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Monitoring thermal effluent is critical for assessing aquatic ecosystem health, yet traditional satellite remote sensing and in situ point measurements often fail to capture fine-scale thermal dynamics in narrow streams and complex coastal areas due to spatiotemporal resolution limitations. This study establishes a high-precision surface water temperature mapping protocol using a low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with an uncooled thermal infrared sensor (FLIR Vue Pro R) to overcome these observational gaps. We investigated two distinct hydrological environments—an inland stream and a coastal sea—to provide initial evidence for the applicability of an in situ-based linear regression calibration model across contrasting aquatic settings. The initial uncalibrated radiometric temperatures exhibited significant bias errors reaching up to 9.2 °C in the stream and 9.4 °C in the coastal area, primarily driven by atmospheric attenuation and environmental factors. However, the proposed calibration method dramatically reduced these discrepancies, achieving Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) of 0.43 °C and 0.42 °C, respectively, with high determination coefficients (R² > 0.87). The derived high-resolution thermal maps successfully visualized the detailed diffusion patterns of thermal plumes, revealing a steep temperature gradient of approximately 13 °C in the stream discharge zone and a distinct 5 °C elevation in the coastal effluent area relative to the ambient water. These findings demonstrate that UAV-based thermal remote sensing, when coupled with a rigorous radiometric calibration strategy, can serve as a cost-effective and reliable tool for environmental monitoring, bridging the critical scale gap between local point measurements and regional satellite observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Engineering Remote Sensing)

20 pages, 646 KB

Open AccessArticle

Capacitance Calculation of Cylindrical Roller Bearing—Modeling of the Cylinder Raceway and Cylinder Flange Contact

by Jan Manteufel, Steffen Puchtler and Eckhard Kirchner

Lubricants 2026, 14(4), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14040161 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

A precise understanding of the electrical properties of bearings is of great interest in many areas of application, especially in the context of electrification. The understanding of electrical properties allows for damage detection and sensory utilization of bearings. Previous research into the capacitive properties of rolling bearings has been limited to ball bearings. Cylindrical roller bearings, which are predominantly used in applications with large radial loads, have not been investigated so far. This paper develops a method to calculate the capacitance of cylindrical roller bearings. The calculation of the raceway–surface contact capacitance is adapted from ball bearings. In addition, a calculation method for the electrical capacitance in the flange contact is derived. Both calculation methods account for the geometric and operating conditions of the bearing and do not include any correction factors. To validate the calculation model, the capacitance of NU-208 and NJ-208 cylindrical roller bearings is measured and compared with the model results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology of Electric Vehicles, 2nd Edition)

14 pages, 529 KB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Assessment of the Metamorphopsia Questionnaire in Patients with Macular Diseases Receiving Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment

by Francis W. B. Sanders, Jennifer H. Acton, Barbara Ryan and Colm McAlinden

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15082867 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: The metamorphopsia questionnaire (MeMoQ) is an established patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) in the context of macular disease. However, its performance has not been proved in those being treated for various macular conditions with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF). The objective was to eliminate misfitting items, enhance measurement precision, and ensure optimal response categorisation. Methods: Rasch analysis was performed iteratively on 2286 responses from patients with macular diseases being treated with Anti-VEGF to optimise the MeMoQ. Fit statistics, reliability indices, person and item separation measures, and principal component analysis (PCA) of residuals were assessed to determine the optimal model. This study was conducted in an outpatient clinic specialising in retinal diseases in Hywel Dda University Health Board. Results: Misfitting items were removed in successive iterations, leading to optimised category probability curves and stable fit statistics for the MeMoQ. The resulting model for all responses included two final items, with person separation remaining inadequate reducing from 1.23 to 1.12 and reliability from 0.60 to 0.56. Category probability curves demonstrated good ordering of response variables with Andrich thresholds separated by >1.2 logits. In the subgroups of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema person separation remained below two and reliability remained low. Conclusions: Rasch analysis demonstrated that the MeMoQ was not a valid or reliable PROM in this patient population. Therefore, the MeMoQ may not provide a reliable index of patient’s perception and visual experience when undergoing Anti-VEGF treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

17 pages, 1783 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Infectious Anterior Uveitis Is Associated with Functional Retinal Changes Demonstrable by Multifocal Electroretinography

by Danijela Mrazovac Zimak, Nenad Vukojević, Igor Petriček, Tomislav Jukić, Kristina Ana Škreb and Snježana Kaštelan

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 2865; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15082865 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Although anterior non-infectious uveitis affects the structures of the anterior segment of the eye, (inflammatory) disruption of the hemato–ocular barrier may lead to changes in the structures of the posterior segment of the eye. Objective: To evaluate functional retinal changes using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and their relationship with structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in patients with acute anterior non-infectious uveitis (AANU). Methods: This prospective study included 38 eyes of 19 patients diagnosed with unilateral AANU and age-matched healthy fellow eyes as controls. All subjects underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral-domain OCT, and mfERG testing at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. mfERG parameters (amplitude and implicit times) were analyzed alongside central field thickness (CFT), macular volume (MV), and average macular thickness (AMT). Results: Eyes affected by AANU demonstrated a significant reduction in mfERG response amplitude in the central retinal region compared with control eyes, particularly during the acute phase. Although OCT parameters showed partial structural normalization during follow-up, functional recovery was less pronounced in selected retinal regions. Latency values showed minimal variation over time. These findings indicate a potential dissociation between electrophysiological function and structural morphology during disease resolution. Conclusions: Acute anterior uveitis is associated with measurable macular functional impairment detectable by mfERG, even when structural OCT parameters appear relatively stable. These results suggest that inflammatory processes in AAU may extend beyond the anterior segment and transiently affect retinal function. mfERG may therefore serve as a sensitive adjunct tool for detecting and monitoring subclinical macular dysfunction in AANU. Clinical Relevance: Functional retinal impairment may persist despite apparent structural recovery in acute anterior uveitis. Incorporating mfERG into clinical evaluation may improve the detection of subtle macular involvement and enhance understanding of disease dynamics beyond conventional imaging findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

23 pages, 1137 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Quantitative Characterization of Constituent Content in C/C–SiC Composites Based on Multispectral Photon-Counting X-Ray Detection

by Xin Yan, Kai He, Guilong Gao, Jie Zhang, Yuetong Zhao, Gang Wang, Yiheng Liu and Xinlong Chang

Sensors 2026, 26(8), 2331; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26082331 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

To enable non-destructive quantitative characterization of constituent content in C/C–SiC ceramic-matrix composites, this study develops a physics-guided framework based on multispectral photon-counting X-ray detection. In practical photon-counting measurements, multispectral attenuation features are jointly distorted by detector-response non-idealities, including charge sharing, K-escape, and finite energy resolution, as well as by beam-hardening effects from the polychromatic X-ray source. To address this coupled problem, a Geant4 11.2-based detector-response model was incorporated into a unified correction workflow together with beam-hardening compensation, so that physically consistent multispectral attenuation vectors could be recovered for subsequent constituent inversion rather than merely for spectrum restoration. On this basis, a fine-grained theoretical database covering different SiC mass fractions was established, and quantitative constituent inversion was achieved by matching the corrected attenuation features to the database. Experimental results show that the proposed framework effectively suppresses thickness-dependent bias in attenuation measurements and yields an average relative error below 3% for pure aluminum. For C/C–SiC composites, the SiC mass fraction can be quantified with an accuracy better than 3 wt%. These results demonstrate that the proposed method provides a practical non-destructive route for constituent-content characterization in heterogeneous ceramic-matrix composites and is valuable for manufacturing quality control and in-service assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors in Nondestructive Testing and Structural Health Monitoring: 2nd Edition)

14 pages, 458 KB

Open AccessArticle

Online Psychosocial Intervention for Nursing Students Who Experienced Intimate Partner Abuse in Türkiye

by Hacer Demirkol and Şeyda Dülgerler

Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14080992 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is common among university students, including nursing students, and is linked to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Accessible online psychosocial interventions are needed to reduce trauma-related symptoms and support posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the effects of an online psychosocial intervention grounded in social learning theory and cognitive behavioral therapy on posttraumatic stress symptoms and PTG among nursing students who experienced IPA in Türkiye. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among nursing students in Türkiye reporting IPA exposure. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 18). The intervention group received an eight-session online psychosocial program delivered individually. Assessments were conducted at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used, and partial eta-squared (ηp²) values were calculated. Results: The intervention group showed significant reductions in posttraumatic stress symptoms compared with the control group, with large effect sizes (p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.402–0.676). Furthermore, significant increases were observed in posttraumatic growth, indicating large and sustained effects over time (p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.515–0.773). Conclusions: The online psychosocial intervention effectively reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms and enhanced posttraumatic growth among nursing students who experienced IPA. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size, and future studies with larger samples are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Relationship Between Mental Health and Psychological Trauma)

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18 pages, 1105 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Signatures of Tibiofemoral Cartilage Degeneration Identified by Unconfined Compression Testing: Implications for Early Osteoarthritis Risk in Athletes

by Saida Benhmida, Ismail Dergaa, Halil İbrahim Ceylan, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Andrea de Giorgio, Hanene Boussi and Hedi Trabelsi

Medicina 2026, 62(4), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040720 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background and objectives: Articular cartilage provides low-friction articulation across joint surfaces, distributes loads, and absorbs stress, all of which are crucial mechanical functions of joints. Changes in the mechanical characteristics of cartilage are among the first signs of degenerative joint disease, and they are especially important for athletes who are subjected to high-impact, high-magnitude loading on a regular basis. The objective of this study was to: (i) compare the mechanical characteristics of tibiofemoral cartilage in healthy and osteoarthritic conditions across medial and lateral anatomical compartments; and (ii) use nonlinear phenomenological viscoelastic modeling in conjunction with unconfined compression testing to characterize compartment-specific viscoelastic behavior. Materials and Methods: Forty-six human tibiofemoral cartilage samples were collected during knee surgeries and classified as healthy (n = 17) or osteoarthritic (n = 29) and as medial (n = 26) or lateral (n = 20). Quasi-static unconfined compression tests were performed at 1 mm/min to obtain stress–strain responses, Young’s modulus, maximum compressive stress, and energy absorption. Viscoelastic behavior was analyzed using a nonlinear phenomenological viscoelastic model. Appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests and effect size measures were applied. Results: Osteoarthritic cartilage’s stiffness and energy absorption were significantly higher than those of healthy tissue (p < 0.05). Medial cartilage exhibited significantly greater stiffness and stress than lateral cartilage (p < 0.001). The nonlinear phenomenological viscoelastic model provided an excellent fit (R² > 0.999). Conclusion: The mechanical profile of osteoarthritic tibiofemoral cartilage is characterized by pathological mechanical remodeling and increased stiffness. Greater mechanical susceptibility in the medial compartment supports the significance of cartilage biomechanical properties as sensitive indicators of early degeneration and osteoarthritis risk in athletic populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sports Medicine and Sports Traumatology)

21 pages, 4687 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Unattended Rain and Snow Protection Device for Total Station Based on D-S Evidence Fusion

by Liangquan Jia, Yong Liu, Guangzeng Du, Xinxin Li, Zhikang Wang, Yujie Lu and Zhibin Zhang

Sensors 2026, 26(8), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26082327 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Aiming at the rain protection problem of outdoor precision instruments such as total stations, this paper designs an environmentally adaptive intelligent protection system based on D-S evidence fusion and state machine control. In terms of mechanical structure, the protective cover is designed as a sinking type, which not only improves the safety of the equipment but also avoids the shielding problem of the working surface compared with the traditional upward-lifting structure. The system collects data from multi-source meteorological sensors and uses D-S evidence theory for fusion decision-making. To alleviate decision conflicts in high-conflict scenarios, a conflict-guided dynamic weight adjustment strategy is introduced. Combined with a dual-layer finite state machine, the system realizes coordinated control between environmental perception and protection actions and can activate protection within 30 s under severe weather. Simulation results show that the improved method increases the response speed by 41.9–62.5% compared with traditional D-S fusion in weather transition conditions. In a 28-day field test, the system achieves a daily protection success rate of 96.4% and 100% reliability in critical weather transitions. The proposed system can provide reliable support for the all-weather safe operation of field precision measurement equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sensing)

12 pages, 3551 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of HOMO–LUMO Energy Levels of Carbon Dots via Electron Transfer Kinetics and Marcus Theory

by Mengli Yang, Xiaoyu Yu, Yang Yang, Huiqi Shi, Bianyang He, Weishuang Li, Yaoyao Zhang and Lei Zhu

Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081247 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

The precise determination of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels is critical for understanding the photophysical and photochemical properties of carbon dots (C-dots), which directly govern their performance in optoelectronic, catalytic, and sensing applications. However, the lack of distinct redox peaks in cyclic voltammetry (CV) curves of C-dots poses a major challenge to conventional energy level calculation methods. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to calculate the HOMO–LUMO energy levels of C-dots by combining electron transfer (ET) kinetics with Marcus theory. A series of quinones (electron acceptors, EAs) and ferrocene derivatives (electron donors, EDs) were employed to quench the fluorescence of C-dots, and the ET rate constants (K) were derived from fluorescence lifetime measurements. The CV curves of EAs and EDs provided their respective oxidation and reduction potentials, which were used as reference energy levels. The UV–Vis absorption spectra confirmed that the fluorescence quenching mechanism was dominated by ET rather than energy transfer. Based on Marcus theory, the free energy change (ΔG) of ET reactions was correlated with K, and the HOMO and LUMO energy levels of C-dots were calculated to be −1.84 V (vs. SCE) and +1.60 V (vs. SCE), respectively. This study not only provides a reliable method for determining the energy levels of C-dots without distinct redox peaks but also deepens the understanding of ET mechanisms between C-dots and small molecules. The proposed strategy is expected to be extended to other fluorescent nanomaterials with similar CV limitations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Organic Materials for Energy, Optoelectronics, and Electronics)

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14 pages, 398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Integrative Art Therapies on Psychological Well-Being in Pediatric Oncology: A Single-Group Pre–Post Study

by Farzana Ashraf, Urooj Sadiq, Shahnila Tariq, Bushra Awan, Selma Yıldırım, Carlos Laranjeira and Murat Yıldırım

Nurs. Rep. 2026, 16(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep16040125 (registering DOI) - 9 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Art therapy is an experiential, non-threatening intervention, used especially with children. The current study aimed to explore the effect of integrative art therapy on the psychological well-being (mental health and self-perception) of pediatric cancer patients. Methods: Using a single-group pre–post research design, each therapy session was individually administered to participants for approximately 45 min. Fourteen participants (Boys = 9, Girls = 5) were recruited from the inpatient oncology unit at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre over two months. The age range was from 5 years to 13 years (M = 7.95; SD = 1.65). Mental health, including physical and emotional symptoms associated with cancer, was assessed using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-Revised, while self-perception was measured with the House Tree Person projective drawing test. Results: The integrative art therapy model significantly improved positive self-image (F = 16.77, p < 0.01) and reduced negative self-image (F = 99.11, p < 0.01) and mental health problems from the baseline to the second and third phases (F = 19.50, p < 0.01). Conclusions: This integrative approach demonstrates its potential as an effective method to enhance self-perception, alleviate mental health challenges, and improve overall quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)

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