MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

98 pages, 48333 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on Layered Sn and Pb-Based Mono Chalcogenides: Synthesis, Structure, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties and Related Applications

by Safwan Rahman, Razia Khan Sharme, Mauricio Terrones and Mukti M. Rana

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181530 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

The research on two-dimensional materials has gained significant traction due to their potential for thermoelectric, optical, and other properties. The development of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured-based TE generators and photodetectors has shown promising results. Over the years, researchers have played a crucial role in [...] Read more.

The research on two-dimensional materials has gained significant traction due to their potential for thermoelectric, optical, and other properties. The development of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured-based TE generators and photodetectors has shown promising results. Over the years, researchers have played a crucial role in advancing this field, enhancing the properties of 2D materials through techniques such as doping, alloying, and various growth methods. Among these materials, black phosphorus, transition metal dichalcogenides, graphene, and IVA-VIA compounds stand out for their remarkable electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. This study presents a comprehensive review of the progress in the field, focusing on IVA-VIA compounds and their applications in TE and photodetector technologies. We summarize recent advancements in enhancing these materials’ TE and optical properties and provide an overview of various synthesis techniques for their fabrication. Additionally, we highlight their potential applications as photodetectors in the infrared spectrum. This comprehensive review aims to equip researchers with a deep understanding of the TE and optical properties of 2DMs and their potential applications and to inspire further advancements in this field of research. Full article

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19 pages, 3297 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pseudorabies Virus Glycoproteins E and B Application in Vaccine and Diagnosis Kit Development

by Sara Amanuel Bude, Zengjun Lu, Zhixun Zhao and Qiang Zhang

Vaccines 2024, 12(9), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12091078 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly infectious pathogen that affects a wide range of mammals and imposes a significant economic burden on the global pig industry. The viral envelope of PRV contains several glycoproteins, including glycoprotein E (gE) and glycoprotein B [...] Read more.

Background: Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly infectious pathogen that affects a wide range of mammals and imposes a significant economic burden on the global pig industry. The viral envelope of PRV contains several glycoproteins, including glycoprotein E (gE) and glycoprotein B (gB), which play critical roles in immune recognition, vaccine development, and diagnostic procedures. Mutations in these glycoproteins may enhance virulence, highlighting the need for updated vaccines. Method: This review examines the functions of PRV gE and gB in vaccine development and diagnostics, focusing on their roles in viral replication, immune system interaction, and pathogenicity. Additionally, we explore recent findings on the importance of gE deletion in attenuated vaccines and the potential of gB to induce immunity. Results: Glycoprotein E (gE) is crucial for the virus’s axonal transport and nerve invasion, facilitating transmission to the central nervous system. Deletion of gE is a successful strategy in vaccine development, enhancing the immune response. Glycoprotein B (gB) plays a central role in viral replication and membrane fusion, aiding viral spread. Mutations in these glycoproteins may increase PRV virulence, complicating vaccine efficacy. Conclusion: With PRV glycoproteins being essential to both vaccine development and diagnostic approaches, future research should focus on enhancing these components to address emerging PRV variants. Updated vaccines and diagnostic tools are critical for combating new, more virulent strains of PRV. Full article

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16 pages, 1391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Identification and Engineering a Salt-Tolerant GH11 Xylanase for Efficient Xylooligosaccharides Production

by Jiao Ma, Zhongke Sun, Zifu Ni, Yanli Qi, Qianhui Sun, Yuansen Hu and Chengwei Li

Biomolecules 2024, 14(9), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14091188 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study identified a salt-tolerant GH11 xylanase, Xyn^st, which was isolated from a soil bacterium Bacillus sp. SC1 and can resist as high as 4 M NaCl. After rational design and high-throughput screening of site-directed mutant libraries, a double mutant W6F/Q7H [...] Read more.

This study identified a salt-tolerant GH11 xylanase, Xyn^st, which was isolated from a soil bacterium Bacillus sp. SC1 and can resist as high as 4 M NaCl. After rational design and high-throughput screening of site-directed mutant libraries, a double mutant W6F/Q7H with a 244% increase in catalytic activity and a 10 °C increment in optimal temperature was obtained. Both Xyn^st and W6F/Q7H xylanases were stimulated by high concentrations of salts. In particular, the activity of W6F/Q7H was more than eight times that of Xyn^st in the presence of 2 M NaCl at 65 °C. Kinetic parameters indicated they have the highest affinity for beechwood xylan (K_m = 0.30 mg mL⁻¹ for Xyn^st and 0.18 mg mL⁻¹ for W6F/Q7H), and W6F/Q7H has very high catalytic efficiency (K_cat/K_m= 15483.33 mL mg⁻¹ s⁻¹). Molecular dynamic simulation suggested that W6F/Q7H has a more compact overall structure, improved rigidity of the active pocket edge, and a flexible upper-end alpha helix. Hydrolysis of different xylans by W6F/Q7H released more xylooligosaccharides and yielded higher proportions of xylobiose and xylotriose than Xyn^st did. The conversion efficiencies of Xyn^st and W6F/Q7H on all tested xylans exceeded 20%, suggesting potential applications in the agricultural and food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins)

34 pages, 8988 KiB

Open AccessReview

Strategies for Mitigating Phosphoric Acid Leaching in High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

by Zhongming Xu, Nanjie Chen, Sheng Huang, Shuanjin Wang, Dongmei Han, Min Xiao and Yuezhong Meng

Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4480; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184480 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) have become one of the important development directions of PEMFCs because of their outstanding features, including fast reaction kinetics, high tolerance against impurities in fuel, and easy heat and water management. The proton exchange membrane (PEM), [...] Read more.

High-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) have become one of the important development directions of PEMFCs because of their outstanding features, including fast reaction kinetics, high tolerance against impurities in fuel, and easy heat and water management. The proton exchange membrane (PEM), as the core component of HT-PEMFCs, plays the most critical role in the performance of fuel cells. Phosphoric acid (PA)-doped membranes have showed satisfied proton conductivity at high-temperature and anhydrous conditions, and significant advancements have been achieved in the design and development of HT-PEMFCs based on PA-doped membranes. However, the persistent issue of HT-PEMFCs caused by PA leaching remains a challenge that cannot be ignored. This paper provides a concise overview of the proton conduction mechanism in HT-PEMs and the underlying causes of PA leaching in HT-PEMFCs and highlights the strategies aimed at mitigating PA leaching, such as designing crosslinked structures, incorporation of hygroscopic nanoparticles, improving the alkalinity of polymers, covalently linking acidic groups, preparation of multilayer membranes, constructing microporous structures, and formation of micro-phase separation. This review will offer a guidance for further research and development of HT-PEMFCs with high performance and longevity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials in Fuel Cell: Design and Electrochemical Application)

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12 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Accidental and Intentional Pediatric Poisonings: Retrospective Analysis of Emergency Medical Service Interventions in Wroclaw, Poland

by Jakub Wojciechowki, Michał Czapla, Marek Konop, Raúl Juárez-Vela and Joanna Rosińczuk

Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(3), 2523-2534; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14030186 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Poisonings among children are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and present a significant challenge for emergency medical services (EMS). The aim of this study was to analyze the types of substances causing poisonings and the intention of poisonings in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Poisonings among children are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and present a significant challenge for emergency medical services (EMS). The aim of this study was to analyze the types of substances causing poisonings and the intention of poisonings in children, providing detailed information on the most common causes of poisonings in different age groups. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted analyzing medical records of pediatric patients under the care of emergency medical services (EMS) in Wroclaw, Poland, between 2015 and 2017. The study included all patients under 18 years old diagnosed with poisoning. Data collected included age, sex, cause of poisoning, location of the incident, neurological status (GCS), and the type of healthcare facility. Results: The study included 484 patients, with a mean age of 13 years. The largest age group was 16–18 years (44%), and the majority were female (58%). The most common causes of poisonings were alcohol (29.3%), medications (26%), and intoxicants (24.8%). Over half of the incidents occurred at home (52.5%). Intentional poisonings constituted 75% of cases, particularly involving alcohol (38.6%), intoxicants (32%), and medications (26.7%). Accidental poisonings were mainly due to household chemicals (28.7%) and carbon monoxide (27%). The differences in causes and locations of poisonings were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study showed that the most common causes of poisonings among children were alcohol, medications, and intoxicants. Poisonings most frequently occurred at home, especially with medications, while outside the home, alcohol and intoxicants were predominant. This study was not registered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Challenges in Emergency and Critical Care)

22 pages, 1332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep-Learning-Based Approach for IoT Attack and Malware Detection

by Burak Taşcı

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8505; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188505 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT), introduced by Kevin Ashton in the late 1990s, has transformed technology usage globally, enhancing efficiency and convenience but also posing significant security challenges. With the proliferation of IoT devices expected to exceed 29 billion by 2030, securing these [...] Read more.

The Internet of Things (IoT), introduced by Kevin Ashton in the late 1990s, has transformed technology usage globally, enhancing efficiency and convenience but also posing significant security challenges. With the proliferation of IoT devices expected to exceed 29 billion by 2030, securing these devices is crucial. This study proposes an optimized 1D convolutional neural network (1D CNN) model for effectively classifying IoT security data. The model architecture includes input, convolutional, self-attention, and output layers, utilizing GELU activation, dropout, and normalization techniques to improve performance and prevent overfitting. The model was evaluated using the CIC IoT 2023, CIC-MalMem-2022, and CIC-IDS2017 datasets, achieving impressive results: 98.36% accuracy, 100% precision, 99.96% recall, and 99.95% F1-score for CIC IoT 2023; 99.90% accuracy, 99.98% precision, 99.97% recall, and 99.96% F1-score for CIC-MalMem-2022; and 99.99% accuracy, 99.99% precision, 99.98% recall, and 99.98% F1-score for CIC-IDS2017. These outcomes demonstrate the model’s effectiveness in detecting and classifying various IoT-related attacks and malware. The study highlights the potential of deep-learning techniques to enhance IoT security, with the developed model showing high performance and low computational overhead, making it suitable for real-time applications and resource-constrained devices. Future research should aim at testing the model on larger datasets and incorporating adaptive learning capabilities to further enhance its robustness. This research significantly contributes to IoT security by providing advanced insights into deploying deep-learning models, encouraging further exploration in this dynamic field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies and Cybersecurity)

15 pages, 1202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations and Trends in 115 Years of Graded Daily Precipitation Records at Three Hydrometeorological Stations in Finland

by Masoud Irannezhad, Zahrah Abdulghafour, Retaj AlQallaf, Fadak Abdulreda, Ghadeer Shamsah and Hajar Alshammari

Water 2024, 16(18), 2684; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16182684 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the variability and trends in 115 years (1909–2023) of daily precipitation observed at three hydrometeorological stations in southern (Kaisaniemi), central (Kajaani), and northern (Sodankylä) Finland. We also identified the most significant climate teleconnections influencing daily precipitation variability at these three [...] Read more.

This study investigated the variability and trends in 115 years (1909–2023) of daily precipitation observed at three hydrometeorological stations in southern (Kaisaniemi), central (Kajaani), and northern (Sodankylä) Finland. We also identified the most significant climate teleconnections influencing daily precipitation variability at these three stations during the period 1951–2023. The daily precipitation records were primarily classified into six grades, including very light (≤1 mm), light (1–≤5 mm), moderate (5–≤10 mm), heavy (10–≤15 mm), very heavy (15–≤20 mm), and extreme (>20 mm). On average, the most intense daily precipitation was determined at the Kaisaniemi station in southern Finland. At this station, however, very light and light precipitation showed the lowest frequency, but other graded daily precipitation events were the most frequent. At all three stations, the intensity of very light precipitation significantly declined during the past 115 years, while its frequency increased. The highest rates of such decreases and increases in the intensity and frequency of very light daily precipitation were found at the Sodankylä stations in northern Finland, respectively, but the lowest rates were at the Kaisaniemi station in the south. At the Kajaani station in central Finland, the intensity of light precipitation decreased, but very heavy precipitation intensified. At this station, however, the number of both moderate and heavy precipitation events increased over time. Finally, historical variations in both the intensity and frequency of graded daily precipitation events in Finland showed significant relationships with different climate teleconnections, particularly the Scandinavia (SCAND) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydroclimate Extremes: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Plans)

24 pages, 1960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Direct Strength Design of Circular Cylindrical Steel Shells under Uniform External Pressure

by Rodrigo da Silva Manera, Cilmar Basaglia and Dinar Camotim

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2992; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092992 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Based on a systematic literature review, no design guidelines addressing practical issues related to steel circular hollow section (CHS) members under hydrostatic pressure have been documented thus far, except for the design recommendations proposed by the European standard EN 1993-1-6 concerning the strength [...] Read more.

Based on a systematic literature review, no design guidelines addressing practical issues related to steel circular hollow section (CHS) members under hydrostatic pressure have been documented thus far, except for the design recommendations proposed by the European standard EN 1993-1-6 concerning the strength and stability of shell structures. Considering that the existing codes are often outdated and subject to improvement, there is a growing demand for modern solutions that can accurately replicate the stability loss response of equipment subject to external pressure. The development of a more direct and simple method, augmented by reliable computational techniques, is advisable to avoid the numerous challenges associated with manual calculations. This approach will streamline the design process and mitigate the complexity of current practical or technical approaches. Thus, this research has formulated a method to predict design strength through the direct application of the critical elastic buckling stress, determined from Generalised Beam Theory (GBT) analyses, induced by hydrostatic pressure in custom-crafted equations, finely tuned for this specific objective. The authors present a formulation of GBT to analyze the elastic buckling behavior of CHS subject to both combined axial compression and external pressure. This work provides an extensive study of the behavior of circular cylindrical shells under external loading conditions. It first introduces the analyses of GBT and the theoretical and empirical formulas applicable to this objective. It then describes the steps involved in the development and validation of a numerical model that simulates the response of circular cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure, conducting an extensive parametric study using finite element analyses (FEAs). The results from available tests validate the finite element (FE) model. Upon achieving adequate agreement between the generated numerical and experimental results, new resistance reduction curves for cylindrical shell members are developed based on the results of the parametric study. Additionally, the study compares the existing provisions of EN 1993-1-6 for the design of cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure. Finally, a statistical approach is adopted to compare the responses of cylindrical shells calculated according to the EN 1993-1-6 code recommendations with those obtained through the newly proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

18 pages, 762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Echocardiographic Indices in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Their Association with Hemodialysis-to-Hemodiafiltration Transfer: A Prospective Observational Study

by Josipa Domjanović Matetić, Darija Baković Kramarić, Tea Domjanović Škopinić, Ivo Jeličić, Dijana Borić Škaro, Joško Božić and Andrija Matetic

Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091537 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The assessment of cardiac function in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is vital due to their high cardiovascular risk. However, contemporary echocardiographic indices and their association with hemodialysis-to-hemodiafiltration transfer are underreported in this population. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The assessment of cardiac function in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is vital due to their high cardiovascular risk. However, contemporary echocardiographic indices and their association with hemodialysis-to-hemodiafiltration transfer are underreported in this population. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study enrolled 36 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis-to-hemodiafiltration transfer, with baseline and 3-month post-transfer comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. The key parameters included the global work index, global constructed work, global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE), and global longitudinal strain (GLS), with secondary measures from conventional echocardiography. The baseline measures were compared to general population reference values and changes pre- to post-transfer were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Patients exhibited significant deviations from reference ranges in GWW (179.0 vs. 53.0–122.2 mmHg%), GWE (90.0 vs. 53.0–122.2%), and GLS (−16.0 vs. −24.0–(−16.0)%). Post-transfer left ventricular myocardial work and longitudinal strain remained unchanged (p > 0.05), except for increased GWW (179.0, IQR 148.0–217.0 to 233.5, IQR 159.0-315.0 mmHg%, p = 0.037) and improved mid-inferior peak systolic longitudinal strain ((−17.0, IQR −19.0–(−11.0) to −18.7, IQR −20.0–(−18.0)%, p = 0.016). The enrolled patients also showed higher left atrial diameters, left ventricular volumes, and mass, with impaired systolic function in both ventricles compared to reference values. Conclusions: This study highlights baseline impairments in contemporary echocardiographic measures (GWW, GWE, GLS) in ESRD patients versus reference values, but found no association between hemodialysis-to-hemodiafiltration transfer and most myocardial work and strain parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Disease and Hemodialysis)

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16 pages, 513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation between Overweight, Obesity, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Adipokines (Adipolin and Adiponectin), and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Pilot Study

by Muntean Mihai, Săsăran Vladut, Luca Sonia-Teodora, Suciu Laura Mihaela, Nyulas Victoria, Muntean Irina Elena and Mărginean Claudiu

Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091544 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of overweight (OW), obesity (OB), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been increasing worldwide in recent years. Adipolin is a new adipokine with reduced circulating levels in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objectives: Our prospective case-control study aimed [...] Read more.

Background: The prevalence of overweight (OW), obesity (OB), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been increasing worldwide in recent years. Adipolin is a new adipokine with reduced circulating levels in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objectives: Our prospective case-control study aimed to evaluate the maternal serum levels of adipolin and adiponectin, metabolic parameters, and anthropometric characteristics at the time of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in pregnant women with a pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m² and correlate them with newborn adipolin, adiponectin levels, and anthropometric characteristics of the newborns, and secondly to evaluate pregnancy outcomes. Material and Methods: After the OGTT results, we had 44 OW/OB pregnant women with GDM, 30 OW/OB pregnant women without GDM, and 92 lean healthy (LH) pregnant women. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation tests, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: We found no differences between adipolin values of the OW/OB pregnant women with GDM and the LH group (p > 0.99), OW/OB without GDM and the LH group (p = 0.56), and between OW/OB groups (p = 0.57). OW/OB pregnant women with GDM had a higher rate of gestational hypertension compared with the LH group (p < 0.0001). Newborns from OW/OB pregnant women with GDM were more frequently diagnosed with jaundice (p = 0.02), and they required more frequent admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for treatment of respiratory distress (p = 0.01) compared with newborns from LH mothers. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the serum levels of adipolin in the second trimester among the group of OW/OB pregnant women with GDM, matched for age and BMI with OW/OB pregnant women without GDM, were not significantly different. This suggests that adipolin may not play an essential role in the occurrence of GDM in these patients. Despite good glycemic control during pregnancy, OW/OB pregnant women with GDM and their newborns tend to have more complications (gestational hypertension, jaundice, NICU admission) than LH pregnant women and their newborns, highlighting the importance of weight control before pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management of Diseases during Pregnancy: Part II)

25 pages, 842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Deep Learning in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks and Noise Canceling for the Effective Monitoring of Aquatic Life

by Walaa M. Elsayed, Maazen Alsabaan, Mohamed I. Ibrahem and Engy El-Shafeiy

Sensors 2024, 24(18), 6102; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24186102 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper describes a revolutionary design paradigm for monitoring aquatic life. This unique methodology addresses issues such as limited memory, insufficient bandwidth, and excessive noise levels by combining two approaches to create a comprehensive predictive filtration system, as well as multiple-transfer route analysis. [...] Read more.

This paper describes a revolutionary design paradigm for monitoring aquatic life. This unique methodology addresses issues such as limited memory, insufficient bandwidth, and excessive noise levels by combining two approaches to create a comprehensive predictive filtration system, as well as multiple-transfer route analysis. This work focuses on proposing a novel filtration learning approach for underwater sensor nodes. This model was created by merging two adaptive filters, the finite impulse response (FIR) and the adaptive line enhancer (ALE). The FIR integrated filter eliminates unwanted noise from the signal by obtaining a linear response phase and passes the signal without distortion. The goal of the ALE filter is to properly separate the noise signal from the measured signal, resulting in the signal of interest. The cluster head level filters are the adaptive cuckoo filter (ACF) and the Kalman filter. The ACF assesses whether an emitter node is part of a set or not. The Kalman filter improves the estimation of state values for a dynamic underwater sensor networking system. It uses distributed learning long short-term memory (LSTM-CNN) technology to ensure that the anticipated value of the square of the gap between the prediction and the correct state is the smallest possible. Compared to prior methods, our suggested deep filtering–learning model achieved 98.5% of the sensory filtration method in the majority of the obtained data and close to 99.1% of an adaptive prediction method, while also consuming little energy during lengthy monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensor Networks)

19 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lightweight Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Improved Residual Network

by Lei Gong, Chongwen Pang, Guoqiang Wang and Nianfeng Shi

Electronics 2024, 13(18), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13183749 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

A lightweight bearing fault detection approach based on an improved residual network is presented to solve the shortcomings of previous fault diagnostic methods, such as inadequate feature extraction and an excessive computational cost due to high model complexity. First, the raw data are [...] Read more.

A lightweight bearing fault detection approach based on an improved residual network is presented to solve the shortcomings of previous fault diagnostic methods, such as inadequate feature extraction and an excessive computational cost due to high model complexity. First, the raw data are turned into a time–frequency map using the continuous wavelet transform, which captures all of the signal’s time- and frequency-domain properties. Second, an improved residual network model was built, which incorporates the criss-cross attention mechanism and depth-separable convolution into the residual network structure to realize the important distinction of the extracted features and reduce computational resources while ensuring diagnostic accuracy; simultaneously, the Meta-Acon activation function was introduced to improve the network’s self-adaptive characterization ability. The study findings indicate that the suggested approach had a 99.95% accuracy rate and a floating point computational complexity of 0.53 GF. Compared with other networks, it had greater fault detection accuracy and stronger generalization ability, and it could perform high-precision fault diagnostic jobs due to its lower complexity. Full article

10 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Patch in the Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears: Functional and Clinical Evaluation of Twenty-Three Cases with a Mean Follow-Up of Six Years

by Nicolò Nuvoli, Elisa Troiano, Azzurra Masini, Giovanni Battista Colasanti, Nicola Mondanelli and Stefano Giannotti

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5596; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185596 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Rotator cuff (RC) repair leads to less than optimal results when dealing with massive lesions, so the use of scaffolds as biological support has been proposed to improve RC repair site biology. The present study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographical [...] Read more.

Background: Rotator cuff (RC) repair leads to less than optimal results when dealing with massive lesions, so the use of scaffolds as biological support has been proposed to improve RC repair site biology. The present study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographical outcomes of a series of patients suffering from massive or irreparable RC tears treated with patch (porcine or human scaffolds) repair (augmentation or bridging). Methods: Twenty-three patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were subjectively, clinically, and radiographically assessed before and after surgery. Three different patient-related outcome measurements (PROMs) (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, visual analog scale) were used for the subjective and clinical evaluation, while plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging where employed for radiographical follow-up. Results: Regardless of the technique (augmentation or bridging) or type of scaffold (porcine or human) employed, at follow-up, all patients experienced a statistically significant improvement in all PROMs and clinically. Conclusions: Patch repair represents a valid salvage procedure in massive or irreparable RC tears, improving the quality of life and eventually delaying the need for prosthetic replacement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Shoulder Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty Techniques)

9 pages, 2124 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Verification of the Gage Factor of a High-Temperature Strain Gage for the Dynamic Testing of Gas Turbines

by Oleksii Podobied, Ihor Vernyhora and Oleksii Kulikov

Int. J. Turbomach. Propuls. Power 2024, 9(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtpp9030030 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of factors causing the change in the real gage factor of high-temperature strain gages installed with ceramic cements. A calibration tool to mimic the load on the strain gage during the testing of gas turbines and to determine [...] Read more.

This paper presents an analysis of factors causing the change in the real gage factor of high-temperature strain gages installed with ceramic cements. A calibration tool to mimic the load on the strain gage during the testing of gas turbines and to determine the real gage factor is described. Calibration data obtained for two samples of nickel–chromium strain gages and two samples of iron–chromium–aluminum strain gages are given and analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 10th EVI-GTI International Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation)

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30 pages, 669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technological Innovation and Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria Amidst Oil Transition: ARDL Analysis

by Joel T. Adeyemo, Adel Ahmed, Dominic T. Abaver, Hosam Alden Riyadh, Mosab I. Tabash and Adedoyin Isola Lawal

Economies 2024, 12(9), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies12090253 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

In contemporary discourse, Nigeria’s reliance on its oil sector is proving insufficient for sustained economic growth. The volatility of oil prices, geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability concerns have exposed the vulnerabilities of an oil-dependent economy, emphasizing the need for diversification and [...] Read more.

In contemporary discourse, Nigeria’s reliance on its oil sector is proving insufficient for sustained economic growth. The volatility of oil prices, geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability concerns have exposed the vulnerabilities of an oil-dependent economy, emphasizing the need for diversification and a renewed focus on agriculture. This study investigates the relationship between technological innovation and agricultural productivity in Nigeria, contrasting it with the oil sector. Using the ARDL estimation technique, our findings reveal a significant negative influence of immediate lagged agricultural productivity (AGTFP(−1)), indicating technological constraints. Technological innovation, proxied by TFP, shows a substantial impact on agricultural productivity, with a negative long-term effect (−90.71) but a positive, though insignificant, impact on agricultural output (0.0034). The comparative analysis underscores that the agricultural sector tends to benefit more from technological innovation than the oil sector. This highlights the critical need to prioritize technological advancements in agriculture to drive sustainable growth and economic resilience in Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic Analysis and Policy before, during and after a Public Debt Crisis, a Pandemic and an Inflationary Outburst)

15 pages, 1177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dust Pollution in Construction Sites in Point-Pattern Housing Development

by Svetlana Manzhilevskaya

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2991; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092991 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Construction in cities and agglomerations is one of the main sources of air pollution in most countries in the world. Fine dust particles, PM_0.5–PM₁₀, which form as a result of construction processes, are among the most dangerous pollutants. With [...] Read more.

Construction in cities and agglomerations is one of the main sources of air pollution in most countries in the world. Fine dust particles, PM_0.5–PM₁₀, which form as a result of construction processes, are among the most dangerous pollutants. With the increase in the volume of point-pattern housing development in cities, the task of maintaining clean air and environmental conditions becomes important. This requires research, the monitoring of dust emissions throughout the entire construction period and the development of design solutions based on the results obtained. The study examines the determination of the dispersed composition of dust generated on a construction site. A graphical representation of the dispersed composition is given by constructing integral curves on a logarithmic grid and approximating them using two-link and three-link splines. The gravimetric measurement method was used to analyze the concentration of dust in the air released during construction work near residential areas. Dust analysis at the construction site revealed significant differences in particle size that cannot be explained by statistical errors alone. The reasons for this are both working conditions and climatic factors, including humidity and wind intensity. In this regard, it is preferable to use models that take into account random processes instead of traditional deterministic methods to study the dust that shapes during construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)

10 pages, 835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Quality Factor Miniaturized CMOS Transmission Lines Using Cascaded T-Networks for 60 GHz Millimeter Wave Applications

by Adel Barakat and Ramesh K. Pokharel

Electronics 2024, 13(18), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13183748 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

This work presents an on-chip 60 GHz lumped element transmission line (TL) using cascaded T-networks with a high Quality factor. Each T-network consists of a series inductance with a shunt capacitance at its center. We have derived the design equations for this TL [...] Read more.

This work presents an on-chip 60 GHz lumped element transmission line (TL) using cascaded T-networks with a high Quality factor. Each T-network consists of a series inductance with a shunt capacitance at its center. We have derived the design equations for this TL configuration and proved that a TL whose electrical length ≥ 60° achieves additional miniaturization when implemented with three or more cascaded T-networks. The inductance is implemented using a straight wire model with no ground below it, while the capacitance is implemented using a parallel plate model with a grounding pedestal. Both configurations guarantee maximum inductance per unit length and capacitance per unit area to further improve the miniaturization level. A quarter wavelength TL with three cascaded T-networks is fabricated as proof of concept. The measured and simulated results of the fabricated TL have good agreement, and the measured quality factor is 17 at 60 GHz. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Semiconductor Devices/Circuits)

12 pages, 11940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Explosion Mechanism of Dimethyl Ether/H₂-Blended Gas Based on Chemical Kinetics Method

by Yong Zhou, Yang Kong, Qi Zhang, Qi Huang, Zhikai Wei and Huaheng Lu

Fire 2024, 7(9), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7090328 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

In order to reveal the deflagration mechanism of DME/H₂-blended gasses, the micro-mechanism was studied based on the constructed UC San Diego 2016 pyrolysis oxidation mechanism model. The results show that adiabatic flame temperature and laminar flame speed increase with the increase [...] Read more.

In order to reveal the deflagration mechanism of DME/H₂-blended gasses, the micro-mechanism was studied based on the constructed UC San Diego 2016 pyrolysis oxidation mechanism model. The results show that adiabatic flame temperature and laminar flame speed increase with the increase in the equivalence ratio (Φ); they first increase and then decrease with the increase in the hydrogen (H₂)-blended ratio (λ), and with the increase in λ, the Φ corresponding to the peak laminar flame speed of the blended gas increases. The addition of H₂ increases the consumption of O₂, and H₂ reacts with CO to form H₂O and CO₂, promoting complete combustion. When Φ = 1.0–1.2, the equilibrium mole fraction of H and OH-activated radicals reach the maximum, and with the addition of H₂, the concentration of activating radicals gradually increases, while the number of promoted elementary reactions increases by two, and the number of inhibited elementary reactions does not increase. Meanwhile, the addition of H₂ increases the reaction rate of most reactions on the main chemical reaction path CH₃OCH₃→CH₃OCH₂→CH₂O→HCO→CO→CO₂ of DME and increases the risk of the deflagration of DME/H₂-blended gas. Full article

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18 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Analysis of Bone Metabolic Markers and Bone Mechanical Properties in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats

by Ewa Tomaszewska, Piotr Dobrowolski, Siemowit Muszyński, Janine Donaldson, Marcin Gołyński, Jowita Zwolska, Mateusz Szadkowski, Maciej Osęka, Maria Mielnik-Błaszczak and Ireneusz Balicki

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5595; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185595 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: This longitudinal study examined the early effects of type 1 diabetes on bone mechanical properties and metabolic markers in mature rats, focusing on the natural progression of diabetes-induced changes without external treatments. Methods: Forty-eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into [...] Read more.

Background: This longitudinal study examined the early effects of type 1 diabetes on bone mechanical properties and metabolic markers in mature rats, focusing on the natural progression of diabetes-induced changes without external treatments. Methods: Forty-eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Assessments were performed 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-administration, including serum biochemical analyses, bone marker assessments, and mechanical bone tests. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to evaluate the impact of time and treatment. Results: At 2 weeks, diabetic rats showed increased fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), decreased insulin levels (p = 0.03), and changes in HOMA markers (p < 0.001), liver enzymes (p < 0.001), inflammatory markers (p < 0.001), and bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin (p < 0.001), OPG (p = 0.006), RANKL (p < 0.001), and OPG/RANKL ratio (p < 0.001)), with initial alterations in bone geometry. By week 4, decreased body weight in the diabetic group (p < 0.001) led to further changes in bone geometry and initial differences in mechanical properties. At 8 weeks, significant declines in body (p < 0.001) and bone (p < 0.001) weights were observed, along with further deterioration in bone geometry and mechanical properties. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of STZ-induced diabetes on bone health as early as two weeks post-STZ administration, with marked temporal changes in biochemical markers and mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology & Metabolism)

15 pages, 5425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Hand–Eye Coordination Control for Six-Axis Robots Using YOLOv5 with Attention Module

by Yulan Wei, Chenghao Liao, Liang Zhang, Qingzhu Zhang, Yang Shen, Ying Zang, Siqi Li and Haibo Huang

Actuators 2024, 13(9), 374; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13090374 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Utilizing machine vision technology based on YOLOv5, a six-axis robot can quickly identify and classify targets. However, when the YOLOv5 model is used for the recognition and grasping of small workpieces, issues such as low precision and missed detections frequently occur. This paper [...] Read more.

Utilizing machine vision technology based on YOLOv5, a six-axis robot can quickly identify and classify targets. However, when the YOLOv5 model is used for the recognition and grasping of small workpieces, issues such as low precision and missed detections frequently occur. This paper proposes an enhanced object recognition algorithm, integrating a CBAM attention module and an improved loss function into YOLOv5 to control the hand–eye coordination of the six-axis robot during grasping. The CBAM attention module is incorporated into the backbone network of YOLOv5 to enhance its feature extraction capabilities, while the original loss function is modified to accelerate convergence and improve regression accuracy. An experimental platform for six-axis robot hand–eye coordination grasping was built, and grasping experiments were conducted. The proposed method significantly improves the robot’s grasping accuracy, with a 99.59% mAP0.5 and a 90.83% successful grasping rate, effectively addressing the challenges of low accuracy and missed detections in traditional systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Actuators for Robotics)

27 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Attempts

by Maria Carolina Jurcau, Anamaria Jurcau, Razvan Gabriel Diaconu, Vlad Octavian Hogea and Vharoon Sharma Nunkoo

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(5), 1039-1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16050079 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative and invariably fatal disease with a fulminant course once the first clinical symptoms emerge. Its incidence appears to be rising, although the increasing figures may be related to the improved diagnostic tools. Due to the highly variable [...] Read more.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative and invariably fatal disease with a fulminant course once the first clinical symptoms emerge. Its incidence appears to be rising, although the increasing figures may be related to the improved diagnostic tools. Due to the highly variable clinical picture at onset, many specialty physicians should be aware of this disease and refer the patient to a neurologist for complete evaluation. The diagnostic criteria have been changed based on the considerable progress made in research on the pathogenesis and on the identification of reliable biomarkers. Moreover, accumulated knowledge on pathogenesis led to the identification of a series of possible therapeutic targets, although, given the low incidence and very rapid course, the evaluation of safety and efficacy of these therapeutic strategies is challenging. Full article

16 pages, 3987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MPC-TD3 Trajectory Tracking Control for Electrically Driven Unmanned Tracked Vehicles

by Yuxuan Chen, Jiangtao Gai, Shuai He, Huanhuan Li, Cheng Cheng and Wujun Zou

Electronics 2024, 13(18), 3747; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13183747 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

To address the trajectory tracking issue of unmanned tracked vehicles, the majority of studies employ the Model Predictive Control (MPC). The MPC imposes high demands on model accuracy. Due to factors such as environmental interference, actuator constraints, and the nonlinearity of vehicles under [...] Read more.

To address the trajectory tracking issue of unmanned tracked vehicles, the majority of studies employ the Model Predictive Control (MPC). The MPC imposes high demands on model accuracy. Due to factors such as environmental interference, actuator constraints, and the nonlinearity of vehicles under high-speed conditions, dynamic and kinematic models fail to accurately delineate the motion process of tracked vehicles. Aiming at the problem of insufficient trajectory tracking precision of unmanned tracked vehicles, a trajectory tracking controller jointly controlled by the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm and the MPC algorithm is developed. During offline training, the agent acquires the discrepancies between the model and the environment under various working conditions and optimizes its own network; during online reasoning, the agent adaptively compensates the output of the MPC based on the vehicle state. The experimental results indicate that, compared with the pure MPC algorithm, the MPC algorithm compensated based on the TD3 algorithm reduces the lateral errors by 41.67% and 22.55%, respectively, in circular and double-lane-change trajectory conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Electrified Vehicles and Transportation Electrification)

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24 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Short-Term Operation of Hydro–Wind–Photovoltaic–Thermal Hybrid System Considering Power Peak Shaving, the Economy and the Environment

by Yongqi Liu, Yuanyuan Li, Guibing Hou and Hui Qin

Energies 2024, 17(18), 4698; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184698 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

In recent years, renewable, clean energy options such as hydropower, wind energy and solar energy have been attracting more and more attention as high-quality alternatives to fossil fuels, due to the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. Multi-energy power systems have replaced [...] Read more.

In recent years, renewable, clean energy options such as hydropower, wind energy and solar energy have been attracting more and more attention as high-quality alternatives to fossil fuels, due to the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution. Multi-energy power systems have replaced traditional thermal power systems. However, the output of solar and wind power is highly variable, random and intermittent, making it difficult to integrate it directly into the grid. In this context, a multi-objective model for the short-term operation of wind–solar–hydro–thermal hybrid systems is developed in this paper. The model considers the stability of the system operation, the operating costs and the impact in terms of environmental pollution. To solve the model, an evolutionary cost value region search algorithm is also proposed. The algorithm is applied to a hydro–thermal hybrid system, a multi-energy hybrid system and a realistic model of the wind–solar–hydro experimental base of the Yalong River Basin in China. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits superior performance in terms of both convergence and diversity when compared to the reference algorithm. The integration of wind and solar energy into the power system can enhance the economic efficiency and mitigate the environment impact from thermal power generation. Furthermore, the inherent unpredictability of wind and solar energy sources introduces operational inconsistencies into the system loads. Conversely, the adaptable operational capacity of hydroelectric power plants enables them to effectively mitigate peak loads, thereby enhancing the stability of the power system. The findings of this research can inform decision-making regarding the economic, ecological and stable operation of hybrid energy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)

10 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Note on Some Novel Laplace and Stieltjes Transforms Associated with the Relaxation Modulus of the Andrade Model

by Juan Luis González-Santander and Alexander Apelblat

Axioms 2024, 13(9), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13090647 (registering DOI) - 20 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the framework of linear viscoelasticity, the authors have previously calculated a novel inverse Laplace transform involving the Mittag–Leffler function in order to calculate the relaxation modulus in the Andrade model. Here, we generalize this result, calculating the inverse Laplace transform of a [...] Read more.

In the framework of linear viscoelasticity, the authors have previously calculated a novel inverse Laplace transform involving the Mittag–Leffler function in order to calculate the relaxation modulus in the Andrade model. Here, we generalize this result, calculating the inverse Laplace transform of a given function

F_{α, β} (s)

by using two different approaches: the Bromwich integral and the decomposition of

F_{α, β} (s)

in simple fractions. From both calculations, we obtain a set of novel Laplace and Stieltjes transforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Generalized Hypergeometric Functions, Integral Transforms and Number Theory)

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