The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
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17 pages, 13820 KiB  
Article
Design and Implementation of a Self-Supervised Algorithm for Vein Structural Patterns Analysis Using Advanced Unsupervised Techniques
by Swati Rastogi, Siddhartha Prakash Duttagupta and Anirban Guha
Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2024, 6(2), 1193-1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/make6020056 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Compared to other identity verification systems applications, vein patterns have the lowest potential for being used fraudulently. The present research examines the practicability of gathering vascular data from NIR images of veins. In this study, we propose a self-supervision learning algorithm that envisions [...] Read more.
Compared to other identity verification systems applications, vein patterns have the lowest potential for being used fraudulently. The present research examines the practicability of gathering vascular data from NIR images of veins. In this study, we propose a self-supervision learning algorithm that envisions an automated process to retrieve vascular patterns computationally using unsupervised approaches. This new self-learning algorithm sorts the vascular patterns into clusters and then uses 2D image data to recuperate the extracted vascular patterns linked to NIR templates. Our work incorporates multi-scale filtering followed by multi-scale feature extraction, recognition, identification, and matching. We design the ORC, GPO, and RDM algorithms with these inclusions and finally develop the vascular pattern mining model to visualize the computational retrieval of vascular patterns from NIR imageries. As a result, the developed self-supervised learning algorithm shows a 96.7% accuracy rate utilizing appropriate image quality assessment parameters. In our work, we also contend that we provide strategies that are both theoretically sound and practically efficient for concerns such as how many clusters should be used for specific tasks, which clustering technique should be used, how to set the threshold for single linkage algorithms, and how much data should be excluded as outliers. Consequently, we aim to circumvent Kleinberg’s impossibility while attaining significant clustering to develop a self-supervised learning algorithm using unsupervised methodologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Applications in Image Analysis and Pattern Recognition)
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Article
Application of Multi-Temporal and Multisource Satellite Imagery in the Study of Irrigated Landscapes in Arid Climates
by Nazarij Buławka and Hector A. Orengo
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111997 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The study of ancient irrigation is crucial in the archaeological research of arid regions. It covers a wide range of topics, with the Near East being the focus for decades. However, political instability and limited data have posed challenges to these studies. The [...] Read more.
The study of ancient irrigation is crucial in the archaeological research of arid regions. It covers a wide range of topics, with the Near East being the focus for decades. However, political instability and limited data have posed challenges to these studies. The primary objective is to establish a standardised method applicable to different arid environments using the Google Earth Engine platform, considering local relief of terrain and seasonal differences in vegetation. This study integrates multispectral data from LANDSAT 5, Sentinel-2, SAR imagery from Sentinel 1, and TanDEM-X (12 m and 30 m) DSMs. Using these datasets, calculations of selected vegetation indices such as the SMTVI and NDVSI, spectral decomposition methods such as TCT and PCA, and topography-based methods such as the MSRM contribute to a comprehensive understanding of landscape irrigation. This paper investigates the influence of modern environmental conditions on the visibility of features like levees and palaeo-channels by testing different methods and parameters. This study aims to identify the most effective approach for each case study and explore the possibility of applying a consistent method across all areas. Optimal results are achieved by combining several methods, adjusting seasonal parameters, and conducting a comparative analysis of visible features. Full article
Article
Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for Corrosion Rate Estimation and Prediction in Industrial Cooling Water Pipelines
by Desiree Ruiz, Abraham Casas, Cesar Adolfo Escobar, Alejandro Perez and Veronica Gonzalez
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3564; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113564 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study on data preprocessing and modeling for predicting corrosion in water pipelines of a steel industrial plant. The use case is a cooling circuit consisting of both direct and indirect cooling. In the direct cooling circuit, [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a study on data preprocessing and modeling for predicting corrosion in water pipelines of a steel industrial plant. The use case is a cooling circuit consisting of both direct and indirect cooling. In the direct cooling circuit, water comes into direct contact with the product, whereas in the indirect one, it does not. In this study, advanced machine learning techniques, such as extreme gradient boosting and deep neural networks, have been employed for two distinct applications. Firstly, a virtual sensor was created to estimate the corrosion rate based on influencing process variables, such as pH and temperature. Secondly, a predictive tool was designed to foresee the future evolution of the corrosion rate, considering past values of both influencing variables and the corrosion rate. The results show that the most suitable algorithm for the virtual sensor approach is the dense neural network, with MAPE values of (25 ± 4)% and (11 ± 4)% for the direct and indirect circuits, respectively. In contrast, different results are obtained for the two circuits when following the predictive tool approach. For the primary circuit, the convolutional neural network yields the best results, with MAPE = 4% on the testing set, whereas for the secondary circuit, the LSTM recurrent network shows the highest prediction accuracy, with MAPE = 9%. In general, models employing temporal windows have emerged as more suitable for corrosion prediction, with model performance significantly improving with a larger dataset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Sensors)
Article
Cheap Talk with Transparent and Monotone Motives from a Seller to an Informed Buyer
by Jeahan Jung and Jeong Yoo Kim
Games 2024, 15(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/g15030020 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
We develop a model of cheap talk with transparent and monotone motives from a seller to an informed buyer. By transparent and monotone motives, we mean that the seller’s preference does not depend on the state of the world and is increasing in [...] Read more.
We develop a model of cheap talk with transparent and monotone motives from a seller to an informed buyer. By transparent and monotone motives, we mean that the seller’s preference does not depend on the state of the world and is increasing in the choice(s) of the buyer regardless of the state of the world. We first show that if the buyer is completely uninformed, only the babbling equilibrium exists. Then, we obtain our main result that even if the buyer has the slightest information, full revelation can be supported by using the crosschecking strategy of the buyer if and only if the seller has a CARA (constant absolute risk aversion) utility function unless the buyer has too much information. In this equilibrium, the buyer can punish the seller who sends a message far above the buyer’s information by ignoring the seller’s message. Paradoxically, no information and too much information of the buyer both eliminate the fully revealing equilibrium with the crosschecking strategy. We also obtain a counterintuitive result that the seller prefers a more informed buyer than a less informed buyer. Full article
13 pages, 370 KiB  
Review
Combining Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with Loco-Regional Treatments in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Ready for Prime Time?
by Juliette Boilève, Valentine Guimas, Arthur David, Clément Bailly and Yann Touchefeu
Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(6), 3199-3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31060242 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease with a poor prognosis, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therapeutic options have developed considerably in recent years, particularly with trans-arterial treatments. Systemic treatments have also evolved significantly, with the rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as [...] Read more.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease with a poor prognosis, often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therapeutic options have developed considerably in recent years, particularly with trans-arterial treatments. Systemic treatments have also evolved significantly, with the rise of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as first-line treatment for advanced HCC. The combination of loco-regional treatments and ICI is opening up new prospects and is the subject of numerous clinical trials. Recently, two global phase 3 trials investigating ICI-based adjuvant combinations have demonstrated improvements in recurrence-free survival or progression-free survival in patients treated with resection, ablation, or trans-arterial chemoembolization. However, mature data and overall survival results are still awaited but will be difficult to interpret. We are at the start of a new era of combinations of loco-regional treatments and immunotherapy. The identification of the best therapeutic strategies and predictive biomarkers is a crucial issue for future standards in clinical practice. Full article
20 pages, 1154 KiB  
Review
Overview on Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Rare-Earth Metals from Red Mud
by Ata Akcil, Kantamani Rama Swami, Ramesh L. Gardas, Edris Hazrati and Seydou Dembele
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060587 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Aluminum is produced from its primary bauxite ore through the Bayer process. Although Al is important nowadays in the development of humanity, its production leads to the generation of a huge amount of waste, called red mud. Globally, the estimation of the stock [...] Read more.
Aluminum is produced from its primary bauxite ore through the Bayer process. Although Al is important nowadays in the development of humanity, its production leads to the generation of a huge amount of waste, called red mud. Globally, the estimation of the stock of red mud is about 4 billion tons, with about 10 million tons located in Turkey. The presence of rare-earth elements (REEs) in crucial materials such as red mud makes it a major source of these elements. A number of methods have been developed for treating red mud, which are employed globally to recover valuable products. The application of a suitable method for REE extraction from red mud is a way to overcome the supply risk, contributing to reducing the environmental issues linked to red mud pollution. The current review summarizes the research on red mud processing and examines the viability of recovering REEs from red mud sustainably, utilizing hydrometallurgy and biohydrometallurgy. Full article
21 pages, 3081 KiB  
Article
Orthodontic System Modeled and Simulated with the Lingual Technique to Assess Tooth Forces
by Abbas Hazem, Felicia Ileana Mărășescu, Mihaela Jana Țuculină, Alexandru Dan Popescu, Dragoș Laurențiu Popa, Lelia Laurența Mihai, Cristian Niky Cumpătă, Alexandru Iliescu, Petre Mărășescu and Ionela Teodora Dascălu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(11), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14111171 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) is an imaging investigation that provides three-dimensional (3D) images of craniofacial structures. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical behavior of an orthodontic system where the lingual treatment technique was used in a 25-year-old female [...] Read more.
CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) is an imaging investigation that provides three-dimensional (3D) images of craniofacial structures. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical behavior of an orthodontic system where the lingual treatment technique was used in a 25-year-old female patient from whom a set of CBCT scans was used. CBCT images were processed through software programs such as Invesalius, Geomagic, and Solid Works, to create models containing virtual solids. These models were then imported into Ansys Workbench 2019 R3 (a finite element method software program) for successive simulations to generate displacement maps, deformations, stress distributions, and diagrams. We observed that in the lingual technique, the lowest force occurring on the maxillary teeth is at 1.1, while the highest force appears at 2.3. In the mandible, the lowest force occurs at 4.6, and the highest force at 3.1. The values of the forces and the results of the finite element method can represent a basis for the innovation of new orthodontic springs and also of bracket elements. Thus, by using new technologies, orthodontic practice can be significantly improved for the benefit of patients. Other virtual methods and techniques can be used in future studies, including the application of virtual reality for orthodontic diagnosis. Full article
14 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Method to Fuse Artificial Intelligence-Generated Underground Utility Mapping
by Kunle Sunday Oguntoye, Simon Laflamme, Roy Sturgill, Daniel A. Salazar Martinez, David J. Eisenmann and Anne Kimber
Sensors 2024, 24(11), 3559; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113559 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Utility as-built plans, which typically provide information about underground utilities’ position and spatial locations, are known to comprise inaccuracies. Over the years, the reliance on utility investigations using an array of sensing equipment has increased in an attempt to resolve utility as-built inaccuracies [...] Read more.
Utility as-built plans, which typically provide information about underground utilities’ position and spatial locations, are known to comprise inaccuracies. Over the years, the reliance on utility investigations using an array of sensing equipment has increased in an attempt to resolve utility as-built inaccuracies and mitigate the high rate of accidental underground utility strikes during excavation activities. Adapting data fusion into utility engineering and investigation practices has been shown to be effective in generating information with improved accuracy. However, the complexities in data interpretation and associated prohibitive costs, especially for large-scale projects, are limiting factors. This paper addresses the problem of data interpretation, costs, and large-scale utility mapping with a novel framework that generates probabilistic inferences by fusing data from an automatically generated initial map with as-built data. The probabilistic inferences expose regions of high uncertainty, highlighting them as prime targets for further investigations. The proposed model is a collection of three main processes. First, the automatic initial map creation is a novel contribution supporting rapid utility mapping by subjecting identified utility appurtenances to utility inference rules. The second and third processes encompass the fusion of the created initial utility map with available knowledge from utility as-builts or historical satellite imagery data and then evaluating the uncertainties using confidence value estimators. The proposed framework transcends the point estimation of buried utility locations in previous works by producing a final probabilistic utility map, revealing a confidence level attributed to each segment linking aboveground features. In this approach, the utility infrastructure is rapidly mapped at a low cost, limiting the extent of more detailed utility investigations to low-confidence regions. In resisting obsolescence, another unique advantage of this framework is the dynamic nature of the mapping to automatically update information upon the arrival of new knowledge. This ultimately minimizes the problem of utility as-built accuracies dwindling over time. Full article
24 pages, 4415 KiB  
Article
A Method for Full-Depth Sound Speed Profile Reconstruction Based on Average Sound Speed Extrapolation
by Wei Zhang, Shaohua Jin, Gang Bian, Chengyang Peng and Haixing Xia
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(6), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12060930 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The speed of sound in seawater plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of multibeam bathymetric measurements. In deep-sea multibeam measurements, the challenge of inadequate longitudinal coverage of sound speed profiles arises from variations in seafloor topography, meteorological conditions, measurement equipment, and [...] Read more.
The speed of sound in seawater plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of multibeam bathymetric measurements. In deep-sea multibeam measurements, the challenge of inadequate longitudinal coverage of sound speed profiles arises from variations in seafloor topography, meteorological conditions, measurement equipment, and operational efficiency, resulting in diminished measurement precision. Building upon the EOF (Empirical Orthogonal Function), a method employed to analyze spatiotemporal data such as sound speeds, this paper addresses the limitations of the EOF method caused by the shallowest sampling depth of the sound speed profile samples. It proposes two methods for EOF reconstruction of measured sound speed profiles extended to full water depth by splicing measured sound speed profiles at non-full water depths with historical average sound speed profiles of the surveyed sea area. Specially, Method 2 introduces the latest metaheuristic optimization algorithm, CPO (Crested Porcupine Optimizer), which exhibited superior performance on multiple standard test functions in 2024. The study reconstructs randomly sampled measured sound speed profiles using the two proposed methods and commonly employed substitution and splicing methods, followed by a comparative analysis of the experimental outcomes. At a sampling depth of 200 m, Method 2 demonstrates performance superior to other methods, with RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and R2 values of 0.9511 m/s, 0.8492 m/s, 0.0566%, and 0.9963, respectively. Method 1 yields corresponding values of 0.9594 m/s, 0.8492 m/s, 0.0568%, and 0.9962, respectively. Despite its slightly inferior performance compared with Method 2, it offers substantial advantages over the substitution and splicing methods. Varying the sampling depth of measured sound speed profiles reveals that Methods 1 and 2 exhibit inferior reconstruction performance in shallow water compared with the substitution and splicing methods. Nevertheless, when the sampling depth surpasses the depth range of initial spatial modes with abrupt variations, both methods achieve notably higher reconstruction accuracy compared with the substitution and splicing methods, reaching a stabilized state. Sound ray tracing reveals that the reconstructed sound speed profiles from both methods meet the stringent accuracy standards for bathymetric measurements, achieving an effective beam ratio of 100%. The proposed methods not only provide rapid reconstruction of sound speed profiles, thereby improving the efficiency of multibeam bathymetric surveys, but also provide references for the reasonable determination of sampling depths of sound speed profiles to ensure reconstruction accuracy, demonstrating practical application value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Environmental Science)
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9 pages, 1892 KiB  
Technical Note
Tremors—A Software App for the Analysis of the Completeness Magnitude
by Anna Figlioli, Giovanni Vitale, Matteo Taroni and Antonino D’Alessandro
Geosciences 2024, 14(6), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14060149 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
This paper introduces a software tool developed within the MATLAB environment, called Tremors, aimed at streamlining the pre-processing and analysis of seismic catalogues, with a particular emphasis on determining the Magnitude of Completeness. It will outline the criteria for event selection, as well [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a software tool developed within the MATLAB environment, called Tremors, aimed at streamlining the pre-processing and analysis of seismic catalogues, with a particular emphasis on determining the Magnitude of Completeness. It will outline the criteria for event selection, as well as various techniques to derive the Magnitude of Completeness values, including the recent and widely used Lilliefors statistical method. The study also addresses the important issue of short-term aftershock incompleteness and proposes solutions for managing it. Moreover, the software generates high-quality, customizable figures, and georeferenced raster images in .tif format as output. A standalone version of the App is also available (i.e., the users do not need a MATLAB license on their PC/laptop). Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Statistical Seismology)
17 pages, 3925 KiB  
Article
Slow Sulfide Donor GYY4137 Increased the Sensitivity of Two Breast Cancer Cell Lines to Paclitaxel by Different Mechanisms
by Veronika Liskova, Barbora Chovancova, Kristina Galvankova, Ladislav Klena, Katarina Matyasova, Petr Babula, Marian Grman, Ingeborg Rezuchova, Maria Bartosova and Olga Krizanova
Biomolecules 2024, 14(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14060651 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent affecting microtubule polymerization. The efficacy of PTX depends on the type of tumor, and its improvement would be beneficial in patients’ treatment. Therefore, we tested the effect of slow sulfide donor GYY4137 on paclitaxel sensitivity in two [...] Read more.
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent affecting microtubule polymerization. The efficacy of PTX depends on the type of tumor, and its improvement would be beneficial in patients’ treatment. Therefore, we tested the effect of slow sulfide donor GYY4137 on paclitaxel sensitivity in two different breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231, derived from a triple negative cell line, and JIMT1, which overexpresses HER2 and is resistant to trastuzumab. In JIMT1 and MDA-MB-231 cells, we compared IC50 and some metabolic (apoptosis induction, lactate/pyruvate conversion, production of reactive oxygen species, etc.), morphologic (changes in cytoskeleton), and functional (migration, angiogenesis) parameters for PTX and PTX/GYY4137, aiming to determine the mechanism of the sensitization of PTX. We observed improved sensitivity to paclitaxel in the presence of GYY4137 in both cell lines, but also some differences in apoptosis induction and pyruvate/lactate conversion between these cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, GYY4137 increased apoptosis without affecting the IP3R1 protein, changing the morphology of the cytoskeleton. A mechanism of PTX sensitization by GYY4137 in JIMT1 cells is distinct from MDA-MB-231, and remains to be further elucidated. We suggest different mechanisms of action for H2S on the paclitaxel treatment of MDA-MB-231 and JIMT1 breast cancer cell lines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
24 pages, 8176 KiB  
Article
Trends of Key Greenhouse Gases as Measured in 2009–2022 at the FTIR Station of St. Petersburg State University
by Maria Makarova, Anatoly Poberovskii, Alexander Polyakov, Khamud H. Imkhasin, Dmitry Ionov, Boris Makarov, Vladimir Kostsov, Stefani Foka and Evgeny Abakumov
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(11), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16111996 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Key long-lived greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) are perhaps among the best-studied components of the Earth’s atmosphere today; however, attempts to predict or explain trends or even shorter-term variations of these trace gases are not always [...] Read more.
Key long-lived greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) are perhaps among the best-studied components of the Earth’s atmosphere today; however, attempts to predict or explain trends or even shorter-term variations of these trace gases are not always successful. Infrared spectroscopy is a recognized technique for the ground-based long-term monitoring of the gaseous composition of the atmosphere. The current paper is focused on the analysis of new data on CO2, CH4, and N2O total columns (TCs) retrieved from high resolution IR solar spectra acquired during 2009–2022 at the NDACC atmospheric monitoring station of St. Petersburg State University (STP station, 59.88°N, 29.83°E, 20 m asl.). The paper provides information on the FTIR system (Fourier-transform infrared) installed at the STP station, and an overview of techniques used for the CO2, CH4, and N2O retrievals. Trends of key greenhouse gases and their confidence levels were evaluated using an original approach which combines the Lomb–Scargle method with the cross-validation and bootstrapping techniques. As a result, the following fourteen-year (2009–2022) trends of TCs have been revealed: (0.56 ± 0.01) % yr−1 for CO2; (0.46 ± 0.02) % yr−1 for CH4; (0.28 ± 0.01) % yr−1 for N2O. A comparison with trends based on the EMAC numerical modeling data was carried out. The trends of greenhouse gases observed at the STP site are consistent with the results of the in situ monitoring performed at the same geographical location, and with the independent estimates of the global volume mixing ratio growth rates obtained by the GAW network and the NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory. There is reasonable agreement between the CH4 and N2O TC trends for 2009–2019, which have been derived from FTIR measurements at three locations: the STP site, Izaña Observatory and the University of Toronto Atmospheric Observatory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing and Atmospheric Optics)
45 pages, 21564 KiB  
Article
Research on a Multi-Strategy Improved Sand Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Three-Dimensional UAV Trajectory Path Planning
by Lili Liu, Yixin Lu, Bufan Yang, Longyue Yang, Jianyong Zhao, Yue Chen and Longhai Li
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(6), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15060244 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
In response to the issues of premature convergence, lack of population diversity, and poor convergence accuracy in the traditional Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) algorithm, a Multi-Strategy Improved SCSO (MISCSO) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, multiple population strategies are used to avoid premature convergence [...] Read more.
In response to the issues of premature convergence, lack of population diversity, and poor convergence accuracy in the traditional Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) algorithm, a Multi-Strategy Improved SCSO (MISCSO) algorithm is proposed. Firstly, multiple population strategies are used to avoid premature convergence and falling into local optima traps. Secondly, a distribution estimation learning strategy is introduced to represent the relationships between individuals, using probability models to improve algorithm performance. Next, the diversity of candidate solutions in the elite pool is utilized to expand the search space and enhance the algorithm’s ability to avoid local solutions. Lastly, a Cauchy disturbance strategy is adopted to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm, thereby improving the search efficiency and convergence accuracy. The experimental results of CEC2017 tests show that the improved algorithm balances convergence speed and global search capabilities effectively. Finally, the algorithm is applied to actual drone path planning and compared with six other intelligent algorithms, demonstrating the practicality and effectiveness of the improved algorithm. Full article
15 pages, 543 KiB  
Review
Titanium Dioxide-Based Nanoparticles to Enhance Radiation Therapy for Cancer: A Literature Review
by Masao Nakayama, Hiroaki Akasaka, Ryohei Sasaki and Moshi Geso
J. Nanotheranostics 2024, 5(2), 60-74; https://doi.org/10.3390/jnt5020004 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been investigated as one of the potential dose enhancement agents for radiation therapy. The role of TiO2 NPs as a photodynamic sensitiser has been well documented, but its sensitisation with X-rays is not highlighted. Unlike [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been investigated as one of the potential dose enhancement agents for radiation therapy. The role of TiO2 NPs as a photodynamic sensitiser has been well documented, but its sensitisation with X-rays is not highlighted. Unlike other metal NPs, such as gold NPs, the main challenge for TiO2 NPs as radiosensitisers is their low atomic number, resulting in a small cross-section for X-rays. This review summarises the results of current research in this area to explore the dose enhancement inflicted by TiO2 NPs, which could potentially be of great value in improving radiation therapy efficiency. Full article
22 pages, 633 KiB  
Article
Implementing Multifactorial Risk Assessment with Polygenic Risk Scores for Personalized Breast Cancer Screening in the Population Setting: Challenges and Opportunities
by Meghan J. Walker, Kristina M. Blackmore, Amy Chang, Laurence Lambert-Côté, Annie Turgeon, Antonis C. Antoniou, Kathleen A. Bell, Mireille J. M. Broeders, Jennifer D. Brooks, Tim Carver, Jocelyne Chiquette, Philippe Després, Douglas F. Easton, Andrea Eisen, Laurence Eloy, D. Gareth Evans, Samantha Fienberg, Yann Joly, Raymond H. Kim, Shana J. Kim, Bartha M. Knoppers, Aisha K. Lofters, Hermann Nabi, Jean-Sébastien Paquette, Nora Pashayan, Amanda J. Sheppard, Tracy L. Stockley, Michel Dorval, Jacques Simard and Anna M. Chiarelliadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2116; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112116 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Risk-stratified breast screening has been proposed as a strategy to overcome the limitations of age-based screening. A prospective cohort study was undertaken within the PERSPECTIVE I&I project, which will generate the first Canadian evidence on multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment in the population [...] Read more.
Risk-stratified breast screening has been proposed as a strategy to overcome the limitations of age-based screening. A prospective cohort study was undertaken within the PERSPECTIVE I&I project, which will generate the first Canadian evidence on multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment in the population setting to inform the implementation of risk-stratified screening. Recruited females aged 40–69 unaffected by breast cancer, with a previous mammogram, underwent multifactorial breast cancer risk assessment. The adoption of multifactorial risk assessment, the effectiveness of methods for collecting risk factor information and the costs of risk assessment were examined. Associations between participant characteristics and study sites, as well as data collection methods, were assessed using logistic regression; all p-values are two-sided. Of the 4246 participants recruited, 88.4% completed a risk assessment, with 79.8%, 15.7% and 4.4% estimated at average, higher than average and high risk, respectively. The total per-participant cost for risk assessment was CAD 315. Participants who chose to provide risk factor information on paper/telephone (27.2%) vs. online were more likely to be older (p = 0.021), not born in Canada (p = 0.043), visible minorities (p = 0.01) and have a lower attained education (p < 0.0001) and perceived fair/poor health (p < 0.001). The 34.4% of participants requiring risk factor verification for missing/unusual values were more likely to be visible minorities (p = 0.009) and have a lower attained education (p ≤ 0.006). This study demonstrates the feasibility of risk assessment for risk-stratified screening at the population level. Implementation should incorporate an equity lens to ensure cancer-screening disparities are not widened. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Era of Cancer Research: From Large-Scale Cohorts to Big-Data)
24 pages, 1668 KiB  
Article
Advanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Cytarabine from Pharmaceutical Wastewaters
by Alexandra Berbentea, Mihaela Ciopec, Narcis Duteanu, Adina Negrea, Petru Negrea, Nicoleta Sorina Nemeş, Bogdan Pascu, Paula Svera (m. Ianasi), Cătălin Ianăşi, Daniel Marius Duda Seiman, Delia Muntean and Estera Boeriu
Toxics 2024, 12(6), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060405 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The need to develop advanced wastewater treatment techniques and their use has become a priority, the main goal being the efficient removal of pollutants, especially those of organic origin. This study presents the photo-degradation of a pharmaceutical wastewater containing Kabi cytarabine, using ultraviolet [...] Read more.
The need to develop advanced wastewater treatment techniques and their use has become a priority, the main goal being the efficient removal of pollutants, especially those of organic origin. This study presents the photo-degradation of a pharmaceutical wastewater containing Kabi cytarabine, using ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a synthesized catalyst, a composite based on bismuth and iron oxides (BFO). The size of the bandgap was determined by UV spectroscopy, having a value of 2.27 eV. The specific surface was determined using the BET method, having a value of 0.7 m2 g−1. The material studied for the photo-degradation of cytarabine presents a remarkable photo-degradation efficiency of 97.9% for an initial concentration 0f 10 mg/L cytarabine Kabi when 0.15 g of material was used, during 120 min of interaction with UV radiation at 3 cm from the irradiation source. The material withstands five photo-degradation cycles with good results. At the same time, through this study, it was possible to establish that pyrimidine derivatives could be able to combat infections caused by Escherichia coli and Candida parapsilosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Techniques and Methods for Toxic Agent Analysis and Removal)
15 pages, 531 KiB  
Review
A Vision of the Future: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Social Marketing
by William Douglas Evans, Marco Bardus and Jeffrey French
Businesses 2024, 4(2), 196-210; https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4020013 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming much of society in a short time. Regardless of whether we know it, we interact with AI systems when we seek information online, shop, work, and engage with social media. AI has massive potential to promote [...] Read more.
Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming much of society in a short time. Regardless of whether we know it, we interact with AI systems when we seek information online, shop, work, and engage with social media. AI has massive potential to promote human wellbeing but also poses considerable risks, as set out in an open letter signed by leaders in the field, such as Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI”. This paper examines how AI can be used as a powerful tool to change pro-social behaviors as part of social marketing programs. We examine opportunities to build on existing efforts to use AI for pro-social behavior changes and the challenges and potential risks that AI may pose. The specific aims of the paper are to explore how AI can be used in social marketing policy, strategy development, and operational delivery. We also explore what this means for future social marketing practice. We present an overview of case studies from the social marketing field and the application of AI in the past, present, and future. We examine the following key question: can these new technologies can be used to promote social good, and if so, how? Through examples from policy, strategy development, operations, and research in social marketing, we examine how AI has been used and successfully applied to improve consumer outcomes and analyze its implications for social marketing. We conclude that AI has substantial promise but also poses some challenges and has potential negative impacts on efforts to promote pro-social behavior changes. Used well, AI may enable social marketers to more rapidly assess how to modify programs of action to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness. We suggest future research and programs within this field. Full article
21 pages, 3035 KiB  
Article
Phenylpropanoid Metabolism in Phaseolus vulgaris during Growth under Severe Drought
by Luis Eduardo Peña Barrena, Lili Mats, Hugh J. Earl and Gale G. Bozzo
Metabolites 2024, 14(6), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14060319 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Drought limits the growth and development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (known as common bean). Common bean plants contain various phenylpropanoids, but it is not known whether the levels of these metabolites are altered by drought. Here, BT6 and BT44, two white bean recombinant [...] Read more.
Drought limits the growth and development of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (known as common bean). Common bean plants contain various phenylpropanoids, but it is not known whether the levels of these metabolites are altered by drought. Here, BT6 and BT44, two white bean recombinant inbred lines (RILs), were cultivated under severe drought. Their respective growth and phenylpropanoid profiles were compared to those of well-irrigated plants. Both RILs accumulated much less biomass in their vegetative parts with severe drought, which was associated with more phaseollin and phaseollinisoflavan in their roots relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained accumulation of coumestrol was evident in BT44 roots with drought. Transient alterations in the leaf profiles of various phenolic acids occurred in drought-stressed BT6 and BT44 plants, including the respective accumulation of two separate caftaric acid isomers and coutaric acid (isomer 1) relative to well-irrigated plants. A sustained rise in fertaric acid was observed in BT44 with drought stress, whereas the greater amount relative to well-watered plants was transient in BT6. Apart from kaempferol diglucoside (isomer 2), the concentrations of most leaf flavonol glycosides were not altered with drought. Overall, fine tuning of leaf and root phenylpropanoid profiles occurs in white bean plants subjected to severe drought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metabolic Responses of Plants to Abiotic Stress)
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17 pages, 893 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of Chito-Oligosaccharides on Disappearance Rate of Nutrients, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Micro-Flora of Beef Cattle
by Jianfu He, Jing Li, Qian Gao, Weijun Shen, Wenchang Liu, Min Xia, Haixiang Xiao and Dingfu Xiao
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111657 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) meal levels on the nutrient disappearance rate, rumen fermentation, and microflora of beef cattle in vitro. A total of 24 fermentation tanks were randomly divided into four treatments containing 0% COS [...] Read more.
The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) meal levels on the nutrient disappearance rate, rumen fermentation, and microflora of beef cattle in vitro. A total of 24 fermentation tanks were randomly divided into four treatments containing 0% COS (CON), 0.02% COS, 0.04% COS, and 0.08% COS for an 8-day experiment period, with each treatment comprising six replicates. The disappear rates of DM, CP, EE, and total gas production were quadratically increased with increasing COS levels. The disappear rates of DM, CP, EE, and ADF were greatest, whereas the total gas production was lowest in the 0.08% COS group. The pH, NH3-N, MCP, the content of propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, valerate, and the A/P were quadratically increased with increasing COS levels, while the A/P were linearly decreased. The pH, MCP, and the content of propionate, and butyrate were highest, whereas the NH3-N and the content of acetate, isobutyrate, valerate, and the A/P were lowest in the 0.08% COS group. Microbiomics analysis showed that the rumen microbial diversity was not altered between the CON and the 0.08% COS group. However, the relative abundance of Methanosphaera, Ruminococcus, Endomicrobium, and Eubacterium groups was increased, and the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria Dorea and Escherichia-Shigella showed a decrease in the 0.08% COS group. Overall, the 0.08% COS was the most effective among the three addition levels, resulting in an increase in the disappearance rate of in vitro fermented nutrients and improvements in rumen fermentation indexes and microbial communities. This, in turn, led to the maintenance of rumen health. Full article
13 pages, 1068 KiB  
Article
The Association of Ethnicity and Oncologic Outcomes for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)
by Kiana Mahboubi, Steven C. Nakoneshny, Khara Sauro, Samuel Roberts, Rob Hart, T. Wayne Matthews, Joseph Dort and Shamir P. Chandarana
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112117 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: To compare oncologic outcomes of South Asian (SA) patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to the general population. (2) Methods: Adult patients who underwent surgical resection of OSCC +/− adjuvant treatment between 2009 and 2022 (N = 697) at [...] Read more.
(1) Background: To compare oncologic outcomes of South Asian (SA) patients treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to the general population. (2) Methods: Adult patients who underwent surgical resection of OSCC +/− adjuvant treatment between 2009 and 2022 (N = 697) at a regional cancer centre in Canada were included. SA patients, identified using a validated method, were compared to non-SA patients. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to compare the primary outcomes, disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) across baseline univariate characteristics, including betel nut consumption. Median follow-up time was 36.4 months. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify independent predictors of survival with significance set at p < 0.05. (3) Results: SA patients (9% of cohort, N = 64) were significantly younger and had lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption compared to non-SA patients (p < 0.05). SA patients had a two-fold higher risk of recurrence and significantly worse disease-specific survival, even after adjusting for stage and high-risk features [RFS: HR 2.01 (1.28–3.14), DSS: HR 1.79 (1.12–2.88)]. The consumption of betel nut was not associated with outcomes. (4) Conclusion: SA patients had significantly worse oncologic outcomes, even after controlling for known predictors of poor prognosis. These findings are novel and can inform personalized treatment decisions and influence public health policies when managing patients with different ethnic backgrounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Research of Cancer)
18 pages, 498 KiB  
Article
Attributions of Loneliness—Life Story Interviews with Older Mental Health Service Users
by Annette Burns, Gerard Leavey, Brian Lawlor, Jeannette Golden, Dermot Reilly and Roger O’Sullivan
Healthcare 2024, 12(11), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12111133 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
There is growing evidence on the prevalence and impact of loneliness, particularly among older people. However, much less is known about the personal origins of loneliness and how it persists, or not, over an individual’s life course. This study aimed to increase understanding [...] Read more.
There is growing evidence on the prevalence and impact of loneliness, particularly among older people. However, much less is known about the personal origins of loneliness and how it persists, or not, over an individual’s life course. This study aimed to increase understanding of the personal experiences of loneliness among older adults across the life course. Central to this study was giving voice to the participants and allowing them to define loneliness, what it meant to them, and how it affected them throughout their lives. This qualitative study employed 18 life story interviews with older adults attending a mental health service. We explored their personal experiences of loneliness and the situations and factors associated with loneliness across the life course. We identified three distinct typologies of loneliness: those who experienced (1) chronic loneliness since childhood, (2) chronic loneliness after a life-changing event in midlife, and (3) loneliness which remained situational/transitional, never becoming chronic. This study found the seeds of chronic life course loneliness are often determined in childhood. Early detection and intervention may prevent situational loneliness from becoming chronic. More research is needed from a life course approach to help understand and address the causes and consequences of loneliness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Aging and Care in the Global Communities: Models & Challenges)
9 pages, 872 KiB  
Communication
Terahertz Polarization Isolator Using Two-Dimensional Square Lattice Tellurium Rod Array
by Yong Wang, Yanqing Ai, Lin Gan, Jiao Zhou, Yangyang Wang, Wei Wang, Biaogang Xu, Wenlong He and Shiguo Li
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060745 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
A novel terahertz polarization isolator using a two-dimensional square lattice tellurium rod array is numerically investigated at the interesting band of 0.22 THz in this short paper. The isolator is designed by inserting six hexagonal tellurium rods into a fully polarized photonic crystals [...] Read more.
A novel terahertz polarization isolator using a two-dimensional square lattice tellurium rod array is numerically investigated at the interesting band of 0.22 THz in this short paper. The isolator is designed by inserting six hexagonal tellurium rods into a fully polarized photonic crystals waveguide with high efficiency of −0.34 dB. The TE and TM photonic band gaps of the 7 × 16 tellurium photonic crystals are computed based on the plane wave expansion method, which happen to coincide at the normalized frequency domain from 0.3859(a/λ) to 0.4033(a/λ), corresponding to the frequency domain from 0.2152 to 0.2249 THz. The operating bandwidth of the tellurium photonic crystals waveguide covers 0.2146 to 0.2247 THz, calculated by the finite element method. The six hexagonal tellurium rods with smaller circumradii of 0.16a serve to isolate transverse electric waves and turn a blind eye to transverse magnetic waves. The polarization isolation function and external characteristic curves of the envisaged structure are numerically simulated, which achieves the highest isolation of −33.49 dB at the central frequency of 0.2104 THz and the maximum reflection efficiency of 98.95 percent at the frequency of 0.2141 THz. The designed isolator with a unique function and high performance provides a promising approach for implementing fully polarized THz devices for future 6G communication systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Terahertz Devices and Applications)
11 pages, 1853 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sheep Grazing and Nitrogen Addition on Dicotyledonous Seedling Abundance and Diversity in Alpine Meadows
by Huanhuan Dong, Yuqi Ma, Zuoyi Wang, Yuan Yang, Longxin Zhang, Xin Yin, Honglin Li, Lanping Li, Huakun Zhou, Zhen Ma and Chunhui Zhang
Nitrogen 2024, 5(2), 498-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen5020032 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2024
Abstract
Seedling is a crucial stage in the growth and development of plants, and the expansion and persistence of plant populations can be achieved through seed regeneration. Sheep grazing, fertilization, light, soil moisture, vegetation diversity and biomass, and litter all have potential impacts on [...] Read more.
Seedling is a crucial stage in the growth and development of plants, and the expansion and persistence of plant populations can be achieved through seed regeneration. Sheep grazing, fertilization, light, soil moisture, vegetation diversity and biomass, and litter all have potential impacts on species regeneration. We measured vegetation diversity, annual net primary productivity (ANPP), litter, ground photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and soil moisture of alpine meadows under sheep grazing and nitrogen addition treatments, and studied their effects on the dicotyledonous seedling abundance and diversity using linear regression models (LMs) and structural equation models (SEMs). We found that sheep grazing reduced ANPP, increased vegetation diversity and PAR, and decreased soil moisture. Fertilization increased ANPP and litter, decreased vegetation diversity and PAR, but had no effect on soil moisture. Sheep grazing and fertilization both reduced the abundance of dicotyledonous seedlings, and simultaneously fertilization can reduce the diversity of dicotyledonous seedlings, while sheep grazing had no effect on the diversity of dicotyledonous seedlings. LMs showed that vegetation diversity, ANPP, and litter, rather than light and soil moisture, affected dicotyledonous seedling abundance and diversity. SEMs revealed that sheep grazing and fertilization indirectly influenced seedling regeneration through vegetation diversity rather than ANPP and litter. Our research will increase our understanding of the dicotyledonous plant regeneration process in alpine grasslands and facilitate the development of strategies for management and protection of alpine grassland. Full article
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