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14 pages, 611 KiB  
Review
Soil Ecosystem Functioning through Interactions of Nematodes and Fungi Trichoderma sp.
by Ana Ga?parovi? Pinto, Tomislav Kos, Josipa Pu?kari?, Karolina Vrande?i?, Teuta Benkovi?-La?i? and Mirjana Brme?
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072885 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this review, an overview was given of the mutual interactions between nematodes and fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. due to the potential of these fungi to protect plant roots from plant-parasitic nematodes on the one hand and the influence of nematodes [...] Read more.
In this review, an overview was given of the mutual interactions between nematodes and fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. due to the potential of these fungi to protect plant roots from plant-parasitic nematodes on the one hand and the influence of nematodes (fungivores) on the efficacy of the fungus on the other. In addition, an overview of the advantages of Trichoderma sp. for agricultural production was given. The basis of sustainable agricultural production is the healthy functioning of the soil ecosystem. The diversity of organisms—bacteria, protozoa, algae, metazoans (nematodes) and fungi—improves the quality and performance of the soil by maintaining biological productivity. Root exudates in the rhizosphere support microbial communities that play a key role in regulating the dynamics of organic matter decomposition and the availability of plant nutrients. The microbial activity of organisms in the soil is interconnected and interacts to form a soil food web that reflects the condition, function and health of the soil. The energy in food webs flows through trophic chains of consumers, which are divided into energy channels. Root, bacterial and fungal channels increase soil biomass, carbon (C) and energy flow through the soil food web. The structure of the nematode community is an effective tool for the biological assessment of soil quality. This is due to a number of characteristics that nematodes have, including the following: a great diversity of species, the possibility of subdivision according to different criteria such as trophic groups and c-p groups, the duration of reproduction, the ease of sampling, the identification of genera and preservation, etc. Nematodes are involved in various ecological functions in the soil, of which the interaction between them and fungi is based on antagonism or mutualism, which is the basis for a better understanding of their impact on the ecosystem. Fungi of the genus Trichoderma sp. are successful colonizers of all habitats, secondary opportunists and fast growing. Full article
9 pages, 231 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Effectiveness of Different Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Methods in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
by Pawe? Rozbicki, Jacek Usowski, Sandra Krzywdzińska, Dariusz Jurkiewicz and Jacek Siewiera
Audiol. Res. 2024, 14(2), 333-341; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres14020029 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the treatment methods in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). It is recommended as an elective treatment in patients undergoing steroid therapy. According to current scientific reports, HBOT should be implemented within two weeks [...] Read more.
Introduction: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one of the treatment methods in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). It is recommended as an elective treatment in patients undergoing steroid therapy. According to current scientific reports, HBOT should be implemented within two weeks after the first symptoms. However, as far as the profile of HBOT is concerned, there are no straightforward recommendations. Methods: The data obtained from the medical records of 218 patients undergoing HBOT for SSNHL at the Military Institute of Medicine—National Research Institute were analyzed statistically for the impact of the duration and the delay in implementing HBOT on the end results of pure-tone audiometry (PTA). Results: A statistically significant hearing improvement in patients undergoing more than 15 cycles of HBOT was detected at all frequencies except for 1500 Hz; in the group reporting for treatment with a delay of more than 10 days, hearing improvement was statistically unsignificant at frequencies of 1500, 3000, and 4000 Hz. Conclusions: The statistical analysis showed that the urgent onset of HBOT could be a significant factor in the therapy of SSNHL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment)
32 pages, 3551 KiB  
Article
Fracture Density Prediction of Basement Metamorphic Rocks Using Gene Expression Programming
by Muhammad Luqman Hasan and Tivadar M. Tóth
Minerals 2024, 14(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040366 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Many methods have been developed to detect and predict the fracture properties of fractured rocks. The standard data sources for fracture evaluations are image logs and core samples. However, many wells do not have these data, especially for old wells. Furthermore, operating both [...] Read more.
Many methods have been developed to detect and predict the fracture properties of fractured rocks. The standard data sources for fracture evaluations are image logs and core samples. However, many wells do not have these data, especially for old wells. Furthermore, operating both methods can be costly, and, sometimes, the data gathered are of bad quality. Therefore, previous research attempted to evaluate fractures indirectly using the widely available conventional well-logs. Sedimentary rocks are widespread and have been studied in the literature. However, fractured reservoirs, like igneous and metamorphic rock bodies, may also be vital since they provide fluid migration pathways and can store some hydrocarbons. Hence, two fractured metamorphic rock bodies are studied in this study to evaluate any difference in fracture responses on well-log properties. Also, a quick and reliable prediction method is studied to predict fracture density (FD) in the case of the unavailability of image logs and core samples. Gene expression programming (GEP) was chosen for this study to predict FD, and ten conventional well-log data were used as input variables. The model produced by GEP was good, with R2 values at least above 0.84 for all studied wells, and the model was then applied to wells without image logs. Both selected metamorphic rocks showed similar results in which the significant parameters to predict FD were the spectral gamma ray, resistivity, and porosity logs. This study also proposed a validation method to ensure that the FD value predictions were consistent using discriminant function analysis. In conclusion, the GEP method is reliable and could be used for FD predictions for basement metamorphic rocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Petrological and Geochemical Characteristics of Reservoirs)
17 pages, 1390 KiB  
Article
Research on Fault Detection by Flow Sequence for Industrial Internet of Things in Sewage Treatment Plant Case
by Dongfeng Lei, Liang Zhao and Dengfeng Chen
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072210 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Classifying the flow subsequences of sensor networks is an effective way for fault detection in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Traditional fault detection algorithms identify exceptions by a single abnormal dataset and do not pay attention to the factors such as electromagnetic [...] Read more.
Classifying the flow subsequences of sensor networks is an effective way for fault detection in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Traditional fault detection algorithms identify exceptions by a single abnormal dataset and do not pay attention to the factors such as electromagnetic interference, network delay, sensor sample delay, and so on. This paper focuses on fault detection by continuous abnormal points. We proposed a fault detection algorithm within the module of sequence state generated by unsupervised learning (SSGBUL) and the module of integrated encoding sequence classification (IESC). Firstly, we built a network module based on unsupervised learning to encode the flow sequence of the different network cards in the IIoT gateway, and then combined the multiple code sequences into one integrated sequence. Next, we classified the integrated sequence by comparing the integrated sequence with the encoding fault type. The results obtained from the three IIoT datasets of a sewage treatment plant show that the accuracy of the SSGBUL–IESC algorithm exceeds 90% with subsequence length 10, which is significantly higher than the accuracies of the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm and the time series forest (TSF) algorithm. The proposed algorithm reaches the classification requirements for fault detection for the IIoT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Technology for Cybersecurity and IoT Applications)
20 pages, 8300 KiB  
Article
Unraveling Desmin’s Head Domain Structure and Function
by Dimitrios Vlachakis, Konstantinos Tsilafakis, Ioanna Kostavasili, Sophia Kossida and Manolis Mavroidis
Cells 2024, 13(7), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13070603 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Understanding the structure and function of intermediate filaments (IFs) is necessary in order to explain why more than 70 related IF genes have evolved in vertebrates while maintaining such dramatically tissue-specific expression. Desmin is a member of the large multigene family of IF [...] Read more.
Understanding the structure and function of intermediate filaments (IFs) is necessary in order to explain why more than 70 related IF genes have evolved in vertebrates while maintaining such dramatically tissue-specific expression. Desmin is a member of the large multigene family of IF proteins and is specifically expressed in myocytes. In an effort to elucidate its muscle-specific behavior, we have used a yeast two-hybrid system in order to identify desmin’s head binding partners. We described a mitochondrial and a lysosomal protein, NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit S2 (NDUFS2), and saposin D, respectively, as direct desmin binding partners. In silico analysis indicated that both interactions at the atomic level occur in a very similar way, by the formation of a three-helix bundle with hydrophobic interactions in the interdomain space and hydrogen bonds at R16 and S32 of the desmin head domain. The interactions, confirmed also by GST pull-down assays, indicating the necessity of the desmin head domain and, furthermore, point out its role in function of mitochondria and lysosomes, organelles which are disrupted in myopathies due to desmin head domain mutations. Full article
12 pages, 822 KiB  
Article
Anionic Methacrylate Copolymer Microparticles for the Delivery of Myo-Inositol Produced by Spray-Drying: In Vitro and In Vivo Bioavailability
by Roberto Caruana, Maria Grazia Zizzo, Gaetano Felice Caldara, Francesco Montalbano, Silvia Fasciano, Dora Arena, Marida Salamone, Gaetano Di Fazio, Alessandro Bottino and Mariano Licciardi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3852; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073852 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this study, a new micro delivery system based on an anionic methacrylate copolymer, able to improve the biological response of myo-inositol by daily oral administration, was manufactured by spray-drying. It has an ideal dose form for oral administration, with an experimental drug [...] Read more.
In this study, a new micro delivery system based on an anionic methacrylate copolymer, able to improve the biological response of myo-inositol by daily oral administration, was manufactured by spray-drying. It has an ideal dose form for oral administration, with an experimental drug loading (DL)% of 14% and a regulated particle size of less than 15 µm. The new formulation features an improvement on traditional formulations used as a chronic therapy for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The microparticles’ release profile was studied and ex vivo porcine intestinal mucosa permeation experiments were performed to predict potential improvements in oral absorption. Batch n. 3, with the higher Eudragit/MI weight ratio (ratio = 6), showed the best-modified release profiles of the active ingredient, ensuring the lowest myo-inositol loss in an acidic environment. The in vivo evaluation of the myo-inositol micro delivery system was carried out in a rat animal model to demonstrate that the bioavailability of myo-inositol was increased when compared to the administration of the same dosage of the pure active ingredient. The AUC and Cmax of the loaded active molecule in the micro delivery system was improved by a minimum of 1.5 times when compared with the pure substance, administered with same dosage and route. Finally, the increase of myo-inositol levels in the ovary follicles was assessed to confirm that a daily administration of the new formulation improves myo-inositol concentration at the site of action, resulting in an improvement of about 1.25 times for the single administration and 1.66 times after 7 days of repeated administration when compared to pure MI. Full article
12 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
A NADPH-Dependent Aldo/Keto Reductase Is Responsible for Detoxifying 3-Keto-Deoxynivalenol to 3-epi-Deoxynivalenol in Pelagibacterium halotolerans ANSP101
by Yanrong Liu, Mingxin Ma, Yu Tang, Zhenqian Huang, Yongpeng Guo, Qiugang Ma and Lihong Zhao
Foods 2024, 13(7), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13071064 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), primarily generated by Fusarium species, often exists in agricultural products. It can be transformed to 3-epi-deoxynivalenol (3-epi-DON), with a relatively low toxicity, via two steps. DDH in Pelagibacterium halotolerans ANSP101 was proved to convert DON to 3-keto-deoxynivalenol [...] Read more.
Deoxynivalenol (DON), primarily generated by Fusarium species, often exists in agricultural products. It can be transformed to 3-epi-deoxynivalenol (3-epi-DON), with a relatively low toxicity, via two steps. DDH in Pelagibacterium halotolerans ANSP101 was proved to convert DON to 3-keto-deoxynivalenol (3-keto-DON). In the present research, AKR4, a NADPH-dependent aldo/keto reductase from P. halotolerans ANSP101, was identified to be capable of converting 3-keto-DON into 3-epi-DON. Our results demonstrated that AKR4 is clearly a NADPH-dependent enzyme, for its utilization of NADPH is higher than that of NADH. AKR4 functions at a range of pH 5–10 and temperatures of 20–60 °C. AKR4 is able to degrade 89% of 3-keto-DON in 90 min at pH 7 and 50 °C with NADPH as the cofactor. The discovery of AKR4, serving as an enzyme involved in the final step in DON degradation, might provide an option for the final detoxification of DON in food and feed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Biotechnology)
12 pages, 303 KiB  
Article
Examining Teacher Concerns and Anxiety on the Implementation of a Universal Body Image Program
by Sarah G. Hidalgo, Taryn Henning, Francesca Gomez and Marisol Perez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040419 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the past 30 years, there have been numerous positive body image and eating disorder prevention programs targeting youth developed for school-based settings. Frequently, teachers are used as interventionists to increase dissemination, decrease costs relative to researchers, and increase scalability. However, little is [...] Read more.
In the past 30 years, there have been numerous positive body image and eating disorder prevention programs targeting youth developed for school-based settings. Frequently, teachers are used as interventionists to increase dissemination, decrease costs relative to researchers, and increase scalability. However, little is known about teacher concerns and barriers that may hinder successful uptake and implementation. The current study recruited a total of 269 teachers who consented to implement a universal body image and appearance-related bullying and teasing prevention program in their classrooms as part of a randomized controlled trial. Teachers expressed some worry that they may say the wrong thing, and concern about feeling uncomfortable teaching the program due to their own body dissatisfaction. Teacher’s ethnicity, gender, years teaching, dieting behaviors and other weight control behaviors, and self-efficacy were not associated with concerns related to teaching the curriculum. Teachers with lower body esteem reported higher concerns and anxiety related to teaching a body image curriculum. In free response items, teachers worried about handling student comments that were beyond the scope of the curriculum. Teacher self-efficacy was the only variable associated with the number of program sessions implemented. Findings suggest avenues to increase implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Associations between Eating Disorders and Psychological Health)
18 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Stock Assessment of the Commercial Small Pelagic Fishes in the Beibu Gulf, the South China Sea, 2006–2020
by Xiaofan Hong, Kui Zhang, Jiajun Li, Youwei Xu, Mingshuai Sun, Shannan Xu, Yancong Cai, Yongsong Qiu and Zuozhi Chen
Biology 2024, 13(4), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040226 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Long-term variations in population structure, growth, mortality, exploitation rate, and recruitment pattern of two major commercial small pelagic fishes (CSPFs) (Decapterus maruadsi and Trachurus japonicus) are reported based on bottom trawl survey data collected during 2006–2020 in the Beibu Gulf, South [...] Read more.
Long-term variations in population structure, growth, mortality, exploitation rate, and recruitment pattern of two major commercial small pelagic fishes (CSPFs) (Decapterus maruadsi and Trachurus japonicus) are reported based on bottom trawl survey data collected during 2006–2020 in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. All individuals collected during each sampling quarter over a period of 15 years were subjected to laboratory-based analysis. In this study, the stock of D. maruadsi and T. japonicus inhabiting the Beibu Gulf was assessed using length-based methods (bootstrapped electronic length frequency analysis (ELEFAN)) to complete stock assessment in different fishery management periods (the division of fisheries management periods was based on China’s input and output in the South China Sea offshore fisheries over 15 years, specifically divided into period I (2006–2010), period II (2011–2015), and period III (2016–2020)). The results showed that the mean body length, dominant body size, and estimated asymptotic length of two CSPFs decreased, whereas their growth coefficient decreased, indicating miniaturization and slower growth, respectively. Estimated exploitation rates and catching body length for two CSPFs indicated that both stocks in the Beibu Gulf were overexploited in period I and moderately exploited after 2011. These stocks were taking a good turn in status in period III, with the exploitation rate much lower than the initial period and reversing the downward trend in catching body length. Furthermore, the variations in the spawning season of the two CSPF stocks and their barely satisfactory expected yield indicated the complexity of the current fishery management in the Beibu Gulf. These results suggest that management measures to reduce fishing pressure may have a positive influence on the biological characteristics of those CSPFs in the Beibu Gulf; however, the stock structure already affected by overfishing will be a huge challenge for the conservation and restoration of fisheries resources in the future. Given that the current stocks of D. maruadsi and T. japonicus in the Beibu Gulf still have low first-capture body length (Lc) and high fishing mortality (F) (compared to F0.1), we identify a need to refine population structure by controlling fishing efforts and increasing catchable size, and more consideration should be given to the local fishery resource status in fisheries management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology)
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11 pages, 538 KiB  
Article
Effects of Peptide Receptor Radiotherapy in Patients with Advanced Paraganglioma and Pheochromocytoma: A Nation-Wide Cohort Study
by Linda Skibsted Kornerup, Mikkel Andreassen, Ulrich Knigge, Anne Kirstine Arveschoug, Per L?gstup Poulsen, Andreas Kj?r, Peter Sandor Oturai, Henning Gr?nb?k and Gitte Dam
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071349 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Introduction: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that originate from chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal sympathetic ganglia. Management of disseminated or metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas continues to pose challenges and relies on limited evidence. Method: In this study, we [...] Read more.
Introduction: Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that originate from chromaffin cells within the adrenal medulla or extra-adrenal sympathetic ganglia. Management of disseminated or metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas continues to pose challenges and relies on limited evidence. Method: In this study, we report retrospective data on median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) for all Danish patients treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu-Dotatate or 90Y-Dotatate over the past 15 years. One standard treatment of PRRT consisted of 4 consecutive cycles with 8–14-week intervals. Results: We included 28 patients; 10 were diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and 18 with paraganglioma. Median age at first PRRT was 47 (IQR 15–76) years. The median follow-up time was 31 (IQR 17–37) months. Eight patients died during follow-up. Median OS was 72 months, and 5-year survival was 65% with no difference between pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Patients with germline mutations had better survival than patients without mutations (p = 0.041). Median PFS after the first cycle of PRRT was 30 months. For patients who previously received systemic treatment, the median PFS was 19 months, compared with 32 months for patients with no previous systemic treatment (p = 0.083). Conclusions: The median OS of around 6 years and median PFS of around 2.5 years found in this study are comparable to those reported in previous studies employing PRRT. Based on historical data, the efficacy of PRRT may be superior to 131I-MIBG therapy, and targeted therapy with sunitinib and PRRT might therefore be considered as first-line treatment in this patient group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuroendocrine Tumors: From Diagnosis to Therapy)
35 pages, 7990 KiB  
Article
Parameterized Reduced-Order Models for Probabilistic Analysis of Thermal Protection System Based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition
by Kun Zhang, Jianyao Yao, Wenxiang Zhu, Zhifu Cao, Teng Li and Jianqiang Xin
Aerospace 2024, 11(4), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040269 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The thermal protection system (TPS) represents one of the most critical subsystems for vehicle re-entry. However, due to uncertainties in thermal loads, material properties, and manufacturing deviations, the thermal response of the TPS exhibits significant randomness, posing considerable challenges in engineering design and [...] Read more.
The thermal protection system (TPS) represents one of the most critical subsystems for vehicle re-entry. However, due to uncertainties in thermal loads, material properties, and manufacturing deviations, the thermal response of the TPS exhibits significant randomness, posing considerable challenges in engineering design and reliability assessment. Given that uncertain aerodynamic heating loads manifest as a stochastic field over time, conventional surrogate models, typically accepting scalar random variables as inputs, face limitations in modeling them. Consequently, this paper introduces an effective characterization approach utilizing proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) to represent the uncertainties of aerodynamic heating. The augmented snapshots matrix is used to reduce the dimension of the random field by the decoupling method of independently spatial and temporal bases. The random variables describing material properties and geometric thickness are also employed as inputs for probabilistic analyses. An uncoupled POD Gaussian process regression (UPOD-GPR) model is then established to achieve highly accurate solutions for transient heat conduction. The model takes random heat flux fields as inputs and thermal response fields as outputs. Using a typical multi-layer TPS and thermal structure as two examples, probabilistic analyses are conducted. The mean square relative error of a typical multi-layer TPS is less than 4%. For the thermal structure, the averaged absolute error of the radiation and insulation layer is less than 25 C and 6 C when the maximum reaches 1200 C and 150 C, respectively. This approach can provide accurate and rapid predictions of thermal responses for TPS and thermal structures throughout their entire operating time when furnished with input heat flux fields and structural parameters. Full article
9 pages, 664 KiB  
Article
Entanglement-Based CV-QKD with Information Reconciliation over Entanglement-Assisted Link
by Ivan B. Djordjevic and Vijay Nafria
Entropy 2024, 26(4), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26040305 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
An entanglement-based continuous variable (CV) QKD scheme is proposed, performing information reconciliation over an entanglement-assisted link. The same entanglement generation source is used in both raw key transmission and information reconciliation. The entanglement generation source employs only low-cost devices operated in the C-band. [...] Read more.
An entanglement-based continuous variable (CV) QKD scheme is proposed, performing information reconciliation over an entanglement-assisted link. The same entanglement generation source is used in both raw key transmission and information reconciliation. The entanglement generation source employs only low-cost devices operated in the C-band. The proposed CV-QKD scheme with information reconciliation over an entanglement-assisted link significantly outperforms the corresponding CV-QKD scheme with information reconciliation over an authenticated public channel. It also outperforms the CV-QKD scheme in which a classical free-space optical communication link is used to perform information reconciliation. An experimental demonstration over the free-space optical testbed established at the University of Arizona campus indicates that the proposed CV-QKD can operate in strong turbulence regimes. To improve the secret key rate performance further, adaptive optics is used. Full article
21 pages, 1853 KiB  
Article
Research on a Torque Ripple Suppression Method of Fuzzy Active Disturbance Rejection Control for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
by Congxin Lv, Bo Wang, Jingbo Chen, Ruiping Zhang, Haiying Dong and Shaoqi Wan
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071280 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In order to meet the necessities of steady and protected operation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in electromechanical pressure gadget aviation beneath complicated working conditions, a three-phase four-arm inverter fuzzy self-disturbance suppression management (Fuzzy-ADRC) approach for PMSM is proposed to suppress [...] Read more.
In order to meet the necessities of steady and protected operation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in electromechanical pressure gadget aviation beneath complicated working conditions, a three-phase four-arm inverter fuzzy self-disturbance suppression management (Fuzzy-ADRC) approach for PMSM is proposed to suppress the motor torque pulsation beneath complicated working conditions. Firstly, the defects of the common inverter are analyzed, the three-phase four-bridge inverter is changed via the standard three-phase three-bridge inverter, and the present-day harmonic suppression’s overall performance of the three-phase four-bridge inverter is modeled, analyzed, and verified. Secondly, the ADRC and fuzzy management approach is analyzed, the Kalman filter is delivered into the motor pace loop management to enhance the overall performance of ADRC, and then the fuzzy manipulate and ADRC are blended to similarly enhance the torque ripple suppression’s overall performance of the everlasting magnet synchronous motor. Finally, the proposed three-phase four-arm inverter and fuzzy-ADRC approach are combined, and contrasted with the normal three-phase three-arm inverter and ADRC method. The simulation consequences exhibit that the proposed manipulation technique can efficiently suppress the torque ripple of everlasting magnet synchronous motor and has robust reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Electrical Machine Design and Optimization Ⅱ)
18 pages, 8274 KiB  
Article
The Mechanism of Dust Transportation Based on Wind Tunnel Experiments and Numerical Simulations
by Jinduo Yang, Xi’an Li, Weiping Wang, Hao Chai, Mingxiao An and Qianyi Dai
Water 2024, 16(7), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16071006 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The process of dust transportation is widespread, leading to the formation of regions such as the Loess Plateau. In order to understand the mechanisms of dust particle transportation, this study conducted wind tunnel experiments to simulate natural wind-driven dust transport processes. Theoretical derivations [...] Read more.
The process of dust transportation is widespread, leading to the formation of regions such as the Loess Plateau. In order to understand the mechanisms of dust particle transportation, this study conducted wind tunnel experiments to simulate natural wind-driven dust transport processes. Theoretical derivations were carried out to establish the relationship between particle size and transportation distance, which was then validated through numerical simulations. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) wind tunnel experiments, theoretical derivations, and numerical simulations yielded consistent results, indicating the effectiveness of the wind tunnel experiments; (2) Under the influence of wind forces, the ideal transportation distance of particles is inversely proportional to the square of their size; (3) turbulent wind fields have a minor impact on dust transport, while particle roundness has a significant effect on transport; (4) clay particles and dust particles in loess regions share the same source areas and transport pathways. Full article
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20 pages, 961 KiB  
Article
Research on the Short-Term Economic Dispatch Method of Power System Involving a Hydropower-Photovoltaic-Pumped Storage Plant
by Liang Guo, Shudi Liu, Litang Xi, Guofang Zhang, Ziqi Liu, Qi Zeng, Feipeng Lü and Yuhong Wang
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1282; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071282 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The auxiliary regulation capacity of pumped-storage power stations can be utilized as an effective method to regulate the output of a hydro-photovoltaic complementary system, further mitigating the power fluctuations of the system and enhancing the photovoltaic absorption. This study aims to minimize power [...] Read more.
The auxiliary regulation capacity of pumped-storage power stations can be utilized as an effective method to regulate the output of a hydro-photovoltaic complementary system, further mitigating the power fluctuations of the system and enhancing the photovoltaic absorption. This study aims to minimize power fluctuations and maximize the economic benefits of electricity generation in a hydropower-photovoltaic-pumped-storage complementary system (HPPCS), which are treated as the objective functions. It explores the participation of the HPPCS in grid active power balance auxiliary services. By modulating the participation ratio of the HPPCS in the grid’s active balance service, the system output is aligned to fluctuate proportionally with the daily load curve trend. Consequently, a short-term economic dispatch model for the integrated HPPCS is developed. The case study focuses on the considerable impact of weather conditions on photovoltaic (PV) power generation. In this model, the outputs of cascading hydro-power stations and pumped-storage power stations are considered as the decision variables. A decomposition-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is applied to derive an optimized intra-day dispatch Pareto solution set for the cascading HPPCS in each of these scenarios. Additionally, this study compares the Pareto solution sets for the HPPCS in various extents of its participation in grid auxiliary services. The results of the case study suggest that the system is capable of timely adjustments during the peak and trough periods of load demand. Considering the economic benefits, it enables the pumped-storage station to generate electricity for the grid during periods of high electricity prices and to store energy by pumping water when prices are low. Full article
11 pages, 472 KiB  
Article
Interactive Effects of Polyethylene Microplastics and Cadmium on Growth of Microcystis aeruginosa
by Zihan Xue, Zetao Xiong, Zhangdong Wei, Lin Wang and Ming Xu
Toxics 2024, 12(4), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12040254 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Polyethylene (PE) is a common component of microplastic pollution, and cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent pollutant in contaminated freshwater bodies in China. Among cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) plays a crucial role in the formation of algal blooms in these water [...] Read more.
Polyethylene (PE) is a common component of microplastic pollution, and cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent pollutant in contaminated freshwater bodies in China. Among cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) plays a crucial role in the formation of algal blooms in these water systems. However, there has been limited research on how microplastics and heavy metals affect cyanobacteria ecologically. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological effects of individual and combined exposure to Cd pollutants and microplastics on M. aeruginosa. The solutions containing 13 µm and 6.5 µm PE particles (100 mg/L) with Cd were used in the research. The results indicated that the combined treatment led to a significant inhibition of chlorophyll a content, dropping to zero by day 5. The treated groups exhibited higher microcystins (MCs) content compared to the control group, suggesting increased MCs release due to pollutant exposure. Interestingly, the adsorption of heavy metals by microplastics partially alleviated the toxicity of heavy metals on algal cells. Moreover, the combined treatment significantly suppressed catalase (CAT) activity compared to Cd treatment, indicating a synergistic effect that led to greater oxidative stress. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the impact of PE and Cd pollution on freshwater ecosystems, elucidates the physiological responses of cyanobacteria to these pollutants, and establishes a theoretical groundwork for addressing complex water pollution using cyanobacteria-based strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecotoxicology)
38 pages, 966 KiB  
Article
How to Design Reinforcement Learning Methods for the Edge: An Integrated Approach toward Intelligent Decision Making
by Guanlin Wu, Dayu Zhang, Zhengyuan Miao, Weidong Bao and Jiang Cao
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071281 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Extensive research has been carried out on reinforcement learning methods. The core idea of reinforcement learning is to learn methods by means of trial and error, and it has been successfully applied to robotics, autonomous driving, gaming, healthcare, resource management, and other fields. [...] Read more.
Extensive research has been carried out on reinforcement learning methods. The core idea of reinforcement learning is to learn methods by means of trial and error, and it has been successfully applied to robotics, autonomous driving, gaming, healthcare, resource management, and other fields. However, when building reinforcement learning solutions at the edge, not only are there the challenges of data-hungry and insufficient computational resources but also there is the difficulty of a single reinforcement learning method to meet the requirements of the model in terms of efficiency, generalization, robustness, and so on. These solutions rely on expert knowledge for the design of edge-side integrated reinforcement learning methods, and they lack high-level system architecture design to support their wider generalization and application. Therefore, in this paper, instead of surveying reinforcement learning systems, we survey the most commonly used options for each part of the architecture from the point of view of integrated application. We present the characteristics of traditional reinforcement learning in several aspects and design a corresponding integration framework based on them. In this process, we show a complete primer on the design of reinforcement learning architectures while also demonstrating the flexibility of the various parts of the architecture to be adapted to the characteristics of different edge tasks. Overall, reinforcement learning has become an important tool in intelligent decision making, but it still faces many challenges in the practical application in edge computing. The aim of this paper is to provide researchers and practitioners with a new, integrated perspective to better understand and apply reinforcement learning in edge decision-making tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parallel, Distributed, Edge Computing in UAV Communication)
21 pages, 3172 KiB  
Article
Influence of Partition Wall Length on Inlet Flow Regime of a Pumping Station Arranged in Parallel with a Sluice Gate
by Wei Shi, Fusheng Lv, Xianlei Yu, Xichen Wang, Chun Ni, Weigang Lu and Lei Xu
Processes 2024, 12(4), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040699 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
When a sluice gate is arranged in parallel with pumping station units, biased flow occurs in the forebay when the units are operating. The transverse flow velocity in front of the channel inlet is relatively high, and, in severe cases, it may lead [...] Read more.
When a sluice gate is arranged in parallel with pumping station units, biased flow occurs in the forebay when the units are operating. The transverse flow velocity in front of the channel inlet is relatively high, and, in severe cases, it may lead to the formation of suction vortices, impacting the stable operation of pump units. Taking the Liushan Pumping Station project of the Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project as a case study, this paper investigates the effect of the partition wall length on the inlet flow regime of pumping station units arranged in parallel with the sluice gate to reduce the transverse flow velocity in front of the channel inlet. Using numerical simulations, the inlet flow regimes for different partition wall lengths were compared. Moreover, the flow field distributions in the forebay under different operating conditions were analyzed alongside the transverse flow velocity in front of the channel inlet and the uniformity of flow velocity distribution in the section behind the channel inlet. Hydraulic model tests were then conducted to validate the simulation results. The results indicate that in the original design, there existed a vortex zone in the forebay in front of the inlet of the channel where the transverse flow was relatively high. However, the introduction of partition walls significantly reduced the transverse flow velocity in front of the inlet of the channel in the forebay. The optimal effect was achieved when the length of the partition wall was twice the width of the inlet channel. Furthermore, the uniformity of velocity distribution at the inlet of the channel increased by an average of 7.4%, leading to a substantial improvement in the inlet flow regime of the pumping station. The addition of partition walls in the forebay effectively resolved the issues related to the flow regime in the forebay, providing valuable references for similar engineering studies in the future. Full article
10 pages, 1463 KiB  
Case Report
Combined Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pyeloureteral Junction Obstruction and Primary Obstructive Megaureter in Children: Case Report and Literature Review
by Donatella Di Fabrizio, Irene Tavolario, Lorenzo Rossi, Fabiano Nino, Edoardo Bindi and Giovanni Cobellis
Children 2024, 11(4), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040407 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Introduction: In children, the association of ipsilateral pyeloureteral junction obstruction (PUJO) and ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO) is a rare malformation with a non-standardized treatment. We report a case of PUJO and UVJO treated by a combined minimally invasive surgical treatment to resolve the [...] Read more.
Introduction: In children, the association of ipsilateral pyeloureteral junction obstruction (PUJO) and ureterovesical junction obstruction (UVJO) is a rare malformation with a non-standardized treatment. We report a case of PUJO and UVJO treated by a combined minimally invasive surgical treatment to resolve the double urinary obstruction. The current literature was also reviewed. Case report and review: A two-month-old boy, without antenatal and postnatal signs of urinary tract anomalies, was hospitalized presenting right hydronephrosis, perirenal fluid effusion, and ascites. An acute pelvic rupture was suspected, and a retrograde pyelogram was performed, showing a primary obstructive megaureter (POM) associated with a corkscrew pyeloureteral junction. The impossibility to place a double J catheter through the pyeloureteral junction led us to achieve percutaneous nephrostomy and an abdominal drain placement. Three months later, the patient underwent a combined high-pressure balloon ureterovesical junction dilation and retroperitoneoscopic Anderson Hynes one-trocar-assisted pyeloplasty (OTAP). The literature search identified 110 children experiencing double urinary tract obstruction. All authors agreed on the difficulty to diagnose both obstructions preoperatively, but there is still no consensus on which obstruction should be relieved earlier, because the alteration in urinary vascularity during a double surgery could damage the ureter. Conclusions: The simultaneous occurrence of UPJO and UVJO is rare, with a challenging diagnosis. Prompt identification and timely surgical intervention are crucial to mitigate the risk of renal function loss attributable to obstruction and infection. Drawing from our expertise and the analysis of the existing literature, we propose employing a simultaneous double minimally invasive strategy in order to optimize the preservation of ureteral vascularity. This approach entails performing a minimally invasive pyeloplasty for the PUJ and utilizing high-pressure balloon dilatation for the UVJ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pediatric Surgery Volume II)
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24 pages, 2153 KiB  
Article
Proto-Early Renaissance Depictions, Iconographic Analysis and Computerised Facial Similarity Assessment Connections: The 16th Century Mural Paintings of St. Leocadia Church (Chaves, North of Portugal)
by Eunice Salavessa, José Aranha, Rafael Moreira and David M. Freire-Lista
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 2031-2054; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040096 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyse facial similarity and apply it to identify the individuals depicted in the mural paintings of the apse of St. Leocadia Church, located in Chaves Municipality (North of Portugal), which were painted during the first quarter [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to analyse facial similarity and apply it to identify the individuals depicted in the mural paintings of the apse of St. Leocadia Church, located in Chaves Municipality (North of Portugal), which were painted during the first quarter of the 16th century. This study also compares the portraits of this mural paintings with the oil paintings by the Proto-Renaissance Portuguese painter Nuno Gonçalves. Through this research, the feasibility of face recognition technology is explored to answer many ambiguities about Manueline stylistic identity and iconography. Additionally, it aims to associate historical events, artistic discoveries, and the expansion of portraiture as propaganda of power during the Portuguese Proto-Renaissance and Early Renaissance. On the other hand, it focuses on the prevalence of the religious and devotional over the sacred in Manueline painting. A proposal was made to identify the characters that are fundamental to the meaning of the mural paintings. An experiment was conducted on seven characters from the paintings at St. Leocadia Church, which were then compared to Nuno Gonçalves’ portraits. Facial similarity analysis was conducted on the faces portrayed in the Panels of St. Vincent, a remarkable portrait gallery from 15th-century Portugal, which has been the subject of national and international research for 130 years. Other paintings that were analysed were the oil paintings of St. Peter and St. Paul and of Infanta St. Joana, which were created by the same Quattrocento master. The purpose of the mural paintings of St. Leocadia Church could be catechetical in nature or related to the ritual practices of royal ancestor worship in royal portrait apses of the churches. It could also be associated with the Portuguese maritime expansion and the macro-imperial ideology of D. Manuel I. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue XR and Artificial Intelligence for Heritage)
18 pages, 778 KiB  
Article
Performance Metrics for Implementation of Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plans
by Yochai Eisenberg, Mackenzie Hayes, Amy Hofstra, Delphine Labbé, Robert Gould and Robin Jones
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8020027 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Safely walking or wheeling in a wheelchair in the community is a civil and human right. Some progress has been made in the US towards making walking/wheeling paths more accessible for people with disabilities through the construction of new curb ramps, fixing sidewalk [...] Read more.
Safely walking or wheeling in a wheelchair in the community is a civil and human right. Some progress has been made in the US towards making walking/wheeling paths more accessible for people with disabilities through the construction of new curb ramps, fixing sidewalk barriers, and installing accessible pedestrian signals. However, pedestrians with disabilities continue to be limited by infrastructure barriers on sidewalks and streets. To encourage progress and government transparency, we developed a set of performance metrics for local governments to monitor and report their progress in implementing barrier removal plans, called Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plans. We used the five-step Nominal Group Technique to systematically develop and prioritize a set of performance metrics with an expert panel of ADA coordinators, disability organizations, and state and federal Department of Transportation staff. The research resulted in obtaining 53 metrics across five goals and 14 objectives that can be used to measure all phases of implementation and are intended to be customized to fit different community contexts and capacities. The metrics could be used by federal and state transportation agencies, as well as internationally, with some adaptation to ensure that adequate progress in barrier removal is being made. Local governments can use the metrics to document and communicate their progress and effectively reduce ADA compliance litigation concerns. Full article
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15 pages, 2453 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Analytical Study of Directional Isothermal Fatigue in Additively Manufactured Ti-TiB Metal Matrix Composites
by Thevika Balakumar, Reza A. Riahi and Afsaneh Edrisy
Metals 2024, 14(4), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14040408 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are widely investigated for the cost-effective use of titanium (Ti) alloys in various aerospace applications. One of the AM techniques developed for such applications is plasma transferred arc solid free-form fabrication (PTA-SFFF). Materials manufactured through AM techniques often exhibit [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques are widely investigated for the cost-effective use of titanium (Ti) alloys in various aerospace applications. One of the AM techniques developed for such applications is plasma transferred arc solid free-form fabrication (PTA-SFFF). Materials manufactured through AM techniques often exhibit anisotropies in mechanical properties due to the layer-by-layer material build. In this regard, the present study investigates the isothermal directional fatigue of a Ti-TiB metal matrix composite (MMC) manufactured by PTA-SFFF. This investigation includes a rotating beam fatigue test in the fully reversed condition (stress ratio, R = −1), electron microscopy, and calculations for fatigue life predictions using Paris’ and modified Paris’ equations. The fatigue experiments were performed at 350 °C using specimen with the test axis oriented diagonally (45°) and parallel (90°) to the AM builds directions. The fatigue values from the current experiments along with literature data find that the Ti MMC manufactured via PTA-SFFF exhibit fatigue anisotropy reporting highest strength in 90° and lowest in perpendicular (0°) AM build directions. Furthermore, calculations were performed to evaluate the optimum values of the stress intensity modification factor (λ) for fatigue life prediction in 0°, 45°, and 90° AM build directions. It was found that for the specimens with 45°, and 90° AM build directions, the computed intensity modification factors were very similar. This suggests that the initial fatigue crack characteristics such as location, shape, and size were similar in both 45°, and 90° AM build directions. However, in 0° AM build direction, the computed stress intensity modification factor was different from that of the 45°, and 90° AM build directions. This indicates that the fatigue crack initiation at 0° AM build direction is different compared to the other two directions considered in this study. Moreover, the quality of fatigue life prediction was assessed by calculating values for both Paris and modified Paris predictions. Using the values, it was found that the fatigue life predictions made by the modified Paris equation resulted in improved prediction accuracy for all three builds, and the percentage improvement ranged from 30% to 60%. Additionally, electron microscopy investigations of 0°, 45°, and 90° AM build specimens revealed extensive damage to the TiB particle compared to the Ti matrix as well as frequent TiB clusters in all three AM build directions. These observations suggest that the spread of these TiB clusters plays a role in the fatigue anisotropy of Ti-TiB MMCs. Full article
27 pages, 3892 KiB  
Review
A Survey of Recent Developments in Magnetic Microrobots for Micro-/Nano-Manipulation
by Ruomeng Xu and Qingsong Xu
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040468 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview [...] Read more.
Magnetically actuated microrobots have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their tiny size, untethered control, and rapid response capability. Moreover, an increasing number of researchers are applying them for micro-/nano-manipulation in the biomedical field. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments in magnetic microrobots, focusing on materials, propulsion mechanisms, design strategies, fabrication techniques, and diverse micro-/nano-manipulation applications. The exploration of magnetic materials, biosafety considerations, and propulsion methods serves as a foundation for the diverse designs discussed in this review. The paper delves into the design categories, encompassing helical, surface, ciliary, scaffold, and biohybrid microrobots, with each demonstrating unique capabilities. Furthermore, various fabrication techniques, including direct laser writing, glancing angle deposition, biotemplating synthesis, template-assisted electrochemical deposition, and magnetic self-assembly, are examined owing to their contributions to the realization of magnetic microrobots. The potential impact of magnetic microrobots across multidisciplinary domains is presented through various application areas, such as drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, cell manipulation, and environmental remediation. This review highlights a comprehensive summary of the current challenges, hurdles to overcome, and future directions in magnetic microrobot research across different fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro-/Nano-Manipulation and Positioning Techniques)

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