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The major constituent of turmeric, curcumin, is a bioactive phenolic compound that has been studied for its potential health benefits and therapeutic properties. Within this article, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antithrombotic properties and mechanisms of action of curcumin are thoroughly reviewed and the main focus is shifted to its associated health-promoting effects against inflammation-related chronic disorders. An overview of the cardio-protective, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial and neuro–protective health-promoting properties of curcumin are thoroughly reviewed, while relative outcomes obtained from clinical trials are also presented. Emphasis is given to the wound-healing properties of curcumin, as presented by several studies and clinical trials, which further promote the application of curcumin as a bioactive ingredient in several functional products, including functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and drugs. Limitations and future perspectives of such uses of curcumin as a bio-functional ingredient are also discussed. Full article

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16 pages, 1864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of High-Price Rice Adulteration Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics

by Mengting Chen, Jiahui Song, Haiyan He, Yue Yu, Ruoni Wang, Yue Huang and Zhanming Li

Foods 2024, 13(20), 3241; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13203241 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) holds significant promise in detecting food adulteration due to its non-destructive, simple, and user-friendly properties. This study employed NIRS in conjunction with chemometrics to estimate the content of low-price rice flours (Nanjing, Songjing, Jiangxi silk, Yunhui) blended with high-price rice (Wuchang and Thai fragrant). Partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and back-propagation neural network (BPNN) models were deployed to analyze the spectral data of adulterated samples and assess the degree of contamination. Various preprocessing techniques, parameter optimization strategies, and wavelength selection methods were employed to enhance model accuracy. With correlation coefficients exceeding 87%, the BPNN models exhibited high accuracy in estimating adulteration levels in high-price rice. The SPXY-SG-BPNN, SPXY-MMN-BPNN, KS-SNV-BPNN, and SPXY-SG-BPNN models showcased exceptional performance in discerning mixed Wuchang japonica, Thai fragrant indica, and Thai fragrant Yunhui rice. As shown above, NIRS demonstrated its potential as a rapid, non-destructive method for detecting low-price rice in premium rice blends. Future studies should be performed to concentrate on enhancing the models’ versatility and practical applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drinks and Liquid Nutrition)

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12 pages, 387 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Associations between Autistic Traits, Sleep Quality and Well-Being in University Students: A Narrative Review

by Devangi Lunia and Andrew P. Smith

Healthcare 2024, 12(20), 2027; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12202027 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

While research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been growing, not enough research has been conducted to understand the impact of autistic traits and the broader autism phenotype (BAP), especially on the sleep quality and well-being of university students. The focus of this paper is to review the existing research on this topic and identify the key areas of interest for future research, presented in the form of a narrative review. While the review identifies the need for research on the topic, it also identifies other factors such as gender, age, culture, and internet and smartphone use that may have an impact on the relationship between autistic traits, sleep quality and well-being in university students. The review also identified the importance of using a larger sample size, appropriate measures, especially for quantifying autistic traits, and an appropriate analysis strategy involving a multivariate analysis. Full article

13 pages, 292 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

The Transformation of Work—Conducting and Aggregating Research on Human Resources in SMEs Facing Transformation Pressure

by Fabienne Riesel, Volker Bräutigam and Florian Wittmeier

Merits 2024, 4(4), 312-324; https://doi.org/10.3390/merits4040024 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Rarely do so many areas of society change as quickly as now. This study analyses the disruptive transformation of HR/qualification in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the leading sectors of mechanical and plant engineering and the automotive industry in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. More precisely, this study is about the Mainfranken region. Administratively, it comprises the two independent cities of Würzburg and Schweinfurt as well as seven administrative districts. This paper researches the long-term transformation of the world of work in terms of skill shortages, procurement strategies and employee performance. This study is based on quantitative and qualitative findings from the funding project transform.RMF in the form of an overarching literature review, a commissioned online survey, stakeholder workshops to identify regional trends and self-conducted expert interviews. Unsurprisingly, the shortage of skilled labour is a serious problem for regional SMEs. Managing directors are aware of the need to act in the acquisition and retention of recruited specialists. This includes in-house benefits, New Work models and competitive acquisition strategies. We must overcome the biggest obstacle to transformation—a lack of qualified personnel—together, structurally. Based on our insights, we create recommendations for action and connecting the potential in the network. In the future, the aim will be to intensify cooperation between society, business, science and politics at the regional level—transform.RMF’s mission in the interests of its members. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue People—the Next Sustainability Frontier)

20 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessReview

Age-Related Homeostatic Plasticity at Rodent Neuromuscular Junctions

by Yizhi Li, Yomna Badawi and Stephen D. Meriney

Cells 2024, 13(20), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13201684 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Motor ability decline remains a major threat to the quality of life of the elderly. Although the later stages of aging co-exist with degenerative pathologies, the long process of aging is more complicated than a simple and gradual degeneration. To combat senescence and the associated late-stage degeneration of the neuromuscular system, it is imperative to examine changes that occur during the long process of aging. Prior to late-stage degeneration, age-induced changes in the neuromuscular system trigger homeostatic plasticity. This unique phenomenon may be important for the maintenance of the neuromuscular system during the early stages of aging. In this review, we will focus on age-induced changes in neurotransmission at the neuromuscular junction, providing the potential mechanisms responsible for these changes. The goal is to highlight these key elements and their role in regulating neurotransmission, facilitating future research efforts to combat late-stage degeneration in the neuromuscular system by preserving the functional and structural integrity of these elements prior to the late stage of aging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diving Deep into Synaptic Transmission)

14 pages, 1301 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cardiac Aging in the Multi-Omics Era: High-Throughput Sequencing Insights

by Yiran Song, Brian Spurlock, Jiandong Liu and Li Qian

Cells 2024, 13(20), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13201683 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and the risks of both developing a disease and receiving a poor prognosis increase with age. With increasing life expectancy, understanding the mechanisms underlying heart aging has become critical. Traditional techniques have supported research into finding the physiological changes and hallmarks of cardiovascular aging, including oxidative stress, disabled macroautophagy, loss of proteostasis, and epigenetic alterations, among others. The advent of high-throughput multi-omics techniques offers new perspectives on the molecular mechanisms and cellular processes in the heart, guiding the development of therapeutic targets. This review explores the contributions and characteristics of these high-throughput techniques to unraveling heart aging. We discuss how different high-throughput omics approaches, both alone and in combination, produce robust and exciting new findings and outline future directions and prospects in studying heart aging in this new era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Oxidative Stress in Cardiovascular Diseases—2nd Edition)

29 pages, 2674 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ponatinib: A Review of the History of Medicinal Chemistry behind Its Development

by Mayara Nascimento, Stefany Moura, Lidia Parra, Valeska Vasconcellos, Gabriela Costa, Debora Leite, Maria Dias, Tácio Fernandes, Lucas Hoelz, Luiz Pimentel, Monica Bastos and Nubia Boechat

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1361; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101361 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

The primary treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) involves first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, and dasatinib. However, these medications are ineffective against mutations in the kinase domain of the ABL1 protein, particularly in the protein with the T315I mutation. To address this, ponatinib (PNT), a third-generation inhibitor, was developed. Despite its efficacy in treating the BCR-ABL1^T315I mutation, the use of PNT was briefly suspended in 2013 due to serious adverse effects but was subsequently reintroduced to the market. During the drug discovery and development process, it is rare to consolidate all information into a single article, as is the case with ponatinib. This review aims to compile and chronologically organize the research on the discovery of ponatinib using medicinal chemistry tools and computational methods. It includes in silico calculations, such as the octanol/water partition coefficient (cLogP) via SwissAdme, and 2D maps of intermolecular interactions through molecular docking. This approach enhances understanding for both specialists and those interested in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, while also contextualizing future directions for further optimizations of ponatinib, facilitating the development of new analogs of this crucial inhibitor for the treatment of CML and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 20th Anniversary of Pharmaceuticals—Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Application in Therapy)

24 pages, 2152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel YOLOv10-DECA Model for Real-Time Detection of Concrete Cracks

by Chaokai Zhang, Ningbo Peng, Jiaheng Yan, Lixu Wang, Yinjia Chen, Zhancheng Zhou and Ye Zhu

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3230; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103230 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

The You Only Look Once (YOLO) series algorithms have been widely adopted in concrete crack detection, with attention mechanisms frequently being incorporated to enhance recognition accuracy and efficiency. However, existing research is confronted by two primary challenges: the suboptimal performance of attention mechanism modules and the lack of explanation regarding how these mechanisms influence the model’s decision-making process to improve accuracy. To address these issues, a novel Dynamic Efficient Channel Attention (DECA) module is proposed in this study, which is designed to enhance the performance of the YOLOv10 model in concrete crack detection, and the effectiveness of this module is visually demonstrated through the application of interpretable analysis algorithms. In this paper, a concrete dataset with a complex background is used. Experimental results indicate that the DECA module significantly improves the model’s accuracy in crack localization and the detection of discontinuous cracks, outperforming the existing Efficient Channel Attention (ECA). When compared to the similarly sized YOLOv10n model, the proposed YOLOv10-DECA model demonstrates improvements of 4.40%, 3.06%, 4.48%, and 5.56% in precision, recall, mAP50, and mAP50-95 metrics, respectively. Moreover, even when compared with the larger YOLOv10s model, these performance indicators are increased by 2.00%, 0.04%, 2.27%, and 1.12%, respectively. In terms of speed evaluation, owing to the lightweight design of the DECA module, the YOLOv10-DECA model achieves an inference speed of 78 frames per second, which is 2.5 times faster than YOLOv10s, thereby fully meeting the requirements for real-time detection. These results demonstrate that an optimized balance between accuracy and speed in concrete crack detection tasks has been achieved by the YOLOv10-DECA model. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for future research and applications in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study of Building Detection, Assessment, and Management: Based on Computer and Information Technologies)

23 pages, 4091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic, Genetic, and Metabolite Variability among Genotypes of Vicia sativa L.

by Eleni Avramidou, Efi Sarri, Evgenia-Anna Papadopoulou, Christos Petsoulas, Evangelia Tigka, Nikolaos Tourvas, Emmanouil Pratsinakis, Ioannis Ganopoulos, Eleni Tani, Konstantinos A. Aliferis, Eleni M. Abraham, Panagiotis Madesis and Dimitrios Vlachostergios

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209272 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Vicia sativa L., commonly known as the common vetch, is an annual, self-pollinating legume used primarily as fodder both by livestock and wildlife. Additionally, it contributes to environmental balance through nitrogen fixation and the improvement of soil properties. The phenotypic, genetic, and metabolite variability among four advanced lines (BK45, BK29, BK23, BK27) and two commercial varieties (M-6900, BI-65) of V. sativa were evaluated in order to be used for future breeding programs aimed at producing genetically improved varieties. BK45 was the most promising line due to its high genetic polymorphism, but also because it exhibited a significant amount of seed production and high seed quality based on its metabolomics profile. A stepwise multiple regression analysis (MRA) revealed a relationship between SCoT alleles, seed, and biomass yield. Additionally, several statistically significant marker bands linked to metabolites were found using the SCoT marker analysis. Hence, data assessed via MRA may be helpful in marker-assisted breeding programs. Finally, the two commercial varieties can be further exploited in breeding programs due to their high genetic diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Plant Biotechnology in Sustainable Agriculture)

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25 pages, 544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Causal Economic Machine Learning (CEML): “Human AI”

by Andrew Horton

AI 2024, 5(4), 1893-1917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai5040094 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes causal economic machine learning (CEML) as a research agenda that utilizes causal machine learning (CML), built on causal economics (CE) decision theory. Causal economics is better suited for use in machine learning optimization than expected utility theory (EUT) and behavioral economics (BE) based on its central feature of causal coupling (CC), which models decisions as requiring upfront costs, some certain and some uncertain, in anticipation of future uncertain benefits that are linked by causation. This multi-period causal process, incorporating certainty and uncertainty, replaces the single-period lottery outcomes augmented with intertemporal discounting used in EUT and BE, providing a more realistic framework for AI machine learning modeling and real-world application. It is mathematically demonstrated that EUT and BE are constrained versions of CE. With the growing interest in natural experiments in statistics and causal machine learning (CML) across many fields, such as healthcare, economics, and business, there is a large potential opportunity to run AI models on CE foundations and compare results to models based on traditional decision-making models that focus only on rationality, bounded to various degrees. To be most effective, machine learning must mirror human reasoning as closely as possible, an alignment established through CEML, which represents an evolution to truly “human AI”. This paper maps out how the non-linear optimization required for the CEML structural response functions can be accomplished through Sequential Least Squares Programming (SLSQP) and applied to data sets through the S-Learner CML meta-algorithm. Upon this foundation, the next phase of research is to apply CEML to appropriate data sets in various areas of practice where causality and accurate modeling of human behavior are vital, such as precision healthcare, economic policy, and marketing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section AI Systems: Theory and Applications)

29 pages, 6138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Integration of Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, and Indonesia’s Super Grid

by Ahmad Amiruddin, Roger Dargaville and Ross Gawler

Energies 2024, 17(20), 5061; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17205061 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the optimal integration of renewable energy (RE) sources, energy storage technologies, and linking Indonesia’s islands with a high-capacity transmission “super grid”, utilizing the PLEXOS 10 R.02 simulation tool to achieve the country’s goal of 100% RE by 2060. Through detailed scenario analysis, the research demonstrates that by 2050, Indonesia could be on track to meet this target, with 62% of its energy generated from RE sources. Solar PV could play a dominant role, contributing 363 GW, or 72.3% of the total installed capacity out of over 500 GW. The study highlights that lithium-ion batteries, particularly with 4 h of storage, were identified as the most suitable energy storage option across various scenarios, supporting over 1000 GWh of storage capacity. The introduction of a super grid is shown to reduce the average energy generation cost to around USD 91/MWh from the current USD 98/MWh. These findings underscore the potential of a strategic combination of RE, optimized energy storage, and grid enhancements to significantly lower costs and enhance energy security, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders for Indonesia’s transition to a sustainable energy future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Renewable Energy and Energy Storage for Distributed Energy Generation Systems)

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18 pages, 4264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adivasis as Ecological Warriors: Colonial Laws and Post-Colonial Adivasi Resistance in India’s Jharkhand

by Anjana Singh

Genealogy 2024, 8(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy8040130 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

The growing divide between the capitalist mode of development promoted by the state and the participative development model suggested by the people has brought ecology, environment, and existence to the core of all contemporary debates. The Adivasi (indigenes) who constitute 8.6 percent of the entire population of India are engaged in a constant battle to save their ecology and landscape. Represented as communities whose existence is intertwined with ‘Jal, Jungle, Jameen’ (water, forest, and land), Adivasis are the most prominent communities facing dispossession and displacement from their roots to further the ideology of development in which they have no stake. The notion of Adivasis as ‘savage’, ‘primitive’, and ‘backward’ communities that are incompetent of ‘developing’ themselves, resulting in their ‘backwardness’ gets carried over from the colonial to the contemporary period. Exposed to the processes of mining and industrialisation, Adivasis and their ecological resources have been exploited since the colonial period to suit the development model of the state. The Adivasi notion of selfhood was overlooked in the process of making the areas inhabited by them zones of ‘exclusive governmentality’. The paper argues and analyses this transformation process of Adivasis into ecological warriors; a process in which they used their shared, remembered and lived past to assert their customary rights. Basing the study on three environmental movements of state of Jharkhand in Central India, namely the Koel-Karo movement of the 1980s, the Netarhat movement of the 1990s, and the Pathalgadi movement of 2017–18, the study underlines that the Adivasi of Jharkhand anchored on their customary rights as a weapon, to protect their ecology and landscape against various state-sponsored development schemes. Drawing on the methodology of field investigation, interaction with the NGOs, government reports and media reports, the article argues that these community struggles are rays of hope for a global ecological future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Representation and Environmental Justice: Exploring Marginalization, Resistance and Empowerment in Environmental Representations of and from the Periphery)

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19 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessReview

Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in Urban Water Management in Viet Nam, a Comparison among European and Asian Countries

by Chau Huynh Thi Ngoc, Yannick Back, Fabian Funke, Martina Hauser and Manfred Kleidorfer

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8812; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208812 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Climate change is severely affecting all regions of the world, and urban water management has become a major urban challenge. Although nature-based solutions (NBSs) have been widely implemented in developed countries in the Global North to address stormwater-related challenges in urban areas, implementation of such approaches in Viet Nam and other Asian countries remains limited. In addition, comprehensive and critical reviews of NBS adoption and development processes in Viet Nam are scarce. This study aims to clarify several aspects through a literature-based review: to understand the development of urban water management in Europe and Asia (China and Southeast Asian countries) along with the drivers for NBS implementation in Viet Nam, to explain the barriers to NBS adoption in Viet Nam, to present feasible solutions for promoting NBS adoption, and to explore future perspectives for NBS development in the context of Viet Nam. Although significant barriers exist, opportunities for NBS implementation are evident. The findings of this study can be used to promote NBS in other municipalities in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure)

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12 pages, 3228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering Immunotoxicity in Animal-Derived Biomaterials: A Genomic and Bioinformatics Approach

by Huan Lian, Yu Liu, Linnan Ke and Qianqian Han

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(20), 10963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252010963 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

Immunotoxicity evaluation has been crucial in preclinical testing for implantable animal-derived biomaterials due to their prolonged contact with the human body, which requires stringent safety assessments. By creating experimental models with varying levels of immunotoxicity, this study reveals the decisive role of decellularization treatment in diminishing the immunogenicity of materials, thus ensuring clinical safety. Employing cutting-edge differential gene expression analysis, the research not only accurately quantifies gene expression alterations in immune responses but also, through pathway enrichment analysis, identifies gene networks associated with oncogenesis. This offers novel insights into the mechanisms of immune responses following biomaterial implantation. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of developing highly sensitive immunotoxicity testing methods and validates the efficacy of high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools in assessing biomaterial safety, providing robust scientific support for future preclinical evaluations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)

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38 pages, 6409 KiB

Open AccessReview

Solar Energy Resource and Power Generation in Morocco: Current Situation, Potential, and Future Perspective

by Rania Benbba, Majd Barhdadi, Antonio Ficarella, Giovanni Manente, Maria Pia Romano, Nizar El Hachemi, Abdelfettah Barhdadi, Ahmed Al-Salaymeh and Abdelkader Outzourhit

Resources 2024, 13(10), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13100140 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2024

Abstract

The world’s attention is currently focused on the energy transition to sustainable energy. The drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming, energy security, and the generalization of access to energy have contributed to the adoption of the Moroccan Energy Strategy, with a strong focus on renewable energy (RE). Morocco is notoriously poor in conventional primary fossil energy resources, with energy dependence on the order of 90%. In addition, the energy crisis that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, compounded with steady increase in demand, has heavily affected the security and stability of the country’s energy situation. The transition to RE by strongly engaging in the implementation of several solar, wind, and hydro energy projects has made the country the leader in RE in Africa. These projects benefit from the country’s excellent solar and wind energy potential. As a consequence, by 2030, the share of RE in the installed capacity is expected to reach 52%. An overview of the current situation of RE (particularly solar energy) in Morocco is provided, including the potentials, obstacles, challenges, and future perspectives. Thanks to its high solar potential, it is predictable that Morocco’s effort will be focused on this field: the Erasmus plus INNOMED project is a virtuous example of international cooperation, aiming at promoting solar energy through capacity building and the creation of solar energy networks, in synergy with EU Partners. Full article

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