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18 pages, 537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Signs at Diagnosis and Comorbidities in a Large Cohort of Patients with Lipedema in Spain

by José Luis Simarro Blasco, Sandro Michelini, Miguel Andrés-Gasco, Alberto Lebrero García, Desirée Ortega Abad, José Margalejo Lombardo, Julian Buj Vargas, Jesús Tomás Sanchéz-Costa and María Auxiliadora Martín Martínez

Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13123049 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic disorder that affects almost exclusively women and is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous fat, typically in the buttocks, hips, and lower limbs, and in some cases the arms. The primary objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Lipedema is a chronic disorder that affects almost exclusively women and is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical accumulation of subcutaneous fat, typically in the buttocks, hips, and lower limbs, and in some cases the arms. The primary objective of this study was to describe the clinical and anatomical manifestations of lipedema, together with the associated physical and psychological comorbidities, in a large Spanish cohort. Methods: Descriptive study of 1803 patients aged ≥ 17 years who attended two clinics in Spain between January 2022 and November 2024. Results: The mean age was 42.9 years (SD: 11.3), and 60.6% of patients were diagnosed during their reproductive years. The mean body mass index was 28.6 (SD: 6.2), and 87.6% presented a gynoid fat distribution. A total of 46.6% were classified as Schingale stage IV or V. The most frequent comorbidities were chronic low-grade inflammatory alterations and connective tissue damage. Particularly suspected high intestinal permeability (99%), bilateral trochanteric pain region (97.4%), iliotibial band involvement, and ligamentous hyperlaxity (95.8%). Thyroid disorders, inflammatory ovarian dysfunction, and psychological impairment were also common. Conclusions: Lipedema is a complex condition that extends beyond lower-limb adipose tissue and is associated with multiple comorbidities. This study also presents a novel approach to clinical assessment that may help physicians gain a deeper understanding of this pathology and formulate etiological hypotheses that will need to be tested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)

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9 pages, 1814 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Four-Year Outcomes of aXess Arteriovenous Conduit in Hemodialysis Patients: Insights from Two Case Reports of the aXess FIH Study

by Monika Vitkauskaitė, Laurynas Rimševičius, Rokas Girčius, Martijn A. J. Cox and Marius Miglinas

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(24), 8768; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248768 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are critical for hemodialysis access in patients with inadequate native vasculature. The Xeltis aXess graft, a novel bioresorbable vascular access conduit, promotes endogenous tissue restoration. While early outcomes have been promising, longer-term data remain limited. This report presents [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are critical for hemodialysis access in patients with inadequate native vasculature. The Xeltis aXess graft, a novel bioresorbable vascular access conduit, promotes endogenous tissue restoration. While early outcomes have been promising, longer-term data remain limited. This report presents the longest reported, four-year follow-up on two of the first implanted aXess devices. Case Summaries: Case 1: A 64-year-old woman underwent aXess graft placement on 10 June 2021, between the right brachial artery and vein. She experienced graft thrombosis after 12 months and 18 months, both of which were successfully resolved with thrombectomy, in one instance in combination with drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty. The graft remains functional. Case 2: A 76-year-old man received an aXess graft on 11 June 2021, in the left arm. After 6 months, he underwent balloon and DCB angioplasty for graft–vein (G–V) anastomosis stenosis. After 28 months, to resolve multiple pseudoaneurysms, followed by aneurysm resection and AVG reconstruction at month 29, a tunneled catheter was placed to perform dialysis sessions in the meantime. At month 44, graft-venous (G–V) angioplasty with DCB was performed to resolve G–V and axillary vein stenoses diagnosed at month 43. The graft remains in use. Results: Both patients retained functional dialysis access after four years, despite requiring multiple interventions for thrombosis, stenosis, and pseudoaneurysms. Conclusions: These cases demonstrate that the aXess graft can maintain functionality over four years with appropriate management, although close surveillance and reinterventions may be required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Updates and Advances in Hemodialysis)

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19 pages, 13161 KB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of the Shear Stress (WSS) at the Wall of Tracheal Bifurcation

by Nicoleta-Octavia Tanase, Ciprian-Stefan Mateescu, Doru-Daniel Cristea and Corneliu Balan

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13055; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413055 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The paper is concerned with experimental investigations and numerical simulations of airflow in a rigid model of human tracheal bifurcation during a respiratory cycle in the presence of cough. The main goal of the study is to calculate the velocity and tracheal wall [...] Read more.

The paper is concerned with experimental investigations and numerical simulations of airflow in a rigid model of human tracheal bifurcation during a respiratory cycle in the presence of cough. The main goal of the study is to calculate the velocity and tracheal wall shear stress (WSS) distributions under the time variation in the pressure difference. A sequence of inspiration-expiration of measured flow rates and pressure is used to calibrate the 3D unsteady numerical solutions for different imposed boundary conditions at the edges of the bifurcation. The experimental data are obtained using commercial medical devices: (i) a spirometer and (ii) a mechanical ventilator, respectively. CT images of the lung airways were used to reconstruct the tracheal test geometry by 3D printing techniques. Flow spectrum, vortical structures, and the wall stresses are analyzed for the computed cases. Four turbulence models (k − ɛ, k − ω SST, k − ɛ R, and LES) are compared, and all indicate an increase in peak WSS and vortex intensity during coughing versus normal expiration. The present work confirms the importance of CFD simulations to model and quantify airflow throughout the respiratory cycle. The paper proposes a method to calculate wall shear stress, one of the most relevant parameters for characterizing airway function and the mechanical response of tracheal endothelial cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Emerging Trends in Computational Fluid Dynamics)

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19 pages, 39569 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ground Risk Buffer Estimation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Test Flights Based on Dynamics Analysis

by Yanan Mei, He Chang, Li Li, Qian Ji and Hangyu Zhong

Drones 2025, 9(12), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9120849 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are regarded as a novel mode for urban air mobility, earning increasing attention on many commercial and civil applications. The risk of UAVs to people on the ground is heightened by airspace range and operational risks, and the quantitative [...] Read more.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are regarded as a novel mode for urban air mobility, earning increasing attention on many commercial and civil applications. The risk of UAVs to people on the ground is heightened by airspace range and operational risks, and the quantitative ground risk buffer estimation are highly required to protect the people on the ground. In this work, a ground risk buffer estimation method based on the analysis of the UAVs dynamics is proposed. It is a 3D contour map, incorporated with flight test parameters, to determine the ground risk buffer for both, rotorcraft UAVs and fixed-wing UAVs. The contour map is generated through UAVs dynamics analysis and combines several parameter layers, including altitude and speed at moment of failure occurence, environment conditions and the lift-to-drag ratio. Each location of the map has associated a value that quantifies the area of the ground risk buffer for a specific test flight condition. The ground risk buffer determined by the current Specific Operations Risk Assessment framework using the 1-to-1 principle is provided for comparison. The proposed method exhibits greater safety margin and further proves the potential of the new estimation method in the perspective of risk quantification and practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drone Design and Development)

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35 pages, 2751 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Configurational Paths of Collaborative Performance in the Innovation Ecosystem from the Perspective of Complex Systems

by Xin Li, Haiyun Xu, Robin Haunschild, Zehua Tong and Chunjiang Liu

Systems 2025, 13(12), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13121116 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study integrates complex systems theory and innovation ecosystem theory to develop a unified framework encompassing the innovation environment, innovation actors, and innovation networks. Using fsQCA and NCA, it examines the impact of cross-layer interactions and the coupling of multiple factors on collaborative [...] Read more.

This study integrates complex systems theory and innovation ecosystem theory to develop a unified framework encompassing the innovation environment, innovation actors, and innovation networks. Using fsQCA and NCA, it examines the impact of cross-layer interactions and the coupling of multiple factors on collaborative performance. Empirical analysis in the field of natural language processing (NLP) demonstrates that no single factor is sufficient to serve as a necessary condition for achieving high-innovation collaboration performance. Innovation actors, as endogenous evolutionary drivers, play a central and catalytic role in the collaboration process. Moreover, under specific conditions, the relationship between the innovation environment and innovation networks exhibits a substitutive effect, with certain capabilities enabling this dynamic. This study extends the theoretical understanding of collaboration pathways within innovation ecosystems and offers practical recommendations for fostering innovation cooperation across different industries and organizations. It achieves this by constructing a “situational type–configuration path” matrix, decision tree, and innovation collaboration performance realization model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Complex Systems and Cybernetics)

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32 pages, 2680 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Multi-Port Converter Architecture in Hydrogen-Based DC Microgrid

by Qiyan Wang, Kosala Gunawardane and Li Li

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6487; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246487 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of hydrogen-based direct current microgrid (H₂-DCMG) technology, multi-port converters (MPCs) have emerged as the pivotal interface for integrating renewable power generation, energy storage, and diverse DC loads. This paper systematically reviews the current research status and development [...] Read more.

With the rapid advancement of hydrogen-based direct current microgrid (H₂-DCMG) technology, multi-port converters (MPCs) have emerged as the pivotal interface for integrating renewable power generation, energy storage, and diverse DC loads. This paper systematically reviews the current research status and development trends of isolated and non-isolated MPC topologies within hydrogen-based DC microgrids. Firstly, it analyses the interface requirements for typical distributed energy sources (DER) such as photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines (WT), fuel cells (FC), battery energy storage (BESS), proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMEL), and supercapacitors (SC). Secondly, it classifies and evaluates existing MPC topologies, clarifying the structural characteristics, technical advantages, and challenges faced by each type. Results indicate that non-isolated topologies offer advantages such as structural simplicity, high efficiency, and high power density, making them more suitable for residential and small-scale microgrid applications. Isolated topologies, conversely, provide electrical isolation and modular scalability, rendering them appropriate for high-voltage electrolytic hydrogen production and industrial scenarios with stringent safety requirements. Finally, the paper identifies current research gaps and proposes that future efforts should focus on exploring topology optimization, system integration design, and reliability enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel and Emerging Energy Systems)

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49 pages, 5733 KB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Recent Advances in Biomass-Derived Porous Carbon Materials for CO₂ Capture

by Guihe Li, Jun He and Jia Yao

C 2025, 11(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11040092 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

With the intensifying global climate crisis and the urgent demand for carbon neutrality, carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technologies have received growing attention as effective strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon-based porous materials are widely regarded as promising CO₂ adsorbents [...] Read more.

With the intensifying global climate crisis and the urgent demand for carbon neutrality, carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technologies have received growing attention as effective strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon-based porous materials are widely regarded as promising CO₂ adsorbents due to their tunable porosity, high surface area, and excellent chemical and thermal stability. Among them, biomass-derived porous carbon materials have received growing attention as sustainable, low-cost alternatives to fossil-based adsorbents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biomass-derived porous carbon materials for CO₂ capture, emphasizing the fundamental adsorption mechanisms, including physisorption, chemisorption, and their synergistic effects. Key synthesis pathways, such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, are discussed in relation to the development of biomass-derived porous carbon materials. Furthermore, performance-enhancing strategies, such as activation treatments, heteroatom doping, and templating methods, are critically evaluated for their ability to tailor surface properties and improve CO₂ uptake capacity. Recent progress in typical biomass-derived porous carbon materials, including active carbon, hierarchical porous carbon, and other innovative carbon materials, is also highlighted. In addition to summarizing recent advances in porous carbon synthesis, this review introduces a unified techno-economic framework that integrates cost, sustainability, and performance-driven benefits. Overall, this review aims to provide systematic insights into the performance of biomass-derived porous carbon materials and to guide the rational design of efficient, sustainable adsorbents for real-world carbon capture applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of C — Journal of Carbon Research)

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17 pages, 2338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lignosulfonates as Surfactants to Stabilize Elemental Sulfur Dispersions

by Tatiana N. Lugovitskaya and Denis A. Rogozhnikov

Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3288; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243288 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

During sulfite delignification of wood, sulfo derivatives of lignin—lignosulfonates (LS)—are formed as a byproduct. Due to their amphiphilic nature, LS are used as plasticizers, dispersants, and stabilizers. The functions and performance characteristics of this surface-active polyelectrolyte are determined by its behavior in aqueous [...] Read more.

During sulfite delignification of wood, sulfo derivatives of lignin—lignosulfonates (LS)—are formed as a byproduct. Due to their amphiphilic nature, LS are used as plasticizers, dispersants, and stabilizers. The functions and performance characteristics of this surface-active polyelectrolyte are determined by its behavior in aqueous solution, at surfaces and interfaces, which, in turn, is determined by its chemical composition. This study investigated the effect of LS with various molecular weight compositions (M_w 9–50 kDa) on the behavior and aggregation stability of aqueous dispersions of elemental sulfur (S⁰) under conditions simulating hydrothermal leaching of sulfide ores. Using conductometry, potentiometry, tensiometry, and viscometry, a detailed study of the physicochemical properties of aqueous LS solutions (C_LS 0.02–1.28 g/dm³) obtained from a few sources (Krasnokamsk, Solikamsk, and Norwegian Pulp and Paper Mills) was conducted. The composition, molecular weight, and concentration of LS were found to significantly affect their specific electrical conductivity, pH, intrinsic viscosity, and surface activity. LS introduction during the formation of sulfur sols is shown to promote their stabilization through electrostatic and steric mechanisms. Optimum dispersion stability (293 K, pH 4.5–5.5) was observed at moderate LS concentrations (0.02–0.32 g/dm³), when a stable adsorption layer forms on the surface of sulfur particles. High-molecular-weight LS samples provided more effective spatial stabilization of sulfur particles. It has been established that increasing temperature (293–333 K) and changing pH (1–7) significantly affect the aggregative stability of systems; specifically, the sol stability decreases with increasing temperature, and the stabilizing effect of different LS types reverses upon changing pH. The obtained results highlight the potential of using naturally occurring polymeric dispersants to control the aggregation stability of sulfur-containing heterophase systems and can be applied to the design of stable colloidal systems in chemical engineering and hydrometallurgy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Applied Lignin Research)

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23 pages, 790 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Financial Risk and Ownership Structure on ESG Disclosure: Insights from the Energy Sector in Indonesia

by Aloysius Harry Mukti, Oda I. B. Hariyanto and Oswald Timothy Edward

Risks 2025, 13(12), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/risks13120248 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure has gained global prominence, yet its implementation in emerging markets particularly in environmentally intensive sectors remains fragmented. In Indonesia’s energy industry, ESG transparency still struggles to meet rising global expectations, especially amid increased foreign investment flows and [...] Read more.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure has gained global prominence, yet its implementation in emerging markets particularly in environmentally intensive sectors remains fragmented. In Indonesia’s energy industry, ESG transparency still struggles to meet rising global expectations, especially amid increased foreign investment flows and sustainability demands following the country’s G20 presidency. While prior research has separately examined financial performance and ownership structure, fewer studies have explored their combined impact on ESG disclosure within this institutional context. This study investigates how financial risk indicators and ownership composition influence ESG disclosure levels among publicly listed energy firms in Indonesia during the 2020–2024 period. Drawing on 98 firm-year observations, ESG performance is measured using the Nasdaq ESG Reporting Guide, and multiple linear regression is used to assess the influence of return on assets, liquidity, and various ownership types (managerial, institutional, and foreign), controlling for firm age and COVID-19 impact. The findings reveal that institutional ownership significantly enhances ESG disclosure, while other predictors such as return on assets, liquidity, managerial, and foreign ownership show no meaningful effect. The results underscore the role of institutional investors as key drivers of ESG adoption, offering insights into how ownership structures shape sustainability reporting in a high-impact sector of an emerging economy. Full article

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19 pages, 4097 KB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Design of a Small, Low-Orbit Earth Observation Spacecraft with Electric Propulsion Thrusters

by Vadim Salmin, Vladimir Volotsuev, Sergey Safronov, Myo Htet Aung, Valery Abrashkin and Maksim Korovin

Aerospace 2025, 12(12), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12121100 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The article presents an approach to designing a low-orbit remote Earth sensing spacecraft. The low operational orbit of the satellite is maintained using a corrective electric propulsion system. The comprises an optical imaging system based on the Richey-Cretien telescope design augmented with an [...] Read more.

The article presents an approach to designing a low-orbit remote Earth sensing spacecraft. The low operational orbit of the satellite is maintained using a corrective electric propulsion system. The comprises an optical imaging system based on the Richey-Cretien telescope design augmented with an additional swivel reflection mirror. The optical system’s layout was optimized to minimize the spacecraft’s midsection area. This reduction in the frontal cross-sectional area decreases the aerodynamic drag forces exerted by the upper atmosphere, thereby reducing the propellant mass required for orbit maintenance. The article presents a model of constraints imposed by the satellite’s power supply system on the operating modes of the electric propulsion system and the orbit correction modes. Finally, a preliminary design of a low-orbit satellite, derived from the proposed approach, is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)

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22 pages, 4244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of a New Multifunctional Ionite Based on DBA-EChH-PEI and Its Efficiency in the Sorption of Copper and Silver Ions

by Yevgeniy Melnikov, Xeniya Morozova and Ruslan Kondaurov

Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243287 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

A comparative sorption dependence was carried out between the Dowex HCR-S/S″ industrial ion-exchange sorbent and the synthesized ion-exchange sorbent based on dibenzylamine, epichlorohydrin and polyethylenimine in relation to copper and silver ions. The sorption of copper and silver was studied by ionometry and [...] Read more.

A comparative sorption dependence was carried out between the Dowex HCR-S/S″ industrial ion-exchange sorbent and the synthesized ion-exchange sorbent based on dibenzylamine, epichlorohydrin and polyethylenimine in relation to copper and silver ions. The sorption of copper and silver was studied by ionometry and the dependences of the sorption of copper and silver ions in the static mode were established depending on the concentration of metal ions and the duration of ionite contact with solutions of copper and silver nitrates. It was found that the maximum sorption capacity of the synthesized ion exchanger is 672.4 mg/g for copper ions and 721.0 mg/g for silver ions, and 626.3 mg/g and 679.7 mg/g for industrial Dowex HCR-S/S″ ionite, respectively. It is shown that the sorption of copper and silver is described by various kinetic models: for copper, the best correspondence is demonstrated by a pseudo second order kinetic model, whereas for silver, the Elovich kinetic model the different nature of the interaction of ions with active centers. It has been revealed that the synthesized ion exchanger is superior to an industrial sorbent in terms of sorption rate and degree of extraction of valuable metals, especially in concentrated solutions, which indicates the prospects of its use in the processes of selective extraction of copper and silver. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymers and Their Composites for Sustainable Development)

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11 pages, 346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Combination Therapy with Oral Vancomycin Plus Intravenous Metronidazole Is Not Superior to Oral Vancomycin Alone for the Treatment of Severe Clostridioides difficile Infection: A KASID Multicenter Study

by Young Wook Cho, Jung Min Moon, Hyeong Han Lee, Jiyoung Kim, Chang Hwan Choi, Kang-Moon Lee and Young-Seok Cho

Antibiotics 2025, 14(12), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14121252 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Guidelines recommend combination therapy with oral vancomycin and intravenous (IV) metronidazole for fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Although patients with severe CDI are often managed with combination therapy, evidence supporting this practice remains limited. This study was performed to compare the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Guidelines recommend combination therapy with oral vancomycin and intravenous (IV) metronidazole for fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Although patients with severe CDI are often managed with combination therapy, evidence supporting this practice remains limited. This study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of vancomycin monotherapy versus combination therapy in patients with severe CDI. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study including adult patients with severe CDI who received oral vancomycin between January 2017 and May 2021. Patients were classified as receiving combination therapy if IV metronidazole was administered for at least 72 h within 48 h of initiating oral vancomycin; otherwise, they were classified as receiving vancomycin monotherapy. The primary outcome was a composite of inpatient all-cause death or colectomy within 60 days after CDI diagnosis. The secondary outcomes were the clinical cure rate, CDI recurrence rate, time to discharge after CDI diagnosis, and duration of ICU admission. Results: In total, 215 patients were included, with 100 (46.5%) receiving combination therapy. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality or colectomy between the monotherapy and combination therapy groups (25.2% vs. 26.0%, p = 1.00). Recurrence rates (19.1% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.81), total length of stay (31.0 vs. 23.0 days, p = 0.16), and ICU stay duration (35.0 vs. 32.0 days, p = 0.89) were also similar. However, the clinical cure rate was significantly higher in the monotherapy group than in the combination therapy group (79.1% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Combination therapy with oral vancomycin and IV metronidazole was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with severe CDI. Prospective randomized studies are needed to clarify optimal management strategies for severe CDI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Topics in Clostridioides difficile Infection: A One Health Problem)

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36 pages, 7764 KB

Open AccessReview

Global Research Trends and Thematic Evolution of Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) Science: A Bibliometric Analysis

by David Alejandro Pinzon, Gina Marcela Amado, Jader Rodriguez and Edwin Villagran

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121501 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a high-value crop due to its growing global demand, recognized nutraceutical properties, and strong linkage with emerging technologies in precision agriculture and postharvest management. To characterize the scientific evolution and intellectual structure, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of [...] Read more.

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a high-value crop due to its growing global demand, recognized nutraceutical properties, and strong linkage with emerging technologies in precision agriculture and postharvest management. To characterize the scientific evolution and intellectual structure, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 474 documents indexed in Scopus between 1987 and 2025. A systematic search strategy based on taxonomic, agronomic, and technological descriptors was applied, followed by data cleaning and analysis with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Performance indicators and science-mapping techniques were used to examine temporal growth, geographical distribution, institutional and author leadership, and thematic structure. Scientific output shows a sustained upward trend with a maximum of 42 articles in 2024, confirming the consolidation of blueberry as a model crop for interdisciplinary research. Research articles represent over 75% of the total (359/474), evidencing an application-oriented and experimentally grounded field. Agricultural and Biological Sciences dominate (382 documents), followed by Engineering (70) and Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (66), reflecting increasing integration of crop management, technological innovation, and food science. Thematic mapping identified five main clusters: physiology and health, plant protection, agronomic management and digitalization, processing and stability of phenolic compounds, and analytical characterization. The analysis reveals gaps in the integration of physiology, food science, and metabolomics, as well as in the biological validation of biomarkers and the study of peripheral Vaccinium species. Overall, the field exhibits a consolidated and sustainability-oriented interdisciplinarity, highlighting opportunities to advance toward more comparable analytical protocols, digital traceability, and artificial-intelligence-assisted decision support along the blueberry value chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fruit Production Systems)

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17 pages, 4348 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Demonstration of OAF Fiber-FSO Relaying for 60 GBd Transmission in Urban Environment

by Evrydiki Kyriazi, Panagiotis Toumasis, Panagiotis Kourelias, Argiris Ntanos, Aristeidis Stathis, Dimitris Apostolopoulos, Nikolaos Lyras, Hercules Avramopoulos and Giannis Giannoulis

Photonics 2025, 12(12), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12121222 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

We present an experimental demonstration of a daylight-capable Optical Amplify-and-Forward (OAF) relaying system designed to support flexible and high-capacity network topologies. The proposed architecture integrates fiber-based infrastructure with OAF Free Space Optics (FSO) relaying, enabling bidirectional optical communication over 460 m (x2) using [...] Read more.

We present an experimental demonstration of a daylight-capable Optical Amplify-and-Forward (OAF) relaying system designed to support flexible and high-capacity network topologies. The proposed architecture integrates fiber-based infrastructure with OAF Free Space Optics (FSO) relaying, enabling bidirectional optical communication over 460 m (x2) using SFP-compatible schemes, while addressing Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) constraints and fiber disruptions. This work achieves a Bit Error Rate (BER) below the Hard-Decision Forward Error Correction (HD-FEC) limit, validating the feasibility of high-speed urban FSO links. By leveraging low-cost fiber-coupled optical terminals, the system transmits single-carrier 120 Gbps Intensity Modulation/Direct Detection (IM/DD) signals using NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero) and PAM4 (4-Pulse Amplitude Modulation) modulation formats. Operating entirely in the optical C-Band domain, this approach ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure, supporting scalable mesh FSO deployments and seamless integration with hybrid Radio Frequency (RF)/FSO systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Free-Space Optical Communications)

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28 pages, 7183 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Global Water Use Scarcity Risk Assessment Framework: Integration of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Datasets

by Yunhan Wang, Xueke Li, Guangqiu Jin, Zhou Luo, Mengze Sun, Yu Fu, Taixia Wu and Kai Liu

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(24), 3999; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17243999 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

A storage-aware water-scarcity risk assessment framework coupling satellite remote sensing, geospatial datasets with the IPCC exposure-hazard-vulnerability (EHV) paradigm was designed to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of global water scarcity risk over the past two decades. To achieve this, a performance-weighted ensemble machine learning [...] Read more.

A storage-aware water-scarcity risk assessment framework coupling satellite remote sensing, geospatial datasets with the IPCC exposure-hazard-vulnerability (EHV) paradigm was designed to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of global water scarcity risk over the past two decades. To achieve this, a performance-weighted ensemble machine learning approach was employed to reconstruct long-term terrestrial water storage (TWS) from satellite observations, augmented with glacier-mass calibration to improve reliability in cryosphere-affected regions. Global water withdrawal dataset was generated by integrating remote sensing, geospatial dataset, and machine learning to mitigate the dependency of parameterized land surface hydrological models and enable consistent risk mapping. Satellite-derived results reveal obvious TWS declines in Asia, Northern Africa, and North America, particularly in irrigated drylands and glacier-dominated regions. EHV paradigm and big datasets further identified high-water scarcity risk in Asia and Africa, especially in agricultural regions. Water stress has intensified in Africa over the past two decades, while a decreasing trend is observed in parts of Asia. Vulnerability levels in Asia and Africa are approximately eight times higher than those in other global regions. Results reveal a strong connection between water stress and socioeconomic factors in Asia and Africa, reflecting global disparities in water resource availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Satellite Observations for Hydrological Modelling)

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19 pages, 4512 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soluble Dietary Fiber from Highland Barley Bran Reduces Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation

by Xuzhao Wei, Furong Lang, Huicui Liu, Shulin Wang and Tongren Wang

Nutrients 2025, 17(24), 3870; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17243870 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Obesity has emerged as a significant public health challenge largely attributed to excessive dietary fat consumption. A growing body of evidence indicates that soluble dietary fiber (SDF) can prevent high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity by modulating the gut microbiota. Our previous studies have shown [...] Read more.

Background: Obesity has emerged as a significant public health challenge largely attributed to excessive dietary fat consumption. A growing body of evidence indicates that soluble dietary fiber (SDF) can prevent high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity by modulating the gut microbiota. Our previous studies have shown that SDF derived from highland barley bran exhibits favorable lipid-lowering activity in vitro, but its lipid-lowering effect in vivo remains to be elucidated. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering effects of SDF from highland barley bran in HFD-fed mice based on the gut microbiota. Mice were fed an HFD, and the intervention effects of SDF on hepatic lipid metabolism and its underlying molecular mechanisms were systematically evaluated using liver lipidomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, molecular biological techniques, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results: Liver lipidomics analysis revealed that potential lipid biomarkers responsive to barley bran-derived SDF included phosphatidylethanolamines (PE, 18:2–20:3), phosphatidylserine (PS, 18:0–18:2), and PS (18:1–22:3). Furthermore, SDF modulated the composition and structure of the gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice. Notably, SDF increased the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, particularly Dubosiella, as well as elevated SCFA levels. Conclusions: The increase in SCFAs activated the hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPK) signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating HFD-induced disturbances in lipid metabolism, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, and lowering serum lipid concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics)

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38 pages, 18312 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microwave Firing of Ceramics: Developing Homemade Susceptors and Their Practical Applications

by Bruno Goffé

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413053 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of constructing a microwave kiln for artisanal ceramics using accessible materials and homemade susceptors. Two modified microwave ovens (18 L and 50 L) were equipped with insulation and susceptors to achieve temperatures up to 1280 °C. Susceptors were [...] Read more.

This study explores the feasibility of constructing a microwave kiln for artisanal ceramics using accessible materials and homemade susceptors. Two modified microwave ovens (18 L and 50 L) were equipped with insulation and susceptors to achieve temperatures up to 1280 °C. Susceptors were fabricated from silicon carbide (SiC) and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) powders via microwave-assisted reactive sintering. Magnetite-poor susceptors (SiC/Fe₃O₄ > 2 by weight) demonstrated excellent durability, maintaining stable thermal performance over multiple cycles. In contrast, magnetite-rich susceptors (SiC/Fe₃O₄ ∼ 1) exhibited high initial efficiency and the ability to control redox conditions but degraded significantly after 10–15 cycles due to partial melting. The microwave kiln achieved significant time savings, completing the ramp-up of the firing cycles in 1 h, compared to 8–10 h in conventional kilns. Energy consumption per litre was comparable to large electric kilns but significantly lower than small ones. The fired ceramics, including porcelain and earthenware, showed excellent mechanical and aesthetic qualities, with glazes performing well even at lower temperatures than recommended. The study highlights the advantages of microwave heating, such as faster processing, energy efficiency, and the ability to control redox conditions, which mimic traditional gas-fired kilns. The developed susceptors are cost-effective and easy to manufacture, making this approach accessible to craftspeople and amateurs. While magnetite-rich susceptors enable redox control, their limited lifespan requires further optimisation. This work demonstrates the potential of microwave kilns for artisanal ceramics, offering flexibility, efficiency, and quality comparable to traditional methods, with promising applications for unique or small-scale production. Future research should focus on refining susceptors durability and validating redox control effects on ceramic glazes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microwave Processing of Materials: A Sustainable Manufacturing Approach)

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21 pages, 1184 KB

Open AccessPerspective

Death as Rising Entropy: A Theory of Everything for Postmortem Interval Estimation

by Matteo Nioi and Ernesto d’Aloja

Forensic Sci. 2025, 5(4), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/forensicsci5040076 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Determining the postmortem interval remains one of the most persistent and fragmented challenges in forensic science. Conventional approaches—thermal, biochemical, molecular, or entomological—capture only isolated fragments of a single physical reality: the irreversible drift of a once-living system toward equilibrium. This Perspective proposes a [...] Read more.

Determining the postmortem interval remains one of the most persistent and fragmented challenges in forensic science. Conventional approaches—thermal, biochemical, molecular, or entomological—capture only isolated fragments of a single physical reality: the irreversible drift of a once-living system toward equilibrium. This Perspective proposes a unifying paradigm in which death is understood as a progressive rise in entropy, encompassing the loss of biological order across thermal, chemical, structural, and ecological domains. Each measurable postmortem variable—temperature decay, metabolite diffusion, macromolecular breakdown, tissue disorganization, and microbial succession—represents a distinct expression of the same universal law. Within this framework, entropy becomes a dimensionless index of disorder that can be normalized and compared across scales, transforming scattered empirical data into a coherent continuum. A Bayesian formulation further integrates these entropic signals according to their temporal reliability, yielding a probabilistic, multidomain equation for PMI estimation. By merging thermodynamics, information theory, and biology, the concept of death as rising entropy offers a comprehensive physical description of the postmortem process and a theoretical foundation for future computational, imaging, and metabolomic models in forensic time analysis. Full article

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Graphical abstract

22 pages, 3806 KB

Open AccessArticle

Charophytes (Characeae, Charophyceae) of Bosnia and Herzegovina—35 Years After the Last Systematic Overview

by Ivana Trbojević, Roman Romanov, Vanja Milovanović, Gordana Subakov Simić, Mihajlo Stanković, Ermin Mašić and Jelena Blaženčić

Phycology 2025, 5(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5040085 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The overview of charophytes in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been updated after 35 years through a revision of existing specimens in the BEOU Charophyte Collection, verification and listing of known vouchers in other herbarium collections, and a detailed review of the available literature [...] Read more.

The overview of charophytes in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been updated after 35 years through a revision of existing specimens in the BEOU Charophyte Collection, verification and listing of known vouchers in other herbarium collections, and a detailed review of the available literature covering the period from 1848 to 2024. According to all available data, 18 species and three genera of charophytes are found in 122 sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chara papillosa Kütz. and C. subspinosa Rupr. are newly reported species in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chara vulgaris L., C. contraria A. Braun ex Kütz., C. globularis Thuill., C. gymnophylla (A. Braun) A. Braun, and C. squamosa Desf. are the most frequently recorded. The Dinaric Mountains mixed forests are the most representative and species-rich ecoregion. Most charophytes were recorded before 1930 and after 1980, with a clear discrepancy between the sites documented in these periods. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the lowest charophyte species richness compared to neighbouring countries. We strongly encourage further revision of available collections and continued systematic field research, which will enable the preparation of the Red List and the formal protection of species and habitats. Full article

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13 pages, 434 KB

Open AccessReview

Home Monitoring for the Management of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review of the Development and Implementation of Digital Health Solutions over a 25-Year Scientific Journey

by Miguel A. Busquets, Richard A. Garfinkel, Deepak Sambhara, Nishant Mohan, Kester Nahen, Gidi Benyamini and Anat Loewenstein

Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122193 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

The management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presents a significant challenge attributable to high disease heterogeneity. Patient realization of symptoms is poor and it is urgent to treat before permanent anatomic damage results in vision loss. This is true for the initial conversion [...] Read more.

The management of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) presents a significant challenge attributable to high disease heterogeneity. Patient realization of symptoms is poor and it is urgent to treat before permanent anatomic damage results in vision loss. This is true for the initial conversion from non-exudative intermediate AMD (iAMD) to exudative AMD (nAMD), and for the recurrence of nAMD undergoing treatment. Starting from the essential requirements that any practical solution needs to fulfill, we will reflect on how persistent navigation towards innovative solutions during a 25-year journey yielded significant advances towards improvements in personalized care. An early insight was that the acute nature of AMD progression requires frequent monitoring and therefore diagnostic testing should be performed at the patient’s home. Four key requirements were identified: (1) A tele-connected home device with acceptable diagnostic performance and a supportive patient user interface, both hardware and software. (2) Automated analytics capabilities that can process large volumes of data. (3) Efficient remote patient engagement and support through a digital healthcare provider. (4) A low-cost medical system that enables digital healthcare delivery through appropriate compensation for both the monitoring provider and the prescribing physician services. We reviewed the published literature accompanying first the development of Preferential Hyperacuity Perimetry (PHP) for monitoring iAMD, followed by Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) for monitoring nAMD. Emphasis was given to the review of the validation of the core technologies, the regulatory process, and real-world studies, and how they led to the release of commercial services that are covered by Medicare in the USA. We concluded that while during the first quarter of the 21st century, the two main pillars of management of AMD were anti-VEGF intravitreal injections and in-office OCT, the addition of home-monitoring-based digital health services can become the third pillar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Diagnostics and Therapy for Vitreoretinal Diseases)

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20 pages, 3454 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Sheep Wool Collected from Sheep Bred in the Kyrgyz Republic as a Component of Biodegradable Composite Material

by Piotr Szatkowski, Jakub Barwinek, Alykeev Ishenbek Zhakypbekovich, Julita Szczecina, Marcin Niemiec, Kinga Pielichowska and Edyta Molik

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 13054; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413054 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Biocomposites based on natural fibres represent a promising solution for the circular economy. The aim of this study was to develop and characterise a biodegradable composite based on sheep wool from herds raised in the Kyrgyz Republic and polylactide (PLA 4032D). Composite samples [...] Read more.

Biocomposites based on natural fibres represent a promising solution for the circular economy. The aim of this study was to develop and characterise a biodegradable composite based on sheep wool from herds raised in the Kyrgyz Republic and polylactide (PLA 4032D). Composite samples with a wool–PLA ratio of 50:50 were fabricated by thermoforming at a temperature of 168 °C for 30 s (n = 10). Mechanical properties tests were performed (PN-EN ISO 604—compression tests), for impact resistance (Charpy method), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurements of density and thermal conductivity. Biodegradation samples were subjected to enriched soil conditions for 6 weeks in two variants (with and without irrigation). The results showed that the addition of sheep wool to the PLA matrix significantly increased compressive strength (23.56 ± 5.23 MPa) and impact energy absorption (226.2 ± 23.8 kJ/m²) compared to neat PLA. After biodegradation, a 59% reduction in compressive strength was observed while maintaining an increase in fracture energy, suggesting a change in the failure mechanism. The density (0.27 ± 0.02 g/cm³) and the thermal conductivity (0.127 W/m·K) comparable to polymer foams indicate potential for thermal insulation applications. Microscopy and DSC analysis confirmed complete biodegradation under soil conditions. The developed biocomposite from Kyrgyz sheep wool demonstrates the potential for valorisation of local fibrous waste for biodegradable materials with functional insulation properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Characterization, and Applications of Biodegradable Polymers)

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25 pages, 2529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Transformation of China’s Light Industry: Regulatory and Innovation Policy Scenarios, 2023–2036

by Jiangbo Chang, Fang Su and Di Cao

Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 11105; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172411105 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accelerating the green transformation of China’s light industry is of great significance for addressing resource and environmental issues and promoting sustainable development. Based on data from 16 light industry sectors in China from 2004 to 2023, this paper employs a system dynamics model [...] Read more.

Accelerating the green transformation of China’s light industry is of great significance for addressing resource and environmental issues and promoting sustainable development. Based on data from 16 light industry sectors in China from 2004 to 2023, this paper employs a system dynamics model to systematically explore the pathways for the green transformation of China’s light industry. The study finds that the green transformation of China’s light industry will exhibit a trend of first declining and then rising in the future. Simultaneously implementing measures to increase environmental regulation, strengthen independent innovation, promote imitative innovation, and reduce technology acquisition represents the optimal pathway for driving the green transformation. Based on these findings, future efforts should focus on optimizing technological innovation pathways and scientifically setting environmental regulation intensities. This paper not only fills the gap in dynamic system analysis within the field of green transformation of the light industry, but also provides valuable reference for promoting the sustainable development of manufacturing in China and globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Innovation and Energy Transformation Toward Regional Economy Development)

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16 pages, 829 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hyperspectral Images Anomaly Detection Based on Rapid Collaborative Representation and EMP

by Jiaxin Li, Xiaowei Shen, Fang He, Jianwei Zhao, Haojie Hu and Weimin Jia

Electronics 2025, 14(24), 4878; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14244878 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Hyperspectral anomaly detection (HAD) refers to a method of identifying abnormal targets through the differences in spectral separabilities of anomaly versus background clutter. It plays a significant role in fields such as commercial agriculture, for instance, in pest and disease monitoring and environmental [...] Read more.

Hyperspectral anomaly detection (HAD) refers to a method of identifying abnormal targets through the differences in spectral separabilities of anomaly versus background clutter. It plays a significant role in fields such as commercial agriculture, for instance, in pest and disease monitoring and environmental monitoring. Collaborative representation detector (CRD) is a classic hyperspectral anomaly detection method. However, by constructing a sliding dual window, it leads to a high computational complexity and thus takes a relatively long time. In response to the deficiencies existing in that CRD method, we propose a method that first extracts extended morphological profiles (EMP) and then uses the obtained feature images to construct K-means CRD (EMPKCRD). This method performs window reconstruction on complex hyperspectral background pixels through the K-means clustering algorithm to separate abnormal pixels with similar features and obtain the background dictionary matrix. The method leverages the observation that background pixels can be effectively approximated by a linear combination of their spatially adjacent pixels, whereas anomalous pixels, due to their distinct nature, cannot be similarly reconstructed from their local neighborhood. This fundamental disparity in reconstructibility is then exploited to separate anomalies from the background. Then, anomaly detection can be carried out on this matrix faster, avoiding the high computational complexity caused by the use of a sliding dual window. Through comparative simulation experiments with seven widely used algorithms at present on three real-world datasets, the empirical evaluations validate that this method has excellent performance while exhibiting a favorable balance between detection precision and operational speed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Image Recognition, Image Segmentation, Image Fusion, and Singal Processing)

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17 pages, 3108 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Scale Spatial–Semantic Feature Aggregation Network for Strip Steel Surface Defect Detection

by Chenglong Xu, Yange Sun, Linlin Huang and Huaping Guo

Materials 2025, 18(24), 5567; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18245567 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Strip steel surface defect detection remains a challenging task due to the diverse scales and uneven spatial distribution of defects, which often lead to incomplete feature representation and missed detections in sparsely distributed regions. To address these challenges, we propose a novel cross-scale [...] Read more.

Strip steel surface defect detection remains a challenging task due to the diverse scales and uneven spatial distribution of defects, which often lead to incomplete feature representation and missed detections in sparsely distributed regions. To address these challenges, we propose a novel cross-scale spatial–semantic feature aggregation network (CSSFAN) that achieves fine-grained and semantically consistent feature fusion across multiple scales. Specifically, CSSFAN adopts a bottom-up feature aggregation strategy equipped with a series of cross-scale spatial–semantic aggregation modules (CSSAMs). Each CSSAM first establishes a mapping relationship between high-level feature points and low-level feature regions and then introduces a cross-scale attention mechanism that adaptively injects spatial details from low-level features into high-level semantic representations. This aggregation strategy bridges the gap between spatial precision and semantic abstraction, enabling the network to capture subtle and irregular defect patterns. Furthermore, we introduce an adaptive region proposal network (ARPN) to cope with the uneven spatial distribution of defects. ARPN dynamically adjusts the number of region proposals according to the local feature complexity, ensuring that regions with dense or subtle defects receive more proposal attention, while sparse or background regions are adaptively suppressed, thereby enhancing the model’s sensitivity to defect-prone areas. Extensive experiments on two strip steel surface defect datasets demonstrate that our method significantly improves detection performance, validating its effectiveness and robustness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Surface Engineering Technologies and Their Impact on Surface Integrity and Functional Performance of Additively Manufactured Parts)

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16 pages, 1278 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Social and Communicational Profile of Children Identified with Autism in Ethiopia

by Waganesh A. Zeleke, Elleni Damtew Asfaw, Angela Lee, Alanna King and Suzzane Long

Children 2025, 12(12), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12121685 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, children identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families face substantial challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis and appropriate services, including limited public awareness, cultural stigma, and shortages of trained professionals. Understanding how social and communication difficulties manifest in children [...] Read more.

Background: In Ethiopia, children identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families face substantial challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis and appropriate services, including limited public awareness, cultural stigma, and shortages of trained professionals. Understanding how social and communication difficulties manifest in children identified with ASD within Ethiopian service settings is essential for designing culturally and contextually responsive interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the social-communication characteristics of children enrolled in two major autism-focused centers and to examine contextual influences shaping their communication profiles. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected from parents or guardians of 110 children using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ). Qualitative data were gathered through five focus group discussions with 56 service providers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were applied to SCQ scores, while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative transcripts. Results: Overall, 90% of participating children scored above the SCQ clinical cutoff of 15, indicating pronounced social and communication challenges, though these scores represent symptom patterns rather than confirmed diagnoses. No significant differences in SCQ scores were observed by age or gender. Thematic analysis identified four major contextual influences on children’s social-communicative behaviors: cultural beliefs about disability, multilingual communication environments, systemic barriers to service access, and persistent community stigma. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for culturally adapted screening tools and community-based interventions that account for sociocultural and structural influences on communication. Strengthening early identification, reducing stigma, and improving service accessibility may enhance support for children with ASD in low-resource, collectivist settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Mental Health)

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30 pages, 3201 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Signed Certificate Verification for IoT and V2V Messages via Blockchain Integration

by David Khoury, Khouloud Eledlebi, Kassem Hamze, Jinane Sayah, Patrick Sondi, Kassem Danach, David Semaan, Hassan Farran and Samir Haddad

Sensors 2025, 25(24), 7528; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25247528 (registering DOI) - 11 Dec 2025

Abstract

Symmetric cryptographic schemes such as RSA and ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm), used for digital signatures in protocols like TLS, DTLS, and secure messaging, are computationally intensive. This makes them unsuitable for constrained environments, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and [...] Read more.

Symmetric cryptographic schemes such as RSA and ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm), used for digital signatures in protocols like TLS, DTLS, and secure messaging, are computationally intensive. This makes them unsuitable for constrained environments, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). This study introduces a blockchain-based framework that utilizes the Ethereum network to store and verify public keys associated with digital certificates. By replacing signature decryption with blockchain-based public key verification, the solution significantly reduces cryptographic overhead and latency in V2V messages. It supports various certificate formats, including Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)/Certificate Authority (CA) certificates such as X.509 and L-ECQV, as well as self-signed certificates. Applications include secure communication protocols like Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS)/Transport Layer Security (TLS), V2V mutual authentication in V2X messaging, and lightweight certificate management within IoT ecosystems. Empirical results show that the DTLS handshake with this scheme is reduced from 12 s to less than 6 s. Additionally, it enables vehicles and IoT devices to perform one-time signature verification with minimal latency in V2V messaging, demonstrating significant performance improvements for high-density deployments involving mutual authentication between IoT devices and V2V communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Security and Privacy in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles)

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