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21 pages, 1598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Matrix Metalloproteinases 1 and 3 in Ovarian Cancer: Diagnostic and Prognostic Potential of Genetic Variants and Expression Profiling

by Amal Mohamad Husein Mackawy, Hajed Obaid Alharbi, Ahmad Almatroudi, Wanian M. Alwanian and Khaled S. Allemailem

Diagnostics 2025, 15(12), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15121521 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background:Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is one of the foremost factors in female carcinoma-related fatalities worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key mediators of tissue remodeling and are linked to tumor aggressiveness, yet there is still a lack of information on the link [...] Read more.

Background:Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is one of the foremost factors in female carcinoma-related fatalities worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key mediators of tissue remodeling and are linked to tumor aggressiveness, yet there is still a lack of information on the link between genetic changes in MMPs-1,3 and the onset and progression of OC in Egyptian women. This study examines the effects of immunoreactive biomolecule variations of MMPs-1,3, as well as the MMP-1 (1607 1G/2G) and MMP-3 (-1171 5A/6A) genetic variants, on OC risk and progression in Egyptian women. Methods: Tissue specimens embedded in paraffin from 100 OC patients and 60 controls were stained using immunohistochemistry to examine expression of MMPs-1,3. MMP levels were quantified using ELISA, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MMPs-1,3 were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Increased levels of MMPs-1,3 in OC patients relative to controls, with more of an increase in the late stages (III and IV) than in the early OC stages (I and II). Additionally, the MMP-1 2G/2G and MMP-3 6A/6A genotypes were more prevalent in OC patients than in controls. Ovarian MMPs-1,3 were comparatively elevated in the identified genotypes compared to the 1G/1G and 5A/5A genotypes, respectively. The transcriptional activity of MMPs-1,3 showed strong potential for distinguishing patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) from controls, boasting an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.956 and 0.816, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 94.0% and 90.0% for MMP-1 and 80.0% and 73.3% for MMP-3, respectively. Conclusion: The MMP-1 2G/2G and MMP-3 6A/6A genotypes are correlated with elevated MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels and immunohistochemical expression in carcinomatous ovarian tissues, particularly in advanced stages of OC. This indicates that genetic variations of MMPs-1,3 could be valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers for OC in Egyptian women. Our findings may carry clinical relevance for optimizing OC therapeutic effectiveness, contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the role of MMPs, and shed new light on the genetic background of OC. Future studies with larger sample sizes and comprehensive MMP genetic profiling are needed for results validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Gynecological Oncology)

20 pages, 3659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Miniaturized Design for a Terahertz Tri-Mirror CATR with High QZ Characteristics

by Zhi Li, Yuan Yao, Haiming Xin and Daocai Xiang

Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3751; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123751 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a miniaturized design for a terahertz tri-mirror compact antenna test range (CATR) system, composed of a square-aperture paraboloid primary mirror with a side length of 0.2 m and two shaped mirrors with circular apertures of 0.06 m and 0.07 m [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a miniaturized design for a terahertz tri-mirror compact antenna test range (CATR) system, composed of a square-aperture paraboloid primary mirror with a side length of 0.2 m and two shaped mirrors with circular apertures of 0.06 m and 0.07 m in diameter. The design first employs the cross-polarization cancelation method based on beam mode expansion to determine the geometric configuration of the system, thereby enabling the structure to exhibit low cross-polarization characteristics. Subsequently, the shaped mirrors, with beamforming and wave-front control capabilities, are synthesized using dynamic ray tracing based on geometric optics (GO) and the dual-paraboloid expansion method. Finally, the strong edge diffraction effects induced by the small-aperture primary mirror are suppressed by optimizing the desired quiet-zone (QZ) field width, adjusting the feed-edge taper, and incorporating rolled-edge structures on the primary mirror. Numerical simulation results indicate that within the 100–500 GHz frequency band, the system’s cross-polarization level is below −40 dB, while the amplitude and phase ripples of the co-polarization in the QZ are, respectively, less than 1.6 dB and 10°, and the QZ usage ratio exceeds 70%. The designed CATR was manufactured and tested. The results show that at 183 GHz and 275 GHz, the measured co-polarization amplitude and phase ripples in the system’s QZ are within 1.8 dB and 15°, respectively. While these values deviate slightly from simulations, they still meet the CATR evaluation criteria, which specify QZ co-polarization amplitude ripple < 2 dB and phase ripple < 20°. The overall physical structure sizes of the system are 0.61 m × 0.2 m × 0.66 m. The proposed miniaturized terahertz tri-mirror CATR design methodology not only enhances the QZ characteristics but also significantly reduces the spatial footprint of the entire system, demonstrating significant potential for practical engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)

18 pages, 3132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ICAFormer: An Image Dehazing Transformer Based on Interactive Channel Attention

by Yanfei Chen, Tong Yue, Pei An, Hanyu Hong, Tao Liu, Yangkai Liu and Yihui Zhou

Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3750; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123750 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Single image dehazing is a fundamental task in computer vision, aiming to recover a clear scene from a hazy input image. To address the limitations of traditional dehazing algorithms—particularly in global feature association and local detail preservation—this study proposes a novel Transformer-based dehazing [...] Read more.

Single image dehazing is a fundamental task in computer vision, aiming to recover a clear scene from a hazy input image. To address the limitations of traditional dehazing algorithms—particularly in global feature association and local detail preservation—this study proposes a novel Transformer-based dehazing model enhanced by an interactive channel attention mechanism. The proposed architecture adopts a U-shaped encoder–decoder framework, incorporating key components such as a feature extraction module and a feature fusion module based on interactive attention. Specifically, the interactive channel attention mechanism facilitates cross-layer feature interaction, enabling the dynamic fusion of global contextual information and local texture details. The network architecture leverages a multi-scale feature pyramid to extract image information across different dimensions, while an improved cross-channel attention weighting mechanism enhances feature representation in regions with varying haze densities. Extensive experiments conducted on both synthetic and real-world datasets—including the RESIDE benchmark—demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method. Quantitatively, it achieves PSNR gains of 0.53 dB for indoor scenes and 1.64 dB for outdoor scenes, alongside SSIM improvements of 1.4% and 1.7%, respectively, compared with the second-best performing method. Qualitative assessments further confirm that the proposed model excels in restoring fine structural details in dense haze regions while maintaining high color fidelity. These results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing both perceptual quality and quantitative accuracy in image dehazing tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)

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12 pages, 1045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Thermal Aging on Color Stability and Mechanical Properties of High-Density CAD/CAM Polymers Utilized for Provisional Restorations

by Rasha Alharthi, Ali Robaian Alqahtani, Abdullah Mohammed Alshehri, Abdulrahman Almalki, Heba Wageh Abozaed, Eman Mohamed Raffat Hussein and Tarek Ahmed Soliman

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(6), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16060223 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated and compared the effects of thermal aging on the color stability and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM polymers utilized for provisional restorations. Material and Methods: Three CAD/CAM polymers in this study: CAD-Temp (CAT), Everest C-Temp (CT), and PEEK (PK). Forty [...] Read more.

Background: This study evaluated and compared the effects of thermal aging on the color stability and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM polymers utilized for provisional restorations. Material and Methods: Three CAD/CAM polymers in this study: CAD-Temp (CAT), Everest C-Temp (CT), and PEEK (PK). Forty specimens of each material were randomly assigned to two subgroups. Subgroup A was immersed in distilled water for 24 h, whereas Subgroup B was subjected to 5000 thermal cycles. The color stability, flexural strength (FS), survival probability, and microstructures were evaluated following thermal cycling. Data analysis was conducted utilizing two-way ANOVA along with Tukey’s test. Results: The CAT (3.74 ± 0.39) and CT (3.51 ± 0.54) groups exhibited the highest color variations, while PEEK (2.95 ± 0.45) showed the lowest color change. The baseline groups showed that the CT group had the highest flexural strength value (p < 0.05). The flexural strength values of CAT and CT groups significantly decreased (p < 0.05) following thermal cycling. No significant decrease in FS was observed following thermal cycling in the Pk group (p = 0.16). Conclusions: The color measurement and flexural strength outcomes were significantly influenced by CAD/CAM materials and thermal cycling. The CT group demonstrated superior flexural strength compared to the other groups, both before and after thermal cycling. The PK group shows the lowest color change compared to other groups. Regardless of aging condition, C-Temp and PEEK materials recorded the highest survival probability, a 95% significance level compared to CAD-Temp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Dental Restorative Composite Materials)

21 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying λ-Statistical Convergence in Fuzzy Paranormed Spaces to Supply Chain Inventory Management Under Demand Shocks (DS)

by Hasan Öğünmez and Muhammed Recai Türkmen

Mathematics 2025, 13(12), 1977; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13121977 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces and analyzes the concept of

λ

-statistical convergence in fuzzy paranormed spaces, demonstrating its relevance to supply chain inventory management under demand shocks. We establish key relationships between generalized convergence methods and fuzzy convex analysis, showing how these results extend [...] Read more.

This paper introduces and analyzes the concept of

λ

-statistical convergence in fuzzy paranormed spaces, demonstrating its relevance to supply chain inventory management under demand shocks. We establish key relationships between generalized convergence methods and fuzzy convex analysis, showing how these results extend classical summability theory to uncertain demand environments. By exploring

λ

-statistical Cauchy sequences and

(V, λ)

-summability in fuzzy paranormed spaces, we provide new insights applicable to adaptive inventory optimization and decision-making in supply chains. Our findings bridge theoretical aspects of fuzzy convexity with practical convergence tools, advancing the robust modeling of demand uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical and Applied Mathematics in Supply Chain Management)

24 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Adapted Cardioprotective Diet With or Without Phytosterol and/or Krill Oil Supplementation in Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Results of a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

by Erlon Oliveira de Abreu-Silva, Rachel Helena Vieira Machado, Bianca Rodrigues dos Santos, Flávia Cristina Soares Kojima, Renato Hideo Nakagawa Santos, Karina do Lago Negrelli, Letícia Barbante Rodrigues, Pedro Gabriel Melo de Barros e Silva, Andressa Gusmão de Lima, João Gabriel Sanchez, Fernanda Jafet El Khouri, Ângela Cristine Bersch-Ferreira, Adriana Bastos Carvalho, Thaís Martins de Oliveira, Maria Cristina Izar, Geni Rodrigues Sampaio, Nágila Raquel Teixeira Damasceno, Marcelo Macedo Rogero, Elizabeth Aparecida Ferraz da Silva Torres, Flávia De Conti Cartolano, Julia Pinheiro Krey, Patrícia Vieira de Luca, Cristiane Kovacs Amaral, Elisa Maia dos Santos, Rodrigo Morel Vieira de Melo, Eduardo Gomes Lima, André de Luca dos Santos, Thiago Gomes Heck, Ana Paula Perillo Ferreira Carvalho, Silvia Bueno Garofallo, Alexandre Biasi Cavalcanti and Aline Marcadenti Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122008 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an increasingly common inherited disorder that increases cardiovascular risk. Despite the importance of lifestyle interventions, adherence to a healthy diet among individuals with FH remains suboptimal. This pilot, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an increasingly common inherited disorder that increases cardiovascular risk. Despite the importance of lifestyle interventions, adherence to a healthy diet among individuals with FH remains suboptimal. This pilot, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of a culturally adapted cardioprotective diet (DICA-FH), alone or in combination with phytosterol and/or krill oil supplementation, on lipid parameters in Brazilian adults with probable or definitive FH. Methods: Between May and August 2023, 58 participants were enrolled across nine Brazilian centers and randomized (1:1:1:1) into four groups: DICA-FH + phytosterol placebo + krill oil placebo; DICA-FH + phytosterol 2 g/day + krill oil placebo; DICA-FH + phytosterol placebo + krill oil 2 g/day; and DICA-FH + phytosterol 2 g/day + krill oil 2 g/day. Interventions lasted 120 days. The primary outcomes were mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels, as well as adherence to treatment at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included mean levels of other lipids, frequency of adverse events, and assessment of protocol implementation components. All data were presented separately for the allocation groups: phytosterol vs. placebo and krill oil vs. placebo. Results: Mean age was 54.5 ± 13.7 years, and 58.6% were women. Both adherence to protocol (91.8% attendance; 79.1% investigational product intake) and retention (86.2%) were high. No significant differences between groups were found for LDL-c or Lp(a). However, regardless of allocation to active supplementation or placebo, a significant reduction in Lp(a) concentrations was observed following the DICA-FH intervention (median difference: −3.8 mg/dL [interquartile range: −7.5 to −1.2]; p < 0.01). Significant reductions in oxidized LDL (LDL-ox) and LDL-ox/LDL-c ratio were also observed in the overall sample (p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, all groups showed improvements in diet quality after 120 days. No serious adverse events related to the interventions were reported. Additionally, most protocol implementation components were successfully achieved. Conclusions: The DICA-FH strategy, with or without supplementation, was safe and well-tolerated. Although not powered to detect clinical efficacy (which is acceptable in exploratory pilot trials), the study supports the feasibility of a larger trial and highlights the potential of dietary interventions in the management of HF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipids and Lipoproteins in Cardiovascular Diseases)

25 pages, 2033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

State-Space Method-Based Frame Dynamics Analysis of the Six-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

by Ruijing Liu, Yu Liu and Yi Zhang

World Electr. Veh. J. 2025, 16(6), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj16060331 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

As a key component of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the vibrational characteristics of the airframe critically impact flight safety and imaging quality. These vibrations, often generated by motor-propeller systems or aerodynamic forces, can lead to structural fatigue during flight or cause image blur [...] Read more.

As a key component of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the vibrational characteristics of the airframe critically impact flight safety and imaging quality. These vibrations, often generated by motor-propeller systems or aerodynamic forces, can lead to structural fatigue during flight or cause image blur in payloads like cameras. To analyze the dynamic performance of the six-rotor UAV frame, this paper develops a state-space model based on linear state-space theory, structural dynamics principles, and modal information. The Direct Current (DC) gain method is employed to reduce the number of modes, followed by frequency response analysis on the reduced modes to derive the frequency–domain transfer function between the excitation input and response output points. The contribution of each mode to the overall frequency response is evaluated, and the frequency response curve is subsequently plotted. The results indicate that the model achieves a 73-fold speed improvement with an error rate of less than 13%, thereby validating the accuracy of the six-rotor UAV frame state-space model. Furthermore, the computational efficiency has been significantly enhanced, meeting the requirements for vibration simulation analysis. The dynamic analysis approach grounded in state-space theory offers a novel methodology for investigating the dynamic performance of complex structures, enabling efficient and precise analysis of frequency response characteristics in complex linear systems such as electric vehicle (EV) battery modules and motor systems. By treating EV components as dynamic systems with coupled mechanical–electrical interactions, this method contributes to the reliability and safety of sustainable transportation systems, addressing vibration challenges in both UAVs and EVs through unified modeling principles. Full article

19 pages, 4073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Practical Quantitative Tool Based on the EXCASS System for the Use of Hoek-Brown’s Disturbance Factor in Slope Excavations

by Gulseren Dagdelenler and Harun Sonmez

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6714; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126714 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

The disturbance factor (D) in the Hoek–Brown criterion quantifies excavation-induced rock mass disturbance. Although D is conceptually defined as a continuous parameter ranging from 0 to 1, the most recent Hoek–Brown guidelines provide descriptions only for boundary conditions related to slopes [...] Read more.

The disturbance factor (D) in the Hoek–Brown criterion quantifies excavation-induced rock mass disturbance. Although D is conceptually defined as a continuous parameter ranging from 0 to 1, the most recent Hoek–Brown guidelines provide descriptions only for boundary conditions related to slopes and tunnels. In slope excavations, the degree of disturbance is governed not only by the excavation method but also by the thickness of the removed overburden, with its influence becoming particularly significant in deep excavations. In recent years, the concept of a transitional disturbance factor, varying with depth from the excavation surface, has gained increasing attention. To address this need, the EXCASS system, an empirical method for selecting appropriate excavation techniques based on the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and point load strength (I_s50) values, was integrated into the transitional disturbance factor framework in this study. EXCASS allows for the selection of stronger or weaker excavation methods, offering flexibility to control the degree of disturbance induced in the rock mass. Moreover, the disturbance factor at the excavation surface was determined by incorporating both the operational excavation power index and the thickness of the removed overburden. This integrated approach enables a more realistic evaluation of excavation-induced damage in slope stability analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)

16 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Greek Version of the Distress Thermometer for Parents of Children with Dysphagia: A Validation Study

by Andri Papaleontiou, Vassiliki Siafaka, Louiza Voniati, Alexandros Gryparis, Rafaella Georgiou and Dionysios Tafiadis

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124260 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Distress Thermometer for Parents represents an excellent tool for the rapid assessment of emotional distress in parents of children with a variety of chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Distress Thermometer for Parents in assessing emotional [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The Distress Thermometer for Parents represents an excellent tool for the rapid assessment of emotional distress in parents of children with a variety of chronic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Distress Thermometer for Parents in assessing emotional distress in parents and caregivers of children with feeding and swallowing difficulties feeding swallowing disorders or, dysphagia, in the Greek Cypriot community. Methods: It involved 200 Greek Cypriot participants: 100 parents/caregivers of children with FSD and 100 parents/caregivers of children without such difficulties. Demographic and clinical data were collected and test–retest reliability was evaluated. Results: The DT-P demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.928) and strong test–retest consistency (r = 1.00, p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed strong discrimination for detecting distress, with an AUC of 0.76 for parents of children under 24 months and 0.77 for parents of children over 2 years (p < 0.01). Parents reported a medium level of distress (M = 3.67, SD = 2.89), with “Emotional Problems” (M = 2.03, SD = 2.28) and “Practical Problems” (M = 1.79, SD = 2.12) contributing most significantly. Independent t-tests revealed significantly higher distress levels in parents in the clinical group compared to the parents in the typical group (p < 0.001), confirming the DT-P’s sensitivity and validity. Conclusions: The Greek version of the DT-P is a reliable and valid tool assessing distress in parents of children with PFD. This study highlights significantly higher distress levels in these parents compared to those of typically developing children, emphasizing the need for targeted support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)

16 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Role of Intrinsic Motivation in Healthy Eating Intentions: An Extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior in Chinese Adults

by Xiaoyu Ma, Seungwoo Lee and Ji-Yun Hwang

Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122007 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of obesity, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) explains eating intentions through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC), [...] Read more.

Background: Unhealthy diets are a leading cause of obesity, which increases the risk of chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) explains eating intentions through attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC), yet these constructs may not fully account for the complexity of intention formation. Motivation has been identified as a stronger predictor of the maintenance of long-term healthy behaviors. This study extends the TPB by introducing motivation as a mediating variable to examine whether attitudes and subjective norms influence motivation, which in turn affects behavioral intention. Methods: An online survey was conducted between 2019 and 2023, collecting responses from 2114 adults residing in Beijing, Shanghai, and selected regions of Anhui, Daqing, and Henan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among the TPB constructs, motivation, and behavioral intention. Results: SEM analysis revealed significant associations between attitude and subjective norms with motivation. Additionally, motivation and PBC were significantly associated with behavioral intention. Motivation was found to mediate the relationships between attitude and intention (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004–0.021, p = 0.004) and subjective norms and intention (95% CI: 0.013–0.035, p = 0.012). Conclusions: These findings suggest that attitudes and subjective norms enhance motivation for healthy eating among Chinese adults. In turn, motivation—along with PBC—plays a key role in predicting behavioral intention. Future research should further explore the mediating role of motivation in shaping healthy eating intentions within the TPB framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Economics, Environment and Policies That Influence Nutrition Management in Healthcare)

28 pages, 2894 KiB

Open AccessReview

Chaotic Image Security Techniques and Developments: A Review

by Hao Zhang, Xiufang Feng, Jingyu Sun and Pengfei Yan

Mathematics 2025, 13(12), 1976; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13121976 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development and convergence of systems science, cryptography, and data science, chaos-based image information security has emerged as a prominent research area, drawing considerable attention from researchers in computer science, physics, and related disciplines. This paper aims to review the fundamental [...] Read more.

With the rapid development and convergence of systems science, cryptography, and data science, chaos-based image information security has emerged as a prominent research area, drawing considerable attention from researchers in computer science, physics, and related disciplines. This paper aims to review the fundamental concepts of chaos, as well as chaos-based image encryption, watermarking, and steganography. Building on this foundation, we analyze the evaluation standards, advancements, and applications of chaos-based image information security. Additionally, we propose several potential areas of focus for the future of chaos-based image information security, encouraging interested readers to pay attention to these crucial developments. Our analysis suggests that chaos can be effectively employed in plaintext image encryption, and that chaos-based watermarking and hiding techniques also hold promise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex System Dynamics and Image Processing)

17 pages, 2075 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing a Novel Paper Point Method for Isolated Apical Sampling—The Controlled Apical Sampling Device: A Methodological Study

by Christoph Matthias Schoppmeier, Gustav Leo Classen, Silvia Contini, Paul Rebmann, David Brendlen, Michael Jochen Wicht and Anna Greta Barbe

Biomedicines 2025, 13(6), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13061477 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Objectives:To introduce a novel method for apical lesion sampling using a protected paper point device and to evaluate its effectiveness and robustness during the sampling process in vitro. Methods: A prototype for apical sample collection was developed as an adaptation of [...] Read more.

Objectives:To introduce a novel method for apical lesion sampling using a protected paper point device and to evaluate its effectiveness and robustness during the sampling process in vitro. Methods: A prototype for apical sample collection was developed as an adaptation of the Micro-Apical Placement System—the device features a highly tapered screw head with a thin, hollow, stainless-steel tube and an internal wire piston. Standardized 5 mm paper points (ISO 0; PD Dental, Switzerland) served as carrier material. The prototype was tested using 30 × 3D-printed, single-rooted tooth models inoculated using two bacterial strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli) to simulate apical and intraradicular bacterial infections, respectively. The sampling process involved collecting and analyzing samples at specific timepoints, focusing on the presence or absence of E. coli contamination. Following sample collection, cultural detection of bacterial presence was performed by incubating the samples on agar plates to confirm the presence of E. coli. Samples were collected as follows: S0 (sterility control of the prototype), P0 (sterility control of the tooth model), P1 (apical sample collected with the CAPS (controlled apical sampling) device, and P2 (contamination control sample to check for the presence of E. coli inside the root canal). Results: Handling of the CAPS prototype was straightforward and reproducible. No loss of paper points or complications were observed during sample collection. All sterility samples (P0, S0) were negative for tested microorganisms, confirming the sterility of the setup. P2 samples confirmed the presence of E. coli in the root canal in all trials. The P1 samples were free from contamination in 86.67% of trials. Conclusions: The CAPS method for apical sampling demonstrated advances in the successful and precise sample collection of apically located S. epidermidis and will be a useful tool for endodontic microbiological analysis. Its user-friendly design and consistent performance highlight its potential for clinical application, contributing to more accurate microbial diagnostics and later patient-specific therapeutic approaches in endodontic treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Biomaterials for Oral Diseases)

18 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Prediction Model for Horizontal Shale Gas Wells Considering Stress Sensitivity

by Jianli Liu, Fangqing Wen, Hu Han, Daicheng Peng, Qiao Deng and Dong Yang

Processes 2025, 13(6), 1896; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061896 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the production process of horizontal wells, wellbore temperature data play a critical role in predicting shale gas production. This study proposes a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) mathematical model that accounts for the influence of the stress field when determining the distribution of wellbore [...] Read more.

In the production process of horizontal wells, wellbore temperature data play a critical role in predicting shale gas production. This study proposes a coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) mathematical model that accounts for the influence of the stress field when determining the distribution of wellbore temperature. The model integrates the effects of heat transfer in the temperature field, gas transport in the seepage field, and the mechanical deformation of shale induced by the stress field. The coupled model is solved using the finite difference method. The model was validated against field data from shale gas production, and sensitivity analyses were conducted on seven key parameters related to the stress field. The findings indicate that the stress field exerts an influence on both the wellbore temperature distribution and the total gas production. Neglecting the stress field effects may lead to an overestimation of shale gas production by up to 12.9%. Further analysis reveals that reservoir porosity and Langmuir volume are positively correlated with wellbore temperature, while permeability, Young’s modulus, Langmuir pressure, the coefficient of thermal expansion, and adsorption strain are negatively correlated with wellbore temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil and Gas Well Engineering: Experimental and Numerical Investigation)

27 pages, 2925 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Resilience Evaluation and Prediction of Urban Ecosystems in Plateau and Mountainous Area: Case Study of Kunming City

by Hui Li, Fucheng Liang, Jiaheng Du, Yang Liu, Junzhi Wang, Qing Xu, Liang Tang, Xinran Zhou, Han Sheng, Yueying Chen, Kaiyan Liu, Yuqing Li, Yanming Chen and Mengran Li

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125515 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

In the face of increasingly complex urban challenges, a critical question arises: can urban ecosystems maintain resilience, vitality, and sustainability when confronted with external threats and pressures? Taking Kunming—a plateau-mountainous city in China—as a case study, this research constructs an urban ecosystem resilience [...] Read more.

In the face of increasingly complex urban challenges, a critical question arises: can urban ecosystems maintain resilience, vitality, and sustainability when confronted with external threats and pressures? Taking Kunming—a plateau-mountainous city in China—as a case study, this research constructs an urban ecosystem resilience (UER) assessment model based on the DPSIR (Driving forces, Pressures, States, Impacts, and Responses) framework. A total of 25 indicators were selected via questionnaire surveys, covering five dimensions: driving forces such as natural population growth, annual GDP growth, urbanization level, urban population density, and resident consumption price growth; pressures including per capita farmland, per capita urban construction land, land reclamation and cultivation rate, proportion of natural disaster-stricken areas, and unit GDP energy consumption; states measured by Evenness Index (EI), Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI), Aggregation Index (AI), Interspersion and Juxtaposition Index (IJI), Landscape Shape Index (LSI), and Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI); impacts involving per capita GDP, economic density, per capita disposable income growth, per capita green space area, and per capita water resources; and responses including proportion of natural reserve areas, proportion of environmental protection investment to GDP, overall utilization of industrial solid waste, and afforestation area. Based on remote sensing and other data, indicator values were calculated for 2006, 2011, and 2016. The entire-array polygon indicator method was used to visualize indicator interactions and derive composite resilience index values, all of which remained below 0.25—indicating a persistent low-resilience state, marked by sustained economic growth, frequent natural disasters, and declining ecological self-recovery capacity. Forecasting results suggest that, under current development trajectories, Kunming’s UER will remain low over the next decade. This study is the first to integrate the DPSIR framework, entire-array polygon indicator method, and Grey System Forecasting Model into the evaluation and prediction of urban ecosystem resilience in plateau-mountainous cities. The findings highlight the ecosystem’s inherent capacities for self-organization, adaptation, learning, and innovation and reveal its nested, multi-scalar resilience structure. The DPSIR-based framework not only reflects the complex human–nature interactions in urban systems but also identifies key drivers and enables the prediction of future resilience patterns—providing valuable insights for sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Resilient Regional Development: A Spatial Perspective)

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14 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plane Dyadic Wave Scattering by a Small Rigid Body and Cavity in 3D Linear Elasticity

by Vassilios Sevroglou, Panayiotis Vafeas and Konstantinos G. Lallas

Mathematics 2025, 13(12), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13121975 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we study the 3D elastic scattering problem of plane dyadic waves for a rigid body and a cavity in linear elasticity. Initially, for each case, we formulate the direct scattering problem in a dyadic form, and we give the corresponding [...] Read more.

In this paper, we study the 3D elastic scattering problem of plane dyadic waves for a rigid body and a cavity in linear elasticity. Initially, for each case, we formulate the direct scattering problem in a dyadic form, and we give the corresponding longitudinal and transverse far-field scattering amplitudes. Due to dyadic formulation of the problems, the main outcome of this paper is to establish the necessary energy considerations as well as to present functionals and formulas for the differential and the scattering cross-section in order to measure the disturbance created by the scatterer to the propagation of the plane dyadic incident field. Further, we assume that our incident field is scattered by a “small” rigid body or cavity and relative results for low-frequency scattering are obtained. Finally, we prove similar corresponding expressions for energy functionals in the far-field region, along with expressions for the differential and the total scattering cross-section, which are recovered as special cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Methods in Wave Scattering and Diffraction, 2nd Edition)

23 pages, 4934 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stability and Construction Control of Existing Steel Truss Roof Reconstruction Projects: Case Analysis and Numerical Simulation

by Guanghao Mai, Weijian Kuang, Dongming Zhu, Yao Song, Xiaozhou Zou, Yu Qiu and Zhe Xiong

Buildings 2025, 15(12), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15122059 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Many existing structures require retrofitting and reinforcement due to aging and damage. The stability of the retrofitted structure is key to the retrofitting scheme, while construction safety during the retrofitting process is another crucial consideration. This study proposed an evaluation method for assessing [...] Read more.

Many existing structures require retrofitting and reinforcement due to aging and damage. The stability of the retrofitted structure is key to the retrofitting scheme, while construction safety during the retrofitting process is another crucial consideration. This study proposed an evaluation method for assessing the stability and construction process of steel structure retrofitting projects based on an ANSYS finite element analysis. By establishing a nonlinear finite element model of a retrofitted gymnasium roof truss structure, the overall stability of the system was systematically verified. The dynamic simulation of demolition and retrofitting procedures was conducted using the birth-and-death element technique, and a comprehensive safety assessment framework covering the entire construction process was developed. The case analysis demonstrated that this method can simulate the redistribution of internal forces during component demolition and identify potential risks. The effectiveness of the retrofitting strategy was evaluated by comparing the nonlinear stability coefficients of the structure before and after retrofitting, indicating improved performance within the scope of the finite element model. The research results demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating modeling, simulation, and assessment in retrofitting projects and provided a reference for similar retrofitting projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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28 pages, 4219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nano-Enhanced Cactus Oil as an MQL Cutting Fluid: Physicochemical, Rheological, Tribological, and Machinability Insights into Machining H13 Steel

by Nada K. ElBadawy, Mohamed G. A. Nassef, Ibrahem Maher, Belal G. Nassef, Mohamed A. Daha, Florian Pape and Galal A. Nassef

Lubricants 2025, 13(6), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13060267 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

The widespread use of mineral cutting fluids in metalworking poses challenges due to their poor wettability, toxicity, and non-biodegradability. This study explores cactus oil-based nanofluids as sustainable alternatives for metal cutting applications. Samples of cactus oil are prepared in plain form and with [...] Read more.

The widespread use of mineral cutting fluids in metalworking poses challenges due to their poor wettability, toxicity, and non-biodegradability. This study explores cactus oil-based nanofluids as sustainable alternatives for metal cutting applications. Samples of cactus oil are prepared in plain form and with 0.025 wt.%, 0.05 wt.%, and 0.1 wt.% activated carbon nanoparticles (ACNPs) from recycled plastic waste. Plain cactus oil exhibited a 34% improvement in wettability over commercial soluble oil, further enhanced by 60% with 0.05 wt.% ACNPs. Cactus oil displayed consistent Newtonian behavior with a high viscosity index (283), outperforming mineral-based cutting fluid in thermal stability. The addition of ACNPs enhanced the dynamic viscosity by 108–130% across the temperature range of 40–100°C. The presence of nano-additives reduced the friction coefficient in the boundary lubrication zone by a maximum reduction of 32% for CO2 compared to plain cactus oil. The physical and rheological results translated directly to the observed improvements in surface finish and tool wear during machining operations on H13 steel. Cactus oil with 0.05 wt.% ACNP outperformed conventional fluids, reducing surface roughness by 35% and flank wear by 57% compared to dry. This work establishes cactus oil-based nanofluids as a sustainable alternative, combining recycled waste-derived additives and non-edible feedstock for greener manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribology of 2D Nanomaterials and Active Control of Friction Behavior)

12 pages, 191 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technical Challenges and Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) for Asteroid Mining and Planetary Defense

by Evie Kendal, Tony Milligan and Martin Elvis

Aerospace 2025, 12(6), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060544 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Advances in the field of asteroid dynamics continue to yield new knowledge regarding the behavior and characteristics of asteroids, allowing unprecedented levels of accuracy for predicting trajectories and contributing to impact avoidance strategies. Meanwhile, more detailed information regarding the physical composition of asteroids [...] Read more.

Advances in the field of asteroid dynamics continue to yield new knowledge regarding the behavior and characteristics of asteroids, allowing unprecedented levels of accuracy for predicting trajectories and contributing to impact avoidance strategies. Meanwhile, more detailed information regarding the physical composition of asteroids has reignited interest in asteroid mining as a potential new resource sector. This article considers some of the technical, ethical, legal and social issues facing global planetary defense efforts and off-world mining proposals. It considers issues such as claim jumping, weaponization of the space environment and ownership issues for resources extracted from space. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Asteroid Dynamics)

14 pages, 3710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Investigation of Combustion Stability in an Electric-Plug-Assisted Compression Ignition Methanol Engine

by Mengxia Ji, Shaopeng Gong, Hong Hou, Chuanda Zhang and Xiaoping Kang

Processes 2025, 13(6), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13061895 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

When an engine burns methanol, which has a high latent heat of vaporization, if the injection parameters are not set reasonably, the engine will exhibit high combustion instability at low speeds. Therefore, in this study, two pre-injections are set up in an electric-plug-assisted [...] Read more.

When an engine burns methanol, which has a high latent heat of vaporization, if the injection parameters are not set reasonably, the engine will exhibit high combustion instability at low speeds. Therefore, in this study, two pre-injections are set up in an electric-plug-assisted compression ignition methanol engine to investigate the effects of the pre-injection ratio and pre-injection timing on combustion stability and to provide a theoretical basis for the calibration of the injection of the engine at low speeds. The test results show that, at low speeds, the pre-injection ratio and pre-injection timing have a significant effect on combustion stability. They also show that, at low speeds and high loads, by regulating the pre-injection strategy, the bimodal phenomenon observed in the cylinder pressure of the compression ignition methanol engine can be weakened, and the cylinder pressure fluctuation caused by afterburning can be improved. Specifically, the maximum cyclic fluctuation of cylinder pressure was improved by 32.8%, the maximum cyclic fluctuation of the engine’s indicated average effective pressure was improved by 8.12%, and the maximum cyclic fluctuation of engine peak pressure was improved by 16.96%. The start point and combustion center of gravity data were centralized. The concentration of the start point and combustion center of gravity data improved by 6 °CA and 5.87 °CA, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)

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24 pages, 2716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent 5G-Aided UAV Positioning in High-Density Environments Using Neural Networks for NLOS Mitigation

by Morad Mousa and Saba Al-Rubaye

Aerospace 2025, 12(6), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060543 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

The accurate and reliable positioning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments is crucial for urban air mobility (UAM) application, such as logistics, surveillance, and disaster management. However, global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) often fail in densely populated areas due to signal [...] Read more.

The accurate and reliable positioning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in urban environments is crucial for urban air mobility (UAM) application, such as logistics, surveillance, and disaster management. However, global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) often fail in densely populated areas due to signal reflections (multipath propagation) and obstructions non-line-of-sight (NLOS), causing significant positioning errors. To address this, we propose a machine learning (ML) framework that integrates 5G position reference signals (PRSs) to correct UAV position estimates. A dataset was generated using MATLAB’s UAV simulation environment, including estimated coordinates derived from 5G time of arrival (TOA) measurements and corresponding actual positions (ground truth). This dataset was used to train a fully connected feedforward neural network (FNN), which improves the positioning accuracy by learning patterns between predicted and actual coordinates. The model achieved significant accuracy improvements, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.3 m in line-of-sight (LOS) conditions and 1.7 m in NLOS conditions, and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of approximately 2.3 m. The proposed framework enables real-time correction capabilities for dynamic UAV tracking systems, highlighting the potential of combining 5G positioning data with deep learning to enhance UAV navigation in urban settings. This study addresses the limitations of traditional GNSS-based methods in dense urban environments and offers a robust solution for future UAV advancements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in UAV Technology: Dynamics, Guidance, Navigation, and Control of Transformative Aerial Vehicles)

26 pages, 5833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AGEN: Adaptive Error Control-Driven Cross-View Geo-Localization Under Extreme Weather Conditions

by Mengmeng Xu, Hongxiang Lv, Hai Zhu, Enlai Dong and Fei Wu

Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3749; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123749 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Cross-view geo-localization is a task of matching the same geographic image from different views, e.g., drone and satellite. Due to its GPS-free advantage, cross-view geo-localization is gaining increasing research interest, especially in drone-based localization and navigation applications. In order to guarantee system accuracy, [...] Read more.

Cross-view geo-localization is a task of matching the same geographic image from different views, e.g., drone and satellite. Due to its GPS-free advantage, cross-view geo-localization is gaining increasing research interest, especially in drone-based localization and navigation applications. In order to guarantee system accuracy, existing methods mainly focused on image augmentation and denoising while still facing performance degradation when extreme weather conditions are considered. In this paper, we propose a robust end-to-end image retrieval framework, AGEN, serving for cross-view geo-localization under extreme weather conditions. Inspired by the strengths of the DINOv2 network, particularly its strong performance in global feature extraction, while acknowledging its limitations in capturing fine-grained details, we integrate the DINOv2 network with the Local Pattern Network (LPN) algorithm module to extract valuable classification features more efficiently. Additionally, to further enhance model robustness, we innovatively introduce an Adaptive Error Control (AEC) module based on fuzzy control to optimize the loss function dynamically. Specifically, by adjusting loss weights adaptively, the AEC module allows the model to better handle complex and challenging scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that AGEN achieves a Recall@1 accuracy of 91.71% on the University160k-WX dataset under extreme weather conditions. Through extensive experiments on two well-known public datasets, i.e., University-1652 and SUES-200, AGEN achieves state-of-the-art Recall@1 accuracy in both drone-view target localization tasks and drone navigation tasks, outperforming existing models. In particular, on the University-1652 dataset, AGEN reaches 95.43% Recall@1 in the drone-view target localization task, showcasing its superior capability in handling challenging scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)

23 pages, 4604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Maintenance of Space Station Devices Using Scene Semantic Segmentation

by Haoting Liu, Chuanxin Liao, Xikang Li, Zhen Tian, Mengmeng Wang, Haiguang Li, Xiaofei Lu, Zhenhui Guo and Qing Li

Aerospace 2025, 12(6), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12060542 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

A novel interactive maintenance method for space station in-orbit devices using scene semantic segmentation technology is proposed. First, a wearable and handheld system is designed to capture images from the astronaut in the space station’s front view scene and play these images on [...] Read more.

A novel interactive maintenance method for space station in-orbit devices using scene semantic segmentation technology is proposed. First, a wearable and handheld system is designed to capture images from the astronaut in the space station’s front view scene and play these images on a handheld terminal in real-time. Second, the proposed system quantitatively evaluates the environmental lighting condition in the scene by calculating image quality evaluation parameters. If the lighting condition is not proper, a prompt message will be given to the astronaut to remind him or her to adjust the environment illumination. Third, our system adopts an improved DeepLabV3+ network for semantic segmentation of these astronauts’ forward view scene images. Regarding the improved network, the original backbone network is replaced with a lightweight convolutional neural network, i.e., the MobileNetV2, with a smaller model scale and computational complexity. The convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is introduced to improve the network’s feature perception ability. The atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) module is also considered to enable an accurate calculation of encoding multi-scale information. Extensive simulation experiment results indicate that the accuracy, precision, and average intersection over the union of the proposed algorithm can be better than 95.0%, 96.0%, and 89.0%, respectively. And the ground application experiments have also shown that our proposed technique can effectively shorten the working time of the system user. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)

19 pages, 1614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Layer User Energy Management Strategy for Virtual Power Plants Based on HG-Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

by Sen Tian, Qian Xiao, Tianxiang Li, Zibo Wang, Ji Qiao, Hong Zhu and Wenlu Ji

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(12), 6713; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15126713 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Household loads are becoming dominant in virtual power plants (VPP). However, their dispatch potential has not yet been explored due to the lack of detailed user power management. To solve this issue, a novel two-layer user energy management strategy based on HG-multi-agent reinforcement [...] Read more.

Household loads are becoming dominant in virtual power plants (VPP). However, their dispatch potential has not yet been explored due to the lack of detailed user power management. To solve this issue, a novel two-layer user energy management strategy based on HG-multi-agent reinforcement learning has been proposed in this paper. Firstly, a novel two-layer optimization framework is established, where the upper layer is applied to coordinate the scheduling and benefit allocation among various stakeholders and the lower layer is applied to execute intelligent decision-making for users. Secondly, the mathematical model for the framework is established, where a detailed household power management model is proposed in the lower layer, and the generated predicted power demands are used to replace the conventional aggregate model in the upper layer. As a result, the energy consumption behaviors of household users can be precisely described in the scheduling scheme. Furthermore, an HG-multi-agent reinforcement-based method is applied to accelerate the game-solving process. Case study results indicate that the proposed method leads to a reduction in user costs and an increase in VPP profit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Energy Management: Techniques, Applications and Future Directions)

18 pages, 745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Trade with Border Effect on GDP per Capita: Global Evidence

by Hansen Tandra, I Gusti Ayu Putu Mahendri, Sujianto Sujianto, Bahtiar Rifai, Zamroni Salim, Helena da Silva and Yulia Pujiharti

Economies 2025, 13(6), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13060174 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Many countries worldwide share borders that offer several benefits, such as easier access, faster knowledge transfer, and more efficient trade diplomacy. However, reliance on land-border trade alone has not been consistently shown to increase GDP per capita or vice versa. This study investigates [...] Read more.

Many countries worldwide share borders that offer several benefits, such as easier access, faster knowledge transfer, and more efficient trade diplomacy. However, reliance on land-border trade alone has not been consistently shown to increase GDP per capita or vice versa. This study investigates the relationship between trade and GDP per capita by distinguishing trade between land-border countries and non-land-border countries. The analysis applied two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation using data from 87 countries with land borders covering 2010 to 2021. The share of trade to land and non-land borders around the world was dominated by China, Germany, and the United States, with a share of more than 10%. The results revealed a negative relationship between trade with land-border countries and GDP per capita, while trade with non-land-border countries showed a positive effect. To enhance the benefits of land-border trade, improving governance and infrastructure are essential to sustain its impacts in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic Development)

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17 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased Frequency of the Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Insights from 24-Hour Ambulatory Monitoring

by Oğuzhan Zengin, Gülşah Soytürk, Burak Göre, Mustafa Yürümez, Ali Can Kurtipek, Emra Asfuroğlu Kalkan, Hatice Ecem Konak, Şükran Erten and Ihsan Ateş

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(6), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15060253 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and reduced nitric oxide levels may disrupt circadian blood pressure (BP) regulation. There are studies showing that inflammatory and certain other cells in diseases like SSc exhibit diurnal rhythms. In our study, we examined the [...] Read more.

Background: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and reduced nitric oxide levels may disrupt circadian blood pressure (BP) regulation. There are studies showing that inflammatory and certain other cells in diseases like SSc exhibit diurnal rhythms. In our study, we examined the effect of SSc on BP. In particular, the frequency of the non-dipper pattern (lack of nighttime BP reduction) in SSc patients has not been adequately investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24 h BP profile in SSc patients and to compare the frequency of the non-dipper pattern with that of the non-scleroderma group. Additionally, the identification of disrupted circadian BP patterns in SSc patients aims to contribute to the development of personalized, time-sensitive BP monitoring strategies in the future and to support the applicability of personalized medicine in this context. Methods: A total of 31 SSc patients diagnosed according to the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria and 30 age- and sex-matched individuals without SSc were included in this prospective study. BP changes between day and night were evaluated by measuring BP every 30 min with a 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device. The non-dipper pattern was defined as a decrease in BP of less than 10% during the night compared to the day. To better assess BP fluctuations during the night, nighttime measurements were divided into two time periods: first, 24:00–04:00, and then 04:00–08:00. Additionally, laboratory and clinical parameters and SSc subtypes were compared between the groups. Results: The ABPM findings were compared between the groups with and without SSc. The non-dipper pattern was significantly more common in the SSc group at all time intervals. The non-dipper pattern was observed in 25.8% of the non-SSc group and 83.9% of SSc patients (p < 0.001). In the period between 24:00 and 04:00, the prevalence was 25.8% in the control group and 71.0% in SSc patients (p < 0.001), and between 04:00 and 08:00, it was 35.5% in the control group and 80.6% in SSc patients (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in non-dipper patterns between individuals with diffuse and limited cutaneous forms of systemic sclerosis. Conclusions: The non-dipper BP pattern is significantly more common in patients with SSc, indicating the disruption of the circadian rhythm affecting BP. Analysis performed by dividing the night into specific time periods revealed that this deterioration continued throughout the night. The findings highlight the importance of circadian BP monitoring in SSc patients and may contribute to future risk stratification and treatment strategies. Circadian BP analysis in SSc may help to develop strategies that are personalized for these patients and tailored to their physiological rhythm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Personalized Therapy and Drug Delivery)

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17 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analyzing Patterns and Predictive Models of Energy and Water Consumption in Schools

by Hana Begić Juričić and Hrvoje Krstić

Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5514; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125514 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2025

Abstract

Schools are major consumers of energy and water, significantly influencing environmental sustainability and operational budgets. This study presents a comprehensive review of global trends in energy and water consumption in school buildings, identifying key factors that shape usage patterns, such as the geographic [...] Read more.

Schools are major consumers of energy and water, significantly influencing environmental sustainability and operational budgets. This study presents a comprehensive review of global trends in energy and water consumption in school buildings, identifying key factors that shape usage patterns, such as the geographic location, climate, building characteristics, and occupancy levels. A particular focus is placed on the role of predictive models in enhancing resource efficiency. The review found that energy consumption in schools varies widely, with heating, lighting, and cooling systems being the primary contributors. In contrast, research on water consumption—especially predictive modeling—is notably scarce, with no studies found that focused specifically on school buildings. This highlights a critical gap in the literature. This study evaluated the existing predictive approaches, including regression analyses, machine learning algorithms, and statistical models, which offer valuable tools for forecasting consumption and guiding targeted efficiency interventions. The findings underscore the urgent need for data-driven strategies to support sustainable resource management in educational facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Infrastructure Planning: Enhancing Sustainability in Construction)

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