Advancing Open Science

As global supply chains face increasing pressure to reconcile economic efficiency, environmental responsibility, and ethical transparency, emerging digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable transformation. This article examines this dynamic in the context of the Moroccan industrial sector, with particular reference to blockchain and digital twin technologies. The study employs a rigorous mixed-methods design, combining an in-depth qualitative exploration with 30 industry professionals and a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) model based on survey data from 125 Moroccan manufacturing firms. The findings highlight the synergistic contribution of blockchain and digital twins in enabling circular, low-carbon, and resilient supply chains. Blockchain adoption strengthens environmental impact traceability, data reliability, and responsible governance, while digital twin systems enhance eco-efficiency through real-time modeling and predictive flow simulation. Circular integration emerges as a critical enabler, significantly amplifying the positive effects of both technologies by aligning physical and informational flows within closed-loop processes. With its strong empirical grounding and contextual relevance to an emerging economy, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers, industrial managers, and supply chain practitioners committed to accelerating the sustainable transformation of production systems. It also offers a renewed understanding of how digitalization and circularity jointly support environmental performance within industrial ecosystems.

To address the diverse requirements of satellite communication applications involving medium-/low-rate reliable links and high-rate high-capacity services, an integrated S/Ka dual-band dual-reflector antenna is proposed as an effective solution. Owing to the stringent spatial constraints of satellite platforms, the longer operating wavelengths in the S-band lead to oversized feed horns in the integrated antenna design, which induces severe secondary aperture blockage, thus degrading aperture efficiency and impeding practical mechanical layout implementation. To alleviate this critical drawback, the proposed antenna achieves multi-band aperture reuse by deploying an array with four miniaturized S-band radiating elements around a broadband Ka-band feed horn. A frequency-selective surface (FSS)-based sub-reflector is further designed to effectively enhance the effective aperture size for the S-band operation, while ensuring unobstructed electromagnetic propagation in the Ka-band, thus enabling simultaneous dual-band high-gain radiation. After comprehensive electromagnetic simulation and parametric optimization for the antenna feed and the FSS sub-reflector, experimental measurements verify that the S-band left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized (LHCP/RHCP) channels achieve more than 20.2 dBic gains with more than 6° half-power beamwidths (HPBWs), and the Ka-band channel yields gains exceeding 41.2 dBic, with HPBWs greater than 0.8°.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a paediatric liver malignancy arising from hepatic precursor cells, with >90% of cases harbouring a mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1. We present a fully genetically characterised HB tumour organoid (tumoroid) biobank, which allows for in vitro studies of disease progression and clonal dynamics in vitro. We established a biobank of 14 tumoroid lines from 9 different patients. Tumours and tumoroids were characterised by whole genome sequencing (WGS) and histology, revealing strong concordance in cell morphology and β-catenin staining. In tumour—tumoroid pairs, identical pathogenic CTNNB1 variants were found, alongside shared copy number alterations (CNAs) and mutations. Variant allele frequency (VAF) was consistently higher in tumoroids, indicating increased tumour purity in vitro. In addition to CTNNB1, we frequently observed ARID1A alterations (single-nucleotide variants [SNVs] or CNAs in 56% of patients), and MYC gains as described previously. In paired pre- and post-treatment samples, we observed a clear increase in mutational load, attributed to a chemotherapy signature. Notably, from one patient, we analysed 4 tumour samples (3 post-treatment) with 4 matching tumoroid lines, all carrying a novel BCL6 mutation and loss of ARID1A. Mutational profiles varied across samples from different locations, suggesting intratumoral heterogeneity and clonal selection during tumoroid derivation. Taken together, this biobank allows detailed analysis of HB tumour biology, including treatment-induced progression and clonal dynamics across temporally and spatially distinct samples.

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) utilizing livestock wastewater represent a critical path toward sustainable energy and net-zero emissions. To maximize this potential, this study investigates a novel circuit configuration, integrating twin MFCs with dual supercapacitors in a closed-loop system, to enhance charge storage and electricity generation. By utilizing molasses-seawater anolytes, the study establishes a performance benchmark for optimizing energy recovery in future livestock wastewater treatment applications. The self-adjusting potential difference between interconnected MFCs is verified, and supercapacitors significantly improve energy harvesting by reducing load impedance and balancing capacitor plate charges. Voltage gain across supercapacitors exceeds that of single MFC charging, demonstrating the benefits of series integration. Experimental results reveal that catholyte properties—electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen—strongly influence MFC performance. Optimal conditions for a neutralized anolyte (pH 7.12) include dissolved oxygen levels of 5.37–5.68 mg/L and conductivity of 24.3 mS/cm. Under these conditions, supercapacitors charged with sterile diluted seawater catholyte store up to 40% more energy than individual MFCs, attributed to increased output current. While the charge balance mechanism of supercapacitors contributes to storage efficiency, its impact is less pronounced than that of conductivity and oxygen solubility. The interplay between electrochemical activation and charge balancing enhances overall electricity harvesting. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing MFC-supercapacitor systems for renewable energy applications, particularly in livestock wastewater treatment.

Background/Objectives: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and carotenoids are systemic indicators of metabolic and oxidative status, yet their influence on ocular tissue biomechanics remains unclear. This study investigated the relationships between systemic AGEs and skin carotenoid levels, as well as corneal biomechanical properties in glaucoma patients. Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was performed on 676 patients (1278 eyes) who attended the glaucoma clinic at Shimane University Hospital between May 2019 and August 2024. Fingertip skin autofluorescence (sAF)-based AGE scores using AGE Sensor^® and skin carotenoid scores using the Veggie Meter^® were collected as part of systemic evaluation. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured using the ocular response analyzer (ORA). Associations between systemic variables, AGEs, carotenoids, and ORA parameters were analyzed using univariate tests, mixed-effects regression models, and quartile-based comparisons. Results: The mean AGEs and carotenoid scores were 0.42 ± 0.10 arbitrary units and 338.5 ± 130.8 optical density units, respectively. Via a univariate analysis, an inverse association was found between carotenoid level and CRF; however, via multivariate analyses, neither AGEs nor carotenoid levels were associated with IOPg, IOPcc, CH, or CRF in any analysis. In contrast, demographic parameters showed significant associations with ORA parameters. Via quartile-based comparisons, a significant inverse correlation was found between AGEs and carotenoids (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In conclusion, sAF-measured AGEs and skin carotenoids showed no remarkable associations with corneal biomechanical properties. AGEs and carotenoids demonstrated an inverse relationship with each other, and each marker was associated with several demographic parameters.

By analyzing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement reports from 2004 to 2025, we can determine the incidence of microbial contamination in non-sterile and sterile drugs in the United States of America and, at the same time, compare the trends and patterns over a period of 21 years to determine the distribution and frequency of microbial contaminants. The most common microorganisms detected from 2019 to 2025 were the mold Aspergillus penicilloides, with 17 citations for sterile products, followed by 16 citations for non-sterile products of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) bacteria. Analysis from the last 21 years revealed the dominant microbial contaminants belong to the BCC, reaching a maximum level between 2012 and 2019. Some of the previous microbial contaminants, such as Salmonella and Clostridium, decline in the 2019–2025 period, with no notifications issued. S. aureus and Pseudomonas contamination persisted through the years but at very low levels. Gram-negative bacteria contaminated non-sterile drugs more frequently than Gram-positive. A worrisome trend continued with unacceptable levels of enforcement reports not providing any information on the identity of the microbial contaminant. New species of Bacillus and Acetobacter nitrogenifigens were responsible for a significant increase in non-sterile drug recalls. The main driver for sterile product recalls over a 21-year period is the lack of assurance of sterility (LAS) where major failures in process design, control, and operational execution were not conducive to the control of microbial proliferation and destruction. Enforcement data analysis identified the problematic trends and patterns regarding microbial contamination of drugs, providing important information to optimize process control and provide a framework for optimizing risk mitigation. Although the 21-year landscape demonstrated that some microbial contaminants have been successfully mitigated, others remain resilient. The emergence of new contaminants highlights the evolving nature of microbial risk. The consistent problem with LAS is not only a major regulatory violation but also a potential catalyst for the next major healthcare-associated outbreak.

This study systematically investigated the influence of approach kinematics on the subsequent kinetics and power production strategies during the approach to running jumps with a single leg (ARJSL). Twenty-five physically active male university students performed ARJSL trials under two prescribed approach speeds (fast and slow) and three approach distances (3, 6, and 9 m) in a 2 × 3 within-subjects design. Three-dimensional motion capture synchronized with force platform data was used to quantify jump height (JH), vertical touchdown velocity (TDv), reactive strength index (RSI), peak joint power (hip, knee, and ankle), and joint stiffness. Significant approach speed × distance interactions were observed for JH (p = 0.006), TDv (p < 0.001), RSI (p = 0.014), ankle stiffness (p = 0.006), and peak power generation at all lower-limb joints (all p < 0.034). The results demonstrate that changes in approach strategy systematically alter the distribution of mechanical power among the hip, knee, and ankle joints, thereby influencing the effectiveness of horizontal-to-vertical momentum conversion during take-off. Notably, RSI and ankle stiffness were particularly sensitive to combined manipulations of speed and distance, highlighting their value as neuromechanical indicators of stretch–shortening cycle intensity and joint loading demands. In conclusion, ARJSL performance depends on finely tuned, speed- and distance-specific biomechanical adaptations within the lower extremity. These findings provide a constrained, joint-level mechanical characterization of how approach speed and distance interact to influence power redistribution and stiffness behavior during ARJSL, without implying optimal or performance-maximizing strategies.

Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is a severe and underrecognized respiratory disorder characterized by the coexistence of obesity, daytime hypercapnia, and sleep-disordered breathing. Although well described in adults, pediatric OHS remains poorly defined despite the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving obesity-related mechanical constraints, impaired ventilatory control, altered chemosensitivity, and frequent overlap with obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical manifestations in children are often subtle and nonspecific, including snoring, sleep fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, and neurocognitive impairment, frequently leading to delayed diagnosis and, in some cases, acute cardiopulmonary decompensation. Management of pediatric OHS is challenging and largely extrapolated from adult data. Positive airway pressure therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, while weight reduction is essential but difficult to achieve in pediatric populations. Pharmacological approaches such as medroxyprogesterone or acetazolamide remain experimental, with limited pediatric evidence. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pediatric OHS, focusing on epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies. Increased awareness and earlier recognition are essential to prevent progression to chronic respiratory failure and long-term cardiovascular complications.