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14 pages, 6213 KiB  
Article
Comparative Metabolomic Profiling of L-Histidine and NEFA Treatments in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
by Wenqiang Sun, Mengze Li, Hanjun Ren, Yang Chen, Wei Zeng, Xiong Tan, Xianbo Jia, Shiyi Chen, Jie Wang and Songjia Lai
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071045 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are pivotal in energy metabolism, yet high concentrations can lead to ketosis, a common metabolic disorder in cattle. Our laboratory observed lower levels of L-histidine in cattle suffering from ketosis, indicating a potential interaction between L-histidine and NEFA metabolism. [...] Read more.
Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are pivotal in energy metabolism, yet high concentrations can lead to ketosis, a common metabolic disorder in cattle. Our laboratory observed lower levels of L-histidine in cattle suffering from ketosis, indicating a potential interaction between L-histidine and NEFA metabolism. This relationship prompted us to investigate the metabolomic alterations in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) induced by elevated NEFA levels and to explore L-histidine’s potential mitigating effects. Our untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed 893 and 160 metabolite changes in positive and negative models, respectively, with VIP scores greater than 1 and p-values below 0.05. Notable metabolites like 9,10-epoxy-12-octadecenoic acid were upregulated, while 9-Ethylguanine was downregulated. A pathway analysis suggested disruptions in fatty acid and steroid biosynthesis pathways. Furthermore, L-histidine treatment altered 61 metabolites in the positive model and 34 in the negative model, with implications for similar pathways affected by NEFA. Overlaying differential metabolites from both conditions uncovered a potential key mediator, 1-Linoleoylglycerophosphocholine, which was regulated in opposite directions by NEFA and L-histidine. Our study uncovered that both NEFA L- and histidine metabolomics analyses pinpoint similar lipid biosynthesis pathways, with 1-Linoleoylglycerophosphocholine emerging as a potential key metabolite mediating their interaction, a discovery that may offer insights for therapeutic strategies in metabolic diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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13 pages, 1330 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Insights into Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in an Urban Cat (Felis catus) Population from Brazil
by Laura Pancich Diesel, Lauren Santos de Mello, Weslei de Oliveira Santana, Nilo Ikuta, André Salvador Kazantzi Fonseca, Diéssy Kipper, Raquel Redaelli, Vagner Reinaldo Zingali Bueno Pereira, André Felipe Streck and Vagner Ricardo Lunge
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071051 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus distributed worldwide in domestic cats and with different outcomes (progressive, regressive, abortive, focal). The present study reports an epidemiological survey of FeLV frequency and the evaluation of some risk factors and the two main disease outcomes [...] Read more.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus distributed worldwide in domestic cats and with different outcomes (progressive, regressive, abortive, focal). The present study reports an epidemiological survey of FeLV frequency and the evaluation of some risk factors and the two main disease outcomes (progressive and regressive) in an urban cat population from Brazil. A total of 366 cats with sociodemographic information and p27 FeLV antigen test performed were included in the study. FeLV DNA (provirus) in the blood samples of all cats was detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Plasma samples from 109 FeLV-positive and FeLV-negative cats were also submitted to reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) to determine the FeLV viral load. The results demonstrated that 112 (30.6%) cats were positive through the p27 antigen and/or qPCR. A risk factor analysis demonstrated that cats without vaccination against FeLV (OR 9.9, p < 0.001), clinically ill (OR 2.9, p < 0.001), with outdoors access (OR 2.7, p < 0.001), and exhibiting apathetic behavior (OR 3.1, p < 0.001) were more likely to be infected with FeLV. FeLV-infected cats were also more likely to present with anemia (OR 13, p < 0.001) and lymphoma (OR 13.7, p = 0.001). A comparative analysis of the different detection methods in a subset of 109 animals confirmed FeLV infection in 58 cats, including 38 (65.5%) with progressive, 16 (27.6%) with regressive, and 4 (6.9%) with probably focal outcome diseases. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a high prevalence of FeLV in this urban cat population from Brazil and highlights the need to establish more effective prevention strategies (such as viral testing, vaccination programs, specific care for FeLV-positive cats) to reduce diseases associated with this virus in Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)
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21 pages, 2767 KiB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Financial Impact of 30-Day Readmissions for Selected Medical Conditions: A Focus on Hospital Quality Performance
by Iwimbong Kum Ghabowen, Josue Patien Epane, Jay J. Shen, Xan Goodman, Zo Ramamonjiarivelo and Ferhat Devrim Zengul
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070750 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Hospital Quality Initiative in 2010 to enhance patient safety, reduce hospital readmissions, improve quality, and minimize healthcare costs. In response, this study aims to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis [...] Read more.
Background: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) established the Hospital Quality Initiative in 2010 to enhance patient safety, reduce hospital readmissions, improve quality, and minimize healthcare costs. In response, this study aims to systematically review the literature and conduct a meta-analysis to estimate the average cost of procedure-specific 30-day risk-standardized unplanned readmissions for Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Heart Failure (HF), Pneumonia, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), and Total Hip Arthroplasty and/or Total Knee Arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Methods: Eligibility Criteria: This study included English language original research papers from the USA, encompassing various study designs. Exclusion criteria comprise studies lacking empirical evidence on hospital financial performance. Information Sources: A comprehensive search using relevant keywords was conducted across databases from January 1990 to December 2019 (updated in March 2021), covering peer-reviewed articles and gray literature. Risk of Bias: Bias in the included studies was assessed considering study design, adjustment for confounding factors, and potential effect modifiers. Synthesis of Results: The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Employing Monte Carlo simulations, a meta-analysis was conducted with 100,000 simulated samples. Results indicated mean 30-day readmission costs: USD 16,037.08 (95% CI, USD 15,196.01–16,870.06) overall, USD 6852.97 (95% CI, USD 6684.44–7021.08) for AMI, USD 9817.42 (95% CI, USD 9575.82–10,060.43) for HF, and USD 21,346.50 (95% CI, USD 20,818.14–21,871.85) for THA/TKA. Discussion: Despite the financial challenges that hospitals face due to the ACA and the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, this meta-analysis contributes valuable insights into the consistent cost trends associated with 30-day readmissions. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide comprehensive insights into the financial implications of 30-day readmissions for specific medical conditions, enhancing our understanding of the nexus between healthcare quality and financial performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Assessments)
10 pages, 436 KiB  
Article
Burden of Mental Health among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary IBD Center in Hungary
by Livia Lontai, Lívia Priyanka Elek, Fruzsina Balogh, Dorottya Angyal, Péter Pajkossy, Lorant Gonczi, Peter L. Lakatos and ?kos Iliás
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13072002 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions that negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. With the spread of the biopsychosocial model, the role of mental health in the activity and course of inflammatory bowel disease is becoming more and more recognized. [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions that negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. With the spread of the biopsychosocial model, the role of mental health in the activity and course of inflammatory bowel disease is becoming more and more recognized. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in IBD patients in our tertiary referral center and determine the predictive factors of these mental conditions. Methods: A total of 117 patients were included consecutively between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022. We used a questionnaire to gather demographic information, disease course, and IBD-specific symptoms. We assessed anxiety symptoms using the GAD-7 and depressive complaints using the PHQ-9 questionnaire. We evaluated disease activity using CDAI and pMayo scores. Results: Of the 117 patients (male/female: 63/54), 88 suffered from Crohn’s disease, and 29 were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Only 6 patients were taking medication for mood disorders, and 38 individuals sought mental support during their lifetime. A total of 15% of the population suffered from moderate–severe anxiety disorder, and 22% were affected by moderate–severe depression. The GAD-7 and PHQ9 values showed a significant correlation between the number of stools, bloody stools, abdominal pain, number of flare-ups, and CDAI scores. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that there is a high incidence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among IBD patients. Our results highlighted the symptoms that could be associated with mental disorders. It is important to assess the mental status of IBD patients to improve their quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Targeted Treatment in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD))
14 pages, 652 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Finance and ESG Importance: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
by Georgios Zairis, Panagiotis Liargovas and Nikolaos Apostolopoulos
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2878; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072878 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Over the last decade, sustainable finance has appeared to be capturing a high level of interest as a crucial pillar of sustainable development. The process of taking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment decisions in the financial sector [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, sustainable finance has appeared to be capturing a high level of interest as a crucial pillar of sustainable development. The process of taking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into account when making investment decisions in the financial sector is expected to play a key role in this framework, and although it has attracted the attention of many scholars and academics, a lack of understanding of the nature of the phenomenon remains. Therefore, on the basis of a systematic literature review of 80 studies, we examine, in detail, the subject areas and emphasize the main points in the existing literature. The findings reveal that there are four main thematic areas attracting research interest, as follows: (1) A shift in value creation; (2) green bonds; (3) ESG ratings and performance; and (4) sustainable finance, banking, and financial risks. Finally, this study outlines future research avenues in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corporate Finance and Business Administration in Sustainability)
16 pages, 5396 KiB  
Article
Online Detection of Laser Welding Penetration Depth Based on Multi-Sensor Features
by Kun She, Donghui Li, Kaisong Yang, Mingyu Li, Beile Wu, Lijun Yang and Yiming Huang
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1580; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071580 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The accurate online detection of laser welding penetration depth has been a critical problem to which the industry has paid the most attention. Aiming at the laser welding process of TC4 titanium alloy, a multi-sensor monitoring system that obtained the keyhole/molten pool images [...] Read more.
The accurate online detection of laser welding penetration depth has been a critical problem to which the industry has paid the most attention. Aiming at the laser welding process of TC4 titanium alloy, a multi-sensor monitoring system that obtained the keyhole/molten pool images and laser-induced plasma spectrum was built. The influences of laser power on the keyhole/molten pool morphologies and plasma thermo-mechanical characteristics were investigated. The results showed that there were significant correlations among the variations of the keyhole–molten pool, plasma spectrum, and penetration depth. The image features and spectral features were extracted by image processing and dimension-reduction methods, respectively. Moreover, several penetration depth prediction models based on single-sensor features and multi-sensor features were established. The mean square error of the neural network model built by multi-sensor features was 0.0162, which was smaller than that of the model built by single-sensor features. The established high-precision model provided a theoretical basis for real-time feedback control of the penetration depth in the laser welding process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Materials Joining and Additive Manufacturing)
13 pages, 1807 KiB  
Article
Application of Corn Straw, an Agro-Waste, to Remove Dyes in an Aqueous Medium, Producing Blue or Red Fibers
by Andressa dos Santos, Anne R. Sotiles and Fauze J. Anaissi
Processes 2024, 12(4), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040694 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The contaminant dyes that, even at low concentrations, may cause a series of adverse effects in humans and animals, and their removal by adsorption methods using alternative adsorbents as natural fibers, are regarded as a research topic that has become increasingly relevant. In [...] Read more.
The contaminant dyes that, even at low concentrations, may cause a series of adverse effects in humans and animals, and their removal by adsorption methods using alternative adsorbents as natural fibers, are regarded as a research topic that has become increasingly relevant. In this study, corn straw (CS), an agro-industrial residue, was used to remove dyes. The samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDS, zeta potential, diffuse spectra, and colorimetry, before and after dye removal. The analyses allowed us to differentiate the morphology of CS after the treatment’s fiber on the adsorbent surface. The zeta potential showed a negative surface charge, but the acidic or alkaline treatment affected the surface charge of the sample, influencing the adsorption of cationic or anionic dyes. Adsorption data presented an increased removal when alkaline treatment was applied for the methylene blue (MB; qmax = 16.7 mg g−1), and the acid treatment was more effective for the Congo red (CR; qmax = 2.13 mg g−1). After color stability tests, it was observed that the anionic dye CR was more easily desorbed due to the surface charge of the adsorbent. Due to the chemical treatment, corn straw proved to be a good sustainable adsorbent for removing anionic or cationic dyes from aqueous media, contributing directly to the objective of sustainable development (#6—drinking water and sanitation) and with SDG numbers 3, 11, 12, 14, and 17. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Recovery Technologies from Wastewater and Waste)
15 pages, 2908 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Damping Coefficient on the Dynamic Stability of the TM-AFM Microcantilever Beam System
by Peijie Song, Xiaojuan Li, Jianjun Cui, Kai Chen and Yandong Chu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2910; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072910 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The tapping-mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) is widely used today; however, improper matching between the operating medium and the sampling time may lead to inaccurate measurement results. The relationship between the damping coefficient and the steady state of the TM-AFM microcantilever is investigated [...] Read more.
The tapping-mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) is widely used today; however, improper matching between the operating medium and the sampling time may lead to inaccurate measurement results. The relationship between the damping coefficient and the steady state of the TM-AFM microcantilever is investigated in this paper using multiple stability theory. Firstly, the effects of changes in dimensionless linear damping coefficients and dimensionless piezoelectric film damping coefficients on the motion stability of the system are examined using bifurcation diagrams, phase trajectories, and domains of attraction. Subsequently, the degrees of effect of the two damping coefficients on the stability of the system are compared. Finally, the bi-parametric bifurcation characteristics of the system under a specific number of iterative cycles are investigated using the bi-parametric bifurcation diagram in conjunction with the actual working conditions, and the boundary conditions for the transition of the system’s motion from an unstable state to a stable state are obtained. The results of the study show that to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the individual measurement data in 500 iteration cycles, the dimensionless linear damping coefficient must be greater than 0.01014. Our results will provide valuable references for TM-AFM measurement media selection, improving TM-AFM imaging quality, measurement accuracy and maneuverability, and TM-AFM troubleshooting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Physics General)
31 pages, 31935 KiB  
Article
The Zircon U-Pb Age, Hf Isotopes, and Lithogeochemistry of Ore-Bearing Rocks from the Archean Hongtoushan Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposit in the North China Craton: Implications for Tectonic Setting
by Xinwei You, Ende Wang, Yekai Men, Jianfei Fu, Kun Song and Sishun Ma
Minerals 2024, 14(4), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040367 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are globally significant sources of metals. The Hongtoushan VMS deposit is the only large Archean Cu-Zn VMS deposit in the North China Craton, carrying substantial economic value. Significant deformation and metamorphism have made the tectonic setting of the [...] Read more.
Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits are globally significant sources of metals. The Hongtoushan VMS deposit is the only large Archean Cu-Zn VMS deposit in the North China Craton, carrying substantial economic value. Significant deformation and metamorphism have made the tectonic setting of the Hongtoushan VMS deposit the subject of extensive debate. This study investigates the petrogenesis and chronology of the ore-bearing host rocks from the Hongtoushan Cu-Zn VMS deposit in the North China Craton. By utilizing whole-rock geochemical analyses and zircon dating, this research sheds light on the origin and evolution of the ore-bearing rocks within the deposit. The whole-rock geochemical analysis data indicate that the Hongtoushan ore-bearing rock series is mainly composed of amphibole plagioclase gneiss (basalt protolith) and biotite plagioclase gneiss (andesite and rhyolite protolith), suggesting a complete volcanic cycle from basic to medium-acidic volcanic rocks. The amphibole plagioclase gneiss has slight LREE enrichment patterns with unremarkable depletions of Nb, Ta, and Ti and belongs to contaminated ocean plateau basalt (OPB) in terms of composition, which is generally interpreted as being generated from the mantle plume head. Meanwhile, the biotite plagioclase gneiss has relatively steep LREE enrichment distribution patterns with remarkable negative Ta, Nb, and Ti anomalies and a wide range of Zr/Y ratios, indicating their classification as FI- and FII-type felsic rocks; they were likely formed through the fractional crystallization of basic magma combined with crustal assimilation. When combined with the zircon dating results, the ore-bearing host rocks of the Hongtoushan VMS deposit were generated via a continuous magmatic evolution process. The zircon dating of the host rocks indicates a formation age of between 2609 and 2503 Ma, with metamorphic events between 2540 and 2466 Ma, which is consistent with the 2.5 Ga-related global mantle plume event. Further research shows that the ore-bearing host rocks are more likely to have been formed in a mantle plume-related stretching environment, possibly a margin rift. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineral Resources in North China Craton)
17 pages, 3511 KiB  
Article
Fixed-Time Trajectory Tracking Control of Fully Actuated Unmanned Surface Vessels with Error Constraints
by Bowen Sui, Jianqiang Zhang, Zhong Liu and Junbao Wei
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(4), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12040584 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper proposes a fixed-time prescribed performance control technique to address the challenge of precise trajectory tracking control for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the presence of external time-varying disturbances and input saturation. To begin with, a fixed-time disturbance observer is created to [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a fixed-time prescribed performance control technique to address the challenge of precise trajectory tracking control for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) in the presence of external time-varying disturbances and input saturation. To begin with, a fixed-time disturbance observer is created to handle the time-varying external interference. The observer can accurately estimate and compensate for the disturbance in a fixed time, which effectively improves the robustness of the system. Furthermore, to guarantee both the transient and steady-state response of the system, we employed a specific control technology that ensures the trajectory tracking error remains within a preset bounded range. Then, combined with the fixed-time disturbance observer, the command filter, the prescribed performance control technology, and the fixed-time stability theory, a fixed-time trajectory tracking control law is designed to make the trajectory tracking error of the system converge in a fixed time. Finally, an experiment was designed to validate the suggested control scheme. The results show that under the same conditions, compared with the nonlinear controller and the finite-time controller, the absolute error tracking index of this paper is the lowest, which means that the presented control scheme has higher accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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17 pages, 4364 KiB  
Article
Broadband Beam-Scanning Phased Array Based on Microwave Photonics
by Yuchen Luan, Tian Yang, Jian Ren, Ruoming Li and Zhuo Zhang
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071278 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A one-dimensional active broadband phased array based on microwave photonics that works in the Ku band is proposed to achieve a large instantaneous bandwidth. The phased array uses a feeding network based on microwave photonics to provide the true time delay and a [...] Read more.
A one-dimensional active broadband phased array based on microwave photonics that works in the Ku band is proposed to achieve a large instantaneous bandwidth. The phased array uses a feeding network based on microwave photonics to provide the true time delay and a wide operating bandwidth. The array is mainly composed of a broadband horn antenna, an RF transmitting/receiving module, an optical network module, and a temperature control module. The form of a horn was selected for the antenna unit, and it was fed through a waveguide to obtain a wide operating bandwidth. An optical fiber delay line that could realize the true time delay at different frequencies was adopted for the time-delay module of the optical network. To obtain a large time delay and small quantization error, a hybrid time-delay diagram utilizing electrical and optical time delays was used in the design. In addition, a temperature control module was added to the antenna system to enhance the stability of the photonic time-delay module. For verification, a prototype of the presented antenna system was designed, fabricated, and measured. The experimental results showed that the optical phased array antenna was able to scan ±20° from 12 GHz to 17 GHz, and the beam pointing did not appear to be offset over the wide operating bandwidth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Antennas and Their Applications)
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18 pages, 19106 KiB  
Article
Thermodynamic Assessment of Molten Bix-Sn1−x (x = 0.1 to 0.9) Alloys and Microstructural Characterization of Some Bi-Sn Solder Alloys
by Florentina Niculescu, Ion Pencea, Gheorghe Iacob, Mihai Ghi??, Mariana-Mirela St?nescu, Mircea-Ionu? Petrescu, Emanuel-Lauren?iu Niculescu, Mihai Bu?u, Constantin-Domenic St?ncel, Nicolae ?erban, Roxana-Marina ?olea and Andrei-Alexandru Ilie
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071579 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Properties such as lower melting temperature, good tensile strength, good reliability, and well creep resistance, together with low production cost, make the system Bi-Sn an ideal candidate for fine soldering in applications such as reballing or reflow. The first objective of the work [...] Read more.
Properties such as lower melting temperature, good tensile strength, good reliability, and well creep resistance, together with low production cost, make the system Bi-Sn an ideal candidate for fine soldering in applications such as reballing or reflow. The first objective of the work was to determine the thermodynamic quantities of Bi and Sn using the electromotive force measurement method in an electrolytic cell (Gibbs’ enthalpies of the mixture, integral molar entropies, and the integral molar excess entropies were determined) at temperatures of 600 K and 903 K. The second objective addressed is the comprehensive characterization of three alloy compositions that were selected and elaborated, namely Bi25Sn75, Bi50Sn50, and Bi75Sn25, and morphological and structural investigations were carried out on them. Optical microscopy and SEM-EDS characterization revealed significant changes in the structure of the elaborated alloys, with all phases being uniformly distributed in the Bi50Sn50 and Bi75Sn25 alloys. These observations were confirmed by XRD and EDP-XRFS analyses. Diffractometric analysis reveals the prevalence of metallic Bi and traces of Sn, the formation of the Sn0.3Bi0.7, Sn0.95Bi0.05 compounds, and SnO and SnO2 phases. Full article
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13 pages, 458 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Slaughter Age and Sex on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Leg Bone Characteristics of Farmed Common Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.)
by Dariusz Kokoszyński, Joanna ?ochowska-Kujawska, Marek Kotowicz, Hubert Pi?tek, Karol W?odarczyk, Henrieta Arpá?ová, Barbara Biesiada-Drzazga, Marcin Wegner, Mohamed Saleh and Maciej Imański
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071050 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter age and sex on the carcass characteristics, meat quality parameters, and leg bone dimensions of common pheasants. The study material consisted of 40 common pheasants, including 10 males and 10 females [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter age and sex on the carcass characteristics, meat quality parameters, and leg bone dimensions of common pheasants. The study material consisted of 40 common pheasants, including 10 males and 10 females at 12 weeks of age and 10 males and 10 females at 15 weeks of age. The birds were kept on a farm in a semi-intensive system. The slaughter age had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat; the wings percentage; electrical conductivity (EC24); the work required to cut the samples (cutting work); redness (a*); the intramuscular fat content in the breast meat; and the protein, intramuscular fat, water, and collagen contents in the leg meat. The sex of the pheasants had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the contents of leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, and wings in the carcasses; and the electrical conductivity, thermal loss, lightness (L*), and redness (a*) of the breast muscles. It also significantly affected the protein and water contents of the pectoral and leg muscles, the intramuscular fat contents of the leg muscles, the texture traits of the pectoralis major muscle, and all femur and tibia bone dimensions. The results indicate a greater influence of sex compared to slaughter age on the pheasant traits studied. We confirmed the occurrence of a clearly marked sexual dimorphism in birds of this species. Both factors (slaughter age and gender) have significant effects on the nutritional and technological value of pheasant meat. The few studies on meat texture and the dimensions of pheasant leg bones indicate a need for continued research in this area in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Products)
16 pages, 599 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Patient Care in Radiotherapy: Proof-of-Concept of a Monitoring Tool
by Guillaume Beldjoudi, Rémi Eugène, Vincent Grégoire and Ronan Tanguy
Technologies 2024, 12(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12040046 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Introduction: A monitoring tool, named Oncology Data Management (ODM), was developed in radiotherapy to generate structured information based on data contained in an Oncology Information System (OIS). This study presents the proof-of-concept of the ODM tool and highlights its applications to enhance patient [...] Read more.
Introduction: A monitoring tool, named Oncology Data Management (ODM), was developed in radiotherapy to generate structured information based on data contained in an Oncology Information System (OIS). This study presents the proof-of-concept of the ODM tool and highlights its applications to enhance patient care in radiotherapy. Material & Methods: ODM is a sophisticated SQL query which extracts specific features from the Mosaiq OIS (Elekta, UK) database into an independent structured database. Data from 2016 to 2022 was extracted to enable monitoring of treatment units and evaluation of the quality of patient care. Results: A total of 25,259 treatments were extracted. Treatment machine monitoring revealed a daily 11-treatement difference between two units. ODM showed that the unit with fewer daily treatments performed more complex treatments on diverse locations. In 2019, the implementation of ODM led to the definition of quality indicators and in organizational changes that improved the quality of care. As consequences, for palliative treatments, there was an improvement in the proportion of treatments prepared within 7 calendar days between the scanner and the first treatment session (29.1% before 2020, 40.4% in 2020 and 46.4% after 2020). The study of fractionation in breast treatments exhibited decreased prescription variability after 2019, with distinct patient age categories. Bi-fractionation once a week for larynx prescriptions of 35 x 2.0Gy achieved an overall treatment duration of 47.0 ± 3.0 calendar days in 2022. Conclusions: ODM enables data extraction from the OIS and provides quantitative tools for improving organization of a department and the quality of patient care in radiotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Smart Healthcare: Technologies and Applications)
21 pages, 5647 KiB  
Article
Physical Modeling of a Water Hydraulic Proportional Cartridge Valve for a Digital Twin in a Hydraulic Press Machine
by Oscar Bautista Gonzalez and Daniel R?nnow
Processes 2024, 12(4), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12040693 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Digital twins are an emerging technology that can be harnessed for the digitalization of the industry. Steel industry systems contain a large number of electro-hydraulic components as proportional valves. An input–output model for a water proportional cartridge valve was derived from physical modeling [...] Read more.
Digital twins are an emerging technology that can be harnessed for the digitalization of the industry. Steel industry systems contain a large number of electro-hydraulic components as proportional valves. An input–output model for a water proportional cartridge valve was derived from physical modeling based on fluid mechanics, dynamics, and electrical principles. The valve is a two-stage valve with two two/two-way water proportional valves as the pilot stage and a marginally stable poppet-type cartridge valve as the main valve. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an input–output model was derived for a two-stage proportional cartridge valve with a marginally stable main valve. The orifice equation, which is based on Bernoulli principles, was approximated by a polynomial, which made the parameter estimation easier and modeling possible without measuring the pressure of the varying control volume, in contrast with previous studies of similar types of valves situated in the pilot stage part of the valve. This work complements previous studies of similar types of valves in two ways: (1) data were collected when the valve was operating in a closed loop and (2) data were collected when the valve was part of a press mill machine in a steel manufacturing plant. Model parameters were identified from data from these operating conditions. The parameters of the input–output model were estimated by convex optimization with physical constraints to overcome the problems caused by poor system excitation. For comparison, a simple linear model was derived and the least squares method was used for the parameter estimation. A thorough estimation of the parameters’ relative errors is presented. The model contains five parameters related to the design parameters of the valve. The modeled position output was in good agreement with experimental data for the training and test data. The model can be used for the real-time monitoring of the valve’s status by the model parameters. One of the model parameters varied linearly with the production cycles. Thus, the aging of the valve can be monitored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Automation Control Systems)
16 pages, 824 KiB  
Article
Calculation of DC Stark Resonances for the Ammonia Molecule
by Patrik Pirkola and Marko Horbatsch
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071543 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A model potential previously developed for the ammonia molecule is treated in a single-center partial-wave approximation in analogy with a self-consistent field method developed by Moccia. The latter was used in a number of collision studies. The model potential is used to calculate [...] Read more.
A model potential previously developed for the ammonia molecule is treated in a single-center partial-wave approximation in analogy with a self-consistent field method developed by Moccia. The latter was used in a number of collision studies. The model potential is used to calculate DC Stark resonance parameters, i.e., resonance positions and shifts using the exterior complex scaling method for the radial coordinate. Three molecular valence orbitals are investigated for fields along the three Cartesian coordinates, i.e., along the molecular axis and in two perpendicular directions. The work extends previous work on the planar-geometry water molecule for which non-monotonic shifts were observed. We find such non-monotonic shifts for fields along the molecular axis. For perpendicular fields, we report the splitting of the 1e orbitals into a fast- and a slow-ionizing orbital. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computational and Theoretical Chemistry)
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18 pages, 4398 KiB  
Article
Sex-Dependent Metabolic Effects in Diet-Induced Obese Rats Following Intermittent Fasting Compared with Continuous Food Restriction
by Laia Bosch de Basea, Marina Bogu?à, Alicia Sánchez, Montserrat Esteve, Mar Grasa and Maria del Mar Romero
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071009 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Recently, intermittent fasting has gained relevance as a strategy to lose weight and improve health as an alternative to continuous caloric restriction. However, the metabolic impact and the sex-related differences are not fully understood. The study aimed to compare the response to a [...] Read more.
Recently, intermittent fasting has gained relevance as a strategy to lose weight and improve health as an alternative to continuous caloric restriction. However, the metabolic impact and the sex-related differences are not fully understood. The study aimed to compare the response to a continuous or intermittent caloric restriction in male and female rats following a previous induction of obesity through a cafeteria diet by assessing changes in body weight, energy intake, metabolic parameters, and gene expression in liver hepatic and adipose tissue. The continuous restriction reduced the energy available by 30% and the intermittent restriction consisted of a 75% energy reduction on two non-consecutive days per week. The interventions reduced body weight and body fat in both sexes, but the loss of WAT in females was more marked in both models of caloric restriction, continuous and intermittent. Both caloric restrictions improved insulin sensitivity, but more markedly in females, which showed a more pronounced decrease in HOMA-IR score and an upregulation of hepatic IRS2 and Sirt1 gene expression that was not observed in males. These findings suggest the fact that females are more sensitive than males to reduced caloric content in the diet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Regulation of Insulin Resistance and Lipid Metabolism)
31 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Cross-Modal Supervised Human Body Pose Recognition Techniques for Through-Wall Radar
by Dongpo Xu, Yunqing Liu, Qian Wang, Liang Wang and Qiuping Shen
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072207 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Through-wall radar human body pose recognition technology has broad applications in both military and civilian sectors. Identifying the current pose of targets behind walls and predicting subsequent pose changes are significant challenges. Conventional methods typically utilize radar information along with machine learning algorithms [...] Read more.
Through-wall radar human body pose recognition technology has broad applications in both military and civilian sectors. Identifying the current pose of targets behind walls and predicting subsequent pose changes are significant challenges. Conventional methods typically utilize radar information along with machine learning algorithms such as SVM and random forests to aid in recognition. However, these approaches have limitations, particularly in complex scenarios. In response to this challenge, this paper proposes a cross-modal supervised through-wall radar human body pose recognition method. By integrating information from both cameras and radar, a cross-modal dataset was constructed, and a corresponding deep learning network architecture was designed. During training, the network effectively learned the pose features of targets obscured by walls, enabling accurate pose recognition (e.g., standing, crouching) in scenarios with unknown wall obstructions. The experimental results demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method over traditional approaches, offering an effective and innovative solution for practical through-wall radar applications. The contribution of this study lies in the integration of deep learning with cross-modal supervision, providing new perspectives for enhancing the robustness and accuracy of target pose recognition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radar Sensors)
15 pages, 837 KiB  
Case Report
Evolutionary Echoes: A Four-Day Fasting and Low-Caloric Intake Study on Autonomic Modulation and Physiological Adaptations in Humans
by Pedro Belinchón-deMiguel, Eduardo Navarro-Jiménez, Carmen Cecilia Laborde-Cárdenas and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Life 2024, 14(4), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14040456 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study evaluates the psychophysiological response to a simulated hunter–gatherer endurance task with restricted caloric intake over four days. It assesses changes in body composition, autonomic modulation, and physical and cognitive performance. Participants underwent daily 8 h fasted walks followed by a 150 [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the psychophysiological response to a simulated hunter–gatherer endurance task with restricted caloric intake over four days. It assesses changes in body composition, autonomic modulation, and physical and cognitive performance. Participants underwent daily 8 h fasted walks followed by a 150 kcal meal to replicate hunter–gatherer activity and dietary patterns. Measurements of metabolic, respiratory, and subjective well-being, along with heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring, were conducted pre- and post-activity to evaluate the impact of endurance activity under caloric restriction. We found weight loss, decreased body and visceral fat, and reduced skeletal muscle mass and water percentage. High sympathetic activation and stable urinary markers, except for increased proteinuria, indicated stress responses and muscular degradation. Elevated perceived exertion post-exercise with good adaptation to prolonged effort underlines the body’s adaptability to ancestral lifestyle conditions, highlighting the connection among endurance, nutrition, and psychophysiological health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Sport Physiology)
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18 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Effects of Two Online Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Early Adolescents for Attentional, Emotional, and Behavioral Self-Regulation
by Bárbara Porter, Cristian Oyanadel, Ignacio Betancourt, Frank C. Worrell and Wenceslao Pe?ate
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(2), 254-271; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16020022 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown interesting preliminary effects on self-regulation processes in early adolescence. However, programs have typically combined different types of interventions with no understanding of the specific effect of each intervention type on attentional, emotional, and behavioral regulation. The [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown interesting preliminary effects on self-regulation processes in early adolescence. However, programs have typically combined different types of interventions with no understanding of the specific effect of each intervention type on attentional, emotional, and behavioral regulation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two MBIs—one focused on classic attentional practices and another focused on the recognition and expression of emotions—on attentional, emotional, and behavioral self-regulation in early adolescents. (2) Method: An experimental paradigm was used. A sample of 74 children aged between 8 and 12 years old were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: (1) an MBI with a focus on attentional practices, (2) an MBI with a focus on recognition and expression of emotions, and (3) a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, with a weekly, 1 h online synchronous session plus home practices. Children were evaluated before starting the intervention and at the end of the 8-week period. The assessed outcomes were (1) mindfulness; (2) emotional regulation; (3) attentional regulation, and (4) behavioral regulation. (3) Results: Children who participated in both intervention programs increased their mindfulness and emotional and behavioral regulation scores. Only children who participated in the MBI with a focus on attention showed significant changes in their ability to self-regulate attention. (4) Conclusions: The use of online MBIs, with attention to external and internal stimuli practices, can be a good strategy to strengthen self-regulation skills for attention, emotions, and behavior in early adolescence. Full article
28 pages, 2702 KiB  
Article
EPOPTIS: A Monitoring-as-a-Service Platform for Internet-of-Things Applications
by Petros Zervoudakis, Nikolaos Karamolegkos, Eleftheria Plevridi, Pavlos Charalampidis and Alexandros Fragkiadakis
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2208; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072208 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The technology landscape has been dynamically reshaped by the rapid growth of the Internet of Things, introducing an era where everyday objects, equipped with smart sensors and connectivity, seamlessly interact to create intelligent ecosystems. IoT devices are highly heterogeneous in terms of software [...] Read more.
The technology landscape has been dynamically reshaped by the rapid growth of the Internet of Things, introducing an era where everyday objects, equipped with smart sensors and connectivity, seamlessly interact to create intelligent ecosystems. IoT devices are highly heterogeneous in terms of software and hardware, and many of them are severely constrained. This heterogeneity and potentially constrained nature creates new challenges in terms of security, privacy, and data management. This work proposes a Monitoring-as-a-Service platform for both monitoring and management purposes, offering a comprehensive solution for collecting, storing, and processing monitoring data from heterogeneous IoT networks for the support of diverse IoT-based applications. To ensure a flexible and scalable solution, we leverage the FIWARE open-source framework, also incorporating blockchain and smart contract technologies to establish a robust integrity verification mechanism for aggregated monitoring and management data. Additionally, we apply automated workflows to filter and label the collected data systematically. Moreover, we provide thorough evaluation results in terms of CPU and RAM utilization and average service latency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Intelligent Sensors and IoT Solutions)
11 pages, 413 KiB  
Systematic Review
Robotic Vascular Resection in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review
by Victoria Zecchin Ferrara, Alessandro Martinino, Francesco Toti, Davide Schilirò, Federico Pinto, Francesco Giovinazzo and on behalf of the SMAGEICS Group
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13072000 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: This study comprehensively compared robotic pancreatic surgery with vascular resection (RPS-VR) to other surgical procedures in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). (2) Methods: A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted to assess a range of crucial surgical and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study comprehensively compared robotic pancreatic surgery with vascular resection (RPS-VR) to other surgical procedures in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). (2) Methods: A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted to assess a range of crucial surgical and oncological outcomes. (3) Results: Findings indicate that robotic surgery with vascular resections (VRs) significantly prolongs the duration of surgery compared to other surgical procedures, and they notably demonstrate an equal hospital stay. While some studies reported a lower conversion rate and a higher rate of blood loss and blood transfusion in the RPS-VR group, others found no significant disparity. Furthermore, RPS-VR consistently correlated with comparable recurrence rates, free margins R0, postoperative mortality, and complication rates. Concerning the last one, certain reviews reported a higher rate of major complications. Overall survival and disease-free survival remained comparable between the RPS-VR and other surgical techniques in treating PDAC. (4) Conclusions: The analysis emphasizes how RPS-VR is a resembling approach in terms of surgical outcomes and aligns with existing literature findings in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Hepatobiliary Surgery)
17 pages, 1689 KiB  
Article
Benefits of Respite Services on the Psycho-Emotional State of Families of Children Admitted to Hospice Palliative Care Unit: Preliminary Study on Parents’ Perceptions
by Mihaela Hizanu (Dumitrache), Estera Boeriu, Sonia Tanasescu, Ada Balan, Licinia Andrada Oprisoni, Maria Valentina Popa, Cristian Gutu, Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu, Iulia Cristina Bagiu, Radu Vasile Bagiu, Tiberiu Liviu Dragomir, Casiana Boru, Cecilia Roberta Avram and Leti?ia Doina Duceac
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070748 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: In children’s palliative care, the term “respite” refers to a temporary break offered to primary caregivers of a child with a life-limiting illness. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of parents who have benefited from respite care services [...] Read more.
Background: In children’s palliative care, the term “respite” refers to a temporary break offered to primary caregivers of a child with a life-limiting illness. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of parents who have benefited from respite care services in the Lumina Association, Bacău hospice unit and the benefits it can bring in improving their psycho-emotional state. Methods: The study consisted of quantitative research involving 34 parents/caregivers who responded to a questionnaire with 26 questions, and qualitative research which involved the organization of a focus group with 12 parents who benefited from respite services. Results: The use of respite services was associated with a significant reduction of psycho-emotional distress on the part of primary caregivers; 91% of respondents said that this type of service reduces the level of psycho-emotional stress. Conclusions: All participants in the study confirmed that the most important benefit of respite is the time gained to care for family and health. The development of respite services could reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion and mental health problems. Full article

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