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17 pages, 4116 KiB  
Article
Influence of Different Substrate and Microorganism Concentrations on Butyric Acid-Derived Biohydrogen Production
by Gizem Karakaya and Serpil Özmihçi
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041068 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study examines the effect of inoculum (0.5–3 g/L) and substrate concentration (40–200 g/L) on butyric acid and biohydrogen production by batch dark fermentation at 37 °C. Clostridium pasteurianum DSM525 and Cheese Whey Powder (CWP) were used in the experiments. The results showed [...] Read more.
This study examines the effect of inoculum (0.5–3 g/L) and substrate concentration (40–200 g/L) on butyric acid and biohydrogen production by batch dark fermentation at 37 °C. Clostridium pasteurianum DSM525 and Cheese Whey Powder (CWP) were used in the experiments. The results showed that biohydrogen and butyric acid production increased with a 1.5 g/L microorganism concentration and 80 g/L CWP. A Cumulative Hydrogen Formation (CHF) of 458 mL, butyric acid (BA) of 1.523 g/L, butyric acid to acetic acid (BA/AA) ratio of 3.07 g BA/g AA, hydrogen production yield (YH2/TS) of 1278.63 mL H2/g TS, and butyric acid production yield (YBA/TS) of 0.37 g BA/g TS at 1.5 g/L inoculum concentration was achieved. The hydrogen (HPR) and butyric acid production rates (BAPR) were similarly the highest at 1.5 g/L. The maximum specific hydrogen (SHPR) and butyric acid rates (SBAPR) were obtained at 2 g/L and 1 g/L organism concentrations, respectively. In variations of substrate concentrations, 651.1 mL of CHF, 1.1 g/L of BA, 3.23 g BA/g AA of BA/AA ratio, 576 mL H2/g TS of YH2/TS, and 27.4 g BA/g TS of YBA/TS were accomplished. HPR and SHPR were the highest at 80 g/L CWP due to no substrate inhibition. The BAPR was at its maximum at 100 g/L, BA accumulation was faster, and the SBAPR was at maximum 40 g/L CWP. The results showed a good adaptation of C. pasteurianum to the butyric acid-derived hydrogen production pathway. This strategy could build a renewable and sustainable process with dual valuable outputs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biological Processes and Systems)
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9 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
Performance of Ship-Based QKD Under the Influence of Sea-Surface Atmospheric Turbulence
by Gui-Ying Jiang, Ya-Ping Li, Xiao-Han Li, Wei-Dong Zhang, Zi-Ao Wan, Qi-Ming Zhu, Peng-Fei Gong and Song Zhang
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040340 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
There are numerous studies on the effects of ocean turbulence on wireless optical communications and on satellite–ground quantum key distribution (QKD); however, there are few studies on the impact of near sea-surface turbulence on ship-based QKD performance. This study investigates the influence of [...] Read more.
There are numerous studies on the effects of ocean turbulence on wireless optical communications and on satellite–ground quantum key distribution (QKD); however, there are few studies on the impact of near sea-surface turbulence on ship-based QKD performance. This study investigates the influence of sea-surface atmospheric turbulence on laser beam propagation, atmospheric scintillation, and aiming error. It focuses on the impact of sea-surface turbulence on the performance of satellite-to-ship QKD and ship-to-ship QKD systems. The results show that strong turbulence severely degrades QKD system performance; horizontal transmission distances change from 32 km (weak turbulence) to 3 km (strong turbulence) in ship-to-ship QKD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Quantum Photonics and Technologies)
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14 pages, 1939 KiB  
Article
Marital Status-Specific Associations Between Multidomain Leisure Activities and Cognitive Reserve in Clinically Unimpaired Older Adults: Based on a National Chinese Cohort
by Cheng Cai, Junyi Wang, Dan Liu, Jing Liu, Juan Zhou, Xiaochang Liu, Dan Song, Shiyue Li, Yuyang Cui, Qianqian Nie, Feifei Hu, Xinyan Xie, Guirong Cheng and Yan Zeng
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(4), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040371 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: It is unclear how marital status moderates the association between multidomain leisure activities and the progression of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with up to 10 years of follow-up were used. The [...] Read more.
Background: It is unclear how marital status moderates the association between multidomain leisure activities and the progression of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with up to 10 years of follow-up were used. The study included participants aged ≥65 years without cognitive impairment at baseline. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed-effect models were used to evaluate the modifying effect of marriage on leisure activities (multiple types, frequency, and single type) and cognitive decline. Results: A total of 5286 participants (aged 79.01 ± 9.54 years, 50.0% women, and 61.4% rural residents) were enrolled. The results indicated that marital status moderates the relationship between leisure activities and cognitive decline. In the unmarried group, multi-type and high-frequency leisure activities were more strongly associated with slower cognitive decline. Specific activities such as gardening, reading, performing household chores, and playing cards were found to significantly contribute to cognitive protection exclusively within the unmarried group, with no such effect observed in the married group. Conclusions: Marital status affects the relationship between participation in multiple leisure activities and cognitive decline in cognitively intact elderly people. For unmarried older adults, regular participation in leisure activities may be an effective intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience)
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23 pages, 3337 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Direct Medical Costs of Colorectal Cancer in Antigua and Barbuda: A Prevalence-Based Cost-of-Illness Study
by Andre A. N. Bovell, Jabulani Ncayiyana and Themba G. Ginindza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040552 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Colorectal cancer burden is a threat to health systems in several countries. As the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer is unknown in Antigua and Barbuda, this study aimed to estimate its direct medical cost in this country. We used the [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer burden is a threat to health systems in several countries. As the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing this cancer is unknown in Antigua and Barbuda, this study aimed to estimate its direct medical cost in this country. We used the prevalence-based cost-of-illness methodology to study data on patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2017 and 2021. Data record abstraction was carried out to determine the five-year prevalence, and a top-down and bottom-up approach was employed to estimate the direct medical costs for colorectal cancer care components. All costs were computed at 2021 price levels and are reported in United States dollars. The total annual direct medical costs for colorectal cancer were estimated at USD 1.14 million (ranging between USD 0.85 million and USD 1.42 million). Major cost drivers were treatment (USD 613,650.01) and post-treatment side-effects care (USD 402,234.50). The overall estimated direct medical unit costs were USD 139,295.58, with the main drivers being surgery (USD 43,467.10), other complications of treatment (USD 28,469.21), and immunotherapy (USD 19,200.00). This study provides evidence of the economic burden of colorectal cancer in Antigua and Barbuda. The estimates of annual direct medical costs are substantial. Our findings could help in the development of health policy and aid in resource allocation related to local colorectal cancer management. Full article
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17 pages, 3070 KiB  
Article
Impact of Magnetic Field on ROS Generation in Cu-g-C3N4 Against E. coli Disinfection Process
by Elkin Darío C. Castrillon, Santiago Correa and Yenny P. Ávila-Torres
Magnetochemistry 2025, 11(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/magnetochemistry11040028 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
The antibacterial activity of g-C3N4 and Cu-g-C3N4 was evaluated against E. coli, with their disinfection capabilities influenced by structural characteristics, photocatalytic properties, and modulation under a static magnetic field. The incorporation of Cu2+ does not [...] Read more.
The antibacterial activity of g-C3N4 and Cu-g-C3N4 was evaluated against E. coli, with their disinfection capabilities influenced by structural characteristics, photocatalytic properties, and modulation under a static magnetic field. The incorporation of Cu2+ does not significantly affect the (210) reflection in XRD analysis, indicating that the alignment of aromatic layers remains stable. However, the presence of copper enables complete disinfection, in contrast to graphitic carbon nitride, which achieves only partial disinfection. Cu2+ is likely positioned at N-aliphatic sites and coexists with hydroxylated species, which may influence photocatalytic performance by modifying reactant adsorption and ROS generation. SEM-EDS analysis confirmed that Cu2+ modification did not significantly alter the material’s morphology, although a 3% copper content was detected, suggesting a heterogeneous surface distribution. Thermodynamic analysis showed that exposure to a magnetic field increased the Gibbs free energy of adsorption from 6.34 J/m2 to 10.52 J/m2, reducing interactions with key reactants essential for ROS formation. As a result, both disinfection and photodegradation efficiency were significantly diminished. Additionally, the presence of a magnetic field was found to modify the surface properties of the material, affecting its photocatalytic performance. In Cu-C3N4 materials, a decrease in the contact angle suggests enhanced hydrophilicity, while an increase in surface tension may influence the adsorption of water and hydroxyl radicals. This study underscores the effect of a magnetic field on the photocatalytic behavior of materials deposited on polymeric substrates with intrinsic electronic properties, ultimately impacting overall disinfection efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Magnetic Field Effect on Catalysts)
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11 pages, 840 KiB  
Article
Sex Difference in the Associations of Socioeconomic Status, Cognitive Function, and Brain Volume with Dementia in Old Adults: Findings from the OASIS Study
by Sophia Z. Liu, Ghazaal Tahmasebi, Ying Sheng, Ivo D. Dinov, Dennis Tsilimingras and Xuefeng Liu
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2020009 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Sex differences in the association of cognitive function and imaging measures with dementia have not been fully investigated. Understanding sex differences in the dementia-related socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging measurements is crucial for uncovering sex-related pathways to dementia and facilitating early diagnosis, [...] Read more.
Background: Sex differences in the association of cognitive function and imaging measures with dementia have not been fully investigated. Understanding sex differences in the dementia-related socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging measurements is crucial for uncovering sex-related pathways to dementia and facilitating early diagnosis, family planning, and cost control. Methods: We selected data from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies, with longitudinal measurements of brain volumes, on 150 individuals aged 60 to 96 years. Dementia status was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale, and Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed as a CDR of ≥0.5. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the associations of socioeconomic, cognitive, and imaging factors with dementia in men and women. Results: The study sample consisted of 88 women (58.7%) and 62 men (41.3%), and the average age of the subjects was 75.4 years at the initial visit. A lower socioeconomic status was associated with a reduced estimated total intracranial volume in men, but not in women. Ageing and lower MMSE scores were associated with a reduced nWBV in both men and women. Lower education affected dementia more in women than in men. Age, education, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and normalized whole-brain volume (nWBV) were associated with dementia in women, while only MMSE and nWBV were associated with dementia in men. Conclusions: The association between education and the prevalence of dementia differs in men and women. Women may have more risk factors for dementia than men. Full article
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22 pages, 9907 KiB  
Article
Advanced Modular Honeycombs with Biomimetic Density Gradients for Superior Energy Dissipation
by Yong Dong, Jie He, Dongtao Wang, Dazhi Luo, Yanghui Zeng, Haixia Feng, Xizhen You and Lumin Shen
Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040221 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
The honeycomb configuration has been widely adopted in numerous sectors owing to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity, and outstanding energy absorption properties, attracting substantial academic attention and research interest. This study introduces a biomimetic modular honeycomb configuration inspired by the variable-density biological enhancement [...] Read more.
The honeycomb configuration has been widely adopted in numerous sectors owing to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, rigidity, and outstanding energy absorption properties, attracting substantial academic attention and research interest. This study introduces a biomimetic modular honeycomb configuration inspired by the variable-density biological enhancement characteristics of tree stem tissues. This study examined the out-of-plane compressive behavior and mechanical characteristics of modular honeycomb structures. A numerical model of the modular honeycomb was constructed utilizing finite element technology, enabling simulation studies at varying impact velocities. The improved weight-bearing and impact-absorbing properties of modular honeycomb structures are investigated using theoretical analysis and computer simulations. It also scrutinizes the effects of boundary and matching conditions on the honeycomb’s performance. The results indicate that adjusting the thickness of the walls in both the matrix honeycomb and sub-honeycomb structures can substantially improve their resistance to low-velocity out-of-plane compression impacts. Furthermore, the energy absorption capacity of modular honeycombs during high-velocity impacts is significantly influenced by multiple factors: the impact velocity, the density of the honeycomb structure, and the distribution of wall thickness within the sub-honeycomb and the primary honeycomb matrix. Notably, the modular honeycomb with an optimally designed structure demonstrates superior high-speed impact resistance compared to conventional honeycombs of equivalent density. These insights underscore the potential for advanced honeycomb designs to further advance material performance in structural applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Energy-Absorbing Materials or Structures)
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17 pages, 4201 KiB  
Article
Distributed Photovoltaic Short-Term Power Prediction Based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning
by Wenxiang Luo, Yang Shen, Zewen Li and Fangming Deng
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1796; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071796 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
In a distributed photovoltaic system, photovoltaic data are affected by heterogeneity, which leads to the problems of low adaptability and poor accuracy of photovoltaic power prediction models. This paper proposes a distributed photovoltaic power prediction scheme based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning (PFL). [...] Read more.
In a distributed photovoltaic system, photovoltaic data are affected by heterogeneity, which leads to the problems of low adaptability and poor accuracy of photovoltaic power prediction models. This paper proposes a distributed photovoltaic power prediction scheme based on Personalized Federated Multi-Task Learning (PFL). The federal learning framework is used to enhance the privacy of photovoltaic data and improve the model’s performance in a distributed environment. A multi-task module is added to PFL to solve the problem that an FL single global model cannot improve the prediction accuracy of all photovoltaic power stations. A cbam-itcn prediction algorithm was designed. By improving the parallel pooling structure of a time series convolution network (TCN), an improved time series convolution network (iTCN) prediction model was established, and the channel attention mechanism CBAMANet was added to highlight the key meteorological characteristics’ information and improve the feature extraction ability of time series data in photovoltaic power prediction. The experimental analysis shows that CBAM-iTCN is 45.06% and 42.16% lower than a traditional LSTM, Mae, and RMSE. Compared with FL, the MAPE of the PFL proposed in this paper is reduced by 9.79%, and for photovoltaic power plants with large data feature deviation, the MAPE experiences an 18.07% reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Facilitated Cyber–Physical Energy Systems—Planning, Operation, and Markets)
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20 pages, 3343 KiB  
Article
Industrial-Grade CNN-Based System for the Discrimination of Music Versus Non-Music in Radio Broadcast Audio
by Valerio Cesarini, Vincenzo Addati and Giovanni Costantini
Information 2025, 16(4), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16040288 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of distinguishing commercially played songs from non-music audio in radio broadcasts, where automatic song identification systems are commonly employed for reporting purposes. Service call costs increase because these systems need to remain continuously active, even when music is [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the issue of distinguishing commercially played songs from non-music audio in radio broadcasts, where automatic song identification systems are commonly employed for reporting purposes. Service call costs increase because these systems need to remain continuously active, even when music is not being broadcast. Our solution serves as a preliminary filter to determine whether an audio segment constitutes “music” and thus warrants a subsequent service call to an identifier. We collected 139 h of non-consecutive 5 s audio samples from various radio broadcasts, labeling segments from talk shows or advertisements as “non-music”. We implemented multiple data augmentation strategies, including FM-like pre-processing, trained a custom Convolutional Neural Network, and then built a live inference platform capable of continuously monitoring web radio streams. This platform was validated using 1360 newly collected audio samples, evaluating performance on both 5 s chunks and 15 s buffers. The system demonstrated consistently high performance on previously unseen stations, achieving an average accuracy of 96% and a maximum of 98.23%. The intensive pre-processing contributed to these performances with the benefit of making the system inherently suitable for FM radio. This solution has been incorporated into a commercial product currently utilized by Italian clients for royalty calculation and reporting purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Signal Processing and Machine Learning, 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4349 KiB  
Article
Research on Wind Power Grid Integration Power Fluctuation Smoothing Control Strategy Based on Energy Storage Battery Health Prediction
by Bin Cheng, Jiahui Wu, Guancheng Lv and Zhongbo Li
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071795 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Due to the volatility and uncertainty of wind power generation, energy storage can help mitigate the fluctuations in wind power grid integration. During its use, the health of the energy storage system, defined as the ratio of the current available capacity to the [...] Read more.
Due to the volatility and uncertainty of wind power generation, energy storage can help mitigate the fluctuations in wind power grid integration. During its use, the health of the energy storage system, defined as the ratio of the current available capacity to the initial capacity, deteriorates, leading to a reduction in the available margin for power fluctuation smoothing. Therefore, it is necessary to predict the state of health (SOH) and adjust its charge/discharge control strategy based on the predicted SOH results. This study first adopts a Genetic Algorithm-Optimized Support Vector Regression (GA-SVR) model to predict the SOH of the energy storage system. Secondly, based on the health prediction results, a control strategy based on the model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is proposed to manage the energy storage system’s charge/discharge process, ensuring that the power meets grid integration requirements while minimizing energy storage lifespan loss. Further, since the lifespan loss caused by smoothing the same fluctuation differs at different health levels, a fuzzy adaptive control strategy is used to adjust the parameters of the MPC algorithm’s objective function under varying health conditions, thereby optimizing energy storage power and achieving the smooth control of the wind farm grid integration power at different energy storage health levels. Finally, a simulation is conducted in MATLAB for a 50 MW wind farm grid integration system, with experimental parameters adjusted accordingly. The experimental results show that the GA-SVR algorithm can accurately predict the health of the energy storage system, and the MPC-based control strategy derived from health predictions can improve grid power stability while adaptively adjusting energy storage output according to different health levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy)
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21 pages, 3292 KiB  
Article
Frequency-Regulated Repeated Micro-Vibration Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation Through BMP Signaling in MC3T3-E1 Cells
by Ayumu Matsushita, Tada-aki Kudo, Kanako Tominami, Yohei Hayashi, Takuya Noguchi, Takakuni Tanaka, Satoshi Izumi, Keiko Gengyo-Ando, Atsushi Matsuzawa, Guang Hong and Junichi Nakai
Life 2025, 15(4), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040588 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Physical stimulation, which is a key factor affecting the metabolism of osteoblasts and their precursor cells, plays an important role in bone remodeling; however, the role of micro-vibrations in osteoblast differentiation is unclear. In the present study, we determined the effects of frequency-regulated [...] Read more.
Physical stimulation, which is a key factor affecting the metabolism of osteoblasts and their precursor cells, plays an important role in bone remodeling; however, the role of micro-vibrations in osteoblast differentiation is unclear. In the present study, we determined the effects of frequency-regulated repeated micro-vibration (FRMV) on cell proliferation and established a method to induce osteoblast differentiation through FRMV using the mouse pre-osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1, which is widely used in bone metabolism research. The results indicated that FRMV significantly influenced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in a normal growth medium. FRMV at 42.2 Hz significantly promoted proliferation, whereas FRMV at 92.1 Hz showed no effect on the proliferation rate. Moreover, FRMV at 42.2 Hz significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and ALP gene expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Treatment with LDN193189, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling inhibitor, revealed that the FRMV-induced upregulation in ALP enzyme activity and ALP gene expression were significantly suppressed in MC3T3-E1 cells. The results suggest that the FRMV protocol developed in the present study induces osteoblast differentiation through the BMP signaling pathway. Thus, FRMV may contribute to the development of effective bone regeneration technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone Remodeling)
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20 pages, 274 KiB  
Article
“Confession Is Good for the Soul?” Charismatics and Confession in Conversation
by Andrew P. Rogers
Religions 2025, 16(4), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040461 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Scripture speaks of confessing our sins to God and to one another (e.g., Ps 32:5; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 1:9). For a tradition that has been strong on sin and the Bible, how do evangelicals deal with confession? In this article, I explore [...] Read more.
Scripture speaks of confessing our sins to God and to one another (e.g., Ps 32:5; Jas 5:16; 1 Jn 1:9). For a tradition that has been strong on sin and the Bible, how do evangelicals deal with confession? In this article, I explore practices of confession in UK charismatic networks based on interviews with five national leaders using a critical conversation methodology. These networks have largely adopted an informal and spontaneous ‘liturgy’ since they began in the 1970s, so this is also a case study of what shape practices take when traditional Christian practices have been put aside. As a semi-indigenous researcher, I offer an account of the ‘what’ of charismatic confession practice from a leader’s perspective: as a network, in public worship, in small groups, and individually. I conclude that these confession practices can be characterised as relational, DIY, and ‘as and when’. I then proceed to offer some ‘whys’ for these practices, including pendulum swings of recent tradition, the relation of confession to charismatic sung worship, and both emic and etic deformations. Finally, I ask, ‘Whither charismatic confession?’ and answer this through posing three questions for reflection around the Bible and confession, the retrieval of practices, and the formative power of practices. This leads into a response to the Special Issue question of how God’s own action is disclosed through these conversations about confession with charismatics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Disclosing God in Action: Contemporary British Evangelical Practices)
12 pages, 8504 KiB  
Article
Altered Lactylation Myocardial Tissue May Contribute to a More Severe Energy-Deprived State of the Tissue and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in HOCM
by Ruoxuan Li, Jing Wang, Jia Zhao, Jiao Liu, Yuze Qin, Yue Wang, Yiming Yuan, Nan Kang, Lu Yao, Fan Yang, Ke Feng, Lanlan Zhang, Shengjun Ta, Bo Wang and Liwen Liu
Bioengineering 2025, 12(4), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12040379 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary cardiovascular disease. In general, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is more closely related to severe clinical symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the possible causes of HOCM, which may help physicians [...] Read more.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary cardiovascular disease. In general, obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is more closely related to severe clinical symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the possible causes of HOCM, which may help physicians better understand the disease and effectively control and manage the progression of the disease. In recent years, the discovery of lactylation has provided scholars with a new direction to explore the occurrence of diseases. In cardiovascular diseases, this post-translational modification can exacerbate cardiac dysfunction, and it can also promote the cardiac repair process after myocardial infarction. In this study, we used the myocardial tissue of mice carrying the Myh7 V878A gene mutation site for protein lactylation detection. Through a further analysis of the enriched pathways using KEGG enrichment, GO enrichment, and Wiki Pathways enrichment, we found that the enriched pathways with lactylation modifications in the HOCM mice mainly included the fatty acid oxidation pathway, the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway, the adrenergic signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes, and the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy pathway. Among the above pathways, significant changes in lactylation occurred in proteins including Acads, Acaa2, Mdh2, Myl2, and Myl3. We used the COIP experiment to verify the omics results and the ELISA assay to verify the function of the enzymes. We found that a decrease in lactylation modifications also led to a decrease in enzyme function. The abnormalities of these proteins not only lead to abnormalities in energy metabolism in the myocardial tissue of HOCM but also may affect myocardial contractility, resulting in the impaired contractile function of HOCM. The results of this study lay a preliminary theoretical foundation for further exploring the pathogenesis of HOCM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering)
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11 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
A Fractional Dirac System with Eigenparameter-Dependent and Transmission Conditions
by Abdullah Kablan and Fulya Şahantürk
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040227 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
This work investigates the fractional Dirac system that has transmission conditions, and its boundary condition contains an eigenparameter. Defining a convenient inner product space and a new operator that has the same eigenvalues as the considered problem, we demonstrate that the fractional Dirac [...] Read more.
This work investigates the fractional Dirac system that has transmission conditions, and its boundary condition contains an eigenparameter. Defining a convenient inner product space and a new operator that has the same eigenvalues as the considered problem, we demonstrate that the fractional Dirac system is symmetric in this space. Thus, we have reached some remarkable results for the spectral characteristics of the operator. Furthermore, in the next section of the study, the existence of solutions was examined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fractional Initial and Boundary Value Problems)
20 pages, 1878 KiB  
Article
“I Want to Be Born with That Pronunciation”: Metalinguistic Comments About K-Pop Idols’ Inner Circle Accents
by Jihye Kim and Luoxiangyu Zhang
Languages 2025, 10(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages10040075 (registering DOI) - 3 Apr 2025
Abstract
The Korean popular music (K-pop) industry, with its global popularity and increasing multilingual orientation, serves as a suitable context for exploring language perceptions. This research examines the metalinguistic commentary on K-pop idols’ English accents on YouTube. Specifically, we investigate how online users evaluate [...] Read more.
The Korean popular music (K-pop) industry, with its global popularity and increasing multilingual orientation, serves as a suitable context for exploring language perceptions. This research examines the metalinguistic commentary on K-pop idols’ English accents on YouTube. Specifically, we investigate how online users evaluate the idols’ English accents and how their metalinguistic comments communicate linguistic ideologies that favor a “native” way of speaking. Our dataset consists of 602 metalinguistic comments drawn from four popular YouTube videos featuring the evaluation of K-pop idols’ accents. We employ content analysis to first categorize comments into positive, negative, and neutral evaluations, then focus on aspects being evaluated in the users’ comments (e.g., social attractiveness and (non-)nativeness). The results indicate that a vast majority of comments (88.1%) convey positive evaluations, largely associating the idols’ accents with social appeal and native-like accents. Although a few neutral and negative evaluations exist, our result shows a dominant preference for inner circle accents and complex attitudes toward accented speech in digital spaces. We conclude by highlighting the influence of digital platforms in shaping language perceptions and the implications for linguistic stereotyping in the context of K-pop culture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue L2 Speech Perception and Production in the Globalized World)
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76 pages, 16124 KiB  
Article
Mapping Data-Driven Research Impact Science: The Role of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
by Mudassar Hassan Arsalan, Omar Mubin, Abdullah Al Mahmud, Imran Ahmed Khan and Ali Jan Hassan
Metrics 2025, 2(2), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrics2020005 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
In an era of evolving scholarly ecosystems, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have become pivotal in advancing research impact analysis. Despite their transformative potential, the fragmented body of literature in this domain necessitates consolidation to provide a comprehensive understanding of their [...] Read more.
In an era of evolving scholarly ecosystems, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have become pivotal in advancing research impact analysis. Despite their transformative potential, the fragmented body of literature in this domain necessitates consolidation to provide a comprehensive understanding of their applications in multidimensional impact assessment. This study bridges this gap by employing bibliometric methodologies, including co-authorship analysis, citation burst detection, and advanced topic modelling using BERTopic, to analyse a curated corpus of 1608 scholarly articles. Guided by three core research questions, this study investigates how ML and AI enhance research impact evaluation, identifies dominant methodologies, and outlines future research directions. The findings underscore the transformative potential of ML and AI to augment traditional bibliometric indicators by uncovering latent patterns in collaboration networks, institutional influence, and knowledge dissemination. In particular, the scalability and semantic depth of BERTopic in thematic extraction, combined with the visualisation capabilities of tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer, provide novel insights into the dynamic interplay of scholarly contributions across dimensions. Theoretically, this research extends the scientometric discourse by integrating advanced computational techniques and reconfiguring established paradigms for assessing research contributions. Practically, it provides actionable insights for researchers, institutions, and policymakers, enabling enhanced strategic decision-making and visibility of impactful research. By proposing a robust, data-driven framework, this study lays the groundwork for holistic and equitable research impact evaluation, addressing its academic, societal, and economic dimensions. Full article
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22 pages, 3121 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Digital Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Combined with Online Hearing Training on Quality of Life in Dementia Patients
by Gregor Hohenberg, Jan Ehlers and Thomas Ostermann
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2020008 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Dementia patients often experience a decline in both their cognitive and sensory functions, particularly hearing, which significantly impacts their quality of life. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined Digital Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (DKST) and online hearing training intervention in [...] Read more.
Background: Dementia patients often experience a decline in both their cognitive and sensory functions, particularly hearing, which significantly impacts their quality of life. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a combined Digital Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (DKST) and online hearing training intervention in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with dementia. Methods: Twenty-three patients participated in a six-month program integrating cognitive exercises and hearing rehabilitation, facilitated by trained co-therapists. Quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire, while the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was employed to categorize participants based on their cognitive status. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in the overall quality of life. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that combining DKST with hearing training effectively addresses sensory and cognitive challenges, supporting improved quality of life and highlighting the potential of digital interventions in dementia care. Full article
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14 pages, 1453 KiB  
Article
Sex and Gender Disparities in Missed Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Nested Case-Control Study
by Cécile Barras, Michael Amiguet, Joëlle Schwarz, Patrik Michel and Carole Clair
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2025, 9(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn9020022 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Backround: The aim is to analyze whether sex and gender are associated with missed acute ischemic stroke (M-AIS). Methods: We performed a nested case-control study, using data collected from March 2003 to December 2020 from ASTRAL (Acute STroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne). [...] Read more.
Backround: The aim is to analyze whether sex and gender are associated with missed acute ischemic stroke (M-AIS). Methods: We performed a nested case-control study, using data collected from March 2003 to December 2020 from ASTRAL (Acute STroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne). M-AIS were compared with a randomly selected control sample of acute ischmemic stroke (AIS). We extracted six gender-related socioeconomic variables. A gendered socioeconomic position (SEP) score was constructed reflecting the level of correspondence with feminine characteristics. Associations between M-AIS and the gender-related socioeconomic variables and the gendered SEP score were investigated using logistic regression. Results: Of the 6007 AIS, 182 (3%) were M-AIS. 80 (44%) were women. No association between administrative sex and M-AIS was found (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.78–2.00). Differences were found for gender-related socioeconomic variables, women in the middle professional category had higher odds of an M-AIS compared to women in the lower professional category (OR 3.93, 95% CI 1.19–13.03). Men with higher education had lower odds of an M-AIS compared to men with lower education (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.92). For women, a 20-unit increase in the gendered SEP score was associated with lower odds of an M-AIS (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94). For men, the same increase in the score tended to higher the odds of an M-AIS (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.00–2.32). Conclusions: The interaction of administrative sex with gender-related socioeconomic variables revealed different associations with M-AIS for women and men. Correspondence to expected gender norms may have a protective effect against M-AIS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Health)
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12 pages, 480 KiB  
Communication
Potentials of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production from Biomass and Waste: How Australia’s Sugar Industry Can Become a Successful Global Example
by Marcel Dossow, Vahid Shadravan, Weiss Naim, Sebastian Fendt, David Harris and Hartmut Spliethoff
Biomass 2025, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomass5020021 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Abstract: This study assesses Queensland’s sugar industry potential for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production via biomass-to-liquids (BtL) processes. Using surplus sugarcane bagasse, preliminary estimates suggest that individual mills could support 60–130 MWth gasifiers, while clustered approaches enable larger capacities. Annual BtL [...] Read more.
Abstract: This study assesses Queensland’s sugar industry potential for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production via biomass-to-liquids (BtL) processes. Using surplus sugarcane bagasse, preliminary estimates suggest that individual mills could support 60–130 MWth gasifiers, while clustered approaches enable larger capacities. Annual BtL syncrude production could reach 440 mL, increasing to ~1000 mL with additional feedstocks. These findings highlight both the industrial-scale viability of SAF production and the logistical and engineering challenges that must be addressed to align with Australia’s renewable energy and fuel security goals. Full article
14 pages, 570 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Profile and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern from Different Clinical Specimens at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital, Dhaka
by Mahfuza Nasrin, Fahmida Begum, Mohammad Julhas Sujan, Hridika Talukder Barua, Zakir Hossain Habib, S M Shahriar Rizvi, Aninda Rahman, Alina Shaw, Abul Hasnat, Soo Young Kwon, Rezina Karim, Md. Shah Alam, Noshin Nawal, Mohammad Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan, Ahmed Taha Aboushady, Adam Clark, John Stelling, Sanjay Gautam, Florian Marks and Nimesh Poudyal
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(4), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16040079 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health issue, leading to prolonged illness, increased morbidity and mortality, and rising healthcare costs. The effectiveness of antibiotics is diminishing due to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. This study aimed to determine the [...] Read more.
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health issue, leading to prolonged illness, increased morbidity and mortality, and rising healthcare costs. The effectiveness of antibiotics is diminishing due to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. This study aimed to determine the bacterial profile and AMR patterns of clinical isolates at Uttara Adhunik Medical College Hospital (UAMCH), Dhaka. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at UAMCH from January 2017 to December 2019. A total of 32,187 clinical specimens (urine, blood, stool, wound swabs/pus, and sputum) were processed, of which 4232 yielded positive cultures. Bacterial identification followed standard bacteriological methods, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method per CLSI guidelines. Data analysis was conducted using WHONET and QAAPT. Results: The highest proportion of positive cultures was from urine (47.5%), followed by blood (35.0%) and wound swabs/pus (10.1%). The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (37.2%), Salmonella typhi (25.7%), and Klebsiella sp. (11.5%). Gram-negative bacteria showed high resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefixime, and ceftriaxone, while the resistance rates were lower for gentamicin, amikacin, and meropenem. However, Acinetobacter sp. exhibited alarming resistance to all tested antibiotics. Conclusions: This study highlights concerning resistance patterns among bacterial isolates, emphasizing the need for ongoing AMR surveillance to inform treatment strategies and improve patient care in Bangladesh. Full article
11 pages, 436 KiB  
Article
Incidence of Tumour Lysis Syndrome in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia During Initiation of Therapy with Azacitidine and Venetoclax: A Retrospective Chart Review from a Canadian Single-Centre Perspective
by Tana Saiyin, Grace Christou, Mitchell Sabloff, Tina Crosbie, Kim-My Nguyen-Tham and Jill Fulcher
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(4), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32040213 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
Azacitidine and venetoclax (Aza-Ven) are part of a new standard of care for elderly patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [In line with recommendations, patients with AML at our centre were routinely admitted during initiation of Aza-Ven for close monitoring for tumour lysis [...] Read more.
Azacitidine and venetoclax (Aza-Ven) are part of a new standard of care for elderly patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [In line with recommendations, patients with AML at our centre were routinely admitted during initiation of Aza-Ven for close monitoring for tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). However, hospitalization impacts patient experience and is a significant resource burden. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of TLS in this population and identify patients who could safely initiate therapy in our outpatient facility. Of the 48 patients who commenced Aza-Ven as inpatients, the incidence of TLS was 25% using Cairo–Bishop (CB) diagnostic criteria but was mostly due to transient increases in uric acid, phosphate or potassium that remained within the normal laboratory reference range. Using Howard diagnostic criteria, TLS incidence was only 2%. Patients who developed CB TLS had a significantly higher baseline white blood count (WBC; p = 0.01). Patients with WBC of less than 30 × 109/L subsequently completed outpatient initiation of Aza-Ven (n = 15). Only one of these patients developed mild, transient TLS by CB criteria but not by Howard criteria. Our results demonstrate that a significant portion of patients could safely initiate Aza-Ven in our outpatient facility and avoid unnecessary hospitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology)
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19 pages, 2443 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Iron Ore Tailings for the Development of a Sustainable Alkali-Activated Binder
by Fabiane Paschoal da Veiga, William Mateus Kubiaki Levandoski, Giovani Jordi Bruschi, Mariana Krogel, Maria Alice Piovesan, Deise Trevizan Pelissaro, Pedro Domingos Marques Prietto and Eduardo Pavan Korf
Mining 2025, 5(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5020026 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
The increasing production of iron ore has led to the accumulation of iron ore tailings (IOTs), which pose significant environmental and safety risks when stored in tailings dams. This study investigates the potential of IOTs as a precursor in alkali-activated binder systems, aiming [...] Read more.
The increasing production of iron ore has led to the accumulation of iron ore tailings (IOTs), which pose significant environmental and safety risks when stored in tailings dams. This study investigates the potential of IOTs as a precursor in alkali-activated binder systems, aiming to provide a sustainable solution for mining waste management. Industrial calcium carbide lime and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used as activators in varying concentrations (Na2SiO3: 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%; carbide lime: 5%, 7.5%, and 10%), with curing conditions of 23 °C for 7 days. Techniques including unconfined compressive strength tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and metal leaching tests were employed to evaluate the mechanical performance and environmental safety of the alkali-activated binders. The results reveal that a mixture containing 20% Na2SiO3 and 10% carbide lime achieved the highest compressive strength of 0.33 MPa at 7 days. The binder also showed negligible metal leaching, meeting environmental safety standards. These findings confirm the viability of using IOTs in the development of durable, eco-friendly construction materials, offering a scalable and sustainable solution for the management of mining waste and promoting circular economy principles in the construction sector. Full article
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17 pages, 9112 KiB  
Article
Study on the Aerodynamic Wind Pressure Behavior Characteristics of High-Speed Railway Sound Barriers
by Rui Zhang, Qingyuan Yang, Hui Li, Dazheng Zhang, Siyu Zheng and Shengyou Yang
Dynamics 2025, 5(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/dynamics5020014 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
As high-speed train operations increase, the aerodynamic pressure generated by these trains can jeopardize the structural integrity of sound barriers, potentially compromising train safety and the stability of nearby facilities. This paper investigates the unique aerodynamic pressures and load distribution of various types [...] Read more.
As high-speed train operations increase, the aerodynamic pressure generated by these trains can jeopardize the structural integrity of sound barriers, potentially compromising train safety and the stability of nearby facilities. This paper investigates the unique aerodynamic pressures and load distribution of various types of sound barriers. We analyze the aerodynamic pressure distribution on sound barriers in relation to high-speed trains by utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs) analysis. We explore the theoretical foundations, design of the computational domain, and settings for boundary conditions. The findings indicate that high-speed trains generate both overpressure from compression waves and under pressure from expansion waves. As the barriers become more open, peak aerodynamic pressure and fluctuations decrease. Notably, the highest pressure occurs at the entrance of the barriers. The accuracy of the model is validated with data from a CRH series train traveling at 350 km/h. This paper offers valuable insights to enhance our understanding and improve sound barrier design for a quieter future. Full article
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21 pages, 8363 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Tachymenoides (Serpentes: Dipsadidae: Tachymenini) from Peru with Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Galvarinus tarmensis (Walker, 1945)
by Edgar Lehr, Mikael Lundberg, Juan Carlos Cusi, Jack W. Sites, Jr., Claudia Torres and César Aguilar-Puntriano
Taxonomy 2025, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5020018 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
We describe a new species of snake of the genus Tachymenoides using molecular and morphological evidence. The description is based on 21 specimens (4 females, 17 males) obtained in the regions of Pasco, Junín, and Puno between 2190 and 3050 m elevation. A [...] Read more.
We describe a new species of snake of the genus Tachymenoides using molecular and morphological evidence. The description is based on 21 specimens (4 females, 17 males) obtained in the regions of Pasco, Junín, and Puno between 2190 and 3050 m elevation. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on two mitochondrial (12S and cyt-b) genes and one nuclear (c-mos) gene shows that the new species is the sister taxon of T. affinis and distinct from Galvarinus tarmensis, which we transfer back to Tachymenis. The new species has smooth dorsal scales without apical pits usually in 19/17/15 series, 1 preocular, 2 postoculars, 1 loreal undivided nasal scale, 8 supralabials (4th and 5th in contact with the eye), 9 infralabials, 1–2+2–3 temporals, 139–157 ventrals, 52–67 subcaudals, and a divided cloacal scale. The longest specimen, a male, had a total length of 559 mm. Two females contained six and five eggs with small embryos. In life, the dorsum and flanks are olive brown to pale grayish brown with scattered black and cream flecks and no longitudinal stripes. Ventral coloration is highly variable, nearly uniformly black, mottled gray and dark-gray, mottled pale gray and tan, or pale grayish tan. Usually, three irregularly shaped, narrow, longitudinal ventral stripes are present. The iris is brown with a distinct yellowish-tan ringlet. Full article
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17 pages, 2836 KiB  
Article
An Indicator-Based Framework for Sustainable Mining Using Fuzzy AHP
by Saleem Raza Chalgri, Muhammad Saad Memon, Fahad Irfan Siddiqui and Shakeel Ahmed Shaikh
Earth 2025, 6(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6020023 - 2 Apr 2025
Abstract
The mineral extraction industry is vital for nations’ economic growth, as it provides raw materials for various industries. Implementing sustainable mining practices in this sector can contribute to its long-term growth and stability. However, Pakistan lacks a well-defined sustainability assessment framework for mining, [...] Read more.
The mineral extraction industry is vital for nations’ economic growth, as it provides raw materials for various industries. Implementing sustainable mining practices in this sector can contribute to its long-term growth and stability. However, Pakistan lacks a well-defined sustainability assessment framework for mining, leaving a critical gap in research and practice. Existing internationally developed frameworks are not directly applicable, as they were designed for contexts where the mining industry predominantly uses mechanized operations. In contrast, Pakistan’s extraction process relies heavily on manual methods, making it necessary to develop a context-specific framework. A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to prioritize these indicators and sub-indicators for the sustainability assessment of Pakistan’s mineral industry. The findings of this study highlight that the environmental dimension ranks as the highest priority, followed by social and economic dimensions. Among the environmental indicators, pollution and smart technologies each received a weight of 0.40, which was also the case for the social indicator of discrimination and nepotism, as well as the economic indicators of GDP growth and wealth creation. Furthermore, the results suggest that the extensive use of smart technologies for pollution control is a key factor in fostering environmental sustainability. Full article
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