The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
21 pages, 9664 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Structural Film Cooling on Cooling Performance in a GO2/GH2 Subscale Thrust Chamber
by Jixin Xiang, Yujie Jia, Zhiqiang Li and He Ren
Aerospace 2024, 11(6), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11060433 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
To investigate the wall cooling of the thrust chamber in an engine, two film-cooling structures, namely, a circular hole structure and a slot structure, were designed. Numerical simulations were performed to study the coupled flow and regenerative cooling heat transfer in thrust chambers [...] Read more.
To investigate the wall cooling of the thrust chamber in an engine, two film-cooling structures, namely, a circular hole structure and a slot structure, were designed. Numerical simulations were performed to study the coupled flow and regenerative cooling heat transfer in thrust chambers with different structures. The influences of parameters such as the film mass flow rate and film hole size on wall cooling were analyzed. Experiments were conducted in a thrust chamber to validate the accuracy of the numerical calculation method. The results indicate that the slot-structured film adheres better to the wall than the circular-hole-structured film, and the film closely adhering to the wall provides better insulation against hot gas, resulting in a reduction of approximately 6% in wall temperature. When the film hole size changes, the change in circumferential wall temperature in the upstream region of the slot-structured film is more pronounced. This paper aims to provide a reference for the design of the cooling structure at the head of the thrust chamber in engineering and suggests directions for optimization and improvement. Full article
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14 pages, 4559 KiB  
Article
Microplastic Evaluation in Water and Sediments of a Dam Reservoir–Riverine System in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania
by Iulian Pojar, Oana Dobre, Constantin Lazăr, Teodora Baboș, Oana Ristea, Alina Constantin and Nicoleta Cristoiu
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4541; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114541 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer, [...] Read more.
The complex aquatic system of dam reservoirs is known to trap emerging pollutants as microplastics (MPs) in sediments and water column. Considering the knowledge gaps in this type of environment, we investigated the amount and distribution of MPs in the surface water layer, as well as in the surface and deep sediments of the Siriu Reservoir in the Buzău River system, which is located in the southern area of the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. There was a discrepancy between MP abundancy in both water and sediment samples collected near the reservoir (5.3 MPs/m3, 315.5 MPs/kg) and at several kilometers downstream of the dam (1.4 MPs/m3, 132.5 MPs/kg). The chronological accumulation of MPs in the lacustrine sediments was determined by analyzing 5 cm intervals of a 50 cm length core extracted from the reservoir bed. By comparing the concentration of MPs identified in each interval with the solid debit volumes registered in the last decade, we found that flood events could be traced easily due to abundant MP accumulation. Morphologically, the particles were observed mainly as fibers and fragments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-iR) investigations identified most of the MPs as polypropylene (28%), polyethylene (26%), and polyethylene terephthalate (19%). Full article
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14 pages, 6878 KiB  
Article
Enhancing ToF Sensor Precision Using 3D Models and Simulation for Vision Inspection in Industrial Mobile Robots
by Changmo Yang, Jiheon Kang and Doo-Seop Eom
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4595; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114595 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
In recent industrial settings, time-of-flight (ToF) cameras have become essential tools in various applications. These cameras provide high-performance 3D measurements without relying on ambient lighting; however, their performance can degrade due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and distance to the target. [...] Read more.
In recent industrial settings, time-of-flight (ToF) cameras have become essential tools in various applications. These cameras provide high-performance 3D measurements without relying on ambient lighting; however, their performance can degrade due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and distance to the target. This study proposes a novel method to enhance the pixel-level sensing accuracy of ToF cameras by obtaining precise depth data labels in real-world environments. By synchronizing 3D simulations with the actual ToF sensor viewpoints, accurate depth values were acquired and utilized to train AI algorithms, thereby improving ToF depth accuracy. This method was validated in industrial environments such as automobile manufacturing, where the introduction of 3D vision systems improved inspection accuracy compared to traditional 2D systems. Additionally, it was confirmed that ToF depth data can be used to correct positional errors in mobile robot manipulators. Experimental results showed that AI-based preprocessing effectively reduced noise and increased the precision of depth data compared to conventional methods. Consequently, ToF camera performance was enhanced, expanding their potential applications in industrial robotics and automated quality inspection. Future research will focus on developing real-time synchronization technology between ToF sensor data and simulation environments, as well as expanding the AI training dataset to achieve even higher accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering)
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14 pages, 1920 KiB  
Technical Note
Radar Waveform Selection for Maneuvering Target Tracking in Clutter with PDA-RBPF and Max-Q-Based Criterion
by Xiang Feng, Ping Sun, Mingzhi Liang, Xudong Wang, Zhanfeng Zhao and Zhiquan Zhou
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1925; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111925 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
In this paper, to track maneuvering unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in scenarios with clutter, we propose a novel method based on the probabilistic data association (PDA) algorithm and Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) algorithm, and we further improve the tracking performance by Max-Q criterion-based [...] Read more.
In this paper, to track maneuvering unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in scenarios with clutter, we propose a novel method based on the probabilistic data association (PDA) algorithm and Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF) algorithm, and we further improve the tracking performance by Max-Q criterion-based waveform selection. This work develops a maneuvering target model in the context of clutter, integrating linear and nonlinear states as well as observations with false alarms. In order to jointly tackle the mixed-state tracking problem, the PDA algorithm is integrated into the RBPF framework. This allows it to be used with the complex nonlinear and linear hybrid system and helps to minimize the state dimensions of conventional particle filtering (PF). Additionally, by utilizing Q-learning principles, we provide a Max-Q-based criterion to select the waveform parameters, which guarantees low measurement errors and efficiently handles measurement uncertainties. Our simulation results show that the PDA-RBPF algorithm, which has a more appropriate tracking mechanism, produces results that are more accurate than those of the EKF or PF algorithms alone. Furthermore, the RMSE derived by the Max-Q-based criterion is smaller and more robust than that of other selection methods, as well as yielding a fixed waveform. Our proposed mechanism, which combines the concepts of PDA-RBPF and Max-Q waveform selection, performs well in target tracking tasks and exhibits relatively good performance over some existing ones. Full article
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16 pages, 3603 KiB  
Article
Hydrocarbon Accumulation Process and Mode in Proterozoic Reservoir of Western Depression in Liaohe Basin, Northeast China: A Case Study of the Shuguang Oil Reservoir
by Guangjie Zhao, Fujie Jiang, Qiang Zhang, Hong Pang, Shipeng Zhang, Xingzhou Liu and Di Chen
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112583 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The Shuguang area has great oil and gas potential in the Proterozoic and it is a major exploration target in the Western Depression. However, controlling factors and a reservoir-forming model of the Shuguang reservoir need further development. The characteristics of the reservoir formation [...] Read more.
The Shuguang area has great oil and gas potential in the Proterozoic and it is a major exploration target in the Western Depression. However, controlling factors and a reservoir-forming model of the Shuguang reservoir need further development. The characteristics of the reservoir formation in this area were discussed by means of a geochemical technique, and the controlling factors of the oil reservoir were summarized. The oil generation intensity of Es4 source rock was 25 × 106–500 × 106 t/km2, indicating that the source rocks could provide enough oil for the reservoir. The physical property of the quartz sandstone reservoir was improved by fractures and faults, which provided a good condition for the oil reservoir. Two periods of oil charging existed in the reservoir, with peaks of 38 Ma and 28 Ma, respectively. A continuous discharge of oil is favorable for oil accumulation. Oil could migrate through faults and fractures. In addition, the conditions of source–reservoir–cap assemblage in the Shuguang area well preserved the oil reservoir. The lower part of the Shuguang reservoir was source rock, the upper part was reservoir, and it was a structure-lithologic oil reservoir. These results are crucial for further oil exploration. Full article
32 pages, 2477 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Ginsenosides on Bone Metabolism: A Review of Osteoporosis, Periodontal Disease and Osteoarthritis
by Seon-Yle Ko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5828; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115828 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Ginsenosides, bioactive compounds from the genus Panax, have potential therapeutic effects on diverse ailments, including diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests their involvement in bone metabolism. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of ginsenosides on osteoporosis, periodontal disease, [...] Read more.
Abstract: Ginsenosides, bioactive compounds from the genus Panax, have potential therapeutic effects on diverse ailments, including diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests their involvement in bone metabolism. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the effects of ginsenosides on osteoporosis, periodontal disease, and osteoarthritis. Their mechanisms of action include effects on osteoblasts, osteoclasts, periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs), and chondrocytes, which are pivotal in maintaining bone, periodontal tissue, and cartilage homeostasis. Ginsenosides may exert their beneficial effects by enhancing PDLF and osteoblast activity, suppressing osteoclast function, augmenting chondrocyte synthesis in the cartilage matrix, and mitigating connective tissue degradation. Moreover, they possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-pyroptotic properties. Their efficacy in increasing bone density, ameliorating periodontitis, and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms has been demonstrated in preclinical studies using animal models. In terms of their mechanism of action, ginsenosides modulate cellular differentiation, activity, and key signaling pathway molecules, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), while also regulating various mediators. Furthermore, the symptomatic relief observed in animal models lends further credence to their therapeutic utility. However, to translate these preclinical findings into clinical practice, rigorous animal and clinical investigations are imperative to ascertain the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing regimens in human subjects. Full article
13 pages, 4617 KiB  
Article
Geometrical and Mechanical Modeling of Polymeric Multi-Ply Yarns
by Lucas Pires da Costa, Marco Moscatelli, Paola Caracino, Giorgio Novati and Claudia Comi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4597; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114597 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
This work aims to describe and predict the complex mechanical behavior of polymeric cords used as reinforcements in tires. Starting from the observed microstructure of the cords and from macroscopic experimental tests performed on single-ply yarns, a comprehensive geometric and mechanical model is [...] Read more.
This work aims to describe and predict the complex mechanical behavior of polymeric cords used as reinforcements in tires. Starting from the observed microstructure of the cords and from macroscopic experimental tests performed on single-ply yarns, a comprehensive geometric and mechanical model is developed. The real geometry of the cord is replaced by an equivalent three-dimensional continuum of a cylindrical shape, with a properly defined non-isotropic inelastic constitutive behavior. The three-dimensional viscoelastic and viscoplastic material model developed by the authors for rayon fibers is employed for this purpose. The actual directions of filaments inside the cord are computed by an analytical model, accounting for the twist in the yarns and in the filaments inside each yarn. Such directions, relevant to points of the cord cross-section, are then averaged along the pitch of the cord to obtain mean directions which represent the virtual reinforcement directions to be used in the equivalent cylindrical-shaped model. This analysis strategy is implemented in a finite element procedure. For rayon cords, the developed simulation tool (fed with appropriate parameters) gives numerical results that compare well with the corresponding experimental results. This approach could be effectively utilized in the analysis of cord-reinforced rubber composites. Full article
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12 pages, 1486 KiB  
Article
Biocompatibility of Subperiosteal Dental Implants: Changes in the Expression of Osteogenesis-Related Genes in Osteoblasts Exposed to Differently Treated Titanium Surfaces
by Marco Roy, Elisa Chelucci, Alessandro Corti, Lorenzo Ceccarelli, Mauro Cerea, Barbara Dorocka-Bobkowska, Alfonso Pompella and Simona Daniele
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(6), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15060146 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The use of endosseous dental implants may become unfeasible in the presence of significant maxillary bone atrophy; thus, surgical techniques have been proposed to promote bone regeneration in such cases. However, such techniques are complex and may expose the patient to complications. Subperiosteal [...] Read more.
The use of endosseous dental implants may become unfeasible in the presence of significant maxillary bone atrophy; thus, surgical techniques have been proposed to promote bone regeneration in such cases. However, such techniques are complex and may expose the patient to complications. Subperiosteal implants, being placed between the periosteum and the residual alveolar bone, are largely independent of bone thickness. Such devices had been abandoned due to the complexity of positioning and adaptation to the recipient bone site, but are nowadays witnessing an era of revival following the introduction of new acquisition procedures, new materials, and innovative manufacturing methods. We have analyzed the changes induced in gene and protein expression in C-12720 human osteoblasts by differently surface-modified TiO2 materials to verify their ability to promote bone formation. The TiO2 materials tested were (i) raw machined, (ii) electropolished with acid mixture, (iii) sand-blasted + acid-etched, (iv) AlTiColorTM surface, and (v) anodized. All five surfaces efficiently stimulated the expression of markers of osteoblastic differentiation, adhesion, and osteogenesis, such as RUNX2, osteocalcin, osterix, N-cadherin, β-catenin, and osteoprotegerin, while cell viability/proliferation was unaffected. Collectively, our observations document that presently available TiO2 materials are well suited for the manufacturing of modern subperiosteal implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orthodontic Biomaterials: From the Past to the Present)
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2 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Electrochemical Technology for New Materials Synthesis and Reprocessing
by Yury P. Zaikov
Processes 2024, 12(6), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061097 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
It is difficult to underestimate the role of electrochemistry in the modern world. High-temperature technologies are essential for technological progress in the 21st century. [...] Full article
20 pages, 1640 KiB  
Article
Recycling Feldspar Mining Waste as Buffering Agent for Acid Mine Drainage Mitigation
by Giovanni Grieco, Giuseppe Cocomazzi, Stefano Naitza, Micol Bussolesi, Matteo Luca Deidda, Elena Silvia Ferrari and Enrico Destefanis
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060552 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Acid mine drainage (AMD) prevention or remediation is a major issue of the environmental management of sulfide-bearing active and abandoned mining sites, the main sources of acidic waters being wastes and tailings. The present work intends to check a circular economy approach to [...] Read more.
Acid mine drainage (AMD) prevention or remediation is a major issue of the environmental management of sulfide-bearing active and abandoned mining sites, the main sources of acidic waters being wastes and tailings. The present work intends to check a circular economy approach to such issues in the mining region of Sardinia, where environmental pollution, due to AMD, is a major concern. Tests were conducted on basic drainage-producing feldspar mining wastes that could be recycled as buffering agents of sulfide-bearing tailings. Among the sulfide-bearing abandoned mining sites investigated, Furtei epithermal gold deposit tailings are the most polluting and those that can better test the buffering agent efficacy. Buffering test results show that buffering to near-neutral conditions can be attained following steps similar to those of pure calcite buffer. The buffering potential of the recycled waste is due to both the buffer calcite content, which provides short-term buffering, enhanced by feldspar content that can provide long-term buffering. Buffered waters show a dramatic decrease in the concentration of most of the metals present in the leachate, down to conditions that meet the requirements for the discharge of industrial waters according to Italian legislation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry)
20 pages, 6557 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Assessment of Urban Public Transport for SDG Using Geospatial Big Data
by Qinghua Zhang, Chuansheng Liu, Linlin Lu, Jangling Hu and Yu Chen
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114542 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization has resulted in various challenges, including a decline in environmental quality, traffic congestion, housing tensions, and employment difficulties. To address these issues, the United Nations introduced the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. One of the specific targets, 11.2.1, aims to tackle transportation problems. This study focuses on Guilin City, which is designated as an innovation demonstration zone for the national sustainable development agenda. The research conducted in this study examines the state of public transportation in six urban areas of Guilin City from 2015 to 2021, utilizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator system, evaluation method, geospatial analysis, and entropy value method. The findings reveal that the coverage area of public transportation in the six urban areas of Guilin City expanded from 147.98 km2 in 2015 to 259.18 km2 in 2021. The percentage of the population with access to public transportation increased from 69.06% in 2015 to 71.63% in 2018 and further to 75.60% in 2021. While the accessibility of public transportation in the other four districts exceeds 90%, Lingui District and Yanshan District have lower accessibility, but it is gradually improving. The center of gravity for public transportation is also shifting towards the southwest, with Lingui District and Yanshan District experiencing gradual development. The evaluation score for sustainable development increased from 64.30 to 74.48, indicating a transition from a low sustainable development level to medium sustainable development level. Significant progress has been made in the indicators of the share of new energy buses, the rate of bus sharing, the coverage rate of bus stops, and the number of public transportation vehicles per 10,000 people. However, the indicators for the average distance between bus stops, the average speed of public transportation, and the density of public transportation routes are growing at a slower pace. The development of urban public transportation continues to improve, and the overall trend is positive. The sustainable development evaluation framework and positioning method proposed in this study serve as a reference for the sustainable development of Guilin City. Additionally, it provides insights for evaluating the sustainable development goals of public transportation in tourist cities like Guilin in China and worldwide. Full article
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22 pages, 3260 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Investigation of Astragalus arpilobus subsp. hauarensis: LC-MS/MS Chemical Profiling, In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Cytotoxicity, and In Silico Analysis against COX-2
by Sabrina Lekmine, Ouided Benslama, Kenza Kadi, Abir Brik, Ouidad Djeffali, Manar Ounissi, Meriem Slimani, Mohammad Shamsul Ola, Omayma A. Eldahshan, Antonio Ignacio Martín-García and Ahmad Ali
Antioxidants 2024, 13(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13060654 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The search results offer comprehensive insights into the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, LC-MS/MS analysis, molecular docking, and MD simulation of the identified phenolic compounds in the Astragalus arpilobus subsp. hauarensis extract (AAH). The analysis revealed substantial levels of total phenolic content [...] Read more.
The search results offer comprehensive insights into the phenolic compounds, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic effects, LC-MS/MS analysis, molecular docking, and MD simulation of the identified phenolic compounds in the Astragalus arpilobus subsp. hauarensis extract (AAH). The analysis revealed substantial levels of total phenolic content (TPC), with a measured value of 191 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g DM. This high TPC was primarily attributed to two key phenolic compounds: total flavonoid content (TFC) and total tannin content (TTC), quantified at 80.82 ± 0.02 mg QE/g DM and 51.91 ± 0.01 mg CE/g DM, respectively. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 28 phenolic compounds, with gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, and others. In the DPPH scavenging assay, the IC50 value for the extract was determined to be 19.44 ± 0.04 μg/mL, comparable to standard antioxidants like BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, the extract demonstrated a notably lower IC50 value compared to both diclofenac and ketoprofen, with values of 35.73 µg/mL, 63.78 µg/mL, and 164.79 µg/mL, respectively. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed significant cytotoxicity of the A. arpilobus extract, with an LC50 value of 28.84 µg/mL, which exceeded that of potassium dichromate (15.73 µg/mL), indicating its potential as a safer alternative for various applications. Molecular docking studies have highlighted chrysin as a promising COX-2 inhibitor, with favorable binding energies and interactions. Molecular dynamic simulations further support chrysin’s potential, showing stable interactions with COX-2, comparable to the reference ligand S58. Overall, the study underscores the pharmacological potential of A. arpilobus extract, particularly chrysin, as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is warranted to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical implications of these natural compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Protective Effects of Plant Extracts)
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25 pages, 2024 KiB  
Review
Magnesium-Based Hydrogen Storage Alloys: Advances, Strategies, and Future Outlook for Clean Energy Applications
by Yaohui Xu, Yang Zhou, Yuting Li, Yechen Hao, Pingkeng Wu and Zhao Ding
Molecules 2024, 29(11), 2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29112525 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys have attracted significant attention as promising materials for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their high hydrogen storage capacity, abundant reserves, low cost, and reversibility. However, the widespread application of these alloys is hindered by several challenges, including slow hydrogen [...] Read more.
Magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys have attracted significant attention as promising materials for solid-state hydrogen storage due to their high hydrogen storage capacity, abundant reserves, low cost, and reversibility. However, the widespread application of these alloys is hindered by several challenges, including slow hydrogen absorption/desorption kinetics, high thermodynamic stability of magnesium hydride, and limited cycle life. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth overview of the recent advances in magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys, covering their fundamental properties, synthesis methods, modification strategies, hydrogen storage performance, and potential applications. The review discusses the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of magnesium-based alloys, as well as the effects of alloying, nanostructuring, and surface modification on their hydrogen storage performance. The hydrogen absorption/desorption properties of different magnesium-based alloy systems are compared, and the influence of various modification strategies on these properties is examined. The review also explores the potential applications of magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloys, including mobile and stationary hydrogen storage, rechargeable batteries, and thermal energy storage. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions in this field are discussed, highlighting the need for fundamental understanding of hydrogen storage mechanisms, development of novel alloy compositions, optimization of modification strategies, integration of magnesium-based alloys into hydrogen storage systems, and collaboration between academia and industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
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9 pages, 442 KiB  
Article
Accuracy of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and British Thoracic Society Criteria for Acute Pneumonia in Differentiating Chemical and Bacterial Complications of Aspiration in Comatose Ventilated Patients Following Drug Poisoning
by Quentin Delforge, Alexandre Gaudet, Pauline Boddaert, Frédéric Wallet, Benoit Voisin and Saad Nseir
Antibiotics 2024, 13(6), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060495 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Drug poisoning frequently leads to admission to intensive care units, often resulting in aspiration, a potentially life-threatening condition if not properly managed. Aspiration can manifest as either bacterial aspiration pneumonia (BAP) or aspiration pneumonitis (AP), which are challenging to distinguish potentially leading to [...] Read more.
Drug poisoning frequently leads to admission to intensive care units, often resulting in aspiration, a potentially life-threatening condition if not properly managed. Aspiration can manifest as either bacterial aspiration pneumonia (BAP) or aspiration pneumonitis (AP), which are challenging to distinguish potentially leading to overprescription of antibiotics and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study aims to assess the accuracy of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and British Thoracic Society (BTS) criteria in differentiating BAP from AP in comatose ventilated patients following drug poisoning. This cross-sectional study included 95 patients admitted for drug poisoning at the Lille University Hospital intensive care department, between 2013 and 2017, requiring mechanical ventilation and receiving antibiotics for aspiration. Patients were categorized as having bacterial complications if tracheal sampling yielded positive culture results, and if they were otherwise considered to have chemical complications. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of IDSA and BTS criteria in identifying patients with bacterial complications were evaluated. Among the patients, 34 (36%) experienced BAP. The IDSA criteria demonstrated a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 33%, while the BTS criteria showed a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 38%. Both the IDSA and BTS criteria exhibited poor sensitivity and specificity in identifying microbiologically confirmed pneumonia in comatose ventilated patients following drug poisoning. Full article
14 pages, 3174 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Farming Modes on Salmo trutta fario Growth and Intestinal Microbial Community
by Zhuang-Zhuang Wang, Zhi-Tong Wang, Wan-Liang Wang, Kuan-Kuan Lei and Jian-She Zhou
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1082; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061082 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in upholding intestinal health, fostering intestinal development, fortifying organisms against pathogen intrusion, regulating nutrient absorption, and managing the body’s lipid metabolism. However, the influence of different cultivation modes on the growth indices and intestinal microbes of [...] Read more.
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in upholding intestinal health, fostering intestinal development, fortifying organisms against pathogen intrusion, regulating nutrient absorption, and managing the body’s lipid metabolism. However, the influence of different cultivation modes on the growth indices and intestinal microbes of Salmo trutta fario remains underexplored. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics techniques to scrutinize the intestinal microbiota in three farming modes: traditional pond aquaculture (TPA), recirculating aquaculture (RA), and flow-through aquaculture (FTA). We aimed to assess the impact of different farming methods on the water environment and Salmo trutta fario’s growth performance. Our findings revealed that the final weight and weight gain rate in the FTA model surpassed those in the other two. Substantial disparities were observed in the composition, relative abundance, and diversity of Salmo trutta fario gut microbiota under different aquaculture modes. Notably, the dominant genera of Salmo trutta fario gut microbiota varied across farming modes: for instance, in the FTA model, the most prevalent genera were SC-I-84 (7.34%), Subgroup_6 (9.93%), and UTCFX1 (6.71%), while, under RA farming, they were Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 (10.61%), MBNT15 (7.09%), and Anaeromyxoactor (6.62%). In the TPA model, dominant genera in the gut microbiota included Anaeromyxobacter (8.72%), Bacteroidetes_vadinHA17 (8.30%), and Geobacter (12.54%). From a comparative standpoint, the genus-level composition of the gut microbiota in the RA and TPA models exhibited relative similarity. The gut microbiota in the FTA model showcased the most intricate functional diversity, while TPA farming displayed a more intricate interaction pattern with the gut microbiota. Transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and temperature emerged as pivotal factors influencing Salmo trutta fario gut microbiota under diverse farming conditions. These research findings offer valuable scientific insights for fostering healthy aquaculture practices and disease prevention and control measures for Salmo trutta fario, holding substantial significance for the sustainable development of the cold-water fish industry in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gut Microbiota)
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19 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
Bifurcation Analysis in a Coffee Berry-Borer-and-Ants Prey–Predator Model
by Carlos Andrés Trujillo-Salazar, Gerard Olivar-Tost and Deissy Milena Sotelo-Castelblanco
Mathematics 2024, 12(11), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12111670 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
One of the most important agricultural activities worldwide, coffee cultivation, is severely affected by the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, considered the primary coffee pest. The CBB is a tiny beetle that diminishes the quantity and quality of coffee beans by [...] Read more.
One of the most important agricultural activities worldwide, coffee cultivation, is severely affected by the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei, considered the primary coffee pest. The CBB is a tiny beetle that diminishes the quantity and quality of coffee beans by penetrating them to feed on the endosperm and deposit its eggs, continuing its life cycle. One strategy to combat CBBs is using biological control agents, such as certain species of ants. Here, a mathematical model (consisting of a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations) is formulated to describe the prey–predator interaction between CBBs and an unspecified species of ants. From this mathematical perspective, the model allows us to determine conditions for the existence and stability of extinction, persistence or co-existence equilibria. Transitions among those equilibrium states are investigated through the maximum per capita consumption rate of the predator as a bifurcation parameter, allowing us to determine the existence of transcritical and saddle-node bifurcations. Phase portraits of the system are presented for different values of bifurcation parameter, to illustrate stability outcomes and the occurrence of bifurcations. It is concluded that an increase in bifurcation parameters significantly reduces the CBB population, suggesting that ant predation is an effective control strategy, at least theoretically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics and Differential Equations in Mathematical Biology)
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16 pages, 3731 KiB  
Article
Direction-of-Arrival Estimation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Aircraft Transponders Using a Multi-Mode Multi-Port Antenna
by Sami Alkubti Almasri, Nils L. Johannsen and Peter A. Hoeher
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3452; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113452 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Increasing airspace safety is an important challenge, both for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as manned aircraft. Future developments of collision avoidance systems are supposed to utilize information from multiple sensing systems. A compact sensing system could employ a multi-mode multi-port antenna [...] Read more.
Increasing airspace safety is an important challenge, both for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as manned aircraft. Future developments of collision avoidance systems are supposed to utilize information from multiple sensing systems. A compact sensing system could employ a multi-mode multi-port antenna (M 3PA). Their ability to radiate multiple orthogonal patterns simultaneously makes them suitable for communication applications as well as bearing and ranging applications. Furthermore, they can be designed to flexibly originate near-omnidirectional and/or directional radiation patterns. This option of flexibility with respect to the radiation characteristic is desired for antennas integrated in collision avoidance systems. Based on the aforementioned properties, M 3PAs represent a compelling option for aircraft transponders. In this paper, direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation using an M 3PA designed for aerial applications is put to the test. First, a DoA estimation scheme suitable to be employed with M 3PAs is introduced. Next, the validity of the proposed method is confirmed through numerical simulations. Lastly, practical experiments are conducted in an antenna measurement chamber to verify the numerical results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced UAV-Based Sensor Technologies)
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19 pages, 4562 KiB  
Article
Early Identification of Olive Oil Defects throughout Shelf Life
by Flávia Freitas, Maria João Cabrita and Marco Gomes da Silva
Separations 2024, 11(6), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11060167 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
The unique aroma and flavor of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are generally associated with its volatile composition, which includes a variety of components responsible for positive attributes as well as sensory defects which result from chemical oxidation processes and the action of [...] Read more.
The unique aroma and flavor of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are generally associated with its volatile composition, which includes a variety of components responsible for positive attributes as well as sensory defects which result from chemical oxidation processes and the action of exogenous enzymes. In this study, a robust analytical method, headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS), was developed to tentatively identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as markers of positive and negative attributes, correlating them with relative percentages to estimate the risk of disqualification during the shelf life of EVOO. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified in the levels of VOCs over time, mainly those derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to process the experimental data. The ratio of E-2-hexenal to acetic acid allowed for the prediction of the disqualification of monovarietal EVOO by the sensory panel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analysis of Food and Beverages)
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12 pages, 800 KiB  
Article
A Safety Risk Analysis of a Steel-Structure Building Using an Improved Controlled Interval and Memory Model
by Jinhua Chen, Lihong Zhou, Yipeng Liu and Yajie Wang
Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1553; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061553 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Scholars and engineers have increasingly focused on the safety of steel-structure buildings. An accurate analysis can substantially reduce the collapse probability of these buildings. This paper proposes a novel risk analysis model to assess the safety of steel-structure buildings. The vector entropy method [...] Read more.
Scholars and engineers have increasingly focused on the safety of steel-structure buildings. An accurate analysis can substantially reduce the collapse probability of these buildings. This paper proposes a novel risk analysis model to assess the safety of steel-structure buildings. The vector entropy method and weight clustering were used to improve the controlled interval and memory (CIM) model. The proposed model has the advantages of a straightforward modeling approach, strong adaptability, and logical relationships. The new strategy improves the reliability and stability of the CIM model results when the maximum membership principle is not applicable. The Jiangxi Exhibition Center in China, which has a steel truss roof, is used as a case study. The results indicate a high safety risk of the project and the need for maintenance and repair. The improved CIM model has higher stability and adaptability for analyzing the safety risks of steel structure than the standard CIM model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Life Cycle Management of Civil Engineering)
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13 pages, 7709 KiB  
Article
An Enhanced Single-Stage Neural Network for Object Detection in Transmission Line Inspection
by Changyu Cai, Jianglong Nie, Jie Tong, Zhao Chen, Xiangnan Xu and Zhouqiang He
Electronics 2024, 13(11), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13112080 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
To address the issue of human object detection in transmission line inspection, an enhanced single-stage neural network is proposed, which is based on the improvement of the YOLOv7-tiny model. Firstly, a lighter GSConv module is utilized to optimize the original ELAN module, reducing [...] Read more.
To address the issue of human object detection in transmission line inspection, an enhanced single-stage neural network is proposed, which is based on the improvement of the YOLOv7-tiny model. Firstly, a lighter GSConv module is utilized to optimize the original ELAN module, reducing the parameters in the network. In order to make the network less sensitive to the targets with an unconventional pose, a module based on CSPNeXt and GSConv is designed and integrated with the ELAN module to extract deep features from the targets. Moreover, a WIoU (Wise Intersection over Union) loss function is utilized to enhance the ability of the YOLOv7-tiny model to detect objects with an unconventional pose and the interference of the background. Finally, the experimental results on human targets in transmission line inspection demonstrate that the proposed network improves detection confidence and reduces missed detection. Compared to the YOLOv7-tiny model, the proposed method promotes the performance of accuracy while reducing the amount of parameters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Image Processing Based on Convolution Neural Network)
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15 pages, 7229 KiB  
Article
Activated Carbon from Paper Waste as Potential Adsorbents for Methylene Blue and Hexavalent Chromium
by Koketso Mabalane, Patience Mapule Thabede and Ntaote David Shooto
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(11), 4585; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14114585 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Environmental pollution is a significant problem and is increasing gradually as more and more harmful pollutants are being released into water bodies and the environment. Water pollutants are dangerous and pose a threat to all living organisms and the ecosystem. Paper waste is [...] Read more.
Environmental pollution is a significant problem and is increasing gradually as more and more harmful pollutants are being released into water bodies and the environment. Water pollutants are dangerous and pose a threat to all living organisms and the ecosystem. Paper waste is one of the most widespread and largest wastes in the world. This research aims to address two important problems simultaneously: the reduction in solid waste in the environment using activated carbon from paper waste as potential adsorbents and the removal of harmful contaminants from water. Carbon from paper waste was activated with H2O2, HNO3, and KMnO4 for the adsorption of Cr(VI) and MB. SEM, EDX, FTIR, Raman, and BET were used to determine the properties of the materials. The surface morphology of the materials consisted of amorphous particles. EDX shows that all activated samples have a higher content of (O) than carbon paper waste. Adsorption studies showed that there was a stronger interaction between the pollutants and the adsorbent at a higher initial concentration (200 mg/L) than at the lower initial concentrations. The contact time data show that uptake increases when the interaction time between the contaminant and the adsorbent is increased. The tests for the pH of the solution show that the adsorption of Cr(VI) decreases when the pH is gradually increased, whereas the adsorption of MB increases when the pH of the solution is increased. The results fit better with the Freundlich isotherm and PSO models. The temperature studies show that the enthalpy was positive, indicating that the uptake process is endothermic. The Gibbs free energy values were all negative, indicating that adsorption between the adsorbents and the pollutants was favored. After four consecutive cycles, all the samples retained more than 60% of their uptake capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Adsorbents for Wastewater Treatment)
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20 pages, 13470 KiB  
Article
Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of a Sleep Cocktail
by Yuyun Liang, Yanrong Lv, Jing Qin and Wenbin Deng
Biomolecules 2024, 14(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14060630 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder due to which people have trouble sleeping, followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. It may result in an increased risk of accidents of all kinds as well as problems [...] Read more.
Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder due to which people have trouble sleeping, followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, irritability, and a depressed mood. It may result in an increased risk of accidents of all kinds as well as problems focusing and learning. Dietary supplements have become popular products for alleviating insomnia, while the lenient requirements for pre-market research result in unintelligible mechanisms of different combinations of dietary supplements. In this study, we aim to systematically identify the molecular mechanisms of a sleep cocktail’s pharmacological effects based on findings from network pharmacology and molecular docking. A total of 249 targets of the sleep cocktail for the treatment of insomnia were identified and enrichment analysis revealed multiple pathways involved in the nervous system and inflammation. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular complex detection (MCODE) analysis yielded 10 hub genes, including AKT1, ADORA1, BCL2, CREB1, IL6, JUN, RELA, STAT3, TNF, and TP53. Results from weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of insomnia-related transcriptome data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed that a sleep cocktail may also ease insomnia via regulating the inflammatory response. Molecular docking results reveal good affinity of Sleep Cocktail to 9 selected key targets. It is noteworthy that the crucial target HSP90AA1 binds to melatonin most stably, which was further validated by MD simulation. Full article
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17 pages, 679 KiB  
Review
Integration Approaches to Model Bioreactor Hydrodynamics and Cellular Kinetics for Advancing Bioprocess Optimisation
by Vishal Kumar Singh, Ioscani Jiménez del Val, Jarka Glassey and Fatemeh Kavousi
Bioengineering 2024, 11(6), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11060546 (registering DOI) - 27 May 2024
Abstract
Large-scale bioprocesses are increasing globally to cater to the larger market demands for biological products. As fermenter volumes increase, the efficiency of mixing decreases, and environmental gradients become more pronounced compared to smaller scales. Consequently, the cells experience gradients in process parameters, which [...] Read more.
Large-scale bioprocesses are increasing globally to cater to the larger market demands for biological products. As fermenter volumes increase, the efficiency of mixing decreases, and environmental gradients become more pronounced compared to smaller scales. Consequently, the cells experience gradients in process parameters, which in turn affects the efficiency and profitability of the process. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are being widely embraced for their ability to simulate bioprocess performance, facilitate bioprocess upscaling, downsizing, and process optimisation. Recently, CFD approaches have been integrated with dynamic Cell reaction kinetic (CRK) modelling to generate valuable information about the cellular response to fluctuating hydrodynamic parameters inside large production processes. Such coupled approaches have the potential to facilitate informed decision-making in intelligent biomanufacturing, aligning with the principles of “Industry 4.0” concerning digitalisation and automation. In this review, we discuss the benefits of utilising integrated CFD-CRK models and the different approaches to integrating CFD-based bioreactor hydrodynamic models with cellular kinetic models. We also highlight the suitability of different coupling approaches for bioprocess modelling in the purview of associated computational loads. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Bioengineering: Biochemical Engineering)
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