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15 pages, 3812 KB

Open AccessArticle

Meta-Analysis of Ocy-454 Showed Interrupted Osteocyte Maturation in Spaceflight Affects SOST Expression and Hypoxic Response

by Mayuka Honjo, Takanori Hasegawa, Masafumi Muratani and Hiroki Bochimoto

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228100 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Changes in sclerostin expression regulated by SOST in osteocytes during spaceflight may be associated with bone loss; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between SOST expression and bone loss by identifying [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Changes in sclerostin expression regulated by SOST in osteocytes during spaceflight may be associated with bone loss; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between SOST expression and bone loss by identifying the gene expression differences between osteocytes with high and low SOST expressions. Methods: We used the NASA GeneLab Database OSD-324, which is a microarray of data about the Ocy454 osteocytic cell line cultured for 2, 4, and 6 days during spaceflight, and the GSE102958 microarray in the Gene Expression Omnibus. We also analyzed the characteristics of SOST gene expression in osteocytes during spaceflight using merged datasets. Results: The findings of Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed that five gene sets related with H3K27me3 significantly upregulated with NES > 2.0 during spaceflight compared with ground controls. We also found 77 and 617 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in flight 6d vs. low and high SOST expression, respectively. We used the transcriptional regulatory relationships unraveled by the sentence-based text-mining (TRRUST) database to determine the most significant upstream transcription factor (TF) of genes downregulated in osteocytes during spaceflight compared with those expressing abundant SOST. We detected that TF Sp7 is the most significant, with FDR < 0.01. Moreover, the GSEA findings indicated that the hypoxic pathway is prolonged in osteocytes during spaceflight compared to those at ground level. Conclusions: The gene expression profiles of osteocytes during spaceflight and in comparatively immature osteocytes with low SOST expression were similar. Furthermore, early osteocyte maturation inhibited by downregulated Sp7 during spaceflight extended the hypoxic response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)

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28 pages, 3894 KB

Open AccessArticle

Novel 5-Aryl-[1,2,4]triazoloquinazoline Fluorophores: Synthesis, Comparative Studies of the Optical Properties and ICT-Based Sensing Application

by Alexandra E. Kopotilova, Julia V. Permyakova, Ekaterina S. Starnovskaya, Tatyana N. Moshkina, Alexander S. Novikov, Pavel A. Slepukhin and Emiliya V. Nosova

Molecules 2025, 30(22), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30224420 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Novel tricyclic fluorophores were obtained from 2-aryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline-5(6H)-ones through chlorodesoxygenation and subsequent Suzuki–Imamura cross-coupling reactions. Their π-extended analogues were synthesized from 5-(4-bromophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazoloquinazolines. The structure of target fluorophores was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Photophysical properties in solutions and solid state were [...] Read more.

Novel tricyclic fluorophores were obtained from 2-aryl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline-5(6H)-ones through chlorodesoxygenation and subsequent Suzuki–Imamura cross-coupling reactions. Their π-extended analogues were synthesized from 5-(4-bromophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazoloquinazolines. The structure of target fluorophores was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Photophysical properties in solutions and solid state were studied. 5-Aminoaryl-substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines revealed bright blue fluorescence in toluene (Φ_F > 95%), which can be tuned by solvent polarity, the electronic nature and rigidity of the donor fragment, the π-spacer length, and the annelation pattern. Intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) behaviour was demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical data. Distinct acid-induced spectral and fluorescence changes upon protonation were observed for diethylamino-containing derivatives, indicating their potential applicability as dual-mode (polarity and pH) molecular sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthetic Studies Aimed at Heterocyclic Organic Compounds, 2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 846 KB

Open AccessArticle

Technical Evaluation of BTEX Emission Mitigation from Gas Dehydration Unit by Revamping and Using Alternative Glycols

by Ahmed A. Bhran and Abeer M. Shoaib

Processes 2025, 13(11), 3696; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113696 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Water removal is crucial in natural gas processing to minimize water content, ensure safe transmission, and prevent operational issues like equipment corrosion and hydrate formation. Glycol absorption could be considered as one of the most effective methods used for natural gas dehydration and [...] Read more.

Water removal is crucial in natural gas processing to minimize water content, ensure safe transmission, and prevent operational issues like equipment corrosion and hydrate formation. Glycol absorption could be considered as one of the most effective methods used for natural gas dehydration and dew point control. However, during solvent regeneration, some pollutants, like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX), are released to the atmosphere, resulting in catastrophic physical and mental health problems. Minimizing such pollutants that have negative impacts is highly needed to avoid the related negative environmental consequences. The objective of the current work is to investigate alternative strategies targeted to minimize BTEX emissions and guarantee efficient control of the dew point. Two strategies are introduced and investigated in this work; the first strategy is based on revamping an existing unit by adding a new cooler upstream glycol inlet separator, while the second strategy is based on using alternative glycols. The proposed strategies are applied to an Egyptian natural gas dehydration unit to select the optimum scenario that achieves the minimum BTEX emissions with efficient dew point control. It is found that natural gas dehydration using monoethylene glycol (MEG) is the best scenario in reducing BTEX emissions with efficient dew point control. The impact of operating conditions on BTEX emissions, along with natural gas water content, is also investigated. Lingo optimization software, v. 18, as well as HYSYS, v. 14, are used to find the optimum operating conditions for efficient dew point control with minimum BTEX emissions. It is demonstrated that stripping gas, MEG circulation rate, and inlet feed gas temperature have remarkable effects on BTEX emissions. Two quadratic correlations are also introduced in this study to efficiently relate BTEX emissions and water dew point to the influencing operating conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Processes and Technologies for Energy Applications Towards Sustainability)

21 pages, 2514 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Coordinated Control Strategy for Auxiliary Frequency Regulation of Gas–Steam Combined Cycle Units

by Zunmin Hu, Yilin Zhang, Tianhai Zhang, Xinyu Xiao, Li Sun and Lei Pan

Energies 2025, 18(22), 5997; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18225997 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy, the frequency regulation burden on thermal power units is growing significantly. Among them, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units are playing an increasingly important role in grid ancillary services due to their high efficiency and low [...] Read more.

With the increasing penetration of renewable energy, the frequency regulation burden on thermal power units is growing significantly. Among them, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units are playing an increasingly important role in grid ancillary services due to their high efficiency and low emissions. This paper investigates coordinated control strategies to improve the auxiliary frequency regulation capability of CCGTs, addressing the limitations of traditional control approaches where gas turbines dominate while steam turbines respond passively. A decentralized model predictive control (MPC) strategy based on rate-limited signal decomposition is proposed to improve auxiliary frequency regulation. First, a dynamic model of the F-class CCGT systems oriented towards control is established. Then, predictive controllers are designed separately for the top and bottom cycles, with control accuracy improved through a fuzzy prediction model, Kalman filtering and state augmentation. Furthermore, a multi-scale decomposition method for AGC (Automatic Generation Control) signals is developed, separating the signals into load-following and high-frequency components, which are allocated to the gas and steam turbines respectively for coordinated response. Comparative simulations with a conventional MPC strategy demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves power tracking speed, stability, and overshoot control, with the IAE (Integral of Absolute Error) index reduced by 83.7%, showing strong potential for practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Energy Systems: Dynamics, Control and Optimal Planning for Low-Carbon Energy Systems)

16 pages, 2615 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel High-Performance 2-to-4 Decoder Design Utilizing a Plasmonic Well and Suspended Graphene Nanoribbon

by Mohammad Javad Maleki and Mohammad Soroosh

Crystals 2025, 15(11), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15110988 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a compact and high-performance 2-to-4 optical decoder based on a plasmonic well structure incorporating suspended graphene nanoribbons. By exploiting the tunable graphene’s chemical potential, the propagation and confinement of surface plasmon polaritons are dynamically controlled, enabling efficient routing of optical [...] Read more.

This paper presents a compact and high-performance 2-to-4 optical decoder based on a plasmonic well structure incorporating suspended graphene nanoribbons. By exploiting the tunable graphene’s chemical potential, the propagation and confinement of surface plasmon polaritons are dynamically controlled, enabling efficient routing of optical signals toward the output ports. Finite-difference time-domain simulations are employed to analyze the influence of channel geometry and graphene chemical potential on surface plasmon polariton propagation, refractive index, and transmission loss. The designed structure, featuring a 30 nm wide and 10 nm high plasmonic well, achieves a low propagation loss of 0.188 dB/µm and a high figure of merit of 1950 at 40 THz. The designed decoder exhibits a contrast ratio of 36.93 dB and crosstalk suppression of −36.93 dB, while occupying a remarkably small area (0.05 µm²), demonstrating superior optical performance and compactness compared to previously reported designs. These results confirm the potential of the proposed plasmonic well-based decoder as a fundamental component for next-generation nanoscale optical and plasmonic computing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials)

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12 pages, 4571 KB

Open AccessArticle

Micro-Raman Study of Chinese Iron-Based Brown Wares Produced During Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE): Probing Crystals in the Glazes

by Tian Wang, Zilong He, Senwei Xia, Philippe Sciau, Anding Shao, Zhao Ren, Fen Wang, Jianfeng Zhu, Ying Wang, Qiang Li and Hongjie Luo

Heritage 2025, 8(11), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8110480 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Brown glazed wares, as some of the famous Song wares, attract significant attention nowadays due to the glaze containing a large amount of metastable ε-Fe₂O₃, a promising multiple-functional electromagnetic material. In this work, typical fragments were systematically analyzed by [...] Read more.

Brown glazed wares, as some of the famous Song wares, attract significant attention nowadays due to the glaze containing a large amount of metastable ε-Fe₂O₃, a promising multiple-functional electromagnetic material. In this work, typical fragments were systematically analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy as well as X-ray fluorescence. Abundant ε-Fe₂O₃ crystals were observed in the glaze surfaces, with the exception of numerous hematite crystals detected in the surfaces of fragments excavated in Hunyuan kilns (Shanxi province). The correlative analyses of Raman and XRF data indicate that relatively high SiO₂ and low CaO contents in the system may benefit ε-Fe₂O₃ precipitation, and the crystallization temperature may range from 1150 to 1200 °C. In addition, various crystals were detected in the glazes, including magnetite, magnesioferrite, zircon, anatase, pseudobrookite, rutile, cordierite, cristobalite, quartz, and mullite. Full article

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17 pages, 691 KB

Open AccessArticle

Heterogeneity in English as a Foreign Language: Skills Among Norwegian 6th Graders with Dyslexia—The Impact of Language Comprehension and Processing Profiles

by Turid Magnhild Helland, Randi Kaasa and Wenche Andersen Helland

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15111230 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: English as a first foreign language (EFL) is often difficult for students with dyslexia. This study maps a broad range of EFL verbal and literacy skills in 6th graders with dyslexia compared to a control group. Methods: Participants were 127 controls (CON) [...] Read more.

Background: English as a first foreign language (EFL) is often difficult for students with dyslexia. This study maps a broad range of EFL verbal and literacy skills in 6th graders with dyslexia compared to a control group. Methods: Participants were 127 controls (CON) and 60 students with dyslexia (DYS), split into dys+ and dys− by their comprehension scores. They were tested with “The English 2 Dyslexia Test” containing seven subtests within three domains: Sentences, Pragmatics, and Literacy. The data were analysed in Part 1: domains and groups, and in Part 2: linguistic skills and spelling by groups. Results: Part 1. CON scored better than DYS on all tests. However, the differences between the two subgroups, dys+ and dys−, were larger than expected. Dys+ scored in line with CON on several tests, while dys− scored below CON on all tests and lower than dys+ on all except for spelling. Part 2. Minor differences were seen between CON and dys+ in linguistic skills, and both CON and dys+ scored higher than dys−. Spelling was scored by the number of graphemes. CON scored higher than both dys+ and dys−, with no difference between the subgroups. Conclusions: The results were discussed in accordance with neurocognitive theories of the auditory and visual timing systems. The overall low scores in dys− were mainly attributed to auditory processing problems, while the specific low spelling scores in dys+ were mainly attributed to visual processing problems. More research is needed on how the behavioural patterns in the two dyslexia subgroups relate to neural correlates in the meeting between EFL and different L1 language typologies and orthographies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Developmental Dyslexia)

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23 pages, 7853 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Stereolithography Appearance-Based Ultra-Wideband Wide-Beam Dielectric Resonator Antenna

by Chenyang Song, Yubing Yuan, Shengbo Ye, Zihao Wang, Qunying Zhang, Xiaojun Liu and Guangyou Fang

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 6989; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25226989 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design, fabrication, and characterization of ultra-wideband (UWB) wide-beam dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) using stereolithography (SLA)-based 3D printing technology. High-purity alumina ceramics were successfully fabricated through an optimized SLA process involving 80 wt.% solid loading and [...] Read more.

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the design, fabrication, and characterization of ultra-wideband (UWB) wide-beam dielectric resonator antennas (DRAs) using stereolithography (SLA)-based 3D printing technology. High-purity alumina ceramics were successfully fabricated through an optimized SLA process involving 80 wt.% solid loading and sintering. The proposed DRA design incorporates a vertical ground plane to achieve a compact footprint of 0.598λ₀ × 0.491λ₀ × 0.069λ₀ (where λ₀ is the wavelength corresponding to the center operating frequency of 4.15 GHz) while demonstrating an exceptional 70.59% relative bandwidth (2.75–5.75 GHz). A novel slot-loading technique was developed to correct radiation pattern distortions caused by higher-order modes, validated through both simulation and measurement. The antenna exhibits stable unidirectional radiation patterns with a wide half-power beamwidth in both the E-plane and H-plane and a gain of 2.5–5.5 dB across the operating band. This work establishes SLA as a viable manufacturing approach for high-performance RF components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Communications)

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26 pages, 6764 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Transcriptome Analysis Across Follicles Highlights Key Regulatory Pathways in Low and High-Egg-Laying Hens

by Armughan Ahmed Wadood, Farhad Bordbar and Xiquan Zhang

Animals 2025, 15(22), 3300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15223300 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Egg-laying performance in hens is regulated by complex molecular mechanisms within the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis and ovarian follicles. This study employed integrative transcriptome profiling of primordial (PR), primary (PM), small white (SW), and small yellow (SY) follicles in hens with low and high [...] Read more.

Egg-laying performance in hens is regulated by complex molecular mechanisms within the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis and ovarian follicles. This study employed integrative transcriptome profiling of primordial (PR), primary (PM), small white (SW), and small yellow (SY) follicles in hens with low and high egg-laying capacities to explain regulatory pathways influencing reproductive outcomes. Specific gene expression patterns were observed that correlated with follicular growth, steroidogenesis, and granulosa cell proliferation. Heatmap clustering and principal component analysis revealed transcriptional divergence between low- and high-laying hens, suggesting that coordinated changes in signaling pathways influence egg-laying performance. High-laying hens intricated an upregulation of the PI3K-AKT-FOXO3, TGF-β, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, which facilitate early follicular development, granulosa cell proliferation, and folliculogenesis. Higher phosphorylation of AKT and reduced nuclear FOXO3 activity were associated with enhanced primordial follicle growth. Increased TGF-β signaling, as demonstrated by higher levels of SMAD2/3/4 and cell cycle regulators, promoted granulosa cell proliferation in primary follicles (PMF). In SWF, higher levels of β-catenin and its downstream genes, such as c-Myc and cyclin D1, promoted follicle development. High-laying hens revealed increased expression of FSHR, CYP19A1, 17β-HSD, CYP1A1, and CYP1B1 in SYF, signifying enhanced FSH level and steroidogenesis. Similarly, low-laying hens exhibited downregulation of key genes, suggesting reduced follicular development and hormone signaling. These findings identify key regulatory networks and molecular markers associated with reproductive performance, providing targets for genetic selection and interventions to enhance egg production while reducing the risk of hormonal overstimulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetic Analysis of Important Traits in Poultry)

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16 pages, 2232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Multi-View Hypergraph Learning for Cross-Condition Bearing Fault Diagnosis

by Yangyi Li, Kyaw Hlaing Bwar, Rifai Chai, Kwong Ming Tse and Boon Xian Chai

Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2025, 7(4), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/make7040147 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Reliable bearing fault diagnosis across diverse operating conditions remains a fundamental challenge in intelligent maintenance. Traditional data-driven models often struggle to generalize due to the limited ability to represent complex and heterogeneous feature relationships. To address this issue, this paper presents an Adaptive [...] Read more.

Reliable bearing fault diagnosis across diverse operating conditions remains a fundamental challenge in intelligent maintenance. Traditional data-driven models often struggle to generalize due to the limited ability to represent complex and heterogeneous feature relationships. To address this issue, this paper presents an Adaptive Multi-view Hypergraph Learning (AMH) framework for cross-condition bearing fault diagnosis. The proposed approach first constructs multiple feature views from time-domain, frequency-domain, and time–frequency representations to capture complementary diagnostic information. Within each view, an adaptive hyperedge generation strategy is introduced to dynamically model high-order correlations by jointly considering feature similarity and operating condition relevance. The resulting hypergraph embeddings are then integrated through an attention-based fusion module that adaptively emphasizes the most informative views for fault classification. Extensive experiments on the Case Western Reserve University and Ottawa bearing datasets demonstrate that AMH consistently outperforms conventional graph-based and deep learning baselines in terms of classification precision, recall, and F1-score under cross-condition settings. The ablation studies further confirm the importance of adaptive hyperedge construction and attention-guided multi-view fusion in improving robustness and generalization. These results highlight the strong potential of the proposed framework for practical intelligent fault diagnosis in complex industrial environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Deep Learning and Transfer Learning for Structural Health Monitoring and Condition Monitoring)

29 pages, 3900 KB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of Pulsed Electric Field in Virgin Olive Oil Production: Impact on Oil Yield, Quality and Volatile Profile

by Klara Kraljić, Katarina Filipan, Sandra Balbino, Marko Obranović, Tomislava Vukušić Pavičić, Maja Jukić Špika, Višnja Stulić, Mia Ivanov, Zoran Herceg, Igor Stuparević, Mia Tokić, Marko Belavić and Dubravka Škevin

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12139; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212139 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigated, for the first time, the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment—applied prior to malaxation at 2–7 kV/cm for 30–90—on oil yield, quality parameters, and volatile profiles of virgin olive oils (VOO) from four representative Croatian autochthonous varieties: Istarska Bjelica [...] Read more.

This study investigated, for the first time, the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment—applied prior to malaxation at 2–7 kV/cm for 30–90—on oil yield, quality parameters, and volatile profiles of virgin olive oils (VOO) from four representative Croatian autochthonous varieties: Istarska Bjelica and Rosulja (Istria), and Levantinka and Oblica (Dalmatia). Mild PEF conditions significantly increased oil yield (2.5–36%), with the strongest effects observed in varieties with low baseline yields. Basic quality parameters were largely unaffected, but volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles were markedly altered. PEF increased VOCs from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway, particularly at lower field strengths, and altered their composition, suggesting changes in the activity of the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. Among these enzymes, LOX was analyzed, and its activity responded to PEF treatment in a cultivar-dependent manner. Furthermore, PEF generally reduced minor VOCs associated with oxidation and microbial activity. These findings demonstrate the potential of PEF as a non-thermal, sustainable technology for improving oil extraction efficiency while simultaneously enhancing the aroma profile of VOOs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)

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32 pages, 1752 KB

Open AccessReview

Structure Meets Function: Dissecting Fucoxanthin’s Bioactive Architecture

by Patrícia Nogueira, Victória Bombarda-Rocha, Rita Tavares-Henriques, Mariana Carneiro, Emília Sousa, Jorge Gonçalves and Paula Fresco

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(11), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23110440 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine xanthophyll carotenoid, has attracted considerable scientific attention due to its wide-ranging biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anticancer effects. Despite its substantial therapeutic potential, the clinical application of Fx and its derivatives remains constrained by their structural complexity, [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine xanthophyll carotenoid, has attracted considerable scientific attention due to its wide-ranging biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anticancer effects. Despite its substantial therapeutic potential, the clinical application of Fx and its derivatives remains constrained by their structural complexity, low chemical stability, and limited bioavailability. This review offers a thorough and up-to-date overview of Fx, encompassing its primary natural sources, the metabolic biotransformation to fucoxanthinol (FxOH) and amarouciaxanthin A—metabolites whose bioactive properties significantly contribute to the observed in vivo effects—and the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activities of Fx and its metabolites, with emphasis on their modulation of key intracellular signalling pathways involved in inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, it explores how targeted structural modifications may enhance the pharmacokinetic profiles and expand the therapeutic potential of Fx-based compounds, while highlighting promising strategies for their optimisation. By integrating insights from pharmacology, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry, this work aims to guide future efforts in the rational design of marine-derived bioactive agents and underscores the value of marine biodiversity in therapeutic innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Carotenoids and Potential Therapeutic Benefits)

17 pages, 1231 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Algal Feeds for Aquaculture: Micro- and Macroalgae Promote Gut Recovery in Gilthead Seabream

by Ibon García-Gallego, Cláudia Aragão, Rita Teodósio, Ana Teresa Gonçalves and Sofia Engrola

Fishes 2025, 10(11), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10110588 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Gut health is essential for optimal growth, immune function, and robustness in aquaculture. This study evaluated the potential of dietary supplementation with micro- and macroalgae to promote intestinal recovery following an insult. Four experimental diets were formulated for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata [...] Read more.

Gut health is essential for optimal growth, immune function, and robustness in aquaculture. This study evaluated the potential of dietary supplementation with micro- and macroalgae to promote intestinal recovery following an insult. Four experimental diets were formulated for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles (176 ± 0.32 g): a control commercial-like diet (CTRL), and the same diet supplemented with either microalgae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum; PHA) or macroalgae (Gracilaria gracilis; GRA) at 2.5%, or a 5% blend of both (50:50; BLEND). To induce an intestinal insult, fish from each dietary group were assisted-fed with gelatine capsules containing soy saponins (CTRL + S, PHA, GRA, BLEND), while control fish received empty capsules (CTRL). After 72 h, CTRL and CTRL + S groups were fed the control diet, while PHA, GRA, and BLEND received their respective algae-supplemented diets. After 20 days, CTRL + S fish had significantly increased mucus cell numbers and submucosal cellular infiltration compared to CTRL fish, indicating intestinal disruption. PHA diet significantly upregulated igm, il10, and gpx. Fish fed GRA displayed a significant increase in mucosal vacuolation. BLEND diet showed synergistic effects, significantly upregulating il1b and pcna and reducing ALP activity. These results highlight the potential of combining micro- and macroalgae compounds to enhance gut recovery and immune activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intestinal Health of Aquatic Organisms)

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16 pages, 501 KB

Open AccessReview

The Rising Global Cesarean Section Rates and Their Impact on Maternal and Child Health: A Scoping Review

by Sofia Thomaidi, Antigoni Sarantaki, Maria Tzitiridou Chatzopoulou, Eirini Orovou, Vaidas Jotautis and Dimitrios Papoutsis

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8102; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228102 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Keywords: cesarean section; short-term effects; long-term effects; mother’s health; child’s health; health system Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Risks and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnancy and Childbirth: 2nd Edition)

14 pages, 2429 KB

Open AccessArticle

Testing a Sustainable Strategy Against Poultry Helminth Stages Developing in the Soil

by Jorge Alexander León, Gustavo Pérez-Anzúrez, Inês Abreu Ramos, Carlos Emiliano Magos Amado, David Boso Dafonte, João Lozano, José Ángel Hernández Malagón, Cristiana Cazapal-Monteiro, Rodrigo Bonilla, Jaime Sanchís, Adolfo Paz-Silva, Rita Sánchez-Andrade, Luís Manuel Madeira de Carvalho and María Sol Arias

Pathogens 2025, 14(11), 1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14111168 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Free-ranging hens are at risk of infection by parasites characterized by certain stages that develop in the soil until attaining the infective phase. To analyze the usefulness of a biological control strategy of helminths affecting pasturing hens, fecal samples containing eggs of the [...] Read more.

Free-ranging hens are at risk of infection by parasites characterized by certain stages that develop in the soil until attaining the infective phase. To analyze the usefulness of a biological control strategy of helminths affecting pasturing hens, fecal samples containing eggs of the helminths Ascaridia galli and Capillaria spp. were collected and then homogenized with an electric mixer. A total of 64 small areas were established by placing wooden frames (15 × 40 × 30 cm) on the ground and then adding approximately 100 g of a fecal mixture (per area). Four batches of 16 areas were considered: G1, sprayed with 2 × 10⁶ spores of the parasitophagous fungus Mucor circinelloides (day 0) at 0.5 L/m² (=600 mL/area); G2, sprayed with spores twice (every two weeks); G3, sprayed four times (every week); and Control, sprayed weekly with water. After a four-week period, the egg viability reduced for ascarids and capillarids (26% and 27%, respectively) in the control group; 64% and 79% in G1; 71% and 82% in G2; and 79% and 80% in G3. It was concluded that spraying with fungal spores provides a very useful tool for preventing infection by helminths on free-range poultry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Helminths and Control Strategies)

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19 pages, 2409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Xylo-Oligosaccharide Production from Wheat Straw Xylan Catalyzed by a Thermotolerant Xylanase from Rumen Metagenome and Assessment of Their Probiotic Properties

by Yajing Wu, Chanjuan Liu, Qinghua Qiu and Xianghui Zhao

Microorganisms 2025, 13(11), 2602; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13112602 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

A novel xylanase gene (RuXyn854) was identified from the rumen metagenome and was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli to produce xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs) as a prebiotic in this study. RuXyn854, a member of glycosyl hydrolase family 10, demonstrated peak enzymatic activity at [...] Read more.

A novel xylanase gene (RuXyn854) was identified from the rumen metagenome and was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli to produce xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs) as a prebiotic in this study. RuXyn854, a member of glycosyl hydrolase family 10, demonstrated peak enzymatic activity at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. RuXyn854 retains more than 50% of its activity after treatment at 100 °C for 10 min, highlighting the enzyme’s excellent heat resistance. RuXyn854 showed a preferential hydrolyzation of xylan, especially rice straw xylan. RuXyn854 activity was significantly increased in the presence of 15 mM Mn²⁺, 0.25% Tween-20, and 0.25% Triton X-100 (125%, 20%, and 26%, respectively). The reaction temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C), dosage (0.20, 0.27, and 0.34 U), and time (90, 120, and 150 min) of RuXyn854 affected the XOS yield and composition, with a higher yield at 0.27 U, 50 °C, and 120–150 min. Xylobiose, xylotriose, and xylotetraose were characterized as the predominant XOS products resulting from the enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw xylan by RuXyn854, with xylose present at a mere 0.49% of the total yield. The prebiotic potential of XOSs was assessed through in vitro fermentation with established probiotic strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus brevis. The results showed that, regardless of incubation time, XOSs stimulated the growth and xylanolytic enzyme secretion of the two probiotics compared to the controls. These results demonstrate that the feature of RuXyn854 to withstand temperatures up to 100 °C is impressive, and its ability to hydrolyze wheat xylan into XOSs promotes the growth of probiotics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)

16 pages, 1358 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification of Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust for Health Risk Assessment in Macao

by Thomas M. T. Lei, Wenlong Ye, Yuyang Liu, Wan Hee Cheng, Altaf Hossain Molla, L.-W. Antony Chen and Shuiping Wu

Atmosphere 2025, 16(11), 1294; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16111294 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The presence of heavy metals plays a significant role in indoor air quality, which poses a serious public health problem since most of the population spends over 90% of their time in indoor environments. This work investigates heavy metals in indoor dust across [...] Read more.

The presence of heavy metals plays a significant role in indoor air quality, which poses a serious public health problem since most of the population spends over 90% of their time in indoor environments. This work investigates heavy metals in indoor dust across different occupational settings in Macao. Field sampling was conducted in five representative locations, which included restaurants, student dormitories, auto repair shops, offices, and parking security rooms, with a total of 11 samples collected in this study. Dust in the form of particulate matter was collected from air conditioning filters to quantify 14 heavy metal contents. The PMF model was applied for source apportionments of the heavy metals, while a health exposure model was used to assess health risks and evaluate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in the five representative workplaces. The PMF model identified six major pollution sources: traffic emissions (23.800%), building materials (21.600%), cooking activities (18.500%), chemicals (15.200%), electronic devices (12.300%), and outdoor seaport activities (8.600%). The health risk assessment showed that the overall non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 6.160 × 10⁻⁶ for inhalation, 1.720 × 10⁻³ for oral ingestion, and 2.270 × 10⁻⁵ for dermal contact) and total HI (1.749 × 10⁻³) and carcinogenic risk (6.570 × 10⁻⁹) were below the safety threshold, showing minimal health risk problems. Nevertheless, nickel and chromium were identified as the main contributors to potential long-term risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Chemical Characterization of Particulate Matter: Ambient, Personal, and Indoor Perspectives)

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21 pages, 1857 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Prefrontal tDCS on Cognitive–Motor Performance During Postural Control and Isokinetic Strength Tasks in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Crossover Study

by Mari Carmen Gomez-Alvaro, Maria Melo-Alonso, Narcis Gusi, Ricardo Cano-Plasencia, Juan Luis Leon-Llamas, Francisco Javier Domínguez-Muñoz and Santos Villafaina

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12138; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212138 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) at three intensities (sham, 1 mA, 2 mA) on postural control, isokinetic strength, and cognitive performance in women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy controls (HCs). Using [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) at three intensities (sham, 1 mA, 2 mA) on postural control, isokinetic strength, and cognitive performance in women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy controls (HCs). Using a double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover design, 26 participants (13 FM, 13 HC) completed sessions in randomized order, performing tasks under single- and dual-task conditions. Cognitive accuracy improved in both groups following 1 mA and 2 mA stimulation, particularly during single-task scenarios in static balance tasks. Notably, 2 mA tDCS reduced dual-task cost (DTC) in cognitive performance for the FM group, indicating decreased cognitive–motor interference. However, postural and strength outcomes showed no consistent intensity-dependent changes, with only selected nonlinear centers of pressure metrics (e.g., Lyapunov exponent, DFA) indicating possible modulation in FM. Isokinetic strength measures remained largely unaffected by tDCS across all intensities. Overall, the findings suggest that dlPFC-tDCS may selectively enhance cognitive function and reduce cognitive–motor interference in FM, especially under low-demand or higher-intensity stimulation conditions, while offering limited benefits for physical strength and balance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain-Computer Interfaces: Development, Applications, and Challenges)

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15 pages, 10416 KB

Open AccessReview

Nanostructured Oxides Obtained by Anodizing Aluminum Intermetallic Alloys

by Paulina Chilimoniuk-Szwarc, Piotr Dobroń and Wojciech Jerzy Stępniowski

Materials 2025, 18(22), 5192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225192 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Aluminum anodizing has been a well-established method of corrosion protection for over a century. A nanoporous and hexagonally arranged anodic aluminum oxide has become one of the most important template materials in nanotechnology. A totally new branch of research in anodizing was sparked [...] Read more.

Aluminum anodizing has been a well-established method of corrosion protection for over a century. A nanoporous and hexagonally arranged anodic aluminum oxide has become one of the most important template materials in nanotechnology. A totally new branch of research in anodizing was sparked by purple gold anodizing. This pioneering research showed that metal aluminides can be anodized and result in new classes of nanomaterials. Simultaneously, materials from Ti-Al systems were anodized, and the transition from nanopores to the nanotubes was mechanistically understood. Also, materials like Ni₃Al were anodized; however, the most frequently used aluminides are materials from the Fe-Al binary phase diagram, from Fe₃Al to FeAl₃. The research on metal aluminides has shown that it is possible to obtain mixed oxides with a highly developed nanostructured morphology. A significant amount of fundamental research has shown it is possible to obtain such mixed oxides with tunable band gaps, depending on the substrate material, anodizing conditions, and heat treatment. Despite significant progress in fundamental research, there is a noticeable lack of applied research on this class of materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion)

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19 pages, 3195 KB

Open AccessArticle

Green Mechanochemical Synthesis of Binary and Ternary Cadmium Chalcogenides with Tunable Band Gaps

by Matjaž Kristl, Neža Zanjkovič, Jona Kunej, Sašo Gyergyek and Janja Stergar

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(11), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9110375 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

In this work, we report on the mechanochemical preparation and characterization of binary (CdS, CdSe, and CdTe) and ternary (CdS_0.5Se_0.5, CdS_0.5Te_0.5, and CdSe_0.5Te_0.5) cadmium chalcogenides. The compounds were synthesized in a [...] Read more.

In this work, we report on the mechanochemical preparation and characterization of binary (CdS, CdSe, and CdTe) and ternary (CdS_0.5Se_0.5, CdS_0.5Te_0.5, and CdSe_0.5Te_0.5) cadmium chalcogenides. The compounds were synthesized in a planetary micro mill using a zirconia grinding bowl and zirconia grinding balls. The products were examined by powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Interestingly, CdO formed as a by-product only during milling of Cd+S and Cd+Se in air, while it was absent in the Cd+Te and all ternary systems. The materials were obtained in the form of irregularly shaped aggregates measuring up to several hundred nanometers, composed of nearly spherical primary nanoparticles with diameters in the 10–20 nm range. The band gap energies calculated using Tauc plots for CdS_0.5Se_0.5, CdS_0.5Te_0.5, and CdSe_0.5Te_0.5 were 2.01 eV, 1.72 eV, and 1.53 eV, respectively. These results demonstrate the expected tunability of band gaps in ternary cadmium chalcogenides and attest to the potential of such materials for semiconducting applications, particularly in solar cells. The mechanochemical approach is once again shown to be a simple and effective method for the preparation of both binary and ternary chalcogenides, avoiding the use of solvents, toxic precursors, and energy-consuming reaction conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Materials Processing for Modern Applications: Advancements and Challenges)

13 pages, 3045 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selecting the Most Suitable DFT-XC Functional for Consistent Modeling of Subnanometric Gold Clusters in Catalytic Systems

by Ludovico Guercio, Francesco Ferrante, Marco Bertini, Laura Gueci, Lorenzo Lisuzzo and Dario Duca

Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111083 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis of selected DFT exchange–correlation functionals is presented, focusing on their performance in treating gold nanoclusters and on their known reliability for the description of organic species, energy barriers and dispersion interactions. To distinguish this study from the existing literature, the [...] Read more.

A comprehensive analysis of selected DFT exchange–correlation functionals is presented, focusing on their performance in treating gold nanoclusters and on their known reliability for the description of organic species, energy barriers and dispersion interactions. To distinguish this study from the existing literature, the investigation specifically considers the practical relevance of the chosen functionals in catalytic contexts, with a particular emphasis on their potential applications in nanocatalysis for biomass valorization. Gold clusters containing 4 to 20 atoms were examined, with special attention given to the number of atoms at which the planar-to-three-dimensional-structure switch occurs. The investigation reported in this work would suggest M06 as the best exchange–correlation functional in terms of applicability and overall accuracy for computational studies of catalyzed processes involving gold nanoclusters and organic components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Green and Sustainable Chemical Processes)

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28 pages, 1039 KB

Open AccessArticle

Practical Method for Estimating Vehicular Impact Force on Reinforced Concrete Parapets for Bridge Infrastructure Design and Management

by Bao Chuong and Ramesh B. Malla

Infrastructures 2025, 10(11), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10110307 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) replaced the NCHRP Report 350 in 2009, becoming the new standard for evaluating safety hardware devices, including concrete bridge parapets; all new permanent installations of bridge rails on the National Highway System must be compliant [...] Read more.

The AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) replaced the NCHRP Report 350 in 2009, becoming the new standard for evaluating safety hardware devices, including concrete bridge parapets; all new permanent installations of bridge rails on the National Highway System must be compliant with the 2016 MASH requirements after 31 December 2019, as agreed by the FHWA and AASHTO. However, due to the complexity of vehicular impact events, there are several different methods for estimating vehicular impact force on the parapets. They can be grouped into three main categories: theoretical, numerical and measurement methods. This paper presents a practical method based on analytical concepts for providing impact force estimates that can help bridge owners to evaluate the structural capacity of bridge parapets at a fraction of the cost of full-scale crash tests and finite element numerical simulations. This approach was developed based on fundamental dynamic principles and refined dynamic analysis of vehicle rigid-body motions during multi-phased impact events. Principles of impulse and momentum were first applied to determine both linear and angular velocities of a vehicle immediately after the initial impact; then coupled differential equations of motion were derived and solved to describe the vehicle’s plane-motion during the subsequent stage, which includes both translational and rotational movements. The proposed method was shown to be capable of providing reasonably accurate force estimates with significantly less demand for time and effort compared to other complex methods. These estimates can help infrastructure owners to make informed and sustainable decisions for bridge projects, which include selecting the most efficient bridge design alternatives, in a cost-effective and timely manner. Recommendations for future studies were also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridge Modeling, Monitoring, Management and Beyond)

19 pages, 539 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Emotional Regulation, Psychological Symptoms, and College Adjustment

by Barbara M. Gfellner and Ana I. Cordoba

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111731 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for an unprecedented increase in psychological problems among post-secondary students worldwide. Drawing on data from a repeated cross-sectional (RCS) project, this study investigated changes in psychological symptoms, emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression), and academic, social, and [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for an unprecedented increase in psychological problems among post-secondary students worldwide. Drawing on data from a repeated cross-sectional (RCS) project, this study investigated changes in psychological symptoms, emotional regulation (cognitive reappraisal and emotional suppression), and academic, social, and personal–emotional college adjustment, and associations between these variables among students in two countries during the phases of lockdown (2021), lifting of restrictions (2022), and the endemic phase (2023). University students in Canada (n = 1014) and Spain (n = 447) completed online surveys during these periods. Students in both countries reported significant declines in perceived COVID-19 stress across the pandemic phases. In comparison with pre-pandemic rates, elevated psychological symptoms remained constant. There were some country differences, but sex differences were consistent. Psychological symptoms mediated the association between cognitive reappraisal and the adjustment measures among Canadian students during each pandemic period. Alternatively, they mediated the linkages of maladaptive emotional suppression with academic, social, and personal–emotional functioning of Spanish students at every phase, but only during the lifting of restrictions and the endemic phase for Canadian students. The results indicate the complexity of country and context in the role of emotional regulation during uncontrollable conditions and provide directions for intervention in stressful situations, including adjustment to university and future disastrous environmental events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coping with Anxiety and Psychological Distress)

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28 pages, 49938 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geothermal Reservoir Parameter Identification by Wellbore–Reservoir Integrated Fluid and Heat Transport Modeling

by Fengyu Li, Xia Guo, Zhenxiang Xing, Haitao Cui and Xi Zhang

Water 2025, 17(22), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17223269 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Efficient development of karst geothermal resources relies on the accurate identification of thermophysical and hydrogeological parameters. In this paper, the integrated wellbore–reservoir model of fluid and heat transport is applied to identify hydrothermal parameters of the karst geothermal system in Tianjin, China, based [...] Read more.

Efficient development of karst geothermal resources relies on the accurate identification of thermophysical and hydrogeological parameters. In this paper, the integrated wellbore–reservoir model of fluid and heat transport is applied to identify hydrothermal parameters of the karst geothermal system in Tianjin, China, based on multi-type field test data. A natural state model is conducted by fitting steady-state borehole temperature measurement results to identify formation thermal conductivity, while reservoir permeability is determined via the Gauss–Marquardt–Levenberg optimization algorithm based on dynamic temperature and pressure data from pumping tests. The parameter identification results indicate a reservoir permeability of 5.25 × 10⁻¹⁴ m² and a corrected bottom-hole temperature of 109 °C. Subsequently, productivity optimization for actual heating demands (1.33 × 10⁵ m²) yields an optimal heat extraction efficiency of 6.17 MW, with a flow rate of 80 m³/h, an injection well perforated length of 388 m, and an injection temperature of 30 °C. Additionally, addressing reservoir heterogeneity, the study finds that high-permeability zones between wells significantly shorten the safe operation duration of geothermal doublets, and reducing flow rate can mitigate thermal breakthrough risk to a certain extent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)

22 pages, 1117 KB

Open AccessReview

Lessons Learned from Air Quality Assessments in Communities Living near Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

by Custodio Muianga, John Wilhelmi, Jennifer Przybyla, Melissa Smith and Gregory M. Zarus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111732 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

Over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated annually in the United States, with more than half disposed of in landfills. Municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLFs) are stationary sources of air pollution and potential health risks for nearby communities. The [...] Read more.

Over 292 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated annually in the United States, with more than half disposed of in landfills. Municipal solid waste landfills (MSWLFs) are stationary sources of air pollution and potential health risks for nearby communities. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has completed over 300 public health assessments (PHAs) and related investigations at MSWLFs and open dumps since the 1980s. This paper reviews the ATSDR’s evaluations of air pathway concerns at 125 MSWLF sites assessed between 1988 and early 2025, with many being evaluated during the 1990s. Most sites were located in the Midwest and Northeast, and only 25% remained active. The ATSDR found no air-related public health hazard at 86% of sites. At sites where hazards were identified, common issues included elevated outdoor or indoor toxicants (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, benzene, trichloroethylene, and mercury) and unsafe methane accumulations. Contributing factors included older site designs, inadequate gas-collection, subsurface fires, and distance from nearby residences. Corrective actions effectively reduced exposures at the affected sites. Results suggest that well-located and maintained landfills minimize public health hazards, while aging or poorly managed sites pose risks. Continued monitoring and research are warranted as waste management shifts toward reducing, reusing, recycling, composting, and energy-recovery technologies to improve efficiency, advance technologies, and address systemic public health challenges. Full article

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22 pages, 3469 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid CNN–MLP for Robust Fault Diagnosis in Induction Motors Using Physics-Guided Spectral Augmentation

by Alexander Shestakov, Dmitry Galyshev, Olga Ibryaeva and Victoria Eremeeva

Algorithms 2025, 18(11), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/a18110722 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

The diagnosis of faults in induction motors, such as broken rotor bars, is critical for preventing costly emergency shutdowns and production losses. The complexity of this task lies in the diversity of induction motor operating regimes. Specifically, a change in load alters the [...] Read more.

The diagnosis of faults in induction motors, such as broken rotor bars, is critical for preventing costly emergency shutdowns and production losses. The complexity of this task lies in the diversity of induction motor operating regimes. Specifically, a change in load alters the signal’s frequency composition and, consequently, the values of fault diagnostic features. Developing a reliable diagnostic model requires data covering the entire range of motor loads, but the volume of available experimental data is often limited. This work investigates a data augmentation method based on the physical relationship between the frequency content of diagnostic signals and the motor’s operating regime. The method enables stretching and compression of the signal in the spectral domain while preserving Fourier transform symmetry and energy consistency, facilitating the generation of synthetic data for various load regimes. We evaluated the method on experimental data from a 0.37 kW induction motor with broken rotor bars. The synthetic data were used to train three diagnostic models: a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and a hybrid CNN-MLP model. Results indicate that the proposed augmentation method enhances classification quality across different load levels. The hybrid CNN-MLP model achieved the best performance, with an F1-score of 0.98 when augmentation was employed. These findings demonstrate the practical efficacy of physics-guided spectral augmentation for induction motor fault diagnosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Advances in Deep Learning and Transfer Learning for Structural Health Monitoring and Condition Monitoring)

15 pages, 1978 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation of Novel Phosphonium Derivatives of Chrysin

by Mónika Halmai, Dominika Mária Herr, Szabolcs Mayer, Péter Keglevich, Ejlal A. Abdallah, Noémi Bózsity-Faragó, István Zupkó, Andrea Nehr-Majoros, Éva Szőke, Zsuzsanna Helyes and László Hazai

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211063 (registering DOI) - 15 Nov 2025

Abstract

One of the best-known flavonoid chrysin was coupled at position 7 with several trisubstituted phosphine derivatives with a flexible spacer, and their in vitro anticancer activities were investigated on 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60) and on several gynecological cancer cells. The trisubstituted [...] Read more.

One of the best-known flavonoid chrysin was coupled at position 7 with several trisubstituted phosphine derivatives with a flexible spacer, and their in vitro anticancer activities were investigated on 60 human tumor cell lines (NCI60) and on several gynecological cancer cells. The trisubstituted phosphines contained different substituents on the aromatic ring(s), e.g., methyl and methoxy groups or fluoro atoms. The phosphorus atom was substituted not only with aromatic rings but with cyclohexyl substituents. The ionic phosphonium building block is important because it allows the therapeutic agents to transfer across the cell membrane. Therefore, the pharmacophores linked to it can exert their effects in the mitochondria. Instead of the ionic phosphonium element, a neutral moiety, namely the triphenylmethyl group, was also added to the side chain, being sterically similar but without a charge and phosphorus atom. Most of the hybrids exhibited low micromolar growth inhibition (GI₅₀) values against the majority of the tested cell lines. Notably, conjugate 3f stood out, demonstrating nanomolar antitumor activity against the K-562 leukemia cell line (GI₅₀ = 34 nM). One selected compound (3i) with promising cancer selectivity elicited cell cycle disturbances and inhibited the migration of breast cancer. The tumor-selectivity of 3a and 3f was assessed based on their effects on non-tumor Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Given their estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values on non-tumor CHO cells (2.65 µM and 1.15 µM, respectively), these conjugates demonstrate promising selectivity toward several cancer cell lines. The excellent results obtained may serve as good starting points for further optimization and the design of even more effective flavonoid- and/or phosphonium-based drugs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Molecular Targets for Treatment and Drug Delivery in Tumors)

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