The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
22 pages, 623 KiB  
Systematic Review
Revolutionizing the Pancreatic Tumor Diagnosis: Emerging Trends in Imaging Technologies: A Systematic Review
by Sabina Florina Șolea, Mihaela Cristina Brisc, Alexandra Orășeanu, Florian Ciprian Venter, Ciprian Mihai Brisc, Răzvan Mihai Șolea, Lavinia Davidescu, Amina Venter and Ciprian Brisc
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050695 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The pancreas, ensconced within the abdominal cavity, requires a plethora of sophisticated imaging modalities for its comprehensive evaluation, with ultrasonography serving as a primary investigative technique. A myriad of pancreatic pathologies, encompassing pancreatic neoplasia and a spectrum of inflammatory [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The pancreas, ensconced within the abdominal cavity, requires a plethora of sophisticated imaging modalities for its comprehensive evaluation, with ultrasonography serving as a primary investigative technique. A myriad of pancreatic pathologies, encompassing pancreatic neoplasia and a spectrum of inflammatory diseases, are detectable through these imaging strategies. Nevertheless, the intricate anatomical confluence and the pancreas’s deep-seated topography render the visualization and accurate diagnosis of its pathologies a formidable endeavor. The objective of our paper is to review the best diagnostic imagistic tools for the pancreas. Materials and Methods: we have gathered several articles using Prisma guidelines to determine the best imagistic methods. The imperative of pancreatic scanning transcends its diagnostic utility, proving to be a pivotal element in a multitude of clinical specialties, notably surgical oncology. Within this domain, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of the pancreas holds the distinction of being the paramount imaging modality, endorsed for its unrivaled capacity to delineate the staging and progression of pancreatic carcinoma. In synergy with MDCT, there has been a notable advent of avant-garde imaging techniques in recent years. These advanced methodologies, including ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conjoined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), have broadened the horizon of tumor characterization, offering unparalleled depth and precision in oncological assessment. Other emerging diagnostic techniques, such as elastography, also hold a lot of potential and promise for the future of pancreatic imaging. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a quick, minimally invasive procedure to evaluate lumps using a thin needle to extract tissue for analysis. It is less invasive than surgical biopsies and usually performed as an outpatient with quick recovery. Its accuracy depends on sample quality, and the risks include minimal bleeding or discomfort. Results, guiding further treatment, are typically available within a week. Elastography is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that maps the elastic properties and stiffness of soft tissue. This method, often used in conjunction with ultrasound or MRI, helps differentiate between hard and soft areas in tissue, providing valuable diagnostic information. It is particularly useful for assessing liver fibrosis, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, and musculoskeletal conditions. The technique is painless and involves applying gentle pressure to the area being examined. The resulting images show tissue stiffness, indicating potential abnormalities. Elastography is advantageous for its ability to detect diseases in early stages and monitor treatment effectiveness. The procedure is quick, safe, and requires no special preparation, with results typically available immediately. Results: The assembled and gathered data shows the efficacy of various techniques in discerning the nature and extent of neoplastic lesions within the pancreas. Conclusions: The most common imaging modalities currently used in diagnosing pancreatic neoplasms are multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), alongside new technologies, such as elastography. Full article
19 pages, 3398 KiB  
Article
4-Oxo-2-Nonenal- and Agitation-Induced Aggregates of α-Synuclein and Phosphorylated α-Synuclein with Distinct Biophysical Properties and Biomedical Applications
by Tie Wang, Weijin Liu, Qidi Zhang, Jie Jiao, Zihao Wang, Ge Gao and Hui Yang
Cells 2024, 13(9), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13090739 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) can form oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils, which are associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. Both the lipid peroxidation product 4-oxo-2-nonenal (ONE) and agitation can induce aggregation of α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn. Thus, clarification of the characteristics of [...] Read more.
α-Synuclein (α-syn) can form oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils, which are associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies. Both the lipid peroxidation product 4-oxo-2-nonenal (ONE) and agitation can induce aggregation of α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn. Thus, clarification of the characteristics of different α-syn species could help to select suitable aggregates for diagnosis and elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases. Here, we characterized ONE-induced wild-type (WT) α-syn aggregates (OW), ONE-induced phosphorylated α-syn (p-α-syn) aggregates (OP), agitation-induced α-syn preformed fibrils (PFF), and agitation-induced p-α-syn preformed fibrils (pPFF). Thioflavin T (ThT) dying demonstrated that OW and OP had fewer fibrils than the PFF and pPFF. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the lengths of PFF and pPFF were similar, but the diameters differed. OW and OP had more compact structures than PFF and pPFF. Aggregation of p-α-syn was significantly faster than WT α-syn. Furthermore, OW and OP were more sodium dodecyl sulfate-stable and proteinase K-resistant, suggesting greater stability and compactness, while aggregates of PFF and pPFF were more sensitive to proteinase K treatment. Both ONE- and agitation-induced aggregates were cytotoxic when added exogenously to SH-SY5Y cells with increasing incubation times, but the agitation-induced aggregates caused cell toxicity in a shorter time and more p-α-syn inclusions. Similarly, p-proteins were more cytotoxic than non-p-proteins. Finally, all four aggregates were used as standard antigens to establish sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the recognition efficiency of OW and OP was more sensitive than that of PFF and pPFF. The OW- and OP-specific ELISA for detection of p-α-syn and α-syn in plasma samples of Thy1-α-syn transgenic mice showed that the content of aggregates could reflect the extent of disease. ONE and agitation induced the formation of α-syn aggregates with distinct biophysical properties and biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular Pathology)
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26 pages, 2600 KiB  
Review
Novel Insights into the Links between N6-Methyladenosine and Regulated Cell Death in Musculoskeletal Diseases
by Juanjuan Han, Cuijing Wang, Haolin Yang, Jiayi Luo, Xiaoyi Zhang and Xin-An Zhang
Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050514 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), including osteoarthritis (OA), osteosarcoma (OS), multiple myeloma (MM), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), present noteworthy obstacles associated with pain, disability, and impaired quality of life on a global scale. In recent years, it has become [...] Read more.
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), including osteoarthritis (OA), osteosarcoma (OS), multiple myeloma (MM), intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), osteoporosis (OP), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), present noteworthy obstacles associated with pain, disability, and impaired quality of life on a global scale. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a key regulator in the expression of genes in a multitude of biological processes. m6A is composed of 0.1–0.4% adenylate residues, especially at the beginning of 3′-UTR near the translation stop codon. The m6A regulator can be classified into three types, namely the “writer”, “reader”, and “eraser”. Studies have shown that the epigenetic modulation of m6A influences mRNA processing, nuclear export, translation, and splicing. Regulated cell death (RCD) is the autonomous and orderly death of cells under genetic control to maintain the stability of the internal environment. Moreover, distorted RCDs are widely used to influence the course of various diseases and receiving increasing attention from researchers. In the past few years, increasing evidence has indicated that m6A can regulate gene expression and thus influence different RCD processes, which has a central role in the etiology and evolution of MSDs. The RCDs currently confirmed to be associated with m6A are autophagy-dependent cell death, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, immunogenic cell death, NETotic cell death and oxeiptosis. The m6A–RCD axis can regulate the inflammatory response in chondrocytes and the invasive and migratory of MM cells to bone remodeling capacity, thereby influencing the development of MSDs. This review gives a complete overview of the regulatory functions on the m6A–RCD axis across muscle, bone, and cartilage. In addition, we also discuss recent advances in the control of RCD by m6A-targeted factors and explore the clinical application prospects of therapies targeting the m6A–RCD in MSD prevention and treatment. These may provide new ideas and directions for understanding the pathophysiological mechanism of MSDs and the clinical prevention and treatment of these diseases. Full article
19 pages, 15195 KiB  
Article
Color and Luminance Separated Enhancement for Low-Light Images with Brightness Guidance
by Feng Zhang, Xinran Liu, Changxin Gao and Nong Sang
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092711 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Existing retinex-based low-light image enhancement strategies focus heavily on crafting complex networks for Retinex decomposition but often result in imprecise estimations. To overcome the limitations of previous methods, we introduce a straightforward yet effective strategy for Retinex decomposition, dividing images into colormaps and [...] Read more.
Existing retinex-based low-light image enhancement strategies focus heavily on crafting complex networks for Retinex decomposition but often result in imprecise estimations. To overcome the limitations of previous methods, we introduce a straightforward yet effective strategy for Retinex decomposition, dividing images into colormaps and graymaps as new estimations for reflectance and illumination maps. The enhancement of these maps is separately conducted using a diffusion model for improved restoration. Furthermore, we address the dual challenge of perturbation removal and brightness adjustment in illumination maps by incorporating brightness guidance. This guidance aids in precisely adjusting the brightness while eliminating disturbances, ensuring a more effective enhancement process. Extensive quantitative and qualitative experimental analyses demonstrate that our proposed method improves the performance by approximately 4.4% on the LOL dataset compared to other state-of-the-art diffusion-based methods, while also validating the model’s generalizability across multiple real-world datasets. Full article
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25 pages, 1107 KiB  
Review
RAF and MEK Inhibitors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
by Christos Adamopoulos, Kostas A. Papavassiliou, Poulikos I. Poulikakos and Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094633 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Lung cancer, despite recent advancements in survival rates, represents a significant global health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent type, is driven largely by activating mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and [...] Read more.
Lung cancer, despite recent advancements in survival rates, represents a significant global health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent type, is driven largely by activating mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and less in v-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and mitogen-activated protein-kinase kinase (MEK), all key components of the RTK-RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Learning from melanoma, the identification of BRAFV600E substitution in NSCLC provided the rationale for the investigation of RAF and MEK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. The regulatory approval of two RAF-MEK inhibitor combinations, dabrafenib–trametinib, in 2017, and encorafenib–binimetinib, in 2023, signifies a breakthrough for the management of BRAFV600E-mutant NSCLC patients. However, the almost universal emergence of acquired resistance limits their clinical benefit. New RAF and MEK inhibitors, with distinct biochemical characteristics, are in preclinical and clinical development. In this review, we aim to provide valuable insights into the current state of RAF and MEK inhibition in the management of NSCLC, fostering a deeper understanding of the potential impact on patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
19 pages, 1200 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Conservation in Plant–Soil Feedback Accompanied by Ectomycorrhizal Domination in Temperate Forests in Northeast China
by Zhen Bai, Ji Ye, Shu-Fang Liu, Hai-Hong Sun, Zuo-Qiang Yuan, Zi-Kun Mao, Shuai Fang, Shao-Fen Long and Xu-Gao Wang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050310 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of forest aging on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community and foraging behavior and their interactions with plant–soil attributes. We explored EcM fungal communities and hyphal exploration types via rDNA sequencing and investigated their associations with plant–soil traits by comparing [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of forest aging on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community and foraging behavior and their interactions with plant–soil attributes. We explored EcM fungal communities and hyphal exploration types via rDNA sequencing and investigated their associations with plant–soil traits by comparing younger (~120 years) and older (~250 years) temperate forest stands in Northeast China. The results revealed increases in the EcM fungal richness and abundance with forest aging, paralleled by plant–soil feedback shifting from explorative to conservative nutrient use strategies. In the younger stands, Tomentella species were prevalent and showed positive correlations with nutrient availability in both the soil and leaves, alongside rapid increases in woody productivity. However, the older stands were marked by the dominance of the genera Inocybe, Hymenogaster, and Otidea which were significantly and positively correlated with soil nutrient contents and plant structural attributes such as the community-weighted mean height and standing biomass. Notably, the ratios of longer-to-shorter distance EcM fungal exploration types tended to decrease along with forest aging. Our findings underscore the integral role of EcM fungi in the aging processes of temperate forests, highlighting the EcM symbiont-mediated mechanisms adapting to nutrient scarcity and promoting sustainability in plant–soil consortia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
21 pages, 815 KiB  
Article
Effects of Speleotherapy on Aerobiota: A Case Study from the Sežana Hospital Cave, Slovenia
by Rok Tomazin, Andreja Kukec, Viktor Švigelj, Janez Mulec and Tadeja Matos
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050518 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Speleotherapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. On the one hand, one of the alleged main advantages of speleotherapeutic caves is the [...] Read more.
Speleotherapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods for the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, especially those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. On the one hand, one of the alleged main advantages of speleotherapeutic caves is the low microbial load in the air and the absence of other aeroallergens, but on the other hand, due to the lack of comprehensive air monitoring, there is little information on the pristine and human-influenced aerobiota in such environments. The aim of this study was to assess the anthropogenic effects of speleotherapy on the air microbiota and to investigate its potential impact on human health in Sežana Hospital Cave (Slovenia). From May 2020 to January 2023, air samples were collected in the cave before and after speleotherapeutic activities using two different volumetric air sampling methods—impaction and impingement—to isolate airborne microbiota. Along with sampling, environmental data were measured (CO2, humidity, wind, and temperature) to explore the anthropogenic effects on the aerobiota. While the presence of patients increased microbial concentrations by at least 83.3%, other parameters exhibited a lower impact or were attributed to seasonal changes. The structure and dynamics of the airborne microbiota are similar to those in show caves, indicating anthropization of the cave. Locally, concentrations of culturable microorganisms above 1000 CFU/m3 were detected, which could have negative or unpredictable effects on the autochthonous microbiota and possibly on human health. A mixture of bacteria and fungi typically associated with human microbiota was found in the air and identified by MALDI-TOF MS with a 90.9% identification success rate. Micrococcus luteus, Kocuria rosea, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus capitis were identified as reliable indicators of cave anthropization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioaerosol Exposure and Its Risk Assessment)
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19 pages, 2447 KiB  
Article
Administration Routes and Doses of the Attenuated African Swine Fever Virus Strain PSA-1NH Influence Cross-Protection of Pigs against Heterologous Challenge
by Mikhail Vlasov, Irina Sindryakova, Dmitriy Kudryashov, Sergey Morgunov, Olga Kolbasova, Valentina Lyska, Sergey Zhivoderov, Elena Pivova, Vladimir Balyshev, Sanzhi Namsrayn, Timofey Sevskikh, Alexey Sereda and Denis Kolbasov
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091277 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease of Suidae, i.e., domestic pigs and wild boars, caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The development of cross-protective vaccines against ASF is imperative for effective disease control, particularly in regions where ASF [...] Read more.
African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal hemorrhagic disease of Suidae, i.e., domestic pigs and wild boars, caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The development of cross-protective vaccines against ASF is imperative for effective disease control, particularly in regions where ASF is endemic, potentially featuring multiple circulating ASFV isolates. The investigation of non-hemadsorbing naturally attenuated isolates and laboratory recombinant strains with a deletion in the EP402R gene has attracted interest. Our study aimed to assess the impacts of various administration routes and doses of the naturally attenuated ASFV-PSA-1NH (immunotype IV, genotype I) isolate on the manifestation of clinical signs of ASF and the level of protection against the heterologous ASFV-Stavropol 01/08 strain (seroimmunotype VIII, genotype II). The results demonstrated that the intranasal administration of a low dose of ASFV-PSA-1NH to pigs minimized the clinical signs of ASF and established a high level of protection against the heterologous strain ASFV-Stavropol 01/08. Despite the challenges in standardizing the dosage for intranasal administration, this approach appears as a viable alternative in ASF vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
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17 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
Splenic Elemental Composition of Breast Cancer-Suffering Rats Supplemented with Pomegranate Seed Oil and Bitter Melon Extract
by Małgorzata Białek, Tomasz Lepionka, Wiktoria Wojtak, Anna Ruszczyńska, Ewa Bulska, Marian Czauderna and Agnieszka Białek
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091942 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the spleen of rats both under normal physiological conditions and with coexisting mammary tumorigenesis. The diet of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate how dietary modifications with pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and bitter melon aqueous extract (BME) affect mineral content in the spleen of rats both under normal physiological conditions and with coexisting mammary tumorigenesis. The diet of Sprague-Dawley female rats was supplemented either with PSO or with BME, or with a combination for 21 weeks. A chemical carcinogen (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) was applied intragastrically to induce mammary tumors. In the spleen of rats, the selected elements were determined with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). ANOVA was used to evaluate differences in elemental composition among experimental groups. Multivariate statistical methods were used to discover whether some subtle dependencies exist between experimental factors and thus influence the element content. Experimental factors affected the splenic levels of macroelements, except for potassium. Both diet modification and the cancerogenic process resulted in significant changes in the content of Fe, Se, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Sr, Pb, Cd, B, and Tl in rat spleen. Chemometric analysis revealed the greatest impact of the ongoing carcinogenic process on the mineral composition of the spleen. The obtained results may contribute to a better understanding of peripheral immune organ functioning, especially during the neoplastic process, and thus may help develop anticancer prevention and treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants Extractions in Health Care)
19 pages, 10739 KiB  
Article
The Diversity of Freshwater Stygobiotic Crustaceans in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania Provides New Evidence for the Existence of an Ancient Glacial Refugium in the North Caucasus Region
by Ivan N. Marin and Dmitry M. Palatov
Water 2024, 16(9), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091212 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
A review and partial revision of the diversity of freshwater stygobiotic crustaceans in the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, in the North Caucasus, is presented here. Previously, two species of the genus Proasellus Dudich, 1925 (Isopoda, Asellidae), P. uallagirus Palatov & [...] Read more.
A review and partial revision of the diversity of freshwater stygobiotic crustaceans in the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, in the North Caucasus, is presented here. Previously, two species of the genus Proasellus Dudich, 1925 (Isopoda, Asellidae), P. uallagirus Palatov & Sokolova, 2020 and P. irystonicus Palatov & Sokolova, 2020, and one species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Amphipoda, Niphargidae), N. alanicus Marin & Palatov, 2021, were described from the hyporhean/underground habitats (hyporhea) in the area. However, further research using an integrative approach has revealed that only a single species of the genus Proasellus (P. uallagirus) is actually widely distributed in the hyporhean riverbed habitats in the area, while the diversity of the genus Niphargus is higher than previously known. Six more new Niphargus species— namely, N. ardonicus sp. nov., N. sadonicus sp. nov., N. fiagdonicus sp. nov., N. tschertschesovae sp. nov., N. osseticus sp. nov. and N. zeyensis sp. nov., were discovered from the various hypogean underground water sources (i.e., springs and seeps) and are described in this article. Their phylogenetic relationships with their congeners, as well as their ecology and known distribution, are discussed. Furthermore, molecular genetic analysis, with an interpretation of the estimated divergence time, suggests that the studied hyporheic/stygobiotic crustaceans started to diverge from related European and Balkan sister species during the Late Miocene, approximately 8–5.8 Mya, with the reduction in the Paratethys and the uplifting of the Caucasus Mountains. Local speciation was led by local geological processes and karst fragmentation during the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene periods, starting around 5.3 Mya. The obtained data suggest that the mountainous area of the North Ossetia–Alania could be considered as a post-Pliocene glacial refugium for subterranean and stygobiotic fauna—the first known for the North Caucasus region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeography and Speciation of Aquatic Organisms)
21 pages, 2076 KiB  
Article
Analysing the Evidence of the Effects of Climate Change, Air Pollutants, and Occupational Factors in the Appearance of Cataracts
by Lucía Echevarría-Lucas, José Mª Senciales-González and Jesús Rodrigo-Comino
Environments 2024, 11(5), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11050087 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cataracts are ocular conditions characterized by the opacification of the natural lens within the eye, which develops gradually over time and can affect one or both eyes. This condition commonly results from age-related changes in the lens, but can also arise from various [...] Read more.
Cataracts are ocular conditions characterized by the opacification of the natural lens within the eye, which develops gradually over time and can affect one or both eyes. This condition commonly results from age-related changes in the lens, but can also arise from various factors. Cataract surgeries are expensive, particularly in states such as Spain, where they receive full support from the Spanish social welfare system. Despite a significant body of research on cataracts, few studies address the social and environmental factors triggering their development or consider the spatiotemporal evolution of their impacts. We analysed the incidence of cataracts in a southern region of Spain, differentiating between senile cataracts (those over 60 years old) and early cataracts (those between 15 and 59 years old). Twenty-one socio-economic, climate, and air pollution variables were statistically analysed using bivariate correlation, cluster analysis, and Geographic Information Systems. Eleven years of observation show a decadal increase in annually averaged maximum temperature and a decrease in annual precipitation, partially explaining the rising incidence of operable cataracts in the following year (r = 0.77 and −0.84, respectively; p < 0.05). Furthermore, early cataracts responded spatially to % agricultural employment (r = 0.85; p < 0.05) and moderately to maximum temperatures, insolation, and various constituents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality, Health and Climate)
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20 pages, 3948 KiB  
Article
Early Identification and Dynamic Stability Evaluation of High-Locality Landslides in Yezhi Site Area, China by the InSAR Method
by Baoqin Lian, Daozheng Wang, Xingang Wang and Weijia Tan
Land 2024, 13(5), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050569 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
In mountainous regions, high-locality landslides have the characteristics of a latent disaster process with a wide disaster range, which can easily cause large casualties. Therefore, early landslide identification and dynamic stability evaluation are significant. We first used multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar data to [...] Read more.
In mountainous regions, high-locality landslides have the characteristics of a latent disaster process with a wide disaster range, which can easily cause large casualties. Therefore, early landslide identification and dynamic stability evaluation are significant. We first used multi-temporal synthetic aperture radar data to detect potential landslides at Yezhi Site Area during the 2015–2020 period, identifying and mapping a total of 18 active landslides. The study area was found to have an average deformation rate between −15 and 10 mm/y during the period. Then, time series and spatiotemporal deformation characteristics of landslides were examined using interferogram stacking and small baseline interferometry techniques. The results show that the majority of the landslide deformations detected exhibit a periodic variation trend, and the study area was in a slow deformation state before 2017. Finally, combined with detection results, Google Earth optical images, and field investigations, it is concluded that the main factors affecting the time series deformation and spatial distribution of landslides in the study area are rainfall, geological factors, and engineering activities. The results of this study provide valuable technical references and support for early identification and dynamic stability evaluation of regional active landslides in complex terrain, especially for high-locality landslides. Full article
21 pages, 1004 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Ceiling Gas Temperature in a Branched Tunnel Fire with a Sloped Mainline Region under Natural Ventilation
by Ning Lu, Xiaolin Yao, Jinming Yang and Youbo Huang
Fire 2024, 7(5), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7050152 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The effect of the mainline slope on the ceiling temperature profile in a branched tunnel has not been clarified nor included in existing models. Thus, in this paper, the numerical code was employed to investigate the induced airflow velocity and gas temperature beneath [...] Read more.
The effect of the mainline slope on the ceiling temperature profile in a branched tunnel has not been clarified nor included in existing models. Thus, in this paper, the numerical code was employed to investigate the induced airflow velocity and gas temperature beneath the ceiling in a branch tunnel with a sloped upstream mainline. The mainline slope varied from 1% to 7%, with an interval of 1%. Five fire power of 3 MW, 5 MW, 10 MW, 15 MW, and 20 MW are employed on each slope. The airflow velocity and the longitudinal temperature in the mainline tunnel are measured and analyzed. Results show that the stack effect obviously occurred, which caused longitudinal velocity to prevent the smoke reverse flow in the mainline. The induced airflow velocity in the upstream inclined mainline is higher with increasing slope, and the dimensionless velocity is normalized well by the proposed expression. The maximum ceiling temperature is independent of the mainline slope and correlated well by Q*2/3, but the effect of the mainline slope on temperature longitudinal decay is worth considering. Finally, a normalized expression for longitudinal temperature decay in an inclined mainline is proposed by taking the fire power and mainline slope into account. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Tunnel Fire Research)
17 pages, 2223 KiB  
Article
Managerial Decision-Making Methodology to Support Innovation Activities: Evidence from Slovak Enterprises
by Martin Holubčík, Jakub Soviar, Viliam Lendel and Juraj Čerňanský
Systems 2024, 12(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050144 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The creation of innovations in enterprises is a topic that has a firm place in the scientific literature, and the authors describe several procedures and theories of the functioning of the innovation process in enterprises. One part of the innovation process is decision-making. [...] Read more.
The creation of innovations in enterprises is a topic that has a firm place in the scientific literature, and the authors describe several procedures and theories of the functioning of the innovation process in enterprises. One part of the innovation process is decision-making. In the article, attention is paid to the results of research on the decision-making process as an important and integral part of the innovation process. The elements of the decision-making process and their impact on innovation represent an area of possible exploration and development of theories on decision-making in the innovation process. It is here that we have proposed a methodology for decision-making in the innovation process. The management of innovation processes, of which decision-making is an important part, provides multiple points of error for enterprises. Errors are experienced by enterprises due to a lack of information or its misuse, the influence of communication and time, and also the lack of experience of employees. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different decision-making criteria and approaches to innovation activities in Slovak enterprises within the framework of the developed methodology and survey results. Full article
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15 pages, 3694 KiB  
Article
Sweet Cherry Fruit Firmness Evaluation Using Compression Distance Methods
by Maria Karageorgiadou, Maria Rodovitou, Elpida Nasiopoulou, Vaia Styliani Titeli and Michail Michailidis
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050435 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Flesh firmness in sweet cherries is determined using the measurement of normalized deformation force, i.e., determining the required force for a distance equal to 5 or 10% of the diameter of the cherries per millimeter. However, a firmness method involving a defined distance [...] Read more.
Flesh firmness in sweet cherries is determined using the measurement of normalized deformation force, i.e., determining the required force for a distance equal to 5 or 10% of the diameter of the cherries per millimeter. However, a firmness method involving a defined distance is quite simple and suitable for easy applications. Hence, our study focuses on the impact of fruit physiology under various and fixed distances. To assess the firmness evaluation, two sweet cherry cultivars (Canada Giant and Regina) were selected and subjected to three different levels of compression distance equal to 1%, 5%, 10% of the fruit’s small thickness dimension along with a consistent compression distance of 0.16 mm. There was a strong correlation between panelists’ preferences and the fruit that had been subjected to both a 1% deformation force and a fixed distance of 0.16 mm within each cultivar. Physiological traits, membrane integrity, and the metabolome of the fruit in these categories were mostly unaffected by the control (0%), or 1%, deformation force, as shown by clustering and PCA analysis. The control and 1% deformation force groups showed similar patterns, contrary to those of the 5% and 10% deformation force groups. Given these considerations, a fixed distance of 0.16 mm and a minimal 1% deformation force possess the potential to be employed and implemented for monitoring the firmness of sweet cherries during postharvest preservation. Full article
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19 pages, 5085 KiB  
Article
Uniform Lighting of High-Power LEDs at a Short Distance to Plants for Energy-Saving and High-Density Indoor Farming
by Ten It Wong and Xiaodong Zhou
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050394 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
A tunable LED panel with multiple types of LEDs on a panel can provide various spectra for optimal plant growth. However, it is difficult for a lighting panel with multiple types of high-power LEDs to achieve uniform lighting. We demonstrated that by using [...] Read more.
A tunable LED panel with multiple types of LEDs on a panel can provide various spectra for optimal plant growth. However, it is difficult for a lighting panel with multiple types of high-power LEDs to achieve uniform lighting. We demonstrated that by using optical reflectors at the sides of an LED panel to trap photons of LED arrays or using both the above-mentioned reflectors and optical lenses on each LED, high lighting uniformity can be achieved at a short distance to plants. The ray-tracing simulation results show that the LED panel equipped with reflectors and optical lenses can achieve a high uniformity of >0.80 when the LED-plant distance is at half of the LED array’s pitch. We further verified that an LED panel (at a size of 88 cm × 54 cm) installed with reflectors can achieve light uniformities around 0.90 at a 15 cm LED-plant distance for the 6 types of LEDs (4 color LEDs and 2 white LEDs) on the panel. Compared with a branded tunable LED panel, our LED panel saves >25 cm vertical distance for each tier of plants and has 92.5% higher photon efficacy for 660 nm LEDs that exist on both panels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optoelectronics and Optical Materials)
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14 pages, 13832 KiB  
Article
Prevention of Water Seepage Impact on the Soluble Rocks Using Colloidal Silica
by Aram Aziz, Abbas Soroush, Seyed Mohammad Fattahi, Reza Imam and Mehrdad Ghahremani
Water 2024, 16(9), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091211 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Water seepage flow can dissolve soluble minerals that exist in rock formations. With the development of the excavated area due to dissolution, the water seepage velocity (discharge) into the dissolved rock will also increase. Therefore, water seepage and dissolution propagation are two interrelated [...] Read more.
Water seepage flow can dissolve soluble minerals that exist in rock formations. With the development of the excavated area due to dissolution, the water seepage velocity (discharge) into the dissolved rock will also increase. Therefore, water seepage and dissolution propagation are two interrelated processes. Mosul Dam foundation has experienced these processes since its construction, resulting in karstification in the reservoir and foundation of the dam. The present seepage-dissolution measure to minimize this phenomenon relies on traditional cementitious grouts. However, this measure has not been able to address the issue effectively. Currently, there are a few studies on the chemical remediation of soluble rocks under the influence of high-velocity water flow and water pressure. Therefore, the first part of the current study focuses on the impact of high-velocity water flow and water pressure on the dissolution acceleration of gypsum/anhydrite rocks. In the second part, the waterproof capacity of silica colloidal and its impact on the solubility reduction of the rocks is evaluated. Two distinct laboratory models were designed to simulate rock dissolution in the dam abutments and under the dam. Two sets of experiments were conducted on untreated and silica-treated samples. The experiments were executed on the samples extracted from Fatha Formation outcrop and problematic layers of brecciated gypsum situated at varying depths of the Mosul Dam foundation. The obtained findings reveal that the colloidal silica grout markedly prevents the water seepage impact on the soluble rock and that it can be very useful as an alternative to cement-based grouts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy System Flexibility for Water Desalination: Volume II)
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20 pages, 3351 KiB  
Article
Combining Empirical and Physics-Based Models for Solar Wind Prediction
by Rob Johnson, Soukaina Filali Boubrahimi, Omar Bahri and Shah Muhammad Hamdi
Universe 2024, 10(5), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10050191 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Solar wind modeling is classified into two main types: empirical models and physics-based models, each designed to forecast solar wind properties in various regions of the heliosphere. Empirical models, which are cost-effective, have demonstrated significant accuracy in predicting solar wind at the L1 [...] Read more.
Solar wind modeling is classified into two main types: empirical models and physics-based models, each designed to forecast solar wind properties in various regions of the heliosphere. Empirical models, which are cost-effective, have demonstrated significant accuracy in predicting solar wind at the L1 Lagrange point. On the other hand, physics-based models rely on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) principles and demand more computational resources. In this research paper, we build upon our recent novel approach that merges empirical and physics-based models. Our recent proposal involves the creation of a new physics-informed neural network that leverages time series data from solar wind predictors to enhance solar wind prediction. This innovative method aims to combine the strengths of both modeling approaches to achieve more accurate and efficient solar wind predictions. In this work, we show the variability of the proposed physics-informed loss across multiple deep learning models. We also study the effect of training the models on different solar cycles on the model’s performance. This work represents the first effort to predict solar wind by integrating deep learning approaches with physics constraints and analyzing the results across three solar cycles. Our findings demonstrate the superiority of our physics-constrained model over other unconstrained deep learning predictive models. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Solar and Stellar Activity: Exploring the Cosmic Nexus)
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19 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
A Broadband Information Metasurface-Assisted Target Jamming System for Synthetic Aperture Radar
by Hua Li, Zhenning Li, Kaiyu Liu, Kaijiang Xu, Chao Luo, You Lv and Yunkai Deng
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091499 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, jamming strategies for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) pertaining to target detection and identification, such as the creation of false targets, electromagnetic (EM) deception, and signal spoofing, have been increasingly emphasized. Distinct from traditional SAR jamming approaches, the introduction of an [...] Read more.
In recent years, jamming strategies for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) pertaining to target detection and identification, such as the creation of false targets, electromagnetic (EM) deception, and signal spoofing, have been increasingly emphasized. Distinct from traditional SAR jamming approaches, the introduction of an innovative artificial material cloak in SAR target jamming presents augmented capabilities. These methods demonstrate a proficient redirection of incident EM waves in specific or arbitrary directions, effectively masking the vital information linked to critical targets. This study introduces a broadband SAR target jamming system employing an information metasurface that incorporates intelligent information processing algorithms in conjunction with a space-time-coding digital metasurface, endowing it with the capacity to adeptly modulate incident EM waves. This integration facilitates a versatile approach to jamming, enabling the deployment of multi-mode protective measures against critical targets. The conducted simulation and experiment results validate the system’s ability to adjustably produce EM deception and generate multiple false targets independently of the SAR system. The outcomes of this research significantly advance the practicality of SAR protection strategies, pushing the boundaries toward more dynamic, broadband, and controllable scenarios, thereby substantially improving the concealment of critical targets in highly sensitive conflict areas. Full article
11 pages, 931 KiB  
Article
The Generation of Suspended Cell Wall Material May Limit the Effect of Ultrasound Technology in Some Varietal Wines
by Paula Pérez-Porras, Ana Belén Bautista-Ortín, Leticia Martínez-Lapuente, Zenaida Guadalupe, Belén Ayestarán and Encarna Gómez-Plaza
Foods 2024, 13(9), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091306 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The disruptive effect exerted by high-power ultrasound on grape cell walls enhances phenolic extraction, improving chromatic characteristics during red wine maceration. However, short maceration times may, sometimes, hinder this enhancement, and this effect could be attributed to the suspended cell wall material formation [...] Read more.
The disruptive effect exerted by high-power ultrasound on grape cell walls enhances phenolic extraction, improving chromatic characteristics during red wine maceration. However, short maceration times may, sometimes, hinder this enhancement, and this effect could be attributed to the suspended cell wall material formation facilitated by sonication. This suspended material, having a strong affinity for phenolic compounds, can lead to their precipitation and elimination during subsequent vinification stages and, consequently, a significant portion of extracted phenolic compounds may not contribute to the final phenolic composition of the wine, impacting its chromatic features. To demonstrate this effect, sonicated grapes of two different varieties were vinified with No modified process that eliminated part of this suspended material. Results confirm our hypothesis; that is, the lack of positive outcomes in some cases is due to phenolic compound adsorption on suspended material. Full article
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16 pages, 9438 KiB  
Review
Application of Magnetic Separation Technology in Resource Utilization and Environmental Treatment
by Jiangang Ku, Kunpeng Wang, Qian Wang and Zhongyun Lei
Separations 2024, 11(5), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050130 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Magnetic separation technology is a physical separation method that uses the differences in magnetism between matter to separate them from each other by different motion behaviors in a non-uniform magnetic field. It is highly efficient, green, and environmentally friendly, with little change in [...] Read more.
Magnetic separation technology is a physical separation method that uses the differences in magnetism between matter to separate them from each other by different motion behaviors in a non-uniform magnetic field. It is highly efficient, green, and environmentally friendly, with little change in the physical and chemical properties of raw materials. Magnetic separation technology is commonly used in the field of mineral processing engineering for magnetite, hematite, titanite, and other magnetic ferrous metal oxide minerals. This paper summarizes the application of magnetic separation technology for resource utilization and environmental treatment in different fields, such as non-metal decomposition, valuable metal recovery, use of magnetic carrier chemical separation, biomedical targeted magnetic separation, and use of magnetic species separation in water and wastewater treatment. We seek to review the application and potential of magnetic separation technology in various fields, emphasize their key role, and explore possible directions for their future development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Magnetic Separation Technology in Green Production)
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16 pages, 1726 KiB  
Article
Charging Station Site Selection Optimization for Electric Logistics Vehicles, Taking into Account Time-Window and Load Constraints
by Li Cai, Junting Li, Haitao Zhu, Chenxi Yang, Juan Yan, Qingshan Xu and Xiaojiang Zou
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050181 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to improve the efficiency of the “last-mile” distribution in urban logistics and solve the problem of the difficult charging of electric logistics vehicles (ELVs), this paper proposes a charging station location optimization scheme for ELVs that takes into account time-window and [...] Read more.
In order to improve the efficiency of the “last-mile” distribution in urban logistics and solve the problem of the difficult charging of electric logistics vehicles (ELVs), this paper proposes a charging station location optimization scheme for ELVs that takes into account time-window and load constraints (TW-LCs). Taking the optimal transportation path as the objective function and considering the time-window and vehicle load constraints, a charging station siting model was established. For the TW-LC problem, an improved genetic algorithm combining the farthest-insertion heuristic idea and local search operation was designed. Three different types of standardized arithmetic examples, C type, R type, and RC type, were used to test the proposed algorithm and compare it with the traditional genetic algorithm. The results indicate that, under the same conditions, compared to the traditional genetic algorithm, the improved genetic algorithm reduced the optimal path length by an average of 11.12%. It also decreased the number of charging stations selected, the number of vehicles in use, and the algorithm complexity by 22.97%, 13.71%, and 46.81%. Building on this, a case study was conducted on the TW-LC problem in a specific area of Chongqing, China. It resulted in a 50% reduction in the number of charging stations and a 25% reduction in the number of vehicles selected. In terms of economic indicators, the proposed algorithm improves unit electricity sales by 73.88% and reduces the total annualized cost of the logistics company by 18.81%, providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent promotion of ELVs. Full article
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42 pages, 5695 KiB  
Article
An Application-Driven Method for Assembling Numerical Schemes for the Solution of Complex Multiphysics Problems
by Patrick Zimbrod, Michael Fleck and Johannes Schilp
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7030035 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Within recent years, considerable progress has been made regarding high-performance solvers for partial differential equations (PDEs), yielding potential gains in efficiency compared to industry standard tools. However, the latter largely remains the status quo for scientists and engineers focusing on applying simulation tools [...] Read more.
Within recent years, considerable progress has been made regarding high-performance solvers for partial differential equations (PDEs), yielding potential gains in efficiency compared to industry standard tools. However, the latter largely remains the status quo for scientists and engineers focusing on applying simulation tools to specific problems in practice. We attribute this growing technical gap to the increasing complexity and knowledge required to pick and assemble state-of-the-art methods. Thus, with this work, we initiate an effort to build a common taxonomy for the most popular grid-based approximation schemes to draw comparisons regarding accuracy and computational efficiency. We then build upon this foundation and introduce a method to systematically guide an application expert through classifying a given PDE problem setting and identifying a suitable numerical scheme. Great care is taken to ensure that making a choice this way is unambiguous, i.e., the goal is to obtain a clear and reproducible recommendation. Our method not only helps to identify and assemble suitable schemes but enables the unique combination of multiple methods on a per-field basis. We demonstrate this process and its effectiveness using different model problems, each comparing the resulting numerical scheme from our method with the next best choice. For both the Allen–Cahn and advection equations, we show that substantial computational gains can be attained for the recommended numerical methods regarding accuracy and efficiency. Lastly, we outline how one can systematically analyze and classify a coupled multiphysics problem of considerable complexity with six different unknown quantities, yielding an efficient, mixed discretization that in configuration compares well to high-performance implementations from the literature. Full article
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