MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

22 pages, 1756 KB

Open AccessReview

Engineering of Synthetic Microbial Consortia for Sustainable Management of Wastewater and Polyethylene Terephthalate: A Comprehensive Review

by Yiqun Zhou and Muhammad Zeeshan Ul Haq

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11623; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311623 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Plastic pollution and wastewater have become the leading environmental concerns due to their harmful effects on human health and pose a severe threat to the biosphere. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, but it is resistant to [...] Read more.

Plastic pollution and wastewater have become the leading environmental concerns due to their harmful effects on human health and pose a severe threat to the biosphere. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used plastics worldwide, but it is resistant to natural degradation. Additionally, the complex pollutants in wastewater demand advanced remediation strategies. Although physicochemical methods are commonly used for PET degradation and wastewater treatment, bioremediation with microorganisms offers a greener and more eco-friendly alternative. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms and engineering of synthetic microbial consortia (SMC) for the bioremediation of wastewater and PET plastics. It examines the rational design of SMCs, utilizing both bottom-up and top-down methods, and emphasizes the importance of quorum sensing and metabolite cross-feeding in maintaining the stability and functionality of the consortium. Furthermore, the review critically assesses how CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise genome editing for robust pathway engineering and stress resilience, while Machine Learning provides predictive models to optimize consortium composition and function, thereby advancing SMC capabilities for both applications. These developments highlight SMC as a promising, eco-friendly, and efficient biological platform to tackle wastewater challenges and plastic pollution simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology)

15 pages, 1491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relations Among Agronomic Traits of Commercial Blackberry (Rubus subg. Eubatus Focke) Cultivars Under the Climatic Conditions of the Moscow Region

by Olga Ladyzhenskaya, Maxim Simakhin, Vitaliy Donskih, Vladimir Pashutin, Taisiya Glinyuk and Viktoria Kryuchkova

Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2774; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122774 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Blackberry (Rubus subg. Eubatus Focke) ranks among the four most commercially valuable berry crops globally, alongside raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry, owing to its high antioxidant content—particularly flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Compared to other berry crops, blackberry cultivation requires lower labor and financial [...] Read more.

Blackberry (Rubus subg. Eubatus Focke) ranks among the four most commercially valuable berry crops globally, alongside raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry, owing to its high antioxidant content—particularly flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Compared to other berry crops, blackberry cultivation requires lower labor and financial inputs, with plantations remaining productive for 12–15 years. In Russia, total blackberry area is limited (~100 ha), and the Moscow Region is particularly suited for trailing and semi-trailing cultivars with early-to-mid-season ripening. This three-year study (2021–2023) conducted at the Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden (RAS) evaluated ten promising blackberry cultivars to (i) assess interrelationships among phenological, morphological, and fruit quality traits; and (ii) identify optimal market niches for each genotype. Cultivars were grouped by ripening time: early (‘Karaka Black’, ‘Loch Tay’, ‘Natchez’) and medium (‘Columbia Sunrise’, ‘Hall’s Beauty’, ‘Caddo’, ‘Columbia Giant’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Brzezina’). Morphologically, ‘Columbia Giant’, ‘Columbia Star’, ‘Columbia Sunrise’, ‘Hall’s Beauty’, and ‘Loch Tay’ exhibited the most balanced architecture. For fresh-market retail, ‘Hall’s Beauty’ (650.3 gf), ‘Loch Tay’ (632.0 gf), and ‘Victoria’ (882.2 gf) stood out for high fruit firmness, whereas ‘Columbia Giant’ (11.5 g fruit mass, 354.1 gf) is recommended for direct consumer sales due to its large fruit size and acceptable firmness. Key trait associations included flowering duration and drupelet number (r = −0.83); fruiting onset and lateral length (r = 0.75); central leaflet length and fruiting laterals per shoot (r = −0.86); fruit number per lateral and Soluble Solids Content (SSC, r = 0.83); and lateral length (r = 0.84). These findings indicate the importance of proper variety selection for establishing blackberry plantations in the specific climatic conditions of the Moscow Region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

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20 pages, 4011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Food Enrichment Based on Diverse Feeding Regimes on Growth, Immunity, and Stress Resistance of Nibea albiflora

by Yuhan Ruan, Jipeng Sun, Yuting Zheng, Jiaxing Wang, Dongdong Xu, Tianxiang Gao, Anle Xu and Xiumei Zhang

Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121446 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Food enrichment represents a novel feeding strategy for aquaculture. In the current study, juvenile Nibea albiflora (average weight 29.65 ± 0.13 g) were used and three feeding regimes (A—commercial diet; B—a diet comprising 90% commercial feed and 10% ice-fresh Palaemon gravieri; C—a [...] Read more.

Food enrichment represents a novel feeding strategy for aquaculture. In the current study, juvenile Nibea albiflora (average weight 29.65 ± 0.13 g) were used and three feeding regimes (A—commercial diet; B—a diet comprising 90% commercial feed and 10% ice-fresh Palaemon gravieri; C—a diet consisting of 90% commercial diet, 5% ice-fresh Palaemon gravieri and 5% live Perinereis nuntia; named control group, Group 1, and Group 2) with comparable nutrient compositions: were designed to establish the food enrichment model and explore the effects of such feeding strategies on the fish. The cultivation period was 60 days, and the physiological, pathological, and RNA-seq analyses were performed to evaluate the effects. The results showed that the food enrichment feeding strategy significantly enhanced fish growth performance, immunity, and stress resistance without increasing the unit production cost (UPC). Furthermore, the tri-combined food feeding (C) was better than the two-combined food feeding (B). Liver transcriptomic analysis revealed that, in the comparison between the control group and Group 1, the up-regulated genes (alox15b, gng7, hif1a, ppara, and pla2g) and down-regulated genes (ins, gck, il4i1) influenced fish physiology and further improved growth. Similar to the comparison between the control group and Group 2, the major functional genes included ugt, nlrp3, mx1, col1a, gst (up-regulated), and map2k1, myc, mmp9, wnt7, socs3 (down-regulated) that participated in regulating the body growth, immunity, and stress resistance. The up-regulated genes (ins, mhc2, foxo3, ppara, and mx1) alongside the down-regulated genes (egfr, fos, cyc, myc, and mmp9) probably contributed to the enhanced efficacy of the tri-combined food feeding compared to the two-combined food feeding. In summary, this study demonstrates the beneficial effects of such a food enrichment model on the fish and provides empirical evidence supporting the implementation of the feeding strategies in the healthy culturing of the fish. Full article

19 pages, 1076 KB

Open AccessArticle

Osaka Prognostic Score Predicts In-Hospital and One-Year Mortality Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

by Murat Akdoğan, Emine Cansu Yücel, Alperen Taş, Yusuf Bozkurt Şahin, Çağatay Tunca, Ahmet Kıvrak, Kürşat Akbuğa, Veysel Ozan Tanık, Ali Sezgin and Bülent Özlek

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122142 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Conventional risk models may not adequately capture key biological determinants of mortality following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), such as inflammation, malnutrition, and immune dysfunction. The Osaka Prognostic Score (OPS), incorporating CRP, albumin, and lymphocyte count, may address this [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Conventional risk models may not adequately capture key biological determinants of mortality following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), such as inflammation, malnutrition, and immune dysfunction. The Osaka Prognostic Score (OPS), incorporating CRP, albumin, and lymphocyte count, may address this gap. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of OPS for predicting in-hospital and one-year all-cause mortality after TAVI. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center cohort study, 244 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI between December 2022 and January 2024 were analyzed. OPS was calculated at baseline (range: 0–3), and its prognostic value for in-hospital and one-year all-cause mortality was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression, ROC analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling. Results: In-hospital and one-year mortality rates were 11.5% and 21.7%, respectively. Higher OPS scores were significantly associated with mortality in both periods. OPS independently predicted in-hospital mortality (HR: 2.018; 95% CI: 1.632–2.521; p = 0.017) and one-year mortality (HR: 2.125; 95% CI: 1.300–3.473; p = 0.003). ROC analysis yielded AUC values of 0.776 and 0.859 for in-hospital and one-year mortality, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves revealed significantly reduced survival in patients with higher OPS (log-rank p < 0.001), and RCS analysis demonstrated a significant nonlinear association between increasing OPS values and mortality risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: OPS is a simple, cost-effective, and biologically relevant prognostic index that independently predicts both in-hospital and one-year mortality following TAVI. By integrating markers of inflammation, nutrition, and immune competence, OPS may offer additional value in risk stratification and support clinical decision-making in this high-risk population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aortic Valve Replacement Innovations and Outcomes)

11 pages, 277 KB

Open AccessArticle

Existence and Uniqueness of Solutions to Singular Impulsive Delay Boundary Value Problems via Paired-Chatterjea-Type Contractions

by Nicola Fabiano, Zouaoui Bekri, Amir Baklouti and Saber Mansour

Axioms 2025, 14(12), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14120891 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

We establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions to a class of second-order nonlinear boundary value problems involving impulses, delay, and possible singularities. The approach leverages the recent notion of paired-Chatterjea-type contractions. Under a smallness condition ensuring the associated integral operator is a [...] Read more.

We establish the existence and uniqueness of solutions to a class of second-order nonlinear boundary value problems involving impulses, delay, and possible singularities. The approach leverages the recent notion of paired-Chatterjea-type contractions. Under a smallness condition ensuring the associated integral operator is a Banach contraction with constant

μ < \frac{1}{3}

, we show that it is also a Chatterjea, and hence, a paired-Chatterjea contraction. By the fixed point theorem of Chand, this guarantees at most two fixed points; a supplementary uniqueness argument then ensures a unique solution in the Banach space

P C^{1} ([a, b])

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Algebra and Number Theory)

23 pages, 1303 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Protein Feeds on Nutrient Digestion, Energy Metabolism, Methane Emissions, and Rumen Microbiota in Mutton Sheep

by Yiqiang Wang, Zhengxin Zou, Ziwei Wang, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Hangshu Xin and Xiaogang Yan

Animals 2025, 15(23), 3460; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15233460 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Making full use of feed nutrients, reducing energy losses and methane emissions, and maximizing production benefits have been ongoing goals of livestock production. Thirty-six healthy Dorper × Thin-tailed Han mutton ewes were divided into six groups using a completely randomized experimental design. A [...] Read more.

Making full use of feed nutrients, reducing energy losses and methane emissions, and maximizing production benefits have been ongoing goals of livestock production. Thirty-six healthy Dorper × Thin-tailed Han mutton ewes were divided into six groups using a completely randomized experimental design. A basal diet was provided to the control group, while the experimental group consumed a diet in which 15% was replaced by equal amounts of cottonseed meal (CM), rapeseed meal (RM), distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), soybean meal (SM), and fermented soybean meal (FSM). The study demonstrated that SM had the highest protein digestibility, followed by FSM, DDGS, and CM in that order. In terms of net energy, DDGS showed a significantly higher value compared to FSM (p < 0.05). Significantly higher abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae were observed in the CM group relative to the RM and FSM groups (p < 0.05). The methane emissions that we were most concerned about, whether it was daily emissions or metabolic weight basis, showed the same disparity between the groups, with the RM group having the most, followed in order by FSM, DDGS, and SM groups, and the least by the CM group. We found that the RM group had the highest relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter, followed by the FSM, SM, DDGS, and CM groups in that order, which is similar to the trend of methane emissions from each group. In summary, the highest apparent protein digestibility is SM, and the highest net energy value among these protein feeds is DDGS. RM will produce the most methane. In addition, the source of protein feed in the diet will affect the structural composition of rumen microorganisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Use of Agro-Industrial Co-Products in Animal Nutrition)

16 pages, 671 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Rumen Microbiota Transplantation on the Growth and Development of Ruminants

by Yirun Zhao, Enkai Li, Yutao Qiu, Xiaokang Ma, Dingfu Xiao and Zhiqing Li

Fermentation 2025, 11(12), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11120674 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The growth and development of ruminants are closely linked to the stability and functional capacity of their rumen microbiota. Rumen microbiota transplantation (RMT), which entails the transfer of ruminal microorganisms and their metabolites from healthy donors to recipient animals, has emerged as a [...] Read more.

The growth and development of ruminants are closely linked to the stability and functional capacity of their rumen microbiota. Rumen microbiota transplantation (RMT), which entails the transfer of ruminal microorganisms and their metabolites from healthy donors to recipient animals, has emerged as a promising strategy for modulating host physiology. Accumulating evidence indicates that RMT can substantially influence nutrient digestion, immune function, and overall growth performance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms through which RMT affects ruminant growth and development, with particular attention to its roles in shaping microbial colonization and succession, enhancing rumen fermentation efficiency, and modulating host metabolic pathways. Together, these regulatory processes contribute to improved rumen maturation in young animals and enhanced production performance in adults. In addition, this review critically examines key factors governing the efficacy of RMT, including transplantation procedures, donor microbiota characteristics, and the physiological status of recipient animals. By integrating these insights, the present synthesis provides a conceptual framework to support the precise and effective application of RMT in the sustainable management of healthy ruminant production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of Rumen Fermentation)

28 pages, 723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Preferences and Sustainability in the Food and Beverage Sector: Empirical Evidence in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Paraskevi Boufounou, Panagiotis Chatzimichalis, Kanellos Toudas, Chrisovalantis Malesios and Antonios Skouloudis

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310734 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study focuses on the interplay between digital marketing and the F&B industry in Greece during the health crisis of COVID-19 in shaping consumer choices. The theoretical section discusses the most popular digital marketing methods and their importance, particularly during a crisis that [...] Read more.

This study focuses on the interplay between digital marketing and the F&B industry in Greece during the health crisis of COVID-19 in shaping consumer choices. The theoretical section discusses the most popular digital marketing methods and their importance, particularly during a crisis that confined most citizens to their homes and forced F&B stores to find new ways to attract customers. From an empirical perspective, a survey was conducted utilizing a structured questionnaire, involving 70 consumers in Athens, Greece. Participants expressed their views through closed-ended questions on the criteria for selecting F&B stores, the positive and negative aspects of digital marketing, and their preferences in general, as well as specifically for restaurants, bars, and cafés. The findings highlight that consumer confidence is a key priority (as the most important criterion for selecting F&B stores is the quality of the products) and that digital transformation of the F&B industry is essential as it can bolster resilience and drive growth in the F&B sector amid ongoing challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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21 pages, 2353 KB

Open AccessArticle

Historical Fire Regimes and Their Differential Responses to Driving Climatic Factors Across Ecoregions in the United States: A Tree-Ring Fire-Scar Analysis

by Maowei Bai, Hao Zhang and Lamei Shi

Fire 2025, 8(12), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8120467 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Fire is a key driver of ecosystem dynamics under global change, and understanding its complex relationship with the climate system is crucial for regional wildfire risk management and the development of ecological adaptation strategies. The western United States is a critical region for [...] Read more.

Fire is a key driver of ecosystem dynamics under global change, and understanding its complex relationship with the climate system is crucial for regional wildfire risk management and the development of ecological adaptation strategies. The western United States is a critical region for studying fire–climate interactions due to its pronounced environmental gradients, diverse fire regimes, and high vulnerability to climate change, which together provide a robust natural laboratory for examining spatial variability in fire responses. Based on tree-ring fire-scar records systematically collected from five major ecoregions in the western United States via the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB), this study reconstructed fire history sequences spanning 430–454 years. By integrating methods such as correlation analysis, random forest regression, superposed epoch analysis, and effect size assessment, we systematically revealed the spatial differentiation patterns of fire frequency and fire spatial extent across different ecoregions, quantified the relative contributions of key climatic drivers, and identified climatic anomaly characteristics during extreme fire years. The results indicate that: (1) there are significant differences in fire frequency between different ecological areas; (2) summer drought conditions (PDSI) are the most consistent and strongest driver of fire across all ecoregions, and ENSO (NINO3) also shows a widespread negative correlation; (3) random forest models indicate that the Sierra Nevada and Madrean Archipelago ecoregions are the most sensitive to multiple climatic factors, while fire in regions such as the Northern Rockies may be more regulated by non-climatic processes; (4) extreme fire years across all ecoregions are associated with significant negative PDSI anomalies with prominent effect sizes, confirming that severe drought is the dominant cross-regional precondition for extreme fire events. This study emphasizes the region-specific nature of fire–climate relationships and provides a scientific basis for developing differentiated, ecoregion-specific fire prediction models and prevention strategies. The methodological framework and findings offer valuable insights for fire regime studies in other global forest ecosystems facing similar climate challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Climate Change on Fire Danger)

11 pages, 479 KB

Open AccessArticle

Incisional Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy Versus Standard Dressing for the Prevention of Surgical Site Complications Following Radical Cystectomy

by Fabio Traunero, Arianna Biasatti, Giulio Rossin, Andrea Piasentin, Federico Zorzi, Michele Rizzo, Paolo Umari, Tommaso Cai, Alessandro Zucchi and Giovanni Liguori

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(12), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15120581 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Radical cystectomy (RC) is a complex urologic procedure that, when performed using an open surgical approach, carries a high risk of surgical site complications (SSCs), which can lead to prolonged recovery, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity. Incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Radical cystectomy (RC) is a complex urologic procedure that, when performed using an open surgical approach, carries a high risk of surgical site complications (SSCs), which can lead to prolonged recovery, increased healthcare costs, and higher morbidity. Incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has demonstrated benefits in enhancing wound healing in various surgical settings, but its effectiveness in the context of RC remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of iNPWT on the incidence of SSCs following RC compared to standard surgical dressings using the PICO^® system. Methods: A cohort of 146 patients who underwent RC between 2015 and 2021 was divided into two groups: those treated with standard dressings (Group 1, n = 80) and those who received iNPWT (Group 2, n = 66). Patient-related, surgical, and pathological variables were compared between the groups. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, while continuous variables were assessed using Student’s t-test. Univariate logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the association between iNPWT use and 90-day SSCs, as well as to identify risk factors for complications. Results: Group 2 (iNPWT) had a higher prevalence of chronic comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease, but fewer active smokers compared to Group 1. Higher body mass index, prolonged operative time, and uncontrolled diabetes were significantly associated with the development of SSCs. The incidence of SSCs within 90 days was significantly lower in the iNPWT group (7.6%) compared to the standard dressing group (22.5%) (p = 0.03). iNPWT use was associated with a substantially reduced risk of SSCs (OR: 0.282), demonstrating a protective effect. Conclusions: Prophylactic application of iNPWT following RC significantly reduced the incidence of surgical site complications compared to standard dressing. These findings support the potential of iNPWT as a valuable adjunct in perioperative wound management. While encouraging, these results warrant validation in prospective, randomized studies. Tailored postoperative strategies and identification of patient-specific risk factors remain essential components in SSC prevention and reflect the growing importance of precision medicine in surgical oncology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Personalized Urologic Surgery: Innovation and Strategies)

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15 pages, 752 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Adaptive Learning via Partial-Update Variable Step-Size LMS for Real-Time ERP Denoising

by Mohamed Amine Boudiaf, Moncef Benkherrat, Salah Djelel, Djemil Messadeg and Rafik Absi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312702 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are low-amplitude neural responses elicited by sensory or cognitive stimuli, widely exploited as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease, and as control signals in brain–computer interface (BCI) systems [...] Read more.

Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are low-amplitude neural responses elicited by sensory or cognitive stimuli, widely exploited as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Alzheimer’s disease, and as control signals in brain–computer interface (BCI) systems for severely disabled individuals. However, their extremely low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) necessitates robust denoising, especially in real-time BCI applications where low latency, minimal computational overhead, and single-channel operation are critical constraints. While advanced offline methods like Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and wavelet-based thresholding offer effective denoising in multichannel settings, they are ill-suited for embedded, causal, and resource-constrained environments. To address this gap, we propose a Partial-Update Variable Step-Size LMS (PU-VSS-LMS) algorithm that complementarily combines dynamic step-size adaptation with a magnitude-driven partial-update strategy. Evaluated on synthetic ERP-like signals embedded in realistic EEG noise (SNR = 6 dB and 0 dB), PU-VSS-LMS achieves lower mean squared error (MSE: 0.0780 vs. 0.0850 at 6 dB) and higher output SNR (8.10 dB vs. 7.80 dB) than standard VSS-LMS, while outperforming ICA in waveform preservation and noise suppression. Importantly, it reduces computational load by 75% (updating only 4 of 16 coefficients), enabling faster execution without sacrificing accuracy. These results establish PU-VSS-LMS as a highly efficient and effective solution for real-time ERP denoising in embedded, single-channel biomedical systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mechanical Engineering)

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26 pages, 3155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond HOMA-IR: Comparative Evaluation of Insulin Resistance and Anthropometric Indices Across Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

by Mohamed-Zakaria Assani, Lidia Boldeanu, Anda Lorena Dijmărescu, Daniel Cosmin Caragea, Ionela Mihaela Vladu, Diana Clenciu, Adina Mitrea, Alexandra-Ștefania Stroe-Ionescu, Mariana-Emilia Caragea, Isabela Siloși and Mihail Virgil Boldeanu

Life 2025, 15(12), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121845 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Insulin resistance is central in metabolic syndrome, but indices such as Homeostasis Model Assessment-estimated Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) require insulin assays that are costly and not always available. Non-insulin-based indices and refined anthropometric markers may offer simpler risk stratification in prediabetes and diabetes. Our [...] Read more.

Insulin resistance is central in metabolic syndrome, but indices such as Homeostasis Model Assessment-estimated Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) require insulin assays that are costly and not always available. Non-insulin-based indices and refined anthropometric markers may offer simpler risk stratification in prediabetes and diabetes. Our objective was to compare insulin and non-insulin-based indices of insulin resistance, together with advanced anthropometric and lipid markers, between prediabetes (PreDM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and across hypertension grades in metabolic syndrome. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 200 adults with metabolic syndrome, 80 with PreDM and 120 with T2DM. Clinical, anthropometric and biochemical parameters were recorded, and HOMA-IR, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Beta-cell function (HOMA%B), Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), triglyceride to glucose index (TyG), triglyceride-to-glucose index to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TyG/HDL-c) and other derived indices were calculated. Group comparisons, correlations and multiple linear regression were performed. Compared with PreDM, T2DM showed higher glycemic indices and inflammation, but similar body mass index (BMI) and triglycerides. Across glycemic categories and hypertension grades, METS-IR, TyG and TyG/HDL-c increased and correlated strongly with body roundness index (BRI), abdominal volume index (AVI) and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI), while HOMA-IR contributed little independent information. In regression models, lipid adipose product (LAP) and WWI best explained METS-IR in prediabetes, whereas TyG and BRI were the main determinants of METS-IR in diabetes. In metabolic syndrome with PreDM or T2DM, METS-IR and TyG, particularly combined with BRI, AVI and WWI, outperformed traditional lipid ratios and added value beyond HOMA-IR. These composite indices appear useful for insulin resistance assessment when insulin measurement is unavailable or unreliable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endocrinology and Metabolic Syndrome: Epidemiology)

11 pages, 683 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Bodypump Training on Blood Pressure and Physical Fitness in Sedentary Older Adults with Hypertension: A Randomized Trial

by Manuel Jesús Rodríguez Chavarría, Manuel Chavarrías-Olmedo and Jorge Pérez-Gómez

Physiologia 2025, 5(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/physiologia5040052 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, pharmacological therapy is effective, but side effects and limited adherence highlight the need for non-pharmacological alternatives. This study investigated the effects of a structured Bodypump (BoP) programme, [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, pharmacological therapy is effective, but side effects and limited adherence highlight the need for non-pharmacological alternatives. This study investigated the effects of a structured Bodypump (BoP) programme, a choreographed group-based resistance training intervention, on blood pressure (BP) and functional fitness in sedentary older adults with hypertension. Methods: Thirty-two participants (65.4 ± 7.7 years) diagnosed with hypertension were randomly allocated to a BoP group (n = 16) or a control group (CG) (n = 16). The intervention lasted 8-week and consisted of 3 supervised sessions per week. Resting systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured using a validated automated device (Omron M3 Intellisense, HEM-7051-E), functional capacity was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery. Results: After the intervention, BoP exhibited significant reductions in SBP (−24.4 ± 4.7 mmHg; p < 0.001) and DBP (−6.4 ± 2.7 mmHg; p = 0.025) compared to CG. BoP improved functional fitness, lower- and upper-body strength, aerobic endurance and agility (p < 0.05), with no changes in the CG. Conclusions: 8-week of BoP programme reduced BP and enhanced physical function in sedentary hypertensive older adults. Given its accessible, motivating and socially engaging format, BoP represents a promising non-pharmacological strategy for hypertension management and functional fitness of healthy ageing. Full article

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25 pages, 3166 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on Seakeeping of WTIVs Considering the Effect of Leg-Spudcan Well

by Mingsheng Xiahou, Yuefeng Wei, Jinjia Wu, Xueqin Liu, Wei Lu and Deqing Yang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(23), 12701; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152312701 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Aiming at the limited applicability of traditional empirical formulas in roll prediction for offshore wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs), this study proposes a collaborative verification method that integrates model tests with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This approach reveals the influence mechanism of [...] Read more.

Aiming at the limited applicability of traditional empirical formulas in roll prediction for offshore wind turbine installation vessels (WTIVs), this study proposes a collaborative verification method that integrates model tests with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This approach reveals the influence mechanism of the fluid trapped in the leg-spudcan well region on the roll period and damping, facilitating high-precision prediction. A numerical model of the WTIV in a jack-up operating condition was established, and a CFD method based on the RANS equations was employed alongside experimental data for synergistic analysis. The results demonstrate that the fluid in the leg-spudcan well generates a significant additional moment of inertia, which reduces the natural roll period by approximately 7% and increases the damping coefficient by approximately 58%. Furthermore, an increase in leg length leads to a linear increase in damping and a linear decrease in the roll period. The motion response transfer functions derived from tests and the motion response errors of key structures in irregular waves are generally less than 10%. On this basis, a motion response conversion method applicable to any location on the entire ship is derived, providing a reliable numerical analysis tool for WTIV seakeeping evaluation and operational window assessment. Full article

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23 pages, 1309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Proof of the Feasibility of a Novel Mission Concept and Spacecraft Trajectory for Exploring Uranus with Small Satellites

by Dylan Barnes and Paula do Vale Pereira

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121069 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Following recommendations from the 2023–2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, we propose a novel Uranus exploration mission that is centered on using constellations of small spacecraft to observe the Uranus system. Using the method of patched conics and system-level design, we present [...] Read more.

Following recommendations from the 2023–2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey, we propose a novel Uranus exploration mission that is centered on using constellations of small spacecraft to observe the Uranus system. Using the method of patched conics and system-level design, we present a Pre-Phase A mission concept to launch a 4500 kg spacecraft on a Jupiter–Uranus gravity assist transfer trajectory with a transfer time of six years, having the spacecraft arrive at Uranus in 2039 after launching in 2033. To maintain the quality of data collection while minimizing mass, we propose that the spacecraft will be composed of a carrier spacecraft with a 3848 kg wet mass, which would be used primarily for communications and orbital transfers, and a constellation of CubeSats with a combined wet mass of 640 kg, which would house the instrumentation. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of the proposed mission concept and we demonstrate that a CubeSat constellation mission to Uranus can be not only viable but also a fuel and cruise time optimization opportunity, delivering 16 exploration spacecraft to Uranus in six years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spacecraft Trajectory Design)

14 pages, 311 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Unexpected Infection in Acetabular Erosion After Hip Hemiarthroplasty

by Luis-Rodrigo Merino-Rueda, Ricardo Fernández-Fernández and Eduardo García-Rey

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122141 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background and objectives: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) remains one of the most common treatments for displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly, providing pain relief, early mobilization and a low reoperation risk. Acetabular erosion is a recognized late complication of this procedure, but early [...] Read more.

Background and objectives: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) remains one of the most common treatments for displaced femoral neck fractures in the elderly, providing pain relief, early mobilization and a low reoperation risk. Acetabular erosion is a recognized late complication of this procedure, but early cartilage wear and its potential relationship with infection remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients who required conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) because of acetabular erosion and to analyze the possible role of unexpected infection as a contributing factor. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was performed including all patients treated between 2007 and 2019 who underwent conversion of a failed HA to THA due to acetabular erosion after femoral neck fracture. Microbiological analysis was performed in all cases through multiple intraoperative samples. Patients were classified into two groups, with and without infection, according to positive microbiological cultures. Results: Forty-four patients were included, with a median age of 80.5 years (74–85). The median time to acetabular erosion was 25.4 months (10.4–47.4). Infection was identified in six patients (13.6%), all within the first six months after fracture (p = 0.029). The median time to erosion was shorter in infected patients (4.0 versus 29.8 months, p < 0.001). No other demographic, functional, or implant-related variables were associated with infection. There were three re-revisions, two due to recurrent dislocation and one periprosthetic infection in a hip without unexcepted positive culture. All patients with positive intraoperative culture were successfully managed with antibiotherapy. Postoperative functional scores improved significantly in both groups. Fifteen patients (34.1%) died during follow-up. Conclusions: Early acetabular erosion after hemiarthroplasty may represent a manifestation of previously unrecognized low-grade infection, particularly in frail elderly patients. Despite advanced age and multiple comorbidities, conversion to THA achieved significant functional improvement with an acceptable complication rate. Prospective studies with larger populations are warranted to confirm the relationship between infection and early acetabular cartilage loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Techniques, Risks and Recovery of Hip Surgery)

6 pages, 218 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Antioxidant Response in Skeletal Muscle

by Elżbieta Supruniuk and Jan Górski

Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121445 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Skeletal muscle, which in men accounts for nearly half of the body’s mass, stands out as the most adaptable and energetically demanding tissue [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Response in Skeletal Muscle)

17 pages, 1932 KB

Open AccessArticle

Higher-Order PID-Nested Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Induction Motor Speed Servo Systems

by Nguyen Minh Trieu, Nguyen Tan No, Truong Nguyen Vu and Nguyen Truong Thinh

Actuators 2025, 14(12), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14120580 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to the velocity control loop of induction motor drives utilizing the Higher-Order PID-Nested Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode (PID-NTSM) method. Here, the PID-NTSM sliding manifold is formulated by the incorporation of both derivative and integral errors of states into [...] Read more.

This paper presents an approach to the velocity control loop of induction motor drives utilizing the Higher-Order PID-Nested Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode (PID-NTSM) method. Here, the PID-NTSM sliding manifold is formulated by the incorporation of both derivative and integral errors of states into the conventional nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface (NTSM). In this manner, the control signals take the higher-order sliding mode control law, obtained by multiple integrals. In this way, such signals are continuous, and the sliding manifold is obtained in finite time; the system’s states asymptotically converge chattering-free to zero at a much faster response time and higher tracking precision while maintaining inherited robustness characteristics. The effectiveness of the proposed method is comprehensively validated both numerically and experimentally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Control Systems)

34 pages, 1832 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Empirical Study Using a Structural Equation Model to Examine the Multiple Driving Mechanisms of Farmers’ Conservation Practices in the Communities Around Nature Reserves in China

by Zihan Wang, Ao Li, Haifei Liu and Changhai Wang

Land 2025, 14(12), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122353 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study employed a structural equation model to explore the multiple driving mechanisms of ecological protection behaviors of farmers in the surrounding nature reserves. Using field survey data from 400 households across eight nature reserves in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces and applying a [...] Read more.

This study employed a structural equation model to explore the multiple driving mechanisms of ecological protection behaviors of farmers in the surrounding nature reserves. Using field survey data from 400 households across eight nature reserves in Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces and applying a structural equation model (SEM), this study finds farmers’ perceptions of objective environmental improvement exert the strongest direct influence on protective behaviors, whereas the direct effect of subjective attitude, though significant, is comparatively weaker. This article also reveals that social norms not only directly shape protective attitudes but also indirectly promote protective behaviors through attitude mediation. Although the perceived benefits of ecological compensation benefits can significantly enhance farmers’ protective attitudes, a complete intermediary chain has not been established. It is worth noting that the impact of perceived costs on both attitudes and behaviors did not passed the significance test. This study confirmed the effectiveness of the “normal–attitude–behavior” transmission pathway and, at the same time, revealed that environmental improvement mainly influences behavior through direct paths rather than attitude mediators. This result provides a scientific basis for optimizing ecological compensation policies, emphasizing that a long-term mechanism for ecological and environmental protection should be established by combining environmental monitoring feedback with community standardized construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating the Balance: The Role of National Parks in Ecological Conservation and Socioeconomic Development, 2nd Edition)

18 pages, 2373 KB

Open AccessArticle

Changing Epidemiology of Influenza Infections Among Children in the Post-Pandemic Period: A Case Study in Xi’an, China

by Zeyao Zhao, Ning Lan, Yang Chen, Juan Yang, Jing Bai and Jifeng Liu

Vaccines 2025, 13(12), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13121214 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: The epidemiology of influenza was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, influenza viruses have re-emerged and caused epidemics with shifts in age distribution and seasonality. This study aimed to characterise the post-pandemic epidemiology of influenza infections among [...] Read more.

Background: The epidemiology of influenza was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, influenza viruses have re-emerged and caused epidemics with shifts in age distribution and seasonality. This study aimed to characterise the post-pandemic epidemiology of influenza infections among children in Xi’an, China. Methods: A retrospective analysis of laboratory-confirmed paediatric influenza cases spanning three periods [pre-pandemic (1 January 2010–22 January 2020), intra-pandemic (23 January 2020–8 January 2023), and post-pandemic (9 January 2023–31 August 2025)] was conducted. Age-specific incidences were determined by subtypes (lineage) and compared across periods. Seasonal parameters were estimated using a generalised linear model with harmonic terms. Associations between influenza infection and risk of co-detection with other respiratory pathogens were assessed using logistic regression models. Results: Influenza peak activity in the post-pandemic period was 10-fold higher than in the intra-pandemic period. The mean age of infected children increased by 1.4 years (95% CI: 1.2–1.7), shifting towards school-aged children (6–17 years). The seasonal pattern re-established with an earlier peak (13.9 weeks earlier than the pre-pandemic period, 95% CI: 10.4–15.2) and increased amplitude (10-fold and 4-fold higher than the intra- and pre-pandemic periods, respectively). It was observed that A(H1N1)pdm09 positivity was elevated in preschool and school-aged children, whereas B/Victoria infections showed renewed susceptibility among infants [0–5 months vs. 6–35 months vs. 3–5 years vs. 6–17 years: 11.0% (95% CI: 5.1–19.8) vs. 2.8% (1.9–4.0) vs. 4.0% (3.2–5.0) vs. 5.2% (4.5–6.0); p = 0.00014]. Influenza infection was associated with higher risk of bacterial co-detection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.22–1.91) and Haemophilus influenzae (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.19–1.80), but lower risk of co-detection with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.27–0.99), RSV (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11–0.79), and parainfluenza viruses (aOR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04–0.65). Conclusions: The post-pandemic landscape of paediatric influenza in Xi’an has undergone substantial reconfiguration, characterised by intensified activity, altered seasonality, and a marked shift in age distribution. The increased bacterial co-detection points out the potential for more severe respiratory co-infections. These findings highlight the importance of optimising vaccination timing and prompting school-aged-children-targeted immunisation programmes in the post-pandemic era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccines and Vaccinations During and After the Pandemic Period)

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17 pages, 2190 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tumor Imaging Heterogeneity Index-Inspired Insights into the Unveiling Tumor Microenvironment of Breast Cancer

by Qingpei Lai, Xinzhi Teng, Jiang Zhang, Xinyu Zhang, Yufeng Jiang, Yao Pu, Peixin Yu, Wen Li, Tian Li, Jing Cai and Ge Ren

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(23), 11624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262311624 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study addresses the limited mechanistic understanding behind medical imaging for tumor microenvironment (TME) assessment. We developed a novel framework that analyzes tumor imaging heterogeneity index (TIHI)-correlated genes to uncover underlying TME biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities. DCE-MRI and mRNA data from 987 high-risk [...] Read more.

This study addresses the limited mechanistic understanding behind medical imaging for tumor microenvironment (TME) assessment. We developed a novel framework that analyzes tumor imaging heterogeneity index (TIHI)-correlated genes to uncover underlying TME biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities. DCE-MRI and mRNA data from 987 high-risk breast cancer patients in the I-SPY2 trial, together with mRNA data from 508 patients in GSE25066, were analyzed. TIHI-associated genes were identified via Pearson correlation, clustered via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and subgroups were defined via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). The clinical relevance of the image-to-gene comprehensive (I2G-C) subtype defined by subgroups was assessed using logistic regression and Cox analysis. I2G-C comprised four clusters with distinct immune and replication/repair functions. It further stratified receptor, PAM50, and RPS5 subtypes. The “immune+/replication+” was more likely to achieve pathological complete response (pCR) (OR = 2.587, p < 0.001), while the “immune−/replication−” was the least likely to achieve pCR (OR = 0.402, p < 0.001). The “immune+/replication+” showed sensitivity to pembrolizumab (OR = 10.192, p < 0.001) and veliparib/carboplatin (OR = 5.184, p = 0.006), while “immune-/replication-” responded poorly to pembrolizumab (OR = 0.086, p < 0.001). Additionally, “immune+/replication-” had the best distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS), whereas “immune-/replication+” had the worst (log-rank p = 6 × 10−4, HR = 5.45). By linking imaging heterogeneity directly to molecular subtypes and therapeutic response, this framework provides a robust, non-invasive surrogate for genomic profiling and a strategic tool for personalized neoadjuvant therapy selection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)

17 pages, 269 KB

Open AccessArticle

Post-Catholic Transformations: A Sociological Analysis of Nonreligion in Northern Poland

by Remigiusz Szauer

Religions 2025, 16(12), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16121517 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article analyses the phenomenon of nonreligiosity in Northern Poland in the context of secularisation, individualisation, and pluralisation in religion. Based on quantitative research conducted in 2024 among adult residents of Western and Gdańsk Pomerania (N = 1500), this study shows that nonreligiosity [...] Read more.

This article analyses the phenomenon of nonreligiosity in Northern Poland in the context of secularisation, individualisation, and pluralisation in religion. Based on quantitative research conducted in 2024 among adult residents of Western and Gdańsk Pomerania (N = 1500), this study shows that nonreligiosity is not merely a lack of faith but a multidimensional social construct encompassing both religious indifference and active irreligiosity. Factor analysis confirmed a two-dimensional structure—religious indifference and irreligiosity—differing in their degree of reactivity towards religion. In Western Pomerania, both forms are statistically stronger and conceptually broader, taking the shape of secular individualism and demands for a more secular public sphere, whereas in Gdańsk Pomerania, attitudes are more polarised, ranging from institutionalised faith to open contestation of the Church. Drawing on the approaches of Campbell, Zuckerman, Bullivant, Klug, and Lee, this study interprets nonreligiosity as a dynamic field of attitudes, from distance to opposition towards religion. The findings indicate that secularisation in Poland does not lead to the disappearance of religion but to its restructuring and privatisation. Nonreligiosity thus emerges as an alternative source of meaning, morality, and identity in a post-Catholic society, while regional differences reveal a hybrid model of secularisation that combines passivity and distance with active contestation, confirming the continuum between religiosity and nonreligiosity in contemporary worldviews. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religions and Society: Between Navigating Secularism and Lived Religion)

15 pages, 588 KB

Open AccessArticle

Closing the Loop on Solar: A Sustainability Assessment of Photovoltaic Recycling in Greece

by Kyriaki Kiskira, Angeliki Lalopoulou, Konstantinos Kalkanis and George Vokas

Energies 2025, 18(23), 6314; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18236314 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the sustainability of photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling through a case study in Greece. It traces the evolution of PVs and outlines the main construction characteristics, emphasizing that although PV systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also generate substantial end-of-life (EoL) [...] Read more.

This paper examines the sustainability of photovoltaic (PV) panel recycling through a case study in Greece. It traces the evolution of PVs and outlines the main construction characteristics, emphasizing that although PV systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they also generate substantial end-of-life (EoL) waste containing both valuable and potentially hazardous materials. The study estimates Greece’s annual PV waste generation and evaluates its environmental, social, and economic impacts. It focuses on advanced disassembly and recycling methods by PV types and calculates material-recovery rates. Using national installation data from 2009–2023, the analysis quantifies the potential mass of recoverable materials and assesses the sustainability of PV recycling in terms of environmental protection, public health, and economic feasibility. Results show high recovery rates: silicon (85%), aluminum (100%), silver (98–100%), glass (95%), copper (97%), and tin (32%). Although current recycling economics remain challenging, the environmental and health benefits are significant. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing the first detailed quantification of recoverable raw materials embedded in Greece’s PV stock and by highlighting the need for technological innovation and supportive policies to enable a circular and sustainable solar economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Circular Economy Perspective: From Waste to Energy)

15 pages, 7025 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Impact Strain Monitoring and Simulating Method for Large-Size Composite Skin Panel with Optical Fiber Sensors

by Jianfei Feng, Hao Dong, Kang Cao and Yongjie Zhang

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121070 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is now essential for certifying many composite primary structures as it resolves strain redistribution at the moment of impact. Traditional detection methods, including resistive strain gauges, face challenges due to susceptibility to electromagnetic noise, as well as increased mass [...] Read more.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is now essential for certifying many composite primary structures as it resolves strain redistribution at the moment of impact. Traditional detection methods, including resistive strain gauges, face challenges due to susceptibility to electromagnetic noise, as well as increased mass and wiring complexity proportional to the number of channels. This study proposes an impact strain monitoring and simulating method using optical fiber sensors for composite skin panels. Repeated low-velocity impact tests were conducted on large-size composite skin panels using various impact forces and locations. The 95% confidence interval for unit load strain in the simulation results differs from the experiment by 18%. This method effectively facilitates the monitoring of global impact strain on large-size composite skin panels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)

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23 pages, 4244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fragility and Seismic Performance Assessment of RC Frames Under Chinese and Pakistani Building Codes

by Muhammad Usama Aslam, Tariq Umar, Musaab Suliman, Muhammad Usman Siddiq, Hamid Rajabnejad and Ambar Farooq

CivilEng 2025, 6(4), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng6040065 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

The increasing integration of Chinese-engineered infrastructure in Pakistan under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) necessitates a comparative evaluation of seismic resilience between the Chinese and Pakistani building codes. This study focused on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames designed according to [...] Read more.

The increasing integration of Chinese-engineered infrastructure in Pakistan under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) necessitates a comparative evaluation of seismic resilience between the Chinese and Pakistani building codes. This study focused on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames designed according to these two codes. Fragility curves were generated for 4-story, 8-story, and 12-story buildings subjected to varying seismic intensities using Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). The results indicate that structures designed under the Chinese code exhibit up to 12% lower fragility values, suggesting enhanced seismic resilience, particularly at higher seismic intensities. Additionally, the study investigates the effectiveness of Lead Rubber Bearings (LRBs) for seismic isolation, demonstrating that their integration improves the seismic performance of RC frames by enhancing energy dissipation and reducing the likelihood of exceeding various damage states by up to 25%. These findings underscore the importance of adopting stringent seismic design provisions, such as those found in the Chinese code, to enhance the resilience and safety of infrastructure, especially in seismic-prone regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances on Structural Engineering, 3rd Edition)

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17 pages, 10859 KB

Open AccessArticle

TSFNet: A Two-Stage Fusion Network for Visual–Inertial Odometry

by Shuai Wang, Yuntao Liang, Jiongxun Lin, Yuxi Gan, Mengping Zhong, Xia Yin and Bao Peng

Mathematics 2025, 13(23), 3842; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13233842 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

In autonomous operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), accurate pose estimation is a core prerequisite for achieving autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and task execution. To address the challenge of localization in GNSS-denied environments, Visual–Inertial Odometry (VIO) has emerged as a mainstream solution due [...] Read more.

In autonomous operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), accurate pose estimation is a core prerequisite for achieving autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and task execution. To address the challenge of localization in GNSS-denied environments, Visual–Inertial Odometry (VIO) has emerged as a mainstream solution due to its outstanding performance. However, existing deep learning-based VIO methods exhibit limitations in their multi-modal fusion mechanisms. These methods typically employ simple concatenation or attention mechanisms for feature fusion. Furthermore, enhancements in accuracy are often accompanied by significant computational overhead. This makes it difficult for models to effectively handle complex, dynamic scenes while remaining lightweight. To this end, this paper proposes TSFNet (Two-stage Sequential Fusion Network), an efficient two-stage sequential fusion network. In the first stage, the network employs a lightweight visual backbone and a bidirectional recurrent network in parallel to extract spatial and motion features, respectively. A gated fusion unit is employed to achieve adaptive intra-frame feature fusion, dynamically balancing the contributions of different modalities. In the second stage, the fused features are organized into sequences and fed into a dedicated temporal network to explicitly model inter-frame motion dynamics. This decoupled fusion architecture significantly enhances the model’s representational capacity. Experimental results demonstrate that TSFNet achieves superior performance on both the EuRoC and Zurich Urban MAV datasets. Notably, on the Zurich Urban MAV dataset, it reduces the localization Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) by 62% compared to the baseline model, while simultaneously reducing the number of parameters and computational load by 76.65% and 24.30%, respectively. This research confirms that the decoupled two-stage fusion strategy is an effective approach for realizing high-precision, lightweight VIO systems. Full article

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11 pages, 830 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Norovirus Genotypes in South Korea, 2019–2024: Insights from Nationwide Dual Typing Surveillance

by Minji Lee, Seung-Rye Cho, Yunhee Jo, Deog-Yong Lee, Myung-Guk Han and Sun-Whan Park

Viruses 2025, 17(12), 1572; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17121572 (registering DOI) - 30 Nov 2025

Abstract

Noroviruses are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, with a particularly high burden among children under five years of age. We analyzed nationwide surveillance data from EnterNet-Korea collected between 2019 and 2024—covering both the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods—to assess norovirus detection [...] Read more.

Noroviruses are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, with a particularly high burden among children under five years of age. We analyzed nationwide surveillance data from EnterNet-Korea collected between 2019 and 2024—covering both the pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods—to assess norovirus detection rates and genotype distribution. Noroviruses were detected by RT-qPCR, and dual genotyping of capsid (G) and polymerase (P) types was performed by sequencing the ORF1–2 junction region. Among the 67,159 specimens tested, 8.4% (n = 5652) were norovirus-positive, with the highest prevalence observed in children aged 0–5 years (19.9%). In this age group, genotyping was successful in 72.4% (2633/3635) of positive cases, identifying 30 distinct genotypes (GI: 9; GII: 21). The most common strains were GII.4[P31] (38.1%), GII.4[P16] (27.1%), and GII.2[P16] (10.4%), with substantial year-to-year variation. Notably, the emergence of GII.17[P17] in late 2024 indicates shifting genotype dynamics, underscoring the need for strengthened surveillance and reconsideration of vaccine strain selection. To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide dual-typing study in Korea encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic era. These findings provide essential baseline data for integration into global surveillance systems and inform future vaccine development and public health strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viruses Associated with Gastroenteritis)

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