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As a staple cereal worldwide, winter wheat plays a pivotal role in food security. Leaf chlorophyll serves as a direct indicator of photosynthetic performance and nitrogen nutrition, making it critical for precision management and yield gains. Consequently, rapid, nondestructive, and high-accuracy remote-sensing retrievals are urgently needed to underpin field operations and precision fertilization. In this study, canopy hyperspectral reflectance together with destructive chlorophyll assays were systematically acquired from Yangling field trials conducted during 2018–2020. Three families of spectral indices were devised: classical empirical indices; two-dimensional optimal spectral indices (2D OSI) selected by correlation-matrix screening; and novel three-dimensional optimal spectral indices (3D OSI). The main contribution lies in devising novel 3D OSIs that combine three spectral bands and demonstrating how their fusion with classic two-band indices can improve chlorophyll quantification. Correlation analysis showed that most empirical vegetation indices were significantly associated with chlorophyll (p < 0.05), with the new double difference index (NDDI) giving the strongest relationship (R = 0.637). Within the optimal-index sets, the difference three-dimensional spectral index (DTSI; 680, 807, and 1822 nm) achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.703 (p < 0.05). Among all multi-input fusion schemes, fusing empirical indices with 3D OSI and training with RF delivered the best validation performance (R² = 0.816, RMSE = 0.307 mg g⁻¹, MRE = 11.472%), and external data further corroborated its feasibility. Altogether, integrating 3D spectral indices with classical vegetation indices and deploying RF enabled accurate, nondestructive estimation of winter wheat chlorophyll, offering a new hyperspectral pathway for monitoring crop physiological status and advancing precision agricultural management and fertilization, can guide in-season fertilization to optimize nitrogen use, thereby advancing precision agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Operation Technology and Intelligent Equipment in Farmland—3rd Edition)

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28 pages, 13587 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study of the Flow Around Twin Straight-Bladed Darrieus Hydrokinetic Turbines

by Santiago Laín, Miguel Viveros, Aldo Benavides-Morán and Pablo Ouro

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(10), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13101947 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Nowadays, the potential of hydrokinetic turbines as a sustainable alternative to complement traditional hydropower is widely recognized. This study presents a comprehensive numerical analysis of twin straight-bladed Darrieus hydrokinetic turbines, characterizing their hydrodynamic interactions and performance characteristics. The influence of turbine configuration spacing and flow parameters on efficiency and wake dynamics are investigated. The employed 3D computational approach combines the overset mesh technique, used to capture the unsteady flow around the turbines, with the URANS k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. Results show that turbine spacing improves power coefficients and overall efficiency, albeit at the cost of slower wake recovery. A noticeable performance increase is observed when the turbines are spaced between 1.5 and 2 diameters apart, which is predicted to reach up to 40% regarding the single turbine. Furthermore, the effect of flow interaction between the turbines is examined by analyzing the influence of turbine spacing on flow structures as well as pressure and skin friction coefficients on the blades. The performed analysis reveals that vortex detachment is delayed in the twin-turbine configuration compared to the isolated case, which partially explains the observed performance enhancement. The insights gained from this work are expected to contribute to the advancement of renewable hydrokinetic energy technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)

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24 pages, 4323 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Hydrodynamic Modeling of Low-Flow Conditions with Groundwater–River Interaction: Case Study of the Rur River

by You Wu, Daniel Bachmann and Holger Schüttrumpf

Hydrology 2025, 12(10), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12100270 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Groundwater plays a critical role in maintaining streamflow during low-flow periods. However, accurately quantifying groundwater flow still remains a modeling challenge. Prolonged low-flow or drought conditions necessitate long-term simulations, further increasing the complexity of achieving reliable results. To address these issues, a novel modeling framework (HYD module in LoFloDes) that integrates a one-dimensional (1D) river module with two-dimensional (2D) groundwater module via bidirectional coupling, enabling robust and accurate simulations of both groundwater and river dynamics throughout their interactions, especially over extended periods, was developed. The HYD module was applied to the Rur River, calibrated using gridded groundwater data, groundwater and river gauge data from 2002 to 2005 and validated from 1991 to 2020. During validation periods, the simulated river and groundwater levels generally reproduced observed trends, although suboptimal performance at certain gauges is attributed to unmodeled local anthropogenic influences. Comparative simulations demonstrated that the incorporation of groundwater–river interactions markedly enhanced model performance, especially at the downstream Stah gauge, where the coefficient of determination (R²) increased from 0.83 without interaction to 0.9 with interaction. Consistent with spatio-temporal patterns of this interaction, simulated groundwater contributions increased from upstream to downstream and were elevated during low-flow months. These findings underscore the important role of groundwater contributions in local river dynamics along the Rur River reach. The successful application of the HYD module demonstrates its capacity for long-term simulations of coupled groundwater–surface water systems and underscores its potential as a valuable tool for integrated river and groundwater resources management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Surface Water and Groundwater Resource Management, 2nd Edition)

17 pages, 2475 KB

Open AccessArticle

Paroxetine Triggers Inflammatory State on Zebrafish Early Embryonic Development

by Elena Maria Scalisi, Agata Scalisi, Stefania Indelicato, Antonio Salvaggio, Fabiano Capparucci, Roberta Pecoraro and Maria Violetta Brundo

Life 2025, 15(10), 1591; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101591 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Paroxetine (PRX) is a common antidepressant, also frequently used by pregnant women to treat depression and anxiety associated with pregnancy; thus, we should increase warnings about its intake. The increased presence of paroxetine in the environment raises concerns about unintended exposure to it, with consequences for embryonic development. However, the effect of PRX on early embryonic development, particularly on the embryonic brain, is still poorly studied, so this study aimed to investigate its toxicological profile on embryonated eggs of Danio rerio. Embryos of D. rerio were exposed to 1, 10, and 100 μg/L of PRX using the ZFET test. The results showed that exposure to PRX does not interfere with embryonic development but causes adverse effects in larvae, including heartbeats and an inflammatory state, with production of ROS and apoptotic cells on their head. Finally, the immunofluorescence assay for the biomarker acetylcholinesterase showed a decrease in its activity in exposed groups. Therefore, paroxetine is able to reach the nervous system during embryonic development with negative consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Contaminants: Impacts on Reproduction and Embryonic Development)

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22 pages, 3271 KB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Term Effects of N Deposition on Soil Respiration in Pine and Oak Monocultures

by Azam Nouraei, Seyed Mohammad Hojjati, Hamid Jalilvand, Patrick Schleppi and Seyed Jalil Alavi

Forests 2025, 16(10), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101570 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Atmospheric nitrogen input has been a severe challenge worldwide. The influences of N deposition on carbon cycling, loss, and storage have been recognized as a critical issue. This study aimed to assess the immediate responses of soil respiration to different N deposition treatments in radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) and chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia C. A. Mey) plantations within 12 months. N treatments were performed monthly at levels of 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ from October 2017 to September 2018. Litterfall was collected and analyzed seasonally for its mass and C content. Within the 0–10 cm depth of mineral soil in both plantations, parameters such as total nitrogen, pH, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), organic carbon (OC), and fine root biomass were measured seasonally. Soil respiration (Rs) was determined through monthly measurements of CO₂ concentration in the field using a portable, closed chamber technique. The control plots exhibited the highest Rs during spring (2.96, 2.85 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) and summer (2.92, 3.1 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) seasons in oak and pine plantations, respectively. However, the introduction of nitrogen significantly diminished Rs in both plantations. Moreover, N treatments caused a notable reduction of soil MBC and fine root biomass. Soil microbial entropy and the C/N ratio were also significantly decreased by nitrogen treatments in both plantations, with the most prominent effects observed in summer. The observed decline in Rs in N-treated plots can be attributed to the decrease in MBC and fine root biomass, potentially with distinct contributions of these components in the pine and oak plantations. Our findings suggested that N-induced alteration in soil carbon dynamics was more pronounced in the oak plantation, which resulted in more SOC accumulation with increasing N inputs, while the pine plantation showed no significant changes in SOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)

13 pages, 962 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Cyber Situational Awareness Through Dynamic Adaptive Symbology: The DASS Framework

by Nicholas Macrino, Sergio Pallas Enguita and Chung-Hao Chen

Sensors 2025, 25(20), 6300; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25206300 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

The static nature of traditional military symbology, such as MIL-STD-2525D, hinders effective real-time threat detection and response in modern cybersecurity operations. This research introduces the Dynamic Adaptive Symbol System (DASS), a novel framework enhancing cyber situational awareness in military and enterprise environments. The DASS addresses static symbology limitations by employing a modular Python 3.10 architecture that uses machine learning-driven threat detection to dynamically adapt symbol visualization based on threat severity and context. Empirical testing assessed the DASS against a MIL-STD-2525D baseline using active cybersecurity professionals. Results show that the DASS significantly improves threat identification rates by 30% and reduces response times by 25%, while achieving 90% accuracy in symbol interpretation. Although the current implementation focuses on virus-based scenarios, the DASS successfully prioritizes critical threats and reduces operator cognitive load. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligence, Security, Trust and Privacy Advances in IoT, Bigdata and 5G Networks (3rd Edition))

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14 pages, 1658 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and In Vitro Activity of Sesquiterpene Lactones from Eremanthus crotonoides as SARS-CoV-2 Protease Inhibitors and Cytotoxic Agents

by Patricia Homobono Brito de Moura, Natalie Giovanna da Rocha Ximenes, Beatriz Bastos Santos, Carla Monteiro Leal, Larissa Esteves Carvalho Constant, Stephany da Silva Costa, Shaft Corrêa Pinto, Michelle Frazao Muzitano, Diego Allonso, Ludger A. Wessjohann and Ivana Correa Ramos Leal

Molecules 2025, 30(20), 4053; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30204053 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

The Jurubatiba Sandbank National Park (PARNA Jurubatiba) is an ecological reserve characterized by harsh environmental conditions, including low rainfall, high sun exposure, and sandy soil. Among its native vegetation, Eremanthus crotonoides stands out for its richness in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sesquiterpene lactones. The objective of this study was to isolate and quantify sesquiterpene lactones from this species using ¹H NMR and to investigate their anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential and cytotoxicity against cancer cells. UPLC-(ESI)-MS/MS analyses enabled metabolite annotation, and semi-preparative HPLC-DAD allowed the isolation of centratherin and goyazensolide, which were identified by 1D and 2D NMR. In vitro assays showed that centratherin at 10 µM concentration reduced the viability of PC-3 and HCT-116 cancer cells by 100%, while goyazensolide had no noteworthy effects. Furthermore, enzymatic inhibition assays on SARS-CoV2 targets revealed that centratherin exhibited a lower apparent IC₅₀ of 12 µM against PL^pro, while goyazensolide was more active against 3CL^pro, with an IC₅₀ of 71 µM. Notably, the dichloromethane fraction demonstrated promising activity against both enzymes, with IC₅₀ values of 30 µM for PL^pro and 11 µM for 3CL^pro. This study reports, for the first time, the isolation of goyazensolide from E. crotonoides and highlights the potential of both sesquiterpene lactones as SARS-CoV-2 enzyme inhibitors. In contrast to centratherin, goyazensolide fortunately had almost no cytotoxic effects at inhibition concentration on the cells tested. This shows that anticancer and anti-SARS effects can be separated and should have different SARs, an important prerequisite for further development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Metabolites: Isolation, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities)

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22 pages, 10960 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Fatigue Evaluation of As-Built WAAM Steel Through Experimental Testing and Finite Element Simulation

by Sanjay Gothivarekar, Steven Brains, Bart Raeymaekers and Reza Talemi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10936; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010936 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has attracted considerable interest over the past three decades, driven by growing industrial demand. Among metal AM techniques, Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), a Directed Energy Deposition (DED) variant, has emerged as a prominent method for producing large-scale components with high deposition rates and cost efficiency. However, WAAM parts typically exhibit rough surface profiles, which can induce stress concentrations and promote fatigue crack initiation under cyclic loading. This study presents an integrated experimental and numerical investigation into the fatigue performance of as-built WAAM steel. Fatigue specimens extracted from a WAAM-fabricated wall were tested under cyclic loading, followed by fractography to assess the influence of surface irregularities and subsurface defects on fatigue behaviour. Surface topography analysis identified critical stress-concentration regions and key surface roughness parameters. Additionally, 3D scanning was used to reconstruct the specimen topography, enabling detailed 2D and 3D finite element (FE) modelling to analyze stress distribution along the as-built surface and predict fatigue life. A Smith-Watson-Topper (SWT) critical plane-based approach was applied for multiaxial fatigue life estimation. The results reveal a good correlation between experimental fatigue data and numerically predicted results, validating the proposed combined methodology for assessing durability of as-built WAAM components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatigue and Fracture Behavior of Engineering Materials)

17 pages, 6434 KB

Open AccessArticle

UAV and 3D Modeling for Automated Rooftop Parameter Analysis and Photovoltaic Performance Estimation

by Wioleta Błaszczak-Bąk, Marcin Pacześniak, Artur Oleksiak and Grzegorz Grunwald

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5358; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205358 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

The global shift towards renewable energy sources necessitates efficient methods for assessing solar potential in urban areas. Rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems present a sustainable solution for decentralized energy production; however, their effectiveness is influenced by structural and environmental factors, including roof slope, azimuth, and shading. This study aims to develop and validate a UAV-based methodology for assessing rooftop solar potential in urban areas. The authors propose a low-cost, innovative tool that utilizes a commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), specifically the DJI Air 3, combined with advanced photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to analyze rooftop characteristics relevant to PV installations. The methodology includes UAV-based data collection, image processing to generate high-resolution 3D models, calibration and validation against reference objects, and the estimation of solar potential based on rooftop characteristics and solar irradiance data using the proposed Model Analysis Tool (MAT). MAT is a novel solution introduced and described for the first time in this study, representing an original computational framework for the geometric and energetic analysis of rooftops. The innovative aspect of this study lies in combining consumer-grade UAVs with automated photogrammetry and the MAT, creating a low-cost yet accurate framework for rooftop solar assessment that reduces reliance on high-end surveying methods. By being presented in this study for the first time, MAT expands the methodological toolkit for solar potential evaluation, offering new opportunities for urban energy research and practice. The comparison of PVGIS and MAT shows that MAT consistently predicts higher daily energy yields, ranging from 9 to 12.5% across three datasets. The outcomes of this study contribute to facilitating the broader adoption of solar energy, thereby supporting sustainable energy transitions and climate neutrality goals in the face of increasing urban energy demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section G: Energy and Buildings)

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18 pages, 492 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nurse-Facilitated Self-Management in Peritoneal Dialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

by Abdulaziz M. Alodhialah and Shorok Hamed Alahmedi

Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2561; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202561 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) depends on patients’ self-management abilities, supported by nursing interventions that extend beyond technical skills to include psychosocial and educational domains. Evidence from Saudi Arabia on how these behaviors relate to clinical and quality-of-life outcomes remains limited. Aim: To assess self-management behaviors among adult PD patients, examine their associations with clinical and quality-of-life outcomes, and explore the mediating role of emotional well-being, with implications for nursing practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 adult PD patients at King Saud University-affiliated centers in Riyadh. Validated Arabic versions of the Chronic Illness Self-Management Scale and KDQOL-SF were administered. Clinical indicators were extracted from medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, multivariate linear regression, and mediation analysis. Results: Technical skills achieved the highest self-management scores (mean 3.78 ± 0.62), while emotional coping was lowest (mean 2.71 ± 0.69). Participants with higher self-management had fewer hospitalizations (0.9 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.8, p = 0.01), higher serum albumin (3.60 ± 0.56 vs. 3.44 ± 0.61 g/dL, p = 0.04), and better emotional well-being (60.1 ± 14.9 vs. 55.3 ± 12.4, p = 0.03) than their counterparts. Educational level (β = 0.208, p = 0.001) and emotional well-being (β = 0.197, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of self-management, with partial mediation by emotional well-being (indirect β = 0.062, p = 0.004). Conclusions/Clinical Implications: Optimizing nursing support for PD patients requires moving beyond technical instruction to address health literacy, emotional resilience, and culturally sensitive education. Nurse-led interventions integrating psychosocial support with skill-building may enhance self-management, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life in PD populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Real-Life Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease)

21 pages, 618 KB

Open AccessReview

Inherited Retinal Diseases with High Myopia: A Review

by Cyndy Liu, Narin Sheri and Matthew D. Benson

Genes 2025, 16(10), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101183 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a diverse group of monogenic disorders associated with dysfunction of the retina. High myopia, commonly defined as a spherical equivalent ≤ −6.00 D or axial length ≥ 26.5 mm, is a recurring clinical feature across several IRDs, and could serve as an early diagnostic clue. This review provides a summary of IRDs associated with high myopia to guide the clinician in establishing a molecular diagnosis for patients. We performed a comprehensive literature review of articles in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and JAMA Network to identify associations between monogenic IRDs and high myopia. Genes associated with IRDs and high myopia clustered into functional categories that included collagen/structural integrity (COL2A1, COL9A1, COL11A1, COL18A1, P3H2), phototransduction and visual cycle (PDE6C, PDE6H, GUCY2D, ARR3, RBP3), ciliary trafficking and microtubule-associated genes (RPGR, RP2, IFT140, CFAP418, FAM161A), synaptic ribbon and bipolar cell signaling (NYX, CACNA1F, TRPM1, GRM6, LRIT3, GPR179), opsin-related genes (OPN1LW, OPN1MW), and miscellaneous categories (VPS13B, ADAMTS18, LAMA1). Associations between IRDs and high myopia spanned stationary and progressive retinal disorders and included both cone-dominant and rod-dominant diseases. High myopia accompanied by other visual symptoms and signs such as nyctalopia, photophobia, or reduced best-corrected visual acuity should heighten suspicion for an underlying IRD. Earlier diagnosis of IRDs for patients could facilitate timely genetic counseling, participation in clinical trials, and interventions for patients to preserve vision.: Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Genetic Basis, Genetic Diagnosis and Therapy)

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12 pages, 507 KB

Open AccessReview

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder in Celiac Disease

by Ridhima Kaul, Claire Jansson-Knodell, Madison L. Simons, Kendra Weekley, David Gardinier and Alberto Rubio-Tapia

Nutrients 2025, 17(20), 3197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203197 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Celiac disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disorder where adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD) is the only available treatment. While this approach is rather effective, some patients experience ongoing symptoms, and this factor, along with the rigidity of the GFD, may predispose some to disordered eating behaviors, including Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). ARFID is characterized by persistent food avoidance that is not driven by body image concerns, resulting in nutritional, psychological, and social impairment. This scoping literature review explores the emerging intersection between ARFID and CeD, examining prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical features, complications, and management strategies. Recent studies report that 14–57% of individuals with CeD may meet the criteria for ARFID, depending on the population and screening tools used. Factors contributing to ARFID in CeD may include ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety over gluten exposure, negative conditioned responses to food, social challenges related to GFD adherence, and psychiatric co-morbidities. ARFID in CeD is associated with worsened nutritional deficiencies, anxiety, depression, and impaired social functioning, making the diagnosis of ARFID challenging due to symptom overlap with CeD and other psychiatric conditions. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach, including medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Routine screening, early intervention, and integrated care models may improve outcomes and quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet on Gut Health and Celiac Disease)

17 pages, 3635 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Medical-Grade Polycaprolactone for 3D Printing: Mechanical, Chemical, and Biodegradation Characteristics

by Eun Chae Kim, Jae-Seok Kim, Yun Jin Yu, Sang-Gi Yu, Dong Yeop Lee, Dong-Mok Lee, So-Jung Gwak, Kyoung Duck Seo and Seung-Jae Lee

Polymers 2025, 17(20), 2730; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17202730 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the most widely used polymers in tissue engineering owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processability. Nevertheless, most previous studies have primarily employed research-grade PCL, thereby limiting its clinical translation. In this study, four types of medical-grade PCL (RESOMER^® C203, C209, C212, and C217) were systematically evaluated for their applicability in three-dimensional (3D) printing, with respect to printability, mechanical characteristics, chemical stability, and biodegradation behavior. Among these, C209 and C212 exhibited superior printability and mechanical strength. FT-IR analysis showed that the chemical structure of PCL remained unchanged after both 3D printing and E-beam sterilization, while compressive testing demonstrated no significant differences in mechanical characteristics. In vitro degradation assessment revealed a time-dependent decrease in molecular weight. For kinetic analysis, both C209 and C212 were fitted using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, which yielded comparable coefficients of determination (R²), suggesting that degradation may be governed by multiple factors rather than a single kinetic pathway. Taken together, these findings indicate that medical-grade PCL, particularly C209 and C212, is highly suitable for 3D printing. Furthermore, this study provides fundamental insights that may facilitate the clinical translation of PCL-based scaffolds for tissue engineering and biomedical implantation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials and Their Application in 3D Printing, 2nd Edition)

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31 pages, 14622 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plane Wave Imaging with Large-Scale 2D Sparse Arrays: A Method for Near-Field Enhancement via Aperture Diversity

by Óscar Martínez-Graullera, Jorge Camacho, Jorge Huecas, Guillermo Cosarinsky, Luis Elvira and Montserrat Parrilla

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(20), 10934; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152010934 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

In the context of a medical imaging application for preclinical research, specifically cerebrovascular imaging in small animals, this work addresses the challenges associated with using a large-scale 2D ultrasonic array comprising

32 \times 32

elements (

96 λ \times 96 λ

). The [...] Read more.

32 \times 32

elements (

96 λ \times 96 λ

). The application imposes stringent requirements: operation in the extreme near field, high spatial resolution, high frequency, high frame rate, and imaging within a highly attenuating medium. These demands, combined with current technological limitations, such as element size and constraints on the number of channels that can be driven in parallel, present significant challenges for system design and implementation. To assess system performance, plane wave imaging is employed as a reference modality due to its ability to meet high acquisition speed requirements. Our analysis reveals limitations in spatial coverage and image quality when operating the full aperture under plane wave transmission constraints. To address these limitations, we propose a sparse aperture strategy. When combined with advanced signal processing techniques, this approach enhances both contrast and resolution while preserving acquisition speed, making it a promising solution for high-performance ultrasonic imaging under the demanding conditions of preclinical research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Ultrasonic Technology in Biomedical Sciences)

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23 pages, 1223 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Frugal Innovation in Cultural Heritage for the Production of Decorative Items by Adopting Digital Twin

by Josip Stjepandić, Andrej Bašić, Martin Bilušić and Tomislava Majić

World 2025, 6(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6040137 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Throughout history, cultural heritage has accumulated, and is often embodied in monuments, structures, and notable figures. Cultural heritage preservation and management also include digitalization, allowing tangible monuments to be managed as digital inventory with “digital twins”. This provides innovative ways to experience and interact with the real world, in particular by using modern mobile devices. The digitalization of monuments opens new ways to produce decorative items based on the shape of the monuments. Usually, decorative items are produced by craft businesses, family-run for generations, with specialized skills in metal and stone processing. We developed and tested a methodological proposal for frugal innovation: how to produce decorative items with minimal costs based on digital twins, which are particularly in demand in tourism-driven countries like Croatia. A micro-business with three employees, specializing in “metal art,” aims to innovate and expand by producing small-scale replicas of cultural heritage objects, such as busts, statues, monuments, or profiles. A method has been developed to create replicas in the desired material and at a desired scale, faithfully reproducing the original—whether based on a physical object, 3D model, or photograph. The results demonstrate that this sustainable frugal innovation can be successfully implemented using affordable tools and licenses. Full article

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