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15 pages, 2044 KiB  
Article
Research on the Accounting and Prediction of Carbon Emission from Wave Energy Convertor Based on the Whole Lifecycle
by Jian Li, Xiangnan Wang, Huamei Wang, Yuanfei Zhang, Cailin Zhang, Hongrui Xu and Bijun Wu
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1626; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071626 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Wave energy, as a significant renewable and clean energy source with vast global reserves, exhibits no greenhouse gas or other pollution during real-sea operational conditions. However, throughout the entire lifecycle, wave energy convertors can produce additional CO2 emissions due to the use [...] Read more.
Wave energy, as a significant renewable and clean energy source with vast global reserves, exhibits no greenhouse gas or other pollution during real-sea operational conditions. However, throughout the entire lifecycle, wave energy convertors can produce additional CO2 emissions due to the use of raw materials and emissions during transportation. Based on laboratory test data from a wave energy convertor model, this study ensures consistency between the model and the actual sea-deployed wave energy convertors in terms of performance, materials, and geometric shapes using similarity criteria. Carbon emission factors from China, the European Union, Brazil, and Japan are selected to predict the carbon emissions of wave energy convertors in real-sea conditions. The research indicates: (1) The predicted carbon emission coefficient for unit electricity generation (EFco2) of wave energy is 0.008–0.057 kg CO2/kWh; when the traditional steel production mode is adopted, the EFco2 in this paper is 0.014–0.059 kg CO2/kWh, similar to existing research conclusions for the emission factor of CO2 for wave energy convertor (0.012–0.050 kg CO2/kWh). The predicted data on carbon emissions in the lifecycle of wave energy convertors aligns closely with actual operational data. (2) The main source of carbon emissions in the life cycle of a wave energy converter, excluding the recycling of manufacturing metal materials, is the manufacturing stage, which accounts for 90% of the total carbon emissions. When the recycling of manufacturing metal materials is considered, the carbon emissions in the manufacturing stage are reduced, and the carbon emissions in the transport stage are increased, from about 7% to about 20%. (3) Under the most ideal conditions, the carbon payback period for a wave energy convertor ranges from 0.28 to 2.06 years, and the carbon reduction during the design lifespan (20 years) varies from 238.33 t CO2 (minimum) to 261.80 t CO2 (maximum). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B3: Carbon Emission and Utilization)
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26 pages, 2466 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Instruction and a Dynamic Fuzzy Inference System for Evaluating the Acquirement of Skills through Learning Activities by Higher Middle Education Students in Mexico
by Cecilia Leal-Ramírez and Héctor Alonso Echavarría-Heras
Mathematics 2024, 12(7), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12071015 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: The evaluation of the development of a student’s abilities and skills through a learning activity is a topic strongly questioned by the education system in Mexico. Several instruments have been developed to achieve said evaluation. However, these involve both qualitative and subjective [...] Read more.
Background: The evaluation of the development of a student’s abilities and skills through a learning activity is a topic strongly questioned by the education system in Mexico. Several instruments have been developed to achieve said evaluation. However, these involve both qualitative and subjective assessment, thereby avoiding the possibility of unambiguously verifying the development of a student’s aptitudes. Methods: We developed a new instrument composed of an integrated instruction and a dynamic fuzzy inference system. Integrated instruction is a table that contains a set of instructions and a set of indicators that make it possible to evaluate knowledge, procedure, and attitude without establishing qualitative or subjective criteria to rank them. The dynamic fuzzy inference system assesses indicators under a criterion to demonstrate the development of a student’s abilities and skills. Results: The method was applied to three different learning activities, where the assessment was precise and transparent for the student, contributing to an extraordinary identification of the acquainted knowledge, procedure, and attitude that the student displayed to develop the activity. Conclusions: Our instrument evaluates the development of abilities and skills without ambiguity or subjectivity, making efficient feedback possible and allowing it to be perfected without difficulties for future adaptations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Fuzzy Logic and Fuzzy Systems)
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12 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Change in Osmotic Pressure Influences the Absorption Spectrum of Hemoglobin inside Red Blood Cells
by Miroslav Karabaliev, Bilyana Tacheva, Boyana Paarvanova and Radostina Georgieva
Cells 2024, 13(7), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13070589 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Absorption spectra of red blood cell (RBC) suspensions are investigated in an osmolarity range in the medium from 200 mOsm to 900 mOsm. Three spectral parameters are used to characterize the process of swelling or shrinkage of RBC—the absorbance at 700 nm, the [...] Read more.
Absorption spectra of red blood cell (RBC) suspensions are investigated in an osmolarity range in the medium from 200 mOsm to 900 mOsm. Three spectral parameters are used to characterize the process of swelling or shrinkage of RBC—the absorbance at 700 nm, the Soret peak height relative to the spectrum background, and the Soret peak wavelength. We show that with an increase in the osmolarity, the absorbance at 700 nm increases and the Soret peak relative height decreases. These changes are related to the changes in the RBC volume and the resulting increase in the hemoglobin intracellular concentration and index of refraction. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry measurements supported these conclusions. The maximum wavelength of the Soret peak increases with increasing osmolarity due to changes in the oxygenation state of hemoglobin. Using these spectrum parameters, the process of osmosis in RBCs can be followed in real time, but it can also be applied to various processes, leading to changes in the volume and shape of RBCs. Therefore, we conclude that UV–Vis absorption spectrophotometry offers a convenient, easily accessible, and cost-effective method to monitor changes in RBC, which can find applications in the field of drug discovery and diagnostics of RBC and hemoglobin disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hemoglobin and Other Globin Types: Structure, Function and Evolution)
12 pages, 1405 KiB  
Article
Radiomics-Based Machine Learning Model for Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis Using Computed Tomography
by Stefanie Bette, Luca Canalini, Laura-Marie Feitelson, Piotr Wo?nicki, Franka Risch, Adrian Huber, Josua A. Decker, Kartikay Tehlan, Judith Becker, Claudia Wollny, Christian Scheurig-Münkler, Thomas Wendler, Florian Schwarz and Thomas Kroencke
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070718 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the early diagnostic workup of acute pancreatitis (AP), the role of contrast-enhanced CT is to establish the diagnosis in uncertain cases, assess severity, and detect potential complications like necrosis, fluid collections, bleeding or portal vein thrombosis. The value of texture analysis/radiomics of [...] Read more.
In the early diagnostic workup of acute pancreatitis (AP), the role of contrast-enhanced CT is to establish the diagnosis in uncertain cases, assess severity, and detect potential complications like necrosis, fluid collections, bleeding or portal vein thrombosis. The value of texture analysis/radiomics of medical images has rapidly increased during the past decade, and the main focus has been on oncological imaging and tumor classification. Previous studies assessed the value of radiomics for differentiating between malignancies and inflammatory diseases of the pancreas as well as for prediction of AP severity. The aim of our study was to evaluate an automatic machine learning model for AP detection using radiomics analysis. Patients with abdominal pain and contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen in an emergency setting were retrospectively included in this single-center study. The pancreas was automatically segmented using TotalSegmentator and radiomics features were extracted using PyRadiomics. We performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering and applied the random-forest based Boruta model to select the most important radiomics features. Important features and lipase levels were included in a logistic regression model with AP as the dependent variable. The model was established in a training cohort using fivefold cross-validation and applied to the test cohort (80/20 split). From a total of 1012 patients, 137 patients with AP and 138 patients without AP were included in the final study cohort. Feature selection confirmed 28 important features (mainly shape and first-order features) for the differentiation between AP and controls. The logistic regression model showed excellent diagnostic accuracy of radiomics features for the detection of AP, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.932. Using lipase levels only, an AUC of 0.946 was observed. Using both radiomics features and lipase levels, we showed an excellent AUC of 0.933 for the detection of AP. Automated segmentation of the pancreas and consecutive radiomics analysis almost achieved the high diagnostic accuracy of lipase levels, a well-established predictor of AP, and might be considered an additional diagnostic tool in unclear cases. This study provides scientific evidence that automated image analysis of the pancreas achieves comparable diagnostic accuracy to lipase levels and might therefore be used in the future in the rapidly growing era of AI-based image analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Intelligent Data Analysis for Medical Diagnosis)
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10 pages, 1012 KiB  
Communication
Phylogeny of Transferable Oxazolidinone Resistance Genes and Homologs
by Gábor Kardos, Levente Laczkó, Eszter Kaszab, Bálint Timmer, Krisztina Szarka, Eszter Prépost and Krisztián Bányai
Antibiotics 2024, 13(4), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13040311 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Oxazolidinone resistance, especially transmissible resistance, is a major public health concern, and the origin of this resistance mechanism is not yet resolved. This study aims to delve into the phylogenetic origin of the transmissible oxazolidinone resistance mechanisms conferring cross-resistance to other drugs of [...] Read more.
Oxazolidinone resistance, especially transmissible resistance, is a major public health concern, and the origin of this resistance mechanism is not yet resolved. This study aims to delve into the phylogenetic origin of the transmissible oxazolidinone resistance mechanisms conferring cross-resistance to other drugs of human and veterinary importance. The amino acid sequences of the five cfr ribosomal methylases and optrA and poxtA were used as queries in searches against 219,549 bacterial proteomes in the NCBI RefSeq database. Hits with > 40% amino acid identity and > 80% query coverage were aligned, and phylogenetic trees were reconstructed. All five cfr genes yielded highly similar trees, with rlmN housekeeping ribosomal methylases located basal to the sister groups of S-adenosyl-methionine-dependent methyltransferases from various Deltaproteobacteria and Actinomycetia, including antibiotic-producing Streptomyces species, and the monophyletic group of cfr genes. The basal branches of the latter contained paenibacilli and other soil bacteria; they then could be split into the clades [cfr(C):cfr(E)] and [[cfr:cfr(B)]:cfr(D)], always with different Bacillaceae in their stems. Lachnospiraceae were encountered in the basal branches of both optrA and poxtA trees. The ultimate origin of the cfr genes is the rlmN housekeeping ribosomal methylases, which evolved into a suicide-avoiding methylase in antibiotic producers; a soil organism (Lachnospiraceae, Paenibacilli) probably acted as a transfer organism into pathogenic bacteria. In the case of optrA, the porcine pathogenic Streptococcus suis was present in all branches, while the proteins closest to poxtA originated from Clostridia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Evolution of Plasmid-Mediated Antimicrobial Resistance)
13 pages, 2033 KiB  
Article
Development of a Non-Invasive Machine-Learned Point-of-Care Rule-Out Test for Coronary Artery Disease
by Timothy Burton, Farhad Fathieh, Navid Nemati, Horace R. Gillins, Ian P. Shadforth, Shyam Ramchandani and Charles R. Bridges
Diagnostics 2024, 14(7), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14070719 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The current standard of care for coronary artery disease (CAD) requires an intake of radioactive or contrast enhancement dyes, radiation exposure, and stress and may take days to weeks for referral to gold-standard cardiac catheterization. The CAD diagnostic pathway would greatly benefit from [...] Read more.
The current standard of care for coronary artery disease (CAD) requires an intake of radioactive or contrast enhancement dyes, radiation exposure, and stress and may take days to weeks for referral to gold-standard cardiac catheterization. The CAD diagnostic pathway would greatly benefit from a test to assess for CAD that enables the physician to rule it out at the point of care, thereby enabling the exploration of other diagnoses more rapidly. We sought to develop a test using machine learning to assess for CAD with a rule-out profile, using an easy-to-acquire signal (without stress/radiation) at the point of care. Given the historic disparate outcomes between sexes and urban/rural geographies in cardiology, we targeted equal performance across sexes in a geographically accessible test. Noninvasive photoplethysmogram and orthogonal voltage gradient signals were simultaneously acquired in a representative clinical population of subjects before invasive catheterization for those with CAD (gold-standard for the confirmation of CAD) and coronary computed tomographic angiography for those without CAD (excellent negative predictive value). Features were measured from the signal and used in machine learning to predict CAD status. The machine-learned algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 59%. The rule-out profile was maintained across both sexes, as well as all other relevant subgroups. A test to assess for CAD using machine learning on a noninvasive signal has been successfully developed, showing high performance and rule-out ability. Confirmation of the performance on a large clinical, blinded, enrollment-gated dataset is required before implementation of the test in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology Diagnosis )
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18 pages, 487 KiB  
Article
4-Chloroisocoumarins as Chlamydial Protease Inhibitors and Anti-Chlamydial Agents
by Matthew J. A. Phillips, Wilhelmina M. Huston, Andrew M. McDonagh and Tristan Rawling
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071519 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
4-Chloroisocoumarin compounds have broad inhibitory properties against serine proteases. Here, we show that selected 3-alkoxy-4-chloroisocoumarins preferentially inhibit the activity of the conserved serine protease High-temperature requirement A of Chlamydia trachomatis. The synthesis of a new series of isocoumarin-based scaffolds has been developed, [...] Read more.
4-Chloroisocoumarin compounds have broad inhibitory properties against serine proteases. Here, we show that selected 3-alkoxy-4-chloroisocoumarins preferentially inhibit the activity of the conserved serine protease High-temperature requirement A of Chlamydia trachomatis. The synthesis of a new series of isocoumarin-based scaffolds has been developed, and their anti-chlamydial properties were investigated. The structure of the alkoxy substituent was found to influence the potency of the compounds against High-temperature requirement A, and modifications to the C-7 position of the 3-alkoxy-4-chloroisocoumarin structure attenuate anti-chlamydial properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
13 pages, 778 KiB  
Article
Lead-Time Corrected Effect on Breast Cancer Survival in Germany by Mode of Detection
by Laura Schumann, Moritz Hadwiger, Nora Eisemann and Alexander Katalinic
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1326; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071326 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Screen-detected breast cancer patients tend to have better survival than patients diagnosed with symptomatic cancer. The main driver of improved survival in screen-detected cancer is detection at earlier stage. An important bias is introduced by lead time, i.e., the time span [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Screen-detected breast cancer patients tend to have better survival than patients diagnosed with symptomatic cancer. The main driver of improved survival in screen-detected cancer is detection at earlier stage. An important bias is introduced by lead time, i.e., the time span by which the diagnosis has been advanced by screening. We examine whether there is a remaining survival difference that could be attributable to mode of detection, for example, because of higher quality of care. (2) Methods: Women with a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis in 2000–2022 were included from a population-based cancer registry from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, which also registers the mode of cancer detection. Mammography screening was available from 2005 onwards. We compared the survival for BC detected by screening with symptomatic BC detection using Kaplan–Meier, unadjusted Cox regressions, and Cox regressions adjusted for age, grading, and UICC stage. Correction for lead time bias was carried out by assuming an exponential distribution of the period during which the tumor is asymptomatic but screen-detectable (sojourn time). We used a common estimate and two recently published estimates of sojourn times. (3) Results: The analysis included 32,169 women. Survival for symptomatic BC was lower than for screen-detected BC (hazard ratio (HR): 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21–0.25). Adjustment for prognostic factors and lead time bias with the commonly used sojourn time resulted in an HR of 0.84 (CI: 0.75–0.94). Using different sojourn times resulted in an HR of 0.73 to 0.90. (4) Conclusions: Survival for symptomatic BC was only one quarter of screen-detected tumors, which is obviously biased. After adjustment for lead-time bias and prognostic variables, including UICC stage, survival was 27% to 10% better for screen-detected BC, which might be attributed to BC screening. Although this result fits quite well with published results for other countries with BC screening, further sources for residual confounding (e.g., self-selection) cannot be ruled out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Anglesio Prize in Cancer Epidemiology and Cancer Registration)
11 pages, 421 KiB  
Article
Treatment of Osteoporosis in Men on Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Japan
by Hanako Nishimoto, Atsuyuki Inui, Yutaka Mifune, Kohei Yamaura, Yukari Bando, Yasuyoshi Okamura, Takuto Hara, Tomoaki Terakawa and Ryosuke Kuroda
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040551 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has greatly improved treatment outcomes. As patient survival rates have increased, reports of decreased bone density and increased bone fractures as side effects of ADT have emerged. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Japanese [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has greatly improved treatment outcomes. As patient survival rates have increased, reports of decreased bone density and increased bone fractures as side effects of ADT have emerged. The prevalence of osteoporosis in Japanese men was 4.6%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of osteoporosis treatment in prostate cancer patients who underwent ADT in Japan. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 33 male patients who had undergone ADT for prostate cancer, who were noted to have decreased bone density. Mean age was 76.2 ± 7.7 years (64–87). Medications included vitamin D in one case, bisphosphonates (BP) in 27 cases, and denosumab in five cases. The evaluation method examined the rate of change in bone mineral density (BMD) before osteoporosis treatment and 1 year after. For comparison, a group without osteoporosis treatment intervention (n = 33) was selected, and matched for prostate cancer treatment and age. The rate of change in trabecular bone score (TBS) was also calculated. Results: The percentage changes in BMD before and 1 year after treatment were as follows: lumbar spine, 7.1 ± 5.8% in the treatment group versus −3.9 ± 4.1% in the no treatment group; femoral neck, 5.5 ± 6.2% in the treatment group versus −0.9 ± 3.9% in the no treatment group; total femur, 6.6 ± 6.4% in the treatment group versus the no treatment group which was −1.7 ± 3.2%. In all cases, there was a clear significant difference (p < 0.01). The percent change in TBS was further calculated in the same manner. There was no significant difference between the two groups: +1.7 ± 3.8% in the treated group versus +0.3 ± 4.1% in the untreated group. Conclusions: Osteoporosis treatment in Japanese patients with prostate cancer on ADT therapy was found to significantly increase BMD compared to the untreated group. BP and denosumab were found to be very effective in increasing BMD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Update on Osteoporosis)
17 pages, 510 KiB  
Article
Feedback Beamforming in the Time Domain
by Zvi Aharon Herscovici and Israel Cohen
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2179; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072179 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Real-time source localization is crucial for high-end automation and artificial intelligence (AI) products. However, a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limited processing time can reduce localization accuracy. This work proposes a new architecture for a time-domain feedback-based beamformer that meets real-time processing demands. [...] Read more.
Real-time source localization is crucial for high-end automation and artificial intelligence (AI) products. However, a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and limited processing time can reduce localization accuracy. This work proposes a new architecture for a time-domain feedback-based beamformer that meets real-time processing demands. The main objective of this design is to locate reflective sources by estimating their direction of arrival (DOA) and signal range. Incorporating a feedback mechanism in this architecture refines localization precision, a unique aspect of this approach. We conducted an in-depth analysis to compare the effectiveness of time-domain feedback beamforming against conventional time-domain methods, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Our evaluation of the proposed architecture, based on critical performance indicators such as peak-to-sidelobe ratio, mainlobe width, and directivity factor, demonstrates its ability to improve beamformer effectiveness significantly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Physical Sensors 2023)
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11 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of Oral Function Evaluation According to Dementia Severity in Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease
by Maki Shirobe, Ayako Edahiro, Keiko Motokawa, Shiho Morishita, Yoshiko Motohashi, Chiaki Matsubara, Masanori Iwasaki, Yutaka Watanabe and Hirohiko Hirano
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070992 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Oral function evaluation in older adults with dementia is important for determining appropriate and practical dietary support plans; however, it can be challenging due to their difficulties in comprehending instructions and cooperating during assessments. The feasibility of oral function evaluation has not been [...] Read more.
Oral function evaluation in older adults with dementia is important for determining appropriate and practical dietary support plans; however, it can be challenging due to their difficulties in comprehending instructions and cooperating during assessments. The feasibility of oral function evaluation has not been well studied. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the feasibility of oral function evaluation in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) according to Functional Assessment Staging of Alzheimer’s Disease (FAST) stages. In total, 428 older adults with AD (45 men and 383 women; mean age: 87.2 ± 6.2 years) were included. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the prevalence of participants who were unable to perform oral function evaluations, including oral diadochokinesis (ODK), repeated saliva swallow test (RSST), and modified water swallow test (MWST). In comparison to the reference category (combined FAST stage 1–3), FAST stage 7 was associated with the infeasibility of ODK (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 26.7, 4.2–168.6), RSST (5.9, 2.2–16.1), and MWST (8.7, 1.6–48.5, respectively). Oral function evaluation is difficult in older adults with severe AD. Simpler and more practical swallowing function assessments and indicators that can be routinely observed are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Nutrition in Older Adults)
50 pages, 3097 KiB  
Article
Multi-Strategy Boosted Fick’s Law Algorithm for Engineering Optimization Problems and Parameter Estimation
by Jialing Yan, Gang Hu and Jiulong Zhang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(4), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9040205 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
To address the shortcomings of the recently proposed Fick’s Law Algorithm, which is prone to local convergence and poor convergence efficiency, we propose a multi-strategy improved Fick’s Law Algorithm (FLAS). The method combines multiple effective strategies, including differential mutation strategy, Gaussian local mutation [...] Read more.
To address the shortcomings of the recently proposed Fick’s Law Algorithm, which is prone to local convergence and poor convergence efficiency, we propose a multi-strategy improved Fick’s Law Algorithm (FLAS). The method combines multiple effective strategies, including differential mutation strategy, Gaussian local mutation strategy, interweaving-based comprehensive learning strategy, and seagull update strategy. First, the differential variation strategy is added in the search phase to increase the randomness and expand the search degree of space. Second, by introducing the Gaussian local variation, the search diversity is increased, and the exploration capability and convergence efficiency are further improved. Further, a comprehensive learning strategy that simultaneously updates multiple individual parameters is introduced to improve search diversity and shorten the running time. Finally, the stability of the update is improved by adding a global search mechanism to balance the distribution of molecules on both sides during seagull updates. To test the competitiveness of the algorithms, the exploration and exploitation capability of the proposed FLAS is validated on 23 benchmark functions, and CEC2020 tests. FLAS is compared with other algorithms in seven engineering optimizations such as a reducer, three-bar truss, gear transmission system, piston rod optimization, gas transmission compressor, pressure vessel, and stepped cone pulley. The experimental results verify that FLAS can effectively optimize conventional engineering optimization problems. Finally, the engineering applicability of the FLAS algorithm is further highlighted by analyzing the results of parameter estimation for the solar PV model. Full article
15 pages, 991 KiB  
Article
Egg vs. Oil in the Cookbook of Plasters: Differentiation of Lipid Binders in Wall Paintings Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Principal Component Analysis
by Jana Nádvorníková, Václav Pitthard, Ond?ej Kurka, Luká? Ku?era and Petr Barták
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071520 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Wall paintings are integral to cultural heritage and offer rich insights into historical and religious beliefs. There exist various wall painting techniques that pose challenges in binder and pigment identification, especially in the case of egg/oil-based binders. GC-MS identification of lipidic binders relies [...] Read more.
Wall paintings are integral to cultural heritage and offer rich insights into historical and religious beliefs. There exist various wall painting techniques that pose challenges in binder and pigment identification, especially in the case of egg/oil-based binders. GC-MS identification of lipidic binders relies routinely on parameters like the ratios of fatty acids within the plaster. However, the reliability of these ratios for binder identification is severely limited, as demonstrated in this manuscript. Therefore, a more reliable tool for effective differentiation between egg and oil binders based on a combination of diagnostic values, specific markers (cholesterol oxidation products), and PCA is presented in this study. Reference samples of wall paintings with egg and linseed oil binders with six different pigments were subjected to modern artificial ageing methods and subsequently analysed using two GC-MS instruments. A statistically significant difference (at a 95% confidence level) between the egg and oil binders and between the results from two GC-MS instruments was observed. These discrepancies between the results from the two GC-MS instruments are likely attributed to the heterogeneity of the samples with egg and oil binders. This study highlights the complexities in identifying wall painting binders and the need for innovative and revised analytical methods in conservation efforts. Full article
19 pages, 5950 KiB  
Article
Ancient Chinese Character Recognition with Improved Swin-Transformer and Flexible Data Enhancement Strategies
by Yi Zheng, Yi Chen, Xianbo Wang, Donglian Qi and Yunfeng Yan
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072182 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The decipherment of ancient Chinese scripts, such as oracle bone and bronze inscriptions, holds immense significance for understanding ancient Chinese history, culture, and civilization. Despite substantial progress in recognizing oracle bone script, research on the overall recognition of ancient Chinese characters remains somewhat [...] Read more.
The decipherment of ancient Chinese scripts, such as oracle bone and bronze inscriptions, holds immense significance for understanding ancient Chinese history, culture, and civilization. Despite substantial progress in recognizing oracle bone script, research on the overall recognition of ancient Chinese characters remains somewhat lacking. To tackle this issue, we pioneered the construction of a large-scale image dataset comprising 9233 distinct ancient Chinese characters sourced from images obtained through archaeological excavations. We propose the first model for recognizing the common ancient Chinese characters. This model consists of four stages with Linear Embedding and Swin-Transformer blocks, each supplemented by a CoT Block to enhance local feature extraction. We also advocate for an enhancement strategy, which involves two steps: firstly, conducting adaptive data enhancement on the original data, and secondly, randomly resampling the data. The experimental results, with a top-one accuracy of 87.25% and a top-five accuracy of 95.81%, demonstrate that our proposed method achieves remarkable performance. Furthermore, through the visualizing of model attention, it can be observed that the proposed model, trained on a large number of images, is able to capture the morphological characteristics of ancient Chinese characters to a certain extent. Full article
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16 pages, 774 KiB  
Article
Determining Steady-State Operation Criteria Using Transient Performance Modelling and Steady-State Diagnostics
by Konstantinos Mathioudakis, Nikolaos Aretakis and Alexios Alexiou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072863 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Data from the steady-state operation of gas turbine engines are used in gas path diagnostic procedures. A method to identify steady-state operation is thus required. This paper initially explains and demonstrates the factors that cause a deviation in engine health when transient data [...] Read more.
Data from the steady-state operation of gas turbine engines are used in gas path diagnostic procedures. A method to identify steady-state operation is thus required. This paper initially explains and demonstrates the factors that cause a deviation in engine health when transient data are used for diagnosis and shows that there is a threshold in the slope of time traces, below which the variation in engine health parameters is acceptable. A methodology for deriving a criterion for steady-state operation based on actual flight data is then presented. The slope of the exhaust gas temperature variation with time and the size of its time-series window, from which this slope is determined, are the required parameters that must be specified when applying this criterion. It is found that the values of these parameters must be selected so that a sufficient number of steady-state points are available without compromising the accuracy of the diagnostic procedure. Full article
14 pages, 899 KiB  
Article
Spatial-Performance Evaluation of Primary Health Care Facilities: Evidence from Xi’an, China
by Dan Zhao, Liu Shao, Jianwei Li and Lina Shen
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072838 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Primary health care (PHC) facilities play a significant role in constructing a “people-oriented city” to promote sustainable urban development. However, existing studies exhibit gaps in the spatial-performance evaluation of PHC facilities at the block scale and in identifying spatial association types between facilities [...] Read more.
Primary health care (PHC) facilities play a significant role in constructing a “people-oriented city” to promote sustainable urban development. However, existing studies exhibit gaps in the spatial-performance evaluation of PHC facilities at the block scale and in identifying spatial association types between facilities and the population. Therefore, we examined the elderly population, who rely heavily on PHC facilities, and developed a spatial-performance evaluation model for PHC facilities at the block scale using the Ga2SFCA method and the bivariate spatial autocorrelation method. The results revealed an evident concentric pattern and spatial mismatch between the accessibility of facilities and the elderly population. Facilities in the central area were inadequate due to the excessive density of the elderly population, whereas medical services in suburban areas were unsustainable due to poor accessibility. From a spatial-justice perspective, the spatial-performance evaluation at the block scale can identify spatial correlation types and distribution characteristics between PHC facilities and the elderly population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geographical Data and Analysis for Sustainable Urban Studies)
14 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Energy Efficiency in Heat Pumps and Solar Collectors: Case of Slovakia
by Stefan Kuzevic, Marcela Tausova, Katarina Culkova, Lucia Domaracka and Danylo Shyp
Processes 2024, 12(4), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040681 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Sustainable energy presently represents the energy of the future, which should be based on the application respecting the importance of energy priorities, increasing regional self-sufficiency, regional control of energy, and regulation of resource use. In the area of energy supply, the use of [...] Read more.
Sustainable energy presently represents the energy of the future, which should be based on the application respecting the importance of energy priorities, increasing regional self-sufficiency, regional control of energy, and regulation of resource use. In the area of energy supply, the use of RES has been increasingly popular, mainly due to the instability in the energy market and the political situation worldwide. Paper’s ambition is to evaluate the efficiency of the selected RES use in the specific conditions of Slovakia, with the aim to achieve the EU targets. This is important due to the increasing use of RES in Slovakia. The objective of this paper is achieved through an analysis of the energy profit of the RES system, comparing the costs of the proposed solutions. The evaluation is carried out by calculating the energy and economic efficiency of three possible buildings used in the research. Using the data obtained, the results show the most suitable alternative for each building. The resulting findings provide a valuable insight for governments in identifying the best projects for RES use. The result will be methodology creation as a base for local administration and communities to elaborate plans with a goal to extend RES use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Processes for Renewable Energy Technology II)
23 pages, 915 KiB  
Article
A Field Study of Individual, Energy-Efficient, and Human-Centered Indoor Electric Lighting: Its Impact on Comfort and Visual Performance in an Open-Plan Office Part 1
by Sevda Aliparast and Sermin Onaygil
Buildings 2024, 14(4), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040936 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this field study, we examined the impact of human-centered lighting on an open-plan office environment, involving the participation of sixty office workers. The objective was to investigate the effects of the Circadian Stimulus (CS) and Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) metrics. This study [...] Read more.
In this field study, we examined the impact of human-centered lighting on an open-plan office environment, involving the participation of sixty office workers. The objective was to investigate the effects of the Circadian Stimulus (CS) and Equivalent Melanopic Lux (EML) metrics. This study took place at Istanbul Technical University in Istanbul, Turkey. The office was equipped with single Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) light emitting diode (LED) sources, featuring two different light beam distributions: Direct Suspended Linear (L1) and Direct and Indirect Suspended Linear (L2). To minimize energy consumption, we proposed simulations for a suspended individual lighting system. The office workers were invited to complete visual cognitive performance tests, proofreading tasks, and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) test to measure alertness. Additionally, participants were asked to provide feedback on the comfort criteria associated with the designed human-centered lighting concept. The preliminary findings from part 1 of this field study shed light on the potential of office lighting modifications in enhancing energy efficiency and meeting the standards set by WELL v2 2023 Q4 and UL Design Guideline 24480 (2019). Part 2 of this study will further optimize the proposed lighting quality concept to determine the most suitable individual lighting solution for office workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Daylight and Visual Comfort in Buildings and Cities)
26 pages, 3276 KiB  
Article
SCFFBXW11 Complex Targets Interleukin-17 Receptor A for Ubiquitin–Proteasome-Mediated Degradation
by Ben Jin, Sayed Ala Moududee, Dongxia Ge, Pengbo Zhou, Alun R. Wang, Yao-Zhong Liu and Zongbing You
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040755 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that participates in innate and adaptive immune responses and plays an important role in host defense, autoimmune diseases, tissue regeneration, metabolic regulation, and tumor progression. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for protein function, stability, cellular localization, cellular [...] Read more.
Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that participates in innate and adaptive immune responses and plays an important role in host defense, autoimmune diseases, tissue regeneration, metabolic regulation, and tumor progression. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are crucial for protein function, stability, cellular localization, cellular transduction, and cell death. However, PTMs of IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) have not been investigated. Here, we show that human IL-17RA was targeted by F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 11 (FBXW11) for ubiquitination, followed by proteasome-mediated degradation. We used bioinformatics tools and biochemical techniques to determine that FBXW11 ubiquitinated IL-17RA through a lysine 27-linked polyubiquitin chain, targeting IL-17RA for proteasomal degradation. Domain 665-804 of IL-17RA was critical for interaction with FBXW11 and subsequent ubiquitination. Our study demonstrates that FBXW11 regulates IL-17 signaling pathways at the IL-17RA level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)
30 pages, 1247 KiB  
Review
Exploring Skin Wound Healing Models and the Impact of Natural Lipids on the Healing Process
by Vivek Choudhary, Mrunal Choudhary and Wendy B. Bollag
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073790 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process involving a series of well-coordinated events aimed at restoring skin integrity and function. Various experimental models have been developed to study the mechanisms underlying skin wound repair and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review [...] Read more.
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex biological process involving a series of well-coordinated events aimed at restoring skin integrity and function. Various experimental models have been developed to study the mechanisms underlying skin wound repair and to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. This review explores the diverse array of skin wound healing models utilized in research, ranging from rodent excisional wounds to advanced tissue engineering constructs and microfluidic platforms. More importantly, the influence of lipids on the wound healing process is examined, emphasizing their role in enhancing barrier function restoration, modulating inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, and promoting remodeling. Lipids, such as phospholipids, sphingolipids, and ceramides, play crucial roles in membrane structure, cell signaling, and tissue repair. Understanding the interplay between lipids and the wound microenvironment provides valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for promoting efficient wound healing and tissue regeneration. This review highlights the significance of investigating skin wound healing models and elucidating the intricate involvement of lipids in the healing process, offering potential avenues for improving clinical outcomes in wound management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Landscape of Cutaneous Wound Healing in Health and Disease)
19 pages, 1442 KiB  
Article
An Updated Estimate of Geocenter Variation from Analysis of SLR Data
by Minkang Cheng
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071189 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Earth’s center of mass (CM) is defined in satellite orbit dynamics as the center of mass of the entire Earth system, including the solid Earth, oceans, cryosphere, and atmosphere. The CM can be realized using the vector from the origin of the [...] Read more.
The Earth’s center of mass (CM) is defined in satellite orbit dynamics as the center of mass of the entire Earth system, including the solid Earth, oceans, cryosphere, and atmosphere. The CM can be realized using the vector from the origin of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) to the CM, and directly estimated from satellite laser ranging (SLR) data. In previous studies and ITRF translations, SLR observations were assumed to contain only a constant, systematic, station-dependent bias. This treatment leads to a difference of a few mm between the SLR results and other estimates, such as GPS-based global inversions. We show that the difference cannot be attributed to the deficiency of the distribution of SLR tracking stations but is due to the impact of a significant surface-loading-induced seasonal signal captured in the laser range measurement (appearing in station range bias) during the traveling of the laser light pulse. The errors in the modeling of the troposphere zenith delay considerably impact the determination of geocenter motion from SLR data. The SLR-data-derived geocenter motion becomes comparable to the global inversion results when the range biases and thermosphere delay for SLR tracking stations in the SLR network are adjusted as part of the monthly solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space-Geodetic Techniques II)
22 pages, 1248 KiB  
Review
Winds of Change: Urgent Challenges and Emerging Opportunities in Submerged Prehistory, a Perspective from the North Sea
by Vincent Gaffney, Rachel Harding, Simon Fitch, James Walker, Victoria Boothby and Andrew Iain Fraser
Heritage 2024, 7(4), 1947-1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7040093 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage [...] Read more.
Development of the continental shelf has accelerated significantly as nations around the world seek to harness offshore renewable energy. Many areas marked for development align with submerged palaeolandscapes. Poorly understood and difficult to protect, these vulnerable, prehistoric landscapes provide specific challenges for heritage management. Indeed, there now appears to be a schism between what underwater cultural heritage policy intends and what it is achieving in practice. Shortcomings in international and national legislature ensures that large parts of the continental shelf, including areas under development, may have little or no legal protection. Increasingly impacted by extensive development, these unique cultural landscapes are ever more at risk. However, heritage challenges posed by such development also create opportunities. An immense amount of data is being generated by development, and there is an opportunity to establish broader cooperative relationships involving industrial stakeholders, national curators, government bodies, and heritage professionals. As a matter of urgency, the archaeological community must better engage with the offshore sector and development process. If achieved, we may revolutionise our knowledge of submerged prehistoric settlement and land use. Otherwise, our capacity to reconstruct prehistoric settlement patterns, learn from past climate change, or simply manage what are among the best-preserved postglacial landscapes globally may be irreparably undermined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
16 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Evaluation of Wound Healing Efficacy of Gel-Based Dressings Loaded with Pycnogenol™ and Ceratothoa oestroides Extracts
by Andreas Vitsos, Dimitra Ieronymaki, Maria Kostaki, Chara Almpani, Christina Barda, Stefanos Kikionis, Ioannis Sfiniadakis, Paraskevas Dallas and Michail Christou Rallis
Gels 2024, 10(4), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10040233 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Ceratothoa oestroides and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol™) extracts are considered promising therapeutic agents in wound healing. This study explores the healing efficacy of composite dressings containing these extracts, aiming to enhance their stability and effectiveness, utilizing a low-temperature vacuum method for producing [...] Read more.
Ceratothoa oestroides and French maritime pine bark (Pycnogenol™) extracts are considered promising therapeutic agents in wound healing. This study explores the healing efficacy of composite dressings containing these extracts, aiming to enhance their stability and effectiveness, utilizing a low-temperature vacuum method for producing Sodium Alginate—Maltodextrin gel dressings. Surgical wounds were inflicted on SKH-hr2 hairless mice. Dressings were loaded with Pycnogenol™ and/or C. oestroides extracts and assessed for their efficacy. Wound healing was primarily evaluated by clinical and histopathological evaluation and secondarily by Antera 3D camera and biophysical measurements. Dressings were stable and did not compromise the therapeutic properties of C. oestroides extract. All interventions were compared to the C. oestroides ointment as a reference product. Most of the wounds treated with the reference formulation and the C. oestrodes dressing had already closed by the 15th day, with histological scores of 7 and 6.5, respectively. In contrast, wounds treated with Pycnogenol™, either alone or in combination with C. oestroides, did not close by the end of the experiment (16th day), with histological scores reaching 15 in both cases. Furthermore, treatment with 5% Pycnogenol™ dressing appeared to induce skin thickening and increase body temperature. The study underscores the wound healing potential of C. oestroides extracts and highlights the need for further research to optimize Pycnogenol™ dosing in topical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Based Novel Wound Dressing)

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