The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
18 pages, 2122 KiB  
Article
Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Restoring the Intestinal Microbiota and Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Axis
by Fan-Hao Wei, Wen-Yin Xie, Pei-Sen Zhao, Wei Gao and Fei Gao
Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091305 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal ailment which cannot be completely cured. The occurrence of UC has been on the rise in recent years, which is highly detrimental to patients. The effectiveness of conventional drug treatment is limited. The long-term usage of [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal ailment which cannot be completely cured. The occurrence of UC has been on the rise in recent years, which is highly detrimental to patients. The effectiveness of conventional drug treatment is limited. The long-term usage of these agents can lead to substantial adverse effects. Therefore, the development of a safe and efficient dietary supplement is important for the prevention of UC. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) is one of the main bioactive substances in Echinacea purpurea. EPP has many favorable effects, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, whether EPP can prevent or alleviate UC is still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effect and mechanism of EPP on UC in mice using a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg EPP significantly alleviated the shortening of colon length, weight loss, and histopathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice. Mechanistically, EPP significantly inhibits the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and preserves the intestinal mechanical barrier integrity by enhancing the expression of claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin and reducing the loss of goblet cells. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that EPP intervention reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Escherichia–Shigella, and Klebsiella; the abundance of Lactobacillus increased. The results of nontargeted metabonomics showed that EPP reshaped metabolism. In this study, we clarified the effect of EPP on UC, revealed the potential function of EPP, and supported the use of polysaccharide dietary supplements for UC prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)
22 pages, 4843 KiB  
Article
Development of New Composite Materials by Modifying the Surface of Porous Hydroxyapatite Using Cucurbit[n]urils
by Tolkynay Burkhanbayeva, Arthur Ukhov, Dmitry Fedorishin, Alexander Gubankov, Irina Kurzina, Abdigali Bakibaev, Rakhmetulla Yerkassov, Togzhan Mashan, Faiziya Suyundikova, Nurgul Nurmukhanbetova and Aina Khamitova
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092041 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study represents an advancement in the field of composite material engineering, focusing on the synthesis of composite materials derived from porous hydroxyapatite via surface modification employing cucurbit[n]urils, which are highly promising macrocyclic compounds. The surface modification procedure entailed the application of cucurbit[n]urils [...] Read more.
This study represents an advancement in the field of composite material engineering, focusing on the synthesis of composite materials derived from porous hydroxyapatite via surface modification employing cucurbit[n]urils, which are highly promising macrocyclic compounds. The surface modification procedure entailed the application of cucurbit[n]urils in an aqueous medium onto the hydroxyapatite surface. A comprehensive characterization of the resulting materials was undertaken, employing analytical techniques including infrared (IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, the materials were subjected to rigorous evaluation for their hemolytic effect, anti-inflammatory properties, and cytotoxicity. Remarkably, the findings revealed a notable absence of typical hemolytic effects in materials incorporating surface-bound cucurbit[n]urils. This observation underscores the potential of these modified materials as biocompatible alternatives. Notably, this discovery presents a promising avenue for the fabrication of resilient and efficient biocomposites, offering a viable alternative to conventional approaches. Furthermore, these findings hint at the prospect of employing supramolecular strategies involving encapsulated cucurbit[n]urils in analogous processes. This suggests a novel direction for further research, potentially unlocking new frontiers in material engineering through the exploitation of supramolecular interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 8547 KiB  
Article
Displacement Mapping as a Highly Flexible Surface Texturing Tool for Additively Photopolymerized Components
by Robert Bail and Dong Hyun Lee
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050575 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Displacement mapping is a computer graphics technique that enables the design of components with regularly or randomly textured surfaces that can be quickly materialized on a three-dimensional (3D) printer when needed. This approach is, in principle, more flexible, faster, and more economical compared [...] Read more.
Displacement mapping is a computer graphics technique that enables the design of components with regularly or randomly textured surfaces that can be quickly materialized on a three-dimensional (3D) printer when needed. This approach is, in principle, more flexible, faster, and more economical compared to conventional texturing methods, but the accuracy of the texture depends heavily on the parameters used. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how to produce a surface-textured part using polygonal (mesh) modeling software and a photopolymerizable resin and to develop a universal methodology to predict the dimensional accuracy of the model file log combined with a resin 3D printer. The printed components were characterized on a scanning confocal microscope. In the setup used in this study, the mesh size had to be reduced to 10% of the smallest feature size, and the textured layer had to be heavily (×4.5) overexposed to achieve the desired accuracy. As a practical application, two functional stamps with a regular (honeycomb) and a random texture, respectively, were successfully manufactured. The insights gained will be of great benefit for quickly and cost-effectively producing components with innovative patterns and textures for a variety of hobby, industrial, and biomedical applications. Full article
13 pages, 4470 KiB  
Article
Study on the Molding Factors of Preparing High-Strength Laminated Bamboo Composites
by Leufouesangou Colince, Jun Qian, Jian Zhang, Chunbiao Wu and Liyuan Yu
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092042 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
To promote the development of the ‘Bamboo as a Substitute for Steel’ proposal, rotary cut bamboo veneers were applied to prepare a kind of high-strength laminated bamboo composite, which was achieved through the hot press molding method in this study. Orthogonal experiments of [...] Read more.
To promote the development of the ‘Bamboo as a Substitute for Steel’ proposal, rotary cut bamboo veneers were applied to prepare a kind of high-strength laminated bamboo composite, which was achieved through the hot press molding method in this study. Orthogonal experiments of L9 (33) were performed, with hot-pressing temperature, pressure, and time considered as three influencing factors. Physical properties like density and moisture content, and mechanical properties like modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), shear strength, and compressive strength were tested for the samples. It can be obtained from the results of range analysis and ANOVA that higher density and lower moisture content were correlated with higher mechanical strength. Within the selected range of tested factors, a hot-pressing temperature and time of 150 °C and 10 min can contribute to higher density and lower moisture content, and the combination of 150 °C and 50 MPa can produce greater mechanical strength. In the thickness direction, the laminated bamboo composites displayed a notable compressed structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
19 pages, 33390 KiB  
Article
An Advanced Scheme for Radar Clutter Suppression Scheme Based on Blind Source Separation
by Dahu Wang, Liu Chang and Chao Wang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091544 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In cluttered electromagnetic environments, radar is often disturbed by varied clutter, making target detection challenging. Therefore, achieving effective clutter suppression is crucial for radar target detection. However, traditional clutter suppression methods face three key challenges: (1) significant degradation in target signal detection performance [...] Read more.
In cluttered electromagnetic environments, radar is often disturbed by varied clutter, making target detection challenging. Therefore, achieving effective clutter suppression is crucial for radar target detection. However, traditional clutter suppression methods face three key challenges: (1) significant degradation in target signal detection performance when the clutter’s Doppler spectrum completely masks the target signal; (2) heavy reliance on prior knowledge for optimal performance; and (3) inherent signal energy loss during clutter suppression. To address these challenges, we propose a clutter suppression scheme based on blind source separation (BSS). Initially, the scheme utilizes parallel principal skewness analysis (PPSA) to process the echo signals in the range domain, which helps in identifying the position of moving targets. Subsequently, PPSA is applied once more to process the moving targets in the Doppler domain, allowing for the precise determination of their relative velocities. Subsequently, we evaluate the scheme’s performance with simulated and real data, comparing it with traditional clutter suppression methods and other BSS techniques. The results confirm the effectiveness of the scheme in clutter suppression. Full article
15 pages, 1745 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Circular Economy Funds: Performance, Fees, Risks, and Sustainability
by Fei Fang and Sitikantha Parida
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2024, 12(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs12020040 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
We studied various fund investing options in the circular economy sector. We found that most circular economy mutual funds and exchange-traded funds charge higher fees and take higher risks than their benchmarks. However, they appear to have underperformed their benchmarks during their short [...] Read more.
We studied various fund investing options in the circular economy sector. We found that most circular economy mutual funds and exchange-traded funds charge higher fees and take higher risks than their benchmarks. However, they appear to have underperformed their benchmarks during their short existence so far. Most of these funds are rated as sustainable and low-carbon funds. Investors keen on circular economy startups may consider private equity/venture capital funds, but most of these funds are exclusive to institutional and accredited investors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Investing and Financial Services)
17 pages, 4421 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Aerodynamic Performance of a Centrifugal Compressor with Leaned and Bowed 3D Blades
by Zhehong Li, Wanmin Kong, Genqiang Shao, Fujian Zhu, Chaowei Zhang, Feiyue Kong and Yifan Zhang
Processes 2024, 12(5), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12050875 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The application of centrifugal compressors is extensive in industries such as aerospace and energy. The blade is the primary factor affecting the aerodynamic performance of compressors. In this paper, the aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal compressor with leaned and bowed 3D blades is [...] Read more.
The application of centrifugal compressors is extensive in industries such as aerospace and energy. The blade is the primary factor affecting the aerodynamic performance of compressors. In this paper, the aerodynamic performance of a centrifugal compressor with leaned and bowed 3D blades is investigated. The spanwise section profiles of the blade in the circumferential direction are deflected at different angles, resulting in four compressors with distinct leaned and bowed 3D blades based on the original model. There is a significant change in isentropic efficiency of the modified models under design conditions. Specifically, models 1, 3, and 4 experienced an increase of 0.97%, 1.04%, and 0.79%, respectively, while model 2 experienced a decrease of 0.70%. The profile of the blade tip and 50% spanwise section are shifted towards the suction surface, resulting in a geometric structure where the blade is concave towards the pressure surface. This structure gradually lifts the flow from the blade root to the blade tip downstream to the outlet area of the flow channel, reducing the load on the trailing edge of the blade and making the flow more closely aligned with the blade. At the same time, the larger radial velocity gradient near the blade tip suppresses the backflow on the shroud side, making the flow at the impeller outlet more stable. The outlet velocity of the impeller is more evenly distributed along the spanwise and circumferential directions, which improves the flow at the inlet of the diffuser and enhances the efficiency of the diffuser. Due to the high spanwise height of the leading edge of the blade, this bowed blade structure has little effect on the spanwise curvature upstream of the blade, resulting in negligible influence on the flow of the upstream channel. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)
17 pages, 792 KiB  
Article
Environmental Impact of Enhanced Geothermal Systems with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Comparative Life Cycle Analysis of Polish and Norwegian Cases
by Magdalena Strojny, Paweł Gładysz, Trond Andresen, Leszek Pająk, Magdalena Starczewska and Anna Sowiżdżał
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092077 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Low-carbon electricity and heat production is essential for keeping the decarbonization targets and climate mitigation goals. Thus, an accurate understanding of the potential environmental impacts constitutes a key aspect not only for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also for other environmental [...] Read more.
Low-carbon electricity and heat production is essential for keeping the decarbonization targets and climate mitigation goals. Thus, an accurate understanding of the potential environmental impacts constitutes a key aspect not only for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also for other environmental categories. Life cycle assessment allows us to conduct an overall evaluation of a given process or system through its whole lifetime across various environmental indicators. This study focused on construction, operation and maintenance, and end-of-life phases, which were analyzed based on the ReCiPe 2016 method. Within this work, authors assessed the environmental performance of one of the renewable energy sources—Enhanced Geothermal Systems, which utilize supercritical carbon dioxide as a working fluid to produce electricity and heat. Heat for the process is extracted from hot, dry rocks, typically located at depths of approximately 4–5 km, and requires appropriate stimulation to enable fluid flow. Consequently, drilling and site preparation entail significant energy and material inputs. This stage, based on conducted calculations, exhibits the highest global warming potential, with values between 5.2 and 30.1 kgCO2eq/MWhel, corresponding to approximately 65%, 86%, and 94% in terms of overall impacts for ecosystems, human health, and resources categories, respectively. Moreover, the study authors compared the EGS impacts for the Polish and Norwegian conditions. Obtained results indicated that due to much higher electricity output from the Norwegian plant, which is sited offshore, the environmental influence remains the lowest, at a level of 11.9 kgCO2eq/MWhel. Polish cases range between 38.7 and 54.1 kgCO2eq/MWhel of global warming potential in terms of electricity production. Regarding power generation only, the impacts in the case of the Norwegian facility are two to five times lower than for the installation in the Polish conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)
24 pages, 1705 KiB  
Review
Channel Prediction for Underwater Acoustic Communication: A Review and Performance Evaluation of Algorithms
by Haotian Liu, Lu Ma, Zhaohui Wang and Gang Qiao
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(9), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16091546 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Underwater acoustic (UWA) channel prediction technology, as an important topic in UWA communication, has played an important role in UWA adaptive communication network and underwater target perception. Although many significant advancements have been achieved in underwater acoustic channel prediction over the years, a [...] Read more.
Underwater acoustic (UWA) channel prediction technology, as an important topic in UWA communication, has played an important role in UWA adaptive communication network and underwater target perception. Although many significant advancements have been achieved in underwater acoustic channel prediction over the years, a comprehensive summary and introduction is still lacking. As the first comprehensive overview of UWA channel prediction, this paper introduces past works and algorithm implementation methods of channel prediction from the perspective of linear, kernel-based, and deep learning approaches. Importantly, based on available at-sea experiment datasets, this paper compares the performance of current primary UWA channel prediction algorithms under a unified system framework, providing researchers with a comprehensive and objective understanding of UWA channel prediction. Finally, it discusses the directions and challenges for future research. The survey finds that linear prediction algorithms are the most widely applied, and deep learning, as the most advanced type of algorithm, has moved this field into a new stage. The experimental results show that the linear algorithms have the lowest computational complexity, and when the training samples are sufficient, deep learning algorithms have the best prediction performance. Full article
19 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Regional Evolution of the Hefei Political and Cultural New District Skyline Based on Exploratory Factor Analysis and Semantic Segmentation
by Le Zhang, Mengru Zhang, Mingxia Yuan and Yanlong Guo
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051238 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The general population’s assessment and perception of a city can be influenced by its skyline, which is one of its representatives. This paper uses semantic segmentation and exploratory factor analysis to conduct a study from two different perspectives, aiming to analyse the development [...] Read more.
The general population’s assessment and perception of a city can be influenced by its skyline, which is one of its representatives. This paper uses semantic segmentation and exploratory factor analysis to conduct a study from two different perspectives, aiming to analyse the development and current situation of the skyline of Hefei’s political and cultural new district. By collecting pictures of the skyline of the New Administrative and Cultural District, the New Administrative and Cultural District of Hefei’s skyline is being studied for overall changes using the semantic segmentation method, and to evaluate the quality of the skyline in various years, the entropy weight–TOPSIS is employed. Through the literature investigation and creation status of the new political and cultural district, the index system is scientifically formulated to conduct a questionnaire survey, and its reliability and validity are tested. This study is conducted with exploratory factor analysis of factors that are vital in the city skyline. The results of this study show that (1) after the semantic segmentation of the pictures, it is found that the proportion of buildings and the proportion of vegetation are both rising; the proportion of buildings tends to level off after 2018, and the proportion of vegetation shows a uniform increase. In the relative proximity ranking, the overall trend is increasing, and the skyline is ranked first in 2024. (2) Two variables were identified based on the findings of the exploratory factor analysis: ‘skyline value’ and ‘neighbourhood ecological quality’. The results of this study show that the skyline of Hefei’s New Administrative and Cultural District in 2024 is the best overall, and that the skyline of the New Administrative and Cultural District has developed into one of the city images of Hefei, and that its optimisation can be considered in terms of the “quality of the surrounding ecological environment”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Wellbeing: The Impact of Spatial Parameters)
29 pages, 7298 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Robustness of Ozone Chemical Regimes to Chemistry-Transport Model Configurations
by Elsa Real, Florian Couvidat, Adrien Chantreux, Athanasios Megaritis, Giuseppe Valastro and Augustin Colette
Atmosphere 2024, 15(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15050532 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In a previous study, we assessed the efficiency of reducing either traffic or industrial emissions on various ozone metrics for several cities in Europe, based on the Air Control Toolbox surrogate model. Here, we perform various model parametrisation sensitivity analyses in order to [...] Read more.
In a previous study, we assessed the efficiency of reducing either traffic or industrial emissions on various ozone metrics for several cities in Europe, based on the Air Control Toolbox surrogate model. Here, we perform various model parametrisation sensitivity analyses in order to assess the robustness of our results. We find that increasing the model resolution has a limited impact on the ozone response to emission changes when focusing on concentration peaks but strongly changes the response of the ozone daily mean with a switch to a titration regime for all zones with significant nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The impact of pollution imported from outside the simulation domain was also studied and we show that if the first lever for action on ozone peaks remains as the reduction of local and regional emissions, in order to achieve higher levels of reduction, it is necessary to act at a European level. We also explore more up-to-date temporal profiles and sectoral emission speciation and find a shift towards a more NOx-limited regime in a number of cities. Overall, these sensitivity tests show that most of the differences are simulated in cities with high NOx emissions and little solar radiation but do not change the overall conclusions that were previously obtained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Urban Ozone Pollution)
24 pages, 2027 KiB  
Review
A Mini Review on Sewage Sludge and Red Mud Recycling for Thermal Energy Storage
by Yaxuan Xiong, Aitonglu Zhang, Yanqi Zhao, Qian Xu and Yulong Ding
Energies 2024, 17(9), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092079 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sewage sludge and red mud, as common industrial waste, have become a research hotspot in the field of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, reducing carbon emissions, and solving environmental problems. However, their treatment and disposal have always been a difficult problem in [...] Read more.
Sewage sludge and red mud, as common industrial waste, have become a research hotspot in the field of achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, reducing carbon emissions, and solving environmental problems. However, their treatment and disposal have always been a difficult problem in the environmental field. Utilizing these two materials for thermal energy storage can not only improve energy utilization efficiency but also further reduce carbon emissions during their treatment process, providing a new approach for sustainable development in the industrial sector. This article summarizes the research progress for the resource recovery of sewage sludge and red mud for direct thermal energy recovery and composite phase change energy storage. After proper treatment, sludge and red mud can be directly used as energy storage materials. In addition, sludge and red mud can be combined with phase change materials to prepare composite materials with an excellent energy storage performance. This composite has broad application prospects in fields such as solar energy utilization and building energy efficiency. However, there are still some challenges and issues in this resource recovery and utilization, such as potential environmental pollution during the treatment process, the long-term stability of energy storage materials, and cost-effectiveness, which require further research and resolution. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential of sewage sludge and red mud as energy storage materials, to explore their feasibility and advantages in practical applications, and to reveal the research progress, technical challenges, and future development directions of these two materials in the field of thermal energy storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Applications of Solar and Thermal Storage Energy)
22 pages, 9790 KiB  
Article
Research on the Mechanical, Thermal and Induction Healing Properties of Asphalt Wearing Course with Steel Fibers
by Wei Liu, Shaopeng Wu, Quantao Liu, Jiazhu Wang, Pei Wan, Haiqin Xu and Qi Jiang
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092040 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Induction healing technology can effectively repair microcracks in asphalt mixtures and is a promising maintenance technology for asphalt pavements. However, it requires the addition of steel wool fibers to asphalt mixtures and cannot be directly used to repair existing pavements. In order to [...] Read more.
Induction healing technology can effectively repair microcracks in asphalt mixtures and is a promising maintenance technology for asphalt pavements. However, it requires the addition of steel wool fibers to asphalt mixtures and cannot be directly used to repair existing pavements. In order to improve the practicality of the induction healing technology, this article designs a wearing course asphalt mixture with induction healing function that is going to be paved above the existing road surface. The AC-10 asphalt wearing course for induction heating was prepared by adding steel fiber (SF). Analysis of the overall temperature of the surface revealed the unevenness of the temperature distribution, and the healing properties were investigated through protective heating that controlled the maximum temperature of the upper surface. The results show that the addition of SF can improve the high-temperature stability, low-temperature and intermediate-temperature crack resistance, and moisture stability of asphalt wearing courses; however, it has adverse effects on volumetric performance and skid resistance. The heating temperature increases with the increase in SF content, but higher maximum temperature heating rate causes worse heating uniformity and lower healing effect. The maximum heating rate of the sample with 10% SF reaches 3.92 °C/s, while its heating rate at minimum temperature is similar to that of the sample with 6% SF, which is only 0.7 °C/s, indicating the worst heating uniformity. The best healing effect occurs when the maximum temperature of the upper surface reaches 160 °C. The recommended optimal SF content is 6% of the asphalt volume. The asphalt mixture with 6% SF has an appropriate volume performance, moisture stability, and skid resistance; additionally, it has the best high-temperature stability, as well as low-temperature and intermediate-temperature crack resistance. Meanwhile, it also has uniform temperature distribution and efficient healing efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 497 KiB  
Article
Incremental Green Investment Rule Induction Using Intelligent Rough Sets from an Energy Perspective
by Chun-Che Huang, Wen-Yau Liang, Horng-Fu Chuang, Tzu-Liang (Bill) Tseng and Yi-Chun Shen
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3655; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093655 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has stated the importance of green investment. Energy-related green investment involves intricate economic behavior and ecological objectives. Green investment definitely requires agile decisions, e.g., rule-based decisions, to respond to changes outside the country. The identification [...] Read more.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has stated the importance of green investment. Energy-related green investment involves intricate economic behavior and ecological objectives. Green investment definitely requires agile decisions, e.g., rule-based decisions, to respond to changes outside the country. The identification of significant rules with numerous result features and the assurance of the stability and robustness of the rules in decision-making are crucial for green energy investment. The rough set (RS) methodology works well for processing qualitative data that are difficult to examine with traditional statistical methods in order to induce decision rules. The RS methodology starts with the analysis of the limits of discernibility of a subset of objects belonging to the domain to induce rules. However, traditional RS methods cannot incrementally generate rules with outcome features when new objects are added, which frequently occurs in green energy investment with the inclusion of big data. In this paper, an intelligent RS approach is proposed. This approach effectively identifies the rules that either stay the same or are altered based on four classified cases after a new object is introduced; it is novel because it can deal with a complicated investment environment by imposing multiple outcome features, specifically when it is required to flexibly extract new decision rules via adding new data sets. Full article
21 pages, 623 KiB  
Review
Phthalates: The Main Issue in Quality Control in the Beverage Industry
by Alessia Iannone, Cristina Di Fiore, Fabiana Carriera, Pasquale Avino and Virgilio Stillittano
Separations 2024, 11(5), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11050133 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a group of chemicals used to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. The chemical properties and the resistance to high temperatures promote their degradation and release into the environment. Food and beverages can be contaminated by PAEs through [...] Read more.
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a group of chemicals used to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. The chemical properties and the resistance to high temperatures promote their degradation and release into the environment. Food and beverages can be contaminated by PAEs through the migration from packaging material because they are not covalently bound to plastic and also via different kinds of environmental sources or during processing. For instance, alcoholic drinks in plastic containers are a particular risk, since the ethanol contained provides a good solubility for PAEs. According to its role as an endocrine disruptor compound and its adverse effects on the liver, kidney, and reproductive and respiratory systems, the International Agency on Research Cancer (IARC) classified di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a possible human carcinogen. For this reason, to control human exposure to PAEs, many countries prohibited their use in food as non-food substances. For example, in Europe, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/2005 restricts the use of DEHP, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) to a concentration equal to or below 0.1 by weight in plasticizers in articles used by consumers or in indoor areas. There are reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that some beverages (and food as well), particularly fruit juices, contain high levels of phthalates. In some cases, the deliberate adulteration of soft drinks with phthalate esters has been reported. This paper would like to show the difficulties of performing PAE analysis in beverage matrices, in particular alcoholic beverages, as well as the main solutions provided for quality control in the industrial branches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analysis of Food and Beverages)
26 pages, 7473 KiB  
Article
Experimental Analysis of Smart Drilling for the Furniture Industry in the Era of Industry 4.0
by Krzysztof Szwajka, Joanna Zielińska-Szwajka and Tomasz Trzepieciński
Materials 2024, 17(9), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17092033 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The fact is that hundreds of holes are drilled in the assembly process of furniture sets, so intelligent drilling is a key element in maximizing efficiency. Increasing the feed rate or the cutting speed in materials characterized by a higher machinability index is [...] Read more.
The fact is that hundreds of holes are drilled in the assembly process of furniture sets, so intelligent drilling is a key element in maximizing efficiency. Increasing the feed rate or the cutting speed in materials characterized by a higher machinability index is necessary. Smart drilling, that is, the real-time adjustment of the cutting parameters, requires the evolution of cutting process variables. In addition, it is necessary to control and adjust the processing parameters in real time. Machinability is one of the most important technological properties in the machining process, enabling the determination of the material’s susceptibility to machining. One of the machinability indicators is the unit cutting resistance. This article proposes a method of material identification using the short-time Fourier transform in order to automatically adjust cutting parameters during drilling based on force signals, cutting torque and acceleration signals. In the tests, four types of wood-based materials were used as the processed material: medium-density fiberboard, chipboard, plywood board and high-pressure laminate. Holes with a diameter of 10 mm were drilled in the test materials, with variable feed rate, cutting speed and thickness of cutting layer. An innovative method for determining the value of unit cutting resistance was proposed. The results obtained were used to determine the machinability index. Based on the test results, it was shown that both the selected signal measures in the time and frequency domains and the unit cutting resistance are constant for a given material of a workpiece and do not depend on the drilling process parameters. In this article, the methodology is proposed, which can be used as an intelligent technique to support the drilling process to detect the material being machined using data from sensors installed on the machine tool. The work proposes the fundamentals for material identification based on the analysis of force signals and the magnitude of force derivatives. The proposed methodology shows effectiveness, which proves that it can be used in intelligent drilling processes. Hybrid wood-based material structures consisting of different materials are becoming more and more common in building structures for strength, economic and environmental reasons. Due to the difference in the machinability of interconnected materials, cutting parameters must be optimized in real time during machining. Currently, with the rapid development of Industry 4.0, the on-line identification of parameters is becoming necessary to improve the process flow in industrial reality. The proposed methodology can be used as an intelligent technique to support the drilling process in order to detect the material being processed using data from sensors installed on the machine tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study of Timber and Wood Related Materials—2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
Group Formative Processes in 2 Cor 6:14–7:1
by Gijsbert van Appeldoorn
Religions 2024, 15(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050538 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
This article offers a fresh interpretation of the intended impact of 2 Cor 6:14–7:1 on the group formation of the Corinthian Christ community. To achieve this interpretation, it will first determine the most likely social reference of the term οἱ ἄπιστοι. Secondly, it [...] Read more.
This article offers a fresh interpretation of the intended impact of 2 Cor 6:14–7:1 on the group formation of the Corinthian Christ community. To achieve this interpretation, it will first determine the most likely social reference of the term οἱ ἄπιστοι. Secondly, it will describe a methodological tool from the Social Identity Approach that will help to visualise how groups are formed and reformed when the context changes. Finally, it will apply this tool to determine how 2 Cor 6:14–7:1 affected the boundaries of the Christ community in Corinth. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 483 KiB  
Article
Quality Assessors’ Feedback and Recommendations on Music Education in Hong Kong Kindergartens
by Yan Lam Ho and Alfredo Bautista
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050466 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
In Hong Kong, quality assessors from the Education Bureau (EDB) visit kindergartens to conduct Quality Review (QR) assessments. Their written reports, therefore, reflect the official local perspective of quality kindergarten education. We conducted a content analysis of 323 QR reports focusing on the [...] Read more.
In Hong Kong, quality assessors from the Education Bureau (EDB) visit kindergartens to conduct Quality Review (QR) assessments. Their written reports, therefore, reflect the official local perspective of quality kindergarten education. We conducted a content analysis of 323 QR reports focusing on the positive and negative feedback and recommendations for improvement regarding music education. Two coding schemes were developed using an inductive approach. High inter-reliability was obtained. The most frequently mentioned positive feedback codes were related to sufficient exposure to music and enjoyable musical learning experiences. In contrast, there were negative feedback codes pointing out that children’s musical exposure was insufficient at Kindergarten 3 (children aged 5–6 years), and some musical activities were poorly prepared and/or designed. Children’s music learning outcomes were rarely mentioned in the reports. The analyses indicate that the local understanding of kindergarten music education strongly emphasizes exposing children to enjoyable musical activities, with a lower focus on the nature and quality of musical learning. We conclude that the QR reports reflect a teacher-centric view of music education. Findings may inform curriculum designers and teacher educators about EDB’s expectations in the area of music education. Future research should explore the perspectives of other kindergarten stakeholders such as teachers, principals, and teacher educators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pedagogical Possibilities for Early Childhood Education)
17 pages, 776 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Combinatorial Immunotherapy Regimen That Can Cure Mice Bearing MYCN-Driven High-Risk Neuroblastoma That Resists Current Clinical Therapy
by Lauren Zebertavage, Allison Schopf, Megan Nielsen, Joel Matthews, Amy K. Erbe, Taylor J. Aiken, Sydney Katz, Claire Sun, Cole M. Witt, Alexander L. Rakhmilevich and Paul M. Sondel
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092561 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Incorporating GD2-targeting monoclonal antibody into post-consolidation maintenance therapy has improved survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, ~50% of patients do not respond to, or relapse following, initial treatment. Here, we evaluated additional anti-GD2-based immunotherapy to better treat high-risk neuroblastoma in mice [...] Read more.
Background: Incorporating GD2-targeting monoclonal antibody into post-consolidation maintenance therapy has improved survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, ~50% of patients do not respond to, or relapse following, initial treatment. Here, we evaluated additional anti-GD2-based immunotherapy to better treat high-risk neuroblastoma in mice to develop a regimen for patients with therapy-resistant neuroblastoma. Methods: We determined the components of a combined regimen needed to cure mice of established MYCN-amplified, GD2-expressing, murine 9464D-GD2 neuroblastomas. Results: First, we demonstrate that 9464D-GD2 is nonresponsive to a preferred salvage regimen: anti-GD2 with temozolomide and irinotecan. Second, we have previously shown that adding agonist anti-CD40 mAb and CpG to a regimen of radiotherapy, anti-GD2/IL2 immunocytokine and anti-CTLA-4, cured a substantial fraction of mice bearing small 9464D-GD2 tumors; here, we further characterize this regimen by showing that radiotherapy and hu14.18-IL2 are necessary components, while anti-CTLA-4, anti-CD40, or CpG can individually be removed, and CpG and anti-CTLA-4 can be removed together, while maintaining efficacy. Conclusions: We have developed and characterized a regimen that can cure mice of a high-risk neuroblastoma that is refractory to the current clinical regimen for relapsed/refractory disease. Ongoing preclinical work is directed towards ways to potentially translate these findings to a regimen appropriate for clinical testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Risk Neuroblastoma: New Clinical Insights and Challenges)
3 pages, 214 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue “Commemorative Issue Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: Understanding and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease”
by Allison B. Reiss and Aaron Pinkhasov
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050712 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older persons [...] Full article
8 pages, 1200 KiB  
Case Report
Embolization of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Device—Rare Complication and Unique Management Approach
by Mila Kovacevic, Marko Atanaskovic, Katarina Obradovic, Mirko Todic, Branislav Crnomarkovic, Marija Bjelobrk, Snezana Bjelic, Milenko Cankovic, Aleksandra Milovancev and Ilija Srdanovic
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050717 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is generally regarded as a safe and effective procedure, indicated in patients with a prior PFO-associated stroke. While it is highly safe, rarely, it could be accompanied by a migration of the device, mainly caused [...] Read more.
Percutaneous closure of the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is generally regarded as a safe and effective procedure, indicated in patients with a prior PFO-associated stroke. While it is highly safe, rarely, it could be accompanied by a migration of the device, mainly caused by the interplay of a specific PFO morphology and inappropriate device sizing. Herein, we outline a seldom-observed complication of an unintentional detachment of the PFO closure device during implantation, leading to its migration into the abdominal aorta, and a unique management approach. Due to the inability to recapture the occluder with a snare, which is considered to be a mainstay of endovascular retrieval methods, two coronary guidewires were maneuvered through the mesh of the occluder and then captured with a snare proximally to the occluder. This innovative dual-wire–snare system was carefully pulled to the common femoral artery, a position deemed suitable for surgical extraction via arteriotomy, which was achieved successfully. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
19 pages, 2731 KiB  
Article
Krüppel-like Factor-4-Mediated Macrophage Polarization and Phenotypic Transitions Drive Intestinal Fibrosis in THP-1 Monocyte Models In Vitro
by Takuya Kanno, Takahito Katano, Takaya Shimura, Mamoru Tanaka, Hirotada Nishie, Shigeki Fukusada, Keiji Ozeki, Isamu Ogawa, Takahiro Iwao, Tamihide Matsunaga and Hiromi Kataoka
Medicina 2024, 60(5), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60050713 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Despite the fact that biologic drugs have transformed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, addressing fibrosis-related strictures remains a research gap. This study explored the roles of cytokines, macrophages, and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), specifically KLF4, in intestinal fibrosis, as well [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Despite the fact that biologic drugs have transformed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, addressing fibrosis-related strictures remains a research gap. This study explored the roles of cytokines, macrophages, and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), specifically KLF4, in intestinal fibrosis, as well as the interplay of KLF4 with various gut components. Materials and Methods: This study examined macrophage subtypes, their KLF4 expression, and the effects of KLF4 knockdown on macrophage polarization and cytokine expression using THP-1 monocyte models. Co-culture experiments with stromal myofibroblasts and a conditioned medium from macrophage subtype cultures were conducted to study the role of these cells in intestinal fibrosis. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived small intestinal organoids were used to confirm inflammatory and fibrotic responses in the human small intestinal epithelium. Results: Each macrophage subtype exhibited distinct phenotypes and KLF4 expression. Knockdown of KLF4 induced inflammatory cytokine expression in M0, M2a, and M2c cells. M2b exerted anti-fibrotic effects via interleukin (IL)-10. M0 and M2b cells showed a high migratory capacity toward activated stromal myofibroblasts. M0 cells interacting with activated stromal myofibroblasts transformed into inflammatory macrophages, thereby increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The expression of IL-36α, linked to fibrosis, was upregulated. Conclusions: This study elucidated the role of KLF4 in macrophage polarization and the intricate interactions between macrophages, stromal myofibroblasts, and cytokines in experimental in vitro models of intestinal fibrosis. The obtained results may suggest the mechanism of fibrosis formation in clinical IBD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 19880 KiB  
Article
Fractional-Order PIλDµ Control to Enhance the Driving Smoothness of Active Vehicle Suspension in Electric Vehicles
by Zongjun Yin, Ru Wang, Xuegang Ma and Rong Su
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(5), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15050184 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The suspension system is a crucial part of an electric vehicle, which directly affects its handling performance, driving comfort, and driving safety. The dynamics of the 8-DoF full-vehicle suspension with seat active control are established based on rigid-body dynamics, and the time-domain stochastic [...] Read more.
The suspension system is a crucial part of an electric vehicle, which directly affects its handling performance, driving comfort, and driving safety. The dynamics of the 8-DoF full-vehicle suspension with seat active control are established based on rigid-body dynamics, and the time-domain stochastic excitation model of four tires is constructed by the filtered white noise method. The suspension dynamics model and road surface model are constructed on the Matlab/Simulink simulation software platform, and the simulation study of the dynamic characteristics of active suspension based on the fractional-order PIλDµ control strategy is carried out. The three performance indicators of acceleration, suspension dynamic deflection, and tire dynamic displacement are selected to construct the fitness function of the genetic algorithm, and the structural parameters of the fractional-order PIlDm controller are optimized using the genetic algorithm. The control effect of the optimized fractional-order PIlDm controller based on the genetic algorithm is analyzed by comparing the integer-order PID control suspension and passive suspension. The simulation results show that for optimized fractional-order PID control suspension, compared with passive suspension, the average optimization of the root mean square (RMS) of acceleration under random road conditions reaches over 25%, the average optimization of suspension dynamic deflection exceeds 30%, and the average optimization of tire dynamic displacement is 5%. However, compared to the integer-order PID control suspension, the average optimization of the root mean square (RMS) of acceleration under random road conditions decreased by 5%, the average optimization of suspension dynamic deflection increased by 3%, and the average optimization of tire dynamic displacement increased by 2%. Full article

Open Access Journals

Browse by Indexing Browse by Subject Selected Journals
Back to TopTop