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30 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study of the Environmental, Social, and Governance Impacts of Renewable Energy Investment on CO₂ Emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

by Zhaoming Bi and Rabnawaz Khan

Energies 2024, 17(23), 5834; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17235834 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

The issue of climate change and global warming is rapidly intensifying due to the extensive emissions of CO₂. In response to this, countries worldwide are implementing policies to enact decarbonization strategies through social and governance investing strategies. The current study examined [...] Read more.

The issue of climate change and global warming is rapidly intensifying due to the extensive emissions of CO₂. In response to this, countries worldwide are implementing policies to enact decarbonization strategies through social and governance investing strategies. The current study examined the effects of environmental, social, and governance investing, eco-innovation, renewable energy production and consumption, and carbon taxes from 2004 to 2023. At the highest, middle, and lowest levels, this paper examines the environmental policies, social and governance economies, and energy of the BRICS nations. We investigate variable relationships through cross-sectional autoregressive distributed latency. The results suggest that Brazil’s focus on sustainability-driven innovation, along with its high renewable energy balance and middle-level status, is indicative of significant environmental initiatives. India’s higher-ups prioritize green finance, and their investments in environmental, social, and governance areas may demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. China has made considerable progress in renewable energy and carbon trading despite its vast population and high emissions. At a lower level, Russia’s sustainability initiatives are undergoing evolution and have the potential to make significant strides. The nation’s difficulties require a coordinated, long-term strategy. The empirical findings imply that BRICS countries can achieve carbon neutrality by modifying their economic growth and globalization strategies and increasing their focus on renewable energy, as well as investment and policy regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section B: Energy and Environment)

19 pages, 682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Normalized Quantitative Real-Time PCR Approach for Ensuring Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Meat Authenticity in Game Meat Foods

by Bukola M. Adenuga, Rita Biltes, Caterina Villa, Joana Costa, Anita Spychaj, Magdalena Montowska and Isabel Mafra

Foods 2024, 13(23), 3728; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233728 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Roe deer meat is a prized game product in many European countries. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of the amount of declared roe deer in processed game meat foods. This study aimed to develop a reliable method for the detection and quantification [...] Read more.

Roe deer meat is a prized game product in many European countries. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of the amount of declared roe deer in processed game meat foods. This study aimed to develop a reliable method for the detection and quantification of roe deer in commercialized game meat products. A TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was designed, targeting a single-copy 120-bp region of the roe deer agouti signaling protein (ASIP) encoding gene. The method employed the normalized ∆Cq approach to establish a calibration curve for roe deer detection and quantification within 0.05–50% (w/w) in complex raw and processed matrices. The method proved to be specific for roe deer identification, achieving limits of detection and quantification of 0.04 ng of roe deer DNA and 0.05% (w/w) of roe deer in simulated pâté. Following validation with blind samples, highlighting the precision and trueness of the approach, the assay was applied to 46 market samples from four European origins (Poland, Portugal, France, and Spain). The analysis revealed significant discrepancies between declared roe deer content and actual levels in all roe deer labeled products. The global analysis of results, combining the previous survey on red deer species with present roe deer data, identified 61% of mislabeled/adulterated samples due to the absence of deer species, substitution of roe deer with red deer, substitution of fallow deer with other deer species and red deer with pork, and undeclared addition of roe deer. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed qPCR method for accurate roe deer meat authentication in foods, showing its usefulness as a tool for routine food inspection to ensure labeling compliance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Techniques for Food Authentication: Trends and Emerging Approaches—Volume II)

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23 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessReview

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Among Immigrant Women in Canada: A Narrative Review

by Manal Fseifes and Josephine Etowa

Women 2024, 4(4), 480-502; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040036 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought myriad challenges and disruptions to societies worldwide. The impact of the pandemic on immigrant women living in Canada and who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) was very concerning during lockdowns specifically. As Canada implemented social distancing measures and [...] Read more.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought myriad challenges and disruptions to societies worldwide. The impact of the pandemic on immigrant women living in Canada and who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) was very concerning during lockdowns specifically. As Canada implemented social distancing measures and stay-at-home orders to curb the spread of the virus, immigrant women—already at a heightened risk of IPV due to factors such as language barriers and immigration status—faced an increased likelihood of being trapped in abusive situations, with limited access to essential support services such as shelters, counseling centers, and legal aid. This narrative review aims to illuminate the experiences of IPV including the challenges and strategies used to cope during the pandemic among immigrant women. While this narrative review aims to obtain an extensive understanding of the IPV experiences among immigrant women during the pandemic, it also highlights the need for developing culturally sensitive interventions to address IPV challenges for immigrant women in similar contexts. A search was undertaken of multiple databases: Medline, CINHAL, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. To identify studies related to IPV and COVID-19, various search terms were used including “abused women”, “COVID-19”, and “IPV” and their synonyms. This review employs the social–ecological model and intersectionality to illuminate the IPV experiences of immigrant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four themes emerged from this study including the realities of COVID-19 restrictions; IPV vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic; the impacts of IPV and the COVID-19 pandemic; and the strategies for addressing IPV (women and system perspectives). We draw on past research and the knowledge of our multidisciplinary team of researchers to recommend culturally sensitive resources and health services for abused women living in Canada as well as highlight effective intervention strategies to address the varied and complex needs of these women. Full article

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15 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Szász–Durremeyer-Type Operators Involving Adjoint Bernoulli Polynomials

by Nadeem Rao, Mohammad Farid and Rehan Ali

Mathematics 2024, 12(23), 3645; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12233645 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This research work introduces a connection of adjoint Bernoulli’s polynomials and a gamma function as a sequence of linear positive operators. Further, the convergence properties of these sequences of operators are investigated in various functional spaces with the aid of the Korovkin theorem, [...] Read more.

This research work introduces a connection of adjoint Bernoulli’s polynomials and a gamma function as a sequence of linear positive operators. Further, the convergence properties of these sequences of operators are investigated in various functional spaces with the aid of the Korovkin theorem, Voronovskaja-type theorem, first order of modulus of continuity, second order of modulus of continuity, Peetre’s K-functional, Lipschitz condition, etc. In the last section, we extend our research to a bivariate case of these sequences of operators, and their uniform rate of approximation and order of approximation are investigated in different functional spaces. Moreover, we construct a numerical example to demonstrate the applicability of our results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computational and Applied Mathematics)

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19 pages, 3898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

KARAN: Mitigating Feature Heterogeneity and Noise for Efficient and Accurate Multimodal Medical Image Segmentation

by Xinjia Gu, Yimin Chen and Weiqin Tong

Electronics 2024, 13(23), 4594; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13234594 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Multimodal medical image segmentation is challenging due to feature heterogeneity across modalities and the presence of modality-specific noise and artifacts. These factors hinder the effective capture and fusion of information, limiting the performance of existing methods. This paper introduces KARAN, a novel end-to-end [...] Read more.

Multimodal medical image segmentation is challenging due to feature heterogeneity across modalities and the presence of modality-specific noise and artifacts. These factors hinder the effective capture and fusion of information, limiting the performance of existing methods. This paper introduces KARAN, a novel end-to-end deep learning model designed to overcome these limitations. KARAN improves feature representation and robustness to intermodal variations through two key innovations: First, KA-MLA, a novel attention block incorporating State Space Model (SSM) and Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (KAN) characteristics into Transformer blocks for efficient, discriminative feature extraction from heterogeneous modalities. Building on KA-MLA, we propose KA-MPE for multi-path parallel feature extraction to avoid multimodal feature entanglement. Second, RanPyramid leverages random convolutions to enhance modality appearance learning, mitigating the impact of noise and artifacts while improving feature fusion. It comprises two components: an Appearance Generator, creating diverse visual appearances, and an Appearance Adjuster, dynamically modulating their weights to optimize model performance. KARAN achieves high segmentation accuracy with lower computational complexity on two publicly available datasets, highlighting its potential to significantly advance medical image analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Image and Video Processing)

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12 pages, 14214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Energy Density on Mechanical Properties of NiTiCu Shape Memory Alloys Prepared by SLM

by Yi Ba, Yan Lv, Miaoning Yan, Hongxu Jin, Liang Guo and Qingmao Zhang

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235693 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

In the Ni-Ti shape memory alloy system, Cu elements are used to replace Ni elements. A NiTiCu alloy with a molar ratio of 45:50:5 was prepared using laser selective melting technology. The density, composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the NiTiCu alloy were [...] Read more.

In the Ni-Ti shape memory alloy system, Cu elements are used to replace Ni elements. A NiTiCu alloy with a molar ratio of 45:50:5 was prepared using laser selective melting technology. The density, composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the NiTiCu alloy were investigated. The results indicate that the highest density, exceeding 99.7%, was achieved when processing NiTiCu with parameters of 115 mm/s and 90 W. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the primary phases of the sample are B2 and a minor amount of NiTi0.8Cu0.2. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) observations of the NiTiCu alloy in the X-Y and X-Z planes show that Ni, Ti, and Cu elements are distributed nearly uniformly. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis revealed fine grain sizes, with grain sizes ranging from 140

μ

m to 160

μ

m. The X-Y plane predominantly exhibits equiaxed grains with a grain orientation between <111> and <101>, and a texture strength of 1.312; the X-Z plane predominantly exhibits columnar grains with grain orientations between <001> and <101>, and a texture strength of 1.427. The sample demonstrates good mechanical properties at room temperature, with a tensile strength of 375 MPa, exhibiting a ductile–brittle mixed fracture mode. The average microhardness is 240 HV for the X-Y plane and 235 HV for the X-Z plane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technology with Metal Materials)

24 pages, 438 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

Populism as a Conceptual Problem: Disciplinary Differentiation, Specialization, and the Complex Approach

by Ernesto Dominguez Lopez, Valerian Thielicke-Witt and Nitin Arya

Societies 2024, 14(12), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14120245 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Populism is a global phenomenon that has been widely debated in academia (particularly in political science), the media, and politics for decades. This has led to many different definitions which exclude or include different forms, and focus on different aspects. This article discusses [...] Read more.

Populism is a global phenomenon that has been widely debated in academia (particularly in political science), the media, and politics for decades. This has led to many different definitions which exclude or include different forms, and focus on different aspects. This article discusses and systematizes these different approaches and explains them based on their core logics and empirical support. Their differences are rooted in their disciplinary differentiation and specialization. This process is absolutely necessary to conduct research in modern and complex societies, but it can make grasping complex problems difficult. Especially, if the ontological and epistemological assumptions are not properly supported and classified, this will lead to a cacophony of definitions. To overcome this problem, a new epistemological approach is needed, one that is capable of integrating the different empirically supported perspectives. The paper will point out that embracing the complexity of society is fruitful and necessary as it allows for a new understanding of the phenomenon by integrating the current research into one common framework, based on the concept of cultural complexus. In this approach, populism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon—thus, the complex approach—with multiple variants that has a set of necessary and sufficient dimensions that identify it and that can be observed empirically. Full article

20 pages, 4008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Morphological, Physiological and Phytochemical Traits of Different Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) Cultivars as Affected by Light-Emitting Diodes

by Nafiseh Dehghani, Maryam Haghighi, Mehdi Rahimmalek, Mohammad R. Sabzalian and Antoni Szumny

Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5506; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235506 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Dill is a fragrant vegetable containing various beneficial compounds for health. This research aims to evaluate the impact of various spectra of LED light on essential oil composition and morphological and physiological characteristics of three dill cultivars. LED light treatments included greenhouse light [...] Read more.

Dill is a fragrant vegetable containing various beneficial compounds for health. This research aims to evaluate the impact of various spectra of LED light on essential oil composition and morphological and physiological characteristics of three dill cultivars. LED light treatments included greenhouse light as control (C), blue (B), red (R), red + blue (RB), and white (W). RB light enhanced most physiological indicators investigated in this study, including photosynthetic pigments, phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, electrolyte leakage in the three cultivars of Khomein, Isfahan, and Varamin decreased when exposed to RB light compared with C light. Under RB light, the essential oil contained more dill ether and α-phellandrene than in other light conditions. In general, light treatment with 75% R light and 25% B light had a noticeable impact on enhancing physiological features compared with other light spectrums. α-phellandrene levels increased in the Isfahan and Varamin cultivars under RB and B light conditions. Finally, the RB light and Khomein cultivars improved physiological features, whereas RB and R light in the Varamin and Isfahan cultivars are recommended for more essential oil compositions in functional food production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Based Food Science: Chemical Composition and Biological Activity)

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25 pages, 6761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection of Rat Pain-Related Grooming Behaviors Using Multistream Recurrent Convolutional Networks on Day-Long Video Recordings

by Chien-Cheng Lee, Ping-Wing Lui, Wei-Wei Gao and Zhongjian Gao

Bioengineering 2024, 11(12), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11121180 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

In experimental pain studies involving animals, subjective pain reports are not feasible. Current methods for detecting pain-related behaviors rely on human observation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly for lengthy video recordings. Automating the quantification of these behaviors poses substantial challenges. In this [...] Read more.

In experimental pain studies involving animals, subjective pain reports are not feasible. Current methods for detecting pain-related behaviors rely on human observation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly for lengthy video recordings. Automating the quantification of these behaviors poses substantial challenges. In this study, we developed and evaluated a deep learning, multistream algorithm to detect pain-related grooming behaviors in rats. Pain-related grooming behaviors were induced by injecting small amounts of pain-inducing chemicals into the rats’ hind limbs. Day-long video recordings were then analyzed with our algorithm, which initially filtered out non-grooming segments. The remaining segments, referred to as likely grooming clips, were used for model training and testing. Our model, a multistream recurrent convolutional network, learned to differentiate grooming from non-grooming behaviors within these clips through deep learning. The average validation accuracy across three evaluation methods was 88.5%. We further analyzed grooming statistics by comparing the duration of grooming episodes between experimental and control groups. Results demonstrated statistically significant changes in grooming behavior consistent with pain expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Convolutional Neural Networks in Bioimaging and Biosignal Processes)

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19 pages, 1458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Response of the Populus nigra L. × P. maximowiczii Hybrid to Soil Enrichment with Metals

by Monika Gąsecka, Kinga Drzewiecka, Zuzanna Magdziak, Włodzimierz Krzesiński, Jędrzej Proch and Przemysław Niedzielski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 12520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252312520 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the response of Populus nigra L. × Populus maximowiczii to the addition of selected metals in soil. Rooted cuttings were planted in pots containing soil enriched with equimolar concentrations of Pb, Zn, Al, Ni, and Cu (500 mL [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the response of Populus nigra L. × Populus maximowiczii to the addition of selected metals in soil. Rooted cuttings were planted in pots containing soil enriched with equimolar concentrations of Pb, Zn, Al, Ni, and Cu (500 mL of 4 mM solutions of single metal salts: (Pb(NO₃)₂; Zn(NO₃)₂ × 6H₂O; Al(NO₃)₃ × 9H₂O; Ni(NO₃)₂ × 6H₂O; or Cu(NO₃)₂ × 3H₂O). Growth parameters, metal accumulation, and physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed after four weeks of cultivation, simulating early response conditions. The results showed diverse metal accumulation in poplar organs, along with an increase in biomass and minor changes in gas exchange parameters or chlorophyll fluorescence. Among low-molecular-weight organic acids, citric and succinic acids were dominant in the rhizosphere, and roots with malonic acid were also present in the shoots. Only p-coumaric acid was found in the phenolic profile of the roots. The shoots contained both phenolic acids and flavonoids, and their profile was diversely modified by particular metals. Sucrose and fructose content increased in shoots that underwent metal treatments, with glucose increasing only in Cu and Al treatments. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed variations induced by metal treatments across all parameters. Responses to Pb and Zn were partially similar, while Cu, Ni, or Al triggered distinct reactions. The results indicate the adaptation of P. nigra L. × P. maximowiczii to soil containing elevated levels of metals, along with potential for soil remediation and metal removal. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of differences in early responses to particular metals on plant conditions from a long-term perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)

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18 pages, 1488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Seagrass Distribution and Abundance: Comparing Areal Cover and Biomass Estimates Between Space-Based and Airborne Imagery

by Victoria J. Hill, Richard C. Zimmerman, Dorothy A. Byron and Kenneth L. Heck, Jr.

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(23), 4351; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16234351 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Planet satellite imagery in mapping seagrass coverage in Santa Rosa Sound, Florida. We compared very-high-resolution aerial imagery (0.3 m) collected in September 2022 with high-resolution Planet imagery (~3 m) captured during the same period. Using supervised classification [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Planet satellite imagery in mapping seagrass coverage in Santa Rosa Sound, Florida. We compared very-high-resolution aerial imagery (0.3 m) collected in September 2022 with high-resolution Planet imagery (~3 m) captured during the same period. Using supervised classification techniques, we accurately identified expansive, continuous seagrass meadows in the satellite images, successfully classifying 95.5% of the 11.18 km² of seagrass area delineated manually from the aerial imagery. Our analysis utilized an occurrence frequency (OF) product, which was generated by processing ten clear-sky images collected between 8 and 25 September 2022 to determine the frequency with which each pixel was classified as seagrass. Seagrass patches encompassing at least nine pixels (~200 m²) were almost always detected by our classification algorithm. Using an OF threshold equal to or greater than >60% provided a high level of confidence in seagrass presence while effectively reducing the impact of small misclassifications, often of individual pixels, that appeared sporadically in individual images. The image-to-image uncertainty in seagrass retrieval from the satellite images was 0.1 km² or 2.3%, reflecting the robustness of our classification method and allowing confidence in the accuracy of the seagrass area estimate. The satellite-retrieved leaf area index (LAI) was consistent with previous in situ measurements, leading to the estimate that 2700 tons of carbon per year are produced by the Santa Rosa Sound seagrass ecosystem, equivalent to a drawdown of approximately 10,070 tons of CO₂. This satellite-based approach offers a cost-effective, semi-automated, and scalable method of assessing the distribution and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation that provides numerous ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Applications of Remote Sensing in Monitoring Marine Environment (Second Edition))

17 pages, 923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Critical Exploration of the Total Flavonoid Content Assay for Honey

by Sharmin Sultana, Ivan Lozada Lawag, Lee Yong Lim, Kevin J. Foster and Cornelia Locher

Methods Protoc. 2024, 7(6), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps7060095 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study critically investigates the aluminium chloride–based colorimetric determination of the total flavonoid content (TFC) of honey. Following a comprehensive review of the recent literature reporting the use of the assay in the determination of TFC in honey, 10 honeys of different botanical [...] Read more.

This study critically investigates the aluminium chloride–based colorimetric determination of the total flavonoid content (TFC) of honey. Following a comprehensive review of the recent literature reporting the use of the assay in the determination of TFC in honey, 10 honeys of different botanical origins were investigated using the colorimetric method alongside an artificial honey that was used as a control. Using spiking experiments, this study demonstrates that the flavonoid concentrations commonly found in honey are too low for a direct measurement and thus some of the TFC data reported in the literature might more likely be a reflection of the honey’s inherent colour rather than a product of the coordination complex formed specifically between flavonoids and Al³⁺ ions. This paper highlights the importance of correct blanking and suggests alternative approaches to the traditional TFC assay for honey to ensure analysis results that are truly reflective of honey’s TFC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Analytical Chemistry Methods and Protocols: From Standard Practices to New Sustainable Approaches)

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13 pages, 1775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Convergent Evolution of Armor: Thermal Resistance in Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Crustaceans

by Boongho Cho, Sook-Jin Jang, Hee-seung Hwang and Taewon Kim

Biology 2024, 13(12), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13120956 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Organisms occupy diverse ecological niches worldwide, each with characteristics finely evolved for their environments. Crustaceans residing in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, recognized as one of Earth’s extreme environments, may have adapted to withstand severe conditions, including elevated temperatures and pressure. This study compares the [...] Read more.

Organisms occupy diverse ecological niches worldwide, each with characteristics finely evolved for their environments. Crustaceans residing in deep-sea hydrothermal vents, recognized as one of Earth’s extreme environments, may have adapted to withstand severe conditions, including elevated temperatures and pressure. This study compares the exoskeletons of two vent crustaceans (bythograeid crab Austinograea sp. and squat lobster Munidopsis lauensis) with four coastal species (Asian paddle crabs, blue crab, hermit crab, and mantis shrimp) to identify traits influenced by vent environments. The goal was to identify distinctive exoskeletal characteristics commonly observed in vent crustaceans, resulting from their exposure to severe abiotic factors, including elevated temperatures and pressures, found in vent environments. Results show that the exoskeletons of vent crustaceans demonstrated significantly enhanced thermal stability compared to coastal species. These vent crustaceans consistently featured exoskeletons characterized by a reduced proportion of volatile components, such as water, and an increased proportion of CaCO₃, compared with coastal crustaceans. Furthermore, vent crustaceans lacked carotenoid pigments that had low heat resistance. However, no apparent differences were observed in the mechanical properties. Our findings suggest that the similar composition of exoskeletons in vent crustaceans evolved convergently to withstand high temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents)

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8 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surveillance of Norovirus in Nationwide Groundwater Sources in South Korea: A Comprehensive Five-Year Study

by Jung Eun Lee, Jihye Kim, Jihyun Kang, Kyung Seon Bae, Eung-Roh Park and Jeong-Ki Yoon

Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121814 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Groundwater is an essential drinking water source for humans. However, improper groundwater management leads to fecal contamination and waterborne diseases caused by viral pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate norovirus (NoV) contamination by conducting nationwide monitoring over five years (2019–2023). Groundwater samples [...] Read more.

Groundwater is an essential drinking water source for humans. However, improper groundwater management leads to fecal contamination and waterborne diseases caused by viral pathogens. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate norovirus (NoV) contamination by conducting nationwide monitoring over five years (2019–2023). Groundwater samples were analyzed for water quality parameters, indicator microorganisms, NoV prevalence, and viral genotypes. Water quality was assessed for temperature, turbidity, and residual chlorine, whereas microorganisms were analyzed for total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and NoV genotypes. Of the 600 sites, 11 (1.8%) were NoV-positive, irrespective of season or location. Low residual chlorine levels (0.02–0.75 mg/L) were observed, possibly limiting viral inactivation. Total coliforms were detected in only three NoV-positive samples, and E. coli was absent. NoV genotypes were identified as GI.1 and GII.4, with GII.4 being the most frequently detected genotype. The present study demonstrated that periodic monitoring and expanded nationwide efforts are required for effective groundwater management and public health protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

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12 pages, 3807 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for Genetic Transformation Using Embryonic Callus of Pinus koraiensis

by Hui Hou, Yanan Wu, Ling Yang, Hao Dong, Wenna Zhao, Hailong Shen, Hanguo Zhang and Shujuan Li

Forests 2024, 15(12), 2058; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122058 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Pinus koraiensis is classified as a second-class protected wild plant in China, recognized for its considerable economic and ecological importance. However, progress in functional research and breeding applications for this species has been hindered by the lack of an effective genetic transformation system. [...] Read more.

Pinus koraiensis is classified as a second-class protected wild plant in China, recognized for its considerable economic and ecological importance. However, progress in functional research and breeding applications for this species has been hindered by the lack of an effective genetic transformation system. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and efficient genetic transformation system for a Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus using somatic embryogenesis technology. The Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus and β-glucuronidase (GUS) were employed as the reporter gene in an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to investigate critical transformation factors, including antibiotic type and concentration, Agrobacterium bacterial solution concentration, infiltration, and co-cultivation times. The findings indicated that the proliferation of the Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus was substantially inhibited by 10 mg·L⁻¹ of Hygromycin (Hyg), and a remarkable 93.42 ± 2.13% efficiency was achieved with an OD600 absorbance value of 0.6 during transformation. Two days of optimal co-cultivation yielded a transformation rate of 82.61%, with the resistant embryonic callus exhibiting a high GUS staining rate of 88.89%. Resistant somatic embryos were effectively obtained following the optimized protocol. This research contributes to the advancement of seed resource breeding and genetic enhancement for Pinus koraiensis, establishing a solid foundation for the investigation of gene functions specific to this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Tree Breeding, Testing, and Selection)

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9 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchmark Dose of Urinary Cadmium for Assessing Renal Tubular and Glomerular Function in a Cadmium-Polluted Area of Japan

by Takuya Hayashi, Kazuhiro Nogawa, Yuuka Watanabe, Teruhiko Kido, Masaru Sakurai, Hideaki Nakagawa and Yasushi Suwazono

Toxics 2024, 12(12), 836; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12120836 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to apply an updated benchmark dose (BMD) approach to estimate reference urinary cadmium (U-Cd) for renal tubular and glomerular effects. This cross-sectional survey was conducted 30 years ago in 30 men and 44 women living in [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to apply an updated benchmark dose (BMD) approach to estimate reference urinary cadmium (U-Cd) for renal tubular and glomerular effects. This cross-sectional survey was conducted 30 years ago in 30 men and 44 women living in a Cd-polluted area and in 18 men and 18 women living in a non-polluted area. We applied an updated hybrid approach to estimate the BMDs and 95% lower confidence limits (BMDLs) of U-Cd for creatinine (Cr) clearance (CrCl), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), and β2-MG tubular reabsorption (%TRβ2-MG). Using a benchmark response (BMR) of 5%, we estimated the BMDLs of U-Cd for adverse renal effect markers to be 2.9 (eGFR), 1.8 (β2-MG), 1.8 (%TRβ2-MG < 95%), and 3.6 μg/g Cr (%TRβ2-MG < 90%) in men, and 3.5 (CrCl), 2.5 (β2-MG), 2.6 (%TRβ2-MG < 95%), and 3.9 μg/g Cr (%TRβ2-MG < 90%) in women. The obtained BMDLs for tubular effects were 1.8–3.6 µg/g Cr and for glomerular effects were 2.9–3.5 µg/g Cr; these are not very high compared to the exposure levels in the general population. The BMDLs calculated in this study provide important information for measures regarding protecting general inhabitants or workers from the adverse health effects of Cd exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cadmium Pollution and Occupational Exposure)

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15 pages, 1465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of KASP Markers Associated with Hydrogen Cyanide in Fresh Cassava Roots in Uganda Cassava Germplasm

by Michael Kanaabi, Settumba B. Mukasa, Ephraim Nuwamanya, Paula Iragaba, Julius Karubanga Baguma, Ann Ritah Nanyonjo, Henry Wagaba, Nicholas Muhumuza, Fatumah Babirye Namakula, Enoch Wembabazi, Alfred Ozimati, Ismail Siraj Kayondo, Williams Esuma and Robert S. Kawuki

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14122765 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Low hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration is a high-priority trait for cassava varieties targeting their fresh and dry product profiles. To be acceptable, varieties bred and developed for these market segments must meet international safety standards for maximum acceptable residual levels of cyanide in [...] Read more.

Low hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration is a high-priority trait for cassava varieties targeting their fresh and dry product profiles. To be acceptable, varieties bred and developed for these market segments must meet international safety standards for maximum acceptable residual levels of cyanide in cassava food and food products. The discovery of molecular markers that co-segregate with low HCN has not yet resulted in widespread usage in marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs. To deploy these HCN markers in regular MAS, assessing their reliability in various genetic backgrounds is crucial. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive accuracy of trait specific markers for HCN. The study used six HCN kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers that had previously been developed in a Brazilian population and verified in segregating West African cassava populations. For most markers used in the study, the average call rate was more than 91.7%. Three markers—snpME00404, snpME00405 and snpME00406—showed a significant co-segregation of genotypes with the HCN phenotype. On average, genotypes that carried at least one copy of the favourable allele had lower HCN scores. The proportion of phenotypic variance accounted for by the three most important markers was 14% (snpME00406), 17% (snpME00405) and 27% (snpME00404). The validation of identified HCN SNP-markers marks a significant step in their deployment to support selection and advancement decisions in cassava breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Breeding of Field Crops in the 21st Century)

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14 pages, 4677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Transparency and Resistive Switching Characteristics in AZO/HfO₂/Ti RRAM Device via Post Annealing Process

by Yuseong Jang, Chanmin Hwang, Sanggyu Bang and Hee-Dong Kim

Inorganics 2024, 12(12), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12120299 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

As interest in transparent electronics increases, ensuring the reliability of transparent RRAM (T-RRAM) devices, which can be used to construct transparent electronics, has become increasingly important. However, defects and traps within these T-RRAM devices can degrade their reliability. In this study, we investigated [...] Read more.

As interest in transparent electronics increases, ensuring the reliability of transparent RRAM (T-RRAM) devices, which can be used to construct transparent electronics, has become increasingly important. However, defects and traps within these T-RRAM devices can degrade their reliability. In this study, we investigated the improvement of transparency and reliability of T-RRAM devices with an AZO/HfO₂/Ti structure through rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 450 °C for 60 s in a nitrogen atmosphere. The device without RTA exhibited a low transmittance of 30%, whereas the device with RTA showed a significantly higher transmittance of over 75%. Furthermore, the device operated at lower current levels after RTA, which resulted in a reduction in its operating voltages, and the forming, setting, and reset voltages changed from 3.3, 2.4, and −5.1 V, respectively, to 2, 1, and −2.7 V. This led to an improvement in the endurance characteristics of the device, which thereby suggests that these improvements can be attributed to a reduction in the defects and trap density within the T-RRAM device caused by RTA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical and Quantum Electronics: Physics and Materials)

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13 pages, 2424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Biomarkers Playing a Role in Pterygium Development in Pterygium and Recurrent Pterygium Tissues

by Özgür Eroğul and Serkan Şen

Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232619 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pterygium is a nonneoplastic elastotic degeneration characterized by subepithelial growth. It manifests as an ocular lesion originating from the bulbar conjunctiva, extending to the corneal surface, and reaching the visual axis in some cases. Although the exact cause is unknown, prolonged exposure [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Pterygium is a nonneoplastic elastotic degeneration characterized by subepithelial growth. It manifests as an ocular lesion originating from the bulbar conjunctiva, extending to the corneal surface, and reaching the visual axis in some cases. Although the exact cause is unknown, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation is considered the most significant contributing factor. Chronic irritation and actinic damage are likely responsible for the typical fibrovascular reactions observed in pterygium. Additionally, growth factors, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases play roles in the pathogenesis of pterygium. This study compared recurrent and primary pterygium cases at the molecular level to gain new insights into the etiology of pterygium. Methods: Total protein was extracted from surgical samples of patients with primary and recurrent pterygium, and the levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Target gene expression levels were analyzed using the ΔΔCt method after cDNA synthesis from isolated RNA, with normalization to GAPDH and quantification performed with SYBR Green PCR Master Mix. Results: Among the studied cytokines, IL-10 levels were higher in primary pterygium than in recurrent pterygium (722.0 ± 600.9/421.4 ± 266.8) (p = 0.0054). Other cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and TGF-β1) were detected at similar levels in both primary and recurrent pterygium (p = 0.2986). Additionally, the TGF-β1 gene expression was found to be significantly upregulated in recurrent pterygium tissue compared to primary pterygium tissue (p = 0.034). Conclusions: This increase suggests that TGF-β1 may contribute to the recurrence mechanisms of pterygium through processes such as fibroblast activation and tissue remodeling. The higher levels of IL-10 in primary pterygium compared to recurrent pterygium indicate an enhanced early protective response aimed at limiting pterygium progression and controlling the inflammatory process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eye Diseases: Diagnosis and Management—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Natural Fiber and Biomass on Acoustic Performance of 3D Hybrid Fabric-Reinforced Composite Panels

by Shabnam Nazari, Tatiana Alexiou Ivanova, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Miroslav Müller, Mehdi Akhbari and Zohreh Esfahani Hashjin

Materials 2024, 17(23), 5695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235695 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This research investigated the sound insulation performance of 3D woven hybrid fabric-reinforced composites using natural fibers, such as jute, along with E-glass and biomass derived from agro-waste, e.g., coffee husk and waste palm fiber. The composites made from pure E-glass, pure jute, and [...] Read more.

This research investigated the sound insulation performance of 3D woven hybrid fabric-reinforced composites using natural fibers, such as jute, along with E-glass and biomass derived from agro-waste, e.g., coffee husk and waste palm fiber. The composites made from pure E-glass, pure jute, and hybrid glass–jute configurations were tested for sound absorbance at frequencies of 1000 Hz and 10,000 Hz. A sound insulation chamber was used for measuring the sound reduction levels. Results show that the sound insulation performance of the panels was remarkably enhanced with composites containing natural fiber reinforcements. The jute-based composites provided the maximum insulation of sound, with waste palm fiber fillers in particular. At a frequency of 10,000 Hz, a noise reduction reaching 44.9 dB was observed. The highest sound absorption was observed in the 3D woven jute composites with the additive of waste palm fiber, which outperformed the other samples. When comparing the effect of coffee husk and palm fiber as biomass fillers, both exhibited notable improvements in sound insulation, but the palm fiber generally performed better across different samples. Although panels containing palm fiber additives appeared to reduce sound more than those containing coffee husk, statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two, indicating that both are efficient and eco-friendly fillers for soundproofing applications. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significance of the effect of reinforcing structures and biofillers on acoustic performance. This study demonstrated the possibility of using sustainable green materials for soundproofing applications within various industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Green Materials)

20 pages, 653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Antioxidant and Anti-Hyaluronidase Activities of Mixed Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa Extracts for Cosmetic Application

by Natthanan Phupaisan, Chadarat Ampasavate, Surapol Natakankitkul and Kanokwan Kiattisin

Cosmetics 2024, 11(6), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics11060201 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-aging activities. However, research on combining these three extracts in specific proportions to enhance their antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase effects remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the [...] Read more.

Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa extracts have demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-aging activities. However, research on combining these three extracts in specific proportions to enhance their antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase effects remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal proportions of C. arabica, C. asiatica, and C. longa extracts to maximize their combined antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase activities. A two-level full factorial design was used to identify the optimal concentration ratios of the mixed extracts. The results indicated that all extracts influenced antioxidant activity, with the optimal proportions of C. arabica, C. asiatica, and C. longa extracts being 0.5:6:2 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, all factors affected hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition, with the optimal proportions for C. arabica, C. asiatica, and C. longa extracts being 10:10:5 mg/mL to achieve the best inhibition. In a photostability study on individual extracts, mixed extracts, and mixed extracts combined with sodium metabisulfite and bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, it was observed that preparing the mixed extracts and adding an antioxidant and a sunscreen agent helped reduce the photodegradation of phenolic compounds in the mixed extracts. Consequently, the stabilized mixed extracts could serve as raw materials in cosmetic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Active Substances and Bioavailability in Cosmetics)

17 pages, 2583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Transfer Reinforcement Learning Approach for Capacity Sharing in Beyond 5G Networks

by Irene Vilà, Jordi Pérez-Romero and Oriol Sallent

Future Internet 2024, 16(12), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16120434 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

The use of Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques has been widely addressed in the literature to cope with capacity sharing in 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) slicing. These algorithms consider a training process to learn an optimal capacity sharing decision-making policy, which is later [...] Read more.

The use of Reinforcement Learning (RL) techniques has been widely addressed in the literature to cope with capacity sharing in 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) slicing. These algorithms consider a training process to learn an optimal capacity sharing decision-making policy, which is later applied to the RAN environment during the inference stage. When relevant changes occur in the RAN, such as the deployment of new cells in the network, RL-based capacity sharing solutions require a re-training process to update the optimal decision-making policy, which may require long training times. To accelerate this process, this paper proposes a novel Transfer Learning (TL) approach for RL-based capacity sharing solutions in multi-cell scenarios that is implementable following the Open-RAN (O-RAN) architecture and exploits the availability of computing resources at the edge for conducting the training/inference processes. The proposed approach allows transferring the weights of the previously learned policy to learn the new policy to be used after the addition of new cells. The performance assessment of the TL solution highlights its capability to reduce the training process duration of the policies when adding new cells. Considering that the roll-out of 5G networks will continue for several years, TL can contribute to enhancing the practicality and feasibility of applying RL-based solutions for capacity sharing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Convergence of Edge Computing and Next Generation Networking)

14 pages, 1132 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Noninvasive Ultra Low Intensity Light Photodynamic Treatment of Glioblastoma with Drug Augmentation: LoGlo PDT Regimen

by Richard E. Kast, Anton P. Kast, Jürgen Arnhold, Felix Capanni, Laura N. Milla Sanabria, Nicolas Bader, Bruno Marques Vieira, Alex Alfieri, Georg Karpel-Massler and Erasmo Barros da Silva, Jr.

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121164 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the basis for LoGlo PDT, a new treatment for glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is currently treated with maximal safe resection, temozolomide, and ionizing irradiation. Mortality in 2024 remains over 80% within several years from diagnosis. Oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an FDA/EMA [...] Read more.

This paper presents the basis for LoGlo PDT, a new treatment for glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is currently treated with maximal safe resection, temozolomide, and ionizing irradiation. Mortality in 2024 remains over 80% within several years from diagnosis. Oral 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is an FDA/EMA approved drug that is selectively taken up by malignant cells, including by glioblastoma. In photodynamic treatment of glioblastoma, intense intraoperative light causes glioblastoma tissue that has taken up 5-ALA to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. The requirement for intense light flux has restricted photodynamic treatment to a single one-hour intraoperative session. We analyze here published data showing that external light, illuminating the entire intact scalp, can attain low μW/cm² flux several cm into intact brain that would be sufficient to mediate 5-ALA photodynamic treatment of glioblastoma if the light and 5-ALA are delivered continuously over 24 h. At the core of LoGlo PDT regimen is the dataset showing that, for a given fluence, as the duration of PDT light delivery goes down, light intensity (flux) delivered must go up to achieve the same glioblastoma cell cytotoxicity as would a weaker light (lower flux) delivered over a longer time. Thus, a repetitive, noninvasive PDT of glioblastoma using an external light source may be possible. We analyze 5-ALA cellular physiology to show that three non-oncology drugs, ciprofloxacin, deferiprone, and telmisartan, can be repurposed to increase light energy capture after 5-ALA, thereby increasing photodynamic treatment’s glioblastoma cell cytotoxicity. The LoGlo PDT approach uses both drug augmentation and prolonged ultra-low noninvasive transcranial light delivery for a repetitive, noninvasive 5-ALA photodynamic treatment of glioblastoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation in Brain Tumor Treatment)

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26 pages, 1379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Optimization of Surface Textures in Oil-Lubricated Long-Life Aircraft Valves

by Pei Li, Qingxiang Pei, Zhe Liu, Sihai Luo, Liucheng Zhou, Junning Li and Leilei Chen

Lubricants 2024, 12(12), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12120405 (registering DOI) - 21 Nov 2024

Abstract

The oil-lubricated long-life aircraft valve is one of the most important components to ensure the safety of the entire aircraft system, and it needs to operate millions of times during the whole service life, significantly necessitating techniques to enhance its tribological performance. To [...] Read more.

The oil-lubricated long-life aircraft valve is one of the most important components to ensure the safety of the entire aircraft system, and it needs to operate millions of times during the whole service life, significantly necessitating techniques to enhance its tribological performance. To this end, five different surface textures, i.e., spherical cap, ellipsoidal cap, tree-frog, grass-lip and nepenthes textures were introduced to the pin’s surface of an aircraft valve to improve the valve’s tribological performance. By numerically solving the Reynolds equation with the Jakobsson–Floberg–Olsson cavitation boundary conditions, the effect of the five textures on the tribological performance was simulated. To optimize the geometric parameters of the five textures for a better tribological performance, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was introduced to derive a coupled tribological parameter, which accounts for three classical tribological parameters, including load bearing capacity, friction and friction coefficient. The five textures with optimal values of geometric parameters were also compared to one another using the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and this finally led to a suggestion of the best surface texture for the aircraft valve. The parametric optimization approach proposed in this work can be widely applied for the parametric optimization of surface textures in other applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Tribology: Rotordynamics)

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