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24 pages, 1251 KiB  
Article
Development and Application of a Sustainability Indicator (WPSI) for Wood Preservative Treatments in Chile
by Consuelo Fritz, Micaela Ruiz and Rosemarie Garay
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081351 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study presents the Wood Protection Sustainability Index (WPSI), a novel decision-support tool aimed at evaluating wood preservatives utilized in Chile and facilitating a shift toward more sustainable wood protection practices. WPSI encompasses four essential attributes: protection treatment, wood durability, in-service risk, and [...] Read more.
This study presents the Wood Protection Sustainability Index (WPSI), a novel decision-support tool aimed at evaluating wood preservatives utilized in Chile and facilitating a shift toward more sustainable wood protection practices. WPSI encompasses four essential attributes: protection treatment, wood durability, in-service risk, and sustainability. These are assessed under two distinct scenarios. Scenario 1 represents current market practices, where chromated copper arsenate (CCA) remains prevalent due to its accessibility and affordable cost. In contrast, Scenario 2 prioritizes sustainability, demonstrating that copper azole (CA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) surpass CCA in performance, with CCA ranking lowest due to its environmental implications. Furthermore, a SWOT analysis accompanies the index, identifying key challenges and opportunities within Chile’s wood preservation industry. The findings highlight the importance of aligning national strategies with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), through performance-based regulations and safer alternatives. The WPSI can be integrated with local standards, regional risk classifications, and national preservative approval systems, allowing for meaningful comparison across diverse global contexts. This approach promotes more sustainable construction practices while ensuring both technical and economic viability. Full article
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24 pages, 4654 KiB  
Article
Drug Combination Recommendation Model for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome
by Ling Wang, Zhengyang Zhang, Ziheng Zhang, Tie Hua Zhou and Keun Ho Ryu
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081224 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) are two common autoimmune disorders for which the choice of drug regimen is clinically crucial. However, due to drug-drug interactions and individual differences, the therapeutic process faces greater risks. Methods: In this [...] Read more.
Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) are two common autoimmune disorders for which the choice of drug regimen is clinically crucial. However, due to drug-drug interactions and individual differences, the therapeutic process faces greater risks. Methods: In this study, we propose a drug recommendation model that combines drug combination frequency, risk assessment, and genetic interaction information with the aim of providing personalized, low-risk treatment options for patients with lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome. We extracted drug combination frequencies and drug-gene interaction information from data sources, such as the MIMIC-III clinical database, Drug Bank, and Gene Expression Omnibus. The model comprehensively evaluates the frequency of drug combinations, the risk level, and the gene interaction information through a greedy algorithm to recommend the optimal drug alternatives. Results: The experimental results show that the model is able to effectively reduce the potential risk between drugs while ensuring the drug treatment effect. In addition, the performance evaluation of the drug recommendation model shows that the model performs well under different drug combinations and clinical scenarios, and can provide clinicians with effective drug substitution suggestions. Conclusions: This study provides an important theoretical basis and technical support for advancing the realization of personalized therapy and precision medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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25 pages, 433 KiB  
Review
The Quest for Non-Invasive Diagnosis: A Review of Liquid Biopsy in Glioblastoma
by Maria George Elias, Harry Hadjiyiannis, Fatemeh Vafaee, Kieran F. Scott, Paul de Souza, Therese M. Becker and Shadma Fatima
Cancers 2025, 17(16), 2700; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17162700 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, associated with poor survival outcomes and significant clinical challenges. Conventional diagnostic methods, including MRI, CT, and histopathological analysis of tissue biopsies, are limited by their inability to reliably distinguish [...] Read more.
Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour, associated with poor survival outcomes and significant clinical challenges. Conventional diagnostic methods, including MRI, CT, and histopathological analysis of tissue biopsies, are limited by their inability to reliably distinguish treatment effects from true tumour progression, often resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed intervention. Repeated tissue biopsies are also invasive and unsuitable for longitudinal monitoring. Liquid biopsy, a minimally invasive approach analysing tumour-derived material in biofluids such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), offers a promising alternative. This review aims to evaluate current evidence on circulating biomarkers including circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), microRNAs (miRNAs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and proteins in GBM diagnosis and monitoring, and to assess the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing their clinical application. Methods: A narrative synthesis of the literature was undertaken, focusing on studies that have investigated blood- and CSF-derived biomarkers in GBM patients. Key aspects evaluated included biomarker biology, detection techniques, diagnostic and prognostic value, current technical challenges, and progress towards clinical translation. Studies exploring AI and machine learning (ML) approaches for biomarker integration and analysis were also reviewed. Results: Liquid biopsy enables repeated and minimally invasive sampling of tumour-derived material, reflecting the genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, and metabolomic landscape of GBM. Although promising, its translation into routine clinical practice is hindered by the low abundance of circulating biomarkers and lack of standardised collection and analysis protocols. Evidence suggests that combining multiple biomarkers improves sensitivity and specificity compared with single-marker approaches. Emerging AI and ML tools show significant potential for improving biomarker discovery, integrating multi-omic datasets, and enhancing diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. Conclusions: Liquid biopsy represents a transformative tool for GBM management, with the capacity to overcome limitations of conventional diagnostics and provide real-time insights into tumour biology. By integrating multiple circulating biomarkers and leveraging AI-driven approaches, liquid biopsy could enhance diagnostic precision, enable dynamic disease monitoring, and improve clinical decision-making. However, large-scale validation and standardisation are required before routine clinical adoption can be achieved. Full article
29 pages, 2173 KiB  
Review
A Review and Prototype Proposal for a 3 m Hybrid Wind–PV Rotor with Flat Blades and a Peripheral Ring
by George Daniel Chiriță, Viviana Filip, Alexis Daniel Negrea and Dragoș Vladimir Tătaru
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9119; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169119 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a literature review of low-power hybrid wind–photovoltaic (PV) systems and introduces a 3 m diameter prototype rotor featuring twelve PV-coated pivoting blades stiffened by a peripheral rim. Existing solutions—foldable umbrella concepts, Darrieus rotors with PV-integrated blades, and morphing blades—are surveyed, [...] Read more.
This paper presents a literature review of low-power hybrid wind–photovoltaic (PV) systems and introduces a 3 m diameter prototype rotor featuring twelve PV-coated pivoting blades stiffened by a peripheral rim. Existing solutions—foldable umbrella concepts, Darrieus rotors with PV-integrated blades, and morphing blades—are surveyed, and current gaps in simultaneous wind + PV co-generation on a single moving structure are highlighted. Key performance indicators such as power coefficient (Cp), DC ripple, cell temperature difference (ΔT), and levelised cost of energy (LCOE) are defined, and an integrated assessment methodology is proposed based on blade element momentum (BEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling, dynamic current–voltage (I–V) testing, and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) to evaluate system performance and reliability. Preliminary results point to moderate aerodynamic penalties (ΔCp ≈ 5–8%), PV output during rotation equal to 15–25% of the nominal PV power (PPV), and an estimated 70–75% reduction in blade–root bending moment when the peripheral ring converts each blade from a cantilever to a simply supported member, resulting in increased blade stiffness. Major challenges include the collective pitch mechanism, dynamic shading, and wear of rotating components (slip rings); however, the suggested technical measures—maximum power point tracking (MPPT), string segmentation, and redundant braking—keep performance within acceptable limits. This study concludes that the concept shows promise for distributed microgeneration, provided extensive experimental validation and IEC 61400-2-compliant standardisation are pursued. This paper has a dual scope: (i) a concise literature review relevant to low-Re flat-blade aerodynamics and ring-stiffened rotor structures and (ii) a multi-fidelity aero-structural study that culminates in a 3 m prototype proposal. We present the first evaluation of a hybrid wind–PV rotor employing untwisted flat-plate blades stiffened by a peripheral ring. Using low-Re BEM for preliminary loading, steady-state RANS-CFD (k-ω SST) for validation, and elastic FEM for sizing, we assemble a coherent load/performance dataset. After upsizing the hub pins (Ø 30 mm), ring (50 × 50 mm), and spokes (Ø 40 mm), von Mises stresses remain < 25% of the 6061-T6 yield limit and tip deflection ≤ 0.5%·R acrosscut-in (3 m s−1), nominal (5 m s−1), and extreme (25 m s−1) cases. CFD confirms a broad efficiency plateau at λ = 2.4–2.8 for β ≈ 10° and near-zero shaft torque at β = 90°, supporting a three-step pitch schedule (20° start-up → 10° nominal → 90° storm). Cross-model deviations for Cp, torque, and pressure/force distributions remain within ± 10%. This study addresses only the rotor; off-the-shelf generator, brake, screw-pitch, and azimuth/tilt drives are intended for later integration. The results provide a low-cost manufacturable architecture and a validated baseline for full-scale testing and future transient CFD/FEM iterations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Solar and Wind Power and Energy Forecasting, 2nd Edition)
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39 pages, 3940 KiB  
Review
AI-Enhanced Remote Sensing of Land Transformations for Climate-Related Financial Risk Assessment in Housing Markets: A Review
by Chuanrong Zhang and Xinba Li
Land 2025, 14(8), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081672 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Amid accelerating climate change, climate-related hazards—such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and sea-level rise—increasingly drive land transformations and pose growing risks to housing markets by affecting property valuations, insurance availability, mortgage performance, and broader financial stability. This review synthesizes recent progress in two distinct [...] Read more.
Amid accelerating climate change, climate-related hazards—such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and sea-level rise—increasingly drive land transformations and pose growing risks to housing markets by affecting property valuations, insurance availability, mortgage performance, and broader financial stability. This review synthesizes recent progress in two distinct domains and their linkage: (1) assessing climate-related financial risks in housing markets, and (2) applying AI-driven remote sensing for hazard detection and land transformation monitoring. While both areas have advanced significantly, important limitations remain. Existing housing finance studies often rely on static models and coarse spatial data, lacking integration with real-time environmental information, thereby reducing their predictive power and policy relevance. In parallel, remote sensing studies using AI primarily focus on detecting physical hazards and land surface changes, yet rarely connect these spatial transformations to financial outcomes. To address these gaps, this review proposes an integrative framework that combines AI-enhanced remote sensing technologies with financial econometric modeling to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and policy relevance of climate-related risk assessment in housing markets. By bridging environmental hazard data—including land-based indicators of exposure and damage—with financial indicators, the framework enables more granular, dynamic, and equitable assessments than conventional approaches. Nonetheless, its implementation faces technical and institutional barriers, including spatial and temporal mismatches between datasets, fragmented regulatory and behavioral inputs, and the limitations of current single-task AI models, which often lack transparency. Overcoming these challenges will require innovation in AI modeling, improved data-sharing infrastructures, and stronger cross-disciplinary collaboration. Full article
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26 pages, 1224 KiB  
Article
Leadership for a Sustainable Future: Insights from Civil Engineering and Architectural Professionals
by Elena Bulmer, Clara Matutano and Iván Zamarrón
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080327 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study explores the extent to which civil engineers and architects in Spain perceive sustainable leadership practices in their organizations. The main aim is to understand how leadership approaches in the built environment sector can be aligned with long-term, ethical, and stakeholder-focused principles. [...] Read more.
This study explores the extent to which civil engineers and architects in Spain perceive sustainable leadership practices in their organizations. The main aim is to understand how leadership approaches in the built environment sector can be aligned with long-term, ethical, and stakeholder-focused principles. A total of 200 middle and senior managers participated in a survey that used a Likert-scale questionnaire that was designed to assess key elements of sustainable leadership; the various responses were analyzed in order to determine the prevalence of Honeybee-type (sustainable) versus Locust-type (short-term, exploitative) leadership traits. The findings showed that while participants generally endorse sustainable leadership values, especially regarding environmental responsibility and employee well-being, many organizations still exhibit practices associated with short-term priorities, fragmented communication, and resistance to innovation. A hybrid leadership approach seems to be quite common, considering that it combines sustainable intentions with structural or cultural barriers that limit full implementation. This study contributes to the sustainable leadership literature by providing sector-specific insights from civil engineering and architecture; it also suggests the need for organizational strategies that might strengthen internal communication, prioritize workforce development and facilitate a cultural shift toward sustainability. All the findings have serious practical implications for leadership development and for human resource practices in high-pressure technical fields. Full article
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26 pages, 1075 KiB  
Article
Early Activation of a Multilevel Prostate Cancer Screening Model: Pilot Phase Results and Strategic Perspectives in Lombardy Region
by Elena Azzolini, Danilo Cereda, Sara Piccinelli, Michela Viscardi and Silvia Deandrea
Healthcare 2025, 13(16), 2041; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13162041 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Italy, yet no national population-based screening program exists. In response to new European Council recommendations, the Lombardy Region launched a pilot in November 2024 to assess the feasibility of a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in Italy, yet no national population-based screening program exists. In response to new European Council recommendations, the Lombardy Region launched a pilot in November 2024 to assess the feasibility of a digitally enabled, risk-adapted screening model. Methods: Men turning 50 were invited to voluntarily self-enroll through the regional electronic health record (FSE). A digital questionnaire assessed eligibility and family history (FH); eligible individuals (97,849 men without a PSA test in the past two years in the regional database) were offered free PSA testing. Risk stratification guided follow-up: men with PSA >3 ng/mL or a positive FH were referred to urology; others were assigned 2- or 5-year recall based on PSA level. Results: By June 2025, 8558 men had enrolled (8.7% uptake), 6072 were eligible; 644 (10.6%) reported a positive FH. Among those tested, 58.4% had PSA < 1 ng/mL and were FH-negative, 25.8% had PSA > 1 and <3 ng/mL and were FH-negative, and 15.9% met referral criteria. Digital triage was efficient and ensured care continuity without burdening specialists. Participation varied by local health authority (ATS), depending on implementation context. Preliminary data show a 25.9% reduction in urology consultations and a 35% reduction in MRI use compared to standard care, with no biopsy rate increase. Conclusions: The pilot demonstrates the technical feasibility, safety, low administrative burden, and potential sustainability of digital, risk-stratified prostate cancer screening. While participation was low without active invitations, early results support expansion with improved outreach. Lombardy’s experience offers a scalable, EU-aligned model for broader implementation across Italy and other health systems seeking to balance early detection with resource efficiency. Full article
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34 pages, 448 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Accuracy of Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing (niPGT) Compared to Invasive Embryo Biopsy
by Charalampos Voros, Menelaos Darlas, Diamantis Athanasiou, Antonia Athanasiou, Aikaterini Athanasiou, Kyriakos Bananis, Georgios Papadimas, Charalampos Tsimpoukelis, Athanasios Gkirgkinoudis, Ioakeim Sapantzoglou, Ioannis Papapanagiotou, Dimitrios Vaitsis, Aristotelis-Marios Koulakmanidis, Vasileios Topalis, Nikolaos Thomakos, Marianna Theodora, Panagiotis Antsaklis, Fotios Chatzinikolaou, Hans Atli Dahl, Georgios Daskalakis and Dimitrios Loutradisadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13082010 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a popular approach in assisted reproductive technology that improves embryo selection and implantation rates. Traditional approaches rely on trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, which is an invasive procedure that might jeopardize embryo integrity and create technical constraints [...] Read more.
Background: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a popular approach in assisted reproductive technology that improves embryo selection and implantation rates. Traditional approaches rely on trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, which is an invasive procedure that might jeopardize embryo integrity and create technical constraints such as mosaicism-related misclassification. Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing (niPGT) has emerged as a possible alternative, using embryonic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) extracted from wasted culture media or blastocoel fluid to assess chromosomal status without requiring direct embryo manipulation. Methods: This systematic study investigates the molecular mechanisms behind cfDNA release, its biological properties, and the technological concerns that influence its utilization in niPGT. We look at recent advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-genome amplification (WGA), and bioinformatic techniques that improve cfDNA-based aneuploidy detection. In addition, we compare the sensitivity, specificity, and concordance rates of niPGT to conventional TE biopsy, highlighting the major aspects impacting its diagnostic performance. Results: The release of cfDNA from embryos is influenced by apoptotic and necrotic processes, active DNA shedding, and extracellular vesicle secretion, which results in fragmented chromosomal material of different qualities and quantities. While niPGT has shown promise as a noninvasive screening approach, significant variability in cfDNA yield, maternal DNA contamination, and sequencing biases all have an impact on test accuracy. Studies show that niPGT and TE biopsies have moderate-to-high concordance, although there are still issues in detecting mosaicism, segmental aneuploidies, and DNA degradation artifacts. Conclusions: NiPGT is a safer and less intrusive alternative to TE biopsy, with potential clinical benefits. However, technical advancements are required to improve cfDNA collecting procedures, reduce contamination, and improve sequencing accuracy. Additional large-scale validation studies are needed to create standardized methodologies and ensure that niPGT achieves the diagnostic reliability requirements required for widespread clinical deployment in IVF programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Human Reproductive Biology)
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33 pages, 2039 KiB  
Article
A Systematic Study on Embodied Carbon Emissions in the Materialization Phase of Residential Buildings: Indicator Assessment Based on Life Cycle Analysis and STIRPAT Modeling
by Miaoyi Wang, Yuchen Lu, Chenlu Yang and Mingyu Yang
Systems 2025, 13(8), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13080711 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Against the backdrop of intensifying global climate change and advancing the goal of the “dual-carbon” strategy, the built environment is being viewed as a complex socio-technical system in which technological, economic, demographic and institutional subsystems are coupled and evolving at different scales. As [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of intensifying global climate change and advancing the goal of the “dual-carbon” strategy, the built environment is being viewed as a complex socio-technical system in which technological, economic, demographic and institutional subsystems are coupled and evolving at different scales. As a core node in this system, residential buildings not only carry infrastructural functions, but are also deeply embedded in energy flows, material cycles and behavioural structures, which have a significant impact on carbon emissions. Given the high volume of residential buildings in China and the significant differences between urban and rural construction, there is an urgent need to systematically identify and analyse the implicit carbon emissions during the materialisation phase. In this paper, from the perspective of systems engineering, we selected 30 urban and rural residential buildings in provinces and cities from 2005 to 2020 as the research objects, adopted the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to account for the implied carbon emissions in the materialisation stage, and systematically identified the driving factors of carbon emissions based on the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model. From this study, we made the following conclusions: (1) the total carbon emissions of residential buildings in urban and rural areas in China continue to rise during the materialisation stage, showing a spatial pattern of “high in the south-east and low in the north-west”, with a significant trend of structural transformation in urban and rural areas and with steel–concrete structures dominating in towns and cities, and bricks and steel being used in rural areas. (2) Resident population and disposable income are generally positive driving factors, while the influence of industrial structure and energy intensity is heterogeneous between urban and rural areas. For overall residential buildings, every 1% increase in resident population and income will lead to a 1.055% and 0.73% increase in carbon emissions, respectively. The study shows that life-cycle-oriented carbon accounting and the identification of multidimensional driving mechanisms are of great policy value in developing urban–rural differentiated emission reduction paths and enhancing the effectiveness of carbon management in the building sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)
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24 pages, 1108 KiB  
Article
Integrating Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable University Mobility Strategies
by Claudia Alanis, Liliana Ávila-Córdoba, Ariana Cruz-Olayo, Reyna Natividad and Alejandro Padilla-Rivera
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7456; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167456 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Universities play a critical role in shaping sustainable mobility strategies, especially in urban contexts where the institutional transport system can influence environmental and social outcomes. This study integrates Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment (E-LCA and S-LCA) to evaluate the current university transport [...] Read more.
Universities play a critical role in shaping sustainable mobility strategies, especially in urban contexts where the institutional transport system can influence environmental and social outcomes. This study integrates Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessment (E-LCA and S-LCA) to evaluate the current university transport system from internal combustion engines, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG), focusing on the operation and maintenance phases. Also, it compares seven scenarios, including electric, renewable sources, and biodiesel technologies. Environmental impacts were assessed using the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method, which considers the following impact categories: Global Warming Potential (GWP); Ozone Formation, Human Health (OfHh); Ozone Formation, Terrestrial Ecosystem (OfTe); Terrestrial Acidification (TA); and Fine Particulate Matter Formation (FPmf). The sensitivity analysis explores scenarios to assess the effects of technological transitions and alternative energy sources on the environmental performance. Social impacts are assessed through a Social Performance Index (SPI) and Aggregated Social Performance Index (ASPI), which aggregates indicators such as safety, travel cost, punctuality, accessibility, and inclusive design. Accessibility emerged as the lowest indicator (ranging from 0.61 to 0.67), highlighting opportunities for improvement. Our findings support decision-making processes for integrating sustainable transport strategies into a University Mobility Plan, emphasizing the importance of combining technical performance with social inclusivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)
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23 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Class A Biosolids Production Using Conventional and Low-Cost, Low-Tech Processes at Small Water Resource Recovery Facilities: A Multidimensional Sustainability Assessment
by Janna L. Brown, Robert M. Handler, Eric A. Seagren and Jennifer G. Becker
Resources 2025, 14(8), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14080130 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Producing Class A biosolids is a beneficial way to reuse wastewater treatment solids, but most conventional processes are energy-intensive and expensive. There is growing interest in the use of low-cost, low-tech (LCLT) Class A biosolids treatment processes, especially at small water resource recovery [...] Read more.
Producing Class A biosolids is a beneficial way to reuse wastewater treatment solids, but most conventional processes are energy-intensive and expensive. There is growing interest in the use of low-cost, low-tech (LCLT) Class A biosolids treatment processes, especially at small water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). This study used a holistic sustainability assessment to examine the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of conventional and LCLT processes at small WRRFs. The technologies studied were Direct Heat Drying, Composting, Lagoon Storage, Air Drying, and Temperature-Phased Anaerobic Digestion (TPAD). Environmental impacts were determined by conducting life-cycle assessments for all technologies, which is described in detail in prior published work. Economic impacts were quantified with a life-cycle cost assessment approach over a 25-year time horizon. Potential social impacts of each process were assessed by investigating case studies and surveys of social response to biosolids and estimating a relative impact score in a number of categories reported to be important to stakeholders in this technical domain. Impacts were normalized and compared to assess the best processes under a range of weighting scenarios. TPAD and Air Drying were the most sustainable processes when all domains were weighted equally. TPAD was projected to have low environmental and social impacts, which made up for its relatively high lifetime cost. Air Drying was the least expensive process in our analysis and had a modest environmental footprint, but there is potential for higher social impacts if the process is not sited and maintained properly. Because different communities are likely to prioritize or weight environmental, economic, and social impacts differently, a three-component mixing diagram was used to illustrate that Air Drying (economic), TPAD (environmental), or Direct Heat Drying (social) could become the preferred biosolids treatment process depending on which of the three sustainability domains was prioritized in the analysis. Full article
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24 pages, 5809 KiB  
Article
Integrating Vertical Farming into Residential Buildings in Egypt: A Stakeholder Perspectives-Based Approach
by Ahmed Abd Elaziz Waseef, Merhan Shahda, Hosam Salah El Samaty and Shaimaa Nosier
Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162917 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
As cities grow faster and food systems grow more fragile, architects and planners are increasingly challenged to design spaces that not only house people but also support environmental and social well-being. This study investigates how vertical farming can be integrated into residential building [...] Read more.
As cities grow faster and food systems grow more fragile, architects and planners are increasingly challenged to design spaces that not only house people but also support environmental and social well-being. This study investigates how vertical farming can be integrated into residential building facades in Egypt as a strategy to promote local food production and sustainable design. Focusing on a government housing project in Port Said, three façade-based design options were developed and assessed through structured surveys targeting two stakeholder groups: experts and residents. This research revealed a strong interest and awareness across both samples. While users prioritized benefits such as esthetics, air quality, and the ease of use, experts emphasized feasibility concerns, maintenance needs, and policy barriers. Both groups favored the second design option as the most balanced and applicable solution. By foregrounding stakeholder input, this study fills a gap in the existing literature on building-integrated agriculture and provides design and policy recommendations grounded in the local context. It advocates for inclusive design thinking, where technical viability and community values are considered together. While limited to single case and visual assessment methods, this research offers a foundation for further applied studies and broader sustainable design frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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27 pages, 5057 KiB  
Article
Development and Hydrodynamic Performance of an Oscillating Buoy-Type Wave Energy Converter
by Yeison Berrio, Germán Rivillas-Ospina, Gregorio Posada Vanegas, Rodolfo Silva, Edgar Mendoza, Victor Pugliese and Augusto Sisa
Energies 2025, 18(16), 4383; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164383 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
The development of wave energy converters (WECs) faces several technical challenges, particularly enhancing the capturing efficiency, improving the conversion of mechanical to electric energy, and reducing energy losses in the transmission of electricity to land-based facilities. The present study is an assessment of [...] Read more.
The development of wave energy converters (WECs) faces several technical challenges, particularly enhancing the capturing efficiency, improving the conversion of mechanical to electric energy, and reducing energy losses in the transmission of electricity to land-based facilities. The present study is an assessment of the interaction between an oscillating buoy-type wave energy converter (WEC) and waves using experimental and numerical methods. A small-scale model was tested in a wave tank to evaluate its energy capturing efficiency, taking wave heights and periods as independent variables. The recorded data were used to validate OpenFOAM (version 9.0) simulations, which provided insights into system response characteristics. The findings highlight the critical role of resonance in optimizing energy capture, with maximum efficiency observed for medium wave periods, and with specific buoy configurations. The study also identified an inverse relationship between the capture width ratio and wave height, suggesting the need for customized buoy designs, tailored to specific sea states. The integrated approach used in this research provides a comprehensive understanding of WEC behaviour and offers valuable insights for advancing wave energy technologies and improving their sustainability and efficiency in diverse marine environments. Full article
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21 pages, 2014 KiB  
Systematic Review
Interventional Procedures in Deep Venous Thrombosis Treatment: A Review of Techniques, Outcomes, and Patient Selection
by Arkadiusz Kacała, Mateusz Dorochowicz, Jędrzej Fischer, Adrian Korbecki, Aleksander Truszyński, Anna Madura, Krzysztof Dyś, Andrzej Szuba and Maciej Guziński
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081476 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with pulmonary embolism and long-term complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Anticoagulation prevents thrombus extension but does not actively remove clot. Interventional techniques, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, and venous stenting, have [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with pulmonary embolism and long-term complications such as post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Anticoagulation prevents thrombus extension but does not actively remove clot. Interventional techniques, including catheter-directed thrombolysis, mechanical and pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, and venous stenting, have been introduced to restore venous patency and reduce complications. This systematic review summarizes current evidence on outcomes, safety, and patient selection for these procedures. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and February 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies with ≥20 patients. Extracted outcomes were technical success, thrombus clearance, venous patency, PTS, quality of life, and complications. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, and AMSTAR-2. Results: Of 456 records screened, 35 studies were included. Randomized trials (CaVenT, ATTRACT, CAVA) showed that catheter-directed and pharmacomechanical approaches improved venous patency and reduced moderate-to-severe PTS in selected patients with iliofemoral DVT, though overall benefit was variable. Mechanical thrombectomy devices (e.g., AngioJet, ClotTriever, FlowTriever) achieved high thrombus clearance and shorter procedural times, with device-specific complication profiles. Observational data demonstrated venous stenting patency rates of 74–89% at 12 months. Study heterogeneity limited direct comparisons. Conclusions: Interventional procedures can reduce PTS and improve outcomes in carefully selected patients, particularly those with acute iliofemoral DVT. Modern mechanical and pharmacomechanical techniques enhance efficiency and safety, while venous stenting addresses underlying obstructions. Further high-quality trials with long-term follow-up are needed to define optimal patient selection and comparative effectiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Venous Thromboembolism Research)
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32 pages, 7175 KiB  
Article
VisFactory: Adaptive Multimodal Digital Twin with Integrated Visual-Haptic-Auditory Analytics for Industry 4.0 Engineering Education
by Tsung-Ching Lin, Cheng-Nan Chiu, Po-Tong Wang and Li-Der Fang
Multimedia 2025, 1(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/multimedia1010003 - 18 Aug 2025
Abstract
Industry 4.0 has intensified the skills gap in industrial automation education, with graduates requiring extended on boarding periods and supplementary training investments averaging USD 11,500 per engineer. This paper introduces VisFactory, a multimedia learning system that extends the cognitive theory of multimedia learning [...] Read more.
Industry 4.0 has intensified the skills gap in industrial automation education, with graduates requiring extended on boarding periods and supplementary training investments averaging USD 11,500 per engineer. This paper introduces VisFactory, a multimedia learning system that extends the cognitive theory of multimedia learning by incorporating haptic feedback as a third processing channel alongside visual and auditory modalities. The system integrates a digital twin architecture with ultra-low latency synchronization (12.3 ms) across all sensory channels, a dynamic feedback orchestration algorithm that distributes information optimally across modalities, and a tripartite student model that continuously calibrates instruction parameters. We evaluated the system through a controlled experiment with 127 engineering students randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, with assessments conducted immediately and at three-month and six-month intervals. VisFactory significantly enhanced learning outcomes across multiple dimensions: 37% reduction in time to mastery (t(125) = 11.83, p < 0.001, d = 2.11), skill acquisition increased from 28% to 85% (ηp2=0.54), and 28% higher knowledge retention after six months. The multimodal approach demonstrated differential effectiveness across learning tasks, with haptic feedback providing the most significant benefit for procedural skills (52% error reduction) and visual–auditory integration proving most effective for conceptual understanding (49% improvement). The adaptive modality orchestration reduced cognitive load by 43% compared to unimodal interfaces. This research advances multimedia learning theory by validating tri-modal integration effectiveness and establishing quantitative benchmarks for sensory channel synchronization. The findings provide a theoretical framework and implementation guidelines for optimizing multimedia learning environments for complex skill development in technical domains. Full article
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