The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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17 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
Statistical Genetic Approaches to Investigate Genotype-by-Environment Interaction: Review and Novel Extension of Models
by Vincent P. Diego, Eron G. Manusov, Marcio Almeida, Sandra Laston, David Ortiz, John Blangero and Sarah Williams-Blangero
Genes 2024, 15(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050547 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Statistical genetic models of genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction can be divided into two general classes, one on G×E interaction in response to dichotomous environments (e.g., sex, disease-affection status, or presence/absence of an exposure) and the other in response to continuous environments (e.g., physical activity, [...] Read more.
Statistical genetic models of genotype-by-environment (G×E) interaction can be divided into two general classes, one on G×E interaction in response to dichotomous environments (e.g., sex, disease-affection status, or presence/absence of an exposure) and the other in response to continuous environments (e.g., physical activity, nutritional measurements, or continuous socioeconomic measures). Here we develop a novel model to jointly account for dichotomous and continuous environments. We develop the model in terms of a joint genotype-by-sex (for the dichotomous environment) and genotype-by-social determinants of health (SDoH; for the continuous environment). Using this model, we show how a depression variable, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II survey instrument, is not only underlain by genetic effects (as has been reported elsewhere) but is also significantly determined by joint G×Sex and G×SDoH interaction effects. This model has numerous applications leading to potentially transformative research on the genetic and environmental determinants underlying complex diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Statistical Genetics of Human Complex Traits)
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15 pages, 1181 KiB  
Article
Comparative Kinetic Analysis of Triclosan Degradation under UV-C and Simulated Solar Irradiation
by Lázaro Adrián González-Fernández, Myriam Chems, Nahum Andrés Medellín-Castillo, Ventura Castillo-Ramos, Manuel Sánchez-Polo, Javier E. Vilasó-Cadre and Raúl Ocampo-Pérez
Separations 2024, 11(5), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050131 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research delves deeply into the intricate degradation kinetics of triclosan, employing two distinct methodologies: UV and simulated solar irradiation. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, the study endeavors to elucidate the efficacy of these techniques, aiming to shed light on their respective methodological [...] Read more.
This research delves deeply into the intricate degradation kinetics of triclosan, employing two distinct methodologies: UV and simulated solar irradiation. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis, the study endeavors to elucidate the efficacy of these techniques, aiming to shed light on their respective methodological strengths and limitations. The study compares the efficacy of UV and simulated solar irradiation techniques for triclosan degradation, revealing that both methods exhibit effectiveness in degrading triclosan, with variations observed in degradation rates and byproduct formation. Through a detailed examination of the kinetics of triclosan degradation, the study reveals the intricate pathways and mechanisms involved in the photodegradation process. Results highlight the influence of irradiance levels and residence times on degradation efficiency. The research identifies optimal conditions for triclosan degradation, emphasizing the importance of residence time and irradiance levels. Results show that a residence time of 4 h and an irradiance level of 450 W m−2 maximize degradation efficiency. Analysis of degradation byproducts provides insights into the transformation pathways of triclosan under UV and simulated solar irradiation, indicating the formation of 2,4-dichlorophenol, quinone, and hydroquinone as primary byproducts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Biosorbents in Environmental Purification)
16 pages, 826 KiB  
Article
Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Exposure to Human-Relevant Mixtures of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Zebrafish
by Lina Birgersson, Sanne Odenlund and Joachim Sturve
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091296 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fish models used for chemical exposure in toxicological studies are normally kept in barren tanks without any structural environmental enrichment. Here, we tested the combined effects of environmental enrichment and exposure to two mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in zebrafish. Firstly, we [...] Read more.
Fish models used for chemical exposure in toxicological studies are normally kept in barren tanks without any structural environmental enrichment. Here, we tested the combined effects of environmental enrichment and exposure to two mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in zebrafish. Firstly, we assessed whether developmental exposure to an EDC mixture (MIX G1) combined with rearing the fish in an enriched environment influenced behaviour later in life. This was evaluated using locomotion tracking one month after exposure, showing a significant interaction effect between enrichment and the MIX G1 exposure on the measured locomotion parameters. After three months, we assessed behaviour using custom-made behaviour tanks, and found that enrichment influenced swimming activity. Control fish from the enriched environment were more active than control fish from the barren environment. Secondly, we exposed adult zebrafish to a separate EDC mixture (MIX G0) after rearing them in a barren or enriched environment. Behaviour and hepatic mRNA expression for thyroid-related genes were assessed. There was a significant interaction effect between exposure and enrichment on swimming activity and an effect of environment on latency to approach the group of conspecifics, where enriched fish took more time to approach the group, possibly indicating that they were less anxious. Hepatic gene expression of a thyroid-related gene (thrb) was significantly affected by EDC exposure, while enrichment had no discernible impact on the expression of the measured genes. In conclusion, environmental enrichment is important to consider when studying the effects of EDCs in fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Zebrafish Research)
24 pages, 15014 KiB  
Article
Integration of Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy in Indonesia’s Electrical Grid
by Ahmad Amiruddin, Roger Dargaville, Ariel Liebman and Ross Gawler
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2037; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092037 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
As the global transition toward sustainable energy gains momentum, integrating electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, and renewable energy sources has become a pivotal strategy. This paper analyses the interplay between EVs, energy storage, and renewable energy integration with Indonesia’s grid as a test [...] Read more.
As the global transition toward sustainable energy gains momentum, integrating electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage, and renewable energy sources has become a pivotal strategy. This paper analyses the interplay between EVs, energy storage, and renewable energy integration with Indonesia’s grid as a test case. A comprehensive energy system modeling approach using PLEXOS is presented, using historical data on electricity generation, hourly demand, and renewable energy, and multiple scenarios of charging patterns and EV adoption. Through a series of scenarios, we evaluate the impact of different charging strategies and EV penetration levels on generation capacity, battery storage requirements, total system cost, renewable energy penetration, and emissions reduction. The findings reveal that optimized charging patterns and higher EV adoption rates, compared to no EVs adoption, led to substantial improvements in renewable energy utilization (+4%), emissions reduction (−12.8%), and overall system cost (−9%). While EVs contribute to reduced emissions compared to conventional vehicles, non-optimized charging behavior may lead to higher total emissions when compared to scenarios without EVs. The research also found the potential of vehicle to grid (V2G) to reduce the need for battery storage compared to zero EV (−84%), to reduce emissions significantly (−23.7%), and boost penetration of renewable energy (+10%). This research offers valuable insights for policymakers, energy planners, and stakeholders seeking to leverage the synergies between EVs and renewable energy integration to pursue a sustainable energy future for Indonesia. Full article
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18 pages, 848 KiB  
Article
Relative Contribution of Metabolic Syndrome Components in Relation to Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
by Daniela Greere, Florin Grigorescu, Dana Manda, Gabriela Voicu, Corinne Lautier, Ileana Nitu and Catalina Poiana
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2529; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092529 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) affects 30% of postmenopausal women, often complicated by metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a still controversial role. We aimed to characterize MetS and its components in relation to bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance. Methods [...] Read more.
Introduction. Osteoporosis (OP) affects 30% of postmenopausal women, often complicated by metabolic syndrome (MetS) with a still controversial role. We aimed to characterize MetS and its components in relation to bone mineral density (BMD), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resistance. Methods. Patients (n = 188) underwent DEXA scans, spine X-rays, and metabolic and hormonal investigations, including bone biomarkers, muscular strength, and physical performance tests, while insulin resistance was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR). Results. Patients with a normal BMD or osteopenia (n = 68) and with OP (n = 120) displayed 51.5% and 30.8% of MetS, but without differences in insulin resistance. When BMD was studied as a function of the cumulative MetS criteria and centiles of BMI, lower levels of BMD were observed beyond an inflection point of 27.2 kg/m2 for BMI, allowing for further stratification as lean and overweight/obese (OW/OB) subjects. In contrast with lean individuals (n = 74), in OW/OB patients (n = 46), MetS was associated with HbA1c (p < 0.0037, OR 9.6, 95% CI [1.64–55.6]) and insulin resistance (p < 0.0076, OR 6.7, 95% CI [1.49–30.8]) in the context where BMD values were lower than those predicted from BMI in non-OP subjects. In OP patients with fragility fractures (31% of MetS), glycemia also appeared to be the dominant factor for MetS (p < 0.0005, OR 4.1, 95% CI [1.63–10.39]). Conclusions. These data indicate a detrimental effect of insulin resistance in MetS on OP patients, while the prevalence of the syndrome depends on the proportion of obesity. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic role of MetS and reveal the need to consider different strata of BMI and insulin resistance when studying postmenopausal OP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Metabolic Syndrome, Biomarkers and Lifestyles)
15 pages, 2901 KiB  
Article
Complete Chloroplast Genome of Krascheninnikovia ewersmanniana: Comparative and Phylogenetic Analysis
by Peng Wei, Youzheng Li, Mei Ke, Yurong Hou, Abudureyimu Aikebaier and Zinian Wu
Genes 2024, 15(5), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050546 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Krascheninnikovia ewersmanniana is a dominant desert shrub in Xinjiang, China, with high economic and ecological value. However, molecular systematics research on K. ewersmanniana is lacking. To resolve the genetic composition of K. ewersmanniana within Amaranthaceae and its systematic relationship with [...] Read more.
Krascheninnikovia ewersmanniana is a dominant desert shrub in Xinjiang, China, with high economic and ecological value. However, molecular systematics research on K. ewersmanniana is lacking. To resolve the genetic composition of K. ewersmanniana within Amaranthaceae and its systematic relationship with related genera, we used a second-generation Illumina sequencing system to detect the chloroplast genome of K. ewersmanniana and analyze its assembly, annotation, and phylogenetics. Total length of the chloroplast genome of K. ewersmanniana reached 152,287 bp, with 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs. Codon usage analysis showed the majority of codons ending with base A/U. Mononucleotide repeats were the most common (85.42%) of the four identified simple sequence repeats. A comparison with chloroplast genomes of six other Amaranthaceae species indicated contraction and expansion of the inverted repeat boundary region in K. ewersmanniana, with some genes (rps19, ndhF, ycf1) differing in length and distribution. Among the seven species, the variation in non-coding regions was greater. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Krascheninnikovia ceratoides, Dysphania ambrosioides, Dysphania pumilio, and Dysphania botrys to have a close monophyletic relationship. By sequencing the K. ewersmanniana chloroplast genome, this research resolves the relatedness among 35 Amaranthaceae species, providing molecular insights for germplasm utilization, and theoretical support for studying evolutionary relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Evolution of Plant Organelle Genome (Volume II))
8 pages, 543 KiB  
Communication
Trichinella spiralis Infecting Wild Boars in West, Southwest, and Northwest of Romania: Evidence of an Underrated Risk
by Ana-Maria Marin, Tudor Rareș Olariu, Dan-Cornel Popovici, Gianluca Marucci, Sorin Morariu, Daian Popa and Narcisa Mederle
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050856 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The species of the genus Trichinella are etiological agents distributed all over the world and are able to infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. Trichinella spiralis is the species most adapted to domestic and wild pigs and is also the most important etiological agent [...] Read more.
The species of the genus Trichinella are etiological agents distributed all over the world and are able to infect mammals, birds, and reptiles. Trichinella spiralis is the species most adapted to domestic and wild pigs and is also the most important etiological agent of trichinellosis. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a nocturnal omnivorous mammal belonging to the Suidae family. S. scrofa has a great appetite and its diet includes a variety of small prey such as mice, rats, and other rodents, as well as carcasses of larger animals. The aim of this study was the identification and the molecular characterization of Trichinella larvae isolated from the muscle tissue of S. scrofa specimens collected in different counties of Romania. The muscle samples were examined by artificial digestion and the larvae identified at the species level by multiplex PCR. T. spiralis, a species that is able to infect a considerable number of different host species including humans, was identified. In Romania, S. scrofa is an important reservoir species for T. spiralis and plays an important role in linking the domestic and the wild cycle of Trichinella, with serious repercussions for human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Parasitology)
13 pages, 1163 KiB  
Systematic Review
Prostate Artery Embolization as Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Updated Systematic Review
by Corrado Ini’, Tiziana Vasile, Pietro Valerio Foti, Concetta Timpanaro, Davide Giuseppe Castiglione, Federica Libra, Daniele Falsaperla, Francesco Tiralongo, Francesco Giurazza, Cristina Mosconi, Emanuele David, Stefano Palmucci, Salvatore Lavalle, Massimo Venturini and Antonio Basile
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2530; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092530 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a significant impact on the quality of life of symptomatic patients. In patients manifesting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) has become a topic of interest in recent years. The purpose of this [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has a significant impact on the quality of life of symptomatic patients. In patients manifesting lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) has become a topic of interest in recent years. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze and review techniques and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent endovascular treatment of BPH, with a special focus on the comparison of surgical and endovascular procedures. Methods: Through the major scientific databases, 1225 articles were selected from the initial research utilizing specific keywords and medical subject headings. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established for selecting relevant studies for our purposes, the systematic analysis of the literature was conducted on a total of seven articles. Results: We collected data on 718 male patients (408 patients underwent PAE and 310 received TURP). The technical success rate varied from 86% to 100% for TAE and was 100% for TURP. During a 12-month follow-up period, both PAE and TURP were comparable on the reduction in IPSS and QoL questionnaire, while TURP showed significant improvements in Qmax and in the reduction in prostate volume. Length and cost of hospitalization were lower for PAE. Complication and adverse events rates were higher in the TURP group rather than in the PAE group (60.6% vs. 35.5%). Conclusions: Prostatic artery embolization represents an emerging minimally invasive procedure for BPH. According to previously released clinical studies, quality-of-life and urological symptom scores of the PAE group were comparable to those of the TURP group. Our research strengthens the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of PAE as a therapy for LUTS related to BPH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nuclear Medicine & Radiology)
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15 pages, 717 KiB  
Article
Purity Assessment of Tripropyl Phosphate through Mass Balance and 1H and 31P Quantitative Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
by Yuebing Wan, Kangcong Li, Xiuqin Li, Xiaomin Li, Hongtao Chu and Qinghe Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091975 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Tripropyl phosphate (TnPP) is a commonly used organic phosphate flame retardant in the textiles, plastics, and coating industries. Residues are commonly detected in samples from the environment and food. The availability of certified reference materials (CRMs) is essential to ensure the accuracy and [...] Read more.
Tripropyl phosphate (TnPP) is a commonly used organic phosphate flame retardant in the textiles, plastics, and coating industries. Residues are commonly detected in samples from the environment and food. The availability of certified reference materials (CRMs) is essential to ensure the accuracy and traceability of detection results. In this study, a comprehensive characterization of a CRM for TnPP was carried out, and its purity was evaluated using two distinct methodologies: mass balance (MB) and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qNMR). In the MB method, the levels of structurally related organic impurities are 1.37 mg/g. The water content was determined to be 3.16 mg/g, while inorganic impurities were found to be 0.87 mg/g, and no residual organic solvents were detected. Benzoic acid and monocrotophos were chosen as internal standards for 1H-qNMR and 31P-qNMR, respectively. The purity of the TnPP CRM was assessed as 994.6 mg/g, 994.1 mg/g, and 993.5 mg/g using MB, 1H-qNMR, and 31P-qNMR techniques, respectively. The verified purity of the TnPP CRM was ultimately determined to be 994.1 mg/g, with an expanded uncertainty of 3.4 mg/g (k = 2), ensuring traceability to the International System of Units (SI). This CRM can be effectively utilized for preparing calibration solutions suitable for the routine monitoring of TnPP residues in plastics and food samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analytical Chemistry)
21 pages, 862 KiB  
Article
Real-World Treatment Patterns and Survival Outcomes for Patients with Non-Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Sweden: A Nationwide Registry Analysis from the I-O Optimise Initiative
by Gudrun N. Oskarsdottir, Erik Lampa, Anders Berglund, Linda Rosengren, Maria Ulvestad, Miklos Boros, Melinda J. Daumont, Caroline Rault, Gabrielle Emanuel, Cátia Leal, Minouk J. Schoemaker and Gunnar Wagenius
Cancers 2024, 16(9), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16091655 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with ~40–50% of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic disease (stages IA–IIIC). The treatment landscape is evolving rapidly as immunotherapies and targeted therapy are introduced in the non-metastatic setting, creating a need to [...] Read more.
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with ~40–50% of patients diagnosed with non-metastatic disease (stages IA–IIIC). The treatment landscape is evolving rapidly as immunotherapies and targeted therapy are introduced in the non-metastatic setting, creating a need to assess patient outcomes prior to their introduction. This real-world study using Swedish National Lung Cancer Registry data examined outcomes (overall survival (OS) and time to next treatment or death (TTNTD)) and treatment patterns for adults diagnosed with non-metastatic NSCLC. Baseline characteristics and OS from diagnosis were described for all patients; OS, treatment patterns, and TTNTD from treatment start were described for the treatment subgroup (patients diagnosed from 2014 onwards), stratified by disease stage and initial treatment. OS and TTNTD were described using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. The overall population (2008–2019) included 17,433 patients; the treatment subgroup included 5147 patients. Median OS (interquartile range) overall ranged from 83.3 (31.6–165.3) months (stage I patients) to 10.4 (4.3–24.2) months (stage IIIB patients). Among the treatment subgroup, median OS and TTNTD were longest among patients receiving surgery versus other anticancer treatments. These findings provide a baseline upon which to evaluate the epidemiology of non-metastatic NSCLC as newer treatments are introduced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)
15 pages, 3304 KiB  
Article
Impact of Solid Materials in the Gap Space between Driving Electrodes in a MEMS Tri-Electrode Electrostatic Actuator
by Mehdi Allameh, Byoungyoul Park and Cyrus Shafai
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092743 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
MEMS electrostatic actuators can suffer from a high control voltage and a limited displacement range, which are made more prevalent by the pull-in effect. This study explores a tri-electrode topology to enable a reduction in the control voltage and explores the effect of [...] Read more.
MEMS electrostatic actuators can suffer from a high control voltage and a limited displacement range, which are made more prevalent by the pull-in effect. This study explores a tri-electrode topology to enable a reduction in the control voltage and explores the effect of various solid materials forming the space between the two underlying stationary electrodes. Employing solid dielectric material simplifies fabrication and can reduce the bottom primary electrode’s fixed voltage. Through numerical analysis, different materials were examined to assess their impact. The results indicate that the primary electrode’s fixed voltage can be reduced with an increase in the dielectric constant, however, with the consequence of reduced benefit to control voltage reduction. Additionally, charge analysis was conducted to compare the actuator’s performance using air as the gap-spacing material versus solid materials, from the perspective of energy conservation. It was found that solid materials result in a higher accumulated charge, reducing the need for a high fixed voltage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Materials)
21 pages, 7180 KiB  
Article
Investigating ESG Funds in China: Management Fees and Investment Performance
by Michael C. S. Wong and Wei Li
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020038 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the association among management fees, ESG scores, and investment performance of ESG funds in China. It explores the significance of comprehending the cost–benefit analysis and long-term yields associated with sustainable investing. The investigation specifically concentrates on China’s open-end equity funds [...] Read more.
This study investigates the association among management fees, ESG scores, and investment performance of ESG funds in China. It explores the significance of comprehending the cost–benefit analysis and long-term yields associated with sustainable investing. The investigation specifically concentrates on China’s open-end equity funds and uncovers some noteworthy discoveries. Initially, funds with higher management fees tend to yield greater returns, suggesting a potential validation for these fees. Nevertheless, when taking risk-adjusted metrics into account, these funds do not exhibit superior performance, indicating that the elevated fees may not necessarily result in enhanced performance after factoring in risk. Furthermore, the analysis discloses an adverse influence of ESG factors on fund performance. In general, the findings indicate that ESG funds in China do not impose higher management fees and do not ensure better returns but often produce superior risk-adjusted investment performance if their ESG scores are moderately higher. Exceptionally high ESG scores can end up with the worst risk-adjusted investment performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Investing and Financial Services)
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13 pages, 1046 KiB  
Article
R-PointNet: Robust 3D Object Recognition Network for Real-World Point Clouds Corruption
by Zhongyuan Zhang, Lichen Lin and Xiaoli Zhi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3649; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093649 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Point clouds obtained with 3D scanners in realistic scenes inevitably contain corruption, including noise and outliers. Traditional algorithms for cleaning point cloud corruption require the selection of appropriate parameters based on the characteristics of the scene, data, and algorithm, which means that their [...] Read more.
Point clouds obtained with 3D scanners in realistic scenes inevitably contain corruption, including noise and outliers. Traditional algorithms for cleaning point cloud corruption require the selection of appropriate parameters based on the characteristics of the scene, data, and algorithm, which means that their performance is highly dependent on the experience and adaptation of the algorithm itself to the application. Three-dimensional object recognition networks for real-world recognition tasks can take the raw point cloud as input and output the recognition results directly. Current 3D object recognition networks generally acquire uniform sampling points by farthest point sampling (FPS) to extract features. However, sampled defective points from FPS lower the recognition accuracy by affecting the aggregated global feature. To deal with this issue, we design a compensation module, named offset-adjustment (OA). It can adaptively adjust the coordinates of sampled defective points based on neighbors and improve local feature extraction to enhance network robustness. Furthermore, we employ the OA module to build an end-to-end network based on PointNet++ framework for robust point cloud recognition, named R-PointNet. Experiments show that R-PointNet reaches state-of-the-art performance by 92.5% of recognition accuracy on ModelNet40, and significantly outperforms previous networks by 3–7.7% on the corruption dataset ModelNet40-C for robustness benchmark. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced 2D/3D Computer Vision Technology and Applications)
16 pages, 1897 KiB  
Article
Turning Non-Sticking Surface into Sticky Surface: Correlation between Surface Topography and Contact Angle Hysteresis
by Jingyuan Bai, Xuejiao Wang, Meilin Zhang, Zhou Yang and Jin Zhang
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092006 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
We present a surface modification technique that turns CuNi foam films with a high contact angle and non-sticking property into a sticky surface. By decorating with mesh-like biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and adjusting the surface parameters, the surface exhibits water-retaining capability even when [...] Read more.
We present a surface modification technique that turns CuNi foam films with a high contact angle and non-sticking property into a sticky surface. By decorating with mesh-like biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) and adjusting the surface parameters, the surface exhibits water-retaining capability even when being held upside down. The wetting transition process of droplets falling on its surface were systematically studied using the finite element simulation method. It is found that the liquid filled the surface microstructure and curvy three-phase contact line. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated that this surface can be further applied to capture underwater air bubbles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microstructures and Advanced Functional Properties of Thin Films)
15 pages, 322 KiB  
Article
Single and Multi-Valued Ordered-Theoretic Perov Fixed-Point Results for θ-Contraction with Application to Nonlinear System of Matrix Equations
by Fahim Ud Din, Salha Alshaikey, Umar Ishtiaq, Muhammad Din and Salvatore Sessa
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091302 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper combines the concept of an arbitrary binary connection with the widely recognized principle of θ-contraction to investigate the innovative features of vector-valued metric spaces. This methodology demonstrates the existence of fixed points for both single- and multi-valued mappings within complete [...] Read more.
This paper combines the concept of an arbitrary binary connection with the widely recognized principle of θ-contraction to investigate the innovative features of vector-valued metric spaces. This methodology demonstrates the existence of fixed points for both single- and multi-valued mappings within complete vector-valued metric spaces. Through the utilization of binary relations and θ-contraction, this study advances and refines the Perov-type fixed-point results in the literature. Furthermore, this article furnishes examples to substantiate the validity of the presented results. Additionally, we establish an application for finding the existence of solutions to a system of matrix equations. Full article
16 pages, 710 KiB  
Article
Strategic Challenges to the Eradication of African Swine Fever Genotype II in Domestic Pigs in North Italy
by Silvia Pavone, Silvia Bellini, Carmen Iscaro, Marco Farioli, Mario Chiari, Antonio Lavazza, Luigi Ruocco, Davide Lelli, Giorgia Pintus, Paola Prati and Francesco Feliziani
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091295 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease characterized by high lethality in suids and caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The ASF genotype I virus was introduced to Europe in 1957, marking the onset of the first European epidemic [...] Read more.
African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease characterized by high lethality in suids and caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The ASF genotype I virus was introduced to Europe in 1957, marking the onset of the first European epidemic wave. In 2007, ASFV genotype II was detected in Georgia, affecting domestic pigs and wild boars before spreading to various European and extra-European countries, including Italy. The first case of ASFV in Italy was documented on 7 January 2022, in a wild boar in the Piedmont region. Since then, several ASFV-positive wild boar carcasses have been identified in the Piedmont and Liguria regions. By June 2023, ASFV had spread to Lombardy, one of the major pig-producing regions in northern Italy; the virus was first detected in early summer in wild boar carcasses. Two months later, it was diagnosed in a commercial pig farm as a consequence of the disease’s spread amongst wild boars and an increase in the viral environmental load. This report aims to describe the features of ASFV domestic pig outbreaks that occurred in the Zinasco municipality (Lombardy) and the joint efforts to mitigate potential direct and indirect economic impacts on the Italian and global pig industry. The epidemiological investigation and the measures implemented, which were all performed according to national and European regulations, as well as exceptional ad hoc measures aimed at protecting the pig industry, are described in order to provide a practical and effective approach to combating ASF. Full article
16 pages, 1682 KiB  
Article
Unraveling the Complexity of Vaso-Occlusive Crises in Sickle Cell Disease: Insights from a Resource-Limited Setting
by Ali Kaponda, Kalunga Muya, Jules Panda, Kodondi Kule Koto and Bruno Bonnechère
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2528; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092528 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study investigated vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to understand the disease complexities amidst limited resources. With sickle cell hemoglobinopathies on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa, this nine-year study explored factors associated [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study investigated vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in sickle cell disease in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to understand the disease complexities amidst limited resources. With sickle cell hemoglobinopathies on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa, this nine-year study explored factors associated with VOCs and hematological components. Methods: This study comprised 838 patients, analyzing VOCs and hematological changes over time. Demographic characteristics and blood composition changes were carefully categorized. A total of 2910 crises were observed and managed, with analyses conducted on severity, localization, and age groups using statistical methods. Results: The majority of crises were mild or moderate, primarily affecting osteoarticular regions. Statistical analysis revealed significant disparities in crisis intensity based on location and age. The association between blood samples and the number of comorbidities was investigated. Significant positive associations were found for all parameters, except monocytes, indicating a potential link between blood variables and complication burden. Survival analysis using Cox regression was performed to predict the probability of experiencing a second crisis. No significant effects of medication or localization were observed. However, intensity (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and gender (p < 0.001) showed significant effects. Adjusted Hazard Ratios indicated increased risk with age and male gender and reduced risk with mild or severe crisis intensity compared to light. Conclusions: This research sheds light on the complexities of VOCs in resource-limited settings where sickle cell disease is prevalent. The intricate interplay between clinical, laboratory, and treatment factors is highlighted, offering insights for improved patient care. It aims to raise awareness of patient challenges and provide valuable information for targeted interventions to alleviate their burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology)
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25 pages, 8771 KiB  
Article
Relation between Central European Climate Change and Eifel Volcanism during the Last 130,000 Years: The ELSA-23-Tephra-Stack
by Frank Sirocko, Frederik Krebsbach, Johannes Albert, Sarah Britzius, Fiona Schenk and Michael W. Förster
Quaternary 2024, 7(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/quat7020021 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The analysis of tephra layers in maar lake sediments of the Eifel shows 14 well-visible tephra during the last glacial cycle from the Holocene to the Eemian (0–130,000 yr b2k). These tephra were analyzed for their petrographic composition, which allows us to connect [...] Read more.
The analysis of tephra layers in maar lake sediments of the Eifel shows 14 well-visible tephra during the last glacial cycle from the Holocene to the Eemian (0–130,000 yr b2k). These tephra were analyzed for their petrographic composition, which allows us to connect several tephra to eruption sites. All tephra were dated by application of the ELSA-20 chronology, developed using the late Pleistocene infilled maar lake of Auel and the Holocene lake Holzmaar (0–60,000 yr b2k). We extend the ELSA-20 chronology with this paper for the millennia of 60,000–130,000 yr b2k (ELSA-23 chronology), which is based on the infilled maar lake records from Dehner, Hoher List, and Jungferweiher. The evaluation of the tephra from the entire last glacial cycle shows that all 14 tephra were close to interstadial warming of the North Atlantic sea surface temperatures. In particular, phreatomagmatic maar eruptions were systematically associated with Heinrich events or C-events. These events represent times of warming of the Southern Hemisphere, global sea level rise, and CO2 increase, which predate the abrupt interstadial warming events of the Northern Hemisphere. This synchroneity indicates a physical relationship between endogenic and exogenic processes. Changes in the lithospheric stress field in response to changes in continental ice loads have already been suggested as a potential candidate to explain the exogenic forcing of endogenic processes. The chronology of volcanic activity in the Eifel demonstrates that intraplate mantle plumes are also affected by the exogenic forcing of endogenic processes. Full article
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26 pages, 12425 KiB  
Article
Topic Modelling: Going beyond Token Outputs
by Lowri Williams, Eirini Anthi, Laura Arman and Pete Burnap
Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2024, 8(5), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc8050044 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Topic modelling is a text mining technique for identifying salient themes from a number of documents. The output is commonly a set of topics consisting of isolated tokens that often co-occur in such documents. Manual effort is often associated with interpreting a topic’s [...] Read more.
Topic modelling is a text mining technique for identifying salient themes from a number of documents. The output is commonly a set of topics consisting of isolated tokens that often co-occur in such documents. Manual effort is often associated with interpreting a topic’s description from such tokens. However, from a human’s perspective, such outputs may not adequately provide enough information to infer the meaning of the topics; thus, their interpretability is often inaccurately understood. Although several studies have attempted to automatically extend topic descriptions as a means of enhancing the interpretation of topic models, they rely on external language sources that may become unavailable, must be kept up to date to generate relevant results, and present privacy issues when training on or processing data. This paper presents a novel approach towards extending the output of traditional topic modelling methods beyond a list of isolated tokens. This approach removes the dependence on external sources by using the textual data themselves by extracting high-scoring keywords and mapping them to the topic model’s token outputs. To compare how the proposed method benchmarks against the state of the art, a comparative analysis against results produced by Large Language Models (LLMs) is presented. Such results report that the proposed method resonates with the thematic coverage found in LLMs and often surpasses such models by bridging the gap between broad thematic elements and granular details. In addition, to demonstrate and reinforce the generalisation of the proposed method, the approach was further evaluated using two other topic modelling methods as the underlying models and when using a heterogeneous unseen dataset. To measure the interpretability of the proposed outputs against those of the traditional topic modelling approach, independent annotators manually scored each output based on their quality and usefulness as well as the efficiency of the annotation task. The proposed approach demonstrated higher quality and usefulness, as well as higher efficiency in the annotation task, in comparison to the outputs of a traditional topic modelling method, demonstrating an increase in their interpretability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Natural Language Processing and Text Mining)
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17 pages, 1977 KiB  
Review
From Block to City Scale: Greenery’s Contribution to Cooling the Urban Environment
by Jesús Abelardo Licón-Portillo, Karen Estrella Martínez-Torres, Peter Chung-Alonso and Eduardo Florencio Herrera Peraza
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8020041 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Urban greenery is a strategy to improve the thermal environment in urban areas affected by heat islands and global warming. These phenomena can harm the citizens’ quality of life. Researchers have investigated the thermal benefits of urban vegetation, but only a few have [...] Read more.
Urban greenery is a strategy to improve the thermal environment in urban areas affected by heat islands and global warming. These phenomena can harm the citizens’ quality of life. Researchers have investigated the thermal benefits of urban vegetation, but only a few have explored its complexities across diverse urban scales. Understanding these variations is critical for precise analysis, customized solutions, efficient resource allocation, and enhancing urban living quality while promoting sustainability and climate resilience. This paper reviews 250 scientific articles about the relationship between greenspace and the urban thermal environment published between 2010 and 2023 through urban scales. It summarizes the parameters and findings of greenery’s contribution to cooling the urban environment. The data reveal that most studies concentrated on the block scale, public open spaces, neighborhoods, parks, grouped vegetation, mixed arrangements, high vegetation, spatial parameters, and the use of air temperature data to report their findings. The cooling-effect evidence shows that the block scale has an average mitigation range of 0.7–2.7 °C, the neighborhood scale of 1.1–2.9 °C, and the city scale of 0.5–2.2 °C. Furthermore, it is critical to define reliable research methods and perform thorough software validation to assess model performance and establish guidelines for urban-landscape design accurately. Full article
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21 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Child Soldiers/Child Slaves: Africa’s Weaponised Unfree Children in Blood Diamond (2006) and Beasts of No Nation (2015)
by Lauren Van der Rede
Genealogy 2024, 8(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8020046 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The figure of the child is one that, at least in the Westernised imagination, is entangled with notions of innocence, naivety, and freedom. But what of the child who is unfree, who has been stripped of innocence, and for whom naivety is a [...] Read more.
The figure of the child is one that, at least in the Westernised imagination, is entangled with notions of innocence, naivety, and freedom. But what of the child who is unfree, who has been stripped of innocence, and for whom naivety is a danger? One expression of this iteration of the figure of the child is the child soldier, which has been a centralising figure in various narratives set during and concerned with African experiences of warfare. This paper is concerned with the figure of the child soldier as it is staged in both Edward Zwick’s Blood Diamond (2006) and Cary Joji Fukunaga’s filmic adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala’s novel, Beasts of No Nation (2015). In turning to Ashis Nandy’s articulation of the tension held within “the child” as being both emblematic of a fantasy of childhood produced by adult nostalgia—hopeful, joyous and free—and always potentially dangerous, this paper pivots the notions of soldiering and slaving on and around the child as a figure. In doing so, the paper asks what it might mean to think of the condition of being a child soldier as being akin to that of being a child slave, weaponised for political and economic ends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Retrospectives on Child Slavery in Africa)
15 pages, 1695 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Smart Communication Security: A Novel Cost Function for Efficient S-Box Generation in Symmetric Key Cryptography
by Oleksandr Kuznetsov, Nikolay Poluyanenko, Emanuele Frontoni and Sergey Kandiy
Cryptography 2024, 8(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryptography8020017 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the realm of smart communication systems, where the ubiquity of 5G/6G networks and IoT applications demands robust data confidentiality, the cryptographic integrity of block and stream cipher mechanisms plays a pivotal role. This paper focuses on the enhancement of cryptographic strength in [...] Read more.
In the realm of smart communication systems, where the ubiquity of 5G/6G networks and IoT applications demands robust data confidentiality, the cryptographic integrity of block and stream cipher mechanisms plays a pivotal role. This paper focuses on the enhancement of cryptographic strength in these systems through an innovative approach to generating substitution boxes (S-boxes), which are integral in achieving confusion and diffusion properties in substitution–permutation networks. These properties are critical in thwarting statistical, differential, linear, and other forms of cryptanalysis, and are equally vital in pseudorandom number generation and cryptographic hashing algorithms. The paper addresses the challenge of rapidly producing random S-boxes with desired cryptographic attributes, a task notably arduous given the complexity of existing generation algorithms. We delve into the hill climbing algorithm, exploring various cost functions and their impact on computational complexity for generating S-boxes with a target nonlinearity of 104. Our contribution lies in proposing a new cost function that markedly reduces the generation complexity, bringing down the iteration count to under 50,000 for achieving the desired S-box. This advancement is particularly significant in the context of smart communication environments, where the balance between security and performance is paramount. Full article
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19 pages, 1129 KiB  
Article
Fruit Agronomic and Quality Traits of Tomato F1 Hybrids Derived from Traditional Varieties
by Alicia Sánchez Sánchez, Pilar Flores, Virginia Hernández, Elena Sánchez, Elia Molina, Nuria López, Adrián Rodríguez-Burruezo, José Fenoll and Pilar Hellín
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050440 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The high genetic diversity of the tomato and its high micronutrient content make this fruit very interesting from an economic and nutritional point of view. The genetic erosion suffered by this crop, due to breeding objectives based on yield and marketing, makes it [...] Read more.
The high genetic diversity of the tomato and its high micronutrient content make this fruit very interesting from an economic and nutritional point of view. The genetic erosion suffered by this crop, due to breeding objectives based on yield and marketing, makes it necessary to return to the origins in search of the nutritional and organoleptic quality lost in traditional varieties. In this study, the agronomic, physical, organoleptic, and nutritional characteristics of eighteen F1 hybrids, obtained by crossing fourteen traditional varieties, previously selected for their quality, were studied in order to select genotypes of superior quality that could be candidates for new varieties. All the parameters studied were strongly influenced by genotype, with a wide range between varieties. Most of the experimental hybrids showed higher quality scores than the commercial hybrids used as controls, due to the extensive selection process carried out on the parents in previous work. Principal component analysis revealed the characteristics of each hybrid that distinguished it from the others. Some hybrids (H1, H2, and H4) stood out for their high concentration of active compounds, others (H14, H13, H8, H15, H7, and H9) for their agronomic performance and high β-carotene content, and H3 was the only one to contain chlorophyll in its ripe fruits. Finally, the evaluation index allowed the selection of five hybrids with interesting characteristics, combining good yield performance and high quality. The results of this work have allowed for the selection of a group of hybrids with high organoleptic and nutritional quality which will be used as parents in a breeding programme, in which their characteristics will be fixed and their resilience will be increased through the introduction of virus resistance. Full article
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