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26 pages, 4888 KiB  
Article
Designing a Reverse Logistics Network for End-of-Life Vehicles in an Uncertain Environment
by Meiling He, Qipeng Li, Tianhe Lin, Jiangyang Fan, Xiaohui Wu and Xun Han
World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15040140 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The strategic development of reverse logistics networks is crucial for addressing the common challenge of low recovery rates for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in China. To minimize the total cost of the reverse logistics network for ELVs, this paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming [...] Read more.
The strategic development of reverse logistics networks is crucial for addressing the common challenge of low recovery rates for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in China. To minimize the total cost of the reverse logistics network for ELVs, this paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The model considers the recycling volume of different vehicle types, facility processing capacity, and the proportions of parts and materials. Building on this foundation, a fuzzy mixed-integer nonlinear programming (FMINLP) model is developed to account for the inherent uncertainty associated with recycling volumes and facility processing capacities. The model was solved using Lingo, and its effectiveness was validated using Jiangsu Province of China as a case study, followed by a sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that dismantling and machining centers incur the highest processing costs. Variations in recycling volume and facility handling capacity significantly impact total costs and site selection, with the former having a more pronounced effect. Increasing facility processing capacity effectively increases the recovery rate. Moreover, a higher confidence level corresponds to higher total costs and a greater demand for facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Vehicle System Dynamics and Control)
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16 pages, 3300 KiB  
Article
Myocardial Expression of Pluripotency, Longevity, and Proinflammatory Genes in the Context of Hypercholesterolemia and Statin Treatment
by Konstantinos S. Mylonas, Michail Peroulis, Emmanouil I. Kapetanakis and Alkistis Kapelouzou
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071994 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Background: This study sought to assess the effect of statin therapy on myocardial inflammation in a White New Zealand rabbit model of atherogenesis. Methods: The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory, pluripotency, and aging-related markers were quantified following a controlled feeding protocol and statin [...] Read more.
Background: This study sought to assess the effect of statin therapy on myocardial inflammation in a White New Zealand rabbit model of atherogenesis. Methods: The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory, pluripotency, and aging-related markers were quantified following a controlled feeding protocol and statin treatments. Results: Following high-cholesterol diet induction, we observed significant upregulation in the myocardial mRNA levels of MYD88, NF-κB, chemokines (CCL4, CCL20, and CCR2), IFN-γ, interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-18), and novel markers (klotho, KFL4, NANOG, and HIF1α). In contrast, HOXA5 expression was diminished following a hyperlipidemic diet. Both statin treatments significantly influenced the markers studied. Nevertheless, rosuvastatin administration resulted in a greater reduction in MYD88, NF-kB, chemokines (CCL4, CCL20, and CCR2), and interleukins IL-1β, IL-8, KLF4, NANOG, and HIF1α than fluvastatin. Fluvastatin, on the other hand, led to a stronger decrease in IL-4. Downregulation of IL-2 and IL-18 and upregulation of IFNβ and HOXA5 were comparable between the two statins. Notably, rosuvastatin had a stronger effect on the upregulation of klotho and IL-10. Conclusion: Overall, statin therapy significantly attenuated inflammatory, pluripotency, and klotho expression in myocardial tissue under atherogenic conditions. Our findings also highlight the differential efficacy of rosuvastatin over fluvastatin in curtailing proatherogenic inflammation, which could have profound implications for the clinical management of cardiovascular disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Atherosclerosis)
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11 pages, 4648 KiB  
Article
A Finite Element Analysis Study of Edentulous Model with Complete Denture to Simulate Masticatory Movement
by Jeong-Hyeon Lee, Jeong-Hee Seo, Shin-Wook Park, Won-Gi Kim, Tae-Gon Jung and Sung-Jae Lee
Bioengineering 2024, 11(4), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11040336 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The purposes of this study are to establish and validate a finite element (FE) model using finite element analysis methods and to identify optimal loading conditions to simulate masticatory movement. A three-dimensional FE model of the maxillary and mandibular cortical bone, cancellous bone, [...] Read more.
The purposes of this study are to establish and validate a finite element (FE) model using finite element analysis methods and to identify optimal loading conditions to simulate masticatory movement. A three-dimensional FE model of the maxillary and mandibular cortical bone, cancellous bone, and gingiva was constructed based on edentulous cone-beam-computed tomography data. Dental computer-aided design software was used to design the denture base and artificial teeth to produce a complete denture. Mesh convergence was performed to derive the optimal mesh size, and validation was conducted through comparison with mechanical test results. The mandible was rotated step-by-step to induce movements similar to actual mastication. Results showed that there was less than a 6% difference between the mechanical test and the alveolar bone-complete denture. It opened 10° as set in the first stage, confirming that the mouth closed 7° in the second stage. Occlusal contact occurred between the upper and lower artificial teeth as the mouth closed the remaining angle of 3° in the third stage while activating the masseter muscle. These results indicate that the FE model and masticatory loading conditions developed in this study can be applied to analyze biomechanical effects according to the wearing of dentures with various design elements applied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)
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15 pages, 13905 KiB  
Article
Heat Transfer and Flow Resistance in Crossflow over Corrugated Tube Banks
by Yuzhou Zhong, Jingquan Zhao, Lei Zhao, Ge Gao and Xiaowei Zhu
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071641 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The engineering of tubes with surface corrugations is recognized as an effective method for enhancing heat transfer within the tube. Yet the impact of surface corrugation on the flow and heat transfer around the tube’s exterior remains inadequately explored. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
The engineering of tubes with surface corrugations is recognized as an effective method for enhancing heat transfer within the tube. Yet the impact of surface corrugation on the flow and heat transfer around the tube’s exterior remains inadequately explored. This study investigates the crossflow and heat transfer characteristics in banks of periodically inward-corrugated tubes using computational fluid dynamics. Numerical simulations were performed for both in-line and staggered tube arrangements, covering Reynolds numbers from 1000 to 10,000. The aim was to examine how various corrugation parameters affect heat transfer and flow dynamics in tube banks configured in both in-line and staggered layouts. The results show that the heat transfer and the pressure drop in crossflow across tube banks are substantially influenced by changes in corrugation parameters. Specifically, in the in-line arrangement, both the Nusselt number and Euler number decrease significantly as the corrugation height increases. In contrast, in the staggered arrangement, the Nusselt number and Euler number exhibit less variation in response to surface corrugation. A comparative analysis of performance criteria suggests that a staggered arrangement is more advantageous for improving thermal–hydraulic efficiency in crossflow through corrugated tube banks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section J1: Heat and Mass Transfer)
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13 pages, 9302 KiB  
Article
Study on the Effect of Nanoporous Copper Particle Size on Copper-Based Azide
by Jiabao Wang, Jie Ren, Shuang Li, Mingyu Li and Qingxuan Zeng
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040462 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Preparing copper-based azide by in situ reaction is well-suited for MEMS processing technology and holds promising prospects in the field of MEMS micro-initiators. This study involved the preparation of porous copper with particle sizes of approximately 30 nm, 60 nm and 100 nm [...] Read more.
Preparing copper-based azide by in situ reaction is well-suited for MEMS processing technology and holds promising prospects in the field of MEMS micro-initiators. This study involved the preparation of porous copper with particle sizes of approximately 30 nm, 60 nm and 100 nm through powder sintering. These were used as precursors for a gas–solid in situ azide reaction to produce copper-based azide with varying morphologies and compositions. Copper-based azide micro-initiators were designed, and their output performance was evaluated using CL-20 and HNS-IV explosives. Analytical results revealed that the product from the reaction of the 100 nm precursor exhibited a lumpy and uneven structure with a conversion rate of 90.36%. The product from the 60 nm precursor reaction had a dense surface with a conversion rate of 94.56%, while the 30 nm precursor resulted in a needle-like form with a conversion rate of 92.82%. Detonation experiments demonstrated that the copper-based azide micro-initiators prepared with 100 nm of a porous copper precursor exhibited unstable output performance, requiring a 1.6 mg charge to successfully detonate CL-20 explosives. On the other hand, copper-based azide micro-initiators prepared from 60 nm and 30 nm of porous copper precursors exhibited stable output performance. A charge of 0.8 mg was adequate for reliably and consistently detonating CL-20 and HNS-IV explosives. The reduced particle size of the precursor enhanced the output performance of the copper-based azide micro-initiators, providing increased energy redundancy during detonation and improving overall usage reliability. Full article
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30 pages, 7828 KiB  
Article
Ostrom’s Razor: Using Bitcoin to Cut Fraud in Hollywood Accounting
by Ted Rivera and Dave Foderick
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17040139 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The accounting principles prevalent in Hollywood are seemingly crafted to mislead creators and investors. Film studios and streaming platforms have been found to use complex strategies to annually divert millions in net profits. Many contracts include audit clauses, but the cost of auditing [...] Read more.
The accounting principles prevalent in Hollywood are seemingly crafted to mislead creators and investors. Film studios and streaming platforms have been found to use complex strategies to annually divert millions in net profits. Many contracts include audit clauses, but the cost of auditing a billion-dollar system is prohibitive for most creatives with “net profit” deals. However, a resourceful minority have recovered billions in profits and damages. We suggest using Bitcoin’s transparent, immutable ledger to eliminate fraudulent accounting and build trust among profit-seeking filmmakers willing to trade maximum income for maximum profit per share. This trust can be spread globally utilizing the Bitcoin network as a transparent and immutable triple-entry accounting system. Our research shows that distributing this decentralized trust is achievable by configuring an ecosystem of existing Bitcoin wallets, applications, and recorded contracts to create a universal source of truth for all parties assisting in the creation of valuable content in the form of movies. This network can form the foundation on which to build a legal blockchain infrastructure that can eventually facilitate the sale of tokenized securities, discretely disseminate recorded financial data, and transparently distribute revenue to a collective of filmmakers indefinitely. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Triple Entry Accounting)
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27 pages, 2573 KiB  
Article
The ZIKV NS5 Protein Aberrantly Alters the Tubulin Cytoskeleton, Induces the Accumulation of Autophagic p62 and Affects IFN Production: HDAC6 Has Emerged as an Anti-NS5/ZIKV Factor
by Silvia Pérez-Yanes, Iria Lorenzo-Sánchez, Romina Cabrera-Rodríguez, Jonay García-Luis, Rodrigo Trujillo-González, Judith Estévez-Herrera and Agustín Valenzuela-Fernández
Cells 2024, 13(7), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13070598 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and pathogenesis are linked to the disruption of neurogenesis, congenital Zika syndrome and microcephaly by affecting neural progenitor cells. Nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is the largest product encoded by ZIKV-RNA and is important for replication and immune evasion. Here, [...] Read more.
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and pathogenesis are linked to the disruption of neurogenesis, congenital Zika syndrome and microcephaly by affecting neural progenitor cells. Nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is the largest product encoded by ZIKV-RNA and is important for replication and immune evasion. Here, we studied the potential effects of NS5 on microtubules (MTs) and autophagy flux, together with the interplay of NS5 with histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). Fluorescence microscopy, biochemical cell-fractionation combined with the use of HDAC6 mutants, chemical inhibitors and RNA interference indicated that NS5 accumulates in nuclear structures and strongly promotes the acetylation of MTs that aberrantly reorganize in nested structures. Similarly, NS5 accumulates the p62 protein, an autophagic-flux marker. Therefore, NS5 alters events that are under the control of the autophagic tubulin-deacetylase HDAC6. HDAC6 appears to degrade NS5 by autophagy in a deacetylase- and BUZ domain-dependent manner and to control the cytoplasmic expression of NS5. Moreover, NS5 inhibits RNA-mediated RIG-I interferon (IFN) production, resulting in greater activity when autophagy is inhibited (i.e., effect correlated with NS5 stability). Therefore, it is conceivable that NS5 contributes to cell toxicity and pathogenesis, evading the IFN-immune response by overcoming HDAC6 functions. HDAC6 has emerged as an anti-ZIKV factor by targeting NS5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Untangling the Cross-Talk between Immune Responses and Infection)
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16 pages, 1948 KiB  
Article
Structural Equation Model for Exploring the Key Drivers of Consumer Behavior towards Environmentally Conscious Organic Food Purchasing in Japan
by Masuda Begum Sampa, Hisako Nomura, Mitsuyasu Yabe, Nor Hidayati Abdul Aziz and Nor Azlina Ab. Aziz
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072862 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of psychological factors and socio-demographic characteristics on the actual purchase of organic foods based on environmental consciousness. The theory of reasoned action and Hirose’s two-phase decision-making model act as the major informers to develop the research hypotheses. Through [...] Read more.
This study investigates the influence of psychological factors and socio-demographic characteristics on the actual purchase of organic foods based on environmental consciousness. The theory of reasoned action and Hirose’s two-phase decision-making model act as the major informers to develop the research hypotheses. Through an online questionnaire survey, responses were collected from a sample of 275 Japanese consumers who bought organic foods based on environmental consciousness at least once. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. This study shows that the key to promoting actual purchase lies in three factors: social norm, past experience, and willingness to pay (WTP). Attitude towards actual purchase negatively influenced actual purchase, and environmental awareness was the determinant for attitude towards actual purchase but not for actual purchase. Thus, only increasing environmental awareness is not enough to increase the actual purchase. Moreover, we could increase the actual purchase by making an effort to reduce the feelings of the unaffordability and inconvenience of organic foods, which also negatively influence WTP and negatively and indirectly influence actual purchase. This study finds that the behavior execution process is the main driving force influencing actual purchase rather than the attitude development process in terms of psychological factors behind organic food consumption based on environmental consciousness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Food Consumption: New Trends in Food Consumer Behavior)
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27 pages, 1030 KiB  
Review
The Therapeutic Trip of Melatonin Eye Drops: From the Ocular Surface to the Retina
by Dario Rusciano and Cristina Russo
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17040441 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule found in living organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants and mammals. It possesses various properties, partly due to its robust antioxidant nature and partly owed to its specific interaction with melatonin receptors present in almost all tissues. Melatonin [...] Read more.
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule found in living organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants and mammals. It possesses various properties, partly due to its robust antioxidant nature and partly owed to its specific interaction with melatonin receptors present in almost all tissues. Melatonin regulates different physiological functions and contributes to the homeostasis of the entire organism. In the human eye, a small amount of melatonin is also present, produced by cells in the anterior segment and the posterior pole, including the retina. In the eye, melatonin may provide antioxidant protection along with regulating physiological functions of ocular tissues, including intraocular pressure (IOP). Therefore, it is conceivable that the exogenous topical administration of sufficiently high amounts of melatonin to the eye could be beneficial in several instances: for the treatment of eye pathologies like glaucoma, due to the IOP-lowering and neuroprotection effects of melatonin; for the prevention of other dysfunctions, such as dry eye and refractive defects (cataract and myopia) mainly due to its antioxidant properties; for diabetic retinopathy due to its metabolic influence and neuroprotective effects; for macular degeneration due to the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; and for uveitis, mostly owing to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This paper reviews the scientific evidence supporting the use of melatonin in different ocular districts. Moreover, it provides data suggesting that the topical administration of melatonin as eye drops is a real possibility, utilizing nanotechnological formulations that could improve its solubility and permeation through the eye. This way, its distribution and concentration in different ocular tissues may support its pleiotropic therapeutic effects. Full article
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21 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Practice-Oriented Controller Design for an Inverse-Response Process: Heuristic Optimization versus Model-Based Approach
by Pavol Bistak, Mikulas Huba and Damir Vrancic
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072890 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The proposed practice-oriented controller design (POCD) aims at stabilizing the system, reconstructing and compensating for disturbances while achieving fast and smooth step responses. This is achieved through a simple approach to process identification and controller tuning that takes into account control signal constraints [...] Read more.
The proposed practice-oriented controller design (POCD) aims at stabilizing the system, reconstructing and compensating for disturbances while achieving fast and smooth step responses. This is achieved through a simple approach to process identification and controller tuning that takes into account control signal constraints and measurement noise. The proposed method utilizes POCD by eliminating the influence of the unstable zero dynamics of the inverse-response processes, which limits the achievable performance. It extends the previous work on PI and PID controllers to higher-order (HO) automatic reset controllers (ARCs) with low-pass filters. It is also extended according to POCD requirements while maintaining the simplified process model. The final result is an extremely simple design for a constrained controller that provides sufficiently smooth and robust responses to a wide family of HO-ARCs with odd derivatives, designed using integral plus dead time (IPDT) models and tuned by the multiple real dominant pole method (MRDP) and the circle criterion of absolute stability. The proposed design can be considered as a generalization of the Ziegler and Nichols step response method for inverse response processes and HO-ARCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Control Systems and Applications)
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25 pages, 1034 KiB  
Review
On the Importance of Acidity in Cancer Cells and Therapy
by Alaa Tafech and Angélique Stéphanou
Biology 2024, 13(4), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13040225 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Cancer cells are associated with high glycolytic activity, which results in acidification of the tumor microenvironment. The occurrence of this stressful condition fosters tumor aggressiveness, with the outcome of invasiveness and metastasis that are linked to a poor clinical prognosis. Acidosis can be [...] Read more.
Cancer cells are associated with high glycolytic activity, which results in acidification of the tumor microenvironment. The occurrence of this stressful condition fosters tumor aggressiveness, with the outcome of invasiveness and metastasis that are linked to a poor clinical prognosis. Acidosis can be both the cause or consequence of alterations in the functions and expressions of transporters involved in intracellular acidity regulation. This review aims to explore the origin of acidity in cancer cells and the various mechanisms existing in tumors to resist, survive, or thrive in the acidic environment. It highlights the difficulties in measuring the intracellular pH evolution that impedes our understanding of the many regulatory and feedback mechanisms. It finally presents the consequences of acidity on tumor development as well as the friend or foe role of acidity in therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Biology)
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16 pages, 3678 KiB  
Article
Research on Behavioral Decision at an Unsignalized Roundabout for Automatic Driving Based on Proximal Policy Optimization Algorithm
by Jingpeng Gan, Jiancheng Zhang and Yuansheng Liu
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2889; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072889 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Unsignalized roundabouts have a significant impact on traffic flow and vehicle safety. To address the challenge of autonomous vehicles passing through roundabouts with low penetration, improve their efficiency, and ensure safety and stability, we propose the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm to enhance [...] Read more.
Unsignalized roundabouts have a significant impact on traffic flow and vehicle safety. To address the challenge of autonomous vehicles passing through roundabouts with low penetration, improve their efficiency, and ensure safety and stability, we propose the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm to enhance decision-making behavior. We develop an optimization-based behavioral choice model for autonomous vehicles that incorporates gap acceptance theory and deep reinforcement learning using the PPO algorithm. Additionally, we employ the CoordConv network to establish an aerial view for spatial perception information gathering. Furthermore, a dynamic multi-objective reward mechanism is introduced to maximize the PPO algorithm’s reward pool function while quantifying environmental factors. Through simulation experiments, we demonstrate that our optimized PPO algorithm significantly improves training efficiency by enhancing the reward value function by 2.85%, 7.17%, and 19.58% in scenarios with 20, 100, and 200 social vehicles, respectively, compared to the PPO+CCMR algorithm. The effectiveness of simulation training also increases by 11.1%, 13.8%, and 7.4%. Moreover, there is a reduction in crossing time by 2.37%, 2.62%, and 13.96%. Our optimized PPO algorithm enhances path selection during autonomous vehicle simulation training as they tend to drive in the inner ring over time; however, the influence of social vehicles on path selection diminishes as their quantity increases. The safety of autonomous vehicles remains largely unaffected by our optimized PPO algorithm. Full article
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20 pages, 7774 KiB  
Article
Automatic Martian Polar Ice Cap Extraction Algorithm for Remote Sensing Data and Analysis of Their Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics
by Weiye Xu, Zhulin Chen, Huifang Zhang, Kun Jia, Degyi Yangzom, Xiang Zhao, Yunjun Yao and Xiaotong Zhang
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(7), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16071201 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The detection of Martian polar ice cap change patterns is important for understanding their effects on driving Mars’s global water cycle and for regulating atmospheric circulation. However, current Martian ice cap identification using optical remote sensing data mainly relies on visual interpretation, which [...] Read more.
The detection of Martian polar ice cap change patterns is important for understanding their effects on driving Mars’s global water cycle and for regulating atmospheric circulation. However, current Martian ice cap identification using optical remote sensing data mainly relies on visual interpretation, which makes it difficult to quickly extract ice caps from multiple images and analyze their fine-scale spatiotemporal variation characteristics. Therefore, this study proposes an automatic Martian polar ice cap extraction algorithm for remote sensing data and analyzes the dynamic change characteristics of the Martian North Pole ice cap using time-series data. First, the automatic Martian ice cap segmentation algorithm was developed based on the ice cap features of high reflectance in the blue band and low saturation in the RGB band. Second, the Martian North Pole ice cap was extracted for the three Martian years MY25, 26, and 28 using Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Mars Daily Global Maps (MDGMs) data, which had better spatiotemporal continuity to analyze its variation characteristics. Lastly, the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of the ice cap and the driving factors of ice cap ablation were explored for the three aforementioned Martian years. The results indicated that the proposed automatic ice cap extraction algorithm had good performance, and the classification accuracy exceeded 93%. The ice cap ablation boundary retreat rates and spatiotemporal distributions were similar for the three years, with approximately 105 km2 of ice cap ablation for every one degree of areocentric longitude of the Sun (Ls). The main driving factor of ice cap ablation was solar radiation, which was mainly related to Ls. In addition, elevation had a different effect on ice cap ablation at different Ls in the same latitude area near the ablation boundary of the ice cap. Full article
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27 pages, 14302 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Diacyclops (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) from the D. crassicaudis (Sars, 1863) Species Group with Critical Taxonomy Remarks
by Aleksandr A. Novikov, Dayana N. Sharafutdinova, Tatyana Yu. Mayor and Elena S. Chertoprud
Diversity 2024, 16(4), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040208 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
A new species, Diacyclops dyabdar sp. nov. from the Diacyclops crassicaudis (Sars, 1863) species group from northern Middle Siberia, is described. This species is interesting from an ecological point of view, as it lives mainly in watercourses. It is well-distinguished from other species [...] Read more.
A new species, Diacyclops dyabdar sp. nov. from the Diacyclops crassicaudis (Sars, 1863) species group from northern Middle Siberia, is described. This species is interesting from an ecological point of view, as it lives mainly in watercourses. It is well-distinguished from other species of the group by the presence of spinules on the first segments of the third and fourth pairs of swimming legs, details of the ornamentation on the fourth pair of legs and caudal rami. A detailed comparison of the new species and D. crassicaudis is presented. Molecular markers, including cytochrome c oxidase (COI) of mtDNA and 18S rRNA, ITS1 and ITS2 of nuclear DNA were obtained for a single female of D. dyabdar sp. nov. A morphometric analysis of species and subspecies of the D. crassicaudis group was carried out. It showed slight differences between the described subspecies and some species. On this basis, the subspecies D. crassicaudis, as well as D. iranicus Pesce & Maggi, 1982 and D. fontinalis Naidenow, 1969, are synonymized with the subspecies type. A more precise diagnosis of the D. crassicaudis group is indicated. This group now includes six species. The taxonomic position of several questionable taxa of Diacyclops Kiefer, 1927 described from Iran is discussed: D. landei Mahoon & Zia, 1985; D. bicuspidatus jurenei Najam-un-Nisa, Mahoon & Irfan Khan, 1987; D. landei richardi Parveen, Mahoon & Saleem, 1988 and D. jurenei Parveen, Mahoon & Saleem, 1988. These taxa are accepted as nomen dubium. Full article
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15 pages, 2391 KiB  
Article
Research on Insulation Configuration of 220 kV Bushing in High-Altitude Polluted Areas
by Zhijin Zhang, Yuanpeng Zhang, Wei Xiao, Yong Sun and Xingliang Jiang
Energies 2024, 17(7), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17071645 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The external insulation strength of the power equipment sleeve in the substation and converter station will be reduced with the increase in altitude and atmosphere pollution. The weakness of external insulation seriously threatens the safe operation of electrical equipment. At present, there are [...] Read more.
The external insulation strength of the power equipment sleeve in the substation and converter station will be reduced with the increase in altitude and atmosphere pollution. The weakness of external insulation seriously threatens the safe operation of electrical equipment. At present, there are few studies and conclusions that focus on the flashover characteristics of power equipment bushing in high-altitude polluted areas. Therefore, this paper takes the 220 kV voltage level bushing as the research object and studies the Alternating Current (AC) pollution flashover characteristics and lightning and switching impulse flashover characteristics at low pressure. The insulation configuration at high-altitude polluted areas is analyzed. Finally, the insulation configuration scheme, which is suitable for high-altitude polluted areas, is proposed. The results show that the AC pollution flashover voltages of the bushing decrease with the decrease in the atmospheric pressure and the increase in the salt density as a power exponent function. The impulse flashover voltages also decrease with the decrease in the atmospheric pressure as a power exponent function. The atmospheric pressure/pollution impact characteristic index is related to the type of voltage, the value of the atmospheric pressure, and the value of the salt density. The test bushing does not meet the insulation configuration requirements in some high-altitude polluted areas. Through the analysis and calculation of the test results, the bushing insulation configuration scheme in high-altitude polluted areas is proposed. The research results can provide a reference for the external insulation design of bushings in substations and converter stations in high-altitude polluted areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
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14 pages, 3257 KiB  
Article
Study on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Cynodon dactylon in the Riparian Zone Slopes of a Large Reservoir
by Pengyu Zhang, Pengcheng Wang and Siyuan Jin
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2888; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072888 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The stability of riverbank slopes is crucial in watershed ecology. The morphology and tensile strength properties of plant roots play a significant role in slope stability, which is of great importance for the ecological stability of riverbanks. The Jinsha and Yalong River basins [...] Read more.
The stability of riverbank slopes is crucial in watershed ecology. The morphology and tensile strength properties of plant roots play a significant role in slope stability, which is of great importance for the ecological stability of riverbanks. The Jinsha and Yalong River basins are the largest hydropower bases in China and are in the ecologically fragile areas of the dry and hot river valleys, yet fewer studies are available on these basins. Further studies on the growth morphology and root mechanical properties of plant roots in the riparian zone at different elevations have not been reported. Therefore, we selected the dominant species of Cynodon dactylon root as the research subject, analyzed the root morphology, and conducted indoor single-root tensile tests to study its root structure and mechanical properties at various elevations. The results showed that the root morphology of Cynodon dactylon was positively correlated with elevation. Compared to low elevations (L and M), the root length increased by 57.3% and 21.47%, the root diameter increased by 24.85% and 13.92%, the root surface area increased by 93.5% and 67.37%, and the total root volume increased by 119.91% and 107.36%. As the elevation gradient increased, the flooding time decreased, leading to more developed plant roots for Cynodon dactylon. The Young’s modulus ranged from 148.43 to 454.18 MPa for Ertan Cynodon dactylon roots and 131.31 to 355.53 MPa for Guanyingyan Cynodon dactylon roots. The maximum tensile strength, ultimate tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and Young’s modulus of the plant root of the Cynodon dactylon showed a power function relationship with the diameter. The maximum tensile strength increased as the diameter increased, while the remaining properties decreased following a power function relationship. The maximum tensile strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus of Cynodon dactylon were positively correlated with elevation, while the ultimate elongation was negatively correlated with elevation. The results elucidate the influence of elevation on the root morphology and mechanical properties of dominant riparian species. This provides a theoretical basis for managing and protecting riparian slopes in ecologically fragile areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ecology Science and Engineering)
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16 pages, 3349 KiB  
Article
Environmental and Economic Assessment of Energy Renovation in Buildings, a Case Study in Greece
by Lorna Dragonetti, Dimitra Papadaki, Margarita-Niki Assimakopoulos, Annarita Ferrante and Marco Iannantuono
Buildings 2024, 14(4), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040942 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The environmental and economic evaluation of energy renovation in buildings plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals and the decarbonization of the built environment. This paper presents a case study of a student house in Athens, Greece, to assess the environmental and [...] Read more.
The environmental and economic evaluation of energy renovation in buildings plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals and the decarbonization of the built environment. This paper presents a case study of a student house in Athens, Greece, to assess the environmental and economic impacts of energy renovation and seismic reinforcement with a steel exoskeleton. This study utilizes a comprehensive approach that combines life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) methodologies using One Click LCA. The LCA assesses the environmental impacts associated with energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while the LCC evaluates the economic aspects, both analyses being conducted for a lifespan of 25 years from now. The results provide an evaluation of what would happen in terms of greenhouse emissions and costs in two scenarios: with and without interventions. ProGETonE strategy results in an environmental impact with a GWP of 26.78 kgCO2eq/m2y with a reduction of 30% of the pre-renovation state. Economically, the actualized energy use costs for 25 years are 50% less in the post-renovation state, but the high construction costs make the strategy seem inconvenient. In this context, it is important to consider the non-economic benefits of seismic reinforcement, such as enhanced safety and the potential lives saved, which are critical in high seismic zones. These advantages complement the strategy’s environmental and energy use impacts, underscoring the holistic value of integrated seismic and energy retrofitting approaches like ProGETonE. The study underscores the importance of LCA and LCC analyses when evaluating the feasibility of renovation projects and of an evidence-based decision-making process for policymakers, building owners, and stakeholders for energy-efficient retrofitting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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18 pages, 2235 KiB  
Article
Increased Soil Soluble Nitrogen Stocks and Decreased Nitrogen Leaching Loss in Rice Paddy Soil by Replacing Nitrogen Fertilizer with Chinese Milk Vetch
by Jing Yang, Wenqi Guo, Chengsen Zhao, Biqing Zhou, Wenhao Yang, Shihe Xing and Fenghua Ding
Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040715 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Reducing soil nitrogen leaching losses and improving nitrogen-use efficiency with effective fertilization management strategies are extremely important for sustainable agricultural development. A 2-year field study was executed with the same nitrogen input in a subtropical rice production system in Southeast China, using chemical [...] Read more.
Reducing soil nitrogen leaching losses and improving nitrogen-use efficiency with effective fertilization management strategies are extremely important for sustainable agricultural development. A 2-year field study was executed with the same nitrogen input in a subtropical rice production system in Southeast China, using chemical fertilizers as a control (CK), to study the influences of different application amounts of Chinese milk vetch (CMV), i.e., 15,000 kg hm−2 (CL), 30,000 kg hm−2 (CM), and 45,000 kg hm−2 (CH), on soil soluble nitrogen stock and leaching risks in a clay paddy field. The results showed that the soil stocks of soluble inorganic nitrogen (SIN) and soluble organic nitrogen (SON) in a 0–60 cm soil profile under different application amounts of CMV significantly increased by 12.43–36.03% and 19.43–71.75% compared with CK, respectively, which was more favorable to soil SON accumulation. In the 2-year experiment, the total dissolved nitrogen leaching loss was 23.51–61.88 kg hm−2 under different application rates of CMV, of which 50.08–62.69% was leached by dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and 37.31–49.92% was leached by dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). CMV application improved soil properties (pH, SOM, and urease/protease), increased SIN and SON stocks, and decreased surface water DIN and DON concentrations, thereby reducing DIN and DON leaching. The leachings of DIN and DON in different application rates of CMV were reduced by 11.37–66.23% and 13.39–52.07% compared with the CK treatment, respectively. Conclusively, nitrogen leaching loss in paddy fields was severe, and the DIN and DON leaching loss in CMV treatments were lower than those in the control under the same nitrogen input. Thus, replacing nitrogen fertilizer with CMV under the same nitrogen input could reduce the risk of nitrogen nonpoint pollution in clay paddy fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Cycling and Nitrogen Management in Agroecosystem)
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18 pages, 6916 KiB  
Article
Litter Mass Loss of the Invasive Rhus typhina L. and Native Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. Trees Alters Soil N-Fixing Bacterial Community Composition under Different N Forms
by Yue Li, Chuang Li, Huiyuan Cheng, Zhelun Xu, Shanshan Zhong, Mawei Zhu, Yuqing Wei, Zhongyi Xu, Daolin Du, Congyan Wang and Huanshi Zhang
Atmosphere 2024, 15(4), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15040424 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Soil N-fixing bacterial (NFB) community may facilitate the successful establishment and invasion of exotic non-nitrogen (N) fixing plants. Invasive plants can negatively affect the NFB community by releasing N during litter decomposition, especially where N input from atmospheric N deposition is high. This [...] Read more.
Soil N-fixing bacterial (NFB) community may facilitate the successful establishment and invasion of exotic non-nitrogen (N) fixing plants. Invasive plants can negatively affect the NFB community by releasing N during litter decomposition, especially where N input from atmospheric N deposition is high. This study aimed to quantitatively compare the effects of the invasive Rhus typhina L. and native Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. trees on the litter mass loss, soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activities, and the NFB. Following N supplementation at 5 g N m−2 yr−1 in four forms (including ammonium, nitrate, urea, and mixed N with an equal mixture of the three individual N forms), a litterbag-experiment was conducted indoors to simulate the litter decomposition of the two trees. After four months of decomposition, the litter cumulative mass losses of R. typhina under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 57.93%, 57.38%, 58.69%, 63.66%, and 57.57%, respectively. The litter cumulative mass losses of K. paniculata under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 54.98%, 57.99%, 48.14%, 49.02%, and 56.83%, respectively. The litter cumulative mass losses of equally mixed litter from both trees under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 42.95%, 42.29%, 50.42%, 46.18%, and 43.71%, respectively. There were antagonistic responses to the co-decomposition of the two trees. The litter mass loss of the two trees was mainly associated with the taxonomic richness of NFB. The form of N was not significantly associated with the litter mass loss in either species, the mixing effect intensity of the litter co-decomposition of the two species, and NFB alpha diversity. Litter mass loss of R. typhina was significantly higher than that of K. paniculata under urea. The litter mass loss of the two trees under the control and N in four forms mainly affected the relative abundance of numerous NFB taxa, rather than NFB alpha diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Regional Nitrogen Cycle and Risk Management)
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13 pages, 10917 KiB  
Article
Morphology Characteristics of the Liquid–Vapour Interface in Porous Media
by Yu Zhang and Yi Dong
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2881; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072881 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
The evolution of the liquid–vapour interface plays a crucial role in multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer, and fluid phase change in porous media. A thorough investigation of the interface under varying degrees of saturation is necessary and crucial to fully understanding the [...] Read more.
The evolution of the liquid–vapour interface plays a crucial role in multiphase flow, heat and mass transfer, and fluid phase change in porous media. A thorough investigation of the interface under varying degrees of saturation is necessary and crucial to fully understanding the key mechanism of soil water evaporation. The pore voids and fluids are characterized using X-ray microtomography and image processing. Salt solutions usually replace pure water for better contrast and image development. Machine learning algorithms were employed to identify and extract the different phase and their interface accurately. Then, variations in the geometrical and topological features of the interface at varying saturation during evaporation were analysed to quantitatively describe the connectivity of the liquid phase and the morphological change in the liquid–vapour interface. Topological analysis reveals that normalized Euler characteristic numbers quantify the complementary connectivity of liquid and vapour phase. The curvatures of the liquid–vapour interface of the samples under various saturations classify the liquid–air interface curvature of samples under various saturations for quantitatively describing the migration progress and quantity distribution of typical interface along with drying. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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4 pages, 397 KiB  
Editorial
Improving Patient Outcomes in Abdominal Surgery
by Claudia Brusasco, Giada Cucciolini, Andrea Barberis, Carlo Introini, Fabio Campodonico and Francesco Corradi
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(7), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13071993 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Post-operative acute kidney injury (PO-AKI) is a frequent complication described in 15% of non-cardiac surgeries, 30% of cardiac surgeries, and 52% of patients requiring intensive post-operative care [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Abdominal Surgery: Clinical Updates and Perspectives)
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17 pages, 960 KiB  
Article
A Preliminary Evaluation of Morphing Horizontal Tail Design for UAVs
by Fernando Montano, Ignazio Dimino and Alberto Milazzo
Aerospace 2024, 11(4), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11040266 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
Morphing structures are a relatively new aircraft technology currently being investigated for a variety of applications, from civil to military. Despite the lack of literature maturity and its complexity, morphing wings offer significant aerodynamic benefits over a wide range of flight conditions, enabling [...] Read more.
Morphing structures are a relatively new aircraft technology currently being investigated for a variety of applications, from civil to military. Despite the lack of literature maturity and its complexity, morphing wings offer significant aerodynamic benefits over a wide range of flight conditions, enabling reduced aircraft fuel consumption and airframe noise, longer range and higher efficiency. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of morphing horizontal tail design on aircraft performance and flight mechanics. This study is conducted on a 1:5 scale model of a Preceptor N-3 Pup at its trim condition, of which the longitudinal dynamics is implemented in MATLAB. Starting from the original horizontal tail airfoil NACA 0012 with the elevator deflected at the trim value, this is modified by using the X-Foil tool to obtain a smooth morphing airfoil trailing edge shape with the same CLα. By comparing both configurations and their influence on the whole aircraft, the resulting improvements are evaluated in terms of stability in the short-period mode, reduction in the parasitic drag coefficient CD0, and increased endurance at various altitudes. Full article
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16 pages, 1280 KiB  
Article
Versatile Machine Learning-Based Authentications by Using Enhanced Time-Sliced Electrocardiograms
by Yi Zhao and Song-Kyoo Kim
Information 2024, 15(4), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15040187 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper addresses the enhancement of modern security through the integration of electrocardiograms (ECGs) into biometric authentication systems. As technology advances, the demand for reliable identity authentication systems has grown, given the rise in breaches associated with traditional techniques that rely on unique [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the enhancement of modern security through the integration of electrocardiograms (ECGs) into biometric authentication systems. As technology advances, the demand for reliable identity authentication systems has grown, given the rise in breaches associated with traditional techniques that rely on unique biological and behavioral traits. These techniques are emerging as more reliable alternatives. Among the biological features used for authentication, ECGs offer unique advantages, including resistance to forgery, real-time detection, and continuous identification ability. A key contribution of this work is the introduction of a variant of the ECG time-slicing technique that outperforms existing ECG-based authentication methods. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and tailor-made compact data learning techniques, this research presents a more robust, reliable biometric authentication system. The findings could lead to significant advancements in network information security, with potential applications across various internet and mobile services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Information Applications)
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