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35 pages, 4696 KB

Open AccessArticle

Neuronal Differentiation and Exosome Profiling of Dental Pulp Stem Cells: Unveiling Their Potential for Nerve Repair

by Bruna Lopes, Patrícia Sousa, Alícia de Sousa Moreira, Ana Catarina Sousa, Alexandra Rêma, Luís Atayde, António J. Salgado, Stefano Geuna, Rui Alvites and Ana Colette Maurício

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9723; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199723 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a major clinical problem, and cell-free therapies using stem cell-derived bioproducts have emerged as promising alternatives. This study evaluated the influence of neurogenic differentiation and passage number on the secretomic and exosomal profile of human dental pulp stem cells [...] Read more.

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a major clinical problem, and cell-free therapies using stem cell-derived bioproducts have emerged as promising alternatives. This study evaluated the influence of neurogenic differentiation and passage number on the secretomic and exosomal profile of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPCSs). Conditioned media from undifferentiated and neurodifferentiated hDPSCs, and exosomes derived from undifferentiated hDPSCs at passages 4 and 7, were analyzed using multiplex immunoassays, RT-PCR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Neurodifferentiated hDPSCs at early passages secreted higher levels of neurotrophic, angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors, including FGF-2, IL-6, IL-8, and PDGF-AA. Exosomes from early-passage undifferentiated cells showed a more abundant and relevant neuroregenerative mRNA cargo in comparison to the later passages. Both cell types and exosomes adhered to the Reaxon^® nerve guidance conduit, confirming the permissive nature of the materials regarding cells and cellular products, allowing adhesion and survival. Neurite outgrowth assays performed on neurodifferentiated hDPSCs confirmed functional neural behavior. In later passages, a decline in secretory and exosomal activity was noted. These results highlight the relevance of early-passage hDPSCs as a source of bioactive factors and support their application in cell-free approaches for peripheral nerve regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Regenerative Medicine Research)

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23 pages, 12281 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Classification and Extraction of Urban Green Spaces Within the Fifth Ring Road of Beijing Based on YOLO v8

by Bin Li, Xiaotian Xu, Yingrui Duan, Hongyu Wang, Xu Liu, Yuxiao Sun, Na Zhao, Shaoning Li and Shaowei Lu

Land 2025, 14(10), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102005 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Real-time, accurate and detailed monitoring of urban green space is of great significance for constructing the urban ecological environment and maximizing ecological benefits. Although high-resolution remote sensing technology provides rich ground object information, it also makes the surface information of urban green spaces [...] Read more.

Real-time, accurate and detailed monitoring of urban green space is of great significance for constructing the urban ecological environment and maximizing ecological benefits. Although high-resolution remote sensing technology provides rich ground object information, it also makes the surface information of urban green spaces more complex. Existing classification methods often struggle to meet the requirements of classification accuracy and the automation demands of high-resolution images. This study utilized GF-7 remote sensing imagery to construct an urban green space classification method for Beijing. The study used the YOLO v8 model as the framework to conduct a fine classification of urban green spaces within the Fifth Ring Road of Beijing, distinguishing between evergreen trees, deciduous trees, shrubs and grasslands. The aims were to address the limitations of insufficient model fit and coarse-grained classifications in existing studies, and to improve vegetation extraction accuracy for green spaces in northern temperate cities (with Beijing as a typical example). The results show that the overall classification accuracy of the trained YOLO v8 model is 89.60%, which is 25.3% and 28.8% higher than that of traditional machine learning methods such as Maximum Likelihood and Support Vector Machine, respectively. The model achieved extraction accuracies of 92.92%, 93.40%, 87.67%, and 93.34% for evergreen trees, deciduous trees, shrubs, and grasslands, respectively. This result confirms that the combination of deep learning and high-resolution remote sensing images can effectively enhance the classification extraction of urban green space vegetation, providing technical support and data guarantees for the refined management of green spaces and “garden cities” in megacities such as Beijing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Cover Changes Monitoring Using Remote Sensing Data)

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21 pages, 3358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wave-Induced Loads and Fatigue Life of Small Vessels Under Complex Sea States

by Pasqualino Corigliano, Claudio Alacqua, Davide Crisafulli and Giulia Palomba

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1920; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101920 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Strait of Messina poses unique challenges for small vessels due to strong currents and complex wave conditions, which critically affect structural integrity and operational safety. This study proposes an integrated methodology that combines seakeeping analysis, a comparison with classification society rules, and [...] Read more.

The Strait of Messina poses unique challenges for small vessels due to strong currents and complex wave conditions, which critically affect structural integrity and operational safety. This study proposes an integrated methodology that combines seakeeping analysis, a comparison with classification society rules, and fatigue life assessment within a unified and computationally efficient framework. A panel-based approach was used to compute vessel motions and vertical bending moments at different speeds and wave directions. Hydrodynamic loads derived from Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) were compared with regulatory limits and applied to fatigue analysis. A further innovative aspect is the use of high-resolution bathymetric data from the Strait of Messina, enabling a realistic representation of local currents and sea states and providing a more accurate assessment than studies based on idealized conditions. The results show that forward speed amplifies bending moments, reducing safe wave heights from 2 m at rest to about 0.5 m at 16 knots. Fatigue analysis indicates that aluminum hulls are highly vulnerable to 2–3 m waves, while steel and titanium show no significant damage. The proposed workflow is transferable to other vessel types and supports safer design and operation. The case study of the Strait of Messina, the busiest and most challenging maritime corridor in Italy, confirms the validity and practical importance of the approach. By combining hydrodynamic and structural analyses into a single workflow, this study establishes the foundation for predictive maintenance and real-time structural health monitoring, with significant implications for navigation safety in complex sea environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Studies in Marine Mechanical and Naval Engineering)

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18 pages, 3583 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Capability of Visible Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy to Monitor Soil Organic Carbon Changes with Localized Predictive Modeling

by Na Dong, Dongyan Wang, Hongguang Cai, Qi Sun and Pu Shi

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(19), 3373; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17193373 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Visible near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy offers a cost-effective solution to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in the context of rapid advances in spectra-based local modeling approaches using large-scale soil spectral libraries. And yet, direct temporal transferability of VNIR spectroscopic [...] Read more.

Visible near-infrared (VNIR) spectroscopy offers a cost-effective solution to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in the context of rapid advances in spectra-based local modeling approaches using large-scale soil spectral libraries. And yet, direct temporal transferability of VNIR spectroscopic modeling (applying historical models to new spectral data) and its capability to monitor temporal changes in SOC remain underexplored. To address this gap, this study uses the LUCAS Soil dataset (2009 and 2015) from France to evaluate the effectiveness of localized spectral models in detecting SOC changes. Two local learning algorithms, memory-based learning (MBL) and GLOBAL-LOCAL algorithms, were adapted to integrate spectral and soil property similarities during local training set selection, while also incorporating LUCAS 2009 soil measurements (clay, silt, sand, CEC) as covariates. These adapted local learning algorithms were then compared against global partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results demonstrated that localized models substantially outperformed global PLSR, with MBL achieving the highest accuracy for croplands, grasslands, and woodlands (R² = 0.72–0.79, RMSE = 4.73–20.92 g/kg). Incorporating soil properties during the local learning procedure reduced spectral heterogeneity, leading to improved SOC prediction accuracy. This improvement was particularly pronounced after excluding organic soils from grasslands and woodlands, as evidenced by 13.3–21.1% decreases in the RMSE. Critically, for SOC monitoring, spectrally predicted SOC successfully identified over 70% of samples experiencing significant SOC changes (>10% loss or gain), effectively capturing the spatial patterns of SOC changes. This study demonstrated the potential of localized spectral modeling as a cost-effective tool for monitoring SOC dynamics, enabling efficient and large-scale assessments critical for sustainable soil management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Vegetation)

50 pages, 6680 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiplicative Decomposition Model to Predict UK’s Long-Term Electricity Demand with Monthly and Hourly Resolution

by Marie Baillon, María Carmen Romano and Ekkehard Ullner

Analytics 2025, 4(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytics4040027 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

The UK electricity market is changing to adapt to Net Zero targets and respond to disruptions like the Russia–Ukraine war. This requires strategic planning to decide on the construction of new electricity generation plants for a resilient UK electricity grid. Such planning is [...] Read more.

The UK electricity market is changing to adapt to Net Zero targets and respond to disruptions like the Russia–Ukraine war. This requires strategic planning to decide on the construction of new electricity generation plants for a resilient UK electricity grid. Such planning is based on forecasting the UK electricity demand long-term (from 1 year and beyond). In this paper, we propose a long-term predictive model by identifying the main components of the UK electricity demand, modelling each of these components, and combining them in a multiplicative manner to deliver a single long-term prediction. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to apply a multiplicative decomposition model for long-term predictions at both monthly and hourly resolutions, combining neural networks with Fourier analysis. This approach is extremely flexible and accurate, with a mean absolute percentage error of 4.16% and 8.62% in predicting the monthly and hourly electricity demand, respectively, from 2019 to 2021. Full article

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27 pages, 5736 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Flange Bolt Loosening Detection with Improved YOLOv8 and Robust Angle Estimation

by Yingning Gao, Sizhu Zhou and Meiqiu Li

Sensors 2025, 25(19), 6200; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25196200 (registering DOI) - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Flange bolts are vital fasteners in civil, mechanical, and aerospace structures, where preload stability directly affects overall safety. Conventional methods for bolt loosening detection often suffer from missed detections, weak feature representation, and insufficient cross-scale fusion under complex backgrounds. This paper presents an [...] Read more.

Flange bolts are vital fasteners in civil, mechanical, and aerospace structures, where preload stability directly affects overall safety. Conventional methods for bolt loosening detection often suffer from missed detections, weak feature representation, and insufficient cross-scale fusion under complex backgrounds. This paper presents an integrated detection and angle estimation framework using a lightweight deep learning detection network. A MobileViT backbone is employed to balance local texture with global context. In the spatial pyramid pooling stage, large separable convolutional kernels are combined with a channel and spatial attention mechanism to highlight discriminative features while suppressing noise. Together with content-aware upsampling and bidirectional multi-scale feature fusion, the network achieves high accuracy in detecting small and low-contrast targets while maintaining real-time performance. For angle estimation, the framework adopts an efficient training-free pipeline consisting of oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF feature detection, approximate nearest neighbor matching, and robust sample consensus fitting. This approach reliably removes false correspondences and extracts stable rotation components, maintaining success rates between 85% and 93% with an average error close to one degree, even under reflection, blur, or moderate viewpoint changes. Experimental validation demonstrates strong stability in detection and angular estimation under varying illumination and texture conditions, with a favorable balance between computational efficiency and practical applicability. This study provides a practical, intelligent, and deployable solution for bolt loosening detection, supporting the safe operation of large-scale equipment and infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Intelligent Sensors)

13 pages, 872 KB

Open AccessArticle

Corticosteroid Use and Recurrence Risk Factors in Granulomatous Mastitis: A 17-Year Saudi Arabian Cohort Study—Steroids in Granulomatous Mastitis

by Shoag J. Albugami, Rema F. AlRasheed, Hussam A. Alharbi, Sarah S. Alobaid, Hawazin S. Alqahtani, Mays N. Alharbi, Eyad AlKharashi and Khalid Alhajri

Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(10), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15100185 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare, chronic inflammatory breast condition with poorly understood etiology and variable clinical presentation. The efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in reducing recurrence remains controversial, particularly in Middle Eastern populations where the condition appears more prevalent. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare, chronic inflammatory breast condition with poorly understood etiology and variable clinical presentation. The efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in reducing recurrence remains controversial, particularly in Middle Eastern populations where the condition appears more prevalent. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with GM, evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in reducing recurrence rates, and identify risk factors associated with disease recurrence. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 56 patients diagnosed with GM between 2003 and 2020 at a single tertiary referral center. Patients were stratified into two groups based on steroid use (n = 14 with steroids and n = 42 without steroids). Results: The mean age of the cohort was 46.3 ± 13.2 years, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the steroid and non-steroid groups. The most common presentation was a breast mass (32.69%), often associated with abscess formation (25%). Core biopsy was the primary diagnostic tool used (51.79%). Recurrence of GM occurred in 10 patients (18%) overall: 7 patients (17%) in the non-steroid group and 3 patients (21%) in the steroid group. The difference in recurrence rates between the treatment groups was not statistically significant (HR = 1.40, 95% CI:0.30–6.52, p = 0.671). A history of infection (HR = 5.85, 95% CI: 1.60–21.44, p = 0.008) and hormonal disorders (hyperprolactinemia in one patient) (HR = 13.90, 95% CI: 1.43–135.52, p = 0.024) were significantly associated with recurrence. Conclusions: GM remains diagnostically challenging with an 18% recurrence rate in our cohort. We observed no statistically significant reduction in recurrence with corticosteroids, though our analysis was limited by sample size. These findings suggest that targeted management of these conditions may be beneficial in GM patients, though larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm these associations and establish standardized treatment protocols. Full article

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11 pages, 229 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Persian Version of the SIGAM Mobility Scale Was Cross-Culturally Adapted and Validated in Adults with Lower Limb Amputation

by Fatemeh Azadinia, Mahshid Mosharaf, Atefeh Lesani, Nicola Ryall and Ebrahim Sadeghi-Demneh

Disabilities 2025, 5(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/disabilities5040088 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Mobility assessment is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb amputation, as it directly influences their independence and quality of life. The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Special Interest Group in Amputee Medicine [...] Read more.

Background: Mobility assessment is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb amputation, as it directly influences their independence and quality of life. The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Special Interest Group in Amputee Medicine (SIGAM) mobility grades questionnaire in the Persian language and to investigate its psychometric properties. Methods: The SIGAM mobility scale was translated into Persian according to international guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-reported measures and was administered to forty Persian-speaking people with lower limb amputations. Measurement properties were evaluated following COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstruments) recommendations and included internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and hypotheses testing for construct validity by comparing SIGAM mobility grades to the Locomotor Capabilities Index-5 (LCI-5), Houghton scale, Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, the 2-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). Results: SIGAM mobility scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient = 0.72) and excellent test–retest reliability (Cohen Kappa coefficient = 0.85). Hypothesis testing for construct validity confirmed the good to very good correlations of the Persian SIGAM mobility scale with the LCI-5 (r = 0.63, 0.55, and 0.63 for the general, basic, and advanced activities components, respectively), Houghton scale (r = 0.63), ABC scale (r = 0.73), 2-MWT (r = 0.50), and TUG test (r = −0.51). Conclusion: The Persian version of the SIGAM mobility scale demonstrated preliminary evidence of acceptable psychometric properties, supporting its clinical applicability. Full article

22 pages, 11791 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Petrophysical Assessment of Carbonate Reservoirs in the Shanul Gas Field (SW Iran): A Case Study with Implications for Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production

by Pariya Zendehdel, Amir Karimian Torghabeh, Hossein Jowkar and Nuno Pimentel

Fuels 2025, 6(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6040077 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study presents an integrated petrophysical workflow for the comprehensive characterization of the Upper Dalan and Kangan carbonate gas reservoirs in the Shanul Field, southwest Iran. By combining advanced cross-plot techniques (including M-N, MID, and RHOma-Uma plots) with probabilistic porosity modeling calibrated to [...] Read more.

This study presents an integrated petrophysical workflow for the comprehensive characterization of the Upper Dalan and Kangan carbonate gas reservoirs in the Shanul Field, southwest Iran. By combining advanced cross-plot techniques (including M-N, MID, and RHOma-Uma plots) with probabilistic porosity modeling calibrated to core data, this work achieves a higher-resolution discrimination of lithology and more robust estimation of fluid properties compared to conventional single-log approaches. The results reveal significant heterogeneity within both formations but demonstrate the superior reservoir quality of the Upper Dalan, particularly within the UD2 subzone, and in the Ka-2a subzone of the Kangan. The improved workflow enables more accurate zonation and identification of high-quality, productive intervals, supporting optimized field development strategies. These findings provide methodological advances for challenging and heterogeneous carbonate systems, offering a reference framework for similar reservoirs in the Zagros Basin and beyond. Full article

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11 pages, 530 KB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of ACLS Training in the Management of Cardiac Arrest: A Narrative Review

by Pasquale Di Fronzo, Giovanni Gaetti, Daniel Marcassa, Valeria Gervasi, Oumaiema Dardour, Andrea Pedretti and Luca Gambolò

Epidemiologia 2025, 6(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6040061 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Cardiac arrests can occur both in and out of hospital settings. Over the years, several protocols have been developed to standardize the behavior of healthcare professionals called upon to deal with these emergencies. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms enable healthcare professionals [...] Read more.

Background: Cardiac arrests can occur both in and out of hospital settings. Over the years, several protocols have been developed to standardize the behavior of healthcare professionals called upon to deal with these emergencies. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) algorithms enable healthcare professionals to effectively manage cardiac arrest and achieve better patient outcomes, particularly at the time of discharge. Methods: We conducted a narrative review. Three databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) were searched for relevant articles. The articles were screened and analyzed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 1252 articles were initially identified. After screening, 11 papers were included in the review. From the selected studies, it has emerged that ACLS training had several positive effects, including an overall decrease in mortality rates. Adherence to ACLS protocols throughout an event is associated with increased Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) in the setting of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA). Advanced Life Support (ALS) response interval in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was associated with decreased survival and a favorable neurological outcome. ALS response ≤ 10 min was associated with improved survival and favorable neurological outcomes. Conclusions: This review underscores the importance of adherence to ALS/ACLS guidelines in the resuscitation of patients who suffer in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Acute Diseases and Epidemiological Studies)

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26 pages, 2071 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Circadian Blood Pressure Variations on Retinal Microvascular Structures: Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis with the Nighttime Divided into Subintervals (Retinal Dawn Pattern)

by Oğuzhan Zengin, Şule Nur Polat, Canan Satılmış, Burak Göre, Melike Yakut, İrem Aydoğmuş, Merve Çelik, Mehmet Önen and İhsan Ateş

Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101801 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Circadian fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly the non-dipping pattern characterized by the absence of a nocturnal decline, are associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications. The retina, as a highly sensitive microvascular tissue, offers a valuable window into systemic [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Circadian fluctuations in blood pressure, particularly the non-dipping pattern characterized by the absence of a nocturnal decline, are associated with an increased risk of microvascular complications. The retina, as a highly sensitive microvascular tissue, offers a valuable window into systemic hemodynamic alterations. However, the literature lacks detailed structural analyses that evaluate all retinal regions by segmenting nighttime into specific time intervals. Notably, the early morning period (04:00–08:00), during which stress hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines rise physiologically, leads to increased blood pressure that may significantly affect retinal microcirculation. This prospective study aims to assess retinal microvascular structures in dipper and non-dipper individuals using structural optical coherence tomography and to investigate their relationship with blood pressure parameters by dividing nighttime into distinct time segments. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 participants were classified as dipper (n = 26) or non-dipper (n = 34) based on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results. Structural optical coherence tomography was used to evaluate superficial and deep capillary plexus densities in the foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions, along with the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and flow density (FD). Blood pressure values, including systolic, diastolic, mean arterial, and pulse pressure, were recorded during two nighttime intervals (00:00–04:00 and 04:00–08:00), and correlations with retinal parameters were analyzed. Results: No significant differences were observed in retinal microvascular parameters between the dipper and non-dipper groups. Deep capillary densities, particularly in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions, showed significant positive correlations with serum total protein, albumin, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. Furthermore, systolic and mean arterial pressures measured during the 04:00–08:00 interval demonstrated significant positive correlations with deep retinal vascular densities. The FAZ perimeter was negatively correlated with pulse pressure variability, while FD showed a negative correlation with mean arterial pressure variability. Conclusions: This prospective study is among the first to investigate the effects of circadian blood pressure patterns on retinal microvascular structures by segmenting nighttime into specific intervals and employing comprehensive structural optical coherence tomography across the entire retina. The findings suggest that retinal microvascular structure may be associated with fluctuations in blood pressure. Analyses of blood pressure measurements between 04:00 and 08:00 may offer supplementary insights into the evaluation of retinal microvascular structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

15 pages, 453 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predictive Factors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (PTMC)

by Odysseas Violetis, Maria Sfakiotaki, Ariadni Spyroglou, Evangelia Pissadaki, Konstantinos Iliakopoulos, Eleni-Konstantina Syntzanaki, Panagiota Konstantakou, Eleni Chouliara, Constantinos Nastos, Nikolaos Dafnios, George Simeakis, Konstantinos Bramis, Despoina Myoteri, George Mastorakos, Paraskevi Xekouki and Krystallenia I. Alexandraki

Medicina 2025, 61(10), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61101800 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased. Some patients present with lymph node metastases (LNM), while risk factors remain unclear. This study aims to examine clinicopathological markers predictive of LNM in PTMC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased. Some patients present with lymph node metastases (LNM), while risk factors remain unclear. This study aims to examine clinicopathological markers predictive of LNM in PTMC. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 170 patients with a histological diagnosis of PTMC. The patients were grouped based on the presence of LNM. Results: Our cohort consisted of 133 females and 37 males, aged 47.14 ± 12.81 years. Twenty-seven (15.9%) individuals had LNM. Median tumor size was 5 mm (4.25, 0.15–10), and multifocality was present in 37.1% of patients. Thyroid capsular invasion (TCI) was observed in 22.9% of patients. Extrathyroidal extension (ETE) and aggressive variants were present in 12.9% and 8.8% of patients, respectively. Forty-four patients had a history of autoimmune thyroid disease. From univariate analysis, age < 55 years (OR: 6.317; p = 0.015), TCI (OR: 2.824; p = 0.020), and ETE (OR: 2.987; p = 0.034) were independent predictors of LNM. Multivariate analysis showed that younger patients are at a significantly increased risk of LNM in PTMC (OR: 6.30910; p = 0.016). Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the need for greater attention to PTMC in younger patients with ultrasonographic features of TCI and ETE, as they may require a more thorough evaluation of LNM, strict follow-up, and may benefit from a surgical decision of lymphadenectomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer in the Precision Medicine Era)

19 pages, 1783 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Material Analysis, Radiocarbon Dating, and Technical Examination in the Dating and Provenance Study of a Copy of Raphael’s “The Great Holy Family of Francis I”

by Ester S. B. Ferreira, Charlotte Hoffmann, Laura Hendriks, Irka Hajdas, Stefan Kradolfer, Detlef Günther, Katharina Hünerfauth, Juliane Reinhardt, Hans Portsteffen and Susanne Müller-Bechtel

Heritage 2025, 8(10), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8100424 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

In 2016, five fragments from a copy of “The Great Holy Family of Francis I” were brought to the Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences (CICS) for research and conservation/restoration. A comprehensive technical and material analysis was carried out to assist provenance studies. From [...] Read more.

In 2016, five fragments from a copy of “The Great Holy Family of Francis I” were brought to the Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences (CICS) for research and conservation/restoration. A comprehensive technical and material analysis was carried out to assist provenance studies. From the analysis of pigments, binder, additives, and canvas fibres alongside radiocarbon dating of the lead white pigment, oil binder, and canvas support, as well as the lead stable isotope study, it could be determined that, with high probability, the copy was created in Northern Europe between the late 16th century and the mid-17th century. During this period the original painting was initially displayed in Fontainebleau in the “Chapelle Haute” before being transferred in the early 17th century to the newly built “Cabinet des Peintures”, also in Fontainebleau, where it would probably have been more accessible for copying. Interestingly, the written sources describe a copy made during this period to replace the original in the “Chapelle Haute”, the location of which is currently not known. However, the different overall dimensions of the present copy speak against it, having been created to replace the original. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Radiocarbon Dating in Conservation of Artwork and Heritage Materials)

38 pages, 3764 KB

Open AccessReview

AI-Enabled IoT Intrusion Detection: Unified Conceptual Framework and Research Roadmap

by Antonio Villafranca, Kyaw Min Thant, Igor Tasic and Maria-Dolores Cano

Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2025, 7(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/make7040115 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionizes connectivity, enabling innovative applications across healthcare, industry, and smart cities but also introducing significant cybersecurity challenges due to its expanded attack surface. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, offering tailored solutions [...] Read more.

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolutionizes connectivity, enabling innovative applications across healthcare, industry, and smart cities but also introducing significant cybersecurity challenges due to its expanded attack surface. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, offering tailored solutions to detect and mitigate threats in dynamic and resource-constrained IoT environments. Through a rigorous analysis, this study classifies IDS research based on methodologies, performance metrics, and application domains, providing a comprehensive synthesis of the field. Key findings reveal a paradigm shift towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid approaches, surpassing the limitations of traditional, static methods. These advancements highlight the potential for IDSs to enhance scalability, adaptability, and detection accuracy. However, unresolved challenges, such as resource efficiency and real-world applicability, underline the need for further research. By contextualizing these findings within the broader landscape of IoT security, this work emphasizes the critical importance of developing IDS solutions that ensure the reliability, privacy, and security of interconnected systems, contributing to the sustainable evolution of IoT ecosystems. Full article

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15 pages, 574 KB

Open AccessReview

Guide to the Effects of Vibration on Health—Quantitative or Qualitative Occupational Health and Safety Prevention Guidance? A Scoping Review

by Eckardt Johanning and Alice Turcot

Vibration 2025, 8(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/vibration8040063 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

This systematic review examined the health risk assessment methods of studies of whole-body vibration exposure from occupational vehicles or machines utilizing the International Standard ISO 2631-1 (1997) and/or the European Machine Directive 2002/44. This review found inconsistent reporting of measurement parameters in studies [...] Read more.

This systematic review examined the health risk assessment methods of studies of whole-body vibration exposure from occupational vehicles or machines utilizing the International Standard ISO 2631-1 (1997) and/or the European Machine Directive 2002/44. This review found inconsistent reporting of measurement parameters in studies on whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure. Although many authors treat the ISO 2631-1 HGCZ as a medical health standard with defined threshold levels, the epidemiological evidence for these limits is unclear. Similarly, the EU Directive offers more comprehensive risk management guidance, but the numeric limits are equal without supporting scientific evidence. Both guidelines likely represent the prevailing societal and interdisciplinary consensus at the time. Authors note discrepancies between international and national standards and adverse WBV exposure outcomes are reported below given boundaries. Future publications should report all relevant parameters from ISO 2631-1 and clearly state study limitations, exercising caution when applying ISO 2631-1 HGCZ in health and safety assessments and considering different susceptibility of diverse populations. We advise reducing WBV exposure to the lowest technically feasible limits wherever possible and applying the precautionary principle with attention to individual differences, instead of depending solely on numeric limits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Whole-Body Vibration and Hand-Arm Vibration Related to ISO-TC108-SC4 Published Standards)

19 pages, 1257 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bee Product-Based Antimicrobial Film-Forming Gels Targeting Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes for Anti-Acne Applications

by Suvimol Somwongin, Pattiya Tammasorn, Ratthaporn Limbunjerd, Kankamon Norkaew, Nattakan Lertprachyakorn, Thanaphorn Kongsaeng, Patcharin Phokasem, Terd Disayathanoowat, Wei-Chao Lin and Wantida Chaiyana

Gels 2025, 11(10), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11100802 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to develop an optimized film-forming gel for topical anti-acne applications by evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of propolis, honey, and royal jelly, individually and in combination with low-dose salicylic acid. The antibacterial activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis [...] Read more.

This study aimed to develop an optimized film-forming gel for topical anti-acne applications by evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of propolis, honey, and royal jelly, individually and in combination with low-dose salicylic acid. The antibacterial activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes using the inhibition zone assay. Film-forming gels were developed by evaluating the effects of type and concentration of polymers and plasticizers. Each formulation was evaluated for visual appearance, pH, viscosity, and drying time, along with the appearance of the corresponding film. The findings noted that propolis (1% w/w) exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity among individual bee products, producing an inhibition zone of 20.0 ± 1.0 mm against S. aureus. The combination of bee products with low-dose salicylic acid (0.1% w/w) markedly enhanced antibacterial efficacy, particularly against C. acnes (inhibition zone 40.8 ± 0.8 mm). Incorporation of this combination into the optimized film-forming gel, containing polyvinyl alcohol, Carbomer^® 940, polyethylene glycol 400, glycerin, and water, produced a formulation with balanced pH, suitable viscosity, 31 min drying time, and complete inhibition of S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Therefore, bee product-based film-forming gels, combined with low-dose salicylic acid, exhibited favorable physicochemical properties and showed promise as complementary anti-acne therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gel Films)

21 pages, 718 KB

Open AccessReview

HTS and PCR Methods Are the Most Used in the Diagnosis of Aspergillosis: Advantages over Other Molecular Methods

by Carlos Alberto Castro-Fuentes, Esperanza Duarte-Escalante, María Guadalupe Frías-De-León, María del Carmen Auxilio González-Villaseñor and María del Rocío Reyes-Montes

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100720 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Aspergillosis includes a variety of diseases caused by species of the genus Aspergillus, ranging from non-invasive allergic diseases to chronic, invasive pulmonary infections, which are potentially fatal in immunocompromised hosts. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new diagnostic tools and the [...] Read more.

Aspergillosis includes a variety of diseases caused by species of the genus Aspergillus, ranging from non-invasive allergic diseases to chronic, invasive pulmonary infections, which are potentially fatal in immunocompromised hosts. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new diagnostic tools and the optimization of existing tests to improve patient care. This work reviews the most commonly used molecular methods for the diagnosis of aspergillosis from clinical samples, emphasizing their advantages. These methods included HTS, NTS, ISH, microarrays, PCR-RFLP, LAMP, and PCR in various modalities (qPCR, multiplex PCR, nested PCR, RT-PCR, endpoint PCR, U-dHRM, and ddPCR). The review showed that the most commonly used methods for diagnosing aspergillosis are NGS and PCR in their different modalities; however, each method has advantages and disadvantages. qPCR is the method that has demonstrated the greatest sensitivity and specificity on clinical samples (such as blood, serum, bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL], tissue, or sputum), since it detects specific sequences, and the validation of this method shows greater progress in achieving this objective. Likewise, NGS showed that BAL is the most suitable sample, with a higher fungal load than sputum or blood. On the other hand, NGS is not a targeted technique, since it sequences all the genetic material present. Additionally, the sensitivity for detecting pathogens decreases when clinical samples are used due to the high background of nucleic acids present in the human host. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control)

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19 pages, 1294 KB

Open AccessReview

Fungal Innovations—Advancing Sustainable Materials, Genetics, and Applications for Industry

by Hannes Hinneburg, Shanna Gu and Gita Naseri

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100721 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Fungi play a crucial yet often unnoticed role in our lives and the health of our planet by breaking down organic matter through their diverse enzymes or eliminating environmental contamination, enhancing biomass pretreatment, and facilitating biofuel production. They offer transformative possibilities not only [...] Read more.

Fungi play a crucial yet often unnoticed role in our lives and the health of our planet by breaking down organic matter through their diverse enzymes or eliminating environmental contamination, enhancing biomass pretreatment, and facilitating biofuel production. They offer transformative possibilities not only for improving the production of materials they naturally produce, but also for the production of non-native and even new-to-nature materials. However, despite these promising applications, the full potential of fungi remains untapped mainly due to limitations in our ability to control and optimize their complex biological systems. This review focuses on developments that address these challenges, with specific emphasis on fungal-derived rigid and flexible materials. To achieve this goal, the application of synthetic biology tools—such as programmable regulators, CRISPR-based genome editing, and combinatorial pathway optimization—in engineering fungal strains is highlighted, and how external environmental parameters can be tuned to influence material properties is discussed. This review positions filamentous fungi as promising platforms for sustainable bio-based technologies, contributing to a more sustainable future across various sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilizing Fungal Diversity for Sustainable Biotechnology)

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17 pages, 8447 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Fungal Sensitivity to Biosynthesized Copper-Oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) in Grapevine Tissues and Fruits

by Domingo Martínez-Soto, Erisneida Campos-Jiménez, Alejandro Cabello-Pasini, Luis Enrique Garcia-Marin, Anaid Meza-Villezcas and Ernestina Castro-Longoria

J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100719 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Grape production is one of the most agronomically important activities worldwide. However, it is threatened by diseases caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms, which cause severe economic losses. The primary strategy to control phytopathogenic fungi is the application of fungicides; however, they affect the environment [...] Read more.

Grape production is one of the most agronomically important activities worldwide. However, it is threatened by diseases caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms, which cause severe economic losses. The primary strategy to control phytopathogenic fungi is the application of fungicides; however, they affect the environment and induce resistance in fungi. Nanomaterials, especially those green-synthesized, emerge as an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to control fungal pathogens. The objective of this work is to evaluate the sensitivity of fungal phytopathogens to biosynthesized copper-oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). Nanoparticles were evaluated as preventive and corrective treatments in grapevine green tissues and fruits under field conditions, using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. Interestingly, corrective treatment was highly effective and showed little accumulation of Cu on the fruits, even less than a commercial copper-based fungicide. Moreover, we report that Aspergillus niger causes lesions in photosynthetic tissues and severe disease symptoms in grapes. We also describe for the first time the presence of Alternaria alternata causing lesions, mainly on the stems and young leaves of grapevine plants in Mexico. These pathogens were inhibited by the biosynthesized CuONPs. All these findings show the effectiveness of using CuONPs to control phytopathogenic fungi, even under field conditions, shedding light on their potential use in agriculture with a less environmental impact than the commercial fungicides and agrochemicals currently used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Development and Interactions Under Hostile Environments)

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21 pages, 1287 KB

Open AccessArticle

The US Reciprocal Tariff Announcement: An Analysis of Market Reactions

by Caner Özdurak and Pelin Yantur

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(10), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18100565 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

This paper examines the high-frequency impact of tariff rhetoric on financial markets, a topic largely unexplored in existing literature. Unlike previous studies that focus on the long-term, macroeconomic effects of enacted trade policies, our research utilizes a novel, sentiment-based proxy variable for non-legislated [...] Read more.

This paper examines the high-frequency impact of tariff rhetoric on financial markets, a topic largely unexplored in existing literature. Unlike previous studies that focus on the long-term, macroeconomic effects of enacted trade policies, our research utilizes a novel, sentiment-based proxy variable for non-legislated tariff announcements. We demonstrate that political communication itself—not just formal policy changes—is a potent source of investor uncertainty and market volatility. Our analysis, employing a multi-model framework including VAR and EGARCH models, reveals several key findings. We find that trade-related shocks contribute significantly to market volatility by altering investor expectations and increasing perceived risk. A key discovery is a unique unidirectional causality where shocks to the S&P 500 preceded changes in our tariff variable, suggesting that market movements can influence policy rhetoric. Furthermore, our EGARCH analysis uncovers distinct volatility characteristics across asset classes, including an atypical positive asymmetry in the Chinese CSI 300. These results collectively provide robust empirical evidence that tariff rhetoric has a measurable and significant impact on asset prices and disproportionately increases market volatility, highlighting the need for policymakers to consider the financial market implications of their public statements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economics and Finance)

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14 pages, 682 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Screening of Antibacterial Efficacy of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris Methanolic Extracts Against Different Escherichia coli Strains and Their In Vivo Effects Against E. coli-Induced Infection in Broiler Chickens

by Majid Ali, Naila Chand, Sarzamin Khan, Rifat Ullah Khan, Babar Maqbool, Shabana Naz, Ala Abudabos, Abdul Hafeez and Ibrahim A. Alhidary

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100957 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy and growth-promoting potential of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris methanolic extracts in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O78. In vitro antibacterial screening using agar well diffusion and disc diffusion assays revealed that ciprofloxacin exhibited the strongest [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy and growth-promoting potential of Moringa oleifera and Thymus vulgaris methanolic extracts in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli O78. In vitro antibacterial screening using agar well diffusion and disc diffusion assays revealed that ciprofloxacin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, followed by tetracycline and enrofloxacin, whereas among plant extracts, T. vulgaris was more effective than M. oleifera. The optimal combination (M100T150; 100 mg M. oleifera + 150 mg T. vulgaris) produced the largest inhibition zones against E. coli strains. For the in vivo trial, 540 Ross-308 broiler chicks were distributed into six treatment groups in a completely randomized design and reared for 42 days. Parameters assessed included growth performance, carcass traits, gut pH, ileal microbial counts, and intestinal histomorphology. Results showed that E. coli challenge significantly reduced feed intake, weight gain, carcass yield, and villus integrity while increasing FCR and E. coli counts (p < 0.05). Addition of plant extracts, particularly M100T150, significantly improved weight gain, FCR, Broiler Performance Efficiency Factor (BPEF), and Broiler Farm Economy Index (BFEI) compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). Extracts reduced duodenal and jejunal pH (p < 0.001), suppressed E. coli counts (p = 0.003), and enhanced Lactobacillus populations (p = 0.0004). Histological analysis revealed that extract-supplemented groups had greater villus height and surface area with shallower crypts than the positive control, indicating restoration of gut integrity. These findings suggest that methanolic extracts of M. oleifera and T. vulgaris, particularly in combination, can serve as natural alternatives to antibiotics in broiler production under pathogenic challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Health of Monogastric Animals)

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13 pages, 900 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect Produced by a Mixture of Phenol, p-Cresol, and Acetophenone on Four Species of Microalgae: Tolerance, Biodegradation, and Metabolic Alterations

by Juan Manuel Rastrojo-Velasco, Rosa Leon, Ana Sayago, Angeles Fernandez-Recamales, Javier Vigara and Antonio Leon-Vaz

Toxics 2025, 13(10), 848; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13100848 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Phenol-derived compounds are among the most hazardous organic pollutants for aquatic environments due to their relatively high aqueous solubility. Microalgae harbor metabolic pathways that enable the degradation of phenolic compounds into less toxic derivatives, highlighting their potential for the bioremediation of these contaminants. [...] Read more.

Phenol-derived compounds are among the most hazardous organic pollutants for aquatic environments due to their relatively high aqueous solubility. Microalgae harbor metabolic pathways that enable the degradation of phenolic compounds into less toxic derivatives, highlighting their potential for the bioremediation of these contaminants. In this study, four microalgal species were evaluated for their tolerance and biodegradation capacity of a mixture of phenolic compounds which include phenol, p-cresol, and acetophenone. The results revealed that Chlorella sorokiniana and Nannochloropsis gaditana could tolerate higher concentrations of the mixture (60, 50, and 25 mg L⁻¹ of phenol, p-cresol, and acetophenone) than Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetraselmis chuii (60, 30, and 20 mg L⁻¹ of phenol, p-cresol, and acetophenone). Notably, Tetraselmis chuii could biodegrade these compounds with the highest efficiency (32, 45, and 85% of initial phenol, p-cresol, and acetophenone, respectively) after 72 h of cultivation. In the absence of alternative carbon sources in the medium, Tetraselmis chuii also biodegraded 45, 60, and 51% of initial phenol, p-cresol, and acetophenone, at 72 h, highlighting its potential for bioremediation processes. Finally, the ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and phenol hydrolase enzymatic activities of Tetraselmis chuii were studied in presence of the pollutants, showing increasing activity levels of these enzymes (123, 135, and 173% of control cultures for APX, CAT, and PH, respectively) involved in the antioxidant system and the degradation of phenolic compounds. Full article

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19 pages, 1246 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mytilus galloprovincialis as a Biomarker for Personal Care Product (PCP) Ingredients and UV Filters (UVFs) in Tunisian Coastal Waters: Correlation with the Chemical Composition of Polluted Seawater

by Emna Nasri, Elhem Bouchiba, Bouthaina Brahmi, Siwar Bouyahi, Eduardo Alberto López-Maldonado and Mohamed Ali Borgi

Toxics 2025, 13(10), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13100847 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Today, the abundance of personal care product (PCP) ingredients and UV filters (UVFs) in coastal marine environments is a growing concern worldwide. In addition, mussels are the most commonly used sentinel organisms in bio-monitoring programs. In the current study, we collected mussels ( [...] Read more.

Today, the abundance of personal care product (PCP) ingredients and UV filters (UVFs) in coastal marine environments is a growing concern worldwide. In addition, mussels are the most commonly used sentinel organisms in bio-monitoring programs. In the current study, we collected mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) (over 6 months) from three seawater sites in Tunisia (Monastir, Sousse, and Mahdia). Analysis of the samples by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed the presence of 13 compounds among the 18 PCP ingredients and UVFs investigated. Avobenzone (AVO) and tert-butyl hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole (TBHPBT) were the most frequently observed, ranging from 121.076 ± 1.6 to 193.481 ± 5.5 ng g⁻¹ and 20.987 ± 0.7 to 26.704 ± 1.7 ng g⁻¹, respectively, with maximum values in the city of Sousse. 4-Hydroxybenzophenone (4HB) and benzophenone-1 (BP1) were also found in all mussel samples with levels in the range of 26.745 ± 0.4 ng g⁻¹ and 12.53 ± 0.5 ng g⁻¹, respectively. We observed a positive correlation with the chemical characterization of the contaminated seawater. The environmental hazards of PCP ingredients were estimated with the aim of performing a preliminary risk assessment at the environmental level. For this purpose, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of a substance was calculated. The results obtained revealed a high value of up to 68.36 ng kg body-weight⁻¹ day⁻¹. The high concentration observed in the samples reported for the target PCP ingredients could be partly attributed to their inefficient removal before being released into the sea. We now know that PCP ingredients and UVFs cause irreparable damage to coastal ecosystems and pose the greatest risk to the aquatic organisms tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Monitoring, Transformation and Ecological Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Aquatic Environments)

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18 pages, 443 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Violence Exposure Scale in Ecuadorian Adolescents and Its Relationship with Child-to-Parent Violence

by Paola Bustos-Benítez, Andrés Ramírez, Javier Herrero Díez and M. Carmen Cano-Lozano

Children 2025, 12(10), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12101343 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to violence is an adverse experience associated with the perpetration of violent future behaviors such as child-to-parent violence. Objective: The objectives were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Violence Exposure Scale (VES) in a sample of Ecuadorian adolescents as well [...] Read more.

Introduction: Exposure to violence is an adverse experience associated with the perpetration of violent future behaviors such as child-to-parent violence. Objective: The objectives were to analyze the psychometric properties of the Violence Exposure Scale (VES) in a sample of Ecuadorian adolescents as well as its measurement invariance by sex and age; analyze the differences in exposure to violence across four settings (home, school, street, and TV), in two time frames (last year and childhood), according to sex and age; and analyze the relationship between exposure to violence in the four settings and in both time frames with child-to-parent violence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a probabilistic sample of 2150 Ecuadorian adolescents (55% female), aged 12 to 18 years (M = 14.53; SD = 1.55). Participants completed the adapted version of the VES and the Child-to-Parent Violence Questionnaire (CPV-Q). Confirmatory factor analyses, reliability testing, convergent and discriminant validity analyses, and measurement invariance assessments were performed. Results: The VES showed excellent model fit in both versions, VES¹ (last year) and VES² (before age 10), with strong goodness-of-fit indices (VES¹: CFI = 0.988; RMSEA = 0.055; VES²: CFI = 0.994; RMSEA = 0.044). Reliability was good (α_o and ω_o ≤ 0.80; G.6 and CR ≤ 0.70). Effect sizes ranged from 0.11 to 0.31 for violence by children toward parents and reached up to 0.83 among the different forms of victimization. Conclusions: The adaptation of the VES in Ecuadorian adolescents showed validity and reliability in assessing exposure to violence. Girls were more at risk at home, while boys were more exposed at school and in the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Youth Vulnerability and Maladjustment: A Look at Its Effects)

26 pages, 1180 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Constraint-Boundary Learning-Based Two-Stage Dual-Population Evolutionary Algorithm

by Xinran Xiu, Fu Yu, Hongzhou Wang and Yiming Song

Mathematics 2025, 13(19), 3206; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13193206 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

In recent years, numerous constrained multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (CMOEAs) have been proposed to tackle constrained multi-objective optimization problems (CMOPs). However, most of them still struggle to achieve a good balance among convergence, diversity, and feasibility. To address this issue, we develop an adaptive [...] Read more.

In recent years, numerous constrained multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (CMOEAs) have been proposed to tackle constrained multi-objective optimization problems (CMOPs). However, most of them still struggle to achieve a good balance among convergence, diversity, and feasibility. To address this issue, we develop an adaptive constraint-boundary learning-based two-stage dual-population evolutionary algorithm for CMOPs, referred to as CL-TDEA. The evolutionary process of CL-TDEA is divided into two stages. In the first stage, two populations cooperate weakly through environmental selection to enhance the exploration ability of CL-TDEA under constraints. In particular, the auxiliary population employs an adaptive constraint-boundary learning mechanism to learn the constraint boundary, which in turn enables the main population to more effectively explore the constrained search space and cross infeasible regions. In the second stage, the cooperation between the two populations drives the search toward the complete constrained Pareto front (CPF) through mating selection. Here, the auxiliary population provides additional guidance to the main population, helping it escape locally feasible but suboptimal regions by means of the proposed cascaded multi-criteria hierarchical ranking strategy. Extensive experiments on 54 test problems from four benchmark suites and three real-world applications demonstrate that the proposed CL-TDEA exhibits superior performance and stronger competitiveness compared with several state-of-the-art methods. Full article

33 pages, 3145 KB

Open AccessArticle

Backstepping Sliding Mode Control of Quadrotor UAV Trajectory

by Yohannes Lisanewerk Mulualem, Gang Gyoo Jin, Jaesung Kwon and Jongkap Ahn

Mathematics 2025, 13(19), 3205; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13193205 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become widely used in many fields, ranging from agriculture to military operations, due to recent advances in technology and decreases in costs. Quadrotors are particularly important UAVs, but their complex, coupled dynamics and sensitivity [...] Read more.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become widely used in many fields, ranging from agriculture to military operations, due to recent advances in technology and decreases in costs. Quadrotors are particularly important UAVs, but their complex, coupled dynamics and sensitivity to outside disturbances make them challenging to control. This paper introduces a new control method for quadrotors called Backstepping Sliding Mode Control (BSMC), which combines the strengths of two established techniques: Backstepping Control (BC) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC). Its primary goal is to improve trajectory tracking while also reducing chattering, a common problem with SMC that causes rapid, high-frequency oscillations. The BSMC method achieves this by integrating the SMC switching gain directly into the BC through a process of differential iteration. Herein, a Lyapunov stability analysis confirms the system’s asymptotic stability; a genetic algorithm is used to optimize controller parameters; and the proposed control strategy is evaluated under diverse payload conditions and dynamic wind disturbances. The simulation results demonstrated its capability to handle payload variations ranging from 0.5 kg to 18 kg in normal environments, and up to 12 kg during gusty wind scenarios. Furthermore, the BSMC effectively minimized chattering and achieved a superior performance in tracking accuracy and robustness compared to the traditional SMC and BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Modeling and Simulation for Control Systems, 3rd Edition)

14 pages, 518 KB

Open AccessArticle

SynthATDelays: A Minimalist Python Package for the Generation of Synthetic Air Transport Delay Data

by Carlson Moses Büth and Massimiliano Zanin

Aerospace 2025, 12(10), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12100900 - 6 Oct 2025

Abstract

Within the endeavour of describing and analysing delays and their propagations in air transport, a major limitation is represented by the validation of the obtained results. While this can be overcome through synthetic models, those available in the literature mostly aim at simulating [...] Read more.

Within the endeavour of describing and analysing delays and their propagations in air transport, a major limitation is represented by the validation of the obtained results. While this can be overcome through synthetic models, those available in the literature mostly aim at simulating the system in a detailed and realistic way, resulting in high complexity and substantial computational costs. We here present SynthATDelays, a minimalist and modular Python package designed to simulate a virtual customisable air transport system and to provide synthetic delay data under tuneable conditions; it is thus designed to support the validation of data-based studies and pipelines. We describe its internal structure and provide examples about how scenarios can be designed and executed. We further show how it can be used to tackle two relevant questions, i.e., the role of operational buffer times in the absorption of delays and the comparison and optimisation of causality tests to detect the propagation thereof. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air Traffic and Transportation)

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