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12 pages, 409 KiB  
Article
H5P-Based Matching Game for Training Graphs of Internal Forces in Structural Analysis
by César De Santos-Berbel, José Ignacio Hernando García and Andrea Vázquez-Greciano
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14040359 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The teaching of structural analysis is essential in the training of undergraduate students who will be qualified in structural calculations. The use of games in learning can motivate students and improve their performances in evaluations. To this end, H5P-based matching games have been [...] Read more.
The teaching of structural analysis is essential in the training of undergraduate students who will be qualified in structural calculations. The use of games in learning can motivate students and improve their performances in evaluations. To this end, H5P-based matching games have been adopted in Moodle for a structural analysis course as an optional assignment to train graphs of internal forces (GIFs). Although the students knew that participating in the games would positively impact their grades, they were not informed of the exact number of extra points they would receive based on their performances. The engagement, motivation and performance of the students were analyzed using various statistics. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the game in facilitating knowledge acquisition was evaluated by comparing the students’ performances in the games to their performances in the GIF exercises during face-to-face examinations. The study found that the students who participated in the games exhibited high levels of motivation and engagement. In addition, the results indicate that the participants had a moderately improved understanding of GIFs when taking the course examinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Higher Education)
13 pages, 2553 KiB  
Article
Joint Identification and Application of Microsatellite Markers in Genetic Diversity Study of Closely Related Species Teucrium montanum, T. capitatum and Their Natural Hybrid
by Filip Varga, Zlatko Liber, Ante Turudi?, Jernej Jak?e, Lea Juzba?i?, Nina Jeran, Martina Grdi?a, Milo? Zbilji? and Zlatko ?atovi?
Diversity 2024, 16(4), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040206 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Teucrium montanum L. and T. capitatum L. are two plant species with overlapping distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, especially in Croatia, where several occurrences of their putative hybrid species T. × rohlenae have been recorded. Next-generation sequencing of both species and de novo [...] Read more.
Teucrium montanum L. and T. capitatum L. are two plant species with overlapping distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, especially in Croatia, where several occurrences of their putative hybrid species T. × rohlenae have been recorded. Next-generation sequencing of both species and de novo assembly was carried out resulting in 120 contigs for T. montanum and 1685 contigs for T. capitatum assembled. The Dig-up primers pipeline was used for SSR mining of both assemblies, applying different criteria that resulted in 112 SSR candidates for testing. A subset of 41 SSRs was selected and after two rounds of testing, twelve SSRs were developed and characterized. A total of 232 alleles were detected with 5 to 29 alleles per locus, based on the test sample. The genetic diversity analysis of three Teucrium taxa from a single location revealed a higher level of diversity in T. montanum than in T. capitatum with intermediate values for the hybrid species. The NeighborNet diagram and genetic structure analysis grouped the taxa into two separate clusters, the first of which consisted exclusively of T. montanum, while the other was composed of intermixed T. capitatum and T. × rohlenae individuals. The availability of SSR markers for two Teucrium taxa will allow in-depth analysis of genetic diversity and structure, as well as molecular identification of their putative hybrids in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Genetics of Animals and Plants)
16 pages, 587 KiB  
Article
Constraints on Graviton Mass from Schwarzschild Precession in the Orbits of S-Stars around the Galactic Center
by Predrag Jovanovi?, Vesna Borka Jovanovi?, Du?ko Borka and Alexander F. Zakharov
Symmetry 2024, 16(4), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16040397 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In this paper we use a modification of the Newtonian gravitational potential with a non-linear Yukawa-like correction, as it was proposed by C. Will earlier to obtain new bounds on graviton mass from the observed orbits of S-stars around the Galactic Center (GC). [...] Read more.
In this paper we use a modification of the Newtonian gravitational potential with a non-linear Yukawa-like correction, as it was proposed by C. Will earlier to obtain new bounds on graviton mass from the observed orbits of S-stars around the Galactic Center (GC). This phenomenological potential differs from the gravitational potential obtained in the weak field limit of Yukawa gravity, which we used in our previous studies. We also assumed that the orbital precession of S-stars is close to the prediction of General Relativity (GR) for Schwarzschild precession, but with a possible small discrepancy from it. This assumption is motivated by the fact that the GRAVITY Collaboration in 2020 and in 2022 detected Schwarzschild precession in the S2 star orbit around the Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) at the GC. Using this approach, we were able to constrain parameter λ of the potential and, assuming that it represents the graviton Compton wavelength, we also found the corresponding upper bound of graviton mass. The obtained results were then compared with our previous estimates, as well as with the estimates of other authors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers on Nonlinear Dynamics)
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23 pages, 581 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Influence of YouTube on Digital Health Literacy and Health Exercise Intentions: The Role of Parasocial Relationships
by Jongho Kim, Heeok Youm, Sujin Kim, Hongjun Choi, Dohee Kim, Sungeun Shin and Jinwook Chung
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040282 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of digital health literacy and the moderating effect of parasocial relationships on the relationship between the viewing experience of health exercise-related YouTube content and the intention for health exercise behavior. Based on [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of digital health literacy and the moderating effect of parasocial relationships on the relationship between the viewing experience of health exercise-related YouTube content and the intention for health exercise behavior. Based on the health action process approach, this study established a foundational theoretical model to analyze how digital health literacy mediates the impact of media viewing experience on health exercise behavior intention. Additionally, this study examined the moderating effect of parasocial relationships with YouTube creators. For empirical analysis, variables were measured using a self-administration method among 409 randomly sampled consumers of YouTube health exercise content. The collected data were analyzed using a structural equation model incorporating mediation parameters, and a multigroup model analysis was conducted to understand differences based on parasocial relationships. The results revealed that increased YouTube viewing experience enhanced cognitive, skill, and evaluative components of digital health literacy, which were significant factors in increasing health exercise behavior intention. Notably, the mediating effect of cognition played a crucial role, and the strengthening effect of parasocial relationships on this relationship was confirmed. These findings can be utilized as practical foundational data for designing digital health communication strategies, particularly in developing motivational mechanisms that encourage consumers to engage voluntarily and consistently in health behaviors based on online health information. Full article
13 pages, 1157 KiB  
Article
Effect of Rotational Angle of Discrete Inclined Ribs on Horizontal Flow and Heat Transfer of Supercritical R134a
by Genxian Yang, Junrui Tang and Zhouhang Li
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1631; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071631 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
This work numerically studied the heat transfer and flow characteristics of supercritical R134a in horizontal pipes equipped with DDIR, considering variations in the rotation angle of DDIR. The aim is to improve the effects of the DDIR configuration on the heat transfer of [...] Read more.
This work numerically studied the heat transfer and flow characteristics of supercritical R134a in horizontal pipes equipped with DDIR, considering variations in the rotation angle of DDIR. The aim is to improve the effects of the DDIR configuration on the heat transfer of supercritical flow. After validation with experimental data, the AKN model was employed to examine the effects of four sets of rotation angles (0°, 30°, 45°, and 60°) on the axial and circumferential heat transfer characteristics of DDIR horizontal tubes under the influence of strong (q1/G1 = 0.1 kJ/kg) and medium (q2/G2 = 0.056 kJ/kg) buoyancy. Results show that variations in the rotation angle do not induce significant alterations in the flow field, thus exerting minimal influence on the axial heat transfer characteristics. Meanwhile, the rotation angle determines the relative positioning of the circumferential inner wall temperatures and heat flux distribution, although the magnitude of this effect remains inconspicuous. The rotational angle parameter can be reasonably neglected in the future design and installation of heat exchangers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer Technologies)
13 pages, 358 KiB  
Article
Exploring Australian News Media Portrayals of Sustainable and Plant-Based Diets
by Rimante Ronto, Carla Vanessa Alves Lopes, Diana Bogueva, Barbara Davis, Alexandra J. Bhatti, Priscilla Navarrete and Josephine Y. Chau
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16070996 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: Dietary behaviour transformation is imperative for the attainment of more sustainable food systems, including an increased intake of plant-based foods and lower consumption of red meat and highly processed foods. The influence of news media coverage on public opinion regarding dietary [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Dietary behaviour transformation is imperative for the attainment of more sustainable food systems, including an increased intake of plant-based foods and lower consumption of red meat and highly processed foods. The influence of news media coverage on public opinion regarding dietary behaviours is significant. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how sustainable/plant-based diets have been portrayed in Australian news media. (2) Methods: The Factiva global news database was used to search news articles published in Australia between 2018 and 2020. Relevant news articles were selected if they included keywords relating to sustainable diets, plant-based diets, and meat alternatives. We used a coding protocol to extract key information, such as date of publication, article topic, and any health, environmental and economic impacts. Then, we performed a framing and thematic analysis of the data. (3) Results: From 357 included articles, more than half of the articles encouraged increasing the intake of plant-based foods (53.5%) and reducing animal-derived food intake (55.2%). Several reasons for such shift from animal protein centric Australian diets were identified throughout the articles such as health benefits (15.4%), environmental impacts (11.2%), animal welfare (4.8%), seasonality and local food intake (5.3%), avoiding overconsumption (4.5%) and food wastage (4.5%). (4) Conclusions: The predominant frame in Australian news coverage about sustainable diets has been about consumption, more plant- and less animal-based products, with little nuance about the complex interplay of diet quality and environment in influencing food choices. Australian news media should broaden its coverage of sustainable diets to include health, environmental, and economic factors to improve public understanding and facilitate informed and sustainable food choices. Further research is needed to enhance comprehension of how the audience perceives media coverage on this topic, which will provide a more thorough understanding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)
18 pages, 4248 KiB  
Article
Single-Image-Based 3D Reconstruction of Endoscopic Images
by Bilal Ahmad, P?l Anders Floor, Ivar Farup and Casper Find Andersen
J. Imaging 2024, 10(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10040082 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
A wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) is a medical device designed for the examination of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Three-dimensional models based on WCE images can assist in diagnostics by effectively detecting pathology. These 3D models provide gastroenterologists with improved visualization, particularly in [...] Read more.
A wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) is a medical device designed for the examination of the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Three-dimensional models based on WCE images can assist in diagnostics by effectively detecting pathology. These 3D models provide gastroenterologists with improved visualization, particularly in areas of specific interest. However, the constraints of WCE, such as lack of controllability, and requiring expensive equipment for operation, which is often unavailable, pose significant challenges when it comes to conducting comprehensive experiments aimed at evaluating the quality of 3D reconstruction from WCE images. In this paper, we employ a single-image-based 3D reconstruction method on an artificial colon captured with an endoscope that behaves like WCE. The shape from shading (SFS) algorithm can reconstruct the 3D shape using a single image. Therefore, it has been employed to reconstruct the 3D shapes of the colon images. The camera of the endoscope has also been subjected to comprehensive geometric and radiometric calibration. Experiments are conducted on well-defined primitive objects to assess the method’s robustness and accuracy. This evaluation involves comparing the reconstructed 3D shapes of primitives with ground truth data, quantified through measurements of root-mean-square error and maximum error. Afterward, the same methodology is applied to recover the geometry of the colon. The results demonstrate that our approach is capable of reconstructing the geometry of the colon captured with a camera with an unknown imaging pipeline and significant noise in the images. The same procedure is applied on WCE images for the purpose of 3D reconstruction. Preliminary results are subsequently generated to illustrate the applicability of our method for reconstructing 3D models from WCE images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geometry Reconstruction from Images (2nd Edition))
17 pages, 5990 KiB  
Article
Identification of Precursors in InSAR Time Series Using Functional Data Analysis Post-Processing: Demonstration on Mud Volcano Eruptions
by Matteo Fontana, Mara Sabina Bernardi, Francesca Cigna, Deodato Tapete, Alessandra Menafoglio and Simone Vantini
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071191 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
One of the most promising applications of satellite data is providing users in charge of land and emergency management with information and data to support decision making for geohazard mapping, monitoring and early warning. In this work, we consider ground displacement data obtained [...] Read more.
One of the most promising applications of satellite data is providing users in charge of land and emergency management with information and data to support decision making for geohazard mapping, monitoring and early warning. In this work, we consider ground displacement data obtained via interferometric processing of satellite radar imagery, and we provide a novel post-processing approach based on a Functional Data Analysis paradigm capable of detecting precursors in displacement time series. The proposed approach appropriately accounts for the spatial and temporal dependencies of the data and does not require prior assumptions on the deformation trend. As an illustrative case, we apply the developed method to the identification of precursors to a mud volcano eruption in the Santa Barbara village in Sicily, southern Italy, showing the advantages of using a Functional Data Analysis framework for anticipating the warning signal. Indeed, the proposed approach is able to detect precursors of the paroxysmal event in the time series of the locations close to the eruption vent and provides a warning signal months before a scalar approach would. The method presented can potentially be applied to a wide range of geological events, thus representing a valuable and far-reaching monitoring tool. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering Remote Sensing)
18 pages, 613 KiB  
Article
Reduction of Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Urine Patches from Grazed Dairy Pastures in New Zealand: A Preliminary Assessment of ORUN® as an Alternative to the Use of Nitrification Inhibitor Dicyandiamide (DCD)
by Iduh Jonathan Joseph Otene, Mike J. Hedley and Peter Bishop
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2843; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072843 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Agriculture plays a significant role in economic development and livelihood and is a key contributor to food security and nutrition. However, global concerns regarding the sustainability of the agricultural sector (mainly environmental damage) is linked to agricultural activities such as greenhouse gas (GHG) [...] Read more.
Agriculture plays a significant role in economic development and livelihood and is a key contributor to food security and nutrition. However, global concerns regarding the sustainability of the agricultural sector (mainly environmental damage) is linked to agricultural activities such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ORUN® (a formulated agricultural chemical mixture) to reduce N2O emissions from urine patches and to improve pasture yield, pasture N uptake, and soil mineral N concentrations. The field trials were conducted during the spring of 2015 on dairy urine patches at Massey University, New Zealand. Treatments consisted of control nil urine, control nil urine + ProGibb®, urine only, urine + ProGibb®, urine + ORUN®, and urine + ORUN PLUS® replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. At 31 days after treatment (DAT), analysis of soil samples in 0–5 cm soil profiles showed that urine + ProGibb® significantly (p = 0.0041) increased the soil nitrate concentration (121.40 kgN/ha) compared with 48.15 kgN/ha from urine only. The urine + ProGib® treatment produced significantly lower herbage N recovery (35% of applied N) compared with the urine only. Throughout the trial period, the urine patches treated with ProGibb® and ORUN® produced significantly higher N2O fluxes compared with urine only and urine + ORUN PLUS®, as well as higher surface soil nitrate and mineral N concentrations. Full article
24 pages, 27815 KiB  
Article
Trend Prediction of Vegetation and Drought by Informer Model Based on STL-EMD Decomposition of Ha Cai Tou Dang Water Source Area in the Maowusu Sandland
by Hexiang Zheng, Hongfei Hou, Ruiping Li and Changfu Tong
Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040708 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
To accurately forecast the future development trend of vegetation in dry areas, it is crucial to continuously monitor phenology, vegetation health indices, and vegetation drought indices over an extended period. This is because drought caused by high temperatures significantly affects vegetation. This study [...] Read more.
To accurately forecast the future development trend of vegetation in dry areas, it is crucial to continuously monitor phenology, vegetation health indices, and vegetation drought indices over an extended period. This is because drought caused by high temperatures significantly affects vegetation. This study thoroughly investigated the spatial and temporal variations in phenological characteristics and vegetation health indices in the abdominal part of Maowusu Sandland in China over the past 20 years. Additionally, it established a linear correlation between vegetation health and temperature indices in the arid zone. To address the issue of predicting long-term trends in vegetation drought changes, we have developed a method that combines the Informer deep learning model with seasonal and Seasonal Trend decomposition using Loess (STL) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Additionally, we have utilized the linearly correlated indices of vegetation health and meteorological data spanning 20 years to predict the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI). The study’s findings indicate that over the 20-year observation period, there was an upward trend in NDVI, accompanied by a decrease in both the frequency and severity of droughts. Additionally, the STL-EMD-Informer model successfully predicted the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE = 1.16%) of the future trend in vegetation drought changes for the next decade. This suggests that the overall health of vegetation is expected to continue improving during that time. This work examined the plant growth circumstances in dry locations from several angles and developed a complete analytical method for predicting long-term droughts. The findings provide a strong scientific basis for ecological conservation and vegetation management in arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Models for Agricultural Yield Prediction under Climate Change)
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22 pages, 3188 KiB  
Article
Quality Assessment of Socks Produced from Viscose and Lyocell Fibers
by Antoneta Tomljenovi?, Juro ?ivi?njak and Zenun Skenderi
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071559 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Most casual socks are produced from cotton and are usually combined with synthetic fibers. The suitability of viscose and lyocell fibers for knitting socks needs to be investigated further. Therefore, three series of plain socks were produced, composed in the largest content from [...] Read more.
Most casual socks are produced from cotton and are usually combined with synthetic fibers. The suitability of viscose and lyocell fibers for knitting socks needs to be investigated further. Therefore, three series of plain socks were produced, composed in the largest content from single-spun viscose or lyocell yarns fully plated with texturized polyamide 6.6 multifilament yarn. The quality of three types of main yarns manufactured by ring, open-end rotor, and air-jet spinning processes and two types of polyamide plating yarns used in the production of socks were assessed together with the structural, usage, and comfort quality of the socks before and after simulating household laundering. In comparison with cotton socks produced from ring-spun yarns under the same conditions, the results showed that viscose and lyocell socks have better moisture absorption and breathability, comparable dimensional stability, and lower abrasion resistance; lyocell socks have lower thermal resistance; and viscose socks are less prone to surface pilling after wet pretreatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Clothing and Textile Engineering—2nd Edition)
12 pages, 807 KiB  
Article
Relation between Photogrammetry and Spinal Mouse for Lumbopelvic Assessment in Adolescents with Thoracic Kyphosis
by Guido Belli, Luca Russo, Mario Mauro, Stefania Toselli and Pasqualino Maietta Latessa
Healthcare 2024, 12(7), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12070738 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The evaluation of the lumbopelvic region is a crucial point during postural assessment in childhood and adolescence. Photogrammetry (PG) and Spinal Mouse (SM) are two of the most debated tools to properly analyze postural alignment and avoid misleading data. This study aims to [...] Read more.
The evaluation of the lumbopelvic region is a crucial point during postural assessment in childhood and adolescence. Photogrammetry (PG) and Spinal Mouse (SM) are two of the most debated tools to properly analyze postural alignment and avoid misleading data. This study aims to find out the best linear regression model that could relate the analytic measurements of the SM with one or more PG parameters in adolescents with kyphotic postures. Thirty-nine adolescents (female = 35.9%) with structural and non-structural kyphosis were analyzed (13.2 ± 1.8 years; 1.59 ± 0.12 m; 47.6 ± 11.8 kg) using the SM and PG on the sagittal plane in a standing and forward-bending position, allowing for the measurement of body vertical inclination, lumbar and pelvic alignment, trunk flexion, sacral inclination during bending, and hip position during bending. Lordosis lumbar angles (SM) were significantly (r = −0.379, r = −0.328) correlated with the SIPS-SIAS angle (PG) during upright standing, while in the bending position, the highest correlation appeared among the sacral–hip (SM) and the sacral tangent (ST_PG; r = −0.72) angles. The stepwise backward procedure was assessed to estimate the SM variability in the bending and standing positions. Only in the bending position did the linear regression model reach high goodness-of-fit values with two regressors (ST_PG η2=0.504, BMI η2=0.252; adjusted- R2 =0.558, p < 0.001, CCC = 0.972, r = 0.763). Despite gold-standard methods reducing error evaluation, physicians and kinesiologists may consider photogrammetry as a good method for spinal curve prediction. Full article
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14 pages, 1625 KiB  
Article
Identification of Corn Peptides with Alcohol Dehydrogenase Activating Activity Absorbed by Caco-2 Cell Monolayers
by Zhe Wang, Guanlong Li and Xiaolan Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(7), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071523 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays a pivotal role in constraining alcohol metabolism. Assessing the ADH-activating activity in vitro can provide insight into the capacity to accelerate ethanol metabolism in vivo. In this study, ADH-activating peptides were prepared from corn protein meal (CGM) using enzymatic [...] Read more.
Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) plays a pivotal role in constraining alcohol metabolism. Assessing the ADH-activating activity in vitro can provide insight into the capacity to accelerate ethanol metabolism in vivo. In this study, ADH-activating peptides were prepared from corn protein meal (CGM) using enzymatic hydrolysis, and these peptides were subsequently identified following simulated gastrointestinal digestion and their absorption through the Caco-2 cell monolayer membrane. The current investigation revealed that corn protein hydrolysate hydrolyzed using alcalase exhibited the highest ADH activation capability, maintaining an ADH activation rate of 52.93 ± 2.07% following simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. After absorption through the Caco-2 cell monolayer membrane, ADH-activating peptides were identified. Among them, SSNCQPF, TGCPVLQ, and QPQQPW were validated to possess strong ADH activation activity, with EC50 values of 1.35 ± 0.22 mM, 2.26 ± 0.16 mM, and 2.73 ± 0.13 mM, respectively. Molecular Docking revealed that the activation of ADH occurred via the formation of a stable complex between the peptide and the active center of ADH by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The results of this study also suggest that corn protein hydrolysate could be a novel functional dietary element that helps protects the liver from damage caused by alcohol and aids in alcohol metabolism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Chemistry and Bioactive Compounds in Relation to Health)
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17 pages, 503 KiB  
Article
Traditional Food Vendor-Producer Innovation Capabilities
by Luiza Ossowska, Dorota Janiszewska, Grzegorz Kwiatkowski, Dariusz Kloskowski and Ove Oklevik
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072844 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Nowadays, introducing innovations is treated as a necessity to ensure market survival. However, this may be difficult, especially for food entrepreneurs whose innovations are strongly connected with tradition. The main aim of this study was to assess the innovation abilities and potential of [...] Read more.
Nowadays, introducing innovations is treated as a necessity to ensure market survival. However, this may be difficult, especially for food entrepreneurs whose innovations are strongly connected with tradition. The main aim of this study was to assess the innovation abilities and potential of traditional food producers in the context of the classic dilemma of innovation-and-tradition interplay. The surveyed food producers were from five Polish voivodeships belonging to the European Culinary Heritage Network. The study conducted 70 semi-structured interviews. The respondents were divided into two groups: the innovative and non-innovative groups. The statistical significance of the differences between the two groups was tested using a two-independent-samples t test. A comparison revealed significantly different average results for the following variables: general managerial education, business duration, sources of knowledge about traditions, profits and earnings, and own product brand. For the remaining variables (employment, sales range, financial capital sources, business goals in total, and own business), no significant differences were found between the mean results. Both tested hypotheses were verified to be valid. The vendors-producers of traditional food in this study showed innovative abilities and untapped innovation potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Innovations in Agri-Food Supply and Value Chains)
10 pages, 441 KiB  
Article
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in a Berlin Kindergarten Environment: A Cross-Sectional Study, September 2021
by Julian Bernhard, Stefanie Theuring, Welmoed van Loon, Marcus A. Mall, Joachim Seybold, Tobias Kurth, Raquel Rubio-Acero, Andreas Wieser and Frank P. Mockenhaupt
Children 2024, 11(4), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11040405 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 serology may be helpful to retrospectively understand infection dynamics in specific settings including kindergartens. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in individuals connected to kindergartens in Berlin, Germany in September 2021. Children, staff, and household members from 12 randomly selected kindergartens were interviewed on [...] Read more.
SARS-CoV-2 serology may be helpful to retrospectively understand infection dynamics in specific settings including kindergartens. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in individuals connected to kindergartens in Berlin, Germany in September 2021. Children, staff, and household members from 12 randomly selected kindergartens were interviewed on COVID-19 history and sociodemographic parameters. Blood samples were collected on filter paper. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S and anti-N antibodies were assessed using Roche Elecsys. We assessed seroprevalence and the proportion of so far unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infections. We included 277 participants, comprising 48 (17.3%) kindergarten children, 37 (13.4%) staff, and 192 (69.3%) household members. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were present in 65.0%, and 52.7% of all participants were vaccinated. Evidence of previous infection was observed in 16.7% of kindergarten children, 16.2% of staff, and 10.4% of household members. Undiagnosed infections were observed in 12.5%, 5.4%, and 3.6%, respectively. Preceding infections were associated with facemask neglect. In conclusion, two-thirds of our cohort were SARS-CoV-2 seroreactive in September 2021, largely as a result of vaccination in adults. Kindergarten children showed the highest proportion of non-vaccine-induced seropositivity and an increased proportion of previously unrecognized SARS-CoV-2 infection. Silent infections in pre-school children need to be considered when interpreting SARS-CoV-2 infections in the kindergarten context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Childcare and School Health Screenings)
17 pages, 663 KiB  
Article
Peeking into the Stingers: A Comprehensive SWATH-MS Study of the European Hornet Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Venom Sac Extracts
by Xesús Feás, Manuela Alonso-Sampedro, Susana Belén Bravo and Carmen Vidal
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3798; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073798 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between stinging females, gynes (G), and workers (W), at the protein level. Using a quantitative “Sequential Window Acquisition [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the venom sac extracts (VSEs) of the European hornet (EH) Vespa crabro (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), focusing on the differences between stinging females, gynes (G), and workers (W), at the protein level. Using a quantitative “Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Fragment Ion Mass Spectra” (SWATH-MS) analysis, we identified and quantified a total of 240 proteins. Notably, within the group, 45.8% (n = 110) showed significant differential expression between VSE-G and VSE-W. In this set, 57.3% (n = 63) were upregulated and 42.7% (n = 47) downregulated in the G. Additionally, the two-hundred quantified proteins from the class Insecta belong to sixteen different species, six of them to the Hymenoptera/Apidae lineage, comprising seven proteins with known potential allergenicity. Thus, phospholipase A1 (Vesp v 1), phospholipase A1 verutoxin 2b (VT-2b), hyaluronidase A (Vesp v 2A), hyaluronidase B (Vesp v 2B), and venom allergen 5 (Vesp v 5) were significantly downregulated in the G, and vitellogenin (Vesp v 6) was upregulated. Overall, 46% of the VSE proteins showed differential expression, with a majority being upregulated in G. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047955. These findings shed light on the proteomic differences in VSE between EH castes, potentially contributing to our understanding of their behavior and offering insights for allergy research. Full article
15 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Structural Reliability Assessment When Choosing Switchgear Circuits for 35–220 kV Step-Up Substations
by Aleksandra V. Varganova, Aleksandr S. Irikhov, Anastasia A. Utesheva, Vadim R. Khramshin, Aleksandr S. Maklakov and Andrey A. Radionov
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071630 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
The basic requirements for the design of a switchgear for main 35–220 kV step-down substations are reliability and efficiency. Switchgear circuits are chosen depending on the number of supply and transit lines and transformers, the substation’s place in the power supply system, and [...] Read more.
The basic requirements for the design of a switchgear for main 35–220 kV step-down substations are reliability and efficiency. Switchgear circuits are chosen depending on the number of supply and transit lines and transformers, the substation’s place in the power supply system, and the area that can be allocated under the substation construction. The substation switchgear’s reliability depends on the circuit type and the equipment to be installed. When designing, as a rule, standard substation switchgear circuit solutions are chosen with often unreasonably overstated reliability indicators and, as a consequence, capital costs. This paper explores the issues of automated choice of the best option for the 35–220 kV substation switchgear circuit, considering its structural reliability and additional costs for the area allocated under the electrical unit. A distinctive feature of the work is a comprehensive accounting of the reliability indicators of the substation and the influence of the layout of switchgear circuits as a whole on the performance indicators of future electrical installations. The developed technique is used at the pre-design stages and allows for reducing further capital, maintenance, and repair costs for electrical units by up to 14.5%. The developed approach is implemented in the original TER CAD software product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F1: Electrical Power System)
21 pages, 10674 KiB  
Article
The Mechanical and Self-Sensing Properties of Carbon Fiber- and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites Utilizing Environmentally Friendly Glass Aggregate
by Lijun Ma, Meng Sun and Yunlong Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(4), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040938 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In order to facilitate waste glass recycling and enable the monitoring of concrete structures, this study prepares a new type of self-sensing engineered cementitious composite (ECC) via the use of glass sand instead of silica sand. The health monitoring of a concrete structure [...] Read more.
In order to facilitate waste glass recycling and enable the monitoring of concrete structures, this study prepares a new type of self-sensing engineered cementitious composite (ECC) via the use of glass sand instead of silica sand. The health monitoring of a concrete structure is achieved through the addition of polypropylene (PP) fibers to enhance the flexural toughness of concrete, and adding carbon fibers (CFs) to make the concrete self aware, enabling it to sense the load changes and structural damage. The fiber dosage of ECC is optimized to analyze the effects of different fiber types and dosages on the mechanical and self-sensing properties of concrete. The results show that the hybrid fibers produce a good synergistic effect on mechanical properties, and the presence of excess fibers causes the mechanical properties of concrete to deteriorate. The critical fiber volume fraction required for the strain hardening of PP ranges from 0.75% vol to 1% vol. At different PP dosages, the CF dosage shows a positive correlation with the initial crack strength. By analyzing the effect of varied curing times and CF doping on the initial resistivity, it is found that the threshold value of CF conductivity is 0.7% vol. The role of CFs in the flexural sensitivity and pressure sensitivity tests is explained from the perspective of fiber distribution, and the fiber distribution theory is verified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal level of CF doping for flexural sensitivity and pressure sensitivity is determined to be 1.1% vol and 0.7% vol via the use of self-sensing performance tests, respectively. An increase in PP fiber doping leads to a decrease in the initial resistivity and self-sensing properties of the material. The results of this research provide guidance regarding how to determine the optimal fiber dosage flexibly for different engineering works. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
31 pages, 12478 KiB  
Article
PCA-Based Preprocessing for Clustering-Based Fetal Heart Rate Extraction in Non-Invasive Fetal Electrocardiograms
by Luis Oyarzún, Encarnación Castillo, Luis Parrilla, Uwe Meyer-Baese and Antonio García
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071264 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-ECG) is based on the acquisition of signals from electrodes on the mother’s abdominal surface. This abdominal ECG (aECG) signal consists of the maternal ECG (mECG) along with the fetal ECG (fECG) and other noises and artifacts. These records allow [...] Read more.
Non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-ECG) is based on the acquisition of signals from electrodes on the mother’s abdominal surface. This abdominal ECG (aECG) signal consists of the maternal ECG (mECG) along with the fetal ECG (fECG) and other noises and artifacts. These records allow the acquisition of valuable and reliable information that helps ensure fetal well-being during pregnancy. This paper proposes a procedure based on principal component analysis (PCA) to obtain a single-channel master abdominal ECG record that can be used as input to fetal heart rate extraction techniques. The new procedure requires three main processing stages: PCA-based analysis for fECG-component extraction, polarity test, and curve fitting. To show the advantages of the proposal, this PCA-based method has been used as the feeding stage to a previously developed clustering-based method for single-channel aECG fetal heart rate monitoring. The results obtained for a set of real abdominal ECG recordings from annotated public aECG databases, the Abdominal and Direct Fetal ECG Database and the Challenge 2013 Training Set A, show improved efficiency in fetal heart rate extraction and illustrate the benefits derived from the use of such a master abdominal ECG channel. This allows us to achieve proper fetal heart rate monitoring without the need for manual inspection and selection of channels to be processed, while also allowing us to analyze records that would have been discarded otherwise. Full article
17 pages, 7990 KiB  
Article
Mapping Dissolved Organic Carbon and Organic Iron by Comparing Deep Learning and Linear Regression Techniques Using Sentinel-2 and WorldView-2 Imagery (Byers Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica)
by Susana del Carmen Fernández, Rubén Mu?iz, Juanjo Peón, Ricardo Rodríguez-Cielos, Jesús Ruíz and Javier F. Calleja
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071192 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Byers Peninsula is considered one of the largest ice-free areas in maritime Antarctica. Since 2006, the Spanish Polar Program has taken part in a large number of environmental studies involving the effects of climate change on biological life cycles, limnology, and microbiology. Soils [...] Read more.
Byers Peninsula is considered one of the largest ice-free areas in maritime Antarctica. Since 2006, the Spanish Polar Program has taken part in a large number of environmental studies involving the effects of climate change on biological life cycles, limnology, and microbiology. Soils from maritime Antarctica are generally weakly developed and have chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics that are strongly influenced by the parent material. However, biological activity during the short Antarctic summer promotes intense transference of nutrients and organic matter in areas occupied by different species of birds and marine mammals. Mapping and monitoring those areas that are highly occupied by various species could be very useful to create models prepared from satellite images of the edaphic properties. In this approach, deep learning and linear regression models of the soil properties and spectral indexes, which were considered as explicative variables, were used. We trained the models on soil properties closely related to biological activity such as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the iron fraction associated with the organic matter (Fe). We tested the best approach to model the spatial distribution of DOC, Fe, and pH by training the linear regression and deep learning models on Sentinel-2 and WorldView-2 images. The most robust models, the pH model built with the deep learning approach on Sentinel images (MAE of 0.51, RMSE of 0.70, and R2 with a residual of −0.49), the DOC model built with linear regression on Sentinel images (MAE of 189.39, RMSE of 342.23, and R2 with a residual of 0.0), and the organic Fe model built with deep learning (MAE of 116.20, RMSE of 209.93, and R2 of −0.05), were used to track possible areas with ornithogenic soils, as well as areas of Byers Peninsula that could be supporting the highest biological development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GIS and Remote Sensing in Soil Mapping and Modeling)
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22 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Digital Landscapes: Analyzing the Impact of Facebook Communication on User Engagement with Romanian Ecotourism Destinations
by Ioana-Simona Ivasciuc, Cristinel Petri?or Constantin, Adina Nicoleta Candrea and Ana Ispas
Land 2024, 13(4), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040432 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the use of social media, particularly Facebook, by destination management organizations (DMOs) for promoting tourism destinations has become increasingly significant. However, the particularities of using this powerful tool in promoting ecotourism destinations have not been sufficiently debated [...] Read more.
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the use of social media, particularly Facebook, by destination management organizations (DMOs) for promoting tourism destinations has become increasingly significant. However, the particularities of using this powerful tool in promoting ecotourism destinations have not been sufficiently debated in the literature. To fill this gap, the present study brings a new perspective with the aim of understanding how the Facebook communication strategies of ecotourism destinations in Romania affect user reactions. This research was based on secondary data obtained by examining Facebook posts from seven Romanian ecotourism destinations during a period of six months. The initial step was to analyze the Facebook posts of the selected destinations and to extract major themes present in the posted content. These posts are categorized into themes such as nature, leisure, culture, and hospitality, providing a comprehensive view of the content strategy adopted by these destinations. The findings reveal that posts related to culture and nature are predominant and receive higher user interactions in the form of likes, comments, and shares. Most user reactions were expressed in the form of likes, while the number of comments and shares was quite modest. The analysis of factors influencing user reactions reveals that only the number of posts has a significant impact. Moreover, the post content and post format do not have a significant influence on users’ reactions to destinations’ posted content on Facebook. This study concludes that for the effective online promotion of ecotourism destinations, DMOs should focus on increasing the number and frequency of posts, and on creating content that aligns with audience preferences, particularly emphasizing the main features of the destination. These insights are crucial for DMOs in strategizing their online communication to enhance user reactions and promote their destinations effectively in the competitive sphere of global tourism. Full article
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23 pages, 1234 KiB  
Article
Can Environmental, Social, and Governance Ratings Promote Green Innovation in Chinese Heavy Polluters? Perspectives from “Greening” Behaviors
by Xing Zhang, Mingcan Ji and Shujuan Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072842 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings are gaining momentum in China, but their capacity to induce green innovation among heavy polluters remains to be proven. Based on the green patent data from listed heavy-polluting enterprises in China from 2010 to 2020, this paper [...] Read more.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings are gaining momentum in China, but their capacity to induce green innovation among heavy polluters remains to be proven. Based on the green patent data from listed heavy-polluting enterprises in China from 2010 to 2020, this paper empirically analyzes the mechanism of ESG ratings and their impact on green innovation using a multi-temporal double-difference method. The findings indicate that ESG ratings effectively promote green innovation in heavily polluting firms. The mechanism test reflects that ESG ratings can enhance the enterprises’ green innovation capacities by alleviating their financing constraints and enhancing their corporate risk-taking abilities. Further analysis reveals that the incentive effect of ESG ratings on green innovation lies in considering both source control and end-of-pipe management by addressing their environmental responsibilities and actively engaging in green innovation activities. This facilitative effect is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises (NSOEs) and large-scale enterprises. Overall, these insights provide empirical evidence to advance green innovation in heavy-polluting enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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12 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
Challenges in Reducing Bias Using Post-Processing Fairness for Breast Cancer Stage Classification with Deep Learning
by Armin Soltan and Peter Washington
Algorithms 2024, 17(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17040141 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. Despite the significant impact of deep learning models on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, achieving fairness or equitable outcomes across diverse populations remains a challenge when some demographic groups are underrepresented in the [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. Despite the significant impact of deep learning models on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, achieving fairness or equitable outcomes across diverse populations remains a challenge when some demographic groups are underrepresented in the training data. We quantified the bias of models trained to predict breast cancer stage from a dataset consisting of 1000 biopsies from 842 patients provided by AIM-Ahead (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity). Notably, the majority of data (over 70%) were from White patients. We found that prior to post-processing adjustments, all deep learning models we trained consistently performed better for White patients than for non-White patients. After model calibration, we observed mixed results, with only some models demonstrating improved performance. This work provides a case study of bias in breast cancer medical imaging models and highlights the challenges in using post-processing to attempt to achieve fairness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning in Medical Signal and Image Processing (2nd Edition))

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