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25 pages, 13024 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Stabilization of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil by Biochar–MICP–Electrokinetics Combined Technology

by Ruiyu Wang, Wenli Wan and Pinghui Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219811 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Soil heavy metal pollution is becoming increasingly severe, while traditional remediation methods are inefficient and lack long-term stability. This study innovatively combines electrokinetic remediation (EK), microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), and biochar for synergistic stabilization of contaminated soil. It evaluates the combined technology [...] Read more.

Soil heavy metal pollution is becoming increasingly severe, while traditional remediation methods are inefficient and lack long-term stability. This study innovatively combines electrokinetic remediation (EK), microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP), and biochar for synergistic stabilization of contaminated soil. It evaluates the combined technology by comparing it with individual EK and MICP treatments through chemical speciation analysis and the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The concentration of 1 mol/L urea–CaCl₂ was identified as optimal for microbial activity, achieving a microbial cell density (OD₆₀₀) of 1.0, a urease activity of 12 U/g, and a soil pH maintained within the range of 7.8–8.2. Corn stover biochar significantly enhanced urease activity—being 49.4% higher than that in the coconut shell biochar group and 25% higher than that in the bamboo biochar group—and increased the microbial survival rate by 25.4%. Group D1, which adopted the sequence of “EK treatment first, followed by biochar-synergized MICP treatment,” exhibited the best performance. It achieved stabilization efficiency of 51.90%, 73.40%, and 36.26% for bioavailable Cu, Cd, and Pb, respectively—all higher than those of individual EK and MICP treatments. Additionally, the residual fractions of heavy metals increased significantly, the leaching concentration of Cd in the anode region was below 1 mg/L, and energy consumption was 12.16% lower than that of the EK group. Microstructural analysis confirmed that the combined method promoted the formation of stable calcite, thereby improving soil aggregation and alleviating soil compaction. These findings collectively validate the proposed technology as a highly effective and sustainable strategy for stabilizing heavy metal-contaminated soil. Full article

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12 pages, 5440 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Distance Mapping Enhances Hallux Valgus Progression Visualization

by Dror Robinson, Hamza Murad, Muhammad Khatib, Muhamad Kiwan Mahamid, Eitan Lavon and Mustafa Yassin

Diagnostics 2025, 15(21), 2791; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212791 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Hallux valgus (HV), a common foot deformity, is difficult to quantify beyond traditional angular measurements. This study introduces a novel dynamic distance mapping technique to visualize HV progression and identify spatial features linked to severity. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 335 [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Hallux valgus (HV), a common foot deformity, is difficult to quantify beyond traditional angular measurements. This study introduces a novel dynamic distance mapping technique to visualize HV progression and identify spatial features linked to severity. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 335 feet from 178 patients undergoing HV surgery at Hasharon Hospital, Israel (2014–2024), utilized custom Python software to annotate 24 landmarks on preoperative standing anteroposterior radiographs. This generated 276 normalized Euclidean distances, analyzed via Pearson correlation against HV angles (HVA, IMA, DMAA, HIA). Results: Seven distances correlated negatively (r > 0.4, p < 0.05) and seven positively with HVA, involving the distal phalanx, sesamoids, and second metatarsal. Eleven distances showed strong positive correlation (r > 0.4, p < 0.05) with IMA, reflecting displacement patterns. Moderate correlations were observed with DMAA (six negative, r −0.3 to −0.4; two positive, r 0.3 to 0.4, p < 0.05) and HIA (two negative, r −0.3 to −0.4, p < 0.05). Visualizations highlighted progressive spatial changes. Conclusions: Dynamic distance mapping provides valuable insights into hallux valgus (HV) progression, as evidenced by significant correlations with HVA and IMA, supporting its potential role in surgical planning. However, its ability to capture 3D deformities requires validation against weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). Future research should explore correlations with specific indications for corrective osteotomies to enhance clinical applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics)

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6 pages, 1074 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Integrating Genetic, Clinical, and Histopathological Data for Definitive Diagnosis of PRKAG2-Related Disease

by Martina Caiazza, Emanuele Monda, Francesco Loffredo, Rossana Bussani, Vera Fico, Emanuele Bobbio, Chiara Cirillo, Anna Murredda, Immacolata Viscovo, Alessandra Scatteia, Santo Dellegrottaglie, Diego Colonna, Berardo Sarubbi, Maria Giovanna Russo, Paolo Golino, Gianfranco Sinagra and Giuseppe Limongelli

Cardiogenetics 2025, 15(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiogenetics15040030 - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: PRKAG2-related disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the PRKAG2 gene, leading to glycogen accumulation in cardiomyocytes. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ventricular pre-excitation, and conduction disease. Due to the rarity of the condition and [...] Read more.

Background: PRKAG2-related disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the PRKAG2 gene, leading to glycogen accumulation in cardiomyocytes. It is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ventricular pre-excitation, and conduction disease. Due to the rarity of the condition and the frequent occurrence of private variants, functional or pathological testing is required for definitive pathogenicity classification. Case Presentation: We describe a 22-year-old male referred for evaluation after experiencing exertional dyspnea and a syncopal episode. Family history revealed sudden cardiac deaths and conduction disease requiring pacemaker implantation. The patient exhibited mild LVH on imaging, conduction abnormalities on electrophysiological study, and a heterozygous PRKAG2 variant (c.1643C>T; p.Ser548Leu), classified as likely pathogenic according to ACMG guidelines. Cascade screening identified the variant in three family members, one of whom exhibited a positive phenotype. Endomyocardial biopsy revealed glycogen accumulation, providing histopathological confirmation of PRKAG2-related disease. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of integrating genetic, clinical, and histopathological data in variant interpretation. Endomyocardial biopsy can provide definitive evidence to reclassify a PRKAG2 variant as pathogenic, thereby guiding management and family screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Rare Disease-Genetic Syndromes)

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17 pages, 4854 KB

Open AccessArticle

Second-Order Topological States in Non-Hermitian Square Photonic Crystals

by Wenchen Ding and Yaru Feng

Photonics 2025, 12(11), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111087 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Non-Hermitian photonic crystals offer a versatile platform for observing exotic phenomena, including the non-Hermitian skin effect and higher-order topological phases. In this work, we construct non-Hermitian photonic crystals by embedding balanced gain and loss into a magneto-optical photonic medium. Within the associated supercell, [...] Read more.

Non-Hermitian photonic crystals offer a versatile platform for observing exotic phenomena, including the non-Hermitian skin effect and higher-order topological phases. In this work, we construct non-Hermitian photonic crystals by embedding balanced gain and loss into a magneto-optical photonic medium. Within the associated supercell, we demonstrate the emergence of second-order topological corner states whose degeneracies are selectively lifted by non-Hermitian effects, while others remain protected. Remarkably, the bulk states exhibit strong unidirectional localization toward a single corner, providing unambiguous evidence of the non-Hermitian skin effect. The coexistence of higher-order corner states and the NHSE within the same photonic platform reveals an intricate interplay between crystalline symmetry and non-Hermitian topology. Beyond its fundamental intrigue, our approach offers a versatile means of engineering and controlling the non-Hermitian skin effect in realistic photonic architectures, paving the way for applications in topological nanolasers, robust light localization, and quantum photonic emulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Topological Photonics)

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13 pages, 2781 KB

Open AccessArticle

Displacement Efficiency Under Pulsatile Injection: The Roles of Frequency, Amplitude, and Porosity

by Darezhat Bolysbek, Alibek Kuljabekov, Kenbai Uzbekaliyev and Zhumabek Zhantayev

Processes 2025, 13(11), 3553; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113553 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates how pulsatile injection influences two-phase displacement efficiency in a pore-scale micromodel, with emphasis on the roles of porosity, amplitude, and frequency. Simulations were performed using a conservative level-set formulation in COMSOL Multiphysics across three porosity levels (φ ≈ 0.75, 0.50, [...] Read more.

This study investigates how pulsatile injection influences two-phase displacement efficiency in a pore-scale micromodel, with emphasis on the roles of porosity, amplitude, and frequency. Simulations were performed using a conservative level-set formulation in COMSOL Multiphysics across three porosity levels (φ ≈ 0.75, 0.50, 0.30) and a range of amplitudes (25–75%) and frequencies (0–200 Hz), with fixed fluid properties and wettability. In the baseline (non-pulsed) regime, residual saturation decreased with increasing inlet velocity but reached a plateau, indicating a velocity-limited mobilization. Superimposing sinusoidal pulsations led to improved displacement only within finite frequency bands. For each porosity, a “working window” emerged, where residual saturation reached a minimum: this optimum shifted toward lower frequencies and higher amplitudes with decreasing φ. These trends were quantified using the normalized residual saturation

S_{res} / S_{ref}

and linked to the dimensionless Strouhal number

St

, defined via the capillary time scale. Phase maps and velocity fields confirmed that at optimal conditions, pulsations activated transverse throats and suppressed capillary bridges, while excessive frequencies led to inefficient re-entrapment. A fixed observation time was used to enable consistent comparison across regimes. The findings delineate the parameter ranges under which pulsations yield tangible benefit and suggest practical guidance for tuning flow modulation based on pore structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Automation Control Systems)

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23 pages, 3844 KB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Maize Yield Variability over Space and Time with Unsupervised Satellite Imagery Features

by Cullen Molitor, Juliet Cohen, Grace Lewin, Steven Cognac, Protensia Hadunka, Jonathan Proctor and Tamma Carleton

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(21), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17213641 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Recent innovations in task-agnostic imagery featurization have lowered the computational costs of using machine learning to predict ground conditions from satellite imagery. These methods hold particular promise for the development of imagery-based monitoring systems in low-income regions, where data and computational resources can [...] Read more.

Recent innovations in task-agnostic imagery featurization have lowered the computational costs of using machine learning to predict ground conditions from satellite imagery. These methods hold particular promise for the development of imagery-based monitoring systems in low-income regions, where data and computational resources can be limited. However, these relatively simple prediction pipelines have not been evaluated in developing-country contexts over time, limiting our understanding of their performance in practice. Here, we compute task-agnostic random convolutional features from satellite imagery and use linear ridge regression models to predict maize yields over space and time in Zambia, a country prone to severe droughts and crop failure. Leveraging Landsat and Sentinel 2 satellite constellations, in combination with district-level yield data, our model explains 83% of the out-of-sample maize yield variation from 2016 to 2021, slightly outperforming a model trained on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) features, a common remote sensing approach used by practitioners to monitor crop health. Our approach maintains an

R^{2}

score of 0.74 when predicting temporal variation alone, while the performance of the NDVI-based approach drops to an

R^{2}

of 0.39. Our findings imply that this task-agnostic featurization can be used to predict spatial and temporal variation in agricultural outcomes, even in contexts with limited ground truth data. More broadly, these results point to imagery-based monitoring as a promising tool for assisting agricultural planning and food security, even in contexts where computationally expensive methodologies remain out of reach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Yield Prediction Using Remote Sensing Techniques)

28 pages, 2196 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Hybrid Renewable Microgrids in Remote Northern Regions: A Comparative Simulation Study

by Nurcan Kilinc-Ata and Liliana N. Proskuryakova

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5827; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215827 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Remote northern regions face unique energy challenges due to geographic isolation, harsh climates, and limited access to centralized power grids. In response to growing environmental and economic pressures, there is a rising interest in hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable and conventional sources. [...] Read more.

Remote northern regions face unique energy challenges due to geographic isolation, harsh climates, and limited access to centralized power grids. In response to growing environmental and economic pressures, there is a rising interest in hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable and conventional sources. This study investigates sustainable and cost-effective energy supply strategies for off-grid northern communities through the modeling and simulation of multi-energy microgrids. Focusing on case studies from Yakutia (Russia), Hordaland (Norway), and Alaska (United States), the research employs a comprehensive methodology that combines a critical literature review, system design using HOMER Pro software (version 3.16.2), and a comparative analysis of simulation outcomes. Three distinct microgrid configurations are proposed, incorporating various combinations of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind energy, diesel generators, and battery storage systems. The findings reveal that integrating solar PV significantly enhances economic efficiency, particularly in regions with high solar irradiance, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping resilient, sustainable energy systems for remote northern areas. This study is innovative in its cross-regional comparative approach, linking techno-economic simulation with climatic variability analysis to identify context-specific energy strategies. The key findings highlight how hybrid microgrids combining PV, wind, and storage systems can reduce both costs and emissions by up to 35% compared to diesel-only systems, offering practical pathways toward sustainable electrification in high-latitude regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Grid Integration with Power Electronics: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 273 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Strains Enterococcus faecalis as Contaminants of Raw Goat Milk and Their Treatment with Postbiotic Active Substances Produced by Autochthonous Lactococci

by Andrea Lauková, Eva Bino, Natália Zábolyová, Marián Maďar and Monika Pogány Simonová

Processes 2025, 13(11), 3552; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113552 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Enterococci from raw goat milk were taxonomically allotted in the species Enterococcus faecalis using sequencing (16S rRNA and BLASTn analysis) with a percentage identity up to 99.91%. The virulence factor gene gelE was found in the strains EE/K3, EE/G3, and EE/G6. The agg [...] Read more.

Enterococci from raw goat milk were taxonomically allotted in the species Enterococcus faecalis using sequencing (16S rRNA and BLASTn analysis) with a percentage identity up to 99.91%. The virulence factor gene gelE was found in the strains EE/K3, EE/G3, and EE/G6. The agg gene was detected in the strain EE/G6, and the esp gene was detected in the strains EE/K5 and EE/G7. Each strain possessed at least one virulence factor gene. In the strain EE/G6, the gelE and esp genes were found. The strains EE/G6 and EE/G3 showed resistance to tetracycline and vancomycin. EE/G7 was resistant to vancomycin and gentamicin. All strains possessed low-grade biofilm-forming ability (0.1 < A570 ≤ 1.0). They possessed genes for biofilm formation (bopD, srt, and/or ace). They also produced esterase (20–40 nmo/L), esterase lipase, and α-chymotrypsin (10–40 nmoL). The values of acid phosphatase reached 20–40 nmoL. The strains EE/G3, EE/G6, and EE/G7 were observed to possess the most pathogenicity. However, all strains were susceptible to postbiotic active substances produced by two autochthonous lactococci, MK2/8 and MK1/3 (inhibitory activity up to 400 AU/mL). These postbiotic substances provide a new potential alternative to reducing contaminants in milk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)

15 pages, 1760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Gaps and Inequalities in Cancer Screening at the District Level in Peru

by Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Lucía Villar Bernaola, Maricela Curisinche-Rojas and Raúl Timaná-Ruiz

Epidemiologia 2025, 6(4), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6040074 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study assessed socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening at the district level in Peru, focusing on bilateral mammography, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Methods: An ecological study was conducted using 2021–2023 data from the Health [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study assessed socioeconomic inequalities in cancer screening at the district level in Peru, focusing on bilateral mammography, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Methods: An ecological study was conducted using 2021–2023 data from the Health Information System (HIS) of MINSA. Screening rates were calculated per 1000 eligible individuals. Socioeconomic disparities were assessed using concentration indices (CIs) and gap analysis, with the Human Development Index (HDI) as the stratification variable. Results: Screening rates were higher in districts with greater HDI. The mean district-level rates were 15.41 (SD: 72.66) for mammography, 97.27 (SD: 107.34) for FOBT, and 104.87 (SD: 101.92) for PSA per 1000 eligible individuals. Positive concentration indices indicated a pro-rich inequality: CI for mammography (0.1745, p = 0.045), FOBT (0.0633, p < 0.001), and PSA (0.0290, p = 0.028). The largest gaps were observed in Amazonian and Andean regions, where screening coverage remained markedly low. Spatial distribution revealed that certain districts, particularly in Loreto, Ucayali, and Amazonas, had screening gaps exceeding 97%. Conclusions: Significant disparities in cancer screening exist across Peruvian districts, disproportionately affecting lower-HDI districts areas. Targeted interventions, including education, telemedicine, and improved infrastructure, are necessary to enhance equitable access to early detection services and reduce the burden of disease. Full article

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18 pages, 626 KB

Open AccessArticle

Passion for Studying and Its Relationships with Academic Burnout and Mental Health: Longitudinal Insights into Sustainable Students’ Functioning

by Karolina Mudło-Głagolska and Paweł Larionow

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9852; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219852 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Passion for studying represents a crucial motivational resource in students’ academic functioning, yet its role remains complex. Based on Vallerand’s dualistic model of passion, this paper examines how harmonious and obsessive study passion relate to students’ well-being, academic burnout, and dropout intentions. Across [...] Read more.

Passion for studying represents a crucial motivational resource in students’ academic functioning, yet its role remains complex. Based on Vallerand’s dualistic model of passion, this paper examines how harmonious and obsessive study passion relate to students’ well-being, academic burnout, and dropout intentions. Across three complementary studies, we employed a multi-method approach combining cross-sectional correlational analyses (N = 142), longitudinal structural equation modeling (N = 100), and Bayesian psychological network analysis (N = 132). The results consistently indicated that harmonious passion was positively associated with well-being and negatively with burnout, psychological distress, and dropout intentions. Longitudinal findings confirmed its predictive role, showing that harmonious passion at the beginning of the semester protected against exhaustion and disengagement later on. In contrast, obsessive passion demonstrated weaker and less consistent associations, functioning mainly through links with anxiety in the network structure. Together, these findings suggest that harmonious passion acts as a central protective factor in students’ academic and emotional adjustment, whereas obsessive passion may represent a potential risk under certain conditions. By identifying the motivational and emotional mechanisms that sustain students’ well-being and engagement, this study contributes to the goals of sustainable education, emphasizing the creation of learning environments that support development of harmonious passion for studying, with its beneficial effects for long-term mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Psychology for Student Well-Being and Sustainable Development)

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32 pages, 6068 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Curved Geometries in Persistent Homology: From Euclidean to AdS Metrics in Bow Echo Dynamics

by Hélène Canot, Philippe Durand and Emmanuel Frenod

Int. J. Topol. 2025, 2(4), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijt2040019 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

We propose a geometry topological framework to analyze storm dynamics by coupling persistent homology with Anti-de Sitter (AdS)-inspired metrics. On radar images of a bow echo event, we compare Euclidean distance with three compressive AdS metrics (

α

= 0.01, 0.1, 0.3) via [...] Read more.

We propose a geometry topological framework to analyze storm dynamics by coupling persistent homology with Anti-de Sitter (AdS)-inspired metrics. On radar images of a bow echo event, we compare Euclidean distance with three compressive AdS metrics (

α

= 0.01, 0.1, 0.3) via time-resolved

H_{1}

persistence diagrams for the arc and its internal cells. The moderate curvature setting (

α = 0.1

) offers the best trade-off: it suppresses spurious cycles, preserves salient features, and stabilizes lifetime distributions. Consistently, the arc exhibits longer, more dispersed cycles (large-scale organizer), while cells show shorter, localized patterns (confined convection). Cross-correlations of

H_{1}

lifetimes reveal a temporal asymmetry: arc activation precedes cell activation. A differential indicator

Δ (t)

based on Wasserstein distances quantifies this divergence and aligns with the visual onset in radar, suggesting early warning potential. Results are demonstrated on a rapid Corsica bow echo; broader validation remains future work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Topology and Its Applications)

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28 pages, 3652 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preclinical Evaluation of Stable Integrin α_vβ₃-Specific [¹⁹⁸Au]Gold Nanoparticles for Tumor Therapy

by Güllü Davarci, Carmen Wängler, Klaus Eberhardt, Margaret Tulessin, Christopher Geppert, Ralf Schirrmacher, Gert Fricker, Carolin Mogler, Marc Pretze and Björn Wängler

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(11), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18111670 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This paper reports the preclinical evaluation of stable tumor-specific gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) activated by neutron irradiation as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancers characterized by high tumor angiogenesis. Methods: A selection of promising AuNPs with high avidity to [...] Read more.

Objectives: This paper reports the preclinical evaluation of stable tumor-specific gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) activated by neutron irradiation as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancers characterized by high tumor angiogenesis. Methods: A selection of promising AuNPs with high avidity to α_vβ₃-expressing glioma (U-87 MG) cells (IC₅₀ = 82–104 nM) were chosen with different surface loading of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides as tumor targeting vectors for integrin α_vβ₃, a target which is overexpressed in tissues displaying high tumor angiogenesis. Three different [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs were evaluated applying three injection methods, intravenous (i.v.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and intratumoral (i.t.), each in a group of six U-87 MG xenograft–bearing mice (54 female athymic nude mice in total). Their biodistribution and tumor accumulation was assessed by in vivo imaging within 1–7 days after injection and 7 days after injection by ex vivo measurement. Results: The developed [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs exhibited suboptimal biodistribution by i.v. application (accumulation pattern tail > liver > spleen, no significant tumor accumulation) and by i.p. application (accumulation pattern spleen >> liver > pancreas, slight tumor accumulation of <0.3 %ID/g). However, an acceptable biodistribution by i.t. application was observed (5.5 %ID/g in liver, 4.9 %ID/g in spleen, and 3.0 %ID/g in tumor). Conclusions: Despite the very promising in vitro results, the in vivo evaluation suggests that the [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs represent a platform for the development of restricted therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in the Development of PET and SPECT Radiotracers: Innovative Ideas with Negative Outcomes)

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20 pages, 783 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Chitosan Hydrochloride–Biosurfactant–Grape Seed Oil Nanoemulsion to Control Dental Carie: Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm Activity and Irritation Potential

by Thayza Christina Montenegro Stamford, Antônio Vinicius Pinho Sa, Lúcia Raquel Ramos Berger, Isabella Teodora de Freitas Pontes Macedo, Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior, Raquel D. Rufino, Leonie A. Sarubbo and Mayri Alejandra Diaz de Rienzo

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11773; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111773 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Biomolecules of microbial origin are gaining attention for their use in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their broad bioactivities, peculiar properties, and sustainability. This study aimed to develop a novel, eco-friendly nanoemulsion from fungal chitosan hydrochloride (ChC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa biosurfactant (PaB), and [...] Read more.

Biomolecules of microbial origin are gaining attention for their use in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their broad bioactivities, peculiar properties, and sustainability. This study aimed to develop a novel, eco-friendly nanoemulsion from fungal chitosan hydrochloride (ChC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa biosurfactant (PaB), and grape seed oil (GSO), and to assess its antimicrobial action, biofilm control, and biocompatibility. High-energy emulsification was performed to produce the nanoemulsion (CCh-PaB-GSO), which was characterized by FTIR. Its stability was monitored for 30 days via DLS, zeta potential (ZP), and PDI. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cariogenic Streptococcus species, inhibitory fraction concentration (FIC), influence on exopolysaccharide (EPS) quantification produced by bacteria, bacteria's cell wall hydrophobicity, and biofilm control were determined. Biocompatibility was assessed using the HET-CAM technique by determining the irritation potential. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation the interaction between the substances that compound the nanoemulsion. The CCh-PaB-GSO had nanometric micelles (169.5–203.4 nm), PDI (0.241–0.271), and a positive ZP (+20.25 to +31.94 mV). It showed a consistent MIC (2.0 mg/mL CCh, 0.1 mg/mL PaB, and 3.2 mg/mL GSO) for all tested Streptococcus species and an indifferent interaction effect, FIC (1.32). At sub-MIC, the CCh-PaB-GSO effectively reduced EPS and microbial cell wall hydrophobicity, inhibiting biofilm adhesion. The CCh-PaB-GSO demonstrated biocompatibility with no signs of irritation. In conclusion, the ChC-PaB-GSO system forms an effective and stable nanoemulsion with potential for application as an eco-sustainable and biocompatible product for caries control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthetic and Natural Drugs: Pharmacological Activity, Biochemical Properties, and Applications)

24 pages, 21275 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogeographic Insights into Pipistrellus Species from Türkiye: Diversity, Divergence, and Regional Lineage Structure

by Emin Seyfi, Şafak Bulut and Gül Olgun Karacan

Biology 2025, 14(11), 1549; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14111549 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and biogeographic structure of Pipistrellus species in Türkiye using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences from 156 specimens collected across 26 localities. Our primary aim was to clarify taxonomic boundaries of morphologically cryptic species [...] Read more.

This study investigates the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and biogeographic structure of Pipistrellus species in Türkiye using mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cytb) sequences from 156 specimens collected across 26 localities. Our primary aim was to clarify taxonomic boundaries of morphologically cryptic species and elucidate the evolutionary role of Anatolia in the Western Palearctic. Analyses strongly confirmed that molecular data are mandatory for defining taxonomic boundaries. Crucially, all individuals morphologically identified as P. pygmaeus were genetically determined to be P. pipistrellus, highlighting the inadequacy of external traits for cryptic species. We resolved deep intraspecific divergence across the genus. In P. pipistrellus, two major lineages (Eastern and Western) were identified, partially separated by the Anatolian Diagonal. Their co-occurrence in multiple localities confirms Anatolia’s function as a secondary contact zone. Similarly, P. kuhlii populations represent a transition zone where two distinct lineages, one of Asiatic origin (P. k. lepidus) and one Mediterranean-Levantine (P. k. kuhlii), meet. Furthermore, while P. nathusii is largely associated with migratory European lineages; a genetically distinct, potentially resident lineage was revealed in southwestern Anatolia. Divergence time estimations indicate that this diversification was shaped by major climatic events from the Miocene to the Pleistocene. This study demonstrates that Anatolia is more than just a geographic bridge; it is a dynamic center of evolution, functioning critically as both a glacial refugium and a secondary contact zone for Palearctic bat fauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Zoology)

18 pages, 703 KB

Open AccessArticle

Türkiye’s GHG Emissions Towards the 2030 Target: MDAM and LSTM-Based Analysis with Key Energy Factors

by Gizem Göktaş Balkır and Nisa Özge Önal Tuğrul

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5828; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215828 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, caused by heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, is a major driver of global warming. The World Economic Forum highlights rising emissions, ecosystem degradation, and climate-related disasters as long-term threats to global stability. The accurate modeling and prediction of GHG [...] Read more.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, caused by heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, is a major driver of global warming. The World Economic Forum highlights rising emissions, ecosystem degradation, and climate-related disasters as long-term threats to global stability. The accurate modeling and prediction of GHG emissions are crucial for evidence-based climate governance. This study investigates Türkiye’s GHG emissions by comparing two advanced time-series models: a deep learning-based Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network and the Multi Deep Assessment Model (MDAM), which incorporates Caputo fractional derivatives. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAŞ) were used covering the period between 1993 and 2022. These datasets include information on GHG emissions, fossil-based generation, renewable energy, and electricity demand. Both models were trained to predict 2030 emissions and assess the contributing factors. Results show that MDAM achieved superior accuracy compared to LSTM. Both models projected 2030 emissions above Türkiye’s 695 Mt target, with 721.87 Mt (MDAM) and 709.49 Mt (LSTM), highlighting the need for stronger policy action. A no-COVID scenario yielded higher forecasts, confirming the pandemic’s suppressive effect. Impact factor analysis revealed that domestic electricity demand and fossil-based generation are the strongest drivers, while renewables mitigate emission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Machine Learning and Data Analysis Technologies in Modern Energy Systems)

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17 pages, 2648 KB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Recovered Mine Timber as a Secondary Feedstock for Medium-Density Fiberboard Manufacturing

by Viktoria Dudeva, Viktor Savov, Petar Antov and Yuliyan Aleksandrov

Materials 2025, 18(21), 5030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18215030 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The recovery of timber residues from abandoned underground coal mines presents a unique opportunity to expand the raw material base for wood-based composites, aligning with the principles of cascade utilization. Large amounts of structural wood, embedded for decades under anaerobic and humid mining [...] Read more.

The recovery of timber residues from abandoned underground coal mines presents a unique opportunity to expand the raw material base for wood-based composites, aligning with the principles of cascade utilization. Large amounts of structural wood, embedded for decades under anaerobic and humid mining conditions, remain remarkably well-preserved and can be valorized as a secondary feedstock. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of incorporating recovered mining timber into the production of medium-density fiberboards (MDFs). Six types of laboratory panels were produced, containing different ratios of recovered and virgin pine fibers (0–100%), bonded with melamine–urea–formaldehyde resin and hot-pressed at 180 °C. Comprehensive testing of physical and mechanical properties demonstrated that panels with up to 40% recovered fibers fully complied with European standards for general-purpose boards, while up to 60% substitution was acceptable with respect to internal bond strength. At higher substitution levels, however, dimensional stability and strength were significantly reduced. These findings highlight the potential of mine timber recovery as a viable raw material pathway for MDF manufacturing, extending the service life of wood resources and reducing pressure on primary forests. The study emphasizes the role of recovered biomass in advancing circular bioeconomy objectives and resource efficiency in the wood-based panel sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wood-Based Composites from Alternative Lignocellulosic Raw Materials)

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15 pages, 1426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Patterns, Not Gut Microbiome Composition, Are Associated with Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism: An Observational Study

by Genna Di Benedetto, Germana Sorge, Marco Sarchiapone and Luca Di Martino

Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213476 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive behaviors, with prevalence estimates continuing to rise worldwide. The gut–brain axis has been proposed as a potential contributor to ASD, yet human studies [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive behaviors, with prevalence estimates continuing to rise worldwide. The gut–brain axis has been proposed as a potential contributor to ASD, yet human studies yield inconsistent findings, partly due to confounding effects of diet and behavior. Methods: Here, we investigated the gut bacteriome and mycobiome of children with ASD (n = 17) compared with their non-ASD siblings (n = 9) and parents without ASD (n = 27), alongside detailed assessment of dietary intake (n = 79) using 7-day food diaries. Results: Multi-kingdom microbiome profiling revealed no significant differences in α- or β- diversity across ASD, sibling, and parental groups, with only minor taxonomic variation observed. Similarly, fungal community composition showed negligible group-level differences. By contrast, dietary patterns strongly differentiated ASD from non-ASD participants: children with ASD consumed higher levels of sweets and sugary foods, lower portions of vegetables, and exhibited reduced overall dietary diversity. Statistical analyses confirmed that dietary factors, rather than microbial composition, explained variation in ASD diagnosis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that selective and repetitive eating behaviors are characteristic of ASD shape dietary intake, which in turn influences gut microbial diversity. Thus, in humans, the directionality may run primarily from behavior to diet to microbiome, rather than from microbiome to behavior. Our results underscore the importance of incorporating dietary variables into microbiome research and highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions to improve health outcomes in individuals with ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transforming Childhood Nutrition: New Perspectives on Food Literacy and Healthy Diets: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 41459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Path Attention Fusion Transformer for Spectral Learning in Corn Quality Assessment

by Jialu Li, Haoyi Wang, Hongbo Zhang and Tongqiang Jiang

Foods 2025, 14(21), 3786; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213786 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Accurately modeling the nonlinear relationships between near-infrared (NIR) spectral signatures and biochemical traits in corn remains a major challenge. A key difficulty lies in capturing multi-scale contextual dependencies—ranging from local absorption peaks to global spectral patterns—that jointly determine quality constituents such as protein [...] Read more.

Accurately modeling the nonlinear relationships between near-infrared (NIR) spectral signatures and biochemical traits in corn remains a major challenge. A key difficulty lies in capturing multi-scale contextual dependencies—ranging from local absorption peaks to global spectral patterns—that jointly determine quality constituents such as protein and oil. To address this, we propose SpecTran, a spectral Transformer network specifically designed for NIR regression. SpecTran integrates three key components: adaptive multi-scale patch embedding which extracts spectral features at multiple resolutions to capture both fine and coarse patterns, spectral-enhanced positional encoding which preserves wavelength order information more effectively than standard encoding, and hierarchical feature fusion for robust multi-task prediction. Evaluated on the public Eigenvector corn dataset, SpecTran had a performance across four key traits—moisture, starch, oil, and protein—with an average

R^{2}

of 0.483. It reduced the RMSE by 11.2% for protein and 10.7% for oil compared to the best-performing baseline, which is the standard Transformer model. These results demonstrate SpecTran’s superior ability to model complex spectral dynamics while providing interpretable insights, offering a reliable framework for NIR-based agricultural quality assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Using Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics to Improve Food Safety)

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14 pages, 796 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Study of Vision-Based Artificial Intelligence Application to Evaluate Occupational Risks in Viticulture

by Sirio R. S. Cividino, Alessio Cappelli, Paolo Belluco, Fabiano Rinaldi, Lena Avramovic and Mauro Zaninelli

Sensors 2025, 25(21), 6749; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25216749 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The agricultural sector remains one of the most hazardous working environments, with viticulture posing particularly high risks due to repetitive manual tasks, pesticide exposure, and machinery operation. This study explores the potential of vision-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to enhance occupational health and [...] Read more.

The agricultural sector remains one of the most hazardous working environments, with viticulture posing particularly high risks due to repetitive manual tasks, pesticide exposure, and machinery operation. This study explores the potential of vision-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to enhance occupational health and safety by evaluating their coherence with human expert assessments. A dataset of 203 annotated images, collected from 50 vineyards in Northern Italy, was analyzed across three domains: manual work activities, workplace environments, and agricultural machinery. Each image was independently assessed by safety professionals and an AI pipeline integrating convolutional neural networks, regulatory contextualization, and risk matrix evaluation. Agreement between AI and experts was quantified using weighted Cohen’s Kappa, achieving values of 0.94–0.96, with overall classification error rates below 14%. Errors were primarily false negatives in machinery images, reflecting visual complexity and operational variability. Statistical analyses, including McNemar and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, revealed no significant differences between AI and expert classifications. These findings suggest that AI can provide reliable, standardized risk detection while highlighting limitations such as reduced sensitivity in complex scenarios and the need for explainable models. Overall, integrating AI with complementary sensors and regulatory frameworks offers a credible path toward proactive, transparent, and preventive safety management in viticulture and potentially other high-risk agricultural sectors. Furthermore, vision-based AI systems inherently act as optical sensors capable of capturing and interpreting occupational risk conditions. Their integration with complementary sensor technologies—such as inertial, environmental, and proximity sensors—can enhance the precision and contextual awareness of automated safety assessments in viticulture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Sensors Technologies in Agricultural Engineering)

17 pages, 1750 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress on Affibody-Based Supramolecular Architectures: Moving from Monomeric Constructs to Multivalent Assemblies

by Hongfei Wang, Liqiang Wei, Chunyue Du, Antony Kam and Shining Loo

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(11), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18111669 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Affibody molecules have emerged as versatile protein engineering platforms due to their exceptional binding properties. These small (6.5 kDa) three-helix bundle proteins, derived from the Z-domain of Staphylococcal protein A, can be engineered to bind diverse molecular targets with high affinity and specificity. [...] Read more.

Affibody molecules have emerged as versatile protein engineering platforms due to their exceptional binding properties. These small (6.5 kDa) three-helix bundle proteins, derived from the Z-domain of Staphylococcal protein A, can be engineered to bind diverse molecular targets with high affinity and specificity. This structural and functional versatility has driven their applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing. This review examines the evolution from monomeric affibody constructs to multivalent supramolecular assemblies, highlighting how this shift overcomes key limitations while expanding functionality. Recent advances in conjugation chemistry, scaffold engineering, and protein design have enabled sophisticated affibody-based architectures with enhanced pharmacokinetic profiles and multivalent binding capabilities, thereby improving their utility in targeted drug delivery, molecular imaging, and theranostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Self-Assembling Nanostructures for Cancer Therapy)

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59 pages, 3216 KB

Open AccessReview

The Current State of Research in the Field of Photosensitizers and Photoactivators for Photodynamic/Photothermal Cancer Therapy: A Review

by Pavel Yudaev, Yulia Aleksandrova, Elena Chugunova and Margarita Neganova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10733; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110733 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

This review is devoted to research in the field of photodynamic and photothermal therapies for malignant tumors. Special attention in the review is given to photosensitizers based on compounds with a tetrapyrrole ring system, their metal complexes, BODIPY and aza-BODIPY derivatives, squaraines, and [...] Read more.

This review is devoted to research in the field of photodynamic and photothermal therapies for malignant tumors. Special attention in the review is given to photosensitizers based on compounds with a tetrapyrrole ring system, their metal complexes, BODIPY and aza-BODIPY derivatives, squaraines, and photoactivators based on metal complexes with other ligands such as phenanthroline and its derivatives, metronidazole, pyridine, and imidazole derivatives. Additionally, the review considers nanosized carriers for photosensitizers, such as organic and inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, and extracellular vesicles. This review also discusses the dark toxicity and phototoxicity of these compounds and the processes of free oxygen radical formation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. It has been established that nanoscale delivery systems are more promising for use in photodynamic and photothermal therapy compared to molecular photosensitizers. This is due to their improved solubility in physiological environments, selective accumulation in tumors, prolonged photoactivity, and lower therapeutic dose, which allows for the minimization of the side effects of treatment. Among the molecular photosensitizers under consideration, amphiphilic tetrapyrroles appear to be the most promising. Specifically, tetrapyrrole complexes of indium (III) and iridium (III) with non-porphyrin ligands exhibit favorable photophysical and biological characteristics. The review also indicates that photosensitizers tend to localize in the mitochondria of tumor cells, contributing to oxidative stress and apoptosis activation. This review may be of interest to biochemists and oncologists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Cancer, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidation Active Substances: 3rd Edition)

9 pages, 438 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Glycemic Outcomes and Insulin Requirements in Women with Type 1 Diabetes Who Are Users of Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems

by Marta Rosado-Fernández, Elisenda Climent, Mercè Fernández-Miró, Anna Garrido, Rosa Gaja, Verónica Amador, Gracia Natera, Andrea González, Gemma Llauradó, Juan José Chillarón and Juana A. Flores-Le Roux

Diabetology 2025, 6(11), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/diabetology6110139 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Purpose: It has been previously described that some women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may experience changes in glucose levels in relation to their menstrual cycle. However, whether an advanced hybrid closed-loop system (AHCL) can mitigate these cycle-dependent changes is yet to be [...] Read more.

Purpose: It has been previously described that some women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may experience changes in glucose levels in relation to their menstrual cycle. However, whether an advanced hybrid closed-loop system (AHCL) can mitigate these cycle-dependent changes is yet to be determined. Methods: This study is a prospective analysis of a cohort of premenopausal women with T1D with spontaneous menstrual cycles who are users of an AHCL system 780G Medtronic^®. Three consecutive cycles were analyzed for each patient, and each cycle was divided into three phases (menstrual, luteal, and rest of cycle phase). Results: Fifteen subjects were included. Mean age was 38 ± 7.6 years, HbA1c was 7.12 ± 0.7%, and diabetes duration was 21 ± 13.7 years. Mean glucose was higher in the luteal phase compared to the menstrual period (p = 0.029 luteal vs. menstrual) and the rest of the cycle (p = 0.018 luteal vs. rest of cycle). The time in range (TIR) was lower in the luteal phase compared to the rest of cycle phase (p = 0.015 luteal vs. rest of cycle). The time below range (TBR) was significantly higher in the menstrual compared to the luteal phase (p = 0.007 luteal vs. menstrual). Daily insulin requirements were higher in luteal phase compared to rest of cycle (p = 0.017 luteal vs. rest of cycle). Conclusions: A higher mean glucose and lower TIR, despite a higher total insulin dose, was observed in the luteal phase. A higher TBR was observed in the menstrual phase. However, AHCL with 780G Medtronic^® achieves a TIR of almost 70% in all cycle phases. Full article

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32 pages, 3533 KB

Open AccessArticle

RDBAlert: An AI-Driven Automated Tool for Effective Identification of Victims’ Personal Information in Ransomware Data Breaches

by Juan Manuel Tejada-Triviño, Elvira Castillo-Fernández, Pedro García-Teodoro and José Antonio Gómez-Hernández

Electronics 2025, 14(21), 4327; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14214327 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Ransomware attacks are increasingly resulting in the public leakage of sensitive personal data, affecting both individuals and organizations worldwide. Aimed to inform victims when their personal information is compromised, this paper introduces RDBAlert, a rapid and efficient practical tool that automates the [...] Read more.

Ransomware attacks are increasingly resulting in the public leakage of sensitive personal data, affecting both individuals and organizations worldwide. Aimed to inform victims when their personal information is compromised, this paper introduces RDBAlert, a rapid and efficient practical tool that automates the extraction of multimodal personal data from ransomware leak repositories, enabling victims to mitigate damage early and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from further harm. The comprehensive and modular nature of this novel tool contributes several notable features: (i) automation of ransomware data leak detection; (ii) analysis of information in multiple formats and languages by integrating well-known OCR, text/PDF, and image recognition, as well as multimodal currently available AI-related tools; (iii) user-friendly interface for quick and efficient analysis; and (iv) ability to gather forensic evidence for studying security incidents. In addition to the flexible nature of RDBAlert–as each module can be replaced or upgraded with potentially more effective solutions without impacting the overall service–experimental results show that it is highly effective at identifying personal information, which will contribute to the mitigation of ransomware attack consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Security and Privacy Protection: Trends and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 10629 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hindering Effect of Solid-Solutioning on Intermetallic Growth in Aluminum–Matrix Composite Reinforced with Mechanically Alloyed Ni-Cu Particles

by Masih Bolhasani Hesari, Reza Beygi, Ali Bayrami, Mohammad Mehdi Kasaei, Majid Zarezade Mehrizi, Eduardo A. S. Marques and Lucas F. M. da Silva

J. Manuf. Mater. Process. 2025, 9(11), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmmp9110364 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

In the present study, aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) using Ni-Cu particles. Ni-Cu particles were added to the Al matrix in two ways. First, without any treatment and in the form of a mixture of as-received powders. [...] Read more.

In the present study, aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) were fabricated by friction stir processing (FSP) using Ni-Cu particles. Ni-Cu particles were added to the Al matrix in two ways. First, without any treatment and in the form of a mixture of as-received powders. Second, treated through mechanical alloying to form Monel solid-solution particles. The particles were added to a groove to be processed by the FSP tool to produce a local AMC. To investigate the kinetics of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) growth in reinforcement particles, the produced AMCs were annealed at 500 °C for 2 h. To characterize the reinforcing particles, several analyses were performed on the samples. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was used to study the size, morphology, and IMC thickness. TEM was performed to characterize the IMCs through high-resolution chemical analyses. Tensile testing was used to understand the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of AMCs. Tensile testing revealed a noticeable improvement in strength for the as-mixed sample, with a UTS of 90.3 MPa, approximately 22% higher than that of the base aluminum. In contrast, the mechanical alloying sample with annealing heat treatment exhibited a severe drop in ductility, with elongation decreasing from 17.98% in the as-mixed sample to 1.52%. The results showed that heat treatment thickened the IMC layer around the reinforcing particles formed during the FSP process with as-mixed particles. In the AMC reinforced with mechanically alloyed Ni-Cu powders, IMC formation during FSP was significantly suppressed compared to that of as-mixed particles, despite the finer size resulting from milling. Additionally, the heat treatment resulted in only a slight increase in IMC thickness. The IMC layer thickness after heat treatment in both the mechanically alloyed sample and the as-mixed sample was approximately 2 µm and 20–40 µm, respectively. The reason behind this difference and its effect on the fracture behavior of the composite were elaborated in this study, giving insights into metal-matrix production with controlled reaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Metal Forming and Joining Technologies)

18 pages, 3057 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Density Measurement During Cultivation Through Analysis of the Elastic Deformation of a Cultivator Shank

by Asparuh I. Atanasov and Atanas Z. Atanasov

Eng 2025, 6(11), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6110310 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Soil compaction significantly affects crop growth and yield. Traditional methods for assessing soil density are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and provide limited coverage of the entire field. This study aims to evaluate an alternative method for measuring soil density in real time during standard cultivation [...] Read more.

Soil compaction significantly affects crop growth and yield. Traditional methods for assessing soil density are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and provide limited coverage of the entire field. This study aims to evaluate an alternative method for measuring soil density in real time during standard cultivation operations. The proposed approach involves measuring the elastic deformation of the cultivator shank using strain gauges mounted on the working element. Simultaneous measurement of two separate working elements was tested. Data were recorded in real time and used to generate a soil compaction map of the test field. Soil density measurements obtained using a vertical cone penetrometer served as a reference for comparison. Analysis of the collected data revealed a strong correlation between shank deformation and measured soil density, with a Multiple R = 0.814 and R² = 0.662. The results demonstrate that elastic deformation of the cultivator shank can reliably indicate soil compaction. The tested methodology provides a practical, real-time assessment of soil density during cultivation. It can be integrated into various plows or cultivators, enabling continuous monitoring of soil compaction without the labor and fuel demands of traditional mechanical tests. This approach offers a promising tool for precision soil management and optimizing field operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical, Civil and Environmental Engineering)

18 pages, 1131 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Fallow Compensation Mechanism for Groundwater Overexploitation in the Tarim River Basin Under Bidirectional Collaboration

by Jiaxin Hao, Kangzheng Zhong, Liqiang Shen, Zengyi Cheng and Yuejian Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2301; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212301 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

Exploring the differentiated fallow compensation (FC) standards in different regions is of great significance for formulating and improving the mechanism of fallow compensation and ensuring the sustainability of policies. The groundwater overexploitation area in the Tarim River Basin was selected as the research [...] Read more.

Exploring the differentiated fallow compensation (FC) standards in different regions is of great significance for formulating and improving the mechanism of fallow compensation and ensuring the sustainability of policies. The groundwater overexploitation area in the Tarim River Basin was selected as the research area; this study breaks through the perspective of a single subject and integrates the “opportunity cost” of the compensated subject and the “ecosystem service value” of the compensating subject into a unified analysis framework to obtain the fallow compensation standard, and the logistic model is used to analyze the influencing factors of farmers’ compensation method selection. The results are as follows: (1) The FC standards exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. The range of FC standards in various counties is 5540.40 to 7770.53 CNY/hm² (769.50 to 1079.24 USD/hm²), which is generally lower than the current standard. (2) There are three main compensation methods chosen by farmers, ranked in descending order of selection ratio: monetary compensation (72.06%) > physical compensation (19.37%) > technical compensation (8.57%). (3) The factors influencing the choice of compensation method are quite complex. The dependency ratio is the main influencing factor in the choice of monetary compensation (β = 0.738); the evaluation of economic conditions has a significant negative correlation with the choice of physical compensation (β = −0.562), and nonfarm household income is the main influencing factor for choosing technical compensation (β = 0.747). This study provides a new perspective for determining FC standards and aims to provide a theoretical basis for local governments to improve their fallow policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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27 pages, 3184 KB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis of the Energy Consumption of Ventilation and Dehumidification Processes in the Ice Rink Arena

by Agnieszka Palmowska and Piotr Ciuman

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11771; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111771 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2025

Abstract

The reduction in energy use in buildings remains a major challenge. In the European Union, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption, with sports facilities alone responsible for around 10% of annual use. These facilities are characterised by specific indoor [...] Read more.

The reduction in energy use in buildings remains a major challenge. In the European Union, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption, with sports facilities alone responsible for around 10% of annual use. These facilities are characterised by specific indoor environmental requirements, and ice rink arenas, in particular, represent substantial energy consumers due to the demands of ventilation and dehumidification processes. This paper investigates strategies for maintaining adequate air parameters in an ice rink arena, based on an experimentally verified numerical model of the facility. The research focused on: (1) assessing the energy consumption of different ventilation and air distribution system configurations, and (2) evaluating potential reductions achievable through the implementation of recirculation, heat recovery, and various air handling unit (AHU) configurations, while ensuring appropriate thermal and humidity conditions within the arena. Multi-variant simulations of AHU energy consumption were performed in IDA ICE 4.8 software for both day and night operation over the entire ice rink season. The results showed that the choice and operation of AHU configurations significantly influenced energy consumption as well as the thermal–humidity conditions of the facility, with annual savings of up to 67%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 12th International Conference of Environmental Protection and Energy)

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