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21 pages, 3336 KiB  
Article
Green Hydrogen Production at the Gigawatt Scale in Portugal: A Technical and Economic Evaluation
by Rui P. Borges, Flávia Franco, Fátima N. Serralha and Isabel Cabrita
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071638 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The European Union has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and green hydrogen has been chosen as a priority vector for reaching that goal. Accordingly, Portugal has drafted a National Hydrogen Strategy laying out the various steps for the development of a [...] Read more.
The European Union has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and green hydrogen has been chosen as a priority vector for reaching that goal. Accordingly, Portugal has drafted a National Hydrogen Strategy laying out the various steps for the development of a green hydrogen economy. One element of this strategy is the development of a gigawatt-scale hydrogen production facility powered by dedicated renewable electricity sources. This work presents an analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of a facility consisting of a gigawatt-scale polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyser powered by solar photovoltaic and wind electricity, using the energy analysis model EnergyPLAN. Different capacities and modes of operation of the electrolyser are considered, including the complementary use of grid electricity as well as different combinations of renewable power, resulting in a total of 72 different configurations. An economic analysis is conducted addressing the related annualised capital expenditures, maintenance, and variable costs, to allow for the determination of the levelised cost of hydrogen for the different configurations. This analysis shows the conditions required for maximising annual hydrogen production at the lowest levelised cost of hydrogen. The best options consist of an electrolyser powered by a combination of solar photovoltaic and wind, with limited exchanges with the electricity grid, and a levelised cost of hydrogen in the range 3.13–3.48 EUR/kg. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen in the Energy Transition: From Production to End-Use)
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15 pages, 2891 KiB  
Article
Longitudinal Sequencing and Variant Detection of SARS-CoV-2 across Southern California Wastewater
by Jason A. Rothman, Andrew Saghir, Amity G. Zimmer-Faust, Kylie Langlois, Kayla Raygoza, Joshua A. Steele, John F. Griffith and Katrine L. Whiteson
Appl. Microbiol. 2024, 4(2), 635-649; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol4020044 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is useful for detecting pathogen prevalence and may serve to effectively monitor diseases across broad scales. WBE has been used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to track disease burden through quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA present in wastewater. Aside from case load estimation, [...] Read more.
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is useful for detecting pathogen prevalence and may serve to effectively monitor diseases across broad scales. WBE has been used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to track disease burden through quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA present in wastewater. Aside from case load estimation, WBE is being used to assay viral genomic diversity and emerging potential SARS-CoV-2 variants. Here, we present a study in which we sequenced RNA extracted from sewage influent obtained from eight wastewater treatment plants representing 16 million people in Southern California from April 2020 to August 2021. We sequenced SARS-CoV-2 with two methods: Illumina Respiratory Virus-Enriched metatranscriptomic sequencing (N = 269), and QIAseq SARS-CoV-2-tiled amplicon sequencing (N = 95). We classified SARS-CoV-2 reads into lineages and sublineages that approximated named variants and identified single nucleotide variants (SNVs), of which many are putatively novel SNVs and SNVs of unknown potential function and prevalence. Through our retrospective study, we also show that several SARS-CoV-2 sublineages were detected in wastewater before clinical detection, which may assist in the prediction of future variants of concern. Lastly, we show that sublineage diversity was similar across Southern California and that diversity changed over time, indicating that WBE is effective across megaregions. As the COVID-19 pandemic moves to new phases, and SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, monitoring wastewater is important to understand local- and population-level dynamics of the virus. These results will aid in our ability to monitor the evolutionary potential of SARS-CoV-2 and help understand circulating SNVs to further combat COVID-19. Full article
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31 pages, 1235 KiB  
Review
Minerals and the Menstrual Cycle: Impacts on Ovulation and Endometrial Health
by Celine Kapper, Peter Oppelt, Clara Ganh?r, Ayberk Alp Gyunesh, Barbara Arbeithuber, Patrick Stelzl and Marlene Rezk-Füreder
Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071008 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The role of minerals in female fertility, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, presents a complex area of study that underscores the interplay between nutrition and reproductive health. This narrative review aims to elucidate the impacts of minerals on key aspects of [...] Read more.
The role of minerals in female fertility, particularly in relation to the menstrual cycle, presents a complex area of study that underscores the interplay between nutrition and reproductive health. This narrative review aims to elucidate the impacts of minerals on key aspects of the reproductive system: hormonal regulation, ovarian function and ovulation, endometrial health, and oxidative stress. Despite the attention given to specific micronutrients in relation to reproductive disorders, there is a noticeable absence of a comprehensive review focusing on the impact of minerals throughout the menstrual cycle on female fertility. This narrative review aims to address this gap by examining the influence of minerals on reproductive health. Each mineral’s contribution is explored in detail to provide a clearer picture of its importance in supporting female fertility. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of reproductive health but also offers clinicians valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the recommended intake of minerals to promote female reproductive well-being, considering the menstrual cycle. This review stands as the first to offer such a detailed examination of minerals in the context of the menstrual cycle, aiming to elevate the understanding of their critical role in female fertility and reproductive health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Gynecological Diseases)
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5 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial Catalysts: Catalysis for the Removal of Water Pollutants
by Antonio Eduardo Palomares
Catalysts 2024, 14(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal14040229 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Water is an essential resource for society, and it is necessary to guarantee its supply and quality [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for the Removal of Water Pollutants)
23 pages, 1383 KiB  
Article
Dynamical Analysis of the Redshift Drift in FLRW Universes
by Francisco S. N. Lobo, José Pedro Mimoso, Jessica Santiago and Matt Visser
Universe 2024, 10(4), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10040162 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Redshift drift is the phenomenon whereby the observed redshift between an emitter and observer comoving with the Hubble flow in an expanding FLRW universe will slowly evolve—on a timescale comparable to the Hubble time. In a previous article, three of the current authors [...] Read more.
Redshift drift is the phenomenon whereby the observed redshift between an emitter and observer comoving with the Hubble flow in an expanding FLRW universe will slowly evolve—on a timescale comparable to the Hubble time. In a previous article, three of the current authors performed a cosmographic analysis of the redshift drift in an FLRW universe, temporarily putting aside the issue of dynamics (the Friedmann equations). In the current article, we add dynamics while still remaining within the framework of an exact FLRW universe. We developed a suitable generic matter model and applied it to both standard FLRW and various dark energy models. Furthermore, we present an analysis of the utility of alternative cosmographic variables to describe the redshift drift data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cosmology)
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28 pages, 2387 KiB  
Review
The Clinical Relevance of the EPH/Ephrin Signaling Pathway in Pediatric Solid and Hematologic Malignancies
by Elena Chatzikalil, Ioanna E. Stergiou, Stavros P. Papadakos, Ippokratis Konstantinidis and Stamatios Theocharis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(7), 3834; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25073834 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Pediatric neoplasms represent a complex group of malignancies that pose unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenetic mechanisms. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-tethered ligands, ephrins, orchestrate short-distance [...] Read more.
Pediatric neoplasms represent a complex group of malignancies that pose unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenetic mechanisms. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-tethered ligands, ephrins, orchestrate short-distance cell–cell signaling and are intricately involved in cell-pattern morphogenesis and various developmental processes. Unraveling the role of the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of pediatric neoplasms and its clinical implications can contribute to deciphering the intricate landscape of these malignancies. The bidirectional nature of the EPH/ephrin axis is underscored by emerging evidence revealing its capacity to drive tumorigenesis, fostering cell–cell communication within the tumor microenvironment. In the context of carcinogenesis, the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway prompts a reevaluation of treatment strategies, particularly in pediatric oncology, where the modest progress in survival rates and enduring treatment toxicity necessitate novel approaches. Molecularly targeted agents have emerged as promising alternatives, prompting a shift in focus. Through a nuanced understanding of the pathway’s intricacies, we aim to lay the groundwork for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for young patients grappling with neoplastic challenges. Full article
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15 pages, 292 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Standardized Care Plans for People with Chronic Diseases in Primary Care Settings
by Glòria Reig-Garcia, David Cámara-Liebana, Rosa Su?er-Soler, Eva Pau-Perich, Miquel Sitjar-Su?er, Susana Mantas-Jiménez, Marta Roqueta-Vall-llosera and Maria del Carmen Malagón-Aguilera
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(2), 801-815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14020062 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: Aging populations are driving a shift in emphasis toward enhancing chronic disease care, reflected in Catalonia’s regional plan which prioritizes standardized nursing care plans in primary care settings. To achieve this, the ARES-AP program was established with a focus on harmonizing standards [...] Read more.
Background: Aging populations are driving a shift in emphasis toward enhancing chronic disease care, reflected in Catalonia’s regional plan which prioritizes standardized nursing care plans in primary care settings. To achieve this, the ARES-AP program was established with a focus on harmonizing standards and supporting routine nursing clinical decision-making. This study evaluates nurses’ perceptions of ARES-AP’s standardized care plans for chronic diseases. Methods: A mixed-methods approach based on an ad hoc questionnaire (n = 141) and a focus group (n = 14) was used. Quantitative data were statistically analysed, setting significance at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were explored via content analysis. Results: ARES-AP training was assessed positively. The resources for motivational interviewing and care plans for the most prevalent chronic diseases were rated very positively. This study identified key factors influencing program implementation, including facilitators such as structured information and nursing autonomy, barriers such as resistance to change, motivators such as managerial support, and suggested improvements such as technological improvements and time management strategies. Conclusions: This study identifies areas for improvement in implementing standardized nursing care plans, including additional time, motivation, enhanced IT infrastructure, and collaboration among primary care professionals. It enhances understanding of these plans in primary care, especially in managing chronic diseases in aging populations. Further research should assess the program’s long-term impact on chronic patients. This study was not registered. Full article
17 pages, 5872 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonication Improves the Flotation of Coal Gasification Fine Slag Residue
by Yang Jiao, Zhijie Yang, Xing Han, Kaiyue Wang, Chenyang Fang, Zhiming Zhao and Wenhao Tang
Minerals 2024, 14(4), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14040363 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) is a significant source of solid waste requiring improved treatment methods. This study primarily investigates the mechanism of ultrasonic treatment in optimising flotation-based decarbonization of CGFS and its impact on CGFS modified with surfactants. The objective is to [...] Read more.
Coal gasification fine slag (CGFS) is a significant source of solid waste requiring improved treatment methods. This study primarily investigates the mechanism of ultrasonic treatment in optimising flotation-based decarbonization of CGFS and its impact on CGFS modified with surfactants. The objective is to maximise the carbon ash separation effect to support the clean and efficient utilisation of CGFS. Flotation experiments revealed optimal conditions at an ultrasonication power of 180 W for 2 min and a slurry concentration of 60 g/L, resulting in a residual ash content of 82.59%. Particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET) measurements demonstrate the efficacy of ultrasound in extracting inorganic minerals from the surface and pores of residual carbon, consequently reducing both pore and particle sizes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicate alterations in the surface chemistry of CGFS induced by ultrasound treatment. The content of hydrophilic groups decreased from 31.64% to 29.88%, whereas the COO- group content decreased from 13.13% to 8.43%, consequently enhancing hydrophobicity. Adsorption experiments demonstrate an increase in surfactant adsorption capacity following ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, ultrasonic treatment facilitates the desorption of surfactants previously adsorbed onto the surfaces of CGFS residue. Therefore, optimal flotation is obtained by applying ultrasonic pretreatment to CGFS before adding flotation chemicals. Upon the addition of Polysorbate (Tween-80), the residual ash content increased 90.17%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy)
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19 pages, 729 KiB  
Article
Preparing Teachers to Re-Build Democratic Communities and Disappearing Middle Class to Reverse Global Inequality: A Typology Applying Bourdieusian ‘Taste’ and Dewey-Inspired Tools to Transform World Making
by Alison Taysum and Soheil Salha
Educ. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14040364 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
‘Double structuring’ of objective economic wealth and subjective perception of wealth through language and culture produce a common world of divisions in the classroom from ‘bad taste’ to ‘good taste’. Teachers’ language and culture of instruction and ‘good taste’ perpetuate systemic injustice with [...] Read more.
‘Double structuring’ of objective economic wealth and subjective perception of wealth through language and culture produce a common world of divisions in the classroom from ‘bad taste’ to ‘good taste’. Teachers’ language and culture of instruction and ‘good taste’ perpetuate systemic injustice with unconscious bias. The tool ‘A Blueprint for Character Development for Evolution (ABCDE) offers five steps to prepare teachers to recognize bias and reverse it with a Typology Applying Bourdieusian ‘Taste’ for Making Worlds. A—Ask questions about instructional Language and Culture and Community Languages and Cultures; B—Critique Typology of Taste: C—Develop statistical models with measures to monitor and evaluate incremental progress towards synthesizing/unifying different classroom languages and cultures into one democratic language and culture whilst honouring each; D—Create evidence-informed, logical and ethical qualitative pathways to re-building a democratic community/disappearing middle class; E—Identify a principle of unity that reverses local inequality, and through powerful Higher Education networks, mainstream it to reverse global inequality. A Professional Educators and Administrators Committee for Empowerment (PEACE) offers a systemic multi-level communication infrastructure to enable feedback loops from communities to policy makers to measure inequality and report narrowing income and wealth gaps to reverse the sharpest increase between 2019 and 2020 in global inequality since World War II. Full article
21 pages, 1173 KiB  
Article
Estimation of Weight and Body Measurement Model for Pigs Based on Back Point Cloud Data
by Yao Liu, Jie Zhou, Yifan Bian, Taishan Wang, Hongxiang Xue and Longshen Liu
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071046 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Pig farming is a crucial sector in global animal husbandry. The weight and body dimension data of pigs reflect their growth and development status, serving as vital metrics for assessing their progress. Presently, pig weight and body dimensions are predominantly measured manually, which [...] Read more.
Pig farming is a crucial sector in global animal husbandry. The weight and body dimension data of pigs reflect their growth and development status, serving as vital metrics for assessing their progress. Presently, pig weight and body dimensions are predominantly measured manually, which poses challenges such as difficulties in herding, stress responses in pigs, and the control of zoonotic diseases. To address these issues, this study proposes a non-contact weight estimation and body measurement model based on point cloud data from pig backs. A depth camera was installed above a weighbridge to acquire 3D point cloud data from 258 Yorkshire–Landrace crossbred sows. We selected 200 Yorkshire–Landrace sows as the research subjects and applied point cloud filtering and denoising techniques to their three-dimensional point cloud data. Subsequently, a K-means clustering segmentation algorithm was employed to extract the point cloud corresponding to the pigs’ backs. A convolutional neural network with a multi-head attention was established for pig weight prediction and added RGB information as an additional feature. During the data processing process, we also measured the back body size information of the pigs. During the model evaluation, 58 Yorkshire–Landrace sows were specifically selected for experimental assessment. Compared to manual measurements, the weight estimation exhibited an average absolute error of 11.552 kg, average relative error of 4.812%, and root mean square error of 11.181 kg. Specifically, for the MACNN, incorporating RGB information as an additional feature resulted in a decrease of 2.469 kg in the RMSE, a decrease of 0.8% in the MAPE, and a decrease of 1.032 kg in the MAE. Measurements of shoulder width, abdominal width, and hip width yielded corresponding average relative errors of 3.144%, 3.798%, and 3.820%. In conclusion, a convolutional neural network with a multi-head attention was established for pig weight prediction, and incorporating RGB information as an additional feature method demonstrated accuracy and reliability for weight estimation and body dimension measurement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)
24 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Transition Paths of Brazil from an Agricultural Economy to a Regional Powerhouse: A Global Supply Chain Perspective
by Fernando Coelho Martins Ferreira, Cristiane Biazzin and Paul C. Hong
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072872 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study examines Brazil’s evolution from a primarily agricultural economy to a pivotal player within global supply chains, contesting the traditional view of emerging markets as mere suppliers of raw materials and labor. It closely examines Brazil’s assertive efforts and the obstacles it [...] Read more.
This study examines Brazil’s evolution from a primarily agricultural economy to a pivotal player within global supply chains, contesting the traditional view of emerging markets as mere suppliers of raw materials and labor. It closely examines Brazil’s assertive efforts and the obstacles it encounters, focusing on its role within the context of Latin America. Utilizing macroeconomic data, the research reveals the barriers to Brazil’s deeper integration into global supply chains and outlines novel strategies to enhance its global position. The findings highlight Brazil’s capacity to significantly influence and advance the global economic framework, emphasizing its vital role in redefining the narrative on global supply chain engagement from a Latin American perspective. Full article
22 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Research on the Calculation Method for the Load Distribution of the Dual-Input Counter-Rotating Transmission System
by He Yu, Wankai Shi and Zhenhao Su
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2899; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072899 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In order to solve the problem of an uneven load distribution in a double-input and double-output gearbox, based on the small-displacement Jacobi spin theory and considering the manufacturing and assembly errors of the gearbox, a Jacobi spin analysis model of the gearbox was [...] Read more.
In order to solve the problem of an uneven load distribution in a double-input and double-output gearbox, based on the small-displacement Jacobi spin theory and considering the manufacturing and assembly errors of the gearbox, a Jacobi spin analysis model of the gearbox was established. In order to improve the accuracy of the three-dimensional tolerance analysis of the gearbox, on the basis of the processing method of parallel chain of gears and shafts and box and shafts, the serialization method of parallel chain of meshing gear pairs is proposed, and the gearbox was established. For the three-dimensional tolerance analysis model, three-dimensional tolerance analysis was carried out on the side-clearance dimensions of double-input and double-output gearboxes, and the side clearance values under the extreme value method and Monte Carlo method were deduced and combined with the theoretical side clearance to obtain the range of the side clearance of the gearboxes. Elastic deflection analysis was carried out on the gearbox shaft system, and the compensation relationship between the elastic deflection and the side clearance was investigated, so as to calculate the range of the value of the gearbox uniform load coefficient from 1 to 1.259. The error between the theoretically calculated uniform load coefficient and the experimentally tested uniform load coefficient was 6.61%, which verifies the reasonableness of the load distribution method of double-input and double-output gearboxes calculated using three-dimensional tolerance analysis combined with the elastic deflection angle, and provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design of the uniform load of multi-branch input gearboxes. Full article
23 pages, 1169 KiB  
Article
7-O-tyrosyl Silybin Derivatives as a Novel Set of Anti-Prostate Cancer Compounds
by Valeria Romanucci, Rita Pagano, Kushal Kandhari, Armando Zarrelli, Maria Petrone, Chapla Agarwal, Rajesh Agarwal and Giovanni Di Fabio
Antioxidants 2024, 13(4), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040418 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7-O-alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by the Mitsunobu reaction [...] Read more.
Silybin is a natural compound extensively studied for its hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties. Envisioning the enhancement of silybin potential by suitable modifications in its chemical structure, here, a series of new 7-O-alkyl silybins derivatives were synthesized by the Mitsunobu reaction starting from the silybins and tyrosol-based phenols, such as tyrosol (TYR, 3), 3-methoxytyrosol (MTYR, 4), and 3-hydroxytyrosol (HTYR, 5). This research sought to explore the antioxidant and anticancer properties of eighteen new derivatives and their mechanisms. In particular, the antioxidant properties of new derivatives outlined by the DPPH assay showed a very pronounced activity depending on the tyrosyl moiety (HTYR > MTYR >> TYR). A significant contribution of the HTYR moiety was observed for silybins and 2,3-dehydro-silybin-based derivatives. According to the very potent antioxidant activity, 2,3-dehydro-silybin derivatives 15ab, 15a, and 15b exerted the most potent anticancer activity in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle and apoptosis revealed that 15ab, 15a, and 15b induce strong G1 phase arrest and increase late apoptotic population in PC-3 cells. Additionally, Western blotting for apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 confirmed apoptosis induction by these silybin derivatives in PC-3 cells. These findings hold significant importance in the investigation of anticancer properties of silybin derivatives and strongly encourage swift investigation in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Full article
14 pages, 5864 KiB  
Article
Fully Additively Manufactured Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
by Semih Akin, Sungdo Kim, Chul Ki Song, Sang Yong Nam and Martin Byung-Guk Jun
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040464 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the counter electrode (CE) plays a crucial role as an electron transfer agent and regenerator of the redox couple. Unlike conventional CEs that are generally made of glass-based substrates (e.g., FTO/glass), polymer substrates appear to be emerging candidates, [...] Read more.
In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), the counter electrode (CE) plays a crucial role as an electron transfer agent and regenerator of the redox couple. Unlike conventional CEs that are generally made of glass-based substrates (e.g., FTO/glass), polymer substrates appear to be emerging candidates, owing to their intrinsic properties of lightweight, high durability, and low cost. Despite great promise, current manufacturing methods of CEs on polymeric substrates suffer from serious limitations, including low conductivity, scalability, process complexity, and the need for dedicated vacuum equipment. In the present study, we employ and evaluate a fully additive manufacturing route that can enable the fabrication of CEs for DSSCs in a high-throughput and eco-friendly manner with improved performance. The proposed approach sequentially comprises: (1) material extrusion 3-D printing of polymer substrate; (2) conductive surface metallization through cold spray particle deposition; and (3) over-coating of a thin-layer catalyzer with a graphite pencil. The fabricated electrodes are characterized in terms of microstructure, electrical conductivity, and photo-conversion efficiency. Owing to its promising electrical conductivity (8.5 × 104 S·m−1) and micro-rough surface structure (Ra ≈ 6.32 µm), the DSSCs with the additively manufactured CEs led to ≈2.5-times-higher photo-conversion efficiency than that of traditional CEs made of FTO/glass. The results of the study suggest that the proposed additive manufacturing approach can advance the field of DSSCs by addressing the limitations of conventional CE manufacturing platforms. Full article
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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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17 pages, 1851 KiB  
Article
Fungicide Sensitivity Profile of Pyrenophora teres f. teres in Field Population
by Regina Pütsepp, Andres M?e, Lee P?llumaa, Liis Andresen and Riinu Kiiker
J. Fungi 2024, 10(4), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10040260 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt) is a severe pathogen to spring barley in Northern Europe. Ptt with relevant mutations in fungicide target proteins, sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) would put efficient disease control at risk. [...] Read more.
Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt) is a severe pathogen to spring barley in Northern Europe. Ptt with relevant mutations in fungicide target proteins, sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) would put efficient disease control at risk. In the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022, 193 Ptt isolates from Estonia were analysed. In this study, mutation detection and in vitro fungicide sensitivity assays of single-spore isolates were carried out. Reduced sensitivity phenotype to mefentrifluconazole was evident in Ptt isolates with a F489L mutation in CYP51A or with 129 bp insert in the Cyp51A gene-promoter region. However, sensitivity to a prothioconazole-desthio remained high regardless of these molecular changes. The Ptt population was mostly sensitive to bixafen, fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin. The sensitivity of fluxapyroxad and bixafen has been affected by two mutations, C-S135R and D-H134R, found in SDH subunits. The F129L mutation in Cyt b influenced azoxystrobin but not pyraclostrobin sensitivity. In total, 30 isolates from five fields had relevant mutations in three target protein genes simultaneously. Most of these isolates had a reduced sensitivity phenotype to mefentrifluconazole, fluxapyroxad, and azoxystrobin, while sensitivity to other tested fungicides remained high. Furthermore, possible sexual reproduction may enhance the pathogen’s fitness and help it adapt to fungicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)
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20 pages, 2132 KiB  
Article
1-Year Mortality Prediction through Artificial Intelligence Using Hemodynamic Trace Analysis among Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction
by Seyed Reza Razavi, Tyler Szun, Alexander C. Zaremba, Ashish H. Shah and Zahra Moussavi
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040558 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) due to occlusive coronary arteries remain at a higher risk of excess morbidity and mortality despite being treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Identifying high-risk patients is prudent so that [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Patients presenting with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) due to occlusive coronary arteries remain at a higher risk of excess morbidity and mortality despite being treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Identifying high-risk patients is prudent so that close monitoring and timely interventions can improve outcomes. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 605 STEMI patients [64.2 ± 13.2 years, 432 (71.41%) males] treated with PPCI were recruited. Their arterial pressure (AP) wave recorded throughout the PPCI procedure was analyzed to extract features to predict 1-year mortality. After denoising and extracting features, we developed two distinct feature selection strategies. The first strategy uses linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and the second employs principal component analysis (PCA), with each method selecting the top five features. Then, three machine learning algorithms were employed: LDA, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). Results: The performance of these algorithms, measured by the area under the curve (AUC), ranged from 0.73 to 0.77, with accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity ranging between 68% and 73%. Moreover, we extended the analysis by incorporating demographics, risk factors, and catheterization information. This significantly improved the overall accuracy and specificity to more than 76% while maintaining the same level of sensitivity. This resulted in an AUC greater than 0.80 for most models. Conclusions: Machine learning algorithms analyzing hemodynamic traces in STEMI patients identify high-risk patients at risk of mortality. Full article
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20 pages, 3076 KiB  
Article
An Appearance-Semantic Descriptor with Coarse-to-Fine Matching for Robust VPR
by Jie Chen, Wenbo Li, Pengshuai Hou, Zipeng Yang and Haoyu Zhao
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072203 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In recent years, semantic segmentation has made significant progress in visual place recognition (VPR) by using semantic information that is relatively invariant to appearance and viewpoint, demonstrating great potential. However, in some extreme scenarios, there may be semantic occlusion and semantic sparsity, which [...] Read more.
In recent years, semantic segmentation has made significant progress in visual place recognition (VPR) by using semantic information that is relatively invariant to appearance and viewpoint, demonstrating great potential. However, in some extreme scenarios, there may be semantic occlusion and semantic sparsity, which can lead to confusion when relying solely on semantic information for localization. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel VPR framework that employs a coarse-to-fine image matching strategy, combining semantic and appearance information to improve algorithm performance. First, we construct SemLook global descriptors using semantic contours, which can preliminarily screen images to enhance the accuracy and real-time performance of the algorithm. Based on this, we introduce SemLook local descriptors for fine screening, combining robust appearance information extracted by deep learning with semantic information. These local descriptors can address issues such as semantic overlap and sparsity in urban environments, further improving the accuracy of the algorithm. Through this refined screening process, we can effectively handle the challenges of complex image matching in urban environments and obtain more accurate results. The performance of SemLook descriptors is evaluated on three public datasets (Extended-CMU Season, Robot-Car Seasons v2, and SYNTHIA) and compared with six state-of-the-art VPR algorithms (HOG, CoHOG, AlexNet_VPR, Region VLAD, Patch-NetVLAD, Forest). In the experimental comparison, considering both real-time performance and evaluation metrics, the SemLook descriptors are found to outperform the other six algorithms. Evaluation metrics include the area under the curve (AUC) based on the precision–recall curve, Recall@100%Precision, and Precision@100%Recall. On the Extended-CMU Season dataset, SemLook descriptors achieve a 100% AUC value, and on the SYNTHIA dataset, they achieve a 99% AUC value, demonstrating outstanding performance. The experimental results indicate that introducing global descriptors for initial screening and utilizing local descriptors combining both semantic and appearance information for precise matching can effectively address the issue of location recognition in scenarios with semantic ambiguity or sparsity. This algorithm enhances descriptor performance, making it more accurate and robust in scenes with variations in appearance and viewpoint. Full article
25 pages, 3623 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Durability Characterization of Hybrid Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by Rashid Hameed, Muhammad Tahir, Safeer Abbas, Haseeb Ullah Sheikh, Syed Minhaj Saleem Kazmi and Muhammad Junaid Munir
Materials 2024, 17(7), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17071571 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) for the extraction of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) to be used to produce recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is widely acknowledged internationally. However, CDW not only contains concrete debris but may also contain burnt clay bricks. [...] Read more.
The recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) for the extraction of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) to be used to produce recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is widely acknowledged internationally. However, CDW not only contains concrete debris but may also contain burnt clay bricks. The recycling of such CDW without the segregation of different components would result in recycled aggregates having different proportions of concrete and brick aggregates. The utilization of these aggregates in concrete requires a detailed investigation of their mechanical and durability properties. In this regard, the present study focused on investigating the mechanical and durability properties of hybrid recycled aggregate concrete (HRAC) made by the 100% replacing of natural aggregates with recycled brick (RBAs) and RCA in hybrid form. The partial replacement of cement with fly ash was also considered to reduce the corban footprint of concrete. An extensive experimental program was designed and carried out in two phases. In the first phase, a total of 48 concrete mixes containing coarse RBA and RCA in mono and hybrid forms were prepared and tested for their compressive strength. The test results indicated that the compressive strength of HRAC is greatly affected by the proportion of coarse RBA and RCA. In the second phase, based on the results of the first phase, eight concrete mixes with the most critical proportions of RBA and RCA in hybrid form were selected to evaluate their mechanical and durability performance. In addition, four mixes with natural aggregates were also prepared for comparison purposes. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the concrete mixes, compressive strength and modulus of rupture (MOR) tests were performed, while for the evaluation of durability properties, water absorption and behavior after exposure to aggressive conditions of acidic and brine solutions were studied. The results revealed that a 20% replacement of cement with fly ash resulted in acceptable mechanical and durability properties of HRAC intended to be used for making concrete bricks or pavers. Full article
16 pages, 7177 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation of Aerodynamic Pressure on Sound Barriers from High-Speed Trains with Different Nose Lengths
by Jie Jin, Dongyun Liu and Yongming Tu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072898 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
For high-speed railway sound barriers, determining the aerodynamic pressure generated by high-speed trains is crucial for their structural design. This paper investigates the distribution of aerodynamic pressure on the sound barrier caused by high-speed trains with different nose lengths, utilizing the computational fluid [...] Read more.
For high-speed railway sound barriers, determining the aerodynamic pressure generated by high-speed trains is crucial for their structural design. This paper investigates the distribution of aerodynamic pressure on the sound barrier caused by high-speed trains with different nose lengths, utilizing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation method. The accuracy of the numerical simulation method employed is verified through comparison with field test results from the literature. Research findings reveal that when a high-speed train passes through a sound barrier, significant “head wave” and “wake wave” effects occur, with the pressure peak of the “head wave” being notably greater than that of the “wake wave”. As the distance between the sound barrier and the center of the train gradually increases, the aerodynamic pressure on the sound barrier gradually decreases. The nose length of the train has a considerable impact on the aerodynamic pressure exerted on the sound barrier. The streamlined shape of longer-nose trains can significantly reduce the aerodynamic effects on the sound barrier, resulting in a notably smaller pressure peak compared to shorter-nose trains. Finally, by establishing the relationship between the train nose length and the aerodynamic pressure peak, a calculation formula for the train-induced aerodynamic pressure acting on the sound barrier is proposed, taking into account the nose length of the high-speed train. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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39 pages, 1990 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Biodiesel Production: A Review of Microchannel Reactor Technologies
by Koguleshun Subramaniam, Kang Yao Wong, Kok Hoe Wong, Cheng Tung Chong and Jo-Han Ng
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071652 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The depletion of fossil fuels, along with the environmental damages brought by their usage, calls for the development of a clean, sustainable and renewable source of energy. Biofuel, predominantly liquid biofuel such as biodiesel, is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, due to [...] Read more.
The depletion of fossil fuels, along with the environmental damages brought by their usage, calls for the development of a clean, sustainable and renewable source of energy. Biofuel, predominantly liquid biofuel such as biodiesel, is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, due to its compatible direct usage within the context of compression ignition engines. However, the industrial production of biodiesel is far from being energy and time efficient, which contributes to its high production cost. These inefficiencies are attributed to poor heat and mass transfer of the transesterification reaction. The utilisation of microchannel reactors is found to be excellent in escalating heat and mass transfer of the reactants, benefitting from their high surface area-to-volume ratio. The microchannel also intensifies the mixing of reactants via the reactor design, micromixers and the slug flow patterns within the reactor, thus enhancing the contact between reactants. Simulation studies have aided in the identification of mixing regimes within the microchannel reactors, induced by various reactor designs. In addition, microwave irradiation heating is found to enhance biodiesel production by localised superheating delivered directly to the reactants at a molecular level. This enables the reaction to begin much earlier, resulting in rapid biodiesel production. It is postulated that the synergy between microchannel reactors and microwave heating would catapult a pathway towards rapid and energy-efficient biodiesel production by enhancing heat and mass transfer between reactants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Biofuels for Carbon Neutrality)
24 pages, 4447 KiB  
Article
Advancing Food Preservation: Sustainable Green-AgNPs Bionanocomposites in Paper-Starch Flexible Packaging for Prolonged Shelf Life
by Federico Trotta, Sidonio Da Silva, Alessio Massironi, Seyedeh Fatemeh Mirpoor, Stella Lignou, Sameer Khalil Ghawi and Dimitris Charalampopoulos
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070941 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties [...] Read more.
In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties were examined using a uniaxial tensile tester, revealing that starch coated with the highest G-AgNPs concentration (12.75 ppm) exhibited UTS of 87.6 MPa compared to 48.48 MPa of control paper, a significant (p < 0.02) 65% increase. The assessment of the WVP showcased a statistical reduction in permeability by up to 8% with the incorporation of the hydrophobic layer. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were assessed following ISO 22196:2011, demonstrating a strong and concentration-dependent activity of G-AgNPs against E. coli. All samples successfully disintegrated in both simulated environments (soil and seawater), including samples presenting G-AgNPs. In the food trial analysis, the presence of starch and G-AgNPs significantly reduced weight loss after 6 days, with cherry tomatoes decreasing by 8.59% and green grapes by 6.77% only. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly packaging materials, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
18 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Photon Phase Delay Sensing with Sub-Attosecond Uncertainty
by Fabrizio Sgobba, Andrea Andrisani and Luigi Santamaria Amato
Sensors 2024, 24(7), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072202 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The application of statistical estimation theory to Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometry led to enticing results in terms of the detection limit for photon reciprocal delay and polarisation measurement. In the following paper, a fully fibre-coupled setup operating in the telecom wavelength region proves to achieve, [...] Read more.
The application of statistical estimation theory to Hong–Ou–Mandel interferometry led to enticing results in terms of the detection limit for photon reciprocal delay and polarisation measurement. In the following paper, a fully fibre-coupled setup operating in the telecom wavelength region proves to achieve, for the first time, in common-path Hong–Ou–Mandel-based interferometry, a detection limit for photon phase delay at the zeptosecond scale. The experimental results are then framed in a theoretical model by calculating the Cramer–Rao bound (CRB) and, after comparison with the obtained experimental results, it is shown that our setup attains the optimal measurement, nearly saturating CRB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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