Marc H. W. van Mil and Tessel Rigter
Genes 2024, 15(4), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040517 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have suggested that information offered by sellers of health-related direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs) is often incomplete, unbalanced, or too difficult to understand. The extent to which this is the case for sellers accessible to Dutch consumers has not previously [...] Read more.
Background: Previous studies have suggested that information offered by sellers of health-related direct-to-consumer genetic tests (DTC-GTs) is often incomplete, unbalanced, or too difficult to understand. The extent to which this is the case for sellers accessible to Dutch consumers has not previously been studied. Methods and Goals: The present study aimed to assess the completeness, balance, readability, and findability of informational content on a selection of websites from several health-related DTC-GT sellers accessible to Dutch consumers. An in-depth content analysis was performed based on a recently published checklist outlining key items for policy guidance regarding DTC-GT services. Results: The information provided by sellers did not equally cover all aspects relevant to health-related DTC-GT service provision. The provided information was slightly unbalanced, with benefits of health-related DTC-GT usage being overemphasized compared to its risks and limitations. The readability of the provided information was low, on average requiring college education for proper understanding. A findability analysis showed that information concerning all themes is overall relatively evenly distributed across analyzed sellers’ websites. Conclusions: Information provision by assessed health-related DTC-GT sellers is suboptimal regarding completeness, balance, and readability. To better empower potential consumers to make an informed decision regarding health-related DTC-GT usage, we advocate industry-wide enhancement of information provision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Genetics: Diseases, Community, and Counseling)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1033 KiB  
Review
The Aftermath of COVID-19: Exploring the Long-Term Effects on Organ Systems
by Maryam Golzardi, Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić, Jasmin Šutković, Orkun Aydin, Pinar Ünal-Aydın, Tea Bećirević, Elrashdy M. Redwan, Alberto Rubio-Casillas and Vladimir N. Uversky
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040913 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is a complicated disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Previous studies have shown that PASC impacts 10% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of which 50–70% are hospitalised. It has also been shown that [...] Read more.
Background: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is a complicated disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Previous studies have shown that PASC impacts 10% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of which 50–70% are hospitalised. It has also been shown that 10–12% of those vaccinated against COVID-19 were affected by PASC and its complications. The severity and the later development of PASC symptoms are positively associated with the early intensity of the infection. Results: The generated health complications caused by PASC involve a vast variety of organ systems. Patients affected by PASC have been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. The cardiovascular system also has been involved and several diseases such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and coronary artery diseases were reported. Chronic hematological problems such as thrombotic endothelialitis and hypercoagulability were described as conditions that could increase the risk of clotting disorders and coagulopathy in PASC patients. Chest pain, breathlessness, and cough in PASC patients were associated with the respiratory system in long-COVID causing respiratory distress syndrome. The observed immune complications were notable, involving several diseases. The renal system also was impacted, which resulted in raising the risk of diseases such as thrombotic issues, fibrosis, and sepsis. Endocrine gland malfunction can lead to diabetes, thyroiditis, and male infertility. Symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and taste were also among reported observations due to several gastrointestinal disorders. Skin abnormalities might be an indication of infection and long-term implications such as persistent cutaneous complaints linked to PASC. Conclusions: Long-COVID is a multidimensional syndrome with considerable public health implications, affecting several physiological systems and demanding thorough medical therapy, and more study to address its underlying causes and long-term effects is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbiology in Human Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1326 KiB  
Systematic Review
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer, What Do We Know for Sure? An Evidence Synthesis of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
by Borghild Løyland, Ida Hellum Sandbekken, Ellen Karine Grov and Inger Utne
Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081583 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Breast cancer affected more than 2.3 million women in 2022 and is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. The incidence rates are greater in developed regions and are significantly higher among women with higher education and socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is reasonable [...] Read more.
Breast cancer affected more than 2.3 million women in 2022 and is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. The incidence rates are greater in developed regions and are significantly higher among women with higher education and socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the way women live their lives may impact their risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. This systematic review aimed to identify what is known about the causes and risk factors of breast cancer, excluding genetic causes. A comprehensive systematic search identified 2387 systematic reviews, 122 were included and six overall themes identified. In our “top list” with the 36 most important findings, a study of breast density had the highest effect size for increasing the risk of breast cancer, and a high sex-hormone-binding globulin level was the most protective factor. Many of the included studies investigating the same topics had conflicting results. The conclusion from this evidence synthesis reveals a lack of consensus of factors associated with the causes and risk of breast cancer. These findings suggest that recommendations about lifestyle and breast cancer should be made with caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis in Cancer Research)
23 pages, 1897 KiB  
Review
The Pathophysiological, Genetic, and Hormonal Changes in Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review of the Molecular Mechanisms
by Yi-Ting Chiang, Kok-Min Seow and Kuo-Hu Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084532 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal tissues and in circulation, acts as a mechanistic link between placental dysfunction and maternal complications in the two-stage model of preeclampsia. Hormones, complements, [...] Read more.
Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal tissues and in circulation, acts as a mechanistic link between placental dysfunction and maternal complications in the two-stage model of preeclampsia. Hormones, complements, and cytokines play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology, influencing immune responses, arterial remodeling, and endothelial function. Also, soluble HLA-G, involved in maternal–fetal immune tolerance, is reduced in preeclampsia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-α) dysregulation leads to placental abnormalities and preeclampsia-like symptoms. Alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), endothelins (ETs), chemokines, and cytokines contribute to defective trophoblast invasion, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Preeclampsia’s genetic complexity includes circRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. CircRNA_06354 is linked to early-onset preeclampsia by influencing trophoblast invasion via the hsa-miR-92a-3p/VEGF-A pathway. The dysregulation of C19MC, especially miR-519d and miR-517-5p, affects trophoblast function. Additionally, lncRNAs like IGFBP1 and EGFR-AS1, along with protein-coding genes, impact trophoblast regulation and angiogenesis, influencing both preeclampsia and fetal growth. Besides aberrations in CD31+ cells, other potential biomarkers such as MMPs, soluble HLA-G, and hCG hold promise for predicting preeclampsia and its complications. Therapeutic interventions targeting factors such as peroxisome PPAR-γ and endothelin receptors show potential in mitigating preeclampsia-related complications. In conclusion, preeclampsia is a complex disorder with a multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis. Fetal microchimerism, hormones, complements, and cytokines contribute to placental and endothelial dysfunction with inflammation. Identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets offers promise for early diagnosis and effective management, ultimately reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. However, further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice and enhance outcomes for at-risk women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Molecular Research on Preeclampsia)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 10745 KiB  
Article
TiAl Alloy Fabricated Using Election Beam Selective Melting: Process, Microstructure, and Tensile Performance
by Yu Zhang, Yan Li, Meihui Song, Yanchun Li, Shulin Gong and Bin Zhang
Metals 2024, 14(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040482 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
TiAl alloy is one of the most attractive candidates for a new generation of high-temperature structural materials and has broad application prospects in the aerospace field. As a typical intermetallic material, TiAl is inevitably difficult to process using conventional methods. Election beam selective [...] Read more.
TiAl alloy is one of the most attractive candidates for a new generation of high-temperature structural materials and has broad application prospects in the aerospace field. As a typical intermetallic material, TiAl is inevitably difficult to process using conventional methods. Election beam selective melting (EBSM) is an effective method of addictive manufacturing to prepare TiAl alloy with a complex structure. However, the microstructure of TiAl alloy formed using EBSM often contains defects such as pores, which seriously reduces the mechanical properties of the material. In this work, the effects of EBSM and post-processing procedures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy were studied. The results show that the microstructure of Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy formed using the EBSM process was dense and composed of equiaxed γ-phase and double-phase regions. A large number of dislocations that formed due to thermal stress were clearly observed inside the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy. When the EBSM process parameters were 13.5 mA, 4.0 m/s, and 40.50 J/mm3, as the current intensity increased, the Al content decreased, the content of α2 phase increased, and the microstructure of the material was coarse. The results of the tensile test fracture morphology indicate that the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy exhibited brittle fracture during tensile deformation, lacking the typical yield deformation of metal materials. As the energy density of the EBSM process increased, the mechanical properties of the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy first increased and then decreased. The samples prepared with an energy density of 34.50~40.50 J/mm3 had excellent mechanical properties, of which the maximum tensile strength and maximum elongation reached 643 MPa and 2.09%, respectively. The phase composition of the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy after hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment remained unchanged from the EBSM samples, but there was a slight difference in content. There was an increase in the amount of γ phase and a decrease in B2 phase, accompanied by the generation of a massive γ phase after HIP treatment. Moreover, the number of dislocations inside the material increased. The Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy after HIP treatment exhibited obvious plastic deformation characteristics, with a tensile strength of 679 MPa and elongation of 2.5%. A heat treatment of 900 °C/5 h was performed on the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy after HIP. The dislocation density of the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy decreased, and the B2 phase transformed from massive to lamellar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in 3D Printing Technologies of Metals—2nd Edition)
14 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
Gaining Insight into Teenagers’ Experiences of Pain after Laparoscopic Surgeries: A Prospective Study
by Mihaela Visoiu, Jacques Chelly and Senthilkumar Sadhasivam
Children 2024, 11(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040493 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
There is an anecdotal impression that teenage patients report exaggerated postoperative pain scores that do not correlate with their actual level of pain. Nurse and parental perception of teenagers’ pain can be complemented by knowledge of patient pain behavior, catastrophizing thoughts about pain, [...] Read more.
There is an anecdotal impression that teenage patients report exaggerated postoperative pain scores that do not correlate with their actual level of pain. Nurse and parental perception of teenagers’ pain can be complemented by knowledge of patient pain behavior, catastrophizing thoughts about pain, anxiety, and mood level. Two hundred and two patients completed the study—56.4% were female, 89.6% White, 5.4% Black, and 5% were of other races. Patient ages ranged from 11 to 17 years (mean = 13.8; SD = 1.9). The patient, the parent, and the nurse completed multiple questionnaires on day one after laparoscopic surgery to assess patient pain. Teenagers and parents (r = 0.56) have a high level of agreement, and teenagers and nurses (r = 0.47) have a moderate level of agreement on pain scores (p < 0.05). The correlation between patient APBQ (adolescent pain behavior questionnaire) and teenager VAS (visual analog scale) and between nurse APBQ and teenager VAS, while statistically significant (p < 0.05), is weaker (r range = 0.14–0.17). There is a moderate correlation between teenagers’ pain scores and their psychological assessments of anxiety, catastrophic thoughts, and mood (r range = 0.26–0.39; p < 0.05). A multi-modal evaluation of postoperative pain can be more informative than only assessing self-reported pain scores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 2422 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Properties of Bio-AgNPs against D. pinodes and F. avenaceum Infection of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seedlings
by Karolina Stałanowska, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Agnieszka Pszczółkowska, Viorica Railean, Miłosz Wasicki, Paweł Pomastowski, Lesław Bernard Lahuta and Adam Okorski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(8), 4525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084525 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ascochyta blight and Fusarium root rot are the most serious fungal diseases of pea, caused by D. pinodes and F. avenaceum, respectively. Due to the lack of fully resistant cultivars, we proposed the use of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) [...] Read more.
Ascochyta blight and Fusarium root rot are the most serious fungal diseases of pea, caused by D. pinodes and F. avenaceum, respectively. Due to the lack of fully resistant cultivars, we proposed the use of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bio-AgNPs) as a novel protecting agent. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal properties and effectiveness of bio-AgNPs, in in vitro (poisoned food technique; resazurin assay) and in vivo (seedlings infection) experiments, against D. pinodes and F. avenaceum. Moreover, the effects of diseases on changes in the seedlings’ metabolic profiles were analyzed. The MIC for spores of both fungi was 125 mg/L, and bio-AgNPs at 200 mg/L most effectively inhibited the mycelium growth of D. pinodes and F. avenaceum (by 45 and 26%, respectively, measured on the 14th day of incubation). The treatment of seedlings with bio-AgNPs or fungicides before inoculation prevented the development of infection. Bio-AgNPs at concentrations of 200 mg/L for D. pinodes and 100 mg/L for F. avenaceum effectively inhibited infections’ spread. The comparison of changes in polar metabolites’ profiles revealed disturbances in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in pea seedlings by both pathogenic fungi. The involvement of bio-AgNPs in the mobilization of plant metabolism in response to fungal infection is also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Trends and Prospects in Plant-Pathogen Interactions)
21 pages, 8241 KiB  
Article
Degradable Nanogels Based on Poly[Oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Methacrylate] (POEGMA) Derivatives through Thermo-Induced Aggregation of Polymer Chain and Subsequent Chemical Crosslinking
by Katarzyna Filipek, Łukasz Otulakowski, Katarzyna Jelonek and Alicja Utrata-Wesołek
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081163 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Polymer nanogels—considered as nanoscale hydrogel particles—are attractive for biological and biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical flexibility. However, the aggregation or accumulation of nanoparticles in the body or the occurrence of the body’s defense reactions still pose a research challenge. Here, we [...] Read more.
Polymer nanogels—considered as nanoscale hydrogel particles—are attractive for biological and biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical flexibility. However, the aggregation or accumulation of nanoparticles in the body or the occurrence of the body’s defense reactions still pose a research challenge. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of degradable nanogels using thermoresponsive, cytocompatible poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]s-based copolymers (POEGMA). The combination of POEGMA’s beneficial properties (switchable affinity to water, nontoxicity, non-immunogenicity) along with the possibility of nanogel degradation constitute an important approach from a biological point of view. The copolymers of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylates were partially modified with short segments of degradable oligo(lactic acid) (OLA) terminated with the acrylate group. Under the influence of temperature, copolymers formed self-assembled nanoparticles, so-called mesoglobules, with sizes of 140–1000 nm. The thermoresponsive behavior of the obtained copolymers and the nanostructure sizes depended on the heating rate and the presence of salts in the aqueous media. The obtained mesoglobules were stabilized by chemical crosslinking via thiol-acrylate Michael addition, leading to nanogels that degraded over time in water, as indicated by the DLS, cryo-TEM, and AFM measurements. Combining these findings with the lack of toxicity of the obtained systems towards human fibroblasts indicates their application potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 328 KiB  
Article
Global DNA Methylation Level in Tumour and Margin Samples in Relation to Human Papilloma Virus and Epstein–Barr Virus in Patients with Oropharyngeal and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas
by Jadwiga Gaździcka, Krzysztof Biernacki, Karolina Gołąbek, Katarzyna Miśkiewicz-Orczyk, Natalia Zięba, Maciej Misiołek and Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040914 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Aberrant DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification in cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, the analysis of methylation levels appears necessary to improve cancer therapy and prognosis. Methods: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [...] Read more.
Background: Aberrant DNA methylation is a common epigenetic modification in cancers, including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, the analysis of methylation levels appears necessary to improve cancer therapy and prognosis. Methods: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyse global DNA methylation levels in OPSCC and OSCC tumours and the margin samples after DNA isolation. HPV detection was conducted by hybridisation using GenoFlow HPV Array Test Kits (DiagCor Bioscience Inc., Hong Kong, China). EBV detection was performed using real-time PCR with an EBV PCR Kit (EBV/ISEX/100, GeneProof, Brno, Czech Republic). Results: OPSCC tumour samples obtained from women showed lower global DNA methylation levels than those from men (1.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.049). The margin samples from OPSCC patients with HPV and EBV coinfection showed global DNA methylation lower than those without coinfection (p = 0.042). G3 tumours from OSCC patients had significantly lower levels of global DNA methylation than G2 tumours (0.98% ± 0.74% vs. 3.77% ± 4.97%, p = 0.010). Additionally, tumours from HPV-positive OSCC patients had significantly lower global DNA methylation levels than those from HPV-negative patients (p = 0.013). In the margin samples, we observed a significant negative correlation between global DNA methylation and the N stage of OSCC patients (rS = −0.33, p = 0.039). HPV-positive OPSCC patients had higher global DNA methylation levels than HPV-positive OSCC patients (p = 0.015). Conclusion: We confirmed that methylation could be changed in relation to viral factors, such as HPV and EBV, as well as clinical and demographical parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Head and Neck Tumors, 3rd Edition)
15 pages, 355 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Sporting Mystification in the Present Tense: Disneylimpics, Affective Neoliberalism, and the Greatest Transformation
by Junbin Yang
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(4), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13040226 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
While questioning the universalization, naturalization, neutralization, and idealization of sport and physical culture, this paper examines the ultimate mystification process of sport and physical culture by expanding upon two conceptual frameworks: Jules Boykoff’s celebration capitalism and Lawrence Grossberg’s affective landscape. It first analyzes [...] Read more.
While questioning the universalization, naturalization, neutralization, and idealization of sport and physical culture, this paper examines the ultimate mystification process of sport and physical culture by expanding upon two conceptual frameworks: Jules Boykoff’s celebration capitalism and Lawrence Grossberg’s affective landscape. It first analyzes the evolution of the Olympics into a corporatized, commercialized, spectacularized, and celebritized “Disneylimpics” that can consistently evoke an affective reverberation. It then introduces the idea of “affective neoliberalism” to highlight neoliberalism’s affective and ideological aspects. With Grossberg’s concept of affective landscape, this paper explores the internalization and intensification of anxiety and affective isolation within society. Additionally, the paper utilizes Karl Polanyi’s analysis in his influential book, The Great Transformation, to investigate the historical expansion of affective neoliberalism. By highlighting the 11 September 2001, attacks in the United States, it points out provocative militarization and (re)organization of the soul into a fictitious commodity, in addition to labor, land, and money, which triggers the greatest transformation. Lastly, summarizing central arguments, this paper concludes with modest suggestions, mainly focusing on two questions: (1) where are we now? and (2) how can we more effectively respond to the present context? Full article
31 pages, 15143 KiB  
Article
Scaling Implicit Bias Analysis across Transformer-Based Language Models through Embedding Association Test and Prompt Engineering
by Ravi Varma Kumar Bevara, Nishith Reddy Mannuru, Sai Pranathi Karedla and Ting Xiao
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3483; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083483 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the evolving field of machine learning, deploying fair and transparent models remains a formidable challenge. This study builds on earlier research, demonstrating that neural architectures exhibit inherent biases by analyzing a broad spectrum of transformer-based language models from base to x-large configurations. [...] Read more.
In the evolving field of machine learning, deploying fair and transparent models remains a formidable challenge. This study builds on earlier research, demonstrating that neural architectures exhibit inherent biases by analyzing a broad spectrum of transformer-based language models from base to x-large configurations. This article investigates movie reviews for genre-based bias, which leverages the Word Embedding Association Test (WEAT), revealing that scaling models up tends to mitigate bias, with larger models showing up to a 29% reduction in prejudice. Alternatively, this study also underscores the effectiveness of prompt-based learning, a facet of prompt engineering, as a practical approach to bias mitigation, as this technique reduces genre bias in reviews by more than 37% on average. This suggests that the refinement of development practices should include the strategic use of prompts in shaping model outputs, highlighting the crucial role of ethical AI integration to weave fairness seamlessly into the core functionality of transformer models. Despite the basic nature of the prompts employed in this research, this highlights the possibility of embracing structured prompt engineering to create AI systems that are ethical, equitable, and more responsible for their actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transformer Deep Learning Architectures: Advances and Applications)
25 pages, 1763 KiB  
Article
A Sparse SAR Imaging Method for Low-Oversampled Staggered Mode via Compound Regularization
by Mingqian Liu, Jie Pan, Jinbiao Zhu, Zhengchao Chen, Bingchen Zhang and Yirong Wu
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(8), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16081459 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
High-resolution wide-swath (HRWS) imaging is the research focus of the modern spaceborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging field, with significant relevance and vast application potential. Staggered SAR, as an innovative imaging system, mitigates blind areas across the entire swath by periodically altering the radar [...] Read more.
High-resolution wide-swath (HRWS) imaging is the research focus of the modern spaceborne synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imaging field, with significant relevance and vast application potential. Staggered SAR, as an innovative imaging system, mitigates blind areas across the entire swath by periodically altering the radar pulse repetition interval (PRI), thereby extending the swath width to multiples of that achievable by conventional systems. However, the staggered mode introduces inherent challenges, such as nonuniform azimuth sampling and echo data loss, leading to azimuth ambiguities and substantially impacting image quality. This paper proposes a sparse SAR imaging method for the low-oversampled staggered mode via compound regularization. The proposed method not only effectively suppresses azimuth ambiguities arising from nonuniform sampling without necessitating the restoration of missing echo data, but also incorporates total variation (TV) regularization into the sparse reconstruction model. This enhances the accurate reconstruction of distributed targets within the scene. The efficacy of the proposed method is substantiated through simulations and real data experiments from spaceborne missions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spaceborne High-Resolution SAR Imaging)
13 pages, 3484 KiB  
Article
Application of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for the Assessment of Wine Spoilage Indicators: A Feasibility Study
by Cláudia Andreia Teixeira dos Santos, Ricardo Nuno Mendes Jorge Páscoa, Nuria Pérez-del-Notario, José Maria González-Sáiz, Consuelo Pizarro and João Almeida Lopes
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1882; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081882 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
Wine aroma is one of the most frequently used and explored quality indicators. Typically, its assessment involves estimating the volatile composition of wine or highly trained assessors conducting sensory analysis. However, current methodologies rely on slow, expensive and complicated analytical procedures. Additionally, sensory [...] Read more.
Wine aroma is one of the most frequently used and explored quality indicators. Typically, its assessment involves estimating the volatile composition of wine or highly trained assessors conducting sensory analysis. However, current methodologies rely on slow, expensive and complicated analytical procedures. Additionally, sensory evaluation is inherently subjective in nature. Therefore, the aim of this work is to verify the feasibility of using FTIR spectroscopy as a fast and easy methodology for the early detection of some of the most common off-odors in wines. FTIR spectroscopy was combined with partial least squares (PLS) regression for the simultaneous measurement of isoamyl alcohol, isobutanol, 1-hexanol, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, decanoic acid, ethyl acetate, furfural and acetoin. The precision and accuracy of developed calibration models (R2P > 0.90, range error ratio > 12.1 and RPD > 3.1) proved the ability of the proposed methodology to quantify the aforementioned compounds. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 7408 KiB  
Article
Research on Capacity Optimization Configuration of Renewable Energy Off Grid Hydrogen Production System Considering Collaborative Electrolysis
by Zhongjian Kang and Shijie Liu
Energies 2024, 17(8), 1962; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081962 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study proposes a multitype electrolytic collaborative hydrogen production model for optimizing the capacity configuration of renewable energy off grid hydrogen production systems. The electrolytic hydrogen production process utilizes the synergistic electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyzer (AEL) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL), [...] Read more.
This study proposes a multitype electrolytic collaborative hydrogen production model for optimizing the capacity configuration of renewable energy off grid hydrogen production systems. The electrolytic hydrogen production process utilizes the synergistic electrolysis of an alkaline electrolyzer (AEL) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEMEL), fully leveraging the advantages of the low cost of the AEL and strong regulation characteristics of the PEMEL. For the convenience of the optimization solution, the article constructs a mixed linear optimization model that considers the constraints during system operation, with the objective function of minimizing total costs while meeting industrial production requirements. Gurobi is used for the optimal solution to obtain the optimal configuration of a renewable energy off grid hydrogen production system. By comparing and analyzing the optimal configuration under conventional load and high-load conditions, it is concluded that collaborative electrolysis has advantages in improving resource consumption and reducing hydrogen production costs. This is of great significance for optimizing the capacity configuration of off grid hydrogen production systems and improving the overall economic benefits of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A: Sustainable Energy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop