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This paper presents an integrated approach for a retinal prosthesis that overcomes the scalability challenges and limitations of conventional systems that use external cameras. Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are utilized as photonic sensors due to their nanoscale dimensions and high surface-to-volume ratio. To enhance these properties and achieve high photoresponsivity, our research team developed a vertically stacked SiNW structure using a fabrication method entirely based on dry etching. The fabricated SiNW photodetector demonstrated excellent electrical and optical characteristics, including linear I–V characteristics that confirmed ohmic contact formation and high photoresponsivity exceeding 10⁵ A/W across the 400–800 nm wavelength range. The SiNW photodetector, following its integration with a switched capacitor stimulator circuit, exhibited a proportional increase in stimulation current in response to higher light intensity and increased SiNW density. In vitro experiments confirmed the efficacy of the integrated system in inducing neural responses from retinal cells, as indicated by an increased number of neural spikes observed at higher light intensities and SiNW densities. This study contributes to sensor technology by demonstrating an approach to integrating nanostructures and electronic components, which enhances control and functionality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress and Challenges of Digital Health and Bioengineering)

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13 pages, 204 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Intercorporeality, Moral Self-Development and Openness to Alterity: On Merleau-Ponty’s Redeeming of Childhood Experience

by David M. Kleinberg-Levin

Philosophies 2024, 9(5), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies9050156 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception (1945), written after his extensive research in psychology, anthropology, and the other social sciences and also after his intensive encounter with the thought of Husserl and Heidegger, is an attempt to leave those malevolent dualisms behind and replace them with a phenomenology that engages with beings as befits their essence and the conditions of their being: a phenomenology that no longer imposes on our experience a morally irresponsible and offensive ontology; a phenomenology that, instead, reminds us of our responsibility as guardians of nature and life and brings to light very new possibilities for ethical life, community, and dwelling on the earth of this planet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Merleau-Ponty and Rereading the Phenomenology of Perception)

13 pages, 4726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Multisensory Virtual Reality Environments through Olfactory Stimuli for Autobiographical Memory Retrieval

by Vasilică-Gabriel Sasu, Dragoș Cîrneci, Nicolae Goga, Ramona Popa, Răzvan-Florin Neacșu, Maria Goga, Ioana Podina, Ioan Alexandru Bratosin, Cosmin-Andrei Bordea, Laurențiu Nicolae Pomana, Antonio Valentin Stan and Bianca Popescu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8826; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198826 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the use of multisensory virtual reality (VR) as a novel approach in psychological therapy for autobiographical memory retrieval with benefits for cognitive enhancement, stress reduction, etc. Previous studies demonstrated improved outcomes in treating various psychological conditions (affective disorders and PTSD). Technological advancements in VR, such as olfactory integration, can contribute to the realism and therapeutic potential of these environments. The integration of various physical stimuli with VR holds promising potential for psychological therapies and highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research. In this pilot study, we tested the efficacy of a new system for triggering autobiographical memory retrieval. For this, we used images combined with odors in a congruent manner and offering participants the chance to interact with the VR environment by using two virtual hands. We evaluated the efficacy of this system using qualitative methods, with emphasis on the evaluation of the emotions associated with memory recollection and the ease of triggering memories. All participants in our pilot study experienced intense emotions related to childhood or adolescence, and the pleasant feelings they had during the experiment persisted even after it ended. This is an advancement to what exists currently and provides original research elements for our paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Simulations and Applications of Augmented and Virtual Reality, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomarkers of Acute Brain Injury

by Konstantinos Barmpagiannos, Nikolaos Lazaridis, Aikaterini Apostolopoulou and Barbara Fyntanidou

Neuroglia 2024, 5(4), 356-369; https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia5040024 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Acute brain injury is one of the most important causes of morbidity, mortality and disability worldwide. Time is the most important aspect of acute brain injury management. In this context, biomarkers could mitigate the limitations of neuroimaging. Neuro-biomarkers could be used both to diagnose intracranial pathology and to predict the effectiveness of treatment applications. Aim: The aim of this review is to describe the role of various and specific markers of brain damage with particular emphasis on acute brain injury and stroke. Results/discussion: The diagnostic and prognostic value of modern biomarkers remains relatively questionable, although grouping biomarkers into panels is improving their usefulness. The groups of biomarkers that will be analyzed include astrocytic, axonal, neuronal as well as extracellular biomarkers. Conclusion: Future studies will demonstrate the utility of neuro-biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic monitoring of patients with acute brain injury in the intensive care unit. Full article

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22 pages, 11928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction-Based Submarine Cable-Tracking Strategy for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Side-Scan Sonar

by Hao Feng, Yan Huang, Jianan Qiao, Zhenyu Wang, Feng Hu and Jiancheng Yu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1725; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101725 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the tracking of underwater cables using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with side-scan sonar (SSS). AUV motion stability is crucial for effective SSS imaging, which is essential for continuous cable tracking. Traditional methods that derive AUV guidance rates directly from measured cable states often cause unnecessary jitter when imaging, complicating accurate detection. To address this, we propose a non-myopic receding-horizon optimization (RHO) strategy designed to maximize cable imaging quality while considering AUV maneuvering constraints. This strategy identifies the optimal heading decision sequence over a future horizon, ensuring stable and efficient cable tracking. We also employ a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to predict future cable states, further minimizing AUV motion instability during abrupt path changes. Given the computational limitations of AUVs, we have developed an efficient decision-making framework that can execute resource-intensive algorithms in real time. Finally, the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm were validated through comparative experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing methods in key metrics such as cable-tracking accuracy and AUV motion stability. This ensures that the AUV can acquire high-quality acoustic images of the submarine cable in an optimal state, enhancing the continuity and reliability of cable-tracking tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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17 pages, 6581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissimilar MIG Welding Optimization of C20 and SUS201 by Taguchi Method

by Thanh Tan Nguyen, Van Huong Hoang, Van-Thuc Nguyen and Van Thanh Tien Nguyen

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2024, 8(5), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp8050219 (registering DOI) - 1 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study looks at how welding intensity, speed, voltage, and stick-out affect the structural and mechanical characteristics of metal inert gas (MIG) welding on SUS 201 stainless steel and C20 steel. The Taguchi method is used to optimize the study’s experiment findings. The results show that the welding current has a more significant effect on the tensile test than the welding voltage, stick-out, and welding speed. Welding voltage has the lowest influence. In addition to the base metals’ ferrite, pearlite, and austenite phases, the weld bead area contains martensite and bainite microstructures. The optimal parameters for the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and elongation values are a 110 amp welding current, 15 V of voltage, a 500 mm.min⁻¹ welding speed, and a 10 mm stick-out. The confirmed UTS, yield strength, and elongation values are 452.78 MPa, 374.65 MPa, and 38.55%, respectively, comparable with the expected value derived using the Taguchi method. In the flexural test, the welding current is the most critical element affecting flexural strength. A welding current of 110 amp, an arc voltage of 15 V, a welding speed of 500 mm.min⁻¹, and a stick-out of 12 mm are the ideal values for flexural strength. The flexural strength, confirmed at 1756.78 MPa, is more than that of the other samples. The study’s conclusions can offer more details regarding the dissimilar welding industry. Full article

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11 pages, 714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Femtosecond Third-Order Nonlinear Electronic Responses of 2D Metallic NbSe₂

by Cecília L. A. V. Campos, Igor Gonçalves, Jessica E. Q. Bautista, Alyson Carvalho, Ali M. Jawaid, Robert Busch, Richard Vaia and Anderson S. L. Gomes

Photonics 2024, 11(10), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11100930 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

This manuscript reports on the third-order nonlinear optical responses of two-dimensional metallic NbSe₂ suspended in acetonitrile (ACN). The standard Z-scan technique was employed with 190 fs optical pulses at 790 nm, a repetition rate of 750 Hz, and an intensity ranging from 30 to 300 GW/cm². A self-focusing nonlinear refractive index (NLR), cm²/W, and a nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient, cm/GW, were measured, with the NLA arising from a two-photon process. Aiming to further understand the material’s electronic nonlinearities, we also employed the Optical Kerr Gate (OKG) to evaluate the material’s time response and measure the NLR coefficient in an optical intensity range different from the one used in the Z-scan. For optical pulses of 170 fs at 800 nm and a repetition rate of 76 MHz, the modulus of the NLR coefficient was measured to be cm²/W for intensities up to 650 MW/cm², with the material’s time response limited by the pulse duration. The ultrafast time response and electronic optical nonlinearities are explained based on the material’s 2D structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Nonlinear Optics: From Fundamentals to Applications)

18 pages, 498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Physical Demands and Player Performance in Professional Female Basketball Players Using Inertial Movement Units

by Javier Espasa-Labrador, Carlos Martínez-Rubio, José María Oliva-Lozano, Julio Calleja-González, Marta Carrasco-Marginet and Azahara Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe

Sensors 2024, 24(19), 6365; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24196365 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Load monitoring has been identified as a valuable tool for optimizing training planning and minimizing injury risk. This study’s aim was divided into two main objectives: (1) to describe the physical demands during official competition through IMU (inertial movement unit) metrics and (2) to investigate the relationship between basketball statistics and these physical demands. Twelve female highly trained basketballers (26.5 ± 5.3 years, 180 ± 7.1 cm, and 73.6 ± 10.3 kg) were monitored during four official games. Our results indicate that games with more frequent possession changes, particularly those driven by steals and turnovers, exhibit higher physical demands. Additionally, longer game durations were associated with longer recovery time while maintaining similar active time and physical load. Players who assume prominent shooting roles face greater conditional demands, such as increased jumps and impacts, even with equal playing time. These findings suggest that IMUs provide valuable insights into high-intensity actions and patterns, indicating a direct association between physical load and player performance in professional female basketball. This study also highlights the potential for professionals to better manage workload and understand player demands using these insights, even in the absence of in-game sensor data. Our research underscores the importance of contextual analysis in sports performance studies, encouraging future investigations into game phases and their specific physical demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Medical Sensors and Applications)

27 pages, 8001 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Comparison of Seven Widely-Used Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterizations in Typhoon Mangkhut Intensification Simulation

by Lei Ye, Yubin Li, Ping Zhu, Zhiqiu Gao and Zhihua Zeng

Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101182 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Numerical experiments using the WRF model were conducted to analyze the sensitivity of Typhoon Mangkhut intensification simulations to seven widely used planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes, including YSU, MYJ, QNSE, MYNN2, MYNN3, ACM2, and BouLac. The results showed that all simulations generally reproduced the tropical cyclone (TC) track and intensity, with YSU, QNSE, and BouLac schemes better capturing intensification processes and closely matching observed TC intensity. In terms of surface layer parameterization, the QNSE scheme produced the highest C_k/C_d ratio, resulting in stronger TC intensity based on Emanuel’s potential intensity theory. In terms of PBL parameterization, the YSU and BouLac schemes, with the same revised MM5 surface layer scheme, simulated weaker turbulent diffusivity K_m and shallower mixing height, leading to stronger TC intensity. During the intensification period, the BouLac, YSU, and QNSE PBL schemes exhibited stronger tangential wind, radial inflow within the boundary layer, and updraft around the eye wall, consistent with TC intensity results. Both PBL and surface layer parameterization significantly influenced simulated TC intensity. The QNSE scheme, with the largest C_k/C_d ratio, and the YSU and BouLac schemes, with weaker turbulent diffusivity, generated stronger radial inflow, updraft, and warm core structures, contributing to higher storm intensity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Boundary Layer Processes, Characteristics and Parameterization (3rd Edition))

38 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lisbon Urban Climate: Statistical Analysis/Approach for Urban Heat Island Effect Based on a Pioneering Urban Meteorological Network

by Daniel Vilão and Isabel Loupa Ramos

Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101177 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

The urban heat island (UHI) effect is a widely recognized phenomenon consisting of heat accumulation by dense urban construction and human activities, resulting in higher temperatures across urban areas compared to their surroundings. This article aims to quantify the UHI effect on several areas throughout the city of Lisbon, Portugal, with the main goal of validating, evaluating, and reinforcing urban climate adaptation and resilience strategies proposed in the recent scientific literature. A set of nine quality-controlled weather stations from the “Lisboa Aberta” network that are compliant with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards and installation requirements were used to characterize Lisbon’s UHI, in comparison to a reference weather station from the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), located at Lisbon Airport. By applying a principal component analysis (PCA) in an innovative way to 10 urban indexes, it is shown that the thermal inertia in Lisbon’s urban areas is positively correlated with the UHI intensity and urban density, regardless of the daily heating/cooling cycle. Furthermore, the results show that land use also has an impact on the UHI effect, with continuous, vertical building areas showing the greatest deviations in comparison to the reference, averaging +1.8 °C. Contrastingly, horizontal building areas reveal an average deviation of +1.3 °C, with sparse, discontinuously built areas representing an average UHI effect of +0.2 °C. Finally, through a climatope analysis, it is determined that, across Lisbon, high-density urban areas and ventilation corridors are responsible for inducing average UHI effects of +1.7 °C and +0.2 °C, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Atmospheric Techniques, Instruments, and Modeling)

11 pages, 593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relaxivity Modulation of Gd-HPDO3A-like Complexes by Introducing Polar and Protic Peripheral Groups

by Sara Camorali, Loredana Leone, Laura Piscopo and Lorenzo Tei

Molecules 2024, 29(19), 4663; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29194663 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

In the last three decades, high-relaxivity Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs) have been intensively sought, aiming at a reduction in the clinically injected dose while maintaining the safety of the CA and obtaining the same pathological information. Thus, four new Gd(III) complexes based on modified 10-(2-hydroxypropyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (HP-DO3A) macrocyclic structure were designed and synthesized by introducing further polar and protic functional groups (amides, phosphonates, and diols) adjacent to the metal-coordinated hydroxyl group. A detailed ¹H NMR relaxometric analysis allowed us to investigate the effect of these functional groups on the relaxivity, which showed a 20–60% increase (at 0.5 T, 298 K, and pH 7.4) with respect to that of clinically approved CAs. The contribution of the water molecules H-bonded to these peripheral functional groups on the relaxivity was evaluated in terms of the second sphere effect or prototropic exchange of labile protons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Feature Papers in Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd Edition)

15 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Tomato Recognition and Rapid Sorting System Based on Improved YOLOv10

by Weirui Liu, Su Wang, Xingjun Gao and Hui Yang

Machines 2024, 12(10), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12100689 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

In order to address the issue of time-consuming, labor-intensive traditional industrial tomato sorting, this paper proposes a high-precision tomato recognition strategy and fast automatic grasping system. Firstly, the Swin Transformer module is integrated into YOLOv10 to reduce the resolution of each layer by half and double the number of channels, improving recognition accuracy. Then, the Simple Attention Module (SimAM) and the Efficient Multi-Scale Attention (EMA) attention mechanisms are added to achieve complete integration of features, and the Bi-level Routing Attention (BiFormer) is introduced for dynamic sparse attention and resource allocation. Finally, a lightweight detection head is added to YOLOv10 to improve the accuracy of tiny target detection. To complement the recognition system, a single-vertex and multi-crease (SVMC) origami soft gripper is employed for rapid adaptive grasping of identified objects through bistable deformation. This innovative system enables quick and accurate tomato grasping post-identification, showcasing significant potential for application in fruit and vegetable sorting operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machine Design and Theory)

31 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proposal for a New Method for Evaluating Polymer-Modified Bitumen Fatigue and Self-Restoration Performances Considering the Whole Damage Characteristic Curve

by Songtao Lv, Dongdong Ge, Shihao Cao, Dingyuan Liu, Wenhui Zhang, Cheng-Hui Li and Milkos Borges Cabrera

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2782; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192782 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Fatigue performance and self-repairing activity of asphalt binders are two properties that highly influence the fatigue cracking response of asphalt pavement. There are still numerous gaps in knowledge to fill linked with these two characteristics. For instance, current parameters fail to accommodate these two bitumen phenomena fully. This study aims to propose a new procedure to address this issue utilizing the linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test, LAS with rest period (RP) (LASH) test, and simplified viscoelastic continuum damage (S-VECD) model. This research work used four different types of asphalt binders: neat asphalt (NA), self-healing thermoplastic polyurethane (STPU)-modified bitumen (STPB), self-healing poly (dimethyl siloxane) crosslinked with urea bond (IPA1w)-modified bitumen (IPAB), and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified bitumen (SBSB). Before the testing process, all the materials were subjected to short-term and long-term aging. The new procedure showed a superior capacity to analyze and accommodate all bitumen fatigue performances and self-repairing activities compared to the current method. Another finding proved that asphalt binders with a higher self-restoration behavior failed to show a better fatigue performance. Moreover, the higher fatigue performance increments produced by STPU and IPA1w in NA concerning the control bitumen were 123.7% and 143.7%, respectively. Those values were obtained with 1.0% STPU and 0.5% IPA1w in NA. A breakthrough finding demonstrated that asphalt binder fatigue response is augmented when the RP was applied at a higher damage intensity (S) value. STPB and IPAB reached their highest increments of fatigue response, containing 1.0% of STPU and 0.5% of IPA1w, respectively. Those augmentations were 207.54% and 232.64%, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Polymer Materials in Pavement Design: 2nd Edition)

40 pages, 2844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Detection and Classification Framework for Diagnosing of Cerebral Microbleeds Using Transformer and Language

by Cong Chen, Lin-Lin Zhao, Qin Lang and Yun Xu

Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11100993 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

The detection of Cerebral Microbleeds (CMBs) is crucial for diagnosing cerebral small vessel disease. However, due to the small size and subtle appearance of CMBs in susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), manual detection is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Meanwhile, the presence of similar-looking features in SWI images demands significant expertise from clinicians, further complicating this process. Recently, there has been a significant advancement in automated detection of CMBs using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) structure, aiming at enhancing diagnostic efficiency for neurologists. However, existing methods still show discrepancies when compared to the actual clinical diagnostic process. To bridge this gap, we introduce a novel multimodal detection and classification framework for CMBs’ diagnosis, termed MM-UniCMBs. This framework includes a light-weight detection model and a multi-modal classification network. Specifically, we proposed a new CMBs detection network, CMBs-YOLO, designed to capture the salient features of CMBs in SWI images. Additionally, we design an innovative language–vision classification network, CMBsFormer (CF), which integrates patient textual descriptions—such as gender, age, and medical history—with image data. The MM-UniCMBs framework is designed to closely align with the diagnostic workflow of clinicians, offering greater interpretability and flexibility compared to existing methods. Extensive experimental results show that MM-UniCMBs achieves a sensitivity of 94% in CMBs’ classification and can process a patient’s data within 5 s. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biosignal Processing)

29 pages, 5802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Landscape Ecological Quality of Two Different Farm Management Models: Polyculture Agroforestry vs. Conventional

by Gemma Chiaffarelli, Nicolò Sgalippa and Ilda Vagge

Land 2024, 13(10), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101598 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Low-intensity, diversified agricultural land use is needed to counteract the current decline in agrobiodiversity. Landscape ecology tools can support agrobiodiversity assessment efforts by investigating biodiversity-related ecological functions (pattern–process paradigm). In this study, we test a toolkit of landscape ecology analyses to compare different farm management models: polyculture agroforestry (POLY) vs. conventional monoculture crop management (CV). Farm-scale analyses are applied on temperate alluvial sites (Po Plain, Northern Italy), as part of a broader multi-scale analytical approach. We analyze the landscape ecological quality through landscape matrix composition, patch shape complexity, diversity, metastability, and connectivity indices. We assess farm differences through multivariate analyses and t-tests and test a farm classification tool, namely, a scoring system based on the relative contributions of POLY farms, considering their deviation from a local CV baseline. The results showed a separate ecological behavior of the two models. The POLY model showed better performance, with significant positive contributions to the forest and semi-natural component equipment and diversity; agricultural component diversity, metastability; total farm diversity, metastability, connectivity, and circuitry. A reference matrix for the ecological interpretation of the results is provided. Farm classification provides a quick synthesis of such contributions, facilitating farm comparisons. The methodology has a low cost and quickly provides information on ongoing ecological processes resulting from specific farm management practices; it is intended to complement field-scale assessments and could help to meet the need for a partially outcome-based assessment of good farm practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning)

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