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14 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building and Patching a Pipeline: Establishing Viable Pathways from 2-Year Institutions to Graduate School for Aspiring Mental Health Professionals

by Emalinda Leilani McSpadden, Esther Alyse Levy, Angelica Cristina Vega and Rhaida Maldonado

Trends High. Educ. 2024, 3(3), 623-636; https://doi.org/10.3390/higheredu3030036 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Students at 2-year colleges who wish to enter the mental health professions, particularly students of color in urban community college environments, often lack opportunities for internships and experience-building programming relevant to their field. Some programs targeting such students do exist, but little research [...] Read more.

Students at 2-year colleges who wish to enter the mental health professions, particularly students of color in urban community college environments, often lack opportunities for internships and experience-building programming relevant to their field. Some programs targeting such students do exist, but little research has been performed on these models. In addition, while pipeline programs in 2-year college settings often focus on successful transitions to senior colleges, many students in such programs also seek to eventually enter graduate school. The purpose of this case study is to bridge this research gap by focusing on a community college-based peer support and psychoeducational outreach program in the northeastern United States, serving as a career development internship for aspiring mental health professionals. Qualitative data in the form of student participant feedback was analyzed to determine the impact of the program on their experiences later in their educational careers. Results from this qualitative analysis indicate the substantial importance of such a program to the successful academic progress of its student participants, providing insights into how pipeline programs can accommodate student preparation and support, not only toward successful senior college transition, but also specific to graduate school program entry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Degree Apprenticeships)

12 pages, 2480 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First-Line Combination with Proteasome Inhibitor-Based Treatment and Zoledronic Acid Is Effective in Reducing Later Fractures in Multiple Myeloma Irrespective of Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease at Diagnosis

by Veera Eskelinen, Elise Nivakoski, Kirsi Launonen, Anu Partanen, Sakari Kakko and Milla E. L. Kuusisto

Hematol. Rep. 2024, 16(3), 529-540; https://doi.org/10.3390/hematolrep16030051 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The present study provides real-world evidence on the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease with various bisphosphonates combined for different myeloma-specific treatments as no validated data regarding the best combination treatment for bone disease associated with MM are available. We examined retrospectively [...] Read more.

The present study provides real-world evidence on the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease with various bisphosphonates combined for different myeloma-specific treatments as no validated data regarding the best combination treatment for bone disease associated with MM are available. We examined retrospectively 345 MM patients treated with autologous stem cell transplantation in Finland during 1996–2020. The median age of the patients was 60 years with a median follow-up time of 50 months (1–339). At diagnosis, 72.1% of the patients had myeloma-associated bone disease and 45.8% had fractures. Most patients (58.8%) received proteasome inhibitor (PI)-containing treatment at first line. MM bone disease was treated in 91.6% of the patients; 49.9% received zoledronic acid (ZA) and 29.9% pamidronate. Inferior overall survival was associated with MM bone disease at diagnosis (p = 0.005) or a fracture at diagnosis (p = 0.003). A later fracture was identified in 29% of the patients, and in those patients without MM bone disease at diagnosis later fractures were less common after ZA treatment (p = 0.049). PI-based treatment plus ZA (p = 0.019) seemed to be the best combination to prevent later fractures, even though the same patient subgroup was more likely to experience relapse (p = 0.018), and also when excluding patients with previous induction therapy without novel agents (p = 0.008). To conclude, this study suggests that the best therapy to prevent later fractures in MM might be PI-based treatment combined with ZA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Myeloma and Leukemia-Challenges and Current Treatment Options)

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18 pages, 8829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control of Pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides Present in Forest Crops in Current Climatic Conditions

by Ioan Tăut, Mircea Moldovan, Vasile Șimonca, Mircea Ioan Varga, Marinel Rob, Florentina Chira and Dănuț Chira

Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(3), 1441-1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15030097 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The production of oak seedlings in intensive crops involves the modification of natural conditions, namely the degree of humidity, through artificial irrigation, which favors the appearance of the pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides, responsible for the Oak Powdery Mildew (OPM) disease. Thus, it is [...] Read more.

The production of oak seedlings in intensive crops involves the modification of natural conditions, namely the degree of humidity, through artificial irrigation, which favors the appearance of the pathogen Erysiphe alphitoides, responsible for the Oak Powdery Mildew (OPM) disease. Thus, it is necessary to identify new substances and technologies to control OPM. In this sense, new products approved by the European Union (EU) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) were identified, both synthetic and, a great novelty, biological (based on chito-oligosaccharides-oligogalacturonans: COS-OGA). In order to quantify the results, a correlation was made with climatic factors, by sampling data related to temperature and relative humidity with Data Logger devices. The obtained results suggest that OPM has a high virulence in the temperature range of 20 to 30 °C; at a relative humidity above 75%. The data obtained from the field experiments show that the synthetic products controlled OPM with an effectiveness between 70% and 95%, and the biological product behaved almost similarly, between 60% and 90%, which creates high opportunities for environmentally friendly control of forest pathogens. Full article

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21 pages, 389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SIMEX-Based and Analytical Bias Corrections in Stocking–Lord Linking

by Alexander Robitzsch

Analytics 2024, 3(3), 368-388; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytics3030020 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Stocking–Lord (SL) linking is a popular linking method for group comparisons based on dichotomous item responses. This article proposes a bias correction technique based on the simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) method for SL linking in the 2PL model in the presence of uniform differential [...] Read more.

Stocking–Lord (SL) linking is a popular linking method for group comparisons based on dichotomous item responses. This article proposes a bias correction technique based on the simulation extrapolation (SIMEX) method for SL linking in the 2PL model in the presence of uniform differential item functioning (DIF). The SIMEX-based method is compared to the analytical bias correction methods of SL linking. It turned out in a simulation study that SIMEX-based SL linking performed best, is easy to implement, and can be adapted to other linking methods straightforwardly. Full article

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6 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Fibromyalgia: Hamlet’s Soliloquy and the State of the Art

by Bruce Rothschild

Rheumato 2024, 4(3), 147-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/rheumato4030011 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Fibromyalgia might be considered as the body’s response to the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fibromyalgia Exposed from a Point-Counterpoint Perspective: Positive and Negative Implications of Medical Intervention)

22 pages, 31035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Primary Cell Banking for Topical Compound Cytotoxicity Assays: Protocol Validation on Novel Biocides and Antifungals for Optimized Burn Wound Care

by Zhifeng Liao, Nicolas Laurent, Nathalie Hirt-Burri, Corinne Scaletta, Philippe Abdel-Sayed, Wassim Raffoul, Shengkang Luo, Damian J. Krysan, Alexis Laurent and Lee Ann Applegate

Eur. Burn J. 2024, 5(3), 249-270; https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj5030024 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Thorough biological safety testing of topical therapeutic compounds and antimicrobials is a critical prerequisite for appropriate cutaneous wound care. Increasing pathogen resistance rates to traditional antibiotics and antifungals are driving the development and registration of novel chemical entities. Although they are notably useful [...] Read more.

Thorough biological safety testing of topical therapeutic compounds and antimicrobials is a critical prerequisite for appropriate cutaneous wound care. Increasing pathogen resistance rates to traditional antibiotics and antifungals are driving the development and registration of novel chemical entities. Although they are notably useful for animal testing reduction, the gold standard in vitro cytotoxicity assays in continuous cell lines (HaCaT keratinocytes, 3T3 fibroblasts) may be discussed from a translational relevance standpoint. The aim of this study was thus to establish and validate a sustainable primary cell banking model with a view to performing optimized in vitro cytotoxicity assay development. Primary dermal fibroblasts and adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) types were established from four infant polydactyly sources. A multi-tiered primary cell banking model was then applied to prepare highly sustainable and standardized dermal fibroblast and ASC working cell banks (WCBs), potentially allowing for millions of biological assays to be performed. The obtained cellular materials were then validated for use in cytotoxicity assays through in vitro biosafety testing of topical antiseptics (chlorhexidine, hypochlorous acid) and an antifungal compound (AR-12) of interest for optimized burn wound care. The experimental results confirmed that IC₅₀ values were comparable between cytotoxicity assays, which were performed with cell lines and with primary cells. The results also showed that hypochlorous acid (HOCl) displayed an enhanced toxicological profile as compared to the gold standard chlorhexidine (CLX). Generally, this study demonstrated that highly sustainable primary cell sources may be established and applied for consistent topical compound biological safety assessments with enhanced translational relevance. Overall, the study underscored the safety-oriented interest of functionally benchmarking the products that are applied on burn patient wounds for the global enhancement of burn care quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Long-Term Outcomes after Burn Injuries: Strategies to Optimize Recovery)

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22 pages, 3653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating LiDAR Sensor Accuracy for V2V and V2P Conflict Detection at Signalized Intersections

by Alireza Ansariyar and Mansoureh Jeihani

Future Transp. 2024, 4(3), 834-855; https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp4030040 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

This paper examined the accuracy of six installed LiDAR sensors at six different signalized intersections in Trois-Rivières City, Quebec, Canada. At each intersection, the crucial leading and following movements that cause vehicle–vehicle (V2V) and vehicle–pedestrian (V2P) conflicts were identified, and the LiDAR results [...] Read more.

This paper examined the accuracy of six installed LiDAR sensors at six different signalized intersections in Trois-Rivières City, Quebec, Canada. At each intersection, the crucial leading and following movements that cause vehicle–vehicle (V2V) and vehicle–pedestrian (V2P) conflicts were identified, and the LiDAR results were compared to crash reports recorded by police, insurance companies, and other reliable resources. Furthermore, the intersection crash rates were calculated based on the daily entering vehicle traffic and the frequency of crashes at each intersection. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) were utilized over 970,000 V2V and V2P conflicts based on the post encroachment time (PET) and time-to-collision (TTC) safety assessment measures. Bayesian models were used to assess the relationships between different intersection characteristics and the occurrence of conflicts, providing insights into the factors influencing V2V and V2P conflict occurrences. Additionally, a developed image-processing algorithm was utilized to examine the conflicts’ trajectories. The intersections’ crash rates indicated that safety considerations should be implemented at intersections #3, #6, #4, #1, #5, and #2, respectively. Additionally, intersections #6, #4, and #3 were the intersections with the highest rates of vehicle–pedestrian conflicts. Analysis revealed the intricate nature of vehicle and pedestrian interactions, demonstrating the potential of LiDAR sensors in discerning conflict-prone areas at intersections. Full article

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20 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nighttime Phone Use and Past Exposure to Cyberbullying and Their Impact on Sleep and Psychological Wellbeing in Australian Children Aged 7 to 19 Years

by Stephanie Centofanti, Kurt Lushington, Andrew Wicking, Peter Wicking and Jillian Dorrian

Adolescents 2024, 4(3), 355-374; https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents4030025 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background: Cyberbullying and nighttime phone use are independently detrimental to sleep and psychological wellbeing, but whether in combination they might be more disruptive remains unknown. Methods: Students aged 7–19 years (N = 53,734) completed a survey measuring sleep duration, nighttime phone use, cyberbullying, [...] Read more.

Background: Cyberbullying and nighttime phone use are independently detrimental to sleep and psychological wellbeing, but whether in combination they might be more disruptive remains unknown. Methods: Students aged 7–19 years (N = 53,734) completed a survey measuring sleep duration, nighttime phone use, cyberbullying, and psychological distress. Results: Across stratification variables of gender (F/M) and age group (primary/secondary-school-aged children), bivariate ordered probit regression revealed that being cyberbullied and nighttime phone use were independent predictors of both increased psychological distress and obtaining <8 h sleep. Nighttime phone use was observed to moderate the relationship between cyberbullying and sleep in both primary- and secondary-school-aged girls and boys and, likewise, between cyberbullying and psychological distress, especially in secondary-school-aged boys. Notably, the moderation effect was such that the impact of nighttime phone use was lower in children who were compared with those who were not cyberbullied. This may be a ceiling effect due to the high number of cyberbullied children reporting shortened sleep and higher levels of psychological distress. Discussion: The present findings point to a possible role of nighttime phone use as a moderator of the effect of cyberbullying on sleep and psychological wellbeing. There is a need for future studies to better explore more directly the effects of cyberbullying during the nighttime. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Adolescent Health and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 3134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estrogenic Responsiveness of Brown Trout Primary Hepatocyte Spheroids to Environmental Levels of 17α-Ethinylestradiol

by Rodrigo F. Alves, Célia Lopes, Eduardo Rocha and Tânia Vieira Madureira

J. Xenobiot. 2024, 14(3), 1064-1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox14030060 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) fish hepatocyte cultures are promising alternative models for replicating in vivo data. Few studies have attempted to characterise the structure and function of fish 3D liver models and illustrate their applicability. This study aimed to further characterise a previously established spheroid [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional (3D) fish hepatocyte cultures are promising alternative models for replicating in vivo data. Few studies have attempted to characterise the structure and function of fish 3D liver models and illustrate their applicability. This study aimed to further characterise a previously established spheroid model obtained from juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) primary hepatocytes under estrogenic stimulation. The spheroids were exposed for six days to environmentally relevant concentrations of 17α-ethinylestradiol—EE2 (1–100 ng/L). The mRNA levels of peroxisome (catalase—Cat and urate oxidase—Uox), lipid metabolism (acyl-CoA long chain synthetase 1—Acsl1, apolipoprotein AI—ApoAI, and fatty acid binding protein 1—Fabp1), and estrogen-related (estrogen receptor α—ERα, estrogen receptor β—ERβ, vitellogenin A—VtgA, zona pellucida glycoprotein 2.5—ZP2.5, and zona pellucida glycoprotein 3a.2—ZP3a.2) target genes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess Vtg and ZP protein expressions. At the highest EE2 concentration, VtgA and ZP2.5 genes were significantly upregulated. The remaining target genes were not significantly altered by EE2. Vtg and ZP immunostaining was consistently increased in spheroids exposed to 50 and 100 ng/L of EE2, whereas lower EE2 levels resulted in a weaker signal. EE2 did not induce significant changes in the spheroids’ viability and morphological parameters. This study identified EE2 effects at environmentally relevant doses in trout liver spheroids, indicating its usefulness as a proxy for in vivo impacts of xenoestrogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Ecotoxicology)

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31 pages, 11454 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cutting-Edge Microwave Sensors for Vital Signs Detection and Precise Human Lung Water Level Measurement

by Anwer S. Abd El-Hameed, Dalia M. Elsheakh, Gomaa M. Elashry and Esmat A. Abdallah

Magnetism 2024, 4(3), 209-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetism4030015 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

In this article, a comprehensive review is presented of recent technological advancements utilizing electromagnetic sensors in the microwave range for detecting human vital signs and lung water levels. With the main objective of improving detection accuracy and system robustness, numerous advancements in front-end [...] Read more.

In this article, a comprehensive review is presented of recent technological advancements utilizing electromagnetic sensors in the microwave range for detecting human vital signs and lung water levels. With the main objective of improving detection accuracy and system robustness, numerous advancements in front-end architecture, detection techniques, and system-level integration have been reported. The benefits of non-contact vital sign detection have garnered significant interest across a range of applications, including healthcare monitoring and search and rescue operations. Moreover, some integrated circuits and portable systems have lately been shown off. A comparative examination of various system architectures, baseband signal processing methods, system-level integration strategies, and possible applications are included in this article. Going forward, researchers will continue to focus on integrating radar chips to achieve compact form factors and employ advanced signal processing methods to further enhance detection accuracy. Full article

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12 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Evolution of Robotic Surgery through the Machine Design Innovation

by Alberto Ragusa, Francesco Prata, Andrea Iannuzzi, Francesco Tedesco, Loris Cacciatore, Aldo Brassetti, Giovanni Muto, Roberto Mario Scarpa and Rocco Papalia

Uro 2024, 4(3), 124-135; https://doi.org/10.3390/uro4030010 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

To date, robotic surgery has gained much popularity, impacting deeply on surgical fields such as genitourinary system branches, general surgery, and cardiac surgery. We aim to outline the landscape of robotic surgery, focusing on design improvements, which have improved both the technical skills [...] Read more.

To date, robotic surgery has gained much popularity, impacting deeply on surgical fields such as genitourinary system branches, general surgery, and cardiac surgery. We aim to outline the landscape of robotic surgery, focusing on design improvements, which have improved both the technical skills of surgeons and the outcomes of minimally invasive technique for patients. A thorough narrative literature review was conducted on PubMed/MEDLINE, employing keywords such as “robotic surgical system”, “robotic surgical device”, and “robotics AND urology”. Furthermore, the reference lists of the retrieved articles were scrutinized. The analysis focused on urological surgical systems from the 2000s to the present day. Beginning with the daVinci^® Era in the 2000s, new robotic competitors, including Senhance^®, Revo-I^®, Versius^®, Avatera^®, Hi-notori^®, and HugoTM RAS, have entered the medical market. While daVinci^® has maintained a high competitiveness, even more new platforms are now emerging in the medical market with new intriguing features. The growing competition, driven by unique features and novel designs in emerging robotic technologies, has the potential to improve application fields, enhance diffusion, and ameliorate the cost effectiveness of procedures. Since the impact of these new surgical technologies on different specialties and healthcare systems remains unclear, more experience and research are required to define their evolving role. Full article

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7 pages, 416 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Advances in Structural Analysis and Rehabilitation for Existing Structures

by Alessio Cascardi

Eng 2024, 5(3), 1804-1810; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng5030095 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

In the dynamic realm of civil engineering, the principles of structural analysis and rehabilitation are pivotal in extending the lifespan and enhancing the performance of existing structures [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Structural Analysis and Rehabilitation for Existing Structures)

14 pages, 1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Curriculum Vitae Concordance: A Comparative Examination of Classical Machine Learning Algorithms and Large Language Model Architectures

by Mohammed Maree and Wala’a Shehada

AI 2024, 5(3), 1377-1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai5030066 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Digital recruitment systems have revolutionized the hiring paradigm, imparting exceptional efficiencies and extending the reach for both employers and job seekers. This investigation scrutinized the efficacy of classical machine learning methodologies alongside advanced large language models (LLMs) in aligning resumes with job categories. [...] Read more.

Digital recruitment systems have revolutionized the hiring paradigm, imparting exceptional efficiencies and extending the reach for both employers and job seekers. This investigation scrutinized the efficacy of classical machine learning methodologies alongside advanced large language models (LLMs) in aligning resumes with job categories. Traditional matching techniques, such as Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Naïve Bayes, and Support Vector Machines, are constrained by the necessity of manual feature extraction, limited feature representation, and performance degradation, particularly as dataset size escalates, rendering them less suitable for large-scale applications. Conversely, LLMs such as GPT-4, GPT-3, and LLAMA adeptly process unstructured textual content, capturing nuanced language and context with greater precision. We evaluated these methodologies utilizing two datasets comprising resumes and job descriptions to ascertain their accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Our results revealed that while conventional models excel at processing structured data, LLMs significantly enhance the interpretation and matching of intricate textual information. This study highlights the transformative potential of LLMs in recruitment, offering insights into their application and future research avenues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency and Scalability of Advanced Machine Learning and Optimization Methods for Real-World Applications)

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22 pages, 4387 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancing Sustainable Transportation Education: A Comprehensive Analysis of Electric Vehicle Prototype Design and Fabrication

by Rajesh Ravi, Merouan Belkasmi, Oumaima Douadi, Mustapha Faqir, Elhachmi Essadiqi, Fatima Zohra Gargab, Manoranjitham Ezhilchandran and Padmanathan Kasinathan

World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(8), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15080354 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has necessitated a paradigm shift in engineering education, emphasizing hands-on experiences and innovative learning approaches. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the design and fabrication process of an educational EV prototype, highlighting its significance [...] Read more.

The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has necessitated a paradigm shift in engineering education, emphasizing hands-on experiences and innovative learning approaches. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the design and fabrication process of an educational EV prototype, highlighting its significance in preparing future engineers for the rapidly evolving EV industry. The article delves into the historical development and recent trends in EVs, providing context for the growing importance of practical skills in this field. A detailed examination of the key components and systems in modern EVs, such as battery packs, electric motors, transmission systems, and chassis design, lays the foundation for understanding the complexities involved in EV prototype development. The methodology section explores the research approach, conceptual design, simulations, material selection, and construction techniques employed in the creation of an educational EV prototype. The evaluation and testing phase assesses the prototype’s performance, safety, and reliability, offering valuable insights into the lessons learned and areas for improvement. The impact of such projects on engineering education is discussed, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing students for future careers in the EV industry. The article concludes by addressing common challenges faced during EV prototype projects and providing recommendations for future educational initiatives in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric Vehicle Crash Safety Design)

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18 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Universal Electric Vehicle Outlet and Portable Cable for North America

by Willett Kempton, Rodney T. McGee and Garrett A. Ejzak

World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(8), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15080353 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

For electric vehicle (EV) charging in North America, three AC connectors are standardized, resulting in a proliferation of charging stations which can only charge one of the three types of EV. We propose a “Universal EV Outlet” that works with an EV “carry [...] Read more.

For electric vehicle (EV) charging in North America, three AC connectors are standardized, resulting in a proliferation of charging stations which can only charge one of the three types of EV. We propose a “Universal EV Outlet” that works with an EV “carry along” charging cable—one end of the cable has a connector specific to that user’s EV, the other a plug for the Universal EV Outlet. This proposal does not interfere with, nor require change to, any existing charging stations. It does not require any new types of inlets on EVs. The components are already standardized. Eight use cases are examined to illustrate the advantages, and some limitations, of the Universal EV Outlet. The use cases illustrate how this solution: resolves the problem of multiple AC charging connectors, makes today’s “EV Ready” building codes more adaptable, lowers capital and maintenance costs, creates a solution to curbside and urban charging, increases energy efficiency, enables higher power three-phase AC charging for heavy vehicles, and facilitates use of EVs for building backup power and for vehicle-to-grid. Finally, we propose a standards-based active cable used with the Universal EV Outlet, which would allow fast and secure EV identification for curbside or other shared charging locations, usable today without modifications to current EVs. Full article

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16 pages, 354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Influence of Dark Triad and Light Triad Traits on Sport Sciences Students

by Sermin Agrali Ermis, Ayse Hazal Boyanmis, İnci Kesilmiş, Turhan Toros, Emre Bulent Ogras, Manolya Akın, Cenk Temel, Alper Cenk Gurkan and Yesim Karac Ocal

Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081269 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The primary purpose of the article was to examine the relationship between dark and light personality traits in university students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 518 students (208 female, [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The primary purpose of the article was to examine the relationship between dark and light personality traits in university students enrolled in the Faculty of Sport Sciences. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 518 students (208 female, 310 male) with an average age of 20.89 (±2.25). The Short Dark Triad and the Light Triad Scales were used. Harman’s single-factor analysis minimized measurement error, and various statistical methods assessed the effect of gender and age on personality traits. Results: Results indicated a positive correlation among dark personality traits, while light personality traits exhibited more complex relationships. Gender and age were found to significantly influence certain personality traits. Conclusions: This study contributes to the sports literature by exploring the role of demographic variables in personality formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder)

29 pages, 11770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma Dynamics and Electron Transport in a Hall-Thruster-Representative Configuration with Various Propellants: I—Variations with Discharge Voltage and Current Density

by Maryam Reza, Farbod Faraji and Aaron Knoll

Plasma 2024, 7(3), 651-679; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma7030034 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The results from a wide-ranging parametric investigation into the behavior of the collisionless partially magnetized plasma discharge of three propellants—xenon, krypton, and argon—are reported in this two-part article. These studies are performed using high-fidelity reduced-order particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations in a 2D configuration that [...] Read more.

The results from a wide-ranging parametric investigation into the behavior of the collisionless partially magnetized plasma discharge of three propellants—xenon, krypton, and argon—are reported in this two-part article. These studies are performed using high-fidelity reduced-order particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations in a 2D configuration that represents an axial–azimuthal cross-section of a Hall thruster. In this part I paper, we discuss the effects of discharge voltage and current density (mass flow rate). Our parametric studies assess the spectra of the resolved instabilities under various plasma conditions. We evaluate the ability of the relevant theories from the literature to explain the variations in the instabilities’ characteristics across the studied plasma parameter space and for various propellants. Moreover, we investigate the changes in the electrons’ cross-magnetic-field transport, as well as the significance of the contribution of different momentum terms to this phenomenon across the analyzed cases. In terms of salient observations, the ion acoustic instability (IAI)-related modes are found to be dominant across the simulation cases, with the ion transit time instability also seen to develop at low current density values. Across the explored parameter space, the instabilities have the main contributions to the electrons’ transport within the plume region. The peak of the electric momentum force term, representing the effect of the instabilities, overall shifts toward the plume as either the current density or the discharge voltage increases. The numerical findings are compared against relevant experimental observations reported in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2023)

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13 pages, 1566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Gb3 and Lyso-Gb3 in Fabry Disease-Affected Patients by LC-MRM/MS

by Gennaro Battaglia, Gabriella Pinto, Carolina Fontanarosa, Michele Spinelli, Anna Illiano, Stefania Serpico, Lorenzo Chiariotti, Roberta Risoluti, Stefano Materazzi and Angela Amoresano

Separations 2024, 11(8), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations11080239 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Limited or absent activity of the enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), due to mutation in the related gene on the X chromosome, leads to the development of a rare hereditary and genetic disease known as Fabry disease (FD). This pathology involves a progressive [...] Read more.

Limited or absent activity of the enzyme α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A), due to mutation in the related gene on the X chromosome, leads to the development of a rare hereditary and genetic disease known as Fabry disease (FD). This pathology involves a progressive accumulation in various organs of the substrates of the enzyme e.g., globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and its deacylated form, globotriaosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb3), suggesting these molecules as biomarkers of Fabry disease. The present paper describes the development of an analytical strategy for the identification and quantification of Gb3 and Lyso-Gb3, in serum and blood samples by using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM/MS) ion mode. The best experimental conditions were obtained by extracting the glycolipids with chloroform/methanol/H₂O (2/1/0.3) and by separating them on a C4 column with a linear gradient (A: H₂O with 2 mM ammonium formate. B: methanol with 1 mM ammonium formate, both acidified with 0.2% formic acid). The best transitions (a combination of precursor and fragment ions—m/z) were 786.8 m/z > 268.3 m/z for Lyso-GB3, 1137.3 m/z > 264.3 m/z for Gb3, 1039.3 m/z > 264.4 m/z for N-heptadecanoyl-ceramide trihexoside, and 843.5 m/z > 264.3 m/z for N-glycinated lyso-ceramide trihexoside, the latter being used as an internal standard. The developed method provided a reliable, fast, and effective procedure for direct measurements of GB3 and Lyso-GB3 in serum and blood for diagnosis of Fabry disease, suggesting this method as a complementary assay to the current enzymatic test. Therefore, this approach could open new insights into the clinical diagnostics of lysosomal storage disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioanalysis/Clinical Analysis)

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26 pages, 6549 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reinforcement-Learning-Based Multi-UAV Cooperative Search for Moving Targets in 3D Scenarios

by Yifei Liu, Xiaoshuai Li, Jian Wang, Feiyu Wei and Junan Yang

Drones 2024, 8(8), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8080378 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Most existing multi-UAV collaborative search methods only consider scenarios of two-dimensional path planning or static target search. To be close to the practical scenario, this paper proposes a path planning method based on an action-mask-based multi-agent proximal policy optimization (AM-MAPPO) algorithm for multiple [...] Read more.

Most existing multi-UAV collaborative search methods only consider scenarios of two-dimensional path planning or static target search. To be close to the practical scenario, this paper proposes a path planning method based on an action-mask-based multi-agent proximal policy optimization (AM-MAPPO) algorithm for multiple UAVs searching for moving targets in three-dimensional (3D) environments. In particular, a multi-UAV high–low altitude collaborative search architecture is introduced that not only takes into account the extensive detection range of high-altitude UAVs but also leverages the benefit of the superior detection quality of low-altitude UAVs. The optimization objective of the search task is to minimize the uncertainty of the search area while maximizing the number of captured moving targets. The path planning problem for moving target search in a 3D environment is formulated and addressed using the AM-MAPPO algorithm. The proposed method incorporates a state representation mechanism based on field-of-view encoding to handle dynamic changes in neural network input dimensions and develops a rule-based target capture mechanism and an action-mask-based collision avoidance mechanism to enhance the AM-MAPPO algorithm’s convergence speed. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly reduces regional uncertainty and increases the number of captured moving targets compared to other deep reinforcement learning methods. Ablation studies further indicate that the proposed action mask mechanism, target capture mechanism, and collision avoidance mechanism of the AM-MAPPO algorithm can improve the algorithm’s effectiveness, target capture capability, and UAVs’ safety, respectively. Full article

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13 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Gut Bacterial Diversity in Early Life Predicts Feeding Intolerance in Preterm Neonates

by Maria Di Chiara, Alessandro Lazzaro, Daniela Scribano, Maria Trancassini, Valeria Pietropaolo, Michele Sonnessa, Chiara De Luca, Rita Prota, Elisa Onestà, Gianluigi Laccetta and Gianluca Terrin

Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2024, 9(8), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed9080174 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Microbiota plays a crucial role in intestinal maturation in preterm newborns. The clinical manifestation of the immaturity of the gastro-intestinal tract is called feeding intolerance (FI). This condition may resolve spontaneously or dramatically evolve into necrotizing enterocolitis. One of the most challenging tasks [...] Read more.

Microbiota plays a crucial role in intestinal maturation in preterm newborns. The clinical manifestation of the immaturity of the gastro-intestinal tract is called feeding intolerance (FI). This condition may resolve spontaneously or dramatically evolve into necrotizing enterocolitis. One of the most challenging tasks for the neonatologist is to identify those neonates that will develop the disease early in order to adequately provide nutrition to these patients, from the very first hours of life. A close interplay between the maturity of the gastro-intestinal tract and gut microbiota has been described; however, in preterm neonates, this relationship is still undefined. We analyzed the bacterial composition of stool samples, collected early in life, from 30 preterm newborns classified as intolerant or tolerant according to the degree of readiness of the gastro-intestinal tract to receive enteral nutrition. The Pielou evenness index was significantly increased in intolerant compared with tolerant newborns. Data corrected for confounding variables confirmed that the occurrence of gut maturation was independently influenced by Pielou evenness at birth. A lower bacterial diversity very early in life is associated with improved feeding tolerance in preterm newborns. The abundance analysis showed that neonates not ready to receive enteral nutrition for feeding intolerance show, after birth, an increased abundance of Proteobacteria, Lachnospiracae, Enterobacter and Acinetobacter. We can argue that those are the taxa that prevent the establishment of pioneer bacteria. A lower alpha-diversity, in the first days of life, may facilitate the seeding of beneficial pioneer bacteria that, in turn, drive healthy microbial colonization during neonatal life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Infections and Antimicrobial Use in Neonates and Infants)

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18 pages, 5217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Particle Size Distribution of the Ballast on the Lateral Resistance of Continuously Welded Rail Tracks

by Jafar Chalabii, Morteza Esmaeili, Dániel Gosztola, Szabolcs Fischer and Majid Movahedi Rad

Infrastructures 2024, 9(8), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures9080129 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

While the effect of ballast degradation on lateral resistance is noteworthy, limited research has delved into the specific aspect of ballast breakage in this context. This study is dedicated to assessing the influence of breakage on sleeper lateral resistance. For simplicity, it is [...] Read more.

While the effect of ballast degradation on lateral resistance is noteworthy, limited research has delved into the specific aspect of ballast breakage in this context. This study is dedicated to assessing the influence of breakage on sleeper lateral resistance. For simplicity, it is assumed that ballast breakage has already occurred. Accordingly, nine granularity variations finer than No. 24 were chosen for simulation, with No. 24 as the assumed initial particle size distribution. Initially, a DEM model was validated for this purpose using experimental outcomes. Subsequently, employing this model, the lateral resistance of different particle size distributions was examined for a 3.5 mm displacement. The track was replaced by a reinforced concrete sleeper in the models, and no rails or rail fasteners were considered. The sleeper had a simplified model with clumps, the type of which was the so-called B70 and was applied in Western Europe. The sleeper was taken into consideration as a rigid body. The crushed stone ballast was considered as spherical grains with the addition that they were divided into fractions (sieves) in weight proportions (based on the particle distribution curve) and randomly generated in the 3D model. The complete 3D model was a 4.84 × 0.6 × 0.57 m trapezoidal prism with the sleeper at the longitudinal axis centered and at the top of the model. Compaction was performed with gravity and slope walls, with the latter being deleted before running the simulation. During the simulation, the sleeper was moved horizontally parallel to its longitudinal axis and laterally up to 3.5 mm in static load in the compacted ballast. The study successfully established a relationship between lateral resistance and ballast breakage. The current study’s findings indicate that lateral resistance decreases as ballast breakage increases. Moreover, it was observed that the rate of lateral resistance decrease becomes zero when the ballast breakage index reaches 0.6. Full article

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15 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sexting among College Students in Africa: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact

by Isaac Tetteh Commey, Mustapha Amoadu, Paul Obeng, Christiana Okantey, Christian Makafui Boso, Dorcas Frempomaa Agyare, Andrews Adjei Druye, Rita Opoku-Danso, Jerry Paul K. Ninnoni, Frederick Nsatimba, Susanna Aba Abraham and John Elvis Hagan, Jr.

Sexes 2024, 5(3), 285-299; https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes5030022 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

Sexting has become a common mode of expression within the digital realm. Understanding sexting in the context of African college campuses is crucial, as it reflects the impact of technological advancements and the interplay of cultural norms, values, and societal factors. This review [...] Read more.

Sexting has become a common mode of expression within the digital realm. Understanding sexting in the context of African college campuses is crucial, as it reflects the impact of technological advancements and the interplay of cultural norms, values, and societal factors. This review seeks to provide evidence to inform context-specific initiatives and policies aimed at promoting responsible digital communication and enhancing the well-being of college students within the continent. This scoping review followed the guidelines by Askey and O’Malley. The search for records was conducted in four main electronic databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Central, and JSTOR. Additional searches were conducted using Google Scholar, Google, and ProQuest. A total of 11 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results: The findings of this review are grouped under the following four main headings: type of sexting, prevalence, predictors of sexting, and outcomes of sexting. The main types of sexting were sending and receiving nude pictures and sexually explicit messages and posting explicit videos and photos on social media. The prevalence rates for general sexting ranged from 9.9% to 74.4%. Positive outcomes of sexting included increased condom negotiation skills and sexual communication that contribute to safer sexual practices. Negative sexual outcomes included high-risk-taking sexual behaviour such as multiple sexual partners. This review highlights the intricate facets of sexting among African college students, and emphasises the interplay between digital communication, societal norms, and individual behaviours. Policies should prioritise cyberbullying prevention, privacy protection, and ethical technology use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sexual Behavior and Attitudes)

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14 pages, 2332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Dietary L-glutamic acid on the Growth Performance, Gene Expression Associated with Muscle Growth-Related Gene Expression, and Intestinal Health of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

by Feifan Jiang, Wenqing Huang, Meng Zhou, Hongyan Gao, Xiaozhou Lu, Zhoulin Yu, Miao Sun and Yanhua Huang

Fishes 2024, 9(8), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9080312 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The present research examined the impact of L-glutamic acid (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, muscle composition, gene expression correlated with muscle growth, and intestinal health of largemouth bass. There were 525 fish in total, which were distributed randomly into five groups. Each [...] Read more.

The present research examined the impact of L-glutamic acid (Glu) supplementation on the growth performance, muscle composition, gene expression correlated with muscle growth, and intestinal health of largemouth bass. There were 525 fish in total, which were distributed randomly into five groups. Each group had three replicates, and each replicate consisted of 35 fish. Groups with control and experimental diets were assigned glutamic acid amounts of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%. The findings demonstrated that glutamic acid supplementation enhanced growth performance, feed intake (FI), and condition factor (CF), with the best value being attained at 0.4% Glu. The mean muscle fiber area was increased and the muscle fiber density was decreased in the 0.6% Glu group. The levels of total amino acids and specific amino acids, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine, valine, alanine, and glycine, were shown to be higher in the 0.6% Glu group. In the 0.6% Glu group, the mRNA expression levels of atrogin-1, murf-1, foxo3a, and 4e-bp1 were decreased compared to the control group. Conversely, the mRNA expression levels of myf5, myog, myod, s6k1, tor, akt, and pi3k were increased in the 0.6% Glu group compared to the control group. The 0.4% Glu group had higher intestinal amylase, lipase, and protease activities and greater villus height, villus width, and muscle thickness. In summary, Glu can support largemouth bass growth, muscular development, intestinal digestion, and absorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Dietary Supplementation on the Growth and Immunity of Fish and Shellfish—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 6081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex-Linked Changes in Biotransformation of Phenol in Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) over an Annual Reproductive Cycle

by Richard C. Kolanczyk, Laura E. Solem, Mark A. Tapper, Alex D. Hoffman, Barbara R. Sheedy, Patricia K. Schmieder and James M. McKim III

Fishes 2024, 9(8), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9080311 - 6 Aug 2024

Abstract

The microsomal metabolism of phenol (11 °C) over an annual reproductive cycle from June to December was studied using fall spawning adult brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Hepatic microsomes were isolated from three male and three female fish each month. Incubations were [...] Read more.

The microsomal metabolism of phenol (11 °C) over an annual reproductive cycle from June to December was studied using fall spawning adult brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Hepatic microsomes were isolated from three male and three female fish each month. Incubations were optimized for time, cofactor concentration, pH, and microsomal protein concentration. The formation of phase I ring-hydroxylation metabolites, i.e., hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CAT), was quantified by HPLC with dual-channel electrochemical detection. Sample preparation and chromatographic conditions were optimized to achieve the separation and sensitivity required for the analysis of these labile products. Biotransformation of phenol over a range of substrate concentrations (1 to 150 mM) was quantified for the calculation of Michaelis–Menten constants (Km and Vmax) for each month. Results indicate a nearly equal production of HQ and CAT among males and females in late June. At the peak of maturity in October, there was an approximate ten-fold greater production of ring-hydroxylation metabolites noted in females in comparison with males on a total liver basis. In vitro phase II biotransformation of phenol glucuronidation was assessed by determining the Michaelis–Menten constants (Km, Vmax) using brook trout hepatic microsomes over a range of substrate concentrations (1 to 60 mM). Initially, there were no significant differences in the glucuronide rate of formation (pmol/min/mg protein) or total capacity (nmol/min/liver) between females and males. At the peak of maturation, the maximum rate of glucuronide formation was 4-fold less in females; however, the total capacity was 2-fold less in females due to the increased liver size in the females. The alterations in biotransformation coincided with increases in the hepatic and gonadal somatic indices and with changes in plasma hormone concentrations. These experiments provide insight into the metabolic deactivation of xenobiotics and to provide data for the prediction of altered hepatic biotransformation rates and pathways during the reproductive cycle. Full article

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