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17 pages, 2352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heat Recovery Ventilation and Thermal Insulation: Economic Decision-Making in Central European Households

by Tomasz Schabek and Barbara Król

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3908; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093908 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Energy conservation has become a critical issue, especially in the context of global environmental challenges and rising energy costs. This article emphasizes the growing importance of sustainability by integrating technical evaluations of heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems and energy demand reduction with an [...] Read more.

Energy conservation has become a critical issue, especially in the context of global environmental challenges and rising energy costs. This article emphasizes the growing importance of sustainability by integrating technical evaluations of heat recovery ventilation (HRV) systems and energy demand reduction with an economic analysis of new detached buildings in Poland. We studied the economic efficiency of the application of HRV in the context of different insulation thicknesses and quantities of air exchanged. Through over 2500 building energy performance simulations, the study explores the economic and environmental interplay between investments in HRV and insulation technologies. The findings demonstrated that households can achieve significant energy savings, around 2600 kWh annually, by installing an HRV system. These savings are contingent upon various factors, including air exchange rates, insulation thickness, and the thermal properties of windows. The economic analysis revealed that economic benefits due to optimal insulation are in the range of EUR 1000–8600 and from EUR 500 up to 5900 regarding investment in HRV, depending on the energy price and intensity of ventilation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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19 pages, 5675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges and Opportunities in ILR Selection for Photovoltaic System: Evaluation in Brazilian Cities

by Alex Vilarindo Menezes, José de Arimatéia Alves Vieira Filho and Wilson Negrão Macedo

Energies 2025, 18(9), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092203 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The sizing of photovoltaic (PV) systems has been a concern since the 1990s, particularly with the trend of inverter undersizing as PV module prices decrease. While many studies have assessed the behavior of AC energy and economic parameters with varying Inverter Load Ratios [...] Read more.

The sizing of photovoltaic (PV) systems has been a concern since the 1990s, particularly with the trend of inverter undersizing as PV module prices decrease. While many studies have assessed the behavior of AC energy and economic parameters with varying Inverter Load Ratios (ILRs), they often neglect the impact of degradation on system lifetime or fail to analyze how it influences ILR selection in depth. This study examines the relationship between DC loss curves and ILRs, their evolution over time, and their effects on efficiency and Final Yield. Simulating solar resources in 27 Brazilian cities, it evaluates clipping losses and optimal ILR values ranging from 0.8 to 2.0 for 28 recent inverters. The research aims to identify the ILR that minimizes the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) while maximizing Final Yield, revealing variations in optimal ILR ranges across different inverter–city combinations. The optimal ILR was between 1.1 and 1.3 for modern medium- and high-power inverters, while low-power inverters had a range of up to 1.8. The findings highlight that practical ILR considerations can overlook real-world challenges, leaving the system’s full potential untapped. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A2: Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Systems)

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16 pages, 2628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Beetroot Waste via Subcritical Water Extraction for Developing Active Food Packaging Materials

by Márcia Correa de Carvalho, Pedro A. V. Freitas, Rosa J. Jagus, María V. Agüero and Amparo Chiralt

Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1928; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091928 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Obtaining active extracts from beet root leaves and stems (BLS) is an alternative for the valorization of this agricultural waste. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 150 °C and 170 °C has been used to obtain these extracts, which were incorporated (6% wt.) into [...] Read more.

Obtaining active extracts from beet root leaves and stems (BLS) is an alternative for the valorization of this agricultural waste. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 150 °C and 170 °C has been used to obtain these extracts, which were incorporated (6% wt.) into polymer matrices to produce antioxidant films of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polylactic acid (PLA) for the preservation of sunflower oil. A high extraction yield (67–60% solubilized solids) was achieved, and the extracts contained high levels of total phenols (51–73 mg GAE·g⁻¹ extract) and betalains and great radical scavenging capacity (EC₅₀: 30–22 mg mg⁻¹ DPPH). The highest temperature promoted the extract’s phenolic richness and antioxidant capacity. The TPS and PLA films containing extracts exhibited color and UV-light blocking effects. The extracts reduced the oxygen permeability (OP) and water vapor permeability of PLA films while promoting those of the TPS films. The capacity of the films to preserve sunflower oil from oxidation was mainly controlled by the OP values of the films, which were very high in TPS films with low OP values. However, in the PLA films (which were more permeable to oxygen), the antioxidant extracts provided significant protection against sunflower oil oxidation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste and By-Products from Agricultural Production for Innovative Health Applications, Second Edition)

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16 pages, 5514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop-Free-Ridge Navigation Line Recognition Based on the Lightweight Structure Improvement of YOLOv8

by Runyi Lv, Jianping Hu, Tengfei Zhang, Xinxin Chen and Wei Liu

Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15090942 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study is situated against the background of shortages in the agricultural labor force and shortages of cultivated land. In order to improve the intelligence level and operational efficiency of agricultural machinery and solve the problems of difficulties in recognizing navigation lines and [...] Read more.

This study is situated against the background of shortages in the agricultural labor force and shortages of cultivated land. In order to improve the intelligence level and operational efficiency of agricultural machinery and solve the problems of difficulties in recognizing navigation lines and a lack of real-time performance of transplanters in the crop-free ridge environment, we propose a crop-free-ridge navigation line recognition method based on an improved YOLOv8 segmentation algorithm. First, this method reduces the parameters and computational complexity of the model by replacing the YOLOv8 backbone network with MobileNetV4 and the feature extraction module C2f with ShuffleNetV2, thereby improving the real-time segmentation of crop-free ridges. Second, we use the least-squares method to fit the obtained point set to accurately obtain navigation lines. Finally, the method is applied to testing and analyzing the field experimental ridges. The results showed that the average precision of the improved neural network model using this method was 90.4%, with a Params of 1.8 M, a FLOPs of 8.8 G, and an FPS of 49.5. The results indicate that the model maintains high accuracy while significantly outperforming Mask-RCNN, YOLACT++, YOLOv8, and YOLO11 in terms of computational speed. The detection frame rate increased significantly, improving the real-time performance of detection. This method uses the least-squares method to fit the 55% ridge contour feature points under the picture, and the fitting navigation line shows no large deviation compared with the image ridge centerline; the result is better than that of the RANSAC fitting method. The research results indicate that this method significantly reduces the size of the model parameters and improves the recognition speed, providing a more efficient solution for the autonomous navigation of intelligent carrier aircraft. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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22 pages, 4133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition and Toxicity of Achillea millefolium L. Essential Oil Against Acrobasis advenella (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

by Edyta Górska-Drabik, Katarzyna Golan, Cezary Sempruch, Grzegorz Chrzanowski, Michał P. Dybowski and Monika Poniewozik

Molecules 2025, 30(9), 1927; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30091927 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The solutions of essential oil (0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.0% w/v) derived from Achillea millefoilum (EOAM) were evaluated for their repellent and insecticidal activity toward Acrobasis advenella, as well as their effects on the activity of selected larval tissue enzymes. [...] Read more.

The solutions of essential oil (0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.0% w/v) derived from Achillea millefoilum (EOAM) were evaluated for their repellent and insecticidal activity toward Acrobasis advenella, as well as their effects on the activity of selected larval tissue enzymes. The chemical composition of the EOAM analyzed by GC-MS showed that the main compounds included β-pinene, chamazulene, eucalyptol, and β-caryophyllene. Selection tests showed that larvae avoided inflorescences treated with 0.8% and 1.0% EOAM concentrations. The mortality of larvae increased with concentration and time of exposure to the EO, and the highest mortality rate was observed after 72 h. In addition, the impact of EO was examined on the activity of catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), α- and β-glucosidases, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), i.e., important antioxidants, detoxification, digestive, and nervous system enzymes. A significant increase in CAT activity was found in larvae treated with 0.8% and 1.0% EOAM after both 24 and 48 h. Initially, treating larvae with 0.5% EO decreased β-glucosidase activity while increasing α-glucosidase activity. Moreover, 0.8% EOAM inhibited the activity of POX. These findings suggest that EOAM can affect important biochemical processes within the tissues of A. advenella larvae, making it a promising agent for the protection of black chokeberry crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Products in Crop Pest Management)

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11 pages, 5016 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

B-Mode Ultrasonography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography in Evaluation of Urothelial Carcinoma in Dogs

by Ana Paula Luiz De Oliveira, Bruna Bressianini Lima, Denise Jaques Ramos, Gabriela Castro Lopes Evangelista, Igor Cezar Kniphoff Da Cruz, Ricardo Andrés Ramirez Uscategui, Andrigo Barboza de Nardi and Marcus Antônio Rossi Feliciano

Animals 2025, 15(9), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091223 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Bladder tumors in dogs represent approximately 2% of all malignant lesions recorded, with urothelial carcinoma being the most common and aggressive form. This study aimed to characterize the elastographic properties of canine urothelial carcinoma using ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse) elastography and to [...] Read more.

Bladder tumors in dogs represent approximately 2% of all malignant lesions recorded, with urothelial carcinoma being the most common and aggressive form. This study aimed to characterize the elastographic properties of canine urothelial carcinoma using ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse) elastography and to evaluate its diagnostic capacity. Seven dogs with urothelial carcinoma and nine healthy dogs were evaluated, comparing shear wave velocity (SWV) and bladder wall thickness between the groups. The results showed that SWV was significantly higher in dogs with urothelial carcinoma (median of 2.53 m/s) compared with healthy dogs (median of 1.41 m/s) (p = 0.0045). Bladder wall thickness was also greater in dogs with carcinoma (0.28 ± 0.05 cm) compared to healthy dogs (0.14 ± 0.26 cm) (p = 0.0003). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a high sensitivity (100%) and specificity (88.9%) for SWV in differentiating healthy and neoplastic tissues. These findings suggest that ARFI elastography is a promising tool for diagnosing urothelial carcinoma in dogs, offering a noninvasive and quantitative approach that can complement traditional diagnostic methods. ARFI elastography may aid in early diagnosis and clinical management, improving the prognosis of patients with bladder neoplasia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Canine and Feline Diagnostics—2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Students’ Learning for Action Through Inquiry-Based Science Education on a Local Environmental Problem

by Mónica Baptista, Ana Sofia Pinho and Ana Rita Alves

Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3907; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093907 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study examines students’ learning for action towards sustainability when addressing a local environmental problem related to mining through an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) approach. A total of 54 eighth-grade students (ages 13–15) from a rural middle school participated in this study. Data [...] Read more.

This study examines students’ learning for action towards sustainability when addressing a local environmental problem related to mining through an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) approach. A total of 54 eighth-grade students (ages 13–15) from a rural middle school participated in this study. Data collection included written group productions and group interviews, which were analysed using inductive and deductive processes. The results revealed three levels of the students’ learning for action: “What” (problem identification), “Why” (reasons for action), and “How” (local action). All groups successfully identified the environmental problem, and 64% demonstrated understanding of the reasons for action, showing concern for future generations and environmental preservation. At the “How” level, 50% of the groups recognised the importance of local action, 34% actively planned and implemented actions, and 29% developed specific competences for action, including systemic thinking, argumentation, and communication skills. This research demonstrates that using the IBSE approach to address relevant local problems facilitates the development of action competences for sustainability. Digital technologies emerged as important tools for the students’ actions. The study also provides a framework for understanding and analysing students’ learning for action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainable Futures: Innovations in Education)

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15 pages, 2625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Probiotic-Fermented Chinese Herb on Immune Response and Growth Performance in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

by Wenzheng Zou, Xuanxuan Huang, Fang Han and Zhongqin Li

Fishes 2025, 10(5), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050196 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of fermented Chinese herb (FCH) on the growth indices, leukocyte activity, and biochemical indices of carp (Cyprinus carpio). Astragalus membranaceus (AM), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) as feed additives enhance immune [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of fermented Chinese herb (FCH) on the growth indices, leukocyte activity, and biochemical indices of carp (Cyprinus carpio). Astragalus membranaceus (AM), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GRR) as feed additives enhance immune function, promote growth, and exert anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of co-fermented blends of these three herbs on growth performance and related parameters in common carp. By adding 2%, 5%, and 10% of the FCH to co-incubate with carp leukocytes, the results show that all three experimental treatments could enhance the respiratory burst activity and phagocytic activity of carp leukocytes. After 28 days of feeding with basal feed supplemented with 2%, 5%, and 10% (w/v) of the FCH, the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of carp were significantly higher than those of the control treatment without additives (ANOVA, p < 0.05), with the 5% treatment showing the highest. The activities of intestinal digestive enzymes were significantly increased (ANOVA, p < 0.05). On the 21st day, the activities of amylase (AMS), lipase (LPS), and chymotrypsin were increased compared to the control treatment. The 5% and 10% treatments showed significantly higher intestinal digestive enzyme activities compared to the 2% treatment. The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in both the control and experimental treatments initially increased and then decreased, with all three experimental treatments having higher levels than the control treatment. The activities of liver glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in the experimental treatments showed no significant changes compared to the control treatment (ANOVA, p > 0.05). However, the serum GPT activity in the 5% treatment was significantly lower than that of the control treatment (ANOVA, p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the other treatments. The results indicate that adding 2~10% of FCH to carp feed can improve intestinal digestion, enhance phagocytic activity and the body’s antioxidant defense capabilities, and effectively promote the growth of carp. It can significantly improve farming efficiency and economic benefits, reduce dependence on chemical drugs, and lower environmental pollution, showing good application prospects in production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health of Aquatic Organisms)

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25 pages, 15269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Symmetry Alignment–Feature Interaction Network for Human Ear Similarity Detection and Authentication

by Li Yuan, He-Bin Zhou, Jiang-Yun Li, Li Liu, Xiao-Chai Gu and Ya-Nan Zhao

Symmetry 2025, 17(5), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17050654 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

In the context of ear-based biometric identity authentication, symmetry between the left and right ears emerges as a pivotal factor, particularly when registration involves one ear and authentication utilizes its contralateral counterpart. The extent to which bilateral ear symmetry supports consistent identity verification [...] Read more.

In the context of ear-based biometric identity authentication, symmetry between the left and right ears emerges as a pivotal factor, particularly when registration involves one ear and authentication utilizes its contralateral counterpart. The extent to which bilateral ear symmetry supports consistent identity verification warrants significant investigation. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a novel framework, the Symmetry Alignment–Feature Interaction Network, designed to enhance authentication robustness. The proposed network incorporates a Symmetry Alignment Module, leveraging differentiable geometric alignment and a dual-attention mechanism to achieve precise feature correspondence between the left and right ears, thereby mitigating the robustness deficiencies of conventional methods under pose variations. Additionally, a Feature Interaction Network is introduced to amplify nonlinear interdependencies between binaural features, employing a difference–product dual-path architecture to enhance feature discriminability through Dual-Path Feature Interaction and Similarity Fusion. Experimental validation on a dataset from the University of Science and Technology of Beijing demonstrates that the proposed method achieves a similarity detection accuracy of 99.03% (a 9.11% improvement over the baseline ResNet18) and an F1 score of 0.9252 in identity authentication tasks. Ablation experiments further confirm the efficacy of the Symmetry Alignment Module, reducing the false positive rate by 3.05%, in combination with the Feature Interaction Network, shrinking the standard deviation of similarity distributions between the positive and negative samples by 67%. A multi-task loss function, governed by a dynamic weighting mechanism, effectively balances feature learning objectives. This work establishes a new paradigm for the authentication of biometric features with symmetry, integrating symmetry modeling with Dual-Path Feature Interaction and Similarity Fusion to advance the precision of ear authentication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Applied in Biometrics Technology)

20 pages, 9162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability Evaluation and Correction of Cover and Management Factor Calculation Methods in the Purple Soil Hilly Region

by Ruiyin Chen, Yonggang Zhu, Derong Wu, Jia Zhong, Anbang Wen, Wenwu Wang, Biao Bi, Yuetian Li, Jing Feng and Tiancai Jing

Agriculture 2025, 15(9), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15090941 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The cover and management factor (C/B factor) in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) series models indicates the effects of vegetation cover and management practices on water erosion. Remote sensing technology provides abundant data and methods for the C/B factor estimation, but the [...] Read more.

The cover and management factor (C/B factor) in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) series models indicates the effects of vegetation cover and management practices on water erosion. Remote sensing technology provides abundant data and methods for the C/B factor estimation, but the applicability and accuracy of these methods can vary widely. More critically, they often overlook the impact of non-photosynthetic vegetation cover on soil erosion. This study aimed to evaluate and develop a more accurate and cost-effective method for calculating the C/B factor in the purple soil hilly region, focusing on typical small watersheds. A correlation analysis was conducted to compare four C/B factors derived from the remote sensing data, aiming to identify the most suitable method for the purple soil hilly region. Additionally, artificial rainfall simulation tests were performed to investigate the relationship between photosynthetic vegetation cover, non-photosynthetic vegetation cover, and soil erosion, leading to the development of a relational equation between integrated vegetation cover and C/B factors. The results indicate that the method from the technical regulations for dynamic monitoring of soil erosion is most suitable for calculating the C/B factor in purple soil hilly regions. On this basis, the integrated vegetation cover effectively accounted for the impact of non-photosynthetic vegetation on soil erosion, leading to a more comprehensive and precise estimation of the C/B factor. The newly developed method significantly improved the accuracy of the C/B factor calculation in the purple soil hilly region. This study provides a scientific and accurate algorithm for calculating the C/B factor in the purple soil hilly region, offering valuable insights and a methodological framework for similar studies in other areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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18 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hindering and Facilitating Factors While Implementing the Family and Community Nursing Model in Italy: Findings from a Qualitative Study

by Majda Clodig, Gaia Magro, Paola De Lucia, Marisa Prezza, Gaia Dussi, Sara Dentice, Chiara Moreal, Stefania Chiappinotto and Alvisa Palese

Healthcare 2025, 13(9), 1001; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13091001 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Several Italian regions have started to introduce the Family and Community Nurse model. The aim of this study was to describe the facilitating and hindering factors that have influenced the implementation of the model by analyzing regional policies from the perspective of [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Several Italian regions have started to introduce the Family and Community Nurse model. The aim of this study was to describe the facilitating and hindering factors that have influenced the implementation of the model by analyzing regional policies from the perspective of nurses appointed as Family and Community Nurses. Methods: A qualitative study from 2023 to 2024 following the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Nurses attending a training course were eligible (N = 68) and multi-method data collection was used. Mandatory written project works were requested at the end of the course, and interviews conducted after six months with 14 purposively selected nurses were used. The data were subjected to content analysis. The factors identified were categorized by level (nurse, microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem) and by the domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: A total of 23 facilitating factors and 20 hindering factors were identified across all levels and four domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implementation required nurses to shift from a task-oriented to a user-oriented approach to care that emphasizes accountability and citizen needs. Facilitating factors were the availability of advanced competencies, digital skills, familiarity with communities, and effective teamwork supported by leaders. Challenges arose from fragmented systems and unmet community expectations. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration, fostering trust, and engaging third sector resources were critical factors hindering holistic, patient-centred care. Conclusions: The Family and Community Nurses model promotes integrated, patient-centred care through proactive approaches that require advanced competence and interprofessional collaboration. Training, leadership support, and the removal of systemic barriers are critical. Future research should focus on integrating the identified factors into strategies to optimize the implementation of the Family and Community Nurses model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Specialist Nurse in European Healthcare towards 2030)

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15 pages, 6629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photoreactive Properties of Melanin Obtained from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Melanocytes

by Krystian Mokrzynski, Mateusz Wojtala, Maciej Sulkowski, Shosuke Ito, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Andrzej Zadlo, Marcin Majka, Tadeusz Sarna and Michal Sarna

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094119 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Although melanin is viewed as a natural sunscreen that protects pigmented cells against the adverse effects of solar radiation, recent studies have demonstrated that, under certain conditions, the pigment can actually contribute to light-induced oxidative damage of the cells. However, the main issue [...] Read more.

Although melanin is viewed as a natural sunscreen that protects pigmented cells against the adverse effects of solar radiation, recent studies have demonstrated that, under certain conditions, the pigment can actually contribute to light-induced oxidative damage of the cells. However, the main issue with such studies is finding natural pigments without photooxidative modifications. Recently, melanin obtained from melanocytes, generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-Mel), was suggested as a promising source of the pigment without significant photooxidation. Although different studies have demonstrated the feasibility of the above-mentioned technique to obtain melanin-producing cells, no thorough analysis of the physicochemical properties of the pigment has been performed. To address this issue, we examined the key physicochemical parameters, including the aerobic photoreactivity of melanin isolated from hiPSC-Mel and compared them with those of melanin from other known sources of the pigment, such as bovine retinal pigment epithelium (bRPE) and phototype V (PT-V) hair. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV–Vis absorption and HPLC analysis of melanin degradation products were used. The ability of the examined melanins to photogenerate reactive oxygen species was determined by employing EPR oximetry, EPR spin-trapping and time-resolved singlet oxygen phosphorescence. Although the results of such measurements demonstrated that melanin obtained from hiPSC-Mel exhibited the physicochemical properties typical for eumelanin, a contribution from pheomelanin with a substantial presence of benzothiazine subunits, was also evident. Importantly, the hiPSC-Mel pigment had significantly lower photoreactivity compared to bRPE melanin and PT-V hair melanin. Our findings indicate that hiPSC-Mel could be an excellent source of high-quality pigment for photoprotection studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanosome Transport/Transfer and Melanin Pigmentation in the Skin 2.0)

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16 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Energy Drink Use, Risk Perception, and Regulatory Attitudes in the Adult Polish Population: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey

by Paulina Mularczyk-Tomczewska, Aleksandra Lewandowska, Agnieszka Kamińska, Małgorzata Gałecka, Paweł A. Atroszko, Tomasz Baran, Tytus Koweszko and Andrzej Silczuk

Nutrients 2025, 17(9), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091458 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: From 1 January 2024, Poland legally banned the sale of energy drinks (EDs) containing caffeine and taurine to minors under 18. EDs are rich in stimulants, making them particularly popular among adolescents and young adults seeking energy boosts. Their consumption is associated [...] Read more.

Background: From 1 January 2024, Poland legally banned the sale of energy drinks (EDs) containing caffeine and taurine to minors under 18. EDs are rich in stimulants, making them particularly popular among adolescents and young adults seeking energy boosts. Their consumption is associated with adverse health effects and engagement in risky behaviors. This descriptive snapshot study explores energy drink consumption, motivations, and risk perception among Polish adults. Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey (N = 1121) was conducted over a three-day period using the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method. The sample was representative of the adult Polish population in terms of gender, age, and geographical location. Data collection occurred 14 months after the implementation of legal restrictions on ED sales to minors. Results: Among 1121 adults (54.3% female), 15.1% reported weekly ED consumption, 9.7% monthly, 13.3% less than monthly, and 62.0% never. Younger age (p < 0.05), male gender (aOR = 1.63 [1.25–2.13]; p < 0.001), and active occupational status (aOR = 1.63 [1.19–2.24]; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with ED use. Overall, 83.0% of respondents perceived EDs as harmful, and 87.2% supported the sales ban to minors, although only 45.6% considered the ban effective. Additionally, 31.8% had observed minors consuming EDs in the past 30 days. Sociodemographic characteristics were associated with risk perception and support for regulation: women (aOR = 1.50), individuals with higher education (aOR = 1.44), and those with good financial status (aOR = 2.35) were more likely to perceive EDs as harmful and endorse regulatory measures. Conclusions: Educational interventions should prioritize young adults, particularly males, who constitute the primary consumers. There is also a need to enhance enforcement mechanisms to limit minors’ access to energy drinks and curb their marketing and availability, thereby improving public health protection. Full article

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

15 pages, 7855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Sustainable Diatomite-Based Foams with a Micro-Macroporous Synergistic Structure

by Hailong Ning, Zhiwu Li, Ning Liu, Chengling Li, Yao Lu and Long Li

Materials 2025, 18(9), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18091968 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study developed a foamed material with a synergistic microporous-macroporous structure through chemical foaming and high-pressure curing to better utilize the microporous properties of diatomaceous earth in building materials. The effects of different amounts of foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and CaO/SiO₂ on [...] Read more.

This study developed a foamed material with a synergistic microporous-macroporous structure through chemical foaming and high-pressure curing to better utilize the microporous properties of diatomaceous earth in building materials. The effects of different amounts of foaming agent, foam stabilizer, and CaO/SiO₂ on the mechanical properties and pore structure of the samples were investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that, under the influence of the foaming agent, the foam material has developed a multi-stage pore structure that integrates both macropores and micropores. This unique structure results in a dry density range of 467–670 kg/m³, thereby achieving significant material lightweighting. In addition, these macropores enhance the interaction between the micropores of diatomaceous earth and the external environment interface, thereby achieving a balance between the material’s structural stability and functional properties. The material exhibits a porosity of 76.9% and a specific surface area of 42.9 m²/g, while maintaining a high compressive strength of 2.67 MPa. This work provides a technological pathway for the fabrication of multifunctional building materials that have both lightweight and eco-functional properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)

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18 pages, 1136 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Vegetation Changes in Savanna Ecosystems on Tick Populations in Wildlife: Implications for Ecosystem Management

by Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi

Diversity 2025, 17(5), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17050314 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Vegetation changes in savanna ecosystems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping tick populations and the spread of tick-borne diseases, with consequences for both wildlife and livestock health. This study examines how factors such as climate variability, land use, vegetation structures, and [...] Read more.

Vegetation changes in savanna ecosystems are playing an increasingly important role in shaping tick populations and the spread of tick-borne diseases, with consequences for both wildlife and livestock health. This study examines how factors such as climate variability, land use, vegetation structures, and host availability influence tick survival, distribution, and behavior. As grasslands degrade and woody plants become more dominant, ticks are finding more suitable habitats, often supported by microclimatic conditions that favor their development. At the same time, increased contact between domestic and wild animals is facilitating the transmission of pathogens. This review highlights how seasonal patterns, fire regimes, grazing pressure, and climate change are driving shifts in tick activity and expanding their geographical range. These changes increase the risk of disease for animals and humans alike. Addressing these challenges calls for integrated management strategies that include vegetation control, host population monitoring, and sustainable vector control methods. A holistic approach that connects ecological, animal, and human health perspectives is essential for effective disease prevention and long-term ecosystem management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 15th Anniversary of Diversity—Biodiversity, Conservation and Ecology of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms)

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12 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Salivary Malondialdehyde Levels Are Associated with Periodontitis Independently of Other Risk Factors

by Leonardo Lorente, Esther Hernández Marrero, Pedro Abreu González, Angel Daniel Lorente Martín, Agustín F. González-Rivero, María José Marrero González, Carmen Hernández Marrero, Olga Hernández Marrero, Alejandro Jiménez and Cándido Manuel Hernández Padilla

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092993 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Patients with periodontitis have been found to have higher salivary concentrations of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of lipid hyperoxidation, compared to healthy subjects. However, the association between salivary malondialdehyde levels and periodontitis, independently of other risk factors, has not been analyzed. Therefore, the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Patients with periodontitis have been found to have higher salivary concentrations of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of lipid hyperoxidation, compared to healthy subjects. However, the association between salivary malondialdehyde levels and periodontitis, independently of other risk factors, has not been analyzed. Therefore, the novel objective of our study was to explore this possible association by performing a logistic regression analysis. Material and Methods: This observational, prospective study was carried out in a private dental practice. Salivary malondialdehyde levels were measured in subjects with periodontitis (characterized by periodontal tissue loss) and in subjects without periodontitis (either periodontally healthy or with localized gingivitis in <30% of sites). A multivariate regression analysis was carried out to determine the factors associated with periodontitis. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 in the comparison between subjects with and without periodontitis were included in the regression analysis. Results: A total of 119 subjects were included, 63 with periodontitis and 56 without (35 periodontally healthy subjects and 21 patients with localized gingivitis). In the multiple binomial regression analysis, salivary malondialdehyde levels > 0.77 nmol/mL were identified as a predictor of periodontitis (p = 0.03), after controlling for age (p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.81), arterial hypertension (p = 0.43), smoking status (never smoked p = 0.08), and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.88). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that salivary malondialdehyde levels are associated with periodontitis, independently of other known risk factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)

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23 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Spatiotemporal Attention-Guided Graph Neural Network for Precise Hyperspectral Estimation of Corn Nitrogen Content

by Feiyu Lu, Boming Zhang, Yifei Hou, Xiao Xiong, Chaoran Dong, Wenbo Lu, Liangxue Li and Chunli Lv

Agronomy 2025, 15(5), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15051041 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

A hyperspectral maize nitrogen content prediction model is proposed, integrating a dynamic spectral–spatiotemporal attention mechanism with a graph neural network, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and stability of nitrogen estimation. Across multiple experiments, the proposed method achieved outstanding performance on the [...] Read more.

A hyperspectral maize nitrogen content prediction model is proposed, integrating a dynamic spectral–spatiotemporal attention mechanism with a graph neural network, with the aim of enhancing the accuracy and stability of nitrogen estimation. Across multiple experiments, the proposed method achieved outstanding performance on the test set, with

R^{2} = 0.93

, RMSE of 0.35, and MAE of 0.48, significantly outperforming comparative models including SVM, RF, ResNet, and ViT. In experiments conducted across different growth stages, the best performance was observed during the grain-filling stage, where

R^{2}

reached 0.96. In terms of accuracy, recall, and precision, the proposed model exhibited an average improvement exceeding 15%, demonstrating strong adaptability to temporal variation and generalization across spatial conditions. These results provide robust technical support for large-scale, nondestructive nitrogen monitoring in agricultural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Deep and Machine Learning in Crop Monitoring and Management)

19 pages, 5116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Shallow Landslide Runout Distance Based on Genetic Algorithm and Dynamic Slicing Method

by Wenming Ren, Wei Zhou, Zhixiao Hou and Chuan Tang

Water 2025, 17(9), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091293 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Shallow landslides are often unpredictable and seriously threaten surrounding infrastructure and the ecological environment. Traditional landslide prediction methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inaccurate. Thus, there is an urgent need to enhance predictive techniques. To accurately predict the runout distance of shallow landslides, this [...] Read more.

Shallow landslides are often unpredictable and seriously threaten surrounding infrastructure and the ecological environment. Traditional landslide prediction methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inaccurate. Thus, there is an urgent need to enhance predictive techniques. To accurately predict the runout distance of shallow landslides, this study focuses on a shallow soil landslide in Tongnan District, Chongqing Municipality. We employ a genetic algorithm (GA) to identify the most hazardous sliding surface through multi-iteration optimization. We discretize the landslide body into slice units using the dynamic slicing method (DSM) to estimate the runout distance. The model’s effectiveness is evaluated based on the relative errors between predicted and actual values, exploring the effects of soil moisture content and slice number on the kinematic model. The results show that under saturated soil conditions, the GA-identified hazardous sliding surface closely matches the actual surface, with a stability coefficient of 0.9888. As the number of slices increases, velocity fluctuations within the slices become more evident. With 100 slices, the predicted movement time of the Tongnan landslide is 12 s, and the runout distance is 5.91 m, with a relative error of about 7.45%, indicating the model’s reliability. The GA-DSM method proposed in this study improves the accuracy of landslide runout prediction. It supports the setting of appropriate safety distances and the implementation of preventive engineering measures, such as the construction of retaining walls or drainage systems, to minimize the damage caused by landslides. Moreover, the method provides a comprehensive technical framework for monitoring and early warning of similar geological hazards. It can be extended and optimized for all types of landslides under different terrain and geological conditions. It also promotes landslide prediction theory, which is of high application value and significance for practical use. Full article

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10 pages, 5505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

TM9SF2 Maintains Golgi Integrity and Regulates Ricin-Induced Cytotoxicity

by Yue Meng, Hongzhi Wan, Xinyu Wang, Lina Zhang, Ruozheng Xin, Lingyu Li, Yuhui Wang, Chengwang Xu, Hui Peng, Lu Sun, Bo Wang and Xiaotao Duan

Toxins 2025, 17(5), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17050218 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

TM9SF2 belongs to a family of highly conserved nonaspanin proteins, and has been frequently identified as one of the important host factors for a plethora of lethal pathogens and toxins in previous genome-wide screening studies. We reported herein a novel molecular mechanism of [...] Read more.

TM9SF2 belongs to a family of highly conserved nonaspanin proteins, and has been frequently identified as one of the important host factors for a plethora of lethal pathogens and toxins in previous genome-wide screening studies. We reported herein a novel molecular mechanism of TM9SF2 in mediating the cytotoxicity of ricin, a type II ribosome-inactivating protein. We first showed that TM9SF2 displays a non-redundant requirement for ricin-induced cytotoxicity within the nonaspanin family. Then we found that genetic interference of TM9SF2 substantially affects/remodels intracellular cholesterol trafficking, which results in abnormal cholesterol accumulation in Golgi compartments and causes severe Golgi fragmentation. The disruption of Golgi integrity and network impedes the retrograde transport of ricin and thus attenuates ricin-induced cytotoxicity. We further verified this mechanism by pharmacological manipulation of cholesterol metabolism (e.g., by using A939572 and avasimibe, etc.), which well restores the integrity of the Golgi apparatus and reverses the ricin-resistant phenotype induced by TM9SF2 knockdown. Our finding provides new mechanistic insights into the pathology and toxicology of ricin and could potentially be applied to other ribosome-inactivating toxins. Full article

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13 pages, 72508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Anti-Reflective Composite Structures on Inverted Pyramids Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Etching

by Zhiwei Fan, Liang Xu, Biyun Zhou and Tao Chen

Micromachines 2025, 16(5), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16050503 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The anti-reflective properties of silicon surfaces play a pivotal role in determining the light absorption efficiency of various silicon-based optoelectronic devices, with surface micro-nanostructures emerging as a crucial technological approach for achieving enhanced anti-reflection. In this study, inverted pyramid structures were employed as [...] Read more.

The anti-reflective properties of silicon surfaces play a pivotal role in determining the light absorption efficiency of various silicon-based optoelectronic devices, with surface micro-nanostructures emerging as a crucial technological approach for achieving enhanced anti-reflection. In this study, inverted pyramid structures were employed as the micron-scale framework, and micro-nano composite structures were successfully prepared using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching system. This paper, mainly focused on the micro-nano fabrication, investigated the effects of gas flow rate ratio (SF₆:O₂:C₄F₈), ICP power, RF power, and etching time on the surface morphology and reflectance of the composite structures. The results demonstrate that the optimal anti-reflective micro-nano composite structure was achieved under the following conditions: SF₆ flow rate of 18 sccm, O₂ flow rate of 9 sccm, C₄F₈ flow rate of 4 sccm, ICP power of 300 W, RF power of 5 W, and etching time of 5 min. The average reflectivity of the prepared surface structure was as low as 1.86%. Full article

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18 pages, 5239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intrinsic Antibacterial Urushiol-Based Benzoxazine Polymer Coating for Marine Antifouling Applications

by Nuo Chen, Jide Zhu, Xinrong Chen, Fengcai Lin, Xiaoxiao Zheng, Guocai Zheng, Qi Lin, Jipeng Chen and Yanlian Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(9), 4118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26094118 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Marine antifouling coatings that rely on the release of antifouling agents are the most prevalent and effective strategy for combating fouling. However, the environmental concerns arising from the widespread discharge of these agents into marine ecosystems cannot be overlooked. An innovative and promising [...] Read more.

Marine antifouling coatings that rely on the release of antifouling agents are the most prevalent and effective strategy for combating fouling. However, the environmental concerns arising from the widespread discharge of these agents into marine ecosystems cannot be overlooked. An innovative and promising alternative involves incorporating antimicrobial groups into polymers to create coatings endowed with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. In this study, we reported an urushiol-based benzoxazine (URB) monomer, synthesized from natural urushiol and antibacterial rosin amine. The URB monomer was subsequently polymerized through thermal curing ring-opening polymerization, resulting in the formation of a urushiol-based benzoxazine polymer (URHP) coating with inherent antimicrobial properties. The surface of the URHP coating is smooth, flat, and non-permeable. Contact angle and surface energy measurements confirm that the URHP coating is hydrophobic with low surface energy. In the absence of antimicrobial agent release, the intrinsic properties of the URHP coating can effectively kill or repel fouling organisms. Furthermore, with bare glass slides serving as the control sample, the coating demonstrates outstanding anti-adhesion capabilities against four types of bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus, V. alginolyticus, and Bacillus sp.), and three marine microalgae (N. closterium, P. tricornutum, and D. zhan-jiangensis), proving its efficacy in preventing fouling organisms from settling and adhering to the surface. Thus, the combined antibacterial and anti-adhesion properties endow the URHP coating with superior antifouling performance. This non-release antifouling coating represents a green and environmentally sustainable strategy for antifouling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Anti-bacterial Polymers)

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24 pages, 9657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electroencephalography-Based Pain Detection Using Kernel Spectral Connectivity Network with Preserved Spatio-Frequency Interpretability

by Santiago Buitrago-Osorio, Julian Gil-González, Andrés Marino Álvarez-Meza, David Cardenas-Peña and Alvaro Orozco-Gutierrez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4804; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094804 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Chronic pain leads to not only physical discomfort but also psychological challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which contribute to a substantial healthcare burden. Pain detection and assessment remains a challenge due to its subjective nature. Current clinical methods may be inaccurate or [...] Read more.

Chronic pain leads to not only physical discomfort but also psychological challenges, such as depression and anxiety, which contribute to a substantial healthcare burden. Pain detection and assessment remains a challenge due to its subjective nature. Current clinical methods may be inaccurate or unfeasible for non-verbal patients. Consequently, Electroencephalography (EEG) has emerged as a promising non-invasive tool for pain detection. However, EEG-based pain detection faces challenges such as noise, volume conduction effects, and high inter-subject variability. Deep learning (DL) models have shown potential in overcoming these challenges by extracting nonlinear and discriminative patterns. Despite advancements, these models often require a subject-dependent approach and lack of interpretability. To address these limitations, we propose a threefold DL-based framework for coding EEG-based pain detection patterns. (i) We employ the Kernel Cross-Spectral Gaussian Functional Connectivity Network (KCS-FCnet) to code pairwise channel dependencies for pain detection. (ii) Furthermore, we introduce a frequency-based strategy for class activation mapping to visualize pertinent pain EEG features, thereby enhancing visual interpretability through spatio-frequency patterns. (iii) Further, to account for subject variability, we conduct cross-subject analysis and grouping, clustering individuals based on similar pain detection performance, functional connectivity patterns, sex, and age. We evaluate our model using the Brain Mediators of Pain dataset and demonstrate its robustness through subject-dependent and cross-subject generalization tasks for pain detection on non-verbal patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue EEG Recognition and Biomedical Signal Processing)

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12 pages, 2284 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activated Carbon from Spartina alterniflora and Its N-Doped Material for Li-Ion Battery Anode

by Hong Shang, Xinmeng Hao, Yougui Zhou, Jia Peng, Lihua Guo, Huipeng Li and Bing Sun

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(9), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15090658 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The rampant growth of Spartina alterniflora has been wreaking havoc on the coastal ecosystems, leading to a serious environmental challenge in recent years. One potential solution to this issue involves converting Spartina alterniflora into activated carbon, offering a potential remedy for pollution while [...] Read more.

The rampant growth of Spartina alterniflora has been wreaking havoc on the coastal ecosystems, leading to a serious environmental challenge in recent years. One potential solution to this issue involves converting Spartina alterniflora into activated carbon, offering a potential remedy for pollution while creating value in energy storage applications. Herein, through a facile carbonization process with sodium hydroxide activation, we successfully transformed obsolete Spartina alterniflora into a porous carbon material (called SAC) and its nitrogen-doped derivative (denoted as SANC) by using melamine as the nitrogen source in a similar procedure. The amorphous structure of these materials was confirmed to enhance lithium-ion storage and electrolyte permeation, making them ideal for use as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. As a result, both SAC and SANC, derived from Spartina alterniflora, exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance including high capacity (456.7 and 780.8 mA h g⁻¹ for SAC and SANC, respectively, at the current density of 6 mA g⁻¹), excellent rate performance (from 6 to 600 mA g⁻¹) and long-term cycling stability. Notably, compared to SAC, its N-doped derivative SANC showed superior properties in the battery (retaining a reversible capacity of 412.9 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 6 mA g⁻¹ even after 600 repeated charge–discharge cycles), demonstrating the significantly positive impact of heteroatom doping. This work not only offers a strategy to mitigate environmental challenges but also demonstrates the potential for converting waste biomass into a valuable resource for energy storage applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Biomass-Based Materials for Energy Storage and Environmental Remediation)

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7 pages, 1890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Temperature-Dependent Gate Degradation in Normally-Off AlGaN/GaN High-Electron-Mobility Transistor p-GaN

by Jeonghyeok Yoon and Hyungtak Kim

Electronics 2025, 14(9), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14091764 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

The effect of temperature on gate degradation behavior was analyzed in Schottky-type p-GaN gate HEMTs under a positive gate voltage. TDDB measurements were conducted at various temperatures, revealing an accelerated gate failure rate at lower temperatures. A Weibull distribution analysis was employed to [...] Read more.

The effect of temperature on gate degradation behavior was analyzed in Schottky-type p-GaN gate HEMTs under a positive gate voltage. TDDB measurements were conducted at various temperatures, revealing an accelerated gate failure rate at lower temperatures. A Weibull distribution analysis was employed to predict the 10-year rated gate voltage, showing that the rated voltage at −10 °C is significantly lower than at 60 °C. Furthermore, the derived activation energy of −0.22 eV indicates that gate degradation intensifies in colder environments. Hole accumulation occurring at the p-GaN/AlGaN interface can promote degradation by facilitating electron injection and accelerating defect generation in the presence of strong electric fields. At higher temperatures, hole release mitigates charge accumulation, thereby extending device longevity. These findings highlight the necessity of reliability assessments for p-GaN gate HEMTs suitable for environments with low temperatures, including space and polar environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in GaN Power Devices)

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14 pages, 1821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Association Between the Characteristics of the Included Maxillary Canines and the Lateral Incisors

by Paula Fernández-Polo, Grace Aguayo-Linares, Elena Martínez-Madero, Jaime Montarelo, Tania Pérez-Martín and Conchita Martin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4805; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094805 (registering DOI) - 26 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Impacted canines can adversely affect adjacent structures, particularly lateral incisors. The purpose was to determine the correlation between upper lateral incisor dimension and angular and linear positioning of upper impacted canines. Methods: The sample comprised 50 impacted canines, evaluated using cone-beam computed [...] Read more.

Background: Impacted canines can adversely affect adjacent structures, particularly lateral incisors. The purpose was to determine the correlation between upper lateral incisor dimension and angular and linear positioning of upper impacted canines. Methods: The sample comprised 50 impacted canines, evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Measurements included crown dimensions of lateral incisors and impacted canines, incisor root length, and the distance from the canine cusp to the occlusal plane. Angular positions of the canine were measured relative to the occlusal plane, facial midline, and palatine suture. Pearson correlations tested associations between canine position, lateral incisor dimensions, and maxillary transverse width. Results: Significant morphological differences for impacted canines and lateral incisors were found based on canine position and impaction type (unilateral or bilateral). A positive correlation was observed between lateral incisor crown size and canine cusp distance to the occlusal plane (r = +0.483, p < 0.001). Conversely, a negative correlation was noted between lateral incisor root length and canine angulation relative to the palatal suture (r = −0.356, p = 0.022). Conclusions: Impacted canine position is associated with changes in canine and lateral incisor dimensions, potentially affecting their alignment and root integrity. Correlations were also found between maxillary width, incisor morphology, and canine position. Full article

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