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13 pages, 2236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Non-Extraction Orthodontic Treatment on the Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life between a Modified Aligner Appliance with Ni-Ti Springs and the Traditional Fixed Appliances: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

by Ziad Mohamad Alhafi, Mohammad Y. Hajeer, Youssef Latifeh, Alaa Oudah Ali Almusawi, Ahmad S. Burhan, Tareq Azizia, Samer T. Jaber and Nada Rajeh

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071139 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To compare the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) outcomes between patients treated with modified Ni-Ti spring-based alignment appliances or conventional fixed appliances using the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14), as well as the levels of satisfaction with the [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: To compare the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) outcomes between patients treated with modified Ni-Ti spring-based alignment appliances or conventional fixed appliances using the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14), as well as the levels of satisfaction with the appliance appearance, treatment progress, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients (11 males, 25 females) were randomly divided into two groups: either the modified aligner appliance with Ni-Ti springs group (MAA) or the traditional fixed appliances group (FA). The allocation ratio was 1:1, and the randomization process was carried out by an independent investigator not involved in this study. Mild crowding cases were included in this study. The OHRQoL of patients was evaluated using the short-form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at five time points: before the treatment commencement (T0); 2 weeks (T1), 1 month (T2), and 2 months (T3) after the treatment initiation; and post-treatment (T4). The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the patient satisfaction. Blinding was performed only during the outcomes assessment. Results: This randomized controlled trial had no dropouts, and the demographic characteristics of the groups were comparable. The MAA group experienced significantly greater functional limitations compared with the FA group at all three evaluation time points (T1, T2, and T3), as evidenced by the statistically significant p-values (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The psychological disability in the MAA group was significantly lower than in the FA group at both T2 (p = 0.005) and T3 (p = 0.003). The patient satisfaction with the appliance appearance was significantly higher in the MAA group than in the FA group (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The OHRQoL improved in both the modified aligner appliance with Ni-Ti springs and fixed appliance groups after the treatment. Moreover, the functional limitations during the treatment were less severe in the FA group, while the psychological disability was lower, and the patient satisfaction with the appliance appearance was higher in the MAA group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry)

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8 pages, 2059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Mitral Valve Repair Using a Novel Automated Suturing System: Preliminary Data

by Thomas Poschner, Severin Laengle, Sahra Tasdelen, Aldo Suria, Funda Baysal, Alfred Kocher and Martin Andreas

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071138 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

(1) Background and Objectives: Mitral regurgitation is a common valve disease requiring surgical repair. Even with satisfactory results, repair techniques may underlie subjectivity and variability and require long learning curves. A novel approach, the “Roman Arch” technique, may ease the technical burden. This [...] Read more.

(1) Background and Objectives: Mitral regurgitation is a common valve disease requiring surgical repair. Even with satisfactory results, repair techniques may underlie subjectivity and variability and require long learning curves. A novel approach, the “Roman Arch” technique, may ease the technical burden. This study assessed an automated suturing device’s feasibility and time efficiency for a proposed simplified technique. (2) Materials and Methods: Using the MiStitch™ and MiKnot™ devices (LSI Solutions, Inc., Victor, NY, USA), the suture pattern was performed in a cadaver model. Three surgeons with different expertise levels conducted the procedures. Repair and suture placement times were recorded and analyzed. (3) Results: The modified “Roman Arch” repair was completed on all ten human heart specimens with an average total repair time of 3:01 ± 00:59 min and a trend toward reduced times as experience increased. The study confirmed the technical feasibility with 90% of the attempts rated as rather satisfactory or very satisfactory. (4) Conclusions: The MiStitch™ system effectively facilitated the modified “Roman Arch” repair in an ex vivo setting, suggesting its potential to reduce the technical complexity of mitral valve repairs. Further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)

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8 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Children: Retrospective Cohort of 714 Patients with Minimum 3-Year Follow-Up

by David Terence Thomas, Sefa Sag, Aybegum Kalyoncu Aycenk and Serkan Tulgar

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1137; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071137 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Despite numerous described techniques, laparoscopy has yet to replace open surgery as the gold standard for inguinal hernia (IH) repair in children. This may be due to many variables, including the lack of long-term follow-up and concern for increased [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Despite numerous described techniques, laparoscopy has yet to replace open surgery as the gold standard for inguinal hernia (IH) repair in children. This may be due to many variables, including the lack of long-term follow-up and concern for increased recurrence. In this study, we present our long-term follow-up data on children undergoing percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) for IH repair. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included children who underwent PIRS for IH between May 2013 and May 2021 at three tertiary care institutions, with at least three years of follow-up. Age at surgery, side of IH, presence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis, surgical and anesthesia time, and complications were noted. Parents were contacted to enquire about long-term complications, such as recurrence. Results: Long-term follow-up (average 6.9 ± 2.3 years) was available for 714 patients. For unilateral and bilateral procedures, the average surgical time was 13.6 ± 5.4 and 19.9 ± 3.0, and the average anesthesia time was 27.7 ± 12.9 and 33.9 ± 14.1 min, respectively. Complications were seen in 0.84% of patients and 1.2% of procedures, and recurrence was observed in 0.98% of patients and 0.78% of procedures. Conclusions: Our study, with a nearly 7-year follow-up, provides substantial evidence that PIRS is a safe and effective technique for IH repair in children, with low recurrence and complication rates. Despite the study’s retrospective nature and limited sample size, it contributes valuable data supporting the use of PIRS in pediatric IH repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surgery)

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14 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adapted Training to Boost Upper Body Sensorimotor Control and Daily Living Functionality in Visually Impaired Baseball Players

by Giuditta Carretti, Francesca Spano, Eleonora Sgambati, Mirko Manetti and Mirca Marini

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071136 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Vision significantly contributes to postural control, balance, coordination, and body kinematics, thus deeply influencing everyday functionality. Sight-impaired subjects often show upper body anatomofunctional and kinetic chain alterations negatively impacting daily living efficiency and autonomy. The present study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Vision significantly contributes to postural control, balance, coordination, and body kinematics, thus deeply influencing everyday functionality. Sight-impaired subjects often show upper body anatomofunctional and kinetic chain alterations negatively impacting daily living efficiency and autonomy. The present study aimed to investigate and train, for the first time, upper body sensorimotor control in an Italian blind baseball team to boost global and segmental functionality while contemporarily prevent injuries. Materials and Methods: The whole team underwent a validated test battery using both quantitative traditional tools, such as goniometric active range of motion and muscular/functional tests, and an innovative biofeedback-based device, a Libra proprioceptive board. Consequently, a 6-week adapted training protocol was designed and leaded to improve sensorimotor control and, hence, counteract disability-related deficits and sport-specific overuse syndromes. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in all the investigated parameters. Noteworthy, an overall boost of global and segmental stability was detected through an orthostatic dynamic balance enhancement during the Y Balance test (p = 0.01) and trunk multiplanar control improvement on the Libra board (p = 0.01). Concurrently, the comparison of baseline vs. post-intervention outcomes revealed a consistent increase in upper body mobility (p < 0.05 for all the assessed districts), core recruitment (p = 0.01 for all the administered functional tests), and proprioceptive postural control (p = 0.01 for the Libra board validated test). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a tailored sensorimotor training, conceived and led by an adapted physical activity kinesiologist, may effectively improve upper body functional prerequisites and global proprioceptive control, thus potentially promoting autonomy, quality of life, and physical activity/sport practice adherence in visually impaired individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disability and Public Health: The Importance of Physical Activity and Sport for All)

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12 pages, 925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Preoperative Gum Chewing on Postoperative Anti-Emetic Use in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Benign Ovarian Masses: A Prospective, Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

by Min Suk Chae, Subin Lee, Youn Jin Choi and Hyun Jung Koh

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071135 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common issue for females undergoing gynecological surgeries, including those assisted by robotic systems. Despite available prophylactic measures, the incidence of PONV remains high, negatively impacting recovery and increasing healthcare costs. This study [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common issue for females undergoing gynecological surgeries, including those assisted by robotic systems. Despite available prophylactic measures, the incidence of PONV remains high, negatively impacting recovery and increasing healthcare costs. This study evaluates whether preoperative gum chewing reduces the need for anti-emetic drugs in females undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian mass. Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial enrolled 92 adult females scheduled for robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to treat benign ovarian mass. Following exclusions, the remaining participants were randomly assigned to either a gum-chewing group or a no-gum-chewing group. The gum-chewing group chewed sugar-free gum for 15 min in the holding area before surgery. The primary outcome measured was the need for anti-emetics to control PONV during the first hour in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes included the number of anti-emetic requests. No preemptive anti-emetics were administered during surgery. Results: Out of the initial 92 patients, 88 were included in the final analysis, with 44 in each group. The incidence of PONV requiring anti-emetics in the PACU was significantly lower in the gum-chewing group (79.5%) compared to the no-gum-chewing group (95.5%). Additionally, the number of anti-emetic requests was higher in the no-gum-chewing group. No postoperative complications such as tooth or jaw pain/injury or gastric content regurgitation were reported. Conclusions: Preoperative gum chewing for 15 min immediately before surgery significantly reduced the incidence of PONV in females undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian mass. This simple, non-pharmacological intervention improved patient comfort and reduced the need for anti-emetic medications without any adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to develop guidelines for incorporating preoperative gum chewing into clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Intensive Care/ Anesthesiology)

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12 pages, 4467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring of the Weld Pool, Keyhole Morphology and Material Penetration State in Near-Infrared and Blue Composite Laser Welding of Magnesium Alloy

by Wei Wei, Yang Liu, Haolin Deng, Zhilin Wei, Tingshuang Wang and Guangxian Li

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(4), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8040150 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

The laser welding of magnesium alloys presents challenges attributed to their low laser-absorbing efficiency, resulting in instabilities during the welding process and substandard welding quality. Furthermore, the complexity of signals during laser welding processes makes it difficult to accurately monitor the molten state [...] Read more.

The laser welding of magnesium alloys presents challenges attributed to their low laser-absorbing efficiency, resulting in instabilities during the welding process and substandard welding quality. Furthermore, the complexity of signals during laser welding processes makes it difficult to accurately monitor the molten state of magnesium alloys. In this study, magnesium alloys were welded using near-infrared and blue lasers. By varying the power of the near-infrared laser, the energy absorption pattern of magnesium alloys toward the composite laser was investigated. The U-Net model was employed for the segmentation of welding images to accurately extract the features of the melt pool and keyhole. Subsequently, the penetrating states were predicted using the convolutional neural network (CNN), and the novel approach employing Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features + a backpropagation (BP) neural network was applied for comparison. The extracted images achieved MPA and MIoU values of 89.54% and 81.81%, and the prediction accuracy of the model can reach up to 100%. The applicability of the two monitoring approaches in different scenarios was discussed, providing guidance for the quality of magnesium welding. Full article

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21 pages, 7674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-UAVs Tracking Non-Cooperative Target Using Constrained Iterative Linear Quadratic Gaussian

by Can Zhang, Yidi Wang and Wei Zheng

Drones 2024, 8(7), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8070326 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

This study considers the problem of controlling multi-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to consistently track a non-cooperative ground target with uncertain motion in a hostile environment with obstacles. An active information acquisition (AIA) problem is formulated to minimize the uncertainty of the target tracking [...] Read more.

This study considers the problem of controlling multi-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to consistently track a non-cooperative ground target with uncertain motion in a hostile environment with obstacles. An active information acquisition (AIA) problem is formulated to minimize the uncertainty of the target tracking task. The uncertain motion of the target is represented as a Wiener process. First, we optimize the configuration of the UAV swarm considering the collision avoidance, horizontal field of view (HFOV), and communication radius to calculate the reference trajectories of the UAVs. Next, a novel algorithm called Constrained Iterative Linear Quadratic Gaussian (CILQG) is introduced to track the reference trajectory. The target’s state with uncertainty and the UAV state are described as beliefs. The CILQG algorithm utilizes the Unscented Transform to propagate the belief regarding the UAVs’ motions, while also accounting for the impact of navigation errors on the target tracking process. The estimation error of the target position of the proposed method is under 4 m, and the error of tracking the reference trajectories is under 3 m. The estimation error remains unchanged even in the presence of obstacles. Therefore, this approach effectively deals with the uncertainties involved and ensures accurate tracking of the target. Full article

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18 pages, 8175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Excessive Clamping Force on Bolted CFRP Composite Plates

by Alaa El-Sisi, Hani Salim, Iqbal Alshalal, Mahmoud Nawar and Mohamed H. El-Feky

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070274 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Friction-type bolted joints are widely used in both the civil and aerospace industries. Uncontrolled excessive bolt clamping force can cause damage to the laminated fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite through the thickness and damage the joint before applying the service loads. The effect of [...] Read more.

Friction-type bolted joints are widely used in both the civil and aerospace industries. Uncontrolled excessive bolt clamping force can cause damage to the laminated fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite through the thickness and damage the joint before applying the service loads. The effect of the friction coefficient (between 0 and 0.3), bolt clearance, joint type, and other parameters on failure modes and the maximum bolt clamping force of the carbon FRP lapped joint is studied. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model consisting of a bolt, a washer, a laminate FRP composite plate, and steel plates was developed for the simulation of the double- (3DD) and single (3DS)-lapped bolted joint. The FE model was validated by using experimental results and was able to predict the experimental results by a difference of between 2.2 and 6.7%. The joint capacity of the clamping force was found to be greatly increased by adopting the double lap technique, which involves placing an FRP composite plate between two steel plates. Also, it was recommended to use an internal washer diameter less than or equal to the FRP composite plate hole diameter since a larger washer clearance can produce higher contact pressure and reduce the resistance by 22%. In addition, reducing the bolt head diameter can lead to a 65% reduction in the 3DS joint clamping strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Carbon Fibers, Volume II)

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20 pages, 4136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Chopped Carbon Fibers on the Mechanical Properties and Fracture Toughness of 3D-Printed PLA Parts: An Experimental and Simulation Study

by Ahmed Ali Farhan Ogaili, Ali Basem, Mohammed Salman Kadhim, Zainab T. Al-Sharify, Alaa Abdulhady Jaber, Emad Kadum Njim, Luttfi A. Al-Haddad, Mohsin Noori Hamzah and Ehsan S. Al-Ameen

J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(7), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8070273 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

The incorporation of fiber reinforcements into polymer matrices has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of composites. This study investigated the tensile and fracture behavior of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with chopped carbon fibers (CCFs) through experimental [...] Read more.

The incorporation of fiber reinforcements into polymer matrices has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of composites. This study investigated the tensile and fracture behavior of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) composites reinforced with chopped carbon fibers (CCFs) through experimental characterization and finite element analysis (FEA). Composite samples with varying CCF orientations (0°, 0°/90°, +45°/−45°, and 0°/+45°/−45°/90°) were fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF) and subjected to tensile and single-edge notched bend (SENB) tests. The experimental results revealed a significant improvement in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness compared to unreinforced PLA. The 0°/+45°/90° orientation exhibited a 3.6% increase in tensile strength, while the +45°/−45° orientation displayed a 29.9% enhancement in elastic modulus and a 29.9% improvement in fracture toughness (259.12 MPa) relative to neat PLA (199.34 MPa√m). An inverse correlation between tensile strength and fracture toughness was observed, attributed to mechanisms such as crack deflection, fiber bridging, and fiber pull-out facilitated by multi-directional fiber orientations. FEA simulations incorporating a transversely isotropic material model and the J-integral approach were conducted using Abaqus, accurately predicting fracture toughness trends with a maximum discrepancy of 8% compared to experimental data. Fractographic analysis elucidated the strengthening mechanisms, highlighting the potential of tailoring CCF orientation to optimize mechanical performance for structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Advanced Composites)

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12 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiovascular Risk Profile in Ménière’s Disease and Posterior Circulation Infarction: A Comparative Study

by Francisco Alves de Sousa, João Tarrio, Rita Rodrigues, Clara Serdoura Alves, Mariline Santos, Ana Nóbrega Pinto, Luís Meireles and Ângela Reis Rego

J. Otorhinolaryngol. Hear. Balance Med. 2024, 5(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/ohbm5020010 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Ménière’s disease (MD) has an unclear cause. The microvascular dysregulation of the inner ear has been increasingly pointed out as a potential contributor. This study investigates the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in MD patients compared to those with posterior circulation cerebral [...] Read more.

Ménière’s disease (MD) has an unclear cause. The microvascular dysregulation of the inner ear has been increasingly pointed out as a potential contributor. This study investigates the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in MD patients compared to those with posterior circulation cerebral infarction (POCI). CVRFs like hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, coronary heart disease, and smoking were assessed in both MD and POCI patients. Brain MRI identified POCI etiology as “small vessel occlusion” (SVO) or “other etiology” (OE). This study included 64 MD and 84 POCI patients. Compared to MD, POCI OE showed a higher prevalence of CVRFs across various age groups, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Notably, the odds of having POCI OE were significantly higher for individuals with hypertension and smoking. On the other hand, POCI SVO showed a similar prevalence of CVRFs compared to MD. This study revealed no significant differences in CVRF prevalence between MD and smaller vessel POCI. However, a clear distinction emerged when comparing MD to POCI with the involvement of larger blood vessels. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential shared risk factors between POCI (SVO) and MD. Full article

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13 pages, 4432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Protection Scheme of a High-Speed Railway Crossing 1000 KV Ultra-High Voltage Transmission Line

by Yi Song and Wei Xiao

Infrastructures 2024, 9(7), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9070110 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

The high-speed railway project and the ultra-high-voltage transmission project represent two crucial components of China’s “new infrastructure”. As the construction of these two projects progresses rapidly, it is inevitable that instances of intersections will occur. Extreme conditions may cause damage to ultra-high voltage [...] Read more.

The high-speed railway project and the ultra-high-voltage transmission project represent two crucial components of China’s “new infrastructure”. As the construction of these two projects progresses rapidly, it is inevitable that instances of intersections will occur. Extreme conditions may cause damage to ultra-high voltage transmission cables. When a high-speed train passes by an ultra-high voltage transmission line, it poses a serious safety hazard. To address this issue, engineering examples were utilized to examine the protection structure scheme, protection distance, protection load, and construction procedures when a high-speed railway intersects a 1000 KV ultra-high voltage transmission line. A shed structure form and construction method for the electric power protection were proposed to ensure the safe operation of the high-speed railway while also achieving the safe and rapid construction of the high-speed railway protection structure in the safety zone of the approaching 1000 kV ultra-high voltage transmission line. The results indicated that the protection of high-speed railway crossings and 1000 kV ultra-high voltage transmission lines primarily focuses on line-break protection. The concrete shed structure with a straight wall and a flat roof was designed to meet the requirements of high-speed railway crossings. The line-break protection method enables the construction of an automatic warning protection corridor and a complete movable trolley quickly and safely within the safety zone near the transmission line. The implementation effect is, therefore, positive. It can be used as a reference point for other projects of a similar nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Health Monitoring and Performance Evaluation of Bridges and Structural Elements)

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15 pages, 1401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Entropy Analysis of FPGA Interconnect and Switch Matrices for Physical Unclonable Functions

by Jenilee Jao, Ian Wilcox, Jim Plusquellic, Biliana Paskaleva and Pavel Bochev

Cryptography 2024, 8(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryptography8030032 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Random variations in microelectronic circuit structures represent the source of entropy for physical unclonable functions (PUFs). In this paper, we investigate delay variations that occur through the routing network and switch matrices of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The delay variations are isolated [...] Read more.

Random variations in microelectronic circuit structures represent the source of entropy for physical unclonable functions (PUFs). In this paper, we investigate delay variations that occur through the routing network and switch matrices of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The delay variations are isolated from other components of the programmable logic, e.g., look-up tables (LUTs), flip-flops (FFs), etc., using a feature of Xilinx FPGAs called dynamic partial reconfiguration (DPR). A set of partial designs is created to fix the placement of a time-to-digital converter (TDC) and supporting infrastructure to enable the path delays through the target interconnect and switch matrices to be extracted by subtracting out common-mode delay components. Delay variations are analyzed in the different levels of routing resources available within FPGAs, i.e., local routing and across-chip routing. Data are collected from a set of Xilinx Zynq 7010 devices, and a statistical analysis of within-die variations in delay through a set of the randomly-generated and hand-crafted interconnects is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Topics in Hardware Security)

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11 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unregulated Open-Access versus Regulated Open-Access Fishing: Stakeholders Perceptions in Sierra Leone

by Nwamaka Okeke-Ogbuafor and Tim Gray

Fishes 2024, 9(7), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070282 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Fish stocks are declining in marine capture coastal fisheries in West Africa. Many observers have blamed climate change and the system of open access for the decline. Open-access fishing encourages too many people to take up fishing, and the result is overfishing of [...] Read more.

Fish stocks are declining in marine capture coastal fisheries in West Africa. Many observers have blamed climate change and the system of open access for the decline. Open-access fishing encourages too many people to take up fishing, and the result is overfishing of the stocks. According to such critics, this is a classic example of Hardin’s tragedy of the commons, whereby a continuous increase in the number of users of a natural resource eventually leads to the collapse of the resource. The present study, which analysed stakeholders’ perceptions about their open-access fishing in Siera Leone’s marine fisheries, conducted 32 key informant interviews. Our research found that while they perceived that open-access fishing impacted fish stocks, most Sierra Leone’s marine capture fishers did not see open access as a cause of fish decline; instead, they blamed the lack of enforced regulations on the methods and extent of fishing. Accordingly, these fishers favoured the continuation of open access—not least because it helps to alleviate hunger and is a readily available source of protein in Sierra Leone’s coastal communities—but accompanied by strict regulations on both the type of fishing gear used and the quantity, size, and species of fish caught. In other words, they preferred regulated open access to unregulated open access. The central government’s resolve to regulate its fishery will determine whether it will transition from unregulated open access to regulated open access or other forms of OA. This study recommends detailed research into how to influence political will to enforce regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fishery Economics, Policy, and Management)

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18 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Community Structure Characteristics and Changes in Fish Species at Poyang Lake after the Yangtze River Fishing Ban

by Yanping Zhang, Haixin Zhang, Zijun Wu, Mingguang Zhao and Guangpeng Feng

Fishes 2024, 9(7), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070281 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

To understand the fish community structure characteristics and changes in Poyang Lake after the Yangtze River fishing ban in 2021, seven sampling stations were established, namely in Hukou, Lushan, Duchang, Yongxiu, Nanjishan, Ruihong, and Poyang, for fishery resource surveys between 2020 and 2021. [...] Read more.

To understand the fish community structure characteristics and changes in Poyang Lake after the Yangtze River fishing ban in 2021, seven sampling stations were established, namely in Hukou, Lushan, Duchang, Yongxiu, Nanjishan, Ruihong, and Poyang, for fishery resource surveys between 2020 and 2021. The results showed that 93 fish species were identified, belonging to 11 orders, 20 families, and 61 genera, which was an increase of 4.5% from before the fishing ban. Of these, 52 Cyprinidae species were identified, comprising the highest proportion (55.91%). Four invasive alien species (hybrid sturgeon, Cirrhina mrigala, Piaractus brachypomus, and Mugil cephalus) were identified, and the number of alien species in Poyang Lake was higher than before the fishing ban. Carnivorous and mid-lower-level fish showed a significant increase, accounting for 47.31% and 38.71% of the total species, respectively. Compared with the Yangtze River before the fishing ban, the body length and body weight of the main economic fish in Poyang Lake increased by 6.10–61.26% and by 15.14–291.57%, respectively. In terms of age structure, the proportion of major economically important fish aged 1 or 2 years decreased significantly, while the proportion of older fish increased substantially. There was little difference in the diversity of fish communities at different stations in Poyang Lake. In terms of biodiversity, the Shannon–Wiener index ranged from 2.158 to 2.909, with Poyang having the highest value and Nanjishan the lowest. Margalef’s index ranged from 4.265 to 6.459, with Lushan having the highest value and Nanjishan the lowest. Pielou’s index ranged from 0.617 to 0.822, with Duchang having the highest value and Nanjishan the lowest. Hence, the Yangtze river fishing ban has played an important and positive role in the restoration of fishery resources in Poyang Lake. However, long-term tracking and monitoring are needed to provide information to comprehensively evaluate the ecological impact of the Poyang Lake fishing ban. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Fishes)

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11 pages, 6887 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Intricate MIB1-NOTCH-GATA6 Interactions in Cardiac Valvular and Septal Development

by Rebeca Piñeiro-Sabarís, Donal MacGrogan and José Luis de la Pompa

J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2024, 11(7), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11070223 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies and experimental mouse models implicate the MIB1 and GATA6 genes in congenital heart disease (CHD). Their close physical proximity and conserved synteny suggest that these two genes might be involved in analogous cardiac developmental processes. Heterozygous Gata6 loss-of-function mutations alone [...] Read more.

Genome-wide association studies and experimental mouse models implicate the MIB1 and GATA6 genes in congenital heart disease (CHD). Their close physical proximity and conserved synteny suggest that these two genes might be involved in analogous cardiac developmental processes. Heterozygous Gata6 loss-of-function mutations alone or humanized Mib1 mutations in a NOTCH1-sensitized genetic background cause bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and a membranous ventricular septal defect (VSD), consistent with MIB1 and NOTCH1 functioning in the same pathway. To determine if MIB1-NOTCH and GATA6 interact in valvular and septal development, we generated compound heterozygote mice carrying different Mib1 missense (Mib1^K735R and Mib1^V943F) or nonsense (Mib1^R530X) mutations with the Gata6^STOP/+ heterozygous null mutation. Combining Mib1^R530X/+ or Mib1^K735R/+ with Gata6^STOP/+ does not affect Gata6^STOP/+ single mutant phenotypes. In contrast, combining Mib1^V943F/+ with Gata6^STOP/+ decreases the incidence of BAV and VSD by 50%, suggesting a suppressive effect of Mib1^V943F/+ on Gata6^STOP/+. Transcriptomic and functional analyses revealed that while the EMT pathway term is depleted in the Gata6^STOP/+ mutant, introducing the Mib1^V943F variant robustly enriches this term, consistent with the Mib1^V943F/+ phenotypic suppression of Gata6^STOP/+. Interestingly, combined Notch1 and Gata6 insufficiency led to a nearly fully penetrant VSD but did not affect the BAV phenotype, underscoring the complex functional relationship between MIB1, NOTCH, and GATA6 in valvular and septal development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiac Development and Regeneration)

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19 pages, 3882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavoromics Analysis of Passion Fruit-Roasted Chicken

by Ya Mao, Qi Liu, Jianwei Shao, Li Yang and Xuewu Zhang

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2221; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142221 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Currently, research on the flavor components and their dynamic changes in roasted chicken with a special flavor is rare. In this study, a passion fruit-roasted chicken was prepared, its characteristic flavor components were profiled by flavoromics, and their evolution patterns and precursors were [...] Read more.

Currently, research on the flavor components and their dynamic changes in roasted chicken with a special flavor is rare. In this study, a passion fruit-roasted chicken was prepared, its characteristic flavor components were profiled by flavoromics, and their evolution patterns and precursors were determined. The results showed that the characteristic flavor component with the highest contribution rate was ethyl butyrate (50.44%). In particular, some unique flavor compounds were identified compared with other roasted chicken products available. The main volatile flavor components in all stages of processing were alcohols, esters, and hydrocarbons, 15 to 30 min of roasting is an important stage for establishing the aroma system, and at the end, hydrocarbons were the main volatile compounds. During the 30-day storage period, the characteristic flavor components included ethyl butyrate, ethyl maltol, β-caryophyllene, and guaiacene. In conclusion, passion fruit-roasted chicken contained many characteristic flavor components, which were mainly formed within 15 to 30 min of roasting and were basically stable during the 30-day storage period. In a word, this work prepared a novel roasted chicken and revealed its mechanism of flavor formation at different baking stages and storage periods, which provided references for industrial production. Full article

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23 pages, 9548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soluble Dietary Fiber of Hawthorn Relieves Constipation Induced by Loperamide Hydrochloride by Improving Intestinal Flora and Inflammation, Thereby Regulating the Aquaporin Ion Pathway in Mice

by Henghui Zhang, Qixin Zu, Jiancai Zhang, Suwen Liu, Guohua Zhang, Xuedong Chang and Xiaojun Li

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2220; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142220 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Dietary fiber can be fermented and utilized by gut microbiota to reshape the gut microbiota, thereby alleviating constipation. This experiment mainly studied the physicochemical functions of hawthorn soluble dietary fiber (HSDF)and its effect and mechanism in alleviating constipation in mice. Forty-five mice were [...] Read more.

Dietary fiber can be fermented and utilized by gut microbiota to reshape the gut microbiota, thereby alleviating constipation. This experiment mainly studied the physicochemical functions of hawthorn soluble dietary fiber (HSDF)and its effect and mechanism in alleviating constipation in mice. Forty-five mice were divided into blank control group C, model group M, positive control HS group, low-dose LHSDF group (1 g/kg/bw), and high-dose HHSDF group (2 g/kg/bw). The mice were modeled at a dose of 10 mg/kg/bw of loperamide hydrochloride for 7 days, while the remaining groups were orally administered an equal amount of distilled water and test samples. After continuous gavage for 45 days we performed a bowel movement test, and then continued gavage for 7 days and performed a small intestine propulsion test and indicator testing. The results showed that HSDF is mainly composed of galacturonic acid, belonging to the type I crystal structure, with a loose surface resembling a snowflake, a small molecular weight, and strong water-holding and antioxidant abilities. Animal experiments showed that compared with group M, HSDF significantly upregulated AQP3 and AQP8 by 52.67% and 164.54%, respectively, and downregulated AQP9 protein expression by 45.88%, thereby promoting intestinal peristalsis. It can also alleviate constipation by increasing the levels of excitatory hormones such as MTL, GAS, and SP in the gastrointestinal tract, and reducing the levels of inhibitory hormones such as SS, NO, and MDA. In addition, HSDF can reduce the levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and PL-1 β, increase the content of various short-chain fatty acids, alleviate intestinal inflammation, maintain intestinal integrity, and promote defecation. It can also promote the growth of probiotics such as Bacteroides, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and alter the diversity of gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intervention Effect of Natural Food Products on Chronic Diseases - Volume II)

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20 pages, 1611 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Probiotics and Prebiotics among the Population of the United Arab Emirates

by Turfa K. Alqaydi, Alaa S. Bedir, Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud, Khaled A. El-Tarabily and Seham M. Al Raish

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142219 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Probiotics and prebiotics offer a range of advantageous effects on human health. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of individuals can impact their inclination to consume probiotics and prebiotics. The main objective of this study was to examine the KAP of the people [...] Read more.

Probiotics and prebiotics offer a range of advantageous effects on human health. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of individuals can impact their inclination to consume probiotics and prebiotics. The main objective of this study was to examine the KAP of the people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about probiotics and prebiotics consumption. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the impact of KAP and sociodemographic factors on the use of probiotics and prebiotics. In order to accomplish this objective, a verified online questionnaire was used with a five-point Likert scale and distributed using an online platform (Google Forms). A cross-sectional research, non-probability sampling was implemented, and G*Power statistical power analysis was used to estimate a sample size of 385 participants. A total of 408 replies were gathered. The population under study consisted of residents in the UAE between the ages of 18 to 64 years old, excluding populations under the age of 18 and those living outside the UAE. A total of 392 participants met the criteria for inclusion in this study. The research ethics committees of UAE University granted the study approval (ERSC_2024_4359), and the validity of the findings was confirmed through face-to-face interviews with around 50 individuals and a Cronbach’s alpha test with result of 0.84. The statistical software SPSS version 29.0 for Mac OS was utilized to examine the relationships between KAP variables, including Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. The tests were selected based on their capacity to handle categorical and continuous data, respectively. The female population was 85.2% of the total, while the male population accounts for 14.8%. The age distribution of participants shows that the largest proportion, 68.4%, falls within the 18–24 age range. Out of the participants, 61.5% held a bachelor’s degree. Most of the participants, 56.4%, were students, while 29.1% were employees. The average results indicate a significant inclination towards probiotics and prebiotics, as demonstrated by the scores above the midpoint for the six knowledge questions (M = 2.70), six attitude questions (M = 3.10), and six practice questions (M = 3.04). Several studies have examined this phenomenon; however, additional research comparing individuals in the UAE is necessary to fully comprehend the influence of KAP on the consumption of probiotics and prebiotics in the UAE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Consumer Behavior and Food Choice—Volume III)

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20 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Waste to Consumption: Tomato Peel Flour in Hamburger Patty Production

by Betül Karslıoğlu, Eda Demirok Soncu, Beyzanur Nekoyu, Erdem Karakuş, Gülsedef Bekdemir and Barış Şahin

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142218 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Tomato is a widely cultivated crop and its processing produces large quantities of wastes, such as pulp, seed, and peel. In recent years, the valorization of these wastes in the production of high-value-added food products has gained popularity in achieving environmental sustainability and [...] Read more.

Tomato is a widely cultivated crop and its processing produces large quantities of wastes, such as pulp, seed, and peel. In recent years, the valorization of these wastes in the production of high-value-added food products has gained popularity in achieving environmental sustainability and zero waste. From this viewpoint, dried tomato peel (DTP-1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) flour was included in hamburger formulations. In patty samples, ash, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber amounts were increased due to the high fiber content of DTP flour, while moisture and fat percentages decreased with increasing amounts of DTP flour (p < 0.05). The inclusion of DTP flour retarded lipid oxidation during cooking (p < 0.05). The significantly highest cooking yield was calculated in samples including 4% DTP flour. In parallel, water-holding capacity, moisture, and fat retention values increased with increasing levels of DTP flour (p < 0.05). The enrichment of patties with DTP flour resulted in hard texture, less gumminess, and a darker, more reddish and yellowish color (p < 0.05). Hamburger samples containing 1% or 2% DTP flour were graded with closer scores in the sensory panel as compared to the control (0% DTP). Overall, our findings demonstrated that DTP flour up to 2% could be used to improve the nutritional and technological properties of patty samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Meat)

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11 pages, 2506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of CO₂-CH₄ Mixed Gas on Property of Formation Oil from the Bohai Oilfield

by Renfeng Yang, Lijun Zhang, Xianhong Tan, Xiaofeng Tian, Xugang Yang, Xiaohan Shu, Guodong Zou, Erlong Yang, Changdong Jiang and Shaobin Hu

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071480 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Mechanism analysis and technical scheme optimization on CO₂ displacement and CO₂ storage are based on the high-pressure physical properties of CO₂-added formation oil. Oil and natural gas samples from the BZ25-1 block in the Bohai oilfield were used to [...] Read more.

Mechanism analysis and technical scheme optimization on CO₂ displacement and CO₂ storage are based on the high-pressure physical properties of CO₂-added formation oil. Oil and natural gas samples from the BZ25-1 block in the Bohai oilfield were used to conduct high-pressure physical property experiments to explore the impacts of CO₂-CH₄ mixed gas on the properties of formation oil. After injecting different amounts of mixed gas, the saturated pressure was measured by constant mass expansion test, the viscosity was measured by falling ball method, the expansion coefficient was measured by gas injection expansion test, and the gas–oil ratio and volume coefficient were obtained by single degassing test. The results show that with gas injection, the saturation pressure and dissolved gas–oil ratio of formation oil increase, the volume coefficient and expansion factor go up, while the oil viscosity reduces. With the increase in gas addition, the properties of formation oil continue to improve, but the increase in improvement becomes flat. With the increase in pressure, the amount of dissolved gas in the formation oil will also increase. High-purity CO₂ is more helpful to change the properties of formation oil, while the gas mixed with CH₄ is more beneficial to elevate the formation energy. For the BZ 25-1 block, the gas injection amount of about 80 mol% is appropriate and the CO₂ purity of 60% can well balance the oil properties improvement and the formation pressure elevation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Technologies)

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19 pages, 3037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wavelet Cross-Correlation Signal Processing for Two-Phase Flow Control System in Oil Well Production

by Dmitry Arseniev, Galina Malykhina and Dmitry Kratirov

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071479 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

An algorithm based on continuous measurement of multiphase flows of oil well production has been designed to improve the efficiency of the technical control of oil production processes in the field. Separation-free, non-contact measurement of multiphase flows of oil well products allows increasing [...] Read more.

An algorithm based on continuous measurement of multiphase flows of oil well production has been designed to improve the efficiency of the technical control of oil production processes in the field. Separation-free, non-contact measurement of multiphase flows of oil well products allows increasing the efficiency of managing oil production processes in the field. Monitoring the current density using radioisotope measuring transducers (RMTs) allows obtaining information about the structure of the flow in the form of the distribution of gas inclusions and the speed of movement of liquid and gas in a two-phase flow. Fluid velocity measurement is based on digital processing of RMT signals, applying a continuous or discrete undecimated wavelet transform to them, and assessing the cross-correlation of wavelet coefficients in individual subspaces of the wavelet decomposition. The cross-correlation coefficients of two RMT signals located at a base distance, calculated in the subspaces of the wavelet decomposition, characterize the speed of movement of gas bubbles of different sizes in a vertical pipe. The measurement assumes that the velocity of the liquid phase of the oil flow in a vertical pipe mainly corresponds to the velocity of small bubbles. This speed should be determined by the maximum cross-correlation of wavelet coefficients in the corresponding decomposition subspace. Computer modeling made it possible to evaluate the characteristics of the algorithm for controlling the speed of liquid movement in the gas–liquid flow of oil well products and determine the mass flow rate of the liquid and the relative value of the gas content. The implementation of the algorithm in a multi-channel version of the device allows monitoring an entire cluster of wells in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enhanced Oil Recovery Technologies, 3rd Volume)

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16 pages, 5643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of a Constitutive Equation for 25CrMo4 Steel

by Shuhua Zheng, Zihao Ren, Xiaohui Sun, Guofang Li, Jun Wang and Song Zhang

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071478 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

The material constitutive equation of 25CrMo4 steel was established through an isothermal compression experiment. First, a thermal compression experiment was carried out with a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator to study the thermoplastic deformation behaviour of 25CrMo4 steel at various temperatures (850, 950, 1050, and [...] Read more.

The material constitutive equation of 25CrMo4 steel was established through an isothermal compression experiment. First, a thermal compression experiment was carried out with a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator to study the thermoplastic deformation behaviour of 25CrMo4 steel at various temperatures (850, 950, 1050, and 1150 °C) and strain rates (0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 s⁻¹). The measured true stress–strain curve showed that when the temperature is constant, the flow stress increases with the strain rate, whereas when the strain rate is constant, the flow stress decreases with the temperature. Then, the constitutive model of peak stress of 25CrMo4 was established after analyzing the stress and strain statistics. The model parameters were optimized. The accuracy of the flow stress constitutive model was verified by comparing the flow stress prediction model with the experimental results. The hot forging process of the inner core wheel was numerically simulated based on DEFORM-3D v11 software, and the parameters of this process were formulated by analyzing the metal flow rate and equivalent stress and strain fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Processes)

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37 pages, 22751 KiB

Open AccessReview

Machine Learning-Assisted Raman Spectroscopy and SERS for Bacterial Pathogen Detection: Clinical, Food Safety, and Environmental Applications

by Md Hasan-Ur Rahman, Rabbi Sikder, Manoj Tripathi, Mahzuzah Zahan, Tao Ye, Etienne Gnimpieba Z., Bharat K. Jasthi, Alan B. Dalton and Venkataramana Gadhamshetty

Chemosensors 2024, 12(7), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors12070140 - 15 Jul 2024

Abstract

Detecting pathogenic bacteria and their phenotypes including microbial resistance is crucial for preventing infection, ensuring food safety, and promoting environmental protection. Raman spectroscopy offers rapid, seamless, and label-free identification, rendering it superior to gold-standard detection techniques such as culture-based assays and polymerase chain [...] Read more.

Detecting pathogenic bacteria and their phenotypes including microbial resistance is crucial for preventing infection, ensuring food safety, and promoting environmental protection. Raman spectroscopy offers rapid, seamless, and label-free identification, rendering it superior to gold-standard detection techniques such as culture-based assays and polymerase chain reactions. However, its practical adoption is hindered by issues related to weak signals, complex spectra, limited datasets, and a lack of adaptability for detection and characterization of bacterial pathogens. This review focuses on addressing these issues with recent Raman spectroscopy breakthroughs enabled by machine learning (ML), particularly deep learning methods. Given the regulatory requirements, consumer demand for safe food products, and growing awareness of risks with environmental pathogens, this study emphasizes addressing pathogen detection in clinical, food safety, and environmental settings. Here, we highlight the use of convolutional neural networks for analyzing complex clinical data and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy for sensitizing early and rapid detection of pathogens and analyzing food safety and potential environmental risks. Deep learning methods can tackle issues with the lack of adequate Raman datasets and adaptability across diverse bacterial samples. We highlight pending issues and future research directions needed for accelerating real-world impacts of ML-enabled Raman diagnostics for rapid and accurate diagnosis and surveillance of pathogens across critical fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)-Assisted Chemical Sensors)

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