The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
19 pages, 738 KiB  
Review
The Ongoing Debate on the Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Acute Pancreatitis—Is There a Conclusion? A Comprehensive Narrative Review
by Kai Siang Chan and Vishal G. Shelat
Antibiotics 2024, 13(5), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13050411 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common but often self-limiting disease in the majority of patients. However, in the minority, who may progress to moderately severe or severe AP, high mortality risk has been reported. Infected pancreatitis necrosis (IPN) in necrotising pancreatitis has been [...] Read more.
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common but often self-limiting disease in the majority of patients. However, in the minority, who may progress to moderately severe or severe AP, high mortality risk has been reported. Infected pancreatitis necrosis (IPN) in necrotising pancreatitis has been shown to result in more than twice the mortality rate compared with in sterile pancreatic necrosis. This raises the question on whether prophylactic antibiotics (PABs) should be given in subgroups of AP to prevent superimposed infection to improve survival outcomes. Despite numerous randomised controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and guidelines on the management of AP, there is a lack of strong evidence to suggest the use of PABs in AP. Additionally, use of PABs is associated with antimicrobial resistance. Considerable heterogeneity exists and limits the interpretation of results—subgroup of AP benefitting from PAB use, choice/class of PAB, and timing of administration from symptom onset and duration of PAB use. Only a minority of existing meta-analyses suggest mortality benefits and reduction in IPN. The majority of existing guidelines do not recommend the use of PABs in AP. More research is required to make more definitive conclusions. Currently, PAB should only be administered after multidisciplinary discussions led by pancreatology experts. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 981 KiB  
Article
Mission Statement Components and Social Enterprise Sustainability: Findings from a Mixed-Method Approach
by Haixia Duan and Yaya Yang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093758 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Mission statement components are crucial for the sustainability of social enterprises. Based on content analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate the link between mission statement components and sustainability in a sample of 148 Chinese social enterprises. Our findings indicate that [...] Read more.
Mission statement components are crucial for the sustainability of social enterprises. Based on content analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we investigate the link between mission statement components and sustainability in a sample of 148 Chinese social enterprises. Our findings indicate that social enterprises’ mission statements are both socially and commercially focused. An individual mission statement component does not constitute a necessary condition for the high sustainability of social enterprises, but products or services and enterprise philosophy play a universal role in this regard. There are four configurations of mission statement components that lead to high social enterprise sustainability. This study helps to reveal the complexity of the impact of mission statement components on social enterprise sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5812 KiB  
Article
Single Polymer Composites: An Innovative Solution for Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets
by Yogeshvaran R. Nagarajan, Farukh Farukh, Arjan Buis and Karthikeyan Kandan
Prosthesis 2024, 6(3), 457-477; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis6030033 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The demand for affordable prostheses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is significant. Currently, the majority of prosthetic sockets are manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers such as PP (polypropylene), which lack durability, strength, and exhibit creep. Alternatively, they are reinforced with consumptive [...] Read more.
The demand for affordable prostheses, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is significant. Currently, the majority of prosthetic sockets are manufactured using monolithic thermoplastic polymers such as PP (polypropylene), which lack durability, strength, and exhibit creep. Alternatively, they are reinforced with consumptive thermoset resin and expensive composite fillers such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibres. However, there are unmet needs that amputees face in obtaining affordable prosthetic sockets, demanding a solution. This study utilises self-reinforced PET (polyethylene terephthalate), an affordable and sustainable composite material, to produce custom-made sockets. Advancing the development of a unique socket manufacturing technique employing a reusable vacuum bag and a purpose-built curing oven, we tested fabricated sockets for maximum strength. Subsequently, a prosthetic device was created and assessed for its performance during ambulation. The mechanical and structural strength of PET materials for sockets reached a maximum strength of 132 MPa and 5686 N. Findings indicate that the material has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for manufacturing functional sockets. Additionally, TOPSIS analysis was conducted to compare the performance index of sockets, considering decision criteria such as material cost, socket weight, and strength. The results showed that PET sockets outperformed other materials in affordability, durability, and strength. The methodology successfully fabricated complex-shaped patient sockets in under two hours. Additionally, walking tests demonstrated that amputees could perform daily activities without interruptions. This research makes significant progress towards realising affordable prostheses for LMICs, aiming to provide patient-specific affordable prostheses tailored for LMICs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics and Rehabilitation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3457 KiB  
Article
Research on a Biofilter for a Typical Application Scenario in China: Treatment of Pesticide Residue Wastewater in Orchards
by Jin Zeng, Quanchun Yuan, Wenzhi Xu, Hailong Li, Menghui Li, Xiaohui Lei, Wei Wang, Qiang Lin, Xue Li, Rui Xu and Xiaolan Lyu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050934 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
To reduce pesticide pollution and promote sustainable agricultural development in China, we designed a pilot-scale biofilter system to treat residual imidacloprid wastewater in an orchard. The biofilter system demonstrated a high rate of removal of imidacloprid from the biodegradation wastewater, with removal rates [...] Read more.
To reduce pesticide pollution and promote sustainable agricultural development in China, we designed a pilot-scale biofilter system to treat residual imidacloprid wastewater in an orchard. The biofilter system demonstrated a high rate of removal of imidacloprid from the biodegradation wastewater, with removal rates from the outlet exceeding 99% at different concentrations of pesticides. Among environmental factors, imidacloprid concentration at the inlet and biomixture significantly affected the activity of imidacloprid-degrading bacteria. The dominant microbial communities during the stable operation of the biofilter system included Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and Bacillus, Methylobacter, and unclassified_f__Microbacteriaceae at the genus level. In future initiatives to improve biofilter performance and applicability, increasing attention should be paid to the dominant microbial communities, the number of biofilter units, and important environmental factors. Orchard workers in China should improve the existing treatment of residual pesticide wastewater to mitigate agricultural non-point source pollution. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2139 KiB  
Article
Amine Switchable Hydrophilic Solvent Vortex-Assisted Homogeneous Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and GC-MS for the Enrichment and Determination of 2, 6-DIPA Additive in Biodegradable Film
by Kai Cai, Qiang Liu, Yechun Lin, Xingyou Yang, Qi Liu, Wenjie Pan and Weichang Gao
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092068 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
2, 6-diisopropylaniline (2, 6-DIPA) is a crucial non-intentionally organic additive that allows the assessment of the production processes, formulation qualities, and performance variations in biodegradable mulching film. Moreover, its release into the environment may have certain effects on human health. Hence, this study [...] Read more.
2, 6-diisopropylaniline (2, 6-DIPA) is a crucial non-intentionally organic additive that allows the assessment of the production processes, formulation qualities, and performance variations in biodegradable mulching film. Moreover, its release into the environment may have certain effects on human health. Hence, this study developed simultaneous heating hydrolysis–extraction and amine switchable hydrophilic solvent vortex-assisted homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction for the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the 2, 6-DIPA additive and its corresponding isocyanates in poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) biodegradable agricultural mulching films. The heating hydrolysis–extraction conditions and factors influencing the efficiency of homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction, such as the type and volume of amine, homogeneous-phase and phase separation transition pH, and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The optimum heating hydrolysis–extraction conditions were found to be a H2SO4 concentration of 2.5 M, heating temperature of 87.8 °C, and hydrolysis–extraction time of 3.0 h. As a switchable hydrophilic solvent, dipropylamine does not require a dispersant. Vortex assistance is helpful to speed up the extraction. Under the optimum experimental conditions, this method exhibits a better linearity (0.0144~7.200 μg mL−1 with R = 0.9986), low limit of detection and quantification (0.0033 μg g−1 and 0.0103 μg g−1), high extraction recovery (92.5~105.4%), desirable intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation less than 4.1% and 4.7%), and high enrichment factor (90.9). Finally, this method was successfully applied to detect the content of the additive 2, 6-DIPA in PBAT biodegradable agricultural mulching films, thus facilitating production process monitoring or safety assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry in Agriculture Application)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 11386 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid Tri-Stable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Asymmetric Potential Wells for Rotational Motion Energy Harvesting Enhancement
by Dawei Man, Bangdong Jiang, Yu Zhang, Liping Tang, Qinghu Xu, Dong Chen and Tingting Han
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092134 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes an asymmetric hybrid tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester for rotational motion (RHTPEH). The device features an asymmetric tri-stable piezoelectric cantilever beam positioned at the edge of a rotating disk. This beam is uniquely configured with an asymmetric arrangement of magnets. Additionally, [...] Read more.
This paper proposes an asymmetric hybrid tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester for rotational motion (RHTPEH). The device features an asymmetric tri-stable piezoelectric cantilever beam positioned at the edge of a rotating disk. This beam is uniquely configured with an asymmetric arrangement of magnets. Additionally, an elastic amplifier composed of a vertical and a rotating spring connects the beam’s fixed end and the disk. This setup enhances both the rotational amplitude and vertical displacement of the beam during motion. A comprehensive dynamical model of the RHTPEH was developed using Lagrange’s equations. This model facilitated an in-depth analysis of the system’s behavior under various conditions, focusing on the influence of key parameters such as the asymmetry in the potential well, the stiffness ratio of the amplifier springs, the radius of the disk, and the disk’s rotational speed on the nonlinear dynamic response of the system. The results show that the asymmetric hybrid tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester makes it easier to harvest the vibration energy in rotational motion and has excellent power output performance compared with the symmetric tri-stable piezoelectric energy harvester. The output power magnitude of the system at higher rotational speeds increases as the radius of rotation expands, but when the rotational speed is low, the steady-state output power magnitude of the system is not sensitive to changes in the radius of rotation. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed asymmetric RHTPEH for energy harvesting in low-frequency rotating environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Energy Harvesting Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5056 KiB  
Article
Effects of In-Wheel Suspension on Whole-Body Vibration and Comfort in Manual Wheelchair Users
by Ahlad Neti, Allison Brunswick, Logan Marsalko, Chloe Shearer and Alicia Koontz
Vibration 2024, 7(2), 432-452; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020023 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration and shock can cause neck and back pain and discomfort for many wheelchair users. Current methods to attenuate the vibration have shown to be ineffective and, in some cases, detrimental to health. Novel in-wheel [...] Read more.
Frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of vibration and shock can cause neck and back pain and discomfort for many wheelchair users. Current methods to attenuate the vibration have shown to be ineffective and, in some cases, detrimental to health. Novel in-wheel suspension systems claim to offer a solution by replacing traditional spokes of the rear wheels with dampening elements or springs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of in-wheel suspension on reducing vibration and shock and improving comfort in manual wheelchair users. Twenty-four manual wheelchair users were propelled over nine different surfaces using a standard spoked wheel, a Spinergy CLX, and Loopwheels while accelerometry data was collected at the footrest, seat, and backrest. Loopwheels lowered vibrations by 10% at the backrest compared to the standard and CLX wheels (p-value < 0.001) and by 7% at the footrest compared to the CLX (p-value < 0.05). They also reduced shocks by 7% at the backrest compared to the standard wheel and CLX (p-value < 0.001). No significant differences were found in comfort between the wheels. Results indicate that Loopwheels is effective at reducing vibration and shock, but more long-term testing is required to determine effects on health. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3923 KiB  
Systematic Review
Association of Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Sheetal Kiran Shrestha, Amit Arora, Narendar Manohar, Kanchana Ekanayake and Jann Foster
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1355; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091355 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a growing public health concern worldwide. Although numerous systematic reviews have been published regarding the association between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC), the results remain inconclusive and equivocal. This systematic review synthesises the evidence on the association [...] Read more.
Early childhood caries (ECC) is a growing public health concern worldwide. Although numerous systematic reviews have been published regarding the association between breastfeeding and early childhood caries (ECC), the results remain inconclusive and equivocal. This systematic review synthesises the evidence on the association between breastfeeding and ECC. Five electronic databases and backward citation chasing were performed from inception until May 2023. A total of 31 studies (22 cohort studies and 9 case-control studies) were included in this review. The meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed statistically significant fewer dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 6 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥6 months (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.41–0.67, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in dental caries between children who were breastfed for <12 months and those who were breastfed for ≥12 months (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50–0.86, p < 0.002). Similarly, there was a statistically significant difference in dental caries in children who were breastfed for < 18 months compared to those who were breastfed for ≥18 months (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.92, p = 0.030). Nocturnal breastfeeding increases the risk of ECC compared with no nocturnal breastfeeding (RR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.42–3.89, p < 0.001). The findings suggest breastfeeding for more than 12 months and nocturnal breastfeeding increase the risk of ECC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Infant and Pediatric Feeding and Nutrition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 6719 KiB  
Article
Microstructure and Microhardness of High-Strength Aluminium Alloy Prepared Using High-Speed Laser Fabrication
by Yu Wu, Bingqing Chen, Peixin Xu, Pengjun Tang, Borui Du and Chen Huang
Metals 2024, 14(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050525 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
As a recently developed high-strength aluminium alloy used specifically for laser additive manufacturing, AlMgMnSc alloy possesses superior mechanical properties and excellent processability. Extreme high-speed laser deposition (EHLD) is a novel surface-modification technique, which is characterised by high depositing speed, rapid cooling, rate and [...] Read more.
As a recently developed high-strength aluminium alloy used specifically for laser additive manufacturing, AlMgMnSc alloy possesses superior mechanical properties and excellent processability. Extreme high-speed laser deposition (EHLD) is a novel surface-modification technique, which is characterised by high depositing speed, rapid cooling, rate and minimal dilution rate. To offer a new method for surface repairing high-strength aluminium alloys, an AlMgMnSc alloy coating, containing two deposition layers, is prepared on a 6061 aluminium-alloy axle using the EHLD technique. Meanwhile, the microstructure, composition distribution, and microhardness variation of the fabricated coating are studied. The results reveal that the coating is dense and crack-free, which is well-bonded with the substrate. Additionally, layer 1 is mainly composed of large columnar and equiaxed grains, while layer 2 consists of a fully equiaxed grain structure with an average grain size of about 4.5 μm. Moreover, the microhardness of the coating (about 104~118 HV) is similar to the substrate (about 105 HV), proving the feasibility of repairing high-strength aluminium alloys using AlMgMnSc alloy powders through the EHLD technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Laser Metal Deposition Processes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2825 KiB  
Article
Application of the Surface Regression Technique for Enhancing the Input Factors and Responses for Processing Coconut Oil under Vertical Compression
by Abraham Kabutey, Oldřich Dajbych, Aleš Sedláček, Čestmír Mizera and David Herák
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091384 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study optimized the input processing factors, namely compression force, pressing speed, heating temperature, and heating time, for extracting oil from desiccated coconut medium using a vertical compression process by applying a maximum load of 100 kN. The samples’ pressing height of 100 [...] Read more.
This study optimized the input processing factors, namely compression force, pressing speed, heating temperature, and heating time, for extracting oil from desiccated coconut medium using a vertical compression process by applying a maximum load of 100 kN. The samples’ pressing height of 100 mm was measured using a vessel chamber of diameter 60 mm with a plunger. The Box–Behnken design was used to generate the factors’ combinations of 27 experimental runs with each input factor set at three levels. The response surface regression technique was used to determine the optimum input factors of the calculated responses: oil yield (%), oil expression efficiency (%), and energy (J). The optimum factors’ levels were the compression force 65 kN, pressing speed 5 mm min−1, heating temperature 80 °C, and heating time 52.5 min. The predicted values of the responses were 48.48%, 78.35%, and 749.58 J. These values were validated based on additional experiments producing 48.18 ± 0.45%, 77.86 ± 0.72%, and 731.36 ± 8.04 J. The percentage error values between the experimental and the predicted values ranged from 0.82 ± 0.65 to 2.43 ± 1.07%, confirming the suitability of the established regression models for estimating the responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Engineering and Technology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 5243 KiB  
Article
Neural Network-Based Body Weight Prediction in Pelibuey Sheep through Biometric Measurements
by Alfonso J. Chay-Canul, Enrique Camacho-Pérez, Fernando Casanova-Lugo, Omar Rodríguez-Abreo, Mayra Cruz-Fernández and Juvenal Rodríguez-Reséndiz
Technologies 2024, 12(5), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12050059 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper presents an intelligent system for the dynamic estimation of sheep body weight (BW). The methodology used to estimate body weight is based on measuring seven biometric parameters: height at withers, rump height, body length, body diagonal length, total body length, semicircumference [...] Read more.
This paper presents an intelligent system for the dynamic estimation of sheep body weight (BW). The methodology used to estimate body weight is based on measuring seven biometric parameters: height at withers, rump height, body length, body diagonal length, total body length, semicircumference of the abdomen, and semicircumference of the girth. A biometric parameter acquisition system was developed using a Kinect as a sensor. The results were contrasted with measurements obtained manually with a flexometer. The comparison gives an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.91 and a mean R2 of 0.81. Subsequently, the parameters were used as input in a back-propagation artificial neural network. Performance tests were performed with different combinations to make the best choice of architecture. In this way, an intelligent body weight estimation system was obtained from biometric parameters, with a 5.8% RMSE in the weight estimations for the best architecture. This approach represents an innovative, feasible, and economical alternative to contribute to decision-making in livestock production systems. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6649 KiB  
Article
Study on the Properties and Hydration Mechanism of Calcium Carbide Residue-Based Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials
by Qing Wang, Ying Wang, Xiaowei Gu, Jianping Liu and Xiaochuan Xu
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051259 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Alkali-activated cementitious materials, as an environmentally friendly cementitious material, can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve the utilisation of solid wastes. However, traditional strong alkali activators have limitations such as high carbon emissions and poor safety. In order to overcome the defects of [...] Read more.
Alkali-activated cementitious materials, as an environmentally friendly cementitious material, can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve the utilisation of solid wastes. However, traditional strong alkali activators have limitations such as high carbon emissions and poor safety. In order to overcome the defects of traditional strong alkaline activators and realise the high value-added use of calcium carbide residue (CCR), this paper adopts CCR as an alkaline activator to activate granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS)-steel slag (SS) cementitious systems for the preparation of alkaline-activated cementitious materials. The effects of CCR content and SS content on the compressive strength and working performance of CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems are analysed, along with the hydration process of CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems and the mechanism of action through the hydration products, their chemical structure and their microscopic morphology. The research results show that CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems have a 28-day compressive strength of 41.5 MPa and they can be controlled by the setting time; however, the flow performance is poor. The SS content can be increased to improve the flow performance; however, this will reduce the compressive strength. In CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems, CCR is the main driving force of hydration reactions, GBFS mainly provides active silica and aluminium and the amorphous C-(A)-S-H gel and ettringite formed by the synergistic action of multiple solid wastes are the main sources of compressive strength. With the extension of the curing time, the amount of hydration products in the cementitious systems gradually increases and the matrix of the cementitious systems gradually becomes denser. This study will provide a reference for the consumption of low-value solid waste such as CCR and the preparation of low-carbon cementitious materials from multi-component solid wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Mechanical Properties of Civil Engineering Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2969 KiB  
Article
Investigating Descending Pain Regulation in Fibromyalgia and the Link to Altered Autonomic Regulation by Means of Functional MRI Data
by Shima Hassanpour, Hannan Algitami, Maya Umraw, Jessica Merletti, Brieana Keast and Patrick W. Stroman
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050450 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects a significant portion of the population; yet, this condition is still poorly understood. Prior research has suggested that individuals with FM display a heightened sensitivity to pain and signs of autonomic dysfunction. Recent [...] Read more.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects a significant portion of the population; yet, this condition is still poorly understood. Prior research has suggested that individuals with FM display a heightened sensitivity to pain and signs of autonomic dysfunction. Recent advances in functional MRI analysis methods to model blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) responses across networks of regions, and structural and physiological modeling (SAPM) have shown the potential to provide more detailed information about altered neural activity than was previously possible. Therefore, this study aimed to apply novel analysis methods to investigate altered neural processes underlying pain sensitivity in FM in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from the brainstem and spinal cord. Prior fMRI studies have shown evidence of functional differences in fibromyalgia (FM) within brain regions associated with pain’s motivational aspects, as well as differences in neural activity related to pain regulation, arousal, and autonomic homeostatic regulation within the brainstem and spinal cord regions. We, therefore, hypothesized that nociceptive processing is altered in FM compared to healthy controls (HCs) in the brainstem and spinal cord areas linked to autonomic function and descending pain regulation, including the parabrachial nuclei (PBN) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). We expected that new details of this altered neural signaling would be revealed with SAPM. The results provide new evidence of altered neural signaling in FM related to arousal and autonomic homeostatic regulation. This further advances our understanding of the altered neural processing that occurs in women with FM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Chronic Pain Research: Focus on Neuroimaging)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1040 KiB  
Article
Mixed Learning- and Model-Based Mass Estimation of Heavy Vehicles
by Abdurrahman İşbitirici, Laura Giarré and Paolo Falcone
Vehicles 2024, 6(2), 765-780; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles6020036 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research utilized long short-term memory (LSTM) to oversee an RLS-based mass estimator based on longitudinal vehicle dynamics for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) instead of using the predefined rules. A multilayer LSTM network that analyzed parameters such as vehicle speed, longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, [...] Read more.
This research utilized long short-term memory (LSTM) to oversee an RLS-based mass estimator based on longitudinal vehicle dynamics for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) instead of using the predefined rules. A multilayer LSTM network that analyzed parameters such as vehicle speed, longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, engine speed, and estimated mass from the RLS mass estimator was employed as the supervision method. The supervisory LSTM network was trained offline to recognize when the vehicle was operated so that the RLS estimator gave an estimate with the desired accuracy and the network was used as a reliability flag. High-fidelity simulation software was employed to collect data used to train and test the network. A threshold on the error percentage of the RLS mass estimator was used by the network to check the reliability of the algorithm. The preliminary findings indicate that the reliability of the RLS mass estimator could be predicted by using the LSTM network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Advanced Vehicle Technologies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2054 KiB  
Article
Blood Vitamin C Levels of Patients Receiving Immunotherapy and Relationship to Monocyte Subtype and Epigenetic Modification
by Ben Topham, Millie de Vries, Maria Nonis, Rebecca van Berkel, Juliet M. Pullar, Nicholas J. Magon, Margreet C. M. Vissers, Margaret J. Currie, Bridget A. Robinson, David Gibbs, Abel Ang and Gabi U. Dachs
Epigenomes 2024, 8(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes8020017 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The treatment of metastatic melanoma has been revolutionised by immunotherapy, yet a significant number of patients do not respond, and many experience autoimmune adverse events. Associations have been reported between patient outcome and monocyte subsets, whereas vitamin C (ascorbate) has been shown to [...] Read more.
The treatment of metastatic melanoma has been revolutionised by immunotherapy, yet a significant number of patients do not respond, and many experience autoimmune adverse events. Associations have been reported between patient outcome and monocyte subsets, whereas vitamin C (ascorbate) has been shown to mediate changes in cancer-stimulated monocytes in vitro. We therefore investigated the relationship of ascorbate with monocyte subsets and epigenetic modifications in patients with metastatic melanoma receiving immunotherapy. Patients receiving immunotherapy were compared to other cancer cohorts and age-matched healthy controls. Ascorbate levels in plasma and peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocyte subtype and epigenetic markers were measured, and adverse events, tumour response and survival were recorded. A quarter of the immunotherapy cohort had hypovitaminosis C, with plasma and PBMC ascorbate levels significantly lower than those from other cancer patients or healthy controls. PBMCs from the immunotherapy cohort contained similar frequencies of non-classical and classical monocytes. DNA methylation markers and intracellular ascorbate concentration were correlated with monocyte subset frequency in healthy controls, but correlation was lost in immunotherapy patients. No associations between ascorbate status and immune-related adverse events or tumour response or overall survival were apparent. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 281 KiB  
Article
Maternal Practice and the Chuetas of Mallorca: The Inquisitorial Trials of Pedro Onofre Cortés
by Emily Colbert Cairns
Religions 2024, 15(5), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050561 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the inquisitorial archive of Pedro Onofre Cortés, alias Moixina, we see fellow practitioner protesting his son’s marriage to Clara Sureda because she was an Old Christian. The poor match was blamed on the breast milk that was ingested as an infant, “andaba [...] Read more.
In the inquisitorial archive of Pedro Onofre Cortés, alias Moixina, we see fellow practitioner protesting his son’s marriage to Clara Sureda because she was an Old Christian. The poor match was blamed on the breast milk that was ingested as an infant, “andaba con cristianos porque había mamado leche de una mujer cristiana” (he went with Christians because of the milk drunk milk from a Christian woman) (Picazo y Muntaner). In early modern Spain, breastmilk was seen as responsible for transmitting virtues and vices, religious expressions of faith and moral traits. Following Galenic medical understanding equating milk with blood, it was women who were responsible for the transmission of purity, impurity (Alexandre-Bidon 175), for contamination and difference (Martínez 47). This brief citation reflects the hybrid environment and the dual practices that deeply informed the lives of the converso Jews. Moreover, the understanding of the hereditary nature of these traits, and the traditions of Judaism and Christianity, so often mixed in unique combinations are clearly demonstrated in the Inquisition trials of Cortés and his Chueta brethren. As regulation over the mother and the female body became increasingly important in controlling Iberian subjects and its empire, conversos complicate the feminization of impurity. This article explores how the conversos known as the Chuetas of Mallorca understood their religiosity and difference as seen through the lens of hybridity, breast milk and maternal care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theology and Aesthetics in the Spanish and Portuguese Empires)
22 pages, 4968 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Mulching Pattern and Nitrogen Application Rate to Improve Maize Photosynthetic Capacity, Yield, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Utilization Efficiency
by Hengjia Zhang, Tao Chen, Shouchao Yu, Chenli Zhou, Anguo Teng, Lian Lei and Fuqiang Li
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091241 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Residual film pollution and excessive nitrogen fertilizer have become limiting factors for agricultural development. To investigate the feasibility of replacing conventional plastic film with biodegradable plastic film in cold and arid environments under nitrogen application conditions, field experiments were conducted from 2021 to [...] Read more.
Residual film pollution and excessive nitrogen fertilizer have become limiting factors for agricultural development. To investigate the feasibility of replacing conventional plastic film with biodegradable plastic film in cold and arid environments under nitrogen application conditions, field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2022 with plastic film covering (including degradable plastic film (D) and ordinary plastic film (P)) combined with nitrogen fertilizer 0 (N0), 160 (N1), 320 (N2), and 480 (N3) kg·ha−1. The results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic gas exchange parameters, soil enzyme activity, or yield of spring maize under degradable plastic film cover compared to ordinary plastic film cover. Nitrogen fertilizer is the main factor limiting the growth of spring maize. The above-ground and root biomass showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase in nitrogen application level. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer can also improve the photosynthetic gas exchange parameters of leaves, maintain soil enzyme activity, and reduce soil pH. Under the nitrogen application level of N2, the yield of degradable plastic film and ordinary plastic film coverage increased by 3.74~42.50% and 2.05~40.02%, respectively. At the same time, it can also improve water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency, but it will reduce nitrogen fertilizer partial productivity and nitrogen fertilizer agronomic use efficiency. Using multiple indicators to evaluate the effect of plastic film mulching combined with nitrogen fertilizer on the comprehensive growth of spring maize, it was found that the DN2 treatment had the best complete growth of maize, which was the best model for achieving stable yield and income increase and green development of spring maize in cold and cool irrigation areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Application of Spectral Techniques in Agriculture and Forestry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 9188 KiB  
Article
A Design Method for an SVM-Based Humidity Sensor for Grain Storage
by Lining Liu, Chengbao Song, Ke Zhu and Pingzeng Liu
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092854 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
One of the crucial factors in grain storage is appropriate moisture content, which plays a significant role in reducing storage losses and ensuring quality. However, currently available humidity sensors on the market fail to meet the demands of modern large-scale grain storage in [...] Read more.
One of the crucial factors in grain storage is appropriate moisture content, which plays a significant role in reducing storage losses and ensuring quality. However, currently available humidity sensors on the market fail to meet the demands of modern large-scale grain storage in China in terms of price, size, and ease of implementation. Therefore, this study aims to develop an economical, efficient, and easily deployable grain humidity sensor suitable for large-scale grain storage environments. Simultaneously, it constructs humidity calibration models applicable to three major grain crops: millet, rice, and wheat. Starting with the probe structure, this study analyzes the ideal probe structure for grain humidity sensors. Experimental validations are conducted using millet, rice, and wheat as experimental subjects to verify the accuracy of the sensor and humidity calibration models. The experimental results indicate that the optimal length of the probe under ideal conditions is 0.67 m. Humidity calibration models for millet, rice, and wheat are constructed using SVM models, with all three models achieving a correlation coefficient R2 greater than 0.9. The measured data and model-calculated data show a linear relationship, closely approximating y = x, with R2 values of all three fitted models above 0.9. In conclusion, this study provides reliable sensor technological support for humidity monitoring in large-scale grain storage and processing, with extensive applications in grain storage and grain safety management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Agriculture)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 245 KiB  
Communication
Stakeholder Perceptions of Animal Welfare as a Component of Sustainable Beef Programs in the United States—A Pilot Study
by Lily Edwards-Callaway, Melissa Davis, Lauren Dean and Brianna McBride
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091348 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare’s importance within sustainable beef production. Full article
13 pages, 864 KiB  
Article
Assessing Ride Motion Discomfort Measurement Formulas
by Louis T Klauder Jr
Vibration 2024, 7(2), 419-431; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration7020022 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article is about a framework for determining the degree of realism of any given passenger ride motion discomfort measurement formula. After providing some context and reviewing evidence of deficiency in currently popular ride motion discomfort measurement formulas, the article outlines the research [...] Read more.
This article is about a framework for determining the degree of realism of any given passenger ride motion discomfort measurement formula. After providing some context and reviewing evidence of deficiency in currently popular ride motion discomfort measurement formulas, the article outlines the research program that needs to be carried out in order to establish such a framework. The research begins with gathering recordings of uncomfortable ride motion episodes encountered in a chosen type of passenger transport service. It then has test subjects compare the episodes via a ride motion simulator and adjust their amplitudes pair wise until they cause equal discomfort. It explains how to take the pair wise amplitude adjustments and determine amplitude adjustments that bring all of the motion episode recordings to a common level of discomfort so that they form a normalized set. Then, the lower the scatter of the scores assigned by any given discomfort measurement formula to the members of that set, the more realistic that formula will be for the chosen service. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2829 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Pro-Inflammatory Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on the Colon Depend on Time and Route of Exposure
by Wojciech Grodzicki, Katarzyna Dziendzikowska, Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska, Jacek Wilczak, Michał Oczkowski, Łukasz Kopiasz, Rafał Sapierzyński, Marcin Kruszewski and Agnieszka Grzelak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094879 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Nanosilver is a popular nanomaterial, the potential influence of which on humans is of serious concern. Herein, we exposed male Wistar rats to two regimens: a repeated oral dose of 30 mg/kg bw silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) over 28 days and a single-dose injection [...] Read more.
Nanosilver is a popular nanomaterial, the potential influence of which on humans is of serious concern. Herein, we exposed male Wistar rats to two regimens: a repeated oral dose of 30 mg/kg bw silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) over 28 days and a single-dose injection of 5 mg/kg bw of AgNPs. At three different time points, we assessed antioxidant defense, oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters in the colon, as well as toxicity markers in the liver and plasma. Both experimental scenarios showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the colon. Oral administration seemed to be linked to increased reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation, while the effects induced by the intravenous exposure were probably mediated by silver ions released from the AgNPs. Repeated oral exposure had a more detrimental effect than the single-dose injection. In conclusion, both administration routes had a similar impact on the colon, although the underlying mechanisms are likely different. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interaction of Nanomaterials with the Immune System 3.0)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2877 KiB  
Article
Growth and Genome Features of Non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae Isolated from Three Species of Common Freshwater Fish
by Xinchi Qin, Lianzhi Yang, Yingwei Xu, Lu Xie, Yongjie Wang and Lanming Chen
Diversity 2024, 16(5), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16050268 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae is the etiological agent of cholera in humans. The bacterium is frequently detected in aquatic products worldwide. However, the current literature on the genome evolution of V. cholerae of aquatic animal origins is limited. Here, we firstly characterized the growth and [...] Read more.
Vibrio cholerae is the etiological agent of cholera in humans. The bacterium is frequently detected in aquatic products worldwide. However, the current literature on the genome evolution of V. cholerae of aquatic animal origins is limited. Here, we firstly characterized the growth and genome features of V. cholerae isolates with different resistance phenotypes from three species of common freshwater fish. The results revealed that the non-O1/O139 V. cholerae isolates (n = 4) were halophilic and grew optimally at 2% NaCl and pH 8.0. Their draft genome sequences were 3.89 Mb–4.15 Mb with an average GC content of 47.35–47.63%. Approximately 3366–3561 genes were predicted to encode proteins, but 14.9–17.3% of them were of an unknown function. A number of strain-specific genes (n = 221–311) were found in the four V. cholerae isolates, 3 of which belonged to none of any of the known sequence types (STs). Several putative mobile genetic elements (MGEs) existed in the V. cholerae isolates, including genomic islands (n = 4–9), prophages (n = 0–3), integrons (n = 1–1), and insertion sequences (n = 0–3). Notably, CRISPR-Cas system arrays (n = 2–10) were found in the V. cholerae genomes, whereby the potential immunity defense system could be active. Comparative genomic analyses also revealed many putative virulence-associated genes (n = 106–122) and antibiotic resistance-related genes (n = 6–9). Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the bacterial broader-spectrum growth traits and fill prior gaps in the genomes of V. cholerae originating from freshwater fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Occurrence and Distribution of Foodborne Pathogens)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2034 KiB  
Article
An Automated Video Analysis System for Retrospective Assessment and Real-Time Monitoring of Endoscopic Procedures (with Video)
by Yan Zhu, Ling Du, Pei-Yao Fu, Zi-Han Geng, Dan-Feng Zhang, Wei-Feng Chen, Quan-Lin Li and Ping-Hong Zhou
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050445 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Aims: Accurate recognition of endoscopic instruments facilitates quantitative evaluation and quality control of endoscopic procedures. However, no relevant research has been reported. In this study, we aimed to develop a computer-assisted system, EndoAdd, for automated endoscopic surgical video analysis based on [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Accurate recognition of endoscopic instruments facilitates quantitative evaluation and quality control of endoscopic procedures. However, no relevant research has been reported. In this study, we aimed to develop a computer-assisted system, EndoAdd, for automated endoscopic surgical video analysis based on our dataset of endoscopic instrument images. Methods: Large training and validation datasets containing 45,143 images of 10 different endoscopic instruments and a test dataset of 18,375 images collected from several medical centers were used in this research. Annotated image frames were used to train the state-of-the-art object detection model, YOLO-v5, to identify the instruments. Based on the frame-level prediction results, we further developed a hidden Markov model to perform video analysis and generate heatmaps to summarize the videos. Results: EndoAdd achieved high accuracy (>97%) on the test dataset for all 10 endoscopic instrument types. The mean average accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were 99.1%, 92.0%, 88.8%, and 89.3%, respectively. The area under the curve values exceeded 0.94 for all instrument types. Heatmaps of endoscopic procedures were generated for both retrospective and real-time analyses. Conclusions: We successfully developed an automated endoscopic video analysis system, EndoAdd, which supports retrospective assessment and real-time monitoring. It can be used for data analysis and quality control of endoscopic procedures in clinical practice. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop