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16 pages, 1333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Turnover Intentions among Field Technicians: A Case Study in Philippines

by Eric De Vera Reynoso, Yogi Tri Prasetyo, Satria Fadil Persada, Klint Allen Mariñas, Omar Paolo Benito, Reny Nadlifatin, Ma. Janice J. Gumasing and Irene Dyah Ayuwati

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6517; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156517 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions, necessitating adaptation to the current circumstances. The concept of the “New Normal” has been introduced to facilitate coexistence with the virus. Nevertheless, numerous industries saw significant impacts, both in terms of financial losses and personnel attrition. [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several disruptions, necessitating adaptation to the current circumstances. The concept of the “New Normal” has been introduced to facilitate coexistence with the virus. Nevertheless, numerous industries saw significant impacts, both in terms of financial losses and personnel attrition. This development has a significant impact on the agriculture industry, particularly on field technicians (FTs). The present study seeks to understand the factors that influence the inclination to leave one’s job among field technicians. A purposive sampling strategy was used to choose fifty-three participants who were then requested to complete a survey-type questionnaire on various factors including perceived supervisor support, workload, perceived alternative jobs, perceived benefits, COVID-19, and job satisfaction. A SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that job satisfaction did not operate as a mediator in the relationship between turnover intention and its determinants, such as workload, supervisor support, benefits, and employment alternatives. Furthermore, this study verified that the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 epidemic did not influence the connection between job satisfaction and turnover intention. This study represents one of the initial investigations conducted on workers in the Philippine farm sector during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, the discoveries could be utilized to assess the distinct circumstances arising from the current global COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development)

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14 pages, 1647 KiB

Open AccessReview

Color Stability of Single-Shade Resin Composites in Direct Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

by Caroline de Farias Charamba Leal, Samille Biasi Miranda, Everardo Lucena de Alves Neto, Keitry Freitas, Wesley Viana de Sousa, Rodrigo Barros Esteves Lins, Ana Karina Maciel de Andrade and Marcos Antônio Japiassú Resende Montes

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152172 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

The objective was to compare the color match and color stability behavior of single- and multi-shade resin-based composites (RBCs) used for direct restorations. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized clinical trials evaluating [...] Read more.

The objective was to compare the color match and color stability behavior of single- and multi-shade resin-based composites (RBCs) used for direct restorations. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the shade performance of single-shade RBCs in direct restorations were included. A search of the scientific literature was performed in five databases (April 2024). The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, calculating the risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the dichotomous outcome using a random effects model. Bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool. Four studies were selected, with 263 restorations analyzed. The results showed comparable performance between single-shade RBCs and multi-shade RBCs in terms of color match and color stability over 12 months. Three studies had a low risk of bias with all expected results, and one study had some concerns. The certainty of evidence for color stability was considered low for all follow-up periods due to the small number of events and sample size. According to the United States Public Health Service Evaluation (USPHS) and the World Dental Federation (FDI), there is comparable clinical color performance between single-shade and multi-shade RBCs over 12 months. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers Strategies in Dental Therapy)

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8 pages, 6949 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Complete Thoracic Ectopia Cordis in Two Lambs

by Liz de Albuquerque Cerqueira, Isabel Luana de Mâcedo, Davi Emanuel Ribeiro de Sousa, Haiane Arruda Luz Amorim, José Renato Junqueira Borges, Fábio Henrique Bezerra Ximenes, Antonio Carlos Lopes Câmara and Márcio Botelho de Castro

Animals 2024, 14(15), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152213 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Cardiac congenital defects related to inheritance and teratogenesis have been reported in veterinary species and humans worldwide. Among these, ectopia cordis (EC), characterized by an externalized heart through a cleft, is extremely rare in sheep. This report presents the diagnostic features of two [...] Read more.

Cardiac congenital defects related to inheritance and teratogenesis have been reported in veterinary species and humans worldwide. Among these, ectopia cordis (EC), characterized by an externalized heart through a cleft, is extremely rare in sheep. This report presents the diagnostic features of two cases of complete thoracic EC in newborn lambs. Clinical findings in the lambs, aside from the EC, were unremarkable. Both animals exhibited exteriorized hearts without pericardial coverage, delineated in the thoracic cleft by a fibrous ring of the pericardium and adjacent skin. Histologically, the epicardium was thickened by fibrous tissue in both lambs, with one animal also showing marked edema, hemorrhage, and neutrophilic inflammatory infiltration. The prognosis of EC in the lambs of this study was poor, with fatal outcomes despite attempts at surgical correction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Complex Congenital Defects in Animals)

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10 pages, 432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Presence of Intestinal Parasites in Patients with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases in Masaya (Nicaragua)

by Carla Muñoz-Antoli, Aleyda Pavón, Jacklyn Comas, Rafael Toledo and José Guillermo Esteban

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(8), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9080171 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Masaya (Nicaragua) to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasite (IP) infections in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to determine the associations between the types of NCDs and patients´ epidemiological characteristics of infection. Methods: A total [...] Read more.

Aims: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Masaya (Nicaragua) to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasite (IP) infections in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and to determine the associations between the types of NCDs and patients´ epidemiological characteristics of infection. Methods: A total of 157 preserved faecal samples were examined (direct wet mount, formalin/ethyl acetate concentration and modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique). Microscopically positive faecal sample identification was completed by conducting a molecular study. Results: The total prevalence of IP was 52% in NCD patients. Diabetic patients presented an IP prevalence of 42%. Blastocystis presented the highest prevalence (42%). A molecular analysis of Giardia intestinalis (prevalence of 1.3%) revealed 100% of sub-assemblage BIII and the Entamoeba complex (5%) was identified as E. dispar. Blastocystis ST1 appeared in 44% of those suffering from diabetes and ST3 in 66% of those suffering from hypertension, while ST2 only appeared in those suffering with several NCDs simultaneously. In diabetic patients, the risk of infection is associated with having pets (p = 0.021) and land-floor houses. The risk of infection appears to be statistically related (p = 0.019) in those with several NCDs having received a previous helminthic deworming treatment. Conclusions: Coordinated public health activities for IP and NCD screening and diagnosis are crucial to their successful control programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)

18 pages, 458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Moderating Role of Entrepreneurial Narrative in the Impact of Environmental Regulation on Migrant Workers’ Entrepreneurial Legitimacy from a Green Entrepreneurship Perspective

by Zeyu Gong and Jincai Zhuang

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6520; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156520 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Globally, environmental regulatory pressures are mounting, eliciting concern for their effects on migrant workers who return home to found businesses. These entrepreneurial migrants contribute to rural economic growth and urbanization, yet concurrently confront the challenge of stringent environmental rules. The study aims to [...] Read more.

Globally, environmental regulatory pressures are mounting, eliciting concern for their effects on migrant workers who return home to found businesses. These entrepreneurial migrants contribute to rural economic growth and urbanization, yet concurrently confront the challenge of stringent environmental rules. The study aims to dissect the environmental regulatory pressure’s influence on the legitimacy of these entrepreneurial migrants and the underlying mechanisms. It further investigates the role of a green entrepreneurial orientation as a mediator and the moderating influence of entrepreneurial narratives on this relationship. Utilizing quantitative research methodologies, the analysis is grounded in extensive, firsthand data from an empirical study of migrant entrepreneurs. The findings corroborate a direct link between environmental regulatory pressure and the legitimacy of migrant entrepreneurs while highlighting the mitigating impact of green orientation and the moderating role of narratives. Specifically, environmental regulatory pressure significantly enhances the legitimacy of migrant entrepreneurs. Green entrepreneurial orientation buffers this impact, while entrepreneurial narratives moderate the relationship. This research offers a novel theoretical framework for comprehending the legitimacy dynamics of migrant entrepreneurs amidst environmental regulation and provides actionable guidance for these entrepreneurs to pursue green entrepreneurship in compliance with regulatory demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

11 pages, 578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Racial Disparities in Bowel Preparation and Post-Operative Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients

by Alexandra E. Hernandez, Matthew Meece, Kelley Benck, Gianna Bello, Carlos Theodore Huerta, Brianna L. Collie, Jennifer Nguyen and Nivedh Paluvoi

Healthcare 2024, 12(15), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12151513 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background: Combined pre-operative bowel preparation with oral antibiotics (OAB) and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is the current recommendation for elective colorectal surgery. Few have studied racial disparities in bowel preparation and subsequent post-operative complications. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used 2015–2021 ACS-NSQIP-targeted data [...] Read more.

Background: Combined pre-operative bowel preparation with oral antibiotics (OAB) and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) is the current recommendation for elective colorectal surgery. Few have studied racial disparities in bowel preparation and subsequent post-operative complications. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used 2015–2021 ACS-NSQIP-targeted data for elective colectomy for colon cancer. Multivariate regression evaluated predictors of post-operative outcomes: post-operative ileus, anastomotic leak, surgical site infection (SSI), operative time, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results: 72,886 patients were evaluated with 82.1% White, 11.1% Black, and 6.8% Asian or Asian Pacific Islander (AAPI); 4.2% were Hispanic and 51.4% male. Regression accounting for age, sex, ASA classification, comorbidities, and operative approach showed Black, AAPI, and Hispanic patients were more likely to have had no bowel preparation compared to White patients receiving MBP+OAB. Compared to White patients, Black and AAPI patients had higher odds of prolonged LOS and pro-longed operative time. Black patients had higher odds of post-operative ileus. Conclusions: Racial disparities exist in both bowel preparation administration and post-operative complications despite the method of bowel preparation. This warrants exploration into discriminatory bowel preparation practices and potential differences in the efficacy of bowel preparation in specific populations due to biological or social differences, which may affect outcomes. Our study is limited by its use of a large database that lacks socioeconomic variables and patient data beyond 30 days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Perioperative Care)

19 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tightly-Secure Two-Tier Signatures on Code-Based Digital Signatures with Chameleon Hash Functions

by Yong Wang and Eddie Shahril Ismail

Mathematics 2024, 12(15), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12152375 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

In the current landscape where quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to conventional digital signature algorithms, code-based digital signature algorithms have emerged as the primary focus of ongoing research in post-quantum cryptography. Digital signatures play a pivotal role in ensuring non-repudiation and authentication, [...] Read more.

In the current landscape where quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to conventional digital signature algorithms, code-based digital signature algorithms have emerged as the primary focus of ongoing research in post-quantum cryptography. Digital signatures play a pivotal role in ensuring non-repudiation and authentication, making them an indispensable cryptographic technique. The vulnerability of most digital signature algorithms to quantum attacks have prompted a significant surge in research on code-based digital signature algorithms, which have emerged as a prominent field within post-quantum cryptography. There are generally three distinct approaches to constructing code-based digital signature algorithms: (1) Developing an algorithm that follows the inverse process of the code-based public-key encryption algorithm; (2) Utilizing zero-knowledge identification algorithms in conjunction with the Fiat–Shamir paradigm to formulate a signature algorithm; (3) Constructing a specialized subset of the syndrome space as the foundation for the digital signature algorithm. Chameleon Signature is a non-interactive signature that operates on the hash and signature paradigm, exhibiting comparable efficiency to conventional schemes. Its distinct advantage lies in the fact that the owner of the public key does not necessarily require access to the corresponding secret key within the Chameleon hash algorithm. Notably, Chameleon signatures possess an inherent characteristic of non-transferability, with their validity ascertainable solely by designated recipients. This paper introduces the first Chameleon hash function based on both KKS and HFE schemes, showcasing its superiority over traditional schemes through rank metrics and big fields for enhanced security. The deployment of Chameleon hash functions within hash-and-sign signature schemes introduces a nuanced layer of security and verification flexibility. This study elucidates the implications of integrating Chameleon hash functions into the recipient’s public key infrastructure, highlighting the dual capability it affords authorized parties for secure and adaptable verification processes, alongside mechanisms for the detection of unauthorized alterations. Full article

24 pages, 5310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Quantum Neural Network Approaches to Protein–Ligand Binding Affinity Prediction

by Maria Avramouli, Ilias K. Savvas, Anna Vasilaki, Andreas Tsipourlianos and Georgia Garani

Mathematics 2024, 12(15), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12152372 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Drug repositioning is a less expensive and time-consuming method than the traditional method of drug discovery. It is a strategy for identifying new uses for approved or investigational drugs that are outside the scope of the original medical indication. A key strategy in [...] Read more.

Drug repositioning is a less expensive and time-consuming method than the traditional method of drug discovery. It is a strategy for identifying new uses for approved or investigational drugs that are outside the scope of the original medical indication. A key strategy in repositioning approved or investigational drugs is determining the binding affinity of these drugs to target proteins. The large increase in available experimental data has helped deep learning methods to demonstrate superior performance compared to conventional prediction and other traditional computational methods in precise binding affinity prediction. However, these methods are complex and time-consuming, presenting a significant barrier to their development and practical application. In this context, quantum computing (QC) and quantum machine learning (QML) theoretically offer promising solutions to effectively address these challenges. In this work, we introduce a hybrid quantum–classical framework to predict binding affinity. Our approach involves, initially, the implementation of an efficient classical model using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for feature extraction and three fully connected layers for prediction. Subsequently, retaining the classical module for feature extraction, we implement various quantum and classical modules for binding affinity prediction, which accept the concatenated features as input. Quantum predicted modules are implemented with Variational Quantum Regressions (VQRs), while classical predicted modules are implemented with various fully connected layers. Our findings clearly show that hybrid quantum–classical models accelerate the training process in terms of epochs and achieve faster stabilization. Also, these models demonstrate quantum superiority in terms of complexity, accuracy, and generalization, thereby indicating a promising direction for QML. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Control and Machine Learning in Quantum Technology)

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21 pages, 2937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identifies Candidate Loci for Callus Induction in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

by Wintai Kamolsukyeunyong, Yeetoh Dabbhadatta, Aornpilin Jaiprasert, Burin Thunnom, Wasin Poncheewin, Samart Wanchana, Vinitchan Ruanjaichon, Theerayut Toojinda and Parichart Burns

Plants 2024, 13(15), 2112; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152112 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Callus induction (CI) is a critical trait for transforming desirable genes in plants. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis was conducted on the rice germplasms of 110 Indica rice accessions, in which three tissue culture media, B5, MS, and N6, were used for [...] Read more.

Callus induction (CI) is a critical trait for transforming desirable genes in plants. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis was conducted on the rice germplasms of 110 Indica rice accessions, in which three tissue culture media, B5, MS, and N6, were used for the CI of those rice panels’ mature seeds. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on rice chromosomes 2, 6, 7, and 11 affected the CI percentage in the three media. For the B5 medium, one QTL (qCI–B5–Chr6) was identified on rice chromosome 6; for the MS medium, two QTLs were identified on rice chromosomes 2 and 6 (qCI–MS–Chr2 and qCI–MS–Chr6, respectively); for the N6 medium, four QTLs were identified on rice chromosomes 6, 7, and 11 (qCI–N6–Chr6.1 and qCI–N6–Chr6.2, qCI–N6–Chr7, and qCI–N6–Chr11, respectively). Fifty-five genes were identified within the haplotype blocks corresponding to these QTLs, thirty-one of which showed haplotypes associated with different CI percentages in those media. qCI–B5–Chr6 was located in the same region as qCI–N6–Chr6.2, and the Caleosin-related family protein was also identified in this region. Analysis of the gene-based haplotype revealed the association of this gene with different CI percentages in both B5 and N6 media, suggesting that the gene may play a critical role in the CI mechanism. Moreover, several genes, including those that encode the beta-tubulin protein, zinc finger protein, RNP–1 domain-containing protein, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase, were associated with different CI percentages in the N6 medium. The results of this study provide insights into the potential QTLs and candidate genes for callus induction in rice that contribute to our understanding of the physiological and biochemical processes involved in callus formation, which is an essential tool in the molecular breeding of rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Regeneration)

30 pages, 7189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Assessment of an Integrated Low-Approach Low-Temperature Open Cooling Tower with Radiant Cooling and Displacement Ventilation for Space Conditioning in Temperate Climates

by Mehdi Nasrabadi and Donal Finn

Energies 2024, 17(15), 3763; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17153763 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Cooling towers, by producing chilled water and by integration with radiant and displacement cooling systems, offer a possible alternative method for space conditioning of office buildings in temperate climates. This present study examines the operational feasibility of a cooling tower in conjunction with [...] Read more.

Cooling towers, by producing chilled water and by integration with radiant and displacement cooling systems, offer a possible alternative method for space conditioning of office buildings in temperate climates. This present study examines the operational feasibility of a cooling tower in conjunction with a radiant and displacement ventilation cooling system for office conditioning in four temperate climates. The climates are: cool and semi-humid (Birmingham, UK), cool and dry (Helsinki, FI), warm and humid (Paris, FR) and warm and dry (Prague, CZ). The system is capable of producing chilled water between 14 and 20 °C, with low approach tower temperatures (1–3 K). A mathematical model of the cooling tower system was developed and integrated with an office building energy simulation model. Using the integrated simulation model, assessment was carried out based on ASHRAE design day specifications, as well as a complete cooling seasonal analysis. Moreover, the performance of the system is benchmarked against a variable-air-volume cooling system. Energy savings for the system when benchmarked against a variable-air-volume air conditioning system, where the chiller COP (coefficient of performance) varies from 2.75 to 6.5, were 62% to 37% in Paris, 56% to 30% in Prague, 52% to 28% in Helsinki and 45% to 13% in Birmingham, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section G: Energy and Buildings)

15 pages, 2752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Vapor Deposition of Indium-Doped GeTe: Analyzing the Evaporation Process and Kinetics

by Andi Zaidan, Vladislava Ivanova and Plamen Petkov

Inorganics 2024, 12(8), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12080209 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Chalcogenide glasses have broad applications in the mid-infrared optoelectronics field and as phase-change materials (PCMs) due to their unique properties. Chalcogenide glasses can have crystalline and amorphous phases, making them suitable as PCMs for reversible optical or electrical recording. This study provides an [...] Read more.

Chalcogenide glasses have broad applications in the mid-infrared optoelectronics field and as phase-change materials (PCMs) due to their unique properties. Chalcogenide glasses can have crystalline and amorphous phases, making them suitable as PCMs for reversible optical or electrical recording. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the evaporation kinetics of indium-doped chalcogenides, GeTe₄ and GeTe₅, using the physical vapor deposition technique on glass substrates. Our approach involved a detailed examination of the evaporation process under controlled temperature conditions, allowing precise measurement of rate changes and energy dynamics. This study revealed a significant and exponential increase in the evaporation rate of GeTe₄ and GeTe₅ with the introduction of indium, which was particularly noticeable at higher temperatures. This increase in evaporation rate with indium doping suggests a more complex interplay of materials at the molecular level than previously understood. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the addition of indium affects the evaporation rate and elevates the energy requirements for the evaporation process, providing new insights into the thermal dynamics of these materials. This study’s outcomes contribute significantly to understanding deposition processes, paving the way for optimized manufacturing techniques that could lead to more efficient and higher-performing optoelectronic devices and memory storage solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials)

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30 pages, 4522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feedback Approach for the Relay Channel with Noisy Feedback and Its Security Analysis

by Rong Hu, Haonan Zhang and Huan Yang

Entropy 2024, 26(8), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26080651 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Relay channels capture the essence of several important communication scenarios such as sensor network and satellite communication. In this paper, first, we propose an efficient coding scheme for an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) relay channel in the presence of AWGN feedback, which [...] Read more.

Relay channels capture the essence of several important communication scenarios such as sensor network and satellite communication. In this paper, first, we propose an efficient coding scheme for an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) relay channel in the presence of AWGN feedback, which generalizes the conventional scheme for the AWGN relay channel with noiseless feedback by introducing a lattice-based strategy to eliminate the impact of the feedback channel noise on the performance of the original scheme. Next, we further extend the proposed scheme to the multi-input single-output (MISO) fading relay channel (FRC) with noisy feedback. The key to this extension is to use a pre-coding strategy to transform the MISO channel into a single-input single-output (SISO) channel and applying a two-dimensional lattice coding strategy to deal with the feedback fading channel noise. Finally, we analyze the security performance of our proposed scheme in several cases, and the results of this paper are further illustrated by numerical examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Information Theory and Coding for Wireless Communications II)

24 pages, 110351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Parameter Optimisation in Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Duplex Stainless Steel 2205

by N. Mayoral, L. Medina, R. Rodríguez-Aparicio, A. Díaz, J. M. Alegre and I. I. Cuesta

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6655; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156655 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) appears as a very interesting alternative to conventional production routes for alloys and metals, thanks to the fact that at the end of printing, the final product is obtained directly. The present article looks for the inclusion of duplex stainless [...] Read more.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) appears as a very interesting alternative to conventional production routes for alloys and metals, thanks to the fact that at the end of printing, the final product is obtained directly. The present article looks for the inclusion of duplex stainless steel 2205 (DSS-2205) in the commercial catalog of steels utilized in powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies, specifically applying the selective laser melting (SLM) technique. The main objective is to establish optimal printing parameters that reproduce the closest results to the base material properties. To achieve this, the response surface method was used in the methodology and experimental design, studying the parameters of laser power, scanning speed, and hatching distance. A reference material, machined from a hot-rolled plate, was utilized to compare the results obtained through tensile strength. Lastly, the optimal parameters have been obtained for this stainless steel. Additionally, a study of heat treatments has been developed, aiming to optimize the austenitization process, achieving an improvement in mechanical properties. A steel with mechanical properties practically identical to those of steel produced using conventional techniques has been obtained through SLM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lasers in Manufacturing: Latest Applications, Advances and Prospects)

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18 pages, 14034 KiB

Open AccessTechnical Note

Shoreliner: A Sub-Pixel Coastal Waterline Extraction Pipeline for Multi-Spectral Satellite Optical Imagery

by Erwin W. J. Bergsma, Adrien N. Klotz, Stéphanie Artigues, Marcan Graffin, Anna Prenowitz, Jean-Marc Delvit and Rafael Almar

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(15), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16152795 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Beach morphology can be observed over large spatio-temporal scales, and future shoreline positions can be predicted and coastal risk indicators can be derived by measuring satellite-derived instantaneous waterlines. Long-term satellite missions, such as Landsat and Sentinel-2, provide decades of freely available, high-resolution optical [...] Read more.

Beach morphology can be observed over large spatio-temporal scales, and future shoreline positions can be predicted and coastal risk indicators can be derived by measuring satellite-derived instantaneous waterlines. Long-term satellite missions, such as Landsat and Sentinel-2, provide decades of freely available, high-resolution optical measurement datasets, enabling large-scale data collection and relatively high-frequency monitoring of sandy beaches. Satellite-Derived Shoreline (SDS) extraction methods are emerging and are increasingly being applied over large spatio-temporal scales. SDS generally consists of two steps: a mathematical relationship is applied to obtain a ratio index or pixel classification by machine-learning algorithms, and the land/sea boundary is then determined by edge detection. Indexes from lake waterline detection, such as AWEI or NDWI, are often transferred towards the shore without taking into account that these indexes are inherently affected by wave breaking. This can be overcome by using pixel classification to filter the indices, but this comes at a computational cost. In this paper, we carry out a thorough evaluation of the relationship between scene-dependent variables and waterline extraction accuracy, as well as a robust and efficient thresholding method for coastal land–water classification that optimises the index to satellite radiometry. The method developed for sandy beaches combines a new purpose-built multispectral index (SCoWI) with a refinement method of Otsu’s threshold to derive sub-pixel waterline positions. Secondly, we present a waterline extraction pipeline, called Shoreliner, which combines the SCoWI index and the extraction steps to produce standardised outputs. Implemented on the CNES High Performance Cluster (HPC), Shoreliner has been quantitatively validated at Duck, NC, USA, using simultaneous Sentinel-2 acquisitions and in situ beach surveys over a 3-year period. Out of six dates that have a satellite acquisition and an in situ survey, five dates have a sub-pixel RMS error of less than 10 m. This sub-pixel performance of the extraction processing demonstrates the ability of the proposed SDS extraction method to extract reliable, instantaneous and stable waterlines. In addition, preliminary work demonstrates the transferability of the method, initially developed for Sentinel-2 Level1C imagery, to Landsat imagery. When evaluated at Duck on the same day, Sentinel-2 and Landsat imagery several minutes apart provide similar results for the detected waterline, within the method’s precision. Future work includes global validation using Landsat’s 40 years of data in combination with the higher resolution Sentinel-2 data at different locations around the world. Full article

25 pages, 1985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Sea Level Using Double Data Decomposition and Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Northern Territory, Australia

by Nawin Raj, Jaishukh Murali, Lila Singh-Peterson and Nathan Downs

Mathematics 2024, 12(15), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12152376 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Sea level rise (SLR) attributed to the melting of ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater is of great global significance to vast populations of people residing along the world’s coastlines. The extent of SLR’s impact on physical coastal areas is determined by [...] Read more.

Sea level rise (SLR) attributed to the melting of ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater is of great global significance to vast populations of people residing along the world’s coastlines. The extent of SLR’s impact on physical coastal areas is determined by multiple factors such as geographical location, coastal structure, wetland vegetation and related oceanic changes. For coastal communities at risk of inundation and coastal erosion due to SLR, the modelling and projection of future sea levels can provide the information necessary to prepare and adapt to gradual sea level rise over several years. In the following study, a new model for predicting future sea levels is presented, which focusses on two tide gauge locations (Darwin and Milner Bay) in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Historical data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) from 1990 to 2022 are used for data training and prediction using artificial intelligence models and computation of mean sea level (MSL) linear projection. The study employs a new double data decomposition approach using Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition (MVMD) and Successive Variational Mode Decomposition (SVMD) with dimensionality reduction techniques of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for data modelling using four artificial intelligence models (Support Vector Regression (SVR), Adaptive Boosting Regressor (AdaBoost), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and Convolutional Neural Network–Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (CNN-BiGRU). It proposes a deep learning hybrid CNN-BiGRU model for sea level prediction, which is benchmarked by SVR, AdaBoost, and MLP. MVMD-SVMD-CNN-BiGRU hybrid models achieved the highest performance values of 0.9979 (d), 0.996 (NS), 0.9409 (L); and 0.998 (d), 0.9959 (NS), 0.9413 (L) for Milner Bay and Darwin, respectively. It also attained the lowest error values of 0.1016 (RMSE), 0.0782 (MABE), 2.3699 (RRMSE), and 2.4123 (MAPE) for Darwin and 0.0248 (RMSE), 0.0189 (MABE), 1.9901 (RRMSE), and 1.7486 (MAPE) for Milner Bay. The mean sea level (MSL) trend analysis showed a rise of 6.1 ± 1.1 mm and 5.6 ± 1.5 mm for Darwin and Milner Bay, respectively, from 1990 to 2022. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Computational Intelligence)

23 pages, 21813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

mRNA Profiling and Transcriptomics Analysis of Chickens Received Newcastle Disease Virus Genotype II and Genotype VII Vaccines

by Putri Pandarangga, Phuong Thi Kim Doan, Rick Tearle, Wai Yee Low, Kelly Ren, Hanh Thi Hong Nguyen, Niluh Indi Dharmayanti and Farhid Hemmatzadeh

Pathogens 2024, 13(8), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080638 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) genotype VII (GVII) is becoming the predominant strain of NDV in the poultry industry. It causes high mortality even in vaccinated chickens with a common NDV genotype II vaccine (GII-vacc). To overcome this, the killed GVII vaccine has been [...] Read more.

Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) genotype VII (GVII) is becoming the predominant strain of NDV in the poultry industry. It causes high mortality even in vaccinated chickens with a common NDV genotype II vaccine (GII-vacc). To overcome this, the killed GVII vaccine has been used to prevent NDV outbreaks. However, the debate about vaccine differences remains ongoing. Hence, this study investigated the difference in chickens’ responses to the two vaccines at the molecular level. The spleen transcriptomes from vaccinated chickens reveal that GVII-vacc affected the immune response by downregulating neuroinflammation. It also enhanced a synaptogenesis pathway that operates typically in the nervous system, suggesting a mechanism for the neurotrophic effect of this strain. We speculated that the down-regulated immune system regulation correlated with protecting the nervous system from excess leukocytes and cytokine activity. In contrast, GII-vacc inhibited apoptosis by downregulating PERK/ATF4/CHOP as part of the unfolded protein response pathway but did not affect the expression of the same synaptogenesis pathway. Thus, the application of GVII-vacc needs to be considered in countries where GVII is the leading cause of NDV outbreaks. The predicted molecular signatures may also be used in developing new vaccines that trigger specific genes in the immune system in combating NDV outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host Immune Responses to RNA Viruses, Volume II)

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22 pages, 2879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Media Persuasion and Positive Internet Word-of-Mouth Driving Green Purchasing Behavior: Evidence from China

by Zeng Yu, Sofian Rosbi and Mohammad Harith Amlus

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6521; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156521 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

As environmental issues intensify, sustainability development is becoming mainstream, with environmental topics gaining increasing attention in the media and online. Shifting consumer behavior in China toward green purchasing is crucial for mitigating environmental pollution and achieving sustainable, low-carbon consumption. This study constructed a [...] Read more.

As environmental issues intensify, sustainability development is becoming mainstream, with environmental topics gaining increasing attention in the media and online. Shifting consumer behavior in China toward green purchasing is crucial for mitigating environmental pollution and achieving sustainable, low-carbon consumption. This study constructed a theoretical model combining media persuasion (MP) and positive internet word-of-mouth (PIM) with green purchasing behavior (GPB), based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) and persuasion theories, to explore consumer responses to environmental information campaigns. A total of 357 valid samples were collected through an online questionnaire survey and subjected to analysis using the structural equation model (SEM). The results indicate that MP, PIM, and environmental attitude (EA) significantly influence GPB. Specifically, EA partially mediates the relationship between MP, PIM, and GPB, while environmental knowledge (EK) negatively moderates the relationship between independent variables and EA. Additionally, EK moderates the mediating effect of EA. The findings highlight that the effective implementation of MPs and PIMs can facilitate the creation of positive EA, which stimulates consumer GPB. This is essential for promoting sustainable consumption. This research contributes to sustainability by providing insights and practical suggestions for developing green marketing strategies that support environmental goals. Full article

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40 pages, 3784 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment

by Olga Karatayev, Adam D. Collier, Stella R. Targoff and Sarah F. Leibowitz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(15), 8341; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25158341 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Clinical studies demonstrate that the risk of developing neurological disorders is increased by overconsumption of the commonly used drugs, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. These drug-induced neurological disorders, which include substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, [...] Read more.

Clinical studies demonstrate that the risk of developing neurological disorders is increased by overconsumption of the commonly used drugs, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. These drug-induced neurological disorders, which include substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, are observed not only in adults but also with drug use during adolescence and after prenatal exposure to these drugs, and they are accompanied by long-lasting disturbances in brain development. This report provides overviews of clinical and preclinical studies, which confirm these adverse effects in adolescents and the offspring prenatally exposed to the drugs and include a more in-depth description of specific neuronal systems, their neurocircuitry and molecular mechanisms, affected by drug exposure and of specific techniques used to determine if these effects in the brain are causally related to the behavioral disturbances. With analysis of further studies, this review then addresses four specific questions that are important for fully understanding the impact that drug use in young individuals can have on future pregnancies and their offspring. Evidence demonstrates that the adverse effects on their brain and behavior can occur: (1) at low doses with short periods of drug exposure during pregnancy; (2) after pre-conception drug use by both females and males; (3) in subsequent generations following the initial drug exposure; and (4) in a sex-dependent manner, with drug use producing a greater risk in females than males of developing SUDs with emotional conditions and female offspring after prenatal drug exposure responding more adversely than male offspring. With the recent rise in drug use by adolescents and pregnant women that has occurred in association with the legalization of cannabis and increased availability of vaping tools, these conclusions from the clinical and preclinical literature are particularly alarming and underscore the urgent need to educate young women and men about the possible harmful effects of early drug use and to seek novel therapeutic strategies that might help to limit drug use in young individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Research Model for Neurological Diseases)

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24 pages, 4878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Water Content Retrieval from Spaceborne GNSS-R and Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Using Ensemble Machine Learning Methods

by Yongfeng Zhang, Jinwei Bu, Xiaoqing Zuo, Kegen Yu, Qiulan Wang and Weimin Huang

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(15), 2793; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16152793 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Abstract: Vegetation water content (VWC) is a crucial parameter for evaluating vegetation growth, climate change, natural disasters such as forest fires, and drought prediction. Spaceborne global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) has become a valuable tool for soil moisture (SM) and biomass remote [...] Read more.

Abstract: Vegetation water content (VWC) is a crucial parameter for evaluating vegetation growth, climate change, natural disasters such as forest fires, and drought prediction. Spaceborne global navigation satellite system reflectometry (GNSS-R) has become a valuable tool for soil moisture (SM) and biomass remote sensing (RS) due to its higher spatial resolution compared with microwave measurements. Although previous studies have confirmed the enormous potential of spaceborne GNSS-R for vegetation monitoring, the utilization of this technology to fuse multiple RS parameters to retrieve VWC is not yet mature. For this purpose, this paper constructs a local high-spatiotemporal-resolution spaceborne GNSS-R VWC retrieval model that integrates key information, such as bistatic radar cross section (BRCS), effective scattering area, CYGNSS variables, and surface auxiliary parameters based on five ensemble machine learning (ML) algorithms (i.e., bagging tree (BT), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM)). We extensively tested the performance of different models using SMAP ancillary data as validation data, and the results show that the root mean square errors (RMSEs) of the BT, XGBoost, RF, and LightGBM models in VWC retrieval are better than 0.50 kg/m². Among them, the BT and RF models performed the best in localized VWC retrieval, with RMSE values of 0.50 kg/m². Conversely, the XGBoost model exhibits the worst performance, with an RMSE of 0.85 kg/m². In terms of RMSE, the RF model demonstrates improvements of 70.00%, 52.00%, and 32.00% over the XGBoost, LightGBM, and GBDT models, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing and Applications in Geodesy and Gravity Field Modeling)

15 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlative Effects on Nanoplastic Aggregation in Model Extracellular Biofilm Substances Investigated with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

by Tobias Guckeisen, Rozalia Orghici and Silke Rathgeber

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2170; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152170 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Recent studies show that biofilm substances in contact with nanoplastics play an important role in the aggregation and sedimentation of nanoplastics. Consequences of these processes are changes in biofilm formation and stability and changes in the transport and fate of pollutants in the [...] Read more.

Recent studies show that biofilm substances in contact with nanoplastics play an important role in the aggregation and sedimentation of nanoplastics. Consequences of these processes are changes in biofilm formation and stability and changes in the transport and fate of pollutants in the environment. Having a deeper understanding of the nanoplastics–biofilm interaction would help to evaluate the risks posed by uncontrolled nanoplastic pollution. These interactions are impacted by environmental changes due to climate change, such as, e.g., the acidification of surface waters. We apply fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to investigate the pH-dependent aggregation tendency of non-functionalized polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) due to intermolecular forces with model extracellular biofilm substances. Our biofilm model consists of bovine serum albumin (BSA), which serves as a representative for globular proteins, and the polysaccharide alginate, which is a main component in many biofilms, in solutions containing Na

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with an ionic strength being realistic for fresh-water conditions. Biomolecule concentrations ranging from 0.5 g/L up to at maximum 21 g/L are considered. We use non-functionalized PS NPs as representative for mostly negatively charged nanoplastics. BSA promotes NP aggregation through adsorption onto the NPs and BSA-mediated bridging. In BSA–alginate mixtures, the alginate hampers this interaction, most likely due to alginate–BSA complex formation. In most BSA–alginate mixtures as in alginate alone, NP aggregation is predominantly driven by weaker, pH-independent depletion forces. The stabilizing effect of alginate is only weakened at high BSA contents, when the electrostatic BSA–BSA attraction is not sufficiently screened by the alginate. This study clearly shows that it is crucial to consider correlative effects between multiple biofilm components to better understand the NP aggregation in the presence of complex biofilm substances. Single-component biofilm model systems based on comparing the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the extracellular biofilm substances, as usually considered, would have led to a misjudgment of the stability towards aggregation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)

15 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Total Syntheses and Stereochemical Assignment of Acremolides A and B

by Yi Xiao, Junyang Liu, Yangyang Jiang, Yian Guo and Tao Ye

Molecules 2024, 29(15), 3599; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153599 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

The absolute stereochemical configurations of acremolides A and B were predicted by a biochemistry-based rule and unambiguously confirmed through their total syntheses. The features of the total syntheses include sequential Krische’s Ir-catalyzed crotylation, Brown’s borane-mediated crotylation, Mitsunobu esterification reaction, and cross-metathesis reaction. The [...] Read more.

The absolute stereochemical configurations of acremolides A and B were predicted by a biochemistry-based rule and unambiguously confirmed through their total syntheses. The features of the total syntheses include sequential Krische’s Ir-catalyzed crotylation, Brown’s borane-mediated crotylation, Mitsunobu esterification reaction, and cross-metathesis reaction. The efficient total synthesis enabled clear validation of the predicted stereochemistry for acremolides A and B. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules: Isolation, Synthesis, Analysis, and Application)

23 pages, 3042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MobileAmcT: A Lightweight Mobile Automatic Modulation Classification Transformer in Drone Communication Systems

by Hongyun Fei, Baiyang Wang, Hongjun Wang, Ming Fang, Na Wang, Xingping Ran, Yunxia Liu and Min Qi

Drones 2024, 8(8), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8080357 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of wireless communication technology, automatic modulation classification (AMC) plays a crucial role in drone communication systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication in various non-cooperative environments. Deep learning technology has demonstrated significant advantages in the field of AMC, effectively and [...] Read more.

With the rapid advancement of wireless communication technology, automatic modulation classification (AMC) plays a crucial role in drone communication systems, ensuring reliable and efficient communication in various non-cooperative environments. Deep learning technology has demonstrated significant advantages in the field of AMC, effectively and accurately extracting and classifying modulation signal features. However, existing deep learning models often have high computational costs, making them difficult to deploy on resource-constrained drone communication devices. To address this issue, this study proposes a lightweight Mobile Automatic Modulation Classification Transformer (MobileAmcT). This model combines the advantages of lightweight convolutional neural networks and efficient Transformer modules, incorporating the Token and Channel Conv (TCC) module and the EfficientShuffleFormer module to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the automatic modulation classification task. The TCC module, based on the MetaFormer architecture, integrates lightweight convolution and channel attention mechanisms, significantly improving local feature extraction efficiency. Additionally, the proposed EfficientShuffleFormer innovatively improves the traditional Transformer architecture by adopting Efficient Additive Attention and a novel ShuffleConvMLP feedforward network, effectively enhancing the global feature representation and fusion capabilities of the model. Experimental results on the RadioML2016.10a dataset show that compared to MobileNet-V2 (CNN-based) and MobileViT-XS (ViT-based), MobileAmcT reduces the parameter count by 74% and 65%, respectively, and improves classification accuracy by 1.7% and 1.09% under different SNR conditions, achieving an accuracy of 62.93%. This indicates that MobileAmcT can maintain high classification accuracy while significantly reducing the parameter count and computational complexity, clearly outperforming existing state-of-the-art AMC methods and other lightweight deep learning models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Detection, Security, and Communication for UAV)

22 pages, 3237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Multi-Year Protection of Grapevines with Copper Pesticides on the Content of Heavy Metals in Soil, Leaves, and Fruit

by Ireneusz Ochmian and Ryszard Malinowski

Agronomy 2024, 14(8), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14081677 (registering DOI) - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of multi-year protection of grapevines using copper-based pesticides on heavy metal content in soil, leaves, and fruit under organic and conventional cultivation methods. Conducted on Solaris, Hibernal, and Muscaris grapevine varieties in north-western Poland, the research highlights significant [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the impact of multi-year protection of grapevines using copper-based pesticides on heavy metal content in soil, leaves, and fruit under organic and conventional cultivation methods. Conducted on Solaris, Hibernal, and Muscaris grapevine varieties in north-western Poland, the research highlights significant differences between the two cultivation approaches. In organic vineyards, copper content in soil averaged 10.25 mg/kg, significantly higher than the 9.05 mg/kg found in conventional soils. Manganese levels were also elevated in organic soils (223 mg/kg) compared to conventional ones (299 mg/kg). Conversely, conventional vineyards exhibited higher zinc and lead concentrations, averaging 47.10 mg/kg and 20.34 mg/kg, respectively, versus 43.50 mg/kg and 11.22 mg/kg in organic soils. The organic soils also had higher salinity (46.50 mg/kg) than conventional ones (30.50 mg/kg). The fruits of grapevines in organic cultivation showed higher copper and zinc levels, with the Solaris variety containing 15.01 mg/kg of copper and the Muscaris variety having 11.43 mg/kg of zinc. These levels exceed the commonly encountered ranges of <1 to 10 mg/kg. Lead content in fruits was higher in organic cultivation (2.19 mg/kg) than in conventional cultivation (1.18 mg/kg), occasionally surpassing the critical value for consumable plants (1 mg/kg). Leaves of grapevines from organic vineyards had significantly higher copper and manganese content than those from conventional vineyards, with the Hibernal variety showing the highest levels. These findings underscore the necessity for monitoring and managing heavy metal content in vineyard soils to ensure fruit quality and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomical Practices on Crop Quality and Sensory Profile—2nd Edition)

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