Advancing Open Science
Supporting academic communities
since 1996
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 

Recent Articles  

10 pages, 467 KB  
Article
Competition Stress Prolongs Exercise Recovery in Female Division I Collegiate Soccer Players
by Courtney D. Jensen, Ryann L. Martinez, Nathaniel J. Holmgren and Alexis C. King
Sports 2025, 13(12), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13120454 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study examined the effect of competition stress on recovery time in female collegiate soccer players. Thirty NCAA Division I athletes were monitored over 35 consecutive days using Polar Team Pro wearable devices, which captured exercise duration, distance covered, energy expenditure, sprint count, [...] Read more.
This study examined the effect of competition stress on recovery time in female collegiate soccer players. Thirty NCAA Division I athletes were monitored over 35 consecutive days using Polar Team Pro wearable devices, which captured exercise duration, distance covered, energy expenditure, sprint count, speed, heart rate, training load, and recovery duration. Data were collected across 20 practices and 7 competitions, totaling 845 observations. Linear regression was used to assess whether formal competition independently influenced recovery duration, controlling for time of day and workload variables. Athletes averaged 20.1 ± 1.1 years of age. Across all sessions, the mean exercise duration was 59.5 ± 38.7 min, with an average distance of 2.6 ± 2.1 km, and energy expenditure of 387.2 ± 283.5 kcals. Recovery duration was significantly longer after competition (51.3 ± 59.6 h) compared to practice (13.0 ± 15.8 h, p < 0.001). The regression model indicated that formal competition predicted an additional 51 h of recovery time (β = 50.540; p < 0.001), independent of physical workload. Recovery following formal competition is significantly prolonged, holding multiple components of workload constant. These findings offer novel insights into female athlete recovery and highlight the importance of sex-specific approaches in sports science. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength and Conditioning Society 2024: Sports Performance, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Health Improvement)
23 pages, 5327 KB  
Article
Holography Meets Theranostics: DFT/TDDFT Insights into Ru–NO@M20 (M = Au, Ag) and Ru–NO@Au10Ag10(Pc) Nanohybrids as Phase-Switchable Molecular Devices
by Athanassios Tsipis and Niq Catevas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 12113; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262412113 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Photo-induced bond linkage isomerization (BLI) in metal–nitrosyl compounds provides a molecular mechanism for controlling light-induced changes in refractive index and phase modulation. In this study, the ground and metastable states of a series of Ru–NO complexes and their Au20, Ag20 [...] Read more.
Photo-induced bond linkage isomerization (BLI) in metal–nitrosyl compounds provides a molecular mechanism for controlling light-induced changes in refractive index and phase modulation. In this study, the ground and metastable states of a series of Ru–NO complexes and their Au20, Ag20, and mixed Au10Ag10 nanocluster hybrids were investigated by DFT and TDDFT calculations. The photochemical rearrangement between the linear, side-on, and O-bound forms of Ru–NO was examined together with their electronic transitions, oscillator strengths, and characteristic vibrational shifts. From these data, parameters describing radiative efficiency, non-radiative coupling, and metastable-state stability were derived to identify compounds with favorable properties for holography and photonic applications. Particular attention was given to the [(Salen)Ru(NO)(HS)@Au20] complex, which shows a strong red-to-NIR response and balanced stability among its linkage isomers. Frequency-dependent polarizabilities α(ω) were calculated for its ground and metastable states and compared with those of the classical holographic material [Fe(CN)5NO]2− (nitroprusside). The refractive-index changes derived from α(ω) reveal that the Au20–salen hybrid produces a much larger and more strongly wavelength-dependent Δn(λ) than nitroprusside. At 635 nm, the modulation reaches approximately 0.06 for the hybrid, compared with 0.02 for nitroprusside. This enhancement reflects the cooperative effect of the Ru–NO chromophore and the Au20 nanocluster, which amplifies both polarizability and optical dispersion. The results demonstrate that coupling molecular photo-linkage isomerism with nanoplasmonic environments can significantly improve the performance of molecular systems for holography and optical-phase applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of IJMS: Updates and Advances in "Materials Science" Section)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

33 pages, 1697 KB  
Article
Toward Fair and Sustainable Regional Development: A Multidimensional Framework for Allocating Public Investments in Türkiye
by Esra Ekinci
Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411288 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Regional disparities pose persistent challenges for balanced and sustainable development in Türkiye, where provinces exhibit prominently heterogeneous socioeconomic structures, capacities, and investment needs. This study proposes an integrated, data-driven framework for allocating public investments across provinces by jointly addressing development efficiency and spatial [...] Read more.
Regional disparities pose persistent challenges for balanced and sustainable development in Türkiye, where provinces exhibit prominently heterogeneous socioeconomic structures, capacities, and investment needs. This study proposes an integrated, data-driven framework for allocating public investments across provinces by jointly addressing development efficiency and spatial equity. A dataset of 109 indicators for 81 provinces was compiled and standardized, and Principal Component Analysis, followed by multiple clustering algorithms (K-Means, Gaussian Mixture Model, Fuzzy C-Means), was used to derive robust provincial development profiles. National policy priorities were quantified through a document-based assessment of the 12th Development Plan (2024–2028), enabling the construction of nine strategic investment categories aligned with national objectives. These components were incorporated into a multi-objective optimization model formulated using the ε-constraint method, where total utility is maximized subject to an adjustable equity constraint based on a Gini-like parameter. Results reveal a clear efficiency–equity trade-off: low inequality tolerance yields uniform but low-return allocations, whereas relaxed equity constraints amplify concentration in high-capacity metropolitan provinces. Intermediate equity levels (G = 0.3–0.5) generate the most balanced outcomes, supporting both development potential and spatial cohesion. The proposed framework offers a transparent, reproducible decision support tool for more equitable and strategy-aligned public investment planning in Türkiye. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
13 pages, 1542 KB  
Article
Residual Safety Margin-Based Risk Stratification for Hospital-Wide POCT Glucose Meters Anchored to ISO 15197: Moving Beyond Pass-Fail
by Hao Bi, Yuting Chen, Yihan Wu, Zuliang Shi, Jianbo Xia and Qiuyue Yan
Diagnostics 2025, 15(24), 3220; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15243220 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: In this hospital-wide evaluation of point-of-care testing (POCT) glucose meters, we introduced a residual safety margin (r) anchored to ISO 15197:2013 thresholds to quantify tolerance, move beyond binary pass/fail assessments, and enable risk stratification. Methods: Thirty-five departmental glucose [...] Read more.
Background: In this hospital-wide evaluation of point-of-care testing (POCT) glucose meters, we introduced a residual safety margin (r) anchored to ISO 15197:2013 thresholds to quantify tolerance, move beyond binary pass/fail assessments, and enable risk stratification. Methods: Thirty-five departmental glucose meters were compared with a central laboratory reference at five predefined glucose concentrations. Compliance was assessed using ISO 15197:2013 point-wise limits, Bland–Altman analysis was used to estimate bias and limits of agreement, and the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated to summarize overall error. At each concentration, r was calculated for every department, ranked, and classified into low, medium, or high risk using allowable error thresholds based on biological variation, specifically total allowable error (TEa), mapped to the ISO limits. Results: All departments met ISO criteria (100% compliance; 95% CI: 97.9–100%). Mean bias was −1.43 mg/dL, with limits of agreement from −15.6 to 12.8 mg/dL; MARD was 3.8% (95% CI: 3.4–4.3%), and RMSE was 7.4 mg/dL (95% CI: 6.6–8.2 mg/dL). Despite universal compliance, r-based analysis revealed concentration-related heterogeneity and highlighted borderline-performing departments that were overlooked by conventional metrics. Conclusions: By anchoring residual safety margins to ISO thresholds, the r framework shifts POCT glucose assessment from a binary pass/fail decision to a risk-stratified ranking approach, exposing latent performance variation and supporting targeted quality improvement at the hospital level. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Point-of-Care Diagnostics and Devices)
20 pages, 2662 KB  
Article
Chemometric Approaches for Identification of Herbal Medicinal Products
by Olga V. Levitskaya, Tatiana V. Pleteneva, Elena V. Uspenskaya, Daria A. Galkina, Daiaana D. Ogotoeva, Nadezda A. Khodorovich and Anton V. Syroeshkin
Analytica 2025, 6(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica6040059 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Quality control of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) is challenging due to their multicomponent composition. For most HMPs, chemical reference standards (CRSs) required for traditional chromatographic and spectral analyses are unavailable. According to USP and Ph. Eur., an exception is valerian tincture, for which [...] Read more.
Quality control of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) is challenging due to their multicomponent composition. For most HMPs, chemical reference standards (CRSs) required for traditional chromatographic and spectral analyses are unavailable. According to USP and Ph. Eur., an exception is valerian tincture, for which highly specific CRSs have been developed. The aim of this study was to use principal component analysis (PCA) and the novel two-dimensional diffuse laser scattering (2D-DLS) method to identify HMPs and their aqueous-ethanolic extracts according to their botanical genera without relying on specific marker compounds. Spectral data were compiled into an extensive library covering a wide wavelength range—from 0.02 nm to 15,000 nm. PCA of the spectral data (UV spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction) enabled clustering of samples by individual botanical genera. The most significant information for sample differentiation was provided by wavenumbers of 1400, 1180, and 931 cm−1 in the IR spectra and wavelengths of 450 nm and 672 nm in the UV and fluorescence spectra, respectively. During model cross-validation, all “blind samples” were correctly classified by botanical genus, achieving a non-error rate (NER) of 100%. Furthermore, the unique 2D-DLS method was used to rapidly identify tinctures without opening the glass bottles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Analytical Techniques and Methods in Pharmaceutical Science)
32 pages, 13060 KB  
Article
Risk Assessment of Roof Water Inrush in Shallow Buried Thick Coal Seam Using FAHP-CV Comprehensive Weighting Method: A Case Study of Guojiawan Coal Mine
by Chao Liu, Xiaoyan Chen, Zekun Li, Jun Hou, Jinjin Tian and Dongjing Xu
Water 2025, 17(24), 3571; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17243571 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Roof water inrush is a major hazard threatening coal mine safety. This paper addresses the risk of roof water inrush during mining in the shallow-buried Jurassic coalfield of Northern Shaanxi, taking the Guojiawan Coal Mine as a case study. A systematic framework of [...] Read more.
Roof water inrush is a major hazard threatening coal mine safety. This paper addresses the risk of roof water inrush during mining in the shallow-buried Jurassic coalfield of Northern Shaanxi, taking the Guojiawan Coal Mine as a case study. A systematic framework of “identification of main controlling factors–coupling of subjective and objective weighting–GIS-based spatial evaluation” is proposed. An integrated weighting system combining the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) method is innovatively adopted. Four weight optimization models, including Linear Weighted Method, Multiplicative Synthesis Normalization Method, Minimum Information Entropy Method, and Game Theory Method, are introduced to evaluate 10 main controlling factors, including the fault strength index and sand–mud ratio. The results indicate that the GIS-based vulnerability evaluation model using the Multiplicative Synthesis Normalization Method achieves the highest accuracy, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.9961. This model effectively enables five-level risk zoning and accurately identifies high-risk areas. The evaluation system and zoning results developed in this paper can provide a direct scientific basis for the design of water prevention engineering and precise countermeasures in the Guojiawan Coal Mine and other mining areas with similar geological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation and Monitoring of Hydrogeological Hazards in Underground Engineering)
23 pages, 1352 KB  
Systematic Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Treatments on Melasma Area Severity Index and Quality of Life
by Milena Mariano Ribeiro, Ana Cleia Cardoso da Silva, Heloise Dalagrana, Maria Eduarda A. Galiciolli, Ana Carolina Irioda, Quelen Iane Garlet and Cláudia Sirlene Oliveira
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121619 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Melasma is a chronic skin condition resulting from increased melanogenic activity, which induces a significant emotional impact on the patient’s quality of life. The efficacy of melasma treatments depends on individual response and on the chosen therapeutic approach, which may include topical [...] Read more.
Background: Melasma is a chronic skin condition resulting from increased melanogenic activity, which induces a significant emotional impact on the patient’s quality of life. The efficacy of melasma treatments depends on individual response and on the chosen therapeutic approach, which may include topical skin-lightening agents, oral drugs, and chemical peels. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the reported efficacy of treatment techniques on melasma control and patients’ quality of life through a systematic review and meta-analysis, as well as to investigate a putative relationship between melasma severity and quality of life. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we collected data from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. The eligibility criteria included studies that analyzed the quality of life through the Melasma Quality of Life (MELASQoL) scale from populations of patients suffering from melasma, scored by the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI). Results: We retrieved 1296 records; those that did not meet the eligibility criteria and duplicates were excluded, resulting in 41 papers that underwent qualitative analysis (information synthesis), from which 23 papers containing 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a decrease in both MASI and MELASQoL scores following oral or topical treatment, as well as the chemical peeling procedure. Spearman correlation test showed a mild positive relationship between MASI and MELASQoL scores. Conclusions: This study provides evidence supporting oral and topical pharmacological treatments, as well as chemical peels, as effective interventions for melasma management. Despite high heterogeneity among studies and methodological limitations, all treatment modalities analyzed improved patients’ quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Care Products for Healthy and Diseased Skin)
10 pages, 711 KB  
Commentary
How Laboratory Guidelines Promote the Validity of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle-Associated Nucleic Acid Biomarker Signatures in Liquid Biopsy
by Michael W. Pfaffl
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 12115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262412115 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Circulating nucleic acids, particularly those associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs), represent a promising class of molecular biomarkers in liquid biopsy for ‘non-invasive’ disease diagnostics, for better prognosis, and for therapeutic monitoring. However, the translation of this new circulating biomarker source into clinical practice [...] Read more.
Circulating nucleic acids, particularly those associated with extracellular vesicles (EVs), represent a promising class of molecular biomarkers in liquid biopsy for ‘non-invasive’ disease diagnostics, for better prognosis, and for therapeutic monitoring. However, the translation of this new circulating biomarker source into clinical practice is mostly hindered by methodological variability and a lack of standardization across the analytical workflow. This article highlights the implementation of international academic guidelines, such as Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) and Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (MISEV), in the entire analytical procedure in promoting the integrity, reproducibility, and validity of EV-associated nucleic acid markers in molecular diagnostics. By standardizing the liquid biopsy workflow from tissue sampling up to data analysis and statistics, these established guidelines lay the necessary scientific basis for a robust, reproducible, reliable, and valid RNA and DNA biomarker discovery in EVs. The ultimate goal is the successful implementation of the developed biomarker signature into the clinical diagnostic routine, but this requires further rounds of rigorous validation. The regularly updated guidelines should not be seen as optional recommendations, but more like an essential pillars of scientific rigor and standardization in order to achieve better and biological meaningful biomarker results in liquid biopsy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Molecular Science Through Reproducible qPCR: MIQE Guidelines and Beyond)
16 pages, 5387 KB  
Article
Deposition and Properties of Nanostructured Multilayer Cr/(Cr/a-C)ml Coating on Stainless Steels
by Valentin Mishev, Yavor Sofronov, Milko Yordanov, Antonio Nikolov, Krum Petrov, Rayna Dimitrova, Milko Angelov, Boyan Dochev, Krassimir Marchev and Georgi Todorov
Materials 2025, 18(24), 5654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18245654 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
This work presents the results of deposition by magnetron sputtering nanostructured multilayer Cr/(Cr/a-C)ml coatings on AISI 316L and AISI 321 steel substrates. Chemical compositions were confirmed through EDX analysis with scanning electron microscopy. The coating thickness was measured with Calotester (KaloMAX II) and [...] Read more.
This work presents the results of deposition by magnetron sputtering nanostructured multilayer Cr/(Cr/a-C)ml coatings on AISI 316L and AISI 321 steel substrates. Chemical compositions were confirmed through EDX analysis with scanning electron microscopy. The coating thickness was measured with Calotester (KaloMAX II) and the total thickness of the coatings obtained ranged from 1.684 ± 0.193 μm for AISI 316L to 1.749 ± 0.123 μm for AISI 321. A Daimler-Benz Rockwell indentation test for adhesion quality and a nanoindentation test with a Berkovich indenter were carried out. According to the Raman spectroscopy analysis and in agreement with mechanical tests, it is supposed that it is the formation of a diamond-like carbon phase which enhances the mechanical properties. The hardness values obtained for the nanostructured multilayer Cr/(Cr/a-C)ml coatings were improved compared to those of the base stainless steels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nano-Structured Material Surfaces and Their Functional Coatings)
19 pages, 1233 KB  
Article
Effect of Laser Power on the Microstructure and Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Ni25 Alloy Coatings
by Jingquan Wu, Jianwen Zhang, Bohao Chen, Gui Wang, Jiang Huang, Wenqing Shi, Fenju An and Xianglin Wu
Lubricants 2025, 13(12), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13120549 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study systematically investigates the influence of laser power (1000 W, 1400 W, 1800 W) on the microstructure and properties of Ni25 alloy coatings prepared by laser cladding to optimize process parameters for enhanced comprehensive performance. Through the analysis of multi-dimensional characterization, it [...] Read more.
This study systematically investigates the influence of laser power (1000 W, 1400 W, 1800 W) on the microstructure and properties of Ni25 alloy coatings prepared by laser cladding to optimize process parameters for enhanced comprehensive performance. Through the analysis of multi-dimensional characterization, it is found that the laser power significantly changes the thermal cycle, thus determining the evolution of microstructure. At 1000 W, a fine dendritic structure with dispersed hard phases (BNi3, BFe3Ni3, CrB2, Cr7C3) yielded the highest hardness (442.52 HV) but poor wear (volume loss: 0.3346 mm3) and corrosion resistance (Icorr: 2.75 × 10⁻4 A·cm⁻2) due to microstructural inhomogeneity. The 1400 W coating, featuring a uniform γ-Ni dendrite/eutectic network and increased B solid solubility, achieved an optimal balance with the lowest wear rate (0.0685 mm3), superior corrosion resistance (Icorr: 2.34 × 10⁻⁵ A·cm⁻2), and a stable friction coefficient (0.816), despite lower hardness (342.00 HV). At 1800 W, grain coarseness and Cr7C3 decomposition led to blocky hard phases, recovering hardness (415.36 HV) and reducing the friction coefficient (0.757), but resulting in intermediate wear and corrosion resistance. This study demonstrates that the uniformity and continuity of the microstructure are the key determinants governing the comprehensive service properties of the laser cladding layer, with their importance outweighing a single hardness index. 1400 W is identified as the optimal laser power, providing critical insights for fabricating high-performance Ni25 coatings in demanding service environments. Full article
12 pages, 2383 KB  
Article
Mass Spectrometry Imaging Elucidates the Precise Localization and Site-Specific Functions of Skin Lipids
by Shown Tokoro, Tadayuki Ogawa, Shujiro Hayashi and Ken Igawa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(24), 12114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262412114 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Lipids are essential for the skin, playing a crucial role in forming plasma membranes and maintaining the skin’s permeability barrier and hydration. Intercellular lipids fill the spaces between corneocytes and contribute to the barrier function. Lipid abnormalities in the skin have been observed [...] Read more.
Lipids are essential for the skin, playing a crucial role in forming plasma membranes and maintaining the skin’s permeability barrier and hydration. Intercellular lipids fill the spaces between corneocytes and contribute to the barrier function. Lipid abnormalities in the skin have been observed in many skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, the specific localization and roles of skin lipids at particular sites remain incompletely elucidated due to the limited methods available for comprehensive lipid analysis. This study aims to precisely determine the localization of skin lipids, especially intercellular lipids, and investigate their roles and metabolism using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). We conducted high-resolution (spatial resolution: 5 µm) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI on the lower back and buttocks and created overlay images of skin lipids to clarify their precise localizations. Ceramide was localized in the outermost layer among intercellular lipids. Cholesterol and free fatty acids were present in the stratum corneum but were at trace levels in the outermost layer. Cholesterol sulfate was abundant in the granular layer and gradually decreased in the stratum corneum, promoting desquamation. Phospholipids were confined to the viable epidermis (stratum corneum-/epidermis+), which forms the plasma membrane. A significant increase in mass intensity in the stratum corneum was observed for ceramide, sphingoid base, cholesterol, and free fatty acids, along with a decrease in phospholipids compared with those in the viable epidermis, based on region of interest analysis (Mann–Whitney test, p < 0.0005). We clarified the precise localization of skin lipids, particularly intercellular lipids. Our findings supported the reported functions of skin lipids at specific sites. Skin lipids are metabolized to form intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum, which are essential for the skin barrier. Our current lipid localization data serve as a baseline, or healthy control dataset, for future MSI-based lipid biomarker research in disease groups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets in Skin Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 1488 KB  
Article
Beyond Quaternions: Adaptive Fixed-Time Synchronization of High-Dimensional Fractional-Order Neural Networks Under Lévy Noise Disturbances
by Essia Ben Alaia, Slim Dhahri and Omar Naifar
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(12), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9120823 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
This paper develops a unified synchronization framework for octonion-valued fractional-order neural networks (FOOVNNs) subject to mixed delays, Lévy disturbances, and topology switching. A fractional sliding surface is constructed by combining I1−μeg with integral terms in powers of [...] Read more.
This paper develops a unified synchronization framework for octonion-valued fractional-order neural networks (FOOVNNs) subject to mixed delays, Lévy disturbances, and topology switching. A fractional sliding surface is constructed by combining I1−μeg with integral terms in powers of |eg|. The controller includes a nonsingular term −ρ2gsgc2sign(sg), a disturbance-compensation term −θ^gsign(sg), and a delay-feedback term −λgeg(t−τ), while dimension-aware adaptive laws ,CDtμρg=k1gN∥sg∥c2 and ,CDtμθ^g=k2gN∥sg∥ ensure scalability with network size. Fixed-time convergence is established via a fractional stochastic Lyapunov method, and predefined-time convergence follows by a time-scaling of the control channel. Markovian switching is treated through a mode-dependent Lyapunov construction and linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions; non-Gaussian perturbations are handled using fractional Itô tools. The architecture admits observer-based variants and is implementation-friendly. Numerical results corroborate the theory: (i) Two-Node Baseline: The fixed-time design drives ∥e(t)∥1 to O(10−4) by t≈0.94s, while the predefined-time variant meets a user-set Tp=0.5s with convergence at t≈0.42s. (ii) Eight-Node Scalability: Sliding surfaces settle in an O(1) band, and adaptive parameter means saturate well below their ceilings. (iii) Hyperspectral (Synthetic): Reconstruction under Lévy contamination achieves a competitive PSNR consistent with hypercomplex modeling and fractional learning. (iv) Switching Robustness: under four modes and twelve random switches, the error satisfies maxt∥e(t)∥1≤0.15. The results support octonion-valued, fractionally damped controllers as practical, scalable mechanisms for robust synchronization under non-Gaussian noise, delays, and time-varying topologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fractional-Order Control for Nonlinear Systems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 469 KB  
Article
Maternal Eating Styles and Restrictive Feeding Practices: Indirect Effects Through Perceived Child Appetite and Weight Concern
by Carla Ugarte Pérez, Claudia Cruzat Mandich, Camila Oda Montecinos, Fernanda Díaz Castrillón, Álvaro Quiñones Bergeret and Antonio Cepeda-Benito
Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3933; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243933 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Parents play a central role in shaping children’s eating behaviors. While previous research has documented associations between parental attitudes and feeding practices, fewer studies have examined how mothers’ own eating styles may contribute to their perceptions of their children’s eating attitudes and [...] Read more.
Background: Parents play a central role in shaping children’s eating behaviors. While previous research has documented associations between parental attitudes and feeding practices, fewer studies have examined how mothers’ own eating styles may contribute to their perceptions of their children’s eating attitudes and behaviors and how these may influence subsequent feeding practices. Objectives: To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine whether mothers’ eating styles predicted their self-reported restrictive feeding practices indirectly through their perceptions of their children’s appetite and subsequently through their concern about their children’s weight. Methods: A total of 488 mothers (M_age = 33.87 years, SD = 4.81, range = 20–49) of children aged 2–7 years (M_age = 3.85 years, SD = 1.33) completed self-report measures, including the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) for maternal eating styles, the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) for parental concerns and restrictive practices, and the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) for perceptions of child eating attitudes. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized mediation model, with model fit evaluated using CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR indices. Results: Our proposed model demonstrated good fit (CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.07) and showed that maternal eating styles were positively associated with perceived child appetite (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Perceived appetite predicted both maternal concern about child weight (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and restrictive feeding practices (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), while maternal concern strongly predicted restriction (β = 0.65, p < 0.001). The total indirect effect from maternal eating styles to restriction was significant (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), and the model explained 56% of the variance in restrictive feeding. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal eating styles may bias mothers’ perceptions of their children’s appetite and indirectly influence restrictive feeding practices primarily through increased concern about child weight. Given the cross-sectional design, reliance on maternal self-report, and online convenience sampling, results should be interpreted cautiously. Nonetheless, the study provides the first evidence for a sequential pathway linking maternal eating styles, child appetite perceptions, and weight concern to restrictive feeding, highlighting cognitive and perceptual processes as intervention targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Eating Disorders, Physical Activity and Body Image)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3837 KB  
Article
A Pathogenic Providencia rettgeri Isolated and Identified from Pelodiscus sinensis
by Yan Meng, Mingyang Xue, Nan Jiang, Chunjie Zhang, Wei Liu, Tong Zhou, Yuding Fan, Ke Jin, Zidong Xiao and Yong Zhou
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(12), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12121207 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
The infectious diseases have become more frequent with the production of farmed Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) increasing. In this study, bacterial strain was isolated, identified, and characterized from the liver of diseased Chinese soft-shelled turtles exhibiting body surface hemorrhages, claws [...] Read more.
The infectious diseases have become more frequent with the production of farmed Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) increasing. In this study, bacterial strain was isolated, identified, and characterized from the liver of diseased Chinese soft-shelled turtles exhibiting body surface hemorrhages, claws and tail tips necrosis, and bleeding spots in visceral tissues. Based on the analysis results of morphology, biochemistry, and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) sequencing, one bacterium Providencia rettgeri (P. rettgeri) was identified. The histopathological examination results revealed varying degrees of tissue damage in the spleen, liver, kidneys, and intestines of individuals with P. rettgeri. Challenge experiments results confirmed that the P. rettgeri caused morbidity and mortality in healthy Chinese soft-shelled turtles, reproducing similar clinical symptoms of naturally infected individuals. And, its mortality rate was up to 91% in the highest concentration group. Screening of eight virulence-associated genes results revealed that this P. rettgeri strain carried virulence factors including invasion protein gene, alpha-hemolysin, and others which were considered to contribute to pathogenicity. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that the bacterium was sensitive to amikacin and ciprofloxacin, which may be effective therapeutic options. In conclusion, this bacterium P. rettgeri was the pathogen that caused this disease in Pelodiscus sinensis. These results provide valuable research basis for the disease prevention and control of Pelodiscus sinensis farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
16 pages, 1593 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Urban Heat Vulnerability and Linkage Between Pollution and Heat Islands: A Case Study of Toulouse, France
by Aiman Mazhar Qureshi, Khairi Sioud, Anass Zaaoumi, Olivier Debono, Harshit Bhatia and Mohamed Amine Ben Taher
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(12), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9120541 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Urban heat vulnerability is an increasing public health concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of southern France. This study aims to quantify and map the Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) for Toulouse and to analyze its temporal trends to identify high-risk zones and influencing [...] Read more.
Urban heat vulnerability is an increasing public health concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions of southern France. This study aims to quantify and map the Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) for Toulouse and to analyze its temporal trends to identify high-risk zones and influencing factors. The assessment integrates recent years’ remote sensing data of pollutant emissions, land use/land cover and land surface temperature, statistical data of climate-related mortalities, and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Following a detailed analysis of recent real-time air quality and weather data from multiple monitoring stations across the city of Toulouse, it was observed that Urban Pollution Island (UPI) and Urban Heat Island (UHI) are closely interlinked phenomena. Their combined effects can significantly elevate the annual mortality risk rate by an average of 2%, as calculated using AirQ+ particularly, in densely populated urban areas. Remote sensing data was processed using Google Earth Engine and all factors were grouped into three key categories: heat exposure, heat sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to derive HVI. Temporal HVI maps were generated and analyzed to identify recent trends, revealing a persistent increase in vulnerability across the city. Comparative results show that 2022 was the most critical summer period, especially evident in areas with limited vegetation and extensive use of heat-absorptive materials in buildings and pavements. The year 2024 indicates resiliency and adaptation although some areas remain highly vulnerable. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to improve public health, enhance urban resilience, and promote overall human well-being. This research provides valuable insights for urban planners and municipal authorities in designing greener, more heat-resilient environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Urban Building Energy Analysis and Prediction: Evidence from AI, Big Data, and Machine Learning)
15 pages, 959 KB  
Article
Study on the Control of Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties of Indium Oxide Thermoelectric Materials for Aiye Processing Equipment by Cerium Doping
by Jie Zhang, Bo Feng, Zhengxiang Yang, Sichen Zhang, Junjie Zhang, Jiao Lei, Yaoyang Zhang, Xiaoqiong Zuo, Zhiwen Yang, Tongqiang Xiong, Wenzheng Li, Tong Tang, Suoluoyan Yang and Ruolin Ruan
Inorganics 2025, 13(12), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13120412 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
To address the low energy conversion efficiency and weak mechanical strength of In2O3 thermoelectric materials for Aiye Processing Equipment, this study systematically investigated the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Ce doping on In2O3’s thermoelectric and mechanical [...] Read more.
To address the low energy conversion efficiency and weak mechanical strength of In2O3 thermoelectric materials for Aiye Processing Equipment, this study systematically investigated the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Ce doping on In2O3’s thermoelectric and mechanical properties via experiments. In2O3 samples with varying Ce contents were prepared, and property-microstructure correlations were analyzed through electrical/thermal transport tests, Vickers hardness measurements, and crystal structure characterization. Results show Ce doping synergistically optimizes In2O3 properties through multiple mechanisms. For thermoelectric performance, Ce4+ regulates carrier concentration and mobility, enhancing electrical conductivity and power factor. Meanwhile, lattice distortion from Ce-In atomic size differences strengthens phonon scattering, reducing lattice and total thermal conductivity. These effects boost the maximum ZT from 0.055 (pure In2O3) to 0.328 at 973 K obtained by x = 0.0065, improving energy conversion efficiency significantly. For mechanical properties, Ce doping enhances Vickers hardness and plastic deformation resistance via solid solution strengthening (lattice distortion hinders dislocations), microstructure densification (reducing vacancies/pores), Ce-O bond strengthening, and defect pinning. This study confirms Ce doping as an effective strategy for simultaneous optimization of In2O3’s thermoelectric and mechanical properties, providing experimental/theoretical support for oxide thermoelectric material development and valuable references for their medium-low temperature energy recovery applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inorganic Thermoelectric Materials: Advances and Applications)
15 pages, 25008 KB  
Article
The Potential Geographic Distribution of Bactrocera minax and Bactrocera tsuneonis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in China
by Yunfa Wan, Chuanren Li, Zhengping Yin and Zailing Wang
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121277 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
The Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Bactrocera tsuneonis (Miyake) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are the only members of the subgenus of the Tetradacus of Bactrocera. They share nearly identical morphological characteristics and occupy highly overlapping ecological niches, specifically harming citrus crops and causing substantial [...] Read more.
The Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Bactrocera tsuneonis (Miyake) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are the only members of the subgenus of the Tetradacus of Bactrocera. They share nearly identical morphological characteristics and occupy highly overlapping ecological niches, specifically harming citrus crops and causing substantial damage to citrus production in China. To determine the suitable habitat of the two pests and how the citrus coverage affects this distribution. This study employed the Maximum Entropy model (MaxEnt) to predict the potential geographic distributions (PGDs) of B. minax and B. tsuneonis under current and future climate scenarios, using species occurrence data and key environmental variables. The result indicate that the MaxEnt model performed well, with an area under the curve value (AUC) of 0.969. The citrus distribution index, precipitation of driest month (BIO 14), min temperature of coldest month (BIO 6), and elevation were identified as the primary environmental factors affecting their PGDs. The PGDs for these pests are mainly concentrated in southern China, where citrus is extensively cultivated. Guizhou and Hunan identified as the most significant high-suitability habitat. The projected distribution of B. minax and B. tsuneonis show minimal changes under the future climate conditions estimated by the MaxENT model. However, under global warming scenarios, their PGDs are projected to gradually shrink, although eastern Sichuan remains at high risk of invasion by B. tsuneonis. Prevention, quarantine, and control measures for B. tsuneonis require continued attention. The findings of this study offer a more robust theoretical basis for the targeted monitoring and control of B. minax and B. tsuneonis in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1861 KB  
Article
Application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) for Monitoring Agricultural Drought in Tropical Environments
by Fadli Irsyad, Nurmala Sari, Annisa Eka Putri and Villim Filipović
Land 2025, 14(12), 2431; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122431 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Agricultural regions in humid tropical climates are often assumed to be water secure due to high annual rainfall, yet periodic drought remains a major constraint on production. This study demonstrates the application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) to identify drought-affected agricultural [...] Read more.
Agricultural regions in humid tropical climates are often assumed to be water secure due to high annual rainfall, yet periodic drought remains a major constraint on production. This study demonstrates the application of the Normalized Difference Drought Index (NDDI) to identify drought-affected agricultural land in West Sumatera, Indonesia. Despite mean annual rainfall exceeding 3000 mm, rice yields in the Batang Anai Subdistrict declined from 5.28 t/ha in 2018 to 4.20 t/ha in 2022, suggesting an increased drought stress. A spatial analysis integrated administrative boundaries, land use maps, monthly rainfall records (2014–2023), and MOD09A1 V6 MODIS imagery. The NDDI was derived sequentially from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI). The results show that 51.65% of agricultural land (7175 ha) exhibited average NDDI values of 0.09–0.14 over 2018–2023, with the highest drought intensity in 2022, when 4441 ha were classified as moderate drought. Land use under drought conditions was dominated by plantations (58.6%), rice fields (39.5%), and dry fields (1.9%). The NDDI method can more effectively capture localized drought impacts, making it valuable for operational drought monitoring systems. These findings highlight the vulnerability of humid tropical agricultural systems to drought and underscore the need for sustainable water management and early warning strategies based on remote sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land, Soil and Water)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1023 KB  
Article
Toward Precision Physics Tests with Future COHERENT Detectors
by Mattia Atzori Corona, Matteo Cadeddu, Nicola Cargioli, Francesca Dordei, Carlo Giunti and Riccardo Pavarani
Universe 2025, 11(12), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11120416 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
We present a comprehensive sensitivity study of future CEνNS detectors, focusing on a cryogenic cesium iodide detector and a tonne-scale liquid argon one, currently being developed by the COHERENT Collaboration. These setups will enable precision measurements of the weak mixing angle [...] Read more.
We present a comprehensive sensitivity study of future CEνNS detectors, focusing on a cryogenic cesium iodide detector and a tonne-scale liquid argon one, currently being developed by the COHERENT Collaboration. These setups will enable precision measurements of the weak mixing angle at low energies and allow accurate extraction of the neutron nuclear distribution radius. We also demonstrate that next-generation detectors will place constraints on the neutrino charge radius comparable to or better than current global fits. In addition, we explore the sensitivity to non-standard neutrino electromagnetic properties, such as magnetic moments and millicharges, as well as new mediators. These findings reinforce the role of CEνNS experiments in the upcoming precision era, with future detectors playing a key role in advancing our understanding of neutrino interactions and electroweak physics at low energies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section High Energy Nuclear and Particle Physics)
27 pages, 6816 KB  
Article
Experimental Evaluation of the Performance of a Flat Sheet Reverse Osmosis Membrane Under Variable and Intermittent Operation Emulating a Photovoltaic-Driven Desalination System
by Evangelos Dimitriou, Dimitrios Loukatos, Konstantinos G. Arvanitis and George Papadakis
Water 2025, 17(24), 3576; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17243576 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
The integration of Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination with Renewable Energy (RE) sources offers a sustainable approach to freshwater production, particularly in remote and off-grid regions. However, the variable and intermittent output of RE power can cause operational instability that affects membrane performance and [...] Read more.
The integration of Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination with Renewable Energy (RE) sources offers a sustainable approach to freshwater production, particularly in remote and off-grid regions. However, the variable and intermittent output of RE power can cause operational instability that affects membrane performance and system reliability. This study experimentally evaluated a flat sheet seawater RO membrane under variable conditions emulating a Photovoltaic (PV)-powered system over three days. Three scenarios were examined: (i) steady full-load operation representing PV with battery storage, (ii) variable operation representing sunny-day PV output, and (iii) highly variable operation representing cloudy-day PV output. A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) regulated by an Arduino microcontroller adjusted high-pressure pump operation in real time to replicate power fluctuations without energy storage. Each scenario operated for eight hours per day and was tested with and without end-of-day rinsing. Under the highly variable cloudy-day scenario without rinsing, water permeability decreased by 37%, salt rejection decreased by 18%, and membrane resistance increased by 37%, indicating compaction and fouling effects. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) confirmed structural changes in membranes exposed to fluctuating conditions. These results highlight the need for improved operational strategies to protect membrane longevity in RE-powered desalination systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Desalination: Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Solutions Through Membrane Innovation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1567 KB  
Article
A Flexible Combinatorial Auction Algorithm (FCAA) for Multi-Task Collaborative Scheduling of Heterogeneous UAVs
by Leiming He, Xudong Gong, Jiangan Zheng, Yue Wang and Yunsen Cui
Drones 2025, 9(12), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9120870 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
To address the inefficiency of collaborative scheduling of heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles under resource constraints, particularly in large-scale multi-tasking scenarios, an improved Flexible Combinatorial Auction Algorithm is proposed, leveraging the bidding mechanism of simultaneous ascending auctions. This algorithm is designed with a candidate [...] Read more.
To address the inefficiency of collaborative scheduling of heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles under resource constraints, particularly in large-scale multi-tasking scenarios, an improved Flexible Combinatorial Auction Algorithm is proposed, leveraging the bidding mechanism of simultaneous ascending auctions. This algorithm is designed with a candidate solution generation mechanism and an addition mechanism, which collectively reduce the number of candidate solutions generated prior to combinatorial auctions. It allows tasks to flexibly combine resources and submit bids. By calculating each candidate solution’s benefit based on real-time resource prices, it dynamically adjusts their priorities to search for the overall optimal multi-task scheduling scheme. It effectively addresses the inability of traditional auction algorithms to dynamically form resource clusters via flexible resource combination to collaboratively complete tasks. Meanwhile, it overcomes the technical bottleneck that existing heuristic algorithms struggle to handle highly complex heterogeneous resource scheduling cases. Simulation experiments show that in small-scale multi-tasking scenarios, the FCAA achieves a scheduling success rate of over 88%, with the maximum solution benefit proportion reaching 83.9%; in multi-tasking scenarios, it achieves a scheduling success rate of 98%, with the maximum solution benefit proportion reaching 93%. Its time efficiency and solution quality are significantly superior to those of traditional algorithms, providing an efficient and stable solution for heterogeneous resource scheduling problems in complex operational environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Distributed Control, Optimization, and Game of UAV Swarm Systems (2nd Edition))
18 pages, 994 KB  
Article
Amyloid Protein-Induced Remodeling of Morphometry and Nanomechanics in Human Platelets
by Tonya D. Andreeva, Svetla Todinova, Ariana Langari, Velichka Strijkova, Vesela Katrova and Stefka G. Taneva
Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 3104; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13123104 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The accumulation of specific amyloid proteins and peptides in the human brain is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Beyond the central nervous system, circulating peripheral blood cells are also exposed to these [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The accumulation of specific amyloid proteins and peptides in the human brain is a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Beyond the central nervous system, circulating peripheral blood cells are also exposed to these pathological proteins, which may contribute to the systemic disease manifestation. Human platelets (PLTs) were used as an in vitro model to investigate the impacts of amyloid Aβ1-42 peptide oligomers (Aβ42) and on-pathway α-synuclein (α-syn), two key amyloids implicated in AD and PD, on platelet biophysical properties. Methods: Using atomic force microscopy, imaging and force–distance modes, we analyzed changes in surface nanostructure, morphometric and nanomechanical signatures of PLTs, derived from healthy donors, following exposure to increasing concentrations of Aβ42 and α-syn. Results: Our findings show that platelet activation progresses with increasing amyloid concentration, characterized by cytoskeletal remodeling (filopodia-to-pseudopodia and lamellipodia transformation). While Aβ42 causes progressive decrease in the platelet membrane roughness, α-syn exhibits a biphasic effect—initial smoothing followed by a pronounced increase in the roughness at high concentrations. Both amyloids induce substantial increase in membrane stiffness (Young’s modulus). Conclusions: The changes in PLTs’ biophysical properties closely resemble the previously observed modification in PLTs derived from AD and PD patients, suggesting that amyloid proteins’ interactions with PLTs may contribute to their dysfunction. Our results underscore the potential of platelets as peripheral indicators of neurodegeneration and point to their role in the systemic pathology of amyloid-associated diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Bench to Bedside)
86 pages, 5041 KB  
Review
Assessing the Ecotoxicological Effects of Emerging Drug and Dye Pollutants on Plant–Soil Systems Pre- and Post-Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment
by Maria Paiu, Lidia Favier and Maria Gavrilescu
Plants 2025, 14(24), 3835; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243835 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and synthetic dyes increasingly enter agricultural soils through irrigation with treated or untreated wastewater and via biosolid amendments, raising concerns for plant health, soil functionality, and food chain safety. Their environmental behavior is governed by complex interactions between [...] Read more.
Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and synthetic dyes increasingly enter agricultural soils through irrigation with treated or untreated wastewater and via biosolid amendments, raising concerns for plant health, soil functionality, and food chain safety. Their environmental behavior is governed by complex interactions between compound physicochemistry, soil properties, and plant physiology, leading to variable persistence, mobility, and ecotoxicological outcomes. This review synthesizes current evidence on the fate, uptake, and phytotoxic effects of drug and dye contaminants in plant–soil systems, and provides a comparative assessment of ecological risks before and after photocatalytic wastewater treatment. The analysis integrates findings from soil- and hydroponic-based studies addressing pollutant sorption–desorption dynamics, leaching, microbial transformations, and plant responses ranging from germination impairment and biomass reduction to oxidative stress and genotoxicity. Special emphasis is given to the formation and behavior of transformation products generated during photocatalytic degradation, which may display altered mobility or toxicity relative to parent compounds. Comparative evaluation reveals that photocatalysis substantially reduces contaminant loads and toxicity in many cases, although incomplete mineralization or the formation of reactive intermediates can sustain or enhance adverse effects under certain conditions. By linking pollutant fate mechanisms with plant and soil responses, this review highlights both the potential and the limitations of photocatalysis as a sustainable strategy for safeguarding agroecosystems in the context of expanding wastewater reuse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Soil Interactions)
31 pages, 3425 KB  
Article
Accurate OPM–MEG Co-Registration via Magnetic Dipole-Based Sensor Localization with Rigid Coil Structures and Optical Direction Constraints
by Weinan Xu, Wenli Wang, Fuzhi Cao, Nan An, Wen Li, Baosheng Wang, Chunhui Wang, Xiaolin Ning and Ying Liu
Bioengineering 2025, 12(12), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12121370 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Accurate co-registration between on-scalp Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM)–Magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensors and anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) remains a critical bottleneck restricting the spatial fidelity of source localization. Optical Scanning Image (OSI) methods can provide high spatial accuracy but depend on surface visibility and [...] Read more.
Accurate co-registration between on-scalp Optically Pumped Magnetometer (OPM)–Magnetoencephalography (MEG) sensors and anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) remains a critical bottleneck restricting the spatial fidelity of source localization. Optical Scanning Image (OSI) methods can provide high spatial accuracy but depend on surface visibility and cannot directly determine the internal sensitive point of each OPM sensor. Coil-based magnetic dipole localization, in contrast, targets the sensor’s internal sensitive volume and is robust to occlusion, yet its accuracy is affected by coil fabrication imperfections and the validity of the dipole approximation. To integrate the complementary advantages of both approaches, we propose a hybrid co-registration framework that combines Rigid Coil Structures (RCS), magnetic dipole-based sensor localization, and optical orientation constraints. A complete multi-stage co-registration pipeline is established through a unified mathematical formulation, including MRI–OSI alignment, OSI–RCS transformation, and final RCS–sensor localization. Systematic simulations are conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the magnetic dipole approximation for both cylindrical helical coils and planar single-turn coils. The results quantify how wire diameter, coil radius, and turn number influence dipole model fidelity and offer practical guidelines for coil design. Experiments using 18 coils and 11 single-axis OPMs demonstrate positional accuracy of a few millimeters, and optical orientation priors suppress dipole-only orientation ambiguity in unstable channels. To improve the stability of sensor orientation estimation, optical scanning of surface markers is incorporated as a soft constraint, yielding substantial improvements for channels that exhibit unstable results under dipole-only optimization. Overall, the proposed hybrid framework demonstrates the feasibility of combining magnetic and optical information for robust OPM–MEG co-registration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Wearable and Implantable Devices for Biomedical Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

29 pages, 4822 KB  
Article
Depth-Specific Prediction of Coastal Soil Salinization Using Multi-Source Environmental Data and an Optimized GWO–RF–XGBoost Ensemble Model
by Yuanbo Wang, Xiao Yang, Xingjun Lv, Wei He, Ming Shao, Hongmei Liu and Chao Jia
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(24), 4043; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17244043 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Soil salinization is an escalating global concern threatening agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability, particularly in coastal regions where complex interactions among hydrological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors govern salt accumulation. The vertical differentiation and spatial heterogeneity of salinity drivers remain poorly resolved. We present [...] Read more.
Soil salinization is an escalating global concern threatening agricultural productivity and ecological sustainability, particularly in coastal regions where complex interactions among hydrological, climatic, and anthropogenic factors govern salt accumulation. The vertical differentiation and spatial heterogeneity of salinity drivers remain poorly resolved. We present an integrated modeling framework combining ensemble machine learning and spatial statistics to investigate the depth-specific dynamics of soil salinity in the Yellow River Delta, a vulnerable coastal agroecosystem. Using multi-source environmental predictors and 220 field samples harmonized to 30 m resolution, the hybrid Gray Wolf Optimizer–Random Forest–XGBoost model achieved high predictive accuracy for surface salinity (R2 = 0.91, RMSE = 0.03 g/kg, MAE = 0.02 g/kg). Spatial autocorrelation analysis (Global Moran’s I = 0.25, p < 0.01) revealed pronounced clustering of high-salinity hotspots associated with seawater intrusion pathways and capillary rise. The results reveal distinct vertical control mechanisms: vegetation indices and soil water content dominate surface salinity, while total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and groundwater depth increasingly influence middle and deep layers. By applying SHAP (SHapley Additive Explanations), we quantified nonlinear feature contributions and ranked key predictors across layers, offering mechanistic insights beyond conventional correlation. Our findings highlight the importance of depth-specific monitoring and intervention strategies and demonstrate how explainable machine learning can bridge the gap between black-box prediction and process understanding. This framework offers a generalizable framework that can be adapted to other coastal agroecosystems with similar hydro-environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Water Management in the Age of Climate Change)
26 pages, 4074 KB  
Article
An Integrated Optimization for Resilient Wildfire Evacuation System Design: A Case Study of a Rural County in Korea
by Kyubin Kwon, Yejin Kim and Jinil Han
Systems 2025, 13(12), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13121125 (registering DOI) - 16 Dec 2025
Abstract
Wildfires increasingly threaten the operation and stability of regional socio-economic systems, where infrastructure, population, and environmental conditions are tightly interconnected. To enhance operational efficiency and strengthen community resilience, this study develops an integrated optimization framework for wildfire evacuation system design based on mixed-integer [...] Read more.
Wildfires increasingly threaten the operation and stability of regional socio-economic systems, where infrastructure, population, and environmental conditions are tightly interconnected. To enhance operational efficiency and strengthen community resilience, this study develops an integrated optimization framework for wildfire evacuation system design based on mixed-integer programming. The model simultaneously determines the locations of primary and secondary shelters and establishes both main and backup evacuation linkages, forming a dual-stage structure that ensures continuous accessibility even under disrupted conditions such as road blockages or fire spread. Wildfire risk indices derived from topographic and environmental data are incorporated to support risk-aware and balanced shelter allocation. A case study of Uiryeong County, South Korea, demonstrates that the proposed framework effectively improves evacuation efficiency and system reliability, producing spatially coherent and adaptive evacuation plans under diverse disruption scenarios. The findings highlight how operation optimization can enhance socio-economic system resilience and sustainability when facing large-scale environmental disruptions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Operation Optimization and Performance Assessment of Complex Social-Economic Systems)
More Articles...

Open Access Journals

► Browse by Indexing ► Browse by Subject ► Selected Journals
Explore All Journals...

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

More Books and Reprints...

News

16 December 2025
KEMÖ Consortium in Austria Extends Open Access Publishing Agreement with MDPI
11 December 2025
Article Layout and Template Revised for Future Volumes
2 December 2025
MDPI INSIGHTS: The CEO's Letter #29 - Environmental Medicine, MDPI in the News, SPF 2025, I3S 2025, Cancers
More News & Announcements...

Blog Posts

More From Our Blog...

Topics

More Topics...
loading...

Selected Special Issues

Selected Collections

Back to TopTop