The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
19 pages, 537 KiB  
Article
Ethnic Variation in the Link between Women’s Relative Employment Positions and Entry into Parenthood in Belgium
by Layla Van den Berg and Karel Neels
Societies 2024, 14(5), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14050057 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the association between women’s relative employment positions and the transition to parenthood, focusing on women of Maghrebi, Turkish, and Southern European origin in Belgium. Whereas gender specialization is associated with higher chances of entering parenthood in the older literature, the [...] Read more.
This study investigates the association between women’s relative employment positions and the transition to parenthood, focusing on women of Maghrebi, Turkish, and Southern European origin in Belgium. Whereas gender specialization is associated with higher chances of entering parenthood in the older literature, the economic preconditions to parenthood have shifted and more recent studies indicate that couples where both partners work are more likely to start a family. However, whereas this shift has been extensively studied among majority populations, we lack insight into whether similar patterns can also be found among population subgroups with a migration background. This paper uses Belgian census data from 2011–2015 to explore how women’s relative employment positions are linked to the likelihood of entering parenthood and whether this association varies by women’s age, generation, and origin of the male partner. The results indicate that couples in which both partners are employed are more likely to enter parenthood regardless of migration background. However, the results for women of Maghrebi or Turkish background suggest that single-earner couples and couples where both partners are unemployed delay entry into parenthood to a similar extent. Full article
24 pages, 1452 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Investigation of the Hydration Degree of CA2 Phase Modified with Boron and Fluorine Compounds
by Michał Pyzalski, Karol Durczak, Agnieszka Sujak, Michał Juszczyk, Tomasz Brylewski and Mateusz Stasiak
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092030 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of fluoride and boron compound additives on the synthesis and hydration process of calcium aluminate (CA2). The analysis showed that the temperature of the full synthesis of CA2 without mineralizing additives was 1500 °C. However, [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of fluoride and boron compound additives on the synthesis and hydration process of calcium aluminate (CA2). The analysis showed that the temperature of the full synthesis of CA2 without mineralizing additives was 1500 °C. However, the addition of fluorine and boron compounds at 1% and 3% significantly reduced the synthesis temperature to a range of 1100–1300 °C. The addition of fluoride compounds did not result in the formation of fluoride compounds from CaO and Al2O3, except for the calcium borate phase (Ca3(BO3)2) under certain conditions. In addition, the cellular parameters of the synthesized calcium aluminate phases were not affected by the use of these additives. Hydration studies showed that fluoride additives accelerate the hydration process, potentially improving mechanical properties, while boron additives slow down the reaction with water. These results highlight the relevance of fluoride and boron additives to the synthesis process and hydration kinetics of calcium aluminate, suggesting the need for further research to optimize their application in practice. TG studies confirmed the presence of convergence with respect to X-ray determinations made. SEM, EDS and elemental concentration maps confirmed the presence of a higher Al/Ca ratio in the samples and also showed the presence of hexagonal and regular hydration products. Full article
20 pages, 1116 KiB  
Article
Riparian Forests as Nature-Based Solutions within the Mediterranean Context: A Biophysical and Economic Assessment for the Koiliaris River Watershed (Crete, Greece)
by Mauro Masiero, Giorgia Bottaro, Caterina Righetti, Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis, Maria A. Lilli and Davide Pettenella
Forests 2024, 15(5), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15050760 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The Mediterranean Basin is severely impacted by anthropogenic changes affecting both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. The region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, with floods being considered the most important, due both to their frequency and impacts. Koiliaris watershed (northwest of Crete [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean Basin is severely impacted by anthropogenic changes affecting both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. The region is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, with floods being considered the most important, due both to their frequency and impacts. Koiliaris watershed (northwest of Crete Island, Greece) represents a relevant case study as past land-use changes via deforestation and intense cultivation practices induce soil organic matter losses, making soils susceptible to water erosion and desertification. The restoration of native riparian forests has been identified as the most effective nature-based solution (NBS) for the area. Through modeling, our study assessed the effectiveness of this NBS in addressing flood risk and erosion while providing additional ecosystem services (carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation). A cost–benefit analysis has been then implemented to also investigate the sustainability of the investment from an economic point of view. Our results show the NBS would be successful in ensuring a better flow of targeted ecosystem services compared to the business-as-usual conditions. The associated investment would result in economic sustainability and associated costs would be paid back in five years. Though site-specific, our study provides lessons learned for dealing with future land-restoration challenges in the Mediterranean to cope with climate change-related challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Economics, Policy, and Social Science)
13 pages, 2521 KiB  
Article
Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Influence Microbial Community Composition and Metabolic Function to Enhance the Efficiency of Hybrid pennisetum Remediation in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
by Zhao-Jin Chen, Meng-Lu Li, Shan-Shan Gao, Yu-Bo Sun, Hui Han, Bai-Lian Li and Yu-Ying Li
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050870 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The green and efficient remediation of soil cadmium (Cd) is an urgent task, and plant-microbial joint remediation has become a research hotspot due to its advantages. High-throughput sequencing and metabolomics have technical advantages in analyzing the microbiological mechanism of plant growth-promoting bacteria in [...] Read more.
The green and efficient remediation of soil cadmium (Cd) is an urgent task, and plant-microbial joint remediation has become a research hotspot due to its advantages. High-throughput sequencing and metabolomics have technical advantages in analyzing the microbiological mechanism of plant growth-promoting bacteria in improving phytoremediation of soil heavy metal pollution. In this experiment, a pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of inoculating the plant growth-promoting bacterium Enterobacter sp. VY on the growth and Cd remediation efficiency of the energy plant Hybrid pennisetum. The test strain VY-1 was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics to assess its effects on microbial community composition and metabolic function. The results demonstrated that Enterobacter sp. VY-1 effectively mitigated Cd stress on Hybrid pennisetum, resulting in increased plant biomass, Cd accumulation, and translocation factor, thereby enhancing phytoremediation efficiency. Analysis of soil physical-chemical properties revealed that strain VY-1 could increase soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and available potassium content. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that strain VY-1 significantly influenced bacterial community composition, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, among others, being the main differential taxa. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that available phosphorus, available potassium, and pH were the primary factors affecting bacterial communities. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) demonstrated that strain VY-1 modulated the metabolite profile of Hybrid pennisetum rhizosphere soil, with 27 differential metabolites showing significant differences, including 19 up-regulated and eight down-regulated expressions. These differentially expressed metabolites were primarily involved in metabolism and environmental information processing, encompassing pathways such as glutamine and glutamate metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and purine metabolism. This study utilized 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics technology to investigate the impact of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Enterobacter sp. VY-1 on the growth and Cd enrichment of Hybrid pennisetum, providing insights into the regulatory role of plant growth-promoting bacteria in microbial community structure and metabolic function, thereby improving the microbiological mechanisms of phytoremediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Microbe-Induced Abiotic Stress Alleviation in Plants)
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26 pages, 510 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Critical Overloaded Power Transmission Lines with a Novel Unified SVC Deployment Approach Based on FVSI Analysis
by Manuel Dario Jaramillo and Diego Francisco Carrión
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2063; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092063 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel methodology to improve stability in a transmission system under critical conditions of operation when additional loads that take the system to the verge of stability are placed in weak bus bars according to the fast voltage stability index [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a novel methodology to improve stability in a transmission system under critical conditions of operation when additional loads that take the system to the verge of stability are placed in weak bus bars according to the fast voltage stability index (FVSI). This paper employs the Newton–Raphson method to calculate power flows accurately and, based on that information, correctly calculate the FVSI for every transmission line. First, the weakest transmission line is identified by considering N1 contingencies for the disconnection of transmission lines, and then all weak nodes associated with this transmission line are identified. Following this, critical scenarios generated by stochastically placed loads that will take the system to the verge of instability will be placed on the identified weak nodes. Then, the methodology will optimally size and place a single static VAR compensator SVC in the system to take the transmission system to the conditions before the additional loads are connected. Finally, the methodology will be validated by testing the system for critical contingencies when any transmission line associated with the weak nodes is disconnected. As a result, this paper’s methodology found a single SVC that will improve the system’s stability and voltage profiles to similar values when the additional loads are not connected and even before contingencies occur. The methodology is validated on three transmission systems: IEEE 14, 30, and 118 bus bars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy, Electrical and Power Engineering 2024)
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14 pages, 4497 KiB  
Article
Effect of Poly(propylene carbonate) on Properties of Polylactic Acid-Based Composite Films
by Kang Chen, Xinyu Zhang, Zanru Wang, Ce Sun, Haiyan Tan and Yanhua Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094730 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
To enrich the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite films and improve the base degradability, in this study, a certain amount of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was added to PLA-based composite films, and PLA/PPC-based composite films were prepared by melt blending and hot-press molding. [...] Read more.
To enrich the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite films and improve the base degradability, in this study, a certain amount of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was added to PLA-based composite films, and PLA/PPC-based composite films were prepared by melt blending and hot-press molding. The effects of the introduction of PPC on the composite films were analyzed through in-depth studies on mechanical properties, water vapor and oxygen transmission rates, thermal analysis, compost degradability, and bacterial inhibition properties of the composite films. When the introduction ratio coefficient of PPC was 30%, the tensile strength of the composite film increased by 19.68%, the water vapor transmission coefficient decreased by 14.43%, and the oxygen transmission coefficient decreased by 18.31% compared to that of the composite film without PPC, the cold crystallization temperature of the composite film increased gradually from 96.9 °C to 104.8 °C, and PPC improved the crystallization ability of composite film. The degradation rate of the composite film with PPC increased significantly compared to the previous one, and the degradation rate increased with the increase in the PPC content. The degradation rate was 49.85% and 46.22% faster on average than that of the composite film without PPC when the degradation was carried out over 40 and 80 days; the composite film had certain inhibition, and the maximum diameter of the inhibition circle was 2.42 cm. This study provides a strategy for the development of PLA-based biodegradable laminates, which can promote the application of PLA-based laminates in food packaging. Full article
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13 pages, 4088 KiB  
Article
High-Temperature Polylactic Acid Proves Reliable and Safe for Manufacturing 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Instruments in Pediatric Orthopedics—Results from over 80 Personalized Devices Employed in 47 Surgeries
by Grazia Chiara Menozzi, Alessandro Depaoli, Marco Ramella, Giulia Alessandri, Leonardo Frizziero, Adriano De Rosa, Francesco Soncini, Valeria Sassoli, Gino Rocca and Giovanni Trisolino
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091216 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Orthopedic surgery has been transformed by 3D-printed personalized instruments (3DP-PSIs), which enhance precision and reduce complications. Hospitals are adopting in-house 3D printing facilities, using cost-effective methods like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with materials like Polylactic acid (PLA) to create 3DP-PSI. PLA’s [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Orthopedic surgery has been transformed by 3D-printed personalized instruments (3DP-PSIs), which enhance precision and reduce complications. Hospitals are adopting in-house 3D printing facilities, using cost-effective methods like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with materials like Polylactic acid (PLA) to create 3DP-PSI. PLA’s temperature limitations can be overcome by annealing High-Temperature PLA (ann-HTPLA), enabling steam sterilization without compromising properties. Our study examines the in vivo efficacy of ann-HTPLA 3DP-PSI in pediatric orthopedic surgery. (2) Methods: we investigated safety and efficacy using ann-HTPLA 3DP-PSI produced at an “in-office” 3D-printing Point-of-Care (3DP-PoC) aimed at correcting limb deformities in pediatric patients. Data on 3DP-PSI dimensions and printing parameters were collected, along with usability and complications. (3) Results: Eighty-three ann-HTPLA 3DP-PSIs were utilized in 33 patients (47 bone segments). The smallest guide used measured 3.8 cm3, and the largest measured 58.8 cm3. Seventy-nine PSIs (95.2%; 95% C.I.: 88.1–98.7%) demonstrated effective use without issues. Out of 47 procedures, 11 had complications, including 2 infections (4.3%; 95% CI: 0.5–14.5%). Intraoperative use of 3DP-PSIs did not significantly increase infection rates or other complications. (4) Conclusions: ann-HTPLA has proven satisfactory usability and safety as a suitable material for producing 3DP-PSI in an “in-office” 3DP-PoC. Full article
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12 pages, 5211 KiB  
Article
Mechanical Properties Comparison of Isotropic vs. Anisotropic Hybrid Magnetorheological Elastomer-Fluid
by Hammam M. Ananzeh, Rahizar Ramli, Sabariah Julai and Asan G. A. Muthalif
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091215 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Magnetorheological (MR) materials are smart materials that can change their rheological characteristics when exposed to a magnetic field. Such rheological properties include viscosity and dynamic modulus. MR materials have emerged as one of the most efficient smart materials that can modify mechanical and [...] Read more.
Magnetorheological (MR) materials are smart materials that can change their rheological characteristics when exposed to a magnetic field. Such rheological properties include viscosity and dynamic modulus. MR materials have emerged as one of the most efficient smart materials that can modify mechanical and viscoelastic characteristics. Depending on the medium used, MR materials can be classified into two types: magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) and magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). MREs are classified as isotropic or anisotropic based on CIP distribution inside the elastomer matrix. A unique hybrid material incorporating MRE and MRF is constructed in this work to investigate, compare, and the dynamic properties of isotropic, anisotropic, hybrid isotropic, and hybrid anisotropic MREs under various magnetic fields (0, 104, and 160.2 mT). The created samples are subjected to extensive testing, including static and dynamic evaluations. In the static tests, experiments use a compression linear displacement mode with a fixed maximum gap change of 3 mm. The temperature is maintained at a constant level of 24 °C throughout the 40 s test duration for each test, and the magnetic field is incrementally increased by varying the number of magnets, ranging from 0 to 160.2 mT for dynamic qualities using compression oscillations on a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), including frequency and strain-dependent data. These experiments, carried out using sinusoidal shear movements, include an excitation frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 15 Hz while preserving, with a fixed shear strain of 2%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)
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26 pages, 16709 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Potential Use of a Composite Based on Polyester Textile Waste as Packing Elements of a Trickle Bed Bioreactor
by Martyna Gloc, Katarzyna Paździor, Marcin Kudzin, Zdzisława Mrozińska, Iwona Kucińska-Król and Renata Żyłła
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092028 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed bioreactor is the appropriate selection of biofilm support elements. The respective properties of the bioreactor packing [...] Read more.
Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed bioreactor is the appropriate selection of biofilm support elements. The respective properties of the bioreactor packing media used can influence, among other things, the efficiency of the treatment process. In this study, the possibility of polyester waste material usage for the preparation of the biofilm support elements was tested. The following properties were checked: adsorption capacity, swelling, surface morphology, microbicidal properties, as well as the possibility of their use in biological wastewater treatment. The tested elements did not adsorb copper nor showed microbicidal properties for bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as well as fungal strains Aspergillus niger and Chaetomium globosum. The hydrophilic and rough nature of the element surface was found to provide a friendly support for biofilm formation. The durability of the elements before and after their application in the biological treatment process was confirmed by performing tests such as compressive strength, FTIR analysis, hardness analysis and specific surface area measurement. The research confirmed the applicability of the packing elements based on polyester textile waste to the treatment of textile wastewater. The treatment efficiency of the model wastewater stream was above 90%, while in the case of a stream containing 60% actual industrial wastewater it was above 80%. The proposed solution enables the simultaneous management of textile waste and wastewater treatment, which is consistent with the principles of a circular economy. The selected waste raw material is a cheap and easily available material, and the use of the developed packing elements will reduce the amount of polyester materials ending up in landfills. Full article
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18 pages, 10275 KiB  
Article
Tribological Behavior of GTL Base Oil Improved by Ni-Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets
by Shuo Xiang, Xinghao Zhi, Hebin Bao, Yan He, Qinhui Zhang, Shigang Lin, Bo Hu, Senao Wang, Peng Lu, Xin Yang, Qiang Tian and Xin Du
Lubricants 2024, 12(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050146 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been practically applied in the field of tribology and materials science due to its unique physicochemical properties, weak bonding, flexible structural composition, and adjustable interlayer space. In this work, a series of ultrathin and flexible composition of [...] Read more.
The layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been practically applied in the field of tribology and materials science due to its unique physicochemical properties, weak bonding, flexible structural composition, and adjustable interlayer space. In this work, a series of ultrathin and flexible composition of Ni-Fe LDH samples were prepared via a cost-effective room-temperature co-precipitation process. Then, they were mechanically dispersed into GTL base oil and their lubricating performance were tested by a four-ball tribometer. It is found that the variation of Ni-Fe ratio of Ni-Fe LDH has a great influence on the improvement of lubricating performance of GTL base oil. At the same concentration (0.3 mg/mL), the Ni-Fe LDH with Ni/Fe ratio of 6 was demonstrated to exhibit the best lubricating performance and the AFC, WSD, the wear volume, surface roughness and average wear scar depth decreased 51.3%, 30.8%, 78.4%, 6.7% and 50.0%, respectively. SEM-EDS and X-ray photoelectron spectra illustrated that the tribo-chemical film consisting of iron oxides and NiO with better mechanical properties formed and slowly replaced the physical film, which resists scuffing and protect solid surface from severe collisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology of 2D Nanomaterials)
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18 pages, 5337 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Nutritional Substance, Trace Elements, and Pigments in Waxy Maize Grains through Foliar Application of Selenite
by Boyu Lu, Haoyuan An, Xinli Song, Bosen Yang, Zhuqing Jian, Fuzhu Cui, Jianfu Xue, Zhiqiang Gao and Tianqing Du
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091337 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient known for its essential role in human health and plant metabolism. Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis kulesh)—known for its high nutritional quality and distinctive flavor—holds significant consumer appeal. Therefore, this study aims to assess the [...] Read more.
Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient known for its essential role in human health and plant metabolism. Waxy maize (Zea mays L. sinensis kulesh)—known for its high nutritional quality and distinctive flavor—holds significant consumer appeal. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effects of foliar Se spraying on the nutritional quality of waxy maize grains, with a focus on identifying varietal differences and determining optimal Se dosage levels for maximizing nutritional benefits. We employed a two-factor split-plot design to assess the nutritional quality, trace elements, and pigment content of jinnuo20 (J20) and caitiannuo1965 (C1965) at the milk stage after being subjected to varying Se doses sprayed on five leaves. Our findings indicate superior nutrient content in J20 compared to C1965, with both varieties exhibiting optimal quality under Se3 treatment, falling within the safe range of Se-enriched agricultural products. JS3 (0.793) demonstrated the highest overall quality, followed by JS2 (0.606), JS4 (0.411), and JS1 (0.265), while CS0 had the lowest (−0.894). These results underscore the potential of foliar biofortification to enhance the functional component contents of waxy maize grains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Grain)
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17 pages, 3250 KiB  
Article
Bacteria–Fungi Interactions in Multiple Sclerosis
by Miriam Gorostidi-Aicua, Iraia Reparaz, Ane Otaegui-Chivite, Koldo García, Leire Romarate, Amaya Álvarez de Arcaya, Idoia Mendiburu, Maialen Arruti, Tamara Castillo-Triviño, Laura Moles and David Otaegui
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050872 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) arises from a complex interplay between host genetic factors and environmental components, with the gut microbiota emerging as a key area of investigation. In the current study, we used ion torrent sequencing to delve into the bacteriome (bacterial microbiota) and [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) arises from a complex interplay between host genetic factors and environmental components, with the gut microbiota emerging as a key area of investigation. In the current study, we used ion torrent sequencing to delve into the bacteriome (bacterial microbiota) and mycobiome (fungal microbiota) of people with MS (pwMS), and compared them to healthy controls (HC). Through principal coordinate, diversity, and abundance analyses, as well as clustering and cross-kingdom microbial correlation assessments, we uncovered significant differences in the microbial profiles between pwMS and HC. Elevated levels of the fungus Torulaspora and the bacterial family Enterobacteriaceae were observed in pwMS, whereas beneficial bacterial taxa, such as Prevotelladaceae and Dialister, were reduced. Notably, clustering analysis revealed overlapping patterns in the bacteriome and mycobiome data for 74% of the participants, with weakened cross-kingdom interactions evident in the altered microbiota of pwMS. Our findings highlight the dysbiosis of both bacterial and fungal microbiota in MS, characterized by shifts in biodiversity and composition. Furthermore, the distinct disease-associated pattern of fungi–bacteria interactions suggests that fungi, in addition to bacteria, contribute to the pathogenesis of MS. Overall, our study sheds light on the intricate microbial dynamics underlying MS, paving the way for further investigation into the potential therapeutic targeting of the gut microbiota in MS management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gut Microbiota)
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14 pages, 6733 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Coating and Aging of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Membranes on In Vitro Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells
by Georgina Faura, Hana Studenovska, David Sekac, Zdenka Ellederova, Goran Petrovski and Lars Eide
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050966 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. The replacement of dysfunctional human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by the transplantation of in vitro-cultivated hRPE cells to the affected area emerges as a feasible strategy for regenerative [...] Read more.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. The replacement of dysfunctional human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by the transplantation of in vitro-cultivated hRPE cells to the affected area emerges as a feasible strategy for regenerative therapy. Synthetic biomimetic membranes arise as powerful hRPE cell carriers, but as biodegradability is a requirement, it also poses a challenge due to its limited durability. hRPE cells exhibit several characteristics that putatively respond to the type of membrane carrier, and they can be used as biomarkers to evaluate and further optimize such membranes. Here, we analyze the pigmentation, transepithelial resistance, genome integrity, and maturation markers of hRPE cells plated on commercial polycarbonate (PC) versus in-house electrospun polylactide-based (PLA) membranes, both enabling separate apical/basolateral compartments. Our results show that PLA is superior to PC-based membranes for the cultivation of hRPEs, and the BEST1/RPE65 maturation markers emerge as the best biomarkers for addressing the quality of hRPE cultivated in vitro. The stability of the cultures was observed to be affected by PLA aging, which is an effect that could be partially palliated by the coating of the PLA membranes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Functional Materials for Regenerative Medicine)
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31 pages, 21091 KiB  
Article
Design, Construction, and Validation of an Experimental Electric Vehicle with Trajectory Tracking
by Joel Artemio Morales Viscaya, Alejandro Israel Barranco Gutiérrez and Gilberto González Gómez
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2769; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092769 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research presents an experimental electric vehicle developed at the Tecnológico Nacional de México Celaya campus. It was decided to use a golf cart-type gasoline vehicle as a starting point. Initially, the body was removed, and the vehicle was electrified, meaning its engine [...] Read more.
This research presents an experimental electric vehicle developed at the Tecnológico Nacional de México Celaya campus. It was decided to use a golf cart-type gasoline vehicle as a starting point. Initially, the body was removed, and the vehicle was electrified, meaning its engine was replaced with an electric one. Subsequently, sensors used to measure the vehicle states were placed, calibrated, and instrumented. Additionally, a mathematical model was developed along with a strategy for the parametric identification of this model. A communication scheme was implemented consisting of four slave devices responsible for controlling the accelerator, brake, steering wheel, and measuring the sensors related to odometry. The master device is responsible for communicating with the slaves, displaying information on a screen, creating a log, and implementing trajectory tracking techniques based on classical, geometric, and predictive control. Finally, the performance of the control algorithms implemented on the experimental prototype was compared in terms of tracking error and control input across three different types of trajectories: lane change, right-angle curve, and U-turn. Full article
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17 pages, 14194 KiB  
Article
Different Mechanisms for the Northern and Southern Winter Fog Events over Eastern China
by Xiaojing Shen, Yuanlong Zhou, Jian Chen, Shuang Liu, Ming Ma and Pengfei Lin
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050528 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Northern and southern fog events are identified over eastern China across 40 winters from 1981 to 2021. By performing composite analysis on these events, this study reveals that the formation of fog events is controlled by both dynamic and thermodynamic processes. The fog [...] Read more.
Northern and southern fog events are identified over eastern China across 40 winters from 1981 to 2021. By performing composite analysis on these events, this study reveals that the formation of fog events is controlled by both dynamic and thermodynamic processes. The fog events were induced by Rossby wave trains over the Eurasian continent, leading to the development of surface wind and pressure anomalies, which favor the formation of fog events. The Rossby wave trains in northern and southern fog events are characterized by their occurrence in northern and southern locations, respectively, with different strengths. The water vapor fluxes that contribute to the enhancement of the northern fog events originate from the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea, whereas the southern fog events are characterized by water vapor from the East China Sea and the South China Sea. In both northern and southern fog events, dew point depression and positive A and K index anomalies are found in northern and southern regions of eastern China, which are indicative of supersaturated air and the unstable atmospheric saturation from the low to the middle troposphere, thus providing favorable conditions for the establishment of fog events in northern and southern regions of eastern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Meteorology)
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17 pages, 5890 KiB  
Article
Study on the Flame Transition Characteristics of a Gas Turbine Combustor
by Mingmin Chen, Li Wang, Xinbo Huang, Minwei Zhao, Lingwei Zeng, Hongtao Zheng and Fuquan Deng
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(5), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12050719 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Gas turbines are widely used as important equipment for electricity generation on islands and offshore platforms. During the operation of a gas turbine, the flame shape in the combustion chamber undergoes variations in response to changes in parameters such as gas turbine load, [...] Read more.
Gas turbines are widely used as important equipment for electricity generation on islands and offshore platforms. During the operation of a gas turbine, the flame shape in the combustion chamber undergoes variations in response to changes in parameters such as gas turbine load, fuel distribution, and burner structure. These alterations in flame shape exert influence on combustion instability, emissions, and load characteristics. This study explores the variations in flame transition, emissions, and operating parameters among three distinct center stage structures: namely, the non-premix center stage (NPCS), premix center stage (PCS), and enhanced premix center stage (PCSE). The investigation is conducted using a heavy-duty gas turbine hybrid burner on a full temperature, full pressure, and full-size single burner experimental bench. Simultaneously, a multi-parameter numerical simulation regarding the influence of the central fuel split on flame shape analysis was conducted using the PCS burner under the design point for a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and for influencing factors associated with flame transition. The findings indicate that variations in flame transition loads among different central stage structures: for the NPCS burner, the transition occurs between 45% and 50% load; for the PCS burners, it takes place between 60% and 65% load; for the PCSE burners, it shifts between 55% and 60% load. Additionally, a reduction in NOx emissions is observed during the flame transition process. Furthermore, it was found that decreasing the central stage fuel results in a decline in flame angle for the same burner structure. As the central stage fuel diminishes to a specific value, the flame shape undergoes a sudden change. Further reduction in central stage fuel does not significantly affect the flame shape and temperature distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Marine Renewable Energy, 2nd Volume)
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20 pages, 12863 KiB  
Article
A Novel Cell-Based Adaptive Cartesian Grid Approach for Complex Flow Simulations
by Canyan Luo, Dan Zhou, Shuang Meng, Lin Bi, Wenzheng Wang, Xianxu Yuan and Zhigong Tang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3692; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093692 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
As the need for handling complex geometries in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) grows, efficient and accurate mesh generation techniques become paramount. This study presents an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) technology based on cell-based Cartesian grids, employing a distance-weighted least squares interpolation for finite [...] Read more.
As the need for handling complex geometries in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) grows, efficient and accurate mesh generation techniques become paramount. This study presents an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) technology based on cell-based Cartesian grids, employing a distance-weighted least squares interpolation for finite difference discretization and utilizing immersed boundary methods for wall boundaries. This facilitates effective management of both transient and steady flow problems. Validation through supersonic flow over a forward-facing step, subsonic flow around a high Reynolds number NHLP airfoil, and supersonic flow past a sphere demonstrated AMR’s efficacy in capturing essential flow characteristics while wisely refining and coarsening meshes, thus optimizing resource utilization without compromising accuracy. Importantly, AMR simplified the capture of complex flows, obviating manual mesh densification and significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of CFD simulations. Full article
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19 pages, 8898 KiB  
Article
Simulation of Preload Relaxation of Bolted Joint Structures under Transverse Loading
by Yilong Liu, Min Zhu, Xiaohan Lu, Shengao Wang and Ziwei Li
Coatings 2024, 14(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14050538 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, based on the Iwan model, the connection interface of the bolted joint structure subjected to lateral loads was simulated and comparatively analyzed. Commercial finite element software was used to model the bolted joint structure. Monotonic lateral loads and cyclic displacement [...] Read more.
In this study, based on the Iwan model, the connection interface of the bolted joint structure subjected to lateral loads was simulated and comparatively analyzed. Commercial finite element software was used to model the bolted joint structure. Monotonic lateral loads and cyclic displacement loads were applied to the model. The changes in the preload force of the bolted connection structure, as well as the changes in the sticking zone and stress state of the connection interface, were analyzed, and the loading results of monotonic load and cyclic displacement load were compared. The results show that the contact interface stress decreases with the increase in displacement load, and this increase is also a nonlinear relationship, which is approximately in phase with the trend of the contact surface slip curve. The amount of contact surface stress loss and the amount of preload loss are not directly related to the magnitude of the initial preload, regardless of the loading conditions. The contact surface is also circular under any form of displacement loading, whether it is stressed or slipped. The amount of preload loss is proportional to the amount of bolt compression for that variable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Friction and Wear Behaviors in Mechanical Engineering)
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15 pages, 6530 KiB  
Article
Strength and Erosion Resistance of Spinifex Fibre Reinforced Mudbrick
by Dongxiu Guo, Ali Rajabipour, Milad Bazli, Cat Kutay, Varuna Sumanasena and Truong Nhat Phuong Pham
Fibers 2024, 12(5), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12050039 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study assesses the usability of natural materials available in Australia’s remote communities for making fibre-reinforced mudbricks. The present construction cost for housing in remote areas is too high to maintain the level of housing required for the remote Australian population. As this [...] Read more.
This study assesses the usability of natural materials available in Australia’s remote communities for making fibre-reinforced mudbricks. The present construction cost for housing in remote areas is too high to maintain the level of housing required for the remote Australian population. As this includes mostly First Nations communities, more culturally appropriate housing materials and construction methods are being considered. This study looks at mudbricks made from laterite soil reinforced by spinifex fibre, both available in abundance in remote communities. Hence, this material is more acceptable to communities as it is more sustainable, and the construction methods are more suited for First Nations engagement. Various mixes were tested for compressive strength and erosion resistance. Results suggest that spinifex can significantly improve compressive strength and reduce erosion effects; however, spinifex showed adverse effects at the early stage of the spray test. The results satisfy the minimum strength and erosion resistance requirements for construction and suggest that spinifex-reinforced mudbricks could potentially be considered as an alternative material in remote housing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Fibers)
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14 pages, 2204 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Causal Analysis of Rural Tourism Popularity in Jilin Province Based on Multiple Data
by Jia Yang, Yangang Fang and Xianyu Zhang
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093637 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The digital age provides greater possibilities for quantitative research on rural tourism. This article examines Jilin Province as a case and analyzes the interannual, monthly, and holiday characteristics of rural tourism heat using big data. Using A-level rural tourism operating units as research [...] Read more.
The digital age provides greater possibilities for quantitative research on rural tourism. This article examines Jilin Province as a case and analyzes the interannual, monthly, and holiday characteristics of rural tourism heat using big data. Using A-level rural tourism operating units as research samples, a mathematical model is constructed to evaluate the rural tourism heat from 2016 to 2021. Through a trend surface analysis and kernel density analysis, the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics are explored; additionally, the spatial evolution law of the rural tourism hot and cold pattern is analyzed using counties as units. The research results show the following: (1) As an important component of the Jilin tourism industry, temporally, rural tourism has an overall trend of increasing popularity, with clear seasonal and holiday distribution patterns. Simultaneously, the periodic sporadic occurrence of the COVID-19 epidemic caused an obvious vulnerability in rural tourism fever. (2) Spatially, the structure of rural tourism shows an evolutionary process of “single core → multi core” and a diffusion trend of “central → eastern” and “central → western”. (3) Regarding the influencing factors, transportation conditions and resource endowments are dominant, and the impact of the economic development level is gradually weakening, while the impact of the ecological environment and industrial foundation is gradually increasing. Full article
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11 pages, 722 KiB  
Article
Cognitive Function, Healthy Lifestyle, and All-Cause Mortality among Chinese Older Adults: A Longitudinal Prospective Study
by Huiwen Li, Yi Zheng, Qi Li and Mengying Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091297 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Both cognitive decline and unhealthy lifestyles have been linked to an elevated risk of mortality in older people. We aimed to investigate whether a healthy lifestyle might modify the association between cognitive function and all-cause mortality in Chinese older populations. Methods: The [...] Read more.
Background: Both cognitive decline and unhealthy lifestyles have been linked to an elevated risk of mortality in older people. We aimed to investigate whether a healthy lifestyle might modify the association between cognitive function and all-cause mortality in Chinese older populations. Methods: The final analysis included 5124 individuals free of dementia, selected from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey from 2011 to 2018. Cognitive function was assessed in 2011 using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A lifestyle score was calculated based on five lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, diet, and body mass index. Cox proportional hazards models were performed to evaluate the association between baseline cognitive function and the risk of all-cause mortality, with an interaction term of cognitive function and lifestyle score being added to the models. Results: The average age of participants was 81.87 years old at baseline. During a median follow-up of 6.4 years, 1461 deaths were documented. Both higher cognitive function (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.96–0.97) and a healthier lifestyle (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87–0.97) were significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality. We found that lifestyle significantly modified the association of cognitive function with mortality (p for interaction = 0.004). The inverse relation between cognitive function and mortality was found to be more pronounced among participants with a healthier lifestyle. Of note, among the lifestyle scores component, diet showed a significant interaction with mortality (p for interaction = 0.003), and the protective HR of the all-cause mortality associated with higher MMSE scores was more prominent among participants with healthy diets compared with unhealthy diets. Conclusions: Our study indicates that cognitive decline is associated with a higher risk of mortality, and such associations are attenuated by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a particular emphasis on healthy diet. Full article
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10 pages, 520 KiB  
Review
Residual Cardiovascular Risk: Role of Remnants Cholesterol, Monocyte/HDL Ratio and Lipoprotein Ratios on Personalized Cardiovascular Prevention
by Vincenzo Sucato, Francesco Comparato, Antonella Ortello, Alfredo Ruggero Galassi and Giuseppina Novo
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050460 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of death in the world and are subject to limitations in prevention strategies despite the use of very effective drugs. The concept of residual risk (RR) is intrinsically related to that of global risk of which it [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of death in the world and are subject to limitations in prevention strategies despite the use of very effective drugs. The concept of residual risk (RR) is intrinsically related to that of global risk of which it represents a very significant percentage. In the cardiovascular field, the term RR refers to the probability of incurring a major cardiovascular event, despite adequate control of the risk factors present in the individual patient. A significant portion of the RR in the cardiovascular field results from the underestimation of additional risk factors not subjected to adequate intervention such as, for example, triglyceride levels in patients treated for the presence of hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia. The control of the RR therefore appears as an essential condition for the effective reduction of the global risk profile and is based on an integrated intervention that combines all the different prevention strategies derived from the available evidence and capable of interacting on the basis of a strengthening reciprocal between lifestyle and pharmacological and nutraceutical intervention methods. Full article
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19 pages, 736 KiB  
Article
Profiling of Metabolites in Organically Grown Plums from Norway: Does Location or Cultivar Matter?
by Mekjell Meland, Dragana Dabić Zagorac, Mihajlo Jakanovski, Milica Sredojević, Maja Natić, Marko Kitanović and Milica Fotirić Akšić
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050526 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of two locations and seven cultivars on the profiling of metabolites in organically grown plums (Prunus domestica L.) fruit in Norway. P, K, and Ca were most abundant in the studied fruits, [...] Read more.
The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of two locations and seven cultivars on the profiling of metabolites in organically grown plums (Prunus domestica L.) fruit in Norway. P, K, and Ca were most abundant in the studied fruits, while Ba and Sr formed a clear line between the locations. The most abundant sugars were glucose, fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol, which together accounted for up to 97.00%. Quinic acid and malic acid were the predominant organic acids, while chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside were the most abundant polyphenols. Plums from Ullensvang were characterized by a higher content of minerals, sugars, organic acids, total polyphenol content (TPC), and radical scavenging activity (RSA), while plums from Telemark had a higher content of quantified polyphenols. The cultivar ‘Mallard’ had the highest mineral and radical scavenging activity, ‘Opal’ had the sweetest fruit, ‘Jubileum’ had the highest acidity, ‘Excalibur’ had the highest TPC content, and ‘Valor’ stored the highest content of quantified polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acid. These results provide comprehensive information on the chemical profiles of selected plum cultivars, suggesting that organic plums are a rich source of beneficial compounds that can have a positive impact on human health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants)
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