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20 pages, 6603 KB  
Article
Effect of Cryogenic Treatment on Low-Density Magnesium Multicomponent Alloys with Exceptional Ductility
by Yu Fang, Michael Johanes and Manoj Gupta
Materials 2026, 19(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19010100 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
There is growing emphasis on lightweight and energy-efficient metallic materials, with multicomponent alloying (MCA) being one strategy to achieve this. This was combined with the inherently lightweight magnesium (Mg) as the base metal. Two Mg-based MCAs, namely Mg-71MCA and Mg-80MCA (Mg-10Li-9Al-6Zn-4Si and Mg-10Li-6Al-2Zn-2Si, [...] Read more.
There is growing emphasis on lightweight and energy-efficient metallic materials, with multicomponent alloying (MCA) being one strategy to achieve this. This was combined with the inherently lightweight magnesium (Mg) as the base metal. Two Mg-based MCAs, namely Mg-71MCA and Mg-80MCA (Mg-10Li-9Al-6Zn-4Si and Mg-10Li-6Al-2Zn-2Si, respectively, wt.%), with density in the range of 1.55–1.632 g/cc akin to plastics were synthesized via the Disintegrated Melt Deposition method in this work. The effects of cryogenic treatment (CT) at –20 °C, 80 °C, and –196 °C (LN) on the physical, microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties were systematically evaluated. CT resulted in densification, significant grain refinement (up to a 27.9% reduction in grain diameter after LN treatment), alterations in crystallographic texture, and notable changes to secondary phases—namely, an increased precipitate area fraction. These led to enhanced mechanical performance such as damping capacity, microhardness, and compressive response (most apparent for Mg-71MCA with 12.1%, 6.7%, and 1.6% increase in yield strength, ultimate compressive strength, and energy absorbed, respectively, after RF20 treatment), coupled with exceptional ductility (>80% strain without fracture), which is superior to pure Mg and commercial Mg alloys. Overall, this work showcases the potential of MCAs compared to existing conventional lightweight materials, as well as the property-enhancing/tailoring effects brought upon by different CT temperatures. This highlights the multi-faceted nature of material designs where compositional control and judicious processing parameter selection need to be both leveraged to optimize final properties, and serves as a baseline for further lightweight MCA development to meet future needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Al/Mg/Cu Alloys and Their Composites: Welding, Additive Manufacturing, Heterogeneous Microstructures, and Mechanical Properties)
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19 pages, 4280 KB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Germination: Impact of Time and Frequency on the Physical, Chemical, Thermal Properties and Bioactive Compounds of High Andean Quinoa
by Betsy S. Ramos-Pacheco, Diego E. Peralta-Guevara, Celia R. Yauris-Silvera, César A. Medina-Gutierrez and Juan J. Loayza-Buleje
Processes 2026, 14(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14010098 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Germination is a biological process that can enhance the nutraceutical value of Andean grains, but its efficiency can be optimized through emerging, sustainable technologies. This study evaluated ultrasound as a pretreatment for the germination of Collana black quinoa. A 23 factorial design [...] Read more.
Germination is a biological process that can enhance the nutraceutical value of Andean grains, but its efficiency can be optimized through emerging, sustainable technologies. This study evaluated ultrasound as a pretreatment for the germination of Collana black quinoa. A 23 factorial design was used to assess the effect of ultrasound duration, ultrasound frequency, and germination time on the content of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, color, water activity, amylase, and reducing sugars. Two controls (C48 and C72) were included as additional data points. Subsequently, analysis of variance and multiple-range tests were applied to assess the significance of differences between treatments (Tukey’s test) and between treatments and the control (Dunnett’s test). The content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, amylose, and reducing sugars were quantified by UV–Visible spectrophotometry. At the same time, FTIR, DSC, and TGA were used to evaluate functional groups and thermal behavior. Ultrasonic treatments resulted in increases of up to 12% in total phenolics, 24.5% in flavonoids, and 15% in antioxidant capacity compared to quinoa germinated for 72 h without ultrasonic treatment, along with reductions in amylose and increases in reducing sugars. Prolonged germination was the most influential factor; however, ultrasound acted as an abiotic stimulus, increasing cell permeability and promoting phenolic biosynthesis. Thermal and FTIR analyses revealed subtle modifications in starch and protein structure, associated with greater thermal stability and molecular reorganization. These results demonstrate that ultrasound-assisted germination is a sustainable and effective strategy for integrating functional quinoa ingredients into modern food systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Processing and Integration of Functional Ingredients in Sustainable Food Systems)
25 pages, 9003 KB  
Article
Steroidogenic Capacity of Ovarian Interstitial Tissue in the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): Morphological and Immunohistochemical Evidence
by Jackson Boyd, Stephen D. Johnston and Chiara Palmieri
Biology 2026, 15(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15010047 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Ovarian interstitial tissue (IT) is a prominent but poorly characterised component of the koala ovary. This study analysed the morphology and immunohistochemical profile of IT in the koala ovary across different reproductive phases. Ovaries from ten sexually mature females were examined histologically and [...] Read more.
Ovarian interstitial tissue (IT) is a prominent but poorly characterised component of the koala ovary. This study analysed the morphology and immunohistochemical profile of IT in the koala ovary across different reproductive phases. Ovaries from ten sexually mature females were examined histologically and immunolabelled for aromatase, HSD3B2, HSD17B1, the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), and the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). IT occurred as multifocal cortical aggregates composed of two distinct cell types. Large interstitial cells were polygonal with highly vacuolated and weakly eosinophilic cytoplasm and were morphologically consistent with a steroidogenic phenotype. Small interstitial cells were densely eosinophilic, non-vacuolated, and morphologically uniform across reproductive phases. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that small interstitial cells exhibited the broadest expression of steroidogenic markers in the ovary, with coexpression of HSD3B2, HSD17B1, aromatase, FSHR, and LHR. In contrast, large interstitial cells exhibited comparatively limited enzyme and receptor expression. Staining intensity across all markers was strongest during the interoestrous phase, moderate in the proliferative phase, reduced in the luteal phase, and minimal or absent when the koalas were lactating, suggesting potential cyclical variation in IT function. Granulosa, theca and germinal epithelial cells showed variable expression of steroidogenic enzymes and gonadotropin receptors, indicating that ovarian steroidogenesis in the koala may be more heterogeneous than predicted by the classical two-cell, two-gonadotropin model. Together, these findings provide preliminary evidence for the steroidogenic capacity of ovarian IT in the koala, indicating that its activity varies across reproductive phases, and appear to suggest a unique cellular organisation compared to other mammals. As these results are based on morphology and immunohistochemistry alone, further functional studies are required to confirm the steroidogenic output and clarify the physiological significance of IT in this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Developmental and Reproductive Biology)
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30 pages, 3519 KB  
Article
A Study on the Increase in Measured Methane Concentration Values During the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
by Ryosaku Kaji
Atmosphere 2026, 17(1), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17010039 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study aims to demonstrate the presence of a pronounced coseismic increase in atmospheric methane concentrations during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and to examine whether this increase may have originated from underground natural gas release. By analyzing hourly CH4 data from [...] Read more.
This study aims to demonstrate the presence of a pronounced coseismic increase in atmospheric methane concentrations during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and to examine whether this increase may have originated from underground natural gas release. By analyzing hourly CH4 data from the Ministry of the Environment’s monitoring network, this study shows that significant methane increases occurred only in areas with seismic intensity of 6− or greater, and that an exceptional anomaly—reaching 29 times the standard deviation of the past year—was recorded at the Nanao station. The validity of this anomaly was confirmed through consultation with local atmospheric officer, and high-time-resolution data (6 min values) were provided, verifying continuous instrument operation. Detailed analysis further shows that two major methane peaks occurred, each rising not immediately after the main shock but synchronously with two large aftershocks approximately 8 and 44 min later. Geological and hydrogeological information indicates the presence of water-soluble gas and unsaturated hydrocarbons beneath the Nanao region, suggesting that seismic shaking may have ruptured clay layers and released accumulated gas. Analyses of public reports and interviews with local officials show that alternative explanations—such as fire smoke, pipeline rupture, instrument malfunction, and gas-cylinder damage—were unlikely. These findings indicate that the observed methane anomaly was most likely caused by earthquake-synchronous underground gas release, suggesting that methane-release risk should be considered in post-earthquake fire-hazard assessments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seismic Physicochemical Anomalies in the Atmosphere and Upper Atmosphere: Causal Relationship to the Geological Environment)
14 pages, 3446 KB  
Article
Shrub–Herb Plant Configuration Patterns and Their Relationship with Environmental Factors in the Northern and Southern Mountain Regions of Lhasa
by Norzin Tso, Xinyao Li, Junwei Wang, Gusang Qunzong, Shuaishuai Huang, Yonghong Zhou and Ruojin Liu
Forests 2026, 17(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17010041 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study explores shrub–herb configuration patterns in the northern and southern mountains of Lhasa and examines associations between slope aspect, soil properties, and plant community composition. By comparing plant communities on shady and sunny slopes (n = 15 plots), we found that [...] Read more.
This study explores shrub–herb configuration patterns in the northern and southern mountains of Lhasa and examines associations between slope aspect, soil properties, and plant community composition. By comparing plant communities on shady and sunny slopes (n = 15 plots), we found that shady slopes supported higher species diversity (Shannon index: 3.62 vs. 3.14) and more even distributions. Exploratory regression analyses suggested that soil moisture, salinity, and pH may be associated with the occurrence patterns of native woody species, though these relationships require validation with larger sample sizes. Principal component analysis identified several recurring shrub–herb associations, including Rosa sericea Lindl. with Cynoglossum amabile Stapf & Drummond and Argentina anserine (L.) Rydb., and Cotoneaster adpressus Bois with Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz. and Carex myosuroides Vill. These associations exhibited higher co-occurrence frequencies across plots. Our findings provide preliminary guidance for shrub–herb configuration and ecological restoration in this region. This study offers baseline data and hypotheses for vegetation restoration, forestry greening, and ecological protection in the northern and southern mountain regions of Lhasa, though expanded research is needed to validate these exploratory patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growing the Urban Forest: Building Our Understanding)
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14 pages, 1430 KB  
Article
Differential Associations Between Distinct Components of Cognitive and Physical Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
by David Facal, Eduardo Picón, Helena M. Blumen, Cristina Lojo-Seoane, Ana Nieto-Vieites, Yaakov Stern and Arturo X. Pereiro
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010040 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background: Cognitive and physical functions share certain age-related patterns of change, including slowed processing speed and movement. Both functions are multifaceted, and the association between them can be affected by the type of measurement considered. This study examined one-to-one relationships between cognitive [...] Read more.
Background: Cognitive and physical functions share certain age-related patterns of change, including slowed processing speed and movement. Both functions are multifaceted, and the association between them can be affected by the type of measurement considered. This study examined one-to-one relationships between cognitive and physical functions, using data from the Compostela Aging Study. Methods: A total of 267 middle-aged and older individuals without cognitive impairment were included in the study (mean age 65.57, 75.7% women). The relationship between cognitive and physical performance was examined using Spearman’s rho, adjusted for age and sex. Results: Standing up, sitting down and total times in the Timed-Up and Go test were significantly correlated with performance on the Trail-Making and phonological fluency tests. Turning time in the Timed-Up and Go test and self-reported physical activity were correlated with performance on the Spanish version of the California Verbal Learning Test. Grip strength was correlated with performance on the Counting Span task. Conclusions: This study adds evidence to the one-to-one relationship between cognitive and physical function in a subclinical cohort of middle-aged and older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Neuroscience)
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15 pages, 1788 KB  
Article
Protective Role of Menthol Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Injury Through Suppression of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB Signaling and Oxidative Stress
by Mona Mansour, Ahmed M. Ashour, Amany M. Gad, Ali Khames, Shaimaa G. Ibrahim, Mohamed H. A. Gadelmawla and Enas S. Gad
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19010059 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent whose clinical use is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of menthol against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) in a rat model. Methods: Forty rats were arbitrarily [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent whose clinical use is limited by dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of menthol against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) in a rat model. Methods: Forty rats were arbitrarily allocated into four groups: (1) normal control, (2) DOX-treated, (3) DOX + menthol treatment, and (4) menthol-only treatment. DOX (15 mg/kg) was applied intraperitoneally, and menthol (100 mg/kg) was applied orally for 7 days following the DOX injection. Cardiac tissue specimens and sera were collected for biochemical assays, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Biomarkers of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH), inflammatory pathways (TLR4, MAPK, NF-κB, SREBP-1C), and apoptotic markers (P53, caspase-3) were assessed. Results: DOX employment caused remarkable rise in serum troponin levels (6.53 ± 0.98, p < 0.05), oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory proteins, alongside histopathological damage in cardiac tissues. Menthol treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress (MDA, GSH), inflammation (TLR4, MAPK, NF-κB, SREBP-1C levels), and attenuated apoptosis (P53 and caspase-3 expression) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Menthol may serve as a promising adjunctive therapy to reduce DOX cardiotoxicity without compromising DOX’s anticancer efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 567 KB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Social Media on HPV Vaccine Knowledge and Attitudes Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Literature Review
by Blessing Oluwatofunmi Apata, Anagha Hemant Tupe, Oluwabusayomi Akeju and Kelly L. Wilson
Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010073 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Objective: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and various cancers, including cervical cancer, remains prevalent in the US. Despite the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing persistent HPV infections, vaccination rates remain low. Given the significant role of [...] Read more.
Objective: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and various cancers, including cervical cancer, remains prevalent in the US. Despite the HPV vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing persistent HPV infections, vaccination rates remain low. Given the significant role of social media in reaching younger populations, this systematic review examines its influence on adolescents’ and young adults (AYAs) awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across six electronic databases (ERIC, APA PsycInfo, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE Ultimate, and PubMed) from 2011 to 2024. Empirical studies that examined the association between social media use and HPV were included. Data extraction captured the study’s purpose, design, population, outcome measures, and key results. Results: Seven studies satisfied the review’s inclusion criteria. Our findings reveal mixed effects of social media on AYAs’ knowledge and vaccination intentions. Some studies indicated positive associations between social media interventions and increased vaccination knowledge and intentions, while others found no significant impact. Additionally, exposure to anti-vaccine content was linked to lower vaccination intentions, especially among individuals with lower knowledge who were more vulnerable to misinformation. Interventions incorporating interactive content and loss-framed messaging were more effective in increasing vaccine intentions. Conclusions: This review underscores the potential of social media to influence AYAs knowledge and perceptions regarding HPV vaccination, while also highlighting the challenges posed by misinformation. Further research is needed to optimize social media interventions and combat misinformation to improve vaccination uptake. Full article
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27 pages, 3614 KB  
Article
PALC-Net: A Partial Convolution Attention-Enhanced CNN-LSTM Network for Aircraft Engine Remaining Useful Life Prediction
by Lingrui Wu, Shikai Song, Hanfang Li, Chaozhu Hu and Youxi Luo
Electronics 2026, 15(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15010131 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction for aeroengines represents a core challenge in Prognostics and Health Management (PHM), with significant implications for condition-based maintenance, operational cost reduction, and flight safety enhancement. Current deep learning-based approaches encounter three major limitations when handling multi-source sensor data: [...] Read more.
Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction for aeroengines represents a core challenge in Prognostics and Health Management (PHM), with significant implications for condition-based maintenance, operational cost reduction, and flight safety enhancement. Current deep learning-based approaches encounter three major limitations when handling multi-source sensor data: conventional convolution operations struggle to model heterogeneous sensor feature distributions, leading to computational redundancy; simplistic multimodal fusion strategies often induce semantic conflicts; and high model complexity hinders industrial deployment. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel Partial Convolution Attention-enhanced CNN-LSTM Network (PALC-Net). We introduce a partial convolution mechanism that applies convolution to only half of the input channels while preserving identity mappings for the remainder. This design retains representational power while substantially lowering computational overhead. A dual-branch feature extraction architecture is developed: the temporal branch employs a PConv-CNN-LSTM architecture to capture spatio-temporal dependencies, while the statistical branch utilizes multi-scale sliding windows to extract physical degradation indicators—such as mean, standard deviation, and trend. Additionally, an adaptive fusion module based on cross-attention is designed, where heterogeneous features are projected into a unified semantic space via Query-Key-Value mappings. A sigmoid gating mechanism is incorporated to enable dynamic weight allocation, effectively mitigating inter-modal conflicts. Extensive experiments on the NASA C-MAPSS dataset demonstrate that PALC-Net achieves state-of-the-art performance across all four subsets. Notably, on the FD003 subset, it attains an MAE of 7.70 and an R2 of 0.9147, significantly outperforming existing baselines. Ablation studies validate the effectiveness and synergistic contributions of the partial convolution, attention mechanism, and multimodal fusion modules. This work offers an accurate and efficient solution for aeroengine RUL prediction, achieving an effective balance between engineering practicality and algorithmic sophistication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)
35 pages, 1037 KB  
Review
A Structured Literature Review of the Application of Local Climate Zones (LCZ) in Urban Climate Modelling
by Tamás Gál, Niloufar Alinasab, Hawkar Ali Abdulhaq and Nóra Skarbit
Earth 2026, 7(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth7010003 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Local Climate Zones (LCZs) have become a foundational framework for urban climate modeling, yet their use across model families has not been systematically evaluated. Crucially, the LCZ framework itself has served as a developmental basis, revealing the progression of urban canopy parameterizations (UCP) [...] Read more.
Local Climate Zones (LCZs) have become a foundational framework for urban climate modeling, yet their use across model families has not been systematically evaluated. Crucially, the LCZ framework itself has served as a developmental basis, revealing the progression of urban canopy parameterizations (UCP) from early models to the diverse model families currently in use. This evolution is exemplified by systems like the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, where the application of LCZ has fundamentally shifted from an experimental add-on to a basic, built-in feature of its urban-modeling capabilities. This review synthesizes a decade of LCZ-based studies to clarify how LCZ improves surface representation, enhances comparability, and supports multiscale modeling workflows. It provides a comprehensive overview of peer-reviewed work up to the end of 2024, offering a baseline for understanding the field’s rapid recent growth. Using a structured evidence-mapping approach, we categorize applications into three maturity stages: testing and measurement, operational and planning-oriented applications, and expansions beyond urban climate to chemistry, hydrology, and Earth-system modeling. The assessment covers various iterations of mesoscale systems (WRF, SURFEX/TEB, COSMO), local-scale climatologies (MUKLIMO-3, UrbClim), microscale models (ENVI-met, CFD), and supporting tools including SUEWS, SOLWEIG, RayMan, VCWG, and CESM-CLMU. Results show clear divisions of labor: WRF and SURFEX/TEB anchor process-rich regional simulations; MUKLIMO-3 and UrbClim offer computationally efficient long-horizon or multi-city assessments; ENVI-met and CFD provide design-scale insight when parameterized with LCZ archetypes. Across all families, model skill is strongly constrained by LCZ data quality and by inconsistencies in LCZ to UCP translation. We conclude that advancing LCZ-based urban climate modeling will depend on improved LCZ products, standardized parameter libraries, and formalized cross-scale model couplings that allow existing tools to interoperate more reliably under growing urban-climate pressures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Climate, Health and Cities: Building Aspects for a Resilient Future)
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25 pages, 1862 KB  
Article
Agro-Morphological Characterization of 14 Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) × Pitseed Goosefoot (C. berlandieri Moq.) Interspecific Hybrid-Derived Lines in an Arid Zone
by Elmer Gonzalo Ramos-Tarifa, Alberto Anculle-Arenas, José Luis Bustamante-Muñoz, Eric N. Jellen and Mayela Elizabeth Mayta-Anco
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010082 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Quinoa, in addition to its nutritional benefits, is adaptable to, and tolerant of, high-altitude and Mediterranean environmental conditions. However, its largely cross-compatible free-living ancestor, pitseed goosefoot, possesses expansive adaptive variation as its ecotypes are found on arid or well-drained soils throughout temperate and [...] Read more.
Quinoa, in addition to its nutritional benefits, is adaptable to, and tolerant of, high-altitude and Mediterranean environmental conditions. However, its largely cross-compatible free-living ancestor, pitseed goosefoot, possesses expansive adaptive variation as its ecotypes are found on arid or well-drained soils throughout temperate and subtropical North America. In this context, the objective of this study was to characterize F7:10 lines from quinoa × pitseed goosefoot hybrids to identify promising lines with desirable agronomic traits and adaptation to hyper-arid production environments. The agro-morphological characterization of 14 interspecific experimental lines plus wild parents (5), checks (3, including one derived from a much earlier wide cross), and an F2 population was performed for 25 quantitative and 26 qualitative descriptors, along with calculation of the selection index. Among the morphological variables, the average number of primary branches per plant (NPB) was six (CV = 78%), the average plant height (PH) was 143.5 cm (CV = 40%), and the average panicle diameter (PDI) was 17.9 cm (CV = 62%). With regard to the yield component variables, the average harvest index (HI) was 39% (CV = 36%), the average weight of 1000 grains (W1000G) was 2.59 g (CV = 42%), and the average yield per hectare (HYP) was 4.68 t ha−1 (CV = 65%). Regarding the correlations between variables, it was observed that all phenological phases showed positive correlations with plant height (PH) and negative correlations with yield components, specifically with DG, DT, HI, and W1000G. The highest-yielding lines were GR10 (8.16 t ha−1), GR07 (7.53 t ha−1), GR11 (7.27 t ha−1), and GR01 (7.02 t ha−1). Multivariate and cluster analyses identified four groups of lines, with groups II and IV standing out for their desirable agronomic traits. However, based on the selection index, lines RL08, RL07, ER06, GR03, and GR11 were identified as the most promising. In terms of quality, 18 out of the 23 lines were classified as sweet (<0.11% saponin) and 5 as bitter (>0.11 saponin). In conclusion, the selection index identified pitseed goosefoot cross-derived quinoa lines having superior yield potential, short plant height, large grain size, early maturity, and low saponin content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Identification and Characterisation of Crop Agronomic Traits and Stress Resistance—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 10406 KB  
Article
Characterization of Xyloglucanase TpXEG12a from Talaromyces pinophilus
by Junhui Nie, Peng Li, Cheng Zhang, Jing Zeng, Siyuan Yue, Jianjun Guo, Dawei Xiong, Shuaiwen Zhang, Guochang Huang and Lin Yuan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010294 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Xyloglucan, a key component of plant cell wall polysaccharides, plays a crucial role in cell wall structural remodeling and biomass recalcitrance. This study reports the discovery and biochemical characterization of a novel glycoside hydrolase family 12 (GH12) xyloglucanase, TpXEG12a, from the biomass-degrading fungus [...] Read more.
Xyloglucan, a key component of plant cell wall polysaccharides, plays a crucial role in cell wall structural remodeling and biomass recalcitrance. This study reports the discovery and biochemical characterization of a novel glycoside hydrolase family 12 (GH12) xyloglucanase, TpXEG12a, from the biomass-degrading fungus Talaromyces pinophilus. Recombinant TpXEG12a exhibited exceptional catalytic efficiency toward xyloglucan, with a specific activity of 2375 U/mg, significantly higher than the typical range reported for GH12 xyloglucanases. The enzyme displayed optimal activity at pH 4.0 and 57 °C, with high stability in acidic conditions (pH 4–8) and moderate thermal stability. TpXEG12a demonstrated strict substrate specificity for xyloglucan, with no detectable activity against cellulose-related substrates, and primarily generated characteristic xyloglucan oligosaccharides (XXXG, XLXG/XXLG, XLLG) upon hydrolysis. Structural analysis revealed that TpXEG12a exists as a stable homodimer in solution, which likely contributes to its catalytic efficiency. Notably, TpXEG12a synergistically enhanced glucose release when combined with cellulase in lignocellulosic biomass degradation. These findings establish TpXEG12a as a promising candidate for industrial applications in biomass conversion, textile processing, and functional oligosaccharide production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulose Bioconversion and High-Value Utilization)
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25 pages, 2266 KB  
Article
Genetic Characterisation of Closely Related Lactococcus lactis Strains Used in Dairy Starter Cultures
by Yuliya E. Uvarova, Tamara M. Khlebodarova, Asya R. Vasilieva, Aleksandra A. Shipova, Vladimir N. Babenko, Andrey V. Zadorozhny, Nikolay M. Slynko, Natalia V. Bogacheva, Ekaterina Y. Bukatich, Valeriya N. Shlyakhtun, Anton V. Korzhuk, Elena Y. Pavlova, Danil O. Chesnokov and Sergey E. Peltek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010292 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
The complex microbiota of cheese starters plays a key role in determining the structure and flavour of the final product, primarily through their acid-forming capacity, protease activity, and exopolysaccharide synthesis. However, the specific microbial communities underlying the unique qualities of artisanal cheeses remain [...] Read more.
The complex microbiota of cheese starters plays a key role in determining the structure and flavour of the final product, primarily through their acid-forming capacity, protease activity, and exopolysaccharide synthesis. However, the specific microbial communities underlying the unique qualities of artisanal cheeses remain poorly understood. This study presents the microbiological and molecular genetic characterisation of the microbiome isolated from an artisanal cheese starter in Kosh-Agach, Altai, Russia. Metagenomic analysis of this starter revealed the presence of three bacterial genomes corresponding to those of Lactococcus lactis. Pure cultures from this starter were obtained by sequential subculture, and seventeen colonies displaying distinct characteristics on differential media were selected. Genome sequencing was performed for each colony. Bioinformatic analysis based on the rpoB gene grouped the isolates into three clusters, each corresponding to a distinct strain of Lactococcus lactis subsp. diacetilactis. This classification was further confirmed by microbiological and microscopic analyses. A notable finding was that none of the strains produced the characteristic aroma compounds of L. l. subsp. diacetilactis, namely, diacetyl and CO2. The functional properties and metabolic characteristics of this starter consortium are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Fermentation: Advances in Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, and Biomanufacturing)
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16 pages, 365 KB  
Article
Disentangling Brillouin’s Negentropy Law of Information and Landauer’s Law on Data Erasure
by Didier Lairez
Entropy 2026, 28(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/e28010037 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
The link between information and energy introduces the observer and their knowledge into the understanding of a fundamental quantity in physics. Two approaches compete to account for this link—Brillouin’s negentropy law of information and Landauer’s law on data erasure—which are often confused. The [...] Read more.
The link between information and energy introduces the observer and their knowledge into the understanding of a fundamental quantity in physics. Two approaches compete to account for this link—Brillouin’s negentropy law of information and Landauer’s law on data erasure—which are often confused. The first, based on Clausius’ inequality and Shannon’s mathematical results, is very robust, whereas the second, based on the simple idea that information requires a material embodiment (data bits), is now perceived as more physical and therefore prevails. In this paper, we show that Landauer’s idea results from a confusion between information (a global emergent concept) and data (a local material object). This confusion leads to many inconsistencies and is incompatible with thermodynamics and information theory. The reason it prevails is interpreted as being due to a frequent tendency of materialism towards reductionism, neglecting emergence and seeking to eliminate the role of the observer. A paradoxical trend, considering that it is often accompanied by the materialist idea that all scientific knowledge, nevertheless, originates from observation. Information and entropy are actually emergent quantities introduced in the theory by convention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Perspectives on the Second Law of Thermodynamics and Infodynamics)
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18 pages, 3307 KB  
Article
Measured vs. Rated COP and Carbon Emissions of an Air-Source Heat Pump
by Song-Seop Lee, Ji-Hyeon Kim, Hee-Won Lim and U-Cheul Shin
Energies 2026, 19(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010155 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
This study evaluates the operational performance and carbon emissions of an air-source heat pump (ASHP) system based on a one-year field monitoring campaign conducted at a single-family detached house in Gongju, South Korea. The system, equipped with a 9 kW air-to-water ASHP, supplied [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the operational performance and carbon emissions of an air-source heat pump (ASHP) system based on a one-year field monitoring campaign conducted at a single-family detached house in Gongju, South Korea. The system, equipped with a 9 kW air-to-water ASHP, supplied both space heating (SH) and domestic hot water (DHW), achieving average coefficients of performance (COPs) of 2.27 for SH and 2.06 for DHW. To estimate nominal COPs, a bi-quadratic regression model was developed using manufacturer catalog data and compared against field measurements. The analysis revealed a significant performance decline during winter: a paired t-test using 7119 samples confirmed a statistically significant discrepancy under low-temperature conditions. Annual CO2-equivalent (CO2eq) emissions were also evaluated. Under current grid emission factors, the ASHP system emitted 1532 kgCO2eq—approximately 8.6% more than a condensing gas boiler (1411 kgCO2eq), primarily due to winter performance degradation and the relatively high carbon intensity of electricity. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating actual operating conditions, seasonal variability, and the national electricity emission factor when assessing ASHP performance and life cycle climate performance (LCCP). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section J1: Heat and Mass Transfer)
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33 pages, 2587 KB  
Article
A Simple Method for Porous Structure Characterization of Ultrafiltration Membranes from Permeability Data and Hydrodynamic Models: A Semi-Empirical Approach
by Manuel Palencia, Jina M. Martínez-Lara, Jorge M. Durango, José Sebastián López Vélez and Enrique M. Combatt
Surfaces 2026, 9(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces9010005 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
New approaches to the characterization of porous materials must satisfy principles of green analytical chemistry; in addition, they should be reproducible, versatile, and capable of providing relevant information for specific applications. Membrane characterization techniques often fail to meet some of these requirements. Specifically, [...] Read more.
New approaches to the characterization of porous materials must satisfy principles of green analytical chemistry; in addition, they should be reproducible, versatile, and capable of providing relevant information for specific applications. Membrane characterization techniques often fail to meet some of these requirements. Specifically, hydrodynamic porous-based model methods (HPMMs) enable the simulation and evaluation of membrane properties, as well as the monitoring of changes in the response to controlled and uncontrolled modifications. Nevertheless, HPMMs are limited by the multifactorial relationships between their variables and by the generation of only single-value responses. Here, a semi-empirical approach to the characterization of membrane pore structure is proposed and evaluated using simple experimental measurements from pristine and modified membranes. The model enables the determination of the effective pore radius based on two size descriptors related to porosity and permeability, the construction of pore size distributions, and the estimation of structural parameters, such as the number of pores, pore size, and surface porosity. Furthermore, it allows for the simulation of Darcy-type flow behavior in both linear and nonlinear regimes. The model was evaluated on pristine and poly(vinyl alcohol)-modified poly(ethersulfone) ultrafiltration membranes (60–120 mmolL−1) by diafiltration (100–400 kPa). Results demonstrate the usefulness of the model in characterizing membrane pore structure by using simple, fast, and non-destructive methods, thereby enabling advances in analytical diafiltration for membrane characterization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Solid–Liquid Interface Science: From Fundamentals to Applications)
20 pages, 4458 KB  
Article
In Situ Calibration Method for an MGT Detection System Based on Helmholtz Coils
by Ziqiang Yuan, Chen Wang, Yanzhang Xie, Yingzi Zhang and Wenyi Liu
Sensors 2026, 26(1), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26010191 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Vector magnetometer arrays are essential for ferromagnetic target detection and MGT measurement, but their performance is limited by proportional factor errors, triaxial non-orthogonality, soft/hard iron interference, and inconsistent array orientations. Traditional rotation-based scalar calibration requires magnetic-free turntables or manual multi-orientation operations, introducing mechanical [...] Read more.
Vector magnetometer arrays are essential for ferromagnetic target detection and MGT measurement, but their performance is limited by proportional factor errors, triaxial non-orthogonality, soft/hard iron interference, and inconsistent array orientations. Traditional rotation-based scalar calibration requires magnetic-free turntables or manual multi-orientation operations, introducing mechanical noise, orientation perturbations, and poor repeatability. This paper proposes an in situ rapid calibration method for MGT systems using triaxial Helmholtz coils. By generating three-dimensional magnetic field sequences of constant magnitude and random directions while keeping the sensors stationary, the method replaces conventional rotational excitation. A two-stage rapid calibration algorithm is developed to achieve individual sensor error modeling and array relative calibration. Experimental results show substantial improvements. The tensor invariant CT decreased from 6287.84 nT/m to 7.57 nT/m, with variance reduced from 1.46 × 106 to 13.47 nT2/m2; inter-sensor output differences were suppressed to 1–3 nT; and the magnetic field magnitude error dropped from ~940 nT to 3 × 10−4 nT, achieving a 5–6-order-of-magnitude enhancement. These results verify the method’s effectiveness in eliminating rotational errors, improving array consistency, and enabling high-precision in situ calibration with strong engineering value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Magnetic Field Sensing and Measurement)
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22 pages, 1166 KB  
Article
Establishment and Analysis of a General Mass Model for Solenoid Valves Used in Space Propulsion Systems
by Yezhen Sun, Sen Hu and Guozhu Liang
Mathematics 2026, 14(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14010106 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
The solenoid valve component is the core part affecting the total mass of space propulsion system, and the accuracy of the solenoid valve mass model directly impacts the accuracy of the system mass estimation and optimization design. This study focuses on the solenoid [...] Read more.
The solenoid valve component is the core part affecting the total mass of space propulsion system, and the accuracy of the solenoid valve mass model directly impacts the accuracy of the system mass estimation and optimization design. This study focuses on the solenoid valves used in gas path control for cold gas propulsion systems. The relationship between the gas flow rate and volume flow rate of the solenoid valve is derived. By analyzing the parameters affecting the mass of the solenoid valves, a general calculation mass model of the gas solenoid valve used in cold gas propulsion is proposed based on strength theory. Combining with the existing general calculation mass model for liquid solenoid valves and collecting mass data of 16 gas solenoid valves and 33 liquid solenoid valves used in space propulsion system, the mass calculation formulas of the gas and liquid solenoid valves are obtained by employing several mathematical fitting methods, including quadratic polynomial surface, Manski formula, bivariate power function, and pressure-corrected polynomial. The accuracy of different mass model formulas is compared to assess their performance in calculating the solenoid valve mass. The results show that the quadratic surface formula can better reflect the relationship between the mass of the gas solenoid valves and the valve parameters within the medium volume flow range of 1 × 10−9 to 3.9 × 10−3 m3/s and the proof pressure range of 0.4 to 49.74 MPa. For the calculation of liquid solenoid valve mass, the accuracy of quadratic polynomial surface fitting, bivariate power function equation, and univariate polynomial equation with pressure correction is comparable within the liquid volume flow range of 1.8 × 10−7 to 1.28 × 10−4 m3/s and the inlet pressure range of 0.99 to 4.24 MPa; the appropriate calculation formula can be selected based on the pressure conditions in the liquid solenoid valve chamber in practical applications. Sensitivity analysis shows a consistent trend for gas and liquid solenoid valves: proof pressure (gas valves) or inlet working pressure (liquid valves) are the dominant factors affecting valve mass, while volume flow rate has a moderate impact. The proposed solenoid valve mass model in this study can be used to calculate the mass of gas solenoid valves for space cold gas propulsion systems and liquid solenoid valves for liquid rocket thrusters with thrust below 1000 N, providing an important reference for the mass modeling and optimization design of the space propulsion systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamic Modeling and Simulation for Control Systems, 3rd Edition)
16 pages, 5338 KB  
Article
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Tibetan Medicinal Plant Soroseris hookeriana
by Tian Tian, Xiuying Lin, Yiming Wang and Jiuli Wang
Genes 2026, 17(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes17010024 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Soroseris hookeriana, a Tibetan medicinal plant endemic to the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, possesses significant pharmacological value but lacks fundamental genomic characterization. This study aims to generate and comparatively analyse its complete chloroplast genome. Methods: Total DNA was sequenced, assembled [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Soroseris hookeriana, a Tibetan medicinal plant endemic to the high-altitude Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, possesses significant pharmacological value but lacks fundamental genomic characterization. This study aims to generate and comparatively analyse its complete chloroplast genome. Methods: Total DNA was sequenced, assembled with GetOrganelle, annotated with CPGAVAS2, and compared with eight Asteraceae species; phylogenetic placement was inferred with IQ-TREE from 21 complete plastomes. Results: The circular chloroplast genome is 152,514 bp with a typical quadripartite structure (LSC 84,168 bp, SSC 18,528 bp, two IRs 24,909 bp each). It contains 132 unique genes (87 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, 8 rRNA; 18 duplicated in IRs yield 150 total copies). Twenty-three genes harbour introns; clpP and ycf3 have two. Overall GC content is 37.73%, elevated in IRs (43.12%). Codon usage shows strong A/U bias at the third position; 172 SSRs and 39 long repeats are detected. IR-SC boundaries exhibit the greatest inter-specific variation, notably in ycf1 and ndhF. Conclusions: The complete plastome robustly supports S. hookeriana and Stebbinsia umbrella as sister species (100% bootstrap) and provides essential genomic resources for species identification, population genetics, and studies of high-altitude adaptation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)
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27 pages, 3190 KB  
Article
A Dynamic Asymmetric Overcurrent-Limiting Strategy for Grid-Forming Modular Multilevel Converters Considering Multiple Physical Constraints
by Qian Chen, Yi Lu, Feng Xu, Fan Zhang, Mingyue Han and Guoteng Wang
Symmetry 2026, 18(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18010053 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Grid-forming (GFM) converters are promising for renewable energy integration, but their overcurrent limitation during grid faults remains a critical challenge. Existing overcurrent-limiting strategies were primarily developed for two-level converters and are often inadequate for Modular Multilevel Converters (MMCs). By overlooking the MMC’s unique [...] Read more.
Grid-forming (GFM) converters are promising for renewable energy integration, but their overcurrent limitation during grid faults remains a critical challenge. Existing overcurrent-limiting strategies were primarily developed for two-level converters and are often inadequate for Modular Multilevel Converters (MMCs). By overlooking the MMC’s unique topology and internal physical constraints, these conventional methods compromise both operational safety and grid support capabilities. Thus, this paper proposes a dynamic asymmetric overcurrent-limiting strategy for grid-forming MMCs that considers multiple physical constraints. The proposed strategy establishes a dynamic asymmetric overcurrent boundary based on three core physical constraints: capacitor voltage ripple, capacitor voltage peak, and the modulation signal. This boundary accurately defines the converter’s true safe operating area under arbitrary operating conditions. To address the complexity of the boundary’s analytical form for real-time application, an offline-trained neural network is introduced as a high-precision function approximator to efficiently and accurately reproduce this dynamic asymmetric boundary. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified by hardware-in-the-loop experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed strategy reduces the capacitor voltage ripple by 30.7% and maintains the modulation signal safely within the linear range, significantly enhancing both system safety and fault ride-through performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 4th Edition)
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13 pages, 5626 KB  
Article
Effects of Carvacrol on Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy: Histological, Gene Expression, and Biochemical Insights
by Halime Tuba Canbaz, Mehmet Enes Sozen, Ilknur Cinar Ayan, Hasan Basri Savas, Furkan Adem Canbaz, Gokhan Cuce and Serpil Kalkan
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010291 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to renal damage through oxidative stress. Carvacrol (CAR), a monoterpenoid phenol, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential effects of CAR on histological, gene expression, and biochemical parameters in a rat model of DM. Four groups were [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to renal damage through oxidative stress. Carvacrol (CAR), a monoterpenoid phenol, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential effects of CAR on histological, gene expression, and biochemical parameters in a rat model of DM. Four groups were created: group 1, control; group 2 (n = 9), DM; group 3 (n = 9), DM + dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); and group 4 (n = 9), DM + CAR. DM was created by injecting streptozotocin (STZ). CAR (20 mg/kg) was prepared through dissolution in 0.1% DMSO. CAR and 0.1% DMSO were administered daily for 4 weeks to groups 4 and 3, respectively. At the end of this study, urea, creatinine, paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and arylesterase (ARES) were measured in serum samples. Histopathological changes and expression of Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in renal tissues were assessed. Immunohistochemical(ihc) staining and RT-qPCR analysis were performed to evaluate apoptosis, focusing on Bax and Bcl-2gene expression. Masson’s trichrome(MT) staining and RT-qPCR analysis of COL1A1 and COL3A1 mRNA levels were used to assess fibrosis. Increased urea and creatinine levels in DM were significantly decreased after CAR administration. CAR application also improved reduced levels of PON 1 and ARES, which are associated with diabetes. Both immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that CAR therapy mitigated the diabetes-induced elevation in Bax and reduction in Bcl-2 expression. CAR treatment improved histopathological findings and renal Nrf-2 immunofluorescence(if) intensity. Furthermore, gene expression analysis demonstrated that COL1A1 and COL3A1 were upregulated in DM, while CAR administration downregulated them. In conclusion, CAR has a protective role in decreasing renal impairment linked to DM by regulating Bax and Bcl-2 levels and rectifying histological damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Diabetes and Its Complications)
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14 pages, 6014 KB  
Article
Distributed Optical Fiber Sensing of Temperature Rise During 110 kV Conductor–Ground Wire Ice-Shedding Discharge
by Yanpeng Hao, Zijian Wu, Lei Huang, Yashuang Zheng, Qi Yang, Yao Zhong and Huan Huang
Micromachines 2026, 17(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17010032 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Ice-shedding on overhead transmission lines can easily lead to jump discharge and subsequent line tripping, and effective monitoring methods are still lacking. To address this problem, this study proposes a distributed optical fiber sensing approach based on Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) for [...] Read more.
Ice-shedding on overhead transmission lines can easily lead to jump discharge and subsequent line tripping, and effective monitoring methods are still lacking. To address this problem, this study proposes a distributed optical fiber sensing approach based on Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) for detecting ice-shedding discharge on 110 kV conductor–ground wire. The optical fibers embedded in an optical fiber composite overhead ground wire (OPGW) are used as sensing elements. Through simulated ice-shedding discharge experiments under different icing conditions, the Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) characteristics along the OPGW fiber are investigated, and the relationship between the BFS increment caused by the discharge-induced temperature rise and the discharge parameters is revealed. The experimental results show that ice-shedding discharge produces a localized temperature-rise region in the OPGW fiber, with an axial extent of 20–40 cm and a duration of 2–4 s. The maximum BFS increment due to the discharge temperature rise, ΔvTm, is strongly dependent on the icing condition. Under conditions of no icing, light rime, and glaze ice on the conductor only, ΔvTm remains within 5.43–7.94 MHz, whereas when both the conductor and ground wire are covered with glaze ice, ΔvTm decreases significantly to 2.91–3.76 MHz. Further analysis indicates that, to satisfy the requirements for detecting ice-shedding discharge, the BOTDR must achieve a spatial resolution better than 0.1 m and a temporal sampling rate of no less than 5 Hz. These findings verify the feasibility of using distributed optical fiber sensing technology to detect ice-shedding discharge and provide experimental support for studies on the associated discharge mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebration of 60th Anniversary of Moore's Law: The Significant Milestone in Micromachines)
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19 pages, 3457 KB  
Article
Revealing the Diversity and Varietal Relationships of Regional Cacao and Close Relatives in the Northwestern Colombian Amazon: Insights for Conservation and Agroforestry Resilience
by Armando Sterling, Félix H. Polo-Munar, Ginna P. Velasco-Anacona, Diego F. Caicedo-Rodríguez, Sebastián Valderrama-Cuspian, Sidney do Rosário Costa, Juan C. Suárez-Salazar and Carlos H. Rodríguez-León
Diversity 2026, 18(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010020 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Understanding the genetic diversity and structure of regional cacao and its close relatives is essential for strengthening conservation strategies and enhancing the resilience of Amazonian agroforestry systems. This study evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure, and varietal relationships of 48 sexually derived regional [...] Read more.
Understanding the genetic diversity and structure of regional cacao and its close relatives is essential for strengthening conservation strategies and enhancing the resilience of Amazonian agroforestry systems. This study evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure, and varietal relationships of 48 sexually derived regional accessions of Theobroma cacao, T. grandiflorum, and T. bicolor with desirable morpho-agronomic traits, together with eight universal T. cacao reference clones, all cultivated in farmer-managed agroforests of the northwestern Colombian Amazon, using a panel of 15 SSR markers. The loci exhibited substantial allelic richness (mean Na = 8.53) and consistently high expected heterozygosity (Hexp = 0.74), with numerous private alleles indicating species- and lineage-specific divergence. Bayesian clustering, ΔK inference, and minimum spanning networks identified four genetically coherent subpopulations corresponding to the three species and a distinct lineage within T. cacao, strongly aligned with the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) results. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed that most genetic variation occurred among subpopulations (56.68%), while pairwise FST (Wright’s fixation index) values confirmed strong interspecific differentiation and significant divergence within T. cacao. No isolation-by-distance pattern was detected. These findings demonstrate that regional Theobroma germplasm maintained in smallholder agroforests constitutes a valuable reservoir of genetic diversity that complements universal reference clones. By documenting species-level divergence and lineage-specific variation, this study supports the integration of farmer-managed genetic resources into conservation planning and highlights their importance for the long-term resilience of Amazonian cacao-based agroforestry landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity, Breeding and Adaption Evolution of Plants)
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25 pages, 9061 KB  
Article
Rapid Seed Viability Detection Using Laser Speckle Weighted Generalized Difference with Improved Residual Networks
by Sen Men, Junhao Zhang, Xinhong Liu, Tianyi Sun and Wei Liu
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010081 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Conventional seed viability assessment methods are often destructive, time-consuming, and highly sensitive to environmental conditions, resulting in estimated annual global agricultural losses exceeding 12 billion USD, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. To overcome these limitations, [...] Read more.
Conventional seed viability assessment methods are often destructive, time-consuming, and highly sensitive to environmental conditions, resulting in estimated annual global agricultural losses exceeding 12 billion USD, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a non-destructive framework for evaluating the viability of multiple pea seed varieties—including Gancui-2, Jinwan No.6, Hongyun 211, Mawan No.1, and Wuxuwan No.2—using laser speckle imaging (LSI). A He–Ne laser combined with a CCD camera was employed to capture 512-frame dynamic speckle sequences from 3000 seeds. A weighted generalized difference (WGD) algorithm was developed to enhance feature extraction by emphasizing physiologically relevant temporal variations through frame weighting based on the global mean and standard deviation of inter-frame differences. The extracted features were classified using an improved Weighted Generalized Residual Network (ResNet-W), which integrates weighted average pooling and 1 × 1 convolution to enhance feature aggregation and classification efficiency. Experimental results demonstrated strong performance, achieving 91.32% accuracy, 90.78% precision, 92.04% recall, and a 91.38% F1-score. The proposed framework offers a cost-effective, high-accuracy, and fully non-destructive solution for seed viability assessment, with significant potential for real-time agricultural quality monitoring and intelligent seed sorting applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
19 pages, 9623 KB  
Article
An Eye-Tracking Study of Attention Capture Efficiency in Commercial Poster Design
by Shuai Yuan, Jintao Wei and Chen Chen
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16010291 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
The design of commercial posters must effectively capture consumer attention. To scientifically evaluate the impact of different design formats on attention-grabbing efficiency, three advertising posters were selected. Corresponding dynamic and static, as well as colour and black-and-white (B&W), versions were generated. Sixty participants [...] Read more.
The design of commercial posters must effectively capture consumer attention. To scientifically evaluate the impact of different design formats on attention-grabbing efficiency, three advertising posters were selected. Corresponding dynamic and static, as well as colour and black-and-white (B&W), versions were generated. Sixty participants were recruited for an eye-tracking experiment, recording key metrics such as fixation duration and fixation count. Results indicate: (1) Dynamic posters significantly outperformed static posters for both total fixation duration and total fixation count. When observing the total fixation duration, F = 245.896, p < 0.001, confirming the distinct advantage of dynamic design for capturing attention. (2) Colour posters generally attracted and sustained visual attention more effectively than did B&W posters. When observing the total fixation duration, F = 5.067, p = 0.028 < 0.05. (3) The impact of dynamic effects on attention is more pronounced than that of colour. For both static and dynamic posters, colour and B&W designs show no significant difference in their effect on attention, p = 0.330 > 0.05, η2 = 0.018. This provides a context-dependent prioritisation framework for commercial poster design decisions grounded in visual cognitive science. Full article
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13 pages, 389 KB  
Article
An Ecological-Evolutionary Investigation of Phenotypic, Genetic, and Environmental Variation and Correlations Among Reproductive Traits of Tall Goldenrod (Solidago altissima)
by Michael Wise, Daniel Lavy, David Carr and Warren Abrahamson
Plants 2026, 15(1), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15010087 (registering DOI) - 27 Dec 2025
Abstract
Although fitness-related traits are expected to be under strong selection, traits related to reproduction are often quite variable within plant populations. We used data from two large greenhouse experiments to quantify phenotypic, genetic, and environmental variation, as well as genetic tradeoffs that might [...] Read more.
Although fitness-related traits are expected to be under strong selection, traits related to reproduction are often quite variable within plant populations. We used data from two large greenhouse experiments to quantify phenotypic, genetic, and environmental variation, as well as genetic tradeoffs that might help explain the maintenance of within-population variation in four traits related to sexual or vegetative reproduction in tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima). The goldenrod population exhibited high levels of both phenotypic and genetic variation for capitulum (flower head) number and size, seed production, and rhizome growth. Significant negative genetic correlations were present between the number of capitula and size of capitula—but only at high-nutrient levels—and between seed production and rhizome growth when nutrients were more limiting. In total, negative genetic correlations may act to maintain variation in fitness-related traits in goldenrod populations—a phenomenon we suspect may be shared by other herbaceous plant species as their populations experience variation in environmental factors, such as nutrient levels, among sites or over the course of ecological succession within a site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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