The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
16 pages, 3722 KiB  
Article
Pollution Characteristics and Sources of Ambient Air Dustfall in Urban Area of Beijing
by Yin Zhou, Beibei Li, Yuhu Huang, Yu Zhao, Hongling Yang and Jianping Qin
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050544 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Since 2016, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Beijing Municipal Government have adjusted the minimum concentration limit for ambient air dustfall several times, indicating that they attach great importance to dustfall. To grasp the pollution characteristics and sources of dustfall, in [...] Read more.
Since 2016, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Beijing Municipal Government have adjusted the minimum concentration limit for ambient air dustfall several times, indicating that they attach great importance to dustfall. To grasp the pollution characteristics and sources of dustfall, in this work, the filtration method was used to determine the insoluble dustfall and water-soluble dustfall in the urban area of Beijing. From our analysis, the influence of the meteorological parameters on dustfall was found, and the chemical components of dustfall were determined. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was also utilized to analyze the sources of dustfall. The results indicated that the average amount of dustfall in 2021–2022 was 4.4 t·(km2·30 d)−1, and the proportion of insoluble dustfall deposition was 82.4%. Dustfall was positively correlated with the average wind speed and temperature and negatively correlated with the relative humidity and rain precipitation. The impact of the meteorological parameters on insoluble dustfall and water-soluble dustfall was the opposite. The average proportions of crustal material, ions, organic matter, element carbon, trace elements, and unknown components were 48%, 16%, 14%, 1.4%, 0.20%, and 20%, respectively. The proportions of the crustal material and ions were the highest in spring (57%) and summer (37%). The contribution rates of fugitive dust source, secondary inorganic source, mobile source, coal combustion source, snow melting agent source, and other sources were 42.4%, 19.3%, 8.3%, 3.0%, 2.7%, and 24.3%, respectively. This study supported dustfall pollution control by analysing the pollutant characteristics and sources of dustfall from the standpoint of total chemical components. In order to better control dustfall pollution, control measures and evaluation standards for fugitive dust pollution should be formulated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Urban Air Pollution)
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12 pages, 4028 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Characterization, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Capacity from Stenocereus queretaroensis: Mexican Endemic Fruits with High Potential Functionality
by Alma Delia Noriega-Juárez, Yolanda Nolasco-González, Jesús Vázquez-Mora, María de Lourdes García-Magaña and Efigenia Montalvo-González
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050451 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Stenocereus queretaroensis fruits are endemic to Mexico. They have an excellent advantage in cultivation because they require little water and fertilizers. These plants do not require fungicides and herbicides, drastically reducing production costs. However, the nutritional contribution and potential health benefits of S. [...] Read more.
Stenocereus queretaroensis fruits are endemic to Mexico. They have an excellent advantage in cultivation because they require little water and fertilizers. These plants do not require fungicides and herbicides, drastically reducing production costs. However, the nutritional contribution and potential health benefits of S. queretaroensis fruits are unknown. The physicochemical characterization, the content of bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant capacity (AOX) of four S. queretaroensis fruits (red, purple, yellow, and white) were evaluated. All fruits had a low sugar content (7.04–8.96%) and provided 4–5% dietary fiber. The purple and red fruits presented 19.7–20.29 mg/100 g fresh weight (fw) of total betalains, respectively, while the yellow fruit presented 9.21 mg/100 g fw of total carotenoids. The total soluble phenols were 54.86–62.14 mg/100 g fw. Flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic, and hydroxybenzoic acids were also found in all fruits in ascending order. The red fruit exhibited the highest AOX, followed by the yellow, purple, and white fruits. In conclusion, these fruits are a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, highlighting that they provide 20% of daily consumption of dietary fiber and have a low caloric content. S. queretaroensis fruits, therefore, may have a high potential functionality, especially in people with diabetes and living with obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)
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12 pages, 2559 KiB  
Article
CoM-ZSM5 (M = Zn and Ni) Zeolites for an Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
by Jadranka Milikić, Srna Stojanović, Katarina Rondović, Ljiljana Damjanović-Vasilić, Vladislav Rac and Biljana Šljukić
Processes 2024, 12(5), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050907 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
An ion-exchange procedure of synthetic zeolite ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) was used to prepare three cobalt ZSM-5 zeolites (CoM-ZSM5 (M = Zn and Ni)) that were examined for OERs in alkaline media. The structural, morphological, and surface properties of the prepared materials were [...] Read more.
An ion-exchange procedure of synthetic zeolite ZSM-5 (Si/Al = 15) was used to prepare three cobalt ZSM-5 zeolites (CoM-ZSM5 (M = Zn and Ni)) that were examined for OERs in alkaline media. The structural, morphological, and surface properties of the prepared materials were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. All three electrocatalysts showed OER activity where CoNi-ZSM5 presented the highest current density (9.5 mA cm−2 at 2 V), the lowest Tafel slope (134 mV dec−1), and the lowest resistances of the charge transfer reaction (31.5 Ω). Overpotential (ηonset) at an onset potential of 410 mV for both CoNi-ZSM5 and Co-ZSM5 and 440 mV for CoZn-ZSM5 electrodes was observed. Co-ZSM5 showed somewhat lower OER catalytic activity than CoNi-ZSM5, while CoZn-ZSM5 demonstrated the lowest OER catalytic activity. The Rct of CoZn-ZSM5 is significantly higher than the Rct of CoNi-ZSM5, which could lead to their different OER activities. Good OER stability and low price are the main advantages of the synthesized CoM-ZSM5 samples in this study. Full article
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12 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
Repair of Rat Calvarial Critical-Sized Defects Using Heparin-Conjugated Fibrin Hydrogel Containing BMP-2 and Adipose-Derived Pericytes
by Gulshakhar Kudaibergen, Sholpan Mukhlis, Ainur Mukhambetova, Assel Issabekova, Aliya Sekenova, Madina Sarsenova, Abay Temirzhan, Murat Baidarbekov, Baurzhan Umbayev and Vyacheslav Ogay
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050437 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The repair of critical-sized calvarial defects is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgery. One of the promising strategies of bone bioengineering to enhance the efficacy of large bone defect regeneration is the combined delivery of stem cells with osteoinductive factors within polymer carriers. [...] Read more.
The repair of critical-sized calvarial defects is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgery. One of the promising strategies of bone bioengineering to enhance the efficacy of large bone defect regeneration is the combined delivery of stem cells with osteoinductive factors within polymer carriers. The purpose of the research was to study the regenerative effects of heparin-conjugated fibrin (HCF) hydrogel containing bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and adipose-derived pericytes (ADPs) in a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model. In vitro analysis revealed that the HCF hydrogel was able to control the BMP-2 release and induce alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in neonatal rat osteoblasts. In addition, it was found that eluted BMP-2 significantly induced the osteogenic differentiation of ADPs. It was characterized by the increased ALP activity, osteocalcin expression and calcium deposits in ADPs. In vivo studies have shown that both HCF hydrogel with BMP-2 and HCF hydrogel with pericytes are able to significantly increase the regeneration of critical-sized calvarial defects in comparison with the control group. Nevertheless, the greatest regenerative effect was found after the co-delivery of ADPs and BMP-2 into a critical-sized calvarial defect. Thus, our findings suggest that the combined delivery of ADPs and BMP-2 in HCF hydrogel holds promise to be applied as an alternative biopolymer for the critical-sized bone defect restoration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone Tissue Engineering and Translational Research)
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16 pages, 5451 KiB  
Article
Further Insight into the Manganese(II) 2,2′-Bipyridine-1,1′-dioxide Homoleptic Complex: Single-Crystal X-ray Structure Determination of the Perchlorate Salt and DFT Calculations
by Jesús Castro, Valentina Ferraro and Marco Bortoluzzi
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050422 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The homoleptic cationic complex formed by reacting suitable manganese(II) salts with 2,2′-bipyridine-1,1′-dioxide (bipyO2) has been subjected to several studies in the past because of its peculiar absorption and electrochemical features. Here, the first single-crystal X-ray structure determination of a [Mn(bipyO2 [...] Read more.
The homoleptic cationic complex formed by reacting suitable manganese(II) salts with 2,2′-bipyridine-1,1′-dioxide (bipyO2) has been subjected to several studies in the past because of its peculiar absorption and electrochemical features. Here, the first single-crystal X-ray structure determination of a [Mn(bipyO2)3]2+ salt is reported, where the charge of the cation is balanced by perchlorate anions. The hydrated salt [Mn(bipyO2)3](ClO4)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system (P21/n space group) and the asymmetric unit contains three cationic complexes and six perchlorate anions. The environment of the manganese(II) ions is best described as octahedral, with scarce variations among the three cations in the asymmetric unit. The bipyO2 ligands exhibit κ2 coordination mode, forming seven-membered metallacycles. The X-ray outcomes have been used as the starting point for DFT and TDDFT calculations, aimed to elucidate the charge transfer origin of the noticeable absorption in the visible range. The MLCT nature is confirmed by the hole and electron distributions associated with the spin-allowed transitions. DFT calculations on the related manganese(III) complex indicate that the geometry of [Mn(bipyO2)3]2+ changes only slightly upon oxidation, in agreement with the reversible electrochemical behaviour experimentally observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)
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19 pages, 12042 KiB  
Article
HYPOSO Map Viewer: A Web-Based Atlas of Small-Scale Hydropower for Selected African and Latin American Countries
by Petras Punys, Linas Jurevičius and Andrius Balčiūnas
Water 2024, 16(9), 1276; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091276 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In many countries, the advancement of hydropower resources has been hindered by economic factors and insufficient data on topography, streamflow, environmental sensitivity, power grid, and, most importantly, the location of potential hydropower sites. This challenge is particularly pronounced in certain African and Latin [...] Read more.
In many countries, the advancement of hydropower resources has been hindered by economic factors and insufficient data on topography, streamflow, environmental sensitivity, power grid, and, most importantly, the location of potential hydropower sites. This challenge is particularly pronounced in certain African and Latin American river systems. Developing web-based maps of hydropower resources based on geographic information systems and advanced mapping technologies can facilitate the initial assessment of hydropower sites. This is especially relevant for developing sites in remote areas and data-scarce regions. The available geospatial datasets, remote sensing technologies, and advanced GIS modelling techniques can be used to identify potential hydropower sites and assess their preliminary characteristics. This paper reviews web-based hydropower atlases in African and Latin American countries. Their main features are represented and compared with the recently launched HYPOSO map viewer covering two African countries (Cameroon and Uganda) and three Latin American countries (Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador). This hydropower atlas consists of 20 spatial layers. Its particular focus is to present a geospatial dataset of new hydropower sites with concise information for potential investors. These so-called virtual hydropower atlases can be only one type of discovery at the early project stage, automatically identifying sites worthy of further investigation. A formal validation of the web-based atlases, including the HYPOSO hydropower atlas, is briefly considered. Creating open-access hydropower map viewers is anticipated to significantly enhance the hydropower development database in these nations, offering valuable insights for small and medium-scale projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water-Energy Nexus)
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29 pages, 1066 KiB  
Review
Beyond Chemotherapy: Present and Future Perspectives in the Treatment of Lymphoproliferative Disorders
by Fulvio Massaro, Fabio Andreozzi, Tom Abrassart, Julie Castiaux, Hanne Massa, Ornella Rizzo and Marie Vercruyssen
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050977 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Over the past three decades, the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders has undergone profound changes, notably due to the increasing availability of innovative therapies with the potential to redefine clinical management paradigms. A major impact is related to the development of monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint [...] Read more.
Over the past three decades, the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders has undergone profound changes, notably due to the increasing availability of innovative therapies with the potential to redefine clinical management paradigms. A major impact is related to the development of monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapies. This review discusses the current landscape of clinical trials targeting various hematological malignancies, highlighting promising early-phase results and strategies to overcome resistance. Lymphoproliferative disorders encompass a range of conditions: while in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) the goal is to reduce chemotherapy-related toxicity by integrating immunotherapy into the frontline setting, peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) lacks effective targeted therapies. The review emphasizes a shifting therapeutic landscape towards precision medicine and treatment modalities that are less toxic yet more effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Lymphoma)
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3 pages, 706 KiB  
Editorial
The Role of Photophysics in Photochemistry
by Dirk Poelman
Photochem 2024, 4(2), 219-221; https://doi.org/10.3390/photochem4020013 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Photochemistry is a broad subject [...] Full article
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13 pages, 1324 KiB  
Article
High Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Bycatch Rate along with Several Endangered Target Species: Two Reasons to Look for Alternative to Traditional Large-Mesh Bottom-Set Gillnets (Garrasia) for More Sustainable Fisheries in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia)
by Maissa Louhichi, Alexandre Girard and Imed Jribi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093713 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fishery bycatch poses a significant threat to sea turtles. This study provides an updated assessment of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the Gulf of Gabès, focusing on the impact of the Garrasia gillnets. Through 61 onboard observations conducted alongside fishermen [...] Read more.
Fishery bycatch poses a significant threat to sea turtles. This study provides an updated assessment of Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) bycatch in the Gulf of Gabès, focusing on the impact of the Garrasia gillnets. Through 61 onboard observations conducted alongside fishermen in Zarzis deploying a bottom-set gillnet, called “Garrasia”, and targeting elasmobranch species, comprehensive data were collected, including the number of sea turtles captured, soak time, length of gillnets, location, and biometric data of sea turtles. Analysis revealed a catch per unit effort (CPUE) for sea turtles of 0.63 (95% CI [0.355–0.893]) turtles per kilometer per 24 h with a notably high mortality rate of 92.06% (95% CI [87.3–96.8]). In the Gulf of Gabès, 23 vessels are reported to use Garrasia, resulting in an estimated annual total capture of 3756.53 turtles with a 95% CI [1907.81–5902.30]. These findings underscore the significant impact of Garrasia on sea turtle populations in the Gulf of Gabès. The study calls for immediate collaborative efforts among researchers, local stakeholders, authorities and fishermen to elaborate balanced conservation strategies that consider both ecological sustainability and socio-economic factors, aiming to achieve a sustainable marine ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystem Sustainability)
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15 pages, 757 KiB  
Article
Ultraviolet-C Light and Peracetic Acid Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh and Frozen Strawberries
by Iolanda Nicolau-Lapeña, Jordi Ortiz, Inmaculada Viñas, Maribel Abadias, Gloria Bobo and Ingrid Aguiló-Aguayo
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050452 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The postharvest life of strawberries is short, and disinfection processes for fresh-cut and frozen strawberries are needed to address the risk posed by foodborne pathogens in this kind of product. For this, a process involving immersion in a 40 mg L−1 peracetic [...] Read more.
The postharvest life of strawberries is short, and disinfection processes for fresh-cut and frozen strawberries are needed to address the risk posed by foodborne pathogens in this kind of product. For this, a process involving immersion in a 40 mg L−1 peracetic acid (PA) solution accompanied by the use of an emerging technology, ultraviolet-C for 2 min, was studied for its impact on strawberry quality and microbial load as a novel alternative method to chlorine sanitation. The shelf life of the washed strawberries was evaluated in fresh (whole or fresh-cut) product for 11 days at 4 °C and in product that had been frozen for 12 months at –20 °C (air or modified atmosphere, 20% CO2, 5% O2, and 75% N2). After washing, total aerobic mesophylls, yeast, and mold decreased by 0.5–1.0 log units and these counts remained low during storage. The fresh and fresh-cut fruits’ firmness (2.3 ± 0.5 N at day 11) and lightness (expressed by L*, averaging 31.0 ± 0.1) were maintained. Although antioxidant activity, expressed by the amount of radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), decreased during storage in fresh-cut samples, total ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content, and total anthocyanin content were maintained in all the formats during storage (averaging 1.33 ± 0.04 g kg−1 ascorbic acid equivalents, 0.212 ± 0.01 g kg−1 gallic acid equivalents, and 0.03 ± 0.01 g kg−1 pelargonidine-3-glucoside). An increase in red color (from 32.1 to 39.3 a* values) and a loss of firmness of up to 46.8% was observed after the first month of frozen storage with no changes in the nutritional quality. Considering the sanitizing effect of water UV-C with peracetic acid (WUVPA) and the results obtained in the present study, the addition of this process in the production chain of strawberries could be an effective method to maintain the shelf life of the fruits, especially for fresh-cut strawberries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)
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23 pages, 32973 KiB  
Article
From Nucleation to Fat Crystal Network: Effects of Stearic–Palmitic Sucrose Ester on Static Crystallization of Palm Oil
by Fien De Witte, Ivana A. Penagos, Davy Van de Walle, Andre G. Skirtach, Koen Dewettinck and Filip Van Bockstaele
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1372; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091372 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Palm oil (PO), a semi-solid fat at room temperature, is a popular food ingredient. To steer the fat functionality, sucrose esters (SEs) are often used as food additives. Many SEs exist, varying in their hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB), making them suitable for various food [...] Read more.
Palm oil (PO), a semi-solid fat at room temperature, is a popular food ingredient. To steer the fat functionality, sucrose esters (SEs) are often used as food additives. Many SEs exist, varying in their hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance (HLB), making them suitable for various food and non-food applications. In this study, a stearic–palmitic sucrose ester with a moderate HLB (6) was studied. It was found that the SE exhibited a complex thermal behavior consistent with smectic liquid crystals (type A). Small-angle X-ray scattering revealed that the mono- and poly-esters of the SE have different packings, more specifically, double and single chain-length packing. The polymorphism encountered upon crystallization was repeatable during successive heating and cooling cycles. After studying the pure SE, it was added to palm oil, and the crystallization behavior of the mixture was compared to that of pure palm oil. The crystallization conditions were varied by applying cooling at 20 °C/min (fast) and 1 °C/min (slow) to 0 °C, 20 °C or 25 °C. The samples were followed for one hour of isothermal time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that nucleation and polymorphic transitions were accelerated. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) unraveled that the α-to-β′ polymorphic transition remained present upon the addition of the SE. SAXS showed that the addition of the SE at 0.5 wt% did not significantly change the double chain-length packing of palm oil, but it decreased the domain size when cooling in a fast manner. Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) revealed that the addition of the SE created smaller crystal nanoplatelets (CNPs). The microstructure of the fat crystal network was visualized by means of polarized light microscopy (PLM) and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). The addition of the SE created a finer and space-filling network without the visibility of separate floc structures. Full article
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13 pages, 5393 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Relevance of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-Binding Protein to the Wound Healing Process: An In Vivo Study Using Photobiomodulation Treatment
by Sungyeon Kim, Jion Park, Younghoon Choi, Hongbae Jeon and Namkyu Lim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094838 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Monitoring inflammatory cytokines is crucial for assessing healing process and photobiomodulation (PBM) enhances wound healing. Meanwhile, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a regulator of cellular metabolism and proliferation. This study explored potential links between inflammatory cytokines and the activity of CREB in [...] Read more.
Monitoring inflammatory cytokines is crucial for assessing healing process and photobiomodulation (PBM) enhances wound healing. Meanwhile, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a regulator of cellular metabolism and proliferation. This study explored potential links between inflammatory cytokines and the activity of CREB in PBM-treated wounds. A total of 48 seven-week-old male SD rats were divided into four groups (wound location, skin or oral; treatment method, natural healing or PBM treatment). Wounds with a 6 mm diameter round shape were treated five times with an 808 nm laser every other day (total 60 J). The wound area was measured with a caliper and calculated using the elliptical formula. Histological analysis assessed the epidermal regeneration and collagen expression of skin and oral tissue with H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining. Pro-inflammatory (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β) cytokines were quantified by RT-PCR. The ratio of phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) to unphosphorylated CREB was identified through Western blot. PBM treatment significantly reduced the size of the wounds on day 3 and day 7, particularly in the skin wound group (p < 0.05 on day 3, p < 0.001 on day 7). The density of collagen expression was significantly higher in the PBM treatment group (in skin wound, p < 0.05 on day 3, p < 0.001 on day 7, and p < 0.05 on day 14; in oral wound, p < 0.01 on day 7). The TGF-β/TNF-α ratio and the p-CREB/CREB ratio showed a parallel trend during wound healing. Our findings suggested that the CREB has potential as a meaningful marker to track the wound healing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wound Repair and Regeneration 2023)
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15 pages, 2709 KiB  
Article
Warm-Mix Asphalt Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement: A Case Study in Switzerland
by Nicolas Bueche, Samuel Probst and Shahin Eskandarsefat
Infrastructures 2024, 9(5), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9050079 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Among the technologies proposed for achieving carbon neutralization in asphalt road pavements, warm-mix asphalt (WMA) has garnered increasing attention in recent years. While WMA holds the potential for various environmental and technical benefits, a comprehensive understanding of its implementation, technology selection, and additives [...] Read more.
Among the technologies proposed for achieving carbon neutralization in asphalt road pavements, warm-mix asphalt (WMA) has garnered increasing attention in recent years. While WMA holds the potential for various environmental and technical benefits, a comprehensive understanding of its implementation, technology selection, and additives is essential for successful application. This study presents a case where a bio-based chemical additive was employed to produce WMA containing 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) for a surface course in Bern, Switzerland. To minimize additional variables during testing and analysis, no other additive or rejuvenator was introduced into the mixtures. The testing plan encompassed laboratory tests on samples collected during material placement and recompacted at varying temperatures in the laboratory, as well as cores extracted from the job site. As anticipated, the presence of the chemical WMA additive did not alter the rheological properties of the reference bitumen. Although in the mixture-scale tests, the WMA mixture exhibited comparable properties to the control hot-mix asphalt (HMA), it is not expected that the small dosage of the chemical additive functions the same grade after reheating and compaction. Nevertheless, the cores extracted from the job site proved the efficiency of the applied WMA technology. In addition, consistent with existing literature, the cracking tolerance (CT) index values of 62 for HMA and 114 and 104.9 for WMA mixtures indicated that the latter is less susceptible to cracking. Consequently, this characteristic could contribute to the enhanced durability of asphalt pavements. Full article
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30 pages, 7655 KiB  
Article
A Sinh–Cosh-Enhanced DBO Algorithm Applied to Global Optimization Problems
by Xiong Wang, Yaxin Wei, Zihao Guo, Jihong Wang, Hui Yu and Bin Hu
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050271 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm, devised by Jiankai Xue in 2022, is known for its strong optimization capabilities and fast convergence. However, it does have certain limitations, including insufficiently random population initialization, slow search speed, and inadequate global search capabilities. Drawing inspiration [...] Read more.
The Dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm, devised by Jiankai Xue in 2022, is known for its strong optimization capabilities and fast convergence. However, it does have certain limitations, including insufficiently random population initialization, slow search speed, and inadequate global search capabilities. Drawing inspiration from the mathematical properties of the Sinh and Cosh functions, we proposed a new metaheuristic algorithm, Sinh–Cosh Dung Beetle Optimization (SCDBO). By leveraging the Sinh and Cosh functions to disrupt the initial distribution of DBO and balance the development of rollerball dung beetles, SCDBO enhances the search efficiency and global exploration capabilities of DBO through nonlinear enhancements. These improvements collectively enhance the performance of the dung beetle optimization algorithm, making it more adept at solving complex real-world problems. To evaluate the performance of the SCDBO algorithm, we compared it with seven typical algorithms using the CEC2017 test functions. Additionally, by successfully applying it to three engineering problems, robot arm design, pressure vessel problem, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning, we further demonstrate the superiority of the SCDBO algorithm. Full article
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21 pages, 6200 KiB  
Article
Experiments on the Efficacy of Drawing for Memorization among Adults and Children with Varying Written Word Memory Capacities: A Two-Way Crossover Design
by Unnur Guðrún Óttarsdóttir
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050470 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, the comparative effectiveness of drawing and writing for memory has been investigated, but the findings have mostly been analyzed for the entire sample of participants rather than subgroups. In quantitative two-way crossover experiments involving 134 children and 262 adults, drawing [...] Read more.
In recent years, the comparative effectiveness of drawing and writing for memory has been investigated, but the findings have mostly been analyzed for the entire sample of participants rather than subgroups. In quantitative two-way crossover experiments involving 134 children and 262 adults, drawing for memorization as compared to writing was investigated. The participants were divided into subgroups based on their ability to recall the greatest, moderate, or fewest words and drawings. The difference in the number of recalled words and drawings was then compared between subgroups with varying memory capacities for written words and drawings. Participants who had difficulty remembering written words recalled more drawings than written words relative to participants who remembered written words more easily—this applied to shorter- and longer-term memory. To determine the applicability of the findings to various contexts, the following conditions were varied in four separate experiments: participant age, duration of encoding and recall, number of words memorized, interval between encoding and recall, and the research setting. Drawing benefited memory more than writing in all tested scenarios for the subgroup that remembered the fewest number of words. The new finding of the study is that people who have difficulty remembering written words benefit the most from drawing for memorization compared to those who remember written words more easily and this applies to the various tested conditions. Full article
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14 pages, 1200 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Treatment Success in Cholesteatoma Management: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Sarah Alshehri, Mohammed Abdullah M. Al Shalwan, Abdulkhaliq Abdullah A. Oraydan, Abdulrahman Saeed H. Almuaddi and Ahmed Jubran A. Alghanim
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2606; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092606 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cholesteatoma presents significant management challenges in otolaryngology. This study aimed to delineate the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging, and surgical approaches on treatment success in cholesteatoma management. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Otolaryngology Department of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cholesteatoma presents significant management challenges in otolaryngology. This study aimed to delineate the influence of demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging, and surgical approaches on treatment success in cholesteatoma management. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Otolaryngology Department of the University Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022. It included 68 patients diagnosed with cholesteatoma, focusing on three objectives: assessing the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on treatment outcomes, evaluating the predictive value of preoperative imaging findings, and analyzing the influence of surgical factors. Results: The study population predominantly consisted of male (56%) and Saudi (81%) patients, with an average age of 45 years. Logistic regression revealed that older age (OR: 1.05), male gender (OR: 0.63), and non-Saudi Arab ethnicity (OR: 2.14) significantly impacted treatment outcomes. Clinical characteristics such as severe disease severity (OR: 3.00) and longer symptom duration (OR: 0.96) also influenced treatment success. In preoperative imaging, labyrinthine fistula (Regression Coefficient: 0.63) and epidural extension (Coefficient: 0.55) emerged as key predictors. The surgical factors that significantly affected the outcomes included the extent of surgery (Complete Removal OR: 3.32) and the use of endoscopic approaches (OR: 1.42). Conclusions: This study highlights that patient demographics, clinical profiles, specific preoperative imaging features, and surgical strategies multifactorially determine cholesteatoma treatment success. These findings suggest the necessity for a tailored approach in cholesteatoma management, reinforcing the importance of individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive preoperative assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ear Surgery)
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24 pages, 1612 KiB  
Article
Fermenting Acerola (Malpighia emarginata D.C.) and Guava (Psidium guayaba L.) Fruit Processing Co-Products with Probiotic Lactobacilli to Produce Novel Potentially Synbiotic Circular Ingredients
by Caroliny M. Araújo, Thatyane Mariano R. de Albuquerque, Karoliny B. Sampaio, Jordana N. de Oliveira, Jaielison Yandro P. da Silva, Marcos dos S. Lima, Yuri M. do Nascimento, Evandro F. da Silva, Marcelo S. da Silva, Josean F. Tavares, Evandro L. de Souza and Maria Elieidy G. de Oliveira
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091375 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of acerola and guava fruit processing co-products fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-10 on the abundance of different intestinal bacterial groups and microbial metabolic activity during 48 h of in vitro fecal fermentation. Digested [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of acerola and guava fruit processing co-products fermented with probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-05 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L-10 on the abundance of different intestinal bacterial groups and microbial metabolic activity during 48 h of in vitro fecal fermentation. Digested fermented fruit co-products increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial groups while overall decreasing or maintaining the relative abundance of non-beneficial bacterial groups, suggesting selective stimulatory effects on beneficial bacterial intestinal populations. The fermented co-products stimulated microbial metabolic activity due to decreased pH, sugar consumption, short-chain fatty acid production, phenolic compound and metabolic profile alteration, and high antioxidant capacity during fecal fermentation. Acerola and guava co-products have high nutritional value and bioactive compounds whose fermentation with probiotics improves their potential functionalities. The results show that fermented fruit co-products could induce beneficial changes in the relative abundance of several bacterial groups as well as in the metabolic activity of the human intestinal microbiota. These results highlight their potential as novel and circular candidates for use as synbiotic ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Approach to Produce Sustainable and Healthy Foods)
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22 pages, 7964 KiB  
Article
The Temporal and Spatial Evolution Characteristics of the Ecosystem Service Value and Conversion Rate in China’s Key State-Owned Forest Regions
by Xianqiao Huang, Jingye Li, Yue Ren, Yukun Cao and Bo Cao
Forests 2024, 15(5), 781; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050781 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
To achieve a sustainable development path that harmonizes ecological and economic considerations, China has advocated the “two mountains” concept: “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. This idea posits that those who protect the environment can economically benefit by selling pristine landscapes [...] Read more.
To achieve a sustainable development path that harmonizes ecological and economic considerations, China has advocated the “two mountains” concept: “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. This idea posits that those who protect the environment can economically benefit by selling pristine landscapes and utilizing rich ecological resources. This paper use “the equivalence factor method” to calculate ecological benefits, introduces a technical measure—the conversion rate of ecosystem service value—and analyzes its temporal and spatial evolution from 2003 to 2020 in the operational areas of 87 state-owned forestry enterprises in Northeast China. The findings show: (1) a significant improvement in ecosystem-service quality, with its value increasing from 404.7 to 850.2 billion CNY between 2003 and 2020. The restoration of the ecological environment in China’s KSFR provides a foundation for economic and social development. (2) A decrease in the economic gains derived by operators from developing protected ecosystems, with the most significant decline observed in economic benefits generated from the supply product, including timber harvesting. However, the industrial structure in KSFR shifted from being dominated by timber production to diversified development, with non-timber forest resources becoming an important part of regional economic growth. (3) Significant potential for realizing the value of ecosystem services, evidenced by an increasing trend in the conversion rates of cultural, regulatory, and supporting services. These findings underscore the effectiveness of China’s natural forest protection and restoration policies in optimizing forest ecology and realizing the “two mountains” concept through appropriate market transactions and ecological compensation mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changes in the Value of Forest Resources: Impacts of Human Activities)
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11 pages, 5720 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Positive Temperature Coefficient Resistivity of Nb-Doped Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 Ceramics
by Yifei Wang and Xiaoyang Chen
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050419 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The demands of low-Curie-temperature (~−10 °C) positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors are increasing in advanced precision integrated circuits and other industries. In this paper, the Nb-doped Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3(BST)-based PTC resistivity materials are reported. The effects of the sintering [...] Read more.
The demands of low-Curie-temperature (~−10 °C) positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors are increasing in advanced precision integrated circuits and other industries. In this paper, the Nb-doped Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3(BST)-based PTC resistivity materials are reported. The effects of the sintering process, especially the cooling rate on the PTC properties of the material, are investigated. The results indicate that the Ba0.55Sr0.45Ti0.9985Nb0.0015O3 composition of the prepared PTC ceramics demonstrates promising PTC characteristics. These include a Curie temperature as low as −13 °C, a high temperature coefficient of 0.296 at −3.4 °C, a large enough resistivity change of 3.1 over a narrow phase transition temperature range of approximately 38 °C, and moderate resistivity below the Curie temperature. Such properties suggest that the Ba0.55Sr0.45Ti0.9985Nb0.0015O3 ceramics are likely suitable for use in thermal management systems designed for low-temperature control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crystal Structure and Dielectric Properties of Ceramics)
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28 pages, 524 KiB  
Review
Integrative Interventions for Improving Outcomes in Depression: A Narrative Review
by Matthew Halma, Christof Plothe and Paul E. Marik
Psychol. Int. 2024, 6(2), 550-577; https://doi.org/10.3390/psycholint6020033 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Antidepressants are among the most used medications in the US, with significant deleterious effects on people’s well-being. At any given time, depression impacts approximately 1 in 10 Americans, causing wide and broad societal costs. Interest is developing for non-pharmacological treatments and preventative measures. [...] Read more.
Antidepressants are among the most used medications in the US, with significant deleterious effects on people’s well-being. At any given time, depression impacts approximately 1 in 10 Americans, causing wide and broad societal costs. Interest is developing for non-pharmacological treatments and preventative measures. We summarize the literature on non-invasive dietary and lifestyle approaches for treating depression. This review aims to inform future research and treatment programs for depression by providing an evidentiary summary of integrative therapeutic approaches for depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Brain Disorders)
15 pages, 3121 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Model Stability for Sub-Regional Classification of Barossa Valley Shiraz Wine Using A-TEEM Spectroscopy
by Han Wang and David W. Jeffery
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1376; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091376 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
With a view to maintaining the reputation of wine-producing regions among consumers, minimising economic losses caused by wine fraud, and achieving the purpose of data-driven terroir classification, the use of an absorbance–transmission and fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (A-TEEM) technique has shown great potential based [...] Read more.
With a view to maintaining the reputation of wine-producing regions among consumers, minimising economic losses caused by wine fraud, and achieving the purpose of data-driven terroir classification, the use of an absorbance–transmission and fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (A-TEEM) technique has shown great potential based on the molecular fingerprinting of a sample. The effects of changes in wine composition due to ageing and the stability of A-TEEM models over time had not been addressed, however, and the classification of wine blends required investigation. Thus, A-TEEM data were combined with an extreme gradient boosting discriminant analysis (XGBDA) algorithm to build classification models based on a range of Shiraz research wines (n = 217) from five Barossa Valley sub-regions over four vintages that had aged in bottle for several years. This spectral fingerprinting and machine learning approach revealed a 100% class prediction accuracy based on cross-validation (CV) model results for vintage year and 98.8% for unknown sample prediction accuracy when splitting the wine samples into training and test sets to obtain the classification models. The modelling and prediction of sub-regional production area showed a class CV prediction accuracy of 99.5% and an unknown sample prediction accuracy of 93.8% when modelling with the split dataset. Inputting a sub-set of the current A-TEEM data into the models generated previously for these Barossa sub-region wines yielded a 100% accurate prediction of vintage year for 2018–2020 wines, 92% accuracy for sub-region for 2018 wines, and 91% accuracy for sub-region using 2021 wine spectral data that were not included in the original modelling. Satisfactory results were also obtained from the modelling and prediction of blended samples for the vintages and sub-regions, which is of significance when considering the practice of wine blending. Full article
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15 pages, 1248 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Metabolism in Brain Ischemia and Preconditioning: Two Sides of the Same Coin
by Elena D’Apolito, Maria Josè Sisalli, Michele Tufano, Lucio Annunziato and Antonella Scorziello
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050547 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Brain ischemia is one of the major causes of chronic disability and death worldwide. It is related to insufficient blood supply to cerebral tissue, which induces irreversible or reversible intracellular effects depending on the time and intensity of the ischemic event. Indeed, neuronal [...] Read more.
Brain ischemia is one of the major causes of chronic disability and death worldwide. It is related to insufficient blood supply to cerebral tissue, which induces irreversible or reversible intracellular effects depending on the time and intensity of the ischemic event. Indeed, neuronal function may be restored in some conditions, such as transient ischemic attack (TIA), which may be responsible for protecting against a subsequent lethal ischemic insult. It is well known that the brain requires high levels of oxygen and glucose to ensure cellular metabolism and energy production and that damage caused by oxygen impairment is tightly related to the brain’s low antioxidant capacity. Oxygen is a key player in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), during which reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis can occur as a physiological side-product of the process. Indeed, besides producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) under normal physiological conditions, mitochondria are the primary source of ROS within the cell. This is because, in 0.2–2% of cases, the escape of electrons from complex I (NADPH-dehydrogenase) and III of the electron transport chain occurring in mitochondria during ATP synthesis leads to the production of the superoxide radical anion (O2•−), which exerts detrimental intracellular effects owing to its high molecular instability. Along with ROS, reactive nitrosative species (RNS) also contribute to the production of free radicals. When the accumulation of ROS and RNS occurs, it can cause membrane lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. Here, we describe the intracellular pathways activated in brain tissue after a lethal/sub lethal ischemic event like stroke or ischemic tolerance, respectively, highlighting the important role played by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset of the two different ischemic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Its Role in Ischemic Stroke)
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15 pages, 485 KiB  
Article
A Survey of Binary Code Similarity Detection Techniques
by Liting Ruan, Qizhen Xu, Shunzhi Zhu, Xujing Huang and Xinyang Lin
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1715; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091715 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Binary Code Similarity Detection is a method that involves comparing two or more binary code segments to identify their similarities and differences. This technique plays a crucial role in areas such as software security, vulnerability detection, and software composition analysis. With the extensive [...] Read more.
Binary Code Similarity Detection is a method that involves comparing two or more binary code segments to identify their similarities and differences. This technique plays a crucial role in areas such as software security, vulnerability detection, and software composition analysis. With the extensive use of binary code in software development and system optimization, binary code similarity detection has become an important area of research. Traditional methods of source code similarity detection face challenges when dealing with the unreadable and complex nature of binary code, necessitating specialized techniques and algorithms. This review compares and summarizes various techniques and methods of binary code similarity detection, highlighting their strengths and limitations in handling different characteristics of binary code. Additionally, the article suggests potential future research directions. As research and innovation in this technology continue to advance, binary code similarity detection is expected to play an increasingly significant role in fields like software security. Full article
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