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Background/Objectives: Patient care in Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICU) has evolved but data on patient characteristics and outcomes are sparse. This retrospective observational study aimed to define clinical characteristics and risk factors of CICU patients, their in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and compare
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Background/Objectives: Patient care in Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICU) has evolved but data on patient characteristics and outcomes are sparse. This retrospective observational study aimed to define clinical characteristics and risk factors of CICU patients, their in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and compare it with established risk scores. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 294, mean age 70 years, 74% males) hospitalized within 15 months were studied; APACHE II, EHMRG, GWTG-HF, and GRACE II were calculated on admission. Results: Most patients were admitted for ACS (48.3%) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) (31.3%). Median duration of hospitalization was 2 days (IQR = 1, 4). In-hospital infection occurred in 20%, 18% needed mechanical ventilation, 10% renal replacement therapy and 4% percutaneous ventricular assist devices (33%, 29%, 20% and 4%, respectively, for ADHF). In-hospital and 30-day mortality was 18% and 11% for all patients (29% and 23%, respectively, for ADHF). Established scores (especially APACHE II) had a good diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve-AUC). In univariate and multivariate analyses in-hospital intubation and infection, history of coronary artery disease, hypotension, uremia and hypoxemia on admission were the most important risk factors. Based on these, a proposed new score showed a diagnostic accuracy of 0.954 (AUC) for in-hospital mortality, outperforming previous scores. Conclusions: Patients are admitted mainly with ACS or ADHF, the latter with worse prognosis. Several patients need advanced support; intubation and infections adversely affect prognosis. Established scores predict mortality satisfactorily, but larger studies are needed to develop CICU-directed scores to identify risk factors, improve prediction, guide treatment and staff training.
Full article
In this study, the 10-year cardiovascular risk associated with comorbid sleep disorders (insomnia disorder, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and COMISA [comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea]) was investigated for patients with major depression. To enable our analysis, 607 patients with major depression were selected
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In this study, the 10-year cardiovascular risk associated with comorbid sleep disorders (insomnia disorder, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and COMISA [comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea]) was investigated for patients with major depression. To enable our analysis, 607 patients with major depression were selected from the data register of the Sleep Unit. High 10-year cardiovascular risk was considered present when the Framingham Risk Score was ≥10%. The 10-year cardiovascular risk associated with comorbid sleep disorders has been assessed using logistic regression analyzes. High 10-year cardiovascular risk is significant (40.4%) in patients with major depression. After successive introduction of the different confounders, multivariate logistic regressions showed that for patients with major depression high 10-year cardiovascular risk was significantly associated with COMISA but was not significantly associated with insomnia disorder or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome alone. Thus, these results highlight the existence of a negative synergistic action between insomnia disorder and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on the 10-year cardiovascular risk in patients with major depression, which demonstrates the importance of researching and treating COMISA to improve the prognosis of this specific population subgroup characterized by higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Full article
Early-onset colorectal cancer emerges as a distinctive clinical and biological entity and is generally defined as the onset of colon or rectal neoplasia before the age of 50. Several reports describe an increasing incidence worldwide of colorectal cancers occurring in individuals younger than
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Early-onset colorectal cancer emerges as a distinctive clinical and biological entity and is generally defined as the onset of colon or rectal neoplasia before the age of 50. Several reports describe an increasing incidence worldwide of colorectal cancers occurring in individuals younger than 50 years, along with particular histologic and molecular features. Although heredity may be an explanation in some cases with young-onset colorectal cancer, other driving factors remain partially unknown. The present study explores demographic, clinical, and pathological features within a group of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 50. It is a retrospective survey based on data collected between 2017 and 2023 within three surgical departments from a tertiary Romanian hospital. The clinical and pathological features we identified (later-stage disease, distal colon tumor localization, mucinous histology) are mainly superimposed with the existing data in the literature regarding this pathology. In order to lower the burden that colorectal neoplasia diagnosed in the young implies, a change of paradigm should be made in terms of establishing effective and targeted screening programs but also in the direction of enhancing complex clinical, pathological, and molecular diagnosis.
Full article
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The standard and most effective treatment is wide resection of the tumor combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a genetically determined three-dimensional spinal deformity, which occurs in
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Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. The standard and most effective treatment is wide resection of the tumor combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a genetically determined three-dimensional spinal deformity, which occurs in teenage patients and is mostly progressive. The basic management strategy is surgical treatment when the curve exceeds 50 degrees. However, the indications are different in oncologic patients. The aim of this study was to describe a case of adolescent scoliosis with osteosarcoma of the pelvis. The authors conducted a scoping review using PubMed and Embase to analyze the state of knowledge. The presented paper is the first report of pelvis osteosarcoma coexisting with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Treatment for this complex case finished with very good results, with no recurrence observed during the nine-year follow-up.
Full article
Since 2011, South Korea has implemented biannual vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and recently, lumpy skin disease (LSD), to mitigate the spread of transboundary animal diseases. However, due to past adverse reactions, potentially linked to acute phase responses from FMD vaccinations, there is
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Since 2011, South Korea has implemented biannual vaccinations against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and recently, lumpy skin disease (LSD), to mitigate the spread of transboundary animal diseases. However, due to past adverse reactions, potentially linked to acute phase responses from FMD vaccinations, there is hesitancy among Korean livestock farmers regarding new strategies for simultaneous vaccinations against both FMD and LSD. This study was conducted to assess possible adverse reactions to the LSD vaccination by analyzing acute phase proteins (APPs) in three groups: cows vaccinated against FMD (G1-FMDV), LSD (G2-LSDV), and both (G3-FMDV/LSDV). In G1-FMDV, APP levels peaked on day 3 post-vaccination (p < 0.001) and returned to baseline. In G2-LSDV, APP levels increased gradually, peaking on day 10 post-vaccination. In G3-FMDV/LSDV, APP levels peaked on day 3 post-vaccination and remained high until day 10 (p < 0.001). These results indicate that LSD vaccines trigger a later immune response compared to FMD vaccines, possibly due to different adjuvants. Therefore, a longer follow-up period for monitoring adverse reactions to LSD vaccinations may be required to understand and mitigate potential risks.
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Simultaneous nitrification and autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has received attention as an efficient biological nitrogen removal alternative. However, SNAD using elemental sulfur (S0) has scarcely been studied. Thus, the main objective of this research was to study the behavior of a simultaneous
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Simultaneous nitrification and autotrophic denitrification (SNAD) has received attention as an efficient biological nitrogen removal alternative. However, SNAD using elemental sulfur (S0) has scarcely been studied. Thus, the main objective of this research was to study the behavior of a simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification operation in a sequential batch reactor (SNAD-SBR) at a lab scale using S0 as an electron donor, including its kinetics. Two-scale reactors were operated at lab scales in cycles for 155 days with an increasing nitrogen loading rate (NLR: 0.0296 to 0.0511 kg N-NH4+/m3/d) at 31 °C. As a result, simultaneous nitrification–autotrophic denitrification using S0 as an electron donor was performed successfully, with nitrification efficiency of 98.63% and denitrification efficiency of 44.9%, with autotrophic denitrification as the limiting phase. The kinetic model adjusted for ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was the Monod-type kinetic model (µmax = 0.791 d−1), while, for nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), the Haldane-type model was employed (µmax = 0.822 d−1). For denitrifying microorganisms, the kinetic model was adjusted by a half order (k1/2v = 0.2054 mg1/2/L1/2/h). Thus, we concluded that SNAD could be feasible using S0 as an electron donor, with kinetic behavior similar to that of other processes.
Full article
A fast time synchronization method for large-scale LEO satellite networks based on a bionic algorithm is proposed. Because the inter-satellite links are continuously established and interrupted due to the relative motion of the satellites, the topology of the LEO satellite networks is time
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A fast time synchronization method for large-scale LEO satellite networks based on a bionic algorithm is proposed. Because the inter-satellite links are continuously established and interrupted due to the relative motion of the satellites, the topology of the LEO satellite networks is time varying. Firstly, according to the ephemeris information in navigation messages, a connection table which records the connections between satellites is generated. Then, based on the connection table, the current satellite network topology is calculated and generated. Furthermore, a bionic algorithm is used to select some satellites as time source nodes and calculate the hierarchy of the clock transmission tree. By taking the minimum level of the time transmission tree as the optimization objective, the time source nodes and the clock stratums of the whole satellite networks are obtained. Finally, the onboard computational center broadcasts the time layer table to all the satellites in the LEO satellite networks and the time synchronization links can be established or recovered fast.
Full article
Concerns persist about attentional engagement in online learning. The inter-subject correlation of eye movements (ISC) has shown promise as an accessible and effective method for attention assessment in online learning. This study extends previous studies investigating ISC of eye movements in online learning
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Concerns persist about attentional engagement in online learning. The inter-subject correlation of eye movements (ISC) has shown promise as an accessible and effective method for attention assessment in online learning. This study extends previous studies investigating ISC of eye movements in online learning by addressing two research questions. Firstly, can ISC predict students’ attentional states at a finer level beyond a simple dichotomy of attention states (e.g., attending and distracted states)? Secondly, whether learners’ learning styles affect ISC’s prediction rate of attention assessment in video learning? Previous studies have shown that learners of different learning styles have different eye movement patterns when viewing static materials. However, limited research has explored the impact of learning styles on viewing patterns in video learning. An eye tracking experiment with participants watching lecture videos demonstrated a connection between ISC and self-reported attention states at a finer level. We also demonstrated that learning styles did not significantly affect ISC’s prediction rate of attention assessment in video learning, suggesting that ISC of eye movements can be effectively used without considering learners’ learning styles. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing attention assessment in the evolving landscape of online education.
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The aim of this study was to show for the first time that low-frequency 3D-transmitted ultrasound tomography (3D UT, volography) can differentiate breast tissue types using tissue properties, accurately measure glandular and ductal volumes in vivo, and measure variation over time. Data were
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The aim of this study was to show for the first time that low-frequency 3D-transmitted ultrasound tomography (3D UT, volography) can differentiate breast tissue types using tissue properties, accurately measure glandular and ductal volumes in vivo, and measure variation over time. Data were collected for 400 QT breast scans on 24 women (ages 18–71), including four (4) postmenopausal subjects, 6–10 times over 2+ months of observation. The date of onset of menopause was noted, and the cases were further subdivided into three (3) classes: pre-, post-, and peri-menopausal. The ducts and glands were segmented using breast speed of sound, attenuation, and reflectivity images and followed over several menstrual cycles. The coefficient of variation (CoV) for glandular tissue in premenopausal women was significantly larger than for postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for the ductal CoV. The glandular standard deviation (SD) is significantly larger in premenopausal women vs. postmenopausal women, whereas this is not true for ductal tissue. We conclude that ducts do not appreciably change over the menstrual cycle in either pre- or post-menopausal subjects, whereas glands change significantly over the cycle in pre-menopausal women, and 3D UT can differentiate ducts from glands in vivo.
Full article
Continuous advancements in GNSS systems have led, apart from the broadly used GPS, to the development of other satellite systems (Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS), which have significantly increased the number of available satellites for GNSS positioning applications. However, despite GNSS satellites’ redundancy, a potential
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Continuous advancements in GNSS systems have led, apart from the broadly used GPS, to the development of other satellite systems (Galileo, BeiDou, GLONASS), which have significantly increased the number of available satellites for GNSS positioning applications. However, despite GNSS satellites’ redundancy, a potential poor GNSS satellite signal (i.e., low signal-to-noise ratio) can negatively affect the GNSS’s performance and positioning accuracy. On the other hand, selecting high-quality GNSS satellite signals by retaining a sufficient number of GNSS satellites can enhance the GNSS’s positioning performance. Various methods, including optimization algorithms, which are also commonly adopted in artificial intelligence (AI) methods, have been applied for satellite selection. In this study, five optimization algorithms were investigated and assessed in terms of their ability to determine the optimal GNSS satellite constellation, such as Artificial Bee Colony optimization (ABC), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Simulated Annealing (SA). The assessment of the optimization algorithms was based on two criteria, such as the robustness of the solution for the optimal satellite constellation and the time required to find the solution. The selection of the GNSS satellites was based on the weighted geometric dilution of precision (WGDOP) parameter, where the geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) is modified by applying weights based on the quality of the satellites’ signal. The optimization algorithms were tested on the basis of 24 h of tracking data gathered from a permanent GNSS station, for GPS-only and multi-GNSS data (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo). According to the comparison results, the ABC, ACO, and PSO algorithms were equivalent in terms of selection accuracy and speed. However, ABC was determined to be the most suitable algorithm due it requiring the fewest number of parameters to be set. To further investigate ABC’s performance, the method was applied for the selection of an optimal GNSS satellite subset according to the number of total available tracked GNSS satellites (up to 31 satellites), leading to more than 300 million possible combinations of 15 GNSS satellites. ABC was able to select the optimal satellite subsets with 100% accuracy.
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Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising technique for sensitive detection. The design and optimization of plasma-enhanced structures for SERS applications is an interesting challenge. In this study, we found that the SERS activity of MXene (Ti3C2Tx)
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Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a promising technique for sensitive detection. The design and optimization of plasma-enhanced structures for SERS applications is an interesting challenge. In this study, we found that the SERS activity of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) can be improved by adding Au nanoparticles (NPs) in a simple photoreduction process. Fluoride-salt-etched MXene was deposited by drop-casting on a glass slide, and Au NPs were formed by the photocatalytic growth of gold(III) chloride trihydrate solutions under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The Au–MXene substrate formed by Au NPs anchored on the Ti3C2Tx sheet produced significant SERS through the synergistic effect of chemical and electromagnetic mechanisms. The structure and size of the Au-decorated MXene depended on the reaction time. When the MXene films were irradiated with a large number of UV photons, the size of the Au NPs increased. Hot spots were formed in the nanoscale gaps between the Au NPs, and the abundant surface functional groups of the MXene effectively adsorbed and interacted with the probe molecules. Simultaneously, as a SERS substrate, the proposed Au–MXene composite exhibited a wider linear range of 10−4–10−9 mol/L for detecting carbendazim. In addition, the enhancement factor of the optimized SERS substrate Au–MXene was 1.39 × 106, and its relative standard deviation was less than 13%. This study provides a new concept for extending experimental strategies to further improve the performance of SERS.
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Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recently detected in Mozambique and appears to be limited to the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Zambezia, but it has great potential to spread to other provinces. Despite its importance, nothing is known about the BBTV isolates
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Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) was recently detected in Mozambique and appears to be limited to the provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Zambezia, but it has great potential to spread to other provinces. Despite its importance, nothing is known about the BBTV isolates that occur in Mozambique. In this study, the sequences of the S and R genes of forty isolates chosen as representatives of samples collected previously from eleven farms of the four administrative posts of the district of Chóckwè, province of Gaza, were sequenced and analyzed. The S-DNA nucleotide sequences of the analyzed isolates were highly conserved, with identity ranging from 97% to 100%. The same was observed for the R-DNA sequences, with most identities ranging between 98% and 100% among the isolates from Chókwè and above 90% when compared to the isolates from GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mozambican BBTV isolates belong to the Pacific–Indian Oceans (PIO) group, showing greater proximity to the isolate JQ820453 from Malawi than to the isolates from sub-Saharan countries, which were grouped in a distinct subclade. This is the first study conducted to determine the molecular characteristics of BBTV isolates present in Mozambique.
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Pollination by sexual deception specifically attracts male insects, through the floral scent and particular morphological features of the flower that serve as visual and tactile stimuli. The unique bond between the Ophrys speculum orchid and the male Dasyscolia ciliata wasp primarily stems from
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Pollination by sexual deception specifically attracts male insects, through the floral scent and particular morphological features of the flower that serve as visual and tactile stimuli. The unique bond between the Ophrys speculum orchid and the male Dasyscolia ciliata wasp primarily stems from a few distinctive semiochemicals that mimic the female wasp’s sex pheromone, although the floral scent comprises a variety of compounds. An osmophore producing highly volatile compounds has been documented in four close relatives of O. speculum and is now being also investigated in this species. Given the existing debates regarding the structure of the labellum and stigmatic cavity in O. speculum, this study details their micromorphology. Additionally, comparisons of O. speculum flowers and female D. ciliata wasps under stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy are conducted to seek new evidence of visual and tactile mimicry. The findings confirm that (i) an osmophore is present at the apical margin of the labellum in O. speculum flowers; (ii) the labellum features a distinct basal field homologous to those found in other Ophrys species; and (iii) the basal labellum region closely mimics the female wasp’s thorax and wings. The implications of these novel floral features are discussed within an evolutionary context.
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South Asians (SAs) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) than white Europeans, especially following gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite similar blood glucose levels post-GDM, SAs exhibit more insulin resistance (IR) than Nordics, though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This
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South Asians (SAs) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) than white Europeans, especially following gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite similar blood glucose levels post-GDM, SAs exhibit more insulin resistance (IR) than Nordics, though the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to assess markers of adipose tissue (AT) IR and liver fat in SA and Nordic women post-GDM. A total of 179 SA and 108 Nordic women in Norway underwent oral glucose tolerance tests 1–3 years post-GDM. We measured metabolic markers and calculated the AT IR index and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease liver fat (NAFLD-LFS) scores. Results showed that normoglycaemic SAs had less non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) suppression during the test, resembling prediabetes/T2D responses, and higher levels of plasma fetuin-A, CRP, and IL-6 but lower adiponectin, indicating AT inflammation. Furthermore, normoglycaemic SAs had higher NAFLD-LFS scores, lower insulin clearance, and higher peripheral insulin than Nordics, indicating increased AT IR, inflammation, and liver fat in SAs. Higher liver fat markers significantly contributed to the ethnic disparities in glucose metabolism, suggesting a key area for intervention to reduce T2D risk post-GDM in SAs.
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High-dynamic-range integrated magnetometers demonstrate extensive potential applications in fields involving complex and changing magnetic fields. Among them, Diamond Nitrogen Vacancy Color Core Magnetometer has outstanding performance in wide-range and high-precision magnetic field measurement based on its inherent high spatial resolution, high sensitivity and
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High-dynamic-range integrated magnetometers demonstrate extensive potential applications in fields involving complex and changing magnetic fields. Among them, Diamond Nitrogen Vacancy Color Core Magnetometer has outstanding performance in wide-range and high-precision magnetic field measurement based on its inherent high spatial resolution, high sensitivity and other characteristics. Therefore, an innovative frequency-tracking scheme is proposed in this study, which continuously monitors the resonant frequency shift of the NV color center induced by a time-varying magnetic field and feeds it back to the microwave source. This scheme successfully expands the dynamic range to 6.4 mT, approximately 34 times the intrinsic dynamic range of the diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center. Additionally, it achieves efficient detection of rapidly changing magnetic field signals at a rate of 0.038 T/s.
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The specific damping capacity variation of heat-treated NiTi was observed during a pseudoelasticity test. The detailed B2 → R-phase transformation process in cold-drawn NiTi wires undergoing middle-temperature aging was studied via X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and internal friction technique. Results show that,
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The specific damping capacity variation of heat-treated NiTi was observed during a pseudoelasticity test. The detailed B2 → R-phase transformation process in cold-drawn NiTi wires undergoing middle-temperature aging was studied via X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, and internal friction technique. Results show that, as aging time increased at 450 °C, the dynamic phase transition splitting from B2 → R to B2 → R1 and B2 → R2 became evident. However, such a splitting process was not observed for the sample after aging at 400 °C. The reason for R-phase generation is attributed to non-uniformly distributed stress fields. The splitting of the internal friction peak, in conjunction with high-resolution transmission electron microscope and mechanic results, suggests a substantial occurrence of short-range segregation of Ni atoms in the B2-NiTi matrix. Furthermore, the specific damping capacity (SDC) exhibits a gradual increase with prolonged annealing time. Specifically, the sample with significant dynamic phase transition splitting reaches an SDC value of 0.60.
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Recently, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention in cancer-targeting therapy and as drug delivery vehicles owing to their unique surface and size properties. Multifunctional combinations of nanomaterials have become a research hotspot as researchers aim to provide a full understanding of their nanomaterial characteristics.
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Recently, nanomaterials have attracted extensive attention in cancer-targeting therapy and as drug delivery vehicles owing to their unique surface and size properties. Multifunctional combinations of nanomaterials have become a research hotspot as researchers aim to provide a full understanding of their nanomaterial characteristics. In this study, metal–organic framework-capped gold nanorod hybrids were synthesized. Our research explored their ability to kill tumor cells by locally increasing the temperature via photothermal conclusion. The specific peroxidase-like activity endows the hybrids with the ability to disrupt the oxidative balance in vitro. Simultaneously, chemotherapeutic drugs are administered and delivered by loading and transportation for effective combinatorial cancer treatment, thereby enhancing the curative effect and reducing the unpredictable toxicity and side effects of large doses of chemotherapeutic drugs. These studies can improve combinatorial cancer therapy and enhance cancer treatment.
Full article
Fracture network fracturing is pivotal for achieving the economical and efficient development of shale gas, with the connectivity among fracture networks playing a crucial role in reservoir stimulation effectiveness. However, flow back data that reflect fracture network connectivity information are often ignored, resulting
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Fracture network fracturing is pivotal for achieving the economical and efficient development of shale gas, with the connectivity among fracture networks playing a crucial role in reservoir stimulation effectiveness. However, flow back data that reflect fracture network connectivity information are often ignored, resulting in an inaccurate prediction of the effective fracture network volume (EFNV). The accurate calculation of the EFNV has become a key and difficult issue in the field of shale fracturing. For this reason, the accurate shale gas effective fracture network volume inversion method needs to be improved. Based on the flow back characteristics of fracturing fluids, a tree-shaped fractal fracture flow back mathematical model for inversion of EFNV was established and combined with fractal theory. A genetic algorithm workflow suitable for EFNV inversion of shale gas was constructed based on the flow back data after fracturing, and the fracture wells in southern Sichuan were used as an example to carry out the EFNV inversion. The reliability of the inversion model was verified by testing production, cumulative gas production, and microseismic results. The field application showed that the inversion method proposed in this paper can obtain tree-shaped fractal fracture network structure parameters, fracture system original pressure, matrix gas breakthrough pressure, fracture compressibility coefficient, reverse imbibition index, equivalent main fracture half length, and effective initial fracture volume (EIFV). The calculated results of the model belong to the same order of magnitude as those of the HD model and Alkouh model, and the model has stronger applicability. This research has important theoretical guiding significance and field application value for improving the accuracy of the EFNV calculation.
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Hyperventilation induces metabolic changes that can elicit nystagmus (hyperventilation-induced nystagmus, HVIN) in various vestibular disorders, revealing vestibular imbalance and bringing out central or peripheral asymmetries. In acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP, namely vestibular neuritis), hyperventilation can induce different patterns of nystagmus (excitatory, inhibitory, or
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Hyperventilation induces metabolic changes that can elicit nystagmus (hyperventilation-induced nystagmus, HVIN) in various vestibular disorders, revealing vestibular imbalance and bringing out central or peripheral asymmetries. In acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP, namely vestibular neuritis), hyperventilation can induce different patterns of nystagmus (excitatory, inhibitory, or negative), disclosing or modifying existing static vestibular asymmetries through its ability to invalidate compensation or increase peripheral excitability. In this context, we followed the evolutionary stages of HVIN in AUVP across 35 consecutive patients, with the goal of assessing alterations in the oculomotor pattern caused by hyperventilation over time. In the acute phase, the incidence of the excitatory pattern (and the strongly excitatory one, consisting of a reversal nystagmus evoked by hyperventilation) was significantly higher compared to the inhibitory pattern; then, a progressive reduction in the incidence of the excitatory pattern and a concomitant gradual increase in the incidence of the inhibitory one were observed in the follow-up period. Assuming the role of the ephaptic effect and the transient loss of vestibular compensation as opposing mechanisms, i.e., excitatory and inhibitory, respectively, the oculomotor pattern evoked by hyperventilation is the result of the interaction of these two factors. The data obtained allowed us to hypothesize an interpretative model regarding the pathogenetic aspects of responses evoked by hyperventilation and the etiologies of the disease: according to our hypotheses, the excitatory pattern implies a neuritic (viral) form of AUVP; instead, the inhibitory (and negative) one can be an expression of both the neuritic (viral) and vascular forms of the disease.
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Khaled Abdeen Mousa Ali, Sheng Tao Li, Changyou Li, Elwan Ali Darwish, Han Wang, Taha Abdelfattah Mohammed Abdelwahab, Ahmed Elsayed Mahmoud Fodah and Youssef Fayez Elsaadawi
Agriculture2024, 14(5), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050780 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
Chickpeas hold significant nutritional and cultural importance, being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Peeling chickpeas is considered a crucial pre-consumption operation due to the undesirability of peels for
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Chickpeas hold significant nutritional and cultural importance, being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Peeling chickpeas is considered a crucial pre-consumption operation due to the undesirability of peels for some uses. This study aimed to design, test, and evaluate a small chickpea seed peeling machine. The peeling prototype was designed in accordance with the chickpeas’ measured properties; the seeds’ moisture content was determined to be 6.96% (d.b.). The prototype was examined under four different levels of drum revolving speeds (100, 200, 300, and 400 rpm), and three different numbers of brush peeling rows. The prototype was tested with rotors of four, eight, and twelve rows of brushes. The evaluation of the chickpea peeling machine encompassed several parameters, including the machine’s throughput (kg/h), energy consumption (kW), broken seeds percentage (%), unpeeled seeds percentage (%), and peeling efficiency (%). The obtained results revealed that the peeling machine throughput (kg/h) exhibited an upward trend with increases in the rotation speed of the peeling drum. Meanwhile, the throughput decreased as the number of peeling brushes installed on the roller increased. The highest recorded productivity of 71.29 kg/h was achieved under the operational condition of 400 rpm and four peeling brush rows. At the same time, the peeling efficiency increased with the increase in both of peeling drum rotational speed and number of peeling brush rows. The highest peeling efficiency (97.2%) was recorded at the rotational speed of 400 rpm and twelve peeling brush rows. On the other hand, the lowest peeling efficiency (92.85%) was recorded at the lowest drum rotational speed (100 rpm) and number of peeling brush rows (4 rows). In the optimal operational condition, the machines achieved a throughput of 71.29 kg/h, resulting in a peeling cost of 0.001 USD per kilogram. This small-scale chickpea peeling machine is a suitable selection for small and medium producers.
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Shoukat Ali Soomro, Li Hao, Gulsher Ali Memon, Abdul Rahim Junejo, Wenquan Niu, Zahid Ali Channa, Muhammad Kareem Chandio, Jamshed Ali Channa, Jawaher Alkahtani and Jahangeer Dahri
Agronomy2024, 14(5), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14051072 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2024
An irrigation quality assessment for rural Hyderabad was made by determining the pH, EC, TDS and TH beside major cations and anions. This study employed various parameters to determine the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and its hydrochemistry. Permissible limits of major cations
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An irrigation quality assessment for rural Hyderabad was made by determining the pH, EC, TDS and TH beside major cations and anions. This study employed various parameters to determine the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and its hydrochemistry. Permissible limits of major cations and anions revealed that approximately 26% of samples exceeded acceptable levels for Electrical Conductivity (EC), 87% for Ca2+, 89% for Mg2+, and 60% for Na+, while none exceeded the limits for K+. Conversely, 47% of samples for HCO3−, 91% for Cl−, and 100% for SO42−, NO3−, and CO32− proved suitability for irrigation. Notably, irrigation indices highlighted favorable results, with 100% conformity for SAR, SSP, RSP, and PI values, and substantial percentages of 78% and 85% for MH and KR values, respectively, affirming their suitability for irrigation practices. Employing the USSL diagram, 22%, 65%, and 11% of samples fall into the C2S1, C3S1, and C4S1 categories. According to the Wilcox diagram, 25%, 43%, 30%, and 2% are classified under C1, C2, C3, and C4 categories, respectively. The Gibbs ratio shows a concentration within the evaporation dominance, and CAI values showed positive ion exchange. Overall, Hyderabad’s rural areas are generally suitable for irrigation, apart from certain areas where water quality may not be acceptable for plants lacking high salt tolerance.
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Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is considered for selected cases of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) as it maintains renal function and avoids morbidity associated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The appropriate selection of patients suitable for NSS without compromising oncological outcomes can sometimes be
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Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is considered for selected cases of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) as it maintains renal function and avoids morbidity associated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The appropriate selection of patients suitable for NSS without compromising oncological outcomes can sometimes be difficult, given the limitations of diagnostic modalities. Recurrence rates for UTUC can be as high as 36 to 54% after NSS. Intraluminal adjuvant therapy can be attempted following NSS to reduce recurrence, but delivery to the upper tract is more challenging than into the bladder. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and chemotherapy such as Mitomycin (MMC) have been administered via nephrostomy or ureteric catheter, which requires invasive/repeated instrumentation of the upper urinary tract. Drug delivery by reflux from bladder instillation along indwelling stents has also been tried but can potentially be unreliable. Recently, a gel formulation of mitomycin has been developed for the controlled exposure of the upper urinary tract to treatment over a number of hours. Drug-eluting stents to deliver chemotherapy to the upper urinary tract have been developed but have not yet entered clinical practice. Endoluminal phototherapy utilising an intravenous photosensitising agent is another novel approach that has recently been described. Intraluminal therapies may be beneficial in decreasing recurrence rates in UTUC, but currently have some limitations in their usage.
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Multimodal deception detection has received increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years, mainly due to growing ethical and security issues, as well as the growing use of digital media. A great number of deception detection methods have been proposed in several
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Multimodal deception detection has received increasing attention from the scientific community in recent years, mainly due to growing ethical and security issues, as well as the growing use of digital media. A great number of deception detection methods have been proposed in several domains, such as political elections, security contexts, and job interviews. However, a systematic analysis of the current situation and the evaluation and future directions of deception detection based on cues coming from multiple modalities seems to be lacking. This paper, starting from a description of methods and metrics used for the analysis and evaluation of multimodal deception detection on video, provides a vision of future directions in this field. For the analysis, the PRISMA recommendations are followed, which allow the collection and synthesis of all the available research on the topic and the extraction of information on the multimodal features, the fusion methods, the classification approaches, the evaluation datasets, and metrics. The results of this analysis contribute to the assessment of the state of the art and the evaluation of evidence on important research questions in multimodal deceptive deception. Moreover, they provide guidance on future research in the field.
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