Announcements

Peer Review Week began 19 September 2022 under the theme of “Research Integrity: Creating and Supporting Trust in Research”. Through various blog articles, podcast, and webinar, we discussed this crucial subject throughout the week, celebrating the essential role peer review plays in maintaining research quality.

To begin, we held a Webinar on the topic. Professor Peter W. Choate and Dr. Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi joined Dr. Ioana Craciun, one of MDPI’s scientific officers, for an in-depth discussion.

We invite you to view the event recording:

During the week, the MDPI Blog in a series articles highlighted how good Peer Review safeguards research integrity. The following topics were covered:

• Peer Review Week 2022
• Research Integrity
• What We’ve Learned About Peer Review Reports
• 4 Steps to the Perfect Peer Review Report
• How to Write the Perfect Peer Review Report: An Interview
• Inviting Great Peer Reviewers

In a new edition of Insight Faster, an MDPI podcast, we were delighted to talk to the co-chairs of the Peer Review Week committee, Jayashree Rajagopalan (Senior Manager of Global Community Engagement for CACTUS) and Danielle Padula (Head of Marketing and Community Development at Scholastica) to get their take on this year’s event and its related topics.

You can find the Podcast here.

We hope you enjoy the contents!

The goal of Editor’s Choice Articles project is to promote high-quality articles published in Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3417).  Please find below the list of articles carefully handpicked by the scientific editors of the journal, which we believe will be of interest to you.

1. “Photodynamic Therapy—An Up-to-Date Review”
by Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083626
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3626

2. “Current Challenges and Future Opportunities for XAI in Machine Learning-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems: A Systematic Review”
by Anna Markella Antoniadi et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5088; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115088
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/5088

3. “Deep Learning-Based Methods for Prostate Segmentation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging”
by Albert Comelli et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020782
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/782

4. “Recent Progress in Applications of Non-Thermal Plasma for Water Purification, Bio-Sterilization, and Decontamination”
by Azadeh Barjasteh et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083372
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3372

5. “Ozonized Water Administration in Peri-Implant Mucositis Sites: A Randomized Clinical Trial”
by Andrea Butera et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7812; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177812
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/17/7812

6. “Mitigation of NaCl Stress in Wheat by Rhizosphere Engineering Using Salt Habitat Adapted PGPR Halotolerant Bacteria”
by Souhila Kerbab et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1034; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031034
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1034

7. “Applications of Nanosized-Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Wound Care”
by Andreea-Mariana Matei et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4915; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114915
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/4915

8. “Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Application of Machine Learning Classifiers in Biomedical Applications of Infrared Thermography”
by Carolina Magalhaes et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020842
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/842

9. “Chronic Effects of Diazinon® Exposures Using Integrated Biomarker Responses in Freshwater Walking Catfish, Clarias batrachus”
by Shubhajit Saha et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10902; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210902
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/22/10902

10. “Deep Malaria Parasite Detection in Thin Blood Smear Microscopic Images”
by Asma Maqsood et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2284; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052284
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2284

11. “Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Triclosan Induce Cyto-Genotoxicity and Biochemical Alterations in the Hatchlings of Labeo rohita”
by Sunil Sharma et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(21), 10478; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112110478
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/21/10478

12. “N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Gold(I) Complexes Targeting Actin Polymerization”
by Domenico Iacopetta et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5626; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125626
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/12/5626

13. “Land Suitability Mapping Using Geochemical and Spatial Analysis Methods”
by Dimitrios E. Alexakis et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5404; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125404
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/12/5404

14. “Virtual Geosite Communication through a WebGIS Platform: A Case Study from Santorini Island (Greece)”
by Federico Pasquaré Mariotto et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5466; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125466
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/12/5466

15. “Primary and Secondary Environmental Effects Triggered by the 30 October 2020, Mw = 7.0, Samos (Eastern Aegean Sea, Greece) Earthquake Based on Post-Event Field Surveys and InSAR Analysis”
by Spyridon Mavroulis et al.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3281; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073281
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/7/3281

We would like to thank all of the research groups that authored these exceptional papers for their contribution. We sincerely hope you find these articles of Applied Sciences to be useful and insightful.

1. “Detection of Cardiac Structural Abnormalities in Fetal Ultrasound Videos Using Deep Learning”
by Komatsu, M.; Sakai, A.; Komatsu, R.; Matsuoka, R.; Yasutomi, S.; Shozu, K.; Dozen, A.; Machino, H.; Hidaka, H.; Arakaki, T.; Asada, K.; Kaneko, S.; Sekizawa, A. and Hamamoto, R.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010371
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/1/371

2. “Impact of Dataset Size on Classification Performance: An Empirical Evaluation in the Medical Domain”
by Althnian, A.; AlSaeed, D.; Al-Baity, H.; Samha, A.; Dris, A.; Alzakari, N.; Abou Elwafa, A. and Kurdi, H.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020796
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/796

3. “Sentence Representation Method Based on Multi-Layer Semantic Network”
by Zheng, W.; Liu, X. and Yin, L.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031316
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1316

4. “Trends and Challenges in Network Covert Channels Countermeasures”
by Caviglione, L.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1641; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041641
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1641

5. “Intelligent Cyber Attack Detection and Classification for Network-Based Intrusion Detection Systems”
by Oliveira, N.; Praça, I.; Maia, E. and Sousa, O.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041674
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1674

6. “Augmented CWT Features for Deep Learning-Based Indoor Localization Using WiFi RSSI Data”
by Ssekidde, P.; Steven Eyobu, O.; Han, D. and Oyana, T.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1806; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041806
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1806

7. “How to Correctly Detect Face-Masks for COVID-19 from Visual Information?”
by Batagelj, B.; Peer, P.; Štruc, V. and Dobrišek, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052070
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2070

8. “A Review of Human–Computer Interaction and Virtual Reality Research Fields in Cognitive InfoCommunications”
by Katona, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062646
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2646

9. “Deep Learning Based Human Activity Recognition Using Spatio-Temporal Image Formation of Skeleton Joints”
by Tasnim, N.; Islam, M. and Baek, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2675; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062675
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2675

10. “Key Factors in the Implementation of the Internet of Things in the Hotel Sector”
by Infante-Moro, A.; Infante-Moro, J. and Gallardo-Pérez, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2924; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11072924
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/7/2924

11. “Information Security Behavior and Information Security Policy Compliance: A Systematic Literature Review for Identifying the Transformation Process from Noncompliance to Compliance”
by Ali, R.; Dominic, P.; Ali, S.; Rehman, M. and Sohail, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083383
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3383

12. “A Deep Neural Network Model for Speaker Identification”
by Ye, F. and Yang, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3603; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083603
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3603

13. “Prediction of Peak Particle Velocity Caused by Blasting through the Combinations of Boosted-CHAID and SVM Models with Various Kernels”
by Zeng, J.; Roussis, P.; Mohammed, A.; Maraveas, C.; Fatemi, S.; Armaghani, D. and Asteris, P.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3705; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083705
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3705

14. “Sentiment Analysis of Students’ Feedback with NLP and Deep Learning: A Systematic Mapping Study”
by Kastrati, Z.; Dalipi, F.; Imran, A.; Pireva Nuci, K. and Wani, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3986; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11093986
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/3986

15. “Real-Time Hand Gesture Recognition Based on Deep Learning YOLOv3 Model”
by Mujahid, A.; Awan, M.; Yasin, A.; Mohammed, M.; Damaševičius, R.; Maskeliūnas, R. and Abdulkareem, K.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4164; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094164
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/4164

16. “Augmented Reality Maintenance Assistant Using YOLOv5”
by Malta, A.; Mendes, M. and Farinha, T.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4758; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114758
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/4758

17. “COVID-19 Vaccination Awareness and Aftermath: Public Sentiment Analysis on Twitter Data and Vaccinated Population Prediction in the USA”
by Sattar, N. and Arifuzzaman, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6128; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136128
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/13/6128

18. “A Survey on Change Detection and Time Series Analysis with Applications”
by Ghaderpour, E.; Pagiatakis, S. and Hassan, Q.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136141
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/13/6141

19. “Prediction of COVID-19 from Chest CT Images Using an Ensemble of Deep Learning Models”
by Biswas, S.; Chatterjee, S.; Majee, A.; Sen, S.; Schwenker, F. and Sarkar, R.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7004; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11157004
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/7004

20. “Comparative Analysis of Low Discrepancy Sequence-Based Initialization Approaches Using Population-Based Algorithms for Solving the Global Optimization Problems”
by Bangyal, W.; Nisar, K.; Ag. Ibrahim, A.; Haque, M.; Rodrigues, J. and Rawat, D.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7591; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167591
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/16/7591

1. “A Review on Recent Advancements of Graphene and Graphene-Related Materials in Biological Applications”
by Catania, F.; Marras, E.; Giorcelli, M.; Jagdale, P.; Lavagna, L.; Tagliaferro, A. and Bartoli, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020614
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/614

2. “Review on Silver Nanoparticles as a Novel Class of Antibacterial Solutions”
by Crisan, C.; Mocan, T.; Manolea, M.; Lasca, L.; Tăbăran, F. and Mocan, L.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031120
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1120

3. “Carbon Nanotube-Based Composite Filaments for 3D Printing of Structural and Conductive Elements”
by Podsiadły, B.; Matuszewski, P.; Skalski, A. and Słoma, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031272
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1272

4. “Ag-Nanowire Bundles with Gap Hot Spots Synthesized in Track-Etched Membranes as Effective SERS-Substrates”
by Kozhina, E.; Bedin, S.; Nechaeva, N.; Podoynitsyn, S.; Tarakanov, V.; Andreev, S.; Grigoriev, Y. and Naumov, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1375; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041375
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1375

5. “Nanoparticles and Nanocrystals by Supercritical CO₂-Assisted Techniques for Pharmaceutical Applications: A Review”
by Franco, P. and De Marco, I.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041476
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1476

6. “Nanotechnology Development for Formulating Essential Oils in Wound Dressing Materials to Promote the Wound-Healing Process: A Review”
by De Luca, I.; Pedram, P.; Moeini, A.; Cerruti, P.; Peluso, G.; Di Salle, A. and Germann, N.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041713
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1713

7. “Mechanical Properties of DNA Hydrogels: Towards Highly Programmable Biomaterials”
by Bush, J.; Hu, C. and Veneziano, R.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041885
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1885

8. “Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis: An Overview of Methods of Preparation and Biomedical Applications”
by Rajakumar, G.; Mao, L.; Bao, T.; Wen, W.; Wang, S.; Gomathi, T.; Gnanasundaram, N.; Rebezov, M.; Shariati, M.; Chung, I.; Thiruvengadam, M. and Zhang, X.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052172
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2172

9. “Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity of Alginate Films with a Low Amount of Carbon Nanofibers (0.1% w/w)”
by Sanmartín-Santos, I.; Gandía-Llop, S.; Salesa, B.; Martí, M.; Lillelund Aachmann, F. and Serrano-Aroca, Á.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2311; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052311
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2311

10. “Systematic Review on Human Skin-Compatible Wearable Photoplethysmography Sensors”
by Lee, I.; Park, N.; Lee, H.; Hwang, C.; Kim, J. and Park, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052313
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2313

11. “Green Approaches to Carbon Nanostructure-Based Biomaterials”
by Adorinni, S.; Cringoli, M.; Perathoner, S.; Fornasiero, P. and Marchesan, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062490
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2490

12. “Biogenic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications”
by Mughal, B.; Zaidi, S.; Zhang, X. and Hassan, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062598
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2598

13. “Electrospun PVP/PVA Nanofiber Mat as a Novel Potential Transdermal Drug-Delivery System for Buprenorphine: A Solution Needed for Pain Management”
by Rahmani, F.; Ziyadi, H.; Baghali, M.; Luo, H. and Ramakrishna, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2779; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062779
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2779

14. “Tuning Single-Molecule Conductance by Controlled Electric Field-Induced trans-to-cis Isomerisation”
by Quintans, C.; Andrienko, D.; Domke, K.; Aravena, D.; Koo, S.; Díez-Pérez, I. and Aragonès, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3317; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083317
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3317

15. “Surface Functionalization of PLGA Nanoparticles to Increase Transport across the BBB for Alzheimer’s Disease”
by Del Amo, L.; Cano, A.; Ettcheto, M.; Souto, E.; Espina, M.; Camins, A.; García, M. and Sánchez-López, E.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4305; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094305
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/4305

16. “Antibacterial Activity of TiO₂ Nanoparticles Prepared by One-Step Laser Ablation in Liquid”
by Khashan, K.; Sulaiman, G.; Abdulameer, F.; Albukhaty, S.; Ibrahem, M.; Al-Muhimeed, T. and AlObaid, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4623; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104623
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/10/4623

17. “Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Tissue Engineering and Cell Growth”
by Tanzli, E. and Ehrmann, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6929; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156929
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/6929

18. “Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, and the Kidney”
by Hauser, P.; Chang, H.; Yanagawa, N. and Hamon, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7187; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167187
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/16/7187

19. “Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles: Structures, Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, Surface Functionalization, and Emerging Applications”
by Nguyen, M.; Tran, H.; Xu, S. and Lee, T.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11301; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311301
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/23/11301

20. “Copper Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Characterization, Physiology, Toxicity and Antimicrobial Applications”
by Crisan, M.; Teodora, M. and Lucian, M.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010141
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/1/141

MDPI will be attending NanoInnovation 2022, held in Rome, Italy, from 19 to 23 September 2022.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Applied Sciences (leading);
• Nanomaterials (co-leading);
• Applied Nano;
• Energies;
• Nanomanufacturing;
• Technologies.

If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please see the following link: https://www.nanoinnovation2022.eu/.

1. “A Practical and Effective Layout for a Safe Human-Robot Collaborative Assembly Task”
by Scimmi, L.; Melchiorre, M.; Troise, M.; Mauro, S. and Pastorelli, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041763
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1763

2. “Control of DC Motors to Guide Unmanned Underwater Vehicles”
by Sands, T.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052144
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2144

3. “Belt Conveyors Rollers Diagnostics Based on Acoustic Signal Collected Using Autonomous Legged Inspection Robot”
by Skoczylas, A.; Stefaniak, P.; Anufriiev, S. and Jachnik, B.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(5), 2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052299
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/5/2299

4. “An Improved PID Controller for the Compliant Constant-Force Actuator Based on BP Neural Network and Smith Predictor”
by Pei, G.; Yu, M.; Xu, Y.; Ma, C.; Lai, H.; Chen, F. and Lin, H.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2685; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062685
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2685

5. “Transformed Structural Properties Method to Determine the Controllability and Observability of Robots”
by Martinez, D.; Rubio, J.; Garcia, V.; Vargas, T.; Islas, M.; Pacheco, J.; Gutierrez, G.; Meda-Campaña, J.; Mujica-Vargas, D. and Aguilar-Ibañez, C.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3082; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073082
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/7/3082

6. “A Mobile Service Robot Global Path Planning Method Based on Ant Colony Optimization and Fuzzy Control”
by Tao, Y.; Gao, H.; Ren, F.; Chen, C.; Wang, T.; Xiong, H. and Jiang, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3605; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083605
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3605

7. “Digital Twin for Designing and Reconfiguring Human–Robot Collaborative Assembly Lines”
by Kousi, N.; Gkournelos, C.; Aivaliotis, S.; Lotsaris, K.; Bavelos, A.; Baris, P.; Michalos, G. and Makris, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4620; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104620
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/10/4620

8. “Comparing Methods of DC Motor Control for UUVs”
by Shah, R. and Sands, T.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4972; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114972
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/4972

9. “A 4-DOF Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Physical Assistance: Design, Modeling, Control and Performance Evaluation”
by Gull, M.; Thoegersen, M.; Bengtson, S.; Mohammadi, M.; Andreasen Struijk, L.; Moeslund, T.; Bak, T. and Bai, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5865; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135865
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/13/5865

10. “Anomaly Detection Using Deep Neural Network for IoT Architecture”
by Ahmad, Z.; Shahid Khan, A.; Nisar, K.; Haider, I.; Hassan, R.; Haque, M.; Tarmizi, S. and Rodrigues, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7050; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11157050
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/7050

MDPI will be attending the 21st European Conference on Computational Biology (ECCB2022), held in Barcelona, Spain, from 18 to 21 September 2022.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Applied Sciences (leading);
• AI;
• Bioengineering;
• Biology;
• Biomimetics;
• Symmetry.

If you plan on attending this conference, feel free to stop by our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person to answer any questions that you may have.

For more information about the conference, please see the following link: https://eccb2022.org/.

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Francesco Cappello has been appointed as the Associate Editor of the journal Applied Sciences (ISSN: 2076-3417, IF: 2.838).

Prof. Dr. Francesco Cappello was born in Palermo, Italy, in 1973. In 1997, he completed his degree in medicine and surgery with honors and was awarded the Best Thesis prize. In 2002, he became a specialist in pathological anatomy, receiving the maximum score. Since 2016, he has served as a Full Professor at the University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy, where he teaches human anatomy and histology. His current honorific appointments include the following: Scientific Director of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Palermo, Italy; Associate Member of the Faculty of the Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston (TX), USA; Adjunct Associate Professor of the Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia (PA), USA; President of the Italian Society of Experimental Biology; and Senior Fellow of the Cell Stress Society International. His research interests include cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ regeneration, cell stress and chaperones, and nanovesicles.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Francesco Cappello, who shared his vision for the journal and his views of the research area and open access publishing with us:

1. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to take on the role as its Associate Editor?
The reputation of MDPI and the efficacious support of its editorial team.

2. What is your vision for the Section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering"?
This is a growing field of interest for the future as well as in developing countries.

3. Who should contribute to this Section, and what can readers expect?
Scientists, including mature Ph.D. and post-doc students, should contribute to offering readers the opportunity to learn about their contributions to the advancement of science in this field.

4. What does the future of this field of research look like?
The future of this field is of great interest and includes the opportunity of receiving funding from public and private entities.

We warmly welcome Prof. Dr. Francesco Cappello to his new role as Associate Editor, and we look forward to his guidance in helping Applied Sciences reach new milestones.

1. “Assessment of an Improved Three-Diode against Modified Two-Diode Patterns of MCS Solar Cells Associated with Soft Parameter Estimation Paradigms”
by Bayoumi, A.; El-Sehiemy, R.; Mahmoud, K.; Lehtonen, M.; Darwish, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031055
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1055

2. “Real-Time Extensive Livestock Monitoring Using LPWAN Smart Wearable and Infrastructure”
by Casas, R.; Hermosa, A.; Marco, Á.; Blanco, T.; Zarazaga-Soria, F.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1240; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031240
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1240

3. “A Novel Automatic Modulation Classification Method Using Attention Mechanism and Hybrid Parallel Neural Network”
by Zhang, R.; Yin, Z.; Wu, Z.; Zhou, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031327
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1327

4. “Crowded Space: A Review on Radar Measurements for Space Debris Monitoring and Tracking”
by Muntoni, G.; Montisci, G.; Pisanu, T.; Andronico, P.; Valente, G.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1364; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041364
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1364

5. “Metamaterial Based Design of Compact UWB/MIMO Monopoles Antenna with Characteristic Mode Analysis”
by Jabire, A.; Ghaffar, A.; Li, X.; Abdu, A.; Saminu, S.; Alibakhshikenari, M.; Falcone, F.; Limiti, E.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041542
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1542

6. “Machine Learning for Design Optimization of Electromagnetic Devices: Recent Developments and Future Directions”
by Li, Y.; Lei, G.; Bramerdorfer, G.; Peng, S.; Sun, X.; Zhu, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041627
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1627

7. “Design and Realization of a Frequency Reconfigurable Multimode Antenna for ISM, 5G-Sub-6-GHz, and S-Band Applications”
by Ghaffar, A.; Li, X.; Awan, W.; Iffat Naqvi, S.; Hussain, N.; Seet, B.; Alibakhshikenari, M.; Falcone, F.; Limiti, E.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1635; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041635
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1635

8. “Time-Dependent Performance of a Multi-Hop Software Defined Network”
by Czachórski, T.; Gelenbe, E.; Kuaban, G.; Marek, D.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062469
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2469

9. “Interpretation of Frequency Response Analysis for Fault Detection in Power Transformers”
by Al-Ameri, S.; Kamarudin, M.; Yousof, M.; Salem, A.; Siada, A.; Mosaad, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11072923
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/7/2923

10. “Digital Twins Collaboration for Automatic Erratic Operational Data Detection in Industry 4.0”
by Sahal, R.; Alsamhi, S.; Breslin, J.; Brown, K.; Ali, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(7), 3186; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11073186
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/7/3186

11. “Renewable Generation and Transmission Expansion Planning Coordination with Energy Storage System: A Flexibility Point of View”
by Ansari, M.; Pirouzi, S.; Kazemi, M.; Naderipour, A.; Benbouzid, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3303; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083303
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3303

12. “True Random Number Generator Based on Fibonacci-Galois Ring Oscillators for FPGA”
by Nannipieri, P.; Di Matteo, S.; Baldanzi, L.; Crocetti, L.; Belli, J.; Fanucci, L.; Saponara, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3330; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083330
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3330

13. “Power-Ordered NOMA with Massive MIMO for 5G Systems”
by Marques da Silva, M.; Dinis, R.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083541
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3541

14. “In Situ Assessment of 5G NR Massive MIMO Base Station Exposure in a Commercial Network in Bern, Switzerland”
by Aerts, S.; Deprez, K.; Colombi, D.; Van den Bossche, M.; Verloock, L.; Martens, L.; Törnevik, C.; Joseph, W.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083592
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/8/3592

15. “Sizing and Sitting of DERs in Active Distribution Networks Incorporating Load Prevailing Uncertainties Using Probabilistic Approaches”
by Nematollahi, A.; Shahinzadeh, H.; Nafisi, H.; Vahidi, B.; Amirat, Y.; Benbouzid, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4156; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094156
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/4156

16. “A Self-Optimizing Technique Based on Vertical Handover for Load Balancing in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks Using Big Data Analytics”
by Beshley, M.; Kryvinska, N.; Yaremko, O.; Beshley, H.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4737; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114737
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/4737

17. “Parametric Analysis of the Edge Capacitance of Uniform Slots and Application to Frequency-Variation Permittivity Sensors”
by Muñoz-Enano, J.; Martel, J.; Vélez, P.; Medina, F.; Su, L.; Martín, F.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7000; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11157000
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/7000

18. “Microwave Planar Resonant Solutions for Glucose Concentration Sensing: A Systematic Review”
by Juan, C.; Potelon, B.; Quendo, C.; Bronchalo, E.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7018; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11157018
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/7018

19. “Cyclostationary Crosstalk Cancelation in High-Speed Transmission Lines”
by Kuznetsov, Y.; Baev, A.; Konovalyuk, M.; Gorbunova, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7988; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177988
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/17/7988

20. “Dynamic Correction of the Influence of Long Measuring Path Irregularity in Antenna Tests”
by Dobychina, E.; Snastin, M.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8183; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178183
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/17/8183

1. “Homodyne Spectroscopy with Broadband Terahertz Power Detector Based on 90-nm Silicon CMOS Transistor”
by Ikamas, K.; But, D.; Lisauskas, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11010412
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/1/412

2. “Beam Profile Characterisation of an Optoelectronic Silicon Lens-Integrated PIN-PD Emitter between 100 GHz and 1 THz”
by Smith, J.; Naftaly, M.; Nellen, S.; Globisch, B.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020465
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/465

3. “Trends in Performance Limits of the HOT Infrared Photodetectors”
by Rogalski, A.; Martyniuk, P.; Kopytko, M.; Hu, W.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020501
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/501

4. “Performance Evaluation of a THz Pulsed Imaging System: Point Spread Function, Broadband THz Beam Visualization and Image Reconstruction”
by Di Fabrizio, M.; D’Arco, A.; Mou, S.; Palumbo, L.; Petrarca, M.; Lupi, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(2), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11020562
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/562

5. “Inductive Thermography as Non-Destructive Testing for Railway Rails”
by Tuschl, C.; Oswald-Tranta, B.; Eck, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031003
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/3/1003

6. “Review on Complete Mueller Matrix Optical Scanning Microscopy Imaging”
by Le Gratiet, A.; Mohebi, A.; Callegari, F.; Bianchini, P.; Diaspro, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041632
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1632

7. “Cladding-Pumped Erbium/Ytterbium Co-Doped Fiber Amplifier for C-Band Operation in Optical Networks”
by Supe, A.; Olonkins, S.; Udalcovs, A.; Senkans, U.; Mūrnieks, R.; Gegere, L.; Prigunovs, D.; Grube, J.; Elsts, E.; Spolitis, S.; Ozolins, O.; Bobrovs, V.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041702
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1702

8. “Dual-Slope Diffuse Reflectance Instrument for Calibration-Free Broadband Spectroscopy”
by Blaney, G.; Donaldson, R.; Mushtak, S.; Nguyen, H.; Vignale, L.; Fernandez, C.; Pham, T.; Sassaroli, A.; Fantini, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041757
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/4/1757

9. “Storm-Time Features of the Ionospheric ELF/VLF Waves and Energetic Electron Fluxes Revealed by the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite”
by Zhima, Z.; Hu, Y.; Shen, X.; Chu, W.; Piersanti, M.; Parmentier, A.; Zhang, Z.; Wang, Q.; Huang, J.; Zhao, S.; Yang, Y.; Yang, D.; Sun, X.; Tan, Q.; Zhou, N.; Guo, F.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2617; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11062617
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/6/2617

10. “Inverse Design for Silicon Photonics: From Iterative Optimization Algorithms to Deep Neural Networks”
by Mao, S.; Cheng, L.; Zhao, C.; Khan, F.; Li, Q.; Fu, H.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3822; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11093822
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/3822

11. “A Survey of Low-Cost 3D Laser Scanning Technology”
by Bi, S.; Yuan, C.; Liu, C.; Cheng, J.; Wang, W.; Cai, Y.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3938; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11093938
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/9/3938

12. “Towards a Glass New World: The Role of Ion-Exchange in Modern Technology”
by Berneschi, S.; Righini, G.; Pelli, S.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4610; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104610
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/10/4610

13. “Trace CH4 Gas Detection Based on an Integrated Spherical Photoacoustic Cell”
by Jiao, Y.; Fan, H.; Gong, Z.; Yang, K.; Shen, F.; Chen, K.; Mei, L.; Peng, W.; Yu, Q.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4997; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114997
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/11/4997

14. “Gas Sensors Based on Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances: Synthesis of Oxide Films with Embedded Metal Nanoparticles, Theory and Simulation, and Sensitivity Enhancement Strategies”
by Rodrigues, M.; Borges, J.; Lopes, C.; Pereira, R.; Vasilevskiy, M.; Vaz, F.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5388; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125388
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/12/5388

15. “From Femtoseconds to Hours—Measuring Dynamics over 18 Orders of Magnitude with Coherent X-rays”
by Lehmkühler, F.; Roseker, W.; Grübel, G.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 6179; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11136179
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/13/6179

16. “Terahertz and Microwave Optical Properties of Single-Crystal Quartz and Vitreous Silica and the Behavior of the Boson Peak”
by Naftaly, M.; Gregory, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6733; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156733
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/15/6733

17. “Exact Scan Patterns of Rotational Risley Prisms Obtained with a Graphical Method: Multi-Parameter Analysis and Design”
by Duma, V.; Dimb, A.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8451; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188451
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/18/8451

18. “Review of Element Analysis of Industrial Materials by In-Line Laser—Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)”
by Pedarnig, J.; Trautner, S.; Grünberger, S.; Giannakaris, N.; Eschlböck-Fuchs, S.; Hofstadler, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9274; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199274
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/19/9274

19. “Fast Image Reconstruction Technique for Parallel Phase-Shifting Digital Holography”
by Tsuruta, M.; Fukuyama, T.; Tahara, T.; Takaki, Y.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11343; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112311343
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/23/11343

20. “Experimental Demonstration and Performance Enhancement of 5G NR Multiband Radio over Fiber System Using Optimized Digital Predistortion”
by Hadi, M.; Awais, M.; Raza, M.; Ashraf, M.; Song, J.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11624; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411624
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/24/11624