The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
16 pages, 2485 KiB  
Article
Poor Decision Making and Sociability Impairment Following Central Serotonin Reduction in Inducible TPH2-Knockdown Rats
by Lucille Alonso, Polina Peeva, Tania Fernández-del Valle Alquicira, Narda Erdelyi, Ángel Gil Nolskog, Michael Bader, York Winter, Natalia Alenina and Marion Rivalan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 5003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095003 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Serotonin is an essential neuromodulator for mental health and animals’ socio-cognitive abilities. However, we previously found that a constitutive depletion of central serotonin did not impair rat cognitive abilities in stand-alone tests. Here, we investigated how a mild and acute decrease in brain [...] Read more.
Serotonin is an essential neuromodulator for mental health and animals’ socio-cognitive abilities. However, we previously found that a constitutive depletion of central serotonin did not impair rat cognitive abilities in stand-alone tests. Here, we investigated how a mild and acute decrease in brain serotonin would affect rats’ cognitive abilities. Using a novel rat model of inducible serotonin depletion via the genetic knockdown of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), we achieved a 20% decrease in serotonin levels in the hypothalamus after three weeks of non-invasive oral doxycycline administration. Decision making, cognitive flexibility, and social recognition memory were tested in low-serotonin (Tph2-kd) and control rats. Our results showed that the Tph2-kd rats were more prone to choose disadvantageously in the long term (poor decision making) in the Rat Gambling Task and that only the low-serotonin poor decision makers were more sensitive to probabilistic discounting and had poorer social recognition memory than other low-serotonin and control individuals. Flexibility was unaffected by the acute brain serotonin reduction. Poor social recognition memory was the most central characteristic of the behavioral network of low-serotonin poor decision makers, suggesting a key role of social recognition in the expression of their profile. The acute decrease in brain serotonin appeared to specifically amplify the cognitive impairments of the subgroup of individuals also identified as poor decision makers in the population. This study highlights the great opportunity the Tph2-kd rat model offers to study inter-individual susceptibilities to develop cognitive impairment following mild variations of brain serotonin in otherwise healthy individuals. These transgenic and differential approaches together could be critical for the identification of translational markers and vulnerabilities in the development of mental disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromodulatory Effects of Serotonin)
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17 pages, 1118 KiB  
Article
Structure-Based Design of Novel Thiazolone[3,2-a]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potent RNase H Inhibitors for HIV Therapy
by Xuan-De Zhu, Angela Corona, Stefania Maloccu, Enzo Tramontano, Shuai Wang, Christophe Pannecouque, Erik De Clercq, Ge Meng and Fen-Er Chen
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2120; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092120 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Ribonuclease H (RNase H) was identified as an important target for HIV therapy. Currently, no RNase H inhibitors have reached clinical status. Herein, a series of novel thiazolone[3,2-a]pyrimidine-containing RNase H inhibitors were developed, based on the hit compound 10i, identified [...] Read more.
Ribonuclease H (RNase H) was identified as an important target for HIV therapy. Currently, no RNase H inhibitors have reached clinical status. Herein, a series of novel thiazolone[3,2-a]pyrimidine-containing RNase H inhibitors were developed, based on the hit compound 10i, identified from screening our in-house compound library. Some of these derivatives exhibited low micromolar inhibitory activity. Among them, compound 12b was identified as the most potent inhibitor of RNase H (IC50 = 2.98 μM). The experiment of magnesium ion coordination was performed to verify that this ligand could coordinate with magnesium ions, indicating its binding ability to the catalytic site of RNase H. Docking studies revealed the main interactions of this ligand with RNase H. A quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) was also conducted to disclose several predictive mathematic models. A molecular dynamics simulation was also conducted to determine the stability of the complex. Taken together, thiazolone[3,2-a]pyrimidine can be regarded as a potential scaffold for the further development of RNase H inhibitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Evaluation of Bioactivity of Enzyme Inhibitors)
23 pages, 15079 KiB  
Article
Optoelectronic Response to the Fluor Ion Bond on 4-(4,4,5,5-Tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)benzaldehyde
by Ulises J. Guevara, Jesús Núñez, Laura M. Pérez, Anton Tiutiunnyk, Neudo Urdaneta, Eduardo Cisternas and David Laroze
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 5000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095000 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Boronate esters are a class of compounds containing a boron atom bonded to two oxygen atoms in an ester group, often being used as precursors in the synthesis of other materials. The characterization of the structure and properties of esters is usually carried [...] Read more.
Boronate esters are a class of compounds containing a boron atom bonded to two oxygen atoms in an ester group, often being used as precursors in the synthesis of other materials. The characterization of the structure and properties of esters is usually carried out by UV-visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic techniques. With the aim to better understand our experimental data, in this article, the density functional theory (DFT) is used to analyze the UV-visible and infrared spectra, as well as the isotropic shielding and chemical shifts of the hydrogen atoms 1H, carbon 13C and boron 11B in the compound 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)benzaldehyde. Furthermore, this study considers the change in its electronic and spectroscopic properties of this particular ester, when its boron atom is coordinated with a fluoride anion. The calculations were carried out using the LSDA and B3LYP functionals in Gaussian-16, and PBE in CASTEP. The results show that the B3LYP functional gives the best approximation to the experimental data. The formation of a coordinated covalent B–F bond highlights the remarkable sensitivity of the NMR chemical shifts of carbon, oxygen, and boron atoms and their surroundings. Furthermore, this bond also highlights the changes in the electron transitions bands nπ* and ππ* during the absorption and emission of a photon in the UV-vis, and in the stretching bands of the C=C bonds, and bending of BO2 in the infrared spectrum. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the properties of boronate esters but also provides important information on the interactions and responses optoelectronic of the compound when is bonded to a fluorine atom. Full article
17 pages, 1081 KiB  
Review
The Role of Inflammasome in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Its Potential Drugs
by Suyu Pi, Sizheng Xiong, Yan Yuan and Hongping Deng
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 5001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095001 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been recognized as a serious chronic inflammatory degenerative aortic disease in recent years. At present, there is no other effective intervention except surgical treatment for AAA. With the aging of the human population, its incidence is increasing year [...] Read more.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been recognized as a serious chronic inflammatory degenerative aortic disease in recent years. At present, there is no other effective intervention except surgical treatment for AAA. With the aging of the human population, its incidence is increasing year by year, posing a serious threat to human health. Modern studies suggest that vascular chronic inflammatory response is the core process in AAA occurrence and development. Inflammasome, a multiprotein complex located in the cytoplasm, mediates the expression of various inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, and thus plays a pivotal role in inflammation regulation. Therefore, inflammasome may exert a crucial influence on the progression of AAA. This article reviews some mechanism studies to investigate the role of inflammasome in AAA and then summarizes several potential drugs targeting inflammasome for the treatment of AAA, aiming to provide new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of AAA beyond surgical methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapy)
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18 pages, 2079 KiB  
Article
Validating a Non-Invasive Method for Assessing Cortisol Concentrations in Scraped Epidermal Skin from Common Bottlenose Dolphins and Belugas
by Clara Agustí, Xavier Manteca, Daniel García-Párraga and Oriol Tallo-Parra
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091377 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Society is showing a growing concern about the welfare of cetaceans in captivity as well as cetaceans in the wild threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. The study of the physiological stress response is increasingly being used to address cetacean conservation and welfare issues. Within [...] Read more.
Society is showing a growing concern about the welfare of cetaceans in captivity as well as cetaceans in the wild threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. The study of the physiological stress response is increasingly being used to address cetacean conservation and welfare issues. Within it, a newly described technique of extracting cortisol from epidermal desquamation may serve as a non-invasive, more integrated measure of a cetacean’s stress response and welfare. However, confounding factors are common when measuring glucocorticoid hormones. In this study, we validated a steroid hormone extraction protocol and the use of a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test to measure cortisol concentrations in common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) epidermal samples. Moreover, we examined the effect of sample mass and body location on cortisol concentrations. Validation tests (i.e., assay specificity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity) suggested that the method was suitable for the quantification of cortisol concentrations. Cortisol was extracted from small samples (0.01 g), but the amount of cortisol detected and the variability between duplicate extractions increased as the sample mass decreased. In common bottlenose dolphins, epidermal skin cortisol concentrations did not vary significantly across body locations while there was a significant effect of the individual. Overall, we present a contribution towards advancing and standardizing epidermis hormone assessments in cetaceans. Full article
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19 pages, 7711 KiB  
Article
High-Temperature and High-Pressure Tribological Properties of Siliconized Graphite for Water-Lubricated Thrust Bearing Application in Main Coolant Pump
by Sihang Liu, Baojun Zhang, Long Cai, Weiguang Wang, Taihe Liang and Mingkai Lei
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050159 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The effect of the microstructure of siliconized graphite on tribological properties is investigated by using a high-temperature and high-pressure water-lubricated tribometer on a self-mated ring-on-ring configuration under an applied load of 500–1500 N with a spindle speed of 100–5000 rpm in both 90 [...] Read more.
The effect of the microstructure of siliconized graphite on tribological properties is investigated by using a high-temperature and high-pressure water-lubricated tribometer on a self-mated ring-on-ring configuration under an applied load of 500–1500 N with a spindle speed of 100–5000 rpm in both 90 °C (5 MPa) and 25 °C (1 MPa) water environments, respectively. The Stribeck curves measurement and continuous wear tests are performed and analyzed in both water environments. The wear behaviors of the graphite, SiC, and free-silicon phases in siliconized graphite are demonstrated to explore the wear mechanism. The larger wear depths of a low-worn surface roughness on the three phases contribute to the boundary lubrication. The shallower wear depths are observed on the SiC and Si phases under the mixed lubrication, corresponding to partial contact wear of surface asperities. The wavy surface of the SiC phase and uniform flow-oriented striae of the Si phase are attributed to hydrodynamic lubrication, caused by full water film scouring the worn surface. Finally, an integrated evaluation method of G duty parameters is successfully used to identify the lubrication regimes of siliconized graphite from the boundary, mixed, to hydrodynamic lubrications for a water-lubricated thrust bearing application in the main coolant pump of a nuclear power plant. Full article
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21 pages, 756 KiB  
Article
Regression Modeling of Daily PM2.5 Concentrations with a Multilayer Perceptron
by Szymon Hoffman, Rafał Jasiński and Janusz Baran
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092202 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Various types of energetic fuel combustion processes emit dangerous pollutants into the air, including aerosol particles, marked as PM10. Routine air quality monitoring includes determining the PM10 concentration as one of the basic measurements. At some air monitoring stations, the [...] Read more.
Various types of energetic fuel combustion processes emit dangerous pollutants into the air, including aerosol particles, marked as PM10. Routine air quality monitoring includes determining the PM10 concentration as one of the basic measurements. At some air monitoring stations, the PM10 measurement is supplemented by the simultaneous determination of the concentration of PM2.5 as a finer fraction of suspended particles. Since the PM2.5 fraction has a significant share in the PM10 fraction, the concentrations of both types of particles should be strongly correlated, and the concentrations of one of these fractions can be used to model the concentrations of the other fraction. The aim of the study was to assess the error of predicting PM2.5 concentration using PM10 concentration as the main predictor. The analyzed daily concentrations were measured at 11 different monitoring stations in Poland and covered the period 2010–2021. MLP (multilayer perceptron) artificial neural networks were used to approximate the daily PM2.5 concentrations. PM10 concentrations and time variables were tested as predictors in neural networks. Several different prediction errors were taken as measures of modeling quality. Depending on the monitoring station, in models with one PM10 predictor, the RMSE error values were in the range of 2.31–6.86 μg/m3. After taking into account the second predictor D (date), the corresponding RMSE errors were lower and were in the range of 2.06–5.54 μg/m3. Our research aimed to find models that were as simple and universal as possible. In our models, the main predictor is the PM10 concentration; therefore, the only condition to be met is monitoring the measurement of PM10 concentrations. We showed that models trained at other air monitoring stations, so-called foreign models, can be successfully used to approximate PM2.5 concentrations at another station. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Energy Economics and Policy in Developed Countries)
27 pages, 4740 KiB  
Review
Patent Mining on the Use of Antioxidant Phytochemicals in the Technological Development for the Prevention and Treatment of Periodontitis
by Paulo José Lima Juiz, Luiza Teles Barbalho Ferreira, Edilson Araújo Pires and Cristiane Flora Villarreal
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050566 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant [...] Read more.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition characterized by an aberrant immune response against a dysbiotic dental biofilm, with oxidative stress performing an essential role in its pathogenesis. This paper presents a patent mining, performed in the Orbit Intelligence patent database, related to antioxidant phytochemicals in the technological developments that are working to prevent and treat periodontal disease. To access the documents, the descriptors “PERIODONTAL” and “ANTIOXIDANT” were typed in the title, abstract, and claim search fields. A total of 322 patents demonstrate the growing interest in researching natural antioxidants for scientific and technological purposes. The top ten countries regarding the number of family patents produced were the United States, the European Office, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Mexico, Denmark, Canada, and Great Britain. The most cited compounds were vitamin C, green tea, quercetin, melatonin, lycopene, resveratrol, and curcumin. These compounds have been used for the technological development of gels, membranes, dentifrices, chewing gum, orally disintegrating film, mouthwash, mouth spray, and mouth massage cream and exhibit the ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, a critical factor in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. The patent documents have shown that using antioxidant compounds in conjunction with traditional periodontal treatments is a promising area of interest in periodontal therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties of Natural Antioxidants)
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22 pages, 38737 KiB  
Article
A Computer Vision Framework for Structural Analysis of Hand-Drawn Engineering Sketches
by Isaac Joffe, Yuchen Qian, Mohammad Talebi-Kalaleh and Qipei Mei
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092923 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Structural engineers are often required to draw two-dimensional engineering sketches for quick structural analysis, either by hand calculation or using analysis software. However, calculation by hand is slow and error-prone, and the manual conversion of a hand-drawn sketch into a virtual model is [...] Read more.
Structural engineers are often required to draw two-dimensional engineering sketches for quick structural analysis, either by hand calculation or using analysis software. However, calculation by hand is slow and error-prone, and the manual conversion of a hand-drawn sketch into a virtual model is tedious and time-consuming. This paper presents a complete and autonomous framework for converting a hand-drawn engineering sketch into an analyzed structural model using a camera and computer vision. In this framework, a computer vision object detection stage initially extracts information about the raw features in the image of the beam diagram. Next, a computer vision number-reading model transcribes any handwritten numerals appearing in the image. Then, feature association models are applied to characterize the relationships among the detected features in order to build a comprehensive structural model. Finally, the structural model generated is analyzed using OpenSees. In the system presented, the object detection model achieves a mean average precision of 99.1%, the number-reading model achieves an accuracy of 99.0%, and the models in the feature association stage achieve accuracies ranging from 95.1% to 99.5%. Overall, the tool analyzes 45.0% of images entirely correctly and the remaining 55.0% of images partially correctly. The proposed framework holds promise for other types of structural sketches, such as trusses and frames. Moreover, it can be a valuable tool for structural engineers that is capable of improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of future construction projects. Full article
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17 pages, 3588 KiB  
Article
Lytic and Latent Genetic Diversity of the Epstein–Barr Virus Reveals Raji-Related Variants from Southeastern Brazil Associated with Recombination Markers
by Paula D. Alves, Paulo Rohan, Rocio Hassan and Eliana Abdelhay
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 5002; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25095002 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus etiologically associated with benign and malignant diseases. Since the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV are not fully understood, understanding EBV genetic diversity is an ongoing goal. Therefore, the present work describes the genetic diversity of the lytic [...] Read more.
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus etiologically associated with benign and malignant diseases. Since the pathogenic mechanisms of EBV are not fully understood, understanding EBV genetic diversity is an ongoing goal. Therefore, the present work describes the genetic diversity of the lytic gene BZLF1 in a sampling of 70 EBV-positive cases from southeastern Brazil. Additionally, together with the genetic regions previously characterized, the aim of the present study was to determine the impact of viral genetic factors that may influence EBV genetic diversity. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of the BZLF1 indicated two main clades with high support, BZ-A and BZ-B (PP > 0.85). Thus, the BZ-A clade was the most diverse clade associated with the main polymorphisms investigated, including the haplotype Type 1 + V3 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the multigene phylogenetic analysis (MLA) between BZLF1 and the oncogene LMP1 showed specific clusters, revealing haplotypic segregation that previous single-gene phylogenies from both genes failed to demonstrate. Surprisingly, the LMP1 Raji-related variant clusters were shown to be more diverse, associated with BZ-A/B and the Type 2/1 + V3 haplotypes. Finally, due to the high haplotypic diversity of the Raji-related variants, the number of DNA recombination-inducing motifs (DRIMs) was evaluated within the different clusters defined by the MLA. Similarly, the haplotype BZ-A + Raji was shown to harbor a greater number of DRIMs (p < 0.001). These results call attention to the high haplotype diversity of EBV in southeast Brazil and strengthen the hypothesis of the recombinant potential of South American Raji-related variants via the LMP1 oncogene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Herpesviruses)
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12 pages, 2915 KiB  
Article
Light-Field Optimization of Deep-Ultraviolet LED Modules for Efficient Microbial Inactivation
by Jiaxin Huang, Qingna Wang, Xiaofang Ye, Wenxiang Li, Keyang Cheng, Shanzhi Qu, Wenyu Kang, Jun Yin and Junyong Kang
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050568 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Public awareness of preventing pathogenic microorganisms has significantly increased. Among numerous microbial prevention methods, the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) disinfection technology has received wide attention by using the nitride-based light-emitting diode (LED). However, the light extraction efficiency of DUV LEDs and the utilization rate of [...] Read more.
Public awareness of preventing pathogenic microorganisms has significantly increased. Among numerous microbial prevention methods, the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) disinfection technology has received wide attention by using the nitride-based light-emitting diode (LED). However, the light extraction efficiency of DUV LEDs and the utilization rate of emitted DUV light are relatively low at the current stage. In this study, a light distribution design (referred to as the reflective system) was explored to enhance the utilization of emitted DUV from LEDs, leading to successful and efficient surface and air disinfection. Optical power measurements and microbial inactivation tests demonstrated an approximately 79% improvement in average radiation power density achieved by the reflective system when measured at a 5 cm distance from the irradiation surface. Moreover, a statistically significant enhancement in local surface disinfection was observed with low electric power consumption. The reflective system was integrated into an air purifier and underwent air disinfection testing, effectively disinfecting a 3 m3 space within ten minutes. Additionally, a fluorine resin film at the nanolevel was developed to protect the light module from oxidation, validated through a 1200 h accelerated aging test under humid conditions. This research offers valuable guidance for efficient and energy-saving DUV disinfection applications. Full article
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17 pages, 3153 KiB  
Article
Effects of UV/H2O2 Degradation on the Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Fucoidan
by Zhicheng He, Biyang Zhu, Lijuan Deng and Lijun You
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(5), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22050209 - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The applications of fucoidan in the food industry were limited due to its high molecular weight and low solubility. Moderate degradation was required to depolymerize fucoidan. A few studies have reported that fucoidan has potential antibacterial activity, but its antibacterial mechanism needs further [...] Read more.
The applications of fucoidan in the food industry were limited due to its high molecular weight and low solubility. Moderate degradation was required to depolymerize fucoidan. A few studies have reported that fucoidan has potential antibacterial activity, but its antibacterial mechanism needs further investigation. In this study, the degraded fucoidans were obtained after ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide treatment (UV/H2O2) at different times. Their physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were investigated. The results showed that the average molecular weights of degraded fucoidans were significantly decreased (up to 22.04 times). They were mainly composed of fucose, galactose, and some glucuronic acid. Fucoidan degraded for 90 min (DFuc-90) showed the strongest antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zones of 27.70 + 0.84 mm and 9.25 + 0.61 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 8 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL, respectively. DFuc-90 could inhibit the bacteria by damaging the cell wall, accumulating intracellular reactive oxygen species, reducing adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and inhibiting bacterial metabolic activity. Therefore, UV/H2O2 treatment could effectively degrade fucoidan and enhance its antibacterial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Polysaccharides from Seaweeds)
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21 pages, 585 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Moving Source Localization with Time and Frequency Difference of Arrival: Motion-Assisted Method for Sub-Dimensional Sensor Networks
by Xu Yang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3909; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093909 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Localizing a moving source by Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA) commonly requires at least N+1 sensors in N-dimensional space to obtain more than N pairs of TDOAs and FDOAs, thereby establishing more than [...] Read more.
Localizing a moving source by Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA) commonly requires at least N+1 sensors in N-dimensional space to obtain more than N pairs of TDOAs and FDOAs, thereby establishing more than 2N equations to solve for 2N unknowns. However, if there are insufficient sensors, the localization problem will become underdetermined, leading to non-unique solutions or inaccuracies in the minimum norm solution. This paper proposes a localization method using TDOAs and FDOAs while incorporating the motion model. The motion between the source and sensors increases the equivalent length of the baseline, thereby improving observability even when using the minimum number of sensors. The problem is formulated as a Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and solved through Gauss–Newton (GN) iteration. Since GN requires an initialization close to the true value, the MLE is transformed into a semidefinite programming problem using Semidefinite Relaxation (SDR) technology, while SDR results in a suboptimal estimate, it is sufficient as an initialization to guarantee the convergence of GN iteration. The proposed method is analytically shown to reach the Cramér–Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) accuracy under mild noise conditions. Simulation results confirm that it achieves CRLB-level performance when the number of sensors is lower than N+1, thereby corroborating the theoretical analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Radar Target Detection and Localization)
28 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Empowering Sustainability: Understanding Determinants of Consumer Investment in Microgrid Technology in the UAE
by Hussain Abdalla Sajwani, Bassel Soudan and Abdul Ghani Olabi
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2201; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092201 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the determinants that influence the consumers’ disposition to invest in microgrid technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research offers valuable insights for policymakers on investors’ motivations to develop strategies to foster microgrid technology adoption through end-user [...] Read more.
This study aims to analyze the determinants that influence the consumers’ disposition to invest in microgrid technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This research offers valuable insights for policymakers on investors’ motivations to develop strategies to foster microgrid technology adoption through end-user investments leading to a reduction in microgrid high capital cost. The study employed descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses to analyze the responses of a sample of property owners to a quantitative survey. The study examines such variables as strategic alignment, profitability, digitization, renewable energy utilization, CO2 emission reduction, and disaster recovery readiness. The data collected reveal a moderate level of understanding and cost-awareness of microgrid technology among the respondents, with a mean of 2.46 out of 5. Notably, the data highlight the significant influence of strategic alignment with the UAE’s national energy goals on the respondents’ inclination to invest in microgrids, with a strong positive correlation of 0.942 at the 0.01 level (two-tailed). By comparison, profitability and disaster recovery have a comparatively weaker correlation. Furthermore, based on the data collected during this study, it has been determined that there is a strong value added by the microgrid initiatives considering the UAE’s strategic direction and the positive influence of reduced CO2. The regression models used were highly significant at F = 85.690. There is an acceptable level of multicollinearity with VIF values ranging from 1.087 to 2.155. UAE Strategy has low collinearity. UAE Strategy emerges as the only significant predictor of willingness to invest (p < 0.001) in the stepwise regression analysis. The analysis shows that villa and townhouse owners are willing to invest in community microgrid given that it is aligned with UAE strategy and leads to CO2 emissions reduction. Full article
19 pages, 7579 KiB  
Article
Construction and Characteristics Analysis of the Xi’an Public Transport Network Considering Single-Mode and Multi-Mode Transferring
by Ruifen Sun, Fengjie Xie, Sirui Huang and Yang Shao
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093846 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The connectivity of the urban public transport network and the convenience of transfers between modes of transit are important factors that affect whether passengers choose public transport. Identifying the key nodes that affect network connectivity, direct access, transfers, and clarifying the main factors [...] Read more.
The connectivity of the urban public transport network and the convenience of transfers between modes of transit are important factors that affect whether passengers choose public transport. Identifying the key nodes that affect network connectivity, direct access, transfers, and clarifying the main factors that restrict the network efficiency play important roles in improving the efficiency of the public transport network and establishing a “green city”. On this premise, this paper constructs two single-layer networks and a composite network that can reflect the transfer relationship between ‘bus–bus’, ‘metro–metro’, and ‘metro–bus’ based on the method of Space-P. The composite network realizes the integration study of homogeneous and heterogeneous stops, lines, and transfer relationships in the public transport network. At the same time, five kinds of centrality indexes are applied to the transport transfer network, and the significance of these indexes in the network is explained. Through the comprehensive analysis of these five types of indexes, the key nodes affecting the network connectivity, direct access and transfer efficiency, can be identified more accurately. Taking the public transport network of Xi’an as an example, the structural characteristics of the networks, including scale-free and small-world characteristics, were empirically analyzed. The main stops that play important roles in networks were identified based on the integrated centrality, degrees, and weight degrees. The research results showed the following: (1) Xi’an’s metro network, bus network, and metro–bus composite network all have scale-free and small-world characteristics. (2) The influence of the key stops of the metro network is concentrated, while the influence of the key stops of the bus network is scattered. (3) The public transport network in the first ring road area of Xi’an has the highest degree of direct access, and the core areas of the south, west, and north of Xi’an also have high direct access. However, the direct access in the area east of Xi’an is slightly lower. (4) Xi’an’s bus transport network covers a large area, showing the characteristics of a dual-core “central + southern” network. (5) The metro–bus composite network demonstrates a closer connection between stops and a more balanced network. (6) Finally, the degree of direct access to stops in the bus transport network and metro transport network shows the characteristics of “the single core is dominant, and the circle diffusion weakens step by step”. Full article
20 pages, 686 KiB  
Article
Probing the Propeller Regime with Symbiotic X-ray Binaries
by Marina D. Afonina and Sergei B. Popov
Universe 2024, 10(5), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10050205 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
At the moment, there are two neutron star X-ray binaries with massive red supergiants as donors. Recently, De et al. (2023) proposed that the system SWIFT J0850.8-4219 contains a neutron star at the propeller stage. We study this possibility by applying various models [...] Read more.
At the moment, there are two neutron star X-ray binaries with massive red supergiants as donors. Recently, De et al. (2023) proposed that the system SWIFT J0850.8-4219 contains a neutron star at the propeller stage. We study this possibility by applying various models of propeller spin-down. We demonstrate that the duration of the propeller stage is very sensitive to the regime of rotational losses. Only in the case of a relatively slow propeller model proposed by Davies and Pringle in 1981, the duration of the propeller is long enough to provide a significant probability to observe the system at this stage. Future determination of the system parameters (orbital and spin periods, magnetic field of the compact object, etc.) will allow putting strong constraints on the propeller behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Universe: Feature Papers 2024 – Compact Objects)
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15 pages, 1811 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Sustainable Development Goals and Subjecting Well-Being on Art Nascent Entrepreneurship: The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurship Education
by Stavroula Laspita, Ioannis Sitaridis and Katerina Sarri
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050491 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the impact of the perceived well-being of students; the degree to which they perceive that their university enhances, facilitates, and supports six sustainable development goals (SDGs); and entrepreneurship education on nascent entrepreneurship. Moving beyond main effects, our research uses entrepreneurship [...] Read more.
This study explores the impact of the perceived well-being of students; the degree to which they perceive that their university enhances, facilitates, and supports six sustainable development goals (SDGs); and entrepreneurship education on nascent entrepreneurship. Moving beyond main effects, our research uses entrepreneurship education as a moderator, offering nuanced insights into nascent entrepreneurship, particularly among art students—an under-researched group. Utilizing data from a large sample within the established research project GUESSS, our findings show a very small statistically significant positive relationship between subjective well-being and nascent entrepreneurship among art students. However, the anticipated impact of university enhancement, facilitation, and support of SDGs on nascent entrepreneurship is not evident for these students. Notably, entrepreneurship education is important for the cultivation of the future generation of art entrepreneurs. These results have important theoretical and practical implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship Education: Challenged and Challenging)
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15 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Average Widths and Optimal Recovery of Multivariate Besov Classes in Orlicz Spaces
by Xinxin Li and Garidi Wu
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1400; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091400 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we study the average Kolmogorov σ–widths and the average linear σ–widths of multivariate isotropic and anisotropic Besov classes in Orlicz spaces and give the weak asymptotic estimates of these two widths. At the same time, we also give [...] Read more.
In this paper, we study the average Kolmogorov σ–widths and the average linear σ–widths of multivariate isotropic and anisotropic Besov classes in Orlicz spaces and give the weak asymptotic estimates of these two widths. At the same time, we also give the asymptotic property of the optimal recovery of isotropic Besov classes in Orlicz spaces. Full article
20 pages, 1226 KiB  
Article
Perception versus Historical Knowledge in Baccalaureate: A Comparative Study Mediated by Augmented Reality and Historical Thinking
by Alejandro López-García, Javier J. Maquilón-Sánchez and Pedro Miralles-Sánchez
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3910; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093910 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that a traditional model persists in the teaching of history, in which students are not allowed to think for themselves and are assigned a passive role based on the mere memorisation of information. This reality is in opposition to [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have shown that a traditional model persists in the teaching of history, in which students are not allowed to think for themselves and are assigned a passive role based on the mere memorisation of information. This reality is in opposition to the technological and technical boom taking place in the current educational context and to the enhancement of innovative strategies and methodologies that mark the role that students must occupy as protagonists of their own learning. This paper aims to compare the perceptions and historical knowledge of 93 baccalaureate students (16–18 years of age) following the implementation of an intervention programme based on active learning situations mediated by augmented reality and historical thinking skills. A quasi-experimental quantitative design with a non-equivalent control group was employed to meet these objectives. The results showed higher scores in the perception and knowledge of students in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. This line of work should be continued in the future with new studies to corroborate these findings, prioritising pedagogical models based on student activity and protagonism via the use of technology and critical thinking. Full article
14 pages, 703 KiB  
Article
Microstructural and Hydrophilic Properties of Polylactide Polymer Samples with Various 3D Printing Patterns
by Alexandr S. Lenshin, Vera E. Frolova, Sergey V. Kannykin and Evelina P. Domashevskaya
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091281 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of the work is to study the effect of the 3D printing process on the microstructural and hydrophilic properties of polylactic acid (PLA) samples with various model printing patterns obtained from the black filament PLA by sequentially applying polymer layers using [...] Read more.
The aim of the work is to study the effect of the 3D printing process on the microstructural and hydrophilic properties of polylactic acid (PLA) samples with various model printing patterns obtained from the black filament PLA by sequentially applying polymer layers using the FDM (fused deposition modeling) method. X-ray phase analysis revealed the partial crystallization of PLA polymer chains in the printed samples, which occurs under thermal and mechanical action on the original amorphous PLA filament during 3D printing to varying degrees, depending on the geometry of the pattern and the morphology of its surface. At the same time, IR spectroscopy data indicate the preservation of all intrastructural chemical bonds of polylactide. Measured at the original installation, the values of the wetting edge angles on the surface of the printed samples are in the range φ = 50–60°, which is significantly less than the right angle. This indicates the hydrophilic properties of the whole sample’s surface. At the same time, the influence of different geometries of model drawings in printed samples was found not only on the morphology of the sample’s surface according to SEM data but also on its wettability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
14 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Meropenem Disposition in Neonatal and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
by Pavla Pokorná, Danica Michaličková, Dick Tibboel and Jonas Berner
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050419 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of meropenem in neonates and children and to provide recommendations for meropenem dosing in this specific population of patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring (152 meropenem plasma concentrations) data [...] Read more.
This study aimed to characterize the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of meropenem in neonates and children and to provide recommendations for meropenem dosing in this specific population of patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring (152 meropenem plasma concentrations) data from 45 patients (38 received ECMO) with a body weight (BW) of 7.88 (3.62–11.97) kg (median (interquartile range)) and postnatal age of 3 (0–465) days were collected. The population PK analysis was performed using NONMEM V7.3.0. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess the probability of target achievement (PTA) for 40% of time the free drug remained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (fT > MIC) and 100% fT > MIC. BW was found to be a significant covariate for the volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL). Additionally, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was associated with a two-fold increase in Vd. In the final model, the CL and Vd for a typical patient with a median BW of 7.88 kg that was off CRRT were 1.09 L/h (RSE = 8%) and 3.98 L (14%), respectively. ECMO did not affect meropenem PK, while superimposed CRRT significantly increased Vd. We concluded that current dosing regimens provide acceptably high PTA for MIC ≤ 4 mg/L for 40% fT > MIC, but individual dose adjustments are needed for 100% fT > MIC. Full article
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16 pages, 6195 KiB  
Article
Levosimendan and Dobutamin Attenuate LPS-Induced Inflammation in Microglia by Inhibiting the NF-κB Pathway and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Nrf2/HO-1 Signalling
by Federica Mannino, Valentina Urzì Brancati, Rita Lauro, Igor Pirrotta, Michelangelo Rottura, Natasha Irrera, Gian Maria Cavallini, Giovanni Pallio, Eloisa Gitto and Sara Manti
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051009 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
Hypovolemic shock is a circulatory failure, due to a loss in the effective circulating blood volume, that causes tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. This condition stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in different organs and also in the central nervous system [...] Read more.
Hypovolemic shock is a circulatory failure, due to a loss in the effective circulating blood volume, that causes tissue hypoperfusion and hypoxia. This condition stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in different organs and also in the central nervous system (CNS). Levosimendan, a cardioprotective inodilator, and dobutamine, a β1-adrenergic agonist, are commonly used for the treatment of hypovolemic shock, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. For this reason, we aimed at investigating levosimendan and dobutamine’s neuroprotective effects in an “in vitro” model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. Human microglial cells (HMC3) were challenged with LPS (0.1 µg/mL) to induce an inflammatory phenotype and then treated with levosimendan (10 µM) or dobutamine (50 µM) for 24 h. Levosimendan and dobutamine significantly reduced the ROS levels and markedly increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression in LPS-challenged cells. Levosimendan and dobutamine also decreased p-NF-κB expression and turned off the NLRP3 inflammasome together with its downstream signals, caspase-1 and IL-1β. Moreover, a reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 expression and an increase in IL-10 levels in LPS-stimulated HMC3 cells was observed following treatment. In conclusion, levosimendan and dobutamine attenuated LPS-induced neuroinflammation through NF-κB pathway inhibition and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, suggesting that these drugs could represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of neuroinflammation consequent to hypovolemic shock. Full article
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19 pages, 3995 KiB  
Article
Microbial Polysaccharides Extracted from Different Mature Muds of the Euganean Thermal District Show Similar Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vivo
by Micol Caichiolo, Raffaella Margherita Zampieri, Alessandra Adessi, Matilde Ciani, Fabrizio Caldara, Luisa Dalla Valle and Nicoletta La Rocca
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4999; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094999 (registering DOI) - 03 May 2024
Abstract
The Euganean Thermal District, situated in North-East Italy, is one of Europe’s largest and oldest thermal centres. The topical application of its therapeutic thermal muds is recognised by the Italian Health System as a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from arthro-rheumatic diseases. Polysaccharides [...] Read more.
The Euganean Thermal District, situated in North-East Italy, is one of Europe’s largest and oldest thermal centres. The topical application of its therapeutic thermal muds is recognised by the Italian Health System as a beneficial treatment for patients suffering from arthro-rheumatic diseases. Polysaccharides produced by the mud microbiota have been recently identified as anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules. In this paper we analysed the efficacy of Microbial-Polysaccharides (M-PS) derived from mature muds obtained at different maturation temperatures, both within and outside the codified traditional mud maturation range. M-PSs were extracted from six mature muds produced by five spas of the Euganean Thermal District and investigated for their chemical properties, monosaccharide composition and in vivo anti-inflammatory potential, using the zebrafish model organism. Additionally, mature muds were characterized for their microbiota composition using Next-Generation Sequencing. The results showed that all M-PSs exhibit similar anti-inflammatory potential, referable to their comparable chemical composition. This consistency was observed despite changes in cyanobacteria populations, suggesting a possible role of the entire microbial community in shaping the properties of these biomolecules. These findings highlight the importance of scientific research in untangling the origins of the therapeutic efficacy of Euganean Thermal muds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of Natural Products as Sources of Bioactive Molecules)
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