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17 pages, 7157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application Study of Distributed Optical Fiber Seepage Monitoring Technology on Embankment Engineering

by Hao Li and Meng Yang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5362; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135362 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

It is very important for embankment engineering to consider the seepage factor. If the potential seepage is not discovered in time and seepage control measures are not appropriate, seepage is very likely to cause damage and deformation, resulting in embankment failure. Based on [...] Read more.

It is very important for embankment engineering to consider the seepage factor. If the potential seepage is not discovered in time and seepage control measures are not appropriate, seepage is very likely to cause damage and deformation, resulting in embankment failure. Based on temperature and seepage fields theories, a temperature–seepage coupled model is established in this paper. It is combined with a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system to measure the temperature field of the porous media. This approach allows for the inversion of the inner seepage field, realizing the real-time monitoring of embankment health to ensure its safety and long-term operation. According to the coupling analysis on the temperature–seepage fields, for practical engineering, the influence of temperature on the seepage field is small and neglectable. Only the effect of the seepage field on the temperature field is considered. The DTS optical fiber temperature measurement system is widely used in various projects nowadays because of its high stability and efficiency advantages. The optical fiber is sensitive to temperature and can give fast and accurate temperature feedback regarding seepage location. Combined with the Heat Transfer Module in COMSOL, the multi-line heat source method can be used to invert the seepage field according to the temperature field of the porous medium inside the embankment and derive the seepage flow rate of the stable seepage field. For unstable seepage, optical fiber is good at seepage measuring and location detecting. For different practical engineering, a different heating power can be used for different seepage conditions. By monitoring the temperature change, the seepage condition can be inverted which is one of the indicators for evaluating engineering safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Structural Health Monitoring Based on Materials, Mathematical Methods, and Sensing Technology)

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14 pages, 5649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bi/CeO₂–Decorated CuS Electrocatalysts for CO₂-to-Formate Conversion

by Qi Wang, Tianshuang Bao, Xiangchuan Zhao, Yue Cao, Jun Cao, Qiaoling Li and Weimeng Si

Molecules 2024, 29(13), 2948; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29132948 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is extensively regarded as a promising strategy to reach carbon neutralization. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been widely studied for its ability to produce C₁ products with high selectivity. However, challenges [...] Read more.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction reaction (CO₂RR) is extensively regarded as a promising strategy to reach carbon neutralization. Copper sulfide (CuS) has been widely studied for its ability to produce C₁ products with high selectivity. However, challenges still remain owing to the poor selectivity of formate. Here, a Bi/CeO₂/CuS composite was synthesized using a simple solvothermal method. Bi/CeO₂–decorated CuS possessed high formate selectivity, with the Faraday efficiency and current density reaching 88% and 17 mA cm⁻², respectively, in an H-cell. The Bi/CeO₂/CuS structure significantly reduces the energy barrier formed by OCHO*, resulting in the high activity and selectivity of the CO₂ conversion to formate. Ce⁴⁺ readily undergoes reduction to Ce³⁺, allowing the formation of a conductive network of Ce⁴⁺/Ce³⁺. This network facilitates electron transfer, stabilizes the Cu⁺ species, and enhances the adsorption and activation of CO₂. Furthermore, sulfur catalyzes the OCHO* transformation to formate. This work describes a highly efficient catalyst for CO₂ to formate, which will aid in catalyst design for CO₂RR to target products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Catalytic CO₂ Chemical Fixation)

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18 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preserving Patient Stories: Bioethical and Legal Implications Related to the Shift from Traditional to Digital Anamnesis

by Filippo Gibelli, Paolo Bailo, Giuliano Pesel and Giovanna Ricci

Clin. Pract. 2024, 14(4), 1196-1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract14040095 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

It is since the beginning of the so-called ‘digital revolution’ in the 1950s that technological tools have been developed to simplify and optimise traditional, time-consuming, and laborious anamnestic collection for many physicians. In recent years, more and more sophisticated ‘automated’ anamnestic collection systems [...] Read more.

It is since the beginning of the so-called ‘digital revolution’ in the 1950s that technological tools have been developed to simplify and optimise traditional, time-consuming, and laborious anamnestic collection for many physicians. In recent years, more and more sophisticated ‘automated’ anamnestic collection systems have been developed, to the extent that they can actually enter daily clinical practice. This article not only provides a historical overview of the evolution of such tools, but also explores the ethical and medico-legal implications of the transition from traditional to digital anamnesis, including the protection of data confidentiality, the preservation of the communicative effectiveness of the doctor–patient dialogue and the safety of care in patients with poor digital and health literacy. Full article

20 pages, 7907 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Integration of ANN and FEA and Its Application to Property Prediction of Dual-Performance Turbine Disks

by Yanqing Li, Ziming Zhang, Junyi Cheng, Zhaofeng Liu, Chao Yin, Chao Wang and Jianzheng Guo

Materials 2024, 17(13), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133045 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Regulating the microstructure of powder metallurgy (P/M) nickel-based superalloys to achieve superior mechanical properties through heat treatment is a prevalent method in turbine disk design. However, in the case of dual-performance turbine disks, the complexity and non-uniformity of the heat treatment process present [...] Read more.

Regulating the microstructure of powder metallurgy (P/M) nickel-based superalloys to achieve superior mechanical properties through heat treatment is a prevalent method in turbine disk design. However, in the case of dual-performance turbine disks, the complexity and non-uniformity of the heat treatment process present substantial challenges. The prediction of yield strength is typically derived from the analysis of microstructures under various heat treatment regimes. This method is time-consuming, expensive, and the accuracy often depends on the precision of microstructural characterization. This study successfully employed a coupled method of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and finite element analysis (FEA) to reveal the relationship between the heat treatment process and yield strength. The coupled method accurately predicted the location specified and temperature-dependent yield strength based on the heat treatment parameters such as holding temperatures and cooling rates. The root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage deviation (MAPD) for the training set are 50.37 and 3.77, respectively, while, for the testing set, they are 50.13 and 3.71, respectively. Furthermore, an integrated model of FEA and ANN is established using a Abaqus user subroutine. The integrated model can predict the yield strength based on temperature calculation results and automatically update material properties of the FEA model during the loading process simulation. This allows for an accurate calculation of the stress–strain state of the turbine disk during actual working conditions, aiding in locating areas of stress concentration, plastic deformation, and other critical regions, and provides a novel reliable reference for the rapid design of the turbine disk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computation and Modeling of Materials Mechanics)

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22 pages, 35017 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials: New Weapons to Boost Anti-Tumor Immunity Cycle

by Wanyi Liu, Xueru Song, Qiong Jiang, Wenqi Guo, Jiaqi Liu, Xiaoyuan Chu and Zengjie Lei

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(13), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14131064 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Semiconductor nanomaterials have emerged as a significant factor in the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the potential of transition metal oxide (TMO) nanomaterials in the realm of anti-tumor immune modulation. These binary inorganic semiconductor compounds possess high electron mobility, extended ductility, [...] Read more.

Semiconductor nanomaterials have emerged as a significant factor in the advancement of tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the potential of transition metal oxide (TMO) nanomaterials in the realm of anti-tumor immune modulation. These binary inorganic semiconductor compounds possess high electron mobility, extended ductility, and strong stability. Apart from being primary thermistor materials, they also serve as potent agents in enhancing the anti-tumor immunity cycle. The diverse metal oxidation states of TMOs result in a range of electronic properties, from metallicity to wide-bandgap insulating behavior. Notably, titanium oxide, manganese oxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide have garnered interest due to their presence in tumor tissues and potential therapeutic implications. These nanoparticles (NPs) kickstart the tumor immunity cycle by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), prompting the release of ICD and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and working in conjunction with various therapies to trigger dendritic cell (DC) maturation, T cell response, and infiltration. Furthermore, they can alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) by reprogramming immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages into an inflammatory state, thereby impeding tumor growth. This review aims to bring attention to the research community regarding the diversity and significance of TMOs in the tumor immunity cycle, while also underscoring the potential and challenges associated with using TMOs in tumor immunotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Nanomaterials)

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17 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Physical Activity/Exercise on miRNA Expression and Function in Non-Communicable Diseases—A Systematic Review

by Moomna Afzal, Francesca Greco, Federico Quinzi, Francesca Scionti, Samantha Maurotti, Tiziana Montalcini, Annamaria Mancini, Pasqualina Buono and Gian Pietro Emerenziani

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136813 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Exercise may differently affect the expression of key molecular markers, including skeletal muscle and circulating miRNAs, involved in cellular and metabolic pathways’ regulation in healthy individuals and in patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Epigenetic factors are emerging as potential therapeutic biomarkers in [...] Read more.

Exercise may differently affect the expression of key molecular markers, including skeletal muscle and circulating miRNAs, involved in cellular and metabolic pathways’ regulation in healthy individuals and in patients suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Epigenetic factors are emerging as potential therapeutic biomarkers in the prognosis and treatment of NCDs and important epigenetic factors, miRNAs, play a crucial role in cellular pathways. This systematic review aims to underline the potential link between changes in miRNA expression after different types of physical activity/exercise in some populations affected by NCDs. In June 2023, we systematically investigated the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, on the basis of our previously established research questions and following the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias and quality assessment were, respectively, covered by ROB2 and the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Of the 1047 records extracted from the initial search, only 29 studies were found to be eligible. In these studies, the authors discuss the association between exercise-modulated miRNAs and NCDs. The NCDs included in the review are cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We evidenced that miR-146, miR-181, miR-133, miR-21, and miRNA-1 are the most reported miRNAs that are modulated by exercise. Their expression is associated with an improvement in health markers and they may be a potential target in terms of the development of future therapeutic tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise and Health: Cellular and Molecular Perspectives)

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14 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Variation in ABCB1, ADRB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NEDD4L and NR3C2 Confers Differential Susceptibility to Resistant Hypertension among South Africans

by Jonathan N. Katsukunya, Erika Jones, Nyarai D. Soko, Dirk Blom, Phumla Sinxadi, Brian Rayner and Collet Dandara

J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(7), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070664 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) prevalence ranges from 4 to 19% in Africa. There is a paucity of data on the role of genetic variation on RHTN among Africans. We set out to investigate the role of polymorphisms in ABCB1, ADRB1, CYP3A4, [...] Read more.

Resistant hypertension (RHTN) prevalence ranges from 4 to 19% in Africa. There is a paucity of data on the role of genetic variation on RHTN among Africans. We set out to investigate the role of polymorphisms in ABCB1, ADRB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NEDD4L, and NR3C2, on RHTN susceptibility among South Africans. Using a retrospective matched case–control study, 190 RHTN patients (cases: blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg on ≥3 anti-hypertensives or BP < 140/90 mmHg on >3 anti-hypertensives) and 189 non-RHTN patients (controls: <3 anti-hypertensives, BP < 140/90 or ≥140/90 mmHg), 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), quantitative PCR and Sanger sequencing. Genetic association analyses were conducted using the additive model and multivariable logistic regression. Homozygosity for CYP3A5 rs776746C/C genotype (p = 0.02; OR: 0.44; CI: 0.22–0.89) was associated with reduced risk for RHTN. Homozygous ADRB1 rs1801252G/G (p = 0.02; OR: 3.30; CI: 1.17–10.03) and NEDD4L rs4149601A/A genotypes (p = 0.001; OR: 3.82; CI: 1.67–9.07) were associated with increased risk for RHTN. Carriers of the of ADRB1 rs1801252—rs1801253 G–C haplotype had 2.83-fold odds of presenting with RHTN (p = 0.04; OR: 2.83; CI: 1.05–8.20). These variants that are associated with RHTN may have clinical utility in the selection of antihypertensive drugs in our population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacogenetics)

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16 pages, 2549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fault Diagnosis for Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Based on Relative Entropy and State of Charge Estimation

by Tian-E Fan, Fan Chen, Hao-Ran Lei, Xin Tang and Fei Feng

Batteries 2024, 10(7), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10070217 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Timely and accurate fault diagnosis for a lithium-ion battery pack is critical to ensure its safety. However, the early fault of a battery pack is difficult to detect because of its unobvious fault effect and nonlinear time-varying characteristics. In this paper, a fault [...] Read more.

Timely and accurate fault diagnosis for a lithium-ion battery pack is critical to ensure its safety. However, the early fault of a battery pack is difficult to detect because of its unobvious fault effect and nonlinear time-varying characteristics. In this paper, a fault diagnosis method based on relative entropy and state of charge (SOC) estimation is proposed to detect fault in lithium-ion batteries. First, the relative entropies of the voltage, temperature and SOC of battery cells are calculated by using a sliding window, and the cumulative sum (CUSUM) test is adopted to achieve fault diagnosis and isolation. Second, the SOC estimation of the short-circuit cell is obtained, and the short-circuit resistance is estimated for a quantitative analysis of the short-circuit fault. Furthermore, the effectiveness of our method is validated by multiple fault tests in a thermally coupled electrochemical battery model. The results show that the proposed method can accurately detect different types of faults and evaluate the short-circuit fault degree by resistance estimation. The voltage/temperature sensor fault is detected at 71 s/58 s after faults have occurred, and a short-circuit fault is diagnosed at 111 s after the fault. In addition, the standard error deviation of short-circuit resistance estimation is less than 0.12 Ω/0.33 Ω for a 5 Ω/10 Ω short-circuit resistor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Reliability and Health Management of Lithium-Ion Batteries—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 5705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interlayer Performance, Viscoelastic Performance, and Road Performance Based on High-Performance Asphalt Composite Structures

by Yan Liang, Shuaishuai Ma and Yaqin Zhang

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071885 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Weaknesses generated in asphalt pavement structures have a serious impact on the service life of pavements. In order to improve such situations and achieve the goal of enhancing the durability of the pavement structure, this study assesses the performance of heavy-duty asphalt and [...] Read more.

Weaknesses generated in asphalt pavement structures have a serious impact on the service life of pavements. In order to improve such situations and achieve the goal of enhancing the durability of the pavement structure, this study assesses the performance of heavy-duty asphalt and high-viscosity asphalt, using four high-performance asphalt mixtures: heavy-duty AC-20, high-viscosity AC-20, heavy-duty SMA-13, and heavy-duty SMA-10. Three composite pavement structures were designed: 3 cm SMA-10 + 3 cm SMA-10, 4 cm SMA-13 + 4 cm SMA-10, and 6 cm SMA-13 + 4 cm AC-20. Interlayer performance analysis was conducted on single-layer and composite structures through oblique shear tests; dynamic modulus, fatigue life, and antirutting performance tests on asphalt pavement structural layers were designed and conducted, and the durability performance of high-performance asphalt pavement structural layers was evaluated. The experimental results show that the shear strength of heavy-duty AC is higher than that of heavy-duty SMA, the 4 + 4 combination structure has the best shear strength, the 6 + 4 combination structure has the best structural performance and fatigue resistance, and the 3 + 3 combination structure has the best high-temperature antirutting performance. The comprehensive performance of the 4 + 4 structure is the best among the three combined structures, followed by that of the 6 + 4 structure, and the performance of the 3 + 3 structure is the worst. In addition, this study used bonding energy as an evaluation index and verified the applicability of the bonding energy evaluation index by studying four types of single-layer pavement structures and three types of composite pavement structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Pavement Materials: 2nd Edition)

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11 pages, 6538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Water Stability of Soil Aggregates with Polyvinyl Alcohol as a Polymeric Binder

by Chunyan Cao, Minkun Cai, Lingyu Zhao and Gang Li

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131758 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Soil degradation threatens agricultural productivity and food supply, leading to hunger issues in some developing regions. To address this challenge, we developed a low-cost, highly efficient, and long-term stable soil improvement method. We chose polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a commercially available polymer that is [...] Read more.

Soil degradation threatens agricultural productivity and food supply, leading to hunger issues in some developing regions. To address this challenge, we developed a low-cost, highly efficient, and long-term stable soil improvement method. We chose polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a commercially available polymer that is safe and non-degradable, to serve as a soil adhesive. We mixed PVA solution into the soil and applied a drying treatment to enhance the bonding between PVA and the soil, achieving highly water-stable soil. This PVA-stabilized soil exhibits low bulk density, high porosity, and high permeability, making it an ideal substrate for planting. In a germination test, the PVA-stabilized soil revealed a higher germination rate and growth rate compared to those of the non-treated soil. We believe this simple and efficient soil improvement method can restore degraded soil and contribute to sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)-Based Materials)

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15 pages, 3248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Color Biomimetics in Textile Design: Reproduction of Natural Plant Colors through Instrumental Colorant Formulation

by Isabel Cabral, Amanda Schuch and Fernanda Steffens

J. Imaging 2024, 10(7), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10070150 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of colorimetry and biomimetics in textile design, focusing on mimicking natural plant colors in dyed textiles via instrumental colorant formulation. The experimental work was conducted with two polyester substrates dyed with disperse dyes using the exhaustion process. Textiles [...] Read more.

This paper explores the intersection of colorimetry and biomimetics in textile design, focusing on mimicking natural plant colors in dyed textiles via instrumental colorant formulation. The experimental work was conducted with two polyester substrates dyed with disperse dyes using the exhaustion process. Textiles dyed with different dye colors and concentrations were measured in a spectrophotometer and a database was created in Datacolor Match Textile software version 2.4.1 (0) with the samples’ colorimetric properties. Colorant recipe formulation encompassed the definition and measurement of the pattern colors (along four defined natural plants), the selection of the colorants, and the software calculation of the recipes. After textile dyeing with the lowest expected CIELAB color difference (ΔE*) value recipe for each pattern color, a comparative analysis was conducted by spectral reflectance and visual assessment. Scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry were also used to characterize the surface of the natural elements. Samples dyed with the formulated recipe attained good chromatic similarity with the respective natural plants’ colors, and the majority of the samples presented ΔE* between 1.5 and 4.0. Additionally, recipe optimization can also be conducted based on the colorimetric evaluation. This research contributes a design framework for biomimicking colors in textile design, establishing a systematic method based on colorimetry and color theory that enables the reproduction of nature’s color palette through the effective use of colorants. Full article

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12 pages, 1849 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Advanced Analysis and Validation of a microRNA Signature for Fanconi Anemia

by Enrico Cappelli, Silvia Ravera, Nadia Bertola, Federica Grilli, Margherita Squillario, Stefano Regis and Paolo Degan

Genes 2024, 15(7), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15070820 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Some years ago, we reported the generation of a Fanconi anemia (FA) microRNA signature. This study aims to develop an analytical strategy to select a smaller and more reliable set of molecules that could be tested for potential benefits for the FA phenotype, [...] Read more.

Some years ago, we reported the generation of a Fanconi anemia (FA) microRNA signature. This study aims to develop an analytical strategy to select a smaller and more reliable set of molecules that could be tested for potential benefits for the FA phenotype, elucidate its biochemical and molecular mechanisms, address experimental activity, and evaluate its possible impact on FA therapy. In silico analyses of the data obtained in the original study were thoroughly processed and anenrichment analysis was employed to identify the classes of genes that are over-represented in the FA-miRNA population under study. Primary bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) from sixFA patients and sixhealthy donors as control samples were employed in the study. RNAs containing the small RNA fractions were reverse-transcribed and real-time PCR was performed in triplicate using the specific primers. Experiments were performed in triplicate.The in-silico analysis reported six miRNAs as likely contributors to the complex pathological spectrum of FA. Among these, three miRNAs were validated by real-time PCR. Primary bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNCs) reported a significant reduction in the expression level of miRNA-1246 and miRNA-206 in the FA samples in comparison to controls.This study highlights several biochemical pathways as culprits in the phenotypic manifestations and the pathophysiological mechanisms acting in FA. A relatively low number of miRNAs appear involved in all these different phenotypes, demonstrating the extreme plasticity of the gene expression modulation. This study further highlights miR-206 as a pivotal player in regulatory functions and signaling in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) process in FA. Due to this evidence, the activity of miR-206 in FA deserves specific experimental scrutiny. The results, here presented, might be relevant in the management of FA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section RNA)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 5774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Biocomposite Filaments for 3D Printing by Utilizing a Polylactic Acid (PLA) Polymer Matrix Reinforced with Cocoa Husk Cellulose Fibers

by Victor Hugo Martins de Almeida, Raildo Mota de Jesus, Gregório Mateus Santana, Sabir Khan, Erickson Fabiano Moura Sousa Silva, Iago Silva da Cruz, Ian de Souza Santos and Paulo Neilson Marques dos Anjos

Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131757 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Vegetable fibers are increasingly used in biocomposites, but there is a need for further development in utilizing by-products like cocoa husks. Three-dimensional printing, through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is advancing rapidly and may be of great interest for applying biocomposite materials. This study [...] Read more.

Vegetable fibers are increasingly used in biocomposites, but there is a need for further development in utilizing by-products like cocoa husks. Three-dimensional printing, through Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is advancing rapidly and may be of great interest for applying biocomposite materials. This study focuses on developing innovative and fully biodegradable filaments for the FFF process. PLA filaments were prepared using cellulose fibers derived from cocoa husks (5% mass ratio). One set of filaments incorporated fibers from untreated husks (UCFFs), while another set utilized fibers from chemically treated husks (TCFFs). The fabricated materials were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques, and they were also tested for tensile strength. ANOVA reveals that both UCFFs and TCFFs significantly predict tensile strength, with the UCFFs demonstrating an impressive R² value of 0.9981. The optimal tensile strength for the filament test specimens was 16.05 MPa for TCFF8 and 13.58 MPa for UCFF8, utilizing the same printing parameters: 70% infill and a layer thickness of 0.10 mm. Additionally, there was an 18% improvement in the tensile strength of the printed specimens using the filaments filled with chemically treated cocoa husk fibers compared to the filaments with untreated fibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites)

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22 pages, 6230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Robust and Adaptive AUV Integrated Navigation Algorithm Based on a Maximum Correntropy Criterion

by Pinchi Li, Xiaona Sun, Ziyun Chen, Xiaolin Zhang, Tianhong Yan and Bo He

Electronics 2024, 13(13), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13132426 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

In the underwater domain where Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate, measurements may suffer from the impact of outliers and non-Gaussian noise. These factors can potentially undermine the efficacy of integrated navigation algorithms. The Maximum Correntropy Criterion (MCC) can be utilized to enhance the [...] Read more.

In the underwater domain where Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) operate, measurements may suffer from the impact of outliers and non-Gaussian noise. These factors can potentially undermine the efficacy of integrated navigation algorithms. The Maximum Correntropy Criterion (MCC) can be utilized to enhance the robustness of AUV integrated navigation algorithms through the construction and maximization of the correntropy function. Notwithstanding, the underwater environment occasionally presents unknown time-varying noise, a situation for which the MCC lacks adaptability. In response to this issue, our study introduces a novel integrated navigation algorithm that synergizes the MCC and the Variational Bayesian approach, thereby augmenting both the robustness and adaptability of the system. Initially, we implement the MCC along with a mixture kernel function in an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) to strengthen the robustness of the AUV integrated navigation algorithms amidst the complexities inherent to underwater environmental conditions. Additionally, we utilize the Variational Bayesian method to refine the approximation of measurement noise covariance, thereby boosting the algorithm’s adaptability to fluctuating scenarios. We evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm using both simulation and sea trial datasets. The experimental results reveal a significant enhancement in the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and navigation accuracy of our proposed algorithm. Notably, in a complex noise environment, our algorithm achieves, approximately, a 50% improvement in navigation accuracy over other established algorithms. Full article

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24 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biblical Hermeneutics without Interpretation? After Affect, beyond Representation, and Other Minor Apocalypses

by Stephen D. Moore

Religions 2024, 15(7), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15070755 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Affect theory, non-representational theory, and assemblage theory have been among the most impactful developments in the theoretical humanities in the wake of, and in reaction to, poststructuralism. These interlocking bodies of theory and critical practice call into question two concepts foundational for biblical [...] Read more.

Affect theory, non-representational theory, and assemblage theory have been among the most impactful developments in the theoretical humanities in the wake of, and in reaction to, poststructuralism. These interlocking bodies of theory and critical practice call into question two concepts foundational for biblical hermeneutics, namely, interpretation and representation. In literary studies, the poststructuralist “death of the author” has been succeeded by a post-poststructuralist “death of the interpreter”. How might biblical exegesis be reimagined on the far side of this double demise? Non-representational theory, meanwhile, in tandem with affect theory, has dismantled traditional understandings of representation; this article argues that traditional biblical scholarship, epitomized by biblical commentary, is driven by a representation compulsion. Assemblage theory, for its part, more than any other body of thought, reveals the immense complexity of the act of reading, not least biblical reading—after which even explicit evocations of contemporary contexts in contextual biblical hermeneutics amount to skeletally thin descriptions. These and other related lines of inquiry impel the rethinking of academic biblical reading attempted in this article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Testament Studies - Current Trends and Criticisms)

4 pages, 165 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Risk Assessment of Microbiological and Chemical Hazards in Foods

by Francesco Esposito and Teresa Cirillo

Foods 2024, 13(13), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131956 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Food safety constitutes a critical regulatory and quality standard that must be fulfilled by food manufacturers throughout all phases of food production [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Risk Assessment of Microbiological and Chemical Hazards in Foods)

13 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Zero-Dose Status among Children Aged 12–23 Months in the Luambo Health District, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Matched Case–Control Study

by Esperent Ntambue Malu, Alain Nzanzu Magazani, Jean Bosco Kasonga, Adèle Mudipanu, Michel Kabamba Nzaji, Daniel Katuashi Ishoso and Dalau Mukadi Nkamba

Vaccines 2024, 12(7), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12070700 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: “Zero-dose” (ZD) refers to a child who has not received any doses of the pentavalent (diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis–Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)–hepatitis B) vaccine. ZD children are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Luambo health district (HD) is one of 26 HDs in [...] Read more.

(1) Background: “Zero-dose” (ZD) refers to a child who has not received any doses of the pentavalent (diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis–Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)–hepatitis B) vaccine. ZD children are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Luambo health district (HD) is one of 26 HDs in Kasai Central Province in Democratic Republic of the Congo and had the largest number of ZD children in 2021. This study was conducted to identify factors associated with ZD status among children in Luambo HD. (2) Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study of children aged 12–23 months in Luambo HD. (3) Results: A total of 445 children aged 12–23 months were included in the study, including 89 cases and 356 controls. Children who were born in Angola (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.1 to 9.8; p = 0.046), born at home (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI = 2.1 to 12.5; p < 0.001), whose mothers did not receive antenatal care (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.2 to 16.3; p = 0.023), or did not know any vaccine preventable disease (AOR = 13.3; 95% CI = 4.6 to 38.4; p < 0.001) were more likely to be ZD than their counterparts. In addition, perceptions of children’s parents influenced child immunization. (4) Conclusions: Factors associated with being a ZD child suggest inequalities in vaccination that need to be addressed through appropriate interventions. Maternal and child health services need to be strengthened while also targeting children’s fathers. This will make it possible to considerably reduce the proportion of ZD and undervaccinated children and effectively fight against VPDs. Full article

15 pages, 2095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Feasibility of Whole-Body Vibration Training as an Approach to Improve Health in Autistic Adults

by Amy Allnutt, Sara Pappa and Michael Nordvall

Disabilities 2024, 4(3), 429-443; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities4030027 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lead sedentary lives, contributing to cardiovascular disease and muscular atrophy, requiring innovative therapeutic exercise approaches. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise training offers a unique option for those with limited motor control. This six-week pilot study aimed [...] Read more.

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lead sedentary lives, contributing to cardiovascular disease and muscular atrophy, requiring innovative therapeutic exercise approaches. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise training offers a unique option for those with limited motor control. This six-week pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of WBV training in individuals with ASD. Methods: Six participants (age: 22.17 ± 2.14 years) underwent twice-weekly WBV sessions (10–24 min, 5–25 Hz). Cardiovascular biomarkers, including body composition, leg strength, blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI), were measured. Qualitative outcomes on exercise tolerance, protocol completion, and perceived exertion were collected at each session. Data analyses, including measures of central tendencies and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, evaluated the intervention’s effectiveness. Results: WBV training was safe and well-tolerated in adults with ASD. Despite no statistically significant improvements in cardiovascular and muscular strength indices, participants showed good adherence and tolerance to the protocol. Conclusion: Although WBV training had no significant impact on measured outcomes, it emerged as a feasible and well-tolerated exercise for individuals with ASD. It shows promise for addressing cardiovascular risk factors and reducing sedentary behaviors, suggesting the need for longer interventions to fully uncover its therapeutic potential. Full article

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19 pages, 1005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

More Efficient and Verifiable Privacy-Preserving Aggregation Scheme for Internet of Things-Based Federated Learning

by Rongquan Shi, Lifei Wei and Lei Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5361; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135361 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

As Internet of Things (IoT) technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, smart devices have permeated daily life. Service providers are actively collecting copious numbers of user data, with the aim of refining machine learning models to elevate service quality and accuracy. [...] Read more.

As Internet of Things (IoT) technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, smart devices have permeated daily life. Service providers are actively collecting copious numbers of user data, with the aim of refining machine learning models to elevate service quality and accuracy. However, this practice has sparked apprehensions amongst users concerning the privacy and safety of their personal data. Federated learning emerges as an evolution of centralized machine learning, enabling a collective training of machine learning models by multiple users on their respective devices. Crucially, this is achieved without the direct submission of data to a central server, thereby significantly mitigating the hazards associated with privacy infringements. Since the machine learning algorithms act locally in federated learning, passing just the local model back to the central server, the users’ data remain locally. However, current research work indicates that local models also include user data privacy-related components. Moreover, current privacy-preserving secure aggregation schemes either offer insufficient accuracy or need significantly high computing resources for training. In this work, we propose an efficient and secure aggregation scheme for privacy-preserving federated learning with lower computational costs, which is suitable for those weak IoT devices since the proposed scheme is robust and fault-tolerant, allowing some of the users to dynamically exit or join the system without restarting the federated learning process or triggering abnormal termination. In addition, this scheme with the property of result verification in the situation when the servers return incorrect aggregation results, which can be verified by the users. Extensive experimental evaluations, based on real-world datasets, have substantiated the high accuracy of our proposed scheme. Moreover, in comparison to existing schemes, ours significantly reduces computational and communication costs by at least 85% and 47%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Internet of Things (IoT): Architecture, Protocols and Security, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 15379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Contaminant Transport Parameters for a Local Aquifer by Numerical Modeling of Two Plumes: Trichloroethylene and Hexavalent Chromium

by Mahade Ibn Salam, Brian Waldron, Scott Schoefernacker and Farhad Jazaei

Hydrology 2024, 11(7), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11070088 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2024

Abstract

The municipal wellfield in Collierville, Tennessee, is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) due to industrial operations dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. This study aims to elucidate the aquifer’s contaminant transport mechanisms by determining longitudinal and transverse dispersivities [...] Read more.

The municipal wellfield in Collierville, Tennessee, is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) due to industrial operations dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. This study aims to elucidate the aquifer’s contaminant transport mechanisms by determining longitudinal and transverse dispersivities through inverse modeling. Utilizing MT3DMS for contaminant transport simulation, based on a well-calibrated groundwater flow model, and leveraging Python’s multiprocessing library for efficiency, the study employs a trial-and-error methodology. Key findings reveal that longitudinal dispersivity values range from 5.5 m near the source to 20.5 m further away, with horizontal and vertical transverse dispersivities between 0.28 m and 3.88 m and between 0.03 m and 0.08 m, respectively. These insights into the aquifer’s dispersivity coefficients, which reflect the scale-dependent nature of longitudinal dispersivity, are crucial for optimizing remediation strategies and achieving cleanup goals. This study underscores the importance of accurate parameter estimation in contaminant transport modeling and contributes to a better understanding of contaminant dynamics in the Collierville wellfield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Pollution: Sources, Mechanisms, and Prevention)

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26 pages, 6168 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Modeling Surface Chloride Concentrations in Concrete Serving in the Marine Environment: A Mini Review

by Ruiqi Zhao, Chunfeng Li and Xuemao Guan

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061879 - 20 Jun 2024

Abstract

Chloride corrosion is a key factor affecting the life of marine concrete, and surface chloride concentration is the main parameter for analyzing its durability. In this paper, we first introduce six erosion mechanism models for surface chloride ion concentration, reveal the convection effect [...] Read more.

Chloride corrosion is a key factor affecting the life of marine concrete, and surface chloride concentration is the main parameter for analyzing its durability. In this paper, we first introduce six erosion mechanism models for surface chloride ion concentration, reveal the convection effect in the diffusion behavior of chloride ions, and then introduce the corrosion mechanisms that occur in different marine exposure environments. On this basis, the analysis is carried out using empirical formulations and machine learning methods, which provides a clearer understanding of the research characteristics and differences between empirical formulas and emerging machine learning techniques. This paper summarizes the time-varying model and multifactor coupling model on the basis of empirical analysis. It is found that the exponential function and the reciprocal function are more consistent with the distribution law of chloride ion concentration, the multifactor model containing the time-varying law is the most effective, and the Chen model is the most reliable. Machine learning, as an emerging method, has been widely used in concrete durability research. It can make up for the shortcomings of the empirical formula method and solve the multifactor coupling problem of surface chloride ion concentration with strong prediction ability. In addition, the difficulty of data acquisition is also a major problem that restricts the development of machine learning and incorporating concrete maintenance conditions into machine learning is a future development direction. Through this study, researchers can systematically understand the characteristics and differences of different research methods and their respective models and choose appropriate techniques to explore the durability of concrete structures. Moreover, intelligent computing will certainly occupy an increasingly important position in marine concrete research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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24 pages, 6445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Soil–Bridge Interactions on Seismic Response of a Cross-Fault Bridge: A Shaking Table Test Study

by Kunlin Guo, Xiaojun Li, Ning Wang, Zengping Wen and Yanbin Wang

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061874 - 20 Jun 2024

Abstract

A shaking table test of a 1/60 scale cross-fault bridge model considering the effects of soil–bridge interactions was designed and implemented, in which the bridge model was placed in two individual soil boxes to simulate the bridge across a strike-slip fault. Three seismic [...] Read more.

A shaking table test of a 1/60 scale cross-fault bridge model considering the effects of soil–bridge interactions was designed and implemented, in which the bridge model was placed in two individual soil boxes to simulate the bridge across a strike-slip fault. Three seismic ground motion time-histories with permanent displacements were selected as input excitations to investigate the influence of seismic ground motions with different frequency characteristics on the seismic response of the testing soil–bridge model. The one-side input method was used to simulate the seismic response of bridges across faults. The seismic responses of the soil and bridge in terms of acceleration, strain, and displacement were analyzed. The test results show that the one-side input method can simulate the seismic response of the main girder displacements well and the displacements and strains of piers and piles of the bridge structure spanning a fault. The strain responses at near-fault pile foundations are much larger than those farther away from the fault. Compared with other bridges, the cross-fault bridge is more prone to torsional and displacement responses during earthquakes. Surface fault rupture can lead to permanent inclination of the bridge piers, which should be paid more attention to in the practical engineering design of the bridges. Soil–bridge interactions can suppress the amplification effect of soil on ground motions. The test results can provide a reference for future research and the design of cross-fault bridges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Seismic Resilience Assessment and Dynamic Response Analysis in Civil Engineering)

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15 pages, 1336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Kinematic Variables According to Menstrual Cycle Phase and Running Intensity: Implications for Training Female Athletes

by Carolina Domínguez-Muñoz, Juan del Campo, Alberto García, José Guzmán, Rafael Martínez-Gallego and Jesús Ramón-Llin

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 5348; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125348 (registering DOI) - 20 Jun 2024

Abstract

Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, different values of running kinematic variables can be obtained. The aim of this study is to analyze whether there are changes in the kinematic variables in running throughout the menstrual cycle and to relate them [...] Read more.

Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, different values of running kinematic variables can be obtained. The aim of this study is to analyze whether there are changes in the kinematic variables in running throughout the menstrual cycle and to relate them to running performance and injury prevention. Eight regular female runners and triathletes performed a maximal treadmill test, as well as a submaximal test (6′ stages at 50%, 60% and 80% of maximal aerobic speed) in each of the phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation phase (day 2.4 ± 0.7), follicular phase (day 10.4 ± 2.2) and luteal phase (day 21.8 ± 2.1). Running dynamics were measured using RunScribe. For parametric data, a general linear model of repeated measures was applied, with two intrasubject independent variables, menstrual cycle phases (with three levels: Menstruation, Follicular, and Luteal) and running intensity (with four levels relative to the maximum speed reached in the test: 100%, 80%, 60%, and 50%). For variables with non-normal distributions, Friedman tests were performed with Wilcoxon post-tests adjusted for significance according to Bonferroni. The maximum stance velocity from foot strike to the point of maximum pronation (°/s) was higher in the menstruation phase than in the follicular and luteal phases (p = 0.008), the step rate (s/min) was higher in the follicular phase than in the menstruation and luteal phases (p = 0.049), the vertical velocity (m/s) was lower in the follicular phase than in the menstruation (p = 0.004) and luteal phases (p = 0.003), and the contact time (ms) was lower in the luteal phase than in the menstruation and follicular phases. These results suggest that training at high intensities could be a factor in greater risk of injury in female athletes, especially in the menstruation phase, finding in the luteal phase and at an intensity of 80% a greater efficiency in the running. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Biomechanics: Sport Performance and Injury Prevention III)

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