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11 pages, 3091 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Performance p-Cu₂O/n-β-Ga₂O₃ Heterojunction Barrier Schottky Diodes with Copper Contact

by Xiaohui Wang, Xuhui Liu, Mujun Li, Haozhe Yu, Kah Wee Ang, Chun Zhang Chen, Yue Geng, Qing Wang and Hongyu Yu

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(24), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15241840 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study demonstrates the fabrication of high-performance p-Cu₂O/n-β-Ga₂O₃ heterojunction barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes using copper as a low-work-function anode metal. By optimizing the Cu₂O spacing to 4 μm, the device achieves a turn-on voltage of 0.78 [...] Read more.

This study demonstrates the fabrication of high-performance p-Cu₂O/n-β-Ga₂O₃ heterojunction barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes using copper as a low-work-function anode metal. By optimizing the Cu₂O spacing to 4 μm, the device achieves a turn-on voltage of 0.78 V, a breakdown voltage of 1700 V, and a specific on-resistance of 5.91 mΩ·cm², yielding a power figure of merit of 0.49 GW/cm². The JBS diode also exhibits stable electrical characteristics across the temperature range of 300–425 K. Under a 200 V reverse stress for 5000 s, the JBS diode shows only a 4.16% degradation in turn-on voltage and a 1.15-fold increase in dynamic specific on-resistance variation, highlighting its excellent resistance to stress-induced degradation. These results indicate that Cu₂O/Ga₂O₃ JBS diodes are promising candidates for next-generation high-efficiency and high-voltage power electronic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)

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27 pages, 1126 KB

Open AccessReview

Cervical Glycosaminoglycans and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: New Insights and the Therapeutic Promise of Tafoxiparin

by Wojciech Flis, Mateusz Wartęga, Julia Sowińska and Maciej W. Socha

Cells 2025, 14(24), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14241934 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Cervical ripening is a multifaceted process involving endocrine, inflammatory, and biomechanical signals that act on the cervical extracellular matrix. While previous reviews have focused on hormonal and immune mechanisms, the specific role of cervical glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—particularly hyaluronan and heparan sulfate—has received limited dedicated [...] Read more.

Cervical ripening is a multifaceted process involving endocrine, inflammatory, and biomechanical signals that act on the cervical extracellular matrix. While previous reviews have focused on hormonal and immune mechanisms, the specific role of cervical glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)—particularly hyaluronan and heparan sulfate—has received limited dedicated attention. This review addresses that gap by exploring how these GAGs function as integrators of hormonal cues, immune activation, and extracellular matrix remodeling during pregnancy and labour. We conducted a narrative synthesis of experimental, translational, and clinical studies on GAG composition, metabolism, and signaling, with particular attention to tafoxiparin, a heparan-sulfate-based compound with minimal anticoagulant activity. Available evidence suggests that alterations in hyaluronan and heparan sulfate content influence collagen disorganization, tissue hydration, immune cell infiltration, and prostaglandin production—collectively contributing to cervical softening and dilatation. Although tafoxiparin may replicate some actions of endogenous GAGs, current clinical data remain sparse and inconclusive. Thus, targeting cervical GAG biology represents a mechanistic yet still investigational strategy, requiring further studies to determine its therapeutic value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Mechanisms in Pregnancy and Foetal Development)

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22 pages, 1067 KB

Open AccessArticle

Incorporation of Cactus Berry (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and Red Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill) Mixtures on Sausages Elaborated from White-Striped Broiler Breast as Possible Natural Antioxidants

by Luis Humberto López-Hernández, Ariadna Abigail Navarro-Olivera, Mariel Calderón-Oliver and Luz Hermila Villalobos-Delgado

Foods 2025, 14(24), 4179; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14244179 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential of cactus berry (C) (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and red prickly pear (P) (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) powder mixtures as natural colourants and antioxidants in chicken batters and sausages made with White Striping (WS) breast meat. The [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the potential of cactus berry (C) (Myrtillocactus geometrizans) and red prickly pear (P) (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) powder mixtures as natural colourants and antioxidants in chicken batters and sausages made with White Striping (WS) breast meat. The colour and antioxidant activity (AA) of the individual powders and their mixtures–CP (75%C + 25%P), PC (75%P + 25%C), and MCP (50%C + 50%P) were characterised. The mixtures were then incorporated into batters and sausages and compared with controls with and without nitrites. Aqueous extracts of C and P showed the highest total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, showing 7- to 8.5-fold increases over ethanolic extracts. Among the mixtures, PC exhibited the greatest AA, approximately twice that of the others in DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and FRAP assays. In raw batters and cooked sausages, the mixtures enhanced AA and redness, with PC showing the strongest effects. Additionally, MCP maintained the most stable AA and colour for 28 days (1.5 °C). All mixtures also reduced lipid oxidation (TBARS < 1.75 mg MDA/kg) and prevented colour deterioration, achieving performance comparable to nitrites. Overall, C and P mixtures act as effective natural antioxidants and colour enhancers, offering an alternative to synthetic additives for improving the oxidative stability of WS-affected poultry sausages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Meat and Meat Products: Quality, Safety, and Consumer Perception)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Camera-in-the-Loop Realization of Direct Search with Random Trajectory Method for Binary-Phase Computer-Generated Hologram Optimization

by Evgenii Yu. Zlokazov, Rostislav S. Starikov, Pavel A. Cheremkhin and Timur Z. Minikhanov

J. Imaging 2025, 11(12), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11120434 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

High-speed realization of computer-generated holograms (CGHs) is a crucial problem in the field of modern 3D visualization and optical image processing system development. Binary CGHs can be realized using high-resolution, high-speed spatial light modulators such as ferroelectric liquid crystals on silicon devices or [...] Read more.

High-speed realization of computer-generated holograms (CGHs) is a crucial problem in the field of modern 3D visualization and optical image processing system development. Binary CGHs can be realized using high-resolution, high-speed spatial light modulators such as ferroelectric liquid crystals on silicon devices or digital micro-mirror devices providing the high throughput of optoelectronic systems. However, the quality of holographic images restored by binary CGHs often suffers from distortions, background noise, and speckle noise caused by the limitations and imperfections of optical system components. The present manuscript introduces a method based on the optimization of CGH models directly in the optical system with a camera-in-the-loop configuration using effective direct search with a random trajectory algorithm. The method was experimentally verified. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the quality of the holographic images optically restored by binary-phase CGH models optimized through this method compared to purely digitally generated models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mixed, Augmented and Virtual Reality)

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18 pages, 1341 KB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship Between Autoimmune Disease and Intermittent Fasting: A Narrative Review

by Krista Yasuda and Rebecca Jean Ryznar

Immuno 2025, 5(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/immuno5040060 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Autoimmune disease (AD) is a breakdown of self-tolerance by the immune system and has a variety of clinical manifestations and complications across all organ systems. One of the targets for treatment of AD aims at reducing inflammation and upregulating factors that eliminate autoreactive [...] Read more.

Autoimmune disease (AD) is a breakdown of self-tolerance by the immune system and has a variety of clinical manifestations and complications across all organ systems. One of the targets for treatment of AD aims at reducing inflammation and upregulating factors that eliminate autoreactive cells. Intermittent fasting (IF) has recently gained popularity as a dietary intervention for weight management, but has also been found to interact and positively interfere with pathways involved in the pathophysiology of AD. Methods include searching in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for reviews and clinical trials studying any relationships between AD and IF. The search results have identified a variety of anti-inflammatory effects IF has on the immune system that can potentially reduce AD severity and several trials specifically studying IF’s effects on type I diabetes (T1D), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on the findings, IF has potential anti-inflammatory effects that could assist with decreasing AD severity. Future directions include studies to further determine safety and efficacy of IF with AD, broader investigations to include IF’s impact on a wide variety of ADs, an ideal time frame of how long patients should remain on IF, and any potential interactions IF may have on current drug therapies used to treat AD. This review also aims to encourage more human studies of IF and its application to AD given that many of these results are largely from in vitro, cellular and molecular, and animal studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Autoimmunity and Immunoregulation)

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16 pages, 1216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Neck Muscle Vibration Prior to Motor Learning on Short-Latency SEP Peak Amplitudes and Motor Performance

by Alexandre Kalogerakis, Paul Yielder, Hailey Tabbert and Bernadette Murphy

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15121311 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Neck muscle vibration alters neural processing, sensorimotor integration, and proprioception in healthy adults. Significant differential changes in the N18 and N24 somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) peak amplitudes, coupled with altered motor learning, occurred when completion of a force-matching task took place [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Neck muscle vibration alters neural processing, sensorimotor integration, and proprioception in healthy adults. Significant differential changes in the N18 and N24 somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) peak amplitudes, coupled with altered motor learning, occurred when completion of a force-matching task took place following neck muscle vibration. It is currently unknown if neck muscle vibration also impacts acquisition of skills from visuomotor tracking tasks, a gap this research addresses. Methods: A total of 25 right-handed, healthy participants were divided into vibration (age: 21.7 ± 1.89, n = 13; 8 females) (V) and no-vibration (NV) control (age: 21.2 ± 3.03, n = 12; 6 females) groups. The vibration was device applied over the right sternocleidomastoid and left cervical extensor muscles. The participants underwent right-median-nerve stimulation at 2.47 Hz and 4.98 Hz to elicit SEPs. A total of 1000 sweeps were recorded and averaged using an ANT Neuro Waveguard 64-lead EEG cap (ANT Neuro, the Netherlands, Manufactured by Eemagine, Berlin, Germany)pre- and post-completion of a novel visuomotor tracing task (MTT). Post-acquisition, the NV group had a 10 min rest, and the V group received 10 min of vibration at 60 Hz before motor task completion, followed immediately by post-acquisition and retention 24 h after. Results: N18 peak: The V group exhibited a proportional amplitude increase of 19%, while the NV group exhibited a 36% decrease. There was a trend toward decreased retention in the V group. P25 showed a significant effect of time, with increases of 11% for V and 9% for NV. Conclusions: V resulted in N18 SEP changes post-MTT-skill-acquisition. Both groups appeared to learn, with the V trending towards less retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Somatosensory Evoked Potentials: Beyond Somesthesis)

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33 pages, 2753 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of High-Resistance Strength Training and Curcumin-Based Formulation Supplementation on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Bone Health, and Muscle Function in Older Adults

by Angel Saez-Berlanga, Javier Gene-Morales, Alvaro Juesas, Pablo Jiménez-Martínez, Carlos Alix-Fages, Julio Fernandez-Garrido, Oscar Caballero, Danica Janicijevic, Veronica Gallo and Juan C. Colado

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 12862; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152412862 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effects of two high-resistance training (RT) protocols combined with curcumin supplementation on antioxidant capacity, systemic inflammation, bone and muscle health, and body composition. Methods: Eighty-one apparently healthy older adults [(68.2 ± 4.6 years (57% women); BMI [...] Read more.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effects of two high-resistance training (RT) protocols combined with curcumin supplementation on antioxidant capacity, systemic inflammation, bone and muscle health, and body composition. Methods: Eighty-one apparently healthy older adults [(68.2 ± 4.6 years (57% women); BMI 26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m²; minimally active according to IPAQ] were randomly allocated to accentuated eccentric (Aecc), maximal strength (Max), or a non-training control (C). Additionally, participants received either a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Cur) or a placebo (Pla), resulting in six study groups: Aecc-Cur, Aecc-Pla, Max-Cur, Max-Pla, C-Cur, and C-Pla. Participants underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments of oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone health parameters, whole-body composition, and muscle function. Aecc and Max performed six familiarization sessions and a 16-week intervention. Participants in the curcumin groups received 500 mg/day of a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Cursol^TM; 2 × 250 mg capsules per day, corresponding to 10.50 mg/day of curcumin) throughout the intervention. Data were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA/ANCOVA with time (pre–post) as the within-subject factor and training group and supplementation as between-subject factors, with Least Significant Difference post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Hedges’ g, ηp²) reported, and the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Aecc was the most effective in improving antioxidant capacity (glutathione; F = 25.57, p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.262) and bone biomarkers (serum-procollagen type I N-propeptide—P1NP, p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.504; serum beta C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen—β-CTX—p = 0.022, ηp² = 0.074, and their ratio—P1NP/β-CTX—p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.605). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased more in Aecc (p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.584) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Max (p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.471). Both groups similarly improved body composition and muscle function. Bone mineral density was generally unchanged. Overall, curcumin supplementation enhanced the benefits of high-RT programs (further glutathione increase in Aecc [Hedge’s g: 0.49]; IL-6 decrease in both modalities [Hedge’s g: 0.48–1.27]; decrease in TNF-α in controls [Hedge’s g: 0.47]; better outcomes in P1NP/β-CTX in all groups [Hedge’s g: 0.46–1.46]; among others). Conclusions: Aecc is recommended for supporting antioxidant capacity and bone health, while the choice between Aecc and Max may depend on the individual’s inflammatory profile. Curcumin supplementation further amplifies the benefits of both RT protocols across most outcome variables. Full article

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16 pages, 735 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cryotherapy as a Surgical De-Escalation Strategy in Breast Cancer: Techniques, Complications, and Oncological Outcomes

by Kai Lin Lee, Ashita Ashish Sule, Hao Xing Lai, Qin Xiang Ng and Serene Si Ning Goh

Biomedicines 2025, 13(12), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13122987 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Early breast cancer outcomes have improved substantially, yet surgery may carry physical and psychosocial costs. Cryotherapy has gained attention as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for select patients with breast cancer: particularly, those with small, unifocal, hormone receptor-positive tumors. Given [...] Read more.

Background: Early breast cancer outcomes have improved substantially, yet surgery may carry physical and psychosocial costs. Cryotherapy has gained attention as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for select patients with breast cancer: particularly, those with small, unifocal, hormone receptor-positive tumors. Given rapidly expanding but heterogeneous reports, this state-of-the-art review therefore aims to synthesize information on how breast cryotherapy is performed, for whom it is most suitable, what outcomes to expect, and where evidence is still immature. Methods: We queried MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), and the Cochrane Library up to January 2025, using terms related to “breast neoplasms,” “cryotherapy,” and “cryoablation.” Eligible studies included clinical trials, cohort studies, and case series reporting outcomes of cryotherapy in breast cancer. Data were extracted on patient characteristics, procedural parameters, recurrence, survival, and complications. The risk of bias was assessed using the MINORS tool, and certainty of evidence was appraised with the GRADE framework. Results: A total of thirty one studies (comprising 1357 patients) formed the evidence corpus summarized here. Most involved early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancers ≤ 2 cm treated with percutaneous cryoablation. Local recurrence, defined as any ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence confirmed radiologically or histologically, ranged from 0 to 68.8%, with smaller, unifocal tumors achieving the best control. Overall survival exceeded 80% in early-stage disease, while complications were generally minor, including bruising, hematoma, and skin erythema. Patient satisfaction was high, with favorable cosmetic outcomes reported in limited studies. However, the follow-up duration ranged from 1 month to 10 years (with nearly half < 1 year), and protocols varied substantially across studies. In summary, breast cryotherapy appears safe and can achieve encouraging local control and cosmetic results in carefully selected early-stage cases. Its role in aggressive subtypes, larger or multifocal disease, and as part of multimodal regimens requires further study. Conclusions: Standardized protocols, imaging/reporting conventions, and longer follow-up with patient-reported outcomes are needed to advance the field and further define where cryotherapy can appropriately de-escalate surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches)

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28 pages, 4643 KB

Open AccessArticle

JM-Guided Sentinel 1/2 Fusion and Lightweight APM-UNet for High-Resolution Soybean Mapping

by Ruyi Wang, Jixian Zhang, Xiaoping Lu, Zhihe Fu, Guosheng Cai, Bing Liu and Junfeng Li

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(24), 3934; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17243934 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Accurate soybean mapping is critical for food–oil security and cropping assessment, yet spatiotemporal heterogeneity arising from fragmented parcels and phenological variability reduces class separability and robustness. This study aims to deliver a high-resolution, reusable pipeline and quantify the marginal benefits of feature selection [...] Read more.

Accurate soybean mapping is critical for food–oil security and cropping assessment, yet spatiotemporal heterogeneity arising from fragmented parcels and phenological variability reduces class separability and robustness. This study aims to deliver a high-resolution, reusable pipeline and quantify the marginal benefits of feature selection and architecture design. We built a full-season multi-temporal Sentinel-1/2 stack and derived candidate optical/SAR features (raw bands, vegetation indices, textures, and polarimetric terms). Jeffries–Matusita (JM) distance was used for feature–phase joint selection, producing four comparable feature sets. We propose a lightweight APM-UNet: an Attention Sandglass Layer (ASL) in the shallow path to enhance texture/boundary details, and a Parallel Vision Mamba layer (PVML with Mamba-SSM) in the middle/bottleneck to model long-range/global context with near-linear complexity. Under a unified preprocessing and training/evaluation protocol, the four feature sets were paired with U-Net, SegFormer, Vision-Mamba, and APM-UNet, yielding 16 controlled configurations. Results showed consistent gains from JM-guided selection across architectures; given the same features, APM-UNet systematically outperformed all baselines. The best setup (JM-selected composite features + APM-UNet) achieved PA 92.81%, OA 97.95, Kappa 0.9649, Recall 91.42%, IoU 0.7986, and F1 0.9324, improving PA and OA by ~7.5 and 6.2 percentage points over the corresponding full-feature counterpart. These findings demonstrate that JM-guided, phenology-aware features coupled with a lightweight local–global hybrid network effectively mitigate heterogeneity-induced uncertainty, improving boundary fidelity and overall consistency while maintaining efficiency, offering a potentially transferable framework for soybean mapping in complex agricultural landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning of Remote Sensing Imagery for Land Cover Mapping)

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16 pages, 438 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Green Demand to Green Skills: The Role of Consumers in Shaping Sustainable Workforce Competencies

by Drita Kruja, Irina Canco and Forcim Kola

Sustainability 2025, 17(24), 10890; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172410890 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

As sustainability becomes central to tourism, tourists are no longer passive consumers but active stakeholders who influence organizational behavior. This study investigates how green consumer behavior (GCB) shapes expectations for employee green competencies and organizational sustainability strategy (OSS). Data were collected through a [...] Read more.

As sustainability becomes central to tourism, tourists are no longer passive consumers but active stakeholders who influence organizational behavior. This study investigates how green consumer behavior (GCB) shapes expectations for employee green competencies and organizational sustainability strategy (OSS). Data were collected through a structured survey of 326 domestic tourists in Albania. Green skills expectation (GSE) was modeled as a latent construct derived from two observed variables: green loyalty and brand image, and willingness to support sustainability. Statistical analyses included exploratory factor analysis (EFA), K-means clustering and structural equation modeling (SEM). GCB significantly predicted both OSS and GSE, confirming that green tourists influence how organizations structure and communicate their sustainability practices. Cluster analysis identified two consumer profiles: committed eco-tourists and green-adaptive tourists. This study advances current understanding of how tourists act as external agents of internal organizational change. It extends the theoretical discourse on green marketing and sustainable workforce development by positioning tourist expectations as a driver of human resource transformation. The findings offer meaningful implications for tourism operators, educators and policymakers seeking to align employee training and service delivery with the demands of sustainability-oriented travelers. In this way, the study bridges the gap between consumer behavior and workforce development, contributing to a more integrated approach to sustainable tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward Sustainable Tourism: Management Practices and Customer Experiences)

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25 pages, 49234 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Mapping of Population Exposure to Upstream Gas Flaring Using Integrated VIIRS Nightfire and GHSL Data, 2016–2023, with Projections to 2030

by Sotiris Zikas, Christos Christakis, Loukas-Moysis Misthos, Ioannis Psomadakis, Angeliki I. Katsafadou, Ioannis Tsilikas, George C. Fthenakis, Vasilis Vasiliou and Yiannis Kiouvrekis

Toxics 2025, 13(12), 1053; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121053 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Gas flaring from upstream oil and gas production remains a significant source of air pollution and toxic emissions, with major implications for human health and climate. However, the number of people living near flaring has not been quantified globally. This study presents the [...] Read more.

Gas flaring from upstream oil and gas production remains a significant source of air pollution and toxic emissions, with major implications for human health and climate. However, the number of people living near flaring has not been quantified globally. This study presents the first worldwide, settlement-scale assessment of populations living within 1 km and 3 km of active upstream flare sites between 2016 and 2023, with projections to 2030. Using the VIIRS Nightfire satellite product, which provides global detections of high-temperature combustion sources, and the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) population and settlement data, we developed a transparent and reproducible geospatial workflow to compute proximity-based exposure indicators by buffering flare locations and intersecting them with population rasters The analysis provides consistent estimates across five settlement categories: rural, peri-urban/suburban, semi-dense urban, dense urban, and urban centres. The VIIRS-based flaring time series combined with GHSL projections allows us to estimate how many people are likely to live near upstream flares under current flaring patterns by 2030. Results show that exposure is concentrated in a few oil-producing countries. Nigeria remains the most affected, with over 100,000 urban residents exposed in 2023. India and Pakistan dominate peri-urban and semi-urban exposures, while Indonesia and Iraq persist as multi-settlement hotspots. Although moderate declines are observed in China and Iran, little progress is evident in Nigeria, Mexico, and Indonesia. Projections for 2030 suggest exposure will increase substantially, driven by population growth and urban expansion, with about 2.7 million people living within 1 km and 14.8 million within 3 km of flaring sites. The findings establish the first globally consistent baseline for population exposure to gas flaring, supporting the monitoring and mitigation objectives of the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Exposure to Emerging Environmental Pollutants on Human Health)

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16 pages, 2274 KB

Open AccessArticle

Joint Function and Movement Variability During Daily Living Activities Performed Throughout the Home Setting: A Digital Twin Modeling Study

by Zhou Fang, Mohammad Yavari, Yiqun Chen, Davood Shojaei, Peter Vee Sin Lee, Abbas Rajabifard and David Ackland

Sensors 2025, 25(24), 7409; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25247409 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Human mobility is commonly assessed in the laboratory environment, but accurate and robust joint motion measurement and task classification in the home setting are rarely undertaken. This study aimed to develop a digital twin model of a home to measure, visualize, and classify [...] Read more.

Human mobility is commonly assessed in the laboratory environment, but accurate and robust joint motion measurement and task classification in the home setting are rarely undertaken. This study aimed to develop a digital twin model of a home to measure, visualize, and classify joint motion during activities of daily living. A fully furnished single-bedroom apartment was digitally reconstructed using 3D photogrammetry. Ten healthy adults performed 19 activities of daily living over a 2 h period throughout the apartment. Each participant’s upper and lower limb joint motion was measured using inertial measurement units, and body spatial location was measured using an ultra-wide band sensor, registered to the digital home model. Supervised machine learning classified tasks with a mean 82.3% accuracy. Hair combing involved the highest range of shoulder elevation (124.2 ± 21.2°), while sit-to-stand exhibited both the largest hip flexion (75.7 ± 10.3°) and knee flexion (91.8 ± 8.6°). Joint motion varied from room to room, even for a given task. For example, subjects walked fastest in the living room (1.0 ± 0.2 m/s) and slowest in the bathroom (0.78 ± 0.10 m/s), while the mean maximum ankle dorsiflexion in the living room was significantly higher than that in the bathroom (mean difference: 4.9°, p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 1.25). This study highlights the dependency of both upper and lower limb joint motion during activities of daily living on the internal home environment. The digital twin modeling framework reported may be useful in planning home-based rehabilitation, remote monitoring, and for interior design and ergonomics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wearable Sensors in Biomechanics and Human Motion)

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30 pages, 2987 KB

Open AccessReview

High-Entropy Materials for Photocatalysis: A Mini Review

by Wenhao Bai, Fei Chang, Kaiwen Li, Yujjie Kou and Wei Tian

Catalysts 2025, 15(12), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15121152 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

In recent years, high-entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a promising multifunctional material system, garnering significant interest in the field of photocatalysis due to their tunable microstructures, diverse compositions, and unique electronic properties. Owing to their multi-element synergistic effects and abundant active sites, [...] Read more.

In recent years, high-entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a promising multifunctional material system, garnering significant interest in the field of photocatalysis due to their tunable microstructures, diverse compositions, and unique electronic properties. Owing to their multi-element synergistic effects and abundant active sites, high-entropy photocatalysts enable precise regulation over the separation efficiency of photo-generated charge carriers and surface reaction pathways, thereby significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity and selectivity. The high configurational entropy of these materials also imparts exceptional structural stability, allowing the catalysts to maintain long-term durability under harsh conditions, such as intense light irradiation, extreme pH levels, or redox environments. This provides a potential alternative to common issues faced by traditional photocatalysts, such as rapid deactivation and short lifespans. This review highlights recent advancements in the preparations and applications of HEMs in various photocatalytic processes, including the degradation of organic pollutants, hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction and methanation, H₂O₂ production, and N₂ fixation. The emergence of high-entropy photocatalysts has paved the way for new opportunities in environmental remediation and energy conversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Catalysis in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Pollution Control)

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41 pages, 3086 KB

Open AccessReview

AI-Driven Energy-Efficient Routing in IoT-Based Wireless Sensor Networks: A Comprehensive Review

by Sumendra Thakur, Nurul I. Sarkar and Sira Yongchareon

Sensors 2025, 25(24), 7408; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25247408 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Efficient routing remains the linchpin for achieving sustainable performance in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) within the Internet of Things (IoT). However, traditional routing mechanisms increasingly struggle to cope with the growing complexity of network architectures, frequent changes in topology, and the dynamic behavior [...] Read more.

Efficient routing remains the linchpin for achieving sustainable performance in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) within the Internet of Things (IoT). However, traditional routing mechanisms increasingly struggle to cope with the growing complexity of network architectures, frequent changes in topology, and the dynamic behavior of mobile nodes. These issues contribute to data congestion, uneven energy consumption, and potential communication breakdowns, underscoring the urgency for optimized routing strategies. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of over 100 studies of spanning conventional and AI-enhanced energy-efficient routing techniques. It covers diverse approaches, including metaheuristics, machine learning, reinforcement learning, and AI-based cross-layer methods aimed at improving the performance of WSN-IoT systems. The key limitations of existing solutions are discussed along with performance metrics such as scalability, energy efficiency, throughput, and packet delivery. We also highlight various research challenges and provide research directions for future exploration. By synthesizing current trends and gaps, we provide researchers and practitioners with a structured foundation for advancing intelligent, energy-conscious routing in next-generation IoT-enabled WSNs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT Sensor Systems: Design, Interfaces, Signals, Processing, and Applications)

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15 pages, 3723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Micron CT Study of Pore Structure Changes and Micro-Scale Remaining Oil Distribution Characteristics During Low-Mineralization Water Flooding in Sandstone Reservoirs

by Liang Huang, Tiancong Mao, Xiaoli Xiao, Hongying Zhang, Minghai Zhang and Lei Tang

Energies 2025, 18(24), 6377; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18246377 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Low-salinity water flooding is a commonly used method to enhance oil recovery. At the microscopic scale, changes in pore structure and the distribution of remaining oil are critical to the effectiveness of water flooding. However, current research on the relationship between pore structure [...] Read more.

Low-salinity water flooding is a commonly used method to enhance oil recovery. At the microscopic scale, changes in pore structure and the distribution of remaining oil are critical to the effectiveness of water flooding. However, current research on the relationship between pore structure and remaining oil distribution is relatively limited. Therefore, this study employed micro-CT technology to analyze changes in pore structure and the distribution characteristics of remaining oil in sandstone cores during the water flooding process. Micron CT technology provides non-destructive, high-resolution three-dimensional imaging, clearly revealing the dynamic changes in the oil-water interface and remaining oil. The experiments included water saturation, oil saturation, and multi-stage water displacement processes in sandstone cores with different permeability values. The results show that the oil saturation in the rock core decreases during water flooding, and the morphology of remaining oil changes with increasing water flooding volume: cluster-like remaining oil decreases rapidly, while porous and membrane-like remaining oil gradually transforms, and columnar and droplet-like remaining oil increases under specific conditions. The study results indicate that at 1 PV flooding volume, the crude oil recovery rate reaches 57.56%; at 5 PV, the recovery rate increases to 64.00%; and at 100 PV, the recovery rate reaches 75.53%. This indicates that water flooding significantly improves recovery rates by enhancing wettability and capillary forces. Meanwhile, pore connectivity decreases, and particle migration becomes prominent, especially for particles smaller than 20 μm. These changes have significant impacts on remaining oil distribution and recovery rates. This study provides microscopic evidence for optimizing reservoir development strategies and holds important implications for enhancing recovery rates in mature oilfields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Enhanced Oil Recovery Technologies, 4th Edition)

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17 pages, 5817 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Cu Ions Releasing Behavior of Cu-Ti Pseudo Alloy Antifouling Anode Deposited by Cold Spray in Marine Environment

by Yan Su, Fulei Cai, Yuhao Wang, Shuai Wu, Hongren Wang, Jiancai Qian, Li Ma and Guosheng Huang

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121433 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Many special structures such as pipeline, revolving gears, and tanks suffer from biofouling used in marine environment, which could induce serious results in the ship system such as blockage and stuck, consequently lead to failure of the mechanical system and power system. Generally, [...] Read more.

Many special structures such as pipeline, revolving gears, and tanks suffer from biofouling used in marine environment, which could induce serious results in the ship system such as blockage and stuck, consequently lead to failure of the mechanical system and power system. Generally, coatings with antifouling agents are used for protecting metal structures from biofouling, but coatings are not conveniently applicable in the high velocity flowing seawater and narrow space. Electrochlorination and electrolysis of copper and aluminum anode are usually used in these circumstances, but the electric power will lead to stray current corrosion to the component. For the sake of convenience and safety, Cu-Ti pseudo alloy antifouling anode was proposed in this work for antifouling in pipeline and other narrow spaces without external electric power. Four Cu-Ti pseudo alloy antifouling anodes with different Ti contents (mass fraction) of 0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt.% were investigated with computational method, and a 15 wt.% Ti content Cu-Ti pseudo alloy antifouling anode was prepared by cold spray, and the microstructure and composition of the anode were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical tests were conducted to obtain the corrosion potential, potentiodynamic polarization curve, and micro zone electrochemical information in natural seawater, and the Cu ions releasing behavior were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). The results indicated that in natural seawater, copper particles, and titanium particles on the surface of anode samples can form micro galvanic couples. With the increase in Ti mass fraction, the number of micro primary cells composed of copper particles and titanium particles increases, and the corrosion rate of Cu particles increased. When the Ti mass fraction is 15%, the corrosion rate is the fastest, and the copper ion release rate increases by nearly ten times, reaching 147 μg/(cm²·d). This method can effectively accelerate the releasing rate of Cu ions in Cu-Ti pseudo alloy anode and promote the antifouling effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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17 pages, 2859 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Processing Conditions and Product Geometry in Out-Mold Decoration and Their Effects on Film Adhesion and Deformation

by Hui-Li Chen, Po-Wei Huang, Sheng-Hsun Hsu and Jhong-Sian Wu

Polymers 2025, 17(24), 3239; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17243239 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The growing demand for high-quality decorative polymer surfaces has increased interest in Out Mold Decoration (OMD), yet the combined influence of processing conditions and product geometry on film adhesion and deformation remains insufficiently defined. This study establishes an integrated framework that connects OMD [...] Read more.

The growing demand for high-quality decorative polymer surfaces has increased interest in Out Mold Decoration (OMD), yet the combined influence of processing conditions and product geometry on film adhesion and deformation remains insufficiently defined. This study establishes an integrated framework that connects OMD process parameters with geometry-dependent deformation behavior using polycarbonate films printed with an ink grid. Adhesion and surface quality were evaluated using 2.5D specimens, while 3D models with varied fillet radii, slopes, and heights enabled quantitative assessment of grid-spacing evolution and thickness distribution. Results show that preheating smooths the film without improving adhesion, whereas increasing the forming environment temperature enhances both bonding and surface quality within the material’s thermal tolerance. Vacuum pressure strengthens film–substrate contact but requires moderation to prevent overstretching. An optimized condition of 100 °C preheating, 90 °C forming temperature, and 2.5 kg vacuum pressure provides a balanced performance. Geometric factors exert strong control over deformation, with small radii, steep slopes, and tall features producing greater strain and nonuniform thinning. These findings establish practical processing windows and geometry guidelines for achieving reliable OMD components that integrate high visual quality with stable adhesion performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Processing Technologies: Injection Molding)

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15 pages, 2075 KB

Open AccessArticle

Standardized and Quantitative ICG Perfusion Assessment: Feasibility and Reproducibility in a Multicentre Setting

by Eline Feitsma, Hugo Schouw, Tim Hoffman, Sam van Dijk, Wido Heeman, Jasper Vonk, Floris Tange, Jan Koetje, Liesbeth Jansen, Abbey Schepers, Tessa van Ginhoven, Wendy Kelder, Gooitzen van Dam, Wiktor Szymanski, Milou Noltes and Schelto Kruijff

Life 2025, 15(12), 1868; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121868 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging is widely used to assess tissue perfusion, yet its subjective interpretation limits correlation with postoperative parathyroid function. To address this, the Workflow model for ICG-angiography integrating Standardization and Quantification (WISQ) was developed. This exploratory prospective multicenter study [...] Read more.

Indocyanine green near-infrared fluorescence (ICG-NIRF) imaging is widely used to assess tissue perfusion, yet its subjective interpretation limits correlation with postoperative parathyroid function. To address this, the Workflow model for ICG-angiography integrating Standardization and Quantification (WISQ) was developed. This exploratory prospective multicenter study evaluated the reproducibility of WISQ in adults undergoing total thyroidectomy at two Dutch university centres. Patients with contraindications to ICG or prior neck surgery were excluded. Intraoperative imaging used standardized camera settings with blood volume-adjusted ICG dosing, and perfusion curves were analyzed using predefined regions of interest. Eighty patients were included. Significant inter-centre variability was observed in maximum fluorescence intensity, inflow slope, and outflow slope (n = 30). At the lead centre, outflow was the most promising predictor of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (HPT) (median −0.33 [IQR −0.49–−0.15] a.f.u./s for HPT vs. −0.68 [−0.91–−0.41], n = 17, p = 0.08), although no parameter significantly predicted HPT. Repeated ICG injections consistently produced lower maximal intensities irrespective of injection rate, and reproducible curves were achieved only when ICG was freshly dissolved at 0.5 mg/mL instead of 2.5 mg/mL. These findings indicate that ICG concentration and injection technique influence perfusion kinetics and underscore the need to update WISQ with standardized injection dilution to improve its clinical utility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases: Advances in Molecular Imaging)

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36 pages, 1888 KB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Intuitive Decision-Making and Reliance Through Human–AI Collaboration: A Review

by Gerui Xu, Shruthi Venkatesha Murthy and Bochen Jia

Informatics 2025, 12(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12040135 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

As AI decision support systems play a growing role in high-stakes decision making, ensuring effective integration of human intuition with AI recommendations is essential. Despite advances in AI explainability, challenges persist in fostering appropriate reliance. This review explores AI decision support systems that [...] Read more.

As AI decision support systems play a growing role in high-stakes decision making, ensuring effective integration of human intuition with AI recommendations is essential. Despite advances in AI explainability, challenges persist in fostering appropriate reliance. This review explores AI decision support systems that enhance human intuition through the analysis of 84 studies addressing three questions: (1) What design strategies enable AI systems to support humans’ intuitive capabilities while maintaining decision-making autonomy? (2) How do AI presentation and interaction approaches influence trust calibration and reliance behaviors in human–AI collaboration? (3) What ethical and practical implications arise from integrating AI decision support systems into high-risk human decision making, particularly regarding trust calibration, skill degradation, and accountability across different domains? Our findings reveal four key design strategies: complementary role architectures that amplify rather than replace human judgment, adaptive user-centered designs tailoring AI support to individual decision-making styles, context-aware task allocation dynamically assigning responsibilities based on situational factors, and autonomous reliance calibration mechanisms empowering users’ control over AI dependence. We identified that visual presentations, interactive features, and uncertainty communication significantly influence trust calibration, with simple visual highlights proving more effective than complex presentation and interactive methods in preventing over-reliance. However, a concerning performance paradox emerges where human–AI combinations often underperform the best individual agent while surpassing human-only performance. The research demonstrates that successful AI integration in high-risk contexts requires domain-specific calibration, integrated sociotechnical design addressing trust calibration and skill preservation simultaneously, and proactive measures to maintain human agency and competencies essential for safety, accountability, and ethical responsibility. Full article

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21 pages, 3015 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Electrochemical Study of Pt and Ni–Oxide Cathodes: Performance and Economic Viability for Scale-Up Microbial Fuel Cells

by Azim Khan, Kimia Rostami, Mehdi Sedighi, Sulaiman Khan and Mostafa Ghasemi

Catalysts 2025, 15(12), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15121153 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The expensive nature and limited availability of platinum (Pt) cathodes pose a significant challenge for the widespread adoption of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. Although many alternatives have been studied, very few reports provide a systematic head-to-head comparison of different Ni–oxide cathodes under [...] Read more.

The expensive nature and limited availability of platinum (Pt) cathodes pose a significant challenge for the widespread adoption of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology. Although many alternatives have been studied, very few reports provide a systematic head-to-head comparison of different Ni–oxide cathodes under the same operational conditions. This research investigates cost-effective nickel-based metal oxide composites (Ni–TiO₂, Ni–Cr₂O₃, Ni–Al₂O₃) as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), using Pt as a reference point. The performance of the MFC was thoroughly evaluated in terms of power output, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, and Coulombic efficiency (CE). The Pt cathode exhibited the highest performance (275 mW m⁻², 87% COD removal, 35% CE), confirming its catalytic advantages. Among the alternative materials, the Ni–TiO₂ composite yielded the best outcomes (224 mW m⁻², 79% COD removal, 17.7% CE), markedly surpassing the performances of Ni–Cr₂O₃ (162 mW m⁻², 72%, 24% CE) and Ni–Al₂O₃ (134 mW m⁻², 64%, 11.6% CE). Koutecký–Levich analysis clarified the mechanisms at play: Pt facilitated a direct 4-electron ORR process, while the composites operated through a 2-electron mechanism. Notably, the semiconductor properties of Ni–TiO₂ resulted in a higher electron transfer number (n = 2.8) compared to the other composites (n ≈ 2.3), which accounts for its increased efficiency. With its low production cost, Ni–TiO₂ presents an exceptional cost-to-performance ratio. By linking catalytic performance directly to the electronic nature of the oxide supports, this study offers clear design guidelines for selecting non-precious cathodes. The dual evaluation of electrochemical efficiency and cost-to-performance distinguishes this study from prior reports and underscores its practical significance and originality. This study highlights Ni–TiO₂ as a highly sustainable and economically viable catalyst, making it a strong candidate to replace Pt for practical MFC applications that focus on simultaneous power generation and wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heterogeneous Catalysis for Environmentally Compatible Reactions and Processes, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 3808 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Flexible Mesh Support Processing Parameters in Downward Approach Mining Drift by Numerical Simulation

by Weijun Liu, Kegang Li, Mingliang Li, Guojian Zeng, Fengxian Li and Jürgen Eckert

Processes 2025, 13(12), 3933; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123933 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The support methods in downward approach mining drift have always suffered from problems of inflexible operation, with high substantial costs and poor supporting efficiency under high ground stress and repeated engineering disturbances. In this work, a novel flexible mesh support schematic was designed [...] Read more.

The support methods in downward approach mining drift have always suffered from problems of inflexible operation, with high substantial costs and poor supporting efficiency under high ground stress and repeated engineering disturbances. In this work, a novel flexible mesh support schematic was designed and introduced in downward approach mining drift. Based on extensive field investigations and sampling experiments conducted within the mining region, material models and contact models for defining the complex hidden joint structure in a metal mine were established and developed to simulate the stress distributions of the designed flexible mesh support. The deformation and failure behavior of the flexible mesh support under the effect of high ground stress were investigated and its feasibility was evaluated. The results show that the flexible mesh support system exhibits a distinct control effect on the deformation of perimeter rock. The perimeter rock deformation decreases by nearly 46.0% after the flexible mesh support, and the maximum horizontal displacement is 60 mm. An optimized flexible mesh support scheme for downward approach mining drift was obtained and confirmed by industrial tests. This work provides a flexible mesh support technology for downward approach mining drift, which can not only enhance the safety of downward approach mining drift operations, but also significantly improve construction efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Advances in Mining Technology)

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17 pages, 8188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Targeting LTBP2 Reveals a Novel Anti-Cardiac Remodeling Mechanism of Finerenone Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

by Heng Zhang, Nan Zhao, Saiyang Xie, Lanlan Li, Xiaofeng Zeng, Shasha Wang, Ling Yan, Bo Shen and Wei Deng

Biomolecules 2025, 15(12), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15121703 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Despite the clinical efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX), effective strategies to prevent its cardiotoxicity are still lacking. Finerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has demonstrated cardioprotective properties; however, its role and mechanism in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remain unclear. In this study, Finerenone treatment [...] Read more.

Despite the clinical efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX), effective strategies to prevent its cardiotoxicity are still lacking. Finerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), has demonstrated cardioprotective properties; however, its role and mechanism in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remain unclear. In this study, Finerenone treatment was found to significantly alleviate DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction and pathological remodeling in both mouse models and cultured cells. Mechanistically, molecular docking suggests that Finerenone may directly bind to Latent Transforming Growth Factor Beta Binding Protein 2 (LTBP2), a key regulator of TGF-β bioavailability. This potential binding could inhibit the LTBP2–TGF-β axis, thereby suppressing DOX-induced activation and subsequent Smad3 phosphorylation. The importance of this pathway was supported by the similar anti-fibrotic effects observed with the TGF-β inhibitor LY2109761. However, our findings on the direct binding of Finerenone to LTBP2 are preliminary and require further validation through additional experimental approaches. These results identify LTBP2 as a novel direct target of Finerenone and reveal an additional mechanism underlying its cardioprotective action, suggesting its potential repurposing for the prevention of DIC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural and Bio-derived Molecules)

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27 pages, 1690 KB

Open AccessReview

Conventional and Advanced Processing Techniques and Their Effect on the Nutritional Quality and Antinutritional Factors of Pearl Millet Grains: The Impact on Metabolic Health

by Letícia da Silva Oliveira Moura, Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães, Aline Carla Inada, Juliana Rodrigues Donadon, Arnildo Pott, Rosângela dos Santos Ferreira, Carolina Di Pietro Fernandes, Caroline de Moura Costa, Fernando dos Santos Moura, Karine de Cássia Freitas, Danielle Bogo, Valter Aragão do Nascimento and Priscila Aiko Hiane

Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121460 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Food processing techniques are widely used in the food industry to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance sensory appeal without compromising the product’s nutritional quality. Pearl millet, which is considered a “nutricereal”, features essential content of proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, [...] Read more.

Food processing techniques are widely used in the food industry to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance sensory appeal without compromising the product’s nutritional quality. Pearl millet, which is considered a “nutricereal”, features essential content of proteins, soluble and insoluble fibers, minerals (e.g., iron, zinc, and magnesium), bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids), and antinutritional factors (e.g., phytic acid, C-glycosyl flavones, tannins, and non-digestible oligosaccharides). This nutricereal also undergoes processing methods to improve or maintain its nutritional quality while simultaneously reducing antinutritional factors. Pearl millet processing techniques are categorized into conventional (or traditional) and advanced methods; however, a knowledge gap exists in studies evaluating the post-processing of pearl millet and its impact on metabolic health in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. This study aims to demonstrate the principal conventional and advanced processing techniques used in pearl millet, how they can ensure nutritional quality and reduce antinutritional factors, and how the final post-processing product could impact metabolic health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activities of Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables)

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24 pages, 5810 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental–Numerical Investigation of Natural Convection from a Plate Fin Heat Sink with Correlation Assessment

by Mateo Kirinčić, Tin Fadiga and Boris Delač

Thermo 2025, 5(4), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/thermo5040057 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal performance of a passive vertical aluminum heat sink with plate fins through combined experimental measurements and numerical simulations. Using a custom-made experimental apparatus which used water as the heat source, heat transfer rate was determined, and heat transfer [...] Read more.

This study investigates the thermal performance of a passive vertical aluminum heat sink with plate fins through combined experimental measurements and numerical simulations. Using a custom-made experimental apparatus which used water as the heat source, heat transfer rate was determined, and heat transfer coefficient was compared against established empirical correlations, demonstrating good agreement. A 3D steady-state mathematical model was developed to capture the conjugate heat transfer problem of conduction and natural convection, with buoyancy-driven airflow modeled with the incompressible ideal gas law. The problem was solved numerically using the finite volume method through ANSYS Fluent 18.2 solver and validated against experimental data and analytical correlations, exhibiting good agreement throughout. Parametric analysis followed, investigating the influence of various base (50, 65, 80 °C) and ambient (19, 24, 29 °C) temperatures, resulting in base-to-ambient temperature differences from 21 to 61 °C. Increasing this temperature difference led to a significant increase in heat transfer rate, while heat transfer coefficient increased and overall thermal resistance decreased moderately. Additionally, a Nusselt–Rayleigh (Nu–Ra) number correlation, consistent with ranges reported in the literature, was derived, providing the scaling to predict the thermal performance of similar natural convection-governed heat sinks. The validated computational methodology, combined with obtained experimental and numerical results, presents a foundation for future studies focused on more complex heat sink geometries and physics. Full article

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14 pages, 2195 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lighting Up DNA in the Near-Infrared: An Os(II)–pydppn Complex with Light-Switch Behavior

by Emanuela Trovato, Salvatore Genovese, Maurilio Galletta, Sebastiano Campagna, Maria Letizia Di Pietro and Fausto Puntoriero

Molecules 2025, 30(24), 4671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30244671 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

The osmium(II) polypyridyl complex [Os(tpy)(pydppn)]²⁺ (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; pydppn = 3-(pyrid-2′-yl)-4,5,9,16-tetraaza-dibenzo[a,c]naphthacene) was synthesized and characterized to evaluate the effect of an extended planar π-system on photophysical properties and DNA interactions. This complex represents the π-expanded analog of the previously studied [Os(tpy)(pydppz)]²⁺ [...] Read more.

The osmium(II) polypyridyl complex [Os(tpy)(pydppn)]²⁺ (tpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; pydppn = 3-(pyrid-2′-yl)-4,5,9,16-tetraaza-dibenzo[a,c]naphthacene) was synthesized and characterized to evaluate the effect of an extended planar π-system on photophysical properties and DNA interactions. This complex represents the π-expanded analog of the previously studied [Os(tpy)(pydppz)]²⁺ system. Electrochemical studies revealed a reversible Os(II)/Os(III) oxidation at +0.99 V vs. SCE and five ligand-centered reductions, generally less negative than those of the smaller pydppz analog, consistent with enhanced electron-accepting ability. In acetonitrile, the complex exhibits UV absorption bands at 328 and 473 nm and near-infrared emission at 840 nm, assigned to a long-lived ³MLCT state (τ = 110 ns, Φ = 0.02). Upon titration with calf-thymus DNA, [Os(tpy)(pydppn)]²⁺ shows a pronounced light-switch effect, hypochromism, red-shifted MLCT bands, induced circular dichroism, and an increase in DNA melting temperature (ΔT_m = 8.9 ± 0.5 °C), consistent with intercalative binding. Viscometric titrations further support intercalation, with a binding constant K_B ≈ 1.2 × 10⁶ M⁻¹. Transient absorption spectroscopy indicates that DNA binding prolongs the excited-state lifetime and modifies vibrational relaxation pathways. These results highlight how π-system extension in Os(II) complexes modulates photophysical behavior and DNA affinity, offering insights for the rational design of NIR-emitting, DNA-targeted luminescent probes and potential phototherapeutic agents. Full article

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17 pages, 1001 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Imaging-Based Diagnosis of Retinal Dystrophy and Evaluation of Gene Therapy Efficacy

by Weronika Chuchmacz, Barbara Bobowska, Alicja Forma, Eliasz Dzierżyński, Damian Puźniak, Barbara Teresińska, Jacek Baj and Joanna Dolar-Szczasny

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(12), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15120605 (registering DOI) - 5 Dec 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are genetically determined conditions leading to progressive vision loss. Developments in gene therapy are creating new treatment options for IRD, but require precise imaging diagnosis and monitoring. According to recent studies, artificial intelligence, especially deep neural networks, could [...] Read more.

Introduction: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are genetically determined conditions leading to progressive vision loss. Developments in gene therapy are creating new treatment options for IRD, but require precise imaging diagnosis and monitoring. According to recent studies, artificial intelligence, especially deep neural networks, could become an important tool for analyzing imaging data. Material and Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify publications from 2015 to 2025 on the application of artificial intelligence in diagnosing inherited retinal dystrophies and monitoring the effects of gene therapy. The included articles passed a two-stage selection process and met the methodological quality criteria. Results: Among all the included studies it can be noticed that the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and therapy of IRDs is rather effective. The most common method was deep learning with its subtype convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, there is still a place for improvement due to various limitations occurring in the studies. Conclusions: The review points to the growing potential of AI models in optimizing the diagnostic and therapeutic pathway in IRDs, while noting current limitations such as low data availability, the need for clinical validation, and the interpretability of the models. AI may play a key role in personalized ophthalmic medicine in the near future, supporting both clinical decisions and interventional study design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative and Future Trends in Personalized Medicine for Retinal Diseases)

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