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Recent Articles  

17 pages, 1477 KiB  
Review
Characterization of Platelet Receptors and Their Involvement in Immune Activation of These Cells
by Beata Tokarz-Deptuła, Łukasz Baraniecki, Joanna Palma, Michał Stosik and Wiesław Deptuła
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312611 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
The article characterises platelets, pointing out the role and contribution of their numerous receptors determining their specific and broad immune activity. Three types of platelet receptors are described, that is, extracellular and intracellular receptors—TLR (toll-like receptors), NLR (NOD-like receptor), and RLR (RIG-I-like receptor); [...] Read more.
The article characterises platelets, pointing out the role and contribution of their numerous receptors determining their specific and broad immune activity. Three types of platelet receptors are described, that is, extracellular and intracellular receptors—TLR (toll-like receptors), NLR (NOD-like receptor), and RLR (RIG-I-like receptor); extracellular receptors—selectins and integrins; and their other extracellular receptors—CLR (C-type lectin receptor), CD (cluster of differentiation), TNF (tumour necrosis factor), among others. Outlining the contribution of these numerous platelet receptors to the intravascular immunity, it has been shown that they are formed by their fusion with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and lifestyle-associated molecular patterns (LAMPs). They are initiating and effector components of signal transduction of these cells, and their expression and quantity determine the specific and broad functions of platelets towards influencing vascular endothelial cells, but mainly PRRs (pattern recognition receptors) of blood immune cells. These facts make platelets the fundamental elements that shape not only intravascular homeostasis, as previously indicated, but they become the determinants of immunity in blood vessels. Describing the reactions of the characterised three groups of platelet receptors with PAMP, DAMP and LAMP molecules, the pathways and participation of platelets in the formation and construction of intravascular immune status, in physiological states, but mainly in pathological states, including bacterial and viral infections, are presented, making these cells essential elements in the health and disease of mammals, including humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)
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17 pages, 3277 KiB  
Article
Comigration Behavior of Cr(VI) and Microplastics and Remediation of Microplastics-Facilitated Cr(VI) Transportation in Saturated Porous Media
by Zijiang Yang, Yuheng Ma, Qi Jing and Zhongyu Ren
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233271 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
The study of the co-transport of Cr(VI) and microplastics (MPs) in porous media is important for predicting migration behavior and for achieving pollution removal in natural soils and groundwater. In this work, the effect of MPs on Cr(VI) migration in saturated porous media [...] Read more.
The study of the co-transport of Cr(VI) and microplastics (MPs) in porous media is important for predicting migration behavior and for achieving pollution removal in natural soils and groundwater. In this work, the effect of MPs on Cr(VI) migration in saturated porous media was investigated at different ionic strengths (ISs) and pHs. The results showed that pH 7 and low IS (5 mM), respectively, promoted the movement of Cr(VI), which was further promoted by the presence of MPs. The Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) results showed that the repulsive energy barrier between MPs and quartz sand decreased with increasing IS and decreasing pH, respectively, which promoted the retention of MPs in quartz sand and constrained the competition of Cr(VI) for adsorption sites on the surface of the quartz sand, thus facilitating the enhanced migration of Cr(VI), while Cr(VI) behaved conversely. Sodium alginate/nano zero-valent iron-reduced graphene oxide (SA/NZVI-rGO) gel beads could achieve the removal of MPs through a π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic attraction, but the MPs removal would be reduced by 40% due to the competitive adsorption of Cr(VI). Notably, 97% Cr(VI) removal could still be achieved by the gel beads in the presence of MPs. Therefore, the gel beads can be used as a permeation reaction barrier to inhibit the MP-induced high migration of Cr(VI). The Cr(VI) breakthrough curves in reactive migration were well-fitted with the two-site chemical nonequilibrium model. Overall, the findings of this work contribute to the understanding of the migration behavior of Cr(VI) and MPs in saturated porous media and provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of soils and groundwater contaminated with Cr(VI) and MPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3085 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Variations in Habitat Use of Humpback Dolphins Due to Anthropogenic Activities in Western Pearl River Estuary
by Xinxing Wang, Min Li, Liang Fang, Tao Chen and Wenhua Liu
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233381 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Marine mammals near coastlines are highly vulnerable to human activities like rapid industrialisation, port construction, and sea reclamation, which can alter their habitat use. This study examines changes in the habitat use of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the western Pearl River Estuary (WPRE) [...] Read more.
Marine mammals near coastlines are highly vulnerable to human activities like rapid industrialisation, port construction, and sea reclamation, which can alter their habitat use. This study examines changes in the habitat use of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the western Pearl River Estuary (WPRE) by employing a kernel density estimation model that considers physical barriers. Sighting records from systematic surveys in 2007–2008 and 2019–2020, along with remote sensing data, were used to analyse changes in shorelines and areas affected by maritime projects since 1973. Approximately 552.98 km2 of water was permanently lost to reclamation between 1973 and 2020. In 2007–2008, dolphins preferred natural shorelines, while reclamation drove them away from artificial ones. By 2019–2020, their core habitat had decreased by two-thirds, with some areas disappearing, likely due to aquaculture expansion. These results highlight the importance of adopting improved environmental assessment methodologies in the planning and regulation of aquaculture activities in the WPRE to better protect the dolphin habitat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Changes in Population Characteristics of Marine and Freshwater Organisms and Their Environmental Driving Factors)
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22 pages, 9487 KiB  
Article
Impact of Anthropogenic Factors on the Diversity of Microbial Communities of PM10 Air and PM100 of Tilia L. Phylloplane in an Urban Ecosystem
by Olesya I. Sazonova, Anastasia A. Ivanova, Anna A. Vetrova, Anton N. Zvonarev, Rostislav A. Streletskii, Viacheslav I. Vasenev, Vladimir A. Myazin, Ksenia I. Makhinya, Ekaterina V. Kozlova and Maria V. Korneykova
Biology 2024, 13(12), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13120969 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Identifying the relationship between the microbiomes of urban dust particles from different biotopes is important because the state of microorganisms can be used to assess the quality of the environment. The aim of this work was to determine the distribution and interaction patterns [...] Read more.
Identifying the relationship between the microbiomes of urban dust particles from different biotopes is important because the state of microorganisms can be used to assess the quality of the environment. The aim of this work was to determine the distribution and interaction patterns of microorganisms of dust particles in the air and on leaf surfaces. Metabarcoding of bacterial and fungal communities, PAH, and metal content analyses and electron microscopy were used in this work. The results obtained allowed us to characterise the biological and chemical components of the dust particles. Some bacterial and fungal genera were correlated with benzanthracene, fluoranthene, and Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and Mn contents. Bacterial communities were found to be more sensitive to all the pollutants studied. PM10 microbial communities circulated between biotopes and study areas due to air flows, as evidenced by the presence of similar ASVs in fungi and bacteria. The results could help to understand the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation of Living Species to Environmental Stress)
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20 pages, 5086 KiB  
Article
Electrohydrodynamic Propeller as One of the Alternatives to Replace Conventional Propulsion Systems
by Peter Čurma, Marián Lázár, Natália Jasminská, Tomáš Brestovič, Filip Duda and Peter Milenovský
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310885 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
In this article, an analysis of issues related to EHD propulsion systems, including their design and the working principle, is presented. The article deals with the advantages and shortcomings that influence their utilisation in the conditions of the Earth’s atmosphere. In the practical [...] Read more.
In this article, an analysis of issues related to EHD propulsion systems, including their design and the working principle, is presented. The article deals with the advantages and shortcomings that influence their utilisation in the conditions of the Earth’s atmosphere. In the practical section of the article, a set of experiments aimed at elucidating a relationship between the geometry of the capacitor model applied voltage and the induced force is described. An essential task was to verify the functionality of a device and to quantify the efficiency of this type of propeller by applying experimental methods aimed at increasing the functionality. Full article
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20 pages, 11723 KiB  
Article
Pixel Interaction Model for Contrast Enhancement: Bridging Social Science and Image Processing
by Beatriz A. Rivera-Aguilar, Erik Cuevas, Alberto Luque-Chang, Jesús López and Marco Pérez-Cisneros
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10887; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310887 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Image contrast enhancement is an essential process that improves the visibility of many features that may remain hidden due to low-contrast conditions arising from environmental causes, limitations of the device, or the wrong setting of the camera. This paper introduces a new technique [...] Read more.
Image contrast enhancement is an essential process that improves the visibility of many features that may remain hidden due to low-contrast conditions arising from environmental causes, limitations of the device, or the wrong setting of the camera. This paper introduces a new technique of image contrast enhancement that combines insights from social sciences and image processing. In this model, the intensity of each pixel represents the opinion of an individual, and all the neighboring pixels interact by influencing each other. The algorithm operates to first increase the similarity of those pixels in the regions where pixels maintain similar intensities and, second, to amplify the differences in regions where differences exist. This process increases the contrast in regions with significant differences and reduces variation in uniform regions, hence enhancing clarity in the visual information and details of the image. The effectiveness and high performance of the proposed method are evaluated by a variety of experiments conducted on different image datasets using different quality indexes. The results obtained after experimentation highlight the superiority of the approach with respect to the state-of-the-art techniques of contrast enhancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
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13 pages, 1631 KiB  
Article
Dietary Docosahexaenoic Acid-Rich Supplementation Decreases Neurotoxic Lipid Mediators in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathic Pain
by Alfonso M. Durán, Francis Zamora and Marino De León
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234025 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is increasing evidence linking circulating neurotoxic lipids to the progression of chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Strategies to modify lipid profiles, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich supplementation, may aid in managing conditions like painful diabetic neuropathy [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is increasing evidence linking circulating neurotoxic lipids to the progression of chronic neuroinflammatory diseases in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Strategies to modify lipid profiles, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich supplementation, may aid in managing conditions like painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN). In a previous study, we demonstrated that three months of DHA supplementation significantly altered the metabolomic profile of patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (pDN), resulting in symptom improvement. This study investigates whether DHA-rich supplementation reduces neurotoxic lipid mediators associated with pDN in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty individuals with type 2 diabetes participated in the “En Balance-PLUS” study, attending weekly lifestyle and nutrition education sessions while receiving daily supplementation of 1000 mg DHA and 200 mg EPA. Pain levels were assessed using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) at baseline and after three months. Blood serum samples collected at these time points underwent untargeted lipidomic analyses, with ELISA used to evaluate biomarkers of necrosis (MLKL), autophagy (ATG5), and lipid chaperone protein (FABP5). Results: Untargeted lipidomic analysis revealed that several neurotoxic-associated lipids significantly decreased after DHA-rich supplementation. Also, circulating levels of MLKL were reduced, while protein levels of ATG5 and FABP5 significantly increased. Conclusions: The reduction of circulating neurotoxic lipids and increase in neuroprotective lipids following DHA-rich supplementation are consistent with the reported roles of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in reducing adverse symptoms associated with neuroinflammatory diseases and painful neuropathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
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20 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Agents for Biocontrol of American Foulbrood (AFB) of Larvae Honey Bee
by Piotr Nowotnik, Paweł Chorbiński, Paweł Migdał and Bogusław Górski
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(4), 2394-2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15040161 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Bee colonies are constantly threatened by a bacterial larvae disease called American foulbrood, caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. This is a highly specialized pathogen with only one established host, the honey bee larvae. The current state of legislation throughout the [...] Read more.
Bee colonies are constantly threatened by a bacterial larvae disease called American foulbrood, caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. This is a highly specialized pathogen with only one established host, the honey bee larvae. The current state of legislation throughout the European Union prevents the inclusion of pharmacotherapy treatment, and the only control is based on the physical elimination of infected colonies upon veterinary orders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of selected bacteria with proven probiotic potential with typical characteristics meeting the definition of a probiotic that could reduce the American foulbrood pressure by promoting the development of the larvae microbiome that competes with and blocks the excessive proliferation and production of P. larvae endospores. The antimicrobial activity of inoculants of the following selected strains was studied: Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Streptomyces narbonensis, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Levilactobacillus brevis, Bacillus megaterium against Paenibacillus larvae ATCC 9545 (formerly Paenibacillus larvae sub sp. larvae), and Paenibacillus larvae CCUG 48973. Analyses were performed by the well diffusion method according to EUCAST standards (clinical breakpoints and dosing of antibiotics) with modifications due to the specificity of the bacteria used. The largest zone of growth inhibition of P. larvae was confirmed with S. narbonensis, B. licheniformis, and B. megaterium, and medium activity was observed with L. brevis and B. pumilus. Negligible activity was shown by L. fusiformis. Differences were noticed in the resistance of indicator strains of P. larvae and between the media and carriers used. Full article
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14 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cognitive and Behavioral Changes Related to Smoking Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Mohammed A. Aljunaid, Safa Abdullah Mehdar, Haneen Saud Bukhari, Rafal Hussain AlSharif, Rawaf Hussain AlSharif and Shahad AlHarbi
Medicina 2024, 60(12), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60121935 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aims to determine smoking patterns, prevalence, and associated factors among medical students in Jeddah, focusing on experimentation, daily smoking, cessation efforts, awareness of health risks, and attitudes toward quitting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aims to determine smoking patterns, prevalence, and associated factors among medical students in Jeddah, focusing on experimentation, daily smoking, cessation efforts, awareness of health risks, and attitudes toward quitting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from September to November 2023. It involved 213 medical students, from the second to sixth year, enrolled in various universities. Data collection utilized a comprehensive questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization’s questionnaire and enhanced with additional relevant items by the researchers. The questionnaire, comprising eight sections, was administered online over a three-month period. Results: About 30.8% reported ever smoking, with 21.6% currently smoking. Among ever-smokers, 43.1% began smoking during college, mostly in the second year. Stress, exploration, and peer influence were frequent reasons for initiating smoking during college years. About 32.3% never considered quitting, while 67.7% thought about it. Regarding quit attempts, 53.8% attempted seriously, and 5.3% quit in the last year. Protective factors against smoking included health concerns and setting a good example. Most participants recognized smoking-related health hazards, with strong consensus on the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures. Notably, many participants expressed proactive attitudes toward smoking cessation interventions. Conclusions: Smoking is prevalent among Saudi medical students, often starting in college due to stress, new experiences, and peer influence. Many consider quitting, probably supported by the educational environment and a sense of responsibility toward personal and public health. Strengthened educational frameworks, including stress management training, are crucial for fostering a health-focused professional identity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
11 pages, 1685 KiB  
Systematic Review
Are Imaging Evaluations of Soft-Tissue Masses Before Referral to a Specialized Center Being Performed Properly? A Systematic Review
by Min Wook Joo, Chan Jin Park, Yong-Suk Lee, Yoon Joo Cho, Nicholas Matthew Bernthal, Seul Ki Lee, Hyunho Kim, Joo Hwan Lee, Sung Hwan Kim and Yang-Guk Chung
Cancers 2024, 16(23), 3935; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16233935 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Since the initial approach towards the clinical presentation of soft-tissue masses is challenging for frontline physicians, some countries use clinical practice guidelines. Proper imaging work-up is crucial to differentiate between soft-tissue tumors. Recently, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Since the initial approach towards the clinical presentation of soft-tissue masses is challenging for frontline physicians, some countries use clinical practice guidelines. Proper imaging work-up is crucial to differentiate between soft-tissue tumors. Recently, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely used. But there is some controversy about whether pre-referral evaluations are being conducted properly. Thus, this study aims to assess whether the ultrasonography investigation of soft-tissue masses prior to referral to the musculoskeletal tumor center is being performed adequately in terms of indications, diagnostic accuracy, and referral interval, and to evaluate whether the pre-referral MRI for soft-tissue masses is being conducted reasonably concerning indications, imaging protocol, reporting, diagnostic accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Methods: The study protocol was registered. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. We performed a database search of the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Then, two authors reviewed the studies, and the third author resolved any disagreement between them. A total of nine studies were included. The Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies-of Interventions was applied. Relevant data were extracted by two authors. Results: This review showed that the way that the imaging investigations are performed in non-specialized centers before referral was generally considered inappropriate. Conclusions: Frontline physicians should regard the alarm symptom as an indication for advanced imaging evaluation. Education and certification may be required for ultrasonography. MRI should be performed and interpreted in a specialized center or by a specialist with relevant expertise. Guidance may help reduce inappropriate imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systematic Review or Meta-Analysis in Cancer Research)
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26 pages, 2453 KiB  
Systematic Review
Therapeutic Potential of Solenopsis invicta Venom: A Scoping Review of Its Bioactive Molecules, Biological Aspects, and Health Applications
by Mario Dioguardi, Stefania Cantore, Diego Sovereto, Lorenzo Sanesi, Angelo Martella, Lynn Almasri, Gennaro Musella, Lorenzo Lo Muzio and Andrea Ballini
Biomolecules 2024, 14(12), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14121499 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Solenopsis invicta, a South American ant species from the Formicidae family (subfamily Myrmicinae), has recently established a stable settlement in Europe, raising public health concerns due to its venomous stings. The venom of S. invicta is rich in bioactive molecules, particularly piperidine alkaloids [...] Read more.
Solenopsis invicta, a South American ant species from the Formicidae family (subfamily Myrmicinae), has recently established a stable settlement in Europe, raising public health concerns due to its venomous stings. The venom of S. invicta is rich in bioactive molecules, particularly piperidine alkaloids such as solenopsin A and peptides (Sol 1–4). These compounds have been implicated in various health applications, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumour activities. While previous reviews have focused on the ecological and allergenic risks posed by S. invicta, this scoping review aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic uses of S. invicta venom by summarizing existing scientific evidence and providing a novel synthesis of recent research on its bioactive components. Furthermore, this study, by describing the unique biological aspects of S. invicta, provides an overview of its direct impact on public health, highlighting new findings on the venom’s role in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation and modulating cancer growth pathways through gene regulation. A search of databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) identified 12,340 articles, from which 11 studies met the eligibility criteria. These studies included seven microbiological investigations and four studies on tumour cell lines and animal models. The findings suggest that S. invicta venom could inhibit biofilm formation, combat fungal infections, and suppress tumour growth. However, further research, including clinical trials, is required to fully elucidate the safety and efficacy of these bioactive molecules in human medicine, for their potential use in drug discovery to counteract several diseases, including cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Medicine)
25 pages, 6473 KiB  
Article
Birds as Cultural Ambassadors: Bridging Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Conservation in Wetland Planning
by Michela Ingaramo, Anna Rita Bernadette Cammerino, Vincenzo Rizzi, Maurizio Gioiosa and Massimo Monteleone
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10286; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310286 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Coastal wetlands deliver essential ecosystem services, including cultural services, which provide non-material benefits such as recreation, education, and spiritual enrichment that are crucial for human well-being. This study investigates the cultural ecosystem services provided by a 40 ha coastal wetland in the Gulf [...] Read more.
Coastal wetlands deliver essential ecosystem services, including cultural services, which provide non-material benefits such as recreation, education, and spiritual enrichment that are crucial for human well-being. This study investigates the cultural ecosystem services provided by a 40 ha coastal wetland in the Gulf of Manfredonia, southern Italy, within the Gargano National Park. By integrating an ecological survey of the bird community with a social survey of visitors to the King’s Lagoon Nature Reserve, the content of tailored planning strategies and management tools for the conservation of wetland biodiversity was developed. An ecological analysis of the bird community was carried out on the assumption that it could be representative of the total biodiversity observed in the wetland. On the other hand, a questionnaire was used to collect information from visitors to the reserve, highlighting the aspects of the wetland that they found most interesting and attractive according to their judgement and beliefs, and thus targeting a specific set of cultural ecological services. The two approaches were then combined to develop a comprehensive strategy. The bird community analysis led to the identification of the mixed biotope category (a combination of wetlands, aquatic/riparian ecosystems, semi-natural vegetated areas, and meadows together with agricultural areas) as the reference biotope for prioritizing wetland management. The Ardeidae family was chosen as a bird flagship group because of its high visibility, ease of identification, attractiveness to visitors, wide local distribution, and fairly constant presence in the study area throughout the year. Flagship species have a dual function: to guide conservation measures and actions by wetland managers, and to attract the interest, curiosity and active participation of potential visitors to the wetland. Based on the results, a list of guidelines for improving the birds’ habitats and providing them with resources (feeding, breeding, shelter, roosting, etc.) has been proposed. The aim of these measures is to optimize the presence and abundance of Ardeidae as flagship species, thereby preserving the biodiversity heritage in general and increasing the provision of cultural ecosystem services in the wetland. The resulting dynamic interplay ensures that both natural and cultural resources are fully and appropriately valued, protected, and maintained for the benefit of present and future generations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Mediterranean Biodiversity)
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16 pages, 1163 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Chinese Dialogue Generation with Word–Phrase Fusion Embedding and Sparse SoftMax Optimization
by Shenrong Lv, Siyu Lu, Ruiyang Wang, Lirong Yin, Zhengtong Yin, Salman A. AlQahtani, Jiawei Tian and Wenfeng Zheng
Systems 2024, 12(12), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12120516 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Chinese dialogue generation faces multiple challenges, such as semantic understanding, information matching, and response fluency. Generative dialogue systems for Chinese conversation are somehow difficult to construct because of the flexible word order, the great impact of word replacement on semantics, and the complex [...] Read more.
Chinese dialogue generation faces multiple challenges, such as semantic understanding, information matching, and response fluency. Generative dialogue systems for Chinese conversation are somehow difficult to construct because of the flexible word order, the great impact of word replacement on semantics, and the complex implicit context. Existing methods still have limitations in addressing these issues. To tackle these problems, this paper proposes an improved Chinese dialogue generation model based on transformer architecture. The model uses a multi-layer transformer decoder as the backbone and introduces two key techniques, namely incorporating pre-trained language model word embeddings and optimizing the sparse Softmax loss function. For word-embedding fusion, we concatenate the word vectors from the pre-trained model with character-based embeddings to enhance the semantic information of word representations. The sparse Softmax optimization effectively mitigates the overfitting issue by introducing a sparsity regularization term. Experimental results on the Chinese short text conversation (STC) dataset demonstrate that our proposed model significantly outperforms the baseline models on automatic evaluation metrics, such as BLEU and Distinct, with an average improvement of 3.5 percentage points. Human evaluations also validate the superiority of our model in generating fluent and relevant responses. This work provides new insights and solutions for building more intelligent and human-like Chinese dialogue systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence and Digital Systems Engineering)
15 pages, 1829 KiB  
Article
Quantification of Phenolic Compounds and Carotenoids in a New Cauliflower Variety: Implications for Antioxidant Potential and Nutritional Breeding
by Neil Patrick Uy, Hak-Dong Lee, Ju-ri Choi and Sanghyun Lee
Agriculture 2024, 14(12), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122128 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable that has garnered increasing attention owing to its potential health benefits. This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the new cauliflower variety “BetaCaulie” using advanced analytical methods to elucidate their [...] Read more.
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) is a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable that has garnered increasing attention owing to its potential health benefits. This study aimed to quantify the phytochemical constituents of the new cauliflower variety “BetaCaulie” using advanced analytical methods to elucidate their potential contribution to human nutrition and health. Sinigrin (1), neochlorogenic acid (2), cryptochlorogenic acid (3), and sinapic acid (4) were abundant in the yellow variety, where their concentration reached a total content of 11.86 mg/g. Among the carotenoids, β-carotene (7) had a concentration of 210.77 mg/g. In the DPPH and ABTS+ assays, the control variety exhibited superior antioxidant activity despite having less diverse polyphenols, as evidenced by lower IC50 values of 20.67 and 24.34 mg/mL, respectively. This may be due to the high neochlorogenic acid (2) (14.89 mg/g) content of the control variety. These findings highlight the complexity of plant antioxidant mechanisms, in which different compounds interact uniquely, resulting in an overall antioxidant potential. This dichotomy highlights the potential for targeted breeding strategies that optimize polyphenol or carotenoid levels, depending on the desired health benefits or nutritional goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
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15 pages, 938 KiB  
Article
Application of Adaptive Search Window-Based Nonlocal Total Variation Filter in Low-Dose Computed Tomography Images: A Phantom Study
by Hajin Kim, Bo Kyung Cha, Kyuseok Kim and Youngjin Lee
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 10886; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142310886 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Computed tomography (CT) imaging using low-dose radiation effectively reduces radiation exposure; however, it introduces noise amplification in the resulting image. This study models an adaptive nonlocal total variation (NL-TV) algorithm that efficiently reduces noise in X-ray-based images and applies it to low-dose CT [...] Read more.
Computed tomography (CT) imaging using low-dose radiation effectively reduces radiation exposure; however, it introduces noise amplification in the resulting image. This study models an adaptive nonlocal total variation (NL-TV) algorithm that efficiently reduces noise in X-ray-based images and applies it to low-dose CT images. In this study, an AAPM CT performance phantom is used, and the resulting image is obtained by applying an annotation filter and a high-pitch protocol. The adaptive NL-TV filter was designed by applying the optimal window value calculated by confirming the difference between Gaussian filtering and the basic NL-TV approach. For quantitative image quality evaluation parameters, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), coefficient of variation (COV), and sigma value were used to confirm the noise reduction effectiveness and spatial resolution value. The CNR and COV values in low-dose CT images using the adaptive NL-TV filter, which performed an optimization process, improved by approximately 1.29 and 1.45 times, respectively, compared with conventional NL-TV. In addition, the adaptive NL-TV filter was able to acquire spatial resolution data that were similar to a CT image without applying noise reduction. In conclusion, the proposed NL-TV filter is feasible and effective in improving the quality of low-dose CT images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Applications of Medical Imaging Physics)
12 pages, 1492 KiB  
Article
Are Safety Corridors Effective in Mitigating Safety? An Ohio-Based Case Study Evaluating Their Effectiveness
by Sudesh Ramesh Bhagat, Bernard Ndeogo Issifu, Devon Destocki, Bhaven Naik and Deogratias Eustace
Vehicles 2024, 6(4), 1963-1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/vehicles6040096 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Distracted driving remains a major concern on highways, with it contributing to severe and fatal crashes, particularly on high-speed routes, prompting numerous states to implement targeted initiatives aimed at combating traffic violations that significantly contribute to fatal and injury-inducing crashes. Among these initiatives [...] Read more.
Distracted driving remains a major concern on highways, with it contributing to severe and fatal crashes, particularly on high-speed routes, prompting numerous states to implement targeted initiatives aimed at combating traffic violations that significantly contribute to fatal and injury-inducing crashes. Among these initiatives is the highway safety corridor program, a collaborative endeavor between the state departments of transportation and law enforcement agencies. Highway safety corridors employ a combination of engineering interventions and heightened law enforcement presence to address risky driver behavior and mitigate the occurrence of crashes. Despite the longstanding existence of safety corridors, research on their effectiveness remains relatively limited, with existing studies indicating only moderate success rates. This study is dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of ten highway safety corridors in Ohio, where the state recently launched its inaugural highway safety corridor program targeting distracted driving. Utilizing 2023 crash data, this Empirical Bayes’ before-and-after study seeks to gauge the impact of these safety corridors on enhancing roadway transportation safety. Upon assessing all crash types within Ohio’s distracted driving safety corridors that provided sufficient data for a before–after study, it was determined that the adoption of safety corridors generally led to a reduction in crashes ranging from 2% to 49%. The significance and magnitude of crash reduction may vary if specific crash types or severity levels are considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Transportation Safety and Operations: Practical Perspectives, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
The Development of an Electron Pulse Dilation Photomultiplier Tube Diagnostic Instrument
by Wenyong Fu, Chenman Hu, Ping Chen, Rongyan Zhou and Ling Li
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7497; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237497 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
A new pulse-dilated photomultiplier tube (PD-PMT) with sub-20 ps temporal resolution and associated drivers have been developed for use detection and signal amplification in the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) community. The PD-PMT is coupled to a transmission line output in order to provide [...] Read more.
A new pulse-dilated photomultiplier tube (PD-PMT) with sub-20 ps temporal resolution and associated drivers have been developed for use detection and signal amplification in the inertial confinement fusion (ICF) community. The PD-PMT is coupled to a transmission line output in order to provide a continuous time history of the input signal. Electron pulse dilation provides high-speed detection capabilities by converting incoming signals into a free-electron cloud and manipulating the electron signal with electric and magnetic fields. This velocity dispersion is translated into temporal separation after the electrons transit into a drift space. The free electrons are then detected by using conventional time-resolved methods and the effective temporal resolution is improved about 12 times. In order to accurately obtain the actual device input signal, we experimentally investigated the relationship between microchannel plate (MCP) gain and electron energy during the first collision. We report the measurements with the PD-PMT, and the error source of the amplitude of the compressed signal is analyzed, which provides a reference for subsequent accurate construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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19 pages, 4544 KiB  
Article
Interplay Between Helminth Infections, Malnutrition, and Gut Microbiota in Children and Mothers from Pemba, Tanzania: Potential of Microbiota-Directed Interventions
by Aristide Toussaint Nguélé, Matteo Mozzicafreddo, Chiara Carrara, Angela Piersanti, Salum Seif Salum, Said M. Ali and Cristina Miceli
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4023; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234023 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite efforts within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goal to end malnutrition by 2030, malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections persist in sub-Saharan Africa. A significant barrier to success is the inadequate understanding of effective intervention methods. Most research on the gut [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite efforts within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goal to end malnutrition by 2030, malnutrition and soil-transmitted helminth infections persist in sub-Saharan Africa. A significant barrier to success is the inadequate understanding of effective intervention methods. Most research on the gut microbiota’s role in health has been conducted in developed countries, leaving a critical gap in knowledge regarding low-income populations. This study addresses this gap by expanding research on the gut microbiota of underprivileged populations to help tackle these public health challenges. Methods: We employed 16S rDNA sequencing to assess the bacterial gut microbiota composition of 60 children (mean age: 26.63 ± 6.36 months) and their 58 mothers (mean age: 30.03 ± 6.31 years) in Pemba, with a focus on helminth infection and nutritional status. Results: Our differential abundance analysis identified bacterial taxa that were significantly negatively associated with both helminth infections and malnutrition, highlighting the potential for microbiota-directed interventions to address these health issues simultaneously. Notably, we identified Akkermansia, Blautia, Dorea, and Odoribacter as promising probiotic candidates for such interventions. In stunted children, positive co-occurrences were observed between Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Bacteroides, while Escherichia/Shigella displayed negative co-abundance relationships with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers in the gut microbiota. These findings suggest that administering Lactobacillus and SCFA-producing probiotics to children may foster the growth of beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Bacteroides while reducing the relative abundance of Escherichia/Shigella, potentially enhancing overall health. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of microbiota-directed interventions in children and women of reproductive age as promising strategies, alongside established approaches, for combating helminth infections and malnutrition in vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Relationship between Diet, Gut Microbes and Human Health)
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19 pages, 6805 KiB  
Article
Multispectral Assessment of Net Radiations Using Comprehensive Multi-Satellite Data
by Muhammad Jawad Arshad, Sikandar Ali, Shahbaz Nasir Khan, Arfan Arshad, Jinping Liu, Faisal Mumtaz, Muhammad Mohsin Waqas, Barjeece Bashir and Rao Husnain Arshad
Water 2024, 16(23), 3378; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233378 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Precise estimation of net radiation (Rn) is fundamental to understanding surface energy balance and is critical for accurately determining crop water requirements, especially using remote sensing and geospatial techniques. The core objective of this study is to evaluate multi-satellite-based net radiations on major [...] Read more.
Precise estimation of net radiation (Rn) is fundamental to understanding surface energy balance and is critical for accurately determining crop water requirements, especially using remote sensing and geospatial techniques. The core objective of this study is to evaluate multi-satellite-based net radiations on major cropped areas of the Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan. In this study, overlapping scenes from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Landsat 8, and Sentinel 2 were used from 2016 to 2020 along with three temperature products MOD11A1, Landsat 8 (brightness temperature), and ERA5. The multi-satellite-based net radiation estimations on overlapping days were compared with the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) dataset. The models based on Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 data exhibited good performance, with a Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 68.9%, a mean error (ME) of 13.918 W/m2, and a bias of 50.669 W/m2. The results indicated that Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 data produced reliable estimations of net radiation, while MODIS data tended to overestimate due to its higher spatial resolution and broader coverage area. Landsat 8-based estimations are good compared to others, as it has good correlation coefficient and lower RMSE values. The study concludes that Landsat 8 provides the most reliable estimates of net radiation for determining crop water requirements, outperforming other datasets in accuracy. The findings underscore the importance of using high-resolution multi-satellite data for precise agricultural water management, recommending its use in future studies and water resource planning in Pakistan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Water Risks Across Shared River Corridors in Transboundary Basins)
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27 pages, 81739 KiB  
Article
Geological and Ecological Insights on the Lake Faro Global Geosite Within the Messina Strait Framework (Italy)
by Roberta Somma, Ezio Giuffrè, Sakho Amonullozoda, Sebastiano Ettore Spoto, Arturo Giacobbe and Salvatore Giacobbe
Geosciences 2024, 14(12), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14120319 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
The Lake Faro brackish basin (Sicily, Italy) was established as a Global Geosite as a key locality of tectonic coastal lakes, but little research has been devoted to this rare geological and ecological framework. To fill this gap, the main stratigraphical, sedimentological, ecological, [...] Read more.
The Lake Faro brackish basin (Sicily, Italy) was established as a Global Geosite as a key locality of tectonic coastal lakes, but little research has been devoted to this rare geological and ecological framework. To fill this gap, the main stratigraphical, sedimentological, ecological, morpho-bathymetric, and structural features were reported, linking geodiversity with biodiversity. In Lake Faro, a shallow platform develops alongside a deep funnel-shaped basin, reaching a maximum depth of 29 m. A NNW-SSE trending steep cliff, representing the abrupt transition from the platform to the basin, was interpreted as a dextral transtensional fault (Lake Faro Fault), presumably active since the middle-late(?) Pleistocene. The switches of the steep cliff NW-wards, acquiring an E-W trend, was interpreted as being due to the occurrence of the normal Mortelle Fault, cut by the Faro Lake Fault. Bottom terrigenous deposits consisted of coarse- to fine-grained quartzo-lithic rich sediments deriving from high-grade metamorphic and igneous rocks, whereas bioclasts mainly derived from clam farming actives for several centuries up until today. The Quaternary shallow platform, from top to base, includes the following: (i) soft cover composed of coarse terrigenous and prevalent bioclastic deposits; (ii) hard conglomerates cemented by carbonates; and (iii) siliciclastic coarse deposits of the Messina Fm. In the deep basin, siliciclastic silty loams with minor amounts of bioclastic deposits prevailed in the soft cover. Substrate heterogeneity coupled with brackish-marine gradients are the main factors responsible for an articulate patchiness of different lagoon habitats and related benthic associations, which, according to the Barcelona Convention classification, can be summarized as follows: (i) MB1.541 (marine angiosperms or other halophytes), (ii) MB1.542 (Fucales), (iii) MB5.543 (photophilic algae, except Fucales), (iv) MB5.544 (Facies with Polychaeta), and (v) MB5.545 (Facies with Bivalvia). Typical marine associations, such as rhodolite beds, also occur. Finally, the lake, which has been exploited since the prehistoric age because of its high biodiversity and productivity, maintains some evidence of millennial relationships with the resident human cultures, attracted there by the favorable geomorphological and ecological peculiarities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)
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13 pages, 3338 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Prostaglandin F2 Analog Treatment on the Immunoexpression of Fibrosis-Associated Factors in Patients with Glaucoma Undergoing Deep Sclerotomy
by Robert Stanić, Katarina Vukojević, Natalija Filipović, Benjamin Benzon, Marin Ogorevc, Nenad Kunac, Samir Čanović, Petra Kovačević, Martina Paradžik Šimunović and Suzana Konjevoda
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12618; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312618 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Long-term use of topical prostaglandins might initiate chronic conjunctival inflammation, leading to poor outcomes of glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression pattern of HSP70, CTGF, SNAIL, aSMA, cMYB, and HIFa in the conjunctiva, episclera, and deep sclera [...] Read more.
Long-term use of topical prostaglandins might initiate chronic conjunctival inflammation, leading to poor outcomes of glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression pattern of HSP70, CTGF, SNAIL, aSMA, cMYB, and HIFa in the conjunctiva, episclera, and deep sclera in patients with glaucoma undergoing deep sclerectomy in order to establish an association between staining intensities and prostaglandin F2 (PGF2) treatment. Double immunofluorescence (HSP70, CTGF, SNAIL, aSMA, cMYB, and HIFa) was performed on conjunctiva, episclera, and deep sclera samples, which were obtained from 23 patients treated with PGF2 and 8 patients without PGF2 treatment. When comparing the ocular tissues of patients regarding treatment with PGF2 analogs, we found a significant increase in the immunoexpression of HSP70 in the conjunctival epithelium of patients treated with PGF2 analogs compared to those without PGF2 treatment. These patients also had an increase in SNAIL immunoexpression and a decrease in aSMA immunoexpression in the deep sclera. There were no significant differences in HIFa, CTGF, or cMYB immunoexpression levels between the two groups. Further research into the regulation of these factors in ocular tissues could lead to the development of potential novel therapeutic approaches in glaucoma management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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14 pages, 5548 KiB  
Article
Phased Array Antenna Calibration Based on Autocorrelation Algorithm
by Xuan Luong Nguyen, Nguyen Trong Nhan, Thanh Thuy Dang Thi, Tran Van Thanh, Phung Bao Nguyen and Nguyen Duc Trien
Sensors 2024, 24(23), 7496; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24237496 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
The problem of calibrating phased array antennas in a noisy environment using an autocorrelation algorithm is investigated and a mathematical model of the autocorrelation calibration method is presented. The proposed calibration system is based on far-field scanning of the phased array antenna in [...] Read more.
The problem of calibrating phased array antennas in a noisy environment using an autocorrelation algorithm is investigated and a mathematical model of the autocorrelation calibration method is presented. The proposed calibration system is based on far-field scanning of the phased array antenna in an environment with internal noise and external interference. The proposed method is applied to a phased array antenna and compared with traditional rotating-element electric-field vector methods, which involve identifying the maximum and minimum vector–sum points (REVmax and REVmin, respectively). The proposed calibration system is verified for a phased array antenna at 3 GHz. Experimental verification of the mathematical model of the proposed method demonstrates that the autocorrelation method is more accurate than the rotating-element electric-field vector methods in determining the amplitude and phase shifts. The measured peak gain of the combined beam in the E-plane increased from 7.83 to 8.37 dB and 3.57 to 4.36 dB compared to the REVmax and REVmin methods, respectively, and the phase error improved from 47° to 55.48° and 19.43° to 29.16°, respectively. The proposed method can be considered an effective solution for large-scale phase calibration at both in-field and in-factory levels, even in the presence of external interference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Communications)
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11 pages, 271 KiB  
Article
Second Hankel Determinant Bound Application to Certain Family of Bi-Univalent Functions
by Mohamed A. Mamon, Borhen Halouani, Ibrahim S. Elshazly, Gangadharan Murugusundaramoorthy and Alaa H. El-Qadeem
Axioms 2024, 13(12), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13120819 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
A novel family of bi-univalent holomorphic functions is introduced by the use of the Lindelöf principle. The upper bound of the second Hankel determinant, H2,2(χ), is evaluated. Furthermore, specific results are obtained as special cases of [...] Read more.
A novel family of bi-univalent holomorphic functions is introduced by the use of the Lindelöf principle. The upper bound of the second Hankel determinant, H2,2(χ), is evaluated. Furthermore, specific results are obtained as special cases of the main conclusion. These cases coincide with certain recently obtained results and improve or enhance specific ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geometric Function Theory and Related Topics)
18 pages, 731 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship Between VMAT2 and DAT Expression, Psychotic Experiences, Craving, and Treatment Motivation in Male Patients with Methamphetamine Use Disorder
by Mualla Keskinsezer, Ahmet Bulent Yazici, Gamze Guney Eskiler, Kaan Furkan Hamarat, Onur Davutoglu and Esra Yazici
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7105; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237105 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Objectives: We aimed to examine the relationship of Dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT-2) gene and protein levels with psychic experiences and other clinical parameters in individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). Methods: This study included 50 males diagnosed [...] Read more.
Abstract: Objectives: We aimed to examine the relationship of Dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT-2) gene and protein levels with psychic experiences and other clinical parameters in individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). Methods: This study included 50 males diagnosed with MUD and 50 males as a smoking control (SC) and nonsmoking control (NSC). Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) was administered to patients and controls; Addiction Profile Index, Treatment Motivation Questionnaire, and Substance Craving Scale were administered only to the patient group. DAT and VMAT2 gene and protein levels were determined in blood obtained from the controls and patient groups. Results: CAPE positive, depressive, total, and distress scores were significantly higher in the patient group. DAT protein level and VMAT2 gene and protein levels were lower in the patient group compared to the controls. The DAT gene expression level was higher in the patient group compared to the controls. There was no correlation between any clinical variables and expression levels. A low VMAT2 gene expression level could diagnose MUD with a 5% probability when NSCs were used as a reference. A high DAT gene expression level could diagnose tobacco use disorder (TUD) with a 99.9% probability when NSCs were used as a reference. Conclusions: The patient group showed more psychic experiences than healthy people. The low expression of the VMAT2 gene was identified as a predictor of MUD, while the high expression of the DAT gene was predictive of TUD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
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