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15 pages, 1101 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Impacts of Rail Transit Investment on Regional Economic Development: A Spatial-System Dynamics Analysis of the Jiangsu Yangtze River City Cluster

by Minlei Qian and Lin Cheng

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 986; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020986 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

The Jiangsu Yangtze River city cluster is a key growth pole of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, yet substantial disparities in development levels persist across cities, and the role of rail transit investment in fostering regional economic coordination remains insufficiently understood. This study [...] Read more.

The Jiangsu Yangtze River city cluster is a key growth pole of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, yet substantial disparities in development levels persist across cities, and the role of rail transit investment in fostering regional economic coordination remains insufficiently understood. This study aims to reveal the dynamic mechanisms through which railway transportation investment influences regional economic growth via population migration and service industry agglomeration, and to quantify the economic multiplier effects under different investment scenarios. Considering the close economic linkages among cities, spatial autocorrelation analysis is applied to assess intercity economic dependence, which provides the basis for developing a system dynamics model that links the rail transit system with the regional economy. Using data from eight core cities over the period 2014–2023, the model is employed to simulate long-term economic responses under different investment scenarios. The results indicate that increasing the rail transit investment ratio from 0.0077 to 0.02 is associated with an estimated 13.2% increase in regional GDP by 2030, with a corresponding economic multiplier of approximately 1.8, while simulation errors remain within 4.1–16.2% compared with historical data. The findings suggest that rail transit investment promotes regional growth through improved accessibility, factor agglomeration, and industrial upgrading, and that coordinated planning at the urban agglomeration scale is more effective than isolated city-level strategies. By integrating spatial dependence analysis with system dynamics modeling, this study offers a dynamic perspective on the regional economic impacts of rail transit investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transport Research and Railway Network Performance)

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22 pages, 959 KB

Open AccessReview

Obesity Phenotyping in Children and Adolescents: Next Steps Towards Precision Medicine in Pediatric Obesity

by Leslie Saba, Andres J. Acosta, Aaron S. Kelly and Seema Kumar

Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020303 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Pediatric obesity is an increasingly prevalent, chronic, and multifactorial disease. Achieving successful and sustained weight reduction with current interventions remains challenging due to significant heterogeneity in treatment response. This review summarizes current evidence describing variability in outcomes across lifestyle, pharmacologic, and metabolic/bariatric surgery [...] Read more.

Pediatric obesity is an increasingly prevalent, chronic, and multifactorial disease. Achieving successful and sustained weight reduction with current interventions remains challenging due to significant heterogeneity in treatment response. This review summarizes current evidence describing variability in outcomes across lifestyle, pharmacologic, and metabolic/bariatric surgery interventions in children and adolescents, and examines key biological, metabolic, behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors that influence response. In adults, recent findings on energy balance obesity phenotypes (characterized by abnormal satiation, abnormal postprandial satiety, abnormal hedonic eating, and reduced energy expenditure) have demonstrated promise in predicting weight loss outcomes and guiding tailored interventions. However, data on obesity phenotyping within children and adolescents remain limited. Addressing this gap is essential for advancing precision medicine approaches in pediatric obesity, with the potential to improve treatment selection, enhance effectiveness, and optimize long-term clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

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20 pages, 1179 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oxidative Stress, Micronutrient Deficiencies and Coagulation Disorders After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review

by Katarzyna Giedzicz, Przemysław Zubrzycki, Aleksander Łukaszewicz, Paulina Głuszyńska and Hady Razak Hady

Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010124 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) induces substantial metabolic, inflammatory, and nutritional changes that can alter hemostatic balance through redox-dependent mechanisms. This systematic review evaluated coagulation disturbances after MBS with emphasis on oxidative stress and micronutrient deficiencies. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web [...] Read more.

Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) induces substantial metabolic, inflammatory, and nutritional changes that can alter hemostatic balance through redox-dependent mechanisms. This systematic review evaluated coagulation disturbances after MBS with emphasis on oxidative stress and micronutrient deficiencies. A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2000–2025) identified 1707 records; 21 studies met inclusion criteria. Available evidence suggests that although MBS reduces obesity-related inflammation and oxidative burden in many patients, a proportion of individuals may present with persistent redox imbalance, elevated D-dimer or vWF (von Willebrand Factor), and delayed normalization of fibrinolysis. Micronutrient deficiencies—particularly vitamins K, B12, folate, selenium, zinc, and copper—are common after malabsorptive procedures and contribute to both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications by impairing antioxidant defenses, endothelial function, and vitamin K-dependent coagulation pathways. Postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence ranges from 0.3 to 0.5%, with higher risk after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass than sleeve gastrectomy, while bleeding is primarily associated with vitamin K deficiency, marginal ulcers, and anticoagulant exposure. The findings underscore the interdependence of oxidative stress, nutritional status, and hemostasis after MBS. Individualized thromboprophylaxis, routine detection of micronutrient deficiencies, and long-term biochemical monitoring are essential to maintain hemostatic stability. Standardized redox–hemostasis biomarker panels are needed to clarify mechanistic pathways and improve postoperative preventive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Health Outcomes of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress)

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23 pages, 4786 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potassium Fertilization as a Steering Tool for Sustainable Valorization of Cereal Straw in Circular Bioeconomy Value Chains

by Dario Iljkić, Ivana Varga, Paulina Krolo and Ivan Kraus

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020984 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Potassium (K) fertilization plays a key role in regulating stem morphology, particularly stem diameter, yet the influence of different K fertilizer formulations on stem structure and tensile strength remains insufficiently understood. Cereal straw is a key lignocellulosic by-product with growing importance in the [...] Read more.

Potassium (K) fertilization plays a key role in regulating stem morphology, particularly stem diameter, yet the influence of different K fertilizer formulations on stem structure and tensile strength remains insufficiently understood. Cereal straw is a key lignocellulosic by-product with growing importance in the circular bioeconomy. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the links between potassium nutrition, stem structure, and mechanical behavior for four cereal species: wheat, barley, rye, and oats. There were three potassium fertilization levels (0, 60, and 120 kg K ha⁻¹) conducted in a field experiment in eastern Croatia (2021/2022). At maturity, stem morphology, macroelements (Ca, K, P, C, N), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and uniaxial tensile properties (maximum force, tensile strength, Young’s modulus) were determined. Cereal species was the dominant source of variation (p < 0.0001) for all traits, whereas the main effect of K was generally weak and significant only for stem diameter at the midpoint and N concentration, although K × species interactions were frequent. Oats and rye showed the most vigorous biomass production, whereas wheat exhibited by far the highest tensile strength (about 120 MPa) and stiffness (6.23 GPa), together with the highest ADF, while barley had the greatest NDF. Oat stems had the lowest ADF and NDF, indicating less lignified, more digestible tissues but mechanically weaker straw. Mechanical traits were tightly and positively correlated with ADF, NDF, and CN ratio, whereas P showed weak or negative associations with plant size and strength. Therefore, for targeted straw valorization, cereal species selection is paramount, with potassium fertilization playing a secondary, species-dependent role. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Renewable Resources for the Production of Biobased Products Through the Implementation of Circular Bioeconomy Principles: Second Edition)

27 pages, 2933 KB

Open AccessArticle

The iPSM-SD Framework: Enhancing Predictive Soil Mapping for Precision Agriculture Through Spatial Proximity Integration

by Peng-Tao Guo, Wen-Tao Li, Mao-Fen Li, Pei-Sheng Yan, Yan Liu and Ju Zhao

Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020231 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

A key challenge in precision agriculture is acquiring reliable spatial soil information under varying sampling densities, from sparse surveys to intensive monitoring. The individual predictive soil mapping (iPSM) method performs well in data-scarce conditions but neglects spatial proximity, limiting its predictive accuracy where [...] Read more.

A key challenge in precision agriculture is acquiring reliable spatial soil information under varying sampling densities, from sparse surveys to intensive monitoring. The individual predictive soil mapping (iPSM) method performs well in data-scarce conditions but neglects spatial proximity, limiting its predictive accuracy where spatial autocorrelation exists. To overcome this, we developed an enhanced framework, iPSM-Spatial Distance (iPSM-SD), which systematically integrates spatial proximity through multiplicative (MUL) and additive (ADD) strategies. The framework was validated using two contrasting cases: sparse soil organic carbon density data from Yunnan Province (n = 118) and dense soil organic matter data from Bayi Farm (n = 2511). Results show that the additive model (iPSM-ADD) significantly outperformed the original iPSM and benchmark models, including random forest, regression kriging, geographically weighted regression, and multiple linear regression, under sufficient sampling, achieving an R² of 0.86 and reducing RMSE by 46.6% at Bayi Farm. It also maintained robust accuracy under sparse sampling conditions. The iPSM-SD framework thus provides a unified and adaptive tool for digital soil mapping across a wide range of data availability, supporting scalable soil management decisions from regional assessment to field-scale variable-rate applications in precision agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

22 pages, 67029 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Analysis of WRKY Genes in Autotetraploid Bupleurum chinense: Evolution, Stress Response, and Impact on Saikosaponin Biosynthesis

by Chuanxin Mo, Wenshuai Chen, Zhen Wei, Yuchan Li, Xueling Wang, Mingyue Yan, Jun Zhao, Zeru Yu, Chao Xin, Ma Yu and Hua Chen

Horticulturae 2026, 12(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12010102 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

WRKY transcription factors play critical roles in plant growth, development, metabolism, and stress responses. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide characterization of the WRKY gene family in Bupleurum chinense, using a T2T-level assembly of the autotetraploid genome. A total of [...] Read more.

WRKY transcription factors play critical roles in plant growth, development, metabolism, and stress responses. In this study, we performed the first genome-wide characterization of the WRKY gene family in Bupleurum chinense, using a T2T-level assembly of the autotetraploid genome. A total of 303 BcWRKY genes were identified and found to be unevenly distributed across four subgenomes. Phylogenetic and structural analyses revealed that segmental duplications after polyploidization drove lineage-specific expansion of the family. Meta-transcriptome analysis demonstrated that BcWRKY genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns and dynamic responses to stress, suggesting functional diversification. Under drought, waterlogging, methyl jasmonate, and ABA treatments, the contents of saikosaponins A and D significantly increased. This increase was accompanied by transcriptional activation of multiple BcWRKY genes. Correlation analysis between ten BcWRKYs and ten saikosaponins biosynthetic associated genes (BcBASs, BcCYPs, and BcUGTs) identified BcWRKY22, BcWRKY33, and BcWRKY46 as potential regulators of saikosaponin metabolism under stress conditions. Our study provided a comprehensive framework for understanding BcWRKY gene evolution and secondary metabolic regulation in polyploid medicinal plants. It also offered candidate genes for breeding B. chinense cultivars with high saikosaponin content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants—2nd Edition)

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32 pages, 37848 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability and Dynamics Analysis of Rainfall-Induced Rock Mass Blocks in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area: A Multidimensional Approach for the Bijiashan WD1 Cliff Belt

by Hao Zhou, Longgang Chen, Yigen Qin, Zhihua Zhang, Changming Yang and Jin Xie

Water 2026, 18(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18020257 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Accurately assessing collapse risks of high-elevation, concealed rock mass blocks within the steep cliffs of Bijiashan, Three Gorges Reservoir Area, is challenging. This study employed a multidimensional approach—integrating airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), the transient electromagnetic method (TEM), close-range photogrammetry, horizontal drilling, [...] Read more.

Accurately assessing collapse risks of high-elevation, concealed rock mass blocks within the steep cliffs of Bijiashan, Three Gorges Reservoir Area, is challenging. This study employed a multidimensional approach—integrating airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), the transient electromagnetic method (TEM), close-range photogrammetry, horizontal drilling, and borehole optical imaging—to characterize the rock mass structure of the WD1 cliff belt and delineate 52 individual blocks. Stability analysis incorporated stereographic projection for macro-scale assessment and employed mechanical models specific to three primary failure modes (toppling, sliding, falling). Finite element strength reduction quantified the stress–strain response of a representative block under natural and rainstorm conditions. Particle Flow Code (PFC) simulated dynamic instability of the exceptionally large block W1-37. Results indicate the WD1 rock mass is highly fractured, with base sections prone to weakness. Toppling failure dominates (90.4%). Under rainstorm conditions, the average Factor of Safety (FOS) decreased by 14.7%, and 73.1% of the blocks that were stable under natural conditions were destabilized—specifically transitioning to marginally stable or substable states—often triggering chain-reaction instability characterized by “crack propagation—base buckling”. W1-37 exhibited staged failure under rainstorm: “strain localization at fissure tips—penetration of basal cracks—overturning of the upper rock mass”. Its frontal rock reached a peak sliding velocity of 15.17 m/s, indicative of base-breaking toppling. The integrated “multi-technology survey—multi-method evaluation—multi-scale simulation” framework provides a quantitative basis for risk assessment of rock mass disasters in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area and offers a technical paradigm for similar high-steep canyon regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rainfall-Induced Landslides: Influencing, Modelling and Hazard Assessment: 2nd Edition)

18 pages, 4148 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing S20C Steel and SUS201 Steel Welding Using Stainless Steel Filler and MIG Method

by Van Huong Hoang, Thanh Tan Nguyen, Minh Tri Ho, Pham Tran Minh Trung, Nguyen Van Sung, Van-Thuc Nguyen and Van Thanh Tien Nguyen

Metals 2026, 16(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16010110 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

The reliable joining of dissimilar stainless steel and carbon steel remains a critical challenge in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding due to complex thermal–metallurgical interactions and the formation of brittle phases at the weld interface. In this study, a Taguchi-based design of experiments [...] Read more.

The reliable joining of dissimilar stainless steel and carbon steel remains a critical challenge in Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding due to complex thermal–metallurgical interactions and the formation of brittle phases at the weld interface. In this study, a Taguchi-based design of experiments was employed to systematically optimize MIG welding parameters for SUS201/S20C dissimilar joints using a SUS201 filler wire, with particular attention to the welding current, voltage, travel speed, and electrode stick-out. The welding process was performed using an automatic welding robot. Tensile specimens were tested on a universal testing machine. Microstructural analysis was performed using a metallurgical microscope. The microstructure reveals that the development of the carbon side’s large ferrite and the stainless steel side’s δ-ferrite both significantly degrade joint quality. Among all process parameters, electrode stick-out is identified as the most influential parameter governing both tensile and bending performance, highlighting a critical process sensitivity that has received limited attention in prior studies. Optimized parameter combinations are required to maximize tensile and flexural responses. The highest tensile strength is 450.96 MPa. These findings advance the understanding of parameter–microstructure–property relationships in dissimilar MIG welding. Future work applying numerical welding simulations and advanced evaluation techniques is recommended. Full article

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17 pages, 1042 KB

Open AccessArticle

TAVI Performance at a Single Center over Several Years: Procedural and Clinical Outcomes

by Huseyin Dursun, Bihter Senturk, Tugce Colluoglu, Cisem Oktay, Hacer Uysal, Husna Tuğçe Simsek, Sercan Karaoglan, Zulkif Tanriverdi and Dayimi Kaya

Medicina 2026, 62(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010204 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in patients over 70 years of age. It is also indicated for younger patients with significant comorbidities, for valve-in-valve interventions, and in selected patients [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) in patients over 70 years of age. It is also indicated for younger patients with significant comorbidities, for valve-in-valve interventions, and in selected patients with severe aortic insufficiency. We aimed to evaluate procedural and clinical outcomes of transfemoral TAVI performed over the course of 12 years by the same operators using different bioprosthetic valves. Materials and Methods: Between 2012 and 2023, 375 patients underwent TAVI in our clinic, with six types of bioprosthetic valves (Edwards Sapien XT, Medtronic Valves [CoreValve and Evolut R], Portico, Myval, Acurate Neo, and Direct Flow Medical). A transfemoral approach was used in all patients. The procedural and clinical outcomes were defined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 (VARC-3) criteria. Results: The mean age of the patients was 78.4 ± 7.3, and their median STS score was 4.2 (2.9–5.9). Of the 375 patients, 361 had severe AS, 4 had severe aortic insufficiency, 5 were valve-in-valve, and 5 were valve-in-TAVI. Seven patients required a second valve implantation: four due to embolization of the prosthetic valve and three due to deep implantation of the prosthetic valve. Based on the VARC-3 criteria, the rates of technical success and device success were 90.4% and 85.3%, respectively. Major vascular complications were observed in 18 (4.8%) patients. Also, 42 (11.2%) patients required permanent pacemaker implantation. The incidence of moderate or worse paravalvular leak was 2.9%. The peri-procedural, 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year mortality rates were 5.1%, 4.3%, 15.2%, and 45.6%, respectively. STS scores (HR:1.129, 95%CI: 1.068–1.192, p < 0.001) and post-TAVI acute kidney injury (HR:3.993, 95%CI:1.629–9.785, p = 0.002) were detected as independent predictors of mortality in Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: This registry demonstrated the evolution of TAVI procedures at a single center over 12 years. A high level of collaboration between experienced operators and innovations in devices seem to be the key features for achieving high procedural success and low complication rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)

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15 pages, 2080 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and TSA

by Liviu Ștefan Călin, Darie Ioan Andreescu, Mircea Ioan Alexandru Bistriceanu, Cosmin Gabriel Ursu, Andrei Constantin Anghel, Remus Valentin Anton, Vasile Bogdan Fodor, Maria Daria Răileanu, Cristian Valentin Toma, Gabriel Olteanu, Dragoș Alin Trache, Liviu Ionuț Șerbănoiu, Anamaria Georgiana Avram, Francesco Perone and Ștefan Sebastian Busnatu

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010207 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is known to improve clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease, yet its benefits in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are not well established. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of CR on functional capacity and safety in ICD recipients. Methods [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is known to improve clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease, yet its benefits in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are not well established. This meta-analysis evaluated the impact of CR on functional capacity and safety in ICD recipients. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving adults who underwent ICD implantation and were assigned to either CR or standard care. The primary outcome was the change in peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂) from the baseline to the final follow-up. Random-effects models were applied, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on follow-up duration, supervision type, baseline peak VO₂, and ischemic vs. non-ischemic etiology. Results: Seven RCTs involving 1461 participants (784 CR; 677 control) met the inclusion criteria. CR was associated with a significant improvement peak VO₂ compared with usual care, expressed as the mean difference (MD) in change from the baseline to the last follow-up (MD 2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 95% CI 1.02–2.81; I² = 65.7%), with consistent effects across all subgroups. Quality of life improved in the CR group (MD 6.46; 95% CI 2.25–10.67; I² = 0%). A non-significant trend toward increased 6MWT distance was observed. CR did not increase adverse events, including ICD shocks, hospitalizations, or cardiac deaths. Conclusions: CR safely enhances exercise capacity and quality of life in ICD recipients without increasing arrhythmic events or mortality. Larger standardized trials are warranted to optimize CR delivery in this population. Full article

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

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12 pages, 10952 KB

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Outcomes of Fingolimod and Interferon Beta-1a in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Real-World Study from Jordan

by Arwa Al Anber, Ola Abu Al Karsaneh, Dua Abuquteish, Osama Abdallah, Mohammad A. Issa, Mohammad Sa’adeh and Dena Kilani

Medicina 2026, 62(1), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010203 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with rising prevalence in the Middle East. Real-world comparative data on disease-modifying therapies from this region remain limited. This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes and [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system with rising prevalence in the Middle East. Real-world comparative data on disease-modifying therapies from this region remain limited. This retrospective study compared the clinical outcomes and tolerability of fingolimod and interferon beta-1a (IFN-β1a) among patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated at a large public referral hospital in Jordan. Materials and Methods: All eligible RRMS patients received fingolimod or IFN-β1a at a single tertiary hospital. The annualized relapse rate (ARR), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, and adverse effect frequencies were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A full-cohort inclusion approach was applied instead of sample-size calculation, as all available cases at Al-Basheer Hospital (Amman, Jordan) were included. Results: Fingolimod-treated patients showed a significantly higher ARR than those on IFN-β1a (0.51 vs. 0.26, p = 0.016), an association likely influenced by treatment sequencing and baseline disease activity. EDSS distributions were similar between treatment groups, with most patients demonstrating mild disability (EDSS ≤ 3.5). IFN-β1a was linked to injection site reactions, while fingolimod was better tolerated. Conclusions: The higher observed relapse rate among fingolimod-treated patients possibly reflects treatment sequencing and underlying disease severity rather than pharmacologic efficacy, as fingolimod was commonly prescribed as an escalation therapy. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment selection and underscore the need for prospective studies incorporating standardized baseline disease activity measures to better inform multiple sclerosis care in Jordan and the wider Middle Eastern region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)

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26 pages, 2620 KB

Open AccessReview

EZHIP in Pediatric Brain Tumors: From Epigenetic Mimicry to Therapeutic Vulnerabilities

by Tiziana Servidei, Serena Gentile, Alessandro Sgambato and Antonio Ruggiero

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27020963 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Enhancer of zeste homologs inhibitory protein (EZHIP) is a eutherian-specific protein, with poorly defined developmental functions and physiological expression restricted to germ cells. Its aberrant re-expression characterizes posterior fossa ependymoma subtype A and a subset of diffuse midline gliomas with wild-type histone H3—aggressive [...] Read more.

Enhancer of zeste homologs inhibitory protein (EZHIP) is a eutherian-specific protein, with poorly defined developmental functions and physiological expression restricted to germ cells. Its aberrant re-expression characterizes posterior fossa ependymoma subtype A and a subset of diffuse midline gliomas with wild-type histone H3—aggressive pediatric brain tumors marked by global loss of the repressive H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3). Functionally analogous to the H3 lysine 27 to methionine (H3K27M) oncohistone, EZHIP inhibits Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), altering genome-wide H3K27me3 distribution and fate commitment. Unlike H3K27M, EZHIP is epigenetically silenced under physiological conditions yet inducible, suggesting context-dependent oncogenic roles. Its intrinsically disordered structure enables multifunctional interactions and biological versatility. Beyond brain tumors, EZHIP has emerged as an oncogenic driver in osteosarcoma, underscoring broader relevance across cancers. This review integrates current insights into EZHIP—from gene discovery and the mechanism of PRC2 inhibition to its emerging roles in metabolism, DNA repair, 3D chromatin regulation, and development. We outline EZHIP’s clinico-pathological significance in pediatric and adult malignancies, with an emphasis on EZHIP-driven hindbrain tumors. Finally, we discuss therapeutic opportunities, from the direct targeting of intrinsically disordered proteins to the indirect modulation of EZHIP-associated epigenetic and metabolic landscapes, highlighting implications for tumor evolution and precision oncology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Pediatric Brain Tumors: Unraveling the Complexity of Pathogenesis and Identifying New Therapeutic Targets)

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14 pages, 4301 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome- and Epigenome-Wide Association Studies of Tic Spectrum Disorder in Discordant Monozygotic Twins

by Jonas Dalsberg, Cathrine Jespersgaard, Amanda M. Levy, Anna Maria Asplund, Frederik Otzen Bagger, Nanette M. Debes, Qihua Tan, Zeynep Tümer and Mathis Hildonen

Genes 2026, 17(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17010097 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Tic spectrum disorder (TSD), encompassing Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder, is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition with complex genetic and environmental contributions. Heritable components have been implicated in TSD, but no clear genetic mechanisms have been identified. Significant aspects of TSD [...] Read more.

Background: Tic spectrum disorder (TSD), encompassing Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder, is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition with complex genetic and environmental contributions. Heritable components have been implicated in TSD, but no clear genetic mechanisms have been identified. Significant aspects of TSD etiology remain unclear, with key uncertainties concerning the role of environmental influences in its development. In this study, we aimed to identify environmentally induced epigenomic and transcriptomic changes contributing to TSD pathology by investigating genetically similar monozygotic twins discordant for TSD. Methods: To investigate environmentally driven mechanisms, we analyzed peripheral blood from eleven monozygotic twin pairs, either discordant or concordant for TSD, using RNA sequencing and DNA methylation analysis. Results: Differential expression analysis identified a dozen differentially expressed genes between TSD and non-TSD individuals, most of which were long non-coding RNAs or pseudogenes. Expression of the small RNA gene RNY1 was significantly associated with tic severity, suggesting involvement of immune-related processes. DNA methylation (DNAm) analysis revealed ~30,000 probes with a nominal p < 0.05, however none of these were significant after multiple testing correction. Expression quantitative trait methylation (eQTM) analysis identified 236 methylation-associated genes. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated broad downregulation in TSD individuals for pathways related to translation, RNA processing, and neurobiological functions, with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways including ribosome, nucleocytoplasmic transport, pluripotency signaling, and nicotine addiction. Conclusions: These results suggest that environmentally influenced gene expression may contribute to TSD pathogenesis through dysregulation of immune and neuronal pathways. Despite a small sample size, the monozygotic twin design provides strong control for genetic background and identifies significant differences that contribute to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of TSD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Genes: Feature Papers in “Neurogenetics and Neurogenomics”)

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18 pages, 1525 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

by Rosario Ferlito, Francesco Cannistrà, Salvatore Giunta, Manuela Pennisi, Carmen Concerto, Maria S. Signorelli, Rita Bella, Maria P. Mogavero, Raffaele Ferri and Giuseppe Lanza

Life 2026, 16(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16010159 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Functional dizziness and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) involve mutually reinforcing vestibular symptoms and anxiety. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aim to address both mechanisms, yet their overall effectiveness remains unclear. Methods: We [...] Read more.

Background: Functional dizziness and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) involve mutually reinforcing vestibular symptoms and anxiety. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aim to address both mechanisms, yet their overall effectiveness remains unclear. Methods: We systematically examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2000 and 2025 that evaluated VRT, CBT, or multimodal approaches for adults with functional or chronic dizziness (including PPPD and related functional dizziness constructs) accompanied by significant anxiety. Twelve RCTs (513 participants) met the criteria, involving individuals with PPPD, chronic subjective dizziness, chronic vestibular disorders with prominent anxiety, and residual dizziness after benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Results: Conventional VRT delivered in clinic or as structured home-based programs produced small-to-moderate improvements in dizziness-related disability versus usual care. Combining VRT with CBT or psychologically informed components yielded larger and more consistent reductions in disability and maladaptive dizziness-related beliefs. CBT-based interventions reduced anxiety and dizziness-related distress compared with supportive controls. Emerging modalities, including virtual-reality-based VRT, non-invasive neuromodulation, and heart-rate-variability biofeedback, showed potential, although they were limited by small samples and methodological issues. Most trials had some risk-of-bias concerns and evidence certainty ranged from very low to moderate. Conclusions: Integrated multimodal rehabilitation shows promise, although larger, high-quality RCTs using standardized procedures and outcome measures are required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Physiotherapy and Functional Rehabilitation in Chronic Conditions)

25 pages, 19621 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scrap-SAM-CLIP: Assembling Foundation Models for Typical Shape Recognition in Scrap Classification and Rating

by Guangda Bao, Wenzhi Xia, Haichuan Wang, Zhiyou Liao, Ting Wu and Yun Zhou

Sensors 2026, 26(2), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020656 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

To address the limitation of 2D methods in inferring absolute scrap dimensions from images, we propose Scrap-SAM-CLIP (SSC), a vision-language model integrating the segment anything model (SAM) and contrastive language-image pre-training in Chinese (CN-CLIP). The model enables identification of canonical scrap shapes, establishing [...] Read more.

To address the limitation of 2D methods in inferring absolute scrap dimensions from images, we propose Scrap-SAM-CLIP (SSC), a vision-language model integrating the segment anything model (SAM) and contrastive language-image pre-training in Chinese (CN-CLIP). The model enables identification of canonical scrap shapes, establishing a foundational framework for subsequent 3D reconstruction and dimensional extraction within the 3D recognition pipeline. Individual modules of SSC are fine-tuned on the self-constructed scrap dataset. For segmentation, the combined box-and-point prompt yields optimal performance among various prompting strategies. MobileSAM and SAM-HQ-Tiny serve as effective lightweight alternatives for edge deployment. Fine-tuning the SAM decoder significantly enhances robustness under noisy prompts, improving accuracy by at least 5.55% with a five-positive-points prompt and up to 15.00% with a five-positive-points-and-five-negative-points prompt. In classification, SSC achieves 95.3% accuracy, outperforming Swin Transformer V2_base by 2.9%, with t-SNE visualizations confirming superior feature learning capability. The performance advantages of SSC stem from its modular assembly strategy, enabling component-specific optimization through subtask decoupling and enhancing system interpretability. This work refines the scrap 3D identification pipeline and demonstrates the efficacy of adapted foundation models in industrial vision systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)

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20 pages, 2980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Vertical Wind Characteristics for Wind Energy Utilization and Carbon Emission Reduction

by Li Jiang, Changqing Shi, Shijia Zhang, Lvbing Cao, Xiangdong Meng, Ligang Jiang, Xiaodong Ji and Tingning Zhao

Atmosphere 2026, 17(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17010102 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of clean energy, wind farm planning and construction are expanding worldwide, increasing the demand for accurate resource assessments. This study investigates the influence of vertical wind characteristics on wind farm siting and energy production, using measured meteorological data from [...] Read more.

With the rapid advancement of clean energy, wind farm planning and construction are expanding worldwide, increasing the demand for accurate resource assessments. This study investigates the influence of vertical wind characteristics on wind farm siting and energy production, using measured meteorological data from the Hangjinqi wind farm. Results show that both mean wind speed increase substantially with altitude, indicating that upper layers provide richer and more stable wind resources. The estimated annual energy production of the site reaches 23,500 MWh, with capacity factors ranging from 35% to 42%, well above the national average. Seasonal and diurnal variations are evident: wind speeds strengthen during winter and spring, particularly at night, while turbulence intensity peaks in the daytime and decreases with height. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction also increases with hub height, with the most pronounced seasonal reductions in spring (3367.6–5041.1 tCO₂, +49.7%) and winter (3215.7–5380.0 tCO₂, +67.4%), equivalent to several thousand tons of standard coal per turbine annually. Optimal performance is observed at 100–140 m, demonstrating efficient utilization of mid- to high-altitude resources. Nevertheless, discrepancies in turbine performance at different hub heights suggest untapped potential at higher elevations. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating vertical wind characteristics into wind farm siting decisions, and support the deployment of turbines with tower heights ≥140 m alongside intelligent scheduling and forecasting strategies to maximize energy yield and economic benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Climatology)

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15 pages, 5748 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Targeting the Uncommon: A Case Report of Osimertinib Response in Advanced NSCLC Patient with Dual EGFR (E701fs and L702fs) Frameshift Deletions

by Angel Kwan Qi Wong, Saqib Raza Khan, Danial Khan Hadi, Daniel Breadner and Mark David Vincent

Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33010055 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers with adenocarcinoma being the most common subtype. Patients with stage IV NSCLC typically have poor prognosis. In these patients, identification of actionable genomic alterations allows for the selection of targeted therapy [...] Read more.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancers with adenocarcinoma being the most common subtype. Patients with stage IV NSCLC typically have poor prognosis. In these patients, identification of actionable genomic alterations allows for the selection of targeted therapy rather than chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy. EGFR mutations are a common oncogenic driver in NSCLC and are targetable by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, most of the studies primarily focus on common mutations, which are exon 19 deletions (Ex19del) and exon 21 (L858R) point mutations, and there is inconsistent data on efficacy in the treatment of patients with uncommon EGFR mutations. Currently, the first-line treatment for patients with common EGFR mutations involves a third-generation TKI, typically osimertinib. This case describes a 66-year-old gentleman with two uncommon EGFR frameshift deletions (E701fs and L702fs). His tumor staging was denoted as cT3N2M1b, stage IVA. The patient demonstrated a radiological and biochemical response to osimertinib as part of the OCELOT clinical trial (supported by a grant from AstraZeneca), with evidence of tumor marker decline and radiographic improvement within two months of osimertinib treatment initiation. This response has been durable with continued radiological stability and biochemical improvement at 11 months and ongoing. This case will help guide management for patients with this uncommon EGFR mutations and contribute to the scarce literature of EGFR frameshift deletions in advanced NSCLC patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thoracic Oncology)

27 pages, 6130 KB

Open AccessArticle

Poisson’s Ratio as the Master Variable: A Single-Parameter Energy-Conscious Model (PNE-BI) for Diagnosing Brittle–Ductile Transition in Deep Shales

by Bo Gao, Jiping Wang, Binhui Li, Junhui Li, Jun Feng, Hongmei Shao, Lu Liu, Xi Cao, Tangyu Wang and Junli Zhao

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020985 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

As shale gas development extends into deeper formations, the unclear brittle-ductile transition (BDT) mechanism and low fracturing efficiency have emerged as critical bottlenecks, posing challenges to the sustainable and economical utilization of this clean energy resource. This study, focusing on the Liangshang Formation [...] Read more.

As shale gas development extends into deeper formations, the unclear brittle-ductile transition (BDT) mechanism and low fracturing efficiency have emerged as critical bottlenecks, posing challenges to the sustainable and economical utilization of this clean energy resource. This study, focusing on the Liangshang Formation shale of Sichuan Basin’s Pingye-1 Well, pioneers a paradigm shift by identifying Poisson’s ratio (

ν

) as the master variable governing this transition. Triaxial tests reveal that

ν

systematically increases with depth, directly regulating the failure mode shift from brittle fracture to ductile flow. Building on this, we innovatively propose the Poisson’s Ratio-regulated Energy-based Brittleness Index (PNE-BI) model. This model achieves a decoupled diagnosis of BDT by quantifying how ν intrinsically orchestrates the energy redistribution between elastic storage and plastic dissipation, utilizing ν as the sole governing variable to regulate energy weighting for rapid and accurate distinction between brittle, transitional, and ductile states. Experiments confirm the

ν

-dominated energy evolution: Low

ν

rocks favor elastic energy accumulation, while high

ν

rocks (>0.22) exhibit a dramatic 1520% surge in plastic dissipation, dominating energy consumption (35.9%) and confirming that

ν

enhances ductility by reducing intergranular sliding barriers. Compared to traditional multi-variable models, the PNE-BI model utilizes

ν

values readily obtained from conventional well logs, providing a transformative field-ready tool that significantly reduces the experimental footprint and promotes resource efficiency. It guides toughened fracturing fluid design in ductile zones to suppress premature closure and optimizes injection rates in brittle zones to prevent fracture runaway, thereby enhancing operational longevity and minimizing environmental impact. This work offers a groundbreaking and sustainable solution for boosting the efficiency of mid-deep shale gas development, contributing directly to more responsible and cleaner energy extraction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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30 pages, 3573 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Event-Triggered Control for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm Adaptive Target Enclosing Mission

by Wanjing Zhang and Xinli Xu

Sensors 2026, 26(2), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020655 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Multi-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) target enclosing control is one of the key technologies for achieving cooperative tasks. It faces limitations in communication resources and task framework separation. To address this, a distributed cooperative control strategy is proposed based on dynamic time-varying formation description [...] Read more.

Multi-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) target enclosing control is one of the key technologies for achieving cooperative tasks. It faces limitations in communication resources and task framework separation. To address this, a distributed cooperative control strategy is proposed based on dynamic time-varying formation description and event-triggering mechanism. Firstly, a formation description method based on a geometric transformation parameter set is established to uniformly describe the translation, rotation, and scaling movements of the formation, providing a foundation for time-varying formation control. Secondly, a cooperative architecture for adaptive target enclosing tasks is designed. This architecture achieves an organic combination of formation control and target enclosing in a unified framework, thereby meeting flexible transitions between multiple formation patterns such as equidistant surrounding and variable-distance enclosing. Thirdly, a distributed dynamic event-triggered cooperative enclosing controller is developed. This strategy achieves online adjustment of communication thresholds through internal dynamic variables, significantly reducing communication while strictly ensuring system performance. By constructing a Lyapunov function, the stability and Zeno free behavior of the closed-loop system are proven. The simulation results verify this strategy, showing that this strategy can significantly reduce communication frequency while ensuring enclosing accuracy and formation consistency and effectively adapt to uniform and maneuvering target scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics and Control System Design for Robotics)

25 pages, 3597 KB

Open AccessArticle

Social Engineering Attacks Using Technical Job Interviews: Real-Life Case Analysis and AI-Assisted Mitigation Proposals

by Tomás de J. Mateo Sanguino

Information 2026, 17(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/info17010098 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Technical job interviews have become a vulnerable environment for social engineering attacks, particularly when they involve direct interaction with malicious code. In this context, the present manuscript investigates an exploratory case study, aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of a single incident rather [...] Read more.

Technical job interviews have become a vulnerable environment for social engineering attacks, particularly when they involve direct interaction with malicious code. In this context, the present manuscript investigates an exploratory case study, aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of a single incident rather than seeking to generalize statistical evidence. The study examines a real-world covert attack conducted through a simulated interview, identifying the technical and psychological elements that contribute to its effectiveness, assessing the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants in early detection and proposing mitigation strategies. To this end, a methodology was implemented that combines discursive reconstruction of the attack, code exploitation and forensic analysis. The experimental phase, primarily focused on evaluating 10 large language models (LLMs) against a fragment of obfuscated code, reveals that the malware initially evaded detection by 62 antivirus engines, while assistants such as GPT 5.1, Grok 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 4.5 successfully identified malicious patterns and suggested operational countermeasures. The discussion highlights how the apparent legitimacy of platforms like LinkedIn, Calendly and Bitbucket, along with time pressure and technical familiarity, act as catalysts for deception. Based on these findings, the study suggests that LLMs may play a role in the early detection of threats, offering a potentially valuable avenue to enhance security in technical recruitment processes by enabling the timely identification of malicious behavior. To the best of available knowledge, this represents the first academically documented case of its kind analyzed from an interdisciplinary perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Research in Artificial Intelligence for Code Analysis and Security)

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23 pages, 13280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Genomic Bases of Branching Traits in Spur-Type Apple: Insights from Morphology and Whole-Genome Resequencing

by Han Wang, Dongmei Chen, Guodong Zhao, Da Zhang, Xin Liu, Bowei Zhu, Linguang Jia, Tongsheng Zhao, Chaohong Zhang and Xinsheng Zhang

Genes 2026, 17(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17010096 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Plant architecture, particularly branching patterns, plays a crucial role in plant growth, photosynthetic performance, and yield. Spur-type apple, characterized by compact growth, early fruiting, high productivity, and manageable canopy structure, represent valuable germplasm for establishing dwarf and high-density apple orchards. While hybrid [...] Read more.

Background: Plant architecture, particularly branching patterns, plays a crucial role in plant growth, photosynthetic performance, and yield. Spur-type apple, characterized by compact growth, early fruiting, high productivity, and manageable canopy structure, represent valuable germplasm for establishing dwarf and high-density apple orchards. While hybrid breeding of spur-type varieties offers significant potential for genetic advancement, severe segregation of traits in hybrid progeny and the difficulty of combining multiple favorable traits still significantly limit breeding efficiency. Moreover, the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of the spur-type trait remain poorly understood at the genomic level, hindering the development of precise molecular breeding approaches. Methods: To address this, we used the spur-type line ‘0301-13-14’ and the non-spur-type line ‘0301-50-32’ from hybrid progenies of the spur-type cultivars ‘Miyazaki Spur Fuji’ and ‘Starkrimson’ to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying apple branch formation and spur-type trait development by characterizing their branching traits, performing whole-genome resequencing analysis, and identifying candidate genes using bioinformatics analyses. Results: Anatomical observations revealed that the spur-type line ‘0301-13-14’ possessed smaller cells with a more compact spatial arrangement compared to the non-spur-type line ‘0301-50-32’. Whole-genome resequencing generated 5,003,968 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 577,886 high-quality insertions/deletions (InDels). We further identified 29,157 candidate genes harboring predicted deleterious mutations (classified as high or moderate impact). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that genes associated with the spur-type trait were mainly enriched in molecular function and biological process categories. Specifically, variant genes related to molecular function were enriched in transferase and catalytic activities, while those in biological process were mainly involved in phosphorylation and phosphorus metabolism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that candidate genes were significantly enriched in environmental information processing and metabolic pathways. Conclusions: These results will provide a genomic foundation for identifying genes controlling spur-type branching traits and facilitate the genetic improvement of spur-type apple. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

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18 pages, 2739 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geometric Analysis and Modeling of Electrospun Nanofiber Mat Deposition in a Top-Down Vertical Configuration

by Margarita Neznakomova, Peter Dineff, Momchil Shopov, Nikolay Nikolov and Dilyana Gospodinova

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020126 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Electrospinning is a widely used technique for fabricating nanomaterials with tailored morphology and functional properties. This study investigates how two fundamental process parameters—applied voltage and needle tip-to-collector distance—affect the spatial geometry and deposited mass of electrospun nanofiber mats in a top-down vertical electrospinning [...] Read more.

Electrospinning is a widely used technique for fabricating nanomaterials with tailored morphology and functional properties. This study investigates how two fundamental process parameters—applied voltage and needle tip-to-collector distance—affect the spatial geometry and deposited mass of electrospun nanofiber mats in a top-down vertical electrospinning setup using a 10% (w/v) PVA solution prepared in deionized water. To support this hypothesis, both experimental measurements and 3D geometric modeling were performed to evaluate the area, perimeter, and deposited mass under different parameter combinations. Digital image analysis and cross-sectional reconstruction were applied to model nanofiber deposition. Regression and ANOVA analyses reveal that the tip-to-collector distance has a statistically significant impact on both area and perimeter of the electrospun nanofiber mat, while the applied voltage in the tested range (15–20 kV) has no significant effect. Interestingly, the total deposited mass shows no clear dependence on either parameter, likely due to startup irregularities or solution droplets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)

18 pages, 3260 KB

Open AccessArticle

Two-Dimensional Simulation of Multiple-Acoustic-Wave Scattering by a Human Body Model Inside an Acoustic Enclosed Space

by Dorin Bibicu and Lumința Moraru

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020979 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

This work presents the first study addressing two-dimensional numerical simulations of acoustic wave scattering involving a simplified human body model placed inside an enclosed cabin. The simulations utilise the µ-diff backscattering algorithm in MATLAB, which is suitable for modeling frequency-domain interactions with multiple [...] Read more.

This work presents the first study addressing two-dimensional numerical simulations of acoustic wave scattering involving a simplified human body model placed inside an enclosed cabin. The simulations utilise the µ-diff backscattering algorithm in MATLAB, which is suitable for modeling frequency-domain interactions with multiple scatterers under penetrable boundary conditions. The body is represented as a cluster of penetrable, tangent circular cylinders with acoustic properties mimicking muscle, fat, bone, and clothing layers. Hidden PVC cylinders are embedded to simulate concealed objects. Several configurations were examined, varying the number of PVC inclusions (two to four), the frequency range, and the presence of an absorbing cabin wall. Sound pressure level (SPL) distributions around the body and at a 1 m distance were analysed. Polar plots reveal distinct differences between the baseline body model and those incorporating PVC inclusions. The most pronounced effects occur near 160 Hz, where an absorbing wall is present within the acoustic enclosure. The presence of an absorbing wall modifies wave behaviour, producing enhanced directional attenuation. The results demonstrate how object composition, spatial arrangement, and enclosure geometry influence acoustic backscattered fields. These findings highlight the potential of wave-based numerical modelling for detecting concealed items on the human body in confined acoustic environments, supporting the development of non-invasive security screening technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Acoustics and Vibrations)

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24 pages, 3263 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Hemp, Shrimp and Blue Crab Co-Products as Novel Culture Media Ingredients to Improve Protein Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of Cultured Meat in Cell-Based Food Applications

by Davide Lanzoni, Simona Manuguerra, Rosaria Arena, Andrea Santulli, Luca Marchetti, Concetta Maria Messina and Carlotta Giromini

Foods 2026, 15(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15020352 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Cultured meat (CM) is a promising alternative to conventional livestock production. However, its scalability is limited by the reliance on fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture media (CCM). This study investigated protein hydrolysates derived from hemp flowers (HFs), hempseeds (HSs), hempseed protein [...] Read more.

Cultured meat (CM) is a promising alternative to conventional livestock production. However, its scalability is limited by the reliance on fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture media (CCM). This study investigated protein hydrolysates derived from hemp flowers (HFs), hempseeds (HSs), hempseed protein (HP), shrimp (SH), and blue crab (BC) co-products as sustainable CCM supplements. Hydrolysates were produced by Alcalase^® enzymatic hydrolysis and tested on C2C12 murine myoblasts proliferation and viability. At the concentration of 11.7 mg/mL, no significant differences in cell viability were observed between hydrolysates and 10% FBS at 24 and 48 h. At 72 h post-treatment, 10% FBS resulted in the greatest increase in cell proliferation, whereas SH and BC treatments preserved a more physiological myoblastic morphology. Intracellular protein accumulation at 72 h in 10% FBS- and SH-treated cells was equal to 24.66 ± 1.37 and 18.79 ± 1.99 µg/mg, respectively, and 5.75 ± 2.32 µg/mg in BC while hemp-derived hydrolysates exhibited limited intracellular protein utilization. All hydrolysates significantly enhanced intracellular antioxidant activity compared with FBS (5.83 ± 1.12 µmol FeSO₄/mg). Although further studies are required to assess long-term performance and large-scale applicability, these findings demonstrate the short-term potential of plant- and marine-derived co-products as sustainable CCM supplements, particularly for enhancing the antioxidant profile of cell biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of By-Product Resources for the Development and Sustainability of Functional Ingredients in Foods)

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33 pages, 5188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geometric Feature Enhancement for Robust Facial Landmark Detection in Makeup Paper Templates

by Cheng Chang, Yong-Yi Fanjiang and Chi-Huang Hung

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16020977 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Traditional scoring of makeup face templates in beauty skill assessments heavily relies on manual judgment, leading to inconsistencies and subjective bias. Hand-drawn templates often exhibit proportion distortions, asymmetry, and occlusions that reduce the accuracy of conventional facial landmark detection algorithms. This study proposes [...] Read more.

Traditional scoring of makeup face templates in beauty skill assessments heavily relies on manual judgment, leading to inconsistencies and subjective bias. Hand-drawn templates often exhibit proportion distortions, asymmetry, and occlusions that reduce the accuracy of conventional facial landmark detection algorithms. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates Geometric Feature Enhancement (GFE) with Dlib’s 68-landmark detection to improve the robustness and precision of landmark localization. A comprehensive comparison among Haar Cascade, MTCNN-MobileNetV2, and Dlib was conducted using a curated dataset of 11,600 hand-drawn facial templates. The proposed GFE-enhanced Dlib achieved 60.5% accuracy—outperforming MTCNN (23.4%) and Haar (20.3%) by approximately 37 percentage points, with precision and F1-score improvements exceeding 20% and 25%, respectively. The results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances detection accuracy and scoring consistency, providing a reliable framework for automated beauty skill evaluation, and laying a solid foundation for future applications such as digital archiving and style-guided synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computer Vision and Digital Image Processing)

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24 pages, 1353 KB

Open AccessArticle

SLTP: A Symbolic Travel-Planning Agent Framework with Decoupled Translation and Heuristic Tree Search

by Debin Tang, Qian Jiang, Jingpu Yang, Jingyu Zhao, Xiaofei Du, Miao Fang and Xiaofei Zhang

Electronics 2026, 15(2), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020422 (registering DOI) - 18 Jan 2026

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) demonstrate outstanding capability in understanding natural language and show great potential in open-domain travel planning. However, when confronted with multi-constraint itineraries, personalized recommendations, and scenarios requiring rigorous external information validation, pure LLM-based approaches lack rigorous planning ability and fine-grained [...] Read more.

Large language models (LLMs) demonstrate outstanding capability in understanding natural language and show great potential in open-domain travel planning. However, when confronted with multi-constraint itineraries, personalized recommendations, and scenarios requiring rigorous external information validation, pure LLM-based approaches lack rigorous planning ability and fine-grained personalization. To address these gaps, we propose the Symbolic LoRA Travel Planner (SLTP) framework—an agent architecture that combines a two-stage symbol-rule LoRA fine-tuning pipeline with a user multi-option heuristic tree search (MHTS) planner. SLTP decomposes the entire process of transforming natural language into executable code into two specialized, sequential LoRA experts: the first maps natural-language queries to symbolic constraints with high fidelity; the second compiles symbolic constraints into executable Python planning code. After reflective verification, the generated code serves as constraints and heuristic rules for an MHTS planner that preserves diversified top-K candidate itineraries and uses pruning plus heuristic strategies to maintain search-time performance. To overcome the scarcity of high-quality intermediate symbolic data, we adopt a teacher–student distillation approach: a strong teacher model generates high-fidelity symbolic constraints and executable code, which we use as hard targets to distill knowledge into an 8B-parameter Qwen3-8B student model via two-stage LoRA. On the ChinaTravel benchmark, SLTP using an 8B student achieves performance comparable to or surpassing that of other methods built on DeepSeek-V3 or GPT-4o as a backbone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Powered Natural Language Processing Applications)

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