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20 pages, 3634 KB  
Article
Automated Assessment of Construction Workers’ Accident Risk During Walks for Safety Planning Based on Empirical Data
by Jongwoo Cho, Ho-Young Lee, Junyoung Kim, Junyoung Jang and Tae Wan Kim
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010265 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Ensuring workers’ safety is a critical component of social sustainability in the construction industry. Accidents that occur while workers are walking on construction sites constitute a significant portion of overall accidents, yet they are often overlooked in conventional task-oriented safety risk assessments. This [...] Read more.
Ensuring workers’ safety is a critical component of social sustainability in the construction industry. Accidents that occur while workers are walking on construction sites constitute a significant portion of overall accidents, yet they are often overlooked in conventional task-oriented safety risk assessments. This study proposes novel Accident-During-Walk (ADW) risk indices, hierarchical and data-driven metrics designed to quantify workers’ accident risk during walks. The indices are built on Association Rule Mining and utilize structured accident data, accounting for both environmental and work-related attributes. By integrating these indices with project-specific work schedules and worker allocation plans, this study establishes an automated method for daily and weekly look-ahead ADW risk monitoring aligned with construction progress. Case studies on two construction projects validate the discriminative power of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the indices effectively capture risk fluctuations driven by concurrent multi-trade operations and environmental severity. Notably, the analysis reveals counterintuitive patterns where adverse weather conditions paradoxically reduce risk values by constraining worker mobility, a nuance often missed by static assessments. Ultimately, this framework serves as a data-driven decision-support tool, enabling safety managers to transition from uniform inspections to targeted interventions during high-risk periods, thereby fostering a safer and more socially sustainable construction environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Construction Engineering and Management)
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8 pages, 2634 KB  
Case Report
Primary Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) Arthroplasty for Bennett Fracture in Setting of Severe Thumb Osteoarthritis: A Case Report
by Chiara Stambazzi, Marvin Menini and Luca Pandolfo
Surgeries 2026, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries7010006 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Bennett fractures are common intra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal. Not optimal restoration of the articular surface often leads to osteoarthritis, with pain and limited movement. In patients with established and symptomatic TMC osteoarthritis, arthroplasty with MAIA® prosthesis could [...] Read more.
Bennett fractures are common intra-articular fractures of the base of the first metacarpal. Not optimal restoration of the articular surface often leads to osteoarthritis, with pain and limited movement. In patients with established and symptomatic TMC osteoarthritis, arthroplasty with MAIA® prosthesis could be a valid option. In July 2024, a right-handed man of 68 years old fell on his hand. Radiographs showed a Bennett fracture in a setting of Eaton–Littler stage 3 osteoarthritis, already painful and disabling according to the patient. For correct pre-operative planning, a 3D model of the affected hand was produced. The patient underwent TMC arthroplasty with a MAIA® prosthesis. Two months after surgery, the results reported no pain (VAS scale) and considerable functionality and mobility of the first ray (AROM, Kapandji score, and PRWHE were investigated). The mean pinch strength of the right hand was 7 kg and of the left hand 7.5 kg using a pinch meter. At one-year follow-up, no complications were reported: the implant did not show signs of loosening or subsidence. TMC arthroplasty in Bennett fractures could represent a safe procedure in patients with established TMC osteoarthritis; however, further studies are requested in order to clarify effectiveness and indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Technologies in Hand Surgery: Ultrasound, 3D Printing, Planning & Robotics)
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18 pages, 6246 KB  
Article
Cross-Modality Alignment Perception and Multi-Head Self-Attention Mechanism for Vision-Language-Action of Humanoid Robot
by Bin Ren and Diwei Shi
Sensors 2026, 26(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010165 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
For a humanoid robot, it is difficult to predict a motion trajectory through end-to-end imitation learning when performing complex operations and multi-step processes, leading to jittering in the robot arm. To alleviate this problem and reduce the computational complexity of the self-attention module [...] Read more.
For a humanoid robot, it is difficult to predict a motion trajectory through end-to-end imitation learning when performing complex operations and multi-step processes, leading to jittering in the robot arm. To alleviate this problem and reduce the computational complexity of the self-attention module in Vision-Language-Action (VLA) operations, we proposed a memory-gated filtering attention model that improved the multi-head self-attention mechanism. Then, we designed a cross-modal alignment perception during training, combined with a few-shot data-collection strategy for key steps. The experimental results showed that the proposed scheme significantly improved the task success rate and alleviated the robot arm jitter problem, while reducing video memory usage by 72% and improving training speed from 1.35 s to 0.129 s per batch. This maintained higher action accuracy and robustness in the humanoid robot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in the Sensing and Control Techniques Used for Intelligent Industrial Perception and Service Robotics)
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57 pages, 4707 KB  
Article
Sustainable Design and Energy Efficiency in Supertall and Megatall Buildings: Challenges of Multi-Criteria Certification Implementation
by Anna Piętocha and Eugeniusz Koda
Energies 2026, 19(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010133 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Rapid urbanization, rising energy consumption, and the environmental pressures of the 21st century have led the construction sector to focus on sustainable design solutions to protect the natural environment and combat climate change. Technological advances are leading to an increasing number of ultratall [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization, rising energy consumption, and the environmental pressures of the 21st century have led the construction sector to focus on sustainable design solutions to protect the natural environment and combat climate change. Technological advances are leading to an increasing number of ultratall buildings. However, due to the complex issues involved, these structures currently serve primarily as symbols and serve as testing grounds for technological innovation. Therefore, there is a clear need to analyze the issues involved in designing high-rise buildings sustainably in the context of contemporary environmental challenges. Global multi-criteria certifications exist to establish parameters verifying a building’s impact on its surroundings. This study systematically assessed the sustainable strategies of the world’s twenty tallest buildings using a four-category model: A—passive design, B—active mechanical systems, C—renewable energy integration, and D—materials, water, and circularity strategies. The quantitative assessment (0–60) was supplemented with qualitative analysis and correlational research, including LEED certification. A novel element of the study is a multi-criteria comparative analysis, culminating in an assessment of the degree of implementation of sustainable development strategies in the world’s tallest buildings and linking the results to LEED certification levels. The results identify categories requiring further improvement. The results indicate that Merdeka 118 (46.7%), followed One World Trade Center (43.3%) and Shanghai Tower (41.7%) received the highest scores. Category B dominated all buildings, categories A and D demonstrated moderate implementation, and category C demonstrated the lowest performance due to economic and technical constraints at extreme heights. LEED Platinum-certified buildings demonstrated significantly higher levels of technology integration than Gold or non-certified buildings. The study results emphasize the need for integrating passive design strategies early in the design process, improving renewable energy solutions, and long-term operational monitoring supported by digital tools (such as IoT and digital twins). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Sustainable Buildings)
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26 pages, 2533 KB  
Article
A Sulfated Polysaccharide from Red Seaweed Gracilaria caudata Exhibits Antioxidant and Antiadipogenic Activities In Vitro
by Maxsuell Lucas Mendes Marques, Leandro Silva Costa, Mariana Santana Santos Pereira Costa and Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24010015 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study investigated the antioxidant and antiadipogenic activities of sulfated polysaccharide (SPs) from the red seaweed Gracilaria caudata. First, sulfated polysaccharide-rich extracts (SPREs) from fifteen tropical seaweeds were screened to evaluate both their chemical composition and antioxidant potential. Among all samples, G. [...] Read more.
This study investigated the antioxidant and antiadipogenic activities of sulfated polysaccharide (SPs) from the red seaweed Gracilaria caudata. First, sulfated polysaccharide-rich extracts (SPREs) from fifteen tropical seaweeds were screened to evaluate both their chemical composition and antioxidant potential. Among all samples, G. caudata exhibited the highest total antioxidant capacity, which justified its selection for detailed characterization. Sequential acetone precipitation produced three SPs (F1.5, F2.0, and F3.0), differing in sulfate content, monosaccharide composition, and molecular weight. In vitro assays revealed that F1.5 had the highest total antioxidant capacity and strong iron-chelating activity, while F2.0 exhibited the most effective hydroxyl radical scavenger. Importantly, F1.5 was the only SP that was non-cytotoxic to non-tumor cell lines. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, F1.5 attenuated H2O2-induced oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA levels and restoring GSH and SOD activity, achieving effects comparable to those of quercetin. Moreover, F1.5 inhibited adipogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as evidenced by decreased Oil Red O staining and reduced glycerol release. Collectively, these findings indicate that F1.5 exerts both antioxidant and antiadipogenic activities, highlighting G. caudata as a promising natural source of bioactive polysaccharides with potential nutraceutical applications. Nonetheless, further studies are required to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, validate the efficacy in vivo, and assess bioavailability and safety before clinical translation can be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Glycobiology)
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17 pages, 2811 KB  
Article
Full-Scale Efficient Production and Economic Analysis of SCFAs from UPOW and Its Application as a Carbon Source for Sustainable Wastewater Biological Treatment
by Yuxi Chen, Lei Dong and Xin Zhang
Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010262 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
There are large amounts of carbohydrates and proteins in rban perishable organic waste (UPOW), which can be converted to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through microbial methods. In this study, the mass balance and properties of organic slurry generated from UPOW pretreatment were [...] Read more.
There are large amounts of carbohydrates and proteins in rban perishable organic waste (UPOW), which can be converted to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through microbial methods. In this study, the mass balance and properties of organic slurry generated from UPOW pretreatment were investigated first. Then, the optimal conditions for SCFAs production from organic slurry of UPOW was studied. It was found that under the conditions of pH 8 ± 0.5 and reaction time of 3 d, the yield of SCFAs, mainly composed of acetic and propionic acids, in the full-scale reactor was 0.68 gCOD/gTCOD of organic slurry. Under the conditions of influent NH4+-N, total nitrogen, soluble ortho-phosphorus, and soluble COD of 27–39, 33–45, 2–9, and 220–300 mg/L, respectively, the use of SCFAs-enriched fermentation liquid (100 mg COD/L) as the additional carbon source for full-scale biological municipal wastewater treatment showed a higher total nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency than that of sodium acetate (88.1 ± 5.2% against 81.4 ± 4.5% and 96.9 ± 3.1% versus 91.5 ± 2.8%) due to greater key enzyme activity and short-cut nitrification and denitrification capacity. Finally, based on the actual operation process, an economic benefit analysis on the production of SCFAs-enriched fermentation liquid from UPOW was conducted, and the issues that need to be addressed for the promotion and application of this technology were discussed. This study contributes to achieving sustainable synergistic treatment of organic waste and wastewater. Full article
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13 pages, 2011 KB  
Article
Data-Driven State-of-Health Estimation by Reconstructing Virtual Full-Charge Segments
by Dongxu Guo, Zhenghang Zou, Xin Lai and Yuejiu Zheng
Batteries 2026, 12(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries12010010 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
The rapid growth of new energy vehicles necessitates accurate battery state of health (SOH) assessment to ensure safety and reliability. However, real-world SOH estimation is challenging because users rarely perform full charge–discharge cycles, leaving only fragmented charging segments that obscure true battery capacity. [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of new energy vehicles necessitates accurate battery state of health (SOH) assessment to ensure safety and reliability. However, real-world SOH estimation is challenging because users rarely perform full charge–discharge cycles, leaving only fragmented charging segments that obscure true battery capacity. To address this, we propose a data-driven method that reconstructs a virtual full-charge cycle. By clustering charging segments based on temperature and current, the approach creatively splices multiple incomplete curves from similar mileages and conditions into a complete charging profile. This enables robust full-capacity estimation on a large-scale real-world vehicle dataset, achieving estimation errors below 2% when compared with offline validation tests. The method offers a practical and scalable solution for SOH monitoring and fleet management using field data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physics-Informed Artificial Intelligence for Battery Energy Storage Systems)
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16 pages, 475 KB  
Article
Effects of Polymer Application Rates on Yield and Photosynthesis in Faba Bean and Pea
by Katarzyna Czopek and Mariola Staniak
Agriculture 2026, 16(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16010056 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Climate change exacerbates soil moisture deficits, necessitating efficient water retention strategies. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) offer a potential solution to enhance water availability for crops during dry periods. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were selected as model [...] Read more.
Climate change exacerbates soil moisture deficits, necessitating efficient water retention strategies. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) offer a potential solution to enhance water availability for crops during dry periods. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) were selected as model legumes due to their high nutritional value, agricultural importance in temperate regions, and sensitivity to drought stress This study evaluated the effects of different SAP application rates on the yield and physiological performance of two legume species: faba bean (cv. Granit) and pea (cv. Batuta). The two-year (2017–2018) field experiments employed a randomized block design with four replicates. Treatments included three SAP doses: 0 (control, SAP0), 20 (SAP20) and 30 (SAP30) kg·ha−1. The study was conducted over two years with contrasting weather: 2017 was wetter but had uneven rainfall distribution, while 2018 was drier and characterized by moisture deficits during critical growth stages. SAP application significantly increased seed yield in faba bean and pea, with the most favorable effect observed at 20 kg ha (average yield increase of 23.6% and 17.3%, respectively). SAP did not affect yield components in faba bean. However, in peas, an increase in pod number and seed number per plant was observed with the SAP30 dose compared to the SAP20 dose. Application of superabsorbent at a dose of 20 kg ha−1 significantly increased photosynthesis rate in faba bean, the Fv/Fm index in the tested species, and the PI in peas compared to the control. However, the superabsorbent did not affect transpiration rate or the WUE coefficient in the tested legume species. Significantly higher yields in faba bean and pea and all tested plant structure parameters in pea were recorded in 2018 compared to 2017. The tested parameters of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were higher in pea in 2018 (except for transpiration intensity) and in faba bean in 2017. The findings suggest that SAPs can be a useful tool to mitigate water stress effects in legumes, although their effectiveness depends on environmental conditions. Therefore, SAP application may be a promising agronomic strategy in regions prone to irregular rainfall or moderate drought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture and Global Climate Change: Threats, Challenges and Adaptations)
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28 pages, 10519 KB  
Article
Performance Comparison of STPV and Split Louvers in Hot Arid Climates
by Abdelhakim Mesloub, Mohamed Ahmed Said Mohamed and Lambros T. Doulos
Buildings 2026, 16(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010117 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Façade systems in hot, high-insolation climates are required to simultaneously mitigate cooling loads, ensure high-quality daylight, and, where feasible, harvest on-site electricity demands that are often in tension. This study assesses and compares two efficient façade strategies for a fully glazed office prototype [...] Read more.
Façade systems in hot, high-insolation climates are required to simultaneously mitigate cooling loads, ensure high-quality daylight, and, where feasible, harvest on-site electricity demands that are often in tension. This study assesses and compares two efficient façade strategies for a fully glazed office prototype in Hail, Saudi Arabia: semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing (STPV10–30%VLT) and parametrically tuned split louvers (18 depth–spacing–tilt configurations). Using a unified parametric workflow (Rhino/Grasshopper), Radiance/honeybee for daylight metrics, ASHRAE-55 heat-balance metrics for thermal comfort, and EnergyPlus for end-use and PV yield, to evaluate annual and solstice performance across cardinal orientations. Optimized split louvers maintained UDI300–1000lx and effectively suppress glare, but incur substantial lighting-energy penalties. In contrast, STPV with 10–20% VLT broadly meets daylight targets while strongly reducing cooling and lighting demand, delivering whole-façade energy savings of up to 50–94% depending on orientation, but could be net-neutral to slightly adverse north 3% when daylight penalties dominate. Thermal comfort responses mirrored these trends: summer PMV was near 0 to +0.5 for both systems, with winter under-heating evident when solar gains are strongly suppressed. Overall, in hot-arid, highly glazed offices, STPV of 10–20%VLT provides the most balanced triad of daylight quality, cooling reduction, and net energy benefit, while optimized louvers excel where glare control is paramount but require careful daylight-control integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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29 pages, 513 KB  
Article
Does International Green Finance Accelerate Green Innovation? Catalysts for Fostering CO2 Reduction in Developing Economies
by Walid Bakry, Behnaz Saboori, Peter John Kavalmthara, Girijasankar Mallik, Sajan Cyril and Yiyang Liu
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19010019 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
While domestic green finance is widely recognized for its role in fostering green innovation and supporting climate change mitigation, the impact of international green finance (IGF) remains critical, particularly for developing economies where external finance inflows can catalyse transitions toward low-carbon development. This [...] Read more.
While domestic green finance is widely recognized for its role in fostering green innovation and supporting climate change mitigation, the impact of international green finance (IGF) remains critical, particularly for developing economies where external finance inflows can catalyse transitions toward low-carbon development. This study investigates the long-run and short-run effects of IGF on green innovation and further examines the influence of green innovation on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across a panel of 76 developing countries from 2000 to 2019. Using second-generation panel cointegration and the vector error correction mechanism, our findings reveal a nonlinear long-run relationship between IGF and total innovation, indicating that IGF must exceed a threshold before significantly boosting total innovation in developing economies. We also identify an inverted U-shaped relationship between IGF and green innovation, in which the positive effects of IGF diminish beyond a certain point. Crucially, IGF emerges as a significant driver of CO2 emissions reduction in both the short- and long-run. While total innovation is associated with increased emissions over the long term, green innovation contributes to a substantial and sustained decrease in CO2 emissions. These results emphasize the need to design targeted policies that prioritize green innovation and scale up IGF to support sustainable growth in developing countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Finance: Navigating the Path to a Greener Future)
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24 pages, 8143 KB  
Article
A Novel Method for Estimating the Body Weight and Size of Sows Using 3D Point Cloud
by Hong Zhou, Qiuju Xie, Wenfeng Wang, Jiaming Gu, Honggui Liu, Bin Li, Shuaijun Wu and Fang Zheng
Animals 2026, 16(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010072 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Body weight and size are critical indicators of sow health and reproductive performance. Traditional manual measurement methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also induce stress in sows. To address these limitations, we propose an innovative method for estimating sow body weight [...] Read more.
Body weight and size are critical indicators of sow health and reproductive performance. Traditional manual measurement methods are not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also induce stress in sows. To address these limitations, we propose an innovative method for estimating sow body weight and size using 3D point cloud data. Our method began by obtaining point cloud data from depth images captured by an Intel® RealSense™ D455 camera. First, we used a KPConv segmentation model with a deformable kernel to extract the sow‘s back. The resulting back point cloud then served as the input to a novel dual-branch, multi-output regression model named DbmoNet, which integrates features from both location and feature spaces. We evaluated the method on 2400 samples from three breeds during non-pregnant periods. The KPConv model demonstrated excellent performance, achieving an overall segmentation accuracy (OA) of 99.54%. The proposed DbmoNet model outperformed existing benchmarks, achieving mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 3.74% for body weight (BW), 3.97% for chest width (CW), 3.33% for hip width (HW), 3.82% for body length (BL), 1.94% for chest height (CH), and 2.43% for hip height (HH). Therefore, this method provides an accurate and efficient tool for non-contact body condition monitoring in intensive sow production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic AI, Deep Learning, and Machine Learning in Veterinary Science Imaging)
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14 pages, 2403 KB  
Article
Evaluation of CD3 and CD20 Lymphocytes and Mast Cells in the Microenvironment of Central Giant Cell Granuloma, Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma, and Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
by Khelan A. Fayaq and Balkees T. Gharib
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010090 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Objective: Giant cell lesions (GCLs) share similar histopathologic features. The influence of immune involvement on the biology of giant cell lesions remains largely elusive. This study aimed to evaluate and compare lymphocyte and mast cell infiltration and distribution among three giant cell [...] Read more.
Objective: Giant cell lesions (GCLs) share similar histopathologic features. The influence of immune involvement on the biology of giant cell lesions remains largely elusive. This study aimed to evaluate and compare lymphocyte and mast cell infiltration and distribution among three giant cell lesions. Study design: A total of 30 FFPE tissue blocks, comprising 10 PGCGs, 10 CGCGs (aggressive and nonaggressive), and 10 GCTs (aggressive and nonaggressive) of bone, were subjected to IHC staining for CD3 and CD20 lymphocyte markers and toluidine blue staining for mast cells. The mean count of positively stained cells was calculated and categorized into three scores, along with a group for negative cases. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess significance at p < 0.05. Result: Lymphocyte infiltration was observed across all lesions. CD3+ and CD20+ cell counts were significantly elevated in PGCGs, followed by CGCGs, and were lowest in GCTs of bone. In contrast, mast cell counts were high in GCTs of bone and CGCGs and low in PGCGs. Aggressive giant cell lesions of bone showed a significantly low number of CD3+ and CD20+ cells (Mann–Whitney U test; p = 0.05, 0.004) and a high number of mast cells (Mann–Whitney U test; p < 0.001) compared with nonaggressive lesions of bone. PGCGs and nonaggressive CGCGs showed comparable CD3 expression, with no significant difference between them (p = 0.59). CD20 levels were higher in nonaggressive CGCGs but did not reach statistical significance (Mann–Whitney U test; p = 0.07). Mast cell density was significantly lower in PGCGs compared with intraosseous nonaggressive CGCGs. Conclusions: The present study shows that GCTs of bone, CGCGs, and PGCGs possess distinct immune microenvironmental profiles. Aggressive lesions demonstrate reduced lymphocyte infiltration and increased mast cell density, a pattern particularly evident in GCTs of bone. This imbalance may contribute to their aggressive behavior by enabling them to escape host immune regulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics)
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23 pages, 491 KB  
Article
Properties of Residual Cumulative Sharma–Taneja–Mittal Model and Its Extensions in Reliability Theory with Applications to Human Health Analysis and Mixed Coherent Mechanisms
by Mohamed Said Mohamed and Hanan H. Sakr
Entropy 2026, 28(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010032 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
The entropy measure of residual cumulative Sharma–Taneja–Mittal is an alternative measure of uncertainty for residual cumulative entropy. This study investigates further theoretical properties and develops nonparametric estimation procedures for the proposed measure. The performance of the estimator is evaluated through simulation experiments, and [...] Read more.
The entropy measure of residual cumulative Sharma–Taneja–Mittal is an alternative measure of uncertainty for residual cumulative entropy. This study investigates further theoretical properties and develops nonparametric estimation procedures for the proposed measure. The performance of the estimator is evaluated through simulation experiments, and its practical relevance is illustrated using a real-world dataset on malignant tumor cases. Moreover, we investigate the properties of its dynamic version, including stochastic comparisons and its connections with the hazard rate function, mean residual function, and equilibrium random variables. Moreover, we introduce an alternative version of dynamic residual cumulative Sharma–Taneja–Mittal entropy and examine its monotonic properties. Additionally, we discuss this alternative version and its conditional form in the circumstances of record values. We introduce this alternative expression for the residual lifespan of upper record quantities in general distributions, characterizing it as a measure of upper record quantities derived from a distribution of uniform. Since Sharma–Taneja–Mittal entropy measures uncertainty, we also investigate its use in determining the entropy of the lifespan of mixed and coherent mechanisms, in which the lives of its constituent components are identically distributed and independent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Uncertainty Measures)
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17 pages, 2690 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Association Study on the Estimated Breeding Values for Udder and Longevity and the Candidate Genes in Holstein-Friesian Cows in Hungary
by Attila Zsolnai, László Bognár, Szabolcs Albin Bene, Laszló Rózsa, Péter Póti, Ferenc Szabó and István Anton
Animals 2026, 16(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16010073 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Our genome-wide association study identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with estimated breeding values (EBVs) for udder traits and longevity in Holstein-Friesian cows. While no SNP was individually associated with multiple EBVs, the functional profiles of the associated genes revealed overlapping biological processes across [...] Read more.
Our genome-wide association study identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with estimated breeding values (EBVs) for udder traits and longevity in Holstein-Friesian cows. While no SNP was individually associated with multiple EBVs, the functional profiles of the associated genes revealed overlapping biological processes across traits, including cell signaling, transcription regulation, immune response, metabolism, and cellular maintenance. Notably, nearby SNPs BTB-01738708 and ARS-BFGL-NGS-111478 were associated with EBVlongevity and EBVudder and located near numerous genes, including GPR85, BMT2, IFRD1, and DOCK4, suggesting a potential for shared genetic influence on these traits. Our findings provide insights into the complex genetic architecture of these economically important traits and highlight the need for further research, including fine-mapping and functional genomics, to elucidate the specific variants and their effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cattle Genetics and Breeding)
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15 pages, 2398 KB  
Article
Effect of Different Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates on the Yield and Potassium Utilization Efficiency of Maize in Xinjiang, China
by Gonghao Cao, Licun Zhang, Guodong Wang, Jiliang Zheng and Fei Liang
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010072 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Potassium (K) is crucial for global maize (Zea mays L.) production, yet the issue of “high K fertilizer input but low utilization efficiency” in K-rich soils of Xinjiang remains underexplored. A three-year field experiment (2020, 2021, 2024) in Xinjiang evaluated the effects [...] Read more.
Potassium (K) is crucial for global maize (Zea mays L.) production, yet the issue of “high K fertilizer input but low utilization efficiency” in K-rich soils of Xinjiang remains underexplored. A three-year field experiment (2020, 2021, 2024) in Xinjiang evaluated the effects of reduced K application on maize growth, grain yield (GY), and K-use efficiency. Five treatments were tested: K100 (136.0 kg K2O·ha−1), K60 (83.5 kg K2O·ha−1), K40 (55.6 kg K2O·ha−1), K0 (no K), and CK (no fertilizer). The research shows that K60 significantly outperforms K100 in terms of physiological parameters (plant height + 2.7–34.7%, leaf area index (LAI) + 6.3–26.8%, dry matter + 22.0–28.8%); GY and thousand kernel weight (TKW) improved by 6.9–15.1% and 9.3–30.3%, respectively. The potassium fertilizer productivity (PFPK) and potassium fertilizer agronomic efficiency (AEK) increased by 78–112.3% and 176.4–2085% compared to the K100. During the three-year period, the maximum net income of K60 reached 28,206 CNY·ha−1, which was 18.9–20.7% higher than that of K100. Regression analysis identified an optimal K rate of 82.2–85 kg·ha−1 for maximum yield. Least squares structural equation mode (PLS-SEM) and correlation analyses revealed that moderate K reduction enhanced vegetative growth and optimized yield structure, indirectly boosting yield, thereby directly driving net income. Thus, reducing K input can achieve “lower input with higher efficiency”, offering a practical basis for optimizing K management in arid-region maize systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safe and Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Crops)
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44 pages, 5834 KB  
Article
Smart Hybrid Maintenance as a Pathway to Energy-Efficient Manufacturing
by Sebastian Dudzik, Gabriela Gic-Grusza, Dawid Pilc and Piotr Szeląg
Energies 2026, 19(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010132 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing requires maintenance strategies that extend beyond reliability optimization toward active energy management. This study proposes a Smart Hybrid Maintenance System (SHMS) that integrates Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) principles with energy performance assessment. [...] Read more.
The growing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable manufacturing requires maintenance strategies that extend beyond reliability optimization toward active energy management. This study proposes a Smart Hybrid Maintenance System (SHMS) that integrates Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) and Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) principles with energy performance assessment. The framework combines classical reliability indicators (MTBF, MTTR, and Availability) with energy-oriented Key Performance Indicators (EEI, EENS, and OEE) to quantify the relationship between machine degradation, operational availability, and energy efficiency. The methodology was validated using two datasets: NASA N-CMAPSS for simulation-based benchmarking and the Smart RDM industrial environment for real process data. Results demonstrate that predictive maintenance supported by the Hybrid Risk Index (HRI) reduces unplanned downtime by up to 12%, corresponding to a 7–9% decrease in specific energy consumption and a measurable improvement in the Energy Efficiency Index. By embedding energy metrics into predictive maintenance decision-making, the SHMS enables dual optimization of reliability and energy performance. The proposed approach not only enhances equipment availability and cost efficiency but also supports industrial decarbonization targets, positioning predictive maintenance as a key enabler of energy-aware and sustainable manufacturing aligned with Industry 5.0 objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improvements of the Electricity Power System: 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 1324 KB  
Article
Integrating Analyst-Forecasting Indicators into Business Intelligence Systems for Data-Driven Financial Distress Prediction
by Zhenkun Liu, Mu Wang, Dansheng Liu, Zhiyuan Du, Lifang Zhang and Jianzhou Wang
Systems 2026, 14(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14010029 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Predictive analytics for financial distress plays an important role in enterprise risk management and everyday business decisions. Most past studies mainly use accounting indicators that come from standard financial reports. This study adds analyst-forecast financial indicators and places them in a data-driven business [...] Read more.
Predictive analytics for financial distress plays an important role in enterprise risk management and everyday business decisions. Most past studies mainly use accounting indicators that come from standard financial reports. This study adds analyst-forecast financial indicators and places them in a data-driven business intelligence setup to improve how companies predict financial distress. We work with seven real datasets to test several predictive models and run statistical checks to see how analyst forecasts work with historical financial data. The results show that analyst-forecast indicators can clearly improve prediction accuracy and make the results easier to understand. From an enterprise systems view, this study pushes traditional financial distress prediction toward a smarter analytics setup that supports real-time, explainable, and data-based risk assessment. The findings provide useful ideas for both the theory and practice of designing business intelligence systems and financial decision-support tools for companies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Intelligence and Data Analytics in Enterprise Systems)
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29 pages, 23134 KB  
Article
Regulating Extruded Expanded Food Quality Through Extrusion Die Geometry and Processing Parameters
by Qi Zhang, Runzhe Zhang, Junjie Gong, Wenguang Wei, Lela Susilawati and Zhichao Li
Foods 2026, 15(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15010078 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Quality regulation of extruded expanded foods represents a critical technological challenge in this field. Current research has predominantly focused on the impact of extrusion processing parameters, largely overlooking the regulatory role of die structure. This study presents an integrated “CFD + Extrusion Process” [...] Read more.
Quality regulation of extruded expanded foods represents a critical technological challenge in this field. Current research has predominantly focused on the impact of extrusion processing parameters, largely overlooking the regulatory role of die structure. This study presents an integrated “CFD + Extrusion Process” methodology to systematically explore the effects of die design and process conditions on expanded product quality. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations evaluated the influence of nozzle number (12–15) and L/D ratio (1.25–2.5) on flow uniformity, the CFD results identified an optimal die configuration of 14 nozzles with L/D = 1.25, which minimized flow variance (velocity variance: 1.09 × 10−5 (m/s)2; viscosity variance: 2.777 (Pa·s)2) and established a stable flow foundation. Building on this, the RSM-based experiments revealed how process parameters specifically fine-tune quality attributes: screw speed and moisture content significantly (p < 0.05) affected Water Absorption Index (WAI) and Water Solubility Index (WSI), whereas moisture and temperature were the dominant factors (p < 0.05) governing bulk density and starch gelatinization. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the precise control of the quality of expanded food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advancements in Food Processing Technologies for Enhancing Food Quality)
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18 pages, 378 KB  
Article
The Impact of Oregano Essential Oil and the Finishing System on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Heifers
by Mirelle Magalhães Souza, Julián Andrés Castillo Vargas, Andressa Moraes Carvalho, Ana Carolina Müller Conti, Daniel Henrique Souza Tavares, Bárbara Pércya Lopes Coelho, Eduardo Pereira Santos, José Neuman Miranda Neiva and Fabrícia Rocha Chaves Miotto
Ruminants 2026, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants6010002 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a replacement for monensin (MON) on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in heifers finished either in confinement or on pasture. Thirty-six Nellore heifers (252.44 kg ± [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a replacement for monensin (MON) on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in heifers finished either in confinement or on pasture. Thirty-six Nellore heifers (252.44 kg ± 21.80 kg) were distributed in a completely randomised design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with two types of additives and two finishing systems. In both systems, a concentrate at 1.5% of body weight (BW) on a dry matter (DM) basis containing MON (282.2 mg/animal/day) or OEO (300 mg/animal/day) was offered daily. The final BW (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) were higher in confinement-finished animals than in those finished on pasture (p < 0.01). There was no effect from the finishing system (p ≥ 0.376) or additive (p ≥ 0.057) for hot-carcass weight, hot-carcass yield, subcutaneous fat thickness, or the Longissimus lumborum area. The pH and shear force of the meat did not differ between treatments (p ≥ 0.076). Finishing in confinement resulted in brighter meat than finishing on pasture (p ≤ 0.006). The use of OEO increased the redness of the meat (p ≤ 0.042). Consumer perception (n = 63) of the sensory attributes of aroma, colour, tenderness, flavour and juiciness was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). Heifers finished in confinement or on pasture, with the same proportion of concentrate in the diet and the addition of MON or OEO, presented similar characteristics for both the carcass and the meat. Full article
19 pages, 41986 KB  
Article
Control of Gene Expression by Proteins That Bind Many Alternative Nucleic Acid Structures Through the Same Domain
by Alan Herbert
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010272 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
The role of alternative nucleic acid structures (ANS) in biology is an area of increasing interest. These non-canonical structures include the Z-DNA and Z-RNA duplexes (ZNA), the three-stranded triplex, the four-stranded G-quadruplex (GQ), and i-motifs. Previously, the biological relevance of ANS was dismissed. [...] Read more.
The role of alternative nucleic acid structures (ANS) in biology is an area of increasing interest. These non-canonical structures include the Z-DNA and Z-RNA duplexes (ZNA), the three-stranded triplex, the four-stranded G-quadruplex (GQ), and i-motifs. Previously, the biological relevance of ANS was dismissed. Their formation in vitro often required non-physiological conditions, and there was no genetic evidence for their function. Further, structural studies confirmed that sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs) bound B-DNA. In contrast, ANS are formed dynamically by a subset of repeat sequences, called flipons. The flip requires energy, but not strand cleavage. Flipons are enriched in promoters where they modulate transcription. Here, computational modeling based on AlphaFold V3 (AF3), under optimized conditions, reveals that known B-DNA-binding TFs also dock to ANS, such as ZNA and GQ. The binding of HLH and bZIP homodimers to Z-DNA is promoted by methylarginine modifications. Heterodimers only bind preformed Z-DNA. The interactions of TFs with ANS likely enhance genome scanning to identify cognate B-DNA-binding sites in active genes. Docking of TF homodimers to Z-DNA potentially facilitates the assembly of heterodimers that dissociate and are stabilized by binding to a cognate B-DNA motif. The process enables rapid discovery of the optimal heterodimer combinations required to regulate a nearby promoter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Genetics and Genomics)
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19 pages, 1510 KB  
Article
Highly Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for the Detection of Urine Glucose Concentration
by Rajeev Kumar, Lalit Garia, Tae Soo Yun and Mangal Sain
Photonics 2026, 13(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13010020 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
This paper analyzes a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor utilizing silver (Ag) and Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) for glucose concentration detection in urine samples by the transfer matrix method (TMM). For effective SP excitation, a high-RI BAF10 prism is thought to be used as [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor utilizing silver (Ag) and Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) for glucose concentration detection in urine samples by the transfer matrix method (TMM). For effective SP excitation, a high-RI BAF10 prism is thought to be used as the coupling layer in the suggested theoretical design. The performance of the proposed SPR biosensor is theoretically evaluated using the wavelength interrogation technique by analyzing wavelength sensitivity (WS), detection accuracy (DA), figure of merit (FoM), and penetration depth (PD) parameters. Glucose in urine samples serves as the sensing medium (SM) in this biosensor configuration. The sensor achieves a maximum wavelength sensitivity of 6416.66 nm/RIU with a penetration depth of 297.53 nm. The ZrN structure incorporated in the biosensor demonstrates enhanced wavelength sensitivity through its molecular recognition sites that provide strong binding with glucose molecules. The improved wavelength sensitivity is attributed to the greater resonance wavelength shift produced by ZrN, resulting in significant performance enhancement of the biosensor for glucose detection. Benefits of the proposed SPR biosensor include very small urine sample concentration requirements (usually 0 mg/dL to 10 g/dL), compatibility with compact prism-based configurations that support the development of portable and affordable point-of-care devices, and quick detection within a few seconds due to real-time plasmonic response. These features make the sensor ideal for rapid, minimally invasive, and field-deployable glucose monitoring in both home and clinical relevance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Optical Sensors and Applications)
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20 pages, 2408 KB  
Article
Moving-Target Tracking in Airport Airside Operations Using AIMM-STUKF
by Jianshu Gao, Yinuo Dang, Yuxuan Zhu and Wenqing Xue
Sensors 2026, 26(1), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010166 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a mobile target tracking method for airport movement areas based on an adaptive interacting multiple model framework combined with a strong tracking unscented Kalman filter, referred to as the AIMM-STUKF algorithm. The objective is to enhance real-time tracking [...] Read more.
In this paper, we propose a mobile target tracking method for airport movement areas based on an adaptive interacting multiple model framework combined with a strong tracking unscented Kalman filter, referred to as the AIMM-STUKF algorithm. The objective is to enhance real-time tracking accuracy, improve model adaptability, and strengthen robustness against abrupt disturbances in complex airport environments. The proposed AIMM-STUKF adopts a standard STUKF formulation within the overall tracking framework, thereby enhancing responsiveness to maneuvering targets. An exponential correction factor is further constructed based on posterior model probability differences to adaptively adjust the Markov transition matrix, enabling self-adaptive mode switching. In addition, airport map information is incorporated to impose constraints on the position components of the filtered state estimates, enhancing the adaptability of the algorithm to the airport operational environment. Experimental validation is conducted through Monte Carlo simulations using representative trajectories that reflect realistic airport operational characteristics. Comparative results with the standard IMM-UKF and two existing AIMM-UKF algorithms demonstrate that the proposed AIMM-STUKF achieves superior performance in terms of tracking accuracy, model matching consistency, mode-switching responsiveness, and robustness against sudden disturbances. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)
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12 pages, 784 KB  
Article
Towards the in Silico Design of Diets: A Method for Reference Diet Templates Based on Objective Data and Institution Guidelines
by Paolo Tessari and Anna Lante
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010257 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: In silico diet design may represent a flexible approach in diet planning and adaptation to a variety of conditions, and it may take advantage from standard diet(s) as reference template(s). The concept of standard diet(s) is, however, quite vague and poorly [...] Read more.
Background: In silico diet design may represent a flexible approach in diet planning and adaptation to a variety of conditions, and it may take advantage from standard diet(s) as reference template(s). The concept of standard diet(s) is, however, quite vague and poorly defined. Objective: The aim of this work was to develop templates of omnivorous (OMN), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV), and vegan (VEG) standard diets, based on data produced in European countries and the USA in 1998–2024, and adapted to an adult subject requiring ≈2200 kcal/day. Design: Online databases were used to identify papers containing experimentally determined (EXP) data of daily food frequencies, or reporting dietary recommendations (REC) from (inter)national agencies or specific studies. Only sources reporting quantitative food data (as g/day) in OMN, LOV, and VEG diets were accepted. Results: Out of >200 publications initially identified, 24 EXP and 20 REC sources complied with the selection criteria. By combining the EXP and REC data within each diet type, total meat intake in OMN diet was 99 ± 36 g/day. Total dairy food in LOV diets (247 ± 107 g/day) tended to be lower (by ≈15%, NS) than in OMN diets (272 ± 100). In VEG diets, total vegetal foods were ≈33% greater than in LOV (p < 0.01), and ≈1-fold greater than in OMN ones (p < 0.00001). Total cereal foods were similar in OMN (272 ± 122) and LOV (264 ± 122) diets, but tended to be ≈20–25% greater in VEG diets (to 326 ± 103, NS). Potato and other starchy foods were not different among the three diets. Legumes and pulses were modestly but insignificantly greater in LOV (55 ± 25) and VEG diets (112 ± 137) than in OMN ones (31 ± 24). Soy products were greater in VEG than in LOV diets. The “nuts, seeds, and spreads” food group in VEG diets was ≈3-fold greater than in OMN (p < 0.0005), and ≈90% greater than in LOV diets (p < 0.002). Fruit intake in VEG diets was ≈14% (p = NS) and ≈ 60% (p < 0.005) greater than in LOV and OMN diets, respectively. Finally, the “protein and energy-rich vegetal alternatives” food group in LOV and VEG diets was ≈5- to ≈6-fold greater than in the OMN diet (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The exclusion of meat, fish, and egg in LOV diets is not compensated by increased dairy foods, rather by more total vegetal foods and protein-rich vegetal alternatives. VEG diets replace animal-derived proteins mainly with nuts, seeds, and spreads, soy products and protein-rich vegetal alternatives. On the basis of these data, templates to design “standard” OMN, LOV, and VEG diets are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
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14 pages, 1177 KB  
Article
Mapping Autism in Armenia Among Children and Adolescents Aged 0–18 Years: Population-Based Insights into Prevalence and Its Geographical Differences
by Aram Hayrapetyan, Naira Khachikyan, Armine Aslanyan, Armen Mkrtchyan, Armenuhi Qotanyan, Meri Mkhitaryan, Ganna Sakanyan, Tamara Avetisyan, Sofya Mkrtchyan, Larisa Avetisyan and Konstantin Yenkoyan
Children 2026, 13(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010035 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children and adolescents aged 0–18 years in the Republic of Armenia (RA), characterize geographic and sex-specific variations, and determine the mean age at diagnosis. These data are essential for [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children and adolescents aged 0–18 years in the Republic of Armenia (RA), characterize geographic and sex-specific variations, and determine the mean age at diagnosis. These data are essential for informing health system planning, evaluating potential disparities in access to diagnostic services, and generating hypotheses regarding the biological and healthcare-related factors underlying geographic variation in ASD prevalence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using administrative records from outpatient medical facilities serving children and adolescents across all ten marzes of RA and the city of Yerevan in 2021. ASD prevalence was estimated at the national and regional levels and stratified by urban and rural residence. The male-to-female prevalence ratio and the mean age at ASD diagnosis were also calculated. Results: The overall prevalence of ASD in RA was 2.3 per 1000 children (95% CI: 2.1–2.4). The highest prevalence was observed in Yerevan (3.7 per 1000). The mean age at diagnosis was 4.5 ± 2.5 years. Males exhibited a 5.1-fold higher prevalence compared to females. ASD prevalence was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural settings. Conclusions: ASD prevalence in RA demonstrates marked geographic and sex disparities, with significantly higher rates in urban regions and among males. These findings underscore the importance of continued ASD prevalence monitoring in RA to identify trends, explore potential biological and healthcare-related contributors to geographic variation, and improve healthcare system planning and management. In turn, improved understanding of regional differences in ASD prevalence may help inform more targeted and personalized approaches to care. The results may also support national and regional policymakers in health, education, and related sectors in developing and strengthening services for children and adolescents with ASD and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)
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9 pages, 1603 KB  
Case Report
Coexistence of Alport Syndrome and Fabry Disease in a Female with R112H Variant: Early Progression of Fabry
by Amedeo Grimaldi, Alessandra Auletta, Francesca Ciurli, Valeria Aiello, Gisella Vischini, Benedetta Fabbrizio, Francesca Becherucci, Gianandrea Pasquinelli, Gaetano La Manna, Irene Capelli and Renzo Mignani
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010269 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal disorder caused by GLA mutations, typically associated with glycosphingolipid accumulation and a wide phenotypic spectrum. The p.R112H variant is generally linked to a non-classic predominantly renal phenotype with mild biochemical abnormalities and slow progression. We report [...] Read more.
Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal disorder caused by GLA mutations, typically associated with glycosphingolipid accumulation and a wide phenotypic spectrum. The p.R112H variant is generally linked to a non-classic predominantly renal phenotype with mild biochemical abnormalities and slow progression. We report the case of a young woman carrying the R112H mutation who exhibited early-onset kidney involvement and unusually rapid progression to end-stage renal disease. Clinical history, serial evaluations, and kidney biopsy findings initially supported a diagnosis of Fabry nephropathy; however, re-evaluation of the native kidney biopsy revealed marked remodeling and multilamellation of the glomerular basement membrane, suggesting Alport-like lesions. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed a heterozygous pathogenic COL4A4 variant (G912R), indicating coexistence of Fabry disease and autosomal dominant Alport syndrome. This dual genetic condition likely accounted for the accelerated decline in kidney function, in contrast with the typically mild phenotype associated with R112H. Our literature review indicates that coexistence of these two inherited nephropathies has not previously been confirmed either histologically or genetically. This case underscores the importance of integrating genetic and ultrastructural assessment in patients with atypical or rapidly progressive renal disease Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Molecular Perspective on the Genetics of Kidney Diseases)
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4 pages, 177 KB  
Editorial
Editorial for “Sustainable and Digital Transformation of Road Infrastructures”
by Hugo M. R. D. Silva and Joel R. M. Oliveira
Infrastructures 2026, 11(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11010012 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025
Abstract
Road infrastructure is increasingly recognized as a critical asset for economic development, social cohesion, and territorial connectivity [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Digital Transformation of Road Infrastructures)
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