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13 pages, 722 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of the Polysaccharide and Protein Composition of Neurospora crassa Conidium, Perithecium, and Ascospore Cell Walls

by Protyusha Dey, Ian Black, Christian Heiss, Liyanage Devthilini Fernando, Parastoo Azadi, Piotr Shtyk and Stephen J. Free

J. Fungi 2026, 12(9), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12090657 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

We carried out carbohydrate composition and carbohydrate linkage analyses on Neurospora crassa cell walls from vegetative hyphae, conidia (asexual spores), perithecia (female mating structures), and ascospores (sexual spores). We show that the composition and structure of the cell wall undergo dramatic changes during [...] Read more.

We carried out carbohydrate composition and carbohydrate linkage analyses on Neurospora crassa cell walls from vegetative hyphae, conidia (asexual spores), perithecia (female mating structures), and ascospores (sexual spores). We show that the composition and structure of the cell wall undergo dramatic changes during the N. crassa life cycle. All the cell walls contain β-1,3-glucan and mixed β-1,3-/β-1,4-glucan (lichenin). The conidia cell walls and perithecia cell walls also contain α-1,3-glucan. β-1,3-glucan was the most abundant polysaccharide in the vegetative hyphae cell walls and mixed β-1,3-/β-1,4-glucan was the most abundant polysaccharide in the perithecia and ascospore cell walls. Chitin was a major polysaccharide in the ascospore cell walls. Ascospore and perithecia cell walls also contained melanin as a structural element. We conclude that the composition and structure of the cell wall changes dramatically as cells proceed through the various stages of the N. crassa life cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Cell Biology, Metabolism and Physiology)

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20 pages, 3520 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Academic Performance in University Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Fernando Peral-Martínez, Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, Valentina Díaz-Goñi, Tomás Olivo-Martins-de-Passos, Ana María Peraile-Huerta, Alejandro Prieto-Ayuso, Estela Jiménez-López, Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno and Arthur Eumann Mesas

Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2866; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172866 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with numerous health benefits, yet it is often suboptimal among university students. Its relationship with academic performance (AP), an outcome with potential long-term implications, has not been quantitatively synthesized in this population. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been associated with numerous health benefits, yet it is often suboptimal among university students. Its relationship with academic performance (AP), an outcome with potential long-term implications, has not been quantitatively synthesized in this population. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the associations between MedDiet adherence and AP in university students. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024526903). PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 6 August 2026. AP was examined through objective (grade point average, mean academic grade, or university entrance scores) and subjective measures (academic self-concept or perceived academic progress). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using random-effects models. Subgroup, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Methodological quality was appraised with the NIH tool, and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: Twelve cross-sectional studies were included (10,931 students; study-level mean ages: 19.0–25.1 years; 56.7% female). A positive association was observed in the primary analysis of objective AP measures (10 studies; SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.94; I² = 98.2%) and for subjective measures (3 studies; SMD = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.71; I² = 0.0%). The certainty of the evidence was very low. Conclusions: Higher MedDiet adherence may be associated with better AP in university students. However, considerable between-study heterogeneity and very low certainty of the evidence limit confidence in the pooled estimates. Further high-quality longitudinal and intervention studies are needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport and Nutrition: Promoting Healthy Minds and Academic Achievement)

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21 pages, 17248 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Inspired Low-Light Image Enhancement with Large Kernel Convolution and Attention

by Xiaohu Liu, Hongke Pan, Xiaogang Yu, Jun Xi and Yujun Peng

Biomimetics 2026, 11(9), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11090621 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Nighttime driving safety remains a critical challenge in modern transportation systems: insufficient ambient lighting significantly degrades visual perception quality, adversely affecting both human drivers and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and directly threatening road users’ safety. Traditional image enhancement methods often suffer from color [...] Read more.

Nighttime driving safety remains a critical challenge in modern transportation systems: insufficient ambient lighting significantly degrades visual perception quality, adversely affecting both human drivers and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and directly threatening road users’ safety. Traditional image enhancement methods often suffer from color distortion and visual artifacts, whereas existing deep learning approaches typically require paired training data and incur substantial computational overhead. To address these limitations, this paper presents BLEN (bio-inspired low-light enhancement network), a zero-reference deep learning framework that integrates biological vision principles with efficient convolutional architectures. Specifically, BLEN leverages Retinex theory for illumination–reflectance decomposition, is inspired by and functionally approximates lateral inhibition mechanisms for edge enhancement, and incorporates a Large-Kernel Convolution with Attention (LKCA) module that reduces the parameter count of the LKCA encoder block by 76% (0.56 M vs. 2.34 M for a standard 13 × 13 convolution) relative to standard large-kernel operations. Extensive experiments on the SICE and LOL benchmarks demonstrate that BLEN achieves state-of-the-art performance among real-time, edge-deployable zero-reference methods on the SICE benchmark, yielding a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 23.67 ± 0.14 dB and a structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.891 ± 0.004 on SICE while maintaining 2.10 M parameters (2.1 MB in INT8, 8.4 MB in FP32). Furthermore, the proposed method enables real-time inference at 31 frames per second (FPS) on embedded platforms, including the HiSilicon SS928 and Jetson Nano, demonstrating that the proposed method is an efficient and effective front-end for camera-based ADAS perception on automotive-grade edge hardware. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bionic Vision Applications and Validation)

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18 pages, 332 KB

Open AccessArticle

Codes over Frobenius Ring

T

by Elif Segah Öztaş and Merve Bulut Yılgör

Mathematics 2026, 14(17), 3150; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14173150 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

This paper focuses on the construction and analysis of codes over the Frobenius ring

T

. By exploiting the idempotent structure of the ring, codes over

T

are decomposed into direct sums of component codes over a related local Frobenius non-chain ring. A [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the construction and analysis of codes over the Frobenius ring

T

. By exploiting the idempotent structure of the ring, codes over

T

are decomposed into direct sums of component codes over a related local Frobenius non-chain ring. A gray map is constructed and shown to be bijective and distance-preserving, allowing code parameters to be determined from their gray images. Linear codes and cyclic codes over the considered ring are completely characterized, and explicit descriptions of their generating sets and cardinalities are obtained. The duals of cyclic codes are also examined, and the gray map is shown to preserve orthogonality and self-duality. Well-parameterized codes were obtained over the ring

T

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematics and its Applications in Science and Engineering, 4th Edition)

24 pages, 2250 KB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Autochthonous Lacticaseibacillus in the Ripening of Donkey-Sheep Milk Cheese

by Daniel Abarquero, Cristina Duque, David Delgado, Cristina Carbajo, Laura Cano, Sara Martínez, José F. Cobo-Díaz, José M. Fresno and María E. Tornadijo

Dairy 2026, 7(5), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy7050072 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Donkey milk represents a valuable alternative for diversifying dairy resources. The mixture of donkey milk with milk from other species may help overcome its technological limitations while creating opportunities for the development of innovative cheeses based on non-conventional milk sources and indigenous lactic [...] Read more.

Donkey milk represents a valuable alternative for diversifying dairy resources. The mixture of donkey milk with milk from other species may help overcome its technological limitations while creating opportunities for the development of innovative cheeses based on non-conventional milk sources and indigenous lactic acid cultures. The effects of adjunct Lacticaseibacillus and ripening time on the physicochemical, microbiological, proteolytic, volatile, and sensory characteristics of cheese were evaluated. Cheeses made from a mixture of sheep milk (70%) and donkey milk (30%) were manufactured using a commercial starter culture and served as the control. Experimental cheeses were produced from the same milk blend inoculated with the commercial starter culture and supplemented with autochthonous Lacticaseibacillus strains. Their addition accelerated acidification and modulated the volatile profile, increasing alcohol and ester concentrations while reducing aldehydes and branched-chain fatty acids. These changes may have contributed to enhanced aroma intensity and complexity, together with increased hardness and friability of the cheeses during sensory evaluation. The use of indigenous Lacticaseibacillus cultures may contribute to the production of innovative mixed-milk cheeses, supporting the sustainable valorisation of donkey milk in dairy systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Milk Processing)

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14 pages, 1395 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Chromatography Profiling of a Neurotoxicology-Relevant Compound Panel: A Physicochemical Dataset for New Approach Methodologies

by Wiktor Nisterenko, Yash Raj Singh, Katarzyna Ewa Greber, Karolina Jagiełło and Krzesimir Ciura

Biomimetics 2026, 11(9), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11090620 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Developmental and adult neurotoxicity are hard to assess with conventional in vitro assays, which rarely account for how a chemical actually distributes once inside the body. Biomimetic chromatography offers a practical way to fill that gap, using stationary phases that mimic phospholipid membranes [...] Read more.

Developmental and adult neurotoxicity are hard to assess with conventional in vitro assays, which rarely account for how a chemical actually distributes once inside the body. Biomimetic chromatography offers a practical way to fill that gap, using stationary phases that mimic phospholipid membranes and major plasma proteins to yield experimental descriptors of lipophilicity, membrane affinity, and protein binding without needing radiolabeled compounds or large sample amounts. Working within the Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals, we profiled 67 neurotoxicology-relevant chemicals on immobilized artificial membrane, human serum albumin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein columns alongside lipophilicity measured at three pH values. The chromatographic lipophilicity scale matched literature log p values closely. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses of the seven descriptors pointed to one dominant hydrophobicity axis and a smaller, second axis tied to ionization and albumin binding. The panel’s overall chromatographic profile did not separate neurotoxic from non-neurotoxic reference compounds, but the most membrane- and protein-avid compounds were disproportionately positive controls and warrant closer attention. The resulting dataset gives New Approach Methodologies a ready, experimentally grounded input for in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation and baseline toxicity assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomimetic Processing and Molecular Biomimetics)

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Graphical abstract

19 pages, 7122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hourly Dynamic Emission Factors and Integrated Optimization of Electricity Market Prices in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems: Sensitivity Analysis Under Sales Quotas and Decarbonization Scenarios

by Gizem Nur Bulanık Durmuş

Mathematics 2026, 14(17), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14173151 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study develops a single-level energy management optimization model that evaluates hourly electricity market data and hourly dynamic emission factors (DEF) within a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. The model uses hourly PV production data for 2025, hourly market clearing price (MCP) data from [...] Read more.

This study develops a single-level energy management optimization model that evaluates hourly electricity market data and hourly dynamic emission factors (DEF) within a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. The model uses hourly PV production data for 2025, hourly market clearing price (MCP) data from the EPİAŞ day-ahead market, and hourly dynamic emission factors. The aim is to maximize total benefit by considering both the revenue from electricity sales and the carbon credits associated with the estimated avoided emissions resulting from PV energy exported to the grid during periods of high grid carbon intensity. To represent real grid operating conditions, a quota constraint for annual energy sales to the grid is defined, and the model is tasked with distributing this quota to the most optimal hours throughout the year. According to the baseline scenario results, where 60% of annual PV production is allowed to be sold to the grid and the carbon credit price is set at USD 15/tCO₂, 8062.04 MWh was curtailed due to quota restrictions. As a result of the optimum hourly sales plan, electricity sales revenue of USD 1,007,770.44 and carbon credits of USD 81,460.01 were obtained. The estimated quantity of avoided emissions, calculated according to dynamic emission factors, was 5430.67 tons of CO₂. In this study, comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of different grid sales quota levels, carbon credit prices, and hourly emission factor reduction scenarios, representing the long-term decarbonization of the grid in line with Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target. The findings suggest that dynamic emission factors are one of the key elements determining the economic and environmental performance of PV systems under different sales limits, carbon credit prices, and emission reduction scenarios. Full article

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20 pages, 1258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Reporting in Romania Under the CSRD and ESRS: An Exploratory Multiple Case Study of Listed Companies

by Gina-Raluca Gușe, Cătălina Gorgan, Elena-Mariana Glăvan, Gabriel Radu and Marcel Vulpoi

Sustainability 2026, 18(17), 8981; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18178981 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was adopted in order to improve the quality of this type of reporting in the European Union. However, its scope and requirements were quickly softened in order to reduce the reporting burden on companies. This paper is [...] Read more.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was adopted in order to improve the quality of this type of reporting in the European Union. However, its scope and requirements were quickly softened in order to reduce the reporting burden on companies. This paper is an exploratory multiple case study of twelve sustainability statements published for the financial years 2024 and 2025 by six top Romanian companies in terms of capitalization. It aims to analyze how companies operationalize the structured disclosure requirements of the CSRD and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) in practice. A 70-item coverage index is combined with an in-depth reading of each statement. Findings indicate that the aggregate number of disclosure requirements is approximately the same in both years, and the datapoints that can be sourced inside the reporting boundary are better covered than those depending on value chain actors. Companies disclose heterogeneous reports, some of them including more substantive disclosures, while still failing to establish concrete, quantitative sustainability targets. In most cases, the story told by the sustainability statements is made up of isolated pieces instead of painting a complete picture. The qualitative reading shows that a covered datapoint is frequently a statement of intention, a deferral or a declaration of non-materiality rather than a substantive disclosure. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to analyze both CSRD and ESRS reporting cycles in a Central and Eastern European setting. Full article

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

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19 pages, 343 KB

Open AccessReview

Oral Zinc Supplementation in Acne Vulgaris and Hidradenitis Suppurativa: An Updated Comprehensive Review

by Sabrina Spiniello, Davide Termini, Gianluca Tavoletti, Gianluca Avallone, Silvia Alberti-Violetti, Angelo Valerio Marzano and Gianluca Nazzaro

Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172865 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Oral zinc supplementation has emerged as a potential ⁠adjunctive strategy in inflammatory follicular disorders, including ⁠acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa. Beyond its role as an essential micronutrient, zinc modulates several pathways and biological processes directly ⁠relevant to these diseases, including innate immunity, oxidative [...] Read more.

Oral zinc supplementation has emerged as a potential ⁠adjunctive strategy in inflammatory follicular disorders, including ⁠acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa. Beyond its role as an essential micronutrient, zinc modulates several pathways and biological processes directly ⁠relevant to these diseases, including innate immunity, oxidative stress, neutrophil-driven inflammation, antimicrobial defense, wound repair, and possibly sebaceous gland activity and androgen metabolism. In acne, available data support a potential clinical benefit, mainly on inflammatory lesions, with ⁠potential relevance in antibiotic-sparing approaches. In hidradenitis suppurativa, the evidence remains more limited and is largely based on small observational or uncontrolled studies, although a possible adjunctive role has been suggested in mild-to-moderate disease and maintenance therapy. However, differences across studies in zinc formulation, ⁠dose, treatment duration, baseline zinc assessment, and outcome measures make it difficult to draw firm conclusions, and further randomized controlled trials are needed to identify which patients are most likely to benefit. Considering the available evidence, zinc represents an accessible and clinically attractive adjunct in acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa. This review critically appraises the evidence ⁠on oral zinc in acne vulgaris and hidradenitis suppurativa, with particular attention to biological plausibility, clinical effectiveness, dosing and safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Knowledge of Zinc in Health and Disease)

24 pages, 2029 KB

Open AccessArticle

Negative Campus Climate as an Institutional Risk Indicator for Student Success and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Covariate-Adjusted Analysis of Open Survey Data

by Miguel Naranjo-Toro, Andrea Basantes-Andrade, Mónica Meneses and Julio Guerra

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16091416 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Campus climate surveys are widely administered in higher education, but their results are rarely integrated into student-success analytics. This study examines negative campus climate as an institutional risk indicator for academic satisfaction, intention to remain, and psychological wellbeing. Open student microdata from the [...] Read more.

Campus climate surveys are widely administered in higher education, but their results are rarely integrated into student-success analytics. This study examines negative campus climate as an institutional risk indicator for academic satisfaction, intention to remain, and psychological wellbeing. Open student microdata from the 2016 University of Michigan Campus Climate Survey on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ICPSR 37096) were analyzed. A negative climate factor was constructed from perceived DEI climate, general climate, fair treatment, and institutional communication and showed satisfactory psychometric properties (KMO = 0.780; α = 0.846; ω = 0.850; AVE = 0.587). Survey-weighted analyses combined inverse probability weighting, five-fold cross-fitted augmented inverse probability weighting, continuous models, cluster analysis, mediation, and spline-based risk curves. High negative climate was associated with reductions of 0.734, 0.752, and 0.656 points on the original five-point scales for academic satisfaction, intention to remain, and wellbeing, respectively; standardized AIPW contrasts were −1.029, −1.017, and −0.951 SD. Each one SD increase in negative climate was associated with decreases of 0.764, 0.725, and 0.661 SD in the respective outcomes. Wellbeing statistically mediated 21.4% of the association with academic satisfaction and 19.3% of the association with intention to remain. Three interpretable climate profiles showed substantial outcome gradients. The predicted probability of very low outcomes reached 25% at climate scores between 1.80 and 2.42 SD above the mean, depending on the outcome. These context-specific findings support campus climate as a potentially useful institutional monitoring signal, while not establishing temporal or causal effects. Full article

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27 pages, 27443 KB

Open AccessArticle

AquaMambaTrack: Reliability-First Mamba ReID for Underwater Fish Multi-Object Tracking

by Xiong Xiong, Xiaoyan Chen, Bing Yang, Lina Yin and Bohuai Yao

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171625 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

High-density underwater fish multi-object tracking remains difficult because occlusion, small targets, background similarity, and noisy observations destabilize identity evidence. We study a reliability-first temporal identity memory in which a successful association does not automatically authorize an identity-memory update. AquaMambaTrack (AMT) decouples geometric/motion-state updates [...] Read more.

High-density underwater fish multi-object tracking remains difficult because occlusion, small targets, background similarity, and noisy observations destabilize identity evidence. We study a reliability-first temporal identity memory in which a successful association does not automatically authorize an identity-memory update. AquaMambaTrack (AMT) decouples geometric/motion-state updates from admission to an online per-track FIFO: only observations that satisfy stage, geometry, appearance, and crowd-reliability checks enter the history aggregated by Mamba. With fixed official MFT25 detections and official TrackEval, AMT-L48 obtains 53.473 HOTA, 41.112 AssA, 59.543 IDF1, 85.265 MOTA, and 507 IDSW. In the write-policy ladder, unfiltered FIFO writing gives 47.973 HOTA and 33.189 AssA, whereas the complete policy gives 53.473 and 41.112; the GT-evaluable history-contamination rate decreases from 27.89% to 14.35%. Online track-conditioned history exceeds detection-linked history without fallback by 5.933 HOTA and the documented T = 1 fallback path by 4.210 HOTA. Across seeds 0, 1, and 2, L = 48 gives 52.662 ± 0.769 HOTA, and Mamba has the highest mean association metrics among the evaluated encoders in the same pipeline. The gain is not universal: at the common detection-score threshold of 0.15, SU-T has fewer raw ID switches (381) on MFT25; in the internal cross-scene case study, AMT leads HOTA, DetA, and MOTA but not AssA or IDF1, and has the most raw ID switches (82). Under precomputed detections, the cold-cache tracking pipeline runs at 30.33 ± 2.72 FPS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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12 pages, 6150 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stock Assessment and Management Recommendations for the Sustainable Fishery of Tropical Shad (Terubok), Tenualosa toli, in Sarawak Waters, Malaysia

by Nur Azrie, S. M. Nurul Amin, Aziz Arshad, Mohd Salleh Kamarudin, Fatimah M. Yusoff and Samroz Majeed

Conservation 2026, 6(3), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation6030110 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

The population of Tenualosa toli is primarily distributed in the coastal and estuarine waters of Sarawak, Malaysia, where landings have declined steadily from 1031 tons in 2003 to 586 tons in 2013. To assess stock status and support sustainable management, samples were collected [...] Read more.

The population of Tenualosa toli is primarily distributed in the coastal and estuarine waters of Sarawak, Malaysia, where landings have declined steadily from 1031 tons in 2003 to 586 tons in 2013. To assess stock status and support sustainable management, samples were collected between May 2016 and October 2017. Length-based stock assessment methods, including the TropFishR package and the Length-Based Bayesian Biomass (LBB) model, were used to estimate growth, mortality, exploitation, and biomass indicators. Growth analysis yielded an asymptotic length (L_∞) of 57.81 cm, a growth coefficient (K) of 0.34 yr⁻¹, a growth performance index (φ′) of 3.09, and a theoretical age at zero length (t₀) of −0.40. Mortality estimates indicated total mortality (Z) of 1.82 yr⁻¹, with natural mortality (M) of 0.49 yr⁻¹ and fishing mortality (F) of 1.33 yr⁻¹. The exploitation rate (E) was estimated at 0.73, substantially higher than the optimal level (E = 0.50), indicating excessive fishing pressure. The length at first capture (Lc₅₀ = 19.16 cm) was considerably lower than the length at first maturity (Lm₅₀ = 31.91 cm), suggesting that most individuals are harvested before reaching maturity. The optimal length (Lopt) was estimated at 35.0 cm (L_opt/L_∞ = 0.67), while the observed mean length was much smaller (L_mean/L_opt = 0.73), indicating growth overfishing. Biomass indicators were critically low, with B/B₀ = 0.017 and B/BMSY = 0.046, confirming that the stock is severely depleted and far below sustainable levels, suggesting recruitment overfishing. Overall, the results indicate that the fishery is experiencing both growth and recruitment overfishing due to intense harvesting of immature individuals and high fishing pressure. Therefore, management measures such as increasing mesh size, reducing fishing mortality to sustainable levels (F = M), and protecting spawning grounds and peak spawning seasons are urgently required. If these measures are effectively implemented, the T. toli stock could recover and reach sustainable production levels in the waters of Sarawak, Malaysia. Full article

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16 pages, 2185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acute and Prolonged Effects of Sweeteners and Sweetness Enhancers on Postprandial Substrate Oxidation, Energy Expenditure, Glucose, and Insulin in Humans—A SWEET Sub-Study

by Sabina S. H. Andersen, Louise Kjølbæk, Jason C. G. Halford, Joanne A. Harrold and Anne Raben

Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172863 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) have been proposed to impair energy metabolism acutely and over time. Methods: This sub-study investigated the acute effects of a mixture of acesulfame potassium and cyclamate (Ace-K/Cyc) versus water on postprandial substrate oxidation, energy expenditure, and glucose [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Sweeteners and sweetness enhancers (S&SEs) have been proposed to impair energy metabolism acutely and over time. Methods: This sub-study investigated the acute effects of a mixture of acesulfame potassium and cyclamate (Ace-K/Cyc) versus water on postprandial substrate oxidation, energy expenditure, and glucose and insulin concentrations at baseline, after a 2-month weight loss period, and after a 4-month weight loss maintenance period including or excluding S&SEs in the diet. In both groups, allowed added sugar intake was <10 energy-%. A total of 26 participants (18–65 years; BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) were recruited from the 1-year randomized controlled SWEET trial, and 16 completed the final test day. Fasting measurements were taken (ventilated hood; blood samples) before a standardized breakfast. Hereafter, postprandial measurements were taken until time point 250 min. At time point 120 min, a test drink containing either Ace-K/Cyc or water was served. Result: There were no differences between the two groups in fasting or postprandial fat oxidation (primary outcome), carbohydrate oxidation, energy expenditure, glucose, or insulin (secondary outcomes) on or across the three test days (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences between Ace-K/Cyc and water in postprandial fat oxidation, carbohydrate oxidation, energy expenditure, or glucose or insulin either acutely, after a weight loss period, or after a 4-month period including or excluding S&SEs in the diet. The low number of participants should, however, be considered a limitation of our conclusions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 1860 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Vitamin D Supplementation in Infertile Men: Beyond Pooled Effects—A Critical Meta-Analysis of Heterogeneous Clinical Responses

by Dragoș Puia, Marius Ivănuță, Mihaela Corlade-Andrei, Hicham Tory, Adrian-Gabriel Majeru, Bogdan Doroftei, Ramona Ștefăniu, Vlad Cristiana Elena and Cătălin Pricop

Endocrines 2026, 7(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/endocrines7030051 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Male infertility is a complex global health challenge, with emerging evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in testicular function and spermatogenesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on semen parameters and [...] Read more.

Introduction: Male infertility is a complex global health challenge, with emerging evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in testicular function and spermatogenesis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on semen parameters and reproductive hormones in infertile men. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating vitamin D supplementation in infertile males. Primary outcomes included Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), total testosterone, and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). Secondary outcomes focused on semen quality, specifically volume, concentration, and motility. Data were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models based on heterogeneity (I²). Results: Analysis of six trials (n = 696) revealed that vitamin D supplementation significantly increased total testosterone levels compared to controls (SMD: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.62; p = 0.002), with no statistical heterogeneity (I² = 0%). In contrast, no significant differences were observed for FSH (SMD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.28, 0.29; p = 0.96) or SHBG (SMD: 0.95; 95% CI: −0.12, 2.02; p = 0.08). For semen parameters, supplementation was associated with notable improvements in sperm concentration and progressive motility, whereas semen volume remained largely unchanged across the included studies. High heterogeneity in SHBG results (I² = 91%) suggests that individual study characteristics, such as baseline vitamin D deficiency, may influence hormonal responses. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation selectively enhances endocrine function by increasing testosterone levels and improves functional semen parameters in infertile men. These findings support the use of vitamin D as a cost-effective adjuvant therapy, though its impact on definitive fertility outcomes, such as live birth rates, requires further large-scale clinical investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Reproductive Endocrinology)

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29 pages, 44663 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Behavior of 3D PolyJet-Printed Nylon 66/Photopolymer Textile Laminates

by Izabela Ciesielska-Wrobel

Polymers 2026, 18(17), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18172136 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Large-area three-dimensional polyjet printing (3DPP) of continuous photopolymer laminates directly onto knitted fabrics provides a potential route toward technical textile applications beyond localized decorative features. This study investigated acrylic photosensitive resin (APR) laminates measuring 330 × 432 mm deposited onto a Nylon 66 [...] Read more.

Large-area three-dimensional polyjet printing (3DPP) of continuous photopolymer laminates directly onto knitted fabrics provides a potential route toward technical textile applications beyond localized decorative features. This study investigated acrylic photosensitive resin (APR) laminates measuring 330 × 432 mm deposited onto a Nylon 66 interlock-knitted fabric. 12- and 20-layer laminates were produced in one-sided and two-sided configurations, and their morphology and tensile behavior were evaluated in the wale and course directions before and after 20 h of accelerated xenon-arc weathering. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a continuous external APR layer with localized resin entry into inter-yarn and inter-filament spaces, indicating a form-fitting physical connection between the resin and the knitted structure; interfacial strength was not measured. Before weathering, the 20-layer two-sided (20L-2S) architecture exhibited the highest maximum engineering stress, reaching 13.11 ± 0.37 MPa in the wale direction and 7.44 ± 0.28 MPa in the course direction. In contrast, the 20-layer one-sided (20L-1S) architecture retained substantially greater extensibility, reaching maximum engineering strains of 183.94 ± 2.45% and 217.34 ± 2.88% in the wale and course directions, respectively. Thus, two-sided printing maximized load-bearing capacity, whereas one-sided 20-layer printing provided a better balance between reinforcement and preservation of the large-strain response of the knitted substrate. Accelerated weathering reduced the maximum engineering stress of fabric-supported laminates by 5.4–18.7% and maximum engineering strain by 2.1–21.1%, depending on architecture and loading direction. Unsupported APR laminates exhibited 59.9–77.2% increases in maximum engineering stress after exposure, without a corresponding increase in strain capacity. The contrasting response is consistent with APR post-curing or stiffening combined with reduced Nylon 66 extensibility, although chemical and interface-specific tests are required to distinguish these mechanisms. The results demonstrate that continuous 3DPP can produce mechanically integrated textile–photopolymer laminates with tunable strength–extensibility relationships relevant to flexible technical textile structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufactuging of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites and Composites: Progress and Prospects)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differentiation of Plant-Pathogenic Fungi in Soybean Seeds Using Hyperspectral Sensors

by Guilherme Cristyan Garcia Penha, João Flávio Floriano Borges Gomides, Dthenifer Cordeiro Santana, Gustavo de Faria Theodoro and Charline Zaratin Alves

Seeds 2026, 5(5), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds5050055 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Hyperspectral sensors have emerged as a promising approach in the study of plant diseases. The objective was to distinguish between healthy and inoculated seeds, and also to distinguish between genera of plant-pathogenic fungi in soybean seeds, using hyperspectral sensors combined with machine learning. [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral sensors have emerged as a promising approach in the study of plant diseases. The objective was to distinguish between healthy and inoculated seeds, and also to distinguish between genera of plant-pathogenic fungi in soybean seeds, using hyperspectral sensors combined with machine learning. The experimental design was a fully randomized factorial design with six algorithms (Simple Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, Artificial Neural Network, Random Forest, REPTree and J48 decision trees) and four phytopathogens (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, and Colletotrichum sp.) plus the control. Spectral analysis of the seeds was performed using a spectroradiometer (Ocean Optics) consisting of two sensors: NIR and Flame, covering the spectrum from 350 to 2500 nm. It was possible to distinguish between healthy and inoculated seeds, as well as identify the type of phytopathogen, based on each spectral signature. The Simple Logistic Regression and Support Vector Machine algorithms performed best. Hyperspectral sensors combined with machine learning constitute a promising tool for the detection of phytopathogens in seeds, enabling rapid and non-destructive analysis. This promising tool could serve as a complementary alternative to traditional diagnostic methods, which, although accurate, are time-consuming and rely on specialized labor. Full article

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20 pages, 1040 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contemporary Foraging as a Lever for Plant Conservation and Plant Awareness: Evidence from Denmark, Southern Scotland and Tel Aviv–Jaffa

by Andrea Pieroni and Cheikh Yebouk

Conservation 2026, 6(3), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation6030109 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Wild-food foraging is booming across the Global North, but its meaning—and its value for plant conservation—differs sharply between settings. We compare three case studies: Denmark, an intensively cultivated country with a book- and app-led revival; Southern Scotland, a post-industrial landscape whose foragers are [...] Read more.

Wild-food foraging is booming across the Global North, but its meaning—and its value for plant conservation—differs sharply between settings. We compare three case studies: Denmark, an intensively cultivated country with a book- and app-led revival; Southern Scotland, a post-industrial landscape whose foragers are largely incomers with a media-sourced repertoire; and Tel Aviv–Jaffa (Israel), where Nordic-inspired “neo-foraging” coexists with an eroding Arab–Palestinian oral tradition. Pooling three independently collected ethnobotanical datasets (2012–2021; Denmark: questionnaires n = 27 and interviews n = 10; Southern Scotland: questionnaires n = 12 and interviews n = 9; Tel Aviv–Jaffa: interviews only, n = 10), we record 153 wild-food taxa—136 plants (including three macroalgae) and 17 fungi—in 51 plant families. Read through the Latvian (Riga) sociology of foraging, all three cases sit on the delocalised, “lifestyle” side of the forager spectrum. Yet, all three converge on one under-exploited fact: foraging can train ordinary urban people to see, name, track and value wild plants. The apparent contradiction between gathering plants and conserving them, we argue, is resolved by the target flora rather than by the practice itself: harvest risk is concentrated in a small minority of rare, range-edge and habitat-specialist taxa, whereas plant awareness is built through repeated encounters with the commonest species—precisely those whose gathering is demographically trivial. Where foragers anchor their teaching in this ordinary, ubiquitous flora, their role is not merely compatible with plant conservation but quintessential to it. Foragers are, thus, an underused constituency of citizen educators capable of countering plant awareness disparity (also termed “plant unawareness”), provided their enthusiasm is coupled to a stewardship ethic, and we set out how conservation actors might mobilise rather than merely regulate this potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany in a Changing World: Strategies for Plant Conservation)

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23 pages, 2335 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Circularity in the Stone Industry: Multi-Criteria Analysis of Existing Sustainable Indicators for Decision-Making Support

by Pedro Correa de Melo, Alberto Speroni, Marzieh Zarei, Shaghayegh Ghavidel, Francesco Pittau, Ornella Iuorio, Tiziana Poli and Fabio Fatiguso

Sustainability 2026, 18(17), 8980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18178980 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

The stone industry generates substantial waste along the quarrying, cutting and finishing chain, with only about 22% of the extracted material processed into final products, while roughly 64% is lost as slurry and 8% as solid waste. Compared to other industries such as [...] Read more.

The stone industry generates substantial waste along the quarrying, cutting and finishing chain, with only about 22% of the extracted material processed into final products, while roughly 64% is lost as slurry and 8% as solid waste. Compared to other industries such as wood and steel, there is a significant gap in the exploitation of relevant circular economy indicators for the stone industry. To address such limitation, this study proposes a sector-specific indicator framework built in three stages: systematic identification of existing CE indicators through a Scopus-based literature review, further refinement against three strategies for the stone sector (materials preservation, process optimisation and reduction of risk to human well-being), together with two suitability filters based on development stage and redundancy, and finally an indicative prioritisation using a simplified Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) procedure implemented in Super Decisions. Seven indicators are retained as the most applicable to the sector: Energy Use, Water Consumption, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Replacement Ratio, Generation Ratio, Upcycling Score and Product Quality Index. The Consistency Ratio is 0.070 for the criteria pairwise-comparison matrix and ranges from 0.000 to 0.010 across the six indicator pairwise-comparison matrices, reflecting the internal coherence of the deterministic scoring procedure used to derive them. The framework is presented as an initial, transparent proposal to support monitoring and resource efficiency benchmarking in the stone supply chain. Empirical validation through further industrial case studies and broader expert contribution is an essential next step. Full article

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26 pages, 1435 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence Integration in Teacher Education: Institutional Readiness and Curriculum Pathways in a Fourth Industrial Revolution Context

by Sydney Musipili Mutelo and Khulekani Yakobi

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 1417; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16091417 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Despite growing global interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, limited empirical research has examined how teacher education institutions in developing-country and resource-constrained contexts can sustainably integrate AI into their curricula. This gap is particularly significant because many existing AI integration frameworks assume [...] Read more.

Despite growing global interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, limited empirical research has examined how teacher education institutions in developing-country and resource-constrained contexts can sustainably integrate AI into their curricula. This gap is particularly significant because many existing AI integration frameworks assume levels of technological infrastructure, institutional capacity, and digital readiness that may not reflect the realities of higher education institutions in the Global South. Against this backdrop, this study explored institutional readiness, curriculum integration pathways, and implementation strategies for Artificial Intelligence within teacher education programmes in Namibia. Guided by an interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative exploratory design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 25 teacher educators across six university campuses. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s framework. The findings indicate that AI integration extends beyond technological adoption and requires coordinated curriculum transformation, institutional preparedness, and pedagogical redesign. Key integration pathways include embedding AI within faculty courses, curriculum-wide integration of AI competencies, simulation-based learning, and support for online teaching environments. Institutional readiness, particularly in terms of infrastructure, faculty capacity, and curriculum alignment, emerged as a critical determinant of implementation. While participants highlighted benefits such as improved instructional efficiency, enhanced teacher capacity, and increased learner autonomy, they also expressed concerns regarding overreliance on technology. By integrating Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study advances a multi-level framework linking institutional and individual dimensions of AI adoption in teacher education. This study contributes context-specific insights to AI curriculum transformation in the Global South and provides practical implications for curriculum design, institutional strategy, and policy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Technology Enhanced Education)

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33 pages, 2403 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Level Kinematic Spectral Response of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine: Baseline Analysis Using Field Measurement Data

by Xiang Ji, Lei Han and Yan Zhang

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171624 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) experience coupled aero–hydro–servo-elastic excitations that produce structurally distinct kinematic responses at different measurement heights. While field monitoring campaigns increasingly deploy multi-level inertial sensors, the quantitative spectral partitioning of response energy across measurement levels and its relationship to operational [...] Read more.

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) experience coupled aero–hydro–servo-elastic excitations that produce structurally distinct kinematic responses at different measurement heights. While field monitoring campaigns increasingly deploy multi-level inertial sensors, the quantitative spectral partitioning of response energy across measurement levels and its relationship to operational and environmental conditions remain poorly characterised for operational FOWTs. This study presents a systematic multi-level spectral decomposition of operational FOWT structural response using synchronised tower-base and nacelle strapdown inertial measurements acquired at 8 Hz over a six-day campaign (18–23 April 2023) at a semi-submersible FOWT in Chinese coastal waters. Six kinematic channels—three translational acceleration components and three translational velocity components—from each sensor are decomposed into four physically defined frequency bands: drift (0.005–0.05 Hz), wave (0.05–0.30 Hz), structural (0.30–0.50 Hz), and rotor (0.50–0.80 Hz). Three derived scalar metrics—band energy ratio (BER), Wave-to-Structural Dominance Ratio (WSDR), and Structural Amplification Factor (SAF)—are defined, with their complete computation specifications and parameter sensitivity analysis provided to ensure reproducibility. Across 36 ten-minute windows spanning diverse conditions (mean wind 4.2–12.1 m/s,

H_{s}

0.8–3.1 m), results reveal a pronounced and consistent spectral separation: the tower base is strongly wave-dominated (

{BER}_{wave}

= 75.9%, coefficient of variation CV = 15.0% across days), whereas the nacelle exhibits substantially elevated structural-band energy (

{BER}_{struct}

= 10.3%, 4.72-fold amplification relative to tower base, 95% CI [3.63, 5.81]) and rotor-band energy (11.8%, 3.77-fold amplification). The WSDR at the tower base (mean 200.9, 95% CI [101.4, 300.4]) exceeds that at the nacelle (mean 48.4, 95% CI [13.1, 83.7]) by a factor of 4.1×. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that nacelle structural-band BER is significantly modulated by SCADA operational regime (

F = 5.20

,

p = 0.024

,

η^{2} = 0.16

) and by significant wave height (

p = 0.031

), while tower-base wave-band BER is primarily driven by

H_{s}

(

p = 0.018

). Comparison with baseline features—root-mean-square acceleration, spectral peak frequency, and traditional broad-band energy ratio—demonstrates that the band-resolved BER provides finer discrimination between excitation mechanisms than aggregate metrics. Importantly, no structural damage events occurred during the monitoring period; therefore, the reported stability of these features is interpreted as a baseline characterisation under normal operational conditions, which could support future anomaly detection efforts but does not constitute validation of damage detection capability. A comprehensive limitations assessment is provided, covering single-turbine validation, frequency-band sensitivity, regime sample imbalance, and generalisability constraints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Marine Structures—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1453 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differentiating Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease from Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Study on Clinical Features and a Diagnostic Model

by Yuanjie Li, Shuang Zhao, Jinyan Li, Jing Ren, Yuan Wang, Yaoxi Chen, Chuanqi Wei, Xiaofeng Xiong and Zhixin Qiu

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(17), 6796; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15176796 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) present with similar clinical and radiological features, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. This study aimed to compare NTM-PD with extrapulmonary NTM disease (ENTM) and PTB and to develop a predictive model for early [...] Read more.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) present with similar clinical and radiological features, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. This study aimed to compare NTM-PD with extrapulmonary NTM disease (ENTM) and PTB and to develop a predictive model for early differentiation. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 473 NTM patients (340 NTM-PD, 112 ENTM, 21 disseminated) and 218 PTB patients treated between January 2008 and December 2024. A diagnostic model was developed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression algorithm and multivariate logistic regression, with internal validation via 1000 bootstrap resamples and a pre-split validation cohort. Performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Results: Compared to ENTM, NTM-PD patients were older and had lower BMI, with bronchiectasis (OR = 24.86) and prior PTB history (OR = 7.58) as the strongest risk factors. Relative to PTB, NTM-PD patients were more often female and older, with more bronchiectasis and mucus plugs on imaging, while PTB showed more pleural thickening and effusion. NTM isolates exhibited high resistance to first-line anti-TB drugs but maintained susceptibility to macrolides and amikacin. The nine-predictor nomogram achieved AUCs of 0.758 (training) and 0.731 (validation), with calibration and decision curve analysis confirming clinical utility. Conclusions: NTM-PD and PTB exhibit distinct clinical, radiological, and microbiological profiles. The nomogram offers a useful preliminary screening tool for early differentiation, though external validation in multicenter studies is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)

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18 pages, 3336 KB

Open AccessArticle

The African Polio Laboratory Network: Advancing Regional Poliovirus Detection, Genomic Surveillance, and Eradication

by Brook Tesfaye, Terna Nomhwange, Shelina Moonsamy, Julius E. Chia, Maryceline M. Baba, Adedayo Omotayo Fanaye, Mesfin Tefera, Yogolelo Riziki, Peter Borus, Josephine Bwogi, Marie-Claire Endegue, Mariette Glitho, Idah Ndumba, Priscilla Mosoke, Ousmane M. Diop, John Kofi Odoom, Martin Faye, Gedi Mohamed and Anfumbom Kfutwah

Vaccines 2026, 14(9), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines14090766 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Sustaining progress toward polio eradication requires not only effective vaccination but also a resilient laboratory network capable of timely poliovirus detection, confirmation, and genetic characterization. In the WHO African region, the African polio laboratory network provides essential virological support for eradication efforts; [...] Read more.

Background: Sustaining progress toward polio eradication requires not only effective vaccination but also a resilient laboratory network capable of timely poliovirus detection, confirmation, and genetic characterization. In the WHO African region, the African polio laboratory network provides essential virological support for eradication efforts; however, persistent circulating Vaccine-derived Polioviruses (cVDPVs) outbreaks and increasing demands of genomic surveillance continue to challenge laboratory capacity. Despite its critical role, evidence describing the operational performance, adaptive capacity, and evolution of regional polio laboratory network remains limited. This study evaluates the performance and operational experience of the African polio laboratory network in 2025, highlighting contributions to poliovirus detection, genomic surveillance, quality assurance, and outbreak response, while sharing lessons to inform regional public health systems. Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted using laboratory surveillance and outbreak databases, supplemented by reviews of programmatic reports. Data were cleaned and harmonized prior to analysis. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess laboratory workload, timeliness indicators, genomic capacity, quality assurance performance, and operational challenges. Qualitative review of programmatic documents was conducted to identify contextual factors influencing performance. Results: In 2025, 77,230 Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) specimens were analyzed across 16 laboratories. Ninety-two percent of specimens met the timeliness target for virus isolation, and 94% met the target for PCR-ITD. Genomic sequencing confirmed 20 cVDPV outbreaks in 10 countries. The establishment of new sequencing laboratories in Uganda and Nigeria reduced turnaround times, and a 2025 expansion plan aimed to build sequencing capacity in 12 additional countries. All laboratories assessed in 2024 for virus isolation, PCR-ITD, and environmental surveillance exceeded quality assurance accreditation thresholds and were rated “Pass”. The pilot implementation of Direct Detection Nanopore Sequencing (DDNS) techniques is expected to further strengthen genomic surveillance. Challenges remain, including stock out of essential supplies, uneven workloads, and infrastructure gaps. Conclusions: The African polio laboratory network has demonstrated sustained capacity, adaptability, and innovation in supporting polio eradication activities in the WHO African region. This study provides evidence on the importance of strengthening laboratory systems, expanding genomic capacity, and maintaining quality assurance mechanisms to support the final phase of polio eradication and broader public health surveillance. Full article

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

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24 pages, 5661 KB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Matter Sources and Black Carbon Fractions Shape Mercury Partitioning in Intertidal Sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

by Xinyu Hu, Lumin Sun, Bing Xie, Haojun Guan, Jiahong Zeng, Zikun Song and Changyi Lu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171623 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Estuarine intertidal sediments are important sinks for riverine mercury (Hg), yet the effects of organic matter sources and BC fractions on Hg partitioning are still poorly understood. We analyzed sediments from reed-covered and unvegetated flats in the Yangtze Estuary for total Hg (THg), [...] Read more.

Estuarine intertidal sediments are important sinks for riverine mercury (Hg), yet the effects of organic matter sources and BC fractions on Hg partitioning are still poorly understood. We analyzed sediments from reed-covered and unvegetated flats in the Yangtze Estuary for total Hg (THg), operationally defined Hg fractions, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), n-alkanes, and BC fractions (char and soot). THg ranged from 60.3 to 228.5 ng g⁻¹, averaging 114.6 ± 38.9 ng g⁻¹. THg was significantly higher in reed-covered sediments and in surface layers, and was positively correlated with TOC and TN (p < 0.01, n = 20), indicating that vegetation-driven organic matter accumulation promoted Hg enrichment. Hg partitioning differed between habitats: reed-covered sediments showed co-dominance of oxidizable Hg and residual Hg, whereas unvegetated flats were dominated by residual Hg (62.0 ± 10.8%), suggesting stronger Hg stabilization in the absence of fresh plant inputs. n-Alkane patterns indicated that vegetation type controlled sediment organic matter composition more strongly than site or depth. While no significant correlations were observed between BC fractions and Hg fractions in individual habitats, soot exhibited significant positive correlations with labile Hg (acid-soluble and reducible Hg) in a depth-averaged analysis of merged surface and subsurface layers (p < 0.05, n = 10), a preliminary signal constrained by the small number of sites, which suggests that soot may facilitate the sedimentary retention of reactive Hg. These results highlight source-specific controls on Hg partitioning beyond bulk TOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Pollution)

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22 pages, 1893 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Finite Element Modal Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Cantilever Beams with Four- and Six-Bar Longitudinal Reinforcement Layouts

by Ninart Boonprempree, Kriengkrai Nabudda, Pongthep Poungthong and P. V. Elumalai

Eng 2026, 7(9), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng7090444 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

This study compares the elastic modal characteristics of reinforced-concrete cantilever beams containing four and six 12 mm longitudinal reinforcing bars using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) and an exploratory machine learning (ML) exercise. Beam geometry, material properties, bond assumptions, and boundary conditions were [...] Read more.

This study compares the elastic modal characteristics of reinforced-concrete cantilever beams containing four and six 12 mm longitudinal reinforcing bars using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) and an exploratory machine learning (ML) exercise. Beam geometry, material properties, bond assumptions, and boundary conditions were held constant. Mesh refinement from a 50 mm to a 25 mm nominal element size changed the fundamental natural frequency by 0.18%, satisfying the adopted 1% convergence criterion. The Fine mesh FEA fundamental frequency of 36.048 Hz differed by 1.49% from the Euler–Bernoulli transformed-section estimate of 35.52 Hz. Block Lanczos extraction provided the first six natural frequencies and corresponding normalised mode shapes. Increasing the longitudinal steel area from 452.39 to 678.58 mm² changed the calculated frequencies by −0.02% to +0.19%, while the two layouts exhibited similar mode-shape topology under the assumed intact, linear-elastic, perfectly bonded conditions. Four regression algorithms were fitted to the 12 correlated mode–configuration records using only mode number and reinforcement count as inputs and natural frequency as the output. The reported R², MAE, and RMSE values describe complete dataset fitting or interpolation and do not establish generalisation to unseen configurations. No physical modal displacement, strain, or stress amplitude is reported because eigenvector scaling is arbitrary and no forced-response analysis with defined excitation and damping was performed. Full article

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28 pages, 320 KB

Open AccessArticle

Queer Hmong American Genealogies: Belonging, Responsibility, and Cultural Continuity in the Diaspora

by Pa Nhia Xiong and Chali Lee

Genealogy 2026, 10(4), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy10040124 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

This article examines queer Hmong identity and cultural change in the United States over the past fifty years, a period shaped by refugee resettlement, intergenerational negotiation, and evolving family practice. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten queer Hmong individuals and analyzing the findings [...] Read more.

This article examines queer Hmong identity and cultural change in the United States over the past fifty years, a period shaped by refugee resettlement, intergenerational negotiation, and evolving family practice. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten queer Hmong individuals and analyzing the findings through two frameworks centering Hmong epistemologies, this article argues that queer Hmong belonging is negotiated through placement: the positioning of queer Hmong children in Hmong genealogical structures. Participants describe acceptance not only through “coming out” or verbal acceptance, but through everyday acts of care, inclusion, and protection that sustain family life. By centering acceptance, obligation, and sacrifice, this article reframes queerness as an act of cultural continuity emerging through intergenerational care, mutual accommodation, and shared responsibility, rather than through the rejection of Hmong tradition. These findings show how Hmong parents and queer children actively negotiate shifting norms while reconfiguring belonging, family cohesion, and cultural responsibility within the diaspora. In doing so, this article contributes to critical Hmong studies, queer of color critique, education, and social work by offering a framework for understanding queer identity formation that is grounded in Hmong genealogical and epistemological terms, rather than measured against Western models of visibility and disclosure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resettling Histories: Hmong Migrations and Identity Beyond Borders)

31 pages, 16265 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Analysis of a Surface Capture Device Under Moderate Sea State 4

by Xiong Deng, Linfeng Li, Xia Yang, Dingfeng Yu, Yiyun Peng, Yan Luo and Yanyang Wu

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(17), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14171619 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

To address the limitations of poor adaptability and insufficient versatility of current surface capture technologies for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) under high sea state conditions, this study proposes an ROV-based capture system equipped with guidance and clamping mechanisms for efficient and stable recovery [...] Read more.

To address the limitations of poor adaptability and insufficient versatility of current surface capture technologies for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) under high sea state conditions, this study proposes an ROV-based capture system equipped with guidance and clamping mechanisms for efficient and stable recovery of AUVs and similar floating targets in rough seas. This work is intended to provide technical support for solving AUV capture challenges in high sea states. Through a systematic investigation of capture methods and associated operational systems, the overall design of the dynamic surface AUV capture device is established. A three-dimensional model is developed to verify the feasibility of the overall operational sequence. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to analyze the hydrodynamic performance of the ROV carrier, with particular focus on the drag force and pressure distribution under flow velocities corresponding to Sea State 4 and below. The simulation results indicate that when the ROV inflow velocity reaches 3 m/s, the maximum drag force is approximately 5862 N and the maximum pressure on the frontal area is about 4570 Pa. Based on these data, the overall structural stability is verified, and the results confirm that the structure maintains adequate stability under the target operating conditions. Kinematic simulations are further conducted to investigate the collision force between the target AUV and the guidance/capture device under various initial attitudes and velocities in Sea State 4, thereby determining the overall capture tolerance envelope. Through design manual buffer parameter tuning and comparative improvement analysis, the collision force between the guidance device and the target is reduced by approximately 60%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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21 pages, 2400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Nutritional–Immune Biomarker Trajectories Following Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

by Catalin Dumitru Cosma, Vlad Olimpiu Butiurca, Dragos Molnar, Cosmin Nicolescu, Calin Molnar and Marian Botoncea

Nutrients 2026, 18(17), 2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18172862 (registering DOI) - 2 Sep 2026

Abstract

Background: Nutritional deterioration is a common consequence of gastrectomy for gastric cancer and may persist despite standardized perioperative care. However, prospective longitudinal evidence describing the early course of postoperative nutritional recovery remains limited. This study aimed to characterize nutritional recovery trajectories following curative [...] Read more.

Background: Nutritional deterioration is a common consequence of gastrectomy for gastric cancer and may persist despite standardized perioperative care. However, prospective longitudinal evidence describing the early course of postoperative nutritional recovery remains limited. This study aimed to characterize nutritional recovery trajectories following curative gastrectomy and to evaluate the influence of the extent of gastric resection on postoperative recovery. Methods: A prospective cohort of 239 consecutive patients undergoing curative-intent subtotal or total gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma was followed between January 2022 and December 2025. The longitudinal complete-case analysis included 217 patients with available assessments at all three predefined time points: preoperatively (T0), at hospital discharge (T1), and three months after surgery (T3). Nutritional–immune biomarker trajectories were assessed preoperatively (T0), at hospital discharge (T1), and three months after surgery (T3) using serum albumin, total cholesterol, absolute lymphocyte count, and the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Longitudinal changes were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models with patient-specific random intercepts. Results: All evaluated nutritional–immune biomarkers changed significantly in an adverse direction after surgery, reaching their most unfavorable values at hospital discharge (all p < 0.001), followed by partial biochemical recovery at three months. Because albumin, lymphocyte count, and CONUT are influenced by the acute inflammatory and metabolic response to surgery, the discharge changes should not be interpreted as direct evidence of acute malnutrition. Nevertheless, none of the evaluated biomarkers returned to its preoperative value. Recovery between discharge and three months represented 65.6% of the initial decline for serum albumin, 50.5% for absolute lymphocyte count, 51.7% for total cholesterol, and 60.9% for the CONUT score. After adjustment for age, sex, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, baseline body mass index, ASA status, pathological T3–T4 stage, and major postoperative morbidity, total gastrectomy was associated with a greater early decline in absolute lymphocyte count at hospital discharge (β = −165.7 cells/mm³; 95% CI, −204.9 to −126.6; p < 0.001). This difference was no longer present at three months (p = 0.955). No significant time-by-gastrectomy interactions were observed for albumin, cholesterol, or corrected CONUT. Conclusions: Nutritional recovery following gastrectomy is a dynamic and prolonged process characterized by marked early nutritional–inflammatory biomarker changes and incomplete biochemical restoration at three months. Resection extent was not independently associated with persistently less favorable albumin, cholesterol, or corrected CONUT trajectories. The findings describe early biochemical changes and should not be extrapolated to body composition, functional recovery, micronutrient status, quality of life, or long-term survivorship. These findings apply primarily to patients who survived and completed the three-month follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)

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