Bücher veröffentlicht von Mdpi AG

Robotic manipulators are becoming increasingly complex systems in order to meet market demands for their safer and more flexible use. Complex robotic systems are modifying the way robots are perceived and exploited in several areas. The effectiveness of these systems is challenged by new problems regarding their design, control, and planning, among others. This Special Issue explores recent advances in the dynamics and control of robot manipulators, spanning from linkages to non-conventional serial and parallel robots.

The integration of various omics information-such as DNA, RNA, protein, and epigenetic regulation-brings new opportunities for the mining of important economic traits of animals and the analysis of molecular genetic mechanisms. Over the last three decades, world milk production has increased by more than 59%, from 530 million tonnes to 843 million tonnes. However, the genetic mechanisms behind milk fat traits remain largely undetermined. Milk is rich in fatty acids, proteins, and eight essential amino acids needed by the human body. The fatty acids in milk, namely, dodecylic acid, myristic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, are the main energy substances in the human body, accounting for approximately 5, 10, 8, and 27 % of total fatty acids, respectively. Thus, decoding the genetics of milk fat traits can have a potential impact on product development, international trade, and consumption of milk components. This Special Issue focuses on applying the aforementioned advances to explore gene regulation and its molecular mechanisms in milk fat traits. The topics include but are not limited to: Research and application surrounding the genetic basis of important milk fat traits; Mining and function of excellent genetic resources for milk fat traits; Genetics of nutrition metabolism regulation and efficient production of milk fat; Epigenetic research on genes implicated in milk fat traits; High-throughput sequencing research surrounding genetics of milk fat traits; Construction of gene (including circRNA, lincRNA, miRNA, and mRNA) expression regulatory network maps.

Interconnections between graph theory and algebraic structure theory have always led to innovative solutions to problems in both areas and new research topics in Mathematics and other scientific fields. This reprint aims to emphasize the new theoretical aspects and practical applications of these two research areas. It contains 18 articles selected for publication in the Special Issue "Algebraic Structures and Graph Theory," printed by the MDPI journal Mathematics.The topics addressed by the manuscripts within this reprint cover different aspects principally related to transformation semigroups, Gamma-semigroups, differential graded algebras, BL-algebras, hypergroups and hyperfields, Cayley graphs, graph energy, crossing number, Laplacian spectral radius, hypergraphs, t-graphs, and ideal-based dot total graphs.

Due to global climate change, environmental issues have become more conscious. Seaweeds play a major role in blue carbon, which fixes carbon to the ocean by taking in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and producing polysaccharides. In addition to environmental problems, marine polysaccharides have various modifying groups and have been found to have different functionality from land plants. Marine polysaccharides have been used in foods and medicines. Recently, novel biocatalysis of polysaccharide-relating enzymes has been discovered. As a result, the functionality of oligosaccharides from marine polysaccharides has been clarified, e.g., health functionality such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory effect, intestinal regulation and antioxidant activity. This Special Issue aims to accumulate the knowledge of preparation, function, structure, and application of bioactive oligosaccharides and polysaccharides-relating enzymes from marine organisms. This Special Issue aimed to contribute to the achievement of multiple goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (No. 2, 3, 12, 14), and we invited scientists to submit their latest research findings in this field. Comprehensive review papers are also welcomed.

The reprint entitled "Metal-Based Drugs: Past, Present, and Future" covers some recent research and review articles in the field of metal-based drugs used in medicine. By purpose and content, this Book is addressed to the vast number of life science researchers and health care workers (chemists, pharmacists, biochemists, physicists, and doctors). Our initiative to publish in Molecules Journal the Special Issue entitled "Metal-Based Drugs: Past, Present, and Future" was honored by 13 groups totaling 74 scientists from Asia (India, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan), Europe (Bulgaria, France, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K.), North America (Canada), and Africa (Egypt and South Africa). The number of involved researchers and the geographic distribution of their academic institutions indicate the great interest of the worldwide scientific community in discovering new metal-based drugs that can treat different diseases.

Today, more than ever, the world needs to be considered a finite and limited system, characterised by scarce resources and as a place where restocking is not possible in an infinite way. As such, careful resource management needs to be planned and set by the concurrent actions of heterogeneous stakeholders, from policymakers up to academics and practitioners, to effectively implement the Circular Economy. This reprint highlights new opportunities and challenges for the Circular Economy and Sustainable Business Performance Management, focusing on technological advancements and management initiatives, including public-private partnerships between stakeholders.

This second Special Issue was compiled because of the interest demonstrated by the great success of the first Special Issue devoted to "Sensor Systems for Gesture Recognition".We believe this reprint acts as a meaningful window towards "Gesture Recognition" and the related sensors allowing the gathering of necessary data.

This reprint contains a summary of what has been presented at the 19th "Calorimetry for High Energy Physics Experiment" (CALOR) conference, which was held at the University of Sussex (Brighton, UK) in May 2022.The state of the art of particle detection, as well as of simulation tools for particle interactions with material, is presented and discussed by world leaders in the Research & Development of particle detectors, as well as early career researchers, sparking very exciting conversations within the detector development community during the five days of the conference.

Amid challenging environmental conditions throughout their life cycle, plants display an extraordinary ability to sense, process, and respond to a diverse array of stimuli with adaptability. The complexity of their stress responses unfolds across various levels-physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and cellular-demanding a profound comprehension of the intricate mechanisms at work. These stresses intertwine, triggering cellular damage and initiating a cascade of responses within plants. Critical growth phases under severe stress encounter mechanical damage and alterations in cellular macromolecule synthesis. While plants possess inherent defense mechanisms against oxidative damage, excessive oxygen production overwhelms their detoxification capacity, leading to detrimental reactions like loss of osmotic responsiveness, wilting, and necrosis. This reprint undertakes a comprehensive analysis, exploring multiple perspectives such as gas exchange, metabolomics, proteomics, isotopic, and genomic approaches, to unveil the drivers and specific strategies that empower plants to adapt to stressful growth conditions. By examining trait selection, phenotypic plasticity, and other factors, this reprint uncovers the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying plant resilience amidst adversity. A valuable resource for scientists, academics, and professionals, this reprint unveils the mysteries of plant resilience and productivity, fostering innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture in our ever-changing world.

This Proceedings reprint comprises a collection of the papers presented at the second International Conference on Computational Engineering and Intelligent Systems, held online in the period 18-20 November 2022. The conference focused on computational engineering including modeling, simulation, analysis, and intelligent systems driven by computing and artificial intelligence. The papers included in this collection deal with a range of topics including smart grids, renewable energies, intelligent safety and control systems, power quality and cloud computing.

This reprint contains different corrosion resistance topics like: corrosion behavior of coated low-carbon steel in a simulated PEMFC environment; some brassicaceae extracts as potential antioxidants and green corrosion inhibitors; electrochemical impedance analysis for corrosion rate monitoring of Sol-Gel protective coatings in contact with nitrate molten salts for CSP applications; comparing the corrosion resistance of 5083 Al and Al2O33D/5083 Al composite in a chloride environment; microstructural, corrosion resistance, and tribological properties of Al2O3 coatings prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying; the influence of friction stir surface processing on the corrosion resistance of Al 6061; the preparation of one-dimensional polyaniline nanotubes as anticorrosion coatings; in vitro analysis of FeMn-Si smart biodegradable alloy; corrosion resistance of electrochemically synthesized modified zaccagnaite LDH-type films on steel substrates; new Zn3Mg-xY alloys; characteristics, microstructural evolution, and corrosion and immersion behaviors of carbon steel; phosphate carbon steel and phosphate and painted carbon steel in saltwater.

Mountain forests and alpine ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and endemism, and they are also large global carbon stores. They are highly threatened by climate change, population growth and land use change. Mountains represent an ideal natural laboratory in which the evolution of social-ecological systems can be investigated and to the current challenges and opportunities that this past evolution has created can be assessed. Mountains have been centres of past development and conduits for the spread of crops, populations and technologies. They were and remain a locus for cultural interaction, as manifested recently in many parts of the world at the local level through pastoral-agricultural-urban interactions over access to space and resources, particularly water. The relevance and impact of this Special Issue on mountains goes beyond academia, as practitioners and policymakers need key information on the dynamics and changes in threatened ecosystems to help design and implement appropriate management strategies for sustainable mountain futures.

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, is a multicultural country with abundant biodiversity, forests, and water sources. The country has experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization in recent decades, creating considerable social and economic progress. However, countless environmental and occupational risks that follow unregulated development still threaten the health of exposed children and adults from urban and rural areas. Despite a complex scenario of exposure to multiple contaminants, studies on the impacts on human health and well-being are sorely needed. Thus, building up comprehensive evidence on environmental and occupational health in Brazil is crucial to improving practices and policies toward stronger social development. This Special Issue comprises cutting-edge epidemiological, clinical, and experimental studies, as well as literature reviews on all aspects of environmental and occupational health in Brazil. Studies on children, adults, and vulnerable populations related to toxicology, epidemiology, and public policies are especially welcomed. Manuscript topics include, but are not limited to, the adverse health effects of physical, chemical, and biological risks; exposure to air, water, soil and food pollution; metals and pesticides; organic solvents; dust; and climate change.

The value of this volume, entitled "Anti-Racist Perspectives on Sustainabilities", which includes insights from Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and settler communities, lies in its potential to transform our approach to environmental and social challenges. These communities have long endured the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change, often due to historical injustices and systemic racism. We developed more comprehensive and contextually appropriate sustainability solutions by integrating our unique knowledge, experiences, and cultural values. In this reprint, by emphasizing inclusivity and representation in decision making, we ensure that policies and initiatives address these communities' diverse needs and aspirations. Moreover, dismantling systemic racism within sustainability efforts is ethically imperative and vital to foster a more equitable and resilient society. Ultimately, embracing anti-racist perspectives on sustainability paves the way for a more sustainable future that uplifts and empowers all individuals and communities, promoting social justice alongside environmental stewardship.

Transportation is one of the most crucial aspects across the world, supporting the daily life of human beings and the sustainable development of the whole of society. Generally, meteorology causes various impacts on transportation operation, safety and efficiency. In the context of global warming, increasing numbers of extreme weather and climate events (such as fog, icy roads, and extreme winds) have been detected worldwide and are expected to occur more frequently in the future. Meanwhile, extreme events, such as dense fog, rainstorm, and blizzard, tend to damage transportation and traffic facilities (such as express ways, port, airport, and high-speed railway) and induce serious traffic blocks and accidents. In recent decades, concentrated and continuous efforts have been made to carry out meteorological analyses regardless of urban traffic or transportation conditions, including those of highways, shipping, aviation, etc. A number of methods and techniques have been intensively developed to promote the qualities of both observations and forecasts. More recently, state-of-the-art machine learning frameworks have also been widely introduced into studies regarding transportation meteorology and many other fields.

The concept of the 'Zero Energy Mass Custom Home' or ZEMCH is emerging with the aim of exploring opportunities to make our built environment more socially, economically, environmentally, and humanly sustainable. The concept of 'Sustainable Development' has existed for quite some time. In 1987, it was first advocated by the World Commission on Environment and Development. In 1997, the text of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was eventually adopted at the 3rd Conference of the Parties (COP3). The Paris Agreement adopted by 196 Parties at COP21 came into force on 4th November 2016. The goal was to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius in comparison to pre-industrial levels. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy consumption, having a tremendous impact on global warming. The built environment is indeed a system of energy and environment that is occupied by the masses, embracing diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Today, the United Nations articulates the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that reflect necessary global actions for humanity and the planet. In view of these agendas, the delivery of built environments is becoming more demanding and complex than ever, and it is now required that developers accommodate the social, economic, environmental, and human dimensions of these sustainability challenges. This volume encompasses a wide spectrum of ZEMCH research and development knowledge that concerns design engineering, construction management, material innovation, renewable energy technology, and community planning.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem that must be addressed. The global increase in CKD prevalence is associated with an increase in conventional disease risk factors (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), which may be exacerbated by additional variables such as environmental and occupational exposure to toxic compounds. Authors contributed to this Special Issue by highlighting the finding of potential novel biomarkers of the disease and more effective therapy alternatives, as well as works that enhance the understanding of CKD pathogenesis and its related complications.

Culinary herbs and spices confer characteristic flavors or coloring to food. In this Special Issue of Foods, we aim to focus on culinary herbs and spices from a health perspective. Substances of plant origin are often regarded as harmless. The intention of this Special Issue is to provide a science-based view of the health impact of naturally occuring ingredients in plants with a particular focus on the health impact of plants used as culinary herbs and spices. In this context, different aspects will be addressed, including toxicological, analytical, and regulatory issues regarding naturally occurring ingredients in culinary herbs and spices as well as in products, such as essential oils and the food supplements based on them. For this purpose, some select examples of these compounds will be utilized to illustrate potential effects on human health, together with knowledge gaps related to hazard and exposure assessment. Moreover, safety issues related to products, such as essential oils or food supplements containing extracts of culinary herbs and spices that have become widely available to consumers through several distribution channels in the EU, will be covered.

This Special Issue presents contributions from biological fields focusing on the identification of underlying principles in living systems, and manuscripts that apply findings obtained from existing systems to modern technologies. We greatly appreciate the time and effort that the Guest Editors devoted to this Special Issue.

This reprint collects ten papers (plus an introductory chapter) showing how actuarial mathematics principles and tools can provide substantial support when implementing QRM phases, in particular when facing new risks or risks with changing features. The following specific topics are specifically discussed: the design of post-retirement benefits, the design of life and health insurance policies against new risks, advancements in mortality modeling, advancements in risk measures and risk models, reserving disclosure tools, and innovative approximation formulae for the mean duration.

The year 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of Journal of Clinical Medicine, and as one of the major sections of JCM, we are launching a 10th anniversary Special Issue in the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine".We accepted papers for the Special Issue, titled "Recent diagnostic and therapeutic advance in Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine". This medical field is a complex and wide-ranging field that deals with diseases in multiple organs such as the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary pancreas. With recent advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional treatment, those in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, those in functional test and those in genetic diagnosis and drug therapy, including the molecular-targeted therapy, many new medical findings have been accumulated.In this Special Issue, we looked for reports that make full use of advances in diagnostics and therapeutics in the field of Gastroenterology and Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine.

This reprint contains 14 articles published in the Special Issue, "Use of Modern Materials in Technological Processes Accompanied by Frictional Heating". These articles can be divided into five groups:1) Analytical modeling of the frictional heating process in systems made of homogeneous and functionally gradient materials (FGMs) [1-7];2) Numerical simulations of the temperature mode of railway brake systems [8, 9];3) Experimental studies and numerical simulations of the influence of various types of additives added to the friction material in the wet clutch disc [10, 11];4) Inverse thermal problems of friction [12];5) The influence of friction on the stress distribution in a composite containing thin elastic homogeneous inclusions, or that made of FGM [13, 14].

This Reprint includes articles published in the Special Issue "Droplet-Based Microfluidics: Design, Fabrication and Applications". This Special Issue focuses on the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, fabrication of microfluidic devices, and the generation, manipulation, and applications of droplets.

This reprint aims to bring together cutting-edge research on machine health monitoring and fault diagnosis techniques. Machine health monitoring and fault diagnosis are crucial aspects of maintaining the reliability and efficiency of industrial machinery. With the increasing complexity of modern machines, there is a growing need for advanced techniques that can quickly detect and diagnose potential faults before they become serious problems. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art methods in machine health monitoring and fault diagnosis techniques and stimulate further research in this important field.

Assessing the risk of difficult-to-treat bacterial superinfections, such as multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli, according to comorbidities, lung abnormalities or systemic diseases, the severity of pneumonia and the risks of drug-related effects are crucial points for the clinical management. Despite the wide-and not always appropriate-use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, specific data about bacterial and fungal co-infection in COVID-19 patients are lacking, and confirmed evidence is urgently required to build prospective evidence and to support the development of antimicrobial policy and appropriate stewardship interventions. The present Special Issue aims to focus on the following key points: Importance of superinfections in COVID-19 patients who are typically characterized by immunosuppression related to viral infection, need for prolonged hospitalization, treatment with immunomodulatory therapies (steroids, monoclonal antibodies, etc.); Their impact on the outcome of a cohort of patients who are relatively young, with few comorbidities, but requiring prolonged invasive support; Incidence, characteristics and impact of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant, Gram-negative pathogens in the context of COVID-19 disease; Incidence, characteristics and impact of fungal infections, such as the most known invasive aspergillosis but also candidemia and/or other fungal infections (e.g., mucormycosis); Antimicrobial surveillance, control and management measures as implemented on a local, national and international basis.

The focus of this reprint is to draw attention to Greening Urban Spaces. Cities play a central role in advancing economic and social developments and addressing the challenges that humanity face today. Although cities provide access to better health services, urban life is also associated with factors that are deleterious to human health, such as increased stress, mental fatigue, pollution, as well as sedentary lifestyles and a disconnection to the natural environment. There is a growing consensus across many academic fields and health promotion policy areas that the provision of accessible and high-quality greenspace is a vital element in the effort against the adverse health effects of urbanization. However, there are still research gaps that need to be addressed before the health benefits of greenspaces can be fully integrated into practice.

Advanced fluid machinery is the key component in the sustainable development of energy and water resources, including various transport processes for liquids. Where fluid flows, fluid machinery works. Therefore, fluid machinery occupies an important position in the social economy. This Special Issue, entitled "Optimization and Flow Characteristics in Advanced Fluid Machinery", provides a platform for the sharing of knowledge among researchers in the field of fluid machinery, and includes theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and experimental studies. This Special Issue covers a wide range of disciplines as follows: (1) optimization of advanced fluid machinery using different advanced algorithms; (2) flow characteristics of advanced fluid machinery using numerical and experimental methods; (3) vibration and noise of advanced fluid machinery; (4) fluid-structural coupling analysis of advanced fluid machinery; (5) cavitation and multi-phase flow of advanced fluid machinery; (6) simulation and optimization of new energy systems; and (6) other aspects of fluid machinery.This Special Issue contains 27 manuscripts, including 1 Editorial and 26 scientific articles. We would like to thank all of the authors and peer reviewers for their valuable contributions to this Special Issue.