Saved Queries

by Handray Fernandes de Souza, Fabio Ribeiro dos Santos, Jeferson Silva Cunha, Flaviana Coelho Pacheco, Ana Flávia Coelho Pacheco, Maria Eduarda Marques Soutelino, Caio Cesar Nemer Martins, Irene Andressa, Ramon da Silva Rocha, Adriano Gomes da Cruz, Paulo Henrique Costa Paiva, Igor Viana Brandi and Eliana Setsuko Kamimura

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142197 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

This literature review explores cutting-edge microencapsulation techniques designed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils in dairy products. As consumer demand for natural preservatives rises, understanding the latest advancements in microencapsulation becomes crucial for improving the shelf life and safety of these products. The bibliometric analysis utilized in this review highlighted a large number of documents published on this topic in relation to the following keywords: essential oils, AND antimicrobials, AND dairy products, OR microencapsulation. The documents published in the last 11 years, between 2013 and 2023, showed a diversity of authors and countries researching this topic and the keywords commonly used. However, in the literature consulted, no study was identified that was based on bibliometric analysis and that critically evaluated the microencapsulation of essential oils and their antimicrobial potential in dairy products. This review synthesizes findings from diverse studies, shedding light on the various encapsulation methods employed and their impact on preserving the quality of dairy goods. Additionally, it discusses the potential applications and challenges associated with implementation in the dairy industry. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, food scientists, and industry professionals seeking to optimize the use of essential oils with antimicrobial properties in dairy formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Microbiology)

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20 pages, 14128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ARCHIMEDE—An Innovative Web-GIS Platform for the Study of Medicanes

by Alok Kushabaha, Giovanni Scardino, Gaetano Sabato, Mario Marcello Miglietta, Emmanouil Flaounas, Pietro Monforte, Antonella Marsico, Vincenzo De Santis, Alfio Marco Borzì and Giovanni Scicchitano

Remote Sens. 2024, 16(14), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16142552 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Mediterranean hurricanes, also known as medicanes, can cause significant damage to coastal communities. Consequently, they have been the subject of intense study in recent decades. Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and Web-GIS applications are essential for processing and analyzing geographic data from various sources, particularly in the field of spatial planning. Due to their ability to integrate heterogeneous information, these tools can provide experts with a comprehensive overview of relevant geospatial data. Here, we present ARCHIMEDE, a relational geodatabase connected to an open-source Web-GIS platform focused on Mediterranean hurricanes that contains data from recent research on these extreme weather phenomena. These datasets comprise climatic and oceanographic data obtained from remote sensing techniques as well as seismic and geomorphological data obtained from field observations. Consequently, this Web-GIS platform can enhance our understanding of Mediterranean cyclones by relating the physical properties of these natural phenomena with their impacts on coastal regions. ARCHIMEDE is an innovative tool for the dissemination of geographic information to stakeholders, researchers, and decision-makers, offering valuable support for the development of robust coastal management strategies aimed at mitigating the challenges posed by Mediterranean hurricanes. Full article

29 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practices and Attitudes of the Research and Teaching Staff at the University of Split about the Online Encyclopedia Wikipedia

by Mirko Duić

Publications 2024, 12(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030020 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the practices and attitudes of the research and teaching staff at the University of Split (Croatia) about the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. The method of a questionnaire-based survey was used to gain insights related to this topic. During February 2024, the survey was completed by 226 respondents. The results show that almost all respondents read Wikipedia articles and believe that the level of their accuracy is quite high. Almost half of the respondents strongly agree with the statement that it would be desirable for faculty staff to write Wikipedia articles with the aim of spreading knowledge about topics from their professional fields. However, a very small number of respondents participated in writing articles for Wikipedia. Also, the respondents answered that to them, the greatest motivations to write articles on Wikipedia would be if this activity were evaluated for the advancement to a higher work position and the correction of errors in Wikipedia articles. It was also found that most respondents are not very familiar with how Wikipedia works or how to add new content to it. These and other insights from this study can be used to conceive and initiate various activities that can contribute to greater participation of scientific and teaching staff of higher education institutions in writing quality content on Wikipedia, as well as activities that can contribute to a better familiarization with the principles and procedures to write and enhance its content. Other research methods, such as interviews with scientific and teaching staff of higher education institutions, could be used to acquire further, more detailed answers related to this topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary Special Issue "PUBMET2023 Conference on Scholarly Communication in the Context of Open Science")

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21 pages, 6982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Inspection of Additively Manufactured Classified Components in a Nuclear Installation

by Alfredo Lamberti, Wouter Van Eesbeeck and Steve Nardone

NDT 2024, 2(3), 228-248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ndt2030014 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of parts used in nuclear power plants can solve many issues like those related to obsolescence. Of the gap limiting the use of AM parts in nuclear is the need of reliable non-destructive inspection capable to meet the qualification requirements. Recently, efforts in this direction have been made worldwide within several research projects, like the EU Horizon 2020 NUCOBAM. In the framework of NUCOBAM, this article presents the activity related to the inspection of 316-L AM nuclear parts produced by L-PBF and inspected via advanced ultrasonic (UT) methods, like MultiPoint Focusing (MPF) and Total Focusing Method (TFM). Multiple UT array probes are used, linear, matrix and annular. Emphasis is dedicated to the inspection of classified valve bodies produced with known internal seeding flaws. The analysis of the results shows the effect of AM induced anisotropy on the propagation of the ultrasonic wave characteristics, the sound velocity increased with 3% when the sound beam deviated 15° against the perpendicular axis. The TFM method contributed significantly regarding defect detection, Signal to Noise Ratios (SNR) increased with at least 9 dB compared to the Multi-Point Focusing method. Smaller errors were noticed when examination frequency was increased and TFM was applied. The combination of an annular array with TFM and mechanical scanning demonstrated to be the best approach. Full article

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25 pages, 2287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long Non-Coding RNAs and Alzheimer’s Disease: Towards Personalized Diagnosis

by Maria I. Mosquera-Heredia, Oscar M. Vidal, Luis C. Morales, Carlos Silvera-Redondo, Ernesto Barceló, Ricardo Allegri, Mauricio Arcos-Burgos, Jorge I. Vélez and Pilar Garavito-Galofre

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147641 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, is the most common form of dementia. Currently, there is no single test that can diagnose AD, especially in understudied populations and developing countries. Instead, diagnosis is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, cognitive testing, and brain imaging. Exosomes are extracellular nanovesicles, primarily composed of RNA, that participate in physiological processes related to AD pathogenesis such as cell proliferation, immune response, and neuronal and cardiovascular function. However, the identification and understanding of the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AD diagnosis remain largely unexplored. Here, we clinically, cognitively, and genetically characterized a sample of 15 individuals diagnosed with AD (cases) and 15 controls from Barranquilla, Colombia. Advanced bioinformatics, analytics and Machine Learning (ML) techniques were used to identify lncRNAs differentially expressed between cases and controls. The expression of 28,909 lncRNAs was quantified. Of these, 18 were found to be differentially expressed and harbored in pivotal genes related to AD. Two lncRNAs, ENST00000608936 and ENST00000433747, show promise as diagnostic markers for AD, with ML models achieving > 95% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in both the training and testing datasets. These findings suggest that the expression profiles of lncRNAs could significantly contribute to advancing personalized AD diagnosis in this community, offering promising avenues for early detection and follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MicroRNA and Non-coding RNA: From Basic Research to Potential Clinical Application)

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19 pages, 3600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influences of Fermentation Conditions on the Chemical Composition of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Wine

by Truong Bao Ngoc, Pham Van Thinh, Dang Thuy Mui, Le Hanh Uyen, Nguyen Ngoc Kim Ngan, Ngo Thi Kim Tran, Pham Hoang Tien Khang, Le Quang Huy, Truong Ngoc Minh and Nguyen Quang Trung

Beverages 2024, 10(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages10030061 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), recognized globally for its substantial nutrient content and health benefits, has been extensively studied; studies have particularly focused on the fruit, while the composition of the stem remains less explored. This research focuses on optimizing fermentation parameters for red dragon fruit wine, specifically examining yeast-strain selection, juice-to-water dilution ratios, and yeast concentrations. Saccharomyces cerevisiae RV002 emerged as the optimal strain due to its robust performance and adaptability under adverse conditions. The study identified a 50% dilution ratio as ideal for maximizing clarity and the sensory attributes of the wine, whereas dilution ratios exceeding 90% significantly reduced ethanol content below acceptable commercial standards. An optimal yeast concentration of 1 g/L was found to balance microbial suppression and alcohol yield effectively; deviations from this concentration led to microbial contamination or impaired fermentation dynamics. Fermentation markedly altered the biochemical properties of Hylocereus polyrhizus, reducing sugar and vitamin C levels while increasing polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, thereby enhancing potential health benefits. These findings underscore the transformative effects of microbial activity on the substrate’s chemical landscape and highlight the potential of tailored fermentation strategies to enhance the utility and value of underutilized fruits in sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wine, Spirits and Oenological Products)

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29 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessReview

B7H4 Role in Solid Cancers: A Review of the Literature

by Miriam Dawidowicz, Anna Kot, Sylwia Mielcarska, Katarzyna Psykała, Agnieszka Kula, Dariusz Waniczek and Elżbieta Świętochowska

Cancers 2024, 16(14), 2519; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16142519 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Anti-cancer immunotherapies entirely changed the therapeutic approach to oncological patients. However, despite the undeniable success of anti-PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 antibody treatments, their effectiveness is limited either by certain types of malignancies or by the arising problem of cancer resistance. B7H4 (aliases B7x, B7H4, B7S1, VTCN1) is a member of a B7 immune checkpoint family with a distinct expression pattern from classical immune checkpoint pathways. The growing amount of research results seem to support the thesis that B7H4 might be a very potent therapeutic target. B7H4 was demonstrated to promote tumour progression in immune “cold” tumours by promoting migration, proliferation of tumour cells, and cancer stem cell persistence. B7H4 suppresses T cell effector functions, including inflammatory cytokine production, cytolytic activity, proliferation of T cells, and promoting the polarisation of naïve CD4 T cells into induced Tregs. This review aimed to summarise the available information about B7H4, focusing in particular on clinical implications, immunological mechanisms, potential strategies for malignancy treatment, and ongoing clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Immunological Therapy for Solid Tumors)

13 pages, 2009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effect of Selected Guaianolide and Germacranolide Sesquiterpene Lactones on Nitric Oxide Production

by Juraj Harmatha, Zdeněk Zídek and Eva Kmoníčková

Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143289 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Trilobolide and its analogues belong to the guaianolide type of sesquiterpene lactones, which are characteristic and widely distributed within the families Asteraceae and Apiaceae. Certain guaianolides are receiving continuously increasing attention for their promising sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA)-inhibitory activity. However, because of their alkylation capabilities, they are generally toxic. Therefore, the search for compounds with significant immunobiological properties but with decreased cytotoxicities suitable for use in immune-based pharmacotherapy is ongoing. Therefore, we extended our previous investigation of the immunobiological effects of trilobolide to a series of structurally related guaianolides and germacranolides. To evaluate the relationship, we tested a series of selected derivatives containing α-methyl lactone or exomethylene lactone ring. For a wider comparison, we also included some of their glycosidic derivatives. We assessed the in vitro immunobiological effects of the tested compounds on nitric oxide (NO) production, cytokine secretion, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release by mouse peritoneal cells, activated primarily by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and evaluated their viability. The inhibitory effects of the apparently most active substance, 8-deoxylactucin, seem to be the most promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Secondary Metabolites with Health Effects: Discovery and Engineering)

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10 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fragments and Lies

by Eugenie Brinkema

Philosophies 2024, 9(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies9040105 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

This article considers the formal and critical consequences of organizing an aesthetic corpus around the philosophical concept of the fragment via a reading of Aryan Kaganof’s “Ten Monologues from the Lives of the Serial Killers” (1994). This experimental video sets spoken accounts from the perspective of the likes of Ted Bundy and Charles Manson alongside grainy, ambiguous imagery. Instead of thematic meditations on violence, the monologues circle around quasi-nostalgic reflections on the past and the nature of identity. The film frustrates any language of formal analysis that would rely on accounting for what is present in the film, instead proposing a sympathy with poststructuralism’s efforts at displacing the metaphysics of appearance. Violence is not what resides ready-made within the work, nor is it reducible to the realm of the visible or the audible, but is an unstable process bound up with the act of reading itself. The fragment as a formal problem holds out the abstract, general notion of a break in ways that compel a rethinking of violence as something impersonal, rhythmic, and grammatical. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cinema and Philosophy: Exploring the Intersections of Time, Identity, Ethics and Aesthetics)

41 pages, 10603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Transmissions with Convex–Concave Multipair Contact of Teeth in Precessional Gearing

by Viorel Bostan, Ion Bostan and Maxim Vaculenco

Designs 2024, 8(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs8040071 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

In this study, we propose a new toothed gear for mechanical transmissions built from a satellite wheel with two toothed conical crowns, one of which conjugates with a fixed central conical wheel mounted in the transmission housing and the other with a movable conical wheel installed on the flange of the driven shaft. The satellite wheel is mounted on the inclined portion of the crankshaft and performs spherospatial motion around a fixed point. When the crankshaft rotates, the teeth of the wheels engage with spherospatial interaction in two lateral gearings of the satellite wheel, yielding kinematic ratios dependent on the correlation of the number of teeth. The teeth of the satellite wheel are used with circular arc profiles, and the teeth of the central wheel have flank profiles with variable curvatures increasing continuously from the root to the tip, so that, in meshing, the teeth form multipair contacts with convex–concave geometry with a small difference in flank curvatures. The flank profile geometry and pairs of teeth simultaneously engage depending on the configurational parameters of the gearing and can use up to 100% of pairs of simultaneously conjugated teeth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering Design)

15 pages, 22297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SmartLabAirgap: Helping Electrical Machines Air Gap Field Learning

by Carla Terron-Santiago, Javier Martinez-Roman, Jordi Burriel-Valencia and Angel Sapena-Bano

Knowledge 2024, 4(3), 382-396; https://doi.org/10.3390/knowledge4030021 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Undergraduate courses in electrical machines often include an introduction to the air gap magnetic field as a basic element in the energy conversion process. The students must learn the main properties of the field produced by basic winding configurations and how they relate to the winding current and frequency. This paper describes a new test equipment design aimed at helping students achieve these learning goals. The test equipment is designed based on four main elements: a modified slip ring induction machine, a winding current driver board, the DAQ boards, and a PC-based virtual instrument. The virtual instrument provides the winding current drivers with suitable current references depending on the user selected machine operational status (single- or three-phase/winding with DC or AC current) and measures and displays the air gap magnetic field for that operational status. Students’ laboratory work is organized into a series of experiments that guide their achievement of these air gap field-related abilities. Student learning, assessed based on pre- and post-lab exams and end-of-semester exams, has increased significantly. The students’ opinions of the relevance, usefulness, and motivational effects of the laboratory were also positive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Knowledge Creation and Retention)

10 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Risk Aversion in Fuzzy Bimatrix Games

by Chuanyang Xu, Wanting Zhao and Zhongwei Feng

Axioms 2024, 13(7), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13070469 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

In bimatrix games with symmetric triangular fuzzy payoffs, our work defines an (α, β)-risk aversion Nash equilibrium ((α, β)-RANE) and presents its sufficient and necessary condition. Our work also discusses the relationships between the (α, β)-RANE and a mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium (MSNE) in a bimatrix game with a risk-averse player 2 and certain payoffs. Finally, considering 2 × 2 bimatrix games with STFPs, we find the conditions where the increase in player 2’s risk-aversion level hurts or benefits himself/herself. Full article

15 pages, 3677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristic Mode-Based Dual-Mode Dual-Band of Single-Feed Antenna for On-/Off-Body Communication

by Tong Li, Jinwei Gao, Nouman Rasool, Muhammad Abdul Basit and Chen Chen

Electronics 2024, 13(14), 2733; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13142733 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

A dual-band, dual-mode button antenna is proposed for emerging fifth-generation (5G) networks and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) communication systems, as it operates at 3.5 GHz and 5.8 GHz, respectively. At the lower band, a monopole-like omnidirectional radiation pattern is achieved by loading shorting pins on curved strips for on-body communication. At the higher band, broadside circularly polarized radiation is achieved by loading an asymmetric U-shaped slot in the central chamferd patch for off-body communication. By using Characteristic Modal Analysis (CMA), a clear physical insight into the formation of dual polarization is provided. The −10 dB impedance bandwidth ranges from 3.48 to 3.60 GHz and 5.65 to 6.03 GHz, respectively. The 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth ranges from 5.71 to 5.85 GHz in the high band. Additionally, the antenna achieves a peak gain of 1.2 dBi in on-body mode and 6.9 dBi in off-body mode. The maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) calculated on the body tissues is below the US/EU standard thresholds of 1.6 W/kg and 2 W/kg. The measured results indicate that the antenna experiences only slight impact from human body loading and structural deformations. Given its notable features, the proposed design is well suited for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antennas for Digital Healthcare Detection and Monitoring Applications)

18 pages, 4190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laser Processing of Intraocular Lenses

by Alexandra Sinani, Dimitrios Palles, Constantinos Bacharis, Dionysios Mouzakis, Maria Kandyla and Christos Riziotis

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6071; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146071 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Polymeric Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are vital for restoring vision following cataract surgery and for correcting refractive errors. Despite technological and medical advancements, challenges persist in achieving optimal vision and preventing complications. Surface modifications aim to mitigate the risk of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), while pre-operative measurements aid in selecting suitable IOLs. However, individualized solutions are lacking and there is a clear demand for the development of fully customized IOL surfaces. We employ laser micromachining technology for precise modifications via ablation on PMMA and acrylic IOLs, using femtosecond (fs), nanosecond (ns), and diode continuous wave (CW) lasers, at wavelengths ranging from near-ultraviolet to infrared. Characterization reveals controlled ablation patterning, achieving feature sizes from as small as 400 nm to several micrometers. Regular and confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy revealed alterations of the IOL materials’ structural integrity for some patterning cases, thus affecting the optical properties, while these can be minimized by the proper selection of micromachining conditions. The results suggest the feasibility of accurate IOL patterning, which could offer personalized vision correction solutions, based on relevant corneal wavefront data, thus surpassing standard lenses, marking a significant advancement in cataract surgery outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science and Engineering)

18 pages, 3161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raman-Activated, Interactive Sorting of Isotope-Labeled Bacteria

by Sepehr Razi, Nicolae Tarcea, Thomas Henkel, Ramya Ravikumar, Aikaterini Pistiki, Annette Wagenhaus, Sophie Girnus, Martin Taubert, Kirsten Küsel, Petra Rösch and Jürgen Popp

Sensors 2024, 24(14), 4503; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24144503 (registering DOI) - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Due to its high spatial resolution, Raman microspectroscopy allows for the analysis of single microbial cells. Since Raman spectroscopy analyzes the whole cell content, this method is phenotypic and can therefore be used to evaluate cellular changes. In particular, labeling with stable isotopes (SIPs) enables the versatile use and observation of different metabolic states in microbes. Nevertheless, static measurements can only analyze the present situation and do not allow for further downstream evaluations. Therefore, a combination of Raman analysis and cell sorting is necessary to provide the possibility for further research on selected bacteria in a sample. Here, a new microfluidic approach for Raman-activated continuous-flow sorting of bacteria using an optical setup for image-based particle sorting with synchronous acquisition and analysis of Raman spectra for making the sorting decision is demonstrated, showing that active cells can be successfully sorted by means of this microfluidic chip. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Micro/Nanofluidics and Structures Based Sensing, Material Processing and Energy Conversion)

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