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34 pages, 4355 KB

Open AccessReview

Thin-Film Sensors for Industry 4.0: Photonic, Functional, and Hybrid Photonic-Functional Approaches to Industrial Monitoring

by Muhammad A. Butt

Coatings 2026, 16(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16010093 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

The transition toward Industry 4.0 requires advanced sensing platforms capable of delivering real-time, high-fidelity data under extreme industrial conditions. Thin-film sensors, leveraging both photonic and functional approaches, are emerging as key enablers of this transformation. By exploiting optical phenomena such as Fabry–Pérot interference, [...] Read more.

The transition toward Industry 4.0 requires advanced sensing platforms capable of delivering real-time, high-fidelity data under extreme industrial conditions. Thin-film sensors, leveraging both photonic and functional approaches, are emerging as key enablers of this transformation. By exploiting optical phenomena such as Fabry–Pérot interference, guided-mode resonance, plasmonics, and photonic crystal effects, thin-film photonic devices provide highly sensitive, electromagnetic interference-immune, and remotely interrogated solutions for monitoring temperature, strain, and chemical environments. Complementarily, functional thin films including oxide-based chemiresistors, nanoparticle coatings, and flexible electronic skins extend sensing capabilities to diverse industrial contexts, from hazardous gas detection to structural health monitoring. This review surveys the fundamental optical principles, material platforms, and deposition strategies that underpin thin-film sensors, emphasizing advances in nanostructured oxides, 2D materials, hybrid perovskites, and additive manufacturing methods. Application-focused sections highlight their deployment in temperature and stress monitoring, chemical leakage detection, and industrial safety. Integration into Internet of Things (IoT) networks, cyber-physical systems, and photonic integrated circuits is examined, alongside challenges related to durability, reproducibility, and packaging. Future directions point to AI-driven signal processing, flexible and printable architectures, and autonomous self-calibration. Together, these developments position thin-film sensors as foundational technologies for intelligent, resilient, and adaptive manufacturing in Industry 4.0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films)

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64 pages, 13395 KB

Open AccessReview

Low-Cost Malware Detection with Artificial Intelligence on Single Board Computers

by Phil Steadman, Paul Jenkins, Rajkumar Singh Rathore and Chaminda Hewage

Future Internet 2026, 18(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi18010046 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has significantly expanded the threat landscape for malicious software (malware), rendering traditional signature-based detection methods increasingly ineffective in coping with the volume and evolving nature of modern threats. In response, researchers are utilising artificial intelligence [...] Read more.

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has significantly expanded the threat landscape for malicious software (malware), rendering traditional signature-based detection methods increasingly ineffective in coping with the volume and evolving nature of modern threats. In response, researchers are utilising artificial intelligence (AI) for a more dynamic and robust malware detection solution. An innovative approach utilising AI is focusing on image classification techniques to detect malware on resource-constrained Single-Board Computers (SBCs) such as the Raspberry Pi. In this method the conversion of malware binaries into 2D images is examined, which can be analysed by deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify them as benign or malicious. The results show that the image-based approach demonstrates high efficacy, with many studies reporting detection accuracy rates exceeding 98%. That said, there is a significant challenge in deploying these demanding models on devices with limited processing power and memory, in particular those involving of both calculation and time complexity. Overcoming this issue requires critical model optimisation strategies. Successful approaches include the use of a lightweight CNN architecture and federated learning, which may be used to preserve privacy while training models with decentralised data are processed. This hybrid workflow in which models are trained on powerful servers before the learnt algorithms are deployed on SBCs is an emerging field attacting significant interest in the field of cybersecurity. This paper synthesises the current state of the art, performance compromises, and optimisation techniques contributing to the understanding of how AI and image representation can enable effective low-cost malware detection on resource-constrained systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intrusion Detection and Resiliency in Cyber-Physical Systems and Networks—2nd Edition)

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37 pages, 26976 KB

Open AccessArticle

Range-Wide Aerodynamic Optimization of Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Using CFD and Surrogate Models

by Giusep Baca, Gabriel Santos and Leandro Salviano

Wind 2026, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/wind6010002 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

The depletion of fossil fuel resources and the growing need for sustainable energy solutions have increased interest in vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), which offer advantages in urban and variable-wind environments but often exhibit limited performance at low tip speed ratios (TSRs). This [...] Read more.

The depletion of fossil fuel resources and the growing need for sustainable energy solutions have increased interest in vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), which offer advantages in urban and variable-wind environments but often exhibit limited performance at low tip speed ratios (TSRs). This study optimizes VAWT aerodynamic behavior across a wide TSR range by varying three geometric parameters: maximum thickness position (

a / b

), relative thickness (m), and pitch angle (

β

). A two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) framework, combined with the Metamodel of Optimal Prognosis (MOP), was used to build surrogate models, perform sensitivity analyses, and identify optimal profiles through gradient-based optimization of the integrated

C_{p}

–

λ

curve. The Joukowsky transformation was employed for efficient geometric parameterization while maintaining aerodynamic adaptability. The optimized airfoils consistently outperformed the baseline NACA 0021, yielding up to a 14.4% improvement at

λ = 2.64

and an average increase of 10.7% across all evaluated TSRs. Flow-field analysis confirmed reduced separation, smoother pressure gradients, and enhanced torque generation. Overall, the proposed methodology provides a robust and computationally efficient framework for multi-TSR optimization, integrating Joukowsky-based parameterization with surrogate modeling to improve VAWT performance under diverse operating conditions. Full article

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20 pages, 1399 KB

Open AccessReview

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Acute Kidney Injury: Intersections Between Chemotherapy and Novel Cancer Immunotherapies

by Zaroon Zaroon, Carlotta D’Ambrosio and Filomena de Nigris

Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010120 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a major clinical challenge, with high morbidity and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, mitochondria have gained considerable attention as key regulators of the metabolic and immune responses during renal injury. Beyond their classical role in ATP production, [...] Read more.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a major clinical challenge, with high morbidity and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, mitochondria have gained considerable attention as key regulators of the metabolic and immune responses during renal injury. Beyond their classical role in ATP production, mitochondria participate directly in inflammatory signaling, releasing mitochondrial DNA and other DAMPs that activate pathways such as TLR9, cGAS–STING, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. At the same time, immune cells recruited to the kidney undergo significant metabolic shifts that influence whether injury progresses or resolves. Increasing evidence also shows that immune-modulating therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and innovative cell-based immunotherapies, can influence mitochondrial integrity, thereby altering renal susceptibility to injury. This review first summarizes the established knowledge on mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI, with emphasis on distinct mechanistic pathways activated by chemotherapy and immunotherapy. It then discusses emerging mitochondrial-targeted therapeutic strategies, logically integrating preclinical insights with data from ongoing and proposed clinical trials to present a coherent translational outlook. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Kidney Injury and Mitochondrial Involvement)

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16 pages, 599 KB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Relational Capital, Structure Embeddedness, and Open Innovation in Indonesian Business Incubators and Startups

by Adhi Bawono, Idris Gautama So, Asnan Furinto and Sri Bramantoro Abdinagoro

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010035 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Despite the growing role of business incubators in fostering digital startups in emerging economies, the mechanism through which business incubator characteristics, specifically relational capital and structural embeddedness, influence startup innovation performance remains underexplored, particularly in the context of open innovation practices. This study [...] Read more.

Despite the growing role of business incubators in fostering digital startups in emerging economies, the mechanism through which business incubator characteristics, specifically relational capital and structural embeddedness, influence startup innovation performance remains underexplored, particularly in the context of open innovation practices. This study examines how relational capital and structural embeddedness of business incubators affect the innovation performance of digital startups in Indonesia, with open innovation as a moderating variable. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 201 startup owners or managers in Jakarta, West Java, and Banten. Partial Least Squares Structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationship. The results indicate that relational capital significantly enhances both innovation performance and structural embeddedness. However, structural embeddedness does not directly affect innovation performance nor mediate the link between relational capital and innovation. Notably, open innovation significantly moderates the relationship between structural embeddedness and innovation performance. This study contributes by integrating relational capital, structural embeddedness, and open innovation into a coherent framework within the underexplored context of Indonesian digital startups. The findings reveal that while relational capital is crucial, structural embeddedness alone is insufficient without active open innovation practices, offering nuanced insights for incubator management in emerging economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalyzing Growth: Nurturing Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Business Development)

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13 pages, 7859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Itaconate Promotes Cold Adaptation and Myocardial Protection by Enhancing Brown Adipose Tissue Metabolism

by Zilong Geng, Xing Liu, Xiao Cheng, Shizhan Xu, Jin Zhang, Ao Tan, Shun Song and Shasha Zhang

Metabolites 2026, 16(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16010066 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Itaconic acid (ITA) is an immunometabolite with anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory functions, but its cellular source and role in brown adipose tissue (BAT) remain unclear. This study aims to reveal the expression patterns of the key ITA synthesis gene Irg1 in BAT [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Itaconic acid (ITA) is an immunometabolite with anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory functions, but its cellular source and role in brown adipose tissue (BAT) remain unclear. This study aims to reveal the expression patterns of the key ITA synthesis gene Irg1 in BAT at different developmental stages and to investigate the effects of cold exposure and exogenous ITA on BAT metabolic function and cardioprotection. Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells in BAT from P7 neonatal and adult mice. Bioinformatic methods were applied to identify cell types expressing Irg1. Cold exposure (4 °C) and exogenous ITA treatment were employed to evaluate BAT morphology, and the ITA content in BAT was detected using gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, UCP1 protein expression, and body temperature changes. A transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery model was established to induce cardiac dysfunction, and BAT excision was performed to explore the BAT-dependent effects of ITA on myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac function. Results: In P7 neonatal mouse BAT, Irg1 was predominantly expressed in a subset of interferon-responsive activated macrophages (macrophage27), while in adult mice, it was mainly expressed in neutrophils and a functionally similar macrophage subset (macrophage25). Cold exposure significantly suppressed Irg1 expression in neutrophils but did not affect its expression in macrophages, also resulting in a significant decrease in ITA content in BAT. Exogenous ITA significantly enhanced BAT thermogenesis under cold conditions, which manifested as reduced lipid droplets, upregulated UCP1 expression, and increased body temperature. In the TAC model, ITA treatment markedly improved cardiac function, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and these protective effects were significantly diminished after BAT excision. Conclusions: ITA promotes cold adaptation and ameliorates cardiac injury by enhancing BAT metabolic function, and its effects depend on the presence of BAT. This study provides new insights for the treatment of metabolic cardiovascular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Pathological Mechanisms in Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome: 2nd Edition)

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10 pages, 1468 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Molecular Tools for Bioaerosol Monitoring: A Case Study of Staphylococcus aureus in a Crowded Workplace

by Merita Xhetani, Brikena Parllaku, Fjoralda Bakiri, Arta Lugaj, Etleva Hamzaraj, Mirela Lika, Antea Metaliaj, Vera Beca and Bationa Bennewitz

Aerobiology 2026, 4(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerobiology4010004 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a common opportunistic pathogen found in various environments, with the potential for rapid spread, especially in densely populated indoor settings. Integrating traditional microbiological monitoring with molecular techniques is critical for the timely detection and control of such pathogens. The aim [...] Read more.

Staphylococcus aureus is a common opportunistic pathogen found in various environments, with the potential for rapid spread, especially in densely populated indoor settings. Integrating traditional microbiological monitoring with molecular techniques is critical for the timely detection and control of such pathogens. The aim of this study was (1) to monitor the presence and spread of S. aureus in a crowded occupational environment and (2) to optimize a PCR protocol with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) for precise identification and early detection of this microorganism and its antibiotic resistance genes. Sampling was conducted in two different places: a call center and a healthcare facility room. All samples were collected from indoor areas at two different time points (T0 and T1) in May 2025 (mean temperature: 22.5 °C; humidity: 59.5%). Microbiological techniques and molecular analysis using PCR-SSP were employed to confirm the presence of S. aureus and detect antibiotic resistance genes such as mecA. A total CFU (colony-forming unit) count of 587 was recorded at the dental clinic corridor, and a total CFU count of 2008 was recorded at the call center corridor. PCR-SSP successfully confirmed the identity of S. aureus with an amplicon size 267 bp and enabled the detection of antibiotic resistance markers, validating its use as a complementary method to traditional microbiological techniques. This study highlights the importance of combining environmental monitoring with molecular biology tools to enhance the early detection and accurate identification of microbial pathogens such as S. aureus and provide an insight for our future direction of producing biosensors for digital air monitoring in crowded workplaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Bioaerosol Detection, Characterization, and Modeling)

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8 pages, 1301 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence from Outcomes: Gender-Neutral 2vHPV Vaccination at Moderate Coverage Drives Rapid Depletion of HPV16/18 Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Women

by Matti Lehtinen, Ville N. Pimenoff, Tiina Eriksson, Camilla Lagheden, Anna Söderlund-Strand, Heljä-Marja Surcel and Joakim Dillner

Viruses 2026, 18(1), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18010099 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may eventually eradicate oncogenic vaccine-targeted HPVs but only with a strategy that also protects unvaccinated individuals. We compared the impact of gender-neutral and girls-only vaccination strategies on the indirect and direct protection of unvaccinated and vaccinated young women against [...] Read more.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may eventually eradicate oncogenic vaccine-targeted HPVs but only with a strategy that also protects unvaccinated individuals. We compared the impact of gender-neutral and girls-only vaccination strategies on the indirect and direct protection of unvaccinated and vaccinated young women against HPV16/18 infection using HPV16/18 seropositivity and PCR positivity 3–7 years post vaccination as the outcome measure. A total of 33 Finnish communities were randomized to one of three vaccination strategies: bivalent gender-neutral HPV vaccination (Arm A), girls-only HPV vaccination (Arm B), or control hepatitis B vaccination (Arm C). All individuals born between 1992 and 1995 and residing in these communities (n = 80,272) were invited to participate. Overall, 11,662 males and 20,513 females consented, corresponding to vaccination coverages of 25% and 45%, respectively, in 2007–2009. Between 2010 and 2014, 11,396 cervical samples were collected from 18-year-old participants and subjected to high-throughput PCR-based HPV genotyping. In addition, serum samples were obtained from 8022 unvaccinated women under 23 years of age residing in Arm A (n = 2657), Arm B (n = 2691), or Arm C (n = 2674) communities during the pre-vaccination (2005–2010) and post-vaccination (2011–2016) periods. To assess indirect vaccine effects using PCR and serological outcomes in unvaccinated women, we compared reductions in HPV16/18 prevalence from baseline within the gender-neutral and girls-only vaccination arms, using the control arm as a reference. A significant decrease in seroprevalence between the pre- and post-vaccination periods was detected in the gender-neutral communities for both HPV16 (seroprevalence ratio = 0.64) and HPV18 (0.72), whereas no comparable reductions were observed in the girls-only or control communities. In contrast, a significant reduction in HPV18 PCR-based prevalence from baseline to the post-vaccination period was observed in both the gender-neutral (0.32) and girls-only (0.61) communities. However, after accounting for ratios of seroprevalence rations for secular trends, the corresponding decrease in HPV18 seroprevalence was no longer statistically significant. Vaccine efficacy (VE) in Arm A or Arm B versus Arm C of vaccinated women measured the direct protection of vaccinated women by vaccination strategy. HPV16/18 VEs varied between 89% and 96% with some indication of herd effect against HPV18. Robust effectiveness of vaccination against PCR-confirmed cervical HPV16/18 infections, along with rapid indirect protection against HPV16/18 and HPV18 infections, was evident even with vaccination reaching only 25% and 45% coverage. Our results suggest that vaccine efficacy and herd effect induced by gender-neutral 2vHPV vaccination sets the stage for comprehensive HPV eradication, including the unvaccinated in the vaccinated communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue HPV-Associated Cancers 2025)

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15 pages, 1028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Who Am I? Eyebrow Follicles Minimize Donor-Derived DNA for Germline Testing After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

by Matthias Mertens, Mona Sadlo, Jörn-Sven Kühl, Klaus Metzeler, Louisa Zschenderlein, Jeanett Edelmann, Claudia Lehmann, Sarah Thull, Mert Karakaya, Clara Velmans, Theresa Tumewu, Matthias Böhme, Christina Klötzer, Anne Weigert, Vladan Vucinic, Julia Hentschel and Mareike Mertens

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020744 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Germline genetic testing plays a critical role in diagnosing inherited predispositions and increasingly guides therapeutic and surveillance choices—but becomes technically challenging after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), when donor-derived DNA contaminates host tissues. To address this, we compared donor-derived DNA across three [...] Read more.

Germline genetic testing plays a critical role in diagnosing inherited predispositions and increasingly guides therapeutic and surveillance choices—but becomes technically challenging after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), when donor-derived DNA contaminates host tissues. To address this, we compared donor-derived DNA across three accessible tissues—buccal swab, nail, and eyebrow follicles—in recipients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using two orthogonal assays (34-SNP next-generation sequencing and a 27-marker short tandem repeat panel) and modeled clinical covariates that influence chimerism. Eyebrow follicles showed consistently low donor DNA (median 1% by NGS; 3% by STR) whereas buccal swabs and nails carried substantially higher donor fractions (+25 and +22 percentage points versus eyebrow, respectively; both p < 0.01). Across methods, STR yielded on average ≈6 percentage points higher donor fractions than NGS at low-level chimerism. Several transplant covariates correlated with chimerism: matched-related donors and a perfect HLA match (10/10) were each associated with lower donor DNA (≈12–14 and 15–20 percentage points, respectively); longer times since hematopoietic stem cell transplantation correlated with lower levels for nail samples, and donor–recipient sex match correlated with higher donor DNA (~7–8 percentage points). Even low-level chimerism can distort germline variant interpretation. We propose a pragmatic protocol for post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation germline testing that prioritizes eyebrow follicles as the default tissue. An SNP-based quality control assay is used to flag unsafe donor fractions (≥ 5–10%) before comprehensive germline analysis, reducing the risk that chimeric donor DNA distorts germline variant interpretation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Personalized Medicine: Cancer, Inherited Diseases, and Beyond)

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13 pages, 6834 KB

Open AccessArticle

ColorDetect RT-LAMP Assay for the Rapid, Sensitive, and Specific Detection of Porcine Abortion-Associated Pestivirus (PAAPeV)

by Xu Yang, Ying Li, Wenqi Yin, Wenjie Tang, Hui Diao, Mengjia Zhou, Hao Yang, Wenyi Fu, Lu Yong, Xu Luo, Guo Liao and Yuancheng Zhou

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13010074 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to develop and optimize a colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for porcine abortion-associated pestivirus (PAAPeV)—an emerging pathogen that causes severe reproductive disorders in swine, for which no effective treatments or vaccines are currently [...] Read more.

The primary objective of this study was to develop and optimize a colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for porcine abortion-associated pestivirus (PAAPeV)—an emerging pathogen that causes severe reproductive disorders in swine, for which no effective treatments or vaccines are currently available. In this study, four sets of LAMP primers were designed and screened for the colorimetric RT-LAMP assay, targeting the highly conserved 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of PAAPeV. Three reaction parameters, including reaction temperature, reaction duration, and inner-to-outer primer ratio, were then optimized based on cycle threshold (Ct) values, fluorescence intensity, and color changes of the endpoint products. Subsequently, the specificity and sensitivity of the optimized colordetect RT-LAMP assay were systematically validated, and its diagnostic performance was compared with that of the gold-standard reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The results demonstrated that the optimized assay achieved a detection limit of 2 copies/μL under the conditions of 65 °C incubation for 25 min and an inner-to-outer primer ratio of 8:1, with results amenable to naked-eye interpretation. Furthermore, this assay exhibited high specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with other known pestiviruses or prevalent swine pathogens. Clinical sample testing results showed 100% concordance between colordetect RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. Collectively, this colordetect RT-LAMP assay represents a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for PAAPeV RNA detection in both clinical laboratories and field settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Epidemiology, and Vaccine Development of Swine Viral Diseases—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 495 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Dynamics and Digital Transformation in Lower-Middle-Class Hospitals: Evidence from Indonesia

by Faisal Binsar, Mohammad Hamsal, Mohammad Ichsan, Sri Bramantoro Abdinagoro and Diena Dwidienawati

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020182 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital transformation is increasingly essential for healthcare organizations to improve operational efficiency and service quality. However, in developing countries such as Indonesia, many lower-middle-class hospitals lag due to limited financial, human, and infrastructural resources. This study examines how environmental dynamism—comprising regulatory [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Digital transformation is increasingly essential for healthcare organizations to improve operational efficiency and service quality. However, in developing countries such as Indonesia, many lower-middle-class hospitals lag due to limited financial, human, and infrastructural resources. This study examines how environmental dynamism—comprising regulatory changes, market pressures, and technological shifts—affects the digital capabilities of these hospitals. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in Class C and D hospitals across Indonesia. Respondents included hospital directors, deputy directors, and IT heads. Data were collected through structured questionnaires measuring environmental dynamism and digital capability using a six-point Likert scale. Reliability testing yielded Cronbach’s alpha values above 0.96 for both constructs. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between environmental dynamism and digital capability. Results: Findings reveal a weak positive correlation (r = 0.1816) between environmental dynamism and digital capability. Although external factors such as policy regulations and technological competition encourage digital adoption, hospitals with limited internal resources struggle to translate these pressures into sustainable transformation. Key challenges include low ICT budgets, inconsistent staff training, and insufficient infrastructure. Conclusions: The results suggest that environmental change alone cannot drive digital readiness without internal capacity development. To foster resilient digital healthcare ecosystems, policy interventions should integrate regulatory frameworks with practical support programs that strengthen resources, leadership, and human capital in lower-middle-class hospitals. Full article

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15 pages, 2130 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Analysis of Hybrid Fractal Antennas for Multiband Communication and Radar Applications

by Abdelbasset Azzouz, Rachid Bouhmidi, Mehr E. Munir, Moustafa M. Nasralla and Mohammed Chetioui

Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10010047 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

This work introduces the development and performance analysis of a hybrid fractal antenna combining a Koch snowflake outer geometry with a center slot patterned as a Sierpinski rectangular carpet. The antenna is fabricated on an FR4 board (

ε_{r} = 4.7

, [...] Read more.

This work introduces the development and performance analysis of a hybrid fractal antenna combining a Koch snowflake outer geometry with a center slot patterned as a Sierpinski rectangular carpet. The antenna is fabricated on an FR4 board (

ε_{r} = 4.7

,

\tan δ = 0.0197

) with dimensions

40 \times 60 \times 0.8

mm³. Electromagnetic simulations are performed using Ansys HFSS v15, revealing seven distinct resonances at 2.11, 3.06, 5.78, 6.94, 8.48, 9.23, and 9.56 GHz. The corresponding impedance bandwidths are 90, 37, 67, 100, 90, 130, and 220 MHz, with return losses of −14, −12, −16, −10, −30, −16, and −17 dB, and VSWR values ranging from 1.06 to 1.80. The gains at these resonances are 3.92, 8.24, 6.90, 11.66, 19.38, 16.76, and 12.06 dBi. Frequency allocation analysis indicates compatibility with UMTS/LTE (2.11 GHz), S-band 5G and radar (3.06 GHz), ISM/UNII-3 Wi-Fi and ITS (5.78 GHz), C-band satellite uplink (6.94 GHz), and X-band radar/satellite downlink (8.48–9.56 GHz). The proposed geometry demonstrates wide multi-band coverage, making it a strong candidate for integration into multi-standard communication and radar platforms requiring compact, broadband, and high-directivity performance. Full article

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19 pages, 267 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of Auditory-Perceptual Analysis in the Study of Speech Function in Patients with Unilateral Cleft and Palate

by Alexandra Bloeck, Nora Ann Doyle, Sylva Bartel and Michael Krimmel

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020588 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary outcome studies are carried out to evaluate long-term treatment in patients with cleft lip and palate. Speech function as one of the key outcomes of the treatment is examined by means of an auditory-perceptual analysis. For scientific and global studies [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary outcome studies are carried out to evaluate long-term treatment in patients with cleft lip and palate. Speech function as one of the key outcomes of the treatment is examined by means of an auditory-perceptual analysis. For scientific and global studies it is essential to reduce the risk of bias as much as possible. The aim of the present study was the examination of auditory-perceptive analyses on the basis of an outcome study. Reliability was evaluated. Methods: Twenty patients were examined to evaluate their speech function. The speech sample was obtained via the online tool Zoom™. The speech sample consisted of single words (picture supported), a version of the German “Great Ormond Street Speech Assessment” (GOS.SP.ASS) sentences and spontaneous speech. The analysis was carried out by three experienced examiners, all using the German version of the Universal Reporting Parameters at two different times. The intrarater and interrater reliability were calculated. Results: Twenty participants with unilateral cleft and palate and a minimum age of 18 years (ø 20.1) were enrolled in the analysis of the speech function. None of the participants had undergone a secondary operation due to velopharyngeal incompetence. The examination happened at a point in time before an osteotomy might be needed. The multidisciplinary treatment of the 20 participants regarding their speech function was successful. There were only marginal abnormalities. The listeners showed a very good intrarater and moderate interrater reliability (ICC/Fleiss’ kappa). An overall percentual agreement of 88.3% was achieved. Conclusions: These positive results cannot be compared with outcome studies on a national or international level, since the construction of the speech sample as well as the structure and the implementation of the auditing process reveal considerable deficiencies in methodological rigor. The small number of examiners and patients as well as the patients’ minor residual impairments influence the significance of the statistical calculation by kappa and ICC. The auditory-perceptual analysis should be validated for German-speaking countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Cleft Lip and Palate and Facial Plastic Surgery)

18 pages, 4145 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hydrodynamic Model of the Subsea Christmas Trees in the Drill Pipes Retrieval Process at 2000-Meter Water Depth

by Xudong Wu, Jianyi Chen, Ming Luo, Chunming Zeng, Heng Wang, Yingying Wang and Qi Wei

Processes 2026, 14(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14020256 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Subsea Christmas trees serve as key technical equipment for subsea oil and gas development, as they regulate the flow of oil and gas at subsea wellheads. Most deep-water subsea Christmas trees deployed in China depend on imports, resulting in high procurement costs. Post-operation, [...] Read more.

Subsea Christmas trees serve as key technical equipment for subsea oil and gas development, as they regulate the flow of oil and gas at subsea wellheads. Most deep-water subsea Christmas trees deployed in China depend on imports, resulting in high procurement costs. Post-operation, these systems are typically hoisted and recovered using drill pipes and steel wire ropes. However, the harsh and dynamic deep-sea environment complicates the prediction of the tree movement posture in seawater, making safe retrieval an urgent challenge in marine oil and gas resource exploitation. Focusing on 2000 m water depth subsea Christmas tree installation and retrieval, with a specific sea area in the South China Sea as the case study, this paper applies OrcaFlex software version 11.4 to analyze drill pipe stress during retrieval and investigate movement posture changes of the tree body across different stages. Meanwhile, targeting varied operational sea conditions and integrating orthogonal test analysis, this paper quantifies the influence of parameters (wave height, ocean current velocity, and retrieval speed) on the retrieval process. The findings provide theoretical guidance and technical support for China’s deep-water subsea Christmas tree installation and retrieval operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Drilling and Excavation Theories and Technologies for Petroleum, Coal Seam and Sustainable Resources)

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16 pages, 2607 KB

Open AccessReview

Pleurotus ostreatus for Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Bioprocesses: An Evidence-Mapped Review of Research Gaps and Opportunities

by Luz Miryam Lozada-Martinez, Juan David Reyes-Duque, Yadira Marin-Hamburger and Ivan David Lozada-Martinez

J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010054 (registering DOI) - 12 Jan 2026

Abstract

Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We [...] Read more.

Fungi have emerged as versatile biotechnological platforms for addressing environmental challenges with potential co-benefits for human health. Among them, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out for its ligninolytic enzyme systems (notably laccases), capacity to valorize lignocellulosic residues, and ability to form functional mycelial materials. We conducted an evidence-mapped review, based on a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus corpus (2001–2025; 2085 records), to characterize research fronts and practical opportunities in environmental remediation and sustainable bioprocesses involving P. ostreatus. The mapped literature shows sustained growth and global engagement, with prominent themes in: (a) oxidative transformation of phenolic compounds, dyes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; (b) biodegradation/bioconversion of agro-industrial residues into value-added products; and (c) development of bio-based materials and processes aligned with the circular bioeconomy. We synthesize how these strands translate to real-world contexts, reducing contaminant loads, closing nutrient loops, and enabling low-cost processes that may indirectly reduce exposure-related risks. Key translational gaps persist: standardization of environmental endpoints, scale-up from laboratory to field, performance in complex matrices, life-cycle impacts and cost, ecotoxicological safety, and long-term monitoring. A practical agenda was proposed that prioritizes field-scale demonstrations with harmonized protocols, integration of life-cycle assessment and cost metrics, data sharing, and One Health frameworks linking environmental gains with plausible health co-benefits. In conclusion, P. ostreatus is a tractable platform organism for sustainable remediation and bio-manufacturing. This evidence map clarifies where the field is mature and where focused effort can accelerate the impact of future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungi Activity on Remediation of Polluted Environments, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 1006 KB

Open AccessArticle

Can Coexisting Allergic Rhinitis in Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Be a Prognostic Factor for Efficacy of Biological Therapy? Analysis of Eosinophilic Involvement

by Edyta Jura-Szołtys, Joanna Glück, Ludger Klimek and Radosław Gawlik

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020587 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Chronic rhinitis is induced by endotype-diverse inflammatory processes, which complicates effective therapeutic management. According to the current principles of personalized medicine, which also apply to the management of rhinological disorders, the best therapeutic results can be achieved after targeted treatment preceded by analysis [...] Read more.

Chronic rhinitis is induced by endotype-diverse inflammatory processes, which complicates effective therapeutic management. According to the current principles of personalized medicine, which also apply to the management of rhinological disorders, the best therapeutic results can be achieved after targeted treatment preceded by analysis of the patient’s endotype. Analysis of immune and cellular mechanisms allows for the use of biological treatment, and its effects provide new information on inflammatory processes in the nasal mucosa. The effects of biological treatment may be particularly interesting in the case of mixed endotypes, which pose a difficult therapeutic challenge. In eosinophilic asthma co-occurring with allergic rhinitis, as well as in eosinophilic asthma associated with non-allergic rhinitis, eosinophils represent a key effector cell population driving the underlying type 2-mediated inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy of anti-IL5 or anti-ILR5 therapy in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and persistent allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Methods: In this single-center real-life study, the authors analyzed the effects of biological treatment on rhinological symptoms in patients over the age of 18 with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic bronchial asthma with coexisting persistent allergic or non-allergic rhinitis treated with mepolizumab or benralizumab. In all patients, the otolaryngologist performed anterior rhinoscopy. Evaluation of rhinological symptoms and quality of life in patients treated with anti-IL5 or anti-IL5 therapy before and six months after biological treatment was performed using the TNSS and SNOT-22 scales. Results: In total, 67 patients with eosinophilic severe bronchial asthma were included in the study; among them 39 (58.2%) suffered from persistent allergic rhinitis and 28 (41.8%) suffered from chronic non-allergic rhinitis. After six months of treatment, higher absolute differences for SNOT and TNSS were observed in the persistent allergic rhinitis group. Conclusions: Biological treatment with mepolizumab and benralizumab may reduce the severity of rhinological symptoms in both endotypes of inflammation. However, higher therapeutic benefits were observed in patients with co-existing persistent allergic rhinitis. It was demonstrated that, in addition to IgE-mediated responses, the eosinophil represented an important component of the inflammatory reaction in allergic rhinitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Immunology & Rheumatology)

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21 pages, 2195 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Floodport App for Interactive Coastal Flood Risk Training

by Angelos Alamanos, Phoebe Koundouri, Nikolaos Nagkoulis and Olympia Nisiforou

Hydrology 2026, 13(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology13010028 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Coastal flooding can result from multiple interacting drivers and can be a complex, challenging topic for learners to grasp. Interactive learning with apps offers new opportunities for improving comprehension and engagement. We present the Floodport app, an educational interactive tool that puts students [...] Read more.

Coastal flooding can result from multiple interacting drivers and can be a complex, challenging topic for learners to grasp. Interactive learning with apps offers new opportunities for improving comprehension and engagement. We present the Floodport app, an educational interactive tool that puts students in the role of coastal risk analysts exploring how natural hazards threaten port safety. Users have to adjust key parameters, including high tides, storm surges, terrestrial rainfall contribution, sea-level rise, and engineered features such as dock height. These forces, individually or jointly, result in water-level rises that may flood the app’s port. The app supports exploration of mitigation designs for the port. Developed in Excel and Python 3.11.4 and deployed as an R/Shiny application, Floodport was used as a classroom game by 153 students with no prior knowledge on coastal flooding concepts. Pre–post survey statistical analysis showed significant learning gains and positively correlation with willingness to engage further. Floodport was found to be a useful tool for basic introduction to flooding concepts. The results indicate strong pedagogical promise and potential for using the app beyond the classroom, in contexts such as stakeholder engagement and training. Full article

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16 pages, 3692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Molecular Mechanism of Interaction Between Perfluoroalkyl Acids and PPAR by Molecular Docking

by Renli Wei, Huiping Xiao, Jie Fu, Yin Luo and Pengfei Wang

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010067 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as a class of “permanent chemicals” with high environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, have attracted much attention. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanism of the interaction between perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ). [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as a class of “permanent chemicals” with high environmental persistence and bioaccumulation, have attracted much attention. In this study, we focused on the molecular mechanism of the interaction between perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ). Using molecular docking, binding free energy calculation, and structural analysis, we systematically investigated the binding modes, key amino acid residues, and binding energies of 20 structurally diverse PFAAs with PPARδ. The results showed that the binding energies of PFAAs with PPARδ were significantly affected by the molecular weight, the number of hydrogen bond donors, and the melting point of PFAAs. PFAAs with smaller molecular weights and fewer hydrogen bond donors showed stronger binding affinity. The binding sites were concentrated in high-frequency amino acid residues such as TRP-256, ASN-269, and GLY-270, and the interaction forces were dominated by hydrogen and halogen bonds. PFAAs with branched structure of larger molecular weight (e.g., 3m-PFOA, binding energy of −2.92 kcal·mol⁻¹; 3,3m₂-PFOA, binding energy of −2.45 kcal·mol⁻¹) had weaker binding energies than their straight-chain counterparts due to spatial site-blocking effect. In addition, validation group experiments further confirmed the regulation law of binding strength by physicochemical properties. In order to verify the binding stability of the key complexes predicted by molecular docking, and to investigate the dynamic behavior under the conditions of solvation and protein flexibility, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted on PFBA, PFOA, 3,3m₂-PFOA, and PFHxA. The results confirmed the dynamic stability of the binding of the high-affinity ligands selected through docking to PPARδ. Moreover, the influence of molecular weight and branched structure on the binding strength was quantitatively verified from the perspectives of energy and RMSD trajectories. The present study revealed the molecular mechanism of PFAAs interfering with metabolic homeostasis through the PPARδ pathway, providing a theoretical basis for assessing its ecological and health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Emerging Contaminants)

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16 pages, 13998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Surfactin Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation by Negatively Regulating the Elk1-AP-1-NFATc1 Axis

by Kazuki Maruyama, Ayaka Koga, Yuki Kodama, Ryota Yamasaki, Yoshie Nagai-Yoshioka, Jun J. Miyamoto, Kayoko Kuroishi, Kaori Gunjigake, Tatsuo Kawamoto and Wataru Ariyoshi

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010155 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Surfactin is a biosurfactant with various biological activities, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on bone metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surfactin on osteoclast differentiation and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Surfactin is a biosurfactant with various biological activities, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on bone metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surfactin on osteoclast differentiation and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and surfactin, and osteoclast differentiation and maturation were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and F-actin staining, respectively. Gene expression of differentiation markers was assessed using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while the kinetics of intracellular signaling molecules and transcription factors were analyzed using Western blot analysis. Results: Surfactin treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and maturation, as well as the mRNA expression of Nfatc1, Acp5, and Cathepsin K. Although surfactin did not markedly affect RANKL-induced activation of the NF-κB or MAPK-mediated signaling, it significantly suppressed the expression of c-Fos at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, surfactin attenuated the phosphorylation of Elk1, a transcription factor involved in c-Fos induction. Conclusions: Surfactin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by negatively regulating the Elk1-AP-1-NFATc1 axis. Surfactin may thus be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of metabolic bone disorders and inflammatory bone destruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)

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22 pages, 2799 KB

Open AccessArticle

Juniperus communis L. Needle Extract Modulates Oxidative and Inflammatory Pathways in an Experimental Model of Acute Inflammation

by Dinu Bolunduț, Alina Elena Pârvu, Andra Diana Cecan, Anca Elena But, Florica Ranga, Marcel Pârvu, Iulia Ioana Morar and Ciprian Ovidiu Dalai

Molecules 2026, 31(2), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31020247 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Juniperus communis L. is a conifer widely used in traditional European medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders. However, its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation remain incompletely characterized. The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic needle extract [...] Read more.

Juniperus communis L. is a conifer widely used in traditional European medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders. However, its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation remain incompletely characterized. The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic needle extract of J. communis using in vitro assays and an in vivo model of acute inflammation induced by turpentine oil in rats. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS revealed a polyphenol-rich extract dominated by flavonols, flavanols, and hydroxybenzoic acids, with quercetin derivatives and taxifolin as major constituents. In vitro analyses demonstrated radical-scavenging and reducing capacities, exceeding or comparable to reference antioxidants in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ferric-reducing, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In vivo, both therapeutic and prophylactic administration of the extract significantly attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress, as evidenced by reductions in total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, alongside restoration of total antioxidant capacity and thiol levels. These effects were concentration-dependent. Concomitantly, inflammatory signaling was suppressed, with decreased NF-κB activity and reduced levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. These results support the use of these extracts, whose benefits have been observed in traditional medicine, providing scientific support for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of J. communis extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds as Modulators of Antioxidant Activity and Inflammatory Processes in Related Diseases)

20 pages, 2308 KB

Open AccessArticle

Refractory Geopolymer Bricks from Clays and Seashells: Effect of Sodium Lignosulfonate and Polycarboxylate Plasticizers on Workability and Compressive Strength

by Andrea Yesenia Ramírez-Yáñez, Nadia Renata Osornio-Rubio, Hugo Jiménez-Islas, Fernando Iván Molina-Herrera, Jorge Alejandro Torres-Ochoa and Gloria María Martínez-González

Eng 2026, 7(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7010039 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Refractory geopolymers derived from aluminosilicate sources and alkaline activation are a promising alternative to traditional fired bricks, particularly when low-cost, waste-derived raw materials are used. This study improves the workability of a refractory brick formulated with clays (Kaolin and Tepozan–Bauwer), seashell waste, sodium [...] Read more.

Refractory geopolymers derived from aluminosilicate sources and alkaline activation are a promising alternative to traditional fired bricks, particularly when low-cost, waste-derived raw materials are used. This study improves the workability of a refractory brick formulated with clays (Kaolin and Tepozan–Bauwer), seashell waste, sodium silicate, potassium hydroxide, and water by incorporating sodium lignosulfonate (LS) and polycarboxylate (PC) plasticizers. Clays from Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, and seashells were ground and sieved to pass a 100 Tyler mesh. A base mixture was prepared and evaluated using the Mini Slump Test, varying plasticizer content from 0 to 2% relative to the solid fraction. Based on workability, 0.5% LS and 1% PC (by solids) increased the slump, and a blended plasticizer formulation (1.5% by solids, 80%PC+20%LS) produced the highest workability. These additives act through different mechanisms, with LS primarily promoting electrostatic repulsion and PC steric repulsion. Bricks with and without plasticizers exhibited thermal resistance up to 1200 °C. After four calcination cycles, compressive strength values were 354.74 kg_f/cm² for the brick without plasticizer, 597.25 kg_f/cm² for 1% PC, 433.63 kg_f/cm² for 0.5% LS, and 519.05 kg_f/cm² for 1.5% of the 80%PC+20%LS blend. Strength was consistent with changes in porosity and apparent density, and 1% PC provided a favorable combination of high workability and high compressive strength after cycling. Because the cost of clays and seashells is negligible, formulation selection was based on plasticizer cost per brick. Although 1% PC and the 1.5% of 80%PC+20%LS blend showed statistically comparable strength after cycling, 1% PC was selected as the preferred option due to its lower additive cost ($0.0449 per brick) compared with the blend ($0.0633 per brick). Stereoscopic microscopy indicated pore closure after calcination with no visible cracking, and SEM–EDS identified O, Si, and Al as the significant elements, with traces of S and K. Overall, the study provides an integrated assessment of workability, multi-cycle calcination, microstructure, and performance for refractory bricks produced from readily available clays and seashell waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials Engineering)

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30 pages, 788 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Laissez-Faire: Differentiating the Relationship Between the Full Range Leadership Model (FRLM) and Employee Well-Being and Effort in the Greek Hotel Sector

by Angelos Ntalakos, Dimitrios Belias, Athanasios Koustelios and Nikolaos Tsigilis

Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16010034 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

The hospitality sector is an environment where leadership quality significantly impacts organizational performance and employees’ well-being. However, research on leadership styles in the Greek hotel industry remains limited. Using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), this research explores the connections between transformational, transactional, and [...] Read more.

The hospitality sector is an environment where leadership quality significantly impacts organizational performance and employees’ well-being. However, research on leadership styles in the Greek hotel industry remains limited. Using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), this research explores the connections between transformational, transactional, and passive leadership styles, as well as the employees’ outcome (extra effort, effectiveness, satisfaction). The survey was conducted among 211 hotel employees from the major Greek tourism areas. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported the MLQ structure, and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the hypothesized relationships. The findings indicate that transformational leadership is the primary factor positively associated with all three employee outcomes, with idealized influence and individualized consideration being the strongest predictors. Contingent reward (transactional leadership) is positively associated with several employee outcomes. Laissez-faire leadership has significant negative associations with extra effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction, while passive management-by-exception demonstrates some positive associations, making the situation difficult to interpret. These results verify the Full Range Leadership Model (FRLM) as a viable theoretical framework in the Greek hotel sector and offer a plethora of research-based guidelines to leadership program schedulers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Leadership)

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20 pages, 474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Forage Production and Sward Structure Dynamics of Tall Fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) Pasture Grazed to Different Sward Heights

by Pamela Yanina Giles, Gabriel Menegazzi, Diego Antonio Mattiauda, Santiago Alfredo Utsumi and Pablo Chilibroste

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020183 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Sward structure and post-grazing heights (SH) significantly influence plant growth and animal intake, crucial for dairy grazing systems. However, these interactions are dynamic and vary with season, resource heterogeneity, and defoliation patterns. Seasonal effects of control (TC), medium (TM), and lax (TL) post-grazing [...] Read more.

Sward structure and post-grazing heights (SH) significantly influence plant growth and animal intake, crucial for dairy grazing systems. However, these interactions are dynamic and vary with season, resource heterogeneity, and defoliation patterns. Seasonal effects of control (TC), medium (TM), and lax (TL) post-grazing SH of grazed Lolium arundinaceum-based pasture on forage production and utilization, herbage mass, green cover, and chemical composition were tested during autumn-winter and spring seasons and among tall (TP), medium (MP), and short (SP) patches in spring. Thirty-six lactating Holstein cows were randomized evenly to TC, TM, and TL grazing treatments to achieve 6, 9, and 12 cm of post-grazing SH during autumn-winter, and 9, 12, and 15 cm in spring. Forage production was higher on TL than TM and TC, yet utilization was similar across all treatments. The TP relative to MP on SP increased for TL compared to TC and TM. The TP-TC presented higher leaf-density and leaf-proportion, than TP-TL, without modifying leaf canopy distribution of superior-medium horizons among treatments. Grazing management modulated forage production and structural heterogeneity across SH treatments. Critically, monitoring patch-level dynamics—rather than mean height —is essential for optimizing production and harvest efficiency in temperate systems by improving grazing horizon accessibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)

16 pages, 1930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Left Atrial Appendage Closure in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Intermediate-to-Borderline High Cardiovascular Risk: A Retrospective Propensity Match Cohort Study

by Jiayi Liu, Ningjing Qian, Ying Gao, Junyan Jin, Bingqi Wang, Muhua Luo and Yaping Wang

J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2026, 13(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd13010041 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background and objective: Evidence of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and oral anticoagulants (OACs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with intermediate-to-borderline high stroke risk is scarce. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the latter clinical [...] Read more.

Background and objective: Evidence of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and oral anticoagulants (OACs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with intermediate-to-borderline high stroke risk is scarce. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the latter clinical population. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included NVAF patients with CHA₂DS₂-VA scores of 1–2 and used 1:1 propensity score matching (184 patients per group) to compare efficacy and safety outcomes. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death during follow-up. Adverse safety events were categorized into peri-procedure (LAAC group) and non-procedural (both groups) events. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 48.93 ± 28.50 months, a total of 26 patients (7.07%) reached the primary composite efficacy endpoint. The LAAC group showed a significantly higher incidence of the efficacy endpoint compared to the OAC group (HR = 3.09; 95% CI 1.22–7.85; log-rank p = 0.01). Procedure-related events occurred in five LAAC patients (one contributing to primary endpoint), while non-procedural bleeding rates were similar (0.54% vs. 1.09%; p = 0.56). Subgroup analyses suggested concomitant ablation of NVAF in LAAC group did not significantly improve efficacy composite endpoints (HR = 0.47). Conclusions: In NVAF patients with intermediate-to-high stroke risk, OACs were more effective than LAAC in preventing thromboembolic events, with comparable rates of clinically relevant bleeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Research on Atrial Fibrillation)

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18 pages, 2326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of N/S CQDs@Fe-TCPP Nanocatalyst-Induced Electrochemical Sensors for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Enrofloxacin Residues in Milk

by Wenjing Wang, Shujuan Chen, Yifan Fu, Yike Hong, Chenbo Tang, Likou Zou, Junni Tang, Li He, Shuliang Liu, Kaidi Hu and Aiping Liu

Foods 2026, 15(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020266 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

Given the potential hazards of enrofloxacin (ENR) residues to human health, establishing an accurate, rapid, and stable detection method is of importance. To enable the direct detection of ENR, an electrochemical sensor was constructed in this study. N- and S-doped carbon quantum dots [...] Read more.

Given the potential hazards of enrofloxacin (ENR) residues to human health, establishing an accurate, rapid, and stable detection method is of importance. To enable the direct detection of ENR, an electrochemical sensor was constructed in this study. N- and S-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with peroxidase-like activity were prepared using DL-malic acid, L-alanine, and L-cysteine as precursors and compounded with a tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) and Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O to make novel N/S CQDs@Fe-TCPP composite carbon-based nanozymes to construct an electrochemical sensor, and the electrochemical behavior was investigated. Under optimal experimental conditions, the sensor exhibited a linear current response to ENR concentrations in the range of 1–1300 nM (I (μA) = 0.0106c (nM) + 2.9861, R² = 0.9962), with a calculated detection limit of 0.872 nM (S/N = 3). The recovery rate of this sensor in actual milk samples ranged from 99.02% to 100.9%. The reproducibility experiments demonstrated the high precision of the method, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.27%. Stability testing revealed a peak current retention rate of 93.51% on day 21, indicating excellent system stability. These findings indicate that the sensor shows great capability for ENR detection in food products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)

30 pages, 8195 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Water and Fertilizer Use Strategies for Silage Corn Under Different Irrigation Methods to Mitigate Abiotic Stress

by Delong Tian, Yuchao Chen, Bing Xu, Guoshuai Wang and Lingyun Xu

Plants 2026, 15(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020228 (registering DOI) - 11 Jan 2026

Abstract

To reconcile the intensifying trade-off between chronic water scarcity and escalating forage demand in the Yellow River Basin, this study optimized integrated irrigation and fertilization regimes for silage maize. Leveraging the AquaCrop model, validated by 2023–2024 field experiments and a 35-year (1990–2024) meteorological [...] Read more.

To reconcile the intensifying trade-off between chronic water scarcity and escalating forage demand in the Yellow River Basin, this study optimized integrated irrigation and fertilization regimes for silage maize. Leveraging the AquaCrop model, validated by 2023–2024 field experiments and a 35-year (1990–2024) meteorological dataset, we systematically quantified the impacts of multi-factorial water–fertilizer–heat stress under drip irrigation with mulch (DIM) and shallow-buried drip irrigation (SBDI). Model performance was robust, yielding high simulation accuracy for soil moisture (RMSE < 3.3%), canopy cover (RMSE < 3.95%), and aboveground biomass (RMSE < 4.5 t·ha⁻¹), with EF > 0.7 and R² ≥ 0.85. Results revealed distinct stress dynamics across hydrological scenarios: mild temperature stress predominated in wet years, whereas severe water and fertilizer stresses emerged as the primary constraints during dry years. To mitigate these stresses, a medium fertilizer rate (555 kg·ha⁻¹) was identified as the stable optimum, while dynamic irrigation requirements were determined as 90, 135, and 180 mm for wet, normal, and dry years, respectively. Comparative evaluation indicated that DIM achieved maximum productivity in wet years (aboveground biomass yield 70.4 t·ha⁻¹), whereas SBDI exhibited superior “stable yield–water saving” performance in normal and dry years. The established “hydrological year–irrigation method–threshold” framework provides a robust decision-making tool for precision management, offering critical scientific support for the sustainable, high-quality development of livestock farming in arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)

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