The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
8 pages, 230 KiB  
Entry
Responsible Research Assessment and Research Information Management Systems
by Joachim Schöpfel and Otmane Azeroual
Encyclopedia 2024, 4(2), 915-922; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia4020059 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Definition
In the context of open science, universities, research-performing and funding organizations and authorities worldwide are moving towards more responsible research assessment (RRA). In 2022, the European Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) published an agreement with ten commitments, including the recognition of the [...] Read more.
In the context of open science, universities, research-performing and funding organizations and authorities worldwide are moving towards more responsible research assessment (RRA). In 2022, the European Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) published an agreement with ten commitments, including the recognition of the “diversity of contributions to, and careers in, research”, the “focus on qualitative evaluation for which peer review is central, supported by responsible use of quantitative indicators”, and the “abandon (of) inappropriate uses in research assessment of journal- and publication-based metrics”. Research assessment (RA) is essential for research of the highest quality. The transformation of assessment indicators and procedures directly affects the underlying research information management infrastructures (also called current research information systems) which collect and store metadata on research activities and outputs. This entry investigates the impact of RRA on these systems, on their development and implementation, their data model and governance, including digital ethics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Sciences)
14 pages, 3674 KiB  
Technical Note
A Two-Stage SAR Image Generation Algorithm Based on GAN with Reinforced Constraint Filtering and Compensation Techniques
by Ming Liu, Hongchen Wang, Shichao Chen, Mingliang Tao and Jingbiao Wei
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111963 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Generative adversarial network (GAN) can generate diverse and high-resolution images for data augmentation. However, when GAN is applied to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) dataset, the generated categories are not of the same quality. The unrealistic category will affect the performance of the [...] Read more.
Generative adversarial network (GAN) can generate diverse and high-resolution images for data augmentation. However, when GAN is applied to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) dataset, the generated categories are not of the same quality. The unrealistic category will affect the performance of the subsequent automatic target recognition (ATR). To overcome the problem, we propose a reinforced constraint filtering with compensation afterwards GAN (RCFCA-GAN) algorithm to generate SAR images. The proposed algorithm includes two stages. We focus on improving the quality of easily generated categories in Stage 1. Then, we record the categories that are hard to generate and compensate by using traditional augmentation methods in Stage 2. Thus, the overall quality of the generated images is improved. We conduct experiments on the moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) dataset. Recognition accuracy and Fréchet inception distance (FID) acquired by the proposed algorithm indicate its effectiveness. Full article
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11 pages, 1497 KiB  
Article
A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis of Pregnancies with Placenta Accreta Spectrum (PAS): From One-Step Surgery towards Two-Step Surgical Approach
by Laura Weydandt, Massimiliano Lia, Amanda Schöne, Janine Hoffmann, Bahriye Aktas, Nadja Dornhöfer and Holger Stepan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3209; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113209 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can be the cause of major morbidity and its optimal management is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the traditional one-step surgery with a two-step surgical approach in which the placenta is left [...] Read more.
Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) can be the cause of major morbidity and its optimal management is still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the traditional one-step surgery with a two-step surgical approach in which the placenta is left in situ and the second final operation is delayed to minimise blood loss. Methods: We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study including all patients managed for PAS between 2007 and 2023. The number of units of red blood cells (RBCs) needed during surgery was the primary outcome used to compare these two approaches. Results: A total of 43 cases were included in this analysis. Twenty of these were managed with the delayed two-step surgical approach, whereas 23 received one-step surgery. The median estimated blood loss during surgery was 2000 mL and 2800 mL for two-step and one-step surgery, respectively (p = 0.095). In the two-step surgical approach, the median number of RBC units transfused during surgery was significantly lower (p = 0.049) and the odds ratio for needing more than four units of RBCs was 0.28 (95%-CI: 0.08–0.98, p = 0.043). A longer interval between the caesarean section and the second operation showed a trend toward lower blood loss (p = 0.065) and was associated with a significantly lower number of RBC units needed during surgery (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Two-step surgery for the treatment of PAS was safe in our cohort and could lead to a reduction in blood transfusion. Leaving the placenta in situ and delaying the final operation represents a possible alternative to traditional caesarean hysterectomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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13 pages, 1631 KiB  
Review
Opioids and Cancer: Current Understanding and Clinical Considerations
by Dhananjay Sah, Hagit Shoffel-Havakuk, Nir Tsur, Megan L. Uhelski, Vijaya Gottumukkala and Juan P. Cata
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 3086-3098; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060235 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Pain is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer. Pain not only negatively affects the quality of life of patients with cancer, but it has also been associated with reduced survival. Pain management is therefore a critical component of cancer [...] Read more.
Pain is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer. Pain not only negatively affects the quality of life of patients with cancer, but it has also been associated with reduced survival. Pain management is therefore a critical component of cancer care. Prescription opioids remain the first-line approach for the management of moderate-to-severe pain associated with cancer. However, there has been increasing interest in understanding whether these analgesics could impact cancer progression. Furthermore, epidemiological data link a possible association between prescription opioid usage and cancer development. Until more robust evidence is available, patients with cancer with moderate-to-severe pain may receive opioids to decrease suffering. However, future studies should be conducted to evaluate the role of opioids and opioid receptors in specific cancers. Full article
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12 pages, 2320 KiB  
Article
Experimental Research on Energy Evolution of Sandstone with Different Moisture Content under Uniaxial Compression
by Yonghong Liu, Fujun Zhao, Qiuhong Wu, Baojie Fan and Zhenqi Tang
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114636 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
In order to investigate the impact of moisture content on energy evolution, three types of rock samples with varying moisture contents were subjected to uniaxial compression tests. The study aimed to analyze the reasons behind the differences in energy during the deformation process [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the impact of moisture content on energy evolution, three types of rock samples with varying moisture contents were subjected to uniaxial compression tests. The study aimed to analyze the reasons behind the differences in energy during the deformation process of rocks with different moisture contents. The findings indicate that with increasing moisture content, the peak strength and elastic modulus of the samples decrease. However, the ratio of crack initiation strength σci to peak strength σf shows little effect, primarily because the characteristic strength ratio σcif is determined by external loads. The growth rate of elastic energy reaches its maximum value in the early stage of yield, while the proportion of elastic energy reaches its peak value in the later stage of yield. In the deformation and failure process of rocks with varying moisture contents, the increment in elastic performance is smallest in the initial compaction stage for saturated rocks, whereas it is the largest in the yield stage for dry rocks. Additionally, a damage evolution equation based on energy dissipation was established and validated. Full article
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16 pages, 8051 KiB  
Article
Experimental Analysis of the Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoir Rocks
by Haiyang Wang, Shugang Yang, Linpeng Zhang, Yunfeng Xiao, Xu Su, Wenqiang Yu and Desheng Zhou
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061125 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the mechanical characteristics of deep coalbed methane reservoir rocks (DCMRR) is crucial for the safe and efficient development of deep coalbed gas resources. In this study, the microstructural and mechanical features of the coal seam roof, floor, and the [...] Read more.
A comprehensive understanding of the mechanical characteristics of deep coalbed methane reservoir rocks (DCMRR) is crucial for the safe and efficient development of deep coalbed gas resources. In this study, the microstructural and mechanical features of the coal seam roof, floor, and the coal seam itself were analyzed through laboratory experiments. The impact mechanisms of drilling fluid and fracturing fluid hydration on the mechanical properties and failure behavior of coal seam rocks were investigated. The experimental results indicate that the main minerals in coal seams are clay and amorphous substances, with kaolinite being the predominant clay mineral component in coal seam rocks. The rock of the coal seam roof and floor exhibits strong elasticity and high compressive strength, while the rock in the coal seam section shows a lower compressive capacity with pronounced plastic deformation characteristics. The content of kaolinite shows a good correlation with the mechanical properties of DCMRR. As the kaolinite content increases, the strength of DCMRR gradually decreases, and deformability enhances. After immersion in drilling fluid and slickwater, the strength of coal seam rocks significantly decreases, leading to shear fracture zones and localized strong damage features after rock compression failure. The analysis of the mechanical properties of DCMRR suggests that the horizontal well trajectory should be close to the coal seam roof, and strong sealing agents should be added to drilling fluid to reduce the risk of wellbore collapse. Enhancing the hydration of slickwater is beneficial for the formation of a more complex fracture network in deep coalbed methane reservoir. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coal Mining and Unconventional Oil Exploration)
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13 pages, 1954 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Post-Exercise Cold Water Immersion on Neuromuscular Control of Knee
by Yuge Wu, Fanjun Qin and Xinyan Zheng
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(6), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14060555 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
To date, most studies examined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on neuromuscular control following exercise solely on measuring proprioception, no study explores changes in the brain and muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CWI following [...] Read more.
To date, most studies examined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on neuromuscular control following exercise solely on measuring proprioception, no study explores changes in the brain and muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CWI following exercise on knee neuromuscular control capacity, and physiological and perceptual responses. In a crossover control design, fifteen participants performed an exhaustion exercise. Subsequently, they underwent a 10 min recovery intervention, either in the form of passively seated rest (CON) or CWI at 15 °C. The knee proprioception, oxygenated cerebral hemoglobin concentrations (Δ[HbO]), and muscle activation during the proprioception test, physiological and perceptual responses were measured. CWI did not have a significant effect on proprioception at the post-intervention but attenuated the reductions in Δ[HbO] in the primary sensory cortex and posterior parietal cortex (p < 0.05). The root mean square of vastus medialis was higher in the CWI compared to the CON. CWI effectively reduced core temperature and mean skin temperature and improved the rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation. These results indicated that 10 min of CWI at 15 °C post-exercise had no negative effect on the neuromuscular control of the knee joint but could improve subjective perception and decrease body temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuromuscular and Movement Disorders)
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18 pages, 7436 KiB  
Article
Applicability of the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Park in China—Survey and Analysis Based on 17 Case Parks in Jiangxi Province
by Yu Shao, Jingru Liu, Xiuzhi Hua, Chinthaka Kularathne and Lei Shi
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4635; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114635 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Eco-industrial parks, as complex ecosystems at the regional scale, involve multi-dimensional interactions in terms of management, environment, economy, and society in their development. Given their complexity, it is difficult for a single indicator to comprehensively assess their sustainable development status. To promote sustainability [...] Read more.
Eco-industrial parks, as complex ecosystems at the regional scale, involve multi-dimensional interactions in terms of management, environment, economy, and society in their development. Given their complexity, it is difficult for a single indicator to comprehensively assess their sustainable development status. To promote sustainability and inclusive development of industrial parks, the World Bank Group published “the International Framework for Eco-Industrial Park” as a green evaluation benchmark. This paper examines the applicability of this framework in Chinese industrial parks, focusing on 17 cases in Jiangxi Province supported by the China-Jiangxi Eco-Industrial Parks Project. This study analyzes the indicator composition of the international EIP framework and compares it with the standardization system of eco-industrial parks in China. Through questionnaire surveys and dialogue interviews, this paper analyzed the compliance, practicality, and necessity of implementing the international EIP framework. Quantitative assessment using the analytic hierarchy process and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model revealed that the framework is well suited to Chinese conditions, scoring over 80, reaching the “applicability level”. This research provides a scientific basis for park management, advocating for international concepts in park development. It also underscores the importance of a comprehensive framework for park construction, intelligent management strategies, and enterprise empowerment, collectively contributing to sustainable park development and enhanced international competitiveness. Full article
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19 pages, 1441 KiB  
Review
Defining Human Regulatory T Cells beyond FOXP3: The Need to Combine Phenotype with Function
by Chelsea Gootjes, Jaap Jan Zwaginga, Bart O. Roep and Tatjana Nikolic
Cells 2024, 13(11), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13110941 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain immune homeostasis by promoting self-tolerance. Reduced Treg numbers or functionality can lead to a loss of tolerance, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. An overwhelming variety of human Tregs has been described, based on [...] Read more.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to maintain immune homeostasis by promoting self-tolerance. Reduced Treg numbers or functionality can lead to a loss of tolerance, increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. An overwhelming variety of human Tregs has been described, based on either specific phenotype, tissue compartment, or pathological condition, yet the bulk of the literature only addresses CD25-positive and CD127-negative cells, coined by naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs), most of which express the transcription factor Forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3). While the discovery of FOXP3 was seminal to understanding the origin and biology of nTregs, there is evidence in humans that not all T cells expressing FOXP3 are regulatory, and that not all Tregs express FOXP3. Namely, the activation of human T cells induces the transient expression of FOXP3, irrespective of whether they are regulatory or inflammatory effectors, while some induced T cells that may be broadly defined as Tregs (e.g., Tr1 cells) typically lack demethylation and do not express FOXP3. Furthermore, it is unknown whether and how many nTregs exist without FOXP3 expression. Several other candidate regulatory molecules, such as GITR, Lag-3, GARP, GPA33, Helios, and Neuropilin, have been identified but subsequently discarded as Treg-specific markers. Multiparametric analyses have uncovered a plethora of Treg phenotypes, and neither single markers nor combinations thereof can define all and only Tregs. To date, only the functional capacity to inhibit immune responses defines a Treg and distinguishes Tregs from inflammatory T cells (Teffs) in humans. This review revisits current knowledge of the Treg universe with respect to their heterogeneity in phenotype and function. We propose that it is unavoidable to characterize human Tregs by their phenotype in combination with their function, since phenotype alone does not unambiguously define Tregs. There is an unmet need to align the expression of specific markers or combinations thereof with a particular suppressive function to coin functional Treg entities and categorize Treg diversity. Full article
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19 pages, 306 KiB  
Review
Shoulder Dystocia: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Diagnosis, Prevention, Complications, Prognosis, and Management
by Panagiotis Tsikouras, Sonia Kotanidou, Konstantinos Nikolettos, Nektaria Kritsotaki, Anastasia Bothou, Sotiris Andreou, Theopi Nalmpanti, Kyriaki Chalkia, Vlassios Spanakis, Panagiotis Peitsidis, George Iatrakis and Nikolaos Nikolettos
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060586 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The term dystocia refers to labor characterized by a slow progression with delayed rates or even pauses in the dilation of the cervix or the descent of the fetus. Dystocia describes the deviation from the limits that define a normal birth and is [...] Read more.
The term dystocia refers to labor characterized by a slow progression with delayed rates or even pauses in the dilation of the cervix or the descent of the fetus. Dystocia describes the deviation from the limits that define a normal birth and is often used as a synonym for the term pathological birth. Shoulder dystocia, also known as the manual exit of the shoulders during vaginal delivery on cephalic presentation, is defined as the “failure of the shoulders to spontaneously traverse the pelvis after delivery of the fetal head”. This means that obstetric interventions are necessary to deliver the fetus’s body after the head has been delivered, as gentle traction has failed. Abnormal labor (dystocia) is expressed and represented in partograms or by the prolongation of the latent phase or by slowing and pausing in the phases of cervical dilatation and fetal descent. While partograms are helpful in visualizing the progress of labor, regular use of them has not been shown to enhance obstetric outcomes considerably, and no partogram has been shown to be superior to others in comparative trials. Dystocia can, therefore, appear in any phase of the evolution of childbirth, so it is necessary to simultaneously assess all the factors that may contribute to its abnormal evolution, that is, the forces exerted, the weight, the shape, the presentation and position of the fetus, the integrity and morphology of the pelvis, and its relation to the fetus. When this complication occurs, it can result in an increased incidence of maternal morbidity, as well as an increased incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Although several risk factors are associated with shoulder dystocia, it has proven impossible to recognize individual cases of shoulder dystocia in practice before they occur during labor. Various guidelines have been published for the management of shoulder dystocia, with the primary goal of educating the obstetrician and midwife on the importance of a preplanned sequence of maneuvers, thereby reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Updates on Reproductive Medicine)
14 pages, 3542 KiB  
Article
Identification of a Novel miR-195-5p/PNN Axis in Colorectal Cancer
by Emanuele Piccinno, Viviana Scalavino, Nicoletta Labarile, Lucia De Marinis, Raffaele Armentano, Gianluigi Giannelli and Grazia Serino
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5980; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115980 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Pinin (PNN) is a desmosome-associated protein that reinforces the organization of keratin intermediate filaments and stabilizes the anchoring of the cytoskeleton network to the lateral surface of the plasma membrane. The aberrant expression of PNN affects the strength of cell adhesion as well [...] Read more.
Pinin (PNN) is a desmosome-associated protein that reinforces the organization of keratin intermediate filaments and stabilizes the anchoring of the cytoskeleton network to the lateral surface of the plasma membrane. The aberrant expression of PNN affects the strength of cell adhesion as well as modifies the intracellular signal transduction pathways leading to the onset of CRC. In our previous studies, we characterized the role of miR-195-5p in the regulation of desmosome junctions and in CRC progression. Here, with the aim of investigating additional mechanisms related to the desmosome complex, we identified PNN as a miR-195-5p putative target. Using a public data repository, we found that PNN was a negative prognostic factor and was overexpressed in colon cancer tissues from stage 1 of the disease. Then, we assessed PNN expression in CRC tissue specimens, confirming the overexpression of PNN in tumor sections. The increase in intracellular levels of miR-195-5p revealed a significant decrease in PNN at the mRNA and protein levels. As a consequence of PNN regulation by miR-195-5p, the expression of KRT8 and KRT19, closely connected to PNN, was affected. Finally, we investigated the in vivo effect of miR-195-5p on PNN expression in the colon of AOM/DSS-treated mice. In conclusion, we have revealed a new mechanism driven by miR-195-5p in the regulation of desmosome components, suggesting a potential pharmacological target for CRC therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Gastrointestinal Cancer 2.0)
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16 pages, 359 KiB  
Review
Hospital Acquired Sepsis, Disease Prevalence, and Recent Advances in Sepsis Mitigation
by Mary Garvey
Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060461 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, commonly associated with nosocomial transmission. Gram-negative bacterial species are particularly problematic due to the release of the lipopolysaccharide toxins upon cell death. The lipopolysaccharide toxin of E. coli has [...] Read more.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, commonly associated with nosocomial transmission. Gram-negative bacterial species are particularly problematic due to the release of the lipopolysaccharide toxins upon cell death. The lipopolysaccharide toxin of E. coli has a greater immunogenic potential than that of other Gram-negative bacteria. The resultant dysregulation of the immune system is associated with organ failure and mortality, with pregnant women, ICU patients, and neonates being particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sepsis recovery patients have an increased risk of re-hospitalisation, chronic illness, co-morbidities, organ damage/failure, and a reduced life expectancy. The emergence and increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial and fungal species has impacted the treatment of sepsis patients, leading to increasing mortality rates. Multidrug resistant pathogens including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, beta lactam-resistant Klebsiella, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species are associated with an increased risk of mortality. To improve the prognosis of sepsis patients, predominantly high-risk neonates, advances must be made in the early diagnosis, triage, and control of sepsis. The identification of suitable biomarkers and biomarker combinations, coupled with machine learning and artificial intelligence, show promise in early detection protocols. Rapid diagnosis of sepsis in patients is essential to inform on clinical treatment, especially with resistant infectious agents. This timely review aims to discuss sepsis prevalence, aetiology, and recent advances towards disease mitigation and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nosocomial Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance)
17 pages, 4845 KiB  
Article
Maize/Soybean Intercropping with Straw Return Increases Crop Yield by Influencing the Biological Characteristics of Soil
by Jingjing Cui, Shuang Li, Bate Baoyin, Yudi Feng, Danyang Guo, Liqiang Zhang and Yan Gu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061108 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
With mounting demand for high-quality agricultural products and the relentless exploitation of arable land resources, finding sustainable ways to safely cultivate food crops is becoming ever more important. Here, we investigated the effects of the integrated cropping technique “straw return + intercropping” on [...] Read more.
With mounting demand for high-quality agricultural products and the relentless exploitation of arable land resources, finding sustainable ways to safely cultivate food crops is becoming ever more important. Here, we investigated the effects of the integrated cropping technique “straw return + intercropping” on the soil aggregates as well as the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, enzyme activities and microbial diversity in soils of maize and soybean crops. Our results show that in comparison to straw removal and monoculture, straw return and intercropping increase the rhizosphere’s MBC content (59.10%) of soil, along with urease (47.82%), sucrase (57.14%), catalase (16.14%) and acid phosphatase (40.66%) activities as well as the microbial diversity under maize and soybean. Under the same straw treatment, the yield of maize when intercropped surpassed that when grown in monoculture, with the land equivalent ratio of the intercropping treatment under straw return being highest. Overall, the intercropping of maize and soybean is beneficial for the healthy development of sustainable agriculture in the black soil region of northeast China, especially when combined with straw return to fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Microbe Interaction State-of-the-Art Research in China)
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15 pages, 715 KiB  
Article
You Can Help Us! The Impact of Formal and Informal Second-Person Pronouns on Monetary Donations
by Sebastian Sadowski, Helen de Hoop and Laura Meijburg
Languages 2024, 9(6), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages9060199 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Does it matter whether charitable organizations address potential donors with an informal or formal second-person pronoun in their appeal to donate money? This study shows that it does indeed make a difference. Using an informal pronoun of address can have a positive effect [...] Read more.
Does it matter whether charitable organizations address potential donors with an informal or formal second-person pronoun in their appeal to donate money? This study shows that it does indeed make a difference. Using an informal pronoun of address can have a positive effect on intentions to donate money. An online experiment (n = 220) found that a charitable appeal to potential donors was more effective when an informal rather than a formal second-person pronoun was used in Dutch, particularly for altruistic people. We discuss the potential explanations of this effect, concentrating on the association between the informal pronoun of address and perceived closeness, and the generic versus deictic reference of informal pronouns of address in Dutch. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perception and Processing of Address Terms)
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16 pages, 1367 KiB  
Article
A New Hybrid Approach for Clustering, Classification, and Prediction of World Development Indicators Combining General Type-2 Fuzzy Systems and Neural Networks
by Martha Ramírez, Patricia Melin and Oscar Castillo
Axioms 2024, 13(6), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13060368 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Economic risk is a probability that measures the possible alterations, as well as the uncertainty, generated by multiple internal or external factors. Sometimes it could cause the impossibility of guaranteeing the level of compliance with organizational goals and objectives, which is why for [...] Read more.
Economic risk is a probability that measures the possible alterations, as well as the uncertainty, generated by multiple internal or external factors. Sometimes it could cause the impossibility of guaranteeing the level of compliance with organizational goals and objectives, which is why for their administration they are frequently divided into multiple categories according to their consequences and impact. Global indicators are dynamic and sometimes the correlation is uncertain because they depend largely on a combination of economic, social, and environmental factors. Thus, our proposal consists of a model for prediction and classification of multivariate risk factors such as birth rate and population growth, among others, using multiple neural networks and General Type-2 fuzzy systems. The contribution is the proposal to integrate multiple variables of several time series using both supervised and unsupervised neural networks, and a generalized Type-2 fuzzy integration. Results show the advantages of utilizing the method for the fuzzy integration of multiple time series attributes, with which the user can then prevent future threats from the global environment that impact the scheduled compliance process. Full article
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12 pages, 8499 KiB  
Article
In-Plane Radiation of Surface Plasmon Polaritons Excited by Free Electrons
by Ping Zhang, Yin Dong, Xubo Li, Xinxin Cao, Youfeng Yang, Guohao Yu, Shengpeng Yang, Shaomeng Wang and Yubin Gong
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060723 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have become a research hotspot due to their high intensity and subwavelength localization. Through free-electron excitation, a portion of the momentum of moving electrons can be converted into SPPs. Converting highly localized SPPs into a radiated field is an [...] Read more.
Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) have become a research hotspot due to their high intensity and subwavelength localization. Through free-electron excitation, a portion of the momentum of moving electrons can be converted into SPPs. Converting highly localized SPPs into a radiated field is an approach with the potential to aid in the development of a light radiation source. Reducing losses of SPPs is currently a critical challenge that needs to be addressed. The lifetime of SPPs in metal films is longer than that in metal blocks. Traditional optical gratings can transform SPPs into radiation to avoid the decay of SPPs in metal; however, they are created by etching metal films, so they tend to alter the dispersion characteristics of these films and will emit radiation in the direction perpendicular to the metal surface. This paper proposes an approach to converting the SPPs of a metal film excited by free electrons into a radiation field via lateral grating and obtaining in-plane radiation. We investigate the properties of SPP lateral radiation. The study of lateral radiation from metal films holds significant importance for SPP radiation sources and SPP on-chip circuit development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Terahertz Devices and Applications)
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12 pages, 698 KiB  
Article
Migration, Exile, and Vocation in the Metropol: The Figure of Joseph in the Early Writings of Léon Askenazi
by Ori Werdiger
Religions 2024, 15(6), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15060673 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
This paper considers the relationship between exile and migration as reflected in a case study of biblical exegesis in modern Jewish thought. I consider the place of the biblical figure of Joseph in an early text by Léon Askenazi (also known as Manitou), [...] Read more.
This paper considers the relationship between exile and migration as reflected in a case study of biblical exegesis in modern Jewish thought. I consider the place of the biblical figure of Joseph in an early text by Léon Askenazi (also known as Manitou), a North African kabbalist and French intellectual, and a key spiritual leader of Francophone Jewry in the second half of the twentieth century. The paper begins by locating Askenazi within the mass migration, or “repatriation”, of the Algerian Jewish community to metropolitan France. I then examine and analyze the reinterpretation of Joseph in an early and unpublished text by Askenazi. I show how Askenazi’s explication departs from a common reading of the Joseph story by recasting it as a positive diasporic narrative with direct contemporary implications. I argue that during Askenazi’s early years in Paris, he sought to offer a “Josephic” model for Jewish life in postwar France, a model which also functioned as an alternative to the Zionist ethos of the negation of exile. The paper’s conclusion reflects on how Askenazi’s ideas may speak to conversations on religion and immigration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Immigration)
10 pages, 284 KiB  
Review
Extracorporeal Life Support in Myocardial Infarction: New Highlights
by Giulia Piccone, Lorenzo Schiavoni, Alessia Mattei and Maria Benedetto
Medicina 2024, 60(6), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60060907 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a potentially severe complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in these patients has risen significantly over the past two decades, especially when conventional treatments fail. Our aim [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a potentially severe complication following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in these patients has risen significantly over the past two decades, especially when conventional treatments fail. Our aim is to provide an overview of the role of VA-ECMO in CS complicating AMI, with the most recent literature highlights. Materials and Methods: We have reviewed the current VA-ECMO practices with a particular focus on CS complicating AMI. The largest studies reporting the most significant results, i.e., overall clinical outcomes and management of the weaning process, were identified in the PubMed database from 2019 to 2024. Results: The literature about the use of VA-ECMO in CS complicating AMI primarily has consisted of observational studies until 2019, generating the need for randomized controlled trials. The EURO-SHOCK trial showed a lower 30-day all-cause mortality rate in patients receiving VA-ECMO compared to those receiving standard therapy. The ECMO-CS trial compared immediate VA-ECMO implementation with early conservative therapy, with a similar mortality rate between the two groups. The ECLS-SHOCK trial, the largest randomized controlled trial in this field, found no significant difference in mortality at 30 days between the ECMO group and the control group. Recent studies suggest the potential benefits of combining left ventricular unloading devices with VA-ECMO, but they also highlight the increased complication rate, such as bleeding and vascular issues. The routine use of VA-ECMO in AMI complicated by CS cannot be universally supported due to limited evidence and associated risks. Ongoing trials like the Danger Shock, Anchor, and Recover IV trials aim to provide further insights into the management of AMI complicated by CS. Conclusions: Standardizing the timing and indications for initiating mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is crucial and should guide future trials. Multidisciplinary approaches tailored to individual patient needs are essential to minimize complications from unnecessary MCS device initiation. Full article
17 pages, 5750 KiB  
Article
Development of an MPPT-Based Genetic Algorithm for Photovoltaic Systems versus Classical MPPT Techniques in Scenarios with Partial Shading
by Fernando Marcos de Oliveira, Marcelo Henrique Manzke Brandt, Fabiano Salvadori, José Enrique Eirez Izquierdo, Marco Roberto Cavallari and Oswaldo Hideo Ando Junior
Inventions 2024, 9(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions9030064 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in achieving maximum energy extraction due to the non-linear nature of their current versus voltage (IxV) characteristics, which are influenced by temperature and solar irradiation. These factors lead to variations in power generation. The situation becomes [...] Read more.
Photovoltaic (PV) systems face challenges in achieving maximum energy extraction due to the non-linear nature of their current versus voltage (IxV) characteristics, which are influenced by temperature and solar irradiation. These factors lead to variations in power generation. The situation becomes even more complex under partial shading conditions, causing distortion in the characteristic curve and creating discrepancies between local and global maximum power points. Achieving the highest output is crucial to enhancing energy efficiency in such systems. However, conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques often struggle to locate the global maximum point required to extract the maximum power from the PV system. This study employs genetic algorithms (GAs) to address this issue. The system can efficiently search for the global maximum point using genetic algorithms, maximizing power extraction from the PV arrangements. The proposed approach is compared with the traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) method through simulations, demonstrating its superior effectiveness in achieving optimal power generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Challenges in Emerging Power Systems: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1171 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Transcriptome Profile in Young Chickens after Infection with LaSota Newcastle Disease Virus
by Taina S. B. Lopes, Jannis Nankemann, Cassandra Breedlove, Andrea Pietruska, Raimundo Espejo, Camila Cuadrado and Ruediger Hauck
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060592 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Understanding gene expression changes in chicks after vaccination against Newcastle Disease (ND) can reveal vaccine biomarkers. There are limited data on chicks’ early immune response after ND vaccination. Two trials focused on this knowledge gap. In experiment one, 42 13-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks [...] Read more.
Understanding gene expression changes in chicks after vaccination against Newcastle Disease (ND) can reveal vaccine biomarkers. There are limited data on chicks’ early immune response after ND vaccination. Two trials focused on this knowledge gap. In experiment one, 42 13-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks were used. Harderian glands (Hgs) and tracheas (Tcs) from five birds per group were sampled at 12, 24, and 48 h post-vaccination (hpv) to evaluate the gene transcription levels by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and RT-qPCR. The results of RNA-seq were compared by glmFTest, while results of RT-qPCR were compared by t-test. With RNA-seq, a significant up-regulation of interferon-related genes along with JAK-STAT signaling pathway regulation was observed in the Hgs at 24 hpv. None of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified by RNA-seq were positive for RT-qPCR. Experiment 2 used 112 SPF and commercial chickens that were 1 day old and 14 days old. Only the commercial birds had maternal antibodies for Newcastle Disease virus (NDV). By RNA-seq, 20 core DEGs associated with innate immunity and viral genome replication inhibition were identified. Genes previously unlinked to NDV response, such as USP41, were identified. This research present genes with potential as immunity biomarkers for vaccines, yet further investigation is needed to correlate the core gene expression with viral shedding post-vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Diseases: Immune Response and Vaccines)
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13 pages, 2019 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Steatosis Induction in Mice: Exploring the Interactions and Underlying Mechanisms between PFOA and Tributyltin
by Yannick Dauwe, Lucile Mary, Fabiana Oliviero, Louise Dubois, Elodie Rousseau-Bacquie, Jelskey Gomez, Véronique Gayrard and Laïla Mselli-Lakhal
Cells 2024, 13(11), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13110940 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2024
Abstract
This study explores the impact of environmental pollutants on nuclear receptors (CAR, PXR, PPARα, PPARγ, FXR, and LXR) and their heterodimerization partner, the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR). Such interaction may contribute to the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is initially [...] Read more.
This study explores the impact of environmental pollutants on nuclear receptors (CAR, PXR, PPARα, PPARγ, FXR, and LXR) and their heterodimerization partner, the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR). Such interaction may contribute to the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is initially characterized by steatosis and potentially progresses to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Epidemiological studies have linked NAFLD occurrence to the exposure to environmental contaminants like PFAS. This study aims to assess the simultaneous activation of nuclear receptors via perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and RXR coactivation via Tributyltin (TBT), examining their combined effects on steatogenic mechanisms. Mice were exposed to PFOA (10 mg/kg/day), TBT (5 mg/kg/day) or a combination of them for three days. Mechanisms underlying hepatic steatosis were explored by measuring nuclear receptor target gene and lipid metabolism key gene expressions, by quantifying plasma lipids and hepatic damage markers. This study elucidated the involvement of the Liver X Receptor (LXR) in the combined effect on steatosis and highlighted the permissive nature of the LXR/RXR heterodimer. Antagonistic effects of TBT on the PFOA-induced activation of the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) were also observed. Overall, this study revealed complex interactions between PFOA and TBT, shedding light on their combined impact on liver health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Functions of Nuclear Receptors)
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11 pages, 261 KiB  
Article
Experiences of Stealthing and the Sociodemographic Profiles of Women Victims in Brazil: A National Study
by Wendell Ferrari, Conceição Nogueira and Marcos Nascimento
Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(6), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13060295 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
Stealthing is the removal of a condom during sexual intercourse without the consent of one’s partner. Despite considerable media attention devoted to the trend, limited empirical research has examined how women experienced stealthing. This study aimed to contribute toward generating empirical evidence to [...] Read more.
Stealthing is the removal of a condom during sexual intercourse without the consent of one’s partner. Despite considerable media attention devoted to the trend, limited empirical research has examined how women experienced stealthing. This study aimed to contribute toward generating empirical evidence to guide the discussion surrounding stealthing. It is the first empirical research at a national level in Brazil. An online survey was conducted among 2275 women over 18 who experienced stealthing. The study analyzes these women’s sociodemographic profiles and how they experienced stealthing. Most were white, young, had a religion, were highly educated, and belonged to the Brazilian middle class. They usually experienced stealthing during their youth, and the perpetrator was a cisgender man. Most of them did not look for the morning-after pill and post-exposure prophylaxis after the occurrence and never told anyone about this experience. They stated that the perpetrator should be punished. Women reported contracting sexually transmitted infections, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, or having an illegal abortion. In conclusion, the high incidence of stealthing in the country is notable, which should generate more discussions at academic and legal levels, creating specific laws on the subject so that victims could have more support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gender Studies)
18 pages, 48658 KiB  
Article
Achieving Equiaxed Transition and Excellent Mechanical Properties in a Novel Near-β Titanium Alloy by Regulating the Volume Energy Density of Selective Laser Melting
by Xiaofei Li, Huanhuan Cheng, Chengcheng Shi, Rui Liu, Ruyue Wang and Chuan Yang
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112631 (registering DOI) - 29 May 2024
Abstract
This research investigated the relationship between volume energy density and the microstructure, density, and mechanical properties of the Ti-5Al-5Mo-3V-1Cr-1Fe alloy fabricated via the SLM process. The results indicate that an increase in volume energy density can promote a transition from a columnar to [...] Read more.
This research investigated the relationship between volume energy density and the microstructure, density, and mechanical properties of the Ti-5Al-5Mo-3V-1Cr-1Fe alloy fabricated via the SLM process. The results indicate that an increase in volume energy density can promote a transition from a columnar to an equiaxed grain structure and suppress the anisotropy of mechanical properties. Specifically, at a volume energy density of 83.33 J/mm3, the average aspect ratio of β grains reached 0.77, accompanied by the formation of numerous nano-precipitated phases. Furthermore, the relative density of the alloy initially increased and then decreased as the volume energy density increased. At a volume energy density of 83.33 J/mm3, the relative density reached 99.6%. It is noteworthy that an increase in volume energy density increases the β grain size. Consequently, with a volume energy density of 83.33 J/mm3, the alloy exhibited an average grain size of 63.92 μm, demonstrating optimal performance with a yield strength of 1003.06 MPa and an elongation of 18.16%. This is mainly attributable to the fact that an increase in volume energy density enhances thermal convection within the molten pool, leading to alterations in molten pool morphology and a reduction in temperature gradients within the alloy. The reduction in temperature gradients promotes equiaxed grain transformation and grain refinement by increasing constitutive supercooling at the leading edge of the solid–liquid interface. The evolution of molten pool morphology mainly inhibits columnar grain growth and refines grain by changing the grain growth direction. This study provided a straightforward method for inhibiting anisotropy and enhancing mechanical properties. Full article
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