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21 pages, 647 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Influence of Social Support

by Yaser Hasan Al-Mamary, Aliyu Alhaji Abubakar and Fawaz Jazim

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10499; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310499 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study advances the literature on digital entrepreneurship by examining how Information Technology Culture (ITC) and Technology Orientation (TO) influence entrepreneurial intentions through the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and the moderating role of Social Support (SS) within the context of Saudi [...] Read more.

This study advances the literature on digital entrepreneurship by examining how Information Technology Culture (ITC) and Technology Orientation (TO) influence entrepreneurial intentions through the mediating role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) and the moderating role of Social Support (SS) within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By integrating psychological, cultural, and technological constructs, the research offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the internal drivers of digital venture creation in youth. Data were collected via an online survey targeting Saudi youth and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Validated scales measured ITC, TO, ESE, SS, and Digital Entrepreneurship Intention (DEI), with a sample of 372 participants predominantly under age 30. Findings reveal that while ITC and TO do not directly predict DEI, both exert significant indirect effects through ESE, underscoring the central role of psychological self-belief in entrepreneurial motivation. The moderating effect of SS on the ESE–DEI relationship was non-significant, suggesting that internal efficacy may outweigh external validation in this context. The sample’s demographic skew90.9% male and 99.5% under 30limits generalizability, though it aligns with the most digitally active segment of the population. The cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and future research should explore longitudinal and gender-balanced samples to validate and extend these findings. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to foster digital entrepreneurship by enhancing ESE through targeted training, cultural alignment, and strategic technology exposure, especially among youth populations driving Saudi Arabia’s innovation agenda. Full article

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19 pages, 3602 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on High-Efficiency and No-Additive Physical Aging Equipment and Process of Baijiu Production Based on High-Speed Jet Catalysis

by Zhongbin Liu, Fengkui Xiong, Guangzhong Hu, Hongwei Xiao and Jia Zheng

Foods 2025, 14(23), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14234019 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Newly brewed Baijiu often contains harmful substances such as mercaptan and methanol, which are spicy and harmful to health. At present, this is mainly solved by long-term cellaring, but this is faced with some problems such as a long cycle, high cost, high [...] Read more.

Newly brewed Baijiu often contains harmful substances such as mercaptan and methanol, which are spicy and harmful to health. At present, this is mainly solved by long-term cellaring, but this is faced with some problems such as a long cycle, high cost, high fire hazards and so on. Therefore, based on the principle of liquid jet cavitation explosion catalyzing the heterogeneous association of Baijiu molecules, this paper first developed the physical aging process and equipment without radiation and additives. Then, based on the traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of high-speed jet simulation, an N-CFD model which can accurately simulate the cavitation explosion catalytic process of high-speed jet of Baijiu was established by optimizing the three sub models of conservation, turbulence and VOF. Finally, the N-CFD model was used to optimize the distance between the nozzle and the reaction chamber wall of the new aging equipment. Through the 15 min aging experiment on 100 L Baijiu, the methanol concentration of Baijiu decreased by 68.14 ± 2.25%, and the concentration of ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate and ethyl palmitate increased from 6.105 ± 0.014, 3.498 ± 0.015 mg/L and 0.621 ± 0.010 mg/L to 6.332 ± 0.016, 4.868 ± 0.012 mg/L and 0.681 ± 0.008 mg/L. The results show that the aging technology equipment can adjust the self-coupling characteristics and dynamic characteristics of various molecules in Baijiu through high-speed jet, and catalyze the alternating phase transition and association of various molecules. Finally, the goal of high-efficiency and healthy aging Baijiu without additives was achieved, which helps the rapid and healthy development of the Baijiu brewing industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Research in Brewing: Ingredients, Brewing and Quality Improvement)

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11 pages, 1109 KB

Open AccessArticle

Formation Energy Prediction of Doped Perovskite Structures Based on Transfer Learning with Small Datasets

by Yang Yu, Mingxuan Deng, Tianhao Rui, Zhuangzhuang Ma, Linyuan Lu, Yunhao Wang, Tianxing Lan, Yulin Lan, Hengcheng Wan, Yiyan Li, Zhipeng Li and Haibin Zhang

Crystals 2025, 15(12), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15121008 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Doped perovskites are widely studied in the domain of perovskite material design. However, due to the limited data available for the target materials, machine learning methods based on small datasets become particularly important. In this study, we propose a transfer learning strategy aimed [...] Read more.

Doped perovskites are widely studied in the domain of perovskite material design. However, due to the limited data available for the target materials, machine learning methods based on small datasets become particularly important. In this study, we propose a transfer learning strategy aimed at predicting doped perovskites on limited data samples. This strategy first utilizes the ABO₃-type perovskite dataset to develop a deep learning source model based on its formation energies. Then, fine-tuning is performed on the doped perovskite structure dataset to obtain a model with good transferability, applicable to the doped perovskite oxide target domain. Based on the transfer learning model, we further predict the formation energies of 12,897 A₂BB′O₆ compounds, 10,401 AA′B₂O₆ compounds, and 49,723 AA′BB′O₆ compounds. With the tolerance factor

t \in [0.7 - 1.1]

, octahedral factor

μ \in [0.45 - 0.7]

, and the modified tolerance factor

τ \in [0, 4.18]

for screening, we successfully predict 3389 A₂B′BO₆, 3002 AA′B₂O₆, and 13,563 AA′BB′O₆ structures as potential stable doped perovskite candidates. Among these filtered results, 821 A₂B′BO₆, 69 AA′B₂O₆, and 6 AA′BB′O₆ compounds have been reported in the OQMD database. For each doped perovskite, we select the candidate with the lowest formation energy and perform DFT validation. This resulted in three newly reported stable doped perovskite materials: CaSrHfScO₆, BaSrHf₂O₆, and Ba₂HfNdO₆. The transfer learning-based perovskite material design method proposed in this study not only effectively addresses the challenges of model training on small datasets but also significantly improves the accuracy and stability of doped perovskite material predictions. Through transfer learning, the model can fully leverage the data and knowledge from the ABO₃-type perovskite, effectively overcoming the problem of limited data. This strategy provides a new approach for efficient perovskite material design, enabling broader structural and performance predictions under limited experimental data conditions, and offering a powerful tool for the development of novel functional materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Perovskite Materials and Applications)

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5 pages, 174 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics in the Personalized Treatment of Lung Diseases

by Andrea Ambrosini-Spaltro

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(12), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15120566 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Personalized treatment specifically tailored to the patient’s needs is nowadays a successful and necessary therapeutic approach [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics in the Personalized Treatment of Lung Diseases)

17 pages, 3614 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Interstock and Rootstock on the Growth and Productivity of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivar Kent in the San Lorenzo Valley, Peru

by Sebastian Casas-Niño, Sandy Vilchez-Navarro, Henry Morocho-Romero, Gabriela Cárdenas-Huamán, Esdwin-Oberti Nuñez-Ticliahuanca, Ana-Gabriela Montañez-Artica, Leslie Velarde-Apaza, Max Ramirez Rojas, Juan Carlos Rojas and Flavio Lozano-Isla

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(4), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16040134 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit tree characterized by vigorous growth and high fruit production, making it one of Peru’s main export crops. However, its extensive vegetative development requires substantial space, limiting productivity per unit area. This study evaluated the [...] Read more.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a tropical fruit tree characterized by vigorous growth and high fruit production, making it one of Peru’s main export crops. However, its extensive vegetative development requires substantial space, limiting productivity per unit area. This study evaluated the effects of rootstock and interstock combinations on agronomic traits and fruit biometrics, highlighting the potential of interstocks to modulate tree vigor in mango orchards of Peru’s dry forest region. A total of 216 trees were established using ‘Chulucanas’ and ‘Chato’ as rootstocks and ‘Chulucanas,’ ‘Chato,’ ‘Irwin,’ and ‘Julie’ as interstocks, apically grafted with the ‘Kent’ cultivar, with a spacing of 6.0 m × 6.0 m. Tree performance was assessed after 10 years during the 2017–2019 growing seasons in Piura, Peru, under a randomized complete block design (2 × 4 factorial). The combination of the ‘Chulucanas’ rootstock with ‘Chulucanas’ and ‘Julie’ interstocks reduced tree height by 10.94% and 11.70%, respectively, facilitating orchard management and potentially increasing planting density. Yield varied significantly among growing seasons, with a 15% reduction in 2017 attributed to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related increases in temperature and rainfall that affected flowering and fruit set. These results underscore the importance of cultivar selection and climate-adaptive strategies to sustain mango productivity in regions prone to climatic variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

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18 pages, 4667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Actuator Line Wall-Modeled Immersed Boundary Method for Predicting the Aerodynamic Performance of Wind Turbines

by Jianjian Xin, Yongqing Lai, Yang Yang, Liang Tang and Shunhua Chen

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10498; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310498 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study addresses the trade-off between accuracy and efficiency in predicting the aerodynamics and wakes of large wind turbines. We developed a unified immersed boundary–actuator line framework with large-eddy simulation. The actuator line efficiently represents blade loading, while the immersed boundary method (IBM) [...] Read more.

This study addresses the trade-off between accuracy and efficiency in predicting the aerodynamics and wakes of large wind turbines. We developed a unified immersed boundary–actuator line framework with large-eddy simulation. The actuator line efficiently represents blade loading, while the immersed boundary method (IBM) with a wall model resolves near-blade turbulence. The solver uses a staggered Cartesian discretization and is accelerated by a hybrid CPU/GPU implementation. An implicit signed-distance geometry treatment and a ghost cell wall function based on Spalding’s law reduce near-wall grid requirements and eliminate body-fitted meshing. Flow past a three-dimensional cylinder at Re = 3900 validates the accuracy and good grid convergence of the IBM. For the wind turbine, three meshes show converged thrust and torque, with differences below 1% between the two finer grids. At the rated condition (U_∞ = 11.4 m/s), thrust and torque agree with STAR-CCM+ and FAST, with deviations of 6.3% and 1.2%, respectively. Parametric cases at 4–10 m/s show thrust and torque increasing nonlinearly with inflow, approximately quadratically, in close agreement with reference models. As wind speed rises, the helical pitch tightens, the wake broadens, and breakdown occurs earlier, consistent with stronger shed vorticity. The framework delivers high fidelity and scalability without body-fitted meshes, offering a practical tool for turbine design studies and extensible wind plant simulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Engines Technologies)

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36 pages, 1849 KB

Open AccessReview

Mechanistic Insights into the Wound Healing Activity of Plant Species in Diabetic Ulcers

by Rodson Glauber Ribeiro Chaves, Fernanda Farias Costa, Letícia Andrade Fuchs, Lays Scherrer Rodrigues, Rhuan Antonio Nogueira Moraes, Paulo Sila da Silva Alves Junior, Márcia Cristina Goncalves Maciel, Flavia Maria Mendonça Amaral, Denise Fernandes Coutinho and Aramys Silva Reis

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(12), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47120972 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a major complication driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and defective extracellular matrix remodeling. This integrative review synthesizes mechanistic evidence from 51 preclinical studies evaluating plant-derived interventions in diabetic animal models. Database searches (PubMed, Embase, Scopus) identified [...] Read more.

Diabetic foot ulcers represent a major complication driven by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired angiogenesis, and defective extracellular matrix remodeling. This integrative review synthesizes mechanistic evidence from 51 preclinical studies evaluating plant-derived interventions in diabetic animal models. Database searches (PubMed, Embase, Scopus) identified species modulating discrete molecular targets across healing phases. In the inflammatory phase, extracts suppressed NF-κB-dependent cytokine production (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), reduced oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 activation, and disrupted AGE-RAGE signaling, facilitating neutrophil resolution and macrophage reprogramming. During proliferation, interventions upregulated angiogenic factors (VEGF, bFGF, IGF-1) through ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt-eNOS pathways, stimulated fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced collagen deposition. In the remodeling phase, extracts improved tensile strength by modulating MMP-2/9 and TIMP-2 balance, promoting type I collagen maturation and organized fiber architecture. Polyphenol-rich species (Punica granatum, Quercus infectoria, Polygonatum kingianum) demonstrated the most robust multi-target activity. However, translational gaps persist due to extract heterogeneity, limited phytochemical standardization, and overreliance on young male rodent models. Future development requires standardized bioactive quantification, dose–response characterization, advanced delivery systems (hydrogels, nanofibers), and validation in aged animals with comorbidities. These mechanistic insights support plant-based therapies as multi-component adjuvants targeting the complex pathophysiology of diabetic ulcers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 4216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Dynamics Modeling of Spatiotemporal Pore Structure Evolution in Tight Reservoirs

by Xue Yang and Jian-Yi Liu

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(12), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9120760 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

In this study, we propose a dynamic fractal dimension modeling (DFDM) framework that integrates image analysis, wavelet-based fractal methods, and structural fractal geometry to quantify the evolution of pore complexity. Unlike conventional static fractal approaches, our method captures time-dependent scaling laws and captures [...] Read more.

In this study, we propose a dynamic fractal dimension modeling (DFDM) framework that integrates image analysis, wavelet-based fractal methods, and structural fractal geometry to quantify the evolution of pore complexity. Unlike conventional static fractal approaches, our method captures time-dependent scaling laws and captures the spatiotemporal evolution of pore networks. The results demonstrate that dynamic fractal dimensions provide a robust descriptor of multi-scale heterogeneity, effectively bridging pore-scale processes with reservoir-scale behavior. This framework not only advances the theoretical understanding of fractal pore dynamics but also establishes a predictive tool with potential applications in unconventional hydrocarbon recovery, geological CO₂ sequestration, and multi-phase flow in porous media. Full article

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14 pages, 1501 KB

Open AccessReview

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Diabetes-Related Hearing Loss Among Providers and Patients: A Scoping Review

by Mehwish Nisar, Muhammad Waqas Nisar Ahmed, Anjana Rajagopal, Beenish Nisar Ahmed and Zohra S. Lassi

Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3025; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233025 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss remains significantly underrecognised as a diabetes complication, despite diabetic individuals experiencing double the risk of sensorineural hearing impairment. This review synthesised healthcare provider and patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning diabetes-related hearing loss. Methods: Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework [...] Read more.

Background: Hearing loss remains significantly underrecognised as a diabetes complication, despite diabetic individuals experiencing double the risk of sensorineural hearing impairment. This review synthesised healthcare provider and patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning diabetes-related hearing loss. Methods: Using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, systematic searches were conducted across five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) through August 2025. Grey literature and reference screening supplemented database searches. Eligible studies examined KAP among healthcare professionals and diabetic patients. Results: Five studies from four countries reported KAP findings were identified from 2029 records, encompassing 2813 healthcare providers. Only one study included KAP data from patients. Knowledge deficits were pronounced: American provider awareness ranged 25.6–44.5%, contrasting sharply with >94% awareness of other complications. Only 24.3% of Chinese providers demonstrated complete understanding, while 59.7% of South African practitioners remained unaware of auditory complications. Patient knowledge was similarly limited (21% recognition). Attitudes showed moderate engagement, with 68–75% of Chinese practitioners accepting management responsibilities. Barriers included unfamiliar guidelines, competing priorities, and restricted audiological access. Practices were suboptimal: 16.9% conducted routine screening, referrals remained reactive, and 64.9% never discussed hearing risks. Training opportunities were minimal. Conclusions: Substantial KAP deficits exist regarding diabetes-related hearing loss. Recognition disparities compared to established complications represent lost opportunities for early intervention. Urgent needs include standardised assessment instruments, large-scale intervention studies, and comprehensive educational programs to integrate hearing health into standard diabetes management protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Chronic Care)

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28 pages, 8641 KB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress in Dielectric/Ag/Dielectric Transparent Electrodes on Flexible Substrates

by Yawei Wang, Yujie Nian, Shuai Wang, Cailin Lu, Lingfeng Yin, Chunmei Wang, Peiyong Ma and Yingcui Fang

Coatings 2025, 15(12), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15121370 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Dielectric/Ag/dielectric (DAD) multilayer thin-film transparent electrode features high visible-light transmittance, low sheet resistance, good mechanical flexibility, and low haze. The fabrication techniques are compatible with large-scale integrated circuits, and the materials are cheap. These advantages make the DAD transparent electrodes a promising alternative [...] Read more.

Dielectric/Ag/dielectric (DAD) multilayer thin-film transparent electrode features high visible-light transmittance, low sheet resistance, good mechanical flexibility, and low haze. The fabrication techniques are compatible with large-scale integrated circuits, and the materials are cheap. These advantages make the DAD transparent electrodes a promising alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes for flexible devices. This review summarizes recent advances in DAD transparent electrodes on flexible substrates, mainly focusing on the opto-electrical performance improvement due to damping of the localized surface resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). It begins with an analysis of the performance-limiting factors of DAD transparent electrodes, elucidating the importance of damping the LSPR of AgNPs. Subsequently, the state-of-the-art fabrication methods for Ag ultrathin films of weak LSPR and the dielectric material optimization are reviewed. It concludes with perspectives on future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films)

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20 pages, 5203 KB

Open AccessArticle

Musical Training and Perceptual History Shape Alpha Dynamics in Audiovisual Speech Integration

by Jihyun Lee, Ji-Hye Han and Hyo-Jeong Lee

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(12), 1258; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15121258 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Speech perception relies on integrating auditory and visual information, shaped by both perceptual and cognitive factors. Musical training has been shown to affect multisensory processing, whereas cognitive processes, such as recalibration derived from a perceptual history, influence neural responses to upcoming sensory [...] Read more.

Introduction: Speech perception relies on integrating auditory and visual information, shaped by both perceptual and cognitive factors. Musical training has been shown to affect multisensory processing, whereas cognitive processes, such as recalibration derived from a perceptual history, influence neural responses to upcoming sensory inputs. To investigate these influences, we evaluated cortical activity associated with the McGurk illusion focusing specifically on how musical training and perceptual history affect multisensory speech perception. Methods: Musicians and age-matched nonmusicians participated in electroencephalogram experiments using a McGurk task. We analyzed five conditions on the basis of stimulus type and participants’ responses and quantified the rate of illusory percepts and cortical alpha power between groups using dynamic imaging of coherent sources. Results: No differences in McGurk susceptibility were detected between musicians and nonmusicians. Source-localized alpha, however, revealed group-specific patterns: musical training was associated with frontal alpha modulation during integration, a finding consistent with enhanced top-down control, whereas nonmusicians relied more on sensory-driven processing. Additionally, illusory responses occurred in auditory-only trials. Follow-up analyses revealed no significant alpha modulation clusters in musicians, but temporal alpha modulations in nonmusicians depending on preceding audiovisual congruency. Conclusions: These findings suggest that musical training may influence the neural mechanisms of audiovisual integration during speech perception. Specifically, musicians appear to employ enhanced top-down control involving frontal regions, whereas nonmusicians rely more on sensory-driven processing mediated by parietal and temporal regions. Furthermore, perceptual recalibration may be more prominent in nonmusicians, whereas musicians appear to focus more on current sensory input, reducing their reliance on perceptual history. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasticity of Sensory Cortices: From Basic to Clinical Research)

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20 pages, 4437 KB

Open AccessArticle

Watershed Runoff Simulation and Prediction Based on BMA Coupled SWAT-LSTM Model

by Wenju Zhao, Yongwei Hao, Yongming Zhang, Haiying Yu and Xing Li

Hydrology 2025, 12(12), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12120312 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

In response to the issues of low runoff prediction accuracy and difficulty in parameter determination in regions frequently experiencing extreme hydrological events, this study is based on data such as digital elevation, land use, soil type, and meteorology. The SWAT-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) [...] Read more.

In response to the issues of low runoff prediction accuracy and difficulty in parameter determination in regions frequently experiencing extreme hydrological events, this study is based on data such as digital elevation, land use, soil type, and meteorology. The SWAT-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model is coupled based on the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method. The simulation accuracies of the optimized model are, respectively, compared with those of the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model and the SWAT-LSTM model. Taking the Zuli River Basin as an example, the optimal runoff prediction model for this basin is determined. Combining with future meteorological data, runoff predictions for the period from 2025 to 2030 are carried out. The findings indicate that the SWAT-LSTM-BMA coupled model is the optimal runoff prediction model for the Zuli River Basin. Compared with the SWAT model and the SWAT-LSTM model used alone, its simulation accuracy has been systematically improved. During the calibration period, R² increased by 8–12%, NSE increased by 9–13%, and MSE decreased by 14–30%. During the validation period, R² increased by 10–12%, NSE increased by 10–14%, and MSE decreased by 16–31%. Based on the model and the prediction of future climate data under multiple scenarios, the annual runoff of the basin will show a decreasing trend compared with the historical period between 2025 and 2030, with a decrease of 12–15%. The coupling framework proposed in this study effectively improves the accuracy of runoff prediction and provides a reliable theoretical foundation and technological assistance for revealing the evolution law of extreme hydrological events and the management of water resources in the basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Modeling and Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Anticancer Activity of Chalcone Derivatives as VEGFR-2 Inhibitors

by Mingjun Yu, Xin Zhang, Hui Zhu and Xiaoqian Zhang

Molecules 2025, 30(23), 4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234526 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

A series of 4-phenylurea chalcones (2a–2s) as VEGFR-2 inhibitors has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against K562, SiHa, and B16 cancer cells. Compared to sorafenib, the compounds exhibited strong cytotoxicity against K562, SiHa and [...] Read more.

A series of 4-phenylurea chalcones (2a–2s) as VEGFR-2 inhibitors has been designed, synthesized, and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against K562, SiHa, and B16 cancer cells. Compared to sorafenib, the compounds exhibited strong cytotoxicity against K562, SiHa and B16 cells. Compounds 2r, 2o, and 2l exhibited remarkable cytotoxicity against K562, SiHa, and B16 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 0.97 μM, 1.22 μM, and 1.39 μM, respectively. Moreover, compound 2l exhibited potent cytotoxicity against K562, SiHa, and B16, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.25 μM to 1.39 μM. Compounds 2l and 2o also exhibited excellent inhibitory activity on VEGFR-2 kinase, with IC₅₀ values of 0.42 ± 0.03 and 0.31 ± 0.02 μM, respectively. Molecular docking proved that the target compounds had strong binding interactions with VEGFR-2 proteins. Flow cytometry analysis showed that compound 2l induced apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 and S phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Medicinal Potential Compounds—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Management Practices and Consumption Patterns of Small Ruminants in the Fiji Islands

by Prethy P. Swarath, Archibold G. Bakare, Paul A. Iji and Titus J. Zindove

Sustainability 2025, 17(23), 10497; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172310497 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Despite their importance to Fiji’s food security due to their adaptability and ease of production, the production practices of sheep and goats in Fiji are not well understood. This study characterized small ruminant production systems and determined the meat consumption patterns in Fiji [...] Read more.

Despite their importance to Fiji’s food security due to their adaptability and ease of production, the production practices of sheep and goats in Fiji are not well understood. This study characterized small ruminant production systems and determined the meat consumption patterns in Fiji Islands. Data were collected from 270 sheep and goat producers in Fiji’s two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, using a structured questionnaire that captured socio-demographic information, the importance of small ruminants to farmers, challenges faced, management practices, and household meat consumption patterns. Associations between geographical location and production practices were determined using the chi-squared option of PROC FREQ and logistic regression. Over 95% of the farmers in both islands used paddocking as their primary management strategy. Hindu farmers were four times more likely to use paddocks for raising sheep and goats than Muslim farmers (p < 0.05). More than 65% of the farmers reported scabby mouth and foot rot as primary diseases in Vanua Levu, compared to less than 30% in Viti Levu. In Vanua Levu, the preferred age for slaughtering sheep and goats was less than one year, whereas in Viti Levu, it was one and a half years (p < 0.05). Most farmers discarded offal and other byproducts, such as skin and blood. Management practices and meat consumption patterns were similar in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu; however, the age of slaughter for small ruminants differed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Products and Services)

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20 pages, 7919 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Compression Wood Incidence Under Different Thinning Regimes in Late Rotation of Pinus taeda

by Carla Padilla, Fernando Resquin, Cecilia Rachid-Casnati and Andrés Hirigoyen

Forests 2025, 16(12), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16121766 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Compression wood (CW) negatively affects the industrial quality of Pinus taeda by causing distortion in sawn boards and is visually characterized by a darker reddish colour. Thinning is considered a key factor influencing its formation, but the reported effects have been [...] Read more.

Compression wood (CW) negatively affects the industrial quality of Pinus taeda by causing distortion in sawn boards and is visually characterized by a darker reddish colour. Thinning is considered a key factor influencing its formation, but the reported effects have been inconsistent. This study evaluated CW incidence at final rotation under five thinning regimes: 500-200, 500-325, 800-600-400, 700-450, and 1000-650 trees.ha⁻¹. The defect was assessed on log ends, basal discs, and sawn boards. Although overall CW severity was low, regimes differed significantly. The 500-325 trees.ha⁻¹ regime showed the highest stain and board defects, while the 500-200 trees.ha⁻¹ regime of similar intensity had lower values, indicating that intensity alone does not explain the occurrence of defects. After thinning, CW in growth rings increased and was positively associated with ring width and negatively with stand density index, indicating that reduced competition and accelerated radial growth are linked to higher formation levels. Visible CW staining on log ends was moderately correlated with board defects, indicating its potential as a practical, low-cost indicator of log quality. Thinning affects compression wood through its impact on growth and stand structure. In addition to intensity, timing and the effect of the wind must also be considered. Moderately intensive regimes help minimize defects, although their practical adoption may be limited by commercial priorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Management for High-Quality Timber: Linking Silviculture, Wood Quality, and End-Use Value)

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19 pages, 2201 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Method Integration for Spectral Band Importance Analysis in Coal Characterization

by Jie Zhang, Tianju Zhao, Youquan Dou, Zhiyuan Liu and Yu Zhou

Sensors 2025, 25(23), 7155; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25237155 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

To improve the accuracy and reliability of coal quality assessment via near-infrared spectroscopy, this study proposes a multi-method analysis framework for robust spectral feature selection. A core challenge is reconciling the trade-offs between different analytical approaches: statistical methods often yield smooth but diffuse [...] Read more.

To improve the accuracy and reliability of coal quality assessment via near-infrared spectroscopy, this study proposes a multi-method analysis framework for robust spectral feature selection. A core challenge is reconciling the trade-offs between different analytical approaches: statistical methods often yield smooth but diffuse results, while machine learning models can identify sharp, localized features that may lack stability. Our framework addresses this by integrating diverse analytical perspectives, including statistical correlations, SHAP-interpreted machine learning models, and latent-variable regression. We then introduce a novel fusion strategy that synthesizes the importance profiles from these methods based on inter-method consistency, curve smoothness, and local concentration. Experimental results demonstrate this fusion yields more interpretable and physicochemically coherent wavelength importance profiles for both Moisture (

M_{a d}

) and Volatile Matter (

V_{a d}

). The selected features consistently achieve superior prediction performance across various regression models, showing particular robustness with limited training data. This work offers a structured methodology for identifying compact and informative spectral features, facilitating the development of efficient models for online monitoring and contributing to improved process control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Driven Methods for Chemometric Spectroscopy: Algorithms and Applications)

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18 pages, 3407 KB

Open AccessArticle

NADK Governs Ferroptosis Susceptibility by Orchestrating NADPH Homeostasis

by Xinyi Chen, Yingying Zhang, Dandan Song, Fei Gui, Yuejia Cao, Yu Hong, Rong Chen, Yang Song, Chunhong Di, Jun Yang and Xiaohua Tan

Antioxidants 2025, 14(12), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14121396 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is modulated by cellular antioxidant systems, particularly the glutathione (GSH)–glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. NAD kinase (NADK), the only enzyme converting NAD⁺ to NADP⁺ located in cytoplasm, fuels NADPH-dependent antioxidant [...] Read more.

Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is modulated by cellular antioxidant systems, particularly the glutathione (GSH)–glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis. NAD kinase (NADK), the only enzyme converting NAD⁺ to NADP⁺ located in cytoplasm, fuels NADPH-dependent antioxidant defenses. However, its role in ferroptosis regulation remains not fully explored. Using ferroptosis-sensitive HT1080 cells, we employed pharmacological inhibition (thioNAM), siRNA-mediated knockdown, and plasmid-driven overexpression of NADK to dissect its impact on ferroptosis. Complementary interventions with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and malic enzyme 1 (ME1) were used to map metabolic interactions. Cell viability, redox metabolites (NADPH and GSH), oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA), and protein expression were quantified. ThioNAM depleted NADP(H) and sensitized cells to RSL-3-induced ferroptosis, which was reversible with Ferrostatin-1. NADK knockdown produced similar results, reducing NADP(H) levels and amplifying lipid peroxidation. Conversely, NADK overexpression restored NADPH/GSH levels and rescued ferroptosis. NADK was essential for G6PD- and ME1-mediated NADPH production and ferroptosis resistance. Administration of ThioNAM or knockdown of NADK abolished the ferroptosis-rescuing effects of NMN, whereas NADK overexpression enhanced NMN’s ability to rescue ferroptosis by maintaining redox homeostasis. NADK is a metabolic hub in ferroptosis regulation, bridging NMN-driven NAD⁺ salvage to NADPH synthesis via G6PD/ME1. Targeting NADK offers novel strategies for diseases associated with ferroptosis. Full article

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22 pages, 1022 KB

Open AccessViewpoint

The Metabolic Mind: Revisiting Glucose Metabolism and Justice Involvement in Neurolaw

by Alan C. Logan, Colleen M. Berryessa, Jeffrey M. Greeson, Pragya Mishra and Susan L. Prescott

NeuroSci 2025, 6(4), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6040120 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Neuropsychiatric interest in the relationship between glucose metabolism and criminal behavior dates back nearly a century. In particular, hypoglycemia was thought to play a causative role in some criminal acts, especially non-planned incidents involving impulsivity and in-the-moment risk-taking or aggression. While interest in [...] Read more.

Neuropsychiatric interest in the relationship between glucose metabolism and criminal behavior dates back nearly a century. In particular, hypoglycemia was thought to play a causative role in some criminal acts, especially non-planned incidents involving impulsivity and in-the-moment risk-taking or aggression. While interest in carbohydrate metabolism in forensic populations faded in the 1990s, recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in metabolic dysfunction, mental health, and cognition. This area of research has grown increasingly robust, bolstered by mechanistic discoveries, epidemiological work, and intervention trials. Advances in microbiome (legalome) sciences, aided by omics technologies, have allowed researchers to match objective markers (i.e., from genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics) with facets of cognition and behavior, including aggression. These advances, especially the concentrated integration of microbiome and omics, have permitted novel approaches to the subject of glucose metabolism, and cast new light on older studies related to justice involvement. With current technologies and contemporary knowledge, there are numerous opportunities for revisiting the subject of glucose metabolism in the context of neurolaw. Here in this viewpoint article, we reflect on the historical research and emergent findings, providing ideation for future directions. Full article

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17 pages, 1542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Drowsiness and Alertness States Using EEG Signals to Enhance Road Safety: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms and Ensemble Techniques

by Masoud Sistaninezhad, Saman Rajebi, Siamak Pedrammehr, Arian Shajari, Hussain Mohammed Dipu Kabir, Thuong Hoang, Stefan Greuter and Houshyar Asadi

Computers 2025, 14(12), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14120509 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Drowsy driving is a major contributor to road accidents, as reduced vigilance degrades situational awareness and reaction control. Reliable assessment of alertness versus drowsiness can therefore support accident prevention. Key gaps remain in physiology-based detection, including robust identification of microsleep and transient vigilance [...] Read more.

Drowsy driving is a major contributor to road accidents, as reduced vigilance degrades situational awareness and reaction control. Reliable assessment of alertness versus drowsiness can therefore support accident prevention. Key gaps remain in physiology-based detection, including robust identification of microsleep and transient vigilance shifts, sensitivity to fatigue-related changes, and resilience to motion-related signal artifacts; practical sensing solutions are also needed. Using Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from the MIT-BIH Polysomnography Database (18 records; >80 h of clinically annotated data), we framed wakefulness–drowsiness discrimination as a binary classification task. From each 30 s segment, we extracted 61 handcrafted features spanning linear, nonlinear, and frequency descriptors designed to be largely robust to signal-quality variations. Three classifiers were evaluated—k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Decision Tree (DT)—alongside a DT-based bagging ensemble. KNN achieved 99% training and 80.4% test accuracy; SVM reached 80.0% and 78.8%; and DT obtained 79.8% and 78.3%. Data standardization did not improve performance. The ensemble attained 100% training and 84.7% test accuracy. While these results indicate strong discriminative capability, the training–test gap suggests overfitting and underscores the need for validation on larger, more diverse cohorts to ensure generalizability. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of machine learning to identify vigilance states from EEG. We present an interpretable EEG-based classifier built on clinically scored polysomnography and discuss translation considerations; external validation in driving contexts is reserved for future work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI for Humans and Humans for AI (AI4HnH4AI))

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24 pages, 5376 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nonlinear Behaviour of Aluminium and Passive Brackets in Ventilated Facades: Experimental Tests and Numerical Modelling

by Łukasz Zawiślak, Krzysztof Schabowicz and Ołeksij Kopyłow

Materials 2025, 18(23), 5286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18235286 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experimental tests and numerical analyses of the behaviour of brackets used in substructures of ventilated facades. Two representative solutions were compared: a traditional aluminium bracket and an innovative passive bracket with a composite interlayer. The aim was [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of experimental tests and numerical analyses of the behaviour of brackets used in substructures of ventilated facades. Two representative solutions were compared: a traditional aluminium bracket and an innovative passive bracket with a composite interlayer. The aim was to assess their load-bearing capacity, deformation and failure mechanisms, and the suitability of the calculation methods used. Laboratory tests were carried out at ITB’s accredited Laboratory of Building Elements in accordance with the European Assessment Document (EAD 090034-00-0404). The aluminium bracket was tested under standard environmental conditions. In parallel, finite element (FE) analyses were performed, including elastic–plastic modelling for metallic systems and material and geometric nonlinear analyses for the passive bracket. The results revealed fundamental differences in the behaviour of the two solutions. The aluminium bracket exhibited a predictable plasticisation mechanism, the ability to redistribute stresses, and a gradual loss of capacity. Linear analyses proved sufficient in this case and were consistent with the tests. The passive bracket, by contrast, showed quasi-brittle behaviour, strong temperature sensitivity, and no plastic reserve, resulting in a sudden failure mechanism. For this case, the use of classical linear models leads to unsafe simplifications and underestimated results. The study demonstrates that the development of passive facade bracket technology requires a nonlinear approach and extended long-term testing covering the rheology of composite materials and environmental effects. The findings also reveal a normative gap: current design guidelines and EAD documents focus on metallic solutions while overlooking the specific behaviour of passive brackets. The results constitute an important contribution to knowledge on the safety and durability of ventilated facades and may serve as a basis for developing dedicated design procedures and for updating normative documents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Testing of Materials and Elements in Civil Engineering (4th Edition))

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24 pages, 309 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Border Within: Highly Skilled Syrians in the UK Narrativising Work and Belonging

by Lina Fadel, Katerina Strani and Joanna Drugan

Societies 2025, 15(12), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15120323 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper argues for a reconceptualisation of migrant work as a critical site for negotiating borders and belonging, focusing on highly skilled Syrian migrants in the UK, a group often overlooked in migration scholarship. Through 17 narrative conversations, the study examines how borders [...] Read more.

This paper argues for a reconceptualisation of migrant work as a critical site for negotiating borders and belonging, focusing on highly skilled Syrian migrants in the UK, a group often overlooked in migration scholarship. Through 17 narrative conversations, the study examines how borders are embodied, negotiated, carried and crossed in the everyday professional lives of this group. Grounded in affect and bordering theories and guided by a decolonial methodology, the study explores how these professionals navigate racial, political and social hierarchies within the UK’s socio-political context. Our study asks: What does it mean to cross a border when mobility gives way to emplacement? How do borders persist within racialised migrant bodies as they navigate work and belonging? Findings highlight the affective dimensions of migrant work, revealing tensions between imposed identities and the agency to redefine the self beyond victimhood. Work functions as both an anchor and a contested terrain where identities are negotiated, transformed, and, at times, placed at risk. As the first study of its kind on highly skilled Syrian migrants in the UK, this research contributes to migration scholarship by foregrounding work as a critical space where selfhoods are actively negotiated, with significant implications for migration scholarship and the politics of identity and belonging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Borders, (Im)mobility and the Everyday)

16 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact on the Health-Promoting Potential of Cranberries for Food Applications Through Soilless Cultivation Practices in Piemonte Region (Italy): A Sustainable Opportunity for Nutraceutical Production

by Teresa Sobrero, Alberto Asteggiano, Dario Donno, Lorenzo Rosso, Andrea Occhipinti, Maria Gabriella Mellano, Annachiara Fioccardi, Gabriele Loris Beccaro and Giovanni Gamba

Horticulturae 2025, 11(12), 1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11121418 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), a traditional berry crop cultivated in North America, is appreciated for its high amounts of bioactive compounds and polyphenols. The exploration of its cultivation in different geographic areas may support crop diversification and sustainable production of fruits and [...] Read more.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), a traditional berry crop cultivated in North America, is appreciated for its high amounts of bioactive compounds and polyphenols. The exploration of its cultivation in different geographic areas may support crop diversification and sustainable production of fruits and derived products rich in health-promoting molecules. The present research evaluated the antioxidant capacity, phytochemical profile, and nutritive composition of the ‘Pilgrim’ cranberry cultivar grown in soilless conditions in Northwestern Italy (Bra, Piemonte Region), compared to a reference sample from North America (Canada). Physical–chemical parameters such as weight, fruit size, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids were considered. Additionally, anthocyanins, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and proanthocyanidins (PACs) were evaluated using spectrophotometric protocols. Chromatographic techniques (HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD) were used for detailed profiling of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugars, organic acids, and PAC types (A- and B-type dimers and trimers). The results highlighted that Italian-grown cranberry fruits, although smaller, showed significantly higher levels of PACs (+61%), anthocyanins (+58%), total polyphenolic compounds (+48%), and antioxidant capacity than North American ones. This may be due to the inhibition of fruit growth by elevated temperatures, resulting in a better synthesis of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. This study may promote the cultivation of cranberries in different climatic regions, as a complementary strategy to international imports, and improve the production of new food applications with a high content of health-promoting molecules. Additionally, the production of antioxidants in plants under challenging conditions may potentially stimulate further studies to address climate change and investigate crop diversification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tree Crop Cultivation and Fruit Quality Assessment)

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19 pages, 9064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid VMD–BiGRU Framework for Multi-Step Forecasting of PM_2.5 in Traffic-Intensive Cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

by Afaq Khattak, Saleh Alotaibi, Raed Nayif Alahmadi, Caroline Mongina Matara and Sami Taglawi

Atmosphere 2025, 16(12), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16121324 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) poses major public health and environmental threats due to its capacity to enter deep respiratory passages and degrade urban air quality. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah show an [...] Read more.

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) poses major public health and environmental threats due to its capacity to enter deep respiratory passages and degrade urban air quality. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), cities such as Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah show an elevated level of PM_2.5 due to rapid urban growth, dense traffic activity, and wide industrial operations. This study proposes a hybrid Variational Mode Decomposition–Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (VMD–BiGRU) framework for multi-horizon PM_2.5 forecasts based on daily data from January 2022 to September 2024. The daily PM_2.5 series was split through VMD into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) that represent multi-scale temporal patterns. A seven-day ahead forecast was carried out, and model performance was compared with VMD–GRU, VMD–LSTM, and VMD–TCN. For Riyadh, RMSE values for t + 1, t + 2, and t + 3 were 9.25, 12.26, and 16.05 µg/m³, with R² above 0.90 up to the third day. For Dammam, RMSE values for the same horizons were 4.46, 7.24, and 11.34 µg/m³, and R² remained above 0.90 up to the fourth day. For Jeddah, the corresponding values were 3.97, 6.09, and 9.36 µg/m³, and R² remained above 0.90 up to the fourth day. The hybrid VMD–BiGRU model achieved higher accuracy for short horizons (t + 1 to t + 3). The study establishes a basis that aids short-term PM_2.5 prediction and improves air quality assessment across major urban centers in KSA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air Quality)

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18 pages, 13754 KB

Open AccessArticle

Polysaccharides and Polyacrylamide as Linear Polymeric Stabilizers for Zwitterionic Short-Chain Fluorocarbon Surfactant: Interfacial Properties, Apparent Viscosity, and Foam Performance

by Wenjun Zhao, Ziyang Zhu, Zhisheng Xu and Long Yan

Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3112; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233112 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Polymeric stabilizers play a critical role in enhancing the stability and performance of firefighting foams. This study evaluated the influence of three polymeric stabilizers (xanthan gum, XG; polyacrylamide, PAM; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC-Na) on the performance of foam solutions formulated with a zwitterionic [...] Read more.

Polymeric stabilizers play a critical role in enhancing the stability and performance of firefighting foams. This study evaluated the influence of three polymeric stabilizers (xanthan gum, XG; polyacrylamide, PAM; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC-Na) on the performance of foam solutions formulated with a zwitterionic short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant. The investigation focused on three performances: interfacial properties, apparent viscosity (at a fixed rotational speed), and foam performance, employing interfacial tension analysis, viscosity measurement, dynamic foam analysis, and foam drainage testing. Results indicate that XG and CMC-Na slightly decrease interfacial activities, reducing spreading coefficients 6.34–15.78% and 0.68–6.35%, respectively. However, these polymeric stabilizers substantially increase apparent viscosity through hydrogen bond network formation, which effectively mitigates foam coarsening and drainage. When adding 0.10 wt.% XG, the foam solution exhibits a characteristic coarsening time of 724.64 s and a 25% drainage time of 1519.15 s. Conversely, PAM exhibits a concentration-dependent dual effect. When below 0.06 wt.%, PAM enhances interfacial properties and foam stability. However, at elevated concentrations, excessive PAM aggregates at interfaces and forms entangled networks that inhibit surfactant adsorption. This impairs foam formation and accelerates foam structural evolution, increasing variation in bubble size and promoting foam drainage by 8.63–57.88%. These findings provide crucial reference for applying polymeric stabilizers in short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fire-Safe Polymer Materials)

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24 pages, 2364 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Clinical Effectiveness of Different Irrigation Agents in Temporomandibular Arthrocentesis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Miglė Miškinytė, Inesa Stonkutė, Vėjūnė Rupeikaitė, Juozas Žilinskas and Marijus Leketas

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8327; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238327 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect millions worldwide and rank among the most frequent causes of orofacial pain unrelated to dental disease. Beyond discomfort, they can restrict mandibular motion and impair chewing efficiency. Arthrocentesis has been adopted as a favored surgical [...] Read more.

Background: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) affect millions worldwide and rank among the most frequent causes of orofacial pain unrelated to dental disease. Beyond discomfort, they can restrict mandibular motion and impair chewing efficiency. Arthrocentesis has been adopted as a favored surgical approach after conservative therapy fails since joint lavage can reduce inflammation and restore mobility with minimal invasiveness. A variety of irrigants are available for this procedure, including normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, and ozonated water, each offering potential therapeutic advantages. However, the comparative effectiveness of these solutions in terms of pain reduction and functional recovery has not been clearly established, warranting systematic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA recommendations, a literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect between 10 October and 14 November 2024. The search focused on studies published in English within the past ten years that examined arthrocentesis for temporomandibular joint disorders using normal saline, Ringer’s lactate, or ozonated water as the irrigant. Results: Seven clinical trials involving 220 patients were included, of which three provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis indicated that all irrigants reduced pain (VAS) and improved maximum mouth opening (MMO), with ozonated water showing the greatest mean improvements (VAS reduction 6.2 points; MMO gain 12.9 mm). Ringer’s lactate and saline also demonstrated clinically relevant effects. Quantitative analysis revealed no baseline group differences (VAS p = 0.800; MMO p = 0.935). Short-term (≤1 month) random effects models showed non-significant changes for VAS (Fisher’s z = 1.32; 95% CI −2.64 to 0.00) and MMO (z = 0.04; 95% CI −0.14 to 0.21). At 3–6 months, ozonated water produced a statistically significant reduction in pain (z = −0.34; 95% CI −0.53 to −0.15), whereas MMO remained unchanged (z = 0.05; 95% CI −0.13 to 0.22). Conclusions: Arthrocentesis with any irrigant improves TMD symptoms. Ozonated water demonstrated the strongest long-term analgesic effect, but MMO improvements did not reach significance. Larger, standardized randomized trials are required to validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)

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26 pages, 3733 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of the Periodontal Ligament in Dental Materials Research: A CAD/CAM-Based Method for PDL Modeling

by Przemysław Kosewski, Juliusz Kosewski and Agnieszka Mielczarek

J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(12), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16120429 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is essential for the physiological mobility and load distribution of natural teeth, yet its simulation in mechanical testing remains inconsistent and insufficiently standardized. The absence of a resilient suspension system can alter force transmission, affect failure patterns, and reduce [...] Read more.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is essential for the physiological mobility and load distribution of natural teeth, yet its simulation in mechanical testing remains inconsistent and insufficiently standardized. The absence of a resilient suspension system can alter force transmission, affect failure patterns, and reduce the clinical relevance of in vitro outcomes. This study aimed to develop a reproducible CAD/CAM-based model for PDL simulation that provides elastic suspension of a tooth replica under laboratory conditions. A digitally defined offset was applied around a tooth replica to create a controlled PDL space, which was filled with polyether. To ensure precise seating of the specimens, a 3D-printed positioning device was used. Functional calibration was performed using Periotest measurements to identify the offset that reproduced physiological tooth mobility. A digital offset of 0.85 mm produced a radiographically confirmed polyether layer of 0.86 ± 0.05 mm and yielded Periotest values comparable to natural teeth in the horizontal direction (mean PTV = 2.99 ± 0.92). Vertical measurements demonstrated higher damping (mean PTV = −4.02 ± 0.56), consistent with the anisotropic behavior of natural PDL. The model showed high fabrication accuracy and predictable mechanical behavior, providing a physiologically relevant method for incorporating PDL simulation into laboratory mechanical testing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Studies and Biomaterials in Dentistry (2nd Edition))

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26 pages, 2310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Probabilistic Analysis of Meat Distribution Logistics: Application of Monte Carlo Simulation

by Gustavo Alves de Melo, Luiz Gonzaga de Castro Júnior, Maria Gabriela Mendonça Peixoto, Samuel Borges Barbosa, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Caroline Cambraia Furtado Campos, Matheus Vanzela and Ana Paula Dalmagro Delai

Logistics 2025, 9(4), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics9040166 (registering DOI) - 24 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: The food sector plays a critical role in promoting population well-being and contributes significantly to economic, social, and environmental development. However, inefficiencies in distribution logistics often result in elevated operational costs, potentially compromising the viability of enterprises in this sector. This [...] Read more.

Background: The food sector plays a critical role in promoting population well-being and contributes significantly to economic, social, and environmental development. However, inefficiencies in distribution logistics often result in elevated operational costs, potentially compromising the viability of enterprises in this sector. This study focuses on evaluating the economic feasibility of a fresh beef and pork distribution center in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: A case study methodology with a quantitative approach was adopted. Methodological triangulation was applied by combining a traditional Economic Feasibility Analysis (EFA) with a Monte Carlo Simulation to incorporate uncertainty in key input variables. This approach enabled a comprehensive assessment of project viability under both deterministic and probabilistic conditions. Results: The results indicated that distribution price per kilogram, market share, population growth, and per capita meat consumption had a positive correlation with profitability. The economic analysis confirmed the viability of the proposed distribution center, with high expected profitability and a short payback period. The Monte Carlo Simulation revealed that market share, unit price, and consumption levels are the most influential drivers of financial performance, while logistics costs represent the main limiting factor. Conclusions: This study provides a robust, data-driven framework for investment decision-making in food logistics infrastructure. It demonstrates the value of integrating deterministic and probabilistic analyses to improve risk management and strategic planning in the food distribution sector. Full article

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