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27 pages, 7773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Charging Scheduling Method for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks Based on Energy Consumption Rate Prediction for Nodes

by Songjiang Huang, Chao Sha, Xinyi Zhu, Jingwen Wang and Ruchuan Wang

Sensors 2024, 24(18), 5931; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24185931 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

With the development of the IoT, Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs) derive more and more application scenarios with diverse performance requirements. In scenarios where the energy consumption rate of sensor nodes changes dynamically, most existing charging scheduling methods are not applicable. The incorrect [...] Read more.

With the development of the IoT, Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks (WRSNs) derive more and more application scenarios with diverse performance requirements. In scenarios where the energy consumption rate of sensor nodes changes dynamically, most existing charging scheduling methods are not applicable. The incorrect estimation of node energy requirement may lead to the death of critical nodes, resulting in missing events. To address this issue, we consider both the spatial imbalance and temporal dynamics of the energy consumption of the nodes, and minimize the Event Missing Rate (EMR) as the goal. Firstly, an Energy Consumption Balanced Tree (ECBT) construction method is proposed to prolong the lifetime of each node. Then, we transform the goal into Maximizing the value of the Evaluation function of each node’s Energy Consumption Rate prediction (MEECR). Afterwards, the setting of the evaluation function is explored and the MEECR is further transformed into a variant of the knapsack problem, namely “the alternating backpack problem”, and solved by dynamic programming. After predicting the energy consumption rate of the nodes, a charging scheduling scheme that meets the Dual Constraints of Nodes’ energy requirements and MC’s capability (DCNM) is developed. Simulations demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method. Compared to the baselines, the EMR was reduced by an average of 35.2% and 26.9%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficient Design in Wireless Ad Hoc and Sensor Networks)

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8 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Titin Polymorphisms with the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinicopathological Characteristics

by Ching-Hui Hsu, Mu-Kuan Chen, Yu-Sheng Lo, Hsin-Yu Ho, Chia-Chieh Lin, Yi-Ching Chuang, Ming-Ju Hsieh and Ming-Chih Chou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 9878; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25189878 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study examined the correlation of titin (TTN) polymorphisms with the sensitivity of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) and clinical characteristics. Six TTN SNPs, including rs10497520, rs12463674, rs12465459, rs2042996, rs2244492, and rs2303838, were evaluated in 322 control groups and 606 patients [...] Read more.

This study examined the correlation of titin (TTN) polymorphisms with the sensitivity of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) and clinical characteristics. Six TTN SNPs, including rs10497520, rs12463674, rs12465459, rs2042996, rs2244492, and rs2303838, were evaluated in 322 control groups and 606 patients with oral cancer. We then investigated whether the SNP genotypes rs10497520 had associations with clinical pathological categories. Our data showed that the TC + CC genotype of rs10497520 was associated with moderate/poor tumor cell differentiation. The carriers of TTN rs10497520 polymorphic variant “TC + CC” in OSCC patients with cigarette smoking were linked with poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.008). Our results suggest that the TTN SNP rs10497520 is a possible genetic marker for oral cancer patients in the cigarette-smoking population. The TTN rs10497520 polymorphisms may be essential biomarkers to predict the onset and prognosis of oral cancer disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory, and Antioxidation Active Substances: 2nd Edition)

26 pages, 2960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling of Reliability Indicators of a Mining Plant

by Boris V. Malozyomov, Nikita V. Martyushev, Nikita V. Babyr, Alexander V. Pogrebnoy, Egor A. Efremenkov, Denis V. Valuev and Aleksandr E. Boltrushevich

Mathematics 2024, 12(18), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12182842 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The evaluation and prediction of reliability and testability of mining machinery and equipment are crucial, as advancements in mining technology have increased the importance of ensuring the safety of both the technological process and human life. This study focuses on developing a reliability [...] Read more.

The evaluation and prediction of reliability and testability of mining machinery and equipment are crucial, as advancements in mining technology have increased the importance of ensuring the safety of both the technological process and human life. This study focuses on developing a reliability model to analyze the controllability of mining equipment. The model, which examines the reliability of a mine cargo-passenger hoist, utilizes statistical methods to assess failures and diagnostic controlled parameters. It is represented as a transition graph and is supported by a system of equations. This model enables the estimation of the reliability of equipment components and the equipment as a whole through a diagnostic system designed for monitoring and controlling mining equipment. A mathematical and logical model is proposed to calculate availability and downtime coefficients for different structures within the mining equipment system. This analysis considers the probability of failure-free operation of the lifting unit based on the structural scheme, with additional redundancy for elements with lower reliability. The availability factor of the equipment for monitoring and controlling the mine hoisting plant is studied for various placements of diagnostic systems. Additionally, a logistic concept is introduced for organizing preventive maintenance systems and reducing equipment recovery time by optimizing spare parts, integrating them into strategies aimed at enhancing the reliability of mine hoisting plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stochastic Processes, Models and Methods in Resilience Management and Reliability Optimization)

15 pages, 2209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conformational Analysis and Organocatalytic Activity of Helical Stapled Peptides Containing α-Carbocyclic α,α-Disubstituted α-Amino Acids

by Akihiro Iyoshi, Atsushi Ueda, Tomohiro Umeno, Takuma Kato, Kazuhiro Hirayama, Mitsunobu Doi and Masakazu Tanaka

Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4340; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184340 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Conformational freedom-restricted peptides, such as stapled peptides, play a crucial role in the advancement of functional peptide development. We synthesized stapled octapeptides using α-carbocyclic α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids, particularly 3-allyloxy-1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid, as the crosslink motifs. The organocatalytic capabilities of the synthesized stapled peptides were [...] Read more.

Conformational freedom-restricted peptides, such as stapled peptides, play a crucial role in the advancement of functional peptide development. We synthesized stapled octapeptides using α-carbocyclic α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids, particularly 3-allyloxy-1-aminocyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid, as the crosslink motifs. The organocatalytic capabilities of the synthesized stapled peptides were assessed in an asymmetric nucleophilic epoxidation reaction because the catalytic activities are known to be proportional to α-helicity. Despite incorporating side-chain crosslinks, the enantioselectivities of the epoxidation reaction catalyzed by stapled octapeptides were found to be comparable to those obtained using unstapled peptides. Interestingly, the stapled peptides using α-carbocyclic α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids demonstrated higher reactivities and stereoselectivities (up to 99% ee) compared to stapled peptides derived from (S)-α-(4-pentenyl)alanine, a commonly used motif for stapled peptides. These differences could be attributed to the increased α-helicity of the former stapled peptide in contrast to the latter, as evidenced by the X-ray crystallographic structures of their N-tert-butoxycarbonyl derivatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Organic Chemistry)

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17 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Management of Mining Brownfields for Support of Regional Tourism

by Henrieta Pavolová, Tomáš Bakalár and Mário Molokáč

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 7986; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16187986 (registering DOI) - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Turbulent political and economic changes in 1989 caused the gradual decline of the mining industry in the Slovak Republic. Abandoned territorial localities were created, affected by mining activity, without any use with devastated mining objects, or even a certain form of environmental burden. [...] Read more.

Turbulent political and economic changes in 1989 caused the gradual decline of the mining industry in the Slovak Republic. Abandoned territorial localities were created, affected by mining activity, without any use with devastated mining objects, or even a certain form of environmental burden. These territorial locations used for mining in the past, unused currently, in varying degrees of devastation, are referred to as mining brownfields. This issue is topical, as there is constant urbanization of new territories. Mining brownfields often represent a certain form of territorial reserve to support tourism development. The present study deals with identifying the tourist potential of the Fedö shaft mining brownfield in the Červenica—Dubník area (Slovakia), which is included in the list of national cultural monuments. The study points out the need for reclamation from the point of view of supporting the development of a tourist destination based on the accessible mining brownfield—the Jozef tunnel—making it possible to use the interaction links of both mining brownfields in the investigated area of tourism. Based on the results of the conducted SWOT analysis, the study presents the quantification of the tourism development support potential of the analyzed mining brownfield. It also includes selected environmental, social, and economic aspects of the reclamation, and the definition of an effective strategy for usage of the examined mining brownfield as a tool to support tourism development. The article concludes a model of effective management of the use of mining brownfields in the field of tourism in Slovakia, which is constructed as open and modifiable in its interaction with the specification of diverse conditions of tourist destinations with integrated mining brownfields, which include old mine works. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tourism, Culture, and Heritage)

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25 pages, 5756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of DROSHA (rs10719) and DICER (rs3742330) Variants on Breast Cancer Risk and Their Distribution in Blood and Tissue Samples of Egyptian Patients

by Aly A. M. Shaalan, Essam Al Ageeli, Shahad W. Kattan, Amany I. Almars, Nouf A. Babteen, Abdulmajeed A. A. Sindi, Eman A. Toraih, Manal S. Fawzy and Marwa Hussein Mohamed

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(9), 10087-10111; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46090602 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Genetic variants in miRNA processing genes, DROSHA and DICER, have been implicated in cancer susceptibility and progression in various populations. However, their role in Egyptian patients [...] Read more.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Genetic variants in miRNA processing genes, DROSHA and DICER, have been implicated in cancer susceptibility and progression in various populations. However, their role in Egyptian patients with breast cancer (BC) remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate the association of DROSHA rs10719 and DICER rs3742330 polymorphisms with BC risk and clinical outcomes. This case–control study included 209 BC patients and 106 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays in blood, tumor tissue, and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression and Fisher’s exact test. The DROSHA rs10719 AA genotype was associated with a 3.2-fold increased risk (95%CI = 1.23–9.36, p < 0.001), and the DICER rs3742330 GG genotype was associated with a 3.51-fold increased risk (95%CI = 1.5–8.25, p = 0.001) of BC. Minor allele frequencies were 0.42 for rs10719 A and 0.37 for rs3742330 G alleles. The risk alleles were significantly more prevalent in tumor tissue than adjacent normal tissue (rs10719 A: 40.8% vs. 0%; rs3742330 G: 42.7% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). However, no significant associations were observed with clinicopathological features or survival outcomes over a median follow-up of 17 months. In conclusion, DROSHA rs10719 and DICER rs3742330 polymorphisms are associated with increased BC risk and more prevalent in tumor tissue among our cohort, suggesting a potential role in miRNA dysregulation during breast tumorigenesis. These findings highlight the importance of miRNA processing gene variants in BC susceptibility and warrant further validation in larger cohorts and different ethnic populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Pathogenesis Regulation in Cancer 2024)

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22 pages, 1956 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progress in the Study of Chemical Structure and Pharmacological Effects of Total Paeony Glycosides Isolated from Radix Paeoniae Rubra

by Yumu Sun, Taiyu Liu and Xueying Zhao

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(9), 10065-10086; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46090601 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Radix paeoniae rubra, known as red peony root, is derived from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora pall or Paeonia veitchii lynch from the Ranunculaceae family. It is recognized for its properties of clearing heat, cooling blood, dispelling stasis, and alleviating pain, [...] Read more.

Radix paeoniae rubra, known as red peony root, is derived from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora pall or Paeonia veitchii lynch from the Ranunculaceae family. It is recognized for its properties of clearing heat, cooling blood, dispelling stasis, and alleviating pain, making it one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Total paeony glycosides (TPGs) are identified as the principal active constituents of Radix paeoniae rubra, comprising monoterpenoid compounds with a cage-like pinane structure and monoterpenoids with a lactone structure. This review summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of TPGs, with the aim of elucidating their relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pharmacology)

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18 pages, 7239 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

Considering What Animals “Need to Do” in Enclosure Design: Questions on Bird Flight and Aviaries

by Paul Rose, Marianne Freeman, Ian Hickey, Robert Kelly and Phillip Greenwell

Birds 2024, 5(3), 586-603; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030039 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Zoo enclosure design, and housing and husbandry protocols, will always be a compromise between what a species has evolved to do and what is possible to offer in a human-created environment. For some species, behaviours that are commonly performed in the wild may [...] Read more.

Zoo enclosure design, and housing and husbandry protocols, will always be a compromise between what a species has evolved to do and what is possible to offer in a human-created environment. For some species, behaviours that are commonly performed in the wild may be constrained by husbandry practices that are used for ease or aesthetics or are accepted conventions. As zoos place more emphasis on positive animal welfare states, zoo enclosures should be scrutinised to check that what is provided, in terms of useful space, appropriate replication of habitat features, and maximal potential for natural behaviour performance, is relevant to the species and individuals being housed. For some species, zoos need to grapple with tough questions where the answer may not seem immediately obvious to ensure they are continuously improving standards of care, opportunities for the performance of species-typical behaviours, and advancing the attainment of positive welfare states. Determining the importance of flight, for example, and what this behaviour adds to the quality of life of a zoo-housed bird, is an important question that needs addressing to truly advance aviculture and how we determine bird welfare. This paper provides questions that should be answered and poses measures of what flight means to a bird, to provide evidence for the development and evolution of zoo bird housing. If we can devise some way of asking the animals in our care what they need, we can more firmly support decisions made that surround enclosure design, and housing decisions. Ultimately, this means gathering evidence on whether birds like to fly (e.g., from birds in training or demonstration activities) by applying mixed methods approaches of behavioural analysis, data on wild ecology, qualitative behavioural assessment, and cognitive bias testing to develop a robust suite of tools to address avian welfare considerations. Avian welfare scientists should attempt to define what meaningful flight is (i.e., flight that truly suggests a bird is flying) in order to support guidelines on aviary dimensions, space allowance, and welfare outputs from birds in both flighted and flight-restricted populations, and to determine what is most appropriate for an individual species. Changing the term “best practice” husbandry guidelines to “better practice” husbandry guidelines would instil the importance of regular review and reassessment of housing and management suitability for a species to ensure such care regimes remain appropriate. With an increasingly welfare-savvy public visiting zoos, it is essential that we seek more evidence to support and justify how birds are kept and ultimately use such evidence to enact changes to practices that are shown to infringe on avian welfare. Full article

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29 pages, 9496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trustworthy Communities for Critical Energy and Mobility Cyber-Physical Applications

by Juhani Latvakoski, Jouni Heikkinen, Jari Palosaari, Vesa Kyllönen and Jari Rehu

Smart Cities 2024, 7(5), 2616-2644; https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7050102 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The aim of this research has been to enable the management of trustworthy relationships between stakeholders, service providers, and physical assets, which are required in critical energy and mobility cyber–physical systems (CPS) applications. The achieved novel contribution is the concept of trustworthy communities [...] Read more.

The aim of this research has been to enable the management of trustworthy relationships between stakeholders, service providers, and physical assets, which are required in critical energy and mobility cyber–physical systems (CPS) applications. The achieved novel contribution is the concept of trustworthy communities with respective experimental solutions, which are developed by relying on verifiable credentials, smart contracts, trust over IP, and an Ethereum-based distributed ledger. The provided trustworthy community solutions are validated by executing them in two practical use cases, which are called energy flexibility and hunting safety. The energy flexibility case validation considered the execution of the solutions with one simulated and two real buildings with the energy flexibility aggregation platform, which was able to trade the flexibilities in an energy flexibility marketplace. The provided solutions were executed with a hunting safety smartphone application for a hunter and the smartwatch of a person moving around in the forest. The evaluations indicate that conceptual solutions for trustworthy communities fulfill the purpose and contribute toward making energy flexibility trading and hunting safety possible and trustworthy enough for participants. A trustworthy community solution is required to make value sharing and usage of critical energy resources and their flexibilities feasible and secure enough for their owners as part of the energy flexibility community. Sharing the presence and location in mobile conditions requires a trustworthy community solution because of security and privacy reasons, but it can also save lives in real-life elk hunting cases. During the evaluations, the need for further studies related to performance, scalability, community applications, verifiable credentials with wallets, sharing of values and incentives, authorized trust networks, dynamic trust situations, time-sensitive behavior, autonomous operations with smart contracts through security assessment, and applicability have been detected. Full article

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9 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Guillain-Barrè Syndrome—Retrospective Analysis of Data from a Cohort of Patients Referred to a Tertiary Care Pediatric Neuromuscular Center from 2000 to 2017: Electrophysiological Findings, Outcomes, and a Brief Literature Review

by Benedetta Cavirani, Margherita Baga, Carlo Alberto Cesaroni, Susanna Rizzi, Carlotta Spagnoli, Daniele Frattini, Elvio Della Giustina, Francesco Pisani and Carlo Fusco

Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091490 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid 24 paresis in children. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and electrophysiological findings and outcomes of children with GBS diagnosed in our unit. Moreover, the [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most frequent cause of acute flaccid 24 paresis in children. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and electrophysiological findings and outcomes of children with GBS diagnosed in our unit. Moreover, the literature on pediatric GBS cases from the past 5 years was reviewed. In this retrospective study, we reported data on 12 patients (9 male and 3 female patients; mean age: 5 y, 4 mo; range: 9 mo–11 y) clinically diagnosed at the Child Neurology Unit of the AUSL-IRCCS of Reggio Emilia, Italy, between 2000 and 2017 and a brief analysis/comparison with data from the literature. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from medical charts. Results: In our cohort, male patients were more frequent than female ones (9 vs. 3), and upper respiratory tract infection (n = 8, 66.7%) was the most frequent triggering factor. The main clinical symptoms on admission were distal lower limbs’ weakness with gait difficulties (83.3%), pain (50%), upper limbs’ weakness (50%), and dysphagia for liquids (25%). Peripheral neurophysiological studies revealed acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) in 66.6% of the children, acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) in 25%, and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) in 8.3%. Ten individuals (83.3%) received timely treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), and, out of these ten patients, 58% received concomitant treatment with IV methylprednisolone because of a progressive disease course. Complete remission was observed in the majority of individuals (91.6%) within 6 months of symptom onset. Conclusions: Different subtypes of GBS can affect children; however, the outcome is usually positive. Early treatment appears to be important for a favorable outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurology)

15 pages, 2413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Performance of a Sprayer Rate Controller and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Systems for Site-Specific Pesticide Applications

by Ravi Meena, Simerjeet Virk, Glen Rains and Wesley Porter

AgriEngineering 2024, 6(3), 3312-3326; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6030189 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

With recent advances in spray technology and rising interest in site-specific applications, it is imperative to assess the performance of the latest application technologies to ensure effective pesticide applications. Thus, a study was conducted to compare and evaluate the performance of two different [...] Read more.

With recent advances in spray technology and rising interest in site-specific applications, it is imperative to assess the performance of the latest application technologies to ensure effective pesticide applications. Thus, a study was conducted to compare and evaluate the performance of two different flow control systems [rate controller (RC) and pulse width modulation (PWM)] on an agricultural sprayer while simulating different site-specific application scenarios. A custom data acquisition and logging system was developed to record the real-time nozzle flow and pressure across the sprayer boom. The first experiment measured the response time to achieve different target application rates in single-rate site-specific (On/Off) states at varying simulated ground speeds. The second experiment examined the response time for rate transitions in variable-rate application scenarios among different selected target rates at varying simulated ground speeds. Across all the application scenarios, the PWM system consistently outperformed the RC system in terms of response time and rate stabilization. Specifically, the PWM system exhibited significantly lower mean rate stabilization times compared to the RC system during single-rate application states. Similarly, in the variable-rate application states—where the rate transitions were evaluated—the PWM system consistently displayed shorter mean rate transition and stabilization times compared to the RC system. Overall, the findings from this study suggest PWM systems tend to be more responsive and effective, making them the preferred choice for efficient precision site-specific pesticide applications. Future research should evaluate the influence of other operational parameters such as look-ahead time and ground speed variations on the performance of both systems in actual field applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensors Technology and Precision Agriculture)

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19 pages, 15779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Representation of Vernacular Architecture in the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti

by Alessandro Merlo and Gaia Lavoratti

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5084-5102; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090240 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Often, artists of all time periods have unintentionally crystallized in their works the image of landscapes distant in time; of those landscapes, sometimes only faint traces remain, adding to the collection of so-called indirect sources. In many cases, a critical analysis carried out [...] Read more.

Often, artists of all time periods have unintentionally crystallized in their works the image of landscapes distant in time; of those landscapes, sometimes only faint traces remain, adding to the collection of so-called indirect sources. In many cases, a critical analysis carried out using the comparative method of those iconographic sources allows the inference of the relevant information regarding the layout of places, the structures housed there, and the practice of arts and crafts, or about customs and habits (e.g., dressing, eating, etc.); it is possible to recompose the so-called ‘buried landscapes’ by combining it with, and thanks to, the substantial contributions of other disciplines (such as history, archaeology, and anthropology). This contribution shows the first outcomes of research carried out within the Ghibertiana Project by CHMlab of DIDA (UNIFI), which aims to analyze the ‘landscape characterised by cultivated areas’ from the Florentine countryside in the early fifteenth century. In particular, it is maintained that Lorenzo Ghiberti (Pelago, 1378–Florence, 1455), just like other contemporary artists, depicted territories and architectures he had first experienced in some of the ten bronze panels of the Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery of Florence. He described in great detail the flora, fauna, and anthropic structures of the extra moenia territory. The focus of the early stage of analysis and this contribution is mainly on shelters: temporary structures functional to agricultural work. The encouraging results obtained may give rise to new research on other Florentine landscape elements artfully chiseled in Ghiberti’s workshop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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13 pages, 1290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Ethanol Content in Alcoholic Products by LF-NMR

by Gianluca Farine, Maria Scilinguo, Chiara Calvagna, Silvia Romano, Marco Polito and Salvatore Sgrò

Analytica 2024, 5(3), 458-470; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica5030031 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a technique used for many years by chemists for elucidation of molecular structure. Technological progress over the years has enabled this technique, making it easier to use. Thus, the LF-NMR (low-field NMR) was introduced as a side technique, [...] Read more.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a technique used for many years by chemists for elucidation of molecular structure. Technological progress over the years has enabled this technique, making it easier to use. Thus, the LF-NMR (low-field NMR) was introduced as a side technique, characterized by low management costs and shorter analysis time than its main counterpart. The application of ¹H LF-NMR for the quantification of ethyl alcohol in different alcoholic matrices is herein described, comparing the results obtained with this technique with those determined by a reference gas chromatographic method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Progress in Analytical Chemistry in Materials and Food and Environmental Samples)

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22 pages, 5524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Lightweight Real-Time Infrared Object Detection Model Based on YOLOv8 for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

by Baolong Ding, Yihong Zhang and Shuai Ma

Drones 2024, 8(9), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8090479 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Deploying target detection models on edge devices such as UAVs is challenging due to their limited size and computational capacity, while target detection models typically require significant computational resources. To address this issue, this study proposes a lightweight real-time infrared object detection model [...] Read more.

Deploying target detection models on edge devices such as UAVs is challenging due to their limited size and computational capacity, while target detection models typically require significant computational resources. To address this issue, this study proposes a lightweight real-time infrared object detection model named LRI-YOLO (Lightweight Real-time Infrared YOLO), which is based on YOLOv8n. The model improves the C2f module’s Bottleneck structure by integrating Partial Convolution (PConv) with Pointwise Convolution (PWConv), achieving a more lightweight design. Furthermore, during the feature fusion stage, the original downsampling structure with ordinary convolution is replaced with a combination of max pooling and regular convolution. This modification retains more feature map information. The model’s structure is further optimized by redesigning the decoupled detection head with Group Convolution (GConv) instead of ordinary convolution, significantly enhancing detection speed. Additionally, the original BCELoss is replaced with EMASlideLoss, a newly developed classification loss function introduced in this study. This loss function allows the model to focus more on hard samples, thereby improving its classification capability. Compared to the YOLOv8n algorithm, LRI-YOLO is more lightweight, with its parameters reduced by 46.7% and floating-point operations (FLOPs) reduced by 53.1%. Moreover, the mean average precision (mAP) reached 94.1%. Notably, on devices with moderate computational power that only have a Central Processing Unit (CPU), the detection speed reached 42 frames per second (FPS), surpassing most mainstream models. This indicates that LRI-YOLO offers a novel solution for real-time infrared object detection on edge devices such as drones. Full article

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27 pages, 7586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Enhanced K-Means and Cloud Model for Structural Health Monitoring on Double-Layer Truss Arch Bridges

by Chengzhong Gui, Dayong Han, Liang Gao, Yingai Zhao, Liang Wang, Xianglong Xu and Yijun Xu

Infrastructures 2024, 9(9), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9090161 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Bridges, as vital infrastructure, require ongoing monitoring to maintain safety and functionality. This study introduces an innovative algorithm that refines bridge component performance assessment through the integration of modified K-means clustering, silhouette coefficient optimization, and cloud model theory. The purpose is to provide [...] Read more.

Bridges, as vital infrastructure, require ongoing monitoring to maintain safety and functionality. This study introduces an innovative algorithm that refines bridge component performance assessment through the integration of modified K-means clustering, silhouette coefficient optimization, and cloud model theory. The purpose is to provide a reliable method for monitoring the safety and serviceability of critical infrastructure, particularly double-layer truss arch bridges. The algorithm processes large datasets to identify patterns and manage uncertainties in structural health monitoring (SHM). It includes field monitoring techniques and a model-driven approach for establishing assessment thresholds. The main findings, validated by case studies, show the algorithm’s effectiveness in enhancing clustering quality and accurately evaluating bridge performance using multiple indicators, such as statistical significance, cluster centroids, average silhouette coefficient, Davies–Bouldin index, average deviation, and Sign-Rank test p-values. The conclusions highlight the algorithm’s utility in assessing structural integrity and aiding data-driven maintenance decisions, offering scientific support for bridge preservation efforts. Full article

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

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24 pages, 22504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

OMCTrack: Integrating Occlusion Perception and Motion Compensation for UAV Multi-Object Tracking

by Zhaoyang Dang, Xiaoyong Sun, Bei Sun, Runze Guo and Can Li

Drones 2024, 8(9), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8090480 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Compared to images captured from ground-level perspectives, objects in UAV images are often more challenging to track due to factors such as long-distance shooting, occlusion, and motion blur. Traditional multi-object trackers are not well-suited for UAV multi-object tracking tasks. To address these challenges, [...] Read more.

Compared to images captured from ground-level perspectives, objects in UAV images are often more challenging to track due to factors such as long-distance shooting, occlusion, and motion blur. Traditional multi-object trackers are not well-suited for UAV multi-object tracking tasks. To address these challenges, we propose an online multi-object tracking network, OMCTrack. To better handle object occlusion and re-identification, we designed an occlusion perception module that re-identifies lost objects and manages occlusion without increasing computational complexity. By employing a simple yet effective hierarchical association method, this module enhances tracking accuracy and robustness under occlusion conditions. Additionally, we developed an adaptive motion compensation module that leverages prior information to dynamically detect image distortion, enabling the system to handle the UAV’s complex movements. The results from the experiments on the VisDrone2019 and UAVDT datasets demonstrate that OMCTrack significantly outperforms existing UAV video tracking methods. Full article

19 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessReview

Digital and Virtual Technologies for Work-Related Biomechanical Risk Assessment: A Scoping Review

by Paulo C. Anacleto Filho, Ana Colim, Cristiano Jesus, Sérgio Ivan Lopes and Paula Carneiro

Safety 2024, 10(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030079 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The field of ergonomics has been significantly shaped by the advent of evolving technologies linked to new industrial paradigms, often referred to as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and, more recently, Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Consequently, several studies have reviewed the integration of advanced technologies for [...] Read more.

The field of ergonomics has been significantly shaped by the advent of evolving technologies linked to new industrial paradigms, often referred to as Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and, more recently, Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Consequently, several studies have reviewed the integration of advanced technologies for improved ergonomics in different industry sectors. However, studies often evaluate specific technologies, such as extended reality (XR), wearables, artificial intelligence (AI), and collaborative robot (cobot), and their advantages and problems. In this sense, there is a lack of research exploring the state of the art of I4.0 and I5.0 virtual and digital technologies in evaluating work-related biomechanical risks. Addressing this research gap, this study presents a comprehensive review of 24 commercial tools and 10 academic studies focusing on work-related biomechanical risk assessment using digital and virtual technologies. The analysis reveals that AI and digital human modelling (DHM) are the most commonly utilised technologies in commercial tools, followed by motion capture (MoCap) and virtual reality (VR). Discrepancies were found between commercial tools and academic studies. However, the study acknowledges limitations, including potential biases in sample selection and search methodology. Future research directions include enhancing transparency in commercial tool validation processes, examining the broader impact of emerging technologies on ergonomics, and considering human-centred design principles in technology integration. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of biomechanical risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ergonomics and Safety)

21 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lithium-Ion Battery Health Assessment Method Based on Double Optimization Belief Rule Base with Interpretability

by Zeyang Si, Jinting Shen and Wei He

Batteries 2024, 10(9), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10090323 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Health assessment is necessary to ensure that lithium-ion batteries operate safely and dependably. Nonetheless, there are the following two common problems with the health assessment models for lithium-ion batteries that are currently in use: inability to comprehend the assessment results and the uncertainty [...] Read more.

Health assessment is necessary to ensure that lithium-ion batteries operate safely and dependably. Nonetheless, there are the following two common problems with the health assessment models for lithium-ion batteries that are currently in use: inability to comprehend the assessment results and the uncertainty around the chemical reactions occurring inside the battery. A rule-based modeling strategy that can handle ambiguous data in health state evaluation is the belief rule base (BRB). In existing BRB studies, experts often provide parameters such as the initial belief degree, but the parameters may not match the current data. In addition, random global optimization methods may undermine the interpretability of expert knowledge. Therefore, this paper proposes a lithium-ion battery health assessment method based on the double optimization belief rule base with interpretability (DO-BRB-I). First, the belief degree is optimized according to the data distribution. Then, to increase accuracy, belief degrees and other parameters are further optimized using the projection covariance matrix adaptive evolution strategy (P-CMA-ES). At the same time, four interpretability constraint strategies are suggested based on the features of lithium-ion batteries to preserve interpretability throughout the optimization process. Finally, to confirm the efficacy of the suggested approach, a sample of the health status assessment of the B0006 lithium-ion battery is provided. Full article

19 pages, 7427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of the Structural Architecture on the Swelling Kinetics and the Network Behavior of Sodium-Alginate-Based Hydrogels Cross-Linked with Ionizing Radiation

by Ion Călina, Maria Demeter, Gabriela Crăciun, Anca Scărișoreanu and Elena Mănăilă

Gels 2024, 10(9), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10090588 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The present work discusses the influence of the structural architecture of sodium alginate–co-acrylic acid–poly(ethylene) oxide hydrogels, crosslinked through electron beam (e-beam) radiation processing. The most important properties of the hydrogels were studied in detail to identify a correlation between the architecture of the [...] Read more.

The present work discusses the influence of the structural architecture of sodium alginate–co-acrylic acid–poly(ethylene) oxide hydrogels, crosslinked through electron beam (e-beam) radiation processing. The most important properties of the hydrogels were studied in detail to identify a correlation between the architecture of the hydrogels and their properties. Furthermore, the effect of sodium alginate (NaAlg) concentration, the amounts of the polymer blend, and the size of the samples on hydrogel properties were investigated. The results show that the hydrogels cross-linked (0.5% and 1% NaAlg) with 12.5 kGy exhibit improved physicochemical properties. High gel fraction levels (exceeding 83.5–93.7%) were achieved. Smaller hydrogel diameter (7 mm) contributed to a maximum swelling rate and degree of 20.440%. The hydrogel network was dependent on the hydrogels’ diameter and the amount of polymer blend used. The hydrogels best suited the first-order rate constants and exhibited a non-Fickian diffusion character with diffusion exponent values greater than 0.5. This study indicates that the cross-linked hydrogel has good properties, particularly because of its high degree of swelling and extensive stability (more than 180 h) in water. These findings show that hydrogels can be effectively applied to the purification of water contaminated with metals, dyes, or even pharmaceuticals, as well as materials with a gradual release of bioactive chemicals and water retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Hydrogels for Biomedical Application)

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20 pages, 1255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow Performance Analysis of Non-Return Multi-Door Reflux Valve: Experimental Case Study

by Xolani Prince Hadebe, Bernard Xavier Tchomeni Kouejou, Alfayo Anyika Alugongo and Desejo Filipeson Sozinando

Fluids 2024, 9(9), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9090213 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Non-return multi-door reflux valves are essential in fluid control systems to prevent reverse flow and maintain system integrity. This study experimentally analyzes the flow performance of multi-door check valves under different operating conditions, focusing on pressure testing and evaluating their effectiveness in preventing [...] Read more.

Non-return multi-door reflux valves are essential in fluid control systems to prevent reverse flow and maintain system integrity. This study experimentally analyzes the flow performance of multi-door check valves under different operating conditions, focusing on pressure testing and evaluating their effectiveness in preventing backflow. A wide-ranging experimental setup was designed and implemented to simulate real-world scenarios, facilitating accurate measurement of flow rates, pressure differences, and valve response times. The collected experimental data were analyzed to evaluate the valve’s performance in terms of flow capacity, pressure drop, and hydraulic efficiency. Additionally, the effects of factors such as valve size, valve configuration, and fluid properties (water) on performance were considered. It was found that the non-return multi-door reflux valve has been proven effective and reliable in preserving system integrity and maintaining unidirectional flow at the same time during pressure testing. It exhibits no backflow, remains stable and constant across varied flow conditions, and demonstrates a low pressure drop and high flow capacity, making it suitable for critical pressure testing applications. The response curve revealed that valve opening takes longer to reach higher flow rates than closing, indicating pressure instability during transition periods. This non-linear relationship indicates possible irregularities in pressure drop response to flow rate changes, highlighting potential areas for further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Fluid Dynamics in Fluid Machinery)

19 pages, 11199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Flood Inundation after a Dike Breach Using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network

by Leon S. Besseling, Anouk Bomers and Suzanne J. M. H. Hulscher

Hydrology 2024, 11(9), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11090152 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Hydrodynamic models are often used to obtain insights into potential dike breaches, because dike breaches can have severe consequences. However, their high computational cost makes them unsuitable for real-time flood forecasting. Machine learning models are a promising alternative, as they offer reasonable accuracy [...] Read more.

Hydrodynamic models are often used to obtain insights into potential dike breaches, because dike breaches can have severe consequences. However, their high computational cost makes them unsuitable for real-time flood forecasting. Machine learning models are a promising alternative, as they offer reasonable accuracy at a significant reduction in computation time. In this study, we explore the effectiveness of a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network in fast flood modelling for a dike breach in the Netherlands, using training data from a 1D–2D hydrodynamic model. The LSTM uses the outflow hydrograph of the dike breach as input and produces water depths on all grid cells in the hinterland for all time steps as output. The results show that the LSTM accurately reflects the behaviour of overland flow: from fast rising and high water depths near the breach to slowly rising and lower water depths further away. The water depth prediction is very accurate (MAE = 0.045 m, RMSE = 0.13 m), and the inundation extent closely matches that of the hydrodynamic model throughout the flood event (Critical Success Index = 94%). We conclude that machine learning techniques are suitable for fast modelling of the complex dynamics of dike breach floods. Full article

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20 pages, 14569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Genome-Wide Association Study and Haplotype Analysis Identifies Candidate Genes Affecting Growth Traits of Inner Mongolian Cashmere Goats

by Xiaofang Ao, Youjun Rong, Mingxuan Han, Xinle Wang, Qincheng Xia, Fangzheng Shang, Yan Liu, Qi Lv, Zhiying Wang, Rui Su, Yanjun Zhang and Ruijun Wang

Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090428 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

In this study, genome-wide association analysis was performed on the growth traits (body height, body length, chest circumference, chest depth, chest width, tube circumference, and body weight) of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats (Erlangshan type) based on resequencing data. The population genetic parameters were [...] Read more.

In this study, genome-wide association analysis was performed on the growth traits (body height, body length, chest circumference, chest depth, chest width, tube circumference, and body weight) of Inner Mongolian cashmere goats (Erlangshan type) based on resequencing data. The population genetic parameters were estimated, haplotypes were constructed for the significant sites, and association analysis was conducted between the haplotypes and phenotypes. A total of two hundred and eighty-four SNPs and eight candidate genes were identified by genome-wide association analysis, gene annotation, and enrichment analysis. The phenotypes of 16 haplotype combinations were significantly different by haplotype analysis. Combined with the above results, the TGFB2, BAG3, ZEB2, KCNJ12, MIF, MAP2K3, HACD3, and MEGF11 functional candidate genes and the haplotype combinations A2A2, C2C2, E2E2, F2F2, I2I2, J2J2, K2K2, N2N2, O2O2, P2P2, R1R1, T1T1, W1W1, X1X1, Y1Y1, and Z1Z1 affected the growth traits of the cashmere goats and could be used as molecular markers to improve the accuracy of early selection and the economic benefits of breeding. Full article

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13 pages, 2660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Detection Using Histopathological Images: A Deep Feature Fusion and Improved Haris Hawks Optimization-Based Framework

by Amad Zafar, Majdi Khalid, Majed Farrash, Thamir M. Qadah, Hassan Fareed M. Lahza and Seong-Han Kim

Bioengineering 2024, 11(9), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11090913 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

Oral cancer, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is one of the most prevalent types of cancer and caused 177,757 deaths worldwide in 2020, as reported by the World Health Organization. Early detection and identification of OSCC are highly correlated with [...] Read more.

Oral cancer, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is one of the most prevalent types of cancer and caused 177,757 deaths worldwide in 2020, as reported by the World Health Organization. Early detection and identification of OSCC are highly correlated with survival rates. Therefore, this study presents an automatic image-processing-based machine learning approach for OSCC detection. Histopathological images were used to compute deep features using various pretrained models. Based on the classification performance, the best features (ResNet-101 and EfficientNet-b0) were merged using the canonical correlation feature fusion approach, resulting in an enhanced classification performance. Additionally, the binary-improved Haris Hawks optimization (b-IHHO) algorithm was used to eliminate redundant features and further enhance the classification performance, leading to a high classification rate of 97.78% for OSCC. The b-IHHO trained the k-nearest neighbors model with an average feature vector size of only 899. A comparison with other wrapper-based feature selection approaches showed that the b-IHHO results were statistically more stable, reliable, and significant (p < 0.01). Moreover, comparisons with those other state-of-the-art (SOTA) approaches indicated that the b-IHHO model offered better results, suggesting that the proposed framework may be applicable in clinical settings to aid doctors in OSCC detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Machine Learning and Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Data Mining, and Disease Diagnosis Frameworks)

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17 pages, 4413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ameliorative Role of Vitamin C against Cypermethrin Induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) Using Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis

by Sana Ullah, Amina Zuberi, Imdad Ullah and Mahmoud M. Azzam

Toxics 2024, 12(9), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12090664 - 12 Sep 2024

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate cypermethrin (CYP)-induced oxidative stress [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in gills, muscles, brain, and liver tissues] and DNA damage/genotoxicity (peripheral blood erythrocytes) in a freshwater teleost rohu (Labeo rohita) and the [...] Read more.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate cypermethrin (CYP)-induced oxidative stress [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in gills, muscles, brain, and liver tissues] and DNA damage/genotoxicity (peripheral blood erythrocytes) in a freshwater teleost rohu (Labeo rohita) and the protective role of vitamin C. The LC₅₀ of CYP against rohu was found to be 4.5 µg/L in a semi-static culture system through probit analysis. Fingerlings of rohu were distributed into four groups (Group 1st served as a control, fed 35% protein basal diet and was not exposed to CYP; Group 2nd was fed a basal diet and exposed to CYP; Group 3rd and Group 4th were fed diets supplemented with vitamin C at the rate of 100 and 200 mg/kg diet, respectively, and exposed to CYP). Fingerlings were reared on a basal and vitamin C-supplemented diet for 28 days prior to exposure to CYP. The results indicate a time-dependent significant increase in ROS and LPO (indicated by time course increase in TBARS level) as well as DNA damage in terms of number of comets, % DNA in tail, tail moment, tail length, and olive tail moment after exposure to LC₅₀ of CYP. However, statistically comparable results in both Groups 1st and 4th indicate the protective role of vitamin C. The results reveal the effectiveness of vitamin C as a feed additive for countering pesticides toxicity in Labeo rohita. The current study indicates CYP as a potential genotoxicant for fish and classifies SCGE as a reliable and sensitive tool for assessing DNA damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chemical Exposure and Environmental Risk)

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