The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
18 pages, 1577 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Decoupling Method Based on Motor Dynamic Compensation with Application for Precision Mechatronic Systems
by Kaixin Liu, Yang Liu, Fazhi Song and Jiubin Tan
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2038; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092038 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Motors are widely employed in mechatronic systems, especially in precision multiple degrees of freedom motion systems. In most applications, the dynamic equation between the motor instruction and the actual driving force is simplified as a constant. Subsequently, the static decoupling method can be [...] Read more.
Motors are widely employed in mechatronic systems, especially in precision multiple degrees of freedom motion systems. In most applications, the dynamic equation between the motor instruction and the actual driving force is simplified as a constant. Subsequently, the static decoupling method can be utilized to design the feedback controller. However, in high-precision mechatronic systems, motor dynamics cannot be neglected, and the static decoupling performance is compromised due to discrepancies between motors. In this paper, a dynamic decoupling method is developed to improve the decoupling performance of the multiple-input multiple-output systems. The effects of transmission delays, motor dynamics, and discrepancies between different motors are taken into consideration in the dynamic decoupling method. Furthermore, a data-driven optimization method is developed to estimate the parameters of the dynamic decoupling controller. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are demonstrated through numerical simulations. The experimental results show that the dynamic decoupling control method can achieve a 97.75% performance improvement at least compared to the static decoupling control method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linear/Planar Motors and Other Special Motors)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3235 KiB  
Article
Batch to Continuous: From Laboratory Recycle Trickle Bed Test Reactor Data to Full-Scale Plant Preliminary Design—A Case Study Based on the Hydrogenation of Resorcinol
by Steve D. Pollington, Bal S. Kalirai and E. Hugh Stitt
Processes 2024, 12(5), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050859 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are starting to advocate for the use of flow chemistry due to reasons such as the environment, health and safety, efficiency, cost saving, and regulatory compliance. The use of a trickle bed or fixed bed system could [...] Read more.
The fine chemical and pharmaceutical sectors are starting to advocate for the use of flow chemistry due to reasons such as the environment, health and safety, efficiency, cost saving, and regulatory compliance. The use of a trickle bed or fixed bed system could replace a batch autoclave typically used for hydrogenation reactions. However, there are few studies that detail the process from laboratory proof of concept through design to commercial realization. This study, using the production of 1,3-cyclohexanedione from the catalytic hydrogenation of resorcinol as a case study, demonstrates how the laboratory-scale recycle trickle bed can be used for catalyst screening and selection. Further, design data are generated by operation over a range of design superficial velocities and operating pressures that are used to derive a design correlation that is then used to specify a single stream plant at a level of definition consistent with a Preliminary Design for capital cost estimation. Finally, the further actions required in terms of data generation to increase the level of definition and confidence to a sanction grade or final design are discussed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6024 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Vulnerability and Adaptation Needs of Mozambique’s Health Sector to Climate: A Comprehensive Study
by Rachid Muleia, Genito Maúre, Américo José, Plácida Maholela, Isaac Akpor Adjei, Md. Rezaul Karim, Sónia Trigo, Waltaji Kutane, Osvaldo Inlamea, Lawrence N. Kazembe and Tatiana Marufo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050532 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Climate change poses severe consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty rates may escalate by 2050 without significant climate and development action. The health impacts are diverse, encompassing communicable and non-communicable diseases. Mozambique, a climate-vulnerable nation, has experienced significant natural disasters in the [...] Read more.
Climate change poses severe consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty rates may escalate by 2050 without significant climate and development action. The health impacts are diverse, encompassing communicable and non-communicable diseases. Mozambique, a climate-vulnerable nation, has experienced significant natural disasters in the past 42 years, impacting its health system. This study aims to assess Mozambique’s health sector’s vulnerability and adaptation needs to climate change. Following a methodology proposed by the World Health Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, a six-step vulnerability and adaptation assessment was conducted to conduct the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) for Mozambique’s regions (n=161). The HVI integrates historical climate, epidemiological, and socio-economic data at the district level, and was computed using exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity dimensions. The results revealed spatial patterns in exposure to climate variables, extreme weather events, and variations in sensitivity and adaptive capacity across the country. The HVI mirrored the exposure findings. Notably, high vulnerability was observed in several districts, while major urban centers displayed lower vulnerability. These findings highlight the country’s vulnerability to climate change and underscore the potential for adverse impacts on livelihoods, the economy, and human health. The study provides a foundation for developing strategies and adaptation actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 755 KiB  
Review
Health-Related Physical Fitness Evaluation in HIV-Diagnosed Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review
by João Antônio Chula de Castro, Tiago Rodrigues de Lima and Diego Augusto Santos Silva
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050541 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Health-related physical fitness has been widely used to investigate the adverse effects of HIV infection/ART in children and adolescents. However, methods/protocols and cut-points applied for investigating health-related physical fitness are not clear. The aim of this scoping review was to map the [...] Read more.
Background: Health-related physical fitness has been widely used to investigate the adverse effects of HIV infection/ART in children and adolescents. However, methods/protocols and cut-points applied for investigating health-related physical fitness are not clear. The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature to identify gaps in knowledge regarding the methods/protocols and cut-points. Methods: A scoping review, following the Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines, was conducted through ten major databases. Search followed the PCC strategy to construct block of terms related to population (children and adolescents), concept (health-related physical fitness components) and context (HIV infection). Results: The search resulted in 7545 studies. After duplicate removal, titles and abstracts reading and full text assessment, 246 studies were included in the scoping review. Body composition was the most investigated component (n= 244), followed by muscular strength/endurance (n = 23), cardiorespiratory fitness (n = 15) and flexibility (n = 4). The World Health Organization growth curves, and nationals’ surveys were the most reference values applied to classify body composition (n = 149), followed by internal cut-points (n = 30) and cut-points developed through small populations (n = 16). Cardiorespiratory fitness was classified through cut-points from three different assessment batteries, as well as cut-points developed through studies with small populations, muscular strength/endurance and flexibility were classified through the same cut-points from five different assessment batteries. Conclusions: The research on muscular strength/endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness and flexibility has been scarcely explored. The lack of studies that investigated method usability as well as reference values was evidenced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Promotion in Young People)
9 pages, 356 KiB  
Communication
Numerical Study on Monopole Production and Deconfinement Transition in Two-Condensate Charged Systems
by Kai Kang, Jie Li, Guo Wang, Jiangning Zhang, Jiantao Che, Tianyi Han and Hai Huang
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050397 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The condensed matter Bose system may contain effective monopole quasiparticles in its excitation spectrum. In this paper, we first accomplish the mapping of the two-band Ginzburg–Landau theory to the extended CP1 model, and then perform the Monte Carlo simulations on the [...] Read more.
The condensed matter Bose system may contain effective monopole quasiparticles in its excitation spectrum. In this paper, we first accomplish the mapping of the two-band Ginzburg–Landau theory to the extended CP1 model, and then perform the Monte Carlo simulations on the 50×50×50 cubic lattice with periodic boundary conditions. With the numerical data of monopole density and magnetic susceptibility, we indicate that there exists a monopole–antimonopole deconfinement transition for the two-band superconducting system with the critical temperature above 70 K. We also suggest the possible detection of this new monopole plasma phase in high-Tc iron-based superconductors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Superconductors and Magnetic Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1304 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of the Sphenoid Sinus in Patients with Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma
by Mircea-Viorel Ciurea, Ioan Ștefan Florian, Manuela Lenghel, Diana-Raluca Petea-Balea, Alexandra Roman and Silviu Albu
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050708 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is part of the diagnostic protocol in pituitary adenoma patients. The goal of the present study is to present and analyse the MRI appearances of the sphenoid sinus (SS) in patients with non-functioning [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is part of the diagnostic protocol in pituitary adenoma patients. The goal of the present study is to present and analyse the MRI appearances of the sphenoid sinus (SS) in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA). Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case–control study conducted between January 2015 and December 2023 in a tertiary referral hospital. Forty NFPA patients were included in the study group, while the control group consisted of 30 age- and gender-matched cases. Results: The sellar type of SS pneumatization was the most frequently encountered pattern among both groups. The presence of the lateral recess of the SS, mucosal cysts, and sphenoethmoidal cells was similar in both patient groups. The proportion of patients with SS mucosal thickness greater than 3 mm was 42.5% in NFPA group and 3% in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The space between the two optic nerves was significantly larger in the NFPA group as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study was able to establish a statistically significant association between the presence of NFPA and both the thickening of the SS mucosa and increased space between optic nerves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

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)
18 pages, 2266 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Structure and Texture Formation in Thermomechanically Treated Ti-Zr-Nb Shape Memory Alloys
by Alexandra Baranova, Sergey Dubinskiy, Irina Vvedenskaya, Andrey Bazlov, Natalia Tabachkova, Vadim Sheremetyev, Tatyana Teplyakova, Oleg Strakhov and Sergey Prokoshkin
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3647; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093647 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Biomedical Ti-22Nb-6Zr, Ti-18Zr-15Nb, and Ti-41Zr-12Nb (at.%) shape memory alloys were subjected to cold rolling (CR) and subsequent post-deformation annealing (PDA). The evolutions of phase and structure states, crystallographic texture, and crystallographic limit of recovery strain were studied using EBSD, TEM, and XRD analyses. [...] Read more.
Biomedical Ti-22Nb-6Zr, Ti-18Zr-15Nb, and Ti-41Zr-12Nb (at.%) shape memory alloys were subjected to cold rolling (CR) and subsequent post-deformation annealing (PDA). The evolutions of phase and structure states, crystallographic texture, and crystallographic limit of recovery strain were studied using EBSD, TEM, and XRD analyses. The study found that CR (e = 1.5) and PDA at 800 °C for 30 min results in fine- and coarse-grained structures. Severe CR (e = 3.0) and PDA at 550 °C for 5 min results in a recrystallized, equiaxed, predominantly ultrafine-grained structure of the β-phase with a small amount of low-angle boundaries. Increasing the degree of CR from moderate (e = 0.3) to severe (e = 3.0) results in a favorable strong {111}β<110>β recrystallization texture. Alloys with low Zr content are more susceptible to this type of crystallographic texture formation during TMT, primarily due to a higher Nb content. The Ti-41Zr-12Nb alloy shows the highest crystallographic limit of recovery strain (εrmax ≈ 6%). The limit decreases to ≈5% (for Ti-18Zr-15Nb) and ≈3% (for Ti-22Nb-6Zr) when transitioning from high- to low-Zr alloys. The transition of Ti-Zr-Nb alloys from coarse-grained to ultrafine-grained structures of the β-phase and a decrease in grain size do not affect the crystallographic limit of recovery strain in the studied grain size ranges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alloys: Evolution of Microstructure and Texture)
18 pages, 3009 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Soil Properties on Species Diversity and Structure in Alternanthera philoxeroides-Invaded and Native Plant Communities
by Hao Wu, Yuxin Liu, Tiantian Zhang, Mingxia Xu and Benqiang Rao
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091196 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Soil properties can affect plant population dynamics and the coexistence of native and invasive plants, thus potentially affecting community structure and invasion trends. However, the different impacts of soil physicochemical properties on species diversity and structure in native and invaded plant communities remain [...] Read more.
Soil properties can affect plant population dynamics and the coexistence of native and invasive plants, thus potentially affecting community structure and invasion trends. However, the different impacts of soil physicochemical properties on species diversity and structure in native and invaded plant communities remain unclear. In this study, we established a total of 30 Alternanthera philoxeroides-invaded plots and 30 control plots in an area at the geographical boundary between North and South China. We compared the differences in species composition between the invaded and native plant communities, and we then used the methods of regression analysis, redundancy analysis (RDA), and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to examine the impacts of soil physicochemical properties on four α-diversity indices and the species distribution of these two types of communities. We found that A. philoxeroides invasion increased the difference between the importance values of dominant plant species, and the invasion coverage had a negative relationship with the soil-available potassium (R2 = 0.135; p = 0.046) and Patrick richness index (R2 = 0.322; p < 0.001). In the native communities, the species diversity was determined with soil chemical properties, the Patrick richness index, the Simpson dominance index, and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, which all decreased with the increase in soil pH value, available potassium, organic matter, and ammonium nitrogen. However, in the invaded communities, the species diversity was determined by soil physical properties; the Pielou evenness index increased with increasing non-capillary porosity but decreased with increasing capillary porosity. The determinants of species distribution in the native communities were soil porosity and nitrate nitrogen, while the determinants in the invaded communities were soil bulk density and available potassium. In addition, compared with the native communities, the clustering degree of species distribution in the invaded communities intensified. Our study indicates that species diversity and distribution have significant heterogeneous responses to soil physicochemical properties between A. philoxeroides-invaded and native plant communities. Thus, we need to intensify the monitoring of soil properties in invaded habitats and conduct biotic replacement strategies based on the heterogeneous responses of native and invaded communities to effectively prevent the biotic homogenization that is caused by plant invasions under environmental changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interactions within Invasive Ecosystems)
18 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
Burnout and Quality of Work Life among Physicians during Internships in Public Hospitals in Thailand
by Vithawat Surawattanasakul, Wuttipat Kiratipaisarl and Penprapa Siviroj
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050361 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Physicians are exposed to occupational stress and burnout, which have been identified as contributing to a decrease in the quality of work life (QWL). Thailand’s medical education program, consisting of a six-year curriculum with government tuition support followed by three years of internships, [...] Read more.
Physicians are exposed to occupational stress and burnout, which have been identified as contributing to a decrease in the quality of work life (QWL). Thailand’s medical education program, consisting of a six-year curriculum with government tuition support followed by three years of internships, provides the context for this investigation. This study aimed to assess the QWL among intern physicians (IPs) in public hospitals and investigated the association between burnout and QWL. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 IPs in public hospitals in Thailand utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included a Thai version of a 25-item QWL scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel. Data analysis was performed using multivariable logistic regression. A significant proportion of IPs experienced low to moderate QWL (72.6%), with low levels of home–work interface (39.4%) and employee engagement (38.6%). In the exploratory model, after adjusting for sex and age, IPs with high depersonalization and low personal accomplishment demonstrated an association with low QWL (adjusted OR, aOR 2.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.31; aOR 2.74, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.39). Healthcare organizations should regularly assess intern physicians’ QWL and burnout, prioritizing interventions; ensure reasonable work hours, schedule adjustments, and open communication; and develop support systems for cost-effective interventions. Further research on the dynamic relationship between burnout and QWL is crucial for targeted and culturally sensitive interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among Healthcare Workers)
25 pages, 1132 KiB  
Article
Synergising an Advanced Optimisation Technique with Deep Learning: A Novel Method in Fault Warning Systems
by Jia Tian, Xingqin Zhang, Shuangqing Zheng, Zhiyong Liu and Changshu Zhan
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091301 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the realm of automated industry and smart production, the deployment of fault warning systems is crucial for ensuring equipment reliability and enhancing operational efficiency. Although there are a multitude of existing methodologies for fault warning, the proficiency of these systems in processing [...] Read more.
In the realm of automated industry and smart production, the deployment of fault warning systems is crucial for ensuring equipment reliability and enhancing operational efficiency. Although there are a multitude of existing methodologies for fault warning, the proficiency of these systems in processing and analysing data is increasingly challenged by the progression of industrial apparatus and the escalating magnitude and intricacy of the data involved. To address these challenges, this research outlines an innovative fault warning methodology that combines a bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) network with an enhanced hunter–prey optimisation (EHPO) algorithm. The Bi-LSTM network is strategically utilised to outline complex temporal patterns in machinery operational data, while the EHPO algorithm is employed to meticulously fine-tune the hyperparameters of the Bi-LSTM, aiming to enhance the accuracy and generalisability of fault warning. The EHPO algorithm, building upon the foundational hunter–prey optimisation (HPO) framework, introduces an advanced population initialisation process, integrates a range of strategic exploration methodologies, and strengthens its search paradigms through the incorporation of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. This comprehensive enhancement aims to boost the global search efficiency and accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm. Empirical analyses, conducted using datasets from real-world industrial scenarios, have validated the improved warning performance of this proposed methodology against some benchmark techniques, as evidenced by superior metrics such as root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), albeit with a slight increase in computational resource requirements. This study not only proposes a novel paradigm for fault warning within complex industrial frameworks but also contributes to the discourse on hyperparameter optimisation within the field of machine learning algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning with Applications)
22 pages, 1605 KiB  
Article
Adaptive Whale Optimization Algorithm–DBiLSTM for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Trajectory Prediction
by Shufang Guo, Jing Zhang and Tianchi Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3646; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093646 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
AUVs are autonomous underwater robots equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the marine environment, AUVs are susceptible to the effects of the marine environment and may experience communication delays or even accidents. Based on the [...] Read more.
AUVs are autonomous underwater robots equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems. Due to the complexity and uncertainty of the marine environment, AUVs are susceptible to the effects of the marine environment and may experience communication delays or even accidents. Based on the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a prediction method for lost AUVs based on an adaptive optimization depth BiLSTM (AWOA-DBiLSTM) neural network model. To enhance prediction accuracy, AWOA-DBiLSTM employs a double BiLSTM to extract AUV features from positional information and physical attitude. Additionally, AWOA-DBiLSTM utilizes a gating mechanism to filter and reset physical attitude feature information to obtain features associated with positional information. After undergoing filtering operations, the physical attitude information of the AUV is fused with the position information to achieve trajectory prediction. For the first time, the differentiation and stratified extraction of AUV data features are presented in this paper. The experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves significant improvements in prediction accuracy and generalization, and the present study is of great significance for application in the task of predicting the trajectories of lost AUVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Science and Engineering)
19 pages, 14232 KiB  
Article
Using Deep Learning Approaches to Quantify Landscape Preference of the Chinese Grand Canal: An Empirical Case Study of the Yangzhou Ancient Canal
by Yiwen Li and Bing Qiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3602; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093602 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Landscape preference emerges from the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and enhancement of the Chinese Grand Canal’s scenery. As a vast linear heritage, employing conventional methods for analyzing landscape preferences can be resource-intensive [...] Read more.
Landscape preference emerges from the dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment and plays a pivotal role in the preservation and enhancement of the Chinese Grand Canal’s scenery. As a vast linear heritage, employing conventional methods for analyzing landscape preferences can be resource-intensive in terms of both time and labor. Amid the rapid advancement of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), a cognitive framework for understanding the Chinese Grand Canal’s landscape preferences has been developed, encompassing two primary aspects: the characteristic features of landscape preference and its spatial organization. Geotagged photographs from tourism media platforms focused on the Yangzhou Ancient Canal were utilized, and the EasyDL deep learning platform was employed to devise a model. This model assesses current landscape preferences through an analysis of photographic content, element composition patterns, and geospatial distribution, integrating social network and point density analyses. Our findings reveal that the fusion of Yangzhou Ancient Canal and classical gardens creates a sought-after ‘Canal and Watercraft Remains’ landscape. Tourists’ preferences for different landscape types are reflected in the way the elements are combined in the photographs. Overall, landscape preferences are dense in the north and sparse in the south. Differences in tourists’ perceptions of the value of and preferences for heritage sites lead to significant variations in tourist arrivals at different sites. This approach demonstrates efficiency and scalability in evaluating the Chinese Grand Canal landscape, offering valuable insights for its strategic planning and conservation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage Conservation and Sustainable Development)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1725 KiB  
Essay
A Numerical Simulation Study on the Out-of-Plane Performance of Timber Framework–Brick Wall Systems in Traditional Residential Buildings of Northern China
by Ning Dai, Lanhao Cui, Yingpei Li, Liwei Fan and Jiakun Chen
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051224 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
To improve the out-of-plane collaborative performance of timber frames and walls, a metal connector is proposed and designed. A finite element model of the wall is established, and the composite block damage criteria and surface contact behavior are validated. Additionally, one group without [...] Read more.
To improve the out-of-plane collaborative performance of timber frames and walls, a metal connector is proposed and designed. A finite element model of the wall is established, and the composite block damage criteria and surface contact behavior are validated. Additionally, one group without metal connectors and three groups with different numbers of metal connectors placed at various positions in traditional residential wall models are established. Using static loading simulation, the influence of different numbers of metal connectors on the out-of-plane damage patterns, deformation characteristics, and shear force distribution is analyzed. The study reveals that top metal connectors significantly reduce the out-of-plane displacement of the top wall by up to 84.6%. Metal connectors have a significant impact on the deformation capacity of brick walls, with a maximum enhancement of 65.3%. The metal connectors in the middle and lower parts transfer the wall loads to the columns, increasing the horizontal shear at the column head by approximately 7%. The connectors in the middle and lower parts effectively improve the collaborative performance of brick walls and wooden frames. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
20 pages, 1421 KiB  
Article
Passive Super-Twisting Second-Order Sliding Mode Control Strategy for Input Stage of MMC-PET
by Jingtao Zhou, Jianping Zhou, Hao Yang and Liegang Huang
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092036 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
When the operating state of the power system changes, a modular multilevel converter power electronic transformer (MMC-PET) based on modular multilevel converters cannot perform efficient energy transfer and power conversion under conventional control strategies. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a [...] Read more.
When the operating state of the power system changes, a modular multilevel converter power electronic transformer (MMC-PET) based on modular multilevel converters cannot perform efficient energy transfer and power conversion under conventional control strategies. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a passive, second-order super-helical sliding mode control strategy for MMC-PET by combining passive control and second-order super-helical sliding mode control with a stronger anti-interference capability. First, a Euler–Lagrange model based on positive and negative sequence separation is established according to the mathematical model of the MMC; second, the model of the system is passively analyzed, and a passive controller is designed according to its passivity, and the passive controller is further optimized by using the super-helical second-order sliding mode control, which improves the overall robustness and interference immunity; finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the super-twisting second-order sliding mode passive control strategy is demonstrated by verifying it through the construction of the MMC-PET simulation model and testing it under various non-ideal working conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F3: Power Electronics)
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
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 927 KiB  
Article
Effects of CYP3A5 Genotype on Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics and Graft-versus-Host Disease Incidence in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
by Daniel N. Marco, Mònica Molina, Ana-María Guio, Judit Julian, Virginia Fortuna, Virginia-Lucila Fabregat-Zaragoza, María-Queralt Salas, Inés Monge-Escartín, Gisela Riu-Viladoms, Esther Carcelero, Joan Ramón Roma, Noemí Llobet, Jordi Arcarons, María Suárez-Lledó, Laura Rosiñol, Francesc Fernández-Avilés, Montserrat Rovira, Mercè Brunet and Carmen Martínez
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050553 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Tacrolimus (Tac) is pivotal in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). It has been reported that genetic factors, including CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 polymorphisms, have an impact on Tac metabolism, dose requirement, and response to [...] Read more.
Tacrolimus (Tac) is pivotal in preventing acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). It has been reported that genetic factors, including CYP3A5*3 and CYP3A4*22 polymorphisms, have an impact on Tac metabolism, dose requirement, and response to Tac. There is limited information regarding this topic in alloHSCT. The CYP3A5 genotype and a low Tac trough concentration/dose ratio (Tac C0/D ratio) can be used to identify fast metabolizers and predict the required Tac dose to achieve target concentrations earlier. We examined 62 Caucasian alloHSCT recipients with a fast metabolizer phenotype (C0/dose ratio ≤ 1.5 ng/mL/mg), assessing CYP3A5 genotypes and acute GVHD incidence. Forty-nine patients (79%) were poor metabolizers (2 copies of the variant *3 allele) and 13 (21%) were CYP3A5 expressers (CYP3A5*1/*1 or CYP3A5*1/*3 genotypes). CYP3A5 expressers had lower C0 at 48 h (3.7 vs. 6.2 ng/mL, p = 0.03) and at 7 days (8.6 vs. 11.4 ng/mL, p = 0.04) after Tac initiation, tended to take longer to reach Tac therapeutic range (11.8 vs. 8.9 days, p = 0.16), and had higher incidence of both global (92.3% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001) and grade II-IV acute GVHD (61.5% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.008). These results support the adoption of preemptive pharmacogenetic testing to better predict individual Tac initial dose, helping to achieve the therapeutic range and reducing the risk of acute GVHD earlier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Adverse Drug Reactions)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 865 KiB  
Article
Electroencephalogram-Based Facial Gesture Recognition Using Self-Organizing Map
by Takahiro Kawaguchi, Koki Ono and Hiroomi Hikawa
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2741; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092741 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow information to be transmitted directly from the human brain to a computer, enhancing the ability of human brain activity to interact with the environment. In particular, BCI-based control systems are highly desirable because they can control equipment used by [...] Read more.
Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) allow information to be transmitted directly from the human brain to a computer, enhancing the ability of human brain activity to interact with the environment. In particular, BCI-based control systems are highly desirable because they can control equipment used by people with disabilities, such as wheelchairs and prosthetic legs. BCIs make use of electroencephalograms (EEGs) to decode the human brain’s status. This paper presents an EEG-based facial gesture recognition method based on a self-organizing map (SOM). The proposed facial gesture recognition uses α, β, and θ power bands of the EEG signals as the features of the gesture. The SOM-Hebb classifier is utilized to classify the feature vectors. We utilized the proposed method to develop an online facial gesture recognition system. The facial gestures were defined by combining facial movements that are easy to detect in EEG signals. The recognition accuracy of the system was examined through experiments. The recognition accuracy of the system ranged from 76.90% to 97.57% depending on the number of gestures recognized. The lowest accuracy (76.90%) occurred when recognizing seven gestures, though this is still quite accurate when compared to other EEG-based recognition systems. The implemented online recognition system was developed using MATLAB, and the system took 5.7 s to complete the recognition flow. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors Applications on Emotion Recognition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1560 KiB  
Review
Pharmacological Activities of Lonicerae japonicae flos and Its Derivative—“Chrysoeriol” in Skin Diseases
by Siu Kan Law, Xiao Xiao Wu, Zhou Jiang, Christy Wing Sum Tong, Wesley Yeuk Lung Chow and Dawn Ching Tung Au
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1972; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091972 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Chrysoeriol is an active ingredient derived from the Chinese medicinal herb (CMH) “Lonicerae japonicae flos” in the dried flower bud or bloomed flower of Lonicera japonica Thunberg. Dermatoses are the most common diseases in humans, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, moles, and [...] Read more.
Chrysoeriol is an active ingredient derived from the Chinese medicinal herb (CMH) “Lonicerae japonicae flos” in the dried flower bud or bloomed flower of Lonicera japonica Thunberg. Dermatoses are the most common diseases in humans, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, moles, and fungal infections, which are temporary or permanent and may be painless or painful. Topical corticosteroids are widely used in Western medicine, but there are some side effects when it is continuously and regularly utilized in a large dosage. Chrysoeriol is a natural active ingredient, nontoxic, and without any adverse reactions in the treatment of dermatological conditions. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched, including WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), without regard to language constraints. The pharmacological activities of chrysoeriol from Lonicerae japonicae flos to fight against skin diseases were explained and evaluated through the literature review of either in vitro or in vivo studies. Results: Chrysoeriol decreased the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These were transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB and STAT3 to combat skin inflammation. It also showed promising actions in treating many skin ailments including wound healing, depigmentation, photoprotection, and antiaging. Conclusion: The cutaneous route is the best delivery approach to chrysoeriol across the skin barrier. However, toxicity, dosage, and safety assessments of chrysoeriol in a formulation or nanochrysoeriol on the human epidermis for application in skin diseases must be further investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Natural Products on Skin Diseases)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 4000 KiB  
Article
Predicting Wildfire Ember Hot-Spots on Gable Roofs via Deep Learning
by Mohammad Khaled Al-Bashiti, Dac Nguyen, M. Z. Naser and Nigel B. Kaye
Fire 2024, 7(5), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050153 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ember accumulation on and around homes can lead to spot fires and home ignition. Post wildland fire assessments suggest that this mechanism is one of the leading causes of home destruction in wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. However, the process of ember deposition [...] Read more.
Ember accumulation on and around homes can lead to spot fires and home ignition. Post wildland fire assessments suggest that this mechanism is one of the leading causes of home destruction in wildland urban interface (WUI) fires. However, the process of ember deposition and accumulation on and around houses remains poorly understood. Herein, we develop a deep learning (DL) model to analyze data from a series of ember-related wind tunnel experiments for a range of wind conditions and roof slopes. The developed model is designed to identify building roof regions where embers will remain in contact with the rooftop. Our results show that the DL model is capable of accurately predicting the position and fraction of the roof on which embers remain in place as a function of the wind speed, wind direction, roof slope, and location on the windward and leeward faces of the rooftop. The DL model was augmented with explainable AI (XAI) measures to examine the extent of the influence of these parameters on the rooftop ember coverage and potential ignition. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 5100 KiB  
Article
A Novel Application of Fractional Order Derivative Moth Flame Optimization Algorithm for Solving the Problem of Optimal Coordination of Directional Overcurrent Relays
by Abdul Wadood and Herie Park
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050251 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The proper coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is crucial in electrical power systems. The coordination of DOCRs in a multi-loop power system is expressed as an optimization problem. The aim of this study focuses on improving the protection system’s performance by minimizing [...] Read more.
The proper coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is crucial in electrical power systems. The coordination of DOCRs in a multi-loop power system is expressed as an optimization problem. The aim of this study focuses on improving the protection system’s performance by minimizing the total operating time of DOCRs via effective coordination with main and backup DOCRs while keeping the coordination constraints within allowable limits. The coordination problem of DOCRs is solved by developing a new application strategy called Fractional Order Derivative Moth Flame Optimizer (FODMFO). This approach involves incorporating the ideas of fractional calculus (FC) into the mathematical model of the conventional moth flame algorithm to improve the characteristics of the optimizer. The FODMFO approach is then tested on the coordination problem of DOCRs in standard power systems, specifically the IEEE 3, 8, and 15 bus systems as well as in 11 benchmark functions including uni- and multimodal functions. The results obtained from the proposed method, as well as its comparison with other recently developed algorithms, demonstrate that the combination of FOD and MFO improves the overall efficiency of the optimizer by utilizing the individual strengths of these tools and identifying the globally optimal solution and minimize the total operating time of DOCRs up to an optimal value. The reliability, strength, and dependability of FODMFO are supported by a thorough statistics study using the box-plot, histograms, empirical cumulative distribution function demonstrations, and the minimal fitness evolution seen in each distinct simulation. Based on these data, it is evident that FODMFO outperforms other modern nature-inspired and conventional algorithms. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 707 KiB  
Article
Existence and Uniqueness Result for Fuzzy Fractional Order Goursat Partial Differential Equations
by Muhammad Sarwar, Noor Jamal, Kamaleldin Abodayeh, Chanon Promsakon and Thanin Sitthiwirattham
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050250 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this manuscript, we discuss fractional fuzzy Goursat problems with Caputo’s gH-differentiability. The second-order mixed derivative term in Goursat problems and two types of Caputo’s gH-differentiability pose challenges to dealing with Goursat problems. Therefore, in this study, we convert [...] Read more.
In this manuscript, we discuss fractional fuzzy Goursat problems with Caputo’s gH-differentiability. The second-order mixed derivative term in Goursat problems and two types of Caputo’s gH-differentiability pose challenges to dealing with Goursat problems. Therefore, in this study, we convert Goursat problems to equivalent systems fuzzy integral equations to deal properly with the mixed derivative term and two types of Caputo’s gH-differentiability. In this study, we utilize the concept of metric fixed point theory to discuss the existence of a unique solution of fractional fuzzy Goursat problems. For the useability of established theoretical work, we provide some numerical problems. We also discuss the solutions to numerical problems by conformable double Laplace transform. To show the validity of the solutions we provide 3D plots. We discuss, as an application, why fractional partial fuzzy differential equations are the generalization of usual partial fuzzy differential equations by providing a suitable reason. Moreover, we show the advantages of the proposed fractional transform over the usual Laplace transform. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 758 KiB  
Article
Finite-Time Adaptive Event-Triggered Control for Full States Constrained FONSs with Uncertain Parameters and Disturbances
by Changhui Wang, Wencheng Li and Mei Liang
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050249 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article focuses the event-triggered adaptive finite-time control scheme for the states constrained fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs) under uncertain parameters and external disturbances. The backstepping scheme is employed to construct the finite-time controller via a series of barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) to solve [...] Read more.
This article focuses the event-triggered adaptive finite-time control scheme for the states constrained fractional-order nonlinear systems (FONSs) under uncertain parameters and external disturbances. The backstepping scheme is employed to construct the finite-time controller via a series of barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) to solve that all the state constraints are not violated. Different from the trigger condition with fixed value, the event-triggered strategy is applied to overcome the communication burden of controller caused by the limited communication resources. By utilizing fractional-order Lyapunov analysis, all variables in the resulted system are proven to be bounded, and the tracking error converges to the small neighborhood around origin in finite time and without the Zeno behavior. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by the simulation analysis of a bus power system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fractional Order Systems and Robust Control, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop