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28 pages, 758 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Natural Antioxidants for Food and Their Health Benefits in Practice: A Narrative Review

by Maria Dimopoulou, Dimitris Stagos and Olga Gortzi

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010284 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Natural antioxidants align with consumer demand for clean-label, sustainable, and health-promoting food solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling deeper understanding, more rapid screening, and new application modalities in food systems. Novel deep learning frameworks have been developed to predict interactions between polyphenols and [...] Read more.

Natural antioxidants align with consumer demand for clean-label, sustainable, and health-promoting food solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling deeper understanding, more rapid screening, and new application modalities in food systems. Novel deep learning frameworks have been developed to predict interactions between polyphenols and proteins—crucial for understanding how antioxidants affect nutrient bioavailability, therapeutic functions, and food processing behavior. The convergence of AI and natural antioxidants is forging a transformative frontier in food science. This review aims to focus on AI-enabled methods and advances in natural antioxidants, focusing on practical impact and future directions. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published up to September 2025. AI accelerates the analysis, design, and personalization of food systems, while natural antioxidants deliver health-promoting, sustainable, and clean-label functionality. Together, they offer promising avenues for safer, fresher, and more nutritious food systems. Continued innovation, multidisciplinary synergy, and thoughtful regulation are essential to unlocking their full potential. Encapsulating essential oils, polyphenols, and curcumin within nanocarriers significantly improves their stability, antimicrobial efficacy, controlled release, and bioavailability, extending their shelf life and application in diverse food formats. Advancing the use of natural antioxidants in food systems must navigate additive classifications, health claim validations, labeling transparency, and regulatory compliance across regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Artificial and Natural Antioxidants for Food)

16 pages, 851 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Using Animal Manure and Manure-Based Fertilizer as Soil Amendments: Veterinary Drugs Occurrence and Ecological Risk

by Qingshan Li, Dapeng Zhang, Suzhen Yin, Yan Li, Xia Gao, Xiuhua Wu and Lihua Jiang

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010032 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Veterinary drugs are widely present in animal manure and manure-based fertilizers, making their safety for use as soil amendments still ambiguous. This study investigated the concentrations of 17 typical veterinary drugs in animal manure and manure-based fertilizers from Shandong Province using solid-phase extraction [...] Read more.

Veterinary drugs are widely present in animal manure and manure-based fertilizers, making their safety for use as soil amendments still ambiguous. This study investigated the concentrations of 17 typical veterinary drugs in animal manure and manure-based fertilizers from Shandong Province using solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and assessed their environmental risks to soil organisms based on risk quotient values. The established method demonstrated robust performance, with drug recovery rates ranging from 72.9% to 109%. Tetracyclines were identified as the most prevalent contaminants, with mean concentrations of 1522 μg/kg in animal manure and 144 μg/kg in manure-based fertilizers. Drug concentrations in manure-based fertilizers were generally lower than those in animal manure. Livestock manure contained higher drug concentrations compared to poultry manure. Influenced by farming practices, drug concentrations were higher in beef cattle manure than in dairy cattle manure, and higher in broiler manure than in layer manure. Manure-based fertilizers primarily derived their drug content from chicken, cattle, and sheep manure. Tetracyclines in swine and sheep manure posed high risks to soil organisms, while those in beef cattle manure and dairy cattle manure posed medium risks. In contrast, most drugs in manure-based fertilizers exhibited low risks. Comprehensive analysis of both concentration levels and ecological risks indicates that manure-based fertilizers represent a more feasible option for soil amendment. This study provides a theoretical foundation for better understanding the feasibility of applying animal manure and manure-based fertilizers to agricultural land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomass Use and its Health and Environmental Effects)

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44 pages, 2287 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trade-Off Between Entropy and Gini Index in Income Distribution

by Demetris Koutsoyiannis and G.-Fivos Sargentis

Entropy 2026, 28(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010035 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

We investigate the fundamental trade-off between entropy and the Gini index within income distributions, employing a stochastic framework to expose deficiencies in conventional inequality metrics. Anchored in the principle of maximum entropy (ME), we position entropy as a key marker of societal robustness, [...] Read more.

We investigate the fundamental trade-off between entropy and the Gini index within income distributions, employing a stochastic framework to expose deficiencies in conventional inequality metrics. Anchored in the principle of maximum entropy (ME), we position entropy as a key marker of societal robustness, while the Gini index, identical to the (second-order) K-spread coefficient, captures spread but neglects dynamics in distribution tails. We recommend supplanting Lorenz profiles with simpler graphs such as the odds and probability density functions, and a core set of numerical indicators (K-spread K₂/μ, standardized entropy Φμ, and upper and lower tail indices, ξ, ζ) for deeper diagnostics. This approach fuses ME into disparity evaluation, highlighting a path to harmonize fairness with structural endurance. Drawing from percentile records in the World Income Inequality Database from 1947 to 2023, we fit flexible models (Pareto–Burr–Feller, Dagum) and extract K-moments and tail indices. The results unveil a concave frontier: moderate Gini reductions have little effect on entropy, but aggressive equalization incurs steep stability costs. Country-level analyses (Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Bulgaria) link entropy declines to political ruptures, positioning low entropy as a precursor to instability. On the other hand, analyses based on the core set of indicators for present-day geopolitical powers show that they are positioned in a high stability area. Full article

13 pages, 534 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Hypocalcemia and Identifying Supplementation Needs After Total Thyroidectomy: The Role of Perioperative PTH Measurements

by Angeliki Emmanouilidou, Athina Stamati, Eleni Avramidou, Philippos Tasioudis, Eleni Tziona, Charilaos Koulouris, Michael Karanikas, Kalliopi Pazaitou-Panayiotou and Nickos Michalopoulos

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010062 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a common complication, yet the optimal perioperative markers for identifying high-risk patients and guiding supplementation remain debated. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with hypocalcemia at 24 h after total thyroidectomy, identify independent predictors, and assess the [...] Read more.

Background: Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a common complication, yet the optimal perioperative markers for identifying high-risk patients and guiding supplementation remain debated. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with hypocalcemia at 24 h after total thyroidectomy, identify independent predictors, and assess the reliability of early PTH measurement in determining supplementation needs. Methods: We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study including 200 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at Genesis Hospital, Thessaloniki, between November 2022 and March 2025. PTH was measured preoperatively, 10 min post-resection, and at 24 and 72 h; calcium and phosphorus were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: Independent predictors of hypocalcemia at 24 h were female sex, preoperative calcium, and PTH at 10 min. Age, pathology, incidental parathyroid excision, and extent of surgery were not significantly associated with hypocalcemia. ROC analysis showed that a preoperative calcium cutoff of 9.47 mg/dL yielded an AUC of 0.73, with 70.1% sensitivity and an NPV of 82%. PTH at 10 min with a cutoff of 24.6 pg/mL yielded an AUC of 0.66, with 70.1% sensitivity and an NPV of 79%. For supplementation needs, PTH at 10 min demonstrated excellent discrimination, with a cutoff of 16.3 pg/mL at 24 h and 14.1 pg/mL at 72 h. Conclusions: Preoperative calcium and PTH measured 10 min after thyroid removal are useful markers for predicting hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy, with early PTH also accurately identifying supplementation needs. Full article

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

44 pages, 1405 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Modeling of PV–BESS Microgrids for Enhanced Stability, Cyber–Physical Resilience and Blackout Prevention

by Dragos Pasculescu, Simona Riurean, Mila Ilieva Obretenova, Teodora Lazar, Adina Milena Tatar and Nicolae Daniel Fita

Energies 2026, 19(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010148 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes and validates a method for assessing the resilience of cyber–physical microgrids integrating Photovoltaic (PV) generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The approach combines two operational performance indicators—Voltage Deviation Index (VDI) and Energy Not Supplied (ENS)—with a composite resilience index [...] Read more.

This paper proposes and validates a method for assessing the resilience of cyber–physical microgrids integrating Photovoltaic (PV) generation and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The approach combines two operational performance indicators—Voltage Deviation Index (VDI) and Energy Not Supplied (ENS)—with a composite resilience index that captures recovery dynamics following physical and cyber disturbances. The method is implemented in MATLAB Simulink R2022b on the IEEE 33-bus feeder, with PV at bus 6 and a BESS at bus 18. Two stress scenarios are analyzed: (i) loss of the main supply at bus 2 and (ii) a cyber-induced communication failure that triggers local (fallback) operation. Compared with the base case, the proposed strategy reduces VDI by approximately 27% and ENS by 12%, demonstrating significantly improved resilience without noticeable performance penalties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Monitoring and Modeling of Electrical Systems in Renewable-Powered Microgrids: Challenges and Solutions for Strengthening Energy Security and Blackout Prevention)

14 pages, 378 KB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing Pediatric Cochlear Implant Care Through a Multidisciplinary Telehealth Model: Insights from Implementation and Family Perspectives

by Chrisanda Marie Sanchez, Jennifer Coto, Jordan Ian McNair, Domitille Lochet, Alexandria Susan Mestres, Christina Sarangoulis, Meredith A. Holcomb and Ivette Cejas

Children 2026, 13(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13010039 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary care is the gold-standard approach for delivering comprehensive pediatric healthcare. For children undergoing cochlear implant (CI) evaluation, multiple appointments are required to assess candidacy, set realistic expectations, and counsel families on rehabilitation and the psychosocial impact of hearing loss. Established pediatric [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Multidisciplinary care is the gold-standard approach for delivering comprehensive pediatric healthcare. For children undergoing cochlear implant (CI) evaluation, multiple appointments are required to assess candidacy, set realistic expectations, and counsel families on rehabilitation and the psychosocial impact of hearing loss. Established pediatric CI users also need coordinated follow-up to address ongoing auditory, educational, and psychosocial needs. This study evaluated the satisfaction and family perspectives of the implementation of a virtual, team-based multidisciplinary model for both CI candidates and established CI users. Methods: Thirty-nine children and their families participated in discipline-specific telehealth consultations, including audiology, listening and spoken language (LSL) therapy, psychology, and educational services, followed by a 60 min multidisciplinary team meeting. Team meetings occurred during pre-implantation and at six months post-activation for CI candidates. Team meetings for established CI users were scheduled following completion of individual consultations. Providers summarized findings from their individual visits before transitioning to a caregiver-led discussion. Post-visit surveys assessed satisfaction and perceived benefit from the multidisciplinary model. Results: Thirty-nine dyads were enrolled (11 Pre-CI; 28 Established CI). Caregivers were predominantly mothers (89.7%), most identified as Hispanic (55.3%) and White (71.1%). Over half of children identified as Hispanic (59%) and White (71.8%); most were diagnosed with hearing loss at birth (55.9%). Satisfaction with the virtual model was uniformly high: 100% of caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied, and most rated care quality as “very good” or “excellent.” LSL therapy was most frequently rated as the most beneficial visit (70% Pre-CI; 45% Established CI). Caregivers strongly preferred ongoing team-based care, with 55–80% reporting that they would like it to occur every six months and 95–100% preferring remote meetings. Conclusions: A virtual multidisciplinary model offers a high-quality, family-centered approach for both CI evaluations and ongoing management of established CI users. By integrating simultaneous team-based sessions, this model not only supports the ‘whole child’ but also strengthens the family system by improving communication, streamlining care, and reducing the burden of multiple in-person appointments. Families consistently report high levels of satisfaction with the convenience, clarity, and collaboration provided through virtual team visits. Incorporating routine check-ins with families is essential to ensure their needs are addressed, reinforce progress, and guide timely, targeted interventions that maximize each child’s developmental outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hearing Loss in Children: The Present and a Challenge for Future)

18 pages, 1420 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Water Hammer Effect and Structural Response Characteristics in the Fire-Resistant Oil System of Gas Turbine Units

by Guangjie Zhou, Qiang Ma, Sufeng Xue, Gang Wang, Lijun Jia and Kaimin Yang

Energies 2026, 19(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010147 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

In gas turbine fire-resistant oil systems, valve actuations induce transient pressure fluctuations and the water hammer effect, causing pressure oscillations and structural vibrations. This study uses a coupled CFD and transient structural simulation to analyze the effects of different valve strategies on pressure [...] Read more.

In gas turbine fire-resistant oil systems, valve actuations induce transient pressure fluctuations and the water hammer effect, causing pressure oscillations and structural vibrations. This study uses a coupled CFD and transient structural simulation to analyze the effects of different valve strategies on pressure wave propagation and structural response. Results show that a higher valve opening rate leads to a more significant water hammer effect, increasing structural deformation and stress. The maximum equivalent stress was verified at 201.9 MPa, maintaining a 30% safety margin and meeting American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.3 requirements. Finally, a “slow-fast-slow” (S-shaped) valve strategy is proposed to significantly improve the system’s pressure response characteristics, providing theoretical and engineering guidance for safe operation. Full article

20 pages, 602 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Threshold Selection Method in Code Plagiarism Checking Function for Code Writing Problem in Java Programming Learning Assistant System Considering AI-Generated Codes

by Perwira Annissa Dyah Permatasari, Mustika Mentari, Safira Adine Kinari, Soe Thandar Aung, Nobuo Funabiki, Htoo Htoo Sandi Kyaw and Khaing Hsu Wai

Analytics 2026, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytics5010002 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

To support novice learners, the Java programming learning assistant system (JPLAS) has been developed with various features. Among them, code writing problem (CWP) assigns writing an answer code that passes a given test code. The correctness of an answer code is validated [...] Read more.

To support novice learners, the Java programming learning assistant system (JPLAS) has been developed with various features. Among them, code writing problem (CWP) assigns writing an answer code that passes a given test code. The correctness of an answer code is validated by running it on JUnit. In previous works, we implemented a code plagiarism checking function that calculates the similarity score for each pair of answer codes based on the Levenshtein distance. When the score is higher than a given threshold, this pair is regarded as plagiarism. However, a method for finding the proper threshold has not been studied. In addition, AI-generated codes have become threats in plagiarism, as AI has grown in popularity, which should be investigated. In this paper, we propose a threshold selection method based on Tukey’s IQR fences. It uses a custom upper threshold derived from the statistical distribution of similarity scores for each assignment. To better accommodate skewed similarity distributions, the method introduces a simple percentile-based adjustment for determining the upper threshold. We also design prompts to generate answer codes using generative AI and apply them to four AI models. For evaluation, we used a total of 745 source codes of two datasets. The first dataset consists of 420 answer codes across 12 CWP instances from 35 first-year undergraduate students in the State Polytechnic of Malang, Indonesia (POLINEMA). The second dataset includes 325 answer codes across five CWP assignments from 65 third-year undergraduate students at Okayama University, Japan. The applications of our proposals found the following: (1) any pair of student codes whose score is higher than the selected threshold has some evidence of plagiarism, (2) some student codes have a higher similarity than the threshold with AI-generated codes, indicating the use of generative AI, and (3) multiple AI models can generate code that resembles student-written code, despite adopting different implementations. The validity of our proposal is confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Critical Challenges in Large Language Models and Data Analytics: Trustworthiness, Scalability, and Societal Impact)

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32 pages, 1912 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Unified Drift–Flux Framework for Predictive Analysis of Flow Patterns and Void Fractions in Vertical Gas Lift Systems

by Omid Heydari, Sohrab Zendehboudi and Stephen Butt

Fluids 2026, 11(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids11010006 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study utilizes the drift–flux model to develop a new flow pattern map designed to facilitate an accurate estimation of gas void fraction (α_g) in vertical upward flow. The map is parameterized by mixture velocity (u_m) and gas [...] Read more.

This study utilizes the drift–flux model to develop a new flow pattern map designed to facilitate an accurate estimation of gas void fraction (α_g) in vertical upward flow. The map is parameterized by mixture velocity (u_m) and gas volumetric quality (β_g), integrating transition criteria from the established literature. For applications characterized by significant pressure gradients, such as gas lift, these criteria were reformulated as functions of pressure, enabling direct estimation from operational data. A critical component of this methodology for the estimation of α_g is the estimation of the distribution parameter (C₀) An analysis of experimental data, spanning pipe diameters from 1.27 to 15 cm across the full void fraction ranges (0 < α_g< 1), revealed a critical α_g threshold beyond which C₀ exhibits a distinct decreasing trend. To characterize this phenomenon, the parameter of the distribution-weighted void fraction (α_c = α_gC₀) is introduced. This parameter, representing the dynamically effective void fraction, identifies the critical threshold at its inflection point. The proposed model subsequently defines C₀ using a two-part function of α_c This generalized approach simplifies the complexity inherent in existing correlations and demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, reducing the average error in α_g estimations to 5.4% and outperforming established methods. Furthermore, the model’s parametric architecture is explicitly designed to support the optimization and fine-tuning of coefficients, enabling future use of machine learning for various fluids and complex industrial cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiphase Flow for Industry Applications, 2nd Edition)

23 pages, 69885 KB

Open AccessArticle

Patched-Based Swin Transformer Hyperprior for Learned Image Compression

by Sibusiso B. Buthelezi and Jules R. Tapamo

J. Imaging 2026, 12(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12010012 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

We present a hybrid end-to-end learned image compression framework that combines a CNN-based variational autoencoder (VAE) with an efficient hierarchical Swin Transformer to address the limitations of existing entropy models in capturing global dependencies under computational constraints. Traditional VAE-based codecs typically rely on [...] Read more.

We present a hybrid end-to-end learned image compression framework that combines a CNN-based variational autoencoder (VAE) with an efficient hierarchical Swin Transformer to address the limitations of existing entropy models in capturing global dependencies under computational constraints. Traditional VAE-based codecs typically rely on CNN-based priors with localized receptive fields, which are insufficient for modelling the complex, high-dimensional dependencies of the latent space, thereby limiting compression efficiency. While fully global transformer-based models can capture long-range dependencies, their high computational complexity makes them impractical for high-resolution image compression. To overcome this trade-off, our approach couples a CNN-based VAE with a patch-based hierarchical Swin Transformer hyperprior that employs shifted window self-attention to effectively model both local and global contextual information while maintaining computational efficiency. The proposed framework tightly integrates this expressive entropy model with an end-to-end differentiable quantization module, enabling joint optimization of the complete rate-distortion objective. By learning a more accurate probability distribution of the latent representation, the model achieves improved bitrate estimation and a more compact latent representation, resulting in enhanced compression performance. We validate our approach on the widely used Kodak, JPEG AI, and CLIC datasets, demonstrating that the proposed hybrid architecture achieves superior rate-distortion performance, delivering higher visual quality at lower bitrates compared to methods relying on simpler CNN-based entropy priors. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating efficient transformer architectures into learned image compression and highlights their potential for advancing entropy modelling beyond conventional CNN-based designs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Image and Video Processing)

40 pages, 2875 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in Fermentation of Asteraceae Botanicals: Sustainable Approaches to Functional Cosmetic Ingredients

by Edyta Kucharska

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010283 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The cosmetics industry is experiencing dynamic growth, which poses significant environmental challenges, primarily due to the accumulation of cosmetic ingredients in aquatic and soil ecosystems. In response, sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the concept of “clean beauty” [...] Read more.

The cosmetics industry is experiencing dynamic growth, which poses significant environmental challenges, primarily due to the accumulation of cosmetic ingredients in aquatic and soil ecosystems. In response, sustainable solutions aligned with the principles of the circular economy and the concept of “clean beauty” are increasingly sought. One promising approach is the use of bioferments obtained through the fermentation of plant raw materials from the Asteraceae family as alternatives to conventional extracts in cosmetic formulations. This literature review provides up-to-date insights into the biotechnological transformation of Asteraceae plants into cosmetic bioferments, with particular emphasis on fermentation processes enabling enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosylated flavonoids into aglycones, followed by their conversion into low-molecular-weight phenolic acids. These compounds exhibit improved local skin penetration (i.e., higher local bioavailability within the epidermal barrier) compared to their parent glycosides, thereby enhancing antioxidant activity. The analysis includes evidence-based data on the enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosidic flavonoids into free aglycones and their subsequent conversion into low-molecular-weight phenolic acids, which exhibit improved antioxidant potential compared to unfermented extracts. Furthermore, this narrative review highlights the role of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in producing bioferments enriched with bioactive metabolites, including lactic acid (acting as a natural moisturizing factor and preservative), while emphasizing their biodegradability and contribution to minimizing the environmental impact of cosmetics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the technological, dermatological, and environmental aspects of Asteraceae-based bioferments, outlining their potential as sustainable and functional ingredients in modern cosmetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Progress in Fermentation Technology and Microbial Biotechnology: A Comprehensive Overview of Recent Developments and Innovations)

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24 pages, 1759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization, Expression Responses and Antipathogenic Bacterial Function of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer Bloch, 1790)

by Prapansak Srisapoome, Chayanee Muangrerk, Anurak Uchuwittayakul and Ratree Wongpanya

Biomolecules 2026, 16(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom16010046 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

In vertebrates, the interleukin-1β molecule (IL-1β) is among the most important proinflammatory cytokines and plays crucial roles in shaping injury progression, immunological challenges, and local and systemic responses to infection. In the current study, a cDNA encoding the IL-1β gene in Asian seabass [...] Read more.

In vertebrates, the interleukin-1β molecule (IL-1β) is among the most important proinflammatory cytokines and plays crucial roles in shaping injury progression, immunological challenges, and local and systemic responses to infection. In the current study, a cDNA encoding the IL-1β gene in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) (LcIL-1β) was identified at both the nucleotide and protein levels. Its immune responses were investigated in various tissues from diseased and normal fish. Recombinant rLcIL-1β was produced in Escherichia coli. Furthermore, its ability to control two fish pathogenic bacteria, Flavobacterium covae and Streptococcus iniae, was assessed in vitro. Transcriptional expression was quantified by qRT‒PCR, which revealed the highest levels in whole blood, followed by the liver, gills and midgut. Immune response analyses of the head kidney, whole blood, liver, gills, spleen and intestines of fish infected with F. covae and S. iniae at concentrations of 1 × 10³, 1 × 10⁴ and 1 × 10⁵ CFU/fish, respectively, revealed significant upregulation of LcIL-1β (p < 0.05) for 6–24 h (h) after induction. Interestingly, compared with the control treatment, the application of 1, 10 and 100 µg of rLcIL-1β greatly increased the phagocytic activity and phagocytic index of phagocytes (p < 0.05). Antibacterial function analyses of F. covae and S. iniae revealed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 29.17 and 85.25 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, injection of S. iniae following rLcIL-1β revealed that 50 and 100 µg of the target protein demonstrated significant functional activity in safeguarding Asian seabass from these pathogenic bacteria (p < 0.05). This information revealed that LcIL-1β in Asian seabass significantly drives immune defense mechanisms against pathogenic bacteria, which is important for the development of effective disease prevention methods for Asian seabass aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomacromolecules: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Carbohydrates)

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18 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Exploring the Role of Conformity in Decision-Making and Emotional Regulation: A Systematic Review

by Somdatta Chakraborty, Rosa Milo, Gennaro Cordasco, Antonio Perna and Anna Esposito

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15010014 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Conformity is defined as the inclination to align one’s thoughts and behaviors with those of a group, driven by the desire for social acceptance and accuracy. While this alignment can enhance group cohesion and facilitate effective communication, it may also lead individuals to [...] Read more.

Conformity is defined as the inclination to align one’s thoughts and behaviors with those of a group, driven by the desire for social acceptance and accuracy. While this alignment can enhance group cohesion and facilitate effective communication, it may also lead individuals to adopt false beliefs or engage in risky choices. This systematic review explores the interconnected dynamics of conformity, emotional regulation, and decision-making, shedding light on their transformative impacts on individual behavior within various contexts. A search was conducted in four databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, and PubMed, focusing on research related to social conformity, emotion regulation, and decision-making from 2014 to October 2024. After several screening stages, 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected as the subject of the present review. The findings examined in this review explore the interplay between emotions and conformity in shaping social dynamics and decision-making processes. Additionally, the review addresses how contextual factors, social group dynamics, and individual differences affect conformity behaviors. Importantly, the review identifies a critical gap in the literature regarding how emotional regulation strategies might moderate the influence of conformity, particularly in emotionally charged or socially complex situations. Addressing this gap presents a promising avenue for future research, with implications for developing interventions aimed at fostering healthier decision-making and emotional resilience within group environments. Full article

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26 pages, 9155 KB

Open AccessArticle

Silicon Nitride Bioceramics with TiC Additives: Excellent Mechanical Properties, Cytocompatibility, and Antibacterial Properties

by Zhebin Lou, Jiayu He, Yuandong Liu, Hanxu Zhu, Xiaofeng Zeng and Zulaikha Abid

J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17010020 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Silicon nitride is a type of bioceramic with great application potential. However, the brittleness of silicon nitride can be addressed through toughening. In this study, various proportions of TiC were incorporated into the sintering additive system to explore the effects of different amounts [...] Read more.

Silicon nitride is a type of bioceramic with great application potential. However, the brittleness of silicon nitride can be addressed through toughening. In this study, various proportions of TiC were incorporated into the sintering additive system to explore the effects of different amounts of TiC on the mechanical properties, cell compatibility, and antibacterial properties of silicon nitride. Silicon nitride was prepared by gas pressure sintering, with TiC addition amounts of 3%, 5%, 8%, and 13% wt. Among the four types of silicon nitride, the mechanical properties of silicon nitride with 3% and 5% wt TiC addition were improved, with the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the former being 571 MPa and 8.35 MPa·m^1/2, respectively, and the flexural strength and fracture toughness of the latter being 532 MPa and 8.53 MPa·m^1/2, respectively. The surface of all four types of silicon nitride was enriched with Ti as the amount of TiC added increased, and the surface properties of the four silicon nitrides were the same. All four types of silicon nitride could continuously release Si ions in liquid. In vitro cell experiments showed that all four types of silicon nitride could enable normal cell proliferation and adhesion. Silicon nitride with different TiC addition amounts all exhibited good cell compatibility. Compared with the control material, each of the four types of silicon nitride demonstrated robust antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with comparable potency across all types. These findings indicate that the incorporation of titanium carbide (TiC) within the silicon nitride matrix, particularly within the 3–5% weight ratio range, not only enhances mechanical integrity and cellular compatibility, but also confers notable antibacterial attributes. Consequently, these results demonstrate the promising viability of TiC-modified silicon nitride as a prospective material for the fabrication of bone implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis of Biomaterials via Advanced Technologies)

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27 pages, 1768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Origin and Hydrogeochemical Evolution of Jety-Oguz Mineral Waters (Issyk-Kul Basin, Tien Shan)

by Ekaterina I. Baranovskaya, Natalia А. Kharitonova, George А. Chelnokov, Farid S. Salikhov and Irina A. Tarasenko

Water 2026, 18(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010075 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive study of the nitrogen-radon thermal mineral waters of the Jety-Oguz area, located in the southeastern part of the Issyk-Kul intermountain artesian basin (Northern Tien Shan). Based on new data from chemical and isotopic (δ¹⁸O, δD) analyses [...] Read more.

This article presents a comprehensive study of the nitrogen-radon thermal mineral waters of the Jety-Oguz area, located in the southeastern part of the Issyk-Kul intermountain artesian basin (Northern Tien Shan). Based on new data from chemical and isotopic (δ¹⁸O, δD) analyses of natural waters (lake, river, and mineral) and the chemical composition of the water-bearing rocks, we identify the formation mechanisms of mineral waters with diverse composition, total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature. Three main genetic types have been identified: (1) saline, high-TDS (up to 12.8 g/L) chloride sodium-calcium thermal waters (up to 32 °C). These waters are of meteoric origin and circulate within Middle Carboniferous carbonate rocks, acquiring their unique composition at depths of up to 3.0 km, where reservoir temperatures reach ~105 °C; (2) chloride-sulfate sodium-calcium waters (0.5 g/L, fresh, 22 °C), formed in alluvial deposits within the zone of active water exchange; and (3) low-TDS (1.8 g/L, brackish) waters of mixed composition, resulting from the mixing of a deep fluid with infiltrating meteoric waters. Isotopic data confirm a meteoric origin for all studied waters, including the high-TDS thermal types. The chemical composition diversity is attributed to several processes: mixing between the deep, high-TDS fluid and low-TDS infiltration waters, intense dissolution of evaporite rocks, and water–rock interaction. These findings are crucial for understanding the genesis of mineral waters in the Tien Shan intermountain basins and provide a scientific basis for their sustainable balneological exploitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Hydrology: Tracing Water’s Journey and Water–Rock Interactions in a Changing World)

29 pages, 1746 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Statistical Optimization of a Modified Protocol of the Ionic Polyelectrolyte Pre-Gelation Method to Synthesize Alginate–Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles

by Ángela J. Rodríguez-Talavera, Sara Gálvez-Rodríguez, Juan M. Rodríguez-Díaz and Edgar Pérez-Herrero

Polymers 2026, 18(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010077 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Alginate [ALG] and chitosan [CS] are biomaterials of importance in drug-delivery because of their ability to form ionically-crosslinked nanosystems and polyelectrolyte-complexes under mild conditions. Here, a modified ionic-polyelectrolyte-pre-gelation method, with a controlled addition of reagents and sonication throughout the process, is reported to [...] Read more.

Alginate [ALG] and chitosan [CS] are biomaterials of importance in drug-delivery because of their ability to form ionically-crosslinked nanosystems and polyelectrolyte-complexes under mild conditions. Here, a modified ionic-polyelectrolyte-pre-gelation method, with a controlled addition of reagents and sonication throughout the process, is reported to produce ALG –CS-based NPs. A mathematical study of the effects of the factors with influence in the process on the properties of NPs has been performed using a two-phase-design-of-experiment-based procedure, something never done to our knowledge. The concentration of ALG, CS and CaCl₂ and the ratio ALG:CS have significant influence on polydispersity (PDI), surface-charge (ZP) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of NPs. Moreover, CS flow rate has a significant effect over PDI and EE%. Thus, the values of ALG, CS and CaCl₂ concentration (mg/mL), ALG:CS (mL:mL) and CS flow rate (mL/min) to obtain the minimum-expected PDI (0.168) or the optimized EE% (86.7) are {0.30, 0.79, 1.00, 2.50:1.00, 0.86} or {0.30, 1.00, 1.00, 2.50:1.00, 2.00}, with ALG:CaCl₂ (mL:mL) and CaCl₂ flow rate (mL/min) fixed at 2.50:0.31 and 1.25. Although most of the conditions yielded highly-negative particles (minimum-expected of −67.8 mV using 0.69, 0.30 and 0.13 mg/mL of ALG, CS and CaCl₂ and ALG:CS of 2.50:0.59 mL:mL), varying the mass ratio of ALG:CS allowed for the generation of positively-charged particles (up to +21.1 mV with 0.30, 1.00 and 0.61 mg/mL of ALG, CS and CaCl₂ and ALG:CS of 2.50:1.00 mL:mL). In both cases, ALG:CaCl₂ (mL:mL), CaCl₂ and CS flow rates (mL/min) were fixed at 2.50:0.31, 1.25 and 1.25. The model for the NPs size depends only on CS and CaCl₂ concentrations, with the minimum- or maximum-expected (160 or 635 nm) at 0.30 and 1.00 or 1.00 and 0.30 of CS and CaCl₂, although the method allows a wide range of sizes (144.0–1965.0 nm). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polymeric Materials: Polysaccharides and Carbohydrate Polymers, 2nd Edition)

23 pages, 787 KB

Open AccessArticle

EED-CL: Extended EEG Deformer with Contrastive Learning for Robust Emotion Recognition

by Hyoung-Gook Kim and Jin-Young Kim

Bioengineering 2026, 13(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13010029 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Emotion recognition based on EEG signals remains a challenging task due to the complex spatiotemporal properties of brain activity and substantial intersubject variability. To address these challenges, we propose the EED-CL framework, which integrates an extended EEG-Deformer (EED) with contrastive learning (CL). The [...] Read more.

Emotion recognition based on EEG signals remains a challenging task due to the complex spatiotemporal properties of brain activity and substantial intersubject variability. To address these challenges, we propose the EED-CL framework, which integrates an extended EEG-Deformer (EED) with contrastive learning (CL). The proposed model incorporates a depthwise separable convolution encoder for efficient extraction of spatiotemporal EEG features, a hierarchical coarse-to-medium-to-fine (HCMFT) transformer to capture multiscale temporal patterns, and an attentive dense information purification (ADIP) module to suppress noise and refine essential latent representations. In addition, CL-based pretraining facilitates robust feature learning even in settings with limited labeled data. The extracted multiscale features are integrated and classified through a Transformer encoder and an MLP. Experiments conducted on multiple benchmark EEG datasets show that EED consistently outperforms conventional models, while EED-CL achieves further improvements under label-constrained conditions. Notably, EED-CL demonstrates strong robustness to intersubject variability and noise, enabling stable emotion classification even when labeled samples are scarce. These findings indicate that EED-CL effectively captures multiscale spatiotemporal EEG patterns and offers a scalable and reliable approach for EEG-based emotion recognition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Biomedical Imaging, Biosignals and Healthcare)

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23 pages, 2966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Replacing Solid Snacks with Almonds or Adding Almonds to the Diet Improves Diet Quality and Compliance with the 2020–25 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Modeling Analyses of NHANES 2017–23 Data

by Mattieu Maillot, Romane Poinsot, Maha Tahiri and Adam Drewnowski

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010087 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Healthier between-meal snacks can improve diet quality in the US and globally. Objectives: To assess the impact on diet quality of replacing solid snacks with almonds or adding almonds (30 g) to the diet. Methods: Dietary data for 4333 [...] Read more.

Background: Healthier between-meal snacks can improve diet quality in the US and globally. Objectives: To assess the impact on diet quality of replacing solid snacks with almonds or adding almonds (30 g) to the diet. Methods: Dietary data for 4333 children (4–19 y) and 10,925 adults (>19 y) came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017–23). Nutrient composition data came from the Food and Nutrient Databases for Dietary Studies (FNDDS). Substitution Model 1 replaced all solid snacks with almonds on a per-calorie basis. Model 2 exempted “healthy” snacks. Model 3 added almonds to the observed diet. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020), Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF), Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), and Mean Excess Ratio (MER) were measures of diet quality. Results: Solid snacks provided 329 kcal/day (15.6% of dietary energy), of which 58 kcal came from healthy snacks (2.9%). The 4–13 y age group consumed the most energy from snacks. Diets with almonds replacing solid snacks were lower in added sugar, sodium, and saturated (solid) fat but higher in protein, fiber, mono- and polyunsaturated fats, and magnesium. MAR dietary nutrient density scores were significantly higher, and MER scores were lower. Total HEI-2020 scores rose from 52.4 (observed) to 59.6 (Model 1) and to 60.6 in Model 2_100. The addition of almonds (30 g or 50 g) increased HEI-2020 values to 59.2 and to 61.4, respectively. Several HEI-2020 sub-scores increased as well. The greatest dietary benefits were obtained for children and young adults. Conclusion: Replacing solid snacks with small amounts of almonds led to higher quality modeled food patterns, especially for younger age groups. The DGA 2025–30 should address the inclusion of healthy energy-dense snacks into everyday diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)

18 pages, 1127 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel High-Frequency Landslide Monitoring Device Based on MEMS Sensors and Real-Time Early Warning Method

by Yunping Liao, Lixin Wu, Pengfei Liu and Yong Yang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010282 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

To address the challenges of high cost, complex deployment, and difficulties in real-time early warning for small landslides near residential areas, a portable and low-cost high-frequency monitoring device based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMSs) was developed, and an advanced warning algorithm based on anomaly [...] Read more.

To address the challenges of high cost, complex deployment, and difficulties in real-time early warning for small landslides near residential areas, a portable and low-cost high-frequency monitoring device based on Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMSs) was developed, and an advanced warning algorithm based on anomaly intensity factors was constructed. The device is easy to install and can collect and transmit data to the cloud in real time. Equipped with edge computing capabilities, it can independently analyze data in the absence of network connectivity and transmit real-time early warning information to terminals within a range of 5 km. To verify the performance of the system, a large-scale outdoor landslide simulation test site was constructed, where slope failure was induced through artificial rainfall to obtain the complete process data from deformation to failure. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed early warning algorithm effectively identified different stability levels, providing warnings up to 13 s prior to catastrophic failure, confirming the high sensitivity and reliability of the device. This study offers a cost-effective and efficient approach to landslide monitoring and early warning, with notable prospects for broader implementation in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Geomechanics: Current Status and Future Challenges)

25 pages, 1781 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Open Spaces in Traditional Blocks on Human Thermal Comfort: Taking an Old Street in a Hot-Summer Cold-Winter Climate Region as an Example

by Yi-Pu Chen, Ran Hu, Komi Bernard Bedra and Qi-Meng Ning

Buildings 2026, 16(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16010136 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The microclimate of traditional blocks, a key component of urban fabric, directly affects the overall urban thermal environment. Creating a suitable microclimate is crucial for improving urban living quality. Field measurements, ENVI-met simulations, and the PET index were used to analyze the spatiotemporal [...] Read more.

The microclimate of traditional blocks, a key component of urban fabric, directly affects the overall urban thermal environment. Creating a suitable microclimate is crucial for improving urban living quality. Field measurements, ENVI-met simulations, and the PET index were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variations and core drivers of thermal comfort. Temporally, five open space types showed a unimodal “rise–stabilization–fall” PET curve, with peak heat stress occurring at 11:00–14:00. Courtyards heated fastest, but green spaces had the most stable thermal environment because trees provided shading and transpiration for gentle cooling. Spatially, thermal comfort varied significantly. For example, green spaces rich in trees performed best (PET 5–8 °C lower than pure grassland), while squares and courtyards faced severe midday heat stress (PET mostly moderate or above). Alley comfort depended on aspect ratio and orientation—north–south alleys with an aspect ratio >2 were 2–3 °C cooler than open spaces, but east–west or narrower alleys (aspect ratio <1.5) and low-enclosed courtyard control apply to southern Hunan’s hot-humid zone. However, the synergistic principles can be extended to similar southern regions, providing technical reference for traditional block livability and climate-resilient cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Heat Island and Outdoor Thermal Comfort)

21 pages, 66735 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Panoramic Surveillance Video Stitching Method for Complex Industrial Environments

by Jiuteng Zhu, Jianyu Guo, Kailun Ding, Gening Wang, Youxuan Zhou and Wenhong Li

Sensors 2026, 26(1), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010186 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

In complex industrial environments, surveillance videos often exhibit large parallax, low illumination, low texture, and low overlap rate, making it difficult to extract reliable image feature points and consequently leading to video suboptimal stitching performance. To address these challenges, this study proposes a [...] Read more.

In complex industrial environments, surveillance videos often exhibit large parallax, low illumination, low texture, and low overlap rate, making it difficult to extract reliable image feature points and consequently leading to video suboptimal stitching performance. To address these challenges, this study proposes a real-time panoramic surveillance video stitching method specifically designed for complex industrial scenarios. In the image registration stage, the Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) and Channel Attention (CA) modules are integrated with ResNet to enhance the feature extraction layers of the UDIS algorithm, thereby improving feature extraction and matching accuracy. A loss function incorporating similarity loss

L_{s i m}

and smoothness loss

L_{s m o o t h}

is designed to optimize registration errors. In the image fusion stage, gradient terms and motion terms are introduced for improving the energy function of the optimal seam line, enabling the optimal seam line to avoid moving objects in overlapping regions and thus achieve video stitching. Experimental validation is conducted by comparing the proposed image registration method with SIFT + RANSAC, UDIS, UDIS++, and NIS, and the proposed image fusion method with weighted average fusion, dynamic programming, and graph cut. The results show that, in image registration experiments, the proposed method achieves RMSE, PSNR, and SSIM values of 1.965, 25.338, and 0.8366, respectively. In image fusion experiments, the seam transition is smoother and effectively avoids moving objects, significantly improving the visual quality of the stitched videos. Moreover, the real-time stitching frame rate reaches 23 fps, meeting the real-time requirements of industrial surveillance applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)

16 pages, 1148 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil and Climate Controls on the Economic Value of Forest Carbon in Northeast China

by Jingwei Song, Song Lin, Haisen Bao and Youjun He

Forests 2026, 17(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010035 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Broad-scale assessments often track forest productivity, yet they rarely quantify how soil conditions determine whether these gains persist as long-lived carbon and generate measurable economic value. This study focused on Northeast China, where forests include boreal coniferous stands dominated by Dahurian larch, temperate [...] Read more.

Broad-scale assessments often track forest productivity, yet they rarely quantify how soil conditions determine whether these gains persist as long-lived carbon and generate measurable economic value. This study focused on Northeast China, where forests include boreal coniferous stands dominated by Dahurian larch, temperate conifer–broadleaf mixed forests with Korean pine, and temperate deciduous broadleaf forests dominated by Mongolian oak. We combined GLASS net primary productivity and ESA CCI Land Cover to delineate forest pixels, used 2000 to 2005 as the baseline, and converted productivity anomalies into pixel level carbon economic value using a consistent pricing rule. Forest NPP increased significantly during 2000 to 2018 (slope = 1.57, p = 0.019), and carbon economic value also increased over time during 2006 to 2018 (slope = 2.24, p = 0.002), with the highest values in core mountain forests and lower values in the western forest–grassland transition zone. Correlation analysis, explainable random forests, and variance partitioning characterized spatial and temporal dynamics from 2000 to 2018 and identified environmental controls. Carbon value increased over time and showed marked spatial heterogeneity that mirrored productivity patterns in core mountain forests. Climate was the dominant predictor of value, while higher soil pH and clay content were negatively associated with value. The random forest model explained about 70% of the variance in carbon value (R² = 0.695), and variance partitioning indicated substantial unique and joint contributions from climate and soil alongside secondary topographic effects. The automatable framework enables periodic updates with new satellite composites, supports ecological compensation zoning, and informs soil-oriented interventions that enhance the monetized value of forest carbon sinks in data-limited regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Ecology and Management)

30 pages, 10800 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence Mechanism of Particle Diameter and Volume Fraction on the Solid–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Performance of Semi-Open Impeller Sewage Pumps

by Hongliang Wang, Ang Li, Chuan Wang, Shuai Liu, Yansheng Shi, Hao Yu, Xi Wang and Xuanwen Jia

Water 2026, 18(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18010074 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Semi-open impeller sewage pumps are widely used in fields such as municipal wastewater treatment. However, they often face performance degradation and operational instability when conveying solid–liquid two-phase flows containing solid particles. This study aims to systematically elucidate the influence mechanisms of particle diameter [...] Read more.

Semi-open impeller sewage pumps are widely used in fields such as municipal wastewater treatment. However, they often face performance degradation and operational instability when conveying solid–liquid two-phase flows containing solid particles. This study aims to systematically elucidate the influence mechanisms of particle diameter (0.5–3.0 mm) and volume fraction (1–20%) on the external characteristics and internal flow field of semi-open impeller sewage pumps, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing their design and operational stability. Using an 80WQ4QG-type sewage pump as the research subject, this study employed a combination of numerical simulation and experimental research. The standard k-ε turbulence model coupled with the Discrete Phase (Particle) approach was adopted for multi-condition solid–liquid two-phase flow simulations. Furthermore, two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was utilized to quantify the main effects and interaction effects of the parameters. The results indicate that the pump head and efficiency generally exhibit a decreasing trend with increasing particle diameter or volume fraction, with particle diameter exerting a more pronounced effect (p < 0.01). When the particle diameter increased to 3.0 mm, the head decreased by 5.66%; when the volume fraction rose to 20%, the head decreased by 4.17%. It is noteworthy that the combination of a 0.5 mm particle diameter and a 20% volume fraction resulted in an abnormal increase in head, suggesting a possible flow pattern optimization under specific conditions. Analysis of the internal flow field reveals that coarse particles (≥1.5 mm) intensify the pressure gradient disparity between the front and rear shroud cavities of the impeller, thereby increasing the axial thrust. A high volume fraction (≥10%) promotes pronounced flow separation in the volute tongue region and exacerbates the risk of localized erosion at the outlet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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15 pages, 1011 KB

Open AccessArticle

Manganese Exposure Is Associated with Reduced Grip Strength: Evidence from Humans and Mice

by Peiyu Fang, Chuanqiao Tang, Shengtao Wei, Wenmin Lu, Shaohui Liu, Xiaoli Ma, Li’e Zhang, Guiqiang Liang, Jian Wang, Yang Peng and Yunfeng Zou

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010031 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Although excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is known to cause neuromotor function in cases of poisoning, its effect on grip strength (a neuromotor marker) in older adults at environmental levels remains unclear. To investigate this issue, we conducted an integrated investigation combining epidemiology and [...] Read more.

Although excessive manganese (Mn) exposure is known to cause neuromotor function in cases of poisoning, its effect on grip strength (a neuromotor marker) in older adults at environmental levels remains unclear. To investigate this issue, we conducted an integrated investigation combining epidemiology and animal experimentation to examine the association between urinary manganese and grip strength. A cross-sectional study of 375 elderly men (60–74 years) was conducted in Guangxi, China, from 2016 to 2017. Urinary Mn concentrations were determined by ICP-MS, and their associations with grip strength were evaluated using generalized linear models and restricted cubic splines. In parallel, 32 six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg MnCl₂·4H₂O via intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Forelimb grip strength of the mice was measured after the final exposure, and mRNA expression of inflammatory markers and cytokines (C reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in triceps) in triceps tissue was quantified. The median urinary Mn concentration in the study population was 0.22 μg/g creatinine. After adjusting for confounders, urinary Mn was inversely associated with hand grip strength (highest vs. lowest tertile: β = −3.57 kg; 95% CI: −5.68 to −1.47; p-trend = 0.007). Similarly, in male C57BL/6J mice, grip strengths declined significantly with increasing Mn exposure (p-trend < 0.0001), accompanied by upregulation of the mRNA levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in muscle tissue. Together, our findings suggest that environmental manganese exposure is inversely associated with grip strength in elderly men. While the manganese doses used in the animal study exceeded typical human environmental exposure, the experimental results further indicate that such grip strength reduction may be linked to muscle inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

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24 pages, 2545 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Winter Air Supply Strategies on Thermal Comfort in Yamen Buildings: A Case Study of The Jiangsu Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office

by Jie Wu, Yiyu Chen and Yi Deng

Atmosphere 2026, 17(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17010038 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

The Jiangsu Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office, a significant official yamen and regional judicial-administrative center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, exemplifies one of the rare remaining instances of official architecture in Suzhou. Notwithstanding its historical continuity, the thermal and hygrothermal performance of its [...] Read more.

The Jiangsu Provincial Judicial Commissioner’s Office, a significant official yamen and regional judicial-administrative center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, exemplifies one of the rare remaining instances of official architecture in Suzhou. Notwithstanding its historical continuity, the thermal and hygrothermal performance of its high and large historical building areas is unable to meet modern thermal comfort standards. Due to the concept of heritage conservation, “restoring the original state”, changing the thermal properties of the building envelope is difficult. Therefore, this study adopts a combined simulation method using DesignBuilder and Fluent to explore the potential to improve the indoor thermal climate by optimizing the HVAC air supply system. Various situations with differing supply air angles, velocities, and outlet configurations are assessed, utilizing temperature fields, velocity fields, and PMV-PPD indices as the primary evaluation criteria. The study’s findings demonstrate that air supply configurations have a substantial impact on the distribution of comfortable zones. The judicious selection of supply angles, velocities, and outlet arrangements can effectively mitigate vertical temperature stratification and enhance thermal comfort in the primary activity areas. The results offer technical guidance for optimizing HVAC operations in high and large historical buildings while preserving their original architectural characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality)

22 pages, 706 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Through Additive Manufacturing Operations: A Comparative Industrial Analysis with a Life Cycle Assessment Case Study of Türkiye

by Saliha Karadayi-Usta

Logistics 2026, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics10010007 (registering DOI) - 26 Dec 2025

Abstract

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming global production systems with sustainability at its core. The global AM market growth underscores the urgency of evaluating its environmental implications. Methods: This study aims to (1) identify Life Cycle [...] Read more.

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming global production systems with sustainability at its core. The global AM market growth underscores the urgency of evaluating its environmental implications. Methods: This study aims to (1) identify Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) factors influencing additively manufactured products across aerospace, automotive, medical devices, industrial equipment, energy, construction, and consumer electronics industries; (2) determine the relative importance of these factors using Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) analysis within a Türkiye case study; and (3) assign sustainability levels for each industry via the PrOPPAGA technique. Since LCA quantifies environmental impacts throughout a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life, this research assesses the sustainability dimensions of AM operations by examining energy consumption, emissions, and waste generation. Results: The findings provide practical and managerial insights for industry stakeholders seeking to enhance sustainable practices in AM. Conclusions: The study introduces a novel sustainability evaluation framework integrating ACBC and PrOPPAGA methods, offering a significant theoretical contribution to the literature on sustainable manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progresses and Main Implications in Additive Manufacturing for Operations and Supply Chain Management)

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