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25 pages, 12360 KiB  
Article
Efficient On-Board Compression for Arbitrary-Shaped Cloud-Covered Remote Sensing Images via Adaptive Filling and Controllable Quantization
by Keyan Wang, Jia Jia, Peicheng Zhou, Haoyi Ma, Liyun Yang, Kai Liu and Yunsong Li
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(18), 3431; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16183431 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Due to the fact that invalid cloud-covered regions in remote sensing images consume a considerable quantity of coding bit rates under the limited satellite-to-ground transmission rate, existing image compression methods suffer from low compression efficiency and poor reconstruction quality, especially in cloud-free regions [...] Read more.
Due to the fact that invalid cloud-covered regions in remote sensing images consume a considerable quantity of coding bit rates under the limited satellite-to-ground transmission rate, existing image compression methods suffer from low compression efficiency and poor reconstruction quality, especially in cloud-free regions which are generally regarded as regions of interest (ROIs). Therefore, we propose an efficient on-board compression method for remote sensing images with arbitrary-shaped clouds by leveraging the characteristics of cloudy images. Firstly, we introduce two novel spatial preprocessing strategies, namely, the optimized adaptive filling (OAF) strategy and the controllable quantization (CQ) strategy. Specifically, the OAF strategy fills each cloudy region using the contextual information at its inner and outer edge to completely remove the information of cloudy regions and minimize their coding consumption, which is suitable for images with only thick clouds. The CQ strategy implicitly identifies thin and thick clouds and rationally quantifies the data in cloudy regions to alleviate information loss in thin cloud-covered regions, which can achieve the balance between coding efficiency and reconstructed image quality and is more suitable for images containing thin clouds. Secondly, we develop an efficient coding method for a binary cloud mask to effectively save the bit rate of the side information. Our method provides the flexibility for users to choose the desired preprocessing strategy as needed and can be embedded into existing compression framework such as JPEG2000. Experimental results on the GF-1 dataset show that our method effectively reduces the coding consumption of invalid cloud-covered regions and significantly improve the compression efficiency as well as the quality of decoded images. Full article
18 pages, 702 KiB  
Article
Are Sleep Parameters and Chronotype Associated with Eating Disorder Risk? A Cross-Sectional Study of University Students in Spain
by Tomás Olivo Martins-de-Passos, Arthur E. Mesas, Nuria Beneit, Valentina Díaz-Goñi, Fernando Peral-Martinez, Shkelzen Cekrezi, Vicente Martinez-Vizcaino and Estela Jimenez-Lopez
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5482; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185482 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) have emerged as a growing public health concern. However, the role of sleep in this context remains underexplored. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and chronotype with ED risk in a [...] Read more.
Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) have emerged as a growing public health concern. However, the role of sleep in this context remains underexplored. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between sleep parameters and chronotype with ED risk in a sample of university students in Spain. Methods: ED risk was assessed via the Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire, and sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Other sleep parameters and chronotypes were self-reported. Sociodemographic, body composition, lifestyle, and depressive symptom data were collected. Logistic and linear regression models adjusted for the main confounders were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the study associations. Results: A total of 403 students (70.2% female) aged 18 to 30 years participated in the study. Those reporting poor sleep quality (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08–3.17, p = 0.025) and ≤6 h of night-time sleep duration (OR = 4.14, 95% CI 2.00–8.57, p < 0.01) were more likely to be at risk of EDs in the adjusted analyses. The association between night-time sleep duration and the risk of ED did not remain significant when we adjusted for sleep quality. In addition, an evening chronotype was associated with an increased risk of EDs (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.66, p = 0.039) only before adjustment for confounders. Conclusions: Among university students, poorer sleep quality was cross-sectionally associated with EDs. Future prospective studies are needed to examine whether promoting sleep quality may serve as an effective strategy for preventing the risk of EDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Disorders: Current Epidemiology and Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment)
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<p>Logistic regression models of the risk of EDs (dependent variable: SCOFF score ≥ 2 points) in relation to night-time sleep duration (as a continuous variable) and the global sleep quality index (measured by the PSQI). The data are represented by dots (odds ratios) and lines (95% confidence intervals). (<b>a</b>) Crude and adjusted associations between the PSQI global score and ED risk; (<b>b</b>) crude and adjusted associations between night-time sleep duration and ED risk; (<b>c</b>) combined associations between sleep quality and night-time sleep duration in the regression model for ED groups. Note that night-time sleep duration lost statistical significance, whereas sleep quality remained significantly associated with the risk of EDs.</p> Full article ">
22 pages, 1360 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Performance of Neural and Non-Neural Methods to Classify the Severity of Work Accidents Occurring in the Footwear Industry Complex
by Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva, Maria Luiza da Silva Braz, Joel Gomes da Silva, Lucas Gomes Miranda Bispo, Wilza Karla dos Santos Leite and Elamara Marama de Araujo Vieira
Appl. Syst. Innov. 2024, 7(5), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi7050085 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
In the footwear industry, occupational risks are significant, and work accidents are frequent. Professionals in the field prepare documents and reports about these accidents, but the need for more time and resources limits learning based on past incidents. Machine learning (ML) and deep [...] Read more.
In the footwear industry, occupational risks are significant, and work accidents are frequent. Professionals in the field prepare documents and reports about these accidents, but the need for more time and resources limits learning based on past incidents. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods have been applied to analyze data from these documents, identifying accident patterns and classifying the damage’s severity. However, evaluating the performance of these methods in different economic sectors is crucial. This study examined neural and non-neural methods for classifying the severity of workplace accidents in the footwear industry complex. The random forest (RF) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) methods were the most effective non-neural methods. The neural methods 1D convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) showed superior performance, with parameters above 98% and 99%, respectively, although with a longer training time. It is concluded that using these methods is viable for classifying accidents in the footwear industry. The methods can classify new accidents and simulate scenarios, demonstrating their adaptability and reliability in different economic sectors for accident prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Deep Learning and Its Applications)
11 pages, 1662 KiB  
Article
Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of Dengue Virus 2 Envelope Ferritin Nanoparticles Induced Virus-Specific Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice
by M.S.B.W.T.M. Nipuna Sudaraka Tennakoon, Ji-Hoon Ryu, Yong-Sam Jung, Yingjuan Qian and Hyun-Jin Shin
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1913-1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030128 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
This study provides a preliminary background for the development of a viral vector vaccine for the dengue virus using genetic material encoded by dengue envelope ferritin nanoparticles. Adenoviruses were generated for the recombinant envelope of dengue virus 2 (DENV2) and the envelope human [...] Read more.
This study provides a preliminary background for the development of a viral vector vaccine for the dengue virus using genetic material encoded by dengue envelope ferritin nanoparticles. Adenoviruses were generated for the recombinant envelope of dengue virus 2 (DENV2) and the envelope human ferritin heavy chain using a two-vector adenovirus system. The primary immunostimulatory activity of the two viruses was analyzed in mice to determine the effect of envelope ferritin nanoparticles. Transfection of a shuttle vector delivered the target gene and packaging vector carrying the packaging signal, and recombinant adenoviruses (rAds) were generated and purified using an ultracentrifugation method. Transduction efficiencies of the generated adenoviruses were confirmed in A549 cells. Purified adenoviruses (8 × 106 PFU/mL) were immunized intramuscularly into 6 weeks old BALB/c mice. Subsequently, the DENV2-specific IgG titer was evaluated 1 and 4 weeks after immunization. Envelope ferritin-immunized mice showed a significant IgG response compared to envelope-only immunized mice at 1 and 4 weeks after immunization, revealing the persistence of the dengue virus-specific IgG response. This method demonstrated the capability of the viral vector vaccine to be used as a carrier for ferritin nanoparticles, instead of direct immunization with ferritin nanoparticles. Full article
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<p>Plasmid construction and recombinant protein expression. (<b>a</b>) Representative vector sequence of the packaging vector. (<b>b</b>) Envelope (E) and envelope ferritin (E-H) genes were cloned into the MCS of the shuttle vector. (<b>c</b>) Envelope and envelope ferritin proteins were detected using Myc antibody. (<b>d</b>) Envelope-ferritin protein was detected using a human ferritin heavy chain antibody.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Generation, purification, and titration of rAds. (<b>a</b>) Adenovirus-specific CPEs were observed in 293A cells after several days of transfection compared to the vector-only transfection control. (<b>b</b>) Isolated DNA from vector only (mock), rAd E and rAd E-H culture supernatants were amplified with gene-specific primers, and envelope and envelope ferritin-specific genes were detected. (<b>c</b>) Amplified rAds were purified using the ultracentrifugation method, and clear virus bands were obtained for both viruses. (<b>d</b>) To analyze the titer of rAds, a TCID50 assay was performed in 96 well plates. Ten-fold serial dilutions were used (10<sup>−4</sup> to 10<sup>−12</sup>).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Confirmation of transduction efficiency in A549 cells. rAds were transduced into A549 cells at different MOI, and their respective expression was analyzed using western blotting. (<b>a</b>) Expression of rAd E was detected with Myc antibody. (<b>b</b>) Expressed rAd E-H was detected with ferritin heavy chain antibody. The lower panels in both A and B indicate actin detection as a loading control.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Mouse immunization and IgG ELISA. (<b>a</b>) Mice were immunized with 8 × 10<sup>6</sup> PFU/mL of rAds through the intramuscular route and bled as mentioned intervals (1 week and 4 weeks) in figure followed by ELISA was performed using the serum isolated from the blood. (<b>b</b>) For the DENV2 specific ELISA, DENV2 virus was coated in the plate and specific IgG response was analyzed using the mice serum obtained at 1-week and 2-week intervals (<b>c</b>) Immune responses from the E-H group at both time points were compared. (<span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 determined by a Student’s <span class="html-italic">t</span>-test and it was indicated as ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &gt; 0.05 = ns).</p> Full article ">
15 pages, 12764 KiB  
Article
Learning Unsupervised Cross-Domain Model for TIR Target Tracking
by Xiu Shu, Feng Huang, Zhaobing Qiu, Xinming Zhang and Di Yuan
Mathematics 2024, 12(18), 2882; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12182882 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
The limited availability of thermal infrared (TIR) training samples leads to suboptimal target representation by convolutional feature extraction networks, which adversely impacts the accuracy of TIR target tracking methods. To address this issue, we propose an unsupervised cross-domain model (UCDT) for TIR tracking. [...] Read more.
The limited availability of thermal infrared (TIR) training samples leads to suboptimal target representation by convolutional feature extraction networks, which adversely impacts the accuracy of TIR target tracking methods. To address this issue, we propose an unsupervised cross-domain model (UCDT) for TIR tracking. Our approach leverages labeled training samples from the RGB domain (source domain) to train a general feature extraction network. We then employ a cross-domain model to adapt this network for effective target feature extraction in the TIR domain (target domain). This cross-domain strategy addresses the challenge of limited TIR training samples effectively. Additionally, we utilize an unsupervised learning technique to generate pseudo-labels for unlabeled training samples in the source domain, which helps overcome the limitations imposed by the scarcity of annotated training data. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our UCDT tracking method outperforms existing tracking approaches on the PTB-TIR and LSOTB-TIR benchmarks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematics-Based Methods in Artificial Intelligence, Pattern Recognition and Deep Learning, 2nd Edition)
17 pages, 3315 KiB  
Article
Application of the Gradient-Boosting with Regression Trees to Predict the Coefficient of Friction on Drawbead in Sheet Metal Forming
by Sherwan Mohammed Najm, Tomasz Trzepieciński, Salah Eddine Laouini, Marek Kowalik, Romuald Fejkiel and Rafał Kowalik
Materials 2024, 17(18), 4540; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17184540 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Correct design of the sheet metal forming process requires knowledge of the friction phenomenon occurring in various areas of the drawpiece. Additionally, the friction at the drawbead is decisive to ensure that the sheet flows in the desired direction. This article presents the [...] Read more.
Correct design of the sheet metal forming process requires knowledge of the friction phenomenon occurring in various areas of the drawpiece. Additionally, the friction at the drawbead is decisive to ensure that the sheet flows in the desired direction. This article presents the results of experimental tests enabling the determination of the coefficient of friction at the drawbead and using a specially designed tribometer. The test material was a DC04 carbon steel sheet. The tests were carried out for different orientations of the samples in relation to the sheet rolling direction, different drawbead heights, different lubrication conditions and different average roughnesses of the countersamples. According to the aim of this work, the Features Importance analysis, conducted using the Gradient-Boosted Regression Trees algorithm, was used to find the influence of several parameter features on the coefficient of friction. The advantage of gradient-boosted decision trees is their ability to analyze complex relationships in the data and protect against overfitting. Another advantage is that there is no need for prior data processing. According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the effectiveness of gradient-boosted decision trees in analyzing the friction occurring in the drawbead in sheet metal forming has not been previously studied. To improve the accuracy of the model, five MinLeafs were applied to the regression tree, together with 500 ensembles utilized for learning the previously learned nodes, noting that the MinLeaf indicates the minimum number of leaf node observations. The least-squares-boosting technique, often known as LSBoost, is used to train a group of regression trees. Features Importance analysis has shown that the friction conditions (dry friction of lubricated conditions) had the most significant influence on the coefficient of friction, at 56.98%, followed by the drawbead height, at 23.41%, and the sample width, at 11.95%. The average surface roughness of rollers and sample orientation have the smallest impact on the value of the coefficient of friction at 6.09% and 1.57%, respectively. The dispersion and deviation observed for the testing dataset from the experimental data indicate the model’s ability to predict the values of the coefficient of friction at a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.972 and a mean-squared error of MSE = 0.000048. It was qualitatively found that in order to ensure the optimal (the lowest) coefficient of friction, it is necessary to control the friction conditions (use of lubricant) and the drawbead height. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progressive Technologies and Materials in Mechanical and Materials Engineering)
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<p>3D surface topography and selected roughness parameters of DC04 steel sheet.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>(<b>a</b>) Diagram and (<b>b</b>) view of the testing device: 1, 2, 3—working rollers; 4—support roller; 5—body; 6—sample; 7—nut; 8—horizontal tension cell; 9—upper tension cell; 10, 11—load cells.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Scheme of force parameters for the test carried out with (<b>a</b>) fixed and (<b>b</b>) freely rotating rollers.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Model performance of the training and testing iterations.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>SHAP value plot influence on COF.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Relative importance of input parameters on COF; (<b>a</b>) ordered bar chart and (<b>b</b>) pie chart with percentage.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Actual and predicted values; (<b>a</b>) training COF dataset and (<b>b</b>) testing COF dataset.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Actual and predicted values of training COF dataset with 0.1 adjusting.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>Actual and predicted values of COF; (<b>a</b>) training dataset and (<b>b</b>) testing dataset.</p> Full article ">
28 pages, 5252 KiB  
Article
Land Suitability Analysis for Green Ammonia Unit Implementation in Morocco Using the Geographical Information System–Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach
by Abir Dahani, Chouaib Benqlilou, Markus Holz and Cornelia Scott
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091991 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Morocco contains one of the greatest phosphate deposits and is the second-largest international phosphate fertilizer producer. However, it heavily relies on imported grey ammonia. To reduce this dependency, a paradigm shift is required toward local green ammonia production to strengthen the fertilizer industry. [...] Read more.
Morocco contains one of the greatest phosphate deposits and is the second-largest international phosphate fertilizer producer. However, it heavily relies on imported grey ammonia. To reduce this dependency, a paradigm shift is required toward local green ammonia production to strengthen the fertilizer industry. The purpose of the study is to identify the most promising locations in Morocco for hosting a green ammonia unit through a land suitability analysis. This was carried out using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and geographical information systems (GIS). Eight relevant criteria were considered, based on carefully studying the relevant literature and consultation with renewable energy experts and professionals. The land suitability analysis revealed high suitability locations and five sites were selected from the regions of Dakhla, Laayoune, Boujdour, and Tarfaya. These locations were introduced to Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER) software 3.16.2 for simulation. The simulation findings showed that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) ranges from 1.67 USD/kg to 1.82 USD/kg, with the lowest LCOH at Dakhla. The corresponding levelized cost of ammonia (LCOA) ranges from 646 USD/t to 687 USD/t. Dakhla was identified as the location with the lowest LCOA, accounting for 646 USD/t. The outcomes showed a similar trend compared to other studies (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran). Considering improvements in the electrolyzer’s efficiency and cost, a technical and financial sensitivity analysis was conducted, identifying highly promising LCOA in Morocco, reaching 548 USD/t. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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<p>Case study scenario.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>AHP method flowchart.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Constraints map.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Criteria maps: (<b>a</b>) wind speed (m/s); (<b>b</b>) PVOUT (kWh/kWp).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Map representing the proximity to the coastline.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Map representing the proximity to the fertilizer unit.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Map representing the proximity to roads.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Criteria maps: (<b>a</b>) elevation (m); (<b>b</b>) slope (%).</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>Land suitability map including the five sites selected for green ammonia production.</p> Full article ">Figure 10
<p>Average wind speed (m/s) and solar GHI potential for the selected sites.</p> Full article ">Figure 11
<p>PV and WT capacities ratio for sites under study.</p> Full article ">Figure 12
<p>Economic assessment results: (<b>a</b>) LCOH (USD/kg); (<b>b</b>) LCOA (USD/t).</p> Full article ">Figure 13
<p>Sensitivity analysis results: (<b>a</b>) technical sensitivity analysis; (<b>b</b>) financial sensitivity analysis.</p> Full article ">
22 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Resilience as Safety Culture in German Emergency Medical Services: Examining Irritation and Burnout
by Beatrice Thielmann, Malwine Ifferth and Irina Böckelmann
Healthcare 2024, 12(18), 1860; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12181860 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The stress levels in emergency services are enormous. The resulting stress can range from psychological irritation to burnout. This study examines the importance of resilience in the German EMS and its significance for the risk of irritation and burnout among EMS personnel. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The stress levels in emergency services are enormous. The resulting stress can range from psychological irritation to burnout. This study examines the importance of resilience in the German EMS and its significance for the risk of irritation and burnout among EMS personnel. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 285 EMS personnel in Germany. Resilience was measured by the RS-13 Scale, irritation by the Irritation Scale (IS), and burnout by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Sociodemographic and job-related data were also collected. A classification into resilient groups was used to compare stress levels. Results: More than one-third (39%) of the participants had a low level of resilience. EMS personnel with high levels of resilience had significantly lower scores on the cognitive and emotional irritation dimensions, as well as on the burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Conclusions: Resilience plays an important role in the safety culture of emergency services. The results support the hypothesis that high levels of resilience lead to less stress and help people cope better with stress. Almost two-fifths of the participants had lower resilience, underscoring the need for safe communication and targeted measures to strengthen resilience. Regular training, a supportive work environment, and promoting team cohesion and social support can improve emergency responders’ mental health and job performance. Future research should develop specific intervention strategies and evaluate their effectiveness to ensure the long-term health of emergency responders and improve the quality of emergency care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Workers’ Well-Being: From Research to Practice)
19 pages, 2305 KiB  
Communication
Automated MRI Video Analysis for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology: An Experimental Approach
by Artur Fabijan, Agnieszka Zawadzka-Fabijan, Robert Fabijan, Krzysztof Zakrzewski, Emilia Nowosławska, Róża Kosińska and Bartosz Polis
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8323; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188323 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Over the past year, there has been a significant rise in interest in the application of open-source artificial intelligence models (OSAIM) in the field of medicine. An increasing number of studies focus on evaluating the capabilities of these models in image analysis, including [...] Read more.
Over the past year, there has been a significant rise in interest in the application of open-source artificial intelligence models (OSAIM) in the field of medicine. An increasing number of studies focus on evaluating the capabilities of these models in image analysis, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to investigate whether two of the most popular open-source AI models, namely ChatGPT 4o and Gemini Pro, can analyze MRI video sequences with single-phase contrast in sagittal and frontal projections, depicting a posterior fossa tumor corresponding to a medulloblastoma in a child. The study utilized video files from single-phase contrast-enhanced head MRI in two planes (frontal and sagittal) of a child diagnosed with a posterior fossa tumor, type medulloblastoma, confirmed by histopathological examination. Each model was separately provided with the video file, first in the sagittal plane, analyzing three different sets of commands from the most general to the most specific. The same procedure was applied to the video file in the frontal plane. The Gemini Pro model did not conduct a detailed analysis of the pathological change but correctly identified the content of the video file, indicating it was a brain MRI, and suggested that a specialist in the field should perform the evaluation. Conversely, ChatGPT 4o conducted image analysis but failed to recognize that the content was MRI. The attempts to detect the lesion were random and varied depending on the plane. These models could not accurately identify the video content or indicate the area of the neoplastic change, even after applying detailed queries. The results suggest that despite their widespread use in various fields, these models require further improvements and specialized training to effectively support medical diagnostics. Full article
11 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Amino Acid Digestibility between Commercial Crossbred Pigs and Mini-Jeju Island Native Pigs
by Hyunwoong Jo, John Kyaw Htoo and Beob Gyun Kim
Animals 2024, 14(18), 2687; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14182687 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the apparent ileal digestibility and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in feed ingredients, compare the ileal digestibility of CP and AA between commercial crossbred pigs and mini-Jeju Island [...] Read more.
The objectives of this study were to determine the apparent ileal digestibility and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in feed ingredients, compare the ileal digestibility of CP and AA between commercial crossbred pigs and mini-Jeju Island native pigs (JINP), and develop models for estimating SID of CP and AA for commercial pigs using mini-JINP data. The study involved five crossbred commercial pigs (31.5 ± 1.6 kg of body weight and 11 weeks of age; Landrace × Yorkshire) and five mini-JINP (31.0 ± 3.2 kg body weight and 20 weeks of age). The pigs were surgically equipped with a T-cannula at the end of ileum. Each pig breed was assigned to 5 dietary treatments in a 5 × 10 incomplete Latin square design with 10 periods. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain each of soybean meal, corn gluten feed, copra meal, and sesame expellers as the sole source of nitrogen. A nitrogen-free diet was also prepared to determine basal endogenous losses of CP and AA. No interaction between breed and feed ingredient was observed for the digestibility of CP and all indispensable AA. The SID of CP and all indispensable AA, except Arg, His, and Lys, did not differ between the two breeds of pigs. Prediction equations were developed for SID of CP and AA of commercial pigs using the SID values of mini-JINP: SID of CP (%) = (1.02 × SID of CP in mini-JINP) − 5.20 with r2 = 0.97 and p < 0.05; SID of Lys (%) = (1.12 × SID of Lys in mini-JINP) − 9.10 with r2 = 0.98 and p < 0.05; and SID of Met (%) = (1.08 × SID of Met in mini-JINP) − 4.27 with r2 = 0.96 and p < 0.05. The digestibility for most AA in feedstuffs for commercial pigs can be estimated using data from mini-JINP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Ingredients and Additives for Swine and Poultry)
18 pages, 2604 KiB  
Article
Cookies Fortified with Clitoria ternatea Butterfly Pea Flower Petals: Antioxidant Capacity, Nutritional Composition, and Sensory Profile
by Ribi Ramadanti Multisona, Kamila Myszka, Bartosz Kulczyński, Marcellus Arnold, Anna Brzozowska and Anna Gramza-Michałowska
Foods 2024, 13(18), 2924; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182924 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
This study aimed to fortify cookies to be functional food by adding Clitoria ternatea flower (CT) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 8%. Sensory profiling identified 6% CT as optimal for organoleptic attributes. The addition of CT did not significantly impact protein, lipid, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to fortify cookies to be functional food by adding Clitoria ternatea flower (CT) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 8%. Sensory profiling identified 6% CT as optimal for organoleptic attributes. The addition of CT did not significantly impact protein, lipid, and ash content but decreased energy value and increased insoluble and soluble fibre levels. The inclusion of 6% CT had a significant effect on the overall total phenolic content (TPC), which increased compared to the control sample. Antioxidative activity analyses showed enhanced antioxidative activity in ABTS, DPPH, ORACFL, and PCL assays. The addition of 6% CT inhibited hydroperoxide production in cookies. However, over a period of 6 weeks, a significant rise in peroxide value was observed during the 4th and 6th weeks of storing fortified cookies. All assessed products met the high microbiological quality standards. The sensory evaluation scores showed that CT can create cookies with health benefits and a good overall acceptance score. The texture of the cookies gradually became softer, but no significant changes in visual appearance were observed. CT can be extensively used in baked cookies as a rich source of polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties and high fibre content, as well as a fortification source for the development of functional foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Food and Beverages: Production and Characterization: 2nd Edition)
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<p>Radar plots of sensory evaluation of fresh cookies in different concentrations of CT.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Overall acceptability of organoleptic characteristics of fresh cookies in different concentrations of CT.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>The appearance of cookies control, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of CT flower.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Total phenolics content and antioxidative activity with CT.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Sensory profiling of control sample during 6 weeks of storage.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Sensory profiling of sample with 6% CT flower during 6 weeks of storage.</p> Full article ">
30 pages, 1711 KiB  
Article
Fixed-Point and Random Fixed-Point Theorems in Preordered Sets Equipped with a Distance Metric
by Himanshu Baranwal, Ravindra Kishor Bisht, Arya Kumar Bedabrata Chand and Jen-Chih Yao
Mathematics 2024, 12(18), 2877; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12182877 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
This paper explores fixed points for both contractive and non-contractive mappings in traditional b-metric spaces, preordered b-metric spaces, and random b-metric spaces. Our findings provide insights into the behavior of mappings under various constraints and extend our approach to include [...] Read more.
This paper explores fixed points for both contractive and non-contractive mappings in traditional b-metric spaces, preordered b-metric spaces, and random b-metric spaces. Our findings provide insights into the behavior of mappings under various constraints and extend our approach to include coincidence and common fixed-point theorems in these spaces. We present new examples and graphical representations for the first time, offering novel results and enhancing several related findings in the literature, while broadening the scope of earlier works of Ran and Reurings, Nieto and Rodríguez-López, Górnicki, and others. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Functional Analysis and Applications: 2nd Edition)
17 pages, 5163 KiB  
Article
Fermented Fish Collagen Attenuates Melanogenesis via Decreasing UV-Induced Oxidative Stress
by Kyung-A Byun, So Young Lee, Seyeon Oh, Sosorburam Batsukh, Jong-Won Jang, Bae-Jin Lee, Kyoung-min Rheu, Sichao Li, Min-Seok Jeong, Kuk Hui Son and Kyunghee Byun
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(9), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22090421 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Excessive melanogenesis leads to hyperpigmentation-related cosmetic problems. UV exposure increases oxidative stress, which promotes melanogenesis-related signal pathways such as the PKA, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) pathways. Glycine is a source of endogenous antioxidants, including [...] Read more.
Excessive melanogenesis leads to hyperpigmentation-related cosmetic problems. UV exposure increases oxidative stress, which promotes melanogenesis-related signal pathways such as the PKA, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2) pathways. Glycine is a source of endogenous antioxidants, including glutathione. Fermented fish collagen (FC) contains glycine; thus, we evaluated the effect of FC on decreasing melanogenesis via decreasing oxidative stress. The glycine receptor (GlyR) and glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1) levels were decreased in UV-irradiated keratinocytes; however, the expression levels of these proteins increased upon treatment with FC. The FC decreased oxidative stress, as indicated by the decreasing expression of NOX1/2/4, increased expression of GSH/GSSG, increased SOD activity, and decreased 8-OHdG expression in UV-irradiated keratinocytes. Administration of conditioned media from FC-treated keratinocytes to melanocytes led to decreased p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 expression. These changes induced by the FC were also observed in UV-irradiated animal skin. FC treatment increased the expression of GlyR and GlyT, which was accompanied by decreased oxidative stress in the UV-irradiated skin. Moreover, the FC negatively regulated the melanogenesis signaling pathways, leading to decreased melanin content in the UV-irradiated skin. In conclusion, FC decreased UV-induced oxidative stress and melanogenesis in melanocytes and animal skin. FC could be used in the treatment of UV-induced hyperpigmentation problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Cosmeceuticals)
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<p>Regulation of GlyR and GlyT expression and oxidative stress by FC and glycine in UV-exposed keratinocytes. (<b>A</b>) Schematic diagram of the treatment of UV-exposed keratinocytes with FC and glycine. (<b>B</b>) Protein expression of GlyR and GlyT in UV-exposed keratinocytes following FC and glycine treatment. (<b>C</b>) Protein expression of NOX1/2/4 in UV-exposed keratinocytes following FC and glycine treatment. (<b>D</b>) The increased level of GSH/GSSG ratio in UV-exposed keratinocytes following FC and glycine treatment. (<b>E</b>) The SOD activity in UV-exposed keratinocytes following FC and glycine treatment. (<b>F</b>) The increased level of 8-OHdG in UV-exposed keratinocytes following FC and glycine treatment. Data are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001, first bar vs. second bar; <span>$</span><span>$</span>, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. second bar; #, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, vs. third bar (Mann–Whitney U test). FC, fermented fish collagen; GlyR, glycine receptor; GlyT, glycine transporter; GSH, glutathione; GSSG, oxidized glutathione; NOX, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; SD, standard deviation; SOD, superoxide dismutase; UV, ultraviolet; 8-OHdG, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Regulation of p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, TRP2, and TYR activity by FC and glycine in melanocytes. (<b>A</b>) Schematic diagram demonstrating melanocytes affected by conditioned media obtained from cultures of keratinocyte with UV-induced pigmentation for the evaluation of FC and glycine. (<b>B</b>) Protein expression of GlyR and GlyT in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Quantitative assessment of Western blot data presented in (<b>B</b>). (<b>E</b>) Protein expression of pp38, p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. (<b>F</b>–<b>J</b>) Quantitative assessment of Western blot data presented in (<b>E</b>). (<b>K</b>) Tyrosinase activity in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. Data are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001, first bar vs. second bar; <span>$</span><span>$</span>, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. second bar; #, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05; ##, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. third bar (Mann–Whitney U test). CM, conditioned media; FC, fermented fish collagen; GlyR, glycine receptor; GlyT, glycine transporter; MITF, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; PKC, protein kinase C; pp38, phosphorylated p38; SD, standard deviation; TRP1, tyrosinase-related protein-1; TRP2, tyrosinase-related protein-2; UV, ultraviolet.</p> Full article ">Figure 2 Cont.
<p>Regulation of p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, TRP2, and TYR activity by FC and glycine in melanocytes. (<b>A</b>) Schematic diagram demonstrating melanocytes affected by conditioned media obtained from cultures of keratinocyte with UV-induced pigmentation for the evaluation of FC and glycine. (<b>B</b>) Protein expression of GlyR and GlyT in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. (<b>C</b>,<b>D</b>) Quantitative assessment of Western blot data presented in (<b>B</b>). (<b>E</b>) Protein expression of pp38, p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. (<b>F</b>–<b>J</b>) Quantitative assessment of Western blot data presented in (<b>E</b>). (<b>K</b>) Tyrosinase activity in melanocytes treated with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes with or without FC and glycine treatments. Data are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001, first bar vs. second bar; <span>$</span><span>$</span>, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. second bar; #, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05; ##, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. third bar (Mann–Whitney U test). CM, conditioned media; FC, fermented fish collagen; GlyR, glycine receptor; GlyT, glycine transporter; MITF, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; PBS, phosphate-buffered saline; PKC, protein kinase C; pp38, phosphorylated p38; SD, standard deviation; TRP1, tyrosinase-related protein-1; TRP2, tyrosinase-related protein-2; UV, ultraviolet.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Regulation of GlyR and GlyT expression and oxidative stress by FC in UV-exposed animal skin. (<b>A</b>) Schematic diagram of the treatment of UV-exposed animal skin with FC. (<b>B</b>) Protein expression of GlyR and GlyT in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment was measured using Western blot. (<b>C</b>) Protein expression of NOXs in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. (<b>D</b>) The increased level of GSH/GSSG ratio in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. (<b>E</b>) The SOD activity in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. (<b>F</b>) The increased level of 8-OHdG in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. Data are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001, first bar vs. second bar; <span>$</span><span>$</span>, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. second bar; ##, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. fourth bar (Mann–Whitney U test). FC, fermented fish collagen; GlyR, glycine receptor; GlyT, glycine transporter; GSH, glutathione; GSSG, oxidized glutathione; NOX, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase; SD, standard deviation; SOD, superoxide dismutase; UV, ultraviolet; 8-OHdG, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Regulation of melanogenesis upon treatment with different concentrations of FC in UV-exposed animal skin. (<b>A</b>) Protein expression of pp38, p38, PKC, MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. (<b>B</b>) Tyrosinase activity in UV-exposed animal skin following FC treatment. (<b>C</b>,<b>E</b>) Melanin content was determined using Fontana–Masson staining in UV-exposed animal skin with or without FC treatments. Scale bar = 100 µm. The blue dotted boxes are magnified images of the Fontana–Masson image. (<b>D</b>,<b>F</b>) Skin lightness in UV-irradiated animal skin with or without FC treatments. Scale bar = 500 µm. Data are presented as the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. ***, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001, first bar vs. second bar; <span>$</span><span>$</span>, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. second bar; ##, <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, vs. fourth bar (Mann–Whitney U test). A.U., arbitrary unit; FC, fermented fish collagen; L*, lightness; MITF, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor; PKC, protein kinase C; pp38, phosphorylated p38; SD, standard deviation; TRP1, tyrosinase-related protein-1; TRP2, tyrosinase-related protein-2; UV, ultraviolet.</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 2731 KiB  
Article
Technology Keyword Analysis Using Graphical Causal Models
by Sunghae Jun
Electronics 2024, 13(18), 3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13183670 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Technology keyword analysis (TKA) requires a different approach compared to general keyword analysis. While general keyword analysis identifies relationships between keywords, technology keyword analysis must find cause–effect relationships between technology keywords. Because the development of new technologies depends on previously researched and developed [...] Read more.
Technology keyword analysis (TKA) requires a different approach compared to general keyword analysis. While general keyword analysis identifies relationships between keywords, technology keyword analysis must find cause–effect relationships between technology keywords. Because the development of new technologies depends on previously researched and developed technologies, we need to build a causal inference model, in which the previously developed technology is the cause and the newly developed technology is the effect. In this paper, we propose a technology keyword analysis method using casual inference modeling. To understand the causal relationships between technology keywords, we constructed a graphical causal model combining a graph structure with causal inference. To show how the proposed model can be applied to the practical domains, we collected the patent documents related to the digital therapeutics technology from the world patent databases and analyzed them by the graphical causal model. We expect that our research contributes to various aspects of technology management, such as research and development planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends on Data Management)
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<p>Patent–keyword matrix constructed from patent documents.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Patent–keyword matrix for graphical causal modeling.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>GCM result of the initial skeleton with α = 0.05.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>GCM result based on the PC algorithm with α = 0.05.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>GCM result of initial skeleton with α = 0.01.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>GCM result based on PC algorithm with α = 0.01.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Technological relationship structure in digital therapeutics using GCM.</p> Full article ">
26 pages, 810 KiB  
Article
Does Government Digital Transformation Drive High-Quality Urban Economic Development? Evidence from E-Government Platform Construction
by Li Xiong, Xiaoyu Wang, Zijie Liu and Xiaoliang Long
Systems 2024, 12(9), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12090372 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Digitalization represents a pivotal global development trend and serves as a significant force propelling economic and social transformation. This manuscript uses the global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) model to estimate green total factor productivity (GTFP) across 284 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2018, taking the [...] Read more.
Digitalization represents a pivotal global development trend and serves as a significant force propelling economic and social transformation. This manuscript uses the global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) model to estimate green total factor productivity (GTFP) across 284 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2018, taking the pilot policy of “construction and application of e-government public platforms based on cloud computing” as an example to assess the impact of government digital transformation on the qualitative development of the economy by using a difference-in-differences model to explore the path of its role and driving mechanism. The results reveal that government digital transformation promotes the qualitative improvement of the city’s economic development, and its driving effect shows a marginal incremental law. Moreover, government digital transformation can contribute to the formation of a “latecomer advantage” in the lagging regions, which creates a “catch-up effect” on the regions with favorable development foundations, excellent geographical conditions, high urban ranking, and high education quality. Additionally, government digital transformation boosts economic and social development quality through both innovation spillover and structural optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic AI and IoT for Promoting Green Operation and Sustainable Environment)
14 pages, 3929 KiB  
Article
Bioactivity-Guided Isolation of Antistroke Compounds from Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br.
by Juan Qin, Shiyi Xue, Chao Xu, Jian Jin, Jianbin Wang, Hailian Yuan and Liang Liu
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4389; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184389 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
A bioactivity-guided separation strategy was used to identify novel antistroke compounds from Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br., a medicinal plant. As a result, 4 undescribed compounds (1–2, 13, and 17) and 13 known compounds, including 1 new natural product [...] Read more.
A bioactivity-guided separation strategy was used to identify novel antistroke compounds from Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br., a medicinal plant. As a result, 4 undescribed compounds (1–2, 13, and 17) and 13 known compounds, including 1 new natural product (3), were isolated from G. conopsea. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and quantum chemical calculations. An oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-injured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell model was used to evaluate the antistroke effects of the isolates. Compounds 1–2, 10–11, 13–15, and 17 provided varying degrees of protection against OGD/R injury in the PC12 cells at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µM. Among the tested compounds, compound 17 demonstrated the most potent neuroprotective effect, which was equivalent to that of the positive control drug (edaravone). Then, transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted to reveal the regulatory effect of compound 17 on gene expression. In addition, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to verify the results of the transcriptomic and bioinformatics analyses. These results suggest that the in vitro antistroke effect of compound 17 may be associated with the regulation of the Col27a1 gene. Thus, compound 17 is a promising candidate for the development of novel antistroke drugs derived from natural products, and this topic should be further studied. Full article
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<p>Neuroprotective effects of samples prepared from <span class="html-italic">Gymnadenia conopsea</span> on ODG/R-induced PC12 cells (means ± SDs, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). <sup>###</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 versus the control, * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 versus OGD/R.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Structures of compounds <b>1</b>–<b>17</b> isolated from <span class="html-italic">G. conopsea</span>.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Key HMBC and <sup>1</sup>H-<sup>1</sup>H COSY correlations of compounds <b>1</b>–<b>2</b>, <b>13</b>, and <b>17</b>.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Stereoscopic configuration of compound <b>17</b>. (<b>A</b>) Correlations between the calculated and experimental chemical shifts of 2<span class="html-italic">S</span>. (<b>B</b>) Correlations between the calculated and experimental chemical shifts of 2<span class="html-italic">R</span>. (<b>C</b>) DP4+ probabilities of possible isomers of <b>17</b>. (<b>D</b>) Experimental ECD spectrum of <b>17</b> (black line) and the calculated spectrum of <b>17</b> (red line).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Neuroprotective effects of the isolated compounds on ODG/R-induced PC12 cells (means ± SDs, <span class="html-italic">n</span> = 3). <sup>###</sup> <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 versus the control, * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05, ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.01, and *** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001 versus OGD/R. Positive control: edaravone (Eda).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis. (3 = compound <b>17</b>) (<b>A</b>) Box plot of log<sub>2</sub> (TPM) values for mRNA under different conditions. (<b>B</b>) PCA diagram of normalized mRNA expression values illuminating the general relationship between datasets. (<b>C</b>) Upregulated and downregulated genes in the mRNA database among the three groups. The green dots indicate downregulated genes, and the red dots indicate upregulated genes.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Global changes in gene expression for multiple time points. (3 = compound <b>17</b>) (<b>A</b>) Optimal number of clusters. (<b>B</b>) Line plot displaying the expression patterns of mRNAs and cluster centroids identified by the fuzzy c-means algorithm at different developmental time points. (<b>C</b>) Heatmap displaying six obtained clusters with dynamic gene expression patterns. (<b>D</b>) The clusters’ overall gene expression dynamics are displayed as area plots (visualized in relation to cluster centroids).</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Identification of key genes. (3 = compound <b>17</b>) (<b>A</b>) Key genes identified via a Venn diagram. (<b>B</b>,<b>C</b>) GSEA enrichment analysis showing that DEGs are significantly enriched in the developmental growth pathway (<b>B</b>) and protein digestion and absorption (<b>C</b>).</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>Comparisons of the expression patterns of <span class="html-italic">Sytl3</span>, <span class="html-italic">Gsta5</span>, <span class="html-italic">Hmgcs1</span>, <span class="html-italic">Insig1</span>, <span class="html-italic">Egr1</span>, <span class="html-italic">Armcx5</span>, <span class="html-italic">Col27a1</span>, and <span class="html-italic">Banp</span> obtained via qPCR and those obtained via RNA-seq.</p> Full article ">
12 pages, 1009 KiB  
Article
The Systemic Inflammation Response Index Efficiently Discriminates between the Failure Patterns of Patients with Isocitrate Dehydrogenase Wild-Type Glioblastoma Following Radiochemotherapy with FLAIR-Based Gross Tumor Volume Delineation
by Sukran Senyurek, Murat Serhat Aygun, Nulifer Kilic Durankus, Eyub Yasar Akdemir, Duygu Sezen, Erkan Topkan, Yasemin Bolukbasi and Ugur Selek
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(9), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14090922 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the connection between the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) values and failure patterns of patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma (GB) who underwent radiotherapy (RT) with FLAIR-based gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation. Methods: Seventy-one patients [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the connection between the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) values and failure patterns of patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma (GB) who underwent radiotherapy (RT) with FLAIR-based gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation. Methods: Seventy-one patients who received RT at a dose of 60 Gy to the GTV and 50 Gy to the clinical target volume (CTV) and had documented recurrence were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient’s maximum distance of recurrence (MDR) from the GTV was documented in whichever plane it extended the farthest. The failure patterns were described as intra-GTV, in-CTV/out-GTV, distant, and intra-GTV and distant. For analytical purposes, the failure pattern was categorized into two groups, namely Group 1, intra-GTV or in-CTV/out-GTV, and Group 2, distant or intra-GTV and distant. The SIRI was calculated before surgery and corticosteroid administration. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal SIRI cut-off that distinguishes between the different failure patterns. Results: Failure occurred as follows: intra-GTV in 40 (56.3%), in-CTV/out-GTV in 4 (5.6%), distant in 18 (25.4%), and intra-GTV + distant in 9 (12.7%) patients. The mean MDR was 13.5 mm, and recurrent lesions extended beyond 15 mm in only seven patients. Patients with an SIRI score ≥ 3 demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of Group 1 failure patterns than their counterparts with an SIRI score < 3 (74.3% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.035). Conclusions: The present results show that using the SIRI with a cut-off value of ≥3 significantly predicts failure patterns. Additionally, the margin for the GTV can be safely reduced to 15 mm when using FLAIR-based target delineation in patients with GB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Tumors: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
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<p>Examples of failure pattern definition. Intra-GTV (<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>), in-CTV/out-GTV (<b>c</b>), and distant (<b>d</b>). Red line: gross tumor volume (prescribed dose: 60 Gy/30 fr), blue line: clinical target volume (prescribed dose: 50 Gy/30 fr), cyan line: recurrent lesion.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses outcomes. Area under curve: 71.8%; sensitivity: 71.8%; specificity: 70.3%; J-index: 0.421.</p> Full article ">
39 pages, 1431 KiB  
Article
The Interplay of Dietary Habits, Economic Factors, and Globalization: Assessing the Role of Institutional Quality
by Mohammad Naim Azimi, Mohammad Mafizur Rahman and Tek Maraseni
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183116 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Background: Dietary habits are pivotal for population health and well-being, yet remain a pressing global issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where economic instability and institutional challenges exacerbate dietary problems. Despite extensive research, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the [...] Read more.
Background: Dietary habits are pivotal for population health and well-being, yet remain a pressing global issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where economic instability and institutional challenges exacerbate dietary problems. Despite extensive research, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the direct and interactive effects of institutional quality and inflationary shocks on dietary habits. Methods: This study delves into these complex interplays across 44 SSA nations from 2002 to 2022. Employing an innovative entropy method (EM) and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) modeling, the study introduces an inclusive institutional quality index and an inflationary shock predictor as crucial determinants of dietary habits in the literature. Results: The results from the panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) method and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model reveal that per capita GDP, school enrollment rate, government expenditures, globalization index, and urbanization are positively associated with population dietary habits, while inflationary shock, food insecurity, and unemployment rate exert negative influences. Notably, institutional quality acts as a catalyst, amplifying the positive effects of the former group and absorbing the negative impacts of the latter on population dietary habits. Additionally, a dynamic panel causality analysis confirms a bidirectional causality nexus between population dietary habits and all variables, except for inflationary shocks, which demonstrate a unidirectional causality link. Conclusions: These findings carry significant policy implications, underscoring the complex dynamics between institutional quality, inflationary shocks, and dietary habits in the region. The bidirectional causality highlights the need for holistic interventions that address economic, social, and institutional factors simultaneously. Moreover, the unidirectional causality of inflationary shocks on dietary habits suggests that stabilizing inflation is critical to protecting dietary habits. These results provide critical insights for policymakers to design targeted interventions aimed at improving nutrition, bolstering institutional frameworks, and ensuring public health resilience in the face of economic and social shocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
16 pages, 1683 KiB  
Article
De-Escalation of Axillary Surgery in Clinically Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Therapy: Comparative Long-Term Outcomes of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy versus Axillary Lymph Node Dissection
by Corrado Tinterri, Erika Barbieri, Andrea Sagona, Simone Di Maria Grimaldi and Damiano Gentile
Cancers 2024, 16(18), 3168; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16183168 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Backgrounds: This study compares the long-term outcomes of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) versus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 322 cN+ BC patients who [...] Read more.
Backgrounds: This study compares the long-term outcomes of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) versus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 322 cN+ BC patients who became clinically node-negative (ycN0) post-NAT. Patients were categorized based on the final type of axillary surgery performed: ALND or SLNB. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were evaluated and compared between the two groups. Results: Patients in the SLNB group had significantly better 3-, 5-, and 10-year RFS, DDFS, OS, and BCSS compared to those in the ALND group. The SLNB group also had a higher proportion of patients achieving pathologic complete response (pCR). Multivariate analysis identified pCR, ypN0 status, and SLNB as favorable prognostic factors for all survival metrics. Axillary recurrence rates were low for both groups (0.6–2.1%). Conclusions: SLNB may be a safe and effective alternative to ALND for selected cN+ BC patients who convert to ycN0 after NAT. These findings suggest that careful patient selection is crucial, and further research is needed to validate these results in more comparable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neoadjuvant Therapy of Breast Cancer)
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<p>Curves depicting recurrence-free survival and distant disease-free survival in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and axillary surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy versus axillary lymph node dissection). Footnotes: SLNB: Sentinel lymph node biopsy, ALND: Axillary lymph node dissection.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival curves of clinically node-positive patients with breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy and axillary surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy versus axillary lymph node dissection). Footnotes: SLNB: Sentinel lymph node biopsy, ALND: Axillary lymph node dissection.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Comparison of recurrence-free survival and distant disease-free survival curves between ypN0 and ypN+ patients. Footnotes: ypN0: Complete pathologic axillary response, ypN+: Residual axillary disease.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Comparison of overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival curves between ypN0 and ypN+ patients. Footnotes: ypN0: Complete pathologic axillary response, ypN+: Residual axillary disease.</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 4143 KiB  
Article
Study of Ion-to-Electron Transducing Layers for the Detection of Nitrate Ions Using FPSX(TDDAN)-Based Ion-Sensitive Electrodes
by Camille Bene, Adrian Laborde, Morgan Légnani, Emmanuel Flahaut, Jérôme Launay and Pierre Temple-Boyer
Sensors 2024, 24(18), 5994; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24185994 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
The development of ISE-based sensors for the analysis of nitrates in liquid phase is described in this work. Focusing on the tetradodecylammonium nitrate (TDDAN) ion exchanger as well as on fluoropolysiloxane (FPSX) polymer-based layers, electrodeposited matrixes containing double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), embedded in [...] Read more.
The development of ISE-based sensors for the analysis of nitrates in liquid phase is described in this work. Focusing on the tetradodecylammonium nitrate (TDDAN) ion exchanger as well as on fluoropolysiloxane (FPSX) polymer-based layers, electrodeposited matrixes containing double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), embedded in either polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) or polypyrrole (PPy) polymers, ensured improved ion-to-electron transducing layers for NO3− detection. Thus, FPSX-based pNO3-ElecCell microsensors exhibited good detection properties (sensitivity up to 55 mV/pX for NO3 values ranging from 1 to 5) and acceptable selectivity in the presence of the main interferent anions (Cl−, HCO3−, and SO42−). Focusing on the temporal drift bottleneck, mixed results were obtained. On the one hand, relatively stable measurements and low temporal drifts (~1.5 mV/day) were evidenced on several days. On the other hand, the pNO3 sensor properties were degraded in the long term, being finally characterized by high response times, low detection sensitivities, and important measurement instabilities. These phenomena were related to the formation of some thin water-based layers at the polymer–metal interface, as well as the physicochemical properties of the TDDAN ion exchanger in the FPSX matrix. However, the improvements obtained thanks to DWCNT-based ion-to-electron transducing layers pave the way for the long-term analysis of NO3− ions in real water-based solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensors for Detection and Analysis)
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<p>Development of silicon-based technologies for the mass fabrication of the (Pt - Pt - Pt/Ag/AgCl) electrochemical microcell (ElecCell).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Integration of ElecCell silicon chips on printed circuit board.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Drop-casting deposition of a fluoropolysiloxane-based nitrate ion-sensitive layer on the platinum-based modified ultramicroelectrode array used as a working electrode.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Mechanistic scheme of the Pt/IETL/FPSX(TDDAN)/electrolyte NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-sensitive structure.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Optical images of the different ion-to-electron transducing layers: (<b>a</b>) PEDOT:PSS, (<b>b</b>) PEDOT:DWCNTs, (<b>c</b>) PPy:DWCNTs.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>SEM images of the different IETL layers (general view (<b>top</b>) and detail (<b>bottom</b>)): (<b>a</b>) PEDOT:PSS, (<b>b</b>) PEDOT:DWCNTs, (<b>c</b>) PPy:DWCNTs.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>Evolution of the open-circuit potential of pNO<sub>3</sub>-ElecCell for different KNO<sub>3</sub> solutions: (<b>a</b>) without ion-to-electron transducers, (<b>b</b>) PEDOT:PSS, (<b>c</b>) PEDOT:DWCNTs, (<b>d</b>) PPy:DWCNTs.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>Analytical responses of the different pNO<sub>3</sub>-ElecCell devices.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>pNO<sub>3</sub>-ElecCell analytical response in the presence of various interfering ions: (<b>a</b>) Pt/PEDOT:DWCNT/FPSX(TDDAN) structure, (<b>b</b>) Pt/PPy:DWCNT/FPSX(TDDAN) structure.</p> Full article ">
27 pages, 5107 KiB  
Review
Shaping Soil Properties and Yield of Cereals Using Cover Crops under Conservation Soil Tillage
by Edward Wilczewski, Irena Jug, Ewa Szpunar-Krok, Mariola Staniak and Danijel Jug
Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14092104 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
The aim of this review was to collect current results on the effect of different plants grown as winter and summer cover crops (CC) on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and on the yield of cereal crops grown in a [...] Read more.
The aim of this review was to collect current results on the effect of different plants grown as winter and summer cover crops (CC) on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and on the yield of cereal crops grown in a site with CC, using conservation soil tillage. The analyzed studies indicate that CC usually have a positive impact on the physical and biological properties of the soil. Regardless of the plant species used as CC, we can expect an increase in the number of soil microorganisms and an improvement in the activity of soil enzymes. This effect is particularly beneficial in the case of reduced tillage systems. Mixing CC biomass with the topsoil loosens compacted soils and, in the case of light, sandy soils, increasing the capacity of the sorption complex. The size and composition of CC biomass and weather conditions during the vegetation period and during the covering of the soil with plant biomass are of great importance for improving the chemical properties of the soil. A beneficial effect of CC, especially legumes, on the content of the mineral nitrogen in the topsoil is usually observed. Sometimes, an increase in the content of available forms of potassium (K) and/or phosphorus (P) is also achieved. The effect of CC on the content of soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), or soil pH is less common. CC used in reduced tillage systems can significantly improve the yield and quality of cereal grain, especially when legumes are used as CC in low-fertility soil conditions and at low fertilization levels. However, non-legumes can also play a very positive role in shaping soil properties and improving cereal yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Agricultural Practices for Improving Crop Production and Quality)
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<p>Sowing of CC seeds in conservation tillage conditions. (Photo: E. Wilczewski).</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>White mustard (<b>A</b>), oilseed radish (<b>B</b>), and tansy phacelia (<b>A</b>–<b>C</b>) as components of non-legume mixtures of plants grown as summer CC (Photo: M. Staniak).</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Different varieties of oilseed radish as winter (<b>A</b>) or summer (<b>B</b>) CC (Photo: D. Jug and E. Wilczewski).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Field pea as CC in autumn (<b>A</b>), winter (<b>B</b>), and early spring (<b>C</b>) (Photo: E. Wilczewski).</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>White mustard as CC in autumn (<b>A</b>) and late winter (<b>B</b>) (Photo: E. Wilczewski).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Average impact of plants grown as cover crops on cereals (winter and spring wheat, spring barley, and corn) grain yield, depending on tillage system [<a href="#B21-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">21</a>,<a href="#B36-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">36</a>,<a href="#B48-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">48</a>,<a href="#B97-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">97</a>,<a href="#B209-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">209</a>,<a href="#B210-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">210</a>,<a href="#B211-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">211</a>,<a href="#B212-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">212</a>,<a href="#B213-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">213</a>,<a href="#B214-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">214</a>,<a href="#B215-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">215</a>,<a href="#B216-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">216</a>,<a href="#B217-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">217</a>,<a href="#B218-agronomy-14-02104" class="html-bibr">218</a>].</p> Full article ">
17 pages, 383 KiB  
Article
On Signifiable Computability: Part I: Signification of Real Numbers, Sequences, and Types
by Vladimir A. Kulyukin
Mathematics 2024, 12(18), 2881; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12182881 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Signifiable computability aims to separate what is theoretically computable from what is computable through performable processes on computers with finite amounts of memory. Real numbers and sequences thereof, data types, and instances are treated as finite texts, and memory limitations are made explicit [...] Read more.
Signifiable computability aims to separate what is theoretically computable from what is computable through performable processes on computers with finite amounts of memory. Real numbers and sequences thereof, data types, and instances are treated as finite texts, and memory limitations are made explicit through a requirement that the texts be stored in the available memory on the devices that manipulate them. In Part I of our investigation, we define the concepts of signification and reference of real numbers. We extend signification to number tuples, data types, and data instances and show that data structures representable as tuples of discretely finite numbers are signifiable. From the signification of real tuples, we proceed to the constructive signification of multidimensional matrices and show that any data structure representable as a multidimensional matrix of discretely finite numbers is signifiable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics and Computer Science)
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<p>(<b>Top</b>): An undirected unweighted graph <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> </semantics></math>. (<b>Bottom</b>): matrix <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> representing <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> so that <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>1</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math>, <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mn>1</mn> <mo>≤</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>≤</mo> <mn>5</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math>, if and only if <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> has an edge between the nodes <span class="html-italic">i</span> and <span class="html-italic">j</span>; otherwise, <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>1</mn> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>0</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math>.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>(<b>Top</b>): Directed unweighted graph <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> </semantics></math>. (<b>Bottom</b>): a matrix <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> representing <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> so that <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>1</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math>, <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <mn>1</mn> <mo>≤</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>≤</mo> <mn>5</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math> if and only if <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>G</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> </semantics></math> has a edge from the node <span class="html-italic">i</span> to the node <span class="html-italic">j</span>; otherwise, <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>0</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math>.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>Top</b>): A binary tree <span class="html-italic">T</span>. (<b>Bottom</b>): A matrix representation <math display="inline"><semantics> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mi>T</mi> </msub> </semantics></math> of <span class="html-italic">T</span>. <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mi>T</mi> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>1</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math> if and only if <span class="html-italic">i</span> is the parent <span class="html-italic">j</span>; <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mi>T</mi> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mo>−</mo> <mn>1</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math> if <span class="html-italic">i</span> is the left child of <span class="html-italic">j</span>; <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mi>T</mi> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mo>−</mo> <mn>2</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math> if <span class="html-italic">i</span> is the right child of <span class="html-italic">j</span>; <math display="inline"><semantics> <mrow> <msub> <mi>M</mi> <mi>T</mi> </msub> <mrow> <mo>[</mo> <mi>i</mi> <mo>,</mo> <mi>j</mi> <mo>]</mo> </mrow> <mo>=</mo> <mn>0</mn> </mrow> </semantics></math> otherwise.</p> Full article ">
28 pages, 2653 KiB  
Article
How Does Digital Transformation Moderate Green Culture, Job Satisfaction, and Competitive Advantage in Sustainable Hotels?
by Gul Coskun Degirmen, Derya Ozilhan Ozbey, Emine Sardagı, Ilknur Cevik Tekin, Durmus Koc, Pınar Erdogan, Feden Koc and Emel Arık
Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8072; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188072 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Target groups within an organization adopt its culture, reflecting it in all internal and external business processes. Adopting a green organizational culture in hotels with sustainability certificates plays an important role in reshaping business processes by developing sustainability awareness among employees. Digital transformation, [...] Read more.
Target groups within an organization adopt its culture, reflecting it in all internal and external business processes. Adopting a green organizational culture in hotels with sustainability certificates plays an important role in reshaping business processes by developing sustainability awareness among employees. Digital transformation, which facilitates corporate culture and business processes, plays a role in employee job satisfaction while also supporting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This research aims to determine the relationship between green organizational culture, job satisfaction, and competitive advantage variables and to examine the moderating role of digital transformation on these relationships. The data-collecting techniques of choice were surveys and semi-structured interviews. While Amos software (Version 24) was used to test the hypothetical model in the analysis of survey data, a Hayes Process macro was used to determine the moderating effect. The interview forms’ data was analyzed using a bag-of-words model. According to the research results, there is a positive relationship between the participation, consistency, and adaptability sub-dimensions of green organizational culture and job satisfaction, while there is no significant relationship between the mission sub-dimension and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the study reveals the moderating role of digital transformation in the effect of job satisfaction on competitive advantage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Hospitality and Tourism Sector)
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<p>Hypothetical research model.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Quantitative analysis flowchart.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Qualitative analysis flowchart.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Structural model coefficients. * <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.001; ** <span class="html-italic">p</span> &lt; 0.05; N.S. not significant.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Annotated corpus map.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>Word cloud after preprocessing.</p> Full article ">
16 pages, 7290 KiB  
Article
Application of Surge Arrester in Limiting Voltage Stress at Direct Current Breaker
by Mohammadamin Moghbeli, Shahab Mehraeen and Sudipta Sen
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8319; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188319 (registering DOI) - 15 Sep 2024
Abstract
Hybrid DC circuit breakers combine mechanical switches with a redirecting current path, typically controlled by power electronic devices, to prevent arcing during switch contact separation. The authors’ past work includes a bipolar hybrid DC circuit breaker that effectively redirects the fault current and [...] Read more.
Hybrid DC circuit breakers combine mechanical switches with a redirecting current path, typically controlled by power electronic devices, to prevent arcing during switch contact separation. The authors’ past work includes a bipolar hybrid DC circuit breaker that effectively redirects the fault current and returns it to the source. This reduces arcing between the mechanical breaker’s contacts and prevents large voltage overshoots across them. However, the breaker’s performance declines as the upstream line inductance increases, causing overvoltage. This work introduces a modification to the originally proposed hybrid DC breaker to make it suitable to use anywhere along DC grid lines. By using a switch-controlled surge arrester in parallel with the DC breaker, part of the arc energy is dissipated in the surge arrester, preventing an overvoltage across the mechanical switches. Based on the experimental results, the proposed method can effectively interrupt the fault current with minimal arcing and reduce the voltage stress across the mechanical switches. To address practical fault currents, tests at high fault currents (900 A) and voltage levels (500 V) are conducted and compared with simulation models and analytical studies. Furthermore, the application of the breaker for the protection of DC distribution grids is illustrated through simulations, and the procedure for designing the breaker components is explained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Smart Microgrids)
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<p>(<b>a</b>) Proposed DCCB design; (<b>b</b>) DC system circuit diagram.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>A sample current and voltage waveform during breaking.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Current path during (<b>a</b>) Stage 2, (<b>b</b>) Stage 3, (<b>c</b>) Stage 4, (<b>d</b>) Stage 5.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Experimental setup and measurement system diagram.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>Conventional Breaker.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>(<b>a</b>) Conventional DCCB configuration, (<b>b</b>) fault current disruption under 260 V and 500 V tests.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>The voltages and current during fault disruption using the original hybrid DCCB [<a href="#B11-applsci-14-08319" class="html-bibr">11</a>] under (<b>a</b>) 280 V and (<b>b</b>) 500 V supplies.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>The voltages and current during fault disruption using the proposed hybrid DCCB with the surge arrester of <a href="#applsci-14-08319-f001" class="html-fig">Figure 1</a>b under initial (<b>a</b>) 280 V and (<b>b</b>) 500 V supplies.</p> Full article ">Figure 9
<p>V-I characteristics of the surge arrester [<a href="#B24-applsci-14-08319" class="html-bibr">24</a>].</p> Full article ">Figure 10
<p>Simulated voltages and currents during fault disruption using the proposed hybrid DCCB with surge arrester (<a href="#applsci-14-08319-f001" class="html-fig">Figure 1</a>b); (<b>a</b>) Voltages under 260 V supply, (<b>b</b>) Currents under 280 V supply; (<b>c</b>) Voltages under 500 V supply; (<b>d</b>) Currents under 500 V supply; Currents graphs are inverted for clarity.</p> Full article ">Figure 11
<p>Case 5: Distribution line.</p> Full article ">Figure 12
<p>Simulation results for the breaker at one-third of the line, with the fault at the end of the line: (<b>a</b>) Voltages (<b>b</b>) 421 currents.</p> Full article ">Figure 13
<p>Simulation results for breaker at two-thirds of the line, with the fault at the end of the line: (<b>a</b>) Voltages (<b>b</b>) currents.</p> Full article ">
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