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19 pages, 3524 KB  
Article
Research on Underwater Fish Scale Loss Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv8m and Transfer Learning
by Qiang Wang, Zhengyang Yu, Renxin Liu, Xingpeng Peng, Xiaoling Yang and Xiuwen He
Fishes 2026, 11(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11010021 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Monitoring fish skin health is essential in aquaculture, where scale loss serves as a critical indicator of fish health and welfare. However, automatic detection of scale loss regions remains challenging due to factors such as uneven underwater illumination, water turbidity, and complex background [...] Read more.
Monitoring fish skin health is essential in aquaculture, where scale loss serves as a critical indicator of fish health and welfare. However, automatic detection of scale loss regions remains challenging due to factors such as uneven underwater illumination, water turbidity, and complex background conditions. To address this issue, we constructed a scale loss dataset comprising approximately 2750 images captured under both clear above-water and complex underwater conditions, featuring over 7200 annotated targets. Various image enhancement techniques were evaluated, and the Clarity method was selected for preprocessing underwater samples to enhance feature representation. Based on the YOLOv8m architecture, we replaced the original FPN + PAN structure with a weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network to improve multi-scale feature fusion. A convolutional block attention module was incorporated into the output layers to highlight scale loss features in both channel and spatial dimensions. Additionally, a two-stage transfer learning strategy was employed, involving pretraining the model on above water data and subsequently fine-tuning it on a limited set of underwater samples to mitigate the effects of domain shift. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a mAP50 of 96.81%, a 5.98 percentage point improvement over the baseline YOLOv8m, with Precision and Recall increased by 10.14% and 8.70%, respectively. This approach reduces false positives and false negatives, showing excellent detection accuracy and robustness in complex underwater environments, offering a practical and effective approach for early fish disease monitoring in aquaculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence in Aquaculture)
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30 pages, 3773 KB  
Review
Thermoluminescence, a Critical Reappraisal of Successes, Uncertainties, and a Look to the Future
by Peter D. Townsend, Yafang Wang and Stephen W. S. Mckeever
Photonics 2026, 13(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13010029 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Thermoluminescence has a long and successful history in applied radiation dosimetry, as well as in a wide range of other applications and basic research. However, there is a dichotomy that, despite the many commercial successes, there continue to be entrenched systematic errors in [...] Read more.
Thermoluminescence has a long and successful history in applied radiation dosimetry, as well as in a wide range of other applications and basic research. However, there is a dichotomy that, despite the many commercial successes, there continue to be entrenched systematic errors in data collection, signal processing, and models. This overview offers suggestions to address these issues. Improving initial data collection is certainly feasible and may offer deeper insights into the potential mechanisms of thermoluminescence. There is an extremely complex challenge in suggesting and confirming models for lattice sites that generate luminescence signals. Currently, such models are highly speculative and simplistic. In reality, they should involve not only immediate lattice sites but also extremely long-range interactions. Weaknesses in data collection and models impact and generate errors in the extraction of activation energies and frequency factors that are routinely ascribed to data analysis. Overall, it is possible to suggest ways to improve data collection and slightly improve modelling of relevant lattice sites and parameters such as their activation energies, but in reality, these factors will always be speculative and imprecise. Fortunately, this does not inhibit the extension of the technique into other areas of application, but the suggested improvements will enable greater diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optoelectronics and Optical Materials)
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23 pages, 708 KB  
Review
Combination Cancer Therapy and Reference Models for Assessing Drug Synergy in Glioblastoma
by Semyon A. Sinyavskiy, Nelly S. Chmelyuk, Daria Yu. Travnikova, Vsevolod V. Belousov and Tatiana O. Abakumova
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33010019 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Glioblastoma is currently an incurable disease despite the development of a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, from surgical methods to immunotherapy. In current clinical practice, treatment typically involves a combination of existing methods, often comprising three stages: tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Modern [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma is currently an incurable disease despite the development of a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, from surgical methods to immunotherapy. In current clinical practice, treatment typically involves a combination of existing methods, often comprising three stages: tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Modern research offers improved chemotherapy strategies, as well as combinations of chemotherapy with immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of these therapies is profoundly influenced by factors such as tumor and peritumoral heterogeneity, alongside complex molecular signaling pathways. Optimizing glioma treatment requires a rigorous mechanistic understanding of individual approaches and their synergistic effects. This review comprehensively details current glioblastoma therapeutic strategies and critically evaluates key reference models for assessing combination therapy efficacy and their inherent limitations. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms and models will refine the investigation of observed therapeutic effects and accelerate the translation of promising in vitro approaches to effective clinical management of malignant gliomas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neuro-Oncology)
13 pages, 647 KB  
Article
Therapy-Induced Neutropenia and Poor Prognosis in Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Who Underwent Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil
by Makoto Sakai, Nobuhiro Nakazawa, Kengo Kuriyama, Takuhisa Okada, Takuya Shiraishi, Yuji Kumakura, Akiharu Kimura, Akihiko Sano, Takehiko Yokobori, Ken Shirabe and Hiroshi Saeki
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010112 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: The prognostic impact of therapy-induced neutropenia in patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer (EC) remains inadequately characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the association between grade 3–4 neutropenia and survival outcomes following docetaxel–cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (DCF) combined with radiotherapy (DCF-RT). [...] Read more.
Background: The prognostic impact of therapy-induced neutropenia in patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer (EC) remains inadequately characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the association between grade 3–4 neutropenia and survival outcomes following docetaxel–cisplatin–5-fluorouracil (DCF) combined with radiotherapy (DCF-RT). Methods: Fifty patients with locally advanced thoracic EC were included in this study. Chemotherapy consisted of intravenous docetaxel at 50 mg/m2 (day 1), CDDP at 60 mg/m2 (day 1), and 5-FU at 600 mg/m2 (days 1 to 4), administered every four weeks for two cycles in combination with radiotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions). Toxicities were assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control and distant metastasis-free survival were compared by neutropenia grade. Results: Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 80% (95% CI: 66.3–90.0) of patients. The OS rate was significantly lower in those with grade 3–4 neutropenia than in those with grade 0–2 (p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified grade 3–4 neutropenia (HR 3.77; 95% CI: 1.35–10.56) and complete response (CR) (HR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.25–0.87) as independent prognostic factors for OS among patients who received definitive CRT. Among 38 patients with recurrence or residual disease, those with grade 3–4 neutropenia exhibited significantly greater reductions in lymphocyte counts at recurrence versus pretreatment (p = 0.012) compared with those with grade 0–2 neutropenia. Conclusions: Therapy-induced neutropenia is an independent prognostic factor for OS in locally advanced thoracic EC patients undergoing definitive DCF-RT. It may also serve as a predictor of insufficient lymphocyte recovery following chemoradiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Treatments of Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers)
32 pages, 1729 KB  
Article
Geometry, Kinematics, Workspace, and Singularities of a Novel 3-PRRS Parallel Manipulator
by Zhumadil Baigunchekov, Giuseppe Carbone, Med Amine Laribi, Rustem Kaiyrov, Li Qian and Zhadyra Zhumasheva
Robotics 2026, 15(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics15010010 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
“Experiments were conducted at DIMEG, University of Calabria, located in the main campus in Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.” This article focuses on the study of the geometry, direct and inverse kinematics, workspace, and singularity of a novel 3-PRRS parallel manipulator (PM) with a [...] Read more.
“Experiments were conducted at DIMEG, University of Calabria, located in the main campus in Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.” This article focuses on the study of the geometry, direct and inverse kinematics, workspace, and singularity of a novel 3-PRRS parallel manipulator (PM) with a redundantly actuated architecture. The PM consists of three active revolute joints and three passive prismatic redundant input joints, all located on a fixed platform. The constant and variable parameters characterizing the PM’s geometry and kinematics are determined. The direct kinematics problem is formulated as a 16th-degree polynomial, while the inverse kinematics problem is solved in closed form. A comparison of the direct and inverse kinematics is provided, and the correctness of the solutions is validated through numerical examples. The equations of motion for the moving platform are derived, and the PM’s workspace is defined based on the inverse kinematics. This work demonstrates how the passive prismatic input joints, specifically included in the design, contribute to an enlarged workspace—particularly in the vertical direction—compared to traditional 3-RRS PM architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Robots and Automation)
17 pages, 980 KB  
Article
Integrated Assessment of Obesity Indices and Novel Inflammatory Biomarkers in Predicting the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
by Burcu Baran, Filiz Miraç Şimşek, Hasan Durmuş, Nur Aleyna Yetkin, Bilal Rabahoğlu, Nuri Tutar, İnci Gülmez and Fatma Sema Oymak
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(1), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010273 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, conventional anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI), may not fully reflect the physiological burden associated with adiposity. The triponderal mass index (TMI) has been proposed as an [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); however, conventional anthropometric measures, such as body mass index (BMI), may not fully reflect the physiological burden associated with adiposity. The triponderal mass index (TMI) has been proposed as an alternative anthropometric indicator, while inflammation-related biomarkers have emerged as potential complementary tools for characterizing OSA severity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between BMI, TMI, hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation, and to assess whether combining anthropometric indices with inflammatory biomarkers improves the identification of severe OSA. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 238 adults undergoing full-night polysomnography were classified into four groups: non-OSA, mild OSA, moderate OSA, and severe OSA, based on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). Anthropometric indices, polysomnographic parameters, and a comprehensive panel of laboratory biomarkers—including C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil- and platelet-derived inflammatory indices, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR), and CRP-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR)—were analyzed. Associations were evaluated using Spearman correlation analyses, and diagnostic performance for severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30 events/h) was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, DeLong tests, and multivariable models. Results: Both BMI and TMI increased progressively with OSA severity (both p < 0.001) and showed comparable correlations with AHI and nocturnal oxygenation parameters. ROC analyses demonstrated similar discriminative performance for severe OSA (BMI AUC = 0.834; TMI AUC = 0.823; p = 0.229). Among inflammatory biomarkers, CRP, multi-inflammatory index (MII), CAR, and CLR showed moderate diagnostic accuracy. Among the evaluated markers, serum albumin (AUC = 0.836) and PNI demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.994). A combined model integrating BMI or TMI with PNI achieved near-perfect discrimination for severe OSA (BMI-based AUC = 0.9956; TMI-based AUC = 0.9969), while the addition of CRP-based inflammatory markers did not yield meaningful incremental benefit. Conclusions: BMI and TMI exhibit comparable performance in relation to OSA severity, hypoxemia, and systemic inflammation, with no clear superiority of TMI over BMI in adult patients. Inflammation-related biomarkers—particularly PNI—provide additional discriminatory value beyond anthropometric measures alone. Integrating simple biochemical markers with anthropometric and polysomnographic parameters may enhance risk stratification and identification of severe OSA phenotypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)
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18 pages, 3234 KB  
Article
Dimension Reduction Method Preserving Transient Characteristics for WTGS with Virtual Inertial Control Based on Trajectory Eigenvalue
by Biyang Wang, Shuguo Yao, Li Li, Tong Wang, Yu Kou, Yuxin Gan, Qinglei Zhang and Xiaotong Wang
Electronics 2026, 15(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15010157 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Establishing a reduced-order model (ROM) of the wind turbine generator system (WTGS) preserving transient characteristics is a fundamental requirement for the transient stability analysis of power systems. This study introduces a novel dimension reduction framework based on trajectory eigenvalues, integrated with virtual inertia [...] Read more.
Establishing a reduced-order model (ROM) of the wind turbine generator system (WTGS) preserving transient characteristics is a fundamental requirement for the transient stability analysis of power systems. This study introduces a novel dimension reduction framework based on trajectory eigenvalues, integrated with virtual inertia control (VIC). The framework facilitates multi-timescale state variable partitioning through a reversible mapping, which is derived from eigenvalue dominance and participation metrics. Based on this, dimension reduction is performed using singular perturbation theory (SPT). Taking a direct-drive wind turbine generator as an example, this paper establishes a ROM of the WTGS with VIC preserving transient characteristics, based on the proposed reduction method. Comprehensive time-domain simulations in MATLAB/Simulink validate the model’s accuracy and computational efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Electric Motors, Drives, Power Converters and Related Systems, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 738 KB  
Review
Occurrence and Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Mozambique: A Review
by Joaquim Cuvaca, Isabel Abrantes, Carla Maleita and Ivânia Esteves
Crops 2026, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/crops6010006 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause yield losses in various crops worldwide. Damage due to PPNs can be severe, causing billions of dollars of crop losses across the globe annually. Information about PPNs occurrence in Mozambique is limited. Based on the literature, twenty-five genera of [...] Read more.
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause yield losses in various crops worldwide. Damage due to PPNs can be severe, causing billions of dollars of crop losses across the globe annually. Information about PPNs occurrence in Mozambique is limited. Based on the literature, twenty-five genera of PPNs have been reported to affect several economically important crops, including root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.), Scutellonema spp., root-lesion nematodes (RLNs, Pratylenchus spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and the dagger nematode (Xiphinema spp.), which are commonly associated with crops such as banana (Musa spp.), cassava (Manihot esculenta), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), maize (Zea mays), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Dissemination of these nematodes is not yet fully understood, but the importation of plants, roots, rhizomes, and/or seeds likely contributes to the introduction and spread of PPNs. Although the implementation of PPN-mitigation strategies is crucial to crop production, their application is still limited in Mozambique, with quite a few reported uses of nematicides in the Manica and Maputo provinces. Therefore, adopting integrated management strategies that combine two or more practices, such as biological control, crop rotation, organic amendments, soil solarization, and, as a last resort, chemical nematicides, may be an option to effectively reduce the population of PPNs. This review gathers information on the occurrence and management of PPNs, as reported to date in Mozambique. Full article
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18 pages, 395 KB  
Article
Optimizing Motor Coordination in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Mini-Handball vs. Motor Skills Training
by Hurshida Bekmanova, Orifjon Saidmamatov, Jasurbek Jammatov, Taxirbek Salayev, Raximov Quvondiq, Shikhov Gayrat, Olga Vasconcelos, Rita Barros, Claúdia Sousa and Paula Rodrigues
Sports 2026, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14010001 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experience motor competence challenges that hinder their participation in physical activities and affect daily functioning. While traditional motor skills training is commonly used, sport-based interventions offer the potential for greater benefits by providing dynamic, contextually rich environments [...] Read more.
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) experience motor competence challenges that hinder their participation in physical activities and affect daily functioning. While traditional motor skills training is commonly used, sport-based interventions offer the potential for greater benefits by providing dynamic, contextually rich environments for learning. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mini-handball training versus conventional motor skills training in improving coordination in children with DCD. Methods: Forty-four children aged 9–10 years from Khorezm, Uzbekistan, with coordination difficulties (scores below the 16th percentile in the MABC-2) were randomly assigned to three groups: mini-handball training (n = 15), motor skills training (n = 15), and control (n = 14). Both intervention groups participated in three 90 min sessions per week for 12 weeks. The mini-handball group engaged in sport-specific drills including passing, dribbling, shooting, and small-sided games, while the motor skills group performed balance, locomotor, and fine motor exercises. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the MABC-2. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with time, group, and their interaction as fixed effects. Results: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in motor coordination compared to controls. However, in general, the mini-handball group outperformed the other groups, particularly in domains requiring anticipatory control and visuomotor integration, including aiming and catching, balance, and overall coordination scores. Conclusions: Mini-handball represents a promising, ecologically valid intervention for children with DCD. By integrating motor skills practice with cognitive challenge, social interaction, and intrinsic motivation within a meaningful sport context, mini-handball appears more effective than traditional training approaches. These findings suggest that sport-based, open-skill interventions should be considered in therapeutic protocols, school curricula, and community programs for children with DCD. Future research should examine long-term retention, transfer to daily activities, and implementation across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise to Human Health)
27 pages, 1681 KB  
Review
From Exposure to Dysfunction: The Intestinal Toxicity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
by Kashi Brunetti, Giulia Serena Galletti, Elisabetta Catalani, Davide Cervia and Simona Del Quondam
Toxics 2026, 14(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010039 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals increasingly associated with adverse health outcomes. The gastrointestinal tract represents both a major route of exposure and a key target of PFAS toxicity. This review integrates updated evidence on how PFAS compromise intestinal [...] Read more.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent synthetic chemicals increasingly associated with adverse health outcomes. The gastrointestinal tract represents both a major route of exposure and a key target of PFAS toxicity. This review integrates updated evidence on how PFAS compromise intestinal homeostasis through interrelated structural, metabolic, and immunological mechanisms. PFAS disrupt epithelial integrity by down-regulating tight-junction proteins, inducing oxidative stress, and activating inflammasome signaling. Concurrently, metabolic reprogramming and PFAS-driven microbial dysbiosis contribute to barrier dysfunction and altered production of signal/metabolic molecules. These alterations may link environmental exposure to chronic intestinal inflammation and increase susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease and related metabolic disorders. By synthesizing recent findings, key mechanistic gaps were highlighted also emphasizing the need for integrative experimental and translational studies to refine risk assessment in humans and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Human Toxicology and Epidemiology)
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17 pages, 2631 KB  
Article
Study on the Ultimate Load Capacity of Cu-Ni Alloy Pipelines with Double Pitting Defects
by Xinglong Pan, Jianggui Han, Wenyong Guo, Hantao Chen, Yan Zeng, Zhe Wu, Li Yu and Liangwu Yu
Materials 2026, 19(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010121 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
To accurately evaluate the load-bearing capacity of Cu-Ni alloy pipelines with double pitting corrosion defects, in this study, the influence of dual-defect morphological parameters on the ultimate load capacity was investigated through finite element simulation. On the basis of the ultimate load capacity [...] Read more.
To accurately evaluate the load-bearing capacity of Cu-Ni alloy pipelines with double pitting corrosion defects, in this study, the influence of dual-defect morphological parameters on the ultimate load capacity was investigated through finite element simulation. On the basis of the ultimate load capacity model for single pit defects and simulation results, an assessment model was developed for Cu-Ni alloy pipelines containing double pitting defects, and its accuracy was validated through hydrostatic burst tests. The results indicate that the ultimate load capacity increases gradually with increasing interdefect center distance, asymptotically approaching the load-bearing capacity of a single-defect pipeline with an equivalent depth and diameter. The proposed model demonstrates excellent predictive performance, with a maximum error margin within 3%. During failure, Cu-Ni alloy pipelines with double pitting defects develop fine axial cracks at the defect sites while exhibiting significant overall bulging deformation. These findings can be effectively applied to predict the ultimate load capacity of Cu-Ni alloy pipelines with double pitting defects, providing substantial engineering value for an accurate assessment of the load-bearing capacity of pipelines with actual corrosion defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)
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25 pages, 2972 KB  
Article
Four-Decade CDOM Dynamics in Amur River Basin Lakes from Landsat and Machine Learning
by Ye Wang, Pengfei Han, Chi Zhang, Zhuohang Xin, Lu Zhang, Xixin Lu and Jinkun Huang
Remote Sens. 2026, 18(1), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18010125 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Lakes in the Amur River Basin (ARB) are increasingly influenced by climate variability and human activities, yet long-term basin-scale patterns of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) remain unclear. In this study, we developed a support vector regression (SVR) model to retrieve lake CDOM [...] Read more.
Lakes in the Amur River Basin (ARB) are increasingly influenced by climate variability and human activities, yet long-term basin-scale patterns of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) remain unclear. In this study, we developed a support vector regression (SVR) model to retrieve lake CDOM from Landsat 5/7/8 imagery and generated a 40-year (1984–2023) CDOM dataset for 69 large lakes. The model provides a reliable tool for multi-decadal, large-area water quality monitoring considering its robust performance (R2 = 0.88, rRMSE = 22.4%, MAE = 2.63 m−1). Trend analysis revealed a significant rise in CDOM since 1999, particularly across the Mongolian Plateau and Northeast China Plain. Among the 69 lakes, 27 exhibited increasing CDOM, while 4 showed declines, highlighting pronounced regional variability. Variance partitioning indicated that human activities, especially irrigation and grazing, account for ~30% of CDOM variation, exceeding the contribution of any single climatic driver, whereas temperature represents the dominant climate driver (12.8%). Shallow systems were more sensitive to external disturbances, while deep lakes responded more strongly to thermal conditions. This study delivers the first long-term satellite-based CDOM assessment in the ARB and underscores the combined impacts of climate change and land-use pressures on lake optical dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Remote Sensing for Wetland Mapping and Monitoring)
30 pages, 1159 KB  
Article
How Can Professional Sports Clubs Enhance the Level of Corporate Social Responsibility Fulfillment? Evidence from Professional Sports Clubs in China
by Qiao Meng, Lian Wang, Yu Liu, Xinghao Wang and Tomasz Chamera
Societies 2026, 16(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010011 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study explores the multifactorial synergistic effects and configurational pathways for enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance among Chinese professional sports clubs. Drawing on 188 valid questionnaires from Chinese professional football and basketball clubs, the research employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine [...] Read more.
This study explores the multifactorial synergistic effects and configurational pathways for enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance among Chinese professional sports clubs. Drawing on 188 valid questionnaires from Chinese professional football and basketball clubs, the research employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the influence of seven antecedent conditions, commercial environment, government regulation, expectancy pressure, economic interests, internal emotional traits, moral quality, and information disclosure, on CSR performance. The findings reveal that CSR performance results from the interplay of multiple factors, identifying two equivalent pathways for enhancement: the coupling of government pressure with internal autonomy, and the coordination of commercial environment with internal moral qualities. These insights clarify the complex causal mechanisms underlying CSR implementation in professional sports clubs and propose two strategic approaches for promoting CSR: optimizing external institutional frameworks and activating internal endogenous motivation. The study offers configurationally grounded pathway options and managerial implications for improving CSR practices in Chinese professional sports clubs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Social Research in Economics, Environment, Education, and Philosophy)
33 pages, 9271 KB  
Article
Gaussian Connectivity-Driven EEG Imaging for Deep Learning-Based Motor Imagery Classification
by Alejandra Gomez-Rivera, Diego Fabian Collazos-Huertas, David Cárdenas-Peña, Andrés Marino Álvarez-Meza and German Castellanos-Dominguez
Sensors 2026, 26(1), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010227 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Electroencephalography (EEG)-based motor imagery (MI) brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) hold considerable potential for applications in neuro-rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Yet, their development remains constrained by challenges such as low spatial resolution, vulnerability to noise and artifacts, and pronounced inter-subject variability. Conventional approaches, including common [...] Read more.
Electroencephalography (EEG)-based motor imagery (MI) brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) hold considerable potential for applications in neuro-rehabilitation and assistive technologies. Yet, their development remains constrained by challenges such as low spatial resolution, vulnerability to noise and artifacts, and pronounced inter-subject variability. Conventional approaches, including common spatial patterns (CSP) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), often exhibit limited robustness, weak generalization, and reduced interpretability. To overcome these limitations, we introduce EEG-GCIRNet, a Gaussian connectivity-driven EEG imaging representation network coupled with a regularized LeNet architecture for MI classification. Our method integrates raw EEG signals with topographic maps derived from functional connectivity into a unified variational autoencoder framework. The network is trained with a multi-objective loss that jointly optimizes reconstruction fidelity, classification accuracy, and latent space regularization. The model’s interpretability is enhanced through its variational autoencoder design, allowing for qualitative validation of its learned representations. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that EEG-GCIRNet outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving the highest average accuracy (81.82%) and lowest variability (± 10.15) in binary classification. Most notably, it effectively mitigates BCI illiteracy by completely eliminating the “Bad” performance group (<60% accuracy), yielding substantial gains of ∼22% for these challenging users. Furthermore, the framework demonstrates good scalability in complex 5-class scenarios, performing competitive classification accuracy (75.20% ± 4.63) with notable statistical superiority (p = 0.002) against advanced baselines. Extensive interpretability analyses, including analysis of the reconstructed connectivity maps, latent space visualizations, Grad-CAM++ and functional connectivity patterns, confirm that the model captures genuine neurophysiological mechanisms, correctly identifying integrated fronto-centro-parietal networks in high performers and compensatory midline circuits in mid-performers. These findings suggest that EEG-GCIRNet provides a robust and interpretable end-to-end framework for EEG-based BCIs, advancing the development of reliable neurotechnology for rehabilitation and assistive applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue EEG Signal Processing in Healthcare, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Medical Diagnosis)
15 pages, 717 KB  
Systematic Review
Enhanced Monovision Intraocular Lenses: Current Status and Future Perspectives—Systematic Review
by Zofia Honorata Trusiak, Aleksandra Leoniuk, Aleksandra Tomaszuk, Michał Sawicki and Joanna Konopińska
Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010074 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. Enhanced monovision intraocular lenses (EMV IOLs) have been recently made available on the market. In this study, we aimed to further the understanding of EMV IOLs and their potential benefits [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world. Enhanced monovision intraocular lenses (EMV IOLs) have been recently made available on the market. In this study, we aimed to further the understanding of EMV IOLs and their potential benefits in cataract surgery, while also identifying areas for future research. Methods: In this review, we discuss the findings of a few previously published comparative studies concerning different types of EMV IOLs. We conducted a systematic review of comparative studies (randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies) describing binocular uncorrected intermediate vision acuity (UIVA) in patients after cataract surgery and implantation of monofocal plus IOLs based on emmetropia and monovision. Results: The secondary outcomes measured were uncorrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA; described in eight studies), spectacle independence and patients’ satisfaction. A total of 199 patients (average age 68.11 years) were analyzed in the included studies; of these patients, 169 achieved UNVA reaching an average of 0.188 logMAR. Conclusions: The monovision approach may provide enhanced intermediate and near vision without significantly compromising distance vision or patient satisfaction, though results varied across studies. Future randomized trials with standardized outcome measures and conducted over a longer follow-up period are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
19 pages, 1873 KB  
Article
Reconfigurable Millimeter-Wave Generation via Mutually Injected Spin-VCSELs
by Yichuan Xiong, Yu Huang, Pei Zhou, Kuenyao Lau and Nianqiang Li
Photonics 2026, 13(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13010028 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
We propose a novel scheme for generating high-frequency millimeter-wave signals by exploiting period-one (P1) dynamics in a mutual injection configuration of two spin-polarized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs). The frequency of the generated millimeter-wave signal is jointly determined by the birefringence rate of the [...] Read more.
We propose a novel scheme for generating high-frequency millimeter-wave signals by exploiting period-one (P1) dynamics in a mutual injection configuration of two spin-polarized vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs). The frequency of the generated millimeter-wave signal is jointly determined by the birefringence rate of the spin-VCSEL and the frequency detuning between the two lasers. By leveraging the complex dynamics of free-running spin-VCSELs, we explore the coupling of three distinct dynamic states: continuous-wave (CW) injected into CW, CW injected into P1 oscillation, and P1 oscillation injected into P1 oscillation. Our results reveal that these interactions not only enhance the tunability and frequency of the millimeter-wave output but also significantly reduce the linewidth, offering substantial advantages for reconfigurable photonic systems. This study demonstrates the remarkable potential of mutually injected spin-VCSELs for generating high-performance, tunable photonic millimeter waves and highlights their promising applications in advanced communication and radar systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Technology: Innovations and Future Trends)
15 pages, 1122 KB  
Article
Application of the Padé via Lanczos Method for Efficient Modeling of Magnetically Coupled Coils in Wireless Power Transfer Systems
by Milena Kurzawa and Rafał M. Wojciechowski
Energies 2026, 19(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010188 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a method for determining the equivalent circuit parameters of magnetically coupled air-core coils used in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. The proposed approach enables fast and accurate modeling of inductively coupled energy transfer structures, which is essential for the design [...] Read more.
This paper presents a method for determining the equivalent circuit parameters of magnetically coupled air-core coils used in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. The proposed approach enables fast and accurate modeling of inductively coupled energy transfer structures, which is essential for the design and optimization of high-efficiency wireless energy systems. The equivalent circuit of the analyzed system was developed using Cauer circuits, while a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric electromagnetic field model was employed to derive the equations. The model was implemented in proprietary software based on the edge-element finite element method (FEM) using the A–V formulation. The A–V formulation combines the magnetic vector potential A and the electric scalar potential V, enabling simultaneous representation of magnetic field distribution and current flow in conducting regions. The eddy currents in the conductors were considered in the electromagnetic field analysis. Simulations were carried out for two operating states: short-circuit and idle. The results were used to determine the parameters of the horizontal and magnetizing branches of the equivalent circuit of considered system and to analyze the frequency dependence of the resistances and inductances of the coupled coil system. The proposed modeling approach provides an effective and energy-oriented tool for the design of wireless power transfer systems with improved efficiency and reduced computational cost. The proposed method reproduces impedance characteristics with an accuracy of 0.2 × 10−3% in the idle state and 1.4 × 10−3% in the short-circuit state compared to the full FEM model, while significantly reducing the computation time. Full article
24 pages, 29208 KB  
Article
WSI-GT: Pseudo-Label Guided Graph Transformer for Whole-Slide Histology
by Zhongao Sun, Alexander Khvostikov, Andrey Krylov, Ilya Mikhailov and Pavel Malkov
Mach. Learn. Knowl. Extr. 2026, 8(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/make8010008 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Whole-slide histology images (WSIs) can exceed 100 k × 100 k pixels, making direct pixel-level segmentation infeasible and requiring patch-level classification as a practical alternative for downstream WSI segmentation. However, most approaches either treat patches independently, ignoring spatial and biological context, or rely [...] Read more.
Whole-slide histology images (WSIs) can exceed 100 k × 100 k pixels, making direct pixel-level segmentation infeasible and requiring patch-level classification as a practical alternative for downstream WSI segmentation. However, most approaches either treat patches independently, ignoring spatial and biological context, or rely on deep graph models prone to oversmoothing and loss of local tissue detail. We present WSI-GT (Pseudo-Label Guided Graph Transformer), a simple yet effective architecture that addresses these challenges and enables accurate WSI-level tissue segmentation. WSI-GT combines a lightweight local graph convolution block for neighborhood feature aggregation with a pseudo-label guided attention mechanism that preserves intra-class variability and mitigates oversmoothing. To cope with sparse annotations, we introduce an area-weighted sampling strategy that balances class representation while maintaining tissue topology. WSI-GT achieves a Macro F1 of 0.95 on PATH-DT-MSU WSS2v2, improving by up to 3 percentage points over patch-based CNNs and by about 2 points over strong graph baselines. It further generalizes well to the Placenta benchmark and standard graph node classification datasets, highlighting both clinical relevance and broader applicability. These results position WSI-GT as a practical and scalable solution for graph-based learning on extremely large images and for generating clinically meaningful WSI segmentations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning in Image Analysis and Pattern Recognition, 2nd Edition)
19 pages, 1072 KB  
Article
What Drives Mortality in S. maltophilia Bloodstream Infections? An Outcome-Focused Cohort Study of Treatment Strategies and Resistance Profiles
by Emanuela Zappulo, Nicola Schiano Moriello, Rossella Paolillo, Giulia Zumbo, Biagio Pinchera, Maria Rosaria Catania and Ivan Gentile
Microorganisms 2026, 14(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14010077 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infection (SM-BSI) carries high mortality and limited therapeutic options. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort of adults with first SM-BSI (2018–2024) to describe treatment patterns and identify factors associated with survival. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were extracted and analyzed. [...] Read more.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infection (SM-BSI) carries high mortality and limited therapeutic options. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort of adults with first SM-BSI (2018–2024) to describe treatment patterns and identify factors associated with survival. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were extracted and analyzed. Forty-three patients were included (median age: 63 years; 61% male). Appropriate antimicrobial therapy was given to 74%; trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole-based regimens were used in 61%; and combination therapy in 23%. The median time from BSI to treatment initiation was 4 days (IQR: 3–5) and the treatment duration averaged 7 days (IQR: 0–12). Thirty-day mortality was 37% (16/43). The survival analysis found that a 14–21-day course was associated with better 30-day survival than a 7–13-day course (0/9 vs. 5/15 deaths; log-rank p = 0.045), whereas monotherapy and combination therapy did not differ (p = 0.855). Multidrug resistance was linked to worse survival (log-rank p = 0.001). In multivariable models for 30-day mortality, only active treatment (aHR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02–0.88) and microbiological cure (aHR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.47) remained independently protective. These data suggest that outcomes in SM-BSI are driven primarily by the receipt of appropriate therapy and achievement of microbiological clearance, reinforcing the need for prompt source control, optimized antimicrobial treatment, and continued development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in this challenging infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance)
26 pages, 1734 KB  
Review
Systems for Mitochondria-Protective Cosmetic Actives: Opportunities in Post-Oncologic Skin Regeneration
by Agata Burzyńska, Agata Wawrzyńczak and Agnieszka Feliczak-Guzik
Cosmetics 2026, 13(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13010007 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Post-oncologic skin is subject to multiple structural and functional impairments following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including delayed epidermal turnover, compromised barrier integrity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes can lead to persistent dryness, heightened reactivity, impaired regeneration, and reduced patient quality of life. In this [...] Read more.
Post-oncologic skin is subject to multiple structural and functional impairments following chemotherapy and radiotherapy, including delayed epidermal turnover, compromised barrier integrity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes can lead to persistent dryness, heightened reactivity, impaired regeneration, and reduced patient quality of life. In this context, topical dermocosmetic strategies are essential not only for improving comfort and hydration, but also for supporting key cellular pathways involved in mitochondrial protection and oxidative stress reduction. Despite the promise of natural antioxidant actives, their cutaneous efficacy is often limited by poor stability, low bioavailability, and insufficient penetration of the stratum corneum. The use of nanocarriers promotes deeper skin penetration, protects oxidation-prone antioxidant compounds, and enables a controlled and prolonged release profile. This review summarizes the current evidence (2020–2025) on skin delivery systems designed to enhance the efficacy, stability, and skin penetration of antioxidants. Knowledge gaps and future directions are outlined, highlighting how rationally engineered delivery systems for mitochondria-targeted actives could contribute to safer, more effective strategies for post-oncologic skin regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fine Chemicals from Natural Sources with Potential Application in the Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical Industry—Volume 2)
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17 pages, 2834 KB  
Article
Metabolic Plasticity in Schizophrenia: Clinical Rehabilitation Meets LC–MS Metabolomics and Neurofeedback
by Mateusz Trubalski, Renata Markiewicz, Agnieszka Markiewicz-Gospodarek, Grzegorz Kalisz, Bartosz Łoza and Sylwia Szymańczyk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010380 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Metabolomics research in schizophrenia has revealed consistent alterations across multiple biochemical domains, including energy metabolism, lipid composition, amino acid pathways, and oxidative stress regulation. The most reproducible findings include the dysregulation of the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway, disturbances in arginine/nitric oxide metabolism, alterations in phospholipid [...] Read more.
Metabolomics research in schizophrenia has revealed consistent alterations across multiple biochemical domains, including energy metabolism, lipid composition, amino acid pathways, and oxidative stress regulation. The most reproducible findings include the dysregulation of the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway, disturbances in arginine/nitric oxide metabolism, alterations in phospholipid and sphingolipid profiles, reduced glutathione (GSH) in the brain, and elevated lactate levels, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Antipsychotic treatment itself modifies a wide range of metabolites, complicating biomarker discovery. Although no single biomarker has yet achieved clinical utility, systematic reviews and Mendelian randomization studies provide evidence for validated biomarker panels and potential causal links between peripheral metabolite signatures and schizophrenia risk. The aim of this study is to characterize metabolic changes in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, where each group received different non-invasive therapeutic methods and was compared to patients continuing standard pharmacotherapy without modification. The study results show that schizophrenia is associated with systemic metabolic disturbances affecting energy, amino acid, lipid, and redox pathways. Further development of research in this area requires comprehensive and long-term studies integrated with modern imaging and analytical techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translating Molecular Psychiatry: From Biomarkers to Personalized Therapies)
16 pages, 2950 KB  
Review
AI-Driven Digital Pathology: Deep Learning and Multimodal Integration for Precision Oncology
by Hyun-Jong Jang and Sung Hak Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010379 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Pathology is fundamental to precision oncology, offering molecular and morphologic insights that enable personalized diagnosis and treatment. Recently, deep learning has demonstrated substantial potential in digital pathology, effectively addressing a wide range of diagnostic, prognostic, and biomarker-prediction tasks. Although early approaches based on [...] Read more.
Pathology is fundamental to precision oncology, offering molecular and morphologic insights that enable personalized diagnosis and treatment. Recently, deep learning has demonstrated substantial potential in digital pathology, effectively addressing a wide range of diagnostic, prognostic, and biomarker-prediction tasks. Although early approaches based on convolutional neural networks had limited capacity to generalize across tasks and datasets, transformer-based foundation models have substantially advanced the field by enabling scalable representation learning, enhancing cross-cohort robustness, and supporting few- and even zero-shot inference across a wide range of pathology applications. Furthermore, the ability of foundation models to integrate heterogeneous data within a unified processing framework broadens the possibility of developing more generalizable models for medicine. These multimodal foundation models can accelerate the advancement of pathology-based precision oncology by enabling coherent interpretation of histopathology together with radiology, clinical text, and molecular data, thereby supporting more accurate diagnosis, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making. In this review, we provide a concise overview of these advances and examine how foundation models are driving the ongoing evolution of pathology-based precision oncology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning and Pathology: Innovative Applications in Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis)
16 pages, 817 KB  
Article
Association Between Dietary Inflammatory and Oxidative Balance Scores and Skin Cancer Risk: The Mediating Role of Accelerated Phenotypic Aging
by Shiqi Hui, Zhijia Hou and Dongmei Li
Cancers 2026, 18(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18010111 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Skin cancer is known to be associated with aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The present study aimed to explore the association between PhenoAge, dietary inflammatory index (DII), and dietary oxidative balance index (DOBS) with skin cancer risk. Methods: A total of 474 [...] Read more.
Background: Skin cancer is known to be associated with aging, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The present study aimed to explore the association between PhenoAge, dietary inflammatory index (DII), and dietary oxidative balance index (DOBS) with skin cancer risk. Methods: A total of 474 individuals aged over 20 years who had information on DII, DOBS, PhenoAge, socioeconomic and demographic factors, and self-reported skin cancer, and 16,154 without skin cancer were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database (2005–2018). The combination of DII/DOBS was categorized into 3 categories: inflammation- and oxidation-promoting diet, inflammation- and oxidation-reducing diet, and composite diet. We applied logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the association of DII/DOBS and PhenoAge with skin cancer risk, after adjusting for covariates and survey year. Results: PhenoAge was associated with an increased likelihood of skin cancer (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.08, p < 0.001). DII and DOBS were associated with PhenoAge advancement of OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.20 to 1.36), OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.96), respectively (p < 0.001). After adjusting for all covariates, the comparison between the inflammation–oxidation-promoting diet and the inflammation–oxidation-reducing diet had a positive relationship with skin cancer (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.29 to 3.72, p = 0.004). PhenoAge mediated 28.06% of the associations between DII/DOBS and skin cancer risk (p < 0.05). The association remained in the subgroup analysis. Conclusion: Our results suggest that an inflammation- and oxidation-promoting diet is related to increased skin cancer risk and may be partly mediated by PhenoAge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention)
23 pages, 8309 KB  
Article
Study on the Mechanism of Intense Strata Behavior and Control Technology for Goaf-Side Roadway in Extra-Thick Coal Seam
by Shuai Yan, Yongjie Wang, Jianbiao Bai, Xiaolin Li and Qundi Qu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010378 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
With the depletion of shallow coal resources, deep extra-thick coal seam mining has become vital for energy security, yet fully mechanized top-coal caving (FMTC) goaf-side roadways face severe challenges of excessive advanced deformation and intense strata behavior. To address this gap, this study [...] Read more.
With the depletion of shallow coal resources, deep extra-thick coal seam mining has become vital for energy security, yet fully mechanized top-coal caving (FMTC) goaf-side roadways face severe challenges of excessive advanced deformation and intense strata behavior. To address this gap, this study took the 4301 tailgate of a coal mine in Shaanxi province as the engineering background, integrating field investigation, theoretical analysis, FLAC3D numerical simulation, and industrial tests. Guided by the key stratum theory, we systematically analyzed the influence of overlying key strata fracture on strata pressure. The results show three key strata: near-field secondary key strata (KS1, KS2) with “vertical O-X” fracturing and far-field main key stratum (MKS) with “horizontal O-X” fracturing. The radial extrusion force from MKS rotational blocks is the core cause of 200 m range advanced deformation. A collaborative control scheme of near-field key strata directional fracturing roof-cutting pressure relief and high-strength bolt-cable support was proposed. Industrial verification indicates roadway deformation was significantly reduced, with roof subsidence, floor heave, and rib convergence controlled within safe engineering limits. This study fills the gap of insufficient research on far-field key strata’s impact, providing a reliable technical solution for similar extra-thick coal seam FMTC goaf-side roadway surrounding rock control. Full article
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21 pages, 2000 KB  
Review
Reassessing Fire Design Provisions for Concrete Structures Under Emerging Electric Vehicle Fire
by Satheeskumar Navaratnam, Thisari Munmulla, Sathya Bandaranayake, Pathmanathan Rajeev and Jay Sanjayan
Fire 2026, 9(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9010021 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new fire safety challenges for the built environment, particularly within reinforced concrete structures. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are substantially different from conventional hydrocarbon-fuelled fires due to their rapid heat escalation, extended burning duration, and [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new fire safety challenges for the built environment, particularly within reinforced concrete structures. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are substantially different from conventional hydrocarbon-fuelled fires due to their rapid heat escalation, extended burning duration, and potential for re-ignition caused by thermal runaway. This study assesses the adequacy of existing fire design standards in addressing these emerging hazards, emphasising the spalling behaviour of concrete under EV induced fire exposure. The study found that concrete structures are highly vulnerable to spalling when exposed to EV fires, as the typical temperatures initiating concrete spalling are significantly lower than the extreme temperatures and re-ignition produced during an EV battery fire. Moreover, the evidence suggests that EV fires can sustain peak temperatures exceeding 1000 °C in a short period, which exceeds the assumptions underlying standard fire curves, such as ISO 834. A comparative assessment of the National Construction Code (NCC 2022) and standards (i.e., AS 1530.4, EN 1992-1-2) reveals that current design methodologies and fire-resistance ratings underestimate the severity and duration of EV fire conditions. This study also proposes code-aligned improvements and a performance-based evaluation framework that integrates empirical EV fire curves. The findings highlight a pressing need to re-examine fire design provisions and update thermal exposure assumptions to ensure that reinforced concrete infrastructure remains structurally safe and reliable as EV adoption increases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Structural Fire Engineering)
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19 pages, 2470 KB  
Article
Quantifying the Molecular Structural Effects on the Reaction Kinetics and Equilibrium Between Organic Amines and CO2: Insights from Theoretical Calculations
by Yupeng Cui, Qiyue Zhao, Yousheng Zhou, Chuanlei Liu and Hui Sun
Separations 2026, 13(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13010016 (registering DOI) - 29 Dec 2025
Abstract
Understanding how molecular structure governs the reactivity of organic amines with CO2 is essential for the rational design of next-generation carbon-capture solvents. In this work, three representative series of amines, including linear aliphatic, cyclic aliphatic, and aromatic, were systematically conducted with substituents [...] Read more.
Understanding how molecular structure governs the reactivity of organic amines with CO2 is essential for the rational design of next-generation carbon-capture solvents. In this work, three representative series of amines, including linear aliphatic, cyclic aliphatic, and aromatic, were systematically conducted with substituents at different positions, and their reaction rate constants and equilibrium constants with CO2 were calculated using transition state theory. A suite of electronic-structure and steric descriptors, including ALIE, Hirshfeld charge, Fukui functions, and ESP-derived parameters, was developed to quantify structure–reactivity relationships. Linear aliphatic amines were found to be most sensitive to steric hindrance, while cyclic and aromatic amines were predominantly governed by inductive and conjugation effects. Key descriptors such as N_ALIE and q(N) showed strong correlations with both kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, enabling quantitative interpretation of substituent effects. Notably, a positive linear correlation between ln(k) and ln(K) was observed across all amine classes, revealing an intrinsic coupling between reaction rate and equilibrium. These findings deepen the mechanistic understanding of CO2–amine chemistry and provide a theoretical foundation for the targeted design and optimization of high-performance CO2-capture solvents. Full article
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