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Recent Articles  

8 pages, 223 KB  
Brief Report
Assessing Risk of Harm in Lay Counsellor Interventions for Psychosis: Evidence from a Thai Randomised Trial
by Nachiket Mor
Psychiatry Int. 2026, 7(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7030086 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Lay counsellor-delivered psychosocial interventions are increasingly used to address workforce shortages in mental health care. While randomised trials commonly report mean improvements, explicit assessment of clinical deterioration is rare. This secondary analysis evaluated whether a lay counsellor intervention for early psychosis was [...] Read more.
Background: Lay counsellor-delivered psychosocial interventions are increasingly used to address workforce shortages in mental health care. While randomised trials commonly report mean improvements, explicit assessment of clinical deterioration is rare. This secondary analysis evaluated whether a lay counsellor intervention for early psychosis was associated with evidence of deterioration compared with usual care. Methods: Patient-level data from a randomised controlled trial in Thailand (n = 255) were analysed. Deterioration was defined as worsening between baseline and the 6-month follow-up across functional, behavioural, and service utilisation domains. Risk differences were estimated using Newcombe confidence intervals, and risk ratios were calculated using standard methods with the Haldane–Anscombe correction applied, where required. Analyses were conducted for the full sample (UC n = 125; LICM n = 130) and stratified by baseline severity (none/borderline: UC n = 103, LICM n = 103; mild-to-severe: UC n = 22, LICM n = 27). Results: In the full sample, deterioration rates were similar across most domains. A statistically significant reduction in deterioration related to disturbing or aggressive behaviour was observed in the LICM arm (risk difference −14.1%; 95% CI −26.8% to −0.6%; risk ratio 0.45; 95% CI 0.26 to 0.79). No statistically significant excess deterioration was observed in other domains. In severity-stratified analyses, no subgroup showed a statistically significant increase in deterioration attributable to the intervention. However, among participants with mild-to-severe baseline illness, although no statistically significant harm signal was detected, the adverse risk differences and risk ratios observed in socially useful activities, self-care, regular outpatient follow-up visits, and medication adherence among participants with greater baseline severity underscore the importance of careful monitoring in higher-risk subgroups. Conclusions: No statistically significant evidence of excess deterioration was observed in either the full sample or subgroup analyses between the intervention and control arms. However, the adverse absolute difference observed in multiple patient-related domains, among participants with mild-to-severe baseline illness, suggests that lay-counsellor interventions may require a stepped-care approach to safely address the mental health needs of patients with higher levels of severity. Psychosocial trials should routinely report deterioration and subgroup analyses alongside mean improvements. Full article
22 pages, 3091 KB  
Article
Functional Characterization of BbroAFP Reveals Its Pleiotropic Antifungal Activity in Botrytis cinerea
by Arda Örçen, Yunus Doğan, Amjad Tulimat, Beyza Goncu, Batu Erman and Günseli Bayram Akçapınar
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050305 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to global agriculture and human health, necessitating alternative antifungal strategies with high efficacy and low resistance potential. Antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous fungi are promising candidates due to their stability, selectivity, and diverse mechanisms of action. Here, [...] Read more.
Fungal pathogens pose a major threat to global agriculture and human health, necessitating alternative antifungal strategies with high efficacy and low resistance potential. Antifungal proteins (AFPs) from filamentous fungi are promising candidates due to their stability, selectivity, and diverse mechanisms of action. Here, we characterize Beauveria brongniartii antifungal protein (BbroAFP), a novel cysteine-rich protein from the entomopathogenic fungus B. brongniartii, and investigate its antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea. Recombinant BbroAFP was expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified, and verified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (LC–MS/MS) and in silico modeling. BbroAFP showed potent antifungal activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 1 µM against several phytopathogenic fungi, while exhibiting no significant antibacterial activity. Activity was maintained across a wide range of pH and temperature conditions. Confocal microscopy revealed rapid surface binding followed by cytosolic internalization without major cell wall disruption. BbroAFP induced a rapid, transient burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accompanied by nuclear DNA fragmentation. Gene expression analysis revealed a transient increase in aif1, whereas mca1 expression decreased at later time points and mca2 remained largely unchanged, suggesting a metacaspase-independent response. Detached tomato leaf assays showed effective protection against B. cinerea without detectable phytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed a favorable safety profile, supporting further evaluation of BbroAFP for plant protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Control of Plant Fungal Pathogens)
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20 pages, 2847 KB  
Article
Circular Management of Lavandula stoechas L. Post-Phytoremediation of Contaminated Soils—From Essential Oil to Potential Biochar for Supercapacitors
by María González-Morales, Natalia Díaz-Rodríguez, Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo and María Ángeles Rodríguez-González
Life 2026, 16(5), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16050716 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study deals with a circular economy model to manage biomass of Lavandula stoechas L. derived from the phytoremediation of soils with Pb, Zn and Tl metal(oid)s. The species showed high efficacy in phytostabilization, retaining 65% of the metals in the roots. Bioconcentration [...] Read more.
This study deals with a circular economy model to manage biomass of Lavandula stoechas L. derived from the phytoremediation of soils with Pb, Zn and Tl metal(oid)s. The species showed high efficacy in phytostabilization, retaining 65% of the metals in the roots. Bioconcentration factors (BAF < 0.5) and translocation (TF < 1) confirmed its behavior as an excluder, minimizing the risk of trophic transfer. This research validated the transformation of this biomass under a zero-residue approach. Via hydrodistillation, essential oils and hydrosols (yield > 0.4%; 0.93 g/mL) were obtained, whose chemical safety was guaranteed by the absence of heavy metals (ICP-MS). Subsequently, the residual biomass was recovered by pyrolysis at 600 °C, obtaining a biochar with a specific surface area (SSA) of 393.7 m2/g and an electrical conductivity of 35 S/cm. This performance can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the carbonaceous matrix and encapsulated metals, which act as natural dopants for supercapacitor electrodes. In conclusion, the work demonstrated the transition from hazardous waste to advanced industrial byproducts, integrating environmental remediation with the production of materials for energy storage under safety and sustainability criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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16 pages, 1410 KB  
Review
Exosomes and Small Extracellular Vesicles as an Alternative to Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: From Biological Rationale to Clinical Evidence
by Mahdi Al-Jeabory, Jaroslaw Pecold, Maciej Maslyk, Michal Pruc, Karolina Gromek, Robert Weglowski and Lukasz Szarpak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 3737; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27093737 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide, and current treatments remain largely symptomatic, with no disease-modifying therapy established for routine use. This narrative review evaluates extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biological nanocarriers and a cell-free alternative to mesenchymal stromal [...] Read more.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide, and current treatments remain largely symptomatic, with no disease-modifying therapy established for routine use. This narrative review evaluates extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biological nanocarriers and a cell-free alternative to mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for KOA by examining the biological rationale, preclinical evidence, clinical studies, and current methodological and regulatory requirements. Preclinical findings indicate that EVs may exert immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective effects, supporting their potential to influence joint homeostasis. The review also summarizes current recommendations for EV nomenclature, characterization, and quality control in accordance with the Minimal Information for Studies of EVs 2023 guidelines and highlights key translational challenges, including scalable manufacturing, potency assessment, and regulatory compliance. Clinical evidence to date suggests a favorable safety profile, but efficacy data remain limited and inconsistent; a randomized placebo-controlled trial showed no superiority over placebo, whereas small early human studies suggested possible benefit in selected cases. Overall, EVs represent a promising cell-free strategy for KOA, but current evidence is insufficient to support routine clinical use, emphasizing the need for standardized production, validated potency assays, and robust randomized clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoarthritis: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapy)
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18 pages, 1479 KB  
Article
Temporal Dynamics of Market Microstructure in Cryptocurrency Perpetual Futures: Econometric Evidence from Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges
by Petar Zhivkov, Venelin Todorov and Slavi Georgiev
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14050103 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
We apply rolling-window econometric methods, including GARCH(1,1) estimation, Bai–Perron structural break detection, CUSUM stability testing, and Granger causality analysis in bivariate VAR frameworks, to analyze the temporal dynamics of market integration in cryptocurrency perpetual futures, tracking funding rate correlations, arbitrage prevalence, and volatility [...] Read more.
We apply rolling-window econometric methods, including GARCH(1,1) estimation, Bai–Perron structural break detection, CUSUM stability testing, and Granger causality analysis in bivariate VAR frameworks, to analyze the temporal dynamics of market integration in cryptocurrency perpetual futures, tracking funding rate correlations, arbitrage prevalence, and volatility persistence across 26 exchanges and 812 symbols over two months (November 2025 through January 2026). Using 53 overlapping seven-day rolling windows on 9.1 million hourly observations, we find that the two-tiered market structure previously documented in a static snapshot (centralized exchanges tightly integrated, decentralized exchanges fragmented) persists qualitatively but varies substantially in magnitude, with the integration gap ranging from −0.041 to 0.222. Structural break tests detect no discrete regime shifts; the market evolves through gradual drift. GARCH(1,1) analysis reveals that near-integrated (IGARCH) volatility behavior, previously reported as a general property, appears in only 24.5% of windows, concentrated in specific time periods. Granger causality tests show that mid-tier exchanges lead the largest venue (Binance) more frequently than the reverse, challenging a simple size-based price discovery hierarchy. Intraday spread patterns are statistically significant and linked to funding rate settlement mechanics, with spreads peaking approximately two hours after standard settlement times. These findings have implications for systemic risk assessment: market surveillance frameworks that focus on the largest venue may miss price discovery signals originating from mid-tier exchanges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mathematical Finance: Theory, Methods, and Applications)
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8 pages, 628 KB  
Brief Report
Early Signal Without Clinical Cases: A Single Clade III Candidozyma auris Isolate from a Face Mask Highlights the Value of Environmental Quality Control
by Angelika Bauer, Astrid Mayr, Stephanie Toepfer, Kathrin Spettel, Birgit Willinger, Richard Kriz and Cornelia Lass-Flörl
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050307 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is an emerging healthcare-associated yeast of major epidemiological concern because of its multidrug resistance and outbreak potential. We report the recovery of a single C. auris isolate from a used face mask collected in May 2025 during [...] Read more.
Candidozyma auris (C. auris) is an emerging healthcare-associated yeast of major epidemiological concern because of its multidrug resistance and outbreak potential. We report the recovery of a single C. auris isolate from a used face mask collected in May 2025 during a blinded dental medicine quality-control programme assessing microbial contamination in the working environment. To contextualise this finding, we analysed routine diagnostic laboratory data from 2017 to 2025. The isolate underwent whole-genome sequencing for molecular characterisation, including analysis of the ERG11 gene, and antifungal susceptibility testing by EUCAST broth microdilution. In addition, 53,802 patient-related Candida spp. isolates collected between 2017 and 2025 were reviewed retrospectively; species identification had been performed by MALDI-TOF. The environmental isolate belonged to clade III and carried the V125A/F126L substitutions in ERG11, consistent with African clade isolates and associated with intrinsically high fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations. No C. auris was detected in routine patient specimens during the study period, whereas Candida albicans remained the predominant species in clinical samples. These findings provide no evidence of ongoing C. auris transmission at the Medical University of Innsbruck, but highlight the need for continued vigilance and robust infection-prevention measures to limit the risk posed by isolated introductions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Candida and Candidemia)
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27 pages, 2775 KB  
Article
Social Relationship Marking in German from a Variationist Perspective: Inter- and Intra-Individual Variation in the Use of Vocatives and Vocative-like NPs
by Janel Zoske and Tanja Ackermann
Languages 2026, 11(5), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages11050082 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
In this article, we address the issue of the sometimes indeterminate grammatical and functional status of vocatives and vocative-like NPs by proposing a prototype-based approach to their classification. We then explore the socio-pragmatic functions of these vocative types, adopting a variationist perspective that [...] Read more.
In this article, we address the issue of the sometimes indeterminate grammatical and functional status of vocatives and vocative-like NPs by proposing a prototype-based approach to their classification. We then explore the socio-pragmatic functions of these vocative types, adopting a variationist perspective that considers both macro- and micro-social factors to determine when the different types of vocatives occur and how they contribute to managing interpersonal relationships. This exploratory analysis is based on data from an online questionnaire featuring Discourse Completion Tasks of over 3000 participants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The findings show that different vocative types fulfill distinct socio-pragmatic functions, ranging from signaling positive politeness to heightening the face-threatening potential of an utterance, depending on the communicative task performed. In addition, their use varies between participants, based on the speakers’ regional background, gender, age, or personality traits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Variationist Linguistics on German—Focus on Lexis and Pragmatics)
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17 pages, 2372 KB  
Article
Gut Mycobiota Dysbiosis in People Living with HIV/AIDS: Insights from an Argentine Cohort with Severe Immunosuppression
by Cristian Javier Mena, Néstor Denis Portela, Agostina Salusso, Andrés Barnes, César Collino, Silvia Guadalupe Carrizo, Davor Martinovic, Mariel A. Almeida, Lizet Luque Aguada, Lorena Guasconi, Martín Gustavo Theumer, Laura Cervi, Susana Alicia Pesoa and Laura Silvina Chiapello
J. Fungi 2026, 12(5), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12050306 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Intestinal dysbiosis is common in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), yet fungal communities of the gut microbiota (mycobiota) remain poorly characterized, especially in severely immunosuppressed patients. We analyzed the gut mycobiota of 33 PLWH and 20 healthy controls from a public hospital in [...] Read more.
Intestinal dysbiosis is common in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), yet fungal communities of the gut microbiota (mycobiota) remain poorly characterized, especially in severely immunosuppressed patients. We analyzed the gut mycobiota of 33 PLWH and 20 healthy controls from a public hospital in central Argentina. Most PLWH presented with severe immunosuppression (<200 CD4+ T cells/μL) and acute or chronic diarrhea, with or without antibiotic exposure or antiretroviral therapy. Fecal DNA was extracted and the ITS2 region was sequenced using next-generation sequencing. Beta-diversity analyses revealed significant segregation between PLWH and controls (PERMANOVA, Adonis: p = 0.001, R2 = 0.0989). LEfSe analysis identified 17 fungal species enriched in PLWH, predominantly Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Nakaseomyces glabratus, whereas 31 species were differentially represented in controls, including Penicillium spp., Candida sake, and Clavispora lusitaniae. Histoplasma capsulatum, an endemic pathogen in the region, was more prevalent in PLWH and associated with low CD4+ T cell counts. Dirichlet multinomial mixture analysis revealed two mycobiotypes: M1, with a balanced fungal composition predominating in controls, and M2, dominated by Candida species and present in PLWH. These findings provide novel insights into gut mycobiota alterations in severely immunosuppressed PLWH in Argentina, highlighting Candida-driven dysbiosis and the regional relevance of H. capsulatum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Host–Fungus Interactions at Barrier Tissues: Immunity, Dysbiosis and Disease)
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36 pages, 6369 KB  
Article
A System Dynamics Evaluation of a Sustainable Energy-Efficiency Business Model Integrating Performance Contracting, Supply Contracting, and Savings Insurance
by Usain Kadri, Nashwan Dawood, Ammar Al-Bazi and Olugbenga Akinade
Energies 2026, 19(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19092030 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
This paper evaluates a Sustainable Energy Efficiency Business Model (SEEBM) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European industrial sector. The sustainability-oriented model, developed by the authors, combines Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), Energy Supply Contracting (ESC), and Energy Saving Insurance (ESI) [...] Read more.
This paper evaluates a Sustainable Energy Efficiency Business Model (SEEBM) for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European industrial sector. The sustainability-oriented model, developed by the authors, combines Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), Energy Supply Contracting (ESC), and Energy Saving Insurance (ESI) within a unified framework to support industrial decarbonisation. The study identifies key performance indicators and translates them into a System Dynamics model using a Design-Based Research approach. The model is built from secondary data drawn from 45 SME case studies in the European SMEmPower project and is validated through extreme condition testing and behavioural sensitivity analysis. Results indicate that the integrated model significantly enhances financial performance, reducing the average payback period from average 36 months to 10 months. Sensitivity analysis highlights the influence of contract duration, energy saving rates, and energy prices on both payback and emissions reduction outcomes. This research introduces a novel dynamic framework integrating EPC, ESC, and ESI, enabling time-based evaluation of investment viability and environmental impact. It offers a replicable decision support tool for policymakers and market actors seeking scalable, low risk pathways to SME decarbonisation. Overall, the model provides practical insights for improving investment decisions while accelerating the transition toward sustainable industrial systems across Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation and Optimisation for Operational Decision-Making in Renewable Energy Supply Chains and Systems)
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32 pages, 8985 KB  
Article
A Chemistry-Inspired Cross-Lingual Transfer in Multi-Lingual NLP via Graph Structural Optimization
by Befekadu Bekuretsion, Wolfgang Menzel and Solomon Teferra
AI 2026, 7(5), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai7050151 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Multilingual learning is key in natural language processing, but is challenged by the transfer–interference trade-off, where positive transfer benefits certain languages, while negative interference affects others. Prior methods, including linguistic-based and embedding-based language clustering, have attempted to address this; yet, they remain constrained [...] Read more.
Multilingual learning is key in natural language processing, but is challenged by the transfer–interference trade-off, where positive transfer benefits certain languages, while negative interference affects others. Prior methods, including linguistic-based and embedding-based language clustering, have attempted to address this; yet, they remain constrained by their static design and lack of task-specific feedback. In this study, we propose a novel computational strategy inspired by molecular design that constructs molecules with targeted properties. Languages are modeled as nodes in an undirected graph, with edges representing the transfer strength. This language molecule is optimized via Reinforcement Learning to adjust edge connections and weights to enhance positive transfer and minimize interference, where graph clustering is applied, and clusters are then evaluated on the Named Entity Recognition and POS tagging tasks using 25 languages from the WikiANN dataset and 12 typologically diverse languages from the UDPOS dataset. Compared to linguistic and embedding-based language clustering baselines, our method yields substantial improvements, especially for low-resource languages, with some showing over 35% increase in F1 score, while high-resource languages benefit moderately, confirming reduced transfer–interference trade-off. Our atom–language model offers a novel path for multilingual learning, inspired by molecular principles from physical sciences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section AI Systems: Theory and Applications)
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18 pages, 3946 KB  
Article
Influence of Frictional Power Loss on the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of a High-Speed Ultra-Precision Machine Tool Spindle Bearing
by Heng Tian, Dengke Wang and Gang Li
Lubricants 2026, 14(5), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants14050182 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
To address the problems of insufficient precision reserve, limited rotational speed, and excessive temperature rise in high-speed ultra-precision machine tool spindle bearings, the influence of frictional power loss on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the bearing system was investigated. Firstly, based on the analysis [...] Read more.
To address the problems of insufficient precision reserve, limited rotational speed, and excessive temperature rise in high-speed ultra-precision machine tool spindle bearings, the influence of frictional power loss on the thermo-mechanical behavior of the bearing system was investigated. Firstly, based on the analysis of the heat source of the bearing, the friction power consumption model of the bearing assembly is established, and the analysis of the bearing temperature field is realized by studying the heat energy transfer. Secondly, the test bench is built for experimental verification. Finally, through the study of thermal-mechanical coupling performance, the influence of different rotational speeds on bearing stress and life is analyzed. The results show that the friction power consumption generated by the spin sliding of the bearing rolling element accounts for the largest proportion, accounting for 31% of the total friction power consumption; the increase in bearing speed will increase the bearing temperature. At 55,000 r/min, the highest temperature at the rolling element is close to 75 °C, followed by the inner ring up to 68 °C, and the lowest outer ring temperature is 57 °C. The temperature has a great influence on the bearing performance. Under the same working conditions, the equivalent stress is increased by 21%, the contact pressure is increased by 25%, and the fatigue life of the bearing is reduced by 5.6%. Bearing performance is significantly affected by thermodynamic behavior. Full article
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22 pages, 5570 KB  
Article
Macroscopic Characterization and Microscopic Pore Structure of Permian Shale Reservoirs in Hunan–Guizhou–Guangxi Basin: Insights from NMRC, Fractal and Image-J Methods
by Yue Sun, Yuqiang Jiang, Miao Li, Xiangfeng Wei, Jingyu Hao and Yifan Gu
Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(5), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10050279 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Permian shale is the largest and most promising shale gas exploration target in southern China after Silurian shale. The fine evaluation of shale reservoirs is a prerequisite for large-scale exploration and development. Based on the fractal method, this study, through the combined technology [...] Read more.
Permian shale is the largest and most promising shale gas exploration target in southern China after Silurian shale. The fine evaluation of shale reservoirs is a prerequisite for large-scale exploration and development. Based on the fractal method, this study, through the combined technology of nuclear magnetic resonance cryoporometry (NMRC) and Image recognition software (Image-J), clarifies the pore size distribution of Permian shale in the HGG Basin. The purpose of this study is to characterize the macroscopic parameters of Permian shale and reveal the level of reservoir space development in Permian shale. The controlling factors of porosity and pore structure are demonstrated. It is suggested that Permian shales in the HGG Basin have organic carbon contents similar to marine shales. In the favorable interval of the Dalong Formation, the average organic carbon content is comparable to that of the LMX pay zone. The lower Longtan shales have the highest organic carbon and the greatest gas generation potential, followed by the Dalong shales. TOC is the primary control on porosity in the lower Longtan and Dalong formations, whereas clay minerals dominate the control in the upper Longtan. Abundant pores between grains and between layers within clay minerals account for most of the porosity in Upper Longtan shale. In the lower Longtan and Dalong formations, organic pores are pervasive, explaining the difference in the dominant controls on porosity between these intervals. Clay minerals are a key control on the development of Permian shale reservoirs. The fractal dimension of adsorption pores (DA) has no clear relationship with the total clay content, is negatively correlated with the illite content, and shows no clear relationship with the chlorite content. In contrast, the fractal dimension of flow pores (DS) shows a weak positive correlation with the total clay content, a clear positive correlation with the illite content, and a negative correlation with the chlorite content. When illite interacts with water, it tends to break down and plug pores, an effect that is especially pronounced in the smallest pores hosted by organic matter; this accounts for the negative correlation between DA and the illite content. In larger, flow-bearing pores, disintegrated illite roughens otherwise smooth walls between and within grains, increasing structural complexity and raising DS. By contrast, reactions between chlorite and pore fluids tend to smooth the walls of flow pores, reducing structural complexity and lowering DS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 345 KB  
Article
A New Investigation into the Confucian Translations and Interpretations of Claude de Visdelou S.I.
by Ying Luo
Religions 2026, 17(5), 510; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17050510 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Claude de Visdelou, a French Jesuit missionary who arrived in China in the 17th century, was renowned for his remarkable linguistic talent and profound knowledge of Sinology. He left behind numerous Latin translations of Chinese classics, many of which were preserved in manuscript [...] Read more.
Claude de Visdelou, a French Jesuit missionary who arrived in China in the 17th century, was renowned for his remarkable linguistic talent and profound knowledge of Sinology. He left behind numerous Latin translations of Chinese classics, many of which were preserved in manuscript form and are currently held in Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana. Based on an examination of Visdelou’s life and his Latin translations of Confucian documents, such as Daxue, this paper aims to analyze the complex reasons why Visdelou openly opposed the Jesuit policy of tolerance toward Chinese rituals and was promoted by the Roman Curia for his opposition to the Jesuit’s approach. The paper also reflects on his translation activities as a personal intellectual struggle and as a means of cross-cultural knowledge construction from the perspective of Sino-Western cultural exchange history. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Humanities/Philosophies)
43 pages, 3631 KB  
Article
LeadWinO Self-Assessment Model for Managers Activity: A Feed-Forward Neural Network-Based Indicator System
by Lidija Kraujalienė and Alytis Gruodis
Adm. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci16050197 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study addresses the growing need for structured, measurable organizational development (OD) models amid digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing managerial complexity. Contemporary middle- and top-level managers are expected to ensure productivity, strategic clarity, resilience, and data-driven decision-making; however, existing leadership methodologies are [...] Read more.
This study addresses the growing need for structured, measurable organizational development (OD) models amid digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, and increasing managerial complexity. Contemporary middle- and top-level managers are expected to ensure productivity, strategic clarity, resilience, and data-driven decision-making; however, existing leadership methodologies are often examined separately and lack integrated evaluation frameworks. The research analyses two prominent approaches: the American Action Science methodology and the Scandinavian (particularly Finnish) consensus-based leadership concept. While Action Science emphasizes explicit reasoning, double-loop learning, accountability, and measurable performance outcomes, the Finnish consensus model prioritizes trust, participation, and relational cohesion. The aim of the study is to develop and empirically test the original digital model LeadWinO (LEADership for WINning Organizations) for evaluating the organizational development activities of middle- and top-level managers. The model was empirically tested on managers in Lithuania. The novelty of the research lies in combining management and informatics perspectives by embedding organizational development evaluation into a digital, indicator-based, and potentially predictive framework. The type of study is quantitative research integrating questionnaire analysis in the case of multi-profile sections. Analytical tool used for data simulation is Feedforward Neural Network for constructing sufficient gapless sets of digitalized data. Research results showed that the American Action Science methodology is most effectively used by managers working in very small and small enterprises in the service and maintenance sectors. The findings are expected to contribute to the operationalization of leadership effectiveness under uncertainty and provide organizations with an auditable structure linking managerial behaviour, decision-making processes, and organizational performance outcomes. Full article
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16 pages, 295 KB  
Review
An Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Dry Eye Disease, Scleritis, and Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis
by María García Forestier, Ricardo Murati Calderón and Armando Oliver
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3207; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093207 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can involve the ocular surface and deeper ocular tissues, leading to a spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations ranging from dry eye disease to vision-threatening inflammation, such as scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). This paper [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can involve the ocular surface and deeper ocular tissues, leading to a spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations ranging from dry eye disease to vision-threatening inflammation, such as scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). This paper presents the results of a narrative review conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar from database inception to March 2026. Eligible publications describing clinical features and management of RA-associated ocular disease were synthesized, and no unpublished data were included. According to the literature, dry eye disease (DED) is the most frequent ocular manifestation of RA, and it is primarily managed with lubrication and topical anti-inflammatory therapies, including cyclosporine and lifitegrast. Additional options for refractory disease include neurostimulation and evaporation-targeted therapy. Scleritis and PUK are less common but represent severe inflammatory complications that generally require systemic immunosuppression. Conventional management includes systemic corticosteroids and steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate (MTX), azathioprine (AZA), cyclophosphamide (CYC), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in aggressive cases. Escalation to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors and rituximab (RTX), is supported for refractory scleritis and corneal melt, although evidence is largely observational. Among anti-TNF agents, monoclonal antibodies, such as infliximab and adalimumab, appear more effective than etanercept for ocular inflammation. Rituximab is preferred for vasculitis-associated or refractory disease, and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors represent an emerging option requiring careful safety monitoring. Evidence for DED therapies includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), whereas data for RA-associated scleritis and PUK are largely derived from registries, case series, and case reports. Prospective studies with standardized ocular outcomes are needed to refine treatment algorithms and compare the effectiveness of biologic versus targeted synthetic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
14 pages, 287 KB  
Article
Time Is Change
by Daniel Deasy
Philosophies 2026, 11(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies11030067 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
What is time? In this paper, I defend the view that time is change. In Section 1, I introduce the view that time is change and contrast it with an alternative view. In Section 2, I draw on recent developments in higher-order metaphysics [...] Read more.
What is time? In this paper, I defend the view that time is change. In Section 1, I introduce the view that time is change and contrast it with an alternative view. In Section 2, I draw on recent developments in higher-order metaphysics to defend a particular theory of change, and therefore, of time. Finally, in Section 3, I respond to several objections to the view that time is change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Debating Temporal Ontology: The Existence of Yesterday and Tomorrow)
21 pages, 562 KB  
Article
The Double-Edged Effect of Bank Revenue Diversification: Insights from an Emerging Market
by Nour Alouane and Samira Haddou
Int. J. Financial Stud. 2026, 14(5), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijfs14050102 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of revenue diversification on the performance and stability of listed Tunisian banks over the period 2008–2023, with the objective of assessing whether diversification strategies enhance bank performance and promote financial stability in an emerging-market context. The analysis relies [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of revenue diversification on the performance and stability of listed Tunisian banks over the period 2008–2023, with the objective of assessing whether diversification strategies enhance bank performance and promote financial stability in an emerging-market context. The analysis relies on a panel dataset of Tunisian listed banks and employs a two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation approach to address potential endogeneity issues, using ownership structure as an instrumental variable. Bank performance is measured by Return on Assets (ROA) and Net Interest Margin (NIM), while financial stability is captured by the Z-score. The empirical results show that revenue diversification has a positive and significant effect on bank performance, as measured by ROA, and on financial stability. However, it exerts a negative and significant impact on NIM, indicating that although diversification improves overall performance and strengthens stability, it may weaken traditional intermediation income. This study contributes to the limited literature on banking in emerging markets by jointly examining performance and stability effects while addressing endogeneity concerns through robust econometric techniques, and by providing new evidence from the Tunisian banking sector, which has experienced significant political and economic disruptions during the study period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Banking Stability, Credit Risk and Financial Resilience in Emerging Markets)
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24 pages, 789 KB  
Article
Unveiling the Power of Communication Through Social Media Marketing in Brand Attachment Formation: Bridging Brand and Platform Outcomes
by Sofiane Laradi, Omar Younes, Ahmed H. Alsharif and Md Billal Hossain
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(5), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21050131 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
The literature emphasizes the importance of perceived social media marketing activities (SMMAs) in shaping various brand-related outcomes. However, their importance in brand attachment formation remains underexplored. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and Attachment Theory, this study examines the relationship between SMMAs and [...] Read more.
The literature emphasizes the importance of perceived social media marketing activities (SMMAs) in shaping various brand-related outcomes. However, their importance in brand attachment formation remains underexplored. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework and Attachment Theory, this study examines the relationship between SMMAs and brand attachment, and the impact of brand attachment on brand loyalty and consumer engagement with brand social media (CEBSM). A questionnaire survey was conducted with 502 consumers of outdoor and sports brands in Algeria. Data analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings unveil that SMMAs, including interactivity, informativeness, personalization, trendiness, and WOM, are positively associated with brand attachment. Furthermore, brand attachment is significantly associated with both brand loyalty and CEBSM. This study makes several theoretical contributions by being among the early studies to examine the individual effects of social media marketing dimensions, the role of SMMA in brand attachment formation, and brand-related outcomes alongside in-platform outcomes. This study offers recommendations to guide community managers and brand managers in clarifying the roles and capabilities of social media marketing in evoking and reinforcing brand attachment. Full article
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23 pages, 8673 KB  
Article
A Bio-Inspired Approach to Flexible Tubular Heat Exchanger Design for Wearable Medical Technology
by Omar Huerta, Ertu Unver, Jonathan Binder, Necdet Geren, Orhan Büyükalaca, Yunus Emre Güzelel and Umutcan Olmuş
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4112; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094112 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
Flexible heat exchangers with intricate three-dimensional (3D) geometries exhibit superior mechanical and thermal performance compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) designs. Their ability to offer greater design freedom and unique functionalities makes them particularly attractive for wearable medical devices. This study investigates flexible heat [...] Read more.
Flexible heat exchangers with intricate three-dimensional (3D) geometries exhibit superior mechanical and thermal performance compared with traditional two-dimensional (2D) designs. Their ability to offer greater design freedom and unique functionalities makes them particularly attractive for wearable medical devices. This study investigates flexible heat exchanger technologies in three main directions: (i) miniaturisation, (ii) integration of physical and mathematical models, and (iii) enhanced adaptability through heterogeneous design integration. Through a combination of literature review, mathematical modelling, and experimental analysis, the thermal efficiency of several configurations is compared, including basic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tubes and 3D bio-inspired TPU tubes with aluminium-finned structures. The findings establish a foundation for the development of next-generation flexible wearable medical cooling devices with improved thermal management capabilities and practical applicability in industrial design. Furthermore, the outcomes of this research will directly support the development of improved wearable cooling devices within a UK-based medical device SME, Paxman Scalp Coolers, facilitating the translation of advanced heat exchanger designs into clinically relevant and commercially viable solutions. Full article
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10 pages, 2047 KB  
Article
Investigation of the Effect of Pulverbakelite Content on the Mechanical and Technological Properties of Sand–Resin Mixtures During Shell Mold Formation Under Variational Pressure
by Shynggys Baibekov, Vitaliy Kulikov, Ardak Dostayeva and Tatyana Kovalyova
J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2026, 10(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp10050146 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
The growing demand for improved operational efficiency of cast components used in various types of equipment necessitates the development of advanced casting technologies. One of the key challenges currently faced by the foundry industry is enhancing the surface quality of castings and reducing [...] Read more.
The growing demand for improved operational efficiency of cast components used in various types of equipment necessitates the development of advanced casting technologies. One of the key challenges currently faced by the foundry industry is enhancing the surface quality of castings and reducing rejection rates caused by casting defects. These requirements can be effectively met by castings produced using shell mold casting technology. Sand–resin mixtures are used for their production. Foundry molds made from such mixtures make it possible to obtain high-quality castings from various alloys. However, their widespread industrial application is limited by the relatively high cost of the binder, namely pulverbakelite. The influence of pulverbakelite content on the properties of sand–resin mixtures during shell mold formation under variational static pressure was investigated. It was established that pressure variation during the molding process increases mold strength and improves surface quality while maintaining the required level of gas permeability. The optimal binder content was determined to be 4–6%, which makes it possible to reduce binder consumption without deteriorating the mechanical and technological characteristics of the mold. With respect to novelty, it should be noted that previous studies addressed individual aspects of variable pressure application. In the present article: a wider range of pulverized bakelite content (3–9%) was investigated; the relationship between binder content, strength, and gas permeability was established; the optimal binder content range (4–6%) was determined; and microstructural analysis was extended to include composition and pressure regimes. Thus, the present work significantly extends previous findings and provides a more comprehensive investigation. Full article
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26 pages, 5949 KB  
Article
Battery and Charging Infrastructure Sizing Method Applied to the Norwegian Coastal Express
by Klara Schlüter, Erlend Grytli Tveten, Severin Sadjina, Brage Bøe Svendsen, Anne Bruyat and Olve Mo
World Electr. Veh. J. 2026, 17(5), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17050224 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
We present a parametrised charging infrastructure model developed to support the design of a hybrid electric zero-emission vessel with corresponding charging infrastructure for operation along the Norwegian Coastal Express route. The charging model includes functionalities to analyse the required battery storage capacity and [...] Read more.
We present a parametrised charging infrastructure model developed to support the design of a hybrid electric zero-emission vessel with corresponding charging infrastructure for operation along the Norwegian Coastal Express route. The charging model includes functionalities to analyse the required battery storage capacity and power ratings and locations of charging facilities for achieving battery-electric operation. We demonstrate the use of the charging model to analyse different zero-emission scenarios for the Norwegian Coastal Express route. In the presented example scenarios, the model takes as input the estimated energy demand for a new zero-emission vessel design for the Coastal Express in different weather conditions, and includes functionality to consider realistic port stays based on existing timetables and historical data of delays. The analyses show minimal required battery capacities and illustrate a trade-off between charging power and battery capacity, as well as exemplifying the impact of different timetables and historic deviations on charging and energy delivered from the battery. The charging model presented is general and can be used for other routes than the Norwegian Coastal Express, as a tool for decision-makers to optimize for battery-electric operation whilst keeping the need for onboard storage capacity and charging infrastructure installations at a minimum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue EVS38—International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (Gothenburg, Sweden))
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24 pages, 5148 KB  
Article
Plant-Leaf Disease Detection Based on Texture Enhancement Using ATD-Net
by Yuheng Li and Xiafen Zhang
AgriEngineering 2026, 8(5), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8050160 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
Early plant leaf disease detection and timely control is important for agricultural yield and stability. Yet, it is difficult for manual labor to monitor the health of the plant leaf 24 h a day. Existing detection approach cannot meet the demands of texture [...] Read more.
Early plant leaf disease detection and timely control is important for agricultural yield and stability. Yet, it is difficult for manual labor to monitor the health of the plant leaf 24 h a day. Existing detection approach cannot meet the demands of texture enhancement features. Therefore, this paper proposes a new detection approach which undergoes three-layer transformations: convolutional layer, attention mechanism layer and loss function layer. Firstly, ADown is used to extract fine-grained texture features from suspected leaves to reduce computational load. Secondly, Gabor texture enhancement is proposed to extract and enhance the contour and the directional texture of suspected areas using multi-directional filtering, followed by a combination Transformer to enhance the global context modeling capability. Thirdly, a dynamic boundary loss function (DBL) is employed to dynamically adjust the probability distribution of bounding box regression through adaptive temperature coefficient and information entropy, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the detection box. The experiments show that ATD-Net achieved an average accuracy of 87.42% (mAP50) and an accuracy of 85.96%, with a computational complexity of 6.5 GFLOPs. The visualization results and ablation experiments show that the collaborative work of the proposed modules significantly improves the detection robustness in complex backgrounds, early diseases, and small target scenes. Compared to the original model, ATD-Net achieves a performance improvement of 1.1% at mAP50 and a speed increase of 17.7%. The model size remains almost unchanged, at 5.2 MB. It is an efficient and promising solution for future real-time disease recognition in complex agricultural environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture)
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16 pages, 288 KB  
Article
Impact of Natural Heat Stress on Pregnant Rabbits: Behavioral, Physiological, and Reproductive Changes and the Ameliorative Role of Curcumin and Vitamin D3
by Mahmoud Roshdy, Hassan A. Khalil, Doaa E. Saad, Mahmoud Kamal, Mostafa A. Ayoub, Yasser Alrauji and Mohamed Shehab-El-Deen
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13050412 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on productive performance, physiology, reproduction, and oxidative status in pregnant New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does, as well as the potential synergistic effects of curcumin and vitamin D3 (Cur + VD3) supplementation in [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of heat stress on productive performance, physiology, reproduction, and oxidative status in pregnant New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does, as well as the potential synergistic effects of curcumin and vitamin D3 (Cur + VD3) supplementation in alleviating these stress-induced impairments. Eighty multiparous does (12–18 months old) were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design involving two ambient temperatures (indoor vs. outdoor) and two supplementation levels (with or without Cur + VD3). Outdoor does experienced severe heat stress (THI = 33.22) compared to indoor thermal comfort conditions (THI = 25.13). The supplement (Cur + VD3) was administered orally at 1 mL/kg body weight. Heat stress significantly decreased body weight, milk yield, litter size, weight at weaning, and behavioral activity. Conversely, rectal temperature, respiration rate, and mortality increased. Supplementation with Cur + VD3 showed improved body weight, reproductive parameters, milk yield, and behavior, while reducing mortality (0% vs. 5%) compared to treatment without these additives. Physiologically, Cur + VD3 lowered rectal temperature and respiration rate. In conclusion, combined curcumin and vitamin D3 supplementation is an effective nutritional strategy to improve heat stress tolerance and maintain productivity in pregnant rabbits exposed to high ambient temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact on the Reproductive Parameters of Domestic Animals—2nd Edition)
25 pages, 2397 KB  
Review
Modulating Th17/Treg Balance in Alzheimer’s Disease: Therapeutic Insights from Natural Compounds and Immunometabolism
by Shuyao Tang, Gangying Fu, Wenjing Yu, Mengfen Zhou, Ting Chen, Zhenyan Song, Shaowu Cheng and Ping Li
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16050443 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and chronic neuroinflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that the imbalance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) cells plays a critical role in AD pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive synthesis [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and chronic neuroinflammation. Increasing evidence suggests that the imbalance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T (Treg) cells plays a critical role in AD pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive synthesis of how natural compounds modulate Th17/Treg balance in AD remains lacking. This review aims to summarize current preclinical evidence on Th17/Treg dysregulation and evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of natural compounds in AD. Methods: This review focuses on preclinical evidence derived from experimental AD models and related inflammatory models to evaluate how natural compounds modulate Th17/Treg balance, neuroinflammation, and cognitive function, with an emphasis on underlying molecular and immunometabolic mechanisms. Results: Th17/Treg imbalance contributes significantly to AD-associated neuroinflammation and disease progression. Representative natural compounds, including paeoniflorin, quercetin, and ganoderic acid A, have demonstrated the ability to rebalance Th17/Treg responses, suppress neuroinflammation, and improve neuronal survival in experimental models. These compounds are highlighted due to their relatively stronger evidence in AD-related models and more clearly defined immunomodulatory mechanisms. These effects are partially mediated through modulation of key signaling pathways and immunometabolic reprogramming. Conclusions: Targeting Th17/Treg balance with natural compounds represents a promising multi-target immunomodulatory strategy for AD. However, most current evidence is derived from preclinical or non-AD models, and clinical validation remains limited. Future studies should prioritize AD-specific models and translational research to evaluate therapeutic potential in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Memory and Cognitive Decline Associated with Aging and Alzheimer's Disease)
19 pages, 6106 KB  
Review
Constructing a Health-Supportive Environment for the Elderly: A Review of Multidimensional Intervention Mechanisms of the Built Environment Based on Bibliometric Analysis
by Yi Wang, Bingjie Yu, Lei Han, Ying’ao Peng, Qiuyi Zhang and Han Fang
Land 2026, 15(5), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15050702 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
The built environment constitutes a significant factor influencing the physical and mental health of the elderly and has garnered sustained interdisciplinary attention in recent years. Based on 425 publications from the Web of Science database spanning 2001 to 2025, this study employed Citespace [...] Read more.
The built environment constitutes a significant factor influencing the physical and mental health of the elderly and has garnered sustained interdisciplinary attention in recent years. Based on 425 publications from the Web of Science database spanning 2001 to 2025, this study employed Citespace to conduct a quantitative analysis and synthesis of the relevant literature, aiming to explore the evolutionary trends, hotspot distributions, and pathways of influence regarding the impact of the built environment on elderly health. The results indicate a close positive correlation between the population ageing trend and annual publication growth. The total publication volume exhibited a shift from gradual to rapid growth, demonstrating a distinct phased evolutionary pattern. The research hotspots displayed a gradient structure of descending research intensity: “physical activity—quality of life—mental health.” The impact of the built environment (e.g., green space, street quality) on elderly health can be primarily categorised into three pathways: direct effects, physical activity, and mental health. Macro-level allocation of elderly care facilities and micro-level construction of age-friendly living circles represent the principal optimisation strategies currently employed to address elderly health needs. Finally, potential future research directions are discussed, encompassing aspects such as spatial scales, health representations, and mechanism expansion, with the aim of providing reference and insights for advancing the initiative of “healthy ageing.” Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Exposure, Public Space Usage, and Travel Behavior: Strategies for Building Inclusive Cities and Supporting Vulnerable Groups)
20 pages, 2578 KB  
Article
A Fuzzy Decision-Making Control Chart for Multicriteria Quality Evaluation in Industrial Processes
by Luis Fernando Villanueva-Jiménez, Rosa Jazmín Trasviña-Osorio, Juan De Anda-Suárez, Jose Luis Lopez Ramirez, Guillermo García-Rodríguez and José Ruíz-Tamayo
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4111; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094111 (registering DOI) - 22 Apr 2026
Abstract
Quality evaluation in production systems represents a significant challenge in the manufacturing industry, particularly in environments where expert judgment plays a key role in managing the inherent uncertainty of the production system. This study proposes a fuzzy multicriteria decision-making control chart, termed Fuzzy [...] Read more.
Quality evaluation in production systems represents a significant challenge in the manufacturing industry, particularly in environments where expert judgment plays a key role in managing the inherent uncertainty of the production system. This study proposes a fuzzy multicriteria decision-making control chart, termed Fuzzy Decision-Making Control Chart based on AHP-Extent and Triangular Fuzzy Numbers (FDMCC-AHPE). The method integrates expert knowledge through triangular fuzzy numbers and a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process supported by Extent Analysis, to define fuzzy decision intervals for quality assessment and subsequently perform a structured analysis to classify the product within a control chart framework. In this framework, expert judgments expressed through linguistic evaluations are systematically translated into triangular fuzzy numbers and processed using FAHP–Extent Analysis, allowing the aggregation of subjective assessments within a structured mathematical decision model. The proposed method was validated in a tannery company, specifically in the retanning process. The industrial case study considers both qualitative criteria, such as surface defects and color uniformity, and quantitative process variables that include bath pH, treatment duration, and processing temperature. The results were compared with an empirical expert-based evaluation and a structured expert assessment supported by a multicriteria decision-making method. The findings demonstrate that the FDMCC-AHPE exhibits greater sensitivity in discriminating between quality states under uncertain evaluation conditions, particularly when samples involve complex evaluation conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision-Making and Decision Support Systems: Methods and Applications)
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