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8 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Response of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors with Mean Corpuscular Volume

by Bediz Kurt İnci, Pınar Kubilay Tolunay, Şura Öztekin, Ergin Aydemir, İrem Öner, Öztürk Ateş and Cengiz Karaçin

Curr. Oncol. 2024, 31(10), 5722-5729; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol31100424 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Currently, the combination of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors and endocrine therapy is a first-line treatment for hormone-receptor-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the impact of changes in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) on predicting responses to treatment [...] Read more.

Background: Currently, the combination of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors and endocrine therapy is a first-line treatment for hormone-receptor-positive and HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. This study aimed to assess the impact of changes in Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) on predicting responses to treatment and survival in patients with hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine therapy. Methods: Retrospectively, data on hemoglobin levels, MCV, B12, folate levels, and survival times were collected from 275 patients. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the degree of MCV change (delta MCV ≤ 10 vs. >10). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The average age of the patients was 56.1 ± 12.1 years. In total, 72.7% received CDK4/6 inhibitors as first-line treatment, while 27.3% received them as second-line treatment. Before CDK4/6 inhibitor use, the median MCV level was 87.7 fL (IQR: 83–91), which increased to 98 fL (IQR: 92–103) after treatment (p < 0.001). ECOG performance score, CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment line, type of endocrine therapy, and MCV change were identified as independent predictors of progression-free survival in the Cox regression model. The median progression-free survival for the entire group was 28 months. Patients with MCV delta > 10 had a median progression-free survival of 33 months, compared to 23 months for those with MCV delta ≤ 10 (p = 0.029). There was no significant difference in median overall survival times between the two groups (p = 0.158). Conclusion: This study highlights that patients with MCV delta > 10 had longer median progression-free survival compared to those with MCV delta ≤ 10. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Breast Cancer)

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15 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity of 69 Widely Used Chinese Sorghum Hybrids Released between the 1970s and 2010s

by Haisheng Yan, Na Lv, Feng Yin, Yubin Wang, Hao Niu, Xin Lv, Jianqiang Chu, Fangfang Fan, Lan Ju, Jizhen Yu, Fuyao Zhang and Junai Ping

Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2180; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102180 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Sorghum has a long history of cultivation in China. In this study, we aimed to clarify the genetic relationships and genetic variation trends in widely used Chinese sorghum hybrids which were released from the 1970s to 2010s and attempted to analyze the changes [...] Read more.

Sorghum has a long history of cultivation in China. In this study, we aimed to clarify the genetic relationships and genetic variation trends in widely used Chinese sorghum hybrids which were released from the 1970s to 2010s and attempted to analyze the changes in sorghum breeding. A total of 257 alleles were detected by 51 polymorphic SSR markers among 69 widely used hybrids; an average of 5.04 alleles were detected by each marker. The average Shannon’s index and polymorphism information content (PIC) of markers were 1.39 and 0.70, respectively. Nei’s genetic diversity index continuously increased in four different breeding development stages (1973–1982, 1983–1992, 1993–2002, and 2003–2014). Genetic diversity gradually increased among the sorghum hybrids. Genetic similarity coefficients in the four breeding development stages first showed an increasing trend, and then a decreasing trend, finally stabilizing with an average value of 0.65. The genetic similarity changes in hybrids in early and late maturing areas were consistent at different breeding development stages. The genetic similarity coefficients in late maturing areas were constantly higher than those in the early maturing areas. This is related to China’s creative utilization of A₂ cytoplasmic male sterile materials in the 1990s. A cluster analysis determined that 69 hybrids were divided into two groups, A and B. Group A could be further subdivided into four subgroups. These findings could provide a reference for parental selection and hybrid breeding in sorghum improvement programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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17 pages, 1334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Detailed Analysis and Gain Derivation of Reconfigurable Voltage Rectifier-Based LLC Converter

by Fahad Alaql, Walied Alfraidi, Abdullah Alhatlani, Abdullrahman A. Al-Shamma’a, Hassan M. Hussein Farh and Ahmed Allehyani

Electronics 2024, 13(19), 3788; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13193788 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

In this paper, a complete analysis of an LLC resonant converter with a customized rectifier structure is presented. The converter is intended for wide, low-input, high-output voltage DC bus applications. The performance of the converter is assessed using comprehensive time-domain and fundamental harmonic [...] Read more.

In this paper, a complete analysis of an LLC resonant converter with a customized rectifier structure is presented. The converter is intended for wide, low-input, high-output voltage DC bus applications. The performance of the converter is assessed using comprehensive time-domain and fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA), which demonstrates its capacity to operate across an ample range of voltages by precisely adjusting the rectifier structure. The converter’s capability is illustrated by deriving and discussing detailed mode operation, steady-state analysis, and DC gain equations. In order to verify the theoretical analysis, a prototype with a power output of 250 watts is constructed and subjected to testing. The results of the testing demonstrate that the converter is both feasible and effective. The experimental findings illustrate its capacity to manage vast voltage ranges while upholding high efficiency. In addition, the converter utilizes a frequency switching modulation (FSM) to connect with a photovoltaic (PV) panel and control the high output voltage. This demonstrates its adaptability in renewable energy applications. The validation is in accordance with theoretical predictions, demonstrating the converter’s high-efficiency performance and versatility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Power Electronics and Renewable Energy System)

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11 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Organic Acid Coagulants on the Textural and Physical–Chemical Properties of Tofu

by Carolina Paz-Yépez, Mariana Gavilanes-Tomalá, Julio Palmay-Paredes, Grace Medina-Galarza, Sebastián Guerrero-Luzuriaga and Borja Velázquez Martí

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198580 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Tofu is obtained by heating soymilk, to which a coagulant, such as calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride, is added to make it curdle. This study aimed to parameterize the effects of the following three alternative organic coagulant types: apple, rice, and white vinegars, [...] Read more.

Tofu is obtained by heating soymilk, to which a coagulant, such as calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride, is added to make it curdle. This study aimed to parameterize the effects of the following three alternative organic coagulant types: apple, rice, and white vinegars, used in different proportions. Six treatments were established with three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%), evaluating the coagulation time and curd yield. The treatments with the lowest coagulation time were analyzed for texture by TPA, color through the CIEL*a*b scale, protein content, and moisture. The results showed that the rice vinegar + 3% white vinegar (T6C3) treatment showed the lowest coagulation time (0.78 min). The 5% apple vinegar (T1C5) treatment provided the highest curd yield, averaging 23.73%. This treatment’s protein and moisture contents were 3.93% protein and 69.73% moisture, confirming that better texture characteristics are recorded in tofu at lower pH values. The TPA results showed that using apple and rice vinegars as coagulants provided a challenging, less cohesive, more adhesive, and less elastic tofu. White vinegar provided a soft, more cohesive, less adhesive, and more elastic tofu. In the color analysis, it was observed that tofu coagulated with apple vinegar showed a tendency toward a yellow color, and tofu coagulated with rice and white vinegars showed a tendency toward a white color. These findings parameterize the effects of using each type of vinegar as a coagulant. These organic coagulants provide faster coagulation times and desirable texture characteristics, thus offering a practical alternative to traditional coagulants in tofu manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Food Processing Technologies and Approaches)

22 pages, 11161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Intelligent Control of Redundant Degrees-of-Freedom Manipulators via the Fusion of Deep Reinforcement Learning and Forward Kinematics Models

by Yushuo Chen, Shijie Su, Kai Ni and Cunjun Li

Machines 2024, 12(10), 667; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12100667 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Redundant degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulators offer increased flexibility and are better suited for obstacle avoidance, yet precise control of these systems remains a significant challenge. This paper addresses the issues of slow training convergence and suboptimal stability that plague current deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based [...] Read more.

Redundant degree-of-freedom (DOF) manipulators offer increased flexibility and are better suited for obstacle avoidance, yet precise control of these systems remains a significant challenge. This paper addresses the issues of slow training convergence and suboptimal stability that plague current deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based control strategies for redundant DOF manipulators. We propose a novel DRL-based intelligent control strategy, FK-DRL, which integrates the manipulator’s forward kinematics (FK) model into the control framework. Initially, we conceptualize the control task as a Markov decision process (MDP) and construct the FK model for the manipulator. Subsequently, we expound on the integration principles and training procedures for amalgamating the FK model with existing DRL algorithms. Our experimental analysis, applied to 7-DOF and 4-DOF manipulators in simulated and real-world environments, evaluates the FK-DRL strategy’s performance. The results indicate that compared to classical DRL algorithms, the FK-DDPG, FK-TD3, and FK-SAC algorithms improved the success rates of intelligent control tasks for the 7-DOF manipulator by 21%, 87%, and 64%, respectively, and the training convergence speeds increased by 21%, 18%, and 68%, respectively. These outcomes validate the proposed algorithm’s effectiveness and advantages in redundant manipulator control using DRL and FK models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Automation and Control Systems)

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28 pages, 4102 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research Advancement in Forest Property Rights: A Thematic Review over Half a Decade Using Natural Language Processing

by Olegas Beriozovas, Dalia Perkumienė, Mindaugas Škėma, Abdellah Saoualih, Larbi Safaa and Marius Aleinikovas

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198280 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a thematic literature review of advances in the literature on forest property rights over the first half of this decade. From a methodological point of view, we exploited a corpus of scientific articles published between 2019 and 2023, extracted from [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a thematic literature review of advances in the literature on forest property rights over the first half of this decade. From a methodological point of view, we exploited a corpus of scientific articles published between 2019 and 2023, extracted from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. We then performed a co-word analysis using the Louvain algorithm to reveal thematic clusters. This approach enabled us to identify seven distinct trends over the past half-decade, each highlighting specific aspects and geographical diversity of forest property rights, which were then evaluated using a thematic map. The main findings revealed that (policies, livelihoods and agroforestry) and (institutions, sustainability and non-timber forest products) stand out as central and influential themes, which have a significant impact and present notable advances that have shaped recent discussions and practices. Furthermore, themes (forest policy and resource management) and (conservation and the rights of indigenous communities) are well developed, which have a solid research base, offering an in-depth understanding of the relevant research questions. Conversely, themes (institutional change and forest conservation) and (deforestation, indigenous rights and community management) represent emerging themes, which are receiving increasing attention and are likely to become major of focus. In contrast, (forest governance, community management and land conflict resolution) which indicates a waning influence in terms of miscellaneous implications. The findings of this thematic literature review will help guide policymakers, researchers, and practitioners based on recent developments in international forest property rights, during a half-decade marked by a break with previous trends, leading to legislative changes and strategic adaptations essential for the sustainable management of forest resources, bolstered by technological advancements and environmental efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Multidisciplinary Approach to Sustainability)

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21 pages, 3944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescent Suicides in the Western Pacific Region Have Become a More Serious Public Health Problem than in Other Regions

by Ruri Okubo, Ryusuke Matsumoto, Eishi Motomura and Motohiro Okada

Psychiatry Int. 2024, 5(4), 564-584; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040041 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Globally, suicide mortality rates have decreased in this century; however, it has been reported that the decreasing trends of some subgroups were attenuated in the late 2010s. These tendencies are pronounced among adolescents. In this study, the temporal fluctuations of the age-standardized death [...] Read more.

Globally, suicide mortality rates have decreased in this century; however, it has been reported that the decreasing trends of some subgroups were attenuated in the late 2010s. These tendencies are pronounced among adolescents. In this study, the temporal fluctuations of the age-standardized death rate of suicide (ASDR-suicide), crude mortality rate of suicide (CMR-suicide), and percentage of suicides per total deaths (PTD-suicide) among adolescents (10–24 years) in the global high-income and middle-income countries and in the Western Pacific Region (WPR) from 1990 to 2019, as well as the fixed effects of communication factors (penetration of cellular telephones and the Internet) on the ASDR-suicide/CMR-suicide/PTD-suicide of adolescents, were analyzed using the WHO Mortality Database. The male ASDR-suicide in global middle-income countries decreased, and those of males in global high-income countries and females in middle-income countries were unchanged, while the rate of other groups (males in the WPR and females in high-income countries and the WPR) increased. The ASDR-suicide of adolescent males in the WPR was almost equivalent to that of males in global high-income and middle-income countries in the 1990s but was higher than the rate in the 2010s. The ASDR-suicide of adolescent females in the WPR was consistently higher than that of females in global high-income and middle-income countries from 1990 to 2019, but the differences widened over time. The PTD-suicide of both males and females in middle-income countries was unchanged, whereas the PTD-suicide in global high-income countries and the WPR increased over time. The PTD-suicide in the WPR markedly increased by >40% in the late 2010s. The fixed effects of cellular telephone and Internet penetrations were negatively and positively related to adolescent suicide in the WPR, respectively. Therefore, these results suggest that, in this century, suicide prevention in adolescent health activities has been increasing in importance in the WPR compared with other regions. Full article

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10 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Defence against the Problem of Evil

by Daniel Molto

Religions 2024, 15(10), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15101149 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

In this paper, I propose a defence against the problem of evil. This defence does not involve either free will or soul-making, but, rather, is intended as a replacement for the traditional theodicies. The defence will have two components: firstly, a proposal for [...] Read more.

In this paper, I propose a defence against the problem of evil. This defence does not involve either free will or soul-making, but, rather, is intended as a replacement for the traditional theodicies. The defence will have two components: firstly, a proposal for why a good God would not intervene to eliminate the evil (natural or moral) in the world; and second, a proposal for why a good God would need to allow evil to exist in the world in the first place. I identify four desiderata for defences against the problem of evil and I argue that this new defence achieves all of these at least as well as traditional defences involving free will and/or soul-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theodicy and Challenges of Science: Understanding God, Evil and Evolution (Volume II))

26 pages, 7939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Non-Invasive Hemodynamic Forces through Four-Dimensional-Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging (4D-Flow MRI) in Evaluating Mitral Regurgitation with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Seeking Novel Biomarkers

by Monisha Ghosh Srabanti, Corey Adams, Lyes Kadem and Julio Garcia

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8577; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198577 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the systolic retrograde flow from the left ventricle (LV) to the left atrium. Despite the recognized importance of hemodynamic force (HDF) in cardiology, its exploration in MR has been limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore non-invasively assessed HDF as [...] Read more.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the systolic retrograde flow from the left ventricle (LV) to the left atrium. Despite the recognized importance of hemodynamic force (HDF) in cardiology, its exploration in MR has been limited. Therefore, we aimed to explore non-invasively assessed HDF as a novel biomarker for evaluating MR utilizing 4D-flow MRI. The study cohort comprised 15 healthy controls (19–61 years, 53% men) and 26 MR patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF) (33–75 years, trivial–severe, 54% men). The HDF analysis involved the semi-automatic calculation of systolic–diastolic root mean square (RMS), average, and transverse/longitudinal ratio across three directions (S-L: septal–lateral, I-A: inferior–anterior, and B-A: basal–apical) using Segment, v2.2 R6410 (Lund, Sweden, Medviso). A noticeable trend shift emerged in HDF as the MR severity increased (p-value < 0.05). The MR severity demonstrated a noteworthy correlation with systolic RMS B-A, average B-A, diastolic average B-A, systolic average S-L, B-A, and systolic–diastolic ratio (rho = 0.621, 0.457, 0.317, 0.318, 0.555, −0.543, −0.35, respectively; p-value < 0.05). HDF significantly correlated with LV function (end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, EF, and mass; p-value < 0.05). Systolic RMS B-A and diastolic RMS S-L emerged as significant predictors of MR (Beta, 95% CI [3.253, 1.204–5.301], [5.413, 0.227–10.6], p-value < 0.05). This study emphasizes HDF as a potential hemodynamic biomarker for evaluating MR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Imaging Technologies for Cardiovascular Disease—3rd Edition)

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17 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Descriptive Study of the Influence of Foot Type on Physical Characteristics, Laxity, Strength and Baropodometry in Children Aged 5 to 10 Years

by Cristina Molina-García, Francisco Álvarez-Salvago, Clara Pujol-Fuentes, Andrés López-del-Amo-Lorente, Laura Ramos-Petersen, Carlos Martínez-Sebastián, Antonio Martínez-Amat, José Daniel Jiménez-García and Manuel De Diego-Moreno

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8578; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198578 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: Foot morphology in children is a crucial factor influencing multiple aspects of their physical development. Between the ages of 5 and 10 years, the critical period of child development is when the movement and stability patterns are consolidated that can affect their [...] Read more.

Background: Foot morphology in children is a crucial factor influencing multiple aspects of their physical development. Between the ages of 5 and 10 years, the critical period of child development is when the movement and stability patterns are consolidated that can affect their long-term physical performance and quality of life. The aim of this study is to analyze how the type of foot influences different physical characteristics, laxity, strength, motor tests, and baropodometric variables in children aged 5 to 10 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 196 children was conducted. Different physical characteristics, laxity, strength, motor tests, and baropodometric variables of the sample were analyzed for age and Foot Posture Index (FPI). Results: Differences in all variables were examined by age and FPI. Statistical analysis showed a moderate to high correlation (r > 0.6, p < 0.01) between FPI and the relaxed calcaneal stance position (RCSP) test. Some significant differences were also found in variables related to foot pronation and supination. These results provide valuable information for understanding differences in motor and functional development during childhood and pre-adolescence. Conclusions: The findings highlight the variability in physical and functional development between age and foot type groups, highlighting the importance of considering these differences in the assessment and management of foot-related conditions and biomechanics in childhood. Foot type significantly influences children’s growth and development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Motor Control on Human Movement Analysis)

23 pages, 3926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Citrus Species’ Flavonoid Metabolism, Gene Expression Profiling, and Their Antioxidant Capacity under Drought Stress

by Muhammad Junaid Rao, Mingzheng Duan, Momina Eman, Huwei Yuan, Anket Sharma and Bingsong Zheng

Antioxidants 2024, 13(9), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13091149 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Citrus species are widely cultivated across the globe and frequently encounter drought stress during their growth and development phases. Previous research has indicated that citrus species synthesize flavonoids as a response mechanism to drought stress. This study aimed to comprehensively quantify and analyze [...] Read more.

Citrus species are widely cultivated across the globe and frequently encounter drought stress during their growth and development phases. Previous research has indicated that citrus species synthesize flavonoids as a response mechanism to drought stress. This study aimed to comprehensively quantify and analyze the presence of 85 distinct flavonoids in the leaf and root tissues of lemon (drought susceptible) and sour orange (drought tolerant). In drought-stressed sour orange roots, flavonoids, such as isosakuranin, mangiferin, trilobatin, liquiritigenin, avicularin, silibinin, and glabridin, were more elevated than control sour orange roots and drought-stressed lemon roots. Additionally, hydroxysafflor yellow A, cynaroside, tiliroside, and apigenin 7-glucoside were increased in drought-stressed sour orange leaves compared to drought-stressed lemon leaves. Under drought stress, flavonoids such as (-)-epigallocatechin, silibinin, benzylideneacetophenone, trilobatin, isorhamnetin, 3,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone, and liquiritigenin were significantly increased, by 3.01-, 3.01-, 2.59-, 2.43-, 2.07-, 2.05-, and 2.01-fold, in sour orange roots compared to control sour orange roots. Moreover, the total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were significantly increased in drought-stressed sour orange leaves and root tissues compared to drought-stressed lemon leaves and root tissues. The expression levels of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were highly expressed in sour orange leaves and roots, compared to lemon leaves and root tissues, post-drought stress. These findings indicate that lemons fail to synthesize protective flavonoids under drought conditions, whereas sour orange leaves and root tissues enhance flavonoid synthesis, with higher antioxidant activities to mitigate the adverse effects of reactive oxygen species generated during drought stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Methods: Antioxidant Activity in Plant Extracts)

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13 pages, 1986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Follow-Up of the Quality of Life of Endometriosis Patients after Surgery: A Comparative Study

by Alice Wenzl, Rene Wenzl, Manuela Gstoettner, Lorenz Kuessel, Heinrich Husslein, Jana Heine, Lejla Sandrieser, Christine Bekos and Alexandra Perricos-Hess

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5641; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185641 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the long-term effects of the surgical removal of endometriotic lesions on quality of life in endometriosis patients. A sub-analysis explored different subtypes of endometriosis, hormonal influence, and the need for reoperation. Methods: The study was conducted at the Certified [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study investigated the long-term effects of the surgical removal of endometriotic lesions on quality of life in endometriosis patients. A sub-analysis explored different subtypes of endometriosis, hormonal influence, and the need for reoperation. Methods: The study was conducted at the Certified Endometriosis Center of the Medical University of Vienna. Included in the study were patients who had undergone the complete surgical removal of endometriotic lesions between 2014 and 2018. Patients were asked to complete the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 preoperatively, at the short-term follow-up (six to ten weeks postoperatively), and at the long-term follow-up (median of 48 months postoperatively). Results: A total of 87 patients completed the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 at the three time points. At the long-term follow-up, the reoperation rate was 8.0%. Significant improvements in the overall quality of life (p < 0.001; median decrease from 45.0 to 11.7) and in the categories of “pain”, “control and powerlessness”, “social support”, “emotional well-being”, and “self-image” at the long-term follow-up compared to preoperative values were observed (p-values < 0.01). The sub-analysis showed that patients with deep-infiltrating endometriosis (p < 0.001; median decrease from 49.2 to 10.0) and adenomyosis (p < 0.02; median decrease from 37.5 to 0.0) had the most pronounced long-term postsurgical benefits in terms of quality of life. Patients with (p < 0.001; median decrease from 45.0 to 1.7) and without (p < 0.001; median decrease from 45.42 to 12.5) hormonal influence showed significant improvements in overall quality of life compared to preoperative values. Patients without reoperation demonstrated improved long-term quality of life compared to the preoperative (p < 0.001; median decrease from 45.8 to 9.6) and short-term follow-up results (p < 0.005; median decrease from 19.2 to 9.6). Participants who underwent reoperation showed no improvement in quality of life at the long-term follow-up. Conclusions: The surgical removal of endometriotic lesions has a positive long-term impact on the quality of life, as measured by Endometriosis Health Profile-30. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)

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11 pages, 2116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Potential of Vitamin B Complex in Peripheral Nerve Injury Recovery: An Experimental Rat Model Study

by Ahmet Kahraman, Metin Temel, Numan Atilgan, Ahmet Saray and Recep Dokuyucu

Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091556 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Vitamin B complexes are frequently used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve trauma. However, there is a lack of scientific data on their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the impact of the vitamin B complex on nerve recovery in a [...] Read more.

Objectives: Vitamin B complexes are frequently used in clinical practice for peripheral nerve trauma. However, there is a lack of scientific data on their effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the impact of the vitamin B complex on nerve recovery in a rat model of peripheral nerve paralysis. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar Albino rats were divided into six groups. Models of nerve injury, including blunt trauma, nerve incision, and autograft, were performed on all rats approximately 1 cm distal to the sciatic notch. B-complex vitamins were injected intraperitoneally at 0.2 mL/day to the treatment groups. The control groups were given 0.2 mL/day saline. After 1 month, the study was terminated, electromyography (EMG) was performed to measure the conduction velocity, and nerve tissue was taken from the repair line. The sciatic function indexes (SFIs) were calculated and analyzed. The histopathological samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Toluidine blue and examined with a light microscope. Pathologically, myelination, fibrosis, edema, and mast cell densities in the nervous tissue were evaluated. Results: The vitamin B treatment groups demonstrated significant improvements in SFI compared to the control groups, indicating functional improvement in nerve damage (p < 0.05). In the nerve graft group, the vitamin B group showed a shorter latency, higher velocity, and larger peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In the nerve transection group, the vitamin B group had better latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak values than the controls (p < 0.05). In the crush injury group, the vitamin B group exhibited an improved latency, velocity, and peak-to-peak compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Better myelination, less fibrosis, edema, and mast cells were also in the vitamin B group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vitamin B treatment significantly improves nerve healing and function in peripheral nerve injuries. It enhances nerve conduction, reduces fibrosis, and promotes myelination, indicating its therapeutic potential in nerve regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Therapies for Trauma and Surgical Critical Care)

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24 pages, 6128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Easy and Fast Obtention of ZnO by Thermal Decomposition of Zinc Acetate and Its Photocatalytic Properties over Rhodamine B Dye

by Dalete Araujo de Souza, Pedro Hyug de Almeida da Silva, Francisco Paulino da Silva, Yonny Romaguera-Barcelay, Robson Dantas Ferreira, Edgar Alves Araujo Junior, José Fábio de Lima Nascimento, Fagner Ferreira da Costa, Litiko Lopes Takeno, Yurimiler Leyet Ruiz, Lianet Aguilera Dominguez, Walter Ricardo Brito and Francisco Xavier Nobre

Colorants 2024, 3(3), 229-252; https://doi.org/10.3390/colorants3030016 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study presents a simple, low-cost, and efficient route to obtain zinc oxide by adopting the thermal decomposition method of zinc acetate at 300 (Gr@ZnO_300), 400 (Gr@ZnO_400), 500 (Gr@ZnO_500), and 600 °C (Gr@ZnO_600) for 1 h. The diffraction patterns collected for the samples [...] Read more.

This study presents a simple, low-cost, and efficient route to obtain zinc oxide by adopting the thermal decomposition method of zinc acetate at 300 (Gr@ZnO_300), 400 (Gr@ZnO_400), 500 (Gr@ZnO_500), and 600 °C (Gr@ZnO_600) for 1 h. The diffraction patterns collected for the samples indicated the majority formation of the hexagonal phase (P63mc) for zinc oxide and residual amounts for graphitic carbon, which has a hexagonal structure of space group P63/mmc. The images collected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of sub-microcrystals with elongated rod-shaped morphology, with dimensions between 0.223 and 1.09 μm. The optical and colourimetric properties of the obtained materials indicate the presence of graphitic carbon in the samples, corroborating the analysis by XRD and Raman spectroscopy, with an optical bandgap close to 3.21 eV, and energies of the valence (E_VB) and conduction (E_CB) bands of 2.89 eV and −0.31 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic performance at 20 min of exposure time under UV light of all prepared samples in the decolourisation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye solutions follows the order Gr@ZnO_300 (95.6%) > Gr@ZnO_600 (92.8%) > Gr@ZnO_400 (84.0%) > Gr@ZnO_500 (78.1%), where the photocatalytic performance of Gr@ZnO_300 sample was 16.5 times more effective than the photolysis test. Moreover, the results confirmed that the best performance was archived at pH = 10, and the holes (h⁺) and superoxide (O₂^•−) radicals are the main species involved in the discolouration of RhB dye molecules in an aqueous medium. Finally, the reusability experiment shows high stability of the Gr@ZnO_300 sample as a solid photocatalyst and cycling capability, which obtained total discolouration of RhB of a solution under five cycling experiments of 60 min of exposure to UV light at room temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Colorant Chemistry)

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10 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessReview

Management of Left Atrial Tachyrhythms in the Setting of HFpEF with Pulsed-Field Ablation: Treating Fire with Water?

by Tyler Chinedu Chinyere and Ikeotunye Royal Chinyere

Therapeutics 2024, 1(1), 42-51; https://doi.org/10.3390/therapeutics1010006 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent comorbidity and is enabled by adverse left atrial (LA) remodeling, dilation, and scar tissue formation. These changes are facilitated by poor left ventricular compliance. A [...] Read more.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the setting of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a prevalent comorbidity and is enabled by adverse left atrial (LA) remodeling, dilation, and scar tissue formation. These changes are facilitated by poor left ventricular compliance. A growing body of clinical evidence and medical guidelines suggest that managing atrial tachyrhythms with catheter ablation (CA) is paramount to treating concomitant HF. This recommendation is complicated in that thermal CA modalities, namely radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation, are both therapeutic via inducing additional scar tissue. AF treatment with thermal CA may compound the atrial scar burden for patients who already have extensive scars secondary to HFpEF. Therefore, thermal CA could act as “gasoline” to the slowly burning “fire” within the LA, increasing the rate of AF recurrence. Pulsed-field ablation (PFA), which utilizes high-voltage irreversible electroporation, is a non-thermal CA technique that is capable of disrupting reentrant microcircuits and arrhythmogenic foci without inducing significant scar burden. PFA has the potential to mitigate the strong fibrosis response to thermal CA that predisposes to AF by serving as “water” rather than “gasoline”. Thus, PFA may increase the efficacy and durability of CA for AF in HFpEF, and subsequently, may decrease the risk of procedural complications from repeat CAs. In this article, we provide a summary of the clinical concepts underlying HFpEF and AF and then summarize the data to date on the potential of PFA being a superior CA technique for AF in the setting of comorbid HFpEF. Full article

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16 pages, 4261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large Debris Removal: Using Features of Attitude Motion for Load Factor Regulation during Re-Entry

by Vladimir S. Aslanov and Dmitry A. Sizov

Aerospace 2024, 11(9), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11090786 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper focuses on the active removal of spent upper stages from LEO using de-orbiting devices. It proposes a method of regulating aerodynamic loads on the target during its re-entry by utilizing the features of spatial attitude motion. A mathematical model of the [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the active removal of spent upper stages from LEO using de-orbiting devices. It proposes a method of regulating aerodynamic loads on the target during its re-entry by utilizing the features of spatial attitude motion. A mathematical model of the re-entry process is developed, and numerical simulations are conducted, demonstrating that the nature of the attitude motion during the descent influences the load factors and, thus, the breakup altitude. It is shown that the respective de-orbiting devices should control both the initial tumbling and spin of the target to achieve different mission outcomes, such as minimizing the debris footprint size or maximizing the breakup altitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)

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19 pages, 15139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-Short-Term Photovoltaic Power Prediction by NRGA-BiLSTM Considering Seasonality and Periodicity of Data

by Hong Wu, Haipeng Liu, Huaiping Jin and Yanping He

Energies 2024, 17(18), 4739; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184739 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is highly stochastic and intermittent, which poses a challenge to the planning and operation of existing power systems. To enhance the accuracy of PV power prediction and ensure the safe operation of the power system, a novel approach based [...] Read more.

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is highly stochastic and intermittent, which poses a challenge to the planning and operation of existing power systems. To enhance the accuracy of PV power prediction and ensure the safe operation of the power system, a novel approach based on seasonal division and a periodic attention mechanism (PAM) for PV power prediction is proposed. First, the dataset is divided into three components of trend, period, and residual under fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) and the seasonal decomposition (SD) method according to four seasons. Three independent bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLTSM) networks are constructed for these subsequences. Then, the network is optimized using the improved Newton–Raphson genetic algorithm (NRGA), and the innovative PAM is added to focus on the periodic characteristics of the data. Finally, the results of each component are summarized to obtain the final prediction results. A case study of the Australian DKASC Alice Spring PV power plant dataset demonstrates the performance of the proposed approach. Compared with other paper models, the MAE, RMSE, and MAPE performance evaluation indexes show that the proposed approach has excellent performance in predicting output power accuracy and stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)

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17 pages, 6749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Quality Foaming and Weight Reduction in Microcellular-Injection-Molded Polycarbonate Using Supercritical Fluid Carbon Dioxide under Gas Counter Pressure

by Yogi Hendra Agustion, Shia-Chung Chen, Ching-Te Feng and Bermawi Priyatna Iskandar

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2674; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182674 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Microcellular injection molding (MuCell^®) using supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent to achieve weight reduction has become popular in carbon emission reduction. In the typical MuCell® process, SCF N₂ is commonly used. Although SCF CO₂ exhibits high solubility [...] Read more.

Microcellular injection molding (MuCell^®) using supercritical fluid (SCF) as a foaming agent to achieve weight reduction has become popular in carbon emission reduction. In the typical MuCell® process, SCF N₂ is commonly used. Although SCF CO₂ exhibits high solubility and can achieve a high weight reduction, controlling the foaming is not easy, and its foaming cells are usually larger and less uniform, which limits its industrial application. Our previous studies have shown that gas counter pressure (GCP) can improve the foaming quality effectively. Here, we investigated whether or not the CO₂ SCF foaming quality could be improved, and weight reduction was achieved for polycarbonate (PC) material. This is quite important for the electronics industry, in which most of the housing for devices is made of PC materials. MuCell^® was subjected to molding experiments using the parameters of the SCF dosage, melt temperature, mold temperature, and injection speed. The results revealed that using CO₂ gas for the PC material can reduce the size of microcellular cells to 40 µm and increase the cell densities to 3.97 × 10⁶ cells/cm³. Using GCP significantly improved the microcellular injection-molded parts by reducing the cell size to 20.9 µm (a 45.41% improvement) and increasing the cell density to 8.04 × 10⁶ cells/cm³ (a 102.48% improvement). However, implementing GCP may slightly decrease the target weight reduction. This study reveals that microcellular injection molding of PC parts using SCF CO₂ can achieve high-quality foaming and reduce the weight by about 30%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermoplastic Foams: Processing, Manufacturing, and Characterization)

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19 pages, 28399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strigolactone Alleviates NaCl Stress by Regulating Antioxidant Capacity and Hormone Levels in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings

by Jianqin Zhang, Naijie Feng, Dianfeng Zheng, Aaqil Khan, Youwei Du, Yaxing Wang, Rui Deng, Jiashuang Wu, Jian Xiong, Zhiyuan Sun, Qicheng Zhang and Mingxin Wang

Agriculture 2024, 14(9), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14091662 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Salt stress is a key environmental factor altering rice plant growth. Strigolactones (GR24) play a vital role in responding to various abiotic stresses and regulating plant growth. However, the regulatory mechanisms of SLs on rice seedlings under salt stress have not yet been [...] Read more.

Salt stress is a key environmental factor altering rice plant growth. Strigolactones (GR24) play a vital role in responding to various abiotic stresses and regulating plant growth. However, the regulatory mechanisms of SLs on rice seedlings under salt stress have not yet been clarified. A pot experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of GR24 soaking on the rice variety ‘Huanghuazhan’ (salt-sensitive) seedling growth, antioxidant metabolism, and endogenous hormones under NaCl stress. Results showed that NaCl stress significantly inhibited rice growth; disrupted antioxidant enzymes activity; and increased the content of soluble proteins (SPs), proline (Pro), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen–peroxide (H₂O₂). GR24 significantly improved photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant–enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate–peroxidase (APX); increased SP, ascorbic acid (AsA); and reduced glutathione (GSH) content and MDA, H₂O₂, and Pro content, resulting in the mitigation of oxidative injury caused by NaCl stress. Moreover, GR24 significantly increased the content of strigolactones (SLs), cytokinin (CTK), auxin (IAA), Gibberellin A3 (GA3), and IAA/ABA and CTK/ABA ratios and decreased the abscisic acid (ABA). Findings indicated that GR24 alleviated oxidative damage caused by NaCl stress by increasing photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity and maintaining the balance of endogenous hormones, thus improving the salt tolerance of rice seedlings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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15 pages, 4220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Quinazoline Nitro-Derivatives as Potential Antichagasic Agents: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation

by Citlali Vázquez, Audifás-Salvador Matus-Meza, Oswaldo Nuñez-Moreno, Brenda Michelle Barbosa-Sánchez, Victor Manuel Farías-Gutiérrez, Mariana Mendoza-Conde, Francisco Hernández-Luis and Emma Saavedra

Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4501; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184501 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. The current antichagasic drugs nifurtimox and benznidazole have inconveniences of toxicity; therefore, the search for alternative therapeutic strategies is necessary. The present study reports the synthesis, drug-likeness predictions, and in vitro [...] Read more.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease in humans. The current antichagasic drugs nifurtimox and benznidazole have inconveniences of toxicity; therefore, the search for alternative therapeutic strategies is necessary. The present study reports the synthesis, drug-likeness predictions, and in vitro anti-trypanosome activity of a series of 14 quinazoline 2,4,6-triamine derivatives. All compounds were tested against T. cruzi (epimastigotes and trypomastigotes) and in HFF1 human foreskin fibroblasts. The bioassays showed that compounds 2–4 containing nitrobenzoyl substituents at 6-position of the quinazoline 2,4,6-triamine nucleus were the most potent on its antiprotozoal activity. The effect was observed at 24 h and it was preserved for at least 5 days. Also, compounds 2–4 were not toxic to the human control cells, showing high selectivity index. The quinazoline nitro derivatives have potential use as antichagasic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Medicinal Potential Compounds)

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17 pages, 1735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment of Data Centre Heat Recovery Technologies Combined with Fuel Cells for Energy Generation

by Camila Andrea Puentes Bejarano, Javier Pérez Rodríguez, Juan Manuel de Andrés Almeida, David Hidalgo-Carvajal, Jonas Gustaffson, Jon Summers and Alberto Abánades

Energies 2024, 17(18), 4745; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17184745 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

The energy sector is essential in the transition to a more sustainable future, and renewable energies will play a key role in achieving this. It is also a sector in which the circular economy presents an opportunity for the utilisation of other resources [...] Read more.

The energy sector is essential in the transition to a more sustainable future, and renewable energies will play a key role in achieving this. It is also a sector in which the circular economy presents an opportunity for the utilisation of other resources and residual energy flows. This study examines the environmental and social performance of innovative energy technologies (which contribute to the circularity of resources) implemented in a demonstrator site in Luleå (Sweden). The demo-site collected excess heat from a data centre to cogenerate energy, combining the waste heat with fuel cells that use biogas derived from waste, meeting part of its electrical demand and supplying thermal energy to an existing district heating network. Following a cradle-to-gate approach, an environmental and a social life cycle assessment were developed to compare two scenarios: a baseline scenario reflecting current energy supply methods and the WEDISTRICT scenario, which considers the application of different renewable and circular technologies. The findings indicate that transitioning to renewable energy sources significantly reduces environmental impacts in seven of the eight assessed impact categories. Specifically, the study showed a 48% reduction in climate change impact per kWh generated. Additionally, the WEDISTRICT scenario, accounting for avoided burdens, prevented 0.21 kg CO₂ eq per kWh auto-consumed. From the social perspective, the WEDISTRICT scenario demonstrated improvement in employment conditions within the worker and local community categories, product satisfaction within the society category, and fair competition within the value chain category. Projects like WEDISTRICT demonstrate the circularity options of the energy sector, the utilisation of resources and residual energy flows, and that these lead to environmental and social improvements throughout the entire life cycle, not just during the operation phase. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy and Life Cycle Assessment Approach for Energy Systems)

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12 pages, 2350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Loading Frequency on the Dynamic Bending Strength of Spruce Wood

by Enej Lipovec Zupanc, Miha Humar and Gorazd Fajdiga

Materials 2024, 17(18), 4662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184662 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Wood is increasingly being used in construction as an alternative to steel and concrete. As wood is an inhomogeneous material, this has a strong effect on its static and dynamic properties. When timber is used as a load-bearing component, there is a possibility [...] Read more.

Wood is increasingly being used in construction as an alternative to steel and concrete. As wood is an inhomogeneous material, this has a strong effect on its static and dynamic properties. When timber is used as a load-bearing component, there is a possibility that it will be exposed to unfavourable weather conditions (wind) or dynamic environments (vibrations), leading to fatigue of the material. In this article, the effects of load frequency and load magnitude on the durability of Norway spruce wood (Picea abies) were investigated. The frequencies of 5 and 10 Hz were compared at three load levels of 70%, 80% and 90% of the static breaking force. The research results show that the load magnitude has a major influence on the dynamic strength at the same fatigue frequency. Each increase in load means a lower dynamic strength of the spruce, which is reflected in the load cycles achieved. In addition, the dynamic properties of spruce wood deteriorate with an increasing loading frequency, which is more pronounced at higher loading forces. These test results are the basis for determining the Wöhler curve, which is required as input data for the material properties in numerical calculations to determine the durability of the material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Materials from Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Materials: Development, Properties and Design)

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22 pages, 3401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trajectory Planning of a Mother Ship Considering Seakeeping Indices to Enhance Launch and Recovery Operations of Autonomous Drones

by Salvatore Rosario Bassolillo, Egidio D’Amato, Salvatore Iacono, Silvia Pennino and Antonio Scamardella

Oceans 2024, 5(3), 720-741; https://doi.org/10.3390/oceans5030041 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

This research focuses on integrating seakeeping indices into the trajectory planning of a mother ship in order to minimize risks during UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) takeoff and landing in challenging sea conditions. By considering vessel dynamics and environmental factors, the proposed trajectory planning [...] Read more.

This research focuses on integrating seakeeping indices into the trajectory planning of a mother ship in order to minimize risks during UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) takeoff and landing in challenging sea conditions. By considering vessel dynamics and environmental factors, the proposed trajectory planning algorithm computes optimal paths that prioritize the stability and safety of the ship, mitigating the impact of adverse weather on UAV operations. Specifically, the new adaptive weather routing model presented is based on a genetic algorithm. The model uses the previously evaluated response amplitude operators (RAOs) for the reference ship at different velocities and encounter angles, along with weather forecast data provided by the global wave model (GWAM). Preliminary evaluations confirm the effectiveness of the presented model in significantly improving the reliability of autonomous UAV operations from a mother ship across all encountered sea state conditions, particularly when compared with a graph-based solution. The current results clearly demonstrate that it is possible to achieve appreciable improvements in ship seakeeping performance, thereby making UAV-related operations safer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Oceans 2024)

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37 pages, 4076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blockchain Technology Adoption by Critical Stakeholders in Prefabricated Construction Supply Chain Based on Evolutionary Game and System Dynamics

by Rui Zhou, Jin Wang and Dongli Zhu

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 3034; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14093034 (registering DOI) - 23 Sep 2024

Abstract

Blockchain technology (BT) is a promising solution to address information asymmetry and trust issues in the prefabricated construction supply chain (PCSC). However, its practical application in PCSC remains limited under the influence of stakeholders’ adoption strategies. While previous studies have analyzed drivers and [...] Read more.

Blockchain technology (BT) is a promising solution to address information asymmetry and trust issues in the prefabricated construction supply chain (PCSC). However, its practical application in PCSC remains limited under the influence of stakeholders’ adoption strategies. While previous studies have analyzed drivers and barriers to BT adoption, they often take a static view, neglecting the long-term dynamic decision-making interactions between stakeholders. This study addresses this gap by examining the interests of owners, general contractors, and subcontractors, and by developing a tripartite evolutionary game model to analyze the interaction mechanism of the strategy of adopting BT in PCSC. Additionally, a system dynamics simulation validates the evolution of stabilization strategies and examines the impact of key parameters. The results indicate that successful BT adoption requires technology maturity to surpass a threshold between 0.5 and 0.7, along with a fair revenue and cost-sharing coefficient between general contractors and subcontractors, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 at the lower limit and 0.7 to 0.9 at the upper limit. Notably, general contractors play a pivotal role in driving BT adoption, acting as potential leaders. Furthermore, appropriate incentives, default compensation, and government subsidies can promote optimal adoption strategies, although overly high incentives may reduce owners’ willingness to mandate BT adoption. This study provides practical insights and policy recommendations for critical stakeholders to facilitate the widespread adoption of BT in PCSC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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