MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

25 pages, 5030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Algorithm Optimization of Sales Routes with Time and Workload Objectives

by Filipa Costa, Margarida Brito, Pedro Louro and Sílvio Gama

AppliedMath 2025, 5(3), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedmath5030103 (registering DOI) - 11 Aug 2025

This work proposes a novel multi-objective genetic algorithm to solve the Periodic Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (PVRPTWs) tailored for sales teams with diverse geographic scales and visit frequency requirements. Unlike existing models, our approach incorporates workload balancing and applies a clustering-based [...] Read more.

This work proposes a novel multi-objective genetic algorithm to solve the Periodic Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (PVRPTWs) tailored for sales teams with diverse geographic scales and visit frequency requirements. Unlike existing models, our approach incorporates workload balancing and applies a clustering-based preprocessing step for long-distance routes using multidimensional scaling and fuzzy clustering, improving initial route grouping. When tested on three salesperson profiles (short-, mid-, and long-distance), the model achieved up to a 69% reduction in total travel time compared to a nearest neighbor baseline. These results demonstrate substantial improvements over existing methods and underscore the model’s flexibility and potential for extension to dynamic or real-time sales routing applications. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 12966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Analysis of Differentially Expressed miRNAs and Noncoding RNA Networks Reveals Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Metritis in Postpartum Dairy Cows

by Ramanathan Kasimanickam, Joao Ferreira and Vanmathy Kasimanickam

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080643 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Postpartum metritis in dairy cows compromises reproductive performance and leads to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying metritis by integrating high-throughput circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiling with systems-level bioinformatics. Previously, 30 differentially expressed miRNAs, 16 upregulated and 14 downregulated, were [...] Read more.

Postpartum metritis in dairy cows compromises reproductive performance and leads to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying metritis by integrating high-throughput circulating microRNA (miRNA) profiling with systems-level bioinformatics. Previously, 30 differentially expressed miRNAs, 16 upregulated and 14 downregulated, were identified in metritis-affected cows compared to healthy controls. Building on these findings, this study predicted miRNA target genes and constructed regulatory networks involving miRNAs, mRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs, and snRNAs, alongside protein–protein interaction networks. Functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that upregulated miRNAs influenced genes involved in immune activation, apoptosis, and metabolism, while downregulated miRNAs were associated with angiogenesis, immune suppression, and tissue repair. Hub genes such as AKT3, VEGFA, and HIF1A were central to immune and angiogenic signaling, whereas UBE3A and ZEB1 were linked to immune inhibition. Interferon-stimulated genes (e.g., ISG15, RSAD2, CXCL chemokines) were shown to regulate solute carriers, contributing to immune dysregulation. Key pathways included PI3K-Akt, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, insulin resistance, and T cell receptor signaling. Noncoding RNAs such as NEAT1, KCNQ1OT1, and XIST, along with miRNAs like bta-miR-15b and bta-miR-148a, emerged as pro-inflammatory regulators, while bta-miR-199a-3p appeared to exert immunosuppressive effects. These findings offer new insights into the complex regulatory networks driving metritis and suggest potential targets for improving fertility in dairy cows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Dengue in the State of Pará and the Socio-Environmental Determinants in Eastern Brazilian Amazon

by Brenda Caroline Sampaio da Silva, Ricardo José de Paula Souza e Guimarães, Bruno Spacek Godoy, Andressa Tavares Parente, Bergson Cavalcanti de Moraes, Marcia Aparecida da Silva Pimentel, Douglas Batista da Silva Ferreira, Emilene Monteiro Furtado Serra, João de Athaydes Silva Junior, Luciano Jorge Serejo dos Anjos and Everaldo Barreiros de Souza

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17040099 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The Amazon biome exhibits complex arboviral transmission dynamics influenced by accelerating deforestation, climate change, and socioeconomic inequities. Objectives/Methods: This study integrates official epidemiological records with socioeconomic, environmental, and climate variables by applying advanced geostatistical methods (Moran’s I, SaTScan, kernel density estimation) combined [...] Read more.

Background: The Amazon biome exhibits complex arboviral transmission dynamics influenced by accelerating deforestation, climate change, and socioeconomic inequities. Objectives/Methods: This study integrates official epidemiological records with socioeconomic, environmental, and climate variables by applying advanced geostatistical methods (Moran’s I, SaTScan, kernel density estimation) combined with principal component analysis and negative binomial regression to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue incidence and its association with socio-environmental determinants across municipalities in Pará state (eastern Brazilian Amazon) from 2010 to 2024. Results: Dengue incidence showed an overall decline but with marked epidemic peaks in 2010–2012, 2016, and 2024. The spatial analysis revealed significant clustering (Moran’s I = 0.221, p < 0.01), with persistent high-risk hotspots across most of Pará. Of 144 municipalities, 104 exhibited significant dengue risk, while 58 maintained sustained transmission. Negative binomial regression model identified key determinants: illiteracy, low urbanization, reduced GDP, and climate variables. Conclusions: Dengue transmission in the Amazon is driven by synergistic socio-environmental disruptions, necessitating intersectoral policies that bridge public health surveillance, sustainable land-use governance, and poverty alleviation. Priority actions include targeted vector control in high-risk clusters, coupled with integrated deforestation and climate monitoring to predict outbreak risks. The findings emphasize the urgency of implementing multisectoral interventions tailored to the territorial and socio-environmental complexities of vulnerable Amazonian regions for effective dengue control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Vector-Borne Disease Spatial Epidemiology, Disease Ecology, and Zoonoses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preschool Hearing Screening: Nineteen Years of the Coração Delta Project in Campo Maior, Portugal

by Cláudia Reis, Luísa Monteiro, Conceição Monteiro, Joana Pereira, Joana Teixeira, João Mendes, Mariana Pereira, Magda Barrocas, Dionísia Gomes and Margarida Serrano

Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15040104 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Preschool hearing screening is justified by the risk of late onset hearing loss, the high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in school-aged children, and the critical timing just before children begin formal reading and learn to write. This study describes [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Preschool hearing screening is justified by the risk of late onset hearing loss, the high prevalence of otitis media with effusion in school-aged children, and the critical timing just before children begin formal reading and learn to write. This study describes the results of the annual preschool hearing screening program in Campo Maior from 2007 to 2025 (nineteen years) and correlates the audiological referral to the otoscopy findings by the otolaryngologists. Methodology: Retrospective study using clinical records from nineteen years of preschool hearing screening. Results: Screening identified 310 children (29% of 1068 screened) requiring referral to an ENT specialist. Of the 217 referred children evaluated by ENT, 198 (91.2%) had confirmed pathology or healthcare needs of medical intervention. A statistically significant positive association (r = 0.254, p < 0.05) existed between abnormal otoscopy findings and Type B or C2 tympanograms (versus Type A or C1). Hearing loss occurring with Type A tympanograms (0.8% unilaterally, 0.3% bilaterally) may suggest sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: This study reinforces the importance of universal preschool audiological screening for all children, particularly for children facing geographic barriers to healthcare. Community-based interventions facilitated by social solidarity associations can play a crucial role in mitigating healthcare access disparities across populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hearing)

13 pages, 1542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating a New Optical Device for Velocity-Based Training: Validity and Reliability of the PowerTrack^TM Sensor

by Fernando Martin-Rivera, Darío Rodrigo-Mallorca, Luis M. Franco-Grau, Jose Vidal-Vidal, Angel Saez-Berlanga and Iván Chulvi-Medrano

Metrology 2025, 5(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/metrology5030049 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Velocity-based training (VBT) requires precise measurement devices to monitor neuromuscular performance. PowerTrack^TM is a novel optoelectronic device designed to assess movement velocity in resistance training. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of PowerTrack^TM during the Smith machine [...] Read more.

Background: Velocity-based training (VBT) requires precise measurement devices to monitor neuromuscular performance. PowerTrack^TM is a novel optoelectronic device designed to assess movement velocity in resistance training. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of PowerTrack^TM during the Smith machine back squat. Methods: Twenty experienced-trained men performed three repetitions at three submaximal loads (20, 50, and 70 kg) across two sessions. Velocity metrics—mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and maximum velocity (Vmax)—were simultaneously recorded by PowerTrack^TM and the criterion device (MuscleLab^TM). Validity was assessed via ordinary least products (OLP) regression, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and Bland–Altman plots. Reliability was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Results: PowerTrack showed high agreement with MuscleLab^TM for MPV and Vmax (slope ≈ 1.00; CCC = 0.95–0.97), while MV presented a proportional bias (slope = 0.83). ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.91 across loads, and SEM remained <0.09 m/s for all metrics, indicating excellent relative reliability and acceptable absolute precision. Conclusion: Despite a slight underestimation of MV at light loads, PowerTrack^TM proved to be a valid and reliable device for velocity monitoring in VBT contexts. Full article

28 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incentive Mechanism for Online–Offline Dual-Channel Healthcare Services While Considering Spillover Effects

by Yanlin Bi, Li Luo and Pengkun Wu

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030210 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the incentive mechanism for dual-channel healthcare service supply chains, where doctors simultaneously undertake both offline and online medical tasks, based on the common agency theory. Considering the geographical distance between online patients and public hospitals, we construct common agency, game-theoretic [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the incentive mechanism for dual-channel healthcare service supply chains, where doctors simultaneously undertake both offline and online medical tasks, based on the common agency theory. Considering the geographical distance between online patients and public hospitals, we construct common agency, game-theoretic models under two scenarios: without spillover effects and with spillover effects. Through analytical solutions, we derive the equilibrium outcomes for both scenarios and conduct comparative and numerical analyses. The findings reveal that as follows: (1) Compared to the scenario without spillover effects, the incentive intensity for offline healthcare increases when spillover effects are considered, and doctors exert higher effort levels in offline healthcare. (2) The incentive intensity for online healthcare may decrease, yet doctors’ effort levels in the online channel do not decline accordingly and may even increase; (3) Non-economic incentives (e.g., online reputation) exhibit a substitution effect on economic incentives; (4) Online reputation not only influences decision-making in the online healthcare channel but also affects decisions in the offline channel through spillover effects. These findings provide valuable insights for public hospitals and online healthcare platforms to optimize incentive structures and for doctors to allocate efforts effectively across dual-channel healthcare services. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 94328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Medical Segmentation of Kidney Whole Slide Images Using Slicing Aided Hyper Inference and Enhanced Syncretic Mask Merging Optimized by Particle Swarm Metaheuristics

by Marko Mihajlovic and Marina Marjanovic

BioMedInformatics 2025, 5(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedinformatics5030044 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Accurate segmentation of kidney microstructures in whole slide images (WSIs) is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases. In this study, an end-to-end instance segmentation pipeline was developed for the detection of glomeruli and blood vessels in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) [...] Read more.

Accurate segmentation of kidney microstructures in whole slide images (WSIs) is essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases. In this study, an end-to-end instance segmentation pipeline was developed for the detection of glomeruli and blood vessels in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained kidney tissue. A tiling-based strategy was employed using Slicing Aided Hyper Inference (SAHI) to manage the resolution and scale of WSIs and the performance of two segmentation models, YOLOv11 and YOLOv12, was comparatively evaluated. The influence of tile overlap ratios on segmentation quality and inference efficiency was assessed, with configurations identified that balance object continuity and computational cost. To address object fragmentation at tile boundaries, an Enhanced Syncretic Mask Merging algorithm was introduced, incorporating morphological and spatial constraints. The algorithm’s hyperparameters were optimized using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), with vessel and glomerulus-specific performance targets. The optimization process revealed key parameters affecting segmentation quality, particularly for vessel structures with fine, elongated morphology. When compared with a baseline without postprocessing, improvements in segmentation precision were observed, notably a 48% average increase for glomeruli and up to 17% for blood vessels. The proposed framework demonstrates a balance between accuracy and efficiency, supporting scalable histopathology analysis and contributing to the Vasculature Common Coordinate Framework (VCCF) and Human Reference Atlas (HRA). Full article

17 pages, 4182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing Unproductive Areas in the Caatinga Biome: A Remote Sensing Approach to Monitoring Land Degradation in Drylands

by Diêgo P. Costa, Rodrigo N. Vasconcelos, Soltan Galano Duverger, Stefanie M. Herrmann, Washinton J. S. Franca Rocha, Nerivaldo Afonso Santos, Deorgia T. M. Souza, André T. Cunha Lima and Carlos A. D. Lentini

Earth 2025, 6(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030096 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Land degradation in drylands represents a critical environmental challenge, with persistent bare soil serving as a key indicator of ecosystem vulnerability, including in the Caatinga biome. This study maps and analyzes the spatial and temporal dynamics of persistent bare soils over three decades [...] Read more.

Land degradation in drylands represents a critical environmental challenge, with persistent bare soil serving as a key indicator of ecosystem vulnerability, including in the Caatinga biome. This study maps and analyzes the spatial and temporal dynamics of persistent bare soils over three decades using multi-temporal remote sensing data. We applied Spectral Mixture Analysis (SMA), temporal metrics, and machine learning classifiers within Google Earth Engine to process long-term Landsat datasets and to derive the Normalized Difference Fraction Index Adjusted (NDFIa). The results indicate a widespread increase in bare soil, with over 63% of mapped hexagons showing expansion, particularly in the São Francisco Basin. Peaks in soil exposure coincided with severe drought events, highlighting the link between climate variability and land degradation. Moreover, abandoned agricultural lands and pasturelands emerged as the dominant contributors to persistent bare soils. These findings reinforce the need for targeted policies to mitigate land degradation and to promote sustainable land management in semi-arid ecosystems. This research provides a robust framework for long-term environmental monitoring in drylands by integrating satellite data with advanced analytical techniques. These advancements support more effective land management and conservation strategies in semi-arid ecosystems. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Resilience and Self-Sufficiency in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus: A Case Study of Hydroponic Greenhouse Systems in Central Greece

by G.-Fivos Sargentis, Errikos Markatos, Nikolaos Malamos and Theano Iliopoulou

Earth 2025, 6(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030095 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus provides a critical framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of resource scarcity and sustainability in the face of global population growth and climate variability. This study investigates the application of a WEF nexus approach within the operation and management [...] Read more.

The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus provides a critical framework for addressing the interconnected challenges of resource scarcity and sustainability in the face of global population growth and climate variability. This study investigates the application of a WEF nexus approach within the operation and management of a hydroponic greenhouse unit in Central Greece, with the aim of enhancing the unit’s energy autonomy and resource sufficiency. Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation method, optimizes water and land use but relies heavily on energy inputs, necessitating integrated solutions. Through the case study approach, we analyze the unit’s resource dynamics per hectare of water (68 MWh equivalent from desalination), energy (125 MWh or 321 GJ/ha plus 74.5 GJ/ha for fertigation), and food production (~295 tons, which contains 50,250,000 kcal and corresponds to 210 GJ) and propose technical solutions: photovoltaic panels as greenhouse coverings and water rain harvesting regulated with a small reservoir. These innovations could reduce external energy dependency by 90–95% and water use by 25–35%. Energy efficiency is quantified using the energy ratio (ER) and net energy gain (NEG), while resilience is assessed via system reliability under resource variability. Conclusively, this study illustrates how a nexus-based approach can effectively upgrade systems into climate-resilient, resource-efficient models as the abundance or scarcity of one source affects the availability or limitation of the others. Overall, the approach presented in this study could also be used to safeguard the supply chains in megacities. Full article

15 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EAEU’s Creative Industries: Regulatory Policy, Policy Priorities, State Support

by Irina Turgel, Zlata Novokshonova and Kristina Chukavina

World 2025, 6(3), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6030113 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The effect of creative industries in modern post-industrial realities is increasingly significant, becoming one of the economic drivers for developing countries. The creative sphere is more frequently being considered both in scientific circles and government programs in various countries, and the states of [...] Read more.

The effect of creative industries in modern post-industrial realities is increasingly significant, becoming one of the economic drivers for developing countries. The creative sphere is more frequently being considered both in scientific circles and government programs in various countries, and the states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are no exception. These countries have significant potential to develop creative industries due to the need for more efficient growth in new areas of the economy. The creative sector, in turn, can stimulate these economies by increasing jobs, heightening export volumes, and attracting investment. Governments are taking active measures to develop this sector by updating the regulatory framework and introducing effective ways to support entrepreneurship. This study analyzes the regulatory legal acts of the EAEU countries in the field of the creative economy. As a result, the main directions of development, measures of state support, and gaps in the existing legislative bases of the countries under consideration were identified. Based on the analysis, the authors have compiled recommendations for the development of policy in the creative sector. The application of the developed recommendations in practice can have a positive impact on the effectiveness of the creative economy’s development, both at the country level and at the level of the Eurasian Economic Union as a whole. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3925 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Identifying Angiogenic Factors in Pediatric Choroid Plexus Papillomas

by Nurfarhanah Bte Syed Sulaiman, Sofiah M. Y. Sng, Khurshid Z. Merchant, Lee Ping Ng, David C. Y. Low, Wan Tew Seow and Sharon Y. Y. Low

NeuroSci 2025, 6(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci6030076 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

(1) Background: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare brain tumors that tend to occur in very young children. Mechanisms of CPP development remain unelucidated. Separately, the process of angiogenesis has been implicated in other primary brain tumors. We hypothesize that angiogenesis is a [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are rare brain tumors that tend to occur in very young children. Mechanisms of CPP development remain unelucidated. Separately, the process of angiogenesis has been implicated in other primary brain tumors. We hypothesize that angiogenesis is a hallmark of CPP biology. This study aims to identify and validate angiogenic factors in CPPs. (2) Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CPP tumor samples are collected. A multiplex immunoassay panel is used to identify differentially expressed cytokines in the CSF samples. Concurrently, patient-derived primary cell cultures and their supernatants are derived from CPP samples. Targeted proteome blot arrays and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays are used for validation studies. (3) Results: CSF profiling showed higher expressions of VEGF-A, MCP-1, MMP-1, TNF-α, and CD40L in CPP patient samples versus non-tumor controls. Next, assessment via online protein–protein network platforms reports that these cytokines are associated with endothelial cell regulation. Using an angiogenesis-focused approach, CPP-derived cell lines and supernatants showed similarly higher expressions of VEGF, MCP-1, and MMP-1. Next, sprouting of nodes and tubule formation were observed in HUVEC angiogenesis assay cultures when conditioned CPP cell culture media was added. (4) Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates potential to explore angiogenesis in CPP. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Artificial Personality Grouping Through Decision Making in Feature Spaces

by Yuan Zhou and Siamak Khatibi

AI 2025, 6(8), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6080184 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Human personality (HP) is seen as an individual’s consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving by today’s psychological studies, in which HPs are characterized in terms of traits—in particular, as relatively enduring characteristics that influence human behavior across many situations. In this sense, [...] Read more.

Human personality (HP) is seen as an individual’s consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving by today’s psychological studies, in which HPs are characterized in terms of traits—in particular, as relatively enduring characteristics that influence human behavior across many situations. In this sense, more generally, artificial personality (AP) is studied in computer science to develop AI agents who should behave more like humans. However, in this paper, we suggest another approach by which the APs of individual agents are distinguishable based on their behavioral characteristics in achieving tasks and not necessarily in their human-like performance. As an initial step toward AP, we propose an approach to extract human decision-making characteristics as a generative resource for encoding the variability in agent personality. Using an application example, we demonstrate the feasibility of grouping APs, divided into several steps consisting of (1) defining a feature space to measure the commonality of decision making between individual and a group of people; (2) grouping APs by using multidimensional orthogonal features in the feature space to guarantee inter-individual differences between APs in achieving for the same task; and (3) evaluating the consistency of grouping APs by performing a cluster-stability analysis. Finally, our thoughts for the future implementation of APs are discussed and presented. Full article

25 pages, 2590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Identification with Monte Carlo Simulations and Rotation Models from Sentinel-2 Data

by Andrei Racoviteanu, Andreea Nițu, Corneliu Florea and Mihai Ivanovici

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(8), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7080259 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Crop rotation is a well-established practice that helps reduce nutrient depletion and pressure from pests and weeds. At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence tools to recognize crops from satellite multispectral imagery is gaining momentum as a first step toward automated [...] Read more.

Crop rotation is a well-established practice that helps reduce nutrient depletion and pressure from pests and weeds. At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence tools to recognize crops from satellite multispectral imagery is gaining momentum as a first step toward automated agricultural monitoring. However, the recognition process is limited by inherent errors and the scarcity of available data. In this paper, we build upon Monte Carlo simulation methods to investigate whether incorporating crop rotation information—encoded as a Markov chain—can improve identification accuracy. To broaden the simulation across diverse datasets, we also synthesize multispectral pixels for underrepresented crop types. Crop rotation is used not only in post-processing, but also integrated into the classifier, where a Gradient Boosting Machine is adapted to penalize learners that predict the same crop as in the previous year. Our evaluation uses Sentinel satellite imagery of agricultural crops, combined with the DACIA5 database from the Brașov region of Romania. We conclude that incorporating accurate prior information and crop rotation models noticeably improves crop identification performance. Synthesized data further enhances recognition rates and enables broader applicability, beyond the original region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Remote Sensing and AI-Driven Analytics for Sustainable Agriculture)

19 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the Individual- and Fire Department-Level Factors Affecting Volunteer Firefighter Cardiorespiratory Fitness

by Nimit N. Shah, Sara A. Jahnke, Brittany S. Hollerbach, Derrick L. Edwards, Jason Roy, Olivia A. Wackowski, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Taylor M. Black, Kaleigh Hinton, Brian S. Kubiel, Cristine D. Delnevo and Judith M. Graber

Fire 2025, 8(8), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080319 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Volunteer firefighters often have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and less access to health monitoring and fitness programs than career firefighters, yet few studies explore how individual and departmental factors influence their CRF. This study assessed associations between CRF and both firefighter-level (e.g., years [...] Read more.

Volunteer firefighters often have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and less access to health monitoring and fitness programs than career firefighters, yet few studies explore how individual and departmental factors influence their CRF. This study assessed associations between CRF and both firefighter-level (e.g., years of service, firefighting calls, and firefighter rank) and department-level (e.g., department characteristics and fitness infrastructure) factors among volunteer firefighters. Surveys were administered to United States volunteer firefighters and departments, capturing CRF and related characteristics. CRF was analyzed as both a continuous and categorical variable (≤8, >8–<10, 10–<12, ≥12 METs) using bivariate analyses and mixed effects linear and logistic regression. Among 569 incumbent volunteer firefighters from 41 departments, 79.9% did not meet the recommended 12 METs threshold. Only 56.8% of departments provided routine physical exams; 35.1% had a wellness coordinator or committee; and 40.5% offered fitness resources. More years of service were associated with lower CRF and reduced odds of meeting the 12 METs benchmark, while more frequent training and responding to more calls were associated with better CRF. These findings highlight individual and structural challenges for CRF in volunteer fire service, underscoring the need for targeted fitness support to protect firefighter health and community safety. Full article

17 pages, 2749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Wind Estimation for Fixed-Wing UAVs

by Yifan Fu, Weigang An, Xingtao Su and Bifeng Song

Drones 2025, 9(8), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9080563 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Wind estimation plays a crucial role in atmospheric boundary layer research and aviation flight safety. Fixed-wing UAVs enable rapid and flexible detection across extensive boundary layer regions. Traditional meteorological fixed-wing UAVs require either additional wind measurement sensors or sustained turning maneuvers for wind [...] Read more.

Wind estimation plays a crucial role in atmospheric boundary layer research and aviation flight safety. Fixed-wing UAVs enable rapid and flexible detection across extensive boundary layer regions. Traditional meteorological fixed-wing UAVs require either additional wind measurement sensors or sustained turning maneuvers for wind estimation, increasing operational costs while inevitably reducing mission duration and coverage per flight. This paper proposes a real-time wind estimation method based on an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) without aerodynamic sensors. The approach utilizes only standard UAV avionics—GNSS, pitot tube, and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)—to estimate wind fields. To validate accuracy, the method was integrated into a meteorological UAV equipped with a wind vane sensor, followed by multiple flight tests. Comparison with wind vane measurements shows real-time wind speed errors below 1 m/s and wind direction errors within 20° (0.349 rad). Results demonstrate the algorithm’s effectiveness for real-time atmospheric boundary layer wind estimation using conventional fixed-wing UAVs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Design, Manufacturing, and Dynamics of Complex Systems)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 5933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Data Distribution Service Discovery for Swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Through Preloading and Network Awareness

by HyeonGyu Lee, Doyoon Kim and SungTae Moon

Drones 2025, 9(8), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9080564 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Collaborative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm operations using the open-source PX4–ROS2 system have been extensively studied for reconnaissance and autonomous missions. PX4–ROS2 utilizes data distribution service (DDS) middleware to ensure network flexibility and support scalable operations. DDS enables decentralized information exchange through its [...] Read more.

Collaborative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm operations using the open-source PX4–ROS2 system have been extensively studied for reconnaissance and autonomous missions. PX4–ROS2 utilizes data distribution service (DDS) middleware to ensure network flexibility and support scalable operations. DDS enables decentralized information exchange through its discovery protocol. However, in dense swarm environments, the default initialization process of this protocol generates considerable communication overhead, which hinders reliable peer detection among UAVs. This study introduces an optimized DDS discovery scheme incorporating two key strategies: a preloading method that embeds known participant data before deployment, and a dynamic network awareness approach that regulates discovery behavior based on real-time connectivity. Integrated into PX4–ROS2, the proposed scheme was assessed through both simulations and real-world testing. Results demonstrate that the optimized discovery process reduced peak packet traffic by over 90% during the initial exchange phase, thereby facilitating more stable and scalable swarm operations in wireless environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Drone Communications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder with Emotional Dysregulation: A Twin Study in Childhood and Adolescence

by Simona Scaini, Stefano De Francesco, Ludovica Giani, Marco Battaglia, Emanuela Medda and Corrado Fagnani

Methods Protoc. 2025, 8(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/mps8040094 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Data on the genetic and environmental factors underlying the co-occurrence of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Emotional Dysregulation (ED) are limited. This study aimed to explore the nature of the associations between CDS, ADHD with ED, and to [...] Read more.

Data on the genetic and environmental factors underlying the co-occurrence of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Emotional Dysregulation (ED) are limited. This study aimed to explore the nature of the associations between CDS, ADHD with ED, and to assess the role of shared etiological factors in explaining their comorbidity. We analyzed a sample of 400 Italian twin pairs aged 8–18, from Northern Italy and enrolled in the Italian Twin Registry. Bivariate genetic analyses were conducted using parent-rated CBCL scores for CDS, ADHD, and ED. For both CDS–ED and ADHD–ED associations, the best-fitting models were Cholesky AE models (−2LL = −849.167 and −339.030, respectively; p > 0.05), suggesting that the covariation was mainly due to additive genetic factors (CDS–ED—A = 0.81, 95% CI [0.66–0.95]; ADHD–ED—A = 0.86, 95% CI [0.75–0.95]). More than half of the genes were shown to be shared among the phenotypes. Non-shared environmental contributions were smaller (CDS–ED—E = 0.19, 95% CI [0.05–0.34]; ADHD–ED—E = 0.14, 95% CI [0.05–0.25]), indicating interrelated but distinct constructs. Despite some limitations, particularly the exclusive use of the CBCL, findings highlight the importance of monitoring ED symptoms in individuals with CDS or ADHD, and vice versa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Public Health Research)

24 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Deep Learning Methods for Glioma Segmentation, Limitations, and Future Perspectives

by Cecilia Diana-Albelda, Álvaro García-Martín and Jesus Bescos

J. Imaging 2025, 11(8), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11080269 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Accurate and automated segmentation of gliomas from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. However, the aggressive nature and morphological complexity of these tumors pose significant challenges that call for advanced segmentation techniques. This review provides [...] Read more.

Accurate and automated segmentation of gliomas from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial for effective diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. However, the aggressive nature and morphological complexity of these tumors pose significant challenges that call for advanced segmentation techniques. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of Deep Learning (DL) methods for glioma segmentation, with a specific focus on bridging the gap between research performance and practical clinical deployment. We evaluate over 80 state-of-the-art models published up to 2025, categorizing them into CNN-based, Pure Transformer, and Hybrid CNN-Transformer architectures. The primary objective of this paper is to critically assess these models not only on their segmentation accuracy but also on their computational efficiency and suitability for real-world medical environments by incorporating hardware resource considerations. We present a comparison of model performance on the BraTS datasets benchmark and introduce a suitability analysis for top-performing models based on their robustness, efficiency, and completeness of tumor region delineation. By identifying current trends, limitations, and key trade-offs, this review offers future research directions aimed at optimizing the balance between technical performance and clinical usability to improve diagnostic outcomes for glioma patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 2552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Urban Sprawl Types in the Peri-Urban Area of Malang Municipality, Indonesia

by Adhitya Andi Hafiz, Fadly Usman, AR. Rohman Taufiq Hidayat and Dwi Maulidatuz Zakiyah

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(8), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9080313 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study examines the spatial dynamics of urban sprawl in the peri-urban areas of Malang Municipality from 2004 to 2024. The findings reveal a rapid and uneven expansion of built-up areas, growing from 1825.87 ha (4%) in 2004 to 8017.22 ha (15.39%) in [...] Read more.

This study examines the spatial dynamics of urban sprawl in the peri-urban areas of Malang Municipality from 2004 to 2024. The findings reveal a rapid and uneven expansion of built-up areas, growing from 1825.87 ha (4%) in 2004 to 8017.22 ha (15.39%) in 2024. The most significant growth occurred in Singosari, Pakis, and Karangploso Districts, driven by proximity to higher education institutions, tourism centers, and commercial zones. Meanwhile, recent development trends in Kedungkandang District suggest emerging southeastern expansion supported by land availability and infrastructure. An analysis using the Landscape Expansion Index (LEI) indicates a transition from diffusion to coalescence phases, characterized by dominant edge-expansion, increasing infill, and persistent outlying patterns. However, discrepancies between spatial plans and actual land use were found, including 677.29 ha of non-built areas, 172.38 ha of which were sustainable agriculture zones converted into built-up land. These inconsistencies highlight the urgent need for stronger land-use control, including the implementation of Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) and stricter enforcement of spatial regulations. Future research should explore spatial drivers using logistic regression or spatial modeling approaches to support more sustainable urban planning in peri-urban regions. Full article

17 pages, 5705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cherry Tomato Bunch and Picking Point Detection for Robotic Harvesting Using an RGB-D Sensor and a StarBL-YOLO Network

by Pengyu Li, Ming Wen, Zhi Zeng and Yibin Tian

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080949 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

For fruit harvesting robots, rapid and accurate detection of fruits and picking points is one of the main challenges for their practical deployment. Several fruits typically grow in clusters or bunches, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries. For such clustered fruits, it [...] Read more.

For fruit harvesting robots, rapid and accurate detection of fruits and picking points is one of the main challenges for their practical deployment. Several fruits typically grow in clusters or bunches, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries. For such clustered fruits, it is desired for them to be picked by bunches instead of individually. This study proposes utilizing a low-cost off-the-shelf RGB-D sensor mounted on the end effector and a lightweight improved YOLOv8-Pose neural network to detect cherry tomato bunches and picking points for robotic harvesting. The problem of occlusion and overlap is alleviated by merging RGB and depth images from the RGB-D sensor. To enhance detection robustness in complex backgrounds and reduce the complexity of the model, the Starblock module from StarNet and the coordinate attention mechanism are incorporated into the YOLOv8-Pose network, termed StarBL-YOLO, to improve the efficiency of feature extraction and reinforce spatial information. Additionally, we replaced the original OKS loss function with the L1 loss function for keypoint loss calculation, which improves the accuracy in picking points localization. The proposed method has been evaluated on a dataset with 843 cherry tomato RGB-D image pairs acquired by a harvesting robot at a commercial greenhouse farm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed StarBL-YOLO model achieves a 12% reduction in model parameters compared to the original YOLOv8-Pose while improving detection accuracy for cherry tomato bunches and picking points. Specifically, the model shows significant improvements across all metrics: for computational efficiency, model size (−11.60%) and GFLOPs (−7.23%); for pickable bunch detection, mAP50 (+4.4%) and mAP50-95 (+4.7%); for non-pickable bunch detection, mAP50 (+8.0%) and mAP50-95 (+6.2%); and for picking point detection, mAP50 (+4.3%), mAP50-95 (+4.6%), and RMSE (−23.98%). These results validate that StarBL-YOLO substantially enhances detection accuracy for cherry tomato bunches and picking points while improving computational efficiency, which is valuable for resource-constrained edge-computing deployment for harvesting robots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Automation for Tree Fruit Orchards and Vineyards)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomics Integrated with Metabolomics Reveals the Accumulation Mechanism of Flavones in Jinsi Huangju

by Yanan Liu, Xinnan Huang, Xinran Chong, Shasha Huang, Changshuai Yu, Hongbin Yu, Yan Wu, Sheng Zeng, Hua Cheng and Guizhen Chen

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080948 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. is an important ornamental plant, holding dual economic value as a medicinal and edible plant. Jinsi Huangju is a popular healthy tea drink prepared from the large and elegant shaped flowers of C. morifolium. However, the suboptimal accumulation of [...] Read more.

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. is an important ornamental plant, holding dual economic value as a medicinal and edible plant. Jinsi Huangju is a popular healthy tea drink prepared from the large and elegant shaped flowers of C. morifolium. However, the suboptimal accumulation of bioactive flavonoids during conventional harvest (full bloom stage) limits its commercial potential. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing flavonoid biosynthesis in Jinsi Huangju flowers and identify key genetic regulators for metabolic engineering, we performed integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of flowers at distinct developmental stages using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and RNA-seq. Differential metabolites were screened, and candidate genes were validated via transient transformation assays. Among 2146 identified metabolites, flavonoids were the predominant differential compounds, with accumulation patterns being strongly stage dependent. Thirty-eight flavonoid biosynthetic genes and key transcription factors from the MYB, bHLH, and WD40 families exhibited dynamic expression. The CmMYB8a was confirmed as a positive regulator of flavonoid biosynthesis through transient overexpression. This study deciphers the stage-specific flavonoid accumulation in Jinsi Huangju and identifies CmMYB8a as a pivotal regulatory target. Our findings provide genetic resources for breeding high-flavonoid cultivars via molecular design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Genetic Breeding and Biotechnology of Garden Plants)

17 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formula Screening and Optimization of Physical and Chemical Properties for Cultivating Flammulina filiformis Using Soybean Straw as Substrate

by Ruixiang Sun, Jiandong Han, Peng Yang, Shude Yang, Hongyan Xie, Jin Li, Chunyan Huang, Qiang Yao, Qinghua Wang, He Li, Xuerong Han and Zhiyuan Gong

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080947 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Recently, there has been a growing interest in using agricultural and forestry residues to cultivate Flammulina filiformis. However, there is limited research on cultivating F. filiformis with soybean straw as a substrate. This study systematically optimized the cultivation formula for F. filiformis [...] Read more.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in using agricultural and forestry residues to cultivate Flammulina filiformis. However, there is limited research on cultivating F. filiformis with soybean straw as a substrate. This study systematically optimized the cultivation formula for F. filiformis using soybean straw as the raw substrate and explored the effects of the water content, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio), substrate particle size, and substrate loading on its growth and development. By replacing corncob, wheat bran, and soybean hulls with soybean straw and increasing the proportion of rice bran, the cultivation formula for growing F. filiformis was optimized. We found that the maximum fruiting body yield of 405 g (330 g dry substrate per bottle) and a biological efficiency of 122.73% were achieved using a substrate mixture of 25% soybean straw, 20% corncob, 20% cottonseed hull, 25% rice bran, 8% wheat bran, 1% CaCO₃, and 1% shellfish powder. The yield and biological efficiency of fruiting bodies cultivated on the substrate containing 25% soybean straw did not show significant differences compared to the control group. However, the cultivation formula containing 25% soybean straw yielded F. filiformis with significantly higher levels of amino acids, essential amino acids, and fat. These findings suggest that the 25% soybean straw substrate formulation can serve as a viable alternative to the control formulation for the cultivation of F. filiformis, although variations in the nutritional composition exist. Based on this optimized formula, an optimal biological efficiency can be achieved with a substrate-to-water ratio of 1:1.7, a wet substrate loading amount of 940 g (in a 1250 mL cultivation bottle), and a soybean straw particle size range of 6–8 mm. The optimal C/N ratio for cultivating F. filiformis using soybean straw ranges from 27:1 to 32:1. Additionally, orthogonal experiments revealed that the nitrogen content significantly affected the fruiting body yield, stipe length, and stipe diameter, while the water content mainly affected the pileus diameter, pileus thickness, and number of fruit bodies. Under defined conditions (dry substrate loading volume of 337 g (in a 1250 mL cultivation bottle), a substrate-to-water ratio of 1:1.6, and a C/N ratio of 26:1), the maximum yield and biological efficiency per bottle reached 395 g and 117.21%, respectively. Our findings indicate that the F. filiformis cultivation using soybean straw as the raw substrate exhibits a promising performance and extensive application potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Propagation and Cultivation of Mushroom)

21 pages, 1426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of a Novel Waterlogging-Tolerant Growth-Promoting Pelletizing Agent on the Growth of Brassica napus

by Lingyu Li, Gang Xiao, Hao Jin, Yue Wang, Chunfeng Xie and Zhenqian Zhang

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080946 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The Yangtze River Basin serves as the primary rapeseed-producing region in China, accounting for over 80% of the national output, yet it is severely impacted by waterlogging, resulting in yield reductions of 17–42.4%. This study investigated the effects of pelleting treatments on growth [...] Read more.

The Yangtze River Basin serves as the primary rapeseed-producing region in China, accounting for over 80% of the national output, yet it is severely impacted by waterlogging, resulting in yield reductions of 17–42.4%. This study investigated the effects of pelleting treatments on growth and waterlogging resistance in Brassica napus varieties Xiangzayou 787 and Fanmingyoutai. Conventional pelleting agents were augmented with waterlogging resistance agents, surfactants, and amino acids as growth-promoting reagents. The results demonstrated that melatonin at

5.0 \times 10^{- 5}

mol/L significantly enhanced rapeseed growth and stress resistance. Specifically, for Xiangzayou 787, root fresh weight increased by 16.9% and stem diameter by 30.6%; for Fanmingyoutai, stem diameter increased by 16.9% and leaf length by 12.3%. The freezing injury index decreased by 90.9% for Xiangzayou 787 and 50% for Fanmingyoutai. The waterlogging injury index was reduced by 43.5% for Xiangzayou 787 and 30.4% for Fanmingyoutai, with stem diameter increasing by 30.6% and 16.5% in the respective varieties. The disease index decreased by 63.2% for Xiangzayou 787 (incidence reduced to 20.5%) and up to 57.1% for Fanmingyoutai (incidence reduced to 23.3%). Under this treatment, soluble protein content in Fanmingyoutai reached 20.37%, representing a 20.37% increase relative to the control. Peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities exceeded control levels, exhibiting an initial rise followed by a decline; malondialdehyde (MDA) content gradually increased; catalase (CAT) activity and soluble protein content showed an initial increase then decrease. The increase in relative electrical conductivity was reduced by 20.8% for Xiangzayou 787 and 17.3% for Fanmingyoutai. Yield per plant increased by 10.2% for Xiangzayou 787 and 35.6% for Fanmingyoutai. The newly developed pelleting formulation integrates waterlogging resistance agents, surfactants, and amino acids, unlike traditional agents, and proves effective for both hybrid and conventional rapeseed varieties. It enhances waterlogging resistance, promotes growth, improves disease resistance, and elevates seed quality while being cost-effective and simple for production and field application. This approach significantly boosts yield and supports productivity enhancement in southern rice fields, thereby improving rapeseed output and oil supply. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biotic and Abiotic Stress)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Wild Cymbidium Species from Fujian Using Whole-Genome Resequencing

by Xinyu Xu, Bihua Chen, Yousry A. El-Kassaby, Juan Zhang, Lanqi Zhang, Sijia Liu, Yu Huang, Junnan Li, Zhiyong Lin, Weiwei Xie, Junjie Wu, Zhiru Lai, Xinzeng Huang, Jianrong Huang, Weijiang Wu and Lihui Shen

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080944 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) to investigate genomic variation and functional divergence among four wild Cymbidium species—C. ensifolium, C. sinense, C. kanran, and C. floribundum—collected from Fujian Province, China. A total of 350.58 Gbp of [...] Read more.

In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing (WGS) to investigate genomic variation and functional divergence among four wild Cymbidium species—C. ensifolium, C. sinense, C. kanran, and C. floribundum—collected from Fujian Province, China. A total of 350.58 Gbp of high-quality sequencing data was obtained from 13 samples, enabling comprehensive identification of SNPs and InDels. Genomic variants were unevenly distributed, with lower variation in gene-rich regions and higher levels in non-coding areas. Circos plots and variant density heatmaps revealed significant regional differences across chromosomes, with longer chromosomes exhibiting greater variant enrichment in 1 Mb windows. C. floribundum harbored the highest number of nonsynonymous SNPs and InDel-associated genes, whereas C. sinense and C. kanran had fewer mutations. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed species-specific functional divergence, particularly in metabolism, stress response, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Population structure analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated genetic differentiation among these species Notably, C. kanran exhibited high within-population genetic diversity. These findings provide essential genomic resources for the conservation and functional studies of wild Cymbidium species in subtropical China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses to Reveal the Potential Molecular Mechanism of Citrus junos Aroma Enhancement by Protected Cultivation

by Fuzhi Ke, Xiu Huang, Lifang Sun, Luoyun Wang, Zhenpeng Nie, Yi Yang and Changjiang Cui

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080945 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

Protected cultivation is a cultivation practice that plays an important role in improving crop quality. Aroma is an important flavour that assesses the quality of yuzu. In this study, C. junos cv. ‘Kitou’ grown in open fields (CJKTF) and plastic greenhouses (CJKTP) were [...] Read more.

Protected cultivation is a cultivation practice that plays an important role in improving crop quality. Aroma is an important flavour that assesses the quality of yuzu. In this study, C. junos cv. ‘Kitou’ grown in open fields (CJKTF) and plastic greenhouses (CJKTP) were selected as the study material. Significant differences in aroma performance between CJKTF and CJKTP were found by the olfactory senses of the members of this research group and an electronic nose, with CJKTP having a stronger aroma. Regarding VOCs, GC-MS analyses revealed 13 VOCs up-regulated and 28 VOCs down-regulated in CJKTP compared to CJKTF. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 515 genes were up-regulated and 720 genes were down-regulated in CJKTP compared to CJKTF. The differential VOCs nerolidol and γ-cadinene, and the differential genes nerolidol synthase 1 (NES1), nerolidol synthase 1-like (NES1-like), and cadinene synthase (DCS), were in the sesquiterpene synthesis pathway and showed significant correlation. NES1, NES1-like, and DCS encode terpene synthases, which may be involved in the biosynthetic pathway of nerolidol and γ-cadinene. In conclusion, the use of plastic greenhouses for cultivation may improve the quality and aroma intensity of yuzu, as well as alter the expression of related genes, compared to field cultivation. These results suggest that protected cultivation is a suitable cultivation practice to enhance the aroma of yuzu. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Influence of Physiologically Active Substances on the Mineral Composition of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Leaves

by Marko Zorica, Tihana Teklić, Marija Špoljarević, Šimun Kolega, Magdalena Zorica, Jelena Ravlić, Tomislav Kos and Miroslav Lisjak

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080943 - 11 Aug 2025

Abstract

The cultivation of sweet cherry takes place in various climatic zones, where the plant may be exposed to different types of environmental stress during the growing season, which can significantly affect yield and fruit quality. The role of various physiologically active compounds is [...] Read more.

The cultivation of sweet cherry takes place in various climatic zones, where the plant may be exposed to different types of environmental stress during the growing season, which can significantly affect yield and fruit quality. The role of various physiologically active compounds is crucial for plant resistance to stressful environmental conditions. The aim of this study is to determine how the foliar application of different physiologically active substances affects the mineral composition of sweet cherry leaves. Research was performed in 2022 and 2023 at two locations (Ninski Stanovi and Murvica) in Zadar County with the Regina variety. The trials included five foliar treatments (T0—water only, T1—Ca nutritional supplement, T2—biostimulant (Ascophyllum nodosum L.), T3—proline solution, T4—salicylic acid solution). Leaf samples were collected for the analysis of the following macro-elements: total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P). On average, significantly higher TN content in leaves was found only in T2 (15% higher than T0). Ca, Mg, and K contents in leaf dry matter in all variants were higher by 20–29%, 13–20%, and 12–14%, respectively, compared to the control variant. The significant correlations were found between Ca and Mg, Ca and P, as well as Ca and K contents. This study shows a significant impact of the applied compounds on sweet cherry leaf mineral composition, and considering the year and locality effects, further testing of these treatments in different environments could be suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit Tree Physiology, Sustainability and Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Recent Articles

Open Access Journals

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

News

Blog Posts

Topics

Selected Special Issues

Selected Collections

Journals by Subject

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI