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We conduct relatively extensive investigations of automatic hate speech (HS) detection using different State-of-The-Art (SoTA) baselines across 11 subtasks spanning six different datasets. Our motivation is to determine which of the recent SoTA models is best for automatic hate speech detection and what
[...] Read more.
We conduct relatively extensive investigations of automatic hate speech (HS) detection using different State-of-The-Art (SoTA) baselines across 11 subtasks spanning six different datasets. Our motivation is to determine which of the recent SoTA models is best for automatic hate speech detection and what advantage methods, such as data augmentation and ensemble, may have on the best model, if any. We carry out six cross-task investigations. We achieve new SoTA results on two subtasks—macro F1 scores of 91.73% and 53.21% for subtasks A and B of the HASOC 2020 dataset, surpassing previous SoTA scores of 51.52% and 26.52%, respectively. We achieve near-SoTA results on two others—macro F1 scores of 81.66% for subtask A of the OLID 2019 and 82.54% for subtask A of the HASOC 2021, in comparison to SoTA results of 82.9% and 83.05%, respectively. We perform error analysis and use two eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) algorithms (Integrated Gradient (IG) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)) to reveal how two of the models (Bi-Directional Long Short-Term Memory Network (Bi-LSTM) and Text-to-Text-Transfer Transformer (T5)) make the predictions they do by using examples. Other contributions of this work are: (1) the introduction of a simple, novel mechanism for correcting Out-of-Class (OoC) predictions in T5, (2) a detailed description of the data augmentation methods, and (3) the revelation of the poor data annotations in the HASOC 2021 dataset by using several examples and XAI (buttressing the need for better quality control). We publicly release our model checkpoints and codes to foster transparency.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Computational Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence
)
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) means of Fourier series. Convergence results are also compared by means of applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Special Functions and Fractional Calculus and Their Applications in the Mathematical, Physical and Statistical Sciences
)
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,
,
,
,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 30;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030030
- 17 Jul 2023
Abstract
Bivalves accumulate toxins produced by microalgae, thus becoming harmful for humans. However, little information is available about their toxicity to the bivalve itself. In the present work, the physiological stress and damage after the ingestion of toxic dinoflagellate species (
Gymnodinium catenatum
)
[...] Read more.
Bivalves accumulate toxins produced by microalgae, thus becoming harmful for humans. However, little information is available about their toxicity to the bivalve itself. In the present work, the physiological stress and damage after the ingestion of toxic dinoflagellate species (
Gymnodinium catenatum
) and a diatom species (
Skeletonema marinoi,
which is non-toxic to humans but may be to grazers) in the oyster
Magallana angulata
are evaluated against a control treatment fed with the chlorophyte
Tetraselmis
sp. Oysters were exposed for two hours to a concentration of 4 × 10
4
cells/L of
G. catenatum
and 2 × 10
7
cells/L of
S. marinoi
. The biomarkers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-Transferase, total Ubiquitin (Ubi) and Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) were assessed. The exposure of
M. angulata
to
G. catenatum
lead to a reduction in SOD and AchE activity and ubiquitin concentrations when compared to the control treatment. Moreover, it increased CAT activity in the adductor muscle, and maintained its activity in the other tissues tested. This may be related to the combination of reduced metabolism with the deployment of detoxification processes.
S. marinoi
also lead to a decrease in all biomarkers tested in the gills and digestive glands. Therefore, both species tested caused physiological alterations in
M. angulata
after two hours of exposure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section
Biology Research and Life Sciences
)
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Malingering relates to intentionally pretending or exaggerating physical or psychologic symptoms to gain an external incentive, such as avoiding work, law prosecution or military service, or seeking financial compensation from insurance companies. Accordingly, various techniques have been developed in recent years by the
[...] Read more.
Malingering relates to intentionally pretending or exaggerating physical or psychologic symptoms to gain an external incentive, such as avoiding work, law prosecution or military service, or seeking financial compensation from insurance companies. Accordingly, various techniques have been developed in recent years by the scientific community to address this challenge. In this review, we discuss malingering within visual, auditory and olfactory domains, as well as in cognitive disorders and psychopathology. We provide a general, critical, narrative overview on the intermodal criteria for differential diagnosis, and discuss validated psychophysical tools and electrophysiology-based tests for its detection, as well as insights for future directions.
Full article
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,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 23;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020023
- 01 Jun 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a mechanism to understand the brain’s functioning by analyzing brain electrical signals. More recently, it has been more commonly used in studies that are focused on the causation and effect of dementia. More tools are now available to gather EEG
[...] Read more.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a mechanism to understand the brain’s functioning by analyzing brain electrical signals. More recently, it has been more commonly used in studies that are focused on the causation and effect of dementia. More tools are now available to gather EEG data. This brings about the challenge of understanding brain signals, which involves signal processing. Professionals with an electrical engineering background are very comfortable analyzing EEG data. Still, scientists in computer science and related fields need a source that can identify all the tools available and the process of analyzing the data. This paper deals specifically with the existing EEG data analysis tools and the processes involved in analyzing the EEG data using these tools. Furthermore, the paper goes in-depth into identifying the tools and the mechanisms of data processing techniques. In addition, it lists a set of definitions required for a better understanding of EEG data analysis, which can be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reference for not only scientists that are new to EEG data analysis but also seasoned scientists that are looking for a specific data component in EEG and can go straight to the section of the paper that deals with the tool that they are using.
Full article
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,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 21;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020021
- 11 May 2023
Abstract
Hoarding disorder (HD) is a recently recognized psychiatric condition, now classified under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It leads to an unwarranted attachment to material possessions, such
[...] Read more.
Hoarding disorder (HD) is a recently recognized psychiatric condition, now classified under the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It leads to an unwarranted attachment to material possessions, such that the individual is unable to separate themselves from them. There is still a lack of awareness of the critical sociological implications of this disorder, which is too often considered a purely health-related issue. This article endeavors to frame hoarding disorder from a unique socio-criminological and legal perspective, proposing an alternative approach to HD that considers it not only as a mental disorder, but also as a genuine societal issue. We also explore potential avenues for protection, considering both the well-being of individuals with this mental disorder and the communities in which individuals suffering from HD reside. This paper presents a fresh perspective on HD, aiming to delineate its impact and significance as an affliction affecting both individuals and society at large.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section
Sports Science and Medicine
)
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Energies
,
Applied Sciences
,
Electronics
,
Sensors
,
Sci
Power Quality
Topic Editors: Juan-José González de la Rosa, Olivia Florencias-Oliveros, Sara Sulis
Deadline: 25 October 2023
Deadline: 15 November 2023
Deadline: 30 November 2023
Deadline: 31 December 2023
More Topics
Biofortification of Foods of Vegetable Origin
Guest Editors: Fernando Lidon, Maria Manuela Abreu da Silva
Deadline: 20 October 2023
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Open Access
Article
In Silico Study of Potential Small Molecule TIPE2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(4), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5040039 (registering DOI) - 07 Oct 2023
Abstract
Context: Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer since the 19th century. Tumor growth is supported by the proangiogenic factors that chronic inflammation requires. Polarized leukocytes initiate these angiogenic and tumorigenic factors. TIPE2, a transport protein, manages the cytoskeletal rearrangement that gives a
[...] Read more.
Context: Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer since the 19th century. Tumor growth is supported by the proangiogenic factors that chronic inflammation requires. Polarized leukocytes initiate these angiogenic and tumorigenic factors. TIPE2, a transport protein, manages the cytoskeletal rearrangement that gives a polarized leukocyte its motility. Inhibition of this protein could lead to a therapeutic option for solid tumor cancers; however, no such inhibitors have been developed so far due to the large cavity size of the TIPE2 protein. Here we have examined possible small molecule inhibitors by combining structure-based and fragment-based drug design approaches. The highest binding ligands were complexed with the protein, and fragment libraries were docked with the complex with the intention of linking the hit compounds and fragments to design a more potent ligand. Three hit compounds were identified by in silico structure-based screening and a linked compound,
C2
–
F14
, of excellent binding affinity, was identified by linking fragments to the hit compounds.
C2
–
F14
demonstrates good binding stability in molecular dynamic simulations and great predicted ADME properties. Methods: High throughput molecular docking calculations of mass libraries were performed using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. Molecular docking of individual ligands was performed using AutoDock Vina with PyRx. Ligand libraries were prepared using OpenBabel, linked ligands were prepared using Avogadro. The protein was prepared using AutoDockTools-1.5.6. Protein-ligand complexes were visualized with PyMOL. Two- and three-dimensional representations of protein–ligand interactions were plotted with BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer. In silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties were calculated using SwissADME. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted with GROMACS.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023
)
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Open Access
Article
Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus by Acupuncture: Dynamics of Blood Glucose Level and Its Mathematical Modelling
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(4), 38;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5040038
- 26 Sep 2023
Abstract
The aim of this research is to present the effects of acupuncture treatment on morning blood glucose level (BGL) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and to describe them by a predictive model. The morning BGL is measured after overnight fasting during
[...] Read more.
The aim of this research is to present the effects of acupuncture treatment on morning blood glucose level (BGL) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and to describe them by a predictive model. The morning BGL is measured after overnight fasting during a three-month long acupuncture treatment for two persons diagnosed with T2DM and is compared with the BGL of two persons in similar health conditions taking only metformin-based drugs. It is shown that the morning BGL is highly affected by each single acupuncture treatment and by the number of the already applied treatments. Significant lowering of BGL after each treatment is observed, as well as an overall BGL lowering effect, which is the result of the repeated acupuncture. The observed BGL reduction was found to be maintained during a follow-up performed a year after the acupuncture. The measured BGL dynamics curves are analyzed and described by a model. This model describes well all of the key features of the measured BGL dynamics and provides personal parameters that describe the BGL regulation. The model is used to simulate BGL regulation by acupuncture performed with different frequencies. It can be used generally to predict the effects of acupuncture on BGL and to optimize the time between two treatments. The results will enable a better understanding of acupuncture application in diabetes, and a prediction of its effects in diabetes treatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Feature Papers in Integrative Medicine
)
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Open Access
Article
A Sensitive Strain Sensor Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyaniline/Silicone Rubber Nanocomposite for Human Motion Detection
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 36;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030036
- 20 Sep 2023
Abstract
Strain sensors play a pivotal role in quantifying stress and strain across diverse domains, encompassing engineering, industry, and medicine. Their applicability has recently extended into the realm of wearable electronics, enabling real-time monitoring of body movements. However, conventional strain sensors, while extensively employed,
[...] Read more.
Strain sensors play a pivotal role in quantifying stress and strain across diverse domains, encompassing engineering, industry, and medicine. Their applicability has recently extended into the realm of wearable electronics, enabling real-time monitoring of body movements. However, conventional strain sensors, while extensively employed, grapple with limitations such as diminished sensitivity, suboptimal tensile strength, and susceptibility to environmental factors. In contrast, polymer-based composite strain sensors have gained prominence for their capability to surmount these challenges. The integration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcing agents within the polymer matrix ushers in a transformative era, bolstering mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal stability. This study comprises three primary components: simulation, synthesis of nanocomposites for strain sensor fabrication, and preparation of a comprehensive measurement set for testing purposes. The fabricated strain sensors, incorporating a robust polymer matrix of polyaniline known for its exceptional conductivity and reinforced with carbon nanotubes as strengthening agents, demonstrate good characteristics, including a high gauge factor, stability, and low hysteresis. Moreover, they exhibit high strain sensitivity and show linearity in resistance changes concerning applied strain. Comparative analysis reveals that the resulting gauge factors for composite strain sensors consisting of carbon nanotubes/polyaniline and carbon nanotubes/polyaniline/silicone rubber are 144.5 and 167.94, respectively.
Full article
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Figure 1
Open Access
Article
On Hens, Eggs, Temperatures and CO
2
: Causal Links in Earth’s Atmosphere
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 35;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030035
- 13 Sep 2023
Abstract
The scientific and wider interest in the relationship between atmospheric temperature (
T
) and concentration of carbon dioxide ([CO
2
]) has been enormous. According to the commonly assumed causality link, increased [CO
2
] causes a rise in
T
. However,
[...] Read more.
The scientific and wider interest in the relationship between atmospheric temperature (
T
) and concentration of carbon dioxide ([CO
2
]) has been enormous. According to the commonly assumed causality link, increased [CO
2
] causes a rise in
T
. However, recent developments cast doubts on this assumption by showing that this relationship is of the
hen-or-egg
type, or even unidirectional but opposite in direction to the commonly assumed one. These developments include an advanced theoretical framework for testing causality based on the stochastic evaluation of a potentially causal link between two processes via the notion of the impulse response function. Using, on the one hand, this framework and further expanding it and, on the other hand, the longest available modern time series of globally averaged
T
and [CO
2
], we shed light on the potential causality between these two processes. All evidence resulting from the analyses suggests a unidirectional, potentially causal link with
T
as the cause and [CO
2
] as the effect. That link is not represented in climate models, whose outputs are also examined using the same framework, resulting in a link opposite the one found when the real measurements are used.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023
)
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Graphical abstract
Open Access
Article
The Additional Diagnostic Value of Electrocardiogram and Strain Patterns in Transplanted Patients
,
,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 34;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030034
- 25 Aug 2023
Abstract
Background: Transplanted patients are frail individuals who may be affected by diastolic dysfunction, leading to a decrease in exercise tolerance. Previous studies have reported that certain ECG and echocardiographic parameters (such as the P-wave interval, PQ interval, P-wave dispersion, Tend-P interval, QTc interval,
[...] Read more.
Background: Transplanted patients are frail individuals who may be affected by diastolic dysfunction, leading to a decrease in exercise tolerance. Previous studies have reported that certain ECG and echocardiographic parameters (such as the P-wave interval, PQ interval, P-wave dispersion, Tend-P interval, QTc interval, and strain) can support the diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction when the ejection fraction is preserved. This study aimed to examine the potential diagnostic contribution of specific ECG and deformation parameters in transplanted recipients, who are at a high risk of heart failure. Materials and Methods: A group of 33 transplanted subjects (17 renal and 16 liver) were categorized using two scores for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Additionally, they underwent evaluation based on ECG parameters (P-wave interval, PQ interval, Pwave dispersion, and Tend-P QTc) and echocardiographic deformation parameters (strain and twist). The Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The two scores identified different numbers of excludable and not excludable subjects potentially affected by HFpEF. The not excludable group presented ECG parameters with significantly higher values (P-wave, PQ interval, posterior wall diastole, and Tend-P, all with
p
≤ 0.05) and significantly lower 4D strain and twist values (
p
< 0.05) Conclusions: There is evidence for a significant diagnostic contribution of additional ECG and echo strain parameters in an early phase of diastolic dysfunction in subjects potentially affected by HFpEF.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section
Sports Science and Medicine
)
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Figure 1
Open Access
Article
Development of a Semi-Empirical Model for Estimating the Efficiency of Thermodynamic Power Cycles
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 33;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030033
- 24 Aug 2023
Abstract
Power plants constitute the main sources of electricity production, and the calculation of their efficiency is a critical factor that is needed in energy studies. The efficiency improvement of power plants through the optimization of the cycle is a critical means of reducing
[...] Read more.
Power plants constitute the main sources of electricity production, and the calculation of their efficiency is a critical factor that is needed in energy studies. The efficiency improvement of power plants through the optimization of the cycle is a critical means of reducing fuel consumption and leading to more sustainable designs. The goal of the present work is the development of semi-empirical models for estimating the thermodynamic efficiency of power cycles. The developed model uses only the lower and the high operating temperature levels, which makes it flexible and easily applicable. The final expression is found by using the literature data for different power cycles, named as: organic Rankine cycles, water-steam Rankine cycles, gas turbines, combined cycles and Stirling engines. According to the results, the real operation of the different cases was found to be a bit lower compared to the respective endoreversible cycle. Specifically, the present global model indicates that the thermodynamic efficiency is a function of the temperature ratio (low cycle temperature to high cycle temperature). The suggested equation can be exploited as a quick and accurate tool for calculating the thermodynamic efficiency of power plants by using the operating temperature levels. Moreover, separate equations are provided for all of the examined thermodynamic cycles.
Full article
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Open Access
Communication
An Analysis of the Convergence Problem of a Function in Functional Norms by Applying the Generalized Nörlund-Matrix Product Operator
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 32;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030032
- 22 Aug 2023
Abstract
In this paper, we analyze the convergence problems of function
g
of Fourier series in Besov and generalized Zygmund norms using generalized Nörlund-Matrix (
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open Access
Review
Artificial Neural Networks in Membrane Bioreactors: A Comprehensive Review—Overcoming Challenges and Future Perspectives
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 31;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030031
- 15 Aug 2023
Abstract
Among different biological methods used for advanced wastewater treatment, membrane bioreactors have demonstrated superior efficiency due to their hybrid nature, combining biological and physical processes. However, their efficient operation and control remain challenging due to their complexity. This comprehensive review summarizes the potential
[...] Read more.
Among different biological methods used for advanced wastewater treatment, membrane bioreactors have demonstrated superior efficiency due to their hybrid nature, combining biological and physical processes. However, their efficient operation and control remain challenging due to their complexity. This comprehensive review summarizes the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to monitor, simulate, optimize, and control these systems. ANNs show a unique ability to reveal and simulate complex relationships of dynamic systems such as MBRs, allowing for process optimization and fault detection. This early warning system leads to increased reliability and performance. Integrating ANNs with advanced algorithms and implementing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and new-generation sensors has the potential to transform the advanced wastewater treatment landscape towards the development of smart, self-adaptive systems. Nevertheless, several challenges must be addressed, including the need for high-quality and large-quantity data, human resource training, and integration into existing control system facilities. Since the demand for advanced water treatment and water reuse will continue to expand, proper implementation of ANNs, combined with other AI tools, is an exciting strategy toward the development of integrated and efficient advanced water treatment schemes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section
Environmental and Earth Science
)
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Figure 1
Open Access
Article
Short-Term Biochemical Biomarkers of Stress in the Oyster
Magallana angulata
Exposed to
Gymnodinium catenatum
and
Skeletonema marinoi
,
,
Joshua Heumüller
.jpg)
Show Figures
Figure 1
Open Access
Editorial
Implementing Smart Services in Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Companies: On the Progress of Servitization in the Era of Industry 4.0
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 29;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030029
- 12 Jul 2023
Abstract
For a long time, the challenge has been to provide products and services that precisely match the preferences, habits, and needs of users [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Industry 4.0 – The Global Industrial Revolution: Achievements, Obstacles and Research Needs for the Digital Transformation of Industry
)
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Figure 1
Open Access
Article
COVID-19 as a Jump Start for Industry 4.0? Motivations and Core Areas of Pandemic-Related Investments in Digital Technologies at German Firms
,
,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 28;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030028
- 07 Jul 2023
Abstract
Academic studies prior to the pandemic rather emphasized that the progression towards Industry 4.0 happened in an incremental manner. However, the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic have led to considerable investments that were widely interpreted as a (generalized) digitalization push. However, little is
[...] Read more.
Academic studies prior to the pandemic rather emphasized that the progression towards Industry 4.0 happened in an incremental manner. However, the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic have led to considerable investments that were widely interpreted as a (generalized) digitalization push. However, little is known about the character of such investments and their effects. The goal of this contribution is to provide an empirically based overview of recent investment in digital technologies in six economic sectors of the German economy: mechanical engineering, chemicals, automotives, logistics, healthcare, and financial services. Based on 36 case studies and a survey at 540 companies, we investigate the following questions: 1. How much did the COVID-19 pandemic reduce existing obstacles for investments in digitalization measures? 2. Is there a universal digitalization push due to the COVID-19 pandemic that differs from the trajectory before the pandemic? The results show that the pandemic affected investment in an unequal manner. It was driven by the immediate need to sustain business operations through the virtualization of communication among employees and with external partners. However, there was less dynamism in shop-floor-related digitalization, as it was less related to epidemiological concerns and is more long-term in nature.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Industry 4.0 – The Global Industrial Revolution: Achievements, Obstacles and Research Needs for the Digital Transformation of Industry
)
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Figure 1
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Open Access
Article
Transcriptomics Analysis of Tomato Ripening Regulated by Carbon Dioxide
,
,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(3), 26;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5030026
- 30 Jun 2023
Abstract
Tomatoes are a perishable and seasonal fruit with a high economic impact. Carbon dioxide (CO
2
), among several other reagents, is used to extend the shelf-life and preserve the quality of tomatoes during refrigeration or packaging. To obtain insight into CO
2
[...] Read more.
Tomatoes are a perishable and seasonal fruit with a high economic impact. Carbon dioxide (CO
2
), among several other reagents, is used to extend the shelf-life and preserve the quality of tomatoes during refrigeration or packaging. To obtain insight into CO
2
stress during tomato ripening, tomatoes at the late green mature stage were conditioned with one of two CO
2
delivery methods: 5% CO
2
for 14 days (T1) or 100% CO
2
for 3 h (T2). Conventional physical and chemical characterization found that CO
2
induced by either T1 or T2 delayed tomato ripening in terms of color change, firmness, and carbohydrate dissolution. However, T1 had longer-lasting effects. Furthermore, ethylene production was suppressed by CO
2
in T1, and promoted in T2. These physical observations were further evaluated via RNA-Seq analysis at the whole-genome level, including genes involved in ethylene synthesis, signal transduction, and carotenoid biosynthesis. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that the introduction of CO
2
via the T1 method downregulated genes related to fruit ripening; in contrast, T2 upregulated the gene encoding for ACS6, the enzyme responsible for S1 ethylene synthesis, even though there was a large amount of ethylene present, indicating that T1 and T2 regulate tomato ripening via different mechanisms. Quantitative real-time PCR assays (qRT-PCR) were used for validation, which substantiated the RNA-Seq data. The results of the present research provide insight into gene regulation by CO
2
during tomato ripening at the whole-genome level.
Full article
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Open Access
Article
Conventional Platinum Metal Implants Provoke Restenosis Responses in Atherogenic but Not Healthy Arteries
,
,
,
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 25;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020025
- 19 Jun 2023
Abstract
Platinum-containing stents are commonly used in humans with hypercholesterolemia, whereas preclinical stent evaluation has commonly been performed in healthy animal models, providing inadequate information about stent performance under hypercholesterolemic conditions. In this investigation, we used an ApoE
−/−
mouse model to test the
[...] Read more.
Platinum-containing stents are commonly used in humans with hypercholesterolemia, whereas preclinical stent evaluation has commonly been performed in healthy animal models, providing inadequate information about stent performance under hypercholesterolemic conditions. In this investigation, we used an ApoE
−/−
mouse model to test the impact of hypercholesterolemia on neointima formation on platinum-containing implants. We implanted 125 μm diameter platinum wires into the abdominal aortas of ApoE
−/−
and ApoE
+/+
mice for 6 months, followed by histological and immunofluorescence examination of neointimal size and composition. It was found that ApoE
−/−
mice developed neointimas with four times larger area and ten times greater thickness than ApoE
+/+
counterparts. Neointimas developed in the ApoE
−/−
mice also contained higher amounts of lipids quantified as having 370 times more coverage compared to ApoE
+/+
, a 3-fold increase in SMCs, and a 22-fold increase in macrophages. A confluent endothelium had regenerated in both mouse strains. The ApoE
−/−
mice experienced luminal reductions more closely resembling clinically relevant restenosis in humans. Overall, the response to platinum arterial implants was highly dependent upon the atherogenic environment.
Full article
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Open Access
Article
Assessment of Spatial Variations in Pesticide, Heavy Metal, and Selenium Residues in Honey Bee (
Apis mellifera
L.) Products
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 24;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020024
- 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
Apis mellifera
L. is considered one of the most important pollinators in nature. Unfortunately, in addition to other insect species, honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate, urging researchers to investigate the causes and stressors that precipitated this decline. This study
[...] Read more.
Apis mellifera
L. is considered one of the most important pollinators in nature. Unfortunately, in addition to other insect species, honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate, urging researchers to investigate the causes and stressors that precipitated this decline. This study focuses on chemical stressors that are found to affect bee populations. We used pollen and honey samples to examine the variations in pesticides, selenium, and heavy metals in two different landscapes: urban and agricultural areas of northeastern Colorado, USA. Subsequently, we extrapolated the risks of these toxins’ residues to
Apis
spp. Based on the current literature, we found no spatial variations in metal and selenium concentrations in the pollen and honey samples collected from urban and agricultural areas. Moreover, we observed no spatial variations in pesticide concentrations in pollen and honey samples. Based on the previous literature and a comparison of the residues of heavy metals, selenium, and pesticides in our pollen and honey samples, we found that the heavy metal and selenium residues in some honey and pollen likely pose a severe health risk to honey bees. Although the levels of pesticide residues were below the documented thresholds of risk, we consider the possibility of synergistic chemical impacts. Our findings support future efforts to investigate the health risks associated with multiple-factor combinations.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue
One Health
)
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Open Access
Concept Paper
Digital Factory Transformation from a Servitization Perspective: Fields of Action for Developing Internal Smart Services
,
,
,
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 22;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020022
- 16 May 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
In recent years, a complex set of dynamic developments driven by both the economy and the emergence of digital technologies has put pressure on manufacturing companies to adapt. The concept of servitization, i.e., the shift from a product-centric to a service-centric value creation
[...] Read more.
In recent years, a complex set of dynamic developments driven by both the economy and the emergence of digital technologies has put pressure on manufacturing companies to adapt. The concept of servitization, i.e., the shift from a product-centric to a service-centric value creation logic, can help manufacturing companies stabilize their business in such volatile times. Existing academic literature investigates the potential and challenges of servitization and the associated development of data-based services, so-called smart services, with a view to external market performance. However, with the increasing use of digital technologies in manufacturing and the development of internal smart services based on them, we argue that the existing insights on external servitization are also of interest for internal transformation. In this paper, we identify key findings from service literature, apply them to digital factory transformation, and structure them into six fields of action along the dimensions of people, technology, and organization. As a result, recommendations for designing digital factory transformation in manufacturing companies are derived from the perspective of servitization and developing internal smart services.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Industry 4.0 – The Global Industrial Revolution: Achievements, Obstacles and Research Needs for the Digital Transformation of Industry
)
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Open Access
Communication
Incidence and Predictors of Soft Tissue Injuries during Basic Combat Training
and
Sci
2023
,
5
(2), 20;
https://doi.org/10.3390/sci5020020
- 06 May 2023
Abstract
Strenuous exercise, such as military training, is known to demand a high degree of physical performance and to cause injuries. The present study aimed to (a) monitor the incidence of soft tissue injuries (blisters, contusions, and lacerations) among cadets during Basic Combat Training
[...] Read more.
Strenuous exercise, such as military training, is known to demand a high degree of physical performance and to cause injuries. The present study aimed to (a) monitor the incidence of soft tissue injuries (blisters, contusions, and lacerations) among cadets during Basic Combat Training (BCT), and (b) identify possible risk factors for these injuries. Participants were 315 first-grade cadets (women,
n
= 28; men,
n
= 287), recruited from the Hellenic Army Academy. Seven weeks of BCT resulted in an overall cadet injury rate of 24.1% (
n
= 76) with 13.7% being injured one time, whereas 10.4% of participants were injured 2–6 times. The incidence of injuries was 2.9 soft tissue injuries per 1000 training hours. The logistic regression model using sex, being an athlete, nationality, weight, height, body mass index, and percentage of body fat (BF) to predict soft tissue injury was not statistically significant (χ
2
(7)
= 5.315,
p
= 0.622). The results of this study showed that BCT caused a large number of soft tissue injuries similar to the number reported for musculoskeletal injuries. In conclusion, following BCT, soft tissue injury characteristics (occurrence, severity, treatment) are similar to those applied in musculoskeletal injuries for Army cadets. However, risk factors such as sex, nationality, and BF have not been related to soft tissue injury prediction as previously shown for musculoskeletal injuries for the same sample group.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue
Feature Papers in Sports Science and Medicine
)
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Deadline: 25 October 2023
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