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Recent Articles  

19 pages, 12228 KiB  
Article
Non-Singular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Three-Phase Inverter Connected to an Ultra-Weak Grid
by Abdullah M. Noman, Abu Sufyan, Mohsin Jamil and Sulaiman Z. Almutairi
Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2894; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142894 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The quality of a grid-injected current in LCL-type grid-connected inverters (GCI) degrades under ultra-weak grid conditions, posing serious challenges to the stability of the GCI system. For this purpose, the sliding mode control (SMC) approach has been utilized to integrate DC energy seamlessly [...] Read more.
The quality of a grid-injected current in LCL-type grid-connected inverters (GCI) degrades under ultra-weak grid conditions, posing serious challenges to the stability of the GCI system. For this purpose, the sliding mode control (SMC) approach has been utilized to integrate DC energy seamlessly into the grid. The control performance of a GCI equipped with an LCL filter is greatly reduced when it is operating in a power grid with varying impedance and fluctuating grid voltages, which may result in poor current quality and possible instability in the system. A non-singular double integral terminal sliding mode (DIT-SMC) control is presented in this paper for a three-phase GCI with an LCL filter. The proposed method is presented in the α, β frame of reference without adopting an active or passive damping approach, reducing the computational burden. MATLAB/Simulink Version R2023b is leveraged to simulate the mathematical model of the proposed control system. The capability of the DIT-SMC method is validated through the OPAL-RT hardware-in-loop (HIL) platform. The effectiveness of the proposed method is first compared with SMC and integral terminal SMC, and then the DIT-SMC method is rigorously analyzed under resonance frequency events, grid impedance variation, and grid voltage distortions. It is demonstrated by the experimental results that the proposed control is highly effective in delivering a high-quality current into the grid, in spite of the simultaneous occurrence of power grid impedance variations in 6mH and large voltage distortions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Power Electronics Converters, 2nd Edition)
20 pages, 2143 KiB  
Article
Bioadsorption of Manganese with Modified Orange Peel in Aqueous Solution: Box–Behnken Design Optimization and Adsorption Isotherm
by Liz Marzano-Vasquez, Giselle Torres-López, Máximo Baca-Neglia, Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez, Roberto Solís-Farfán, José Curay-Tribeño, César Rodríguez-Aburto, Alex Vallejos-Zuta, Jesús Vara-Sanchez, César Madueño-Sulca, Cecilia Rios-Varillas de Oscanoa and Alex Pilco-Nuñez
Water 2025, 17(14), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142152 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Chemically demethoxylated and Ca-cross-linked orange-peel waste was engineered as a biosorbent for Mn(II) removal from water. A three-factor Box–Behnken design (biosorbent dose 3–10 g L−1, initial Mn2+ 100–300 mg L−1, contact time 3–8 h; pH 5.5 ± 0.1, [...] Read more.
Chemically demethoxylated and Ca-cross-linked orange-peel waste was engineered as a biosorbent for Mn(II) removal from water. A three-factor Box–Behnken design (biosorbent dose 3–10 g L−1, initial Mn2+ 100–300 mg L−1, contact time 3–8 h; pH 5.5 ± 0.1, 25 °C) required only 16 runs to locate the optimum (10 g L−1, 100 mg L−1, 8 h), at which the material removed 94.8% ± 0.3% manganese removal under the optimized conditions (10 g L−1, 100 mg L−1, 8 h, pH 5.5) of dissolved manganese and reached a Langmuir capacity of 29.7 mg g−1. Equilibrium data fitted the Freundlich (R2 = 0.968) and Sips (R2 = 0.969) models best, indicating a heterogeneous surface, whereas kinetic screening confirmed equilibrium within 6 h. FTIR and SEM–EDX verified abundant surface –COO−/–OH groups and showed Mn deposits that partially replaced residual Ca, supporting an ion-exchange component in the uptake mechanism. A preliminary cost analysis (<USD 10 kg−1) and > 90% regeneration efficiency over three cycles highlight the economic and environmental promise of this modified agro-waste for polishing Mn-laden effluents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metal Removal and Recovery from Water)
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12 pages, 1120 KiB  
Article
A Temporal Comparison of 50 Years of Australian Scuba Diving Fatalities
by John M. Lippmann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071148 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Australian scuba fatalities over 50 years were examined to determine temporal changes over two consecutive periods, 1972–1999 and 2000–2021. The Australasian Diving Safety Foundation database and National Coronial Information System were searched to identify scuba deaths from 1972 to 2021. Historical data, police [...] Read more.
Australian scuba fatalities over 50 years were examined to determine temporal changes over two consecutive periods, 1972–1999 and 2000–2021. The Australasian Diving Safety Foundation database and National Coronial Information System were searched to identify scuba deaths from 1972 to 2021. Historical data, police and witness reports, and autopsies were recorded and comparisons made between the two periods. Of 430 total deaths, 236 occurred during 1972–1999 and 194 during 2000–2021, with average annual fatalities of 8.4 and 8.8, respectively. The proportion of males reduced (83% to 76%) and median ages rose (33 to 47 years) with a large rise in the percentage of casualties among people aged 45 years or older (24% to 57%). There were increases in certified divers (64% to 81%) and in the proportion of divers who were with a buddy at the time of their incident (17% to 27%), as well as a decrease in out-of-gas incidents (30% to 25%). A reduction in primary drowning (47% to 36%) was accompanied by more than a doubling of cardiac-related disabling conditions (12% to 26%). The substantial increase in casualties’ ages and of the proportions of casualties aged 45 or more and of females between the periods indicate the inclusion of a broader cohort of participants and ageing of longtime divers. The reduction in primary drowning was likely due to increased training and improvements in equipment, particularly BCDs and pressure gauges. The rise in cardiac-related deaths was due to an older and more obese cohort. Improved health education and surveillance and improved dive planning are essential to reduce such deaths. Full article
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23 pages, 2304 KiB  
Review
Machine Learning for Coronary Plaque Characterization: A Multimodal Review of OCT, IVUS, and CCTA
by Alessandro Pinna, Alberto Boi, Lorenzo Mannelli, Antonella Balestrieri, Roberto Sanfilippo, Jasjit Suri and Luca Saba
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141822 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Coronary plaque vulnerability, more than luminal stenosis, drives acute coronary syndromes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) visualize plaque morphology in vivo, but manual interpretation is time-consuming and operator-dependent. We performed a narrative literature survey of [...] Read more.
Coronary plaque vulnerability, more than luminal stenosis, drives acute coronary syndromes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) visualize plaque morphology in vivo, but manual interpretation is time-consuming and operator-dependent. We performed a narrative literature survey of artificial intelligence (AI) applications—focusing on machine learning (ML) architectures—for automated coronary plaque segmentation and risk characterization across OCT, IVUS, and CCTA. Recent ML models achieve expert-level lumen and plaque segmentation, reliably detecting features linked to vulnerability such as a lipid-rich necrotic core, calcification, positive remodelling, and a napkin-ring sign. Integrative radiomic and multimodal frameworks further improve prognostic stratification for major adverse cardiac events. Nonetheless, progress is constrained by small, single-centre datasets, heterogeneous validation metrics, and limited model interpretability. AI-enhanced plaque assessment offers rapid, reproducible, and comprehensive coronary imaging analysis. Future work should prioritize large multicentre repositories, explainable architectures, and prospective outcome-oriented validation to enable routine clinical adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning in Precise and Personalized Diagnosis)
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13 pages, 5276 KiB  
Technical Note
Regional Assessment of COCTS HY1-C/D Chlorophyll-a and Suspended Particulate Matter Standard Products over French Coastal Waters
by Corentin Subirade, Cédric Jamet and Bing Han
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(14), 2516; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17142516 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Chlorophyll-a (Chla) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are key indicators of water quality, playing critical roles in understanding marine biogeochemical processes and ecosystem health. Although satellite data from the Chinese Ocean Color and Temperature Scanner (COCTS) onboard the Haiyang-1C/D satellites is freely available, [...] Read more.
Chlorophyll-a (Chla) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are key indicators of water quality, playing critical roles in understanding marine biogeochemical processes and ecosystem health. Although satellite data from the Chinese Ocean Color and Temperature Scanner (COCTS) onboard the Haiyang-1C/D satellites is freely available, there has been limited validation of its standard Chla and SPM products. This study is a first step to address this gap by evaluating COCTS-derived Chla and SPM products against in situ measurements in French coastal waters. The matchup analysis showed robust performance for the Chla product, with a median symmetric accuracy (MSA) of 50.46% over a dynamic range of 0.13–4.31 mg·m−3 (n = 24, Bias = 41.11%, Slope = 0.93). In contrast, the SPM product showed significant limitations, particularly in turbid waters, despite a reasonable performance in the matchup exercise, with an MSA of 45.86% within a range of 0.18–10.52 g·m−3 (n = 23, Bias = −14.59%, Slope = 2.29). A comparison with another SPM model and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products showed that the COCTS standard algorithm tends to overestimate SPM and suggests that the issue does not originate from the input radiometric data. This study provides the first regional assessment of COCTS Chla and SPM products in European coastal waters. The findings highlight the need for algorithm refinement to improve the reliability of COCTS SPM products, while the Chla product demonstrates suitability for water quality monitoring in low to moderate Chla concentrations. Future studies should focus on the validation of COCTS ocean color products in more diverse waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Remote Sensing)
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19 pages, 3516 KiB  
Article
Mitotic Activity, Cell Survival, and Neuronal Differentiation in the Hilus of the Dentate Gyrus Under Physiological and Hypothyroid Conditions in Adult Wistar Rats
by Karla Sánchez-Huerta, Ana Karen García-Juárez, Lía Diana Colmenero-Rodríguez, Yuliana García-Martínez and Jorge Pacheco-Rosado
Cells 2025, 14(14), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14141112 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The adult rodent hippocampus is capable of maintaining its capacity to generate new neurons in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG). Interestingly, proliferative cells have also been described in the hilus. The involvement of the hilar neurogenesis process in hippocampal [...] Read more.
The adult rodent hippocampus is capable of maintaining its capacity to generate new neurons in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG). Interestingly, proliferative cells have also been described in the hilus. The involvement of the hilar neurogenesis process in hippocampal physiology is unknown. Thyroid hormones (THs) are necessary for the survival of postmitotic progenitor cells, neuroblasts, and immature granule neurons in the SGZ. In contrast, evidence concerning the role of THs in the hilar neurogenesis process is limited. The present study characterized the mitotic activity, cell survival, and neuronal differentiation of hilar neurogenesis under physiological and hypothyroid conditions and compared them with those of the granular layer (GL) and the SGZ of the DG in adult Wistar rats. We found that, under physiological conditions, the hilus harbors fewer proliferative cells than the neurogenic zone (GL/SGZ) does, with a rate of cell survival of 18.9% and a rate of differentiation into granular neurons of 19%. Interestingly, hypothyroidism provokes decreased cell proliferation and an increased rate of cell survival without affecting neuronal differentiation. These effects induced by hypothyroidism in the hilus were different or inclusive, contrary to those observed in the neurogenic zone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Thyroid Hormone in Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders)
21 pages, 4411 KiB  
Article
Temporal Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Core Pathways and Orphan Gene EARLY FLOWERING 1 Regulating Floral Transition in Chinese Cabbage
by Hong Lang, Yuting Zhang, Shouhe Zhao, Kexin Li, Xiaonan Li and Mingliang Jiang
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142236 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The floral transition in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is governed by a complex interplay of gene expression and hormonal regulation. Temporal transcriptome profiling was conducted across three developmental stages: pre-bolting (PBS), bolting (BS), and flowering stages (FS), to investigate [...] Read more.
The floral transition in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is governed by a complex interplay of gene expression and hormonal regulation. Temporal transcriptome profiling was conducted across three developmental stages: pre-bolting (PBS), bolting (BS), and flowering stages (FS), to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 7092 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, exhibiting distinct expression trajectories during the transition. Moreover, functional enrichment analyses revealed strong associations with plant hormone signaling, MAPK pathways, and developmental regulation processes. Key flowering-related genes, such as BrFLM, BrAP2, BrFD, BrFT, and BrSOC1s displayed antagonistic expression patterns. Hormonal pathways involving auxin, ABA, ET, BR, GA, JA, CK, and SA showed stage-dependent modulation. Further, orphan genes (OGs), especially EARLY FLOWERING 1 (EF1), showed significant upregulation during the transition, which exhibited 1.84-fold and 1.93-fold increases at BS and FS compared to PBS, respectively (p < 0.05). Functional validation through EF1 overexpression (EF1OE) in Arabidopsis consistently promoted early flowering. The expression levels of AtFT and AtSOC1 were significantly upregulated in EF1OE lines compared to wild-type (WT) plants. The findings contribute to understanding the coordinated genetic and hormonal events driving floral development in Chinese cabbage, suggesting EF1 as a candidate for bolting resistance breeding. This work also expands the existing regulatory framework through the successful integration of OGs into the complex floral induction system of Brassica crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hormonal Regulation of Flower and Fruit Development: A Molecular Perspective)
30 pages, 814 KiB  
Review
Amphiregulin in Fibrotic Diseases and Cancer
by Tae Rim Kim, Beomseok Son, Chun Geun Lee and Han-Oh Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6945; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146945 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Fibrotic disorders pose a significant global health burden due to limited treatment options, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Amphiregulin (AREG), a low-affinity ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has emerged as a key mediator of fibrogenesis through dual [...] Read more.
Fibrotic disorders pose a significant global health burden due to limited treatment options, creating an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Amphiregulin (AREG), a low-affinity ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has emerged as a key mediator of fibrogenesis through dual signaling pathways. Unlike high-affinity EGFR ligands, AREG induces sustained signaling that activates downstream effectors and promotes the integrin-mediated activation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. This enables both canonical and non-canonical EGFR signaling pathways that contribute to fibrosis. Elevated AREG expression correlates with disease severity across multiple organs, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. The therapeutic targeting of AREG has shown promising antifibrotic and anticancer effects, suggesting a dual-benefit strategy. The increasing recognition of the shared mechanisms between fibrosis and cancer further supports the development of unified treatment approaches. The inhibition of AREG has been shown to sensitize fibrotic tumor microenvironments to chemotherapy, enhancing combination therapy efficacy. Targeted therapies, such as Self-Assembled-Micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA)-AREG, have demonstrated enhanced specificity and favorable safety profiles in preclinical studies and early clinical trials. Personalized treatment based on AREG expression may improve clinical outcomes, establishing AREG as a promising precision medicine target for both fibrotic and malignant diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of AREG biology and evaluate its therapeutic potential in fibrosis and cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways in Normal Tissue Repair and Fibrosis)
30 pages, 15434 KiB  
Article
A DSP–FPGA Heterogeneous Accelerator for On-Board Pose Estimation of Non-Cooperative Targets
by Qiuyu Song, Kai Liu, Shangrong Li, Mengyuan Wang and Junyi Wang
Aerospace 2025, 12(7), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12070641 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The increasing presence of non-cooperative targets poses significant challenges to the space environment and threatens the sustainability of aerospace operations. Accurate on-orbit perception of such targets, particularly those without cooperative markers, requires advanced algorithms and efficient system architectures. This study presents a hardware–software [...] Read more.
The increasing presence of non-cooperative targets poses significant challenges to the space environment and threatens the sustainability of aerospace operations. Accurate on-orbit perception of such targets, particularly those without cooperative markers, requires advanced algorithms and efficient system architectures. This study presents a hardware–software co-design framework for the pose estimation of non-cooperative targets. Firstly, a two-stage architecture is proposed, comprising object detection and pose estimation. YOLOv5s is modified with a Focus module to enhance feature extraction, and URSONet adopts global average pooling to reduce the computational burden. Optimization techniques, including batch normalization fusion, ReLU integration, and linear quantization, are applied to improve inference efficiency. Secondly, a customized FPGA-based accelerator is developed with an instruction scheduler, memory slicing mechanism, and computation array. Instruction-level control supports model generalization, while a weight concatenation strategy improves resource utilization during convolution. Finally, a heterogeneous DSP–FPGA system is implemented, where the DSP manages data pre-processing and result integration, and the FPGA performs core inference. The system is deployed on a Xilinx X7K325T FPGA operating at 200 MHz. Experimental results show that the optimized model achieves a peak throughput of 399.16 GOP/s with less than 1% accuracy loss. The proposed design reaches 0.461 and 0.447 GOP/s/DSP48E1 for two model variants, achieving a 2× to 3× improvement over comparable designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Astronautics & Space Science)
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18 pages, 1445 KiB  
Article
Global CO2 Emission Reduction Disparities After and Before COVID-19
by Resham Thapa-Parajuli, Rupesh Neupane, Maya Timsina, Bibek Pokharel, Deepa Poudel, Milan Maharjan, Saman Prakash KC and Suprit Shrestha
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6602; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146602 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The relationship between economic progress and environmental quality remains a central focus in global sustainability discourse. This study examines the link between per capita economic growth and CO2 emissions across 128 countries from 1996 to 2022, controlling for energy consumption, trade volume, [...] Read more.
The relationship between economic progress and environmental quality remains a central focus in global sustainability discourse. This study examines the link between per capita economic growth and CO2 emissions across 128 countries from 1996 to 2022, controlling for energy consumption, trade volume, and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. It also evaluates the role of governance quality—measured by regulatory quality and its volatility—while considering the globalization index as a confounding factor influencing CO2 emissions. We test the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, which suggests that emissions initially rise with income but decline after reaching a certain economic threshold. Our findings confirm the global presence of the EKC. The analysis further shows that trade openness, governance, and globalization significantly influence FDI inflows, with FDI, in turn, reinforcing institutional quality through improved governance and globalization indicators. However, in countries with weaker governance and regulatory frameworks, FDI tends to promote pollution-intensive industrial growth, lending support to aspects of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH). We find a significant departure in EKC explained by post-COVID governance and globalization compromises, which induced the environment towards the PHH phenomenon. These results highlight the need for context-specific policy measures that align economic development with environmental constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimising Air Quality and Health Benefits of Transport Decarbonisation)
24 pages, 6341 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Indoor Accuracies Between SLAM and Static Scanners
by Anna Chrbolková, Martin Štroner, Rudolf Urban, Ondřej Michal, Tomáš Křemen and Jaroslav Braun
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148053 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive comparison of static and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) laser scanners of both new and old generation in a controlled indoor environment of a standard commercial building with long, linear corridors and recesses. The aim was to assess [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive comparison of static and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) laser scanners of both new and old generation in a controlled indoor environment of a standard commercial building with long, linear corridors and recesses. The aim was to assess both global and local accuracy, as well as noise characteristics, of each scanner. Methods: A highly accurate static scanner was used to generate a reference point cloud. Five devices were evaluated: two static scanners (Leica RTC 360 and Trimble X7) and three SLAM scanners (GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon RT, Emesent Hovermap ST-X, and FARO Orbis). Accuracy analysis included systematic and random error assessment, axis-specific displacement evaluation, and profile-based local accuracy measurements. Additionally, noise was quantified before and after data smoothing. Static scanners yielded superior accuracies, with the Leica RTC 360 achieving the best performance (absolute accuracy of 1.2 mm). Among SLAM systems, the Emesent Hovermap ST-X and FARO Orbis—both newer-generation devices—demonstrated significant improvements over the older-generation GeoSLAM ZEB Horizon RT. After smoothing, the noise levels of these new-generation SLAM scanners (approx. 2.1–2.2 mm) approached those of static systems. The findings underline the ongoing technological progress in SLAM systems, with the new-generation SLAM scanners becoming increasingly viable alternatives to static scanners, especially when speed, ease of use, and reduced occlusions are prioritized. This makes them well-suited for rapid indoor mapping applications, provided that the slightly lower accuracy is acceptable for the intended use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Digital Photogrammetry and 3D Laser Scanning in Geomatics)
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41 pages, 9748 KiB  
Article
Wind Turbine Fault Detection Through Autoencoder-Based Neural Network and FMSA
by Welker Facchini Nogueira, Arthur Henrique de Andrade Melani and Gilberto Francisco Martha de Souza
Sensors 2025, 25(14), 4499; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25144499 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Amid the global shift toward clean energy, wind power has emerged as a critical pillar of the modern energy matrix. To improve the reliability and maintainability of wind farms, this work proposes a novel hybrid fault detection approach that combines expert-driven diagnostic knowledge [...] Read more.
Amid the global shift toward clean energy, wind power has emerged as a critical pillar of the modern energy matrix. To improve the reliability and maintainability of wind farms, this work proposes a novel hybrid fault detection approach that combines expert-driven diagnostic knowledge with data-driven modeling. The framework integrates autoencoder-based neural networks with Failure Mode and Symptoms Analysis, leveraging the strengths of both methodologies to enhance anomaly detection, feature selection, and fault localization. The methodology comprises five main stages: (i) the identification of failure modes and their observable symptoms using FMSA, (ii) the acquisition and preprocessing of SCADA monitoring data, (iii) the development of dedicated autoencoder models trained exclusively on healthy operational data, (iv) the implementation of an anomaly detection strategy based on the reconstruction error and a persistence-based rule to reduce false positives, and (v) evaluation using performance metrics. The approach adopts a fault-specific modeling strategy, in which each turbine and failure mode is associated with a customized autoencoder. The methodology was first validated using OpenFAST 3.5 simulated data with induced faults comprising normal conditions and a 1% mass imbalance fault on a blade, enabling the verification of its effectiveness under controlled conditions. Subsequently, the methodology was applied to a real-world SCADA data case study from wind turbines operated by EDP, employing historical operational data from turbines, including thermal measurements and operational variables such as wind speed and generated power. The proposed system achieved 99% classification accuracy on simulated data detect anomalies up to 60 days before reported failures in real operational conditions, successfully identifying degradations in components such as the transformer, gearbox, generator, and hydraulic group. The integration of FMSA improves feature selection and fault localization, enhancing both the interpretability and precision of the detection system. This hybrid approach demonstrates the potential to support predictive maintenance in complex industrial environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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20 pages, 1877 KiB  
Article
Indigenous Underwater Cultural Heritage Legislation in Australia: Still Waters?
by Matthew Storey
Heritage 2025, 8(7), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070289 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The article examines possible amendments to the Australian legislative regime regulating and protecting Indigenous cultural heritage in an offshore, including underwater, context. It suggests that there are significant reforms that are needed to bring the existing domestic legislative regime into conformity with the [...] Read more.
The article examines possible amendments to the Australian legislative regime regulating and protecting Indigenous cultural heritage in an offshore, including underwater, context. It suggests that there are significant reforms that are needed to bring the existing domestic legislative regime into conformity with the expectations of contemporary international law, particularly as manifested in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). In reaching this conclusion, the article proceeds by examining recent Australian jurisprudence and archaeological studies, considering offshore Indigenous cultural heritage as well as the current Australian domestic legislative framework. It then proceeds to examine the relevant provisions of both UNDRIP and the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH Convention). The article identifies that the UCH Convention operates to ignore any legitimate role for Indigenous peoples and does not provide an appropriate foundation for legislative reform. The article concludes by suggesting the content of appropriate legislative reforms that accord with the expectations in UNDRIP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Navigating Indigenous Connections to Underwater Heritage in the Contemporary Era)
20 pages, 1092 KiB  
Article
Design and Synthesis of Boronic Chalcones with Dual Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
by Juliana Romano Lopes, Freddy Humberto Marin-Dett, Rita Alexandra Machado Silva, Rafael Consolin Chelucci, Lucília Saraiva, Maria Emília Sousa, Leonardo Luiz Gomes Ferreira, Adriano Defini Andricopulo, Paula Aboud Barbugli and Jean Leandro Dos Santos
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 3032; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30143032 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Inflammation plays a critical role in HNC progression, with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β contributing to tumor development. In [...] Read more.
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Inflammation plays a critical role in HNC progression, with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β contributing to tumor development. In this study, a novel series of boronic chalcones was designed and synthesized as potential dual-action anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents. The most potent compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC-25), and their selectivity index (SI) was determined. Compound 5 emerged as the most promising, displaying cytotoxicity against cancer cells, with IC50 values of 17.9 µM and a favorable SI (>3). Mechanistic studies revealed that its anticancer activity was independent of p53 status, and annexin V/PI staining indicated cell death via necrosis. Interestingly, compound 5 also significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, as TNF and IL-6. Furthermore, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) studies demonstrated that compound 5 exhibited moderate solubility and high permeability. These findings underscore the crucial role of the boronic acid moiety in enhancing both anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Organic Chemistry)
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19 pages, 1856 KiB  
Article
Research on Single-Tree Segmentation Method for Forest 3D Reconstruction Point Cloud Based on Attention Mechanism
by Lishuo Huo, Zhao Chen, Lingnan Dai, Dianchang Wang and Xinrong Zhao
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071192 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The segmentation of individual trees holds considerable significance in the investigation and management of forest resources. Utilizing smartphone-captured imagery combined with image-based 3D reconstruction techniques to generate corresponding point cloud data can serve as a more accessible and potentially cost-efficient alternative for data [...] Read more.
The segmentation of individual trees holds considerable significance in the investigation and management of forest resources. Utilizing smartphone-captured imagery combined with image-based 3D reconstruction techniques to generate corresponding point cloud data can serve as a more accessible and potentially cost-efficient alternative for data acquisition compared to conventional LiDAR methods. In this study, we present a Sparse 3D U-Net framework for single-tree segmentation which is predicated on a multi-head attention mechanism. The mechanism functions by projecting the input data into multiple subspaces—referred to as “heads”—followed by independent attention computation within each subspace. Subsequently, the outputs are aggregated to form a comprehensive representation. As a result, multi-head attention facilitates the model’s ability to capture diverse contextual information, thereby enhancing performance across a wide range of applications. This framework enables efficient, intelligent, and end-to-end instance segmentation of forest point cloud data through the integration of multi-scale features and global contextual information. The introduction of an iterative mechanism at the attention layer allows the model to learn more compact feature representations, thereby significantly enhancing its convergence speed. In this study, Dongsheng Bajia Country Park and Jiufeng National Forest Park, situated in Haidian District, Beijing, China, were selected as the designated test sites. Eight representative sample plots within these areas were systematically sampled. Forest stand sequential photographs were captured using an iPhone, and these images were processed to generate corresponding point cloud data for the respective sample plots. This methodology was employed to comprehensively assess the model’s capability for single-tree segmentation. Furthermore, the generalization performance of the proposed model was validated using the publicly available dataset TreeLearn. The model’s advantages were demonstrated across multiple aspects, including data processing efficiency, training robustness, and single-tree segmentation speed. The proposed method achieved an F1 score of 91.58% on the customized dataset. On the TreeLearn dataset, the method attained an F1 score of 97.12%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)
19 pages, 1422 KiB  
Article
Decreased Nitrogen and Carbohydrate Metabolism Activity Leads to Grain Yield Reduction in Qingke Under Continuous Cropping
by Zhiqi Ma, Chaochao He, Jianxin Tan, Tao Jin and Shuijin Hua
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142235 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Qingke (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.), a staple crop in the Tibetan Plateau, suffers from severe yield reduction under continuous cropping (by 38.67%), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the effects of 23-year continuous cropping (23y-CC) [...] Read more.
Qingke (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.), a staple crop in the Tibetan Plateau, suffers from severe yield reduction under continuous cropping (by 38.67%), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study systematically investigated the effects of 23-year continuous cropping (23y-CC) on the nutrient dynamics, carbohydrate metabolism, and enzymatic activities in Qingke leaves across five developmental stages (T1: seedling; T2: tillering; T3: jointing; T4: flowering; T5: filling). Compared to the control (first-year planting), 23y-CC significantly reduced leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents by 60.94%, 47.96%, and 60.82%, respectively, at early growth stages. Key nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes, including glutamate synthase (GOGAT), glutamine synthase (GS), and nitrate reductase (NR), exhibited reduced activities under 23y-CC, indicating impaired nitrogen assimilation. Carbohydrate profiling revealed lower starch and glucose contents but higher sucrose accumulation in later stages (T4–T5) under 23y-CC, accompanied by the dysregulation of sucrose synthase (SS) and invertase activities. These findings elucidate how continuous cropping disrupts nutrient homeostasis and carbon allocation, ultimately compromising Qingke productivity. This study provides novel insights into agronomic strategies for mitigating continuous cropping obstacles in Qingke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence of Management Practices on Plant Growth)
24 pages, 7576 KiB  
Article
Design of Heavy Agricultural Machinery Rail Transport System and Dynamic Performance Research on Tracks in Hilly Regions of Southern China
by Cheng Lin, Hao Chen, Jiawen Chen, Shaolong Gou, Yande Liu and Jun Hu
Sensors 2025, 25(14), 4498; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25144498 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
To address the limitations of conventional single-track rail systems in challenging hilly and mountainous terrains, which are ill-suited for transporting heavy agricultural machinery, there is a critical need to develop a specialized the double-track rail transportation system optimized for orchard equipment. Recognizing this [...] Read more.
To address the limitations of conventional single-track rail systems in challenging hilly and mountainous terrains, which are ill-suited for transporting heavy agricultural machinery, there is a critical need to develop a specialized the double-track rail transportation system optimized for orchard equipment. Recognizing this requirement, our research team designed and implemented a double-track rail transportation system. In this innovative system, the rail functions as the pivotal component, with its structural properties significantly impacting the machine’s overall stability and operational performance. In this study, resistance strain gauges were employed to analyze the stress–strain distribution of the track under a full load of 750 kg, a critical factor in the system’s design. To further investigate the structural performance of the double-track rail, the impact hammer method was utilized in conjunction with triaxial acceleration sensors to conduct experimental modal analysis (EMA) under actual support conditions. By integrating the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA), the first 20 natural modes and their corresponding parameters were successfully identified with high precision. A comparative analysis between finite element simulation results and experimental measurements was performed, revealing the double-track rail’s inherent vibration characteristics under constrained modal conditions versus actual boundary constraints. These valuable findings serve as a theoretical foundation for the dynamic optimization of rail structures and the mitigation of resonance issues. The advancement of hilly and mountainous rail transportation systems holds significant promise for enhancing productivity and transportation efficiency in agricultural operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vehicular Sensing)
18 pages, 1779 KiB  
Article
Crack Assessment Using Acoustic Emission in Cement-Free High-Performance Concrete Under Mechanical Stress
by Muhammad Ali Rostampour, Davood Mostofinejad, Hadi Bahmani and Hasan Mostafaei
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(7), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9070380 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the cracking behavior of high-performance calcium oxide-activated concrete incorporating basalt and synthetic macro fibers under compressive and flexural loading. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was employed to capture real-time crack initiation and propagation, offering insights into damage evolution mechanisms. A comprehensive [...] Read more.
This study investigates the cracking behavior of high-performance calcium oxide-activated concrete incorporating basalt and synthetic macro fibers under compressive and flexural loading. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring was employed to capture real-time crack initiation and propagation, offering insights into damage evolution mechanisms. A comprehensive series of uniaxial compression and four-point bending tests were conducted on fiber-reinforced and plain specimens. AE parameters, including count, duration, risetime, amplitude, and signal energy, were analyzed to quantify crack intensity and classify fracture modes. The results showed that tensile cracking dominated even under compressive loading due to lateral stresses, while fiber inclusion significantly enhanced toughness by promoting distributed microcracking and reducing abrupt energy release. Basalt fibers were particularly effective under flexural loading, increasing the post-peak load-bearing capacity, whereas synthetic macro fibers excelled in minimizing tensile crack occurrence under compression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Composites Applications)
13 pages, 601 KiB  
Article
Differences of Sex Development: A Study of 420 Patients from a Single Tertiary Pediatric Endocrinology Center
by Silvia Ventresca, Laura Chioma, Rosario Ruta, Mafalda Mucciolo, Pasquale Parisi, Agnese Suppiej, Sandro Loche, Marco Cappa and Carla Bizzarri
Children 2025, 12(7), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12070954 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Background: Differences of sex development (DSD) are a group of congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of genital structures. The diagnosis is complex and involves clinical, hormonal, and genetic evaluations. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, diagnosis, and management of patients [...] Read more.
Background: Differences of sex development (DSD) are a group of congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of genital structures. The diagnosis is complex and involves clinical, hormonal, and genetic evaluations. Objective: To describe the clinical profile, diagnosis, and management of patients with DSD, with particular attention to genetic diagnosis. Study design: Retrospective study from a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Italy. Methods: 420 patients with DSD referred to the Endocrine Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy, between 2016 and 2023 were included. Results: 75 patients had a 46,XY karyotype, 135 had a 46,XX karyotype, and 210 had chromosomal mosaicism. In our group of pediatric DSD patients, 21/420 patients were born from pregnancies induced with assisted reproduction techniques (ICSI/FIVET). Of these 21 patients, 5 had sex chromosome mosaicism. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified three new genetic variants: one in the AR gene, one in the NR5A1 gene, and one in the SRY gene. The use of NGS significantly improved the diagnostic yield, and a definitive diagnosis was reached in 84.76% of the entire cohort. Conclusions: This study highlights the challenges in the management of patients with DSD from early recognition to treatment and follow-up. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for a comprehensive evaluation of these conditions and to understand the role and clinical significance of the genetic variants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes)
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14 pages, 1806 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonic-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction: An Innovative Technique for the Obtention of Betalains and Polyphenols from Dragon Fruit Peel
by Cristhel Guadalupe Puc-Santamaria, Rosa Us-Camas, Emanuel Hernández-Núñez, Luis Alfonso Can-Herrera, Dany Alejandro Dzib-Cauich, Adán Cabal-Prieto, Nattha Pensupa and Julio Enrique Oney-Montalvo
Processes 2025, 13(7), 2307; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13072307 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Dragon fruit peel is a by-product rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. In this study, ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction (UAEE) was proposed to exploit this, combining the advantages of the enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound extraction. The effect of extraction time, temperature, [...] Read more.
Dragon fruit peel is a by-product rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and betalains. In this study, ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction (UAEE) was proposed to exploit this, combining the advantages of the enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound extraction. The effect of extraction time, temperature, and enzyme quantity were evaluated using a Box–Behnken design. Total betalains and polyphenol contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The results show that the extraction of total polyphenols was significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) by the enzyme quantity, while temperature had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the extracted betalains. The optimal conditions for the extraction of total betalains and polyphenols were a temperature of 20 °C, an extraction time of 20 min, and an enzyme/substrate ratio of 400 mg/g. Under optimized conditions, the extraction efficiency reached 565.6 ± 12.9 µg/g for total betalains and 14.9 ± 2.4 mg/g for total polyphenols. In addition, UAEE showed the best extraction yields compared to other methodologies, such as microwave, ultrasound, and enzymatic hydrolysis extraction (p ≤ 0.05). This study helps us to understand how the temperature, time, and amount of enzymes affect the extraction of total polyphenols and betalains present in the peel of the dragon fruit using the UAEE technique. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Ultrasound and Other Technologies in Food Processing)
22 pages, 687 KiB  
Review
Neurobiology of Dystonia: Review of Genetics, Animal Models, and Neuroimaging
by Jamir Pitton Rissardo, Andrew McGarry, Yiwen Shi, Ana Leticia Fornari Caprara and Ian M. Walker
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(7), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15070767 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of dystonia. The number of identified genes has surged—exceeding 400 by 2024—with approximately 76.6% linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite this, the genetic diagnostic yield remains modest (12–36%), and many newly [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of dystonia. The number of identified genes has surged—exceeding 400 by 2024—with approximately 76.6% linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite this, the genetic diagnostic yield remains modest (12–36%), and many newly discovered genes have yet to reveal novel mechanistic insights. The limited number of studies exploring dystonia-related pathways in animal models restricts the generalizability of findings to human disease, raising concerns about their external validity. Developing experimental models remains a challenge, particularly given the importance of critical developmental windows—periods during central nervous system maturation when disruptions can have lasting effects. Some models also exhibit delayed symptom onset, prompting a shift toward faster-developing organisms such as Drosophila. There is a pressing need for standardized, scalable protocols that enable precise evaluation of specific neural tissues. Advances in neuroimaging have improved our understanding of dystonia-related brain networks at both regional and whole-brain levels. The emerging concept of “network kernels” has provided new perspectives on brain connectivity. However, future imaging studies should incorporate effective connectivity analyses to distinguish between hemodynamic and neuronal contributions and to clarify neurobiological pathways. This review synthesizes current knowledge from genetics, animal models, and neuroimaging to present an integrated view of dystonia’s neurobiological underpinnings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Motor Control and Neuromotor Interfacing in Sports)
19 pages, 24212 KiB  
Article
Target Approaching Control Under a GPS-Denied Environment with Range-Only Measurements
by Bin Chen, Zhenghao Jing, Yinke Dou, Yan Chen and Liwei Kou
Sensors 2025, 25(14), 4497; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25144497 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the target-approaching control problem for a discrete-time first-order vehicle system where the target area is modeled as a static circular region. In the absence of absolute bearing or position information, we propose a simple local controller that relies [...] Read more.
In this paper, we investigate the target-approaching control problem for a discrete-time first-order vehicle system where the target area is modeled as a static circular region. In the absence of absolute bearing or position information, we propose a simple local controller that relies solely on range measurements to the target obtained at two consecutive sampling instants. Specifically, if the measured distance decreases between two successive samples, the vehicle maintains a constant velocity; otherwise, it rotates its velocity vector by an angle of π/2 in the clockwise direction. This control strategy guarantees convergence to the target region, ensuring that the vehicle’s velocity direction remains unchanged in the best-case scenario and is adjusted at most three times in the worst case. The effectiveness of the proposed method is theoretically established and further validated through outdoor experiments with a mobile vehicle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)
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25 pages, 811 KiB  
Article
Vegetarianísh—How “Flexitarian” Eating Patterns Are Defined and Their Role in Global Food-Based Dietary Guidance
by Julie M. Hess, Kaden Robinson and Angela J. Scheett
Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142369 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: A dietary pattern that simply reduces animal-based foods may be more acceptable to consumers than strict vegetarian or vegan diets. The objective of this investigation was to identify the most consistently used definitions of “flexitarian” dietary patterns, or dietary patterns with a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: A dietary pattern that simply reduces animal-based foods may be more acceptable to consumers than strict vegetarian or vegan diets. The objective of this investigation was to identify the most consistently used definitions of “flexitarian” dietary patterns, or dietary patterns with a reduced amount of animal foods. Then, sets of food-based dietary guidance (FBDG) from different countries and regions were evaluated to determine whether their guidance could accommodate flexitarian diets. Methods: Literature searches yielded 86 total results on flexitarian eating after screening by title/abstract, full text availability, and English language. Definitions of “flexitarian” were extracted from each article then reviewed and summarized. FBDGs available in English were downloaded from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations website. Guidance related to reduced animal product diets was extracted from FBDGs for eating patterns closest to 2000 kcal. Results: The summary definition of flexitarian included eating at least one animal product (dairy, eggs, meat, or fish) at least once per month but less than once per week. FBDGs from n = 42 countries or regions were downloaded and data extracted. Only FBDG from Sri Lanka explicitly describe a “semi-vegetarian” eating pattern, though n = 12 FBDGs describe a vegetarian pattern and n = 14 recommend reducing meat or animal food and/or choosing meat/dairy alternatives. Conclusions: Following a flexitarian dietary pattern in terms of reducing or limiting red meat is feasible and even implicitly recommended by the official dietary guidance of several countries. Most FBDGs examined did not include recommendations to decrease dairy or fish intake. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Healthy and Sustainable Diets: Environmental and Nutritional Perspectives)
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14 pages, 399 KiB  
Article
Questions of Truth vs. Questions of Trust: Nuancing the Influences of Religiosity, Political Conservatism, and Christian Nationalism on Attitudes Towards Science
by Christopher P. Scheitle, Katie E. Corcoran and Bernard D. DiGregorio
Religions 2025, 16(7), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16070935 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Religiosity and political conservatism are often hypothesized to be negatively associated with attitudes towards science. Yet, past research has often failed to distinguish between trust in science versus the acceptance of science as a source of truth. Using data generated from a probability [...] Read more.
Religiosity and political conservatism are often hypothesized to be negatively associated with attitudes towards science. Yet, past research has often failed to distinguish between trust in science versus the acceptance of science as a source of truth. Using data generated from a probability survey of U.S. adults, we identify four latent factors within a battery of items asking about individuals’ views on science. Two of these represent science’s power as a source of truth, while the other two represent trust in science and scientists. A structural equation model finds that, all else being equal, measures of religiosity tend to be negatively associated with an individual’s view of science as a source of truth and unrelated to their trust in science. Adherence to Christian nationalism is negatively associated with an individual’s trust in science, while political conservatism and Republican identification is negatively associated with both trust in science and seeing science as a source of truth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Health/Psychology/Social Sciences)
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12 pages, 1344 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Profiling of Paired Primary Tumors and CNS Metastases in Breast Cancer Reveals Immune Modulation Signatures
by Ana Julia Aguiar de Freitas, Muriele Bertagna Varuzza, Stéphanie Calfa, Rhafaela Lima Causin, Vinicius Duval da Silva, Cristiano de Pádua Souza and Márcia Maria Chiquitelli Marques
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6944; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146944 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in women, often associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. However, molecular differences between primary tumors and CNS metastases remain underexplored. We aimed to characterize transcriptomic differences between primary breast [...] Read more.
Breast cancer is a leading cause of central nervous system (CNS) metastases in women, often associated with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. However, molecular differences between primary tumors and CNS metastases remain underexplored. We aimed to characterize transcriptomic differences between primary breast tumors and matched CNS metastases and identify immune-related biomarkers associated with metastatic progression and patient outcomes. Transcriptomic profiling was based on 11 matched FFPE sample pairs (primary tumor and CNS metastasis). Paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from primary tumors (T1) and CNS metastases (T2) were analyzed using the NanoString nCounter® platform and the PanCancer IO 360™ Gene Expression Panel. Differential gene expression, Z-score transformation, and heatmap visualization were performed in R. In silico survival analyses for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were conducted using publicly available TCGA and GEO datasets. Forty-five genes were significantly differentially expressed between the T1 and T2 samples. Immune-related genes such as CXCL9, IL7R, CD79A, and CTSW showed consistent downregulation in CNS metastases. High expression of CXCL9 and CD79A was associated with improved OS and RFS, whereas high IL7R and CTSW expression correlated with worse outcomes. These findings indicate immune suppression as a hallmark of CNS colonization. Comparative transcriptomic analysis further underscored the distinct molecular landscapes between primary and metastatic tumors. This study highlights transcriptional signatures associated with breast cancer CNS metastases, emphasizing the role of immune modulation in metastatic progression. The identified genes have potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, supporting the need for site-specific molecular profiling in metastatic breast cancer management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Oncology in Brazil, 3rd Edition)
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18 pages, 7598 KiB  
Article
Recovery of Fine Rare Earth Minerals from Simulated Tin Tailings by Carrier Magnetic Separation: Selective Heterogeneous Agglomeration with Coarse Magnetite Particles
by Ilhwan Park, Topan Satria Gumilang, Rinaldi Yudha Pratama, Sanghee Jeon, Carlito Baltazar Tabelin, Theerayut Phengsaart, Muhammad Bilal, Youhei Kawamura and Mayumi Ito
Minerals 2025, 15(7), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15070757 (registering DOI) - 19 Jul 2025
Abstract
The demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is continuously increasing due to the important roles they play in low-carbon and green energy technologies. Unfortunately, the global REE reserves are limited and concentrated in only a few countries, so the reprocessing of alternative resources [...] Read more.
The demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is continuously increasing due to the important roles they play in low-carbon and green energy technologies. Unfortunately, the global REE reserves are limited and concentrated in only a few countries, so the reprocessing of alternative resources like tailings is of critical importance. This study investigated carrier magnetic separation using coarse magnetite particles as a carrier to recover finely ground monazite from tailings. The monazite and carrier surfaces were modified by sodium oleate (NaOL) to improve the hydrophobic interactions between them. The results of zeta potential and contact angle measurements implied the selective adsorption of NaOL onto the surfaces of the monazite and magnetite particles. Although their hydrophobicity increased, heterogenous agglomeration between them was not substantial. To improve heterogenous agglomeration, emulsified kerosene was utilized as a bridging liquid, resulting in more extensive attachment of fine monazite particles onto the surfaces of carrier particles and a dramatic improvement in monazite recovery by magnetic separation—from 0% (without carrier) to 70% (with carrier). A rougher–scavenger–cleaner carrier magnetic separation can produce REE concentrates with a total rare earth oxide (TREO) recovery of 80% and a grade of 9%, increased from 3.4%, which can be further increased to 23.2% after separating REEs and the carrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Separation Techniques for Critical Minerals/Metals, Circular Economy, and Sustainability)
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