The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
21 pages, 936 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Role of Digital Economy in Enhanced Green Productivity in China’s Manufacturing Sector: Fresh Evidence for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
by Fengyu Zhao, Ziqing Xu and Xiaowen Xie
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 4314; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16104314 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Confronted with challenges such as escalating demand, expanding energy consumption, and emissions, China’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture on its path towards sustainable development. Against the backdrop of a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, exploring how the digital [...] Read more.
Confronted with challenges such as escalating demand, expanding energy consumption, and emissions, China’s manufacturing sector stands at a pivotal juncture on its path towards sustainable development. Against the backdrop of a new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, exploring how the digital economy can foster growth in green total factor productivity (GTFP), particularly amidst technological diversification, holds significant importance for realizing sustainable development objectives. This study employs the system generalized method of moments (System GMM), encompassing 30 provinces in China, to delve deeply into the notable and dynamic correlation between the development index of the digital economy and GTFP. The findings reveal that the advancement of the digital economy significantly influences GTFP, underscoring its direct and enduring impact on green productivity. Key mechanisms through which the digital economy promotes green productivity are identified, including resource optimization, green technological innovation, data-driven decision making, and the transformation of environmentally sustainable behaviors. By bridging gaps in existing literature, this study integrates economic and environmental perspectives, emphasizing the necessity for formulating digital innovation policies aligned with environmental objectives. It provides richer insights into the role of the digital economy in enhancing GTFP, accentuating the potential of digital technologies in driving green transformation. With its holistic approach, this study combines economic efficiency with environmental sustainability, offering crucial guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders in crafting sustainable development strategies. Full article
18 pages, 409 KiB  
Article
Financial Literacy: A Case Study for Portugal
by Luís Almeida, João Chanoca and Fernando Tavares
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050215 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This work aims at understanding the level of financial literacy in Portugal, identifying the determinants of financial literacy in the Portuguese population, taking as an example certain sociodemographic factors such as gender and age. The aim is to understand whether there is a [...] Read more.
This work aims at understanding the level of financial literacy in Portugal, identifying the determinants of financial literacy in the Portuguese population, taking as an example certain sociodemographic factors such as gender and age. The aim is to understand whether there is a high level of adherence to financial literacy programs and initiatives, as well as the impact of financial knowledge variables on the financial literacy of the Portuguese population. The methodology used was quantitative and based on a questionnaire survey. The sample consisted of 600 individuals, all over 18 years old. It was concluded that individuals in the 26 to 35 age group had the best knowledge and that this sample showed better knowledge of interest rates compared to inflation and risk. The exploratory factor analysis shows five factors that determine the financial literacy of the Portuguese population and the way they manage their finances, which are (1) the perception of their current financial situation; (2) planning and controlling personal finances; (3) the perception of risky financial assets; (4) the perception of risk-free financial assets; and (5) savings. This research contributes to expanding scientific understanding in the field of financial literacy and offering support to the review of financial education policies by formulators, aiming to develop tools that help improve the financial behavior of the Portuguese population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Financial Markets)
14 pages, 2159 KiB  
Article
Computational Predictive and Electrochemical Detection of Metabolites (CP-EDM) of Piperine
by Ridho Asra, Ana P. R. Povinelli, Gabriel Zazeri and Alan M. Jones
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2406; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102406 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
In this article, we introduce a proof-of-concept strategy, Computational Predictive and Electrochemical Detection of Metabolites (CP-EDM), to expedite the discovery of drug metabolites. The use of a bioactive natural product, piperine, that has a well-curated metabolite profile but an unpredictable computational metabolism (Biotransformer [...] Read more.
In this article, we introduce a proof-of-concept strategy, Computational Predictive and Electrochemical Detection of Metabolites (CP-EDM), to expedite the discovery of drug metabolites. The use of a bioactive natural product, piperine, that has a well-curated metabolite profile but an unpredictable computational metabolism (Biotransformer v3.0) was selected. We developed an electrochemical reaction to oxidize piperine into a range of metabolites, which were detected by LC-MS. A series of chemically plausible metabolites were predicted based on ion fragmentation patterns. These metabolites were docked into the active site of CYP3A4 using Autodock4.2. From the clustered low-energy profile of piperine in the active site, it can be inferred that the most likely metabolic position of piperine (based on intermolecular distances to the Fe-oxo active site) is the benzo[d][1,3]dioxole motif. The metabolic profile was confirmed by comparison with the literature, and the electrochemical reaction delivered plausible metabolites, vide infra, thus, demonstrating the power of the hyphenated technique of tandem electrochemical detection and computational evaluation of binding poses. Taken together, we outline a novel approach where diverse data sources are combined to predict and confirm a metabolic outcome for a bioactive structure. Full article
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18 pages, 556 KiB  
Article
South African Real Estate Investment Trusts Prefer Tuesdays
by Oluwaseun Damilola Ajayi and Emmanuel Kofi Gavu
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(5), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17050214 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This study examines the day-of-the-week effect on the returns of different classifications of South African REITs. Ordinary least squares regression (OLS), generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1,1) (2,1), and Kruskal–Wallis (KW) tests were performed on data obtained from the IRESS Expert database from [...] Read more.
This study examines the day-of-the-week effect on the returns of different classifications of South African REITs. Ordinary least squares regression (OLS), generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1,1) (2,1), and Kruskal–Wallis (KW) tests were performed on data obtained from the IRESS Expert database from 2013 to 2021. We found statistical differences in the day-of-the-week effects for SAREITs; the best day to invest in office REITs is Friday, for diversified REITs Thursday, and for industrial REITs Friday. Generally, Wednesday was found to be the least profitable day to invest in all REIT classifications because it had the least average daily return. Tuesdays were the most profitable days for all REIT classifications, with the highest average daily return. REITs traded the most on Fridays, while REITs traded the least on Mondays. Returns were the most volatile on Monday, while volume was the least volatile on Thursday. The KW test revealed a statistically significant difference between the median returns across days of the week. Based on the above, profitability is expressed on Tuesdays in South African REITs. By recognizing the day-of-the-week effect, investors can buy and sell South African REITs more effectively. This study, apart from being the first in the context of South African REITs, provides updated evidence of the contested calendar anomaly issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Financial Markets)
20 pages, 1258 KiB  
Systematic Review
Analysis of Patient Outcomes following Curative R0 Multiorgan Resections for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Viorel Dejeu, Paula Dejeu, Anita Muresan, Paula Bradea and Danut Dejeu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 3010; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13103010 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Background: This systematic review examines the efficacy of multiorgan resection (MOR) in treating locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), focusing on survival outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to November 2023, [...] Read more.
Background: This systematic review examines the efficacy of multiorgan resection (MOR) in treating locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), focusing on survival outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and mortality. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to November 2023, based on the PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials, observational studies, case–control studies, and qualitative research, involving patients of any age and gender diagnosed with LAGC undergoing MOR aimed at R0 resection, with secondary outcomes focusing on survival rates, postoperative outcomes, and the effects of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapies. Exclusion criteria ruled out non-human studies, research not specifically focused on LAGC patients undergoing MOR, and studies lacking clear, quantifiable outcomes. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The final analysis included twenty studies, involving a total of 2489 patients across a time span from 2001 to 2023. Results highlighted a significant variation in median survival times ranging from 10 to 27 months and R0 resection rates from 32.1% to 94.3%. Survival rates one-year post-R0 resection varied between 46.7% and 84.8%, with an adjusted weighted mean of 66.95%. Key predictors of reduced survival included esophageal invasion and peritoneal dissemination, the presence of more than six lymph nodes, and tumor sizes over 10 cm. Nevertheless, the meta-analysis revealed a significant heterogeneity (I2 = 87%), indicating substantial variability across studies, that might be caused by differences in surgical techniques, patient demographics, and treatment settings which influence survival outcomes. Results: The review underlines the important role of achieving R0 resection status in improving survival outcomes, despite the high risks associated with MOR. Variability across studies suggests that local practice patterns and patient demographics significantly influence results. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for aggressive surgical strategies to improve survival in LAGC treatment, highlighting the importance of achieving curative resection despite inherent challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention and Treatment of Gastric Cancer)
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5 pages, 255 KiB  
Editorial
Stress, Dysregulation of Rhythms, and Bipolar Disorder: A Challenging Field of Research
by Mauro Giovanni Carta, Elie Georges Karam and Giulia Cossu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 3014; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13103014 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Clarifying the mechanisms by which circadian rhythms regulate biology is a central issue in directing life choices in the immediate future and presents an interesting challenge for current scientific research [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stress, Rhythms Dysregulation and Bipolar Spectrum)
23 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
Limitations of Large Language Models in Propaganda Detection Task
by Joanna Szwoch, Mateusz Staszkow, Rafal Rzepka and Kenji Araki
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4330; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104330 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Propaganda in the digital era is often associated with online news. In this study, we focused on the use of large language models and their detection of propaganda techniques in the electronic press to investigate whether it is a noteworthy replacement for human [...] Read more.
Propaganda in the digital era is often associated with online news. In this study, we focused on the use of large language models and their detection of propaganda techniques in the electronic press to investigate whether it is a noteworthy replacement for human annotators. We prepared prompts for generative pre-trained transformer models to find spans in news articles where propaganda techniques appear and name them. Our study was divided into three experiments on different datasets—two based on an annotated SemEval2020 Task 11 corpora and one on an unannotated subset of the Polish Online News Corpus, which we claim to be an even bigger challenge as an example of an under-resourced language. Reproduction of the results of the first experiment resulted in a higher recall of 64.53% than the original run, and the highest precision of 81.82% was achieved for gpt-4-1106-preview CoT. None of our attempts outperformed the baseline F1 score. One of the attempts with gpt-4-0125-preview on original SemEval2020 Task 11 achieved an almost 20% F1 score, but it was below the baseline, which oscillated around 50%. Part of our work that was dedicated to Polish articles showed that gpt-4-0125-preview had a 74% accuracy in the binary detection of propaganda techniques and 69% in propaganda technique classification. The results for SemEval2020 show that the outputs of generative models tend to be unpredictable and are hardly reproducible for propaganda detection. For the time being, these are unreliable methods for this task, but we believe they can help to generate more training data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
13 pages, 289 KiB  
Article
High Perturbations of a Fractional Kirchhoff Equation with Critical Nonlinearities
by Shengbin Yu, Lingmei Huang and Jiangbin Chen
Axioms 2024, 13(5), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13050337 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper concerns a fractional Kirchhoff equation with critical nonlinearities and a negative nonlocal term. In the case of high perturbations (large values of α, i.e., the parameter of a subcritical nonlinearity), existence results are obtained by the concentration compactness principle together [...] Read more.
This paper concerns a fractional Kirchhoff equation with critical nonlinearities and a negative nonlocal term. In the case of high perturbations (large values of α, i.e., the parameter of a subcritical nonlinearity), existence results are obtained by the concentration compactness principle together with the mountain pass theorem and cut-off technique. The multiplicity of solutions are further considered with the help of the symmetric mountain pass theorem. Moreover, the nonexistence and asymptotic behavior of positive solutions are also investigated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fractional Calculus and the Applied Analysis)
25 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
Transformation of the Saudi Housing Sector through an Enabling Approach to Affordable Housing
by Mubarak F. Alhajri
Land 2024, 13(5), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050718 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Access to affordable housing has a significant impact on the quality of lives of households and the overall well-being of communities. The enabling approach is recognized internationally as a mechanism for housing delivery, shifting the government’s role from that of a direct provider [...] Read more.
Access to affordable housing has a significant impact on the quality of lives of households and the overall well-being of communities. The enabling approach is recognized internationally as a mechanism for housing delivery, shifting the government’s role from that of a direct provider to that of an enabler within housing markets. In line with its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to transition its role from a direct housing provider to an enabler. This study aimed to assess the extent to which enabling strategies have been implemented within the Saudi Arabian context. This research was conducted based on a desktop study of the key literature, analysis of secondary data, and content analysis of the collected documents to address the research aim. The study found that housing costs, traditional land tenure, and insufficient financing are major housing challenges, intensified by high lending interest, lack of investor diversity in housing types, and lack of long-term funding from financiers. Also, slum developments are limited to providing street access, without addressing the overall conditions and the level of services. In addition, the costs of obtaining permits and implementing building regulations have contributed to housing shortages in the country. On the other hand, real estate developers of different scales undergo a classification and qualification system to increase their capacity for housing supply. To address these challenges, the Saudi government has implemented an enabling approach, serving as a provider for low-income and vulnerable groups through the Developmental Housing Program. The government also encourages local manufacturing of building materials to boost the construction industry. The present study recommends that the government enhance existing instruments to enable access to affordable housing. Full article
19 pages, 12396 KiB  
Article
Refined Aircraft Positioning Based on Stochastic Hybrid Estimation with Adaptive Square-Root Unscented Particle Filtering
by Yangyang Zhang, Zhenxing Gao, Kai Qi and Jiawei Li
Aerospace 2024, 11(5), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11050413 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
The positioning of civil aviation aircraft relative to a geographic reference point on Earth in a Cartesian frame is significant to detect the deviations from the desired path, especially for high-altitude airports or special airports based on performance-based navigation (PBN). To obtain these [...] Read more.
The positioning of civil aviation aircraft relative to a geographic reference point on Earth in a Cartesian frame is significant to detect the deviations from the desired path, especially for high-altitude airports or special airports based on performance-based navigation (PBN). To obtain these critical deviations during aircraft approach and landing, it is fundamental to estimate the continuous flight variables and discrete flight modes simultaneously with enough accuracy. With the coordinate conversion between the North, East, and Down (NED) frame and the geographic coordinate system based on World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84) considered, this study proposed a non-linear stochastic hybrid estimation algorithm with adaptive square-root unscented particle filtering (ASR-UPF) to estimate the true path. The probabilities of mode transition, represented by the normal cumulative density function of continuous states, determine whether to proceed with mode transitions. In addition, the adaptive update characterized by tracking variable noise and the importance sampling distributions based on the results of square-root unscented Kalman filtering (SR-UKF), as a comparative study of continuous system filtering, were used. The experiments illustrated the ASR-UPF is able to reduce the state estimation error more effectively, and more promptly track the error caused by incorrect mode estimation with adaptability compared to the SR-UKF. A further test with real flight data indicates that the proposed method gives the refined estimation of position and azimuth in NED frame. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)
19 pages, 4692 KiB  
Article
Revealing the Hidden Consequences of Increased Soil Moisture Storage in Greening Drylands
by Yu Wang, Tian Han, Yuze Yang, Yue Hai, Zhi Wen, Ruonan Li and Hua Zheng
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101819 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Vegetation primarily draws water from soil moisture (SM), with restoration in drylands often reducing SM storage (SMS). However, anomalies have been detected in the Beijing–Tianjin Sand Source Region (BTSSR) of China via the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and Gravity Recovery and [...] Read more.
Vegetation primarily draws water from soil moisture (SM), with restoration in drylands often reducing SM storage (SMS). However, anomalies have been detected in the Beijing–Tianjin Sand Source Region (BTSSR) of China via the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). This study quantified the sources of increased SMS in drylands to elucidate the effects of vegetation restoration on SMS. The results indicated the following: (1) In vegetated drylands, 46.2% experienced a significant increase in SMS while 53.8% remained stable; both were positively correlated with the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). (2) The increase in SMS was accompanied by a decrease in groundwater storage (GWS), as indicated by the significant correlation coefficients of −0.710 and −0.569 for SMS and GWS, respectively. Furthermore, GWS served as the primary source of water for vegetation. (3) The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the initial vegetation, the driver of the observed trend of increased SMS and decreased GWS, accounted for 50.3% of the variability in water storage. Therefore, to sustain dryland ecosystems, we recommend that future vegetation restoration projects give due consideration to the water balance while concurrently strengthening the dynamic monitoring of SMS and GWS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecological Remote Sensing)
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22 pages, 2951 KiB  
Systematic Review
Health and Thermal Comfort of Dairy Cattle in Compost-Bedded Pack Barns and Other Types of Housing: A Comparative Systematic Review
by Carlos Eduardo Alves Oliveira, Ilda de Fátima Ferreira Tinôco, Fernanda Campos de Sousa, Fernando da Costa Baêta, Frederico Márcio Côrrea Vieira and Matteo Barbari
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1395-1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020080 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose [...] Read more.
This systematic review was conducted to describe and discuss the main research findings available in the literature concerning the health and thermal comfort of dairy cattle housed in Compost-Bedded Pack Barn (CBP) systems, in comparison to Free Stall (FS), Tie-Stall (TS), and/or Loose Housing (LH) systems. Searches for peer-reviewed experimental articles in English were performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Forty-three non-duplicated scientific articles were obtained and subjected to a four-stage evaluation process, according to the PRISMA methodology and predefined eligibility criteria. This process resulted in the selection of 13 articles for inclusion. Regarding animal health, the results provide evidence that the incidence of problems such as lameness, limb injuries, and reproductive disorders is lower in CBP systems. However, if bedding management is not effective in ensuring the provision of dry and comfortable surfaces, an increase in somatic cell count (SCC) and prevalence of mastitis incidence (PMI) may occur. For thermal comfort, it was found that the CBP system exhibited higher temperatures during summer and lower temperatures during winter when compared to FS with cross-ventilation in association with evaporative cooling. However, no differences were observed in terms of thermal comfort in spring and autumn. As this is a recent research area, caution should be exercised when extrapolating the results, considering the specificities of each cited study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Livestock Farming Technology)
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25 pages, 6146 KiB  
Article
The Biodistribution of the Spike Protein after Ad26.COV2.S Vaccination Is Unlikely to Play a Role in Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia
by Sonia Marquez-Martinez, Selina Khan, Joan van der Lubbe, Laura Solforosi, Lea M. M. Costes, Ying Choi, Satish Boedhoe, Mieke Verslegers, Marjolein van Heerden, Wendy Roosen, Sandra De Jonghe, Hendy Kristyanto, Veronica Rezelj, Jenny Hendriks, Jan Serroyen, Jeroen Tolboom, Frank Wegmann and Roland C. Zahn
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050559 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Ad26.COV2.S vaccination can lead to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but severe adverse effect, characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. The mechanism of VITT induction is unclear and likely multifactorial, potentially including the activation of platelets and endothelial cells mediated by the [...] Read more.
Ad26.COV2.S vaccination can lead to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), a rare but severe adverse effect, characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. The mechanism of VITT induction is unclear and likely multifactorial, potentially including the activation of platelets and endothelial cells mediated by the vaccine-encoded spike protein (S protein). Here, we investigated the biodistribution of the S protein after Ad26.COV2.S dosing in three animal models and in human serum samples. The S protein was transiently present in draining lymph nodes of rabbits after Ad26.COV2.S dosing. The S protein was detected in the serum in all species from 1 day to 21 days after vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S, but it was not detected in platelets, the endothelium lining the blood vessels, or other organs. The S protein S1 and S2 subunits were detected at different ratios and magnitudes after Ad26.COV2.S or COVID-19 mRNA vaccine immunization. However, the S1/S2 ratio did not depend on the Ad26 platform, but on mutation of the furin cleavage site, suggesting that the S1/S2 ratio is not VITT related. Overall, our data suggest that the S-protein biodistribution and kinetics after Ad26.COV2.S dosing are likely not main contributors to the development of VITT, but other S-protein-specific parameters require further investigation. Full article
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14 pages, 647 KiB  
Article
How Political Ideology and Media Shaped Vaccination Intention in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
by Dilshani Sarathchandra and Jennifer Johnson-Leung
COVID 2024, 4(5), 658-671; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid4050045 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
As a pharmaceutical intervention, vaccines remain a major public health strategy for mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Yet, vaccine intake has been affected by various cognitive and cultural factors. We examine how a selected set of factors (i.e., knowledge, concern, media, peer influence, [...] Read more.
As a pharmaceutical intervention, vaccines remain a major public health strategy for mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Yet, vaccine intake has been affected by various cognitive and cultural factors. We examine how a selected set of factors (i.e., knowledge, concern, media, peer influence, and demographics) shaped COVID-19 vaccination intention in the early phase of the pandemic (Fall 2020). Using a survey conducted in three US states (Idaho, Texas, and Vermont) just prior to the rollout of the first vaccines against COVID-19, we find that COVID-19 concern was the primary driver of vaccination intention. Concern was shaped mainly by two factors: political ideology and media sources. Yet, ideology and media were much more important in affecting concern for those who leaned politically conservative, as opposed to those who leaned liberal or remained moderate. The results from our structural equation models affirm that the information politically conservative respondents were receiving reinforced the effects of their ideology, leading to a greater reduction in their concern. We discuss the potential implications of these findings for future pandemic preparedness. Full article
23 pages, 1384 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Impact of Magnesium and Nitrogen Fertilization on Two Species of Grasses Used as Horse Feed
by Hanna Sulewska, Karolina Ratajczak and Roman Roszkiewicz
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051086 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen (three doses of N) and magnesium (two doses of Mg) fertilization on the yield and quality of fodder obtained from two old and extensive grass species Festulolium braunii cv. ‘Felopa’ and [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen (three doses of N) and magnesium (two doses of Mg) fertilization on the yield and quality of fodder obtained from two old and extensive grass species Festulolium braunii cv. ‘Felopa’ and Lolium multiflorum cv. ‘Tur’ in field cultivation under dry conditions. F. braunii was better adapted to cultivation on light, dry soils than L. multiflorum; in such conditions, it produces higher yields of dry matter and protein, characterized by a higher concentration of nutrients. F. braunii fertilized with doses of 120 and 180 kg N∙ha−1 yielded higher than that fertilized with a dose of 60 kg N∙ha−1, and L. multiflorum produced similar yields after applying doses of 60, 120 and 180 kg N∙ha−1. For tested grass pasture, a single N application after the start of vegetation in two forms (fast- and slow-acting) appears to be adequate. Resignation from splitting the nitrogen dose due to variable rainfall distribution that can occur after the first cut during the dry summer is beneficial due to a reduction in the losses of nutrients and environmental burdens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Cycle in Farming Systems—2nd Edition)
12 pages, 290 KiB  
Article
Accommodation and Compromise in the Contact Zone: Christianity and Chinese Culture in Modern Hong Kong Literature
by Yi Yang
Religions 2024, 15(5), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050629 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Situated in the unique historical context of Hong Kong—a contact zone between East and West—this study explores how Christianity’s introduction through British colonialism and missionary efforts has intertwined with and influenced Chinese cultural traditions. By examining selected works of Xu Dishan and Chen [...] Read more.
Situated in the unique historical context of Hong Kong—a contact zone between East and West—this study explores how Christianity’s introduction through British colonialism and missionary efforts has intertwined with and influenced Chinese cultural traditions. By examining selected works of Xu Dishan and Chen Zanyi, this study reveals the dynamic negotiations of identity and values between these two cultural and religious traditions. These literary works not only depict the complexities of cultural hybridity but also provide insights into the evolving nature of cultural identity in Hong Kong, illustrating how global religions and local traditions can merge and transform each other. This study contributes to understanding the intricate dance of religious exchange, conflict, and compromise in Hong Kong’s cross-culture setting, suggesting that such literary explorations can bridge Christianity with the socio-economic, cultural, and historical fabric of Chinese society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expressions of Chinese Christianity in Texts and Contexts)
23 pages, 3796 KiB  
Article
DOxy: A Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring System
by Navid Shaghaghi, Frankie Fazlollahi, Tushar Shrivastav, Adam Graham, Jesse Mayer, Brian Liu, Gavin Jiang, Naveen Govindaraju, Sparsh Garg, Katherine Dunigan and Peter Ferguson
Sensors 2024, 24(10), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24103253 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in water enables marine life. Measuring the prevalence of DO in a body of water is an important part of sustainability efforts because low oxygen levels are a primary indicator of contamination and distress in bodies of water. Therefore, aquariums [...] Read more.
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) in water enables marine life. Measuring the prevalence of DO in a body of water is an important part of sustainability efforts because low oxygen levels are a primary indicator of contamination and distress in bodies of water. Therefore, aquariums and aquaculture of all types are in need of near real-time dissolved oxygen monitoring and spend a lot of money on purchasing and maintaining DO meters that are either expensive, inefficient, or manually operated—in which case they also need to ensure that manual readings are taken frequently which is time consuming. Hence a cost-effective and sustainable automated Internet of Things (IoT) system for this task is necessary and long overdue. DOxy, is such an IoT system under research and development at Santa Clara University’s Ethical, Pragmatic, and Intelligent Computing (EPIC) Laboratory which utilizes cost-effective, accessible, and sustainable Sensing Units (SUs) for measuring the dissolved oxygen levels present in bodies of water which send their readings to a web based cloud infrastructure for storage, analysis, and visualization. DOxy’s SUs are equipped with a High-sensitivity Pulse Oximeter meant for measuring dissolved oxygen levels in human blood, not water. Hence a number of parallel readings of water samples were gathered by both the High-sensitivity Pulse Oximeter and a standard dissolved oxygen meter. Then, two approaches for relating the readings were investigated. In the first, various machine learning models were trained and tested to produce a dynamic mapping of sensor readings to actual DO values. In the second, curve-fitting models were used to produce a successful conversion formula usable in the DOxy SUs offline. Both proved successful in producing accurate results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart Agriculture)
13 pages, 1133 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Strain–Stress Field in Nanoscale Multilayer Systems by the Phase Plane Method
by Dmitrii Belous, Anna Badalyan, Alexei Khomenko and Alexander Goncharov
Materials 2024, 17(10), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17102466 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the results of the study of stress relaxation fields, deformation, and temperature of the system of nanostructured multilayer coatings. In the work, a nonlinear relationship between strain and stress was used to take into account nonlinear effects in the mechanism [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of the study of stress relaxation fields, deformation, and temperature of the system of nanostructured multilayer coatings. In the work, a nonlinear relationship between strain and stress was used to take into account nonlinear effects in the mechanism of nanostructure formation. The paper assumes that a friction surface is provided by the self-organization of shear components: both stress and strain on the one hand, and temperature on the other. The studied objects are described in the adiabatic approximation, taking into account the fact of the evolution of stresses and strains. With the help of phase portraits of the system, the dependence of the deformation processes on the stresses arising in the system without coating and with coating is shown. It is shown that the rate of change of deformation depends on the characteristics of the mechanical impact on the coating and on the amount of stress and deformation. A conclusion is drawn regarding the transition process in the presence of two regions (Hooke and plastic deformation) in the corresponding phase portrait of the strain–stress field of the system. The results of the work can be used to determine the effective parameters of a coating in the analysis of experimental time dependences of stresses. Full article
18 pages, 18368 KiB  
Article
Development of Biologically Active Phytosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Marrubium vulgare L. Extracts: Applications and Cytotoxicity Studies
by Alina Ioana Lupuliasa, Răzvan Mihai Prisada, Roxana Ioana Matei (Brazdis), Sorin Marius Avramescu, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Irina Fierascu, Bianca Voicu-Bălașea, Marina Meleșcanu Imre, Silviu-Mirel Pițuru, Valentina Anuța and Cristina Elena Dinu-Pîrvu
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(10), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14100895 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Metal nanoparticle phytosynthesis has become, in recent decades, one of the most promising alternatives for the development of nanomaterials using “green chemistry” methods. The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracts obtained [...] Read more.
Metal nanoparticle phytosynthesis has become, in recent decades, one of the most promising alternatives for the development of nanomaterials using “green chemistry” methods. The present work describes, for the first time in the literature, the phytosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using extracts obtained by two methods using the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare L. The extracts (obtained by classical temperature extraction and microwave-assisted extraction) were characterized in terms of total phenolics content and by HPLC analysis, while the phytosynthesis process was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, the results suggesting that the classical method led to the obtaining of smaller-dimension AgNPs (average diameter under 15 nm by TEM). In terms of biological properties, the study confirmed that AgNPs as well as the M. vulgare crude extracts reduced the viability of human gingival fibroblasts in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, with microwave-assisted extracts having the more pronounced effects. Additionally, the study unveiled that AgNPs transiently increased nitric oxide levels which then decreased over time, thus offering valuable insights into their potential therapeutic use and safety profile. Full article
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14 pages, 2177 KiB  
Article
Accuracy of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Comparison with Surrogate Viral Neutralization Test in Persons Living with HIV, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Chronic Kidney Disease
by Marita Restie Tiara, Chrisan Bimo Prayuda, Tara Titian Maulidya, Hofiya Djauhari, Dadang Suhendar, Rudi Wisaksana, Laniyati Hamijoyo, Rudi Supriyadi, Agnes Rengga Indrati and Bachti Alisjahbana
Vaccines 2024, 12(5), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12050558 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
The presence of the anti-SARS-CoV-2-RBD antibody (anti-RBD) prevents severe COVID-19. We aimed to determine the accuracy of a point-of-care anti-RBD testing implemented in persons living with HIV (PLWH), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 182 non-comorbid subjects and [...] Read more.
The presence of the anti-SARS-CoV-2-RBD antibody (anti-RBD) prevents severe COVID-19. We aimed to determine the accuracy of a point-of-care anti-RBD testing implemented in persons living with HIV (PLWH), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 182 non-comorbid subjects and 335 comorbid subjects (PLWH, SLE, CKD) to test the anti-RBD assay compared to the surrogate viral neutralization test (sVNT) as the reference test. We performed linear correlation analysis between anti-RBD and sVNT, along with an ROC analysis to ascertain the anti-RBD cutoff at 30%, 60%, and 90% inhibition of sVNT, to calculate accuracy. The correlations between anti-RBD and sVNT among all groups were excellent, with R = 0.7903, R = 0.7843, and R = 0.8153 among the non-comorbid, SLE, and CKD groups, respectively, and with significantly higher correlation among the PLWH group (R = 0.8877; p-value = 0.0072) compared to the non-comorbid group. The accuracy of the anti-RBD test among the PLWH and CKD groups was similar to that among the non-comorbid group but showed lower sensitivity in the SLE group (p = 0.000014). The specificity of the test remained high in all groups. In conclusion, the anti-RBD test had excellent correlation with the sVNT. The persistently high specificity in all groups suggests that this test can be reliably utilized to detect the presence of low neutralization capacity, prompting additional vaccination. Full article
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18 pages, 6855 KiB  
Article
Efficient Removal of Nickel from Wastewater Using Copper Sulfate–Ammonia Complex Modified Activated Carbon: Adsorption Performance and Mechanism
by Yifei Wang, Xiaoxiao Yan, Yidi Zhang, Xiaoxin Qin, Xubiao Yu, Li Jiang and Bing Li
Molecules 2024, 29(10), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29102405 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
The necessity to eliminate nickel (Ni) from wastewater stems from its environmental and health hazards. To enhance the Ni adsorption capacity, this research applied a copper sulfate–ammonia complex (tetraamminecopper (II) sulfate monohydrate, [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O) as a [...] Read more.
The necessity to eliminate nickel (Ni) from wastewater stems from its environmental and health hazards. To enhance the Ni adsorption capacity, this research applied a copper sulfate–ammonia complex (tetraamminecopper (II) sulfate monohydrate, [Cu(NH3)4]SO4·H2O) as a modifying agent for a Phragmites australis-based activated carbon preparation. The physiochemical properties of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and a modified form ([Cu(NH3)4]-PAC) were examined by measuring their surface areas, analyzing their elemental composition, and using Boehm’s titration method. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of various factors, such as Ni(II) concentration, contact time, pH, and ionic strength, on its substance adsorption capabilities. Additionally, the adsorption mechanisms of Ni(II) onto activated carbon were elucidated via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The findings indicated that modified activated carbon ([Cu(NH3)4]-PAC) exhibited a lower surface area and total volume than the original activated carbon (PAC). The modification of PAC enhanced its surface’s relative oxygen and nitrogen content, indicating the incorporation of functional groups containing these elements. Furthermore, the modified activated carbon, [Cu(NH3)4]-PAC, exhibited superior adsorption capacity relative to unmodified PAC. Both adsorbents’ adsorption behaviors conformed to the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The Ni(II) removal efficiency of PAC and [Cu(NH3)4]-PAC diminished progressively with rising ionic strength. Modified activated carbon [Cu(NH3)4]-PAC demonstrated notable pH buffering and adaptability. The adsorption mechanism for Ni(II) on activated carbon involves surface complexation, cation exchange, and electrostatic interaction. This research presents a cost-efficient preparation technique for preparing activated carbon with enhanced Ni(II) removal capabilities from wastewater and elucidates its underlying adsorption mechanisms. Full article
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19 pages, 5955 KiB  
Article
Statistical Analysis of Multi-Year South China Sea Eddies and Exploration of Eddy Classification
by Yang Jin, Meibing Jin, Dongxiao Wang and Changming Dong
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(10), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16101818 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Mesoscale eddies are structures of seawater motion with horizontal scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers, impact depths of tens to hundreds of meters, and time scales of days to months. This study presents a statistical analysis of mesoscale eddies in the South [...] Read more.
Mesoscale eddies are structures of seawater motion with horizontal scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers, impact depths of tens to hundreds of meters, and time scales of days to months. This study presents a statistical analysis of mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea (SCS) from 1993 to 2021 based on eddies extracted from satellite remote sensing data using the vector geometry eddy detection method. On average, about 230 eddies with a wide spatial and temporal distribution are observed each year, and the numbers of CEs (52.2%) and AEs (47.8%) are almost similar, with a significant correlation in spatial distribution. In this article, eddies with a lifetime of at least 28 days (17% of the number of total eddies) are referred to as strong eddies (SEs). The SEs in the SCS that persist for several years in similar months and locations, such as the well-known dipole eddies consisting of CEs and AEs offshore eastern Vietnam, are defined as persistent strong eddies (PSEs). SEs and PSEs affect the thermohaline structure, current field, and material and energy transport in the upper ocean. This paper is important as it names the SEs and PSEs, and the naming of eddies can facilitate research on specific major eddies and improve public understanding of mesoscale eddies as important oceanic phenomena. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances on Oceanic Mesoscale Eddies II)
11 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Resistance of Barley Varieties to Diseases in Polish Organic Field Trials
by Tomasz Lenartowicz, Henryk Bujak, Marcin Przystalski, Inna Mashevska, Kamila Nowosad, Krzysztof Jończyk and Beata Feledyn-Szewczyk
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 789; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050789 (registering DOI) - 20 May 2024
Abstract
Leaf rust and net blotch are two important fungal diseases of barley. Leaf rust is the most important rust disease of barley, whereas net blotch can result in significant yield losses and cause the deterioration of crop quality. The best and the most [...] Read more.
Leaf rust and net blotch are two important fungal diseases of barley. Leaf rust is the most important rust disease of barley, whereas net blotch can result in significant yield losses and cause the deterioration of crop quality. The best and the most environmentally friendly method to control diseases is to cultivate resistant varieties. The aim of the current study was to identify barley varieties with an improved resistance to leaf rust and net blotch in Polish organic post-registration trials conducted in the years 2020–2022. For this purpose, the cumulative link mixed model with several variance components was applied to model resistance to leaf rust and net blotch. It was found that the reference variety Radek was the most resistant to leaf rust, whereas variety Avatar outperformed the reference variety in terms of resistance to net blotch, although the difference between the two varieties was non-significant. In the present study, the use of the cumulative link mixed model framework made it possible to calculate cumulative probabilities or the probability of a given score for each variety and disease, which might be useful for plant breeders and crop experts. Both, the method of analysis and resistant varieties may be used in the breeding process to derive new resistant varieties suitable for the organic farming system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)

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