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ECM stiffness significantly influences the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), with YAP—a key transcription factor in the Hippo signaling pathway—playing a pivotal role. This study investigates the effects of ECM stiffness on ADSC differentiation and its relationship with YAP signaling. Various hydrogel concentrations were employed to simulate different levels of ECM stiffness, and their impact on ADSC differentiation was assessed through material properties, adipocyte-specific gene expression, lipid droplet staining, YAP localization, and protein levels. Our results demonstrated that increasing hydrogel stiffness enhanced adipocyte differentiation in a gradient manner. Notably, inhibiting YAP signaling further increased lipid droplet accumulation, suggesting that ECM stiffness influences adipogenesis by modulating YAP signaling and its cytoplasmic phosphorylation. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM stiffness-dependent lipid deposition, highlighting YAP’s regulatory role in adipogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulation of cell differentiation and have important implications for tissue engineering and obesity treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Stem Cells)

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21 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Localization Based on Torus-Like Surfaces

by Xuandong Liu, Lihong Luo and Bingren Shen

Sensors 2024, 24(22), 7349; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24227349 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

Previous visual localization started from point correspondences (PCs) to estimate poses. This article takes the camera position as the entry point and finds that the camera position solution set rotates around an axis connected by two observed 3D points to form a surface called a torus-like surface (TLS). The relevant parameters of TLS are calculated based on PCs and camera intrinsic parameters. In order to reduce the number of solutions, this article uses four PCs to construct three TLSs. By utilizing four PCs, the pose determination problem is reformulated as the task of finding the optimal intersection of three surfaces. By using the step-size adaptive tracking method, the candidate set of intersections can be quickly and accurately found. Combining the feature information of intersections on TLS and the camera intrinsic parameters, the optimal position is obtained. Based on this position, the rotation matrix can be determined. In the synthetic data experiments and the dataset experiments based on image localization, it is shown that the visual localization based on TLS is more accurate than current state-of-the-art methods, which provides a new entry angle and effective ideas for visual localization. Its accuracy and practicality are fully demonstrated in the application test of augmented reality indoor navigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)

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23 pages, 4473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of Occluded Person Re-Identification for Shared Feature Fusion with Pose-Guided and Unsupervised Semantic Segmentation

by Junsuo Qu, Zhenguo Zhang, Yanghai Zhang and Chensong He

Electronics 2024, 13(22), 4523; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13224523 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

The human body is often occluded by a variety of obstacles in the monitoring system, so occluded person re-identification is still a long-standing challenge. Recent methods based on pose guidance or external semantic clues have improved the representation and related performance of features; there are still problems, such as weak model representation and unreliable semantic clues. To solve the above problems, we proposed a feature extraction network, named shared feature fusion with pose-guided and unsupervised semantic segmentation (SFPUS). This network will extract more discriminative features and reduce the occlusion noise on pedestrian matching. Firstly, the multibranch joint feature extraction module (MFE) is used to extract feature sets containing pose information and high-order semantic information. This module not only provides robust extraction capabilities but can also precisely segment occlusion and the body. Secondly, in order to obtain multiscale discriminant features, the multiscale correlation feature matching fusion module (MCF) is used to match the two feature sets, and the Pose–Semantic Fusion Loss is designed to calculate the similarity of the feature sets between different modes and fuse them into a feature set. Thirdly, to solve the problem of image occlusion, we use unsupervised cascade clustering to better prevent occlusion interference. Finally, performances of the proposed method and various existing methods are compared on the Occluded-Duke, Occluded-ReID, Market-1501 and Duke-MTMC datasets. The accuracy of Rank-1 reached 65.7%, 80.8%, 94.8% and 89.6%, respectively, and the mAP accuracy reached 58.8%, 72.5%, 91.8% and 80.1%. The experiment results demonstrate that our proposed SFPUS holds promising prospects and performs admirably compared with state-of-the-art methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computer Vision and Deep Learning and Its Applications)

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16 pages, 1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Research Approach to Port Information Security Link Prediction Based on HWA Algorithm

by Zhixin Xia, Zhangqi Zheng, Lexin Bai, Xiaolei Yang and Yongshan Liu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10646; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210646 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

For the protection of information security, link prediction, as a basic problem of network science, has important application significance. However, most of the existing link prediction algorithms rely on the node information of the graph structure, which is not applicable in some graph structure data involving privacy. At the same time, most of the algorithms only consider the general graph structure and do not fully consider the high-order information in the graph. Because of this, this paper proposes an algorithm called hypergraph-based link prediction with self-attention (HWA) to solve the above problems. The algorithm can obtain hypergraphs without knowing the attribute information of hypergraph nodes and combines the graph convolutional network (GCN) framework to capture node feature information for link prediction. Experiments show that the HWA algorithm proposed in this paper, combined with the GCN framework, shows better link prediction performance than other graph-based neural network benchmark algorithms on eight real networks. This further verifies the validity and reliability of the model in this paper and provides new protection ideas and technical means for information security. Full article

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30 pages, 13318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a System Dynamics Framework for Human–Machine Learning Decisions: A Case Study of New York Citi Bike

by Ganesh Sankaran, Marco A. Palomino, Martin Knahl and Guido Siestrup

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10647; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210647 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

The growing number of algorithmic decision-making environments, which blend machine and bounded human rationality, strengthen the need for a holistic performance assessment of such systems. Indeed, this combination amplifies the risk of local rationality, necessitating a robust evaluation framework. We propose a novel simulation-based model to quantify algorithmic interventions within organisational contexts, combining causal modelling and data science algorithms. To test our framework’s viability, we present a case study based on a bike-share system focusing on inventory balancing through crowdsourced user actions. Utilising New York’s Citi Bike service data, we highlight the frequent misalignment between incentives and their necessity. Our model examines the interaction dynamics between user and service provider rule-driven responses and algorithms predicting flow rates. This examination demonstrates why understanding these dynamics is essential for devising effective incentive policies. The study showcases how sophisticated machine learning models, with the ability to forecast underlying market demands unconstrained by historical supply issues, can cause imbalances that induce user behaviour, potentially spoiling plans without timely interventions. Our approach allows problems to surface during the design phase, potentially avoiding costly deployment errors in the joint performance of human and AI decision-makers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Human–Machine Interaction to Human–Machine Cooperation: Status and Progress)

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15 pages, 545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Sweeping Surfaces in Euclidean 3-Space

by Yanlin Li, Kemal Eren, Soley Ersoy and Ana Savić

Axioms 2024, 13(11), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms13110800 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

In this study, we explore the sweeping surfaces in Euclidean 3-space, utilizing the modified orthogonal frames with non-zero curvature and torsion, which allows us to consider the spine curves even if their second differentiations vanish. If the curvature of the spine curve of a sweeping surface has discrete zero points, the Frenet frame might undergo a discontinuous change in orientation. Therefore, the conventional parametrization with the Frenet frame of such a surface cannot be given. Thus, we introduce two types of modified sweeping surfaces by considering two types of spine curves; the first one’s curvature is not identically zero and the second one’s torsion is not identically zero. Then, we determine the criteria for classifying the coordinate curves of these two types of modified sweeping surfaces as geodesic, asymptotic, or curvature lines. Additionally, we delve into determining criteria for the modified sweeping surfaces to be minimal, developable, or Weingarten. Through our analysis, we aim to clarify the characteristics defining these surfaces. We present graphical representations of sample modified sweeping surfaces to enhance understanding and provide concrete examples that showcase their properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Classical and Applied Mathematics)

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14 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concrete Actions for Improving Indoor Air Quality in Korea: Advancing Public Health for Vulnerable Populations

by Seongho Jeon, Hyosun Lee, Kyunghee Jo, Yongsung Park, Wonsuck Yoon and Jaewook Choi

Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1389; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111389 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

In modern society, individuals spend an increasing amount of time indoors, emphasizing the importance of understanding the health impacts of indoor environments. This study focused on measuring indoor air quality to identify vulnerable populations and observe the effects of residential environment improvements on air quality. Targeting low-income families and elderly households, known for their heightened vulnerability to environmental health risks, the study involved direct visits to 2328 low-income households across 16 cities and provinces in South Korea from 2021 to 2022. Indoor air quality parameters, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and airborne mold, were measured. Among these households, 300 with critically compromised living conditions received support for wallpaper and paneling replacement. Comparative measurements before and after the renovations revealed that single-person households had higher levels of PM_2.5 and TVOC compared with households with four or more members. Additionally, households with elevated concentrations of airborne mold also exhibited higher levels of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Importantly, households that received environmental improvements showed a significant reduction in airborne mold concentration by approximately 50% or more. This study underscores the importance of indoor environmental health and provides valuable evidence supporting policies focused on health promotion and residential welfare improvements for vulnerable populations. The research is distinguished by its comprehensive nature, involving direct measurements from nearly 2000 households nationwide, rather than relying solely on secondary data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Impacts of Air Quality on Environment and Human Health)

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Graphical abstract

22 pages, 11550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study of Cone Penetration Tests in Lunar Regolith for Strength Index

by Xueliang Zhao, Zixiong Liu, Yu Li, Hao Wang and Zhaodong Xu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10645; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210645 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

The cohesive properties of lunar regolith, combined with a low-gravity environment, result in it having a distinct mechanical behavior from sandy soil on Earth. Consequently, empirical formulas derived from cone penetration tests (CPTs) for calculating the shear strength parameters of Earth’s sand cannot be directly applied to lunar regolith. This study utilized the three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) to numerically simulate triaxial shear tests and cone penetration tests in a lunar environment. The particle contact model for lunar regolith in the discrete element method (DEM) simulation incorporated the hysteresis effect of van der Waals forces, thereby simulating the cohesive properties of lunar regolith in a lunar environment. We proposed a relationship for calculating the shear strength index of lunar regolith based on normalized cone tip resistance using the results from triaxial and CPT simulations and referencing empirical formulas derived from ground-based CPT data. The results of this study provide a valuable reference for future lunar CPTs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)

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17 pages, 4026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Isolation and Characterization of Perlucin in Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai: A Shell Morphogenic Protein with Potential Responses to Thermal Stress and Starvation

by Yusin Cho, Md Abu Hanif, Shaharior Hossen, Soo Cheol Kim, Ji Do Han, Doo Hyun Cho and Kang Hee Kho

Biology 2024, 13(11), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13110944 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

Perlucin is a shell matrix protein that plays a significant role in regulating shell biomineralization. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the perlucin gene and analyze its expression to explore its role in shell formation, regeneration, and responses to thermal stress and starvation in Pacific abalone. The isolated full-length cDNA sequence of Hdh-Perlucin is 1002 bp long, encoding a 163-amino-acid polypeptide with a signal peptide. The mature peptide of Hdh-Perlucin contains a C-type lectin domain with signature motif and six conserved cysteine residues. Gene Ontology analysis suggests that Hdh-Perlucin exhibits carbohydrate-binding activity. Significantly higher expression of Hdh-Perlucin was observed during the juvenile, veliger, and trochophore stages, compared with cell division stage during early development. Upregulated expression was recorded from slow to rapid growth phases and during shell biomineralization, while downregulated expression was noted during starvation. Under thermal stress, expression peaked at 30 °C and 25 °C for 6 and 12 h, respectively, while consistently higher levels were observed at 15 °C throughout the experiment. This study provides the first comprehensive structural and expression analysis of Hdh-Perlucin, highlighting its roles in metamorphosis, shell formation and regeneration, and responses to heat stress and starvation in abalone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)

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24 pages, 2974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digitalization and Dynamic Criticality Analysis for Railway Asset Management

by Mauricio Rodríguez Hernández, Antonio Sánchez-Herguedas, Vicente González-Prida, Sebastián Soto Contreras and Adolfo Crespo Márquez

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10642; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210642 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to support the optimization of asset management in railway infrastructure through digitalization and criticality analysis. It addresses the current challenges in railway infrastructure management, where data-driven decision making and automation are key for effective resource allocation. The paper presents a methodology that emphasizes the development of a robust data model for criticality analysis, along with the advantages of integrating advanced digital tools. A master table is designed to rank assets and automatically calculate criticality through a novel asset attribute characterization (AAC) process. Digitalization facilitates dynamic, on-demand criticality assessments, which are essential in managing complex networks. The study also underscores the importance of combining digital technology adoption with organizational change management. The data process and structure proposed can be viewed as an ontological framework adaptable to various contexts, enabling more informed and efficient asset ranking decisions. This methodology is derived from its application to a metropolitan railway network, where thousands of assets were evaluated, providing a practical approach for conducting criticality assessments in a digitized environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big-Data-Driven Advances in Smart Maintenance and Industry 4.0)

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21 pages, 3420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Benchmarking for a New Railway Accident Classification Methodology and Its Database: A Case Study in Mexico, the United States, Canada, and the European Union

by Tania Elizabeth Sandoval-Valencia, Adriana del Carmen Téllez-Anguiano, Dante Ruiz-Robles, Ivon Alanis-Fuerte, Alexis Vaed Vázquez-Esquivel and Juan C. Jáuregui-Correa

Information 2024, 15(11), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15110736 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

Rail accidents have decreased in recent years, although not significantly if measured by train accidents recorded in the last six years. Therefore, it is essential to identify weaknesses in the implementation of security and prevention systems. This research aims to study the trend and classification of railway accidents, as well as analyze public databases. Using the business management method of benchmarking, descriptive statistics, and a novel approach to the Ishikawa diagram, this study demonstrates best practices and strategies to reduce accidents. Unlike previous studies, this research specifically examines public databases and provides a framework for developing the standardization of railway accident causes and recommendations. The main conclusion is that the proposed classification of railway accident causes, and its associated database, ensures that agencies, researchers, and the government have accessible, easily linkable, and usable data references to enhance their analysis and support the continued reduction of accidents. Full article

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17 pages, 2195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Evaluation Method for Assessing the Seismic Resilience of Building Sites Based on the TOPSIS Model and the Entropy Method

by Yuting Wang, Da Peng, Tao Bo, Xinlong Zhao and Jingshan Bo

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3667; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113667 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

The seismic design philosophy based on resilience represents the latest development in structural seismic design theory and is currently the most advanced concept in the field of seismic design research. A building site serves as the foundation and environment for structures, and evaluating its seismic resilience is a crucial aspect of designing and assessing buildings’ seismic resilience. To meet the needs of evaluating building seismic resilience, the concept of seismic resilience for building sites is introduced in this paper. This evaluation is approached from three dimensions: seismic action, site seismic capacity, and site recovery capability. An indicator system for evaluating the seismic resilience of building sites is constructed using 23 key indicators that reflect the site’s seismic resilience. A seismic resilience evaluation model for building sites is established based on the TOPSIS model and the entropy method. The feasibility and rationality of the proposed evaluation method are demonstrated through application examples. The research findings in this paper provide a valuable reference for advancing the evaluation of both building seismic resilience and site seismic resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)

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28 pages, 2411 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cosmological Models in Lovelock Gravity: An Overview of Recent Progress

by Sergey Pavluchenko

Universe 2024, 10(11), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe10110429 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

In the current review, we provide a summary of the recent progress made in the cosmological aspect of extra-dimensional Lovelock gravity. Our review covers a wide variety of particular model/matter source combinations: Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet as well as cubic Lovelock gravities with vacuum, cosmological constant, perfect fluid, spatial curvature, and some of their combinations. Our analysis suggests that it is possible to set constraints on the parameters of the above-mentioned models from the simple requirement of the existence of a smooth transition from the initial singularity to a realistic low-energy regime. Initially, anisotropic space naturally evolves into a configuration with two isotropic subspaces, and if one of these subspaces is three-dimensional and is expanding while another is contracting, we call it realistic compactification. Of course, the process is not devoid of obstacles, and in our paper, we review the results of the compactification occurrence investigation for the above-mentioned models. In particular, for vacuum and

Λ

-term EGB models, compactification is not suppressed (but is not the only possible outcome either) if the number of extra dimensions is

D ⩾ 2

; for vacuum cubic Lovelock gravities it is always present (however, cubic Lovelock gravity is defined only for

D ⩾ 3

number of extra dimensions); for the EGB model with perfect fluid it is present for

D = 2

(we have not considered this model in higher dimensions yet), and in the presence of spatial curvature, the realistic stabilization of extra dimensions is always present (however, such a model is well-defined only in

D ⩾ 4

number of extra dimensions). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cosmological Models of the Universe)

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15 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Exogenous Versus Endogenous Nandrolone in Doping Investigations: A Systematic Literature Review

by Roberto Scendoni, Giulia Ricchezze, Gianmario Mietti, Alice Cerioni, Rino Froldi, Mariano Cingolani, Erika Buratti and Marta Cippitelli

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10641; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210641 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

Nandrolone, or 19-nortestosterone, is an anabolic steroid derived from testosterone, known for its androgenic and anabolic effects. Often used illicitly by athletes to boost performance, its use is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in and out of competition. Nandrolone’s main metabolites, 19-norandrosterone (19-NA) and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE), are typically detected in urine. This systematic review, registered with PROSPERO and following PRISMA guidelines, examines nandrolone’s metabolism, factors affecting its natural production, and the analytical methods used in doping tests. Searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science yielded 517 studies, of which 57 were selected for analysis after excluding duplicates and unrelated articles. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess data on metabolic pathways, endogenous production influences, and detection techniques. Based on this review, it clearly emerges that the only technique that can distinguish endogenous production from an exogenous intake is gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). In addition, factors influencing endogenous production are considered and explored. Overall, this review provides useful information regarding nandrolone and its main metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research of Sports Medicine on Health Care)

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15 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Complex Structure of the Abell 548–Abell 3367 Region

by Mark J. Henriksen and Layla Ahmed

Astronomy 2024, 3(4), 289-303; https://doi.org/10.3390/astronomy3040018 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2024

Abstract

Archival XMM and ROSAT X-Ray data are used to investigate the structure of the Abell 548–Abell 3367 region. Based on previous optical studies, this is a region likely to be rich in structure, although studies are in disagreement regarding the connection between Abell 3367 and Abell 548. We use the available archival X-Ray data together with kinematic data of counterpart galaxies to address this question and determine the structure in this region. The region is particularly rich in X-Ray structure elongated along a SW-NE axis and consisting of numerous extended X-Ray sources. In general, the structure consists of many galaxy groups and clusters which appear segregated in X-Ray luminosity, with the least luminous ~30% toward the outer region of the clusters, possibly tracing a filament. We find evidence to suggest a supercluster of three clusters at redshifts ~0.04, 0.045, and 0.06. Several of the X-Ray sources coincident with Abell 3367 have counterpart galaxy redshifts consistent with Abell 548, while others are significantly higher. This supports the formation of a supercluster consisting of Abell 548 and Abell 3667, with the higher-redshift X-Ray source being a background object. In addition, they are part of a larger structure consisting of a previously identified cluster at redshift 0.04 and two groups at redshift ~0.06. There is also filamentary structure at z ~0.103. The ubiquity of groups in the large-scale structure suggests that they provide an environment where galaxies are in close proximity and evolution via interaction can proceed well before the galaxies make their way into the dense central region of a cluster. Full article

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