The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
39 pages, 16952 KiB  
Article
Ensemble Learning Approach for Developing Performance Models of Flexible Pavement
by Ali Taheri and John Sobanjo
Infrastructures 2024, 9(5), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9050078 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research utilizes the Long-Term Pavement Performance database, focusing on devel-oping a predictive model for flexible pavement performance in the Southern United States. Analyzing 367 pavement sections, this study investigates crucial factors influencing asphaltic concrete (AC) pavement deterioration, such as structural and material [...] Read more.
This research utilizes the Long-Term Pavement Performance database, focusing on devel-oping a predictive model for flexible pavement performance in the Southern United States. Analyzing 367 pavement sections, this study investigates crucial factors influencing asphaltic concrete (AC) pavement deterioration, such as structural and material components, air voids, compaction density, temperature at laydown, traffic load, precipitation, and freeze–thaw cycles. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive machine learning model for AC pavement wheel path cracking (WpCrAr) and the age at which cracking initiates (WpCrAr) as performance indicators. This study thoroughly investigated three ensemble machine learning models, including random forest, extremely randomized trees (ETR), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). It was observed that XGBoost, optimized using Bayesian methods, emerged as the most effective among the evaluated models, demonstrating good predictive accuracy, with an R2 of 0.79 for WpCrAr and 0.92 for AgeCrack and mean absolute errors of 1.07 and 0.74, respectively. The most important features influencing crack initiation and progression were identified, including equivalent single axle load (ESAL), pavement age, number of layers, precipitation, and freeze–thaw cycles. This paper also showed the impact of pavement material combinations for base and subgrade layers on the delay of crack initiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infrastructures and Structural Engineering)
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37 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Representations of Solutions of Time-Fractional Multi-Order Systems of Differential-Operator Equations
by Sabir Umarov
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050254 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper is devoted to the general theory of systems of linear time-fractional differential-operator equations. The representation formulas for solutions of systems of ordinary differential equations with single (commensurate) fractional order is known through the matrix-valued Mittag-Leffler function. Multi-order (incommensurate) systems with rational [...] Read more.
This paper is devoted to the general theory of systems of linear time-fractional differential-operator equations. The representation formulas for solutions of systems of ordinary differential equations with single (commensurate) fractional order is known through the matrix-valued Mittag-Leffler function. Multi-order (incommensurate) systems with rational components can be reduced to single-order systems, and, hence, representation formulas are also known. However, for arbitrary fractional multi-order (not necessarily with rational components) systems of differential equations, the representation formulas are still unknown, even in the case of fractional-order ordinary differential equations. In this paper, we obtain representation formulas for the solutions of arbitrary fractional multi-order systems of differential-operator equations. The existence and uniqueness theorems in appropriate topological vector spaces are also provided. Moreover, we introduce vector-indexed Mittag-Leffler functions and prove some of their properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Mathematics, Analysis)
33 pages, 1251 KiB  
Review
Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors—A Review
by Günter A. Schaub
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050855 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development [...] Read more.
This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development and their interactions. Triatomines differ from other important vectors of diseases in their ontogeny and the enzymes used to digest blood. Many different bacteria colonize the intestinal tract of triatomines, but only Actinomycetales have been identified as mutualistic symbionts. Effects of the vector on T. cruzi are indicated by differences in the ability of T. cruzi to establish in the triatomines and in colonization peculiarities, i.e., proliferation mainly in the posterior midgut and rectum and preferential transformation into infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes in the rectum. In addition, certain forms of T. cruzi develop after feeding and during starvation of triatomines. Negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomine vectors appear to be particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed and depend on the T. cruzi strain. Effects on the intestinal immunity of the triatomines are induced by ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and affect the populations of many non-symbiotic intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. After the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides, the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. Presumably, in long-term infections, intestinal immunity is suppressed, which supports the growth of specific bacteria, depending on the strain of T. cruzi. These interactions may provide an approach to disrupt T. cruzi transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Parasitology)
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9 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
Abietane Diterpenoids from the Bark of Cryptomeria japonica and Their Antifungal Activities against Wood Decay Fungi
by Chi-I Chang, Cheng-Chi Chen, Sheng-Yang Wang and Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091197 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica led to the isolation of five new abietane diterpenoids, 5-epi-12-hydroxy-6-nor-5,6-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,5-olide (1), 12-hydroxy-6β-methoxy-6,7-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,6-olide (2), 6β,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (4), 5,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (5), and 5α,8-epoxy-12-hydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7-al (6), together [...] Read more.
Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Cryptomeria japonica led to the isolation of five new abietane diterpenoids, 5-epi-12-hydroxy-6-nor-5,6-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,5-olide (1), 12-hydroxy-6β-methoxy-6,7-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,6-olide (2), 6β,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (4), 5,12-dihydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7,8-olide (5), and 5α,8-epoxy-12-hydroxy-7,8-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-7-al (6), together with one known abietane diterpenoid, obtuanhydride (3). Their structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data and comparison with the spectral data of known analogs. At the concentration of 100 μg/mL, compounds 4, 5, and 6 inhibited antifungal activities against wood decay fungi activity by 18.7, 37.2, and 46.7%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemistry)
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18 pages, 2958 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Diversity in Bacterial Transporters That Salvage Queuosine Precursors
by Samia Quaiyum, Yifeng Yuan, Paul J. Kuipers, Maria Martinelli, Marshall Jaroch and Valérie de Crécy-Lagard
Epigenomes 2024, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/epigenomes8020016 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Queuosine (Q) is a modification of the wobble base of tRNA harboring GUN anticodons with roles in decoding accuracy and efficiency. Its synthesis is complex with multiple enzymatic steps, and several pathway intermediates can be salvaged. The only two transporter families known to [...] Read more.
Queuosine (Q) is a modification of the wobble base of tRNA harboring GUN anticodons with roles in decoding accuracy and efficiency. Its synthesis is complex with multiple enzymatic steps, and several pathway intermediates can be salvaged. The only two transporter families known to salvage Q precursors are QPTR/COG1738 and QrtT/QueT. Analyses of the distribution of known Q synthesis and salvage genes in human gut and oral microbiota genomes have suggested that more transporter families remain to be found and that Q precursor exchanges must occur within the structured microenvironments of the mammalian host. Using physical clustering and fusion-based association with Q salvage genes, candidate genes for missing transporters were identified and five were tested experimentally by complementation assays in Escherichia coli. Three genes encoding transporters from three different Pfam families, a ureide permease (PF07168) from Acidobacteriota bacterium, a hemolysin III family protein (PF03006) from Bifidobacterium breve, and a Major Facilitator Superfamily protein (PF07690) from Bartonella henselae, were found to allow the transport of both preQ0 and preQ1 in this heterologous system. This work suggests that many transporter families can evolve to transport Q precursors, reinforcing the concept of transporter plasticity. Full article
10 pages, 873 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Anti-Rotaviral Activity of Bavachin Isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae)
by Jinseok Jung, Jaehoon Bae, Ji Sun Park, Seung Woong Lee, Jae-Ho Jeong and Su-Jin Park
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(5), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11050188 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Rotavirus is the main causative agent of viral gastroenteritis among young animals worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved or effective antiviral drugs are available to combat rotavirus infections. Herein, we evaluated the anti-rotaviral activities of extracts and bavachin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. ( [...] Read more.
Rotavirus is the main causative agent of viral gastroenteritis among young animals worldwide. Currently, no clinically approved or effective antiviral drugs are available to combat rotavirus infections. Herein, we evaluated the anti-rotaviral activities of extracts and bavachin isolated from Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae) (P. corylifolia) against the bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and porcine rotavirus G5P[7] in vitro. Two assay strategies were performed: (1) a virucidal assay to reduce viral infectivity by virus neutralization and (2) a post-treatment assay to assess viral replication suppression. The results from the virucidal assay showed that the extracts and bavachin did not exert anti-rotaviral activities. In the follow-up analysis after treatment, bavachin exhibited robust antiviral efficacy, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 10.6 μM (selectivity index [SI] = 2.38) against bovine rotavirus G8P[7] and 13.0 μM (SI = 1.94) against porcine rotavirus G5P[7]. Bavachin strongly suppressed viral RNA synthesis in the early (6 h) and late stages (18 h) after rotaviral infection. These findings strongly suggest that bavachin may have hindered the virions by effectively inhibiting the early stages of the virus replication cycle after rotaviral infection. Furthermore, confocal imaging showed that bavachin suppressed viral protein synthesis, notably that of the rotaviral protein (VP6). These results suggest that bavachin has strong antiviral activity against rotaviruses, inhibits viral replication, and is a candidate natural therapeutic drug targeting rotaviral infection. The utilization of bavachin isolated from P. corylifolia may contribute to decreased mortality rates, lower medication expenses, and enhanced economic viability in domestic farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
24 pages, 1748 KiB  
Article
Experimental Research on the Anti-Reflection Crack Performance of Basalt Fiber Modified Rubber Asphalt Stress-Absorbing Layer
by Cheng Shen, Zhengguang Wu, Peng Xiao, Aihong Kang and Yangbo Wang
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092013 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Reflection cracks are one of the most common problems in semi-rigid base pavement. Setting a stress absorption layer can effectively delay the occurrence of reflection cracks, but further improvement is still needed in its interlayer bonding performance and anti-reflection crack performance. Considering the [...] Read more.
Reflection cracks are one of the most common problems in semi-rigid base pavement. Setting a stress absorption layer can effectively delay the occurrence of reflection cracks, but further improvement is still needed in its interlayer bonding performance and anti-reflection crack performance. Considering the excellent crack resistance of basalt fibers and the good elastic recovery ability of rubber asphalt, it is considered worthwhile to incorporate them into traditional stress absorption layers to improve performance. To simulate the actual pavement layer effect, composite specimens consisting of a cement-stabilized macadam base + basalt fiber rubber asphalt stress-absorbing layer + AC-20 asphalt mixture surface layer were prepared to evaluate their performance through interlayer direct shear tests, interlayer tensile tests, three-point bending tests, and overlay tests (OTs). To determine the optimal fiber blending combination, four fiber lengths (3 cm, 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm) and four fiber proportions (120 g/m2, 140 g/m2, 160 g/m2, 180 g/m2) were selected respectively. The specific effects of basalt fibers with different lengths and dosages were analyzed. The results show that compared with the absence of fibers, the improvement of interlayer bonding performance of rubber asphalt with basalt fibers is not significant, and it has certain limitations; however, the improvement of anti-reflective crack performance is significant, with an increase of up to 305.5%. This indicates that the network structure formed by basalt fibers and rubber asphalt stress absorption layer can effectively absorb and disperse external loads, causing an excellent crack resistance effect. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the main factor affecting its interlayer bonding strength and anti-reflective crack performance is the fiber content. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the performance and economy of the stress absorption layer of basalt fiber rubber asphalt, the optimal fiber parameter combination recommended is as fiber length 9 cm and fiber content 160 g/m2.These results can provide a reference for the design and performance evaluation of basalt fiber rubber asphalt stress absorption layer, and have certain application value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Property Research of Advanced Asphalt-Based Materials)
32 pages, 977 KiB  
Review
The Future Design of Smart Energy Systems with Energy Flexumers: A Constructive Literature Review
by Jin-Li Hu and Nhi Ha Bao Bui
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092039 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
From powering our homes to driving our economies, energy lies at the heart of humanity’s complex challenges in the modern era. This paper reviews the evolution of smart energy systems, examining their technological advancements and societal implications while proposing a future design framework [...] Read more.
From powering our homes to driving our economies, energy lies at the heart of humanity’s complex challenges in the modern era. This paper reviews the evolution of smart energy systems, examining their technological advancements and societal implications while proposing a future design framework emphasizing four key pillars: holistic resource optimization, adaptive intelligence, environmental harmony, and human-centered design. While they offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, smart energy systems also face challenges. These include cybersecurity risks, the complexity of integrating diverse energy sources seamlessly, high upfront costs, and potential compatibility issues arising from evolving technologies. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for unleashing the full potential of smart energy systems and facilitating their global adoption. Abundant opportunities for further research and development exist in this domain, awaiting exploration and advancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section C: Energy Economics and Policy)
14 pages, 1565 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate: Reaction Kinetics and Process Simulation Using Heterogeneous Catalyst
by Yui Rak Son, Jong Kee Park, Eun Woo Shin, Seok Pyong Moon and Heon E. Park
Processes 2024, 12(5), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050865 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA) serves as a crucial solvent in semiconductor and display material processes, demanding high purity and low acidity. Despite its significance, its conventional synthesis method using homogeneous catalysts requires extensive purification. Our study explores the use of Amberlyst-15, [...] Read more.
Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA) serves as a crucial solvent in semiconductor and display material processes, demanding high purity and low acidity. Despite its significance, its conventional synthesis method using homogeneous catalysts requires extensive purification. Our study explores the use of Amberlyst-15, a stable solid catalyst, to streamline this process. Through batch reactions with a 1:1 reactant ratio at various temperatures and modeling using an integrated reaction rate equation, we obtained kinetic parameters. These parameters were used to predict the kinetics under different reactant ratios and different catalyst amounts, and the predictions match well with experimental results, especially when we used the catalyst amount scaled by the amount of the limiting reactant (PGME) rather than the total amount of the reactants. This highlights the importance of reporting kinetic parameters with proper scaling for catalyst used. Furthermore, we integrated these parameters into process simulations to determine the length of a plug flow reactor (PFR), constructed a PFR system, and confirmed that the simulation results matched well with experimental data obtained from the PFR system. Our findings suggest Amberlyst-15’s potential in simplifying PGMEA synthesis, promising advancements in industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysis in Chemical and Petrochemical Processes)
19 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Study of Random Walk Invariants for Spiro-Ring Network Based on Laplacian Matrices
by Yasir Ahmad, Umar Ali, Daniele Ettore Otera and Xiang-Feng Pan
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091309 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The use of the global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) in random walks on networks has been widely explored in the field of statistical physics, both in theory and practical applications. The GMFPT is the estimated interval of time needed to reach a state [...] Read more.
The use of the global mean first-passage time (GMFPT) in random walks on networks has been widely explored in the field of statistical physics, both in theory and practical applications. The GMFPT is the estimated interval of time needed to reach a state j in a system from a starting state i. In contrast, there exists an intrinsic measure for a stochastic process, known as Kemeny’s constant, which is independent of the initial state. In the literature, it has been used as a measure of network efficiency. This article deals with a graph-spectrum-based method for finding both the GMFPT and Kemeny’s constant of random walks on spiro-ring networks (that are organic compounds with a particular graph structure). Furthermore, we calculate the Laplacian matrix for some specific spiro-ring networks using the decomposition theorem of Laplacian polynomials. Moreover, using the coefficients and roots of the resulting matrices, we establish some formulae for both GMFPT and Kemeny’s constant in these spiro-ring networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geometry and Topology with Applications)
18 pages, 4855 KiB  
Article
A Reentry Trajectory Planning Algorithm via Pseudo-Spectral Convexification and Method of Multipliers
by Haizhao Liang, Yunhao Luo, Haohui Che, Jingxian Zhu and Jianying Wang
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091306 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The reentry trajectory planning problem of hypersonic vehicles is generally a continuous and nonconvex optimization problem, and it constitutes a critical challenge within the field of aerospace engineering. In this paper, an improved sequential convexification algorithm is proposed to solve it and achieve [...] Read more.
The reentry trajectory planning problem of hypersonic vehicles is generally a continuous and nonconvex optimization problem, and it constitutes a critical challenge within the field of aerospace engineering. In this paper, an improved sequential convexification algorithm is proposed to solve it and achieve online trajectory planning. In the proposed algorithm, the Chebyshev pseudo-spectral method with high-accuracy approximation performance is first employed to discretize the continuous dynamic equations. Subsequently, based on the multipliers and linearization methods, the original nonconvex trajectory planning problem is transformed into a series of relaxed convex subproblems in the form of an augmented Lagrange function. Then, the interior point method is utilized to iteratively solve the relaxed convex subproblem until the expected convergence precision is achieved. The convex-optimization-based and multipliers methods guarantee the promotion of fast convergence precision, making it suitable for online trajectory planning applications. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results show that the algorithm possesses better convergence performance, and the solution time can reach the level of seconds, which is more than 97% less than nonlinear programming algorithms, such as the sequential quadratic programming algorithm. Full article
14 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
Molecular and Cytological Identification of Wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium Partial Amphiploid Line 92048 with Resistance to Stripe Rust and Fusarium Head Blight
by Xiaoqin Luo, Yuanjiang He, Xianli Feng, Min Huang, Kebing Huang, Xin Li, Suizhuang Yang and Yong Ren
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091198 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, EeEeEbEbStSt or JJJsJsStSt) contains a large number of genes that are highly adaptable to the environment and immune to a variety of wheat diseases, [...] Read more.
Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, EeEeEbEbStSt or JJJsJsStSt) contains a large number of genes that are highly adaptable to the environment and immune to a variety of wheat diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust, and yellow dwarf, making it an important gene source for the genetic improvement of common wheat. Currently, an important issue plaguing wheat production and breeding is the spread of pests and illnesses. Breeding disease-resistant wheat varieties using disease-resistant genes is currently the most effective measure to solve this problem. Moreover, alien resistance genes often have a stronger disease-resistant effect than the resistance genes found in common wheat. In this study, the wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploid line 92048 was developed through hybridization between Th. intermedium and common wheat. The chromosome structure and composition of 92048 were analyzed using ND-FISH and molecular marker analysis. The results showed that the chromosome composition of 92048 (Octoploid Trititrigia) was 56 = 42W + 6J + 4Js + 4St. In addition, we found that 92048 was highly resistant to a mixture of stripe rust races (CYR32, CYR33, and CYR34) during the seedling stage and fusarium head blight (FHB) in the field during the adult plant stage, suggesting that the alien or wheat chromosomes in 92048 had disease-resistant gene(s) to stripe rust and FHB. There is a high probability that the gene(s) for resistance to stripe rust and FHB are from the alien chromosomes. Therefore, 92048 shows promise as a bridge material for transferring superior genes from Th. intermedium to common wheat and improving disease resistance in common wheat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Broad-Spectrum Disease Resistance in Plants)
17 pages, 6297 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Deep Neural Networks for Chrysanthemum Leaf and Flower Feature Recognition
by Toan Khac Nguyen, Minh Dang, Tham Thi Mong Doan and Jin Hee Lim
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1133-1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020065 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Chrysanthemums, a significant genus within the Asteraceae, hold a paramount position in the global floricultural industry, second only to roses in market demand. The proliferation of diverse chrysanthemum cultivars presents a formidable challenge for accurate identification, exacerbated by the abundance of varieties, intricate [...] Read more.
Chrysanthemums, a significant genus within the Asteraceae, hold a paramount position in the global floricultural industry, second only to roses in market demand. The proliferation of diverse chrysanthemum cultivars presents a formidable challenge for accurate identification, exacerbated by the abundance of varieties, intricate floral structures, diverse floret types, and complex genetic profiles. Precise recognition of chrysanthemum phenotypes is indispensable to navigating these complexities. Traditional methods, including morphology studies, statistical analyses, and molecular markers, have fallen short due to their manual nature and time-intensive processes. This study presents an innovative solution employing deep learning techniques for image-based chrysanthemum phenotype recognition. Leveraging machine learning, our system autonomously extracts key features from chrysanthemum images, converting morphological data into accessible two-dimensional representations. We utilized Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) algorithms to construct frameworks for processing image data and classifying chrysanthemum cultivars based on color, shape, and texture. Experimental results, encompassing 10 cultivars, 10 flower colors, and five flower shapes, consistently demonstrated recognition accuracy ranging from 79.29% up to 97.86%. This tool promises streamlined identification of flower traits, and we anticipate its potential for real-time identification enhancements in future iterations, promising advances in chrysanthemum cultivation and exportation processes. Our approach offers a novel and efficient means to address the challenges posed by the vast diversity within chrysanthemum species, facilitating improved management, breeding, and marketing strategies in the floricultural industry. Full article
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13 pages, 525 KiB  
Systematic Review
Facilitators and Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening during Long COVID: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Study Synthesis of Qualitative Research
by Teferi Gebru Gebremeskel, Frank Romeo, Adisu Tafari Shama, Billie Bonevski and Joshua Trigg
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050534 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Participation in targeted screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 30–60%, but screening is not universally available. Therefore, the study aimed to synthesize the evidence and identify facilitators and barriers to lung cancer screening participation globally. Methods: Two reviewers screened primary [...] Read more.
Background: Participation in targeted screening reduces lung cancer mortality by 30–60%, but screening is not universally available. Therefore, the study aimed to synthesize the evidence and identify facilitators and barriers to lung cancer screening participation globally. Methods: Two reviewers screened primary studies using qualitative methods published up to February 2023. We used two-phase synthesis consistent with a meta-study methodology to create an interpretation of lung cancer screening decisions grounded in primary studies, carried out a thematic analysis of group themes as specific facilitators and barriers, systematically compared investigations for similarities and differences, and performed meta-synthesis to generate an expanded theory of lung cancer screening participation. We used the Social Ecological Model to organize and interpret the themes: individual, interpersonal, social/cultural, and organizational/structural levels. Results: Fifty-two articles met the final inclusion criteria. Themes identified as facilitating lung cancer screening included prioritizing patient education, quality of communication, and quality of provider-initiated encounter/coordination of care (individual patient and provider level), quality of the patient–provider relationship (interpersonal group), perception of a life’s value and purpose (cultural status), quality of tools designed, and care coordination (and organizational level). Themes coded as barriers included low awareness, fear of cancer diagnosis, low perceived benefit, high perceived risk of low-dose computerized tomography, concern about cancer itself, practical obstacle, futility, stigma, lack of family support, COVID-19 fear, disruptions in cancer care due to COVID-19, inadequate knowledge of care providers, shared decision, and inadequate time (individual level), patient misunderstanding, poor rapport, provider recommendation, lack of established relationship, and confusing decision aid tools (interpersonal group), distrust in the service, fatalistic beliefs, and perception of aging (cultural level), and lack of institutional policy, lack of care coordinators, inadequate infrastructure, absence of insurance coverage, and costs (and organizational status). Conclusions: This study identified critical barriers, facilitators, and implications to lung cancer screening participation. Therefore, we employed strategies for a new digital medicine (artificial intelligence) screening method to balance the cost–benefit, “workdays” lost in case of disease, and family hardship, which is essential to improve lung cancer screening uptake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition: Public Health during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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4 pages, 151 KiB  
Editorial
Perspectives on Cadastre and Land Management in Support of Sustainable Real Estate Markets
by Chryssy Potsiou and Gerhard Navratil
Land 2024, 13(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050573 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Land is a limited resource and its responsible use requires administration, management, and planning [...] Full article
21 pages, 8368 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Fractal Dimension, b-value, Slip Ratio, and Decay Rate of Aftershock Seismicity Following the 6 February 2023 (Mw 7.8 and 7.5) Türkiye Earthquakes
by Sherif M. Ali and Kamal Abdelrahman
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(5), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8050252 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
On 6 February 2023, Türkiye experienced a pair of consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 7.8 and 7.5, and accompanied by an intense aftershock sequence. These seismic events were particularly impactful on the segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ), causing extensive [...] Read more.
On 6 February 2023, Türkiye experienced a pair of consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 7.8 and 7.5, and accompanied by an intense aftershock sequence. These seismic events were particularly impactful on the segments of the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ), causing extensive damage to both human life and urban centers in Türkiye and Syria. This study explores the analysis of a dataset spanning almost one year following the Turkiye mainshocks, including 471 events with a magnitude of completeness (Mc) ≥ 4.4. We employed the maximum likelihood approach to estimate the b-value and Omori-Utsu parameters (K, c, and p-values). The estimated b-value is 1.21 ± 0.1, indicating that the mainshocks occurred in a region characterized by elevated stress levels, leading to a sequence of aftershocks of larger magnitudes due to notable irregularities in the rupture zone. The aftershock decay rate (p-value = 1.1 ± 0.04) indicates a rapid decrease in stress levels following the main shocks. However, the c-value of 0.204 ± 0.058 would indicate a relatively moderate or low initial productivity of aftershocks. Furthermore, the k-value of 76.75 ± 8.84 suggests that the decay of aftershock activity commenced within a range of approximately 68 to 86 days following the mainshocks. The fractal dimension (Dc) was assessed using the correlation integral method, yielding a value of 0.99 ± 0.03. This implies a tendency toward clustering in the aftershock seismicity and a linear configuration of the epicenters. The slip ratio during the aftershock activity was determined to be 0.75, signifying that 75% of the total slip occurred in the primary rupture, with the remaining fraction distributed among secondary faults. The methodologies and insights acquired in this research can be extended to assist in forecasting aftershock occurrences for future earthquakes, thus offering crucial data for future risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fractal Analysis and Its Applications in Geophysical Science)
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14 pages, 1166 KiB  
Article
Alterations in Plasma Lipid Profile before and after Surgical Removal of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
by Jae-Hwa Lee, Mi-Ri Gwon, Jeung-Il Kim, Seung-young Hwang, Sook-Jin Seong, Young-Ran Yoon, Myungsoo Kim and Hyojeong Kim
Metabolites 2024, 14(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14050250 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for about 1% of all adult cancers. It is known to have more than 70 subtypes. Its rarity, coupled with its various subtypes, makes early diagnosis challenging. The current standard treatment for STS [...] Read more.
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for about 1% of all adult cancers. It is known to have more than 70 subtypes. Its rarity, coupled with its various subtypes, makes early diagnosis challenging. The current standard treatment for STS is surgical removal. To identify the prognosis and pathophysiology of STS, we conducted untargeted metabolic profiling on pre-operative and post-operative plasma samples from 24 STS patients who underwent surgical tumor removal. Profiling was conducted using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry. Thirty-nine putative metabolites, including phospholipids and acyl-carnitines were identified, indicating changes in lipid metabolism. Phospholipids exhibited an increase in the post-operative samples, while acyl-carnitines showed a decrease. Notably, the levels of pre-operative lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) O-18:0 and LPC O-16:2 were significantly lower in patients who experienced recurrence after surgery compared to those who did not. Metabolic profiling may identify aggressive tumors that are susceptible to lipid synthase inhibitors. We believe that these findings could contribute to the elucidation of the pathophysiology of STS and the development of further metabolic studies in this rare malignancy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research)
12 pages, 3423 KiB  
Article
Impact Toughness Dependent on Annealing Temperatures in 0.16C-6.5Mn Forged Steel for Flywheel Rotors
by Tinghui Man, Jun Wang, Hongshan Zhao and Han Dong
Metals 2024, 14(5), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050501 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
For the application of forged medium-Mn steels on flywheel rotors, the effect of annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 650 °C on the impact toughness of 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel was investigated to demonstrate the microstructural characteristics and austenite reverse transformation determining the impact [...] Read more.
For the application of forged medium-Mn steels on flywheel rotors, the effect of annealing temperatures from 300 °C to 650 °C on the impact toughness of 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel was investigated to demonstrate the microstructural characteristics and austenite reverse transformation determining the impact toughness. The results obtained through standard Charpy V-notch impact tests at ambient temperature show that the impact absorbed energy holds at lower than 10 J almost constantly at annealing temperatures of 300 °C to 500 °C, and a representative intergranular fracture is presented. At an annealing temperature of 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy increases to 147 J, with the ductile fracture characteristics showing plenty of fine dimples, and the high impact toughness is attributed to the high volume fraction above 30% and the moderate stability of reverted austenite. Subsequently, the annealing temperature rises higher than 600 °C, the impact absorbed energy decreases, and the fracture morphology shows brittleness characterized by more flat facets of intergranular fractures and small quasi-cleavage facets, presumably corresponding to the insufficient transformation and twinning-induced plasticity effect due to weakening the Mn partitioning from quenched martensite to reverted austenite, which results in lower austenitic stability. Furthermore, the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of the 0.16C-6.5Mn forged steel annealed at 600 °C, which holds the highest impact absorbed energy, and is explored for the possibility of flywheel rotor application in a service environment. The DBTT reaches −21 °C, obtained through the Boltzmann function, and the impact absorbed energy is approximately 72 J. Full article
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24 pages, 1236 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning Application in Horticulture and Prospects for Predicting Fresh Produce Losses and Waste: A Review
by Ikechukwu Kingsley Opara, Umezuruike Linus Opara, Jude A. Okolie and Olaniyi Amos Fawole
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091200 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The current review examines the state of knowledge and research on machine learning (ML) applications in horticultural production and the potential for predicting fresh produce losses and waste. Recently, ML has been increasingly applied in horticulture for efficient and accurate operations. Given the [...] Read more.
The current review examines the state of knowledge and research on machine learning (ML) applications in horticultural production and the potential for predicting fresh produce losses and waste. Recently, ML has been increasingly applied in horticulture for efficient and accurate operations. Given the health benefits of fresh produce and the need for food and nutrition security, efficient horticultural production and postharvest management are important. This review aims to assess the application of ML in preharvest and postharvest horticulture and the potential of ML in reducing postharvest losses and waste by predicting their magnitude, which is crucial for management practices and policymaking in loss and waste reduction. The review starts by assessing the application of ML in preharvest horticulture. It then presents the application of ML in postharvest handling and processing, and lastly, the prospects for its application in postharvest loss and waste quantification. The findings revealed that several ML algorithms perform satisfactorily in classification and prediction tasks. Based on that, there is a need to further investigate the suitability of more models or a combination of models with a higher potential for classification and prediction. Overall, the review suggested possible future directions for research related to the application of ML in postharvest losses and waste quantification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)
10 pages, 1058 KiB  
Article
Phenolic Monoterpenes Conversion of Conobea scoparioides Essential Oil by Hydrotalcite Synthesized from Blast-Furnace Slag
by Monaliza M. Rebelo, Eloisa Helena A. Andrade, José Augusto M. Corrêa and José Guilherme S. Maia
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091199 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Conobea scoparioides (Plantaginaceae) is an herbaceous plant known as “pataqueira” that grows wild in seasonally wet areas of the Amazon region. It is used for aromatic baths and anti-protozoan remedies by the Brazilian Amazon native people. The main volatile compounds identified in the [...] Read more.
Conobea scoparioides (Plantaginaceae) is an herbaceous plant known as “pataqueira” that grows wild in seasonally wet areas of the Amazon region. It is used for aromatic baths and anti-protozoan remedies by the Brazilian Amazon native people. The main volatile compounds identified in the essential oil of “Pataqueira” were the phenolic monoterpenes thymol and thymol methyl ether and their precursors, the monoterpene hydrocarbons α-phellandrene and p-cymene. A hydrotalcite synthesized from blast-furnace slag exhibited a 3:2 (Mg/Al) molar ratio, and this layered double hydroxide (LDH) was evaluated as a catalyst in converting the main monoterpenes of the “Pataqueira” oil. This action significantly increased the thymol content, from 41% to 95%, associated with the percentual reduction in other main components, such as thymol methyl ether, α-phellandrene, and p-cymene. The LDH reaction showed a strong tendency towards producing hydroxylated derivatives, and its behavior was similar to the hypothetical plant biosynthetic pathway, which leads to the production of the monoterpenes of “Pataqueira” oil. Thymol and its derivatives are potent antiseptics applied in pharmaceutical and hygienic products as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, among others. The present work reports a natural source with a high thymol content in aromatic plants from the Amazon, with evident economic value. Full article
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16 pages, 336 KiB  
Review
Wide Use of Hyaluronic Acid in the Process of Wound Healing—A Rapid Review
by Magdalena Antoszewska, Ewa Maria Sokolewicz and Wioletta Barańska-Rybak
Sci. Pharm. 2024, 92(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm92020023 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA), as one of the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays an important role in the process of wound-healing and tissue-repair processes due to its unique properties and different physiological functions. HA has an ability to maintain a moist [...] Read more.
Hyaluronic acid (HA), as one of the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays an important role in the process of wound-healing and tissue-repair processes due to its unique properties and different physiological functions. HA has an ability to maintain a moist environment that promotes healing, the stimulation of growth factors and cellular constituents, and the migration of various cells essential for healing. This paper offers a review of HA use in the process of wound healing, with emphasis on hard-to-heal wounds, and examines its various applications in ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology. It proves HA to be a versatile agent which finds its use in various fields of medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties and accelerated wound healing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Scientia Pharmaceutica)
18 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
Fault Diagnosis Based on Tensor Computing and Meta-Learning for Smart Grid and Power Communication Network
by Qiusheng Yu, Ti Guan, Anqi Tian, Mingyue Si, Bin Qi, Yingjie Jiang, Yan Zhang, Li Li and Wensheng Zhang
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1655; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091655 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fault diagnosis (FD) is a critical challenge for the smart grid and the power communication network, especially when both heterogeneous networks are exponentially becoming enormous and complicated. Consequently, some conventional FD schemes based on labor seem inefficient, even disabled, because they usually cannot [...] Read more.
Fault diagnosis (FD) is a critical challenge for the smart grid and the power communication network, especially when both heterogeneous networks are exponentially becoming enormous and complicated. Consequently, some conventional FD schemes based on labor seem inefficient, even disabled, because they usually cannot efficiently utilize multi-dimensional and heterogeneous big data from both networks. To deal with this challenging technical problem, a novel FD scheme based on tensor computing and meta-learning is proposed for the smart grid and the power communication network. In the proposed scheme, tensor computing is used to process tensor big data from both networks, and a new data fusion scheme is designed to complete and analyze the incomplete and sparse big data. Based on the fused data, a meta-learning approach is used to construct the FD scheme, especially when the target fault samples are inadequate and sparse. In meta-learning, the convolutional neural network is employed as a base learner to generate an FD training model, and the model-agnostic meta-learning algorithm is utilized to fine-tune and further train the pre-trained model. Simulation results and theoretical analysis indicate that the proposed DF scheme based on tensor computing can efficiently process sparse and heterogeneous big data from both networks. Furthermore, the meta-learning-based FD scheme provides an efficient way to diagnose faults with inadequate target samples. The proposed FD scheme based on tensor computing and meta-learning provides a novel solution to detect and analyze the potential faults for smart grid and power communication networks. Full article
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12 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Pediatric Oral Health Online Education for Rural and Migrant Head Start Programs in the United States
by Francisco Ramos-Gomez, Stephanie Parkinson, Victor Garcia de Jesus, Jose A. Rios and Janni J. Kinsler
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050544 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Children living in rural and migrant areas in the United States disproportionately suffer from poor oral health. Additionally, there continues to be a shortage of pediatric dentists practicing in rural/migrant areas. The purpose of this formative research study was to assess whether staff, [...] Read more.
Children living in rural and migrant areas in the United States disproportionately suffer from poor oral health. Additionally, there continues to be a shortage of pediatric dentists practicing in rural/migrant areas. The purpose of this formative research study was to assess whether staff, teachers and families from rural/migrant Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) programs in California were receptive to oral health online education workshops conducted by pediatric dental residents who were assisted by bilingual (English and Spanish) community oral health workers (COHWs). Our findings suggest that partnering pediatric dental residents with bilingual COHWs to educate HS/EHS teachers, staff and parents on oral health care in rural/migrant areas could result in a rewarding experience for pediatric dentists that might lead them to practice in these communities upon graduation from their residency program. Furthermore, the positive feedback received from the teachers, staff and parents who participated in the workshops indicates they were receptive to receiving oral health information related to oral health literacy from the dental providers and COHWs. COHWs can help increase access to oral health care by serving as a bridge between families and providers by relaying information in a cultural, linguistic and sensitive manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Caries Management)

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