The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
15 pages, 5335 KiB  
Article
A Novel Clustering Algorithm Integrating Gershgorin Circle Theorem and Nonmaximum Suppression for Neural Spike Data Analysis
by Sahaj Anilbhai Patel and Abidin Yildirim
Signals 2024, 5(2), 402-416; https://doi.org/10.3390/signals5020020 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
(1) Problem Statement: The development of clustering algorithms for neural recordings has significantly evolved, reaching a mature stage with predominant approaches including partitional, hierarchical, probabilistic, fuzzy logic, density-based, and learning-based clustering. Despite this evolution, there remains a need for innovative clustering algorithms that [...] Read more.
(1) Problem Statement: The development of clustering algorithms for neural recordings has significantly evolved, reaching a mature stage with predominant approaches including partitional, hierarchical, probabilistic, fuzzy logic, density-based, and learning-based clustering. Despite this evolution, there remains a need for innovative clustering algorithms that can efficiently analyze neural spike data, particularly in handling diverse and noise-contaminated neural recordings. (2) Methodology: This paper introduces a novel clustering algorithm named Gershgorin—nonmaximum suppression (G–NMS), which incorporates the principles of the Gershgorin circle theorem, and a deep learning post-processing method known as nonmaximum suppression. The performance of G–NMS was thoroughly evaluated through extensive testing on two publicly available, synthetic neural datasets. The evaluation involved five distinct groups of experiments, totaling eleven individual experiments, to compare G–NMS against six established clustering algorithms. (3) Results: The results highlight the superior performance of G–NMS in three out of five group experiments, achieving high average accuracy with minimal standard deviation (SD). Specifically, in Dataset 1, experiment S1 (various SNRs) recorded an accuracy of 99.94 ± 0.01, while Dataset 2 showed accuracies of 99.68 ± 0.15 in experiment E1 (Easy 1) and 99.27 ± 0.35 in experiment E2 (Easy 2). Despite a slight decrease in average accuracy in the remaining two experiments, D1 (Difficult 1) and D2 (Difficult 2) from Dataset 2, compared to the top-performing clustering algorithms in these categories, G–NMS maintained lower SD, indicating consistent performance. Additionally, G–NMS demonstrated robustness and efficiency across various noise-contaminated neural recordings, ranging from low to high signal-to-noise ratios. (4) Conclusions: G–NMS’s integration of deep learning techniques and eigenvalue inclusion theorems has proven highly effective, marking a significant advancement in the clustering domain. Its superior performance, characterized by high accuracy and low variability, opens new avenues for the development of high-performing clustering algorithms, contributing significantly to the body of research in this field. Full article
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20 pages, 368 KiB  
Article
Fitness Landscape Analysis of Product Unit Neural Networks
by Andries Engelbrecht and Robert Gouldie 
Algorithms 2024, 17(6), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17060241 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
A fitness landscape analysis of the loss surfaces produced by product unit neural networks is performed in order to gain a better understanding of the impact of product units on the characteristics of the loss surfaces. The loss surface characteristics of product unit [...] Read more.
A fitness landscape analysis of the loss surfaces produced by product unit neural networks is performed in order to gain a better understanding of the impact of product units on the characteristics of the loss surfaces. The loss surface characteristics of product unit neural networks are then compared to the characteristics of loss surfaces produced by neural networks that make use of summation units. The failure of certain optimization algorithms in training product neural networks is explained through trends observed between loss surface characteristics and optimization algorithm performance. The paper shows that the loss surfaces of product unit neural networks have extremely large gradients with many deep ravines and valleys, which explains why gradient-based optimization algorithms fail at training these neural networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Algorithms in Machine Learning (2nd Edition))
7 pages, 271 KiB  
Review
Significance of Cellular Lipid Metabolism for the Replication of Rotaviruses and Other RNA Viruses
by Ulrich Desselberger
Viruses 2024, 16(6), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060908 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The replication of species A rotaviruses (RVAs) involves the recruitment of and interaction with cellular organelles’ lipid droplets (LDs), both physically and functionally. The inhibition of enzymes involved in the cellular fatty acid biosynthesis pathway or the inhibition of cellular lipases that degrade [...] Read more.
The replication of species A rotaviruses (RVAs) involves the recruitment of and interaction with cellular organelles’ lipid droplets (LDs), both physically and functionally. The inhibition of enzymes involved in the cellular fatty acid biosynthesis pathway or the inhibition of cellular lipases that degrade LDs was found to reduce the functions of ‘viral factories’ (viroplasms for rotaviruses or replication compartments of other RNA viruses) and decrease the production of infectious progeny viruses. While many other RNA viruses utilize cellular lipids for their replication, their detailed analysis is far beyond this review; only a few annotations are made relating to hepatitis C virus (HCV), enteroviruses, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV-1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses 2024 - A World of Viruses)
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26 pages, 9685 KiB  
Essay
Affect and Ethics in Mike Malloy’s Insure the Life of an Ant
by Gerald Silk
Arts 2024, 13(3), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts13030101 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This essay examines a little-known but important installation entitled Insure the Life of an Ant, conceived by artist Mike Malloy and displayed at the O.K. Harris Gallery in New York in April of 1972. This provocative and idiosyncratic piece confronted gallery-goers, who [...] Read more.
This essay examines a little-known but important installation entitled Insure the Life of an Ant, conceived by artist Mike Malloy and displayed at the O.K. Harris Gallery in New York in April of 1972. This provocative and idiosyncratic piece confronted gallery-goers, who became viewer–participants, with the option of killing or saving a live ant displayed like a sculpture on a pedestal, either by pushing a button or not. The artist made the piece, which can function almost like a psychology experiment, to engender a “moral dilemma”. I explore the particular role of affect in a participatory art installation, distinct from response to inanimate art. I investigate the roles of emotion and reason in dealing with the work; whether ratiocination can be considered an “anti-affect”; and how the tension between competing thoughts and feelings helped create a psychological drama. The essay looks at how an art space can operate as a zone of moral exceptionalism to encourage questionable actions. It also locates the piece in relation to the emergence of a more behaviorist art in the early 1970s, as discussed by critic Gregory Battcock, and the larger notion of postmodernism. Other contexts investigated include art and animal rights and issues of sentience and speciesism; social and military violence, including capital punishment and the Vietnam War; the 1961 Milgram experiment; Hannah Arendt’s concept of the “banality of evil” as a Nazi war criminal defense; and other works of art involving maltreatment or violence toward both human and non-human animals, including those by Marina Abramović, Marco Evaristti, and Edward and Nancy Reddin Kienholz. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Affective Art)
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12 pages, 1769 KiB  
Systematic Review
Circular Economics in Agricultural Waste Biomass Management
by Luiz Henrique Sant’ Ana, Jessica R. P. Oliveira, Giovanna Gonçalves, Angelo M. Tusset and Giane G. Lenzi
Biomass 2024, 4(2), 543-554; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass4020029 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The present study deals with the reuse of agro-industrial waste with a specific focus on biochar (processed plant biomass or biochar) consisting of organic and inorganic waste biomass subjected to thermochemical processes. The objective of this work is to carry out a systematic [...] Read more.
The present study deals with the reuse of agro-industrial waste with a specific focus on biochar (processed plant biomass or biochar) consisting of organic and inorganic waste biomass subjected to thermochemical processes. The objective of this work is to carry out a systematic review of the literature according to the Methodi Ordinatio methodology and select a bibliographic portfolio of high relevance to this study that makes it possible to present the concepts, applications and interest on the part of companies in including biochar in their processes, as well as addressing the environmental impacts linked to incorrect waste disposal. In this sense, biochar presents an interesting potential solution from both a waste management and environmental point of view. The current challenge is studies that prove economic viability. Full article
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24 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
A Comprehensive Survey on Enabling Techniques in Secure and Resilient Smart Grids
by Xueyi Wang, Shancang Li and Md Arafatur Rahman
Electronics 2024, 13(11), 2177; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13112177 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Smart grids are a cornerstone of the transition to a decentralised, low-carbon energy system, which offer significant benefits, including increased reliability, improved energy efficiency, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources. However, ensuring the security and resilience of smart grids is paramount. Cyber [...] Read more.
Smart grids are a cornerstone of the transition to a decentralised, low-carbon energy system, which offer significant benefits, including increased reliability, improved energy efficiency, and seamless integration of renewable energy sources. However, ensuring the security and resilience of smart grids is paramount. Cyber attacks, physical disruptions, and other unforeseen threats pose a significant risk to the stability and functionality of the grid. This paper identifies the research gaps and technical hurdles that hinder the development of a robust and secure smart grid infrastructure. This paper addresses the critical gaps in smart grid security research, outlining the technical challenges and promising avenues for exploration by both the industry and academia. A novel framework designed to enhance the reliability and security of smart grids was proposed against cyber attacks, considering the interconnectedness of the physical and cyber components. The paper further explores future research trends and identifies the key open issues in the ongoing effort to strengthen the security and resilience of smart grids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Cyber Security)
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19 pages, 9690 KiB  
Article
Effect of Simultaneous Application of Glass Fiber Reinforcement and Polymer-Modified Asphalt Emulsion on DBST’s Resistance to Aggregate Loss Using Laboratory Investigation
by Je Won Kim and Carlo Elipse
Coatings 2024, 14(6), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14060702 (registering DOI) - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Double bituminous surface treatment (DBST) has been a widely utilized pavement maintenance material due to its capability to restore the surface roughness of existing pavement and provide a layer of protection against weathering, aging, and moisture. However, DBST is highly prone to aggregate [...] Read more.
Double bituminous surface treatment (DBST) has been a widely utilized pavement maintenance material due to its capability to restore the surface roughness of existing pavement and provide a layer of protection against weathering, aging, and moisture. However, DBST is highly prone to aggregate loss at an early stage, which is a very common problem experienced by surface treatment. Therefore, to lessen the aggregate loss and prolong the service life of DBST, fiber additive can be incorporated to strengthen the adhesion between the asphalt emulsion and aggregates. This study investigated the performance of glass fiber-reinforced polymer-modified DBST against aggregate loss by conducting laboratory tests using typical DBST as the benchmark of the test results. Four laboratory tests were chosen to represent different loading applications on the surface of the pavement: the bitumen bond strength (BBS) test, the sweep test, the Hamburg wheel-track test (HWT test), and a one-third-scale model mobile load simulator (MMLS3) model. Furthermore, the curing time of the asphalt emulsion was considered in the BBS test and sweep test. Based on all results from the conducted laboratory tests, polymer-modified DBST with glass fiber reinforcement presented an increased resistance to aggregate loss compared with typical DBST. Moreover, it was found that a longer curing time of the asphalt emulsion, whether it was typical or modified, strengthened the surface treatment’s resistance to aggregate loss. Full article
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21 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Industrially Produced Plant-Based Food Products: Nutritional Value and Degree of Processing
by Marta Maganinho, Carla Almeida and Patrícia Padrão
Foods 2024, 13(11), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111752 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The plant-based food market is rapidly growing, offering innovative options to meet consumer expectations. However, a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional quality of these foods is lacking. We aimed to characterize industrial plant-based food products’ nutritional value and degree of processing. A cross-sectional [...] Read more.
The plant-based food market is rapidly growing, offering innovative options to meet consumer expectations. However, a comprehensive analysis of the nutritional quality of these foods is lacking. We aimed to characterize industrial plant-based food products’ nutritional value and degree of processing. A cross-sectional study was conducted on two market-leading Portuguese food retail chains by assessing the nutritional composition of all the available pre-packaged plant-based food products (n = 407). These products were categorized into meal alternatives, dairy alternatives, and other products containing dairy/meat alternative ingredients including ready meals and desserts. The products’ nutritional quality was assessed according to the cut-offs established by the Portuguese Directorate General of Health [DGS] on total fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and considering the degree of processing using NOVA classification. One-tenth of the products were classified as having a high total fat, saturated fat, sugars, or salt content. In some sub-categories, half of foods were classified as high in saturated fat, and over two-thirds were considered high salt products. Less than one-third exhibit a good nutritional profile based on the national cut-offs. A total of 84.3% of plant-based food products were ultra-processed. These findings emphasize the need to improve the nutritional profile of plant-based options. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
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19 pages, 50336 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Potential Distribution of Carposina coreana in China under the Current and Future Climate Change
by Guolei Zhang, Sai Liu, Changqing Xu, Hongshuang Wei, Kun Guo, Rong Xu, Haili Qiao and Pengfei Lu
Insects 2024, 15(6), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060411 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Carposina coreana is an important pest of Cornus officinalis, distributed in China, Korea, and Japan. In recent years, its damage to C. officinalis has become increasingly serious, causing enormous economic losses in China. This study and prediction of current and future suitable [...] Read more.
Carposina coreana is an important pest of Cornus officinalis, distributed in China, Korea, and Japan. In recent years, its damage to C. officinalis has become increasingly serious, causing enormous economic losses in China. This study and prediction of current and future suitable habitats for C. coreana in China can provide an important reference for the monitoring, early warning, prevention, and control of the pest. In this study, the potential distributions of C. coreana in China under current climate and future climate models were predicted using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model with ArcGIS software. The distribution point data of C. coreana were screened using the buffer screening method. Nineteen environmental variables were screened using the knife-cut method and variable correlation analysis. The parameters of the MaxEnt model were optimized using the kuenm package in R software. The MaxEnt model, combined with key environmental variables, was used to predict the distribution range of the suitable area for C. coreana under the current (1971–2000) and four future scenarios. The buffer screening method screened data from 41 distribution points that could be used for modeling. The main factors affecting the distribution of C. coreana were precipitation in the driest month (Bio14), precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18), precipitation in the coldest quarter (Bio19), the standard deviation of seasonal variation of temperature (Bio4), minimum temperature in the coldest month (Bio6), and average temperature in the coldest quarter (Bio11). The feature class (FC) after the kuenm package optimization was a Q-quadratic T-threshold combination, and the regularization multiplier (RM) was 0.8. The suitable areas for C. coreana under the current climate model were mainly distributed in central China, and the highly suitable areas were distributed in southern Shaanxi, southwestern Henan, and northwestern Hubei. The lowest temperature in the coldest month (Bio6), the average temperature in the coldest quarter (Bio11), and the precipitation in the warmest quarter (Bio18) all had good predictive ability. In future climate scenarios, the boundary of the suitable area for C. coreana in China is expected to shift northward, and thus, most of the future climate scenarios would shift northward. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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9 pages, 359 KiB  
Article
Early Results after Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Patients with Urodynamically Proven Detrusor Underactivity
by Pawel Trotsenko, Christian Wetterauer, Martin Haydter, Lukas Lusuardi and Thomas R. W. Herrmann
Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2024, 5(3), 160-168; https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj5030025 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common urological diseases. Among these patients, the presence of detrusor underactivity or acontractility represents a challenging condition since no medical treatment is available. Our objective is to evaluate early term outcomes following transurethral [...] Read more.
Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common urological diseases. Among these patients, the presence of detrusor underactivity or acontractility represents a challenging condition since no medical treatment is available. Our objective is to evaluate early term outcomes following transurethral anatomical enucleation of the prostate with Tm:YAG support. Methods: In a retrospective analysis of 115 patients who underwent this procedure between January 2019 and March 2022 due to lower urinary tract symptoms, 8 patients with urodynamic evidence of detrusor underactivity secondary to a non-neurogenic aetiology were identified. Detrusor underactivity was defined as a bladder contractility index of <100. Results: Median age, prostate volume and bladder contractility index were 73.2 years, 78.5 cm3 and 63.9, respectively. Median International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life, Qmax and post-void residual volume were 15/3.5 points, 4.4 mL/s and 189 mL, respectively. Postoperatively, immediate catheter-removal success rate was 87.5% (7/8), at 2 months all patients were catheter-free and remained so at 1-year follow-up. Significant improvements for quality of life, Qmax and post-void residual volume were detected. Median postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score/Quality of life, Qmax and post-void residual volume were 7/2, 21.6 mL/s and 0 mL, respectively. Conclusions: This surgical approach offers high catheter-free rates, significantly improves functional voiding parameters and increases patient satisfaction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and concomitant detrusor underactivity. Therefore, it can be regarded as an effective approach for such patients. Full article
10 pages, 3602 KiB  
Communication
Future Possible Changes in Medically Underserved Areas in Japan: A Geographic Information System-Based Simulation Study
by Akihisa Nakamura, Eiji Satoh, Tatsuya Suzuki, Soichi Koike and Kazuhiko Kotani
J. Mark. Access Health Policy 2024, 12(2), 118-127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmahp12020010 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background: A decrease in populations could affect healthcare access and systems, particularly in medically underserved areas (MUAs) where depopulation is becoming more prevalent. This study aimed to simulate the future population and land areas of MUAs in Japan. Methods: This study covered 380,948 [...] Read more.
Background: A decrease in populations could affect healthcare access and systems, particularly in medically underserved areas (MUAs) where depopulation is becoming more prevalent. This study aimed to simulate the future population and land areas of MUAs in Japan. Methods: This study covered 380,948 1 km meshes, 87,942 clinics, and 8354 hospitals throughout Japan as of 2020. The areas outside a 4 km radius of medical institutions were considered as MUAs, based on the measure of areas in the current Japanese Medical Care Act. Based on the population estimate for a 1 km mesh, the population of mesh numbers of MUAs was predicted for every 10 years from 2020 to 2050 using geographic information system analysis. If the population within a 4 km radius from a medical institution fell below 1000, the institution was operationally assumed to be closed. Results: The number of MUAs was predicted to decrease from 964,310 (0.77% of the total Japanese population) in 2020 to 763,410 (0.75%) by 2050. By 2050, 48,105 meshes (13% of the total meshes in Japan) were predicted to be new MUAs, indicating a 31% increase in MUAs from 2020 to 2050. By 2050, 1601 medical institutions were tentatively estimated to be in close proximity. Conclusions: In Japan, the population of MUAs will decrease, while the land area of MUAs will increase. Such changes may reform rural healthcare policy and systems. Full article
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19 pages, 19805 KiB  
Article
Wood Chipper Design for Biofuel Production in a Global Catastrophic Loss of Infrastructure Scenario
by Henry Vennard, Joshua M. Pearce and David Denkenberger
Hardware 2024, 2(2), 154-172; https://doi.org/10.3390/hardware2020008 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
A variety of events such as high-altitude electromagnetic pulses, extreme solar storms, and coordinated cyber attacks could result in a catastrophic loss of infrastructure on a continental or global scale. The lengthy repair of critical infrastructure creates a need for alternative fuels such [...] Read more.
A variety of events such as high-altitude electromagnetic pulses, extreme solar storms, and coordinated cyber attacks could result in a catastrophic loss of infrastructure on a continental or global scale. The lengthy repair of critical infrastructure creates a need for alternative fuels such as wood gas. Wood gas is produced by heating wood in a low-oxygen environment and can be used to power combustion engines. This work investigates a novel wood chipper, designed as an energy-efficient tool for producing wood gas stock, wood chips, aiming to speed up the transition to alternative fuel. A prototype is built and tested to determine the energy efficiency and production rate of the device. The results suggest that the wood chipper could produce one cord of wood chips, 3.6 m3, in less than a day and is a viable alternative to other manual wood-processing methods. In addition, the global scaling up of production of the wood chipper is considered, indicating that the mass production of the wood chipper could accelerate the transition of wood gas production methods from manual to machine-driven immediately after a catastrophic event. Full article
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2 pages, 143 KiB  
Editorial
Laboratories: A New Open Access Journal
by Gassan Hodaifa
Laboratories 2024, 1(1), 72-73; https://doi.org/10.3390/laboratories1010005 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The modernization of society goes hand in hand with agricultural, industrial, and economic development, with this development becoming increasingly complex due to the large number of activities being carried out and the diversification of products generated by society [...] Full article
7 pages, 431 KiB  
Case Report
Blinatumomab in Children with MRD-Positive B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Report of 11 Cases
by Yi-Lun Wang, Tsung-Yen Chang, Yu-Chuan Wen, Shu-Ho Yang, Yi-Wen Hsiao, Chia-Chi Chiu, Yu-Chieh Chen, Ruei-Shan Hu, Shih-Hsiang Chen, Tang-Her Jaing and Chih-Cheng Hsiao
Hematol. Rep. 2024, 16(2), 347-353; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep16020035 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remains an unresolved matter of concern regarding adverse outcomes. This case study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of blinatumomab, with or without door lymphocyte infusion (DLI), in treating measurable residual disease (MRD)-positive B-ALL. Methods: All patients [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) remains an unresolved matter of concern regarding adverse outcomes. This case study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of blinatumomab, with or without door lymphocyte infusion (DLI), in treating measurable residual disease (MRD)-positive B-ALL. Methods: All patients who received blinatumomab salvage therapy were included in this study. Eleven patients were included in the study. All patients were evaluated for MRD-negativity. Results: Before starting blinatumomab therapy, seven patients tested positive for MRD, three tested negative, and one had refractory disease. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was reserved for five patients with persistent MRD. Six patients became MRD-negative and subsequent HCT was not performed. Only two patients relapsed; one patient died of relapse, and the other one received carfilzomib-based therapy and was MRD-negative thereafter. Nine patients were MRD-negative at a median follow-up of 28 months (15–52 months). Two of three MRD-positive post-transplant patients remained in complete molecular remission after preemptive DLI at the last follow-up date. In the first salvage, blinatumomab may achieve complete remission and bridging to HCT in pediatric patients with end-of-induction MRD-positive B-cell precursor ALL. Conclusions: The decision on how to treat post-transplant relapse continues to affect survival outcomes. Blinatumomab combined with DLI may extend the armamentarium of release options for high-risk pediatric patients. This approach is encouraging for high-risk ALL patients who are MRD-positive post-transplantation. Full article
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22 pages, 12926 KiB  
Article
An Augmented Reality Application for Wound Management: Enhancing Nurses’ Autonomy, Competence and Connectedness
by Carina Albrecht-Gansohr, Lara Timm, Sabrina C. Eimler and Stefan Geisler
Virtual Worlds 2024, 3(2), 208-229; https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds3020011 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The use of Augmented Reality glasses opens up many possibilities in hospital care, as they facilitate treatments and their documentation. In this paper, we present a prototype for the HoloLens 2 supporting wound care and documentation. It was developed in a participatory process [...] Read more.
The use of Augmented Reality glasses opens up many possibilities in hospital care, as they facilitate treatments and their documentation. In this paper, we present a prototype for the HoloLens 2 supporting wound care and documentation. It was developed in a participatory process with nurses using the positive computing paradigm, with a focus on the improvement of the working conditions of nursing staff. In a qualitative study with 14 participants, the factors of autonomy, competence and connectedness were examined in particular. It was shown that good individual adaptability and flexibility of the system with respect to the work task and personal preferences lead to a high degree of autonomy. The availability of the right information at the right time strengthens the feeling of competence. On the one hand, the connection to patients is increased by the additional information in the glasses, but on the other hand, it is hindered by the unusual appearance of the device and the lack of eye contact. In summary, the potential of Augmented Reality glasses in care was confirmed, and approaches for a well-being-centered system design were identified but, at the same time, a number of future research questions, including the effects on patients, were also identified. Full article
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12 pages, 770 KiB  
Review
The Complexity of the Pancreatic Lymphatic System and the Key Role of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis Prediction: A Comprehensive Review
by Fábio França Vieira e Silva, Andrea Ballini, Marina Di Domenico and María Elena Padín-Iruegas
Anatomia 2024, 3(2), 124-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/anatomia3020010 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The pancreas is a vital organ nestled deep within the abdomen, playing a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is elongated and tadpole-shaped, with a head, body, and tail. The intricate connections to adjacent structures through a network of blood [...] Read more.
The pancreas is a vital organ nestled deep within the abdomen, playing a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is elongated and tadpole-shaped, with a head, body, and tail. The intricate connections to adjacent structures through a network of blood vessels, ducts, and supportive tissue transform pancreatic cancer into one of the most fatal malignancies globally as a result of a typically late diagnosis and metastatic form of the disease. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is prevalent in the majority of individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, signifying a critical factor influencing prognostic outcomes. The para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) play an important role in the lymphatic drainage of various organs, including the kidneys, pancreas, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In pancreatic cancer, the risk of PALN metastasis holds considerable clinical significance, and diagnosing your involvement is primordial to therapeutic decisions and to increase the survival expectations of these patients. Full article
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25 pages, 2653 KiB  
Review
Deciphering the Role of Virus Receptors in Plant–Virus–Vector Interactions
by Sumit Jangra, Senthilraja Chinnaiah, Sneha Rashtrapal Patil, Bhavya Shukla, Ragunathan Devendran and Manish Kumar
Receptors 2024, 3(2), 255-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors3020013 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Insect-transmitted plant viruses are a major threat to global agricultural crop production. Receptors play a prominent role in the interplay between host-pathogen and vector interaction. The virus–vector relationship involves both viral and vector receptors. Receptors-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins play a crucial [...] Read more.
Insect-transmitted plant viruses are a major threat to global agricultural crop production. Receptors play a prominent role in the interplay between host-pathogen and vector interaction. The virus–vector relationship involves both viral and vector receptors. Receptors-like kinases (RLKs) and receptor-like proteins play a crucial role in plant immunity, which acts as a basal defense. Pathogens can evade or block host recognition by their effector proteins to inhibit pathogen recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated signaling. Intriguingly, RLKs are also known to interact with viral proteins and impact plant susceptibility against viruses, while the endocytic receptors in vectors assist in the binding of the virus to the vectors. Unlike other receptors of fungi and bacteria which have three different domains located from extracellular or intracellular to perceive a multitude of molecular patterns, the characterization of viral receptors is quite complex and limited since the virus is directly injected into plant cells by insect vectors. Little is known about these receptors. Unraveling the receptors involved in virus entry and transmission within the vector will provide vital information in virus–vector interactions. This review focuses on efforts undertaken in the identification and characterization of receptors of plant viruses within the host and vector. This will lead to a better understanding of the cellular mechanism of virus transmission and spread, and further suggests new alternative tools for researchers to develop an integrated approach for the management of viral diseases and associated vectors. Full article
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5 pages, 569 KiB  
Case Report
Premarital Counseling on the Alpha Thalassemia Allele HBA2:c.*94A>G
by Latifa Alderei, Nouf Alshkeili, Dana Alnaqbi, Omar Abdulla Shehab, Ranjit Vijayan and Abdul-Kader Souid
Thalass. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 44-48; https://doi.org/10.3390/thalassrep14020006 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The mutation HBA2:c.*94A>G (AATAAA>AATAAG; rs63751269) is a 3′-UTR (3 prime untranslated region) single-nucleotide substitution in the polyadenylation (PA) signal of HBA2PA:A→G). This pathogenic (CADD score, 14.92) variant is sporadic in the Arabian Peninsula. It results in inefficient mRNA processing, [...] Read more.
The mutation HBA2:c.*94A>G (AATAAA>AATAAG; rs63751269) is a 3′-UTR (3 prime untranslated region) single-nucleotide substitution in the polyadenylation (PA) signal of HBA2PA:A→G). This pathogenic (CADD score, 14.92) variant is sporadic in the Arabian Peninsula. It results in inefficient mRNA processing, transcription termination, and possibly using an alternate cryptic downstream polyadenylation signal. As a result, the allele αT (or αT-Saudi) poses challenges in premarital counseling with respect to fetal risk of hemoglobin H disease. Homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα) results in moderate-to-severe microcytosis (mean red cell volume, MCV, 55 to 65 fL), reflecting markedly impaired hemoglobin synthesis (hemoglobin H disease). Homozygous rightward -α3.7 (a 3804-neocleotide deletion allele, NM_000517.4:c.[-2_-3delAC; −α3.7]), on the other hand, results in mild microcytosis (MCV, 70 to 75 fL, alpha-thalassemia trait). Thus, HBA2:c.*94A>G is more damaging than -α3.7. Consistently, the value of MCV in compound heterozygosity, HBA2:c.*94A>G and −α3.7, is 65 to 70 fL. We report here a healthy couple who presented for premarital counseling on their hemoglobinopathy. The man has homozygous HBA2:c.*94A>G (αTα/αTα), and the woman has compound heterozygous (−α3.7Tα, also annotated as: −3.7α/αTα). As a result, the genotype of their offspring would be that of the father (αTα/αTα) or the mother (−α3.7Tα). The counseling was mainly based on the benign phenotypes of the parents. As both were asymptomatic and their anemia was clinically insignificant, they proceeded with the marriage. Full article
12 pages, 557 KiB  
Article
A Survey of Zoonotic Bacteria in the Spleen of Six Species of Rodents in Panama
by Gleydis García, Anakena M. Castillo, Publio González, Blas Armien and Luis C. Mejía
Zoonotic Dis. 2024, 4(2), 162-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis4020015 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Emerging zoonotic diseases are one of the main threats to human and animal health. Among the agents with the potential for zoonoses, those of bacterial origin have great relevance in Public Health. Rodents are considered one of the main reservoirs of pathogens that [...] Read more.
Emerging zoonotic diseases are one of the main threats to human and animal health. Among the agents with the potential for zoonoses, those of bacterial origin have great relevance in Public Health. Rodents are considered one of the main reservoirs of pathogens that represent a risk to human health or animal species. We used massive 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing to survey bacteria present in the spleen of six species of rodents in Panama in order to identify bacterial taxa with zoonotic potential in the country. We found 3352 bacterial Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs, i.e., phylogenetic species) in the spleen of six rodent species surveyed (Liomys adspersus, Melanomys caliginosus, Mus musculus, Proechimys semispinosus, Rattus rattus, Zygodontomys brevicauda). This bacterial community was represented by 25 phyla, 55 classes, 140 orders, 268 families, and 508 genera. The three predominant phyla were Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and the five predominant classes were Actinobacteria, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Clostridia. There were seven high-abundance genera: Acinetobacter, Bartonella, Cutibacterium, Enterococcus, Sarcina, Staphylococcus, and Wolbachia. Genera found with less abundance included Bradyrhizobium, Chryseobacterium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, and Sphingomonas. Some of these genera (high or low abundance) have clinical importance. The identification of bacterial taxa with zoonotic potential in rodent species performed here allows us to have surveillance mechanisms for these pathogens and to be able to recognize localities to be prioritized for prevention of transmission and outbreaks, thus being of value for public health in Panama. Full article
13 pages, 6469 KiB  
Article
Dry Reforming of CH4 Using a Microreactor
by Tarsida N. Wedraogo, Jing Wu and Huai Z. Li
Methane 2024, 3(2), 346-358; https://doi.org/10.3390/methane3020019 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
In the present study, a comparison of the dry reforming of a gas mixture containing methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen without contaminants to a ruthenium-based Ru/Al2O3 catalyst was carried out in a microreactor for the first time. The influence of [...] Read more.
In the present study, a comparison of the dry reforming of a gas mixture containing methane, carbon dioxide and nitrogen without contaminants to a ruthenium-based Ru/Al2O3 catalyst was carried out in a microreactor for the first time. The influence of the contact time, temperature and composition of the feed on the conversion was exhaustively investigated. The optimal operating conditions were found to be a contact time of 80 milliseconds, a temperature of 700 °C and a CH4:CO2 ratio of 1. The assessment of diffusional limitations reveals that there is no resistance to mass transfer, which reveals the potential benefit of the determination of intrinsic reaction kinetics within a microreactor. Full article
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23 pages, 9081 KiB  
Article
CORE-ReID: Comprehensive Optimization and Refinement through Ensemble Fusion in Domain Adaptation for Person Re-Identification
by Trinh Quoc Nguyen, Oky Dicky Ardiansyah Prima and Katsuyoshi Hotta
Software 2024, 3(2), 227-249; https://doi.org/10.3390/software3020012 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study introduces a novel framework, “Comprehensive Optimization and Refinement through Ensemble Fusion in Domain Adaptation for Person Re-identification (CORE-ReID)”, to address an Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA) for Person Re-identification (ReID). The framework utilizes CycleGAN to generate diverse data that harmonize differences in [...] Read more.
This study introduces a novel framework, “Comprehensive Optimization and Refinement through Ensemble Fusion in Domain Adaptation for Person Re-identification (CORE-ReID)”, to address an Unsupervised Domain Adaptation (UDA) for Person Re-identification (ReID). The framework utilizes CycleGAN to generate diverse data that harmonize differences in image characteristics from different camera sources in the pre-training stage. In the fine-tuning stage, based on a pair of teacher–student networks, the framework integrates multi-view features for multi-level clustering to derive diverse pseudo-labels. A learnable Ensemble Fusion component that focuses on fine-grained local information within global features is introduced to enhance learning comprehensiveness and avoid ambiguity associated with multiple pseudo-labels. Experimental results on three common UDAs in Person ReID demonstrated significant performance gains over state-of-the-art approaches. Additional enhancements, such as Efficient Channel Attention Block and Bidirectional Mean Feature Normalization mitigate deviation effects and the adaptive fusion of global and local features using the ResNet-based model, further strengthening the framework. The proposed framework ensures clarity in fusion features, avoids ambiguity, and achieves high accuracy in terms of Mean Average Precision, Top-1, Top-5, and Top-10, positioning it as an advanced and effective solution for UDA in Person ReID. Full article
16 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Unpacking the Discourse on Youth Pathways into and out of Homelessness: Implications for Research Scholarship and Policy Interventions
by Ahmad Bonakdar
Youth 2024, 4(2), 787-802; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth4020052 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Youth homelessness presents a complex and persistent challenge worldwide, particularly affecting young adults between 16 and 24 years of age in the US and Canada. This population faces elevated risks of exploitation, victimization, and various health issues upon detachment from familial support structures. [...] Read more.
Youth homelessness presents a complex and persistent challenge worldwide, particularly affecting young adults between 16 and 24 years of age in the US and Canada. This population faces elevated risks of exploitation, victimization, and various health issues upon detachment from familial support structures. Understanding the multi-faceted nature of youth homelessness requires the consideration of individual, structural, and systemic factors within the socio-ecological model. Historically, when examining youth homelessness, traditional methods have concentrated either on individual factors contributing to homelessness or on broader structural issues within society. The emergence of the new orthodoxy attempted to bridge the apparent gap between individual- and structural-level factors by considering both to be equally significant, but it faced skepticism for its theoretical framework. In response, the “pathways” approach gained traction, emphasizing the subjective experiences and agency of youth experiencing homelessness. Departing from conventional epidemiological models, the pathways approach views homelessness as a dynamic process intertwined with individual life contexts. This paper navigates the scholarly discourse on youth homelessness and examines the distinct characteristics of the pathways approach. By exploring its implications for research and policy, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of youth homelessness and informs future prevention-focused interventions. Full article
16 pages, 5090 KiB  
Article
The Status of Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resources: An Analysis of Farmers’ Perspectives and Implications for Breed Conservation Priorities in Zambia
by Christopher M. Kanyama, Mathews Ngosa, Amy F. Moss and Tamsyn M. Crowley
Poultry 2024, 3(2), 161-176; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry3020013 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs) are an essential component of agriculture and rural livelihood among 80% of small-scale farmers (SSFs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, in the past decade, significant losses of Indigenous Chicken Animal Genetic Resources (IC-AnGR) resulting [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Indigenous chickens (Gallus domesticus) (ICs) are an essential component of agriculture and rural livelihood among 80% of small-scale farmers (SSFs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, in the past decade, significant losses of Indigenous Chicken Animal Genetic Resources (IC-AnGR) resulting from poultry diseases, imported exotic breeds, poor market access, and uncontrolled crossbreeding have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the status of IC-AnGR and assess the major challenges affecting the production of ICs. (2) Methods: We surveyed 358 households in eastern, central, and southern livelihood zones, comprising 81.6% males and 17.6% females. (3) Results: Our study shows that respondents owned 16,112 ICs, 3026 goats, and 5183 herds of cattle. Overall, 77.4% of chicken breeds were ICs and 22.6% were exotic. Across the three zones, 18–44% reported the introduction or adoption of exotic breeds in the past decade, with most households sourcing breeding stock from local communities and family and friends at 45% and 28.6%, respectively. Farmers gave various reasons for adopting new chicken breeds, including fast growth (21.7%), larger mature sizes (21.66%), and resistance to diseases at 15.2%. Overall, 92.5% of farmers agreed or strongly agreed that some IC breeds disappeared in the past decade and nearly 90% were concerned. Some attributed the loss to poultry diseases. (4) Conclusion: Deliberate policies to promote the sustainable use and conservation of ICs are critical in Zambia. Full article
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