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18 pages, 609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lightweight IoT Authentication Protocol Using PUFs in Smart Manufacturing Industry

by Abdullah M. Alharthi and Fahad S. Altuwaijri

Electronics 2025, 14(9), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14091788 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2025

Over recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been widely adopted in various domains, including modern manufacturing. However, IoT security remains a critical challenge due to resource constraints and deployment in unsecured environments. This paper introduces a lightweight IoT authentication protocol leveraging [...] Read more.

Over recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been widely adopted in various domains, including modern manufacturing. However, IoT security remains a critical challenge due to resource constraints and deployment in unsecured environments. This paper introduces a lightweight IoT authentication protocol leveraging physical unclonable functions (PUFs) tailored for smart manufacturing. The protocol employs lightweight cryptographic techniques and a PUF-based challenge–response mechanism to ensure key security properties such as confidentiality, integrity, anonymity, and perfect forward secrecy. Through a combination of formal analysis, the proposed protocol demonstrates resilience against prevalent attacks while significantly reducing computational and communication overheads. Comparative performance analysis highlights its efficiency and suitability for resource-constrained IoT environments. Full article

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18 pages, 6026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anthraquinone-2-Carboxylic Acid Is a Potential Antiviral Candidate Against Influenza Viruses In Vitro and In Vivo

by Sichen Ren, Yan Luo, Huimin Tao, Ping Wang, Song Li and Jingjing Yang

Viruses 2025, 17(5), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050628 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics triggered by influenza viruses annually impose considerable burdens on public health and finances. The continual evolution of viral strains with drug resistance emphasizes the urgency of discovering novel agents for influenza viruses. This study investigated a set of [...] Read more.

Seasonal outbreaks and occasional pandemics triggered by influenza viruses annually impose considerable burdens on public health and finances. The continual evolution of viral strains with drug resistance emphasizes the urgency of discovering novel agents for influenza viruses. This study investigated a set of innovative substances derived from Morinda officinalis with antiviral potential against influenza virus strains. The top candidate, anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid (A2CA), presented antiviral activity against diverse influenza virus strains, including those resistant to oseltamivir. In an influenza mouse model, the pre-administration of A2CA dose-dependently ameliorated influenza A virus (IAV)-mediated weight loss as well as protected mice from a lethal IAV infection. In addition, lung injury and cytokine dysregulation were mitigated. Further investigation revealed that IAV-induced activation of the RIG-I/STAT1 signaling pathway did not occur after A2CA treatment. A time-of-addition assay revealed that A2CA targeted the final phase of intracellular replication, which was further determined by molecular docking between A2CA and the IAV RdRp protein. Finally, transcriptome analysis revealed that the TP53TG3C, CFAP57 and SNX30-DT genes may be involved in the antiviral effects of A2CA. These results play a part in achieving a thorough comprehension of the capacity of A2CA to inhibit influenza virus infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antiviral Agents to Influenza Virus 2025)

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15 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normal System in Laplace Expansion and Related Regression Modeling Problems

by Stan Lipovetsky

Symmetry 2025, 17(5), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17050668 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper considers some innovative theoretical features and practical applications of the normal system of equations used for estimating parameters in multiple linear regression. The Laplace expansion of a determinant by cofactors and double Laplace expansion are employed for resolving the normal system. [...] Read more.

This paper considers some innovative theoretical features and practical applications of the normal system of equations used for estimating parameters in multiple linear regression. The Laplace expansion of a determinant by cofactors and double Laplace expansion are employed for resolving the normal system. Additional features are described, including the ridge regularization applied directly to the normal system, geometric interpretation as a unique hyperplane through the points of special weighted means, Mahalanobis distances from observations to these means for the linear link functions, and multidimensional interpolation. The found properties are useful for a better understanding and interpretation of multiple regression, and the numerical examples demonstrate convenience and applicability of these tools in data modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)

13 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mortality Predictors in Patients with Severe COPD Exacerbation

by Elena Cojocaru, Raluca Ecaterina Haliga, Gianina-Valentina Băcescu Ene and Cristian Cojocaru

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 3028; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093028 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and in-hospital mortality. Several hematological inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), derived NLR (dNLR), and systemic immune-inflammation [...] Read more.

Background: Severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and in-hospital mortality. Several hematological inflammatory biomarkers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), derived NLR (dNLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), have been proposed as markers of disease severity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 104 ICU patients with AECOPD over a two-year period. We collected and analyzed clinical, demographic, and laboratory data. The hematological indices of the two groups—survivors (n = 39) and non-survivors (n = 65)—were compared to assess differences. We used t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests to compare the groups. The factors that independently predicted mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression. We examined survival differences using Kaplan–Meier analysis, and ROC curves were utilized to evaluate the predictive power of each biomarker. Results: Mortality was substantially predicted by higher SII (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.24–3.08, p = 0.002) and NLR (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.72–4.82, p < 0.001). Patients with NLR > 8.0 and SII > 1800 had significantly lower survival rates (log-rank p < 0.001), according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. SII (AUC = 0.79) and NLR (AUC = 0.82) were the best predictors of death, according to ROC analysis. Conclusions: In ICU-admitted AECOPD patients, NLR, MLR, PLR, dNLR, and SII are independent predictors of mortality. Due to their ease of evaluation and predictive capabilities, they should be included in ICU risk models for early interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treatment and Management)

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19 pages, 7102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Creep Model of Weakly Cemented Soft Rock Considering Damage and Secondary Development in FLAC3D

by Junhong Huang, Shanchao Hu, Xuelong Li, Shihao Guo, Chenxi Zhang, Zhihao Gao, Jinhao Dou, Dawang Yin and Yafei Cheng

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4838; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094838 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The time-dependent deformation control of weakly cemented soft rock in deep underground engineering is a critical scientific issue that directly affects the long-term stability of roadways. Traditional Nishihsara models encounter limitations in accurately capturing the weakening effects of material parameters during rock creep [...] Read more.

The time-dependent deformation control of weakly cemented soft rock in deep underground engineering is a critical scientific issue that directly affects the long-term stability of roadways. Traditional Nishihsara models encounter limitations in accurately capturing the weakening effects of material parameters during rock creep failure and in describing the accelerated creep stage, making them insufficient for analyzing the creep failure mechanisms of weakly cemented surrounding rock. To address these limitations, this study integrates SEM and X-ray scanning results to reveal the microscopic degradation process during creep: under external forces, clay minerals, primarily bonded face-to-face or through cementation, gradually fracture, leading to continuous microcrack propagation and progressive parameter degradation. Based on damage theory, an enhanced Nishihara creep model is proposed, incorporating a time-dependent damage factor to characterize the attenuation of the elastic modulus and a nonlinear winding element connected in series to represent the accelerated creep stage. The corresponding three-dimensional constitutive equations are derived. Using the Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) algorithm for parameter inversion, the model achieves over 98% fitting accuracy across the full creep stages of weakly cemented soft rock, validating its applicability to other rock types such as salt rock and anthracite. The damage creep model is numerically implemented through secondary development in FLAC3D 6.0, with simulation results showing less than 5% deviation from experimental data and the failure mode is similar. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for further understanding the creep behavior of weakly cemented soft rocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering)

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14 pages, 2387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Stage Local Path Planning Algorithm Based on Sampling and Optimization Methods

by Yucheng Liang, Fei Hu and Xidong Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4876; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094876 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

As the application of mobile robots becomes increasingly widespread, many navigation applications now require more than just obstacle avoidance capabilities. There is a growing demand for robots to follow predetermined global paths. Inspired by stamping technology in the metalworking field, this paper proposes [...] Read more.

As the application of mobile robots becomes increasingly widespread, many navigation applications now require more than just obstacle avoidance capabilities. There is a growing demand for robots to follow predetermined global paths. Inspired by stamping technology in the metalworking field, this paper proposes a two-stage local path planning algorithm based on sampling and optimization, termed the path stamping forming algorithm. In the exploration stage, the path stamping forming algorithm finds a preliminary path that avoids obstacles and runs parallel to the global path. The subsequent optimization stage determines the optimal local path that meets specific constraints. Finally, we compared the proposed algorithm with existing advanced navigation algorithms through simulations and experiments, demonstrating its superior performance. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm enables mobile robots to avoid obstacles and follow the global path without the need to re-plan the global path. Compared with the traditional local path planning algorithm, the performance of the proposed algorithm in following the global path is improved by up to 52.71%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Intelligent Robotics)

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22 pages, 5187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Analysis of the MsRCI2 Gene Family in Medicago sativa and Functional Characterization of MsRCI2B in Salt Tolerance

by Huiru Qiao, Depeng Zhang, Zizhao Zhang, Jing Meng, Pin He, Shichao Zhang, Yan Wang, Hua Cai and Yong Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094165 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The Rare Cold-Inducible 2 (RCI2) gene encodes a conserved hydrophobic peptide that plays a crucial role in ion homeostasis, membrane stability, and responses to abiotic stress. In this study, six members of the MsRCI2 gene family were identified in Medicago sativa [...] Read more.

The Rare Cold-Inducible 2 (RCI2) gene encodes a conserved hydrophobic peptide that plays a crucial role in ion homeostasis, membrane stability, and responses to abiotic stress. In this study, six members of the MsRCI2 gene family were identified in Medicago sativa L., all of which contain highly conserved PMP₃ domains. Comparative collinearity analysis revealed syntenic relationships between M. sativa and M. truncatula, with each gene displaying distinct expression profiles under various stress conditions. Among them, MsRCI2B was significantly upregulated in response to salt stress. Alfalfa plants overexpressing MsRCI2B exhibited enhanced salt tolerance, as evidenced by increased antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and superoxide anion (O₂⁻) compared to wild-type plants. Furthermore, the transgenic lines maintained better Na⁺/K⁺ homeostasis under salt stress, reflected by a lower Na⁺/K⁺ ratio and significantly elevated expression of key ion transport genes, including MsSOS1, MsAKT1, and MsNHX1. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying MsRCI2B function, a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screen identified 151 potential interacting proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that these interactors are mainly involved in antioxidant defense and ion transport. Further validation confirmed direct interactions between MsRCI2B and both calmodulin (CaM) and vacuola H⁺-ATPase (V-H⁺-ATPase), suggesting that MsRCI2B contributes to ion homeostasis through interactions with CaM and V-H⁺-ATPase, thereby promoting Na⁺/K⁺ balance and enhancing salt tolerance. These findings provide new insights into the role of MsRCI2B in salt stress responses and underscore its potential as a genetic target for enhancing salinity tolerance in forage crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular and Physiological Analysis of Stress in Plants)

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23 pages, 1211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Collaborative Optimization Approach for Configuring Energy Storage Systems and Scheduling Multi-Type Electric Vehicles Using an Improved Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

by Yirun Liu and Xiaolong Wu

Processes 2025, 13(5), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051343 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in facilitating the grid integration of variable wind and solar power. Despite their potential, achieving coordinated operational optimization between ESS and heterogeneous EV fleets to maintain grid stability under high renewable [...] Read more.

Energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in facilitating the grid integration of variable wind and solar power. Despite their potential, achieving coordinated operational optimization between ESS and heterogeneous EV fleets to maintain grid stability under high renewable penetration poses a complex technical challenge. To address this, this study develops an integrated optimization framework combining ESS capacity planning with multi-type EV scheduling strategies. For ESS deployment, a tri-objective model balances cost, wind–solar integration, and electricity deficit. A Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is used to simulate different probabilistic models of charging loads for multiple types of EVs, and a bi-objective optimization approach is used for their orderly scheduling. An improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization (IMOPSO) algorithm is proposed to resolve the coupled optimization problem. Case studies reveal that the framework achieves annual cost reductions, enhances the wind–solar integration rate, and minimizes the power deficit in the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

17 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrotalcites as a Promising Adsorbent for Hemicellulose Hydrolysate Detoxification in Xylitol Production

by Débora D. V. da Silva, Kelly J. Dussán, Isabela A. L. Costa, Marcus B. S. Forte and Maria G. A. Felipe

Fermentation 2025, 11(5), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11050243 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The worldwide demand for sustainable bioprocesses is undeniable, as well as for research aimed at the biotechnological exploitation of lignocellulosic materials, especially their hemicellulosic fractions rich in xylose. Various bioproducts can be obtained from these fractions, although some bottlenecks still exist, such as [...] Read more.

The worldwide demand for sustainable bioprocesses is undeniable, as well as for research aimed at the biotechnological exploitation of lignocellulosic materials, especially their hemicellulosic fractions rich in xylose. Various bioproducts can be obtained from these fractions, although some bottlenecks still exist, such as the presence in hemicellulosic hydrolysates of compounds that are toxic for microorganisms, which requires a previous step of detoxification to reduce them to non-inhibitory levels. The present investigation proposes the use of hydrotalcites as a new detoxifying agent for the hemicellulosic hydrolysate of sugarcane straw to produce xylitol by Candida tropicalis, aiming at a greater removal of phenolics and less loss of sugars. The design of these experiments was used for factorial effect analysis in a simultaneous way; the influences of pH and temperature were evaluated, considering the detoxification process at different times for both uncalcined and calcined hydrotalcite adsorbents. While for the calcined hydrotalcite, the temperature was the significant factor, for the uncalcined, there was also an influence of pH and little effect on the factors of yield and productivity. The effectiveness of hydrotalcites as demonstrated in this research, mainly regarding the ability to reduce the content of phenolic compounds in hydrolysates with a low loss of sugar content, followed by fermentability to produce xylitol, is a strong requirement for the proposition of these new adsorbents in investigations of the development of sustainable technologies for obtaining bioproducts in a biorefinery context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprocesses for Biomass Valorization in Biorefineries)

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25 pages, 5922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Enhancement of a Solar Air Heater Equipped with a Tree-Like Fractal Cylindrical Pin for Drying Applications: Tests Under Real Climatic Conditions

by Chotiwut Prasopsuk, Kittiwoot Sutthivirode and Tongchana Thongtip

Energies 2025, 18(9), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092230 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper reports the improved thermal and drying performance of a solar air heater powered by real solar irradiance and equipped with a tree-like fractal-based cylindrical pin (SAH-TFCP) as a turbulator for drying applications. The main purpose of this work is to demonstrate [...] Read more.

This paper reports the improved thermal and drying performance of a solar air heater powered by real solar irradiance and equipped with a tree-like fractal-based cylindrical pin (SAH-TFCP) as a turbulator for drying applications. The main purpose of this work is to demonstrate the SAH-TFCP’s improvement potential based on its thermal and drying performance as compared with a conventional solar air heater based on a flat-plate absorber (SAH-FP). The test was implemented based on solar time from 8:30 to 17:30 under Thailand’s climatic conditions at a latitude angle of 14° and a longitude angle of 100°. Turmeric slices were used to evaluate the SAH’s drying performance. The thermal efficiency, moisture content wet basis (MC_wb), drying rate (DR), and drying efficiency were measured as parameters of interest to assess the improvement potential of the SAH-TFCP over the SAH-FP. The results indicate that the SAH-TFCP provides better thermal and drying performance than the SAH-FP. A higher flow rate yields a higher thermal efficiency and a greater improvement potential. The improvement potential is around 44–85%. The drying efficiency of the SAH-TFCP is always higher than that of the SAH-FP and has an improvement potential of 32–44%, depending on the airflow rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technology for Solar Thermal Cooling, Heating, and Energy Storage)

19 pages, 1799 KiB

Open AccessReview

Solutions to the Dilemma of Antibiotics Use in Livestock and Poultry Farming: Regulation Policy and Alternatives

by Shimei Zheng, Yongchao Li, Cuihong Chen, Naiyu Wang and Fengxia Yang

Toxics 2025, 13(5), 348; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050348 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

While the application of antibiotics in livestock production has undeniably propelled the rapid growth of animal husbandry, the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance stemming from antibiotic use poses significant threats to global public health and sustainable agricultural development. To address this critical challenge, [...] Read more.

While the application of antibiotics in livestock production has undeniably propelled the rapid growth of animal husbandry, the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance stemming from antibiotic use poses significant threats to global public health and sustainable agricultural development. To address this critical challenge, multifaceted strategies have been implemented through coordinated policy interventions and scientific innovations. This review systematically examines two pivotal dimensions: (1) evolving regulatory frameworks governing antibiotic usage and (2) emerging non-antibiotic alternatives, with a particular focus on their implementation mechanisms and technological maturation. The analysis of transnational antibiotic governance encompasses comparative policy evolution in the European Union, the United States, and China. These regulatory paradigms address critical control points including registration management policies, usage monitoring systems, and integrated surveillance programs. Concerning technological alternatives, six categories of antibiotic substitutes are critically evaluated: Chinese herbal formulations, plant-derived essential oils, antimicrobial peptides, microecological agents, acidifiers, and enzyme preparations. These solutions are functionally categorized into prophylactic agents (enhancing disease resilience) and zootechnical additives (optimizing feed efficiency). These antibiotic alternatives demonstrate certain efficacy in alleviating the challenges of antibiotic overuse, yet they still face multiple implementation barriers. Further investigations are warranted to establish standardized efficacy evaluation protocols and conduct technoeconomic feasibility assessments under commercial-scale production conditions. Ultimately, resolving the antibiotic dilemma requires synergistic collaboration between regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical innovators, and academic researchers. This work emphasizes the crucial interplay between evidence-based policymaking and technological advancement in shaping sustainable livestock production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotics and Resistance Genes in Environment)

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18 pages, 386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Cottonseed Meal in Feeding Yellow-Feathered Broilers: Effects on Performance Parameters, Digestibility and Meat Quality

by Xiaohang Nie, Xiahan Wei, Weidong Niu, Fengming Li, Jiang Yuan, Gang Lv, Yong Chen and Jiancheng Liu

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050416 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with high-protein cottonseed meal (CSM) and de-phenolized cottonseed meal (DPCSM) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, slaughter traits, and meat quality in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 5760 one-day-old male [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with high-protein cottonseed meal (CSM) and de-phenolized cottonseed meal (DPCSM) on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters, slaughter traits, and meat quality in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 5760 one-day-old male Liangfeng Hua broilers were randomly divided into five groups with eight replicates per group. The control group was fed a corn-SBM diet (SBM group), while the CSM₅₀, CSM₁₀₀, DPCSM₅₀, and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups replaced 50% and 100% of the equivalent protein from SBM with CSM and DPCSM, respectively. Compared to the control group, the CSM₅₀ and DPCSM₅₀ groups showed no significant negative effect on growth performance; however, dietary calcium digestibility was significantly reduced on day 21. Furthermore, CSM₁₀₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ adversely impacted growth performance, significantly reducing crude fat digestibility and increasing serum urea nitrogen levels on day 42. The broilers in these groups also had reduced pre- and post-slaughter body weights, while those in the CSM₅₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups exhibited decreased half-clearance rates. In addition, the CSM₁₀₀ group had significantly increased pectoral muscle drip loss and a* (24 h) values. pH values measured at 45 min and 24 h were significantly elevated in the DPCSM₅₀ and DPCSM₁₀₀ groups. In conclusion, the replacement of SBM with CSM and DPCSM in yellow-feathered broiler diets should be limited to 50%. Full article

23 pages, 46352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Spatial Variation in Ecosystem Services Interactions and Their Drivers Within the National Key Ecological Function Zones, China

by Tingjing Zhang, Quanqin Shao and Haibo Huang

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(9), 1559; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17091559 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Understanding the spatial differentiation of ecosystem service (ES) interactions and their underlying driving mechanisms is crucial for effective ecosystem management and enhancing regional landscape sustainability. However, comprehensive analyses of the effects of key influencing factors on ES interactions remains limited, especially regarding the [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial differentiation of ecosystem service (ES) interactions and their underlying driving mechanisms is crucial for effective ecosystem management and enhancing regional landscape sustainability. However, comprehensive analyses of the effects of key influencing factors on ES interactions remains limited, especially regarding the nonlinear driving mechanisms of factors and their regional heterogeneity. We assessed and validated five key ES in the National Key Ecological Function Zones (NKEFZs) of China—net primary productivity (NPP), soil conservation (SC), sandstorm prevention (SP), water retention (WR), and biodiversity maintenance (BM). By integrating the optimal parameter geographical detector with constraint line methods, we further explored the complex responses of ES interactions to driving factors across different functional zones. The results showed that most ES exhibited significant spatial synergistic clustering. In contrast, widespread spatial trade-off clustering was detected in ES pairs related to WR, mainly distributed in the Tibetan Plateau, northeast China, and the Southern Hills region. Due to the improvement in ES, the overall synergies of ES enhanced from 2000 to 2020. The dominant factors in different functional zones influenced ES interactions in a non-stationary manner, with the same factors potentially showing diverse effect types in different sub-regions. Additionally, we detected the dominant role of landscape configuration factors in sub-regions for specific interaction types (e.g., WR-NPP interaction in the SP zones), suggesting the potential for achieving multi-ES synergies through landscape planning without altering landscape composition. This research provides valuable insights into understanding ES interactions and offers a scientific foundation for the implementation of ecological protection and restoration plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing Based Monitoring of Terrestrial Ecosystem Service Bundles, Trade-Offs and Synergies (Second Edition))

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12 pages, 872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of Oligaphorura ursi in Morchella Cultivation Soil, Screening of Pesticides, and Analysis of Their Effects on Mycelial Growth and Pesticide Residues

by Xueqian Bai, Yicong Wang, Muhan Wang, Jiabei Zhang, Lingyue Wu, Xuecheng Wang and Yiping Li

Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050471 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

To identify the species of Collembola that harm Morchella and to screen for pesticides that are effective in controlling these pests with minimal inhibition of mycelial growth, a five-point sampling method was used to investigate the population of Collembola and its damaging effects [...] Read more.

To identify the species of Collembola that harm Morchella and to screen for pesticides that are effective in controlling these pests with minimal inhibition of mycelial growth, a five-point sampling method was used to investigate the population of Collembola and its damaging effects on Morchella and to analyze its spatial distribution in the soil. The indoor control efficacy of ten insecticides was determined using the mushroom disc immersion method and the pesticide film method. The most effective insecticides were then selected for field testing. The effect of the best-performing field pesticides on the mycelial growth of Morchella was measured using the Petri dish mycelial growth rate method, and pesticide residues were detected using chromatography. The survey revealed that in three Morchella greenhouses, the average Collembola population was 220,333 individuals/m³. The spatial distribution of Collembola was uniform. The collected Collembola specimens were identified as Oligaphorura ursi from the family Onychiuridae. Through the lab and field screening of pesticides, it was found that 40% phoxim EC, 1.8% abamectin EC, 2.5% lambda-cyhalothrin EW, and 4.5% beta-cypermethrin EC had the best efficacy. Meanwhile, residues of these four pesticides were not detected. Mycelial growth inhibition experiments showed that 2.5% lambda-cyhalothrin EW, 1.8% abamectin EC, and 4.5% beta-cypermethrin EC exhibit low inhibition of mycelial growth and can be used as control pesticides for Collembola on Morchella, providing a technical reference for the green pesticide control of Collembola on Morchella in the study region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Propagation and Cultivation of Mushroom)

20 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Exploration of Cordyceps militaris Extract as a Postharvest Preservative for Flammulina filiformis

by Wenjing Chen, Yan Li, Youran Shao, Hongyu Chen, Ming Gong, Li Wang, Nanyi Li, Ying Wang and Gen Zou

Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 472; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050472 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Postharvest Flammulina filiformis is prone to quality degradation, adversely impacting its commercial value. Cordyceps militaris, rich in antioxidant and antibacterial components, shows promise as a natural biological preservative. This study aimed to explore the potential of C. militaris extract (CME) as a [...] Read more.

Postharvest Flammulina filiformis is prone to quality degradation, adversely impacting its commercial value. Cordyceps militaris, rich in antioxidant and antibacterial components, shows promise as a natural biological preservative. This study aimed to explore the potential of C. militaris extract (CME) as a preservative for F. filiformis. Through analyzing indicators such as browning, stipe elongation, and cap diameter, this study confirmed the effectiveness of CME in delaying oxidation and inhibiting microbial growth during storage. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that CME modulated gene expression in F. filiformis, enhancing its antioxidant defense mechanisms. The results demonstrated that CME could effectively extend the shelf life of F. filiformis, providing valuable insights into preservation strategies for this and other edible fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology)

26 pages, 4465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental DNA for Assessing Population and Spatial Distribution of Spinibarbus caldwelli in the Liuxi River

by Jujing Wang, Haimei Lin, Jinsheng Xiao, Guiyu Tan, Luobin Yan, Jiabo Chen, Jun Zhao and Junjie Wang

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050320 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The wild resources of Spinibarbus caldwelli, once an important economic fish in southern China, have been drastically reduced in recent years due to environmental changes and human activities. The Liuxi River S. caldwelli National Aquatic Germplasm Reserve was established in Conghua District, [...] Read more.

The wild resources of Spinibarbus caldwelli, once an important economic fish in southern China, have been drastically reduced in recent years due to environmental changes and human activities. The Liuxi River S. caldwelli National Aquatic Germplasm Reserve was established in Conghua District, Guangzhou city, and the release of S. caldwelli was carried out. However, traditional fishery resource survey methods yield less accurate results when the abundance of the surveyed species is low or when they are difficult to catch. As a non-destructive and non-invasive approach, environmental DNA (eDNA) is widely employed in aquatic species monitoring, though its detection efficiency may be affected by environmental conditions. Therefore, this study explored the eDNA monitoring methods of S. caldwelli in Liuxi River from the following four aspects: (1) the relationship between eDNA release and biomass/abundance; (2) the concentration and diffusion range of eDNA over time in a lentic ecosystem; (3) the diffusion range of eDNA in a lotic ecosystem; and (4) the effects of eDNA application in field monitoring. Our results showed a correlation between eDNA concentration and abundance/biomass of S. caldwelli. eDNA of S. caldwelli can diffuse up to 18 m in lentic ecosystems within 2 h and decreases with distance. eDNA of S. caldwelli released by 10 individuals in Liuxi River could be detected 900 m downstream. Field studies in Liuxi River showed that the eDNA method has high sensitivity in detecting the presence or absence of species and is highly consistent with the results of traditional methods. This study explored the application of environmental DNA technology in species monitoring in Liuxi River. Our aim was to evaluate the applicability and potential of eDNA in ecological monitoring of stream fishes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications on Environmental DNA in Aquatic Ecology and Biodiversity)

17 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intraoperative Seizures in Glioma Surgery: Is It Really Only an Intraoperative Issue?

by Giada Pauletto, Annacarmen Nilo, Christian Lettieri, Mariarosaria Valente, Marco Vindigni, Miran Skrap, Tamara Ius and Lorenzo Verriello

Cancers 2025, 17(9), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17091478 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative seizures (IOS) occur in approximately 2.9–54.3% of glioma surgeries and are often considered provoked events. Notwithstanding, their impact on seizure control and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Our aim is to assess the potential role of IOS on short- and long-term seizure [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative seizures (IOS) occur in approximately 2.9–54.3% of glioma surgeries and are often considered provoked events. Notwithstanding, their impact on seizure control and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Our aim is to assess the potential role of IOS on short- and long-term seizure and clinical outcomes in patients with tumor-related epilepsy (TRE). Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center study of 154 patients with glioma and TRE who underwent surgery. Seizure and clinical outcomes were evaluated considering the Engel classification, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale, and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Results: IOS occurred in 40 patients (26%), mostly during awake surgery, without changing the anesthesiologic protocol. Early post-operative seizures (POS) were observed in 28 patients (18.5%). There was no significant difference in the risk of developing POS between patients with and without IOS (p = 0.782). IOS did not impact seizure or clinical outcomes at 12 (p = 0.403; p = 0.748; p = 0.363) and 24 months (p = 0.488; p = 0.975; p = 0.538). In contrast, early POS were associated with worse seizure control at 12 months (p = 0.005) but not at 24 months (p = 0.102). No significant correlations were found between early POS and clinical outcomes at 1 (p = 0.324; p = 0.168) and 2 years (p = 0.920; p = 0.165). Conclusions: IOS appear to be disruptive only intraoperatively, not influencing short- and long-term seizure control and clinical outcomes. In contrast, early POS have a higher impact, particularly during the first post-operative year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intraoperative Visualization Techniques and Advanced Imaging in Brain Tumors)

26 pages, 2660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Supplementation with Modified Natural Clinoptilolite Protects Against Cadmium Toxicity in ICR (CD-1) Mice

by Michaela Beltcheva, Yana Tzvetanova, Peter Ostoich, Iliana Aleksieva, Tsenka Chassovnikarova, Liliya Tsvetanova and Rusi Rusew

Toxics 2025, 13(5), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13050350 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

For the first time, this study investigates in vivo the potential of Na-modified natural clinoptilolite to mitigate cadmium toxicity in ICR mice, a model relevant to human health. We enhanced natural clinoptilolite to improve its cadmium (Cd) exchange capacity. Mice were exposed to [...] Read more.

For the first time, this study investigates in vivo the potential of Na-modified natural clinoptilolite to mitigate cadmium toxicity in ICR mice, a model relevant to human health. We enhanced natural clinoptilolite to improve its cadmium (Cd) exchange capacity. Mice were exposed to environmentally realistic cadmium nitrate Cd(NO₃)₂ doses in their drinking water. The detoxification efficacy of the mineral was evaluated over 45 days in four groups: control (no supplementation), Cd(NO₃)₂ only, clinoptilolite only, and a combination of Cd(NO₃)₂ and clinoptilolite. We assessed Cd bioaccumulation in the liver and kidneys, genotoxicity (micronucleus assay), hematological parameters, and oxidative stress markers. Cd exposure resulted in significant bioaccumulation, reduced growth, changes in erythrograms, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Mice receiving clinoptilolite alone showed a significant increase in body mass. Modified clinoptilolite led to a nearly 48% reduction in Cd accumulation and a 30% increase in Cd excretion in the Cd-plus-clinoptilolite group compared to the Cd-only group. Erythrogram and leukogram parameters returned to near-normal levels, with reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases in glutathione (GSH) observed by the end of the experiment. No elevated levels of micronuclei were found following clinoptilolite supplementation. These results suggest that modified clinoptilolite may be a cost-effective detoxifier in Cd-polluted regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

18 pages, 1492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Leather Waste-Filled Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

by Sara Naderizadeh, Anna Faggionato, Muhammad Umar Nazir, Rosario Mascolo, Mohammad Mahbubul Hassan, Emiliano Bilotti and James JC Busfield

Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091202 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

The leather tanning industry generates a substantial quantity of solid waste, which, in part, is discarded in the environment in landfills or incinerated. One alternative end-of-life solution is to manufacture engineered materials by forming composites with a thermoplastic polymer/binder. In this work, leather [...] Read more.

The leather tanning industry generates a substantial quantity of solid waste, which, in part, is discarded in the environment in landfills or incinerated. One alternative end-of-life solution is to manufacture engineered materials by forming composites with a thermoplastic polymer/binder. In this work, leather fibres (LFs) were melt-compounded into partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), at leather fibre contents between 10 and 30% (TPU/LF), followed by compression moulding or 3D printing. The results showed that the incorporation of LF into the polymer matrix produced materials with a Young’s modulus comparable to that of leather. The melt extrusion processing influenced the polymer chain orientation and the resulting mechanical performance. The cyclic stress softening and abrasion resistance of the TPU/LF materials were evaluated to understand the potential of this material to be used in the footwear industry. The level of LF incorporation could be tailored to produce the specific targeted mechanical properties. This work demonstrates that LF could be used to produce materials with a high potential to be used in the fashion industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Advanced Polymer Composites)

30 pages, 6562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Avian Influenza Viruses in Yakutia—The Largest Breeding Habitat of Wild Migratory Birds in Northeastern Siberia

by Nikita Kasianov, Kirill Sharshov, Anastasiya Derko, Ivan Sobolev, Nikita Dubovitskiy, Arina Loginova, Evgeniy Shemyakin, Maria Vladimirtseva, Nikolay Egorov, Viacheslav Gabyshev, Yujin Kim, Sun-Hak Lee, Andrew Y. Cho, Deok-Hwan Kim, Tae-Hyeon Kim, Chang-Seon Song, Hyesung Jeong, Weonhwa Jheong, Yoonjee Hong, Junki Mine, Yuko Uchida, Ryota Tsunekuni, Takehiko Saito and Alexander Shestopalov Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2025, 17(5), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17050632 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Yakutia, the largest breeding ground for wild migratory birds in Northeastern Siberia, plays a big role in the global ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In this study, we present the results of virological surveillance conducted between 2018 and 2023, analyzing 1970 cloacal [...] Read more.

Yakutia, the largest breeding ground for wild migratory birds in Northeastern Siberia, plays a big role in the global ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). In this study, we present the results of virological surveillance conducted between 2018 and 2023, analyzing 1970 cloacal swab samples collected from 56 bird species. We identified 74 AIVs of H3N6, H3N8, H4N6, H5N3, H7N7, H10N3, and H11N9 subtypes in Anseriformes order. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to the Eurasian lineage and have genetic similarities with strains from East Asia, Europe, and North America. Cluster analysis has demonstrated the circulation of stable AIV genotypes for several years. We assume that Yakutia is an important territory for viral exchange on the migratory routes of migrating birds. In addition, several amino acid substitutions have been found to be associated with increased virulence and adaptation to mammalian hosts, highlighting the potential risk of interspecific transmission. These results provide a critical insight into the ecology of the AIV and highlight the importance of continued monitoring in this geographically significant region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Epidemiology, Evolution, and Transmission of Avian Influenza Viruses)

22 pages, 6130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Steam Processing on the Physicochemical Properties and Flavor Profile of Takifugu flavidus: A Comprehensive Quality Evaluation

by Zhihui Liu, Xiaoting Chen, Bei Chen, Yinghong Qu, Haiyan Tang, Ruowen Wu, Kun Qiao, Yongchang Su, Nan Pan, Tingru Chen, Wenzheng Shi and Zhiyu Liu

Foods 2025, 14(9), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091537 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

As a culturally iconic Chinese delicacy, pufferfish lacks systematic research on thermal processing optimization and pre-cooked meal development, limiting its industrial standardization and quality preservation. This study aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating steaming effects on Takifugu flavidus quality. This study systematically [...] Read more.

As a culturally iconic Chinese delicacy, pufferfish lacks systematic research on thermal processing optimization and pre-cooked meal development, limiting its industrial standardization and quality preservation. This study aimed to bridge this gap by evaluating steaming effects on Takifugu flavidus quality. This study systematically evaluated its physicochemical properties and flavor profiles under different steaming durations by determining the water loss rate, mass loss rate, water distribution status, textural properties, color, and free amino acid content using an electronic nose, electronic tongue, and headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). The results indicated that the core temperature of the fish meat reached 70 °C after 9 min of steaming. With higher steaming time, its mass loss rate and water loss rate generally increased, though the water loss rate temporarily decreased at 10 min. The mass loss rate stabilized after 12.5 min. The hardness and chewiness of the fish meat increased significantly when steamed for 12.5 min or longer. After 5 min of steaming, the brightness value and yellow-blue value of the fish meat significantly increased, whereas the red-green value significantly decreased. The total free amino acid content showed a fluctuating upward trend and electronic tongue analysis revealed an increase in umami and richness after steaming. Electronic nose and HS-GC-IMS analyses demonstrated that the variety and content of volatile flavor compounds significantly increased with prolonged steaming. Sensory evaluation showed that the 10 min steaming group exhibited better texture and color, while the 15 min steaming group had the best odor. Therefore, the optimal steaming time for T. flavidus was determined to be 10–15 min. For home cooking, a 15 min steaming process achieves the peak abundance of flavor compounds and the highest sensory evaluation score. For the industrial production of pre-cooked meals, a 10 min steaming process can meet the doneness requirements while maintaining suitable textural properties and color stability. The findings of this study not only advance the scientific understanding of thermal processing effects on pufferfish quality attributes, but also establish a critical technological foundation for developing standardized industrial processing protocols and high-quality pre-prepared pufferfish products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies to Improve the Quality and Safety of Seafoods and the Efficient Utilization of Their By-Products)

29 pages, 48509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Processing Optimization of the Global 30 m Land Cover Dynamic Monitoring Product

by Zhehua Li, Xiao Zhang, Wendi Liu, Tingting Zhao, Weitao Ai, Jinqing Wang and Liangyun Liu

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(9), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17091558 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Post-processing optimization refers to the refinement of land cover products by applying specific rules or algorithms to minimize erroneous changes in land cover types caused by classification uncertainty or interannual phenological variations. Global land cover (GLC) mapping has gained significant attention over the [...] Read more.

Post-processing optimization refers to the refinement of land cover products by applying specific rules or algorithms to minimize erroneous changes in land cover types caused by classification uncertainty or interannual phenological variations. Global land cover (GLC) mapping has gained significant attention over the past decade, but current GLC time-series products suffer from considerable inconsistencies in mapping results between different epochs, leading to severe erroneous changes. Here, we aimed to design a novel post-processing approach by combining multi-source data to optimize the GLC_FCS30D product, which represents a groundbreaking improvement in GLC dynamic mapping at a resolution of 30 m. First, spatiotemporal filtering with a window size of 3×3×3 was applied to reduce the “salt-and-pepper” effect. Second, a temporal consistency optimization algorithm based on LandTrendr was used to identify land cover changes across the entire time series and eliminate excessively frequent erroneous changes. Third, certain land cover transitions between easily misclassified types were optimized using logical rules and multi-source data. Specifically, the illogical wetland-related transitions (wetland–water and wetland–forest) were corrected using a simple replacement rule. To address the noticeable erroneous changes in arid and semi-arid regions, the erroneous land cover transitions involving bare areas, sparse vegetation, grassland, and shrubland were corrected by combining NDVI and precipitation data. Finally, the performance of our post-processing optimization approach was evaluated and quantified. The proposed approach successfully reduced the cumulative change area from 7537.00 million hectares (Mha) in the GLC_FCS30D product without optimization to 1981.00 Mha in the GLC_FCS30D product with optimization, eliminating 5556.00 Mha of erroneous changes across 26 epochs. Furthermore, the overall accuracy of the mapping was also improved from 73.04% to 74.24% for the Land Cover Classification System (LCCS) level-1 validation system. Erroneous changes in GLC_FCS30D were considerably mitigated with the post-processing optimization method, providing more reliable insights into GLC changes from 1985 to 2022 at a 30 m resolution. Full article

19 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anomalous Radio Signal Detection Based on an Adversarial Autoencoder

by Huan Wang, Yushu Luo, Fan Long and Yaxin Fu

Electronics 2025, 14(9), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14091785 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

In complex and ever-changing electromagnetic environments, a large number of anomalous radio signals illegally occupy spectrum resources and interfere with legitimate communications. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an anomalous radio signal detection method based on an Adversarial Autoencoder (AAE). The method [...] Read more.

In complex and ever-changing electromagnetic environments, a large number of anomalous radio signals illegally occupy spectrum resources and interfere with legitimate communications. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an anomalous radio signal detection method based on an Adversarial Autoencoder (AAE). The method comprises an autoencoder and a Generative Adversarial Network. The autoencoder is used to extract time–frequency features of radio signals, generate latent feature vectors, and reconstruct the signals. By comparing the original signals to their reconstructions, anomalies can be rapidly and accurately detected via the reconstruction error. Meanwhile, the adversarial network regularizes the latent vectors produced by the encoder, forcing them to approximate a predefined prior distribution, thereby improving the model’s generative capability and enhancing the structural consistency of the latent representations. We used a Pluto SDR device to capture real-world radio data in the field, performed frequency-domain analysis, and constructed a high-resolution power spectrum time–frequency dataset for model training and testing. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a detection accuracy of 95.5% for anomalous radio signals, exhibiting excellent performance on multiple metrics across diverse scenarios. Full article

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22 pages, 2126 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Development of a New Bi₁₂ZnO₂₀/AgI Heterosystem for the Degradation of Dye-Contaminated Water by Photocatalysis Under Solar Irradiation: Synthesis, Characterization and Kinetics

by Serine Madji, Mohamed Belmedani, Elhadj Mekatel, Sarra Zouaoui and Seif El Islam Lebouachera

Processes 2025, 13(5), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051342 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study explores the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis in wastewater treatment, which is recognized for inducing significant rates of degradation and mineralization of various contaminants, including dyes. The study focuses on the development of an innovative composite via a combination of the sillenite [...] Read more.

This study explores the efficiency of heterogeneous photocatalysis in wastewater treatment, which is recognized for inducing significant rates of degradation and mineralization of various contaminants, including dyes. The study focuses on the development of an innovative composite via a combination of the sillenite type semiconductor Bi₁₂ZnO₂₀ and the halide-type semiconductor AgI. Both semiconductors were synthesized via co-precipitation, and their phases were identified using X-ray diffraction and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis for specific surface area, UV–Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and the point of zero charge. The evaluation of the photocatalytic activity of the Bi₁₂ZnO₂₀/AgI heterosystem was carried out by monitoring the degradation process of Basic Blue 41 (BB41) under solar irradiation conditions. The results of this study revealed that the Bi₁₂ZnO₂₀/AgI heterosystem achieved the efficient degradation of BB41, with a removal rate of 98% after 150 min of treatment. The mineralization study showed that the TOC value decreased from 19.89 mg L⁻¹ to 6.87 mg L⁻¹, indicating that a significant portion of BB41 was mineralized. Via kinetic research, it was established that the degradation process followed a pseudo-first-order mechanism. Furthermore, recycling tests showed that the synthesized heterostructures maintained good structural stability and acceptable reusability over several cycles. These findings highlight the potential of heterogeneous photocatalysis as a promising approach to addressing environmental challenges associated with azo dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water and Wastewater Treatment: Developments, Challenges, and Opportunities)

18 pages, 5995 KiB

Open AccessReview

Database Analysis of Application Areas and Global Trends in Ketogenic Diets from 2019 to 2024

by Marc Assmann, Isabel Albrecht, Marius Frenser, Thorsten Marquardt and Tobias Fischer

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1478; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091478 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: After being developed in the 1920s, the ketogenic diet fell into disuse, only to make a comeback at the end of the 20th century. In addition to its original use in the treatment of epilepsy, research on the ketogenic diet is [...] Read more.

Background: After being developed in the 1920s, the ketogenic diet fell into disuse, only to make a comeback at the end of the 20th century. In addition to its original use in the treatment of epilepsy, research on the ketogenic diet is now focusing on many other indications. Methods: Based on a systematic literature analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines, an overview of the current research on specific topics in the last five years (2019 to August 2024) was compiled. Results: A total of 290 trials were included. In total, 32 topics were analyzed, most of which were related to overweight and obesity, as well as exercise and epilepsy. The articles included 1981 authors from 47 countries, who published their results from intervention and observational studies in 153 journals. In total, 227 studies lasted less than six months, while 61 studies lasted more than six months. Conclusions: The results and the increasing amount of research underline the growing scientific attention and potential of the ketogenic diet to offer new therapeutic and individual preventive approaches. These trends indicate that the ketogenic diet remains an important international research topic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)

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