The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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Article
Palm Kernel Cake Extracts Obtained from the Combination of Bacterial Fermentation and Enzymic Hydrolysis Promote Swine Small Intestine IPEC-J2 Cell Proliferation and Alleviate LPS-Induced Inflammation In Vitro
by Hui Zeng, Jingna Miao, Jinghong Liao, Zhiyuan Sui, Meixin Hou and Suqin Hang
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060682 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Co-fermentation with bacteria and enzymes can reduce sugar content in palm kernel cake (PKC); however, the chemical changes and their effects on cell functionality are unclear. This study investigated the active components in pre-treated PKC extracts and their effects on pig small intestine [...] Read more.
Co-fermentation with bacteria and enzymes can reduce sugar content in palm kernel cake (PKC); however, the chemical changes and their effects on cell functionality are unclear. This study investigated the active components in pre-treated PKC extracts and their effects on pig small intestine IPEC-J2 cell proliferation and LPS-induced inflammation. The extracts contained 60.75% sugar, 36.80% mannose, 1.75% polyphenols and 0.59% flavone, as determined by chemical analyses, suggesting that the extracts were palm kernel cake oligosaccharides (PKCOS). Then, we found that 1000 µg/mL PKCOS counteracted the decrease in cell viability (CCK8 kit) caused by LPS induction by 5 µg/mL LPS (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies conducted by RNA-seq and qPCR analyses suggested PKCOS promoted cell proliferation through the upregulation of TNF-α, PI3KAP1, MAP3K5 and Fos in the PI3K/MAPK signalling pathway; alleviated inflammation caused by LPS via the downregulation of the target genes Casp3 and TNF-α in association with apoptosis; and regulated the expression of the antioxidant genes SOD1, SOD2 and GPX4 to exert positive antioxidant effects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PKCOS upregulated SLC5A1 (encoding SLGT1), HK and MPI in the glycolytic pathway (p < 0.05), suggesting cell survival. In summary, PKCOS has positive effects on promoting swine intestine cell proliferation against inflammation. Full article
8 pages, 683 KiB  
Review
Selective Genicular Artery Embolization in the Management of Osteoarthritic Knee Pain—A Narrative Review
by Stephanie O’Brien, William G. Blakeney and Julian Soares
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3256; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113256 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Many people with pain from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are either not ready for surgery or may never be surgical candidates. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new proposed management for those with pain despite maximum medical management. It has historically been [...] Read more.
Many people with pain from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are either not ready for surgery or may never be surgical candidates. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is a new proposed management for those with pain despite maximum medical management. It has historically been used to manage recurrent spontaneous haemarthrosis following total knee replacement, but newer studies are showing a positive effect in managing pre-arthroplasty knee OA. The goal of this review is to summarise current and relevant literature from searches of computerised databases and relevant journals, and analyse their results. Studies included show that GAE has promising outcomes in managing mild to moderate OA knee pain in those who have exhausted at least 3 months of conservative therapy. Most studies show improvements in VAS pain and PROM scores (including KOOS, and/or WOMAC). Minimal adverse effects have been associated in up to two years of follow up, the majority of which are self-resolving. The article précises a concise general procedural technique for performing GAE, as well as comparing and contrasting different embolic agents that may be utilised. GAE shows promising outcomes in management of mild to moderate OA knee pain. In the future, there will need to be higher volume studies to determine effectiveness, suitable candidates, and other potential adverse effects. Full article
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18 pages, 7930 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Complex Piston Movement on the Output Flow Rate of a Hingeless Bent-Axis Axial Piston Pump
by Junqiang Shi, Jiaxing Shi, Jingcheng Gao, Dongjing Chen, Xiaotao Li, Ying Li and Jin Zhang
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061141 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Wobble-plate axial piston pumps, characterized by the lack of a slipper mechanism, experience reduced leakage in comparison to their swash-plate counterparts, which contributes to their higher volumetric efficiency. Presently, the primary focus of the research conducted by scholars both domestically and internationally is [...] Read more.
Wobble-plate axial piston pumps, characterized by the lack of a slipper mechanism, experience reduced leakage in comparison to their swash-plate counterparts, which contributes to their higher volumetric efficiency. Presently, the primary focus of the research conducted by scholars both domestically and internationally is concentrated on wobble-plate axial piston pumps. The performance studies within this field are predominantly focused on investigating flow pulsation. They also investigate pressure pulsation. Additionally, they investigate cavitation phenomena. Research on inclined-axis axial piston pumps has been limited. This study focused on analyzing the operational form of the piston within an inclined-axis axial piston pump. A correction factor k was introduced based on the motion characteristics of the piston. The application of this factor significantly improved the accuracy of the simulations when compared to the experimental results. Specifically, at a load pressure of 10 MPa, the discrepancy between the simulation and the experimental data was reduced from 8.95% to 0.23%. Similarly, at a load pressure of 20 MPa, the error rate was minimized. It was reduced from 9.15% to 0.35%. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed correction factor. The correction factor enhances the predictive accuracy of the pump’s performance. This enhancement is observed under varying load conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Process Control and Monitoring)
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Article
Disturbance Observer−Based Anti−Shock Controller for Laser Beam Steering Systems
by Jung-Gon Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4774; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114774 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents an approach for improving the robustness of tip–tilt controllers for fast−steering mirror (FSM)−based laser beam steering (LBS) systems in the presence of dynamic disturbances such as external shocks. To this end, we propose the addition of a disturbance observer (DOB)−based [...] Read more.
This paper presents an approach for improving the robustness of tip–tilt controllers for fast−steering mirror (FSM)−based laser beam steering (LBS) systems in the presence of dynamic disturbances such as external shocks. To this end, we propose the addition of a disturbance observer (DOB)−based anti−shock controller in parallel to the original linear servo control loop to improve its control performance in the presence of external shocks. To increase the tip–tilt control performance against external shocks, the DOB−based control method, which is an improved control method for eliminating nonperiodic disturbances, is implemented in the original tip–tilt control system. The results indicate that the control error of the DOB−based anti−shock controller decreased, resulting in an efficient improvement in its disturbance−rejection performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Optical Design and Engineering)
Article
Exploring Gender Differences in Early Weight Change and Variability in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa during Inpatient Treatment
by Georg Halbeisen, Karsten Braks, Thomas J. Huber and Georgios Paslakis
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(11), 3255; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113255 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Adolescents’ early responses and overall outcomes during anorexia nervosa (AN) treatment may differ by patient gender, raising the question of whether evaluating clinical data during AN treatment may require different criteria. Methods: We investigated, using patient records, whether young men and [...] Read more.
Background: Adolescents’ early responses and overall outcomes during anorexia nervosa (AN) treatment may differ by patient gender, raising the question of whether evaluating clinical data during AN treatment may require different criteria. Methods: We investigated, using patient records, whether young men and young women with AN differed in terms of early treatment response (defined as weight change and variability within the first 14 days) and whether early treatment responses predicted treatment outcomes similarly across genders. Results: Weight changes predicted patient discharge weight across all gender groups. Weight variability predicted higher disordered eating psychopathology and higher body image insecurities at discharge. Gender differences emerged only for weight gain, which was more pronounced for young men, and gender modulated the effects of weight gain and variability on general psychopathology outcomes. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that early weight changes and weight variability are similarly important predictors of AN treatment outcomes in adolescents but also hint at possible gender differences in terms of the link between weight change and, respectively, variability on general psychopathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Medicine in Children and Adolescent Psychology)
16 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
Early Screening for Long QT Syndrome and Cardiac Anomalies in Infants: A Comprehensive Study
by Luana Nosetti, Marco Zaffanello, Carolina Lombardi, Alessandra Gerosa, Giorgio Piacentini, Michele Abramo and Massimo Agosti
Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(3), 1038-1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14030082 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) represents sudden and unexplained deaths during the sleep of infants under one year of age, despite thorough investigation. Screening for a prolonged QTc interval, a marker for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), should be conducted on all [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) represents sudden and unexplained deaths during the sleep of infants under one year of age, despite thorough investigation. Screening for a prolonged QTc interval, a marker for Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), should be conducted on all newborns to reduce the incidence of SIDS. Neonatal electrocardiograms (ECGs) could identify congenital heart defects (CHDs) early, especially those not detected at birth. Infants with prolonged QTc intervals typically undergo genetic analysis for Long QT Syndrome. (2) Methods: The study involved infants aged 20–40 days, born with no apparent clinical signs of heart disease, with initial ECG screening. Infants with prenatal diagnoses or signs/symptoms of CHDs identified immediately after birth, as well as infants who had previously had an ECG or echocardiogram for other medical reasons, were excluded from the study. We used statistical software (SPSS version 22.0) to analyze the data. (3) Results: Of the 42,200 infants involved, 2245 were enrolled, with 39.9% being males. Following this initial screening, 164 children (37.8% males) with prolonged QTc intervals underwent further evaluation. Out of these 164 children, 27 children were confirmed to have LQTS. However, only 18 children were finally investigated for genetic mutations, and mutations were identified in 11 tests. The most common mutations were LQT1 (54.5%), LQT2 (36.4%), and LQT3 (1 patient). Treatment options included propranolol (39.8%), nadolol (22.2%), inderal (11.1%), metoprolol (11.1%), and no treatment (16.7%). The most common abnormalities were focal right bundle branch block (54.5%), left axis deviation (9.2%), and nonspecific ventricular repolarization abnormalities (7.1%). Multiple anomalies were found in 0.47% of children with focal right bundle branch block. Structural abnormalities were associated with specific features in 267 patients (11.9%), primarily isolated patent foramen ovale (PFO) at 61.4%. (4) Conclusions: This screening approach has demonstrated effectiveness in the early identification of LQTS and other cardiac rhythm anomalies, with additional identification of mutations and/or prolonged QTc intervals in family members. Identifying other ECG abnormalities and congenital heart malformations further enhances the benefits of the screening. Full article
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21 pages, 3371 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria-Based Biostimulant Alone or in Combination with Commercial Inoculum on Tomato Native Rhizosphere Microbiota and Production: An Open-Field Trial
by Giorgia Novello, Elisa Bona, Martina Nasuelli, Nadia Massa, Cristina Sudiro, Daniela Cristina Campana, Susanna Gorrasi, Marie Louise Hochart, Adriano Altissimo, Francesco Vuolo and Elisa Gamalero
Biology 2024, 13(6), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060400 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The agricultural sector is currently encountering significant challenges due to the effects of climate change, leading to negative consequences for crop productivity and global food security. In this context, traditional agricultural practices have been inadequate in addressing the fast-evolving challenges while maintaining environmental [...] Read more.
The agricultural sector is currently encountering significant challenges due to the effects of climate change, leading to negative consequences for crop productivity and global food security. In this context, traditional agricultural practices have been inadequate in addressing the fast-evolving challenges while maintaining environmental sustainability. A possible alternative to traditional agricultural management is represented by using beneficial micro-organisms that, once applied as bioinoculants, may enhance crop resilience and adaptability, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of environmental stressors and boosting productivity. Tomato is one of the most important crops worldwide, playing a central role in the human diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nitrogen-fixing bacterial-based biostimulant (Azospirillum sp., Azotobacter sp., and Rhizobium sp.) in combination or not with a commercial inoculum Micomix (Rhizoglomus irregulare, Funnelliformis mosseae, Funnelliformis caledonium, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus mucilaginosus) (MYC) on the native rhizosphere communities and tomato production. Bacterial populations in the different samples were characterized using an environmental metabarcoding approach. The bioinocula effect on the native rhizosphere microbiota resulted in significant variation both in alpha and beta diversity and in a specific signature associated with the presence of biostimulants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria: Mechanisms and Applications)
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Article
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathway Involved in Rhizome Development in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua
by Kui Wan, Jingjie Ban, Fengjie Yang, Xueying Zhang, Xiaoling Huang, Yanqiu Wang, Zihao Zhang, Zhongxiong Lai, Yukun Chen and Yuling Lin
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111524 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema) rhizomes are rich in flavonoids and other secondary metabolites, exhibiting remarkable antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects. Polygonatum flavonoid-biosynthesis-related genes have been characterized already. However, a comprehensive overview of Polygonatum flavonoid biosynthesis pathways is still [...] Read more.
Abstract: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (P. cyrtonema) rhizomes are rich in flavonoids and other secondary metabolites, exhibiting remarkable antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects. Polygonatum flavonoid-biosynthesis-related genes have been characterized already. However, a comprehensive overview of Polygonatum flavonoid biosynthesis pathways is still absent. To articulate the accumulation of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, we examined transcriptome changes using Illumina HiSeq from five different tissues and the RNA-seq of 15 samples had over 105 Gb of a clean base, generating a total of 277,955 unigenes. The cDNA libraries of the fruits (F), leaves (L), roots (R), stems (S), and rhizomes (T) of three-year-old P. cyrtonema plants generated 57,591, 53,578, 60,321, 51,530, and 54,935 unigenes. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that 379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were in the group of F _vs_ T, L _vs_ T, R _vs_ T, and S _vs_ T, and the transcripts of flavonoid-biosynthesis-related DEGs were principally enriched in rhizomes. In addition, combined with WGCNA and the FPKM of five tissues’ transcription, nine differentially expressed transcription factor families (MYB, WRKY, AP2/ERF, etc.) were characterized in the red module, the red module positively correlated with rhizome flavonoid accumulation. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) further indicated that BZIP1, C3H31, ERF114, and DREB21 are differentially expressed in rhizomes, accompanied in rhizome development in P. cyrtonema. Therefore, this study provides a foundation for further research into uncovering the accumulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in the rhizomes of P. cyrtonema. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics in Modern Plant Science)
14 pages, 2499 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Analytical Comparison of Monoclonal and Polyclonal Immunoassays for Fecal Pancreatic Elastase
by Jasna Lenicek Krleza, Merica Aralica, Lara Milevoj Kopcinovic and Renata Zrinski Topic
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1166; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111166 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Background: Numerous immunoassays have been commercialized to determine pancreatic elastase (PE) in feces in screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), but how the different assays compare to one another is controversial, especially in the context that all methods use the same cut-off values [...] Read more.
Background: Numerous immunoassays have been commercialized to determine pancreatic elastase (PE) in feces in screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), but how the different assays compare to one another is controversial, especially in the context that all methods use the same cut-off values for interpreting the results obtained on the presence or absence of EPI or the degree of insufficiency if it is present. Our aim was to analytically verify a new method for determining PE, compare the results with a previous method, and verify the declared cut-off values for interpretation of the results. Methods: PE in the stool was assayed using a previous monoclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (“ScheBo ELISA”) and a new polyclonal particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (“Bühlmann PETIA”). The direct method comparison of two immunoassays was performed in 40 samples. Clinical comparisons were conducted against each other for the binary determination of “abnormal/normal” elastase levels and the three-way determination of “severe/moderate/no” EPI in 56 samples. The indirect comparison method used external quality assessment (EQA) data to compare the monoclonal and polyclonal immunoassays for PE, and additionally compare the monoclonal ScheBo ELISA to a monoclonal chemiluminescence immunoassay (“DiaSorin CLIA”). Results: Precision in the series and intra-laboratory precision for Bühlmann PETIA met the manufacturer’s specifications for the concentration range of limit/lower values and the range of normal values. The Bühlmann PETIA immunoassay on different analytical platforms yielded comparable results and nearly perfect agreement in the case of three-way classification (kappa = 0.89 with 95%CI from 0.79 to 1.00. ScheBo ELISA tends to generate higher values of pancreatic elastase than the Bühlmann PETIA; agreement between the methods was moderate in the case of binary classification (kappa = 0.43; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.62), and substantial in the case of three-way classification (kappa = 0.62; 95% CI 0.50 to 0.75). EQA data analysis showed a statistically significant difference between ScheBo ELISA and Bühlmann PETIA peer groups (p = 0.031), as well as the DiaSorin CLIA and ScheBo ELISA peer groups (p = 0.010). Conclusion: The ScheBo ELISA and Bühlmann PETIA do not appear to be commutable in the analytical and clinical context. Our data address a discordance between different mono- and polyclonal immunoassays for pancreatic elastase and the potential of misclassification using its universal cut-off values in screening suspected patients for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Role of Diagnostic Biochemistry)
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Article
Comparative Analysis of the Seasonal Driving Factors of the Urban Heat Environment Using Machine Learning: Evidence from the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration, China, 2020
by Ce Xu, Gaoliu Huang and Maomao Zhang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(6), 671; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15060671 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
With the ongoing advancement of globalization significantly impacting the ecological environment, the continuous rise in the Land Surface Temperature (LST) is increasingly jeopardizing human production and living conditions. This study aims to investigate the seasonal variations in the LST and its driving factors [...] Read more.
With the ongoing advancement of globalization significantly impacting the ecological environment, the continuous rise in the Land Surface Temperature (LST) is increasingly jeopardizing human production and living conditions. This study aims to investigate the seasonal variations in the LST and its driving factors using mathematical models. Taking the Wuhan Urban Agglomeration (WHUA) as a case study, it explores the seasonal characteristics of the LST and employs Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to categorize the driving factors. Additionally, it compares traditional models with machine-learning models to select the optimal model for this investigation. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) The WHUA’s LST exhibits significant differences among seasons and demonstrates distinct spatial-clustering characteristics in different seasons. (2) Compared to traditional geographic spatial models, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) shows better explanatory power in investigating the driving effects of the LST. (3) Human Activity (HA) dominates the influence throughout the year and shows a significant positive correlation with the LST; Physical Geography (PG) exhibits a negative correlation with the LST; Climate and Weather (CW) show a similar variation to the PG, peaking in the transition; and the Landscape Pattern (LP) shows a weak positive correlation with the LST, peaking in winter while being relatively inconspicuous in summer and the transition. Finally, through comparative analysis of multiple driving factors and models, this study constructs a framework for exploring the seasonal features and driving factors of the LST, aiming to provide references and guidance for the development of the WHUA and similar regions. Full article
Article
Is There an Immunohistochemical PD-L1 Cut-Off Point That Serves as a Prognostic Indicator for Large B-Cell Lymphomas?
by Selcuk Cin, Suat Hilal Aki, Tugrul Elverdi, Deniz Ozmen and Ayse Salihoglu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111167 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a cut-off value for PD-L1 expression in large B-cell lymphomas that predicts prognosis, and to clarify the relationship between PD-L1 expression and histopathological as well as clinical parameters. The study included a [...] Read more.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a cut-off value for PD-L1 expression in large B-cell lymphomas that predicts prognosis, and to clarify the relationship between PD-L1 expression and histopathological as well as clinical parameters. The study included a total of 130 patients who were diagnosed with large B-cell lymphoma at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Department. Biopsy samples were assessed using the PD-L1 immunohistochemical antibody (Dako, 22C3 clone). The patients had a mean age of 54 ± 17 years, with a median age of 56 years. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of survival when the 30% cut-off value was used. However, a noteworthy discrepancy in survival became apparent when the cut-off point was established at 70%. Among the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (DLBCL-NOS) category, the activated B-cell-like (ABC-like) phenotype showed higher PD-L1 expression compared to the germinal center B-cell-like (GCB-like) phenotype. Immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression emerged as a prognostic factor, particularly significant in the ABC-like phenotype. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Promising Diagnostic Signatures in Histopathological Diagnosis)
19 pages, 32665 KiB  
Article
Effect of Weight Distribution and Active Safety Systems on Electric Vehicle Performance
by Valerio Gori, Will Hendrix, Amritam Das and Zhiyong Sun
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3557; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113557 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
This paper describes control methods to improve electric vehicle performance in terms of handling, stability and cornering by adjusting the weight distribution and implementing control systems (e.g., wheel slip control, and yaw rate control). The vehicle is first simulated using the bicycle model [...] Read more.
This paper describes control methods to improve electric vehicle performance in terms of handling, stability and cornering by adjusting the weight distribution and implementing control systems (e.g., wheel slip control, and yaw rate control). The vehicle is first simulated using the bicycle model to capture the dynamics. Then, a study on the effect of weight distribution on the driving behavior is conducted. The study is performed for three different weight configurations. Moreover, a yaw rate controller and a wheel slip controller are designed and implemented to improve the vehicle’s performance for cornering and longitudinal motion under the different loading conditions. The simulation through the bicycle model is compared to the experiments conducted on a rear-wheel driven radio-controlled (RC) electric vehicle. The paper shows how the wheel slip controller contributes to the stabilization of the vehicle, how the yaw rate controller reduces understeering, and how the location of the center of gravity (CoG) affects steering behavior. Lastly, an analysis of the combination of control systems for each weight transfer is conducted to determine the configuration with the highest performance regarding acceleration time, braking distance, and steering behavior. Full article
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22 pages, 1292 KiB  
Review
Modulation of Adverse Health Effects of Environmental Cadmium Exposure by Zinc and Its Transporters
by Ana Cirovic, Aleksandar Cirovic, Supabhorn Yimthiang, David A. Vesey and Soisungwan Satarug
Biomolecules 2024, 14(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14060650 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant metal in the human body and is essential for the function of 10% of all proteins. As metals cannot be synthesized or degraded, they must be assimilated from the diet by specialized transport proteins, which unfortunately [...] Read more.
Zinc (Zn) is the second most abundant metal in the human body and is essential for the function of 10% of all proteins. As metals cannot be synthesized or degraded, they must be assimilated from the diet by specialized transport proteins, which unfortunately also provide an entry route for the toxic metal pollutant cadmium (Cd). The intestinal absorption of Zn depends on the composition of food that is consumed, firstly the amount of Zn itself and then the quantity of other food constituents such as phytate, protein, and calcium (Ca). In cells, Zn is involved in the regulation of intermediary metabolism, gene expression, cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. The cellular influx, efflux, subcellular compartmentalization, and trafficking of Zn are coordinated by transporter proteins, solute-linked carriers 30A and 39A (SLC30A and SLC39A), known as the ZnT and Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP). Because of its chemical similarity with Zn and Ca, Cd disrupts the physiological functions of both. The concurrent induction of a Zn efflux transporter ZnT1 (SLC30A1) and metallothionein by Cd disrupts the homeostasis and reduces the bioavailability of Zn. The present review highlights the increased mortality and the severity of various diseases among Cd-exposed persons and the roles of Zn and other transport proteins in the manifestation of Cd cytotoxicity. Special emphasis is given to Zn intake levels that may lower the risk of vision loss and bone fracture associated with Cd exposure. The difficult challenge of determining a permissible intake level of Cd is discussed in relation to the recommended dietary Zn intake levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zinc in Health and Disease Conditions II)
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Article
Stress and Microstructures Characterization Based on Magnetic Incremental Permeability and Magnetic Barkhausen Noise Techniques
by Hongwei Sheng, Ping Wang, Yuan Yang and Chenglong Tang
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112657 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Both microstructure and stress affect the structure and kinematic properties of magnetic domains. In fact, microstructural and stress variations often coexist. However, the coupling of microstructure and stress on magnetic domains is seldom considered in the evaluation of microstructural characteristics. In this [...] Read more.
Abstract: Both microstructure and stress affect the structure and kinematic properties of magnetic domains. In fact, microstructural and stress variations often coexist. However, the coupling of microstructure and stress on magnetic domains is seldom considered in the evaluation of microstructural characteristics. In this investigation, Magnetic incremental permeability (MIP) and magnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) techniques are used to study the coupling effect of characteristic microstructure and stress on the reversible and irreversible motions of magnetic domains, and the quantitative relationship between microstructure and magnetic domain characteristics is established. Considering the coupling effect of microstructure and stress on magnetic domains, a patterned characterization method of microstructure and stress is innovatively proposed. Pattern recognition based on the Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) model is realized for microstructure and stress with an accuracy rate higher than 97%. The results show that the pattern recognition accuracy of magnetic domain features and micro-magnetic features simultaneously as input parameters is higher than that of micro-magnetic features alone as input parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-destructive Testing (NDT) of Advanced Composites and Structures)
Article
The Relationship between Inspiratory Muscle Strength and Cycling Performance: Insights from Hypoxia and Inspiratory Muscle Warm-Up
by André Luiz Musmanno Branco Oliveira, Gabriel Dias Rodrigues, Philippe de Azeredo Rohan, Thiago Rodrigues Gonçalves and Pedro Paulo da Silva Soares
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020097 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Hypoxia increases inspiratory muscle work and consequently contributes to a reduction in exercise performance. We evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) on a 10 km cycling time trial in normoxia (NOR) and hypoxia (HYP). Eight cyclists performed four time trial sessions, [...] Read more.
Hypoxia increases inspiratory muscle work and consequently contributes to a reduction in exercise performance. We evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle warm-up (IMW) on a 10 km cycling time trial in normoxia (NOR) and hypoxia (HYP). Eight cyclists performed four time trial sessions, two in HYP (FiO2: 0.145) and two in NOR (FiO2: 0.209), of which one was with IMW (set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure—MIP) and the other was with the placebo effect (PLA: set at 15% MIP). Time trials were unchanged by IMW (NORIMW: 893.8 ± 31.5 vs. NORPLA: 925.5 ± 51.0 s; HYPIMW: 976.8 ± 34.2 vs. HYPPLA: 1008.3 ± 56.0 s; p > 0.05), while ventilation was higher in HYPIMW (107.7 ± 18.3) than HYPPLA (100.1 ± 18.9 L.min−1; p ≤ 0.05), and SpO2 was lower (HYPIMW: 73 ± 6 vs. HYPPLA: 76 ± 6%; p ≤ 0.05). A post-exercise-induced reduction in inspiratory strength was correlated with exercise elapsed time during IMW sessions (HYPIMW: r = −0.79; p ≤ 0.05; NORIMW: r = −0.70; p ≤ 0.05). IMW did not improve the 10 km time trial performance under normoxia and hypoxia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Athletic Training and Human Performance)
24 pages, 4353 KiB  
Article
Self-Reliance in Community-Based Rural Tourism: Observing Tourism Villages (Desa Wisata) in Sleman Regency, Indonesia
by Yoan A. W. Sutomo, Corinthias P. M. Sianipar, Satoshi Hoshino and Kenichiro Onitsuka
Tour. Hosp. 2024, 5(2), 448-471; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp5020028 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Self-reliance is essential for community-based rural tourism (CBRT), ensuring effective running in the long term. However, existing studies have focused on general self-reliance conditions while overlooking details surrounding the community’s self-reliance in each activity of the CBRT value chain. This study filled this [...] Read more.
Self-reliance is essential for community-based rural tourism (CBRT), ensuring effective running in the long term. However, existing studies have focused on general self-reliance conditions while overlooking details surrounding the community’s self-reliance in each activity of the CBRT value chain. This study filled this significant gap by observing community self-reliance in CBRT and considering the tourism value chain (TVC) framework. Built upon the abduction method, this study applied the systematic combining approach to observe three aspects of self-reliance, i.e., goals or objectives, rights and abilities, and owned resources, in the TVC of CBRT entities. Taking the case of CBRT in Sleman Regency, Indonesia, the data collection involved representatives of 49 community-based tourism villages (desa wisata). The results showed that observing community self-reliance in CBRT allows for the identification of multifaceted self-reliance problems in rural tourism communities. Apparently, the observed CBRT initiatives are unable to achieve complete self-sufficiency across all aspects of self-reliance. Reliance on external collaboration and support networks persists out of necessity rather than an inability to self-manage. Policy protections, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships are necessary to develop resilient and sustainable rural tourism amidst necessary dependencies. CBRT planning and policies should hence consider the abovementioned aspects of self-reliance to empower CBRT toward sustainable rural development. Full article
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Article
A Strategy for Enhanced Carbon Storage: A Hybrid CO2 and Aqueous Formate Solution Injection to Control Buoyancy and Reduce Risk
by Marcos Vitor Barbosa Machado, Mojdeh Delshad, Omar Ali Carrasco Jaim, Ryosuke Okuno and Kamy Sepehrnoori
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2680; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112680 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Conventional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) operations use the direct injection of CO2 in a gaseous phase from the surface as a carbon carrier. Due to CO2 properties under reservoir conditions with lower density and viscosity than in situ brine, CO [...] Read more.
Conventional Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) operations use the direct injection of CO2 in a gaseous phase from the surface as a carbon carrier. Due to CO2 properties under reservoir conditions with lower density and viscosity than in situ brine, CO2 flux is mainly gravity-dominated. CO2 moves toward the top and accumulates below the top seal, thus reinforcing the risk of possible leakage to the surface through unexpected hydraulic paths (e.g., reactivated faults, fractures, and abandoned wells) or in sites without an effective sealing caprock. Considering the risks, the potential benefits of the interplay between CO2 and an aqueous solution of formate ions (HCOO¯) were evaluated when combined to control CO2 gravity segregation in porous media. Three combined strategies were evaluated and compared with those where either pure CO2 or a formate solution was injected. The first strategy consisted of a pre-flush of formate solution followed by continuous CO2 injection, and it was not effective in controlling the vertical propagation of the CO2 plume. However, the injection of a formate solution slug in a continuous or alternated way, simultaneously with the CO2 continuous injection, was effective in slowing down the vertical migration of the CO2 plume and keeping it permanently stationary deeper than the surface depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Subsurface Energy and Environmental Protection)
Article
Proprioception and Balance Control in Ankle Osteoarthritis and after Total Ankle Replacement: A Prospective Assessment
by Silvio Caravelli, Laura Bragonzoni, Emanuele Vocale, Giuseppe Barone, Giulio Vara, Stefano Di Paolo, Raffaele Zinno, Erika Pinelli, Ciro Ivan De Girolamo, Paolo De Blasiis, Maria Grazia Benedetti and Massimiliano Mosca
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4781; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114781 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) could, in theory, partially restore joint sensation and motion, enhancing motor coordination, functional stability, and proprioception in a joint affected by osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate ankle proprioception before and after a Total Ankle Replacement [...] Read more.
Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) could, in theory, partially restore joint sensation and motion, enhancing motor coordination, functional stability, and proprioception in a joint affected by osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate ankle proprioception before and after a Total Ankle Replacement via an instrumental objective assessment. The evaluation of proprioceptive stability was carried out using the dedicated Delos Postural Proprioceptive System (DPPS). The clinical evaluation was performed by administering validated questionnaires, namely the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Twenty patients were selected, undergoing a complete procedure with clinical and instrumental pre-operative and post-operative evaluation at the end of the follow-up. AOFAS ankle–hindfoot and SF-36 both showed a statistically significant improvement between the pre-operative and post-operative state. The postural tests performed using the DPPS showed that the affected limb showed results slightly lower than in pre-operative. In conclusion, according to the current data, the TAR does not show an improvement in proprioceptive joint stability, and although the registered mean values do not present a statistical significance, the stabilometry shows data lower than the healthy limb. In this perspective, further studies are recommended to highlight any rehabilitation scheme or protocols, using wider case series. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Orthopedic Diseases Treatment)
20 pages, 6246 KiB  
Article
A Two-Stage Automatic Container Code Recognition Method Considering Environmental Interference
by Meng Yu, Shanglei Zhu, Bao Lu, Qiang Chen and Tengfei Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4779; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114779 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Automatic Container Code Recognition (ACCR) is critical for enhancing the efficiency of container terminals. However, existing ACCR methods frequently fail to achieve satisfactory performance in complex environments at port gates. In this paper, we propose an approach for accurate, fast, and compact container [...] Read more.
Automatic Container Code Recognition (ACCR) is critical for enhancing the efficiency of container terminals. However, existing ACCR methods frequently fail to achieve satisfactory performance in complex environments at port gates. In this paper, we propose an approach for accurate, fast, and compact container code recognition by utilizing YOLOv4 for container region localization and Deeplabv3+ for character recognition. To enhance the recognition speed and accuracy of YOLOv4 and Deeplabv3+, and to facilitate their deployment at gate entrances, we introduce several improvements. First, we optimize the feature-extraction process of YOLOv4 and Deeplabv3+ to reduce their computational complexity. Second, we enhance the multi-scale recognition and loss functions of YOLOv4 to improve the accuracy and speed of container region localization. Furthermore, we adjust the dilated convolution rates of the ASPP module in Deeplabv3+. Finally, we replace two upsampling structures in the decoder of Deeplabv3+ with transposed convolution upsampling and sub-pixel convolution upsampling. Experimental results on our custom dataset demonstrate that our proposed method, C-YOLOv4, achieves a container region localization accuracy of 99.76% at a speed of 56.7 frames per second (FPS), while C-Deeplabv3+ achieves an average pixel classification accuracy (MPA) of 99.88% and an FPS of 11.4. The overall recognition success rate and recognition speed of our approach are 99.51% and 2.3 ms per frame, respectively. Moreover, C-YOLOv4 and C-Deeplabv3+ outperform existing methods in complex scenarios. Full article
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19 pages, 1977 KiB  
Review
How Adversarial REM Dreams May Facilitate Creativity, and Why We Become Aware of Them
by Nicolas Deperrois, Mihai A. Petrovici, Jakob Jordan, Lukas S. Huber and Walter Senn
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020021 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The importance of sleep for healthy brain function is widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear how the internal generation of dreams might facilitate cognitive processes. In this perspective, we review a computational approach inspired by artificial intelligence that proposes a framework for how [...] Read more.
The importance of sleep for healthy brain function is widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear how the internal generation of dreams might facilitate cognitive processes. In this perspective, we review a computational approach inspired by artificial intelligence that proposes a framework for how dreams occurring during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep can contribute to learning and creativity. In this framework, REM dreams are characterized by an adversarial process that, against the dream reality, tells a discriminator network to classify the internally created sensory activity as real. Such an adversarial dreaming process is shown to facilitate the emergence of real-world semantic representations in higher cortical areas. We further discuss the potential contributions of adversarial dreaming beyond learning, such as balancing fantastic and realistic dream elements and facilitating the occurrence of creative insights. We characterize non-REM (NREM) dreams, where a single hippocampal memory is replayed at a time, as serving the complementary role of improving the robustness of cortical representations to environmental perturbations. We finally explain how subjects can become aware of the adversarial REM dreams, but less of the NREM dreams, and how content- and state-awareness in wake, dream, and lucid dreaming may appear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep–Wake Medicine)
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19 pages, 1714 KiB  
Article
A High-Performance Fractional Order Controller Based on Chaotic Manta-Ray Foraging and Artificial Ecosystem-Based Optimization Algorithms Applied to Dual Active Bridge Converter
by Felipe Ruiz, Eduardo Pichardo, Mokhtar Aly, Eduardo Vazquez, Juan G. Avalos and Giovanny Sánchez
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(6), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8060332 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Over the last decade, dual active bridge (DAB) converters have become critical components in high-frequency power conversion systems. Recently, intensive efforts have been directed at optimizing DAB converter design and control. In particular, several strategies have been proposed to improve the performance of [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, dual active bridge (DAB) converters have become critical components in high-frequency power conversion systems. Recently, intensive efforts have been directed at optimizing DAB converter design and control. In particular, several strategies have been proposed to improve the performance of DAB control systems. For example, fractional-order (FO) control methods have proven potential in several applications since they offer improved controllability, flexibility, and robustness. However, the FO controller design process is critical for industrializing their use. Conventional FO control design methods use frequency domain-based design schemes, which result in complex and impractical designs. In addition, several nonlinear equations need to be solved to determine the optimum parameters. Currently, metaheuristic algorithms are used to design FO controllers due to their effectiveness in improving system performance and their ability to simultaneously tune possible design parameters. Moreover, metaheuristic algorithms do not require precise and detailed knowledge of the controlled system model. In this paper, a hybrid algorithm based on the chaotic artificial ecosystem-based optimization (AEO) and manta-ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithms is proposed with the aim of combining the best features of each. Unlike the conventional MRFO method, the newly proposed hybrid AEO-CMRFO algorithm enables the use of chaotic maps and weighting factors. Moreover, the AEO and CMRFO hybridization process enables better convergence performance and the avoidance of local optima. Therefore, superior FO controller performance was achieved compared to traditional control design methods and other studied metaheuristic algorithms. An exhaustive study is provided, and the proposed control method was compared with traditional control methods to verify its advantages and superiority. Full article
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19 pages, 10859 KiB  
Article
Reduced Order Modeling of System by Dynamic Modal Decom-Position with Fractal Dimension Feature Embedding
by Mingming Zhang, Simeng Bai, Aiguo Xia, Wei Tuo and Yongzhao Lv
Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(6), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8060331 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The balance between accuracy and computational complexity is currently a focal point of research in dynamical system modeling. From the perspective of model reduction, this paper addresses the mode selection strategy in Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) by integrating an embedded fractal theory based [...] Read more.
The balance between accuracy and computational complexity is currently a focal point of research in dynamical system modeling. From the perspective of model reduction, this paper addresses the mode selection strategy in Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) by integrating an embedded fractal theory based on fractal dimension (FD). The existing model selection methods lack interpretability and exhibit arbitrariness in choosing mode dimension truncation levels. To address these issues, this paper analyzes the geometric features of modes for the dimensional characteristics of dynamical systems. By calculating the box counting dimension (BCD) of modes and the correlation dimension (CD) and embedding dimension (ED) of the original dynamical system, it achieves guidance on the importance ranking of modes and the truncation order of modes in DMD. To validate the practicality of this method, it is applied to the reduction applications on the reconstruction of the velocity field of cylinder wake flow and the force field of compressor blades. Theoretical results demonstrate that the proposed selection technique can effectively characterize the primary dynamic features of the original dynamical systems. By employing a loss function to measure the accuracy of the reconstruction models, the computed results show that the overall errors of the reconstruction models are below 5%. These results indicate that this method, based on fractal theory, ensures the model’s accuracy and significantly reduces the complexity of subsequent computations, exhibiting strong interpretability and practicality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fractal Dimensions with Applications in the Real World)
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16 pages, 4754 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Electrocardiogram Signal Quality Assessment Method Based on Convolutional Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory Network
by Chen He, Yuxuan Wei, Yeru Wei, Qiang Liu and Xiang An
Big Data Cogn. Comput. 2024, 8(6), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/bdcc8060057 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly prevalent, sudden onset, and relatively fatal, posing a significant public health burden. Long-term dynamic electrocardiography, which can continuously record the long-term dynamic ECG activities of individuals in their daily lives, has high research value. However, ECG signals are [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly prevalent, sudden onset, and relatively fatal, posing a significant public health burden. Long-term dynamic electrocardiography, which can continuously record the long-term dynamic ECG activities of individuals in their daily lives, has high research value. However, ECG signals are weak and highly susceptible to external interference, which may lead to false alarms and misdiagnosis, affecting the diagnostic efficiency and the utilization rate of healthcare resources, so research on the quality of dynamic ECG signals is extremely necessary. Aimed at the above problems, this paper proposes a dynamic ECG signal quality assessment method based on CNN and LSTM that divides the signal into three quality categories: the signal of the Q1 category has a lower noise level, which can be used for reliable diagnosis of arrhythmia, etc.; the signal of the Q2 category has a higher noise level, but it still contains information that can be used for heart rate calculation, HRV analysis, etc.; and the signal of the Q3 category has a higher noise level that can interfere with the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and should be discarded or labeled. In this paper, we use the widely recognized MIT-BIH database, based on which the model is applied to realistically collect exercise experimental data to assess the performance of the model in dealing with real-world situations. The model achieves an accuracy of 98.65% on the test set, a macro-averaged F1 score of 98.5%, and a high F1 score of 99.71% for the prediction of Q3 category signals, which shows that the model has good accuracy and generalization performance. Full article
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