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17 pages, 523 KB  
Article
Anonymous E-Voting on Hyperledger Fabric: Practical Mitigation of the Verification Paradox and Coercion Resistance
by Yoon-Nyoung Jung, Su-Been Cho, Seo-Hyun Yun and Hwa-Jeong Seo
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 6953; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16146953 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Electronic voting systems inherently encompass a structural tension among ballot secrecy, verifiability, and coercion resistance. Voters must be able to verify whether their votes have been included; however, if such verification information can serve as evidence presentable to a third party, it becomes [...] Read more.
Electronic voting systems inherently encompass a structural tension among ballot secrecy, verifiability, and coercion resistance. Voters must be able to verify whether their votes have been included; however, if such verification information can serve as evidence presentable to a third party, it becomes a basis for post-election intimidation. Existing studies have focused primarily on performance evaluation or data separation, and have not comprehensively addressed the structural tension between verifiability and coercion resistance. This study defines this tension as the verification paradox and designs and implements an electronic voting prototype on a three-organization consortium based on Hyperledger Fabric 2.5, combining a 2-of-3 endorsement policy, nullifier-based anonymity, Exponential ElGamal homomorphic tallying, zero-knowledge proof (ZKP)-based ballot validity verification, panic-password-based deniable verification, and Private Data Collection (PDC)-based coerced vote separation. Quantitative evaluation results confirm a server latency overhead of +0.9% for ElGamal relative to the AES performance baseline, statistical indistinguishability between normal and panic responses (p>0.05), and a peak throughput of approximately 40.7 TPS (with an error rate of 0%) under 1000 concurrent voters. Through this prototype implementation and quantitative evaluation, we show the potential of permissioned blockchains to partially and practically mitigate the verification paradox. This study, however, does not provide a formal security proof, and it is subject to a trust assumption on PDC as well as to the experimental limitations of a single evaluation environment and a limited load range. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blockchain Architectures: Cryptographic Privacy and Cybersecurity Mechanisms)
23 pages, 3612 KB  
Article
DeepExoMir: A Reproducible RNA Language Model Framework for CLIP-Seq-Supported MicroRNA Target-Site Prioritization
by Wen-Hsien Lin, Chia-Ni Hsiung, Wen-Yu Lien and Martin Sieber
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6184; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146184 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, yet target prediction faces a credibility gap: published methods drop sharply against CLIP-seq-validated negatives. We present DeepExoMir, a deep learning framework integrating frozen RiNALMo RNA language model embeddings with biologically informed features. Under a dual-probe ablation protocol on [...] Read more.
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally, yet target prediction faces a credibility gap: published methods drop sharply against CLIP-seq-validated negatives. We present DeepExoMir, a deep learning framework integrating frozen RiNALMo RNA language model embeddings with biologically informed features. Under a dual-probe ablation protocol on three miRBench test sets, DeepExoMir reaches mean AU-PRC 0.855, surpassing eight retrained baselines (paired bootstrap p<0.001). Evolutionary conservation and duplex structure prove largely redundant with language-model priors, motivating a structure-free Lite variant (0.863). On nine exosomal miRNAs from a companion melanogenesis study, DeepExoMir recovers literature-validated targets and ranks canonical pigmentation regulators (KITLG, MITF, TYRP1) in the top 5%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Bioinformatics for miRNA Research: Methods, Insights and Applications)
23 pages, 1524 KB  
Article
Coupled Thermal and Nonlocal Effects in Advanced Composite Nanobeams: An Efficient Higher-Order Modeling Approach
by Rabab A. Alghanmi and Mohammed Sid Ahmed Houari
Nanomaterials 2026, 16(14), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16140852 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The present research proposes a mathematical method to examine the combined impacts of thermal loading and nonlocal elasticity on the dynamic behavior of functionally graded (FG) nanobeams. A refined higher-order shear deformation theory is introduced, featuring an enhanced displacement field with integral unknowns [...] Read more.
The present research proposes a mathematical method to examine the combined impacts of thermal loading and nonlocal elasticity on the dynamic behavior of functionally graded (FG) nanobeams. A refined higher-order shear deformation theory is introduced, featuring an enhanced displacement field with integral unknowns and a hyperbolic thickness-dependent function to accurately capture transverse shear strains without shear correction constants. Temperature affects the material characteristics, which follow a power-law pattern as they rise through thickness. Using Hamilton’s principle, the study establishes and solves the governing equations analytically. The study discusses how thermal environment, material gradation, and nonlocality alter the dynamic response of FG nanobeams, providing important insights into their nanoscale thermomechanical behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Theory and Simulation of Nanostructures)
26 pages, 1059 KB  
Article
Effect of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education on Technological Innovation: The Role of Institutions
by Babacar Ndiaye and Omar Diop
Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7085; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147085 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Technological innovation drives long-run economic growth, yet countries with similar levels of STEM educational attainment often exhibit large differences in innovation performance. This study examines whether and how institutional quality moderates the relationship between STEM education and technological innovation. Using five-year averaged panel [...] Read more.
Technological innovation drives long-run economic growth, yet countries with similar levels of STEM educational attainment often exhibit large differences in innovation performance. This study examines whether and how institutional quality moderates the relationship between STEM education and technological innovation. Using five-year averaged panel data for 74 countries over the period 2000–2019, we find that STEM education has a positive and statistically significant effect on resident patent applications. The magnitude of this effect increases across higher quantiles of the innovation distribution. Institutional quality measured by property rights protection and ease of doing business plays a heterogeneous moderating role: strong property rights significantly enhance the innovation returns to STEM education in low-innovation countries, while ease of doing business exerts a broader positive effect. These results remain robust to alternative estimators, sub-samples, alternative measures, and endogeneity checks. Overall, the findings highlight that institutional improvements are essential complements to STEM investment. Policy strategies should therefore be context specific, combining human capital development with targeted institutional reforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation and Regional Resilience in the Context of Sustainable Development: Challenges, Perspectives, Disparities, and Dynamics)
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13 pages, 1678 KB  
Technical Note
Simplified Zhao and Cai Variable Dilation Angle Model for Rocks
by Daniel Ibarra-González, Edison Martínez-Bautista and Javier Arzúa
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 6949; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16146949 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Accurate modeling of post-peak rock behavior is fundamental to the safe design and stability assessment of underground excavations in high-stress environments. In this context, the dilation angle is a key constitutive parameter, typically expressed as a function of plastic shear strain and confinement. [...] Read more.
Accurate modeling of post-peak rock behavior is fundamental to the safe design and stability assessment of underground excavations in high-stress environments. In this context, the dilation angle is a key constitutive parameter, typically expressed as a function of plastic shear strain and confinement. The model proposed by Zhao and Cai reproduces the complex evolution of the dilation angle with notable accuracy; however, its reliance on nine interdependent fitting coefficients hinders practical calibration and numerical implementation. This study introduces a simplified model, derived from the Zhao and Cai model and guided by the conceptual framework of Zhao and Li, that reduces the number of fitting parameters to four while preserving the nonlinear dependence of the dilation angle on plastic shear strain and confinement. When calibrated against triaxial compression data, the proposed expression attained a coefficient of determination of 41.14%, markedly exceeding the 26.73% obtained with the original formulation. Although numerical simulations in FLAC2D v. 9.7 did not fully capture the experimental response, the proposed model outperformed the Zhao and Cai model, which systematically underestimated the evolution of the volumetric strain. The results demonstrate that the proposed model provides a more tractable description of dilatancy and an improved numerical approximation of the volumetric response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mechanics and Mining Engineering)
29 pages, 16647 KB  
Article
Application of Response Surface Methodology, Isotherms, and Kinetics in Metronidazole Removal from Water Using Highly Porous Maize Cob Activated Carbon
by Simon Bbumba, Moses Kigozi, Ibrahim Karume, Joan Talibawo, Muhammad Ntale, Yasin Wandhami Maganda, Billy Garvin Ssemyalo, Beatrice Arwenyo and Prashan M. Rodrigo
Environments 2026, 13(7), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13070393 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The increasing discharge of pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly antibiotics like metronidazole (MNZ), into water systems poses significant ecological and public health risks due to their high solubility and low biodegradability. This study developed and characterized a highly porous activated carbon derived from maize cob [...] Read more.
The increasing discharge of pharmaceutical contaminants, particularly antibiotics like metronidazole (MNZ), into water systems poses significant ecological and public health risks due to their high solubility and low biodegradability. This study developed and characterized a highly porous activated carbon derived from maize cob (MC-AC). The synthesized material was characterized using FTIR, FESEM, PXRD, HRTEM, and BET analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted, and the removal efficiency of MC-AC for MNZ was 98.6%. Optimization and modeling of the process variables of pH (3–11), contact time (0–75 min), concentration (0–70 mg/L), temperature (25–35 °C), and adsorbent dosage (0.5–1.5 g/L) were investigated using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) of response surface methodology, and 29 runs were obtained. The BBD model determined an optimal removal efficiency of 94.6 for metronidazole. Furthermore, non-linearized kinetic and isotherm models were used to determine the adsorption mechanism and mode of metronidazole from water. From the investigation, it was observed that both the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models exhibited high correlation coefficients. The models with the best performance and low error metrics were determined by R2, MSE, RMSE, SAE, and SSE. Therefore, the adsorption mode was multilayer heterogeneous, and the mechanism was chemisorption. Therefore, this study provides a unique alternative for using the Box–Behnken design, kinetic, and isotherm models to understand the removal of metronidazole from water using maize cob-activated carbon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Pollution, Toxicology and Restoration)
35 pages, 2248 KB  
Article
CoFUSE-EPWNet: Cross-Modal Consistency Fusion for RGB-D Express Packaging Waste Detection in Green Campus Management
by Fei Yu, Gufeng Gong and Liujun Li
Sensors 2026, 26(14), 4396; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144396 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The rapid growth of express packaging waste (EPW) is creating increasing challenges for urban waste management and high-quality resource recovery, while reliable automated sorting remains difficult because of heterogeneous materials, deformable packaging, random stacking, and frequent partial occlusion. This study develops a system-oriented [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of express packaging waste (EPW) is creating increasing challenges for urban waste management and high-quality resource recovery, while reliable automated sorting remains difficult because of heterogeneous materials, deformable packaging, random stacking, and frequent partial occlusion. This study develops a system-oriented RGB-D sensing framework to improve the reliability of EPW sorting in conveyor-belt recycling operations. A synchronized and spatially registered RGB-D paired dataset, MEPWaste, was constructed containing 4528 paired samples (9056 RGB/depth images) from 10 representative categories of inner and outer packaging under multiple levels of stacking and occlusion. Based on this dataset, a multimodal detection framework was designed to improve feature reliability within each modality, reinforce spatial consistency between modalities, and enhance detection stability in densely stacked scenes with fragmented visible evidence. The proposed framework achieved 89.1% mAP50 and 69.3% mAP50:95, exceeding the RGB-only model by 5.3 and 5.8 percentage points, respectively, and the RGB-D baseline by 2.7 and 3.4 percentage points, with recall reaching 85.1%. A closed-loop sensing–inference–execution pipeline integrating synchronized RGB-D acquisition, real-time detection, robotic grasping, and PLC-based control was further implemented to examine engineering feasibility. Overall, the study provides a practical technical pathway for improving EPW sorting reliability and supporting intelligent resource recovery in waste management systems, with potential applicability to green campus management scenarios characterized by high-frequency parcel consumption and concentrated packaging waste generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)
27 pages, 30768 KB  
Article
Biophysical Integration and Cartographic Modeling of Ecosystem Services in the Bajo Sinú Wetland Complex: A Case Study from Colombia Using the ECOSER Protocol
by Fernando Begambre-González, Dairo Balcena Feria, Viviana Cecilia Soto-Barrera and Doris Mejía-Ávila
Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7082; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147082 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The Bajo Sinú Wetland Complex (CCBS for its acronym in Spanish) constitutes one of the most critical marsh systems in the Colombian Caribbean and represents one of the most relevant hydric ecoregions in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and map [...] Read more.
The Bajo Sinú Wetland Complex (CCBS for its acronym in Spanish) constitutes one of the most critical marsh systems in the Colombian Caribbean and represents one of the most relevant hydric ecoregions in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and map the relative provision of ecosystem services in the CCBS through the implementation of the ECOSER protocol. Using cartographic models, the specific requirements necessary to map seven of the nine ecosystem functions included in the ECOSER protocol that proved critical for the CCBS were defined: soil organic carbon storage, biomass carbon storage, erosion control, soil fertility, retention of excess precipitation by vegetation cover, retention by wetlands, and nutrient retention. The results demonstrated that the CCBS possesses significant potential for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, exhibiting an average content of 18.9 Mg C ha−1, with grasslands and marshland covers recording the highest values. Regarding biomass carbon storage (BCS), average values reached 12.85 Mg C ha−1. These findings confirm the high capacity of wetlands to store carbon, thereby contributing significantly to climate regulation. Furthermore, the analysis of the soil fertility ecosystem function showed high productivity levels, with soil profiles exceeding 70% of the maximum potential value. Conversely, although the biophysical analysis revealed a moderate water regulation capacity by retaining approximately 15.4% of the annual precipitation, which corresponds to 170,067,986 m3, this function plays a fundamental role in minimizing surface runoff and mitigating flood risks across the territory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Ecology and Sustainability)
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18 pages, 10457 KB  
Article
Preliminary In Silico Evaluation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil-Derived Bioactive Compounds as Multi-Target-Directed Ligands in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
by Ludovico Abenavoli, Maja Milanović, Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata, Nataša Milošević, Maria Luisa Gambardella and Nataša Milić
Life 2026, 16(7), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16071146 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and is driven by complex metabolic and inflammatory disturbances. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a hallmark of the Mediterranean diet, contains numerous bioactive compounds that may exert beneficial [...] Read more.
Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and is driven by complex metabolic and inflammatory disturbances. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a hallmark of the Mediterranean diet, contains numerous bioactive compounds that may exert beneficial effects on liver and cardiometabolic health. This preliminary study investigated the interactions of selected EVOO-derived compounds, with molecular targets implicated in MASLD using an integrated in silico approach. Methods: Phenolic compounds, secoiridoids, fatty acids, sterols, squalene, and vitamin E were evaluated. Physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetic profiles were predicted using ADMETlab 3.0. Molecular docking analyses were performed against liver X receptors (LXRα and LXRβ), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and PPARγ), hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase, cyclooxygenase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2. Binding modes were further examined by three-dimensional interaction analyses. Results: The investigated compounds displayed heterogeneous physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles. Oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal demonstrated the most consistent binding patterns across targets involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and cardiometabolic regulation. In contrast, highly lipophilic compounds, including squalene, β-sitosterol, and vitamin E, frequently achieved high docking scores but formed fewer biologically relevant interactions. Conclusions: EVOO phenolics, particularly oleuropein, oleacein, and oleocanthal, emerged as promising multi-target modulators of MASLD-related pathways, supporting the potential role of EVOO in MASLD prevention and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gastrointestinal Health: Clinical Research and Therapeutic Innovations—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 6656 KB  
Article
Multiple Kernel Attention Network for Dense and Tiny Wheat Pest Detection in the Field Under Complex Background
by Xiang Li, Mingqiang Chen, Lei Qian, Chenrui Kang, Kang Liu and Lin Jiao
Insects 2026, 17(7), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070715 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The outbreak of pests seriously affects the yield and quality of wheat crops. The accurate recognition and detection play an essential role in the early warning of crop pests. While some limitations, like insufficient dataset, imbalanced samples of pests with dense distribution, and [...] Read more.
The outbreak of pests seriously affects the yield and quality of wheat crops. The accurate recognition and detection play an essential role in the early warning of crop pests. While some limitations, like insufficient dataset, imbalanced samples of pests with dense distribution, and dense distribution and tinyof crop pests, pose significant challenges to the precise detection. Thus, in this work, we first spent two years collecting real-world wheat pest images with four types of pests, including three grain aphids, and one mite species, to obtain a high-quality crop pest dataset for network optimization. Secondly, to alleviate insufficiency of samples of pests with dense distribution, we have developed a cut-up data augmentation strategy that separates dense pest targets from complex backgrounds. Furthermore, to address the challenge of pest detection with tiny body size and dense distribution, we introduce the Multiple Kernel Attention Network (MKA-Net), which further integrates the multi-scale features of pests to improve detection accuracy. Our method achieved the best detection precision, with AP50 reaching its peak at 67.1%, which is a significant improvement of nearly 6.9 points in wheat pest detection compared with the baseline. In summary, our proposed method can assist in the prevention and control of wheat pests and promote the progress of intelligent agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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12 pages, 5281 KB  
Article
Luminescence Properties in a New Dy3+-Doped Self-Activated Vanadate Sr2NaMg2V3O12 Phosphor
by Yuan Tu, Jiawen Li, Chaoyong Deng and Min Zhang
Ceramics 2026, 9(7), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9070069 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
A novel Dy3+-doped self-activated Sr2NaMg2V3O12 (SNMVO) phosphor was synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Its microstructure, surface morphology, valence state, and luminescence properties were investigated. The results showed that the prepared phosphor exhibited [...] Read more.
A novel Dy3+-doped self-activated Sr2NaMg2V3O12 (SNMVO) phosphor was synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Its microstructure, surface morphology, valence state, and luminescence properties were investigated. The results showed that the prepared phosphor exhibited bright green emission at 521 nm and yellow emission at 575 nm under 345 nm excitation. The luminescence intensity showed a strong concentration dependence, with an optimal Dy3+ ion doping concentration of 0.05 mol, and the concentration quenching (CQ) mechanism was dipole–dipole (d-d) interaction. Energy transfer between vanadate and Dy3+ was observed, with a maximum transfer efficiency of 63.5%. The thermal activation energy (0.1859 eV) indicated good thermal stability. Furthermore, this phosphor can be used as a yellow phosphor for white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) and for anti-counterfeiting patterns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Ceramics, 3rd Edition)
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23 pages, 7236 KB  
Article
A Classification-Based Global Optimization Approach for Integrated Planning of Distributed Generation, Capacitor Banks, and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Radial Distribution Networks
by Abdullah Alrashidi, Ashraf Ahmad Fahmy, Omar Saif, Mohamed Kassem, Adel Elsamahy and Abdelazim Salem
Energies 2026, 19(14), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19143262 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
In order to improve the electrical grid flexibility and efficiency, distributed energy resources (DERs), capacitor banks (CBs), and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) are being integrated into active power distribution networks. However, radial distribution networks have large electrical losses from unidirectional power flow [...] Read more.
In order to improve the electrical grid flexibility and efficiency, distributed energy resources (DERs), capacitor banks (CBs), and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) are being integrated into active power distribution networks. However, radial distribution networks have large electrical losses from unidirectional power flow and growing EV penetration, as well as voltage drops and power flow exceeding the thermal capacity limit of some distribution branches. This study is based on the Classification Global Optimization (CGO) approach to include EVCS’s under different hosting factors (30%, 40%, and 50%). The applied CGO framework uses a deterministic global function that includes minimization of electrical losses, reducing the voltage deviation index, increasing the cost of saved energy due to losses and decreasing the annual amount of CO2 emission, this done for the simultaneous placement and sizing of EVCSs, DGs, and CBs after classifying the network buses according to voltage sensitivity and power consumption. Active power loss reductions of up to 94.75% and 98.061% with combined integration are demonstrated by validation on IEEE 33-bus and 69-bus systems, while computational efficiency (simulation times < 5 s) is maintained. This enhanced technique offers a scalable solution for contemporary active distribution networks and directly helps Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 9, 11, and 13 by improving grid performance with high EV adoption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technologies)
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47 pages, 13878 KB  
Systematic Review
Influencing Factors of Eventfulness in Built-Environment Soundscapes: A Systematic Review with Grounded Theory Analysis
by Dizi Wu, Shiyao Song, Sixing Liu, Yu Yi and Shihai Wu
Buildings 2026, 16(14), 2746; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16142746 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Eventfulness is a core dimension of soundscape perception, reflecting cues of activity, social interaction, and dynamic change in the built environment. Although previous studies have examined variables related to eventfulness, evidence remains fragmented across contexts, terminology, and analytical levels, limiting its use in [...] Read more.
Eventfulness is a core dimension of soundscape perception, reflecting cues of activity, social interaction, and dynamic change in the built environment. Although previous studies have examined variables related to eventfulness, evidence remains fragmented across contexts, terminology, and analytical levels, limiting its use in soundscape evaluation and design. This study aims to synthesize and structure the influencing factors of eventfulness perception in built-environment soundscapes. A systematic review was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus, and 79 relevant studies were selected following the PRISMA procedure. Variables, terms, and findings related to eventfulness were extracted and analyzed through grounded theory coding. The results indicate that eventfulness perception is shaped by four core categories: context, sound sources, acoustic environment, and auditory sensation. Over time, research has shifted from sound-related factors toward a broader contextualized understanding, with sound sources remaining the most recurrent explanatory basis and contextual factors expanding markedly but remaining dispersed in evidence. Although variation in contextual definitions, terminology, and measurement protocols limits direct cross-study comparison, the proposed four-category framework provides a coherent structure for organizing existing evidence and highlights the need for more systematic empirical research across diverse built-environment settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)
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11 pages, 940 KB  
Review
Adamantinoma of Bone: A Structured Narrative Review of Clinical Outcomes, Recurrence Patterns, and Metastatic Behaviour
by Albara Dabroom, Muhanad Alzahrani and Mohammed Ayed M. Alshammari
Reports 2026, 9(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9030221 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objective: Adamantinoma is a rare, low-grade malignant primary bone tumour with a predilection for the tibial diaphysis. Despite decades of case series and institutional cohorts, the evidence base remains fragmented, and outcomes are inconsistently reported across studies. To synthesise the best available evidence [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Adamantinoma is a rare, low-grade malignant primary bone tumour with a predilection for the tibial diaphysis. Despite decades of case series and institutional cohorts, the evidence base remains fragmented, and outcomes are inconsistently reported across studies. To synthesise the best available evidence on clinical outcomes, recurrence patterns, metastatic behaviour, and surgical management of skeletal adamantinoma and to appraise the methodological quality of the contributing literature. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted searching PubMed (294 records) and Web of Science (397 records) from inception to April 2026, yielding approximately 532 unique records after deduplication. Case series of five or more patients with histologically confirmed skeletal adamantinoma were included. A risk-of-bias critique was applied across five domains to each included study. Results: In total, 17 studies, representing more than 900 reported patient entries with possible cohort overlap, formed the primary evidence base. Local recurrence rates for classic adamantinoma (AD) range from 15% to 31%, with metastatic rates from 10% to 27%, predominantly to the lung. The osteofibrous dysplasia-like subtype (OFD-AD) showed no metastases in any series that reports this subtype separately but carries a locally aggressive recurrence rate of 22–43%. Wide resection with uncontaminated margins is the most consistently protective surgical variable (hazard ratio 0.164; p < 0.001). Late recurrences beyond 15 years are documented in multiple series, supporting prolonged surveillance. An MRI-based model for metastatic risk stratification at diagnosis has been proposed but requires external validation. Conclusions: Adamantinoma is more dangerous over a longtime horizon than its low-grade designation implies. Subtype distinction, margin status, and lifelong surveillance are the cornerstones of management. The evidence base carries predominantly moderate to high risk of bias; all conclusions should be interpreted accordingly. A multinational prospective registry remains the most important unmet research need. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Oncology)
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21 pages, 1217 KB  
Article
Circulating miRNAs as Biomarkers of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Severity: Association with Cytokine Profile in Febrile, Meningeal, and Encephalitic Forms
by Elena V. Mikheeva, Anna S. Tolmacheva, Mark M. Melamud, Evgeny A. Ermakov, Kseniya S. Aulova, Jialin Li, Yana S. Ulyanova, Elena I. Krasnova, Georgy A. Nevinsky and Anna M. Timofeeva
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146183 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a neuroinvasive flavivirus infection with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations whose molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized. MiRNAs regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production; therefore, changes in their profiles across different forms of TBE may determine the nature of the cytokine [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a neuroinvasive flavivirus infection with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations whose molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized. MiRNAs regulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production; therefore, changes in their profiles across different forms of TBE may determine the nature of the cytokine response. The aim of this work was to identify the specific features of the circulating miRNA and cytokine profiles in different clinical forms of TBE, as well as to analyze the correlations between them. The study included patients with febrile, meningeal, and encephalitic forms of TBE, patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD), and healthy donors. Plasma concentrations of eight miRNAs (miR-25-3p, miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-146a-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-486-3p, and miR-766-3p) were measured by stem-loop real-time RT-PCR. Cytokine concentrations (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. Kendall’s rank correlation test was used for the correlation analysis. In all forms of TBE, a distinct circulating miRNA signature emerges (↑ miR-25-3p, miR-146b-5p, ↑ miR-766-3p, and ↓ miR-29a-3p), which is associated with an acute antiviral response and is not specific to chronic autoimmune inflammation. Several miRNAs (miR-29a-3p, miR-92a-3p, miR-146b-5p, and miR-486-3p) showed opposite changes in TBE and IRD, pointing to fundamentally different mechanisms of immune regulation in acute neuroinfection and systemic autoimmune pathology. Several statistical associations between circulating miRNA and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were identified. TNF-α levels positively correlated with miR-146b-5p and negatively with miR-25-3p, while IL-2 positively correlated with miR-25-3p. In the encephalitic form of TBE, IL-1β positively correlated with miR-146b-5p and miR-92a-3p. The present study is of a pilot nature. The miRNA and cytokine patterns identified here were based on a small sample size and should therefore be regarded as preliminary. Once confirmed, these signatures may provide a basis for the differential diagnosis of TBE and the development of prognostic biomarkers of disease severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNA-Based Regulation in Human Health and Disease)
20 pages, 7526 KB  
Article
Influence of Aging Precipitation Kinetics on Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of the Al-1.1Cu-2.4Li-X Alloy
by Danyang Liu, Hao Cheng, Huabo Gu, Jianmei Li, Chao Cai, Kefu Gan, Guangjun Zeng, Miao Song and Jinfeng Li
Materials 2026, 19(14), 2984; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19142984 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The mechanical properties, intergranular corrosion, and exfoliation corrosion of T6- and T8-aged Al–1.1Cu–2.4Li–X alloys (high Li content, Cu/Li ratio ≈ 0.46) were systematically examined. Microstructural analysis shows that T8 aging produces a higher number density of T1 (Al2CuLi) precipitates and a higher number [...] Read more.
The mechanical properties, intergranular corrosion, and exfoliation corrosion of T6- and T8-aged Al–1.1Cu–2.4Li–X alloys (high Li content, Cu/Li ratio ≈ 0.46) were systematically examined. Microstructural analysis shows that T8 aging produces a higher number density of T1 (Al2CuLi) precipitates and a higher number density, as well as a finer and more uniform distribution of δ′ (Al3Li) compared to T6 aging. This results in yield and tensile strengths that are 90 MPa and 40 MPa higher, respectively, for the T8 condition. In terms of corrosion, the T6-aged alloy displays intergranular corrosion depths of 176.5–210.1 μm, while the T8-aged alloy exhibits much shallower depths of 67.2–95.8 μm. The inferior resistance to intergranular and exfoliation corrosion in the T6 temper is attributed to precipitation-free zones (PFZs) and secondary-phase particles at grain boundaries. Increasing T6’s aging time reduces the PFZ width and thus improves corrosion resistance. Conversely, prolonged T8 aging causes a gradual decrease in corrosion potential and an increase in corrosion current density, linked to a higher density of T1 precipitates, which signifies increased corrosion susceptibility. These findings provide a reference for understanding corrosion mechanisms and improving the corrosion resistance of high-Li Al–Li alloys. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Alloys)
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26 pages, 12745 KB  
Review
Advances in Homoepitaxial Mosaic Single-Crystal Diamond: Interface Stress Regulation
by Rong Rong and Jie Bai
Crystals 2026, 16(7), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16070448 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Single-crystal diamond is regarded as one of the most promising semiconductor materials for next-generation high-power electronic devices, quantum technologies, and extreme environmental applications, owing to its ultra-wide bandgap, exceptionally high carrier mobility, ultra-high breakdown electric field, and excellent thermal conductivity. However, the lateral [...] Read more.
Single-crystal diamond is regarded as one of the most promising semiconductor materials for next-generation high-power electronic devices, quantum technologies, and extreme environmental applications, owing to its ultra-wide bandgap, exceptionally high carrier mobility, ultra-high breakdown electric field, and excellent thermal conductivity. However, the lateral dimensions of both natural and synthetic single-crystal diamond are limited, which severely restricts their large-scale industrial application. Mosaic growth, in which multiple small single-crystal seeds are laterally arranged and fused at the interfaces through homoepitaxial growth, offers a promising approach to overcoming the size limitation of seed crystals and producing inch-scale single-crystal wafers. This review systematically covers the entire mosaic growth process, including seed crystal preparation, geometric design, growth parameter optimization, and innovative processing methods. Particular emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of interfacial stress generation, along with characterization techniques and stress control strategies. Finally, future perspectives on the fabrication of large-size, low-stress single-crystal diamond wafers are outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Crystalline Materials)
21 pages, 640 KB  
Article
Board Game Experiential Learning for Media and Information Literacy: Teachers’ and Facilitators’ Perspectives in Contemporary Information Environments
by Huey Shyh Tan, Heidi Yeen-Ju Tan and Soon Hin Hew
Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(7), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15070467 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The rapid growth of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified information disorder, highlighting the need for comprehensive Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education. While game-based approaches are increasingly explored in MIL, research has largely focused on student outcomes, with limited attention [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) has intensified information disorder, highlighting the need for comprehensive Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education. While game-based approaches are increasingly explored in MIL, research has largely focused on student outcomes, with limited attention to teachers’ and facilitators’ experiences of implementing non-digital experiential learning interventions, despite the critical role of facilitation and reflection helping learners navigate information environments. This study adopts a qualitative exploratory design to explore teachers’ and facilitators’ perspectives on a board game-based experiential learning intervention for MIL in Malaysian educational settings. Grounded in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and social constructivist principles, the board game was designed to simulate real-world media dynamics, such as information circulation, audience influence, and ethical decision-making. Data were collected through four open-ended teacher feedback forms and one face-to-face semi-structured reflective group interview involving eight facilitators, and analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) perceived pedagogical value for supporting learner engagement, critical discussion, and applied understanding of MIL concepts; (2) observed experiential and social learning processes characterised by peer interaction, negotiation, and reflection; and (3) implementation challenges related to facilitation demands, time constraints, and balancing competition with learning objectives and (4) recommendations for enhancing implementation. Findings highlight the importance of teacher facilitation and reflective debriefing in transforming gameplay into meaningful MIL learning experiences and reveal key implementation challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Communication, Language, Education and Society in a Digital Age: Emerging Interdisciplinary Perspectives from DIFCON-CLESS 2026)
16 pages, 4298 KB  
Article
Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Behaviours and Supplementation Practices Among Pregnant Women in Poland: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study Across a Decade
by Marzena Strahl, Eliza Wasilewska, Ewelina Chawłowska and Sylwia Małgorzewicz
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142260 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal development. However, general awareness of healthy eating may not translate into detailed nutritional knowledge or appropriate dietary practices. This study assessed nutritional knowledge and selected dietary behaviours among pregnant [...] Read more.
Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and foetal development. However, general awareness of healthy eating may not translate into detailed nutritional knowledge or appropriate dietary practices. This study assessed nutritional knowledge and selected dietary behaviours among pregnant women from urban and rural areas of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, in two periods: 2008–2010 and 2017–2019. Methods: A repeated cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 938 pregnant women, including 630 respondents surveyed in 2008–2010 and 308 in 2017–2019. The original questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviours, sources of information, supplementation practices, and selected health-related behaviours. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88). Results: Most respondents were aged 25–34 years, married, and had normal pre-pregnancy or early-pregnancy BMI. Compared with 2008–2010, women surveyed in 2017–2019 more often had higher education and more frequently reported income above the predefined questionnaire threshold. Although general awareness of healthy nutrition during pregnancy was high, detailed knowledge of key nutrients remained insufficient. Correct knowledge of the role of folic acid was reported by 58% of respondents, iron by 36%, vitamin D by 29%, iodine by 21%, and calcium by 18%. Prenatal supplement use was common, but only 39% reported supplementation based on medical recommendations. Frequently reported dietary problems included irregular meals, low fish consumption, frequent sweets intake, insufficient water intake, and low vegetable and fruit consumption. Knowledge of selected nutrient-rich foods was higher in 2017–2019, particularly for omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D sources. Conclusions: Nutritional knowledge was heterogeneous, and practical gaps in dietary behaviours persisted, supporting the need for accessible and individualized prenatal nutrition education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Challenges in Adolescents and Young Adults: Implications for Health and Disease)
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28 pages, 3004 KB  
Article
Upgrading of Municipal Solid Waste Fast-Pyrolysis Oil via Esterification and Hydrotreating
by Nkechi Cybel Ofoegbu, Valerie Dupont and Manoj Ravi
Energies 2026, 19(14), 3265; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19143265 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
An Aspen Plus model was developed to evaluate the upgrading of municipal solid waste (MSW) fast-pyrolysis oil into transportation-compatible biofuels. MSW-derived bio-oil is compositionally complex, containing oxygenated and nitrogen-containing compounds together with substantial water, resulting in low stability and poor fuel quality. This [...] Read more.
An Aspen Plus model was developed to evaluate the upgrading of municipal solid waste (MSW) fast-pyrolysis oil into transportation-compatible biofuels. MSW-derived bio-oil is compositionally complex, containing oxygenated and nitrogen-containing compounds together with substantial water, resulting in low stability and poor fuel quality. This study compared a one-stage high-temperature hydrotreating (HTH) process with a two-stage configuration incorporating low-temperature esterification (LTE) pretreatment. The assessment focused on upgraded bio-oil yield, fuel quality and hydrogen demand. In both configurations, hydrogen was generated internally by autothermal reforming of a fraction of the bio-oil or esterified oil. The higher heating value increased from approximately 28 MJ/kg for the untreated bio-oil to 40 MJ/kg and 46 MJ/kg for the one and two-stage processes, respectively. The molar H/C ratio increased from 1.11 to 1.26 and 1.88, placing the two-stage product within the range of conventional transportation fuels. A reforming fraction of 0.25 of the esterified bio-oil was sufficient for hydrogen self-sufficiency in the two-stage process, whereas the one-stage process required a fraction of above 0.30. The one-stage process achieved higher carbon retention, upgraded bio-oil yield, and overall fuel efficiency than the two-stage process, with values of 31%, 16%, and 33%, compared to 24%, 13%, and 29%, respectively. However, the two-stage process increased hydrogen retention from 26% to 30%, while its decoupled DMSW carbon retention was 26.41%. Esterification therefore enhanced hydrogen retention and fuel quality at the expense of carbon retention, liquid yield, and overall fuel efficiency, highlighting the quality–efficiency trade-off of the two-stage configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A: Sustainable Energy)
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17 pages, 1442 KB  
Article
Superhydrophobic, Corrosion-Resistant ORMOSIL Coating on 6061 Aluminum Alloy for Aviation Fuel Environments
by Xiang Liu, Huijie Sun, Jiaxing Ru, Xiao Hu, Rui Lu, Yumo Wang, Lei Zhang and Hengcheng Wan
Crystals 2026, 16(7), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16070449 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
During aviation operations, low temperatures can cause fuel freezing and icing on 6061 aluminum fuel lines, threatening flight safety. To mitigate this, a surface treatment combining FeCl3 etching and an ORMOSIL sol–gel coating was proposed to construct a superhydrophobic functional layer. FeCl [...] Read more.
During aviation operations, low temperatures can cause fuel freezing and icing on 6061 aluminum fuel lines, threatening flight safety. To mitigate this, a surface treatment combining FeCl3 etching and an ORMOSIL sol–gel coating was proposed to construct a superhydrophobic functional layer. FeCl3 etching generated a hierarchical micro/nanostructure on the aluminum surface, while the ORMOSIL layer, formed by the co-hydrolysis and condensation of PFOTES and HDTMS, built Si-O-Si networks and introduced C-F groups to reduce surface energy and enhance stability. The modified surface showed a high water contact angle of 161.44°, confirming excellent superhydrophobicity. AFM analysis revealed a significant increase in surface roughness (Sa = 0.844 μm), confirming the formation of a hierarchical micro/nanostructure. Electrochemical measurements showed a positive shift in corrosion potential from −0.723 V to −0.652 V, demonstrating enhanced corrosion resistance. More importantly, after 120 h of immersion in aviation fuel, the coating maintained a high contact angle of 156.73° and preserved its Si-O-Si network and fluorinated functional groups, confirming outstanding fuel resistance and long-term stability. These results demonstrate that the proposed ORMOSIL coating is a promising protective strategy for aviation fuel systems operating under low-temperature and corrosive conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Corrosion Protection of Materials)
146 pages, 8639 KB  
Article
CustomNerd: A Framework and Tool for Fast Deployment of Production-Ready Expertise-Based Question Answering Systems
by Harsh Kashyap, Shela Wu, Daksh Agarwal, Fengcheng Jiang, Euijae Kim, Elyse Herman, Jacob Dickman and Dennis Shasha
Electronics 2026, 15(14), 3041; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15143041 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
CustomNerd is a modular framework to build domain-specific expertise systems using a common set of core components. The system is designed to support multiple domains and has already been deployed to instantiate expertise-driven systems in nutrition (DietNerd), news (NewsNerd), cloud technology (CloudNerd), and [...] Read more.
CustomNerd is a modular framework to build domain-specific expertise systems using a common set of core components. The system is designed to support multiple domains and has already been deployed to instantiate expertise-driven systems in nutrition (DietNerd), news (NewsNerd), cloud technology (CloudNerd), and space science (SpaceNerd). CustomNerd incorporates specialized knowledge from domain-specific data sources that a user provides and processes the results of searches on those sources. The system consists of five main components: (i) Query Conversion, which converts user input into structured queries for one or more application-specific databases of validated articles; (ii) Extraction, which uses the structured queries to extract relevant data from those external databases; (iii) Filtering and Classification, which identifies and prioritizes relevant documents among those retrieved; (iv) Reliability Assessment, which evaluates the quality of the documents (e.g., statistical validity, absence of conflict of interest); and (v) Response Generation, which produces text outputs based on data sources considered to be relevant and reliable. In addition, the system can (i) generate questionnaires based on a user query, (ii) allow users to upload their own documents, and (iii) work with a variety of Large Language Model (LLM) engines. This paper describes how the system can be used to build an expertise-driven application through a running example, explains the system’s architecture, discusses related work, and evaluates CloudNerd on a 120-question Stack Overflow benchmark against OpenDeepResearch and AutoGPT using semantic textual similarity and RAGAS metrics with paired permutation tests. The results show that the RAG frameworks of CustomNerd and OpenDeepResearch both achieve better semantic fidelity than the agentic AutoGPT. Further, CustomNerd and OpenDeepResearch show complementary semantic advantages. Further, simply concatenating the two answers yields semantic benefits compared to the outputs of either one alone. Full article
20 pages, 1337 KB  
Article
Material and Technical Study of Symeon Savvidis’ Ring Around the Rosie (ca. 1908) Using VNIR Hyperspectral Imaging with Mobile Raman and h-EDXRF
by Silvia Bottura-Scardina, Eleni Kouloumpi, Anastasia Rousaki, Sylvia Lycke, Eva Vermeersch, Sara Valadas, Peter Vandenabeele and António Candeias
Heritage 2026, 9(7), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9070272 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
This study presents the first technical examination of Ring Around the Rosie (ca. 1908), an easel painting by the Greek artist Symeon Savvidis (1859–1927). Despite Savvidis’ significance within Greek modernism, little is known about his materials and working practices from a scientific perspective. [...] Read more.
This study presents the first technical examination of Ring Around the Rosie (ca. 1908), an easel painting by the Greek artist Symeon Savvidis (1859–1927). Despite Savvidis’ significance within Greek modernism, little is known about his materials and working practices from a scientific perspective. To address this gap, the painting was analysed using VNIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI), portable Raman spectroscopy, and handheld energy dispersive X ray fluorescence (h-EDXRF). The integration of imaging, molecular, and elemental data enabled the identification of several pigment classes, including cobalt blue, ultramarine, lead chromates, ochres, lead white, and a tentative Cu-As green pigment, while also providing information on their spatial distribution across the surface. HSI classification and the examination of a representative NIR image revealed relationships among the coloured passages and suggested the widespread use of a cobalt-containing background paint. The results further indicate that several compositional elements may have been applied directly over previously, although the absence of stratigraphic information prevents definitive conclusions regarding paint layering and mixtures. Overall, the study demonstrates the value of combining HSI, Raman spectroscopy, and h-EDXRF for the non-invasive investigation of artists’ materials and highlights the contribution of technical studies to a broader understanding of Savvidis’ artistic practice and modern Greek painting traditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Scientific Study of Painted Artworks)
28 pages, 633 KB  
Article
Explicit Approximation Rates for Shallow Networks on Additive Besov Classes
by Zhenliang Chen and Kai-Cheng Wang
Mathematics 2026, 14(14), 2491; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14142491 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
We study the approximation of functions by localized shallow neural networks on bounded Lipschitz domains. For a non-polynomial activation, we establish a direct, Jackson-type estimate on the Besov scale Bp,qs(Ω), the approximation error decaying as [...] Read more.
We study the approximation of functions by localized shallow neural networks on bounded Lipschitz domains. For a non-polynomial activation, we establish a direct, Jackson-type estimate on the Besov scale Bp,qs(Ω), the approximation error decaying as N−s/d in the width N with an explicit constant tracked through the activation and the domain. In one spatial variable we prove the corresponding Bernstein-type converse on the nonlinear free-knot Besov scale Bτ,τα. For coordinate-subset additive classes we refine the direct estimate to the rate N−s/d0, in which the effective dimension d0 governs the exponent while the ambient dimension enters only through the constant. A deterministic construction corroborates the predicted decay rates, and an effective-dimension reading of educational tabular data is consistent with the additive setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Objective Optimization: Mathematical Methods, Algorithms, and Applications)
20 pages, 9352 KB  
Article
Implementation and Numerical Validation of a Semi-Active Tuned Mass Damper for Vibration Mitigation in Lightweight Pedestrian Structures
by Christian A. Barrera-Vargas, Christian Gallegos-Calderón and Iván M. Díaz
Actuators 2026, 15(7), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/act15070389 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
The application of semi-active control systems in lightweight civil engineering structures is still limited even though several studies have shown an improvement in mitigating vibrations under uncertainty scenarios. In comparison with passive systems, a smart device is employed in a Semi-active Tuned Mass [...] Read more.
The application of semi-active control systems in lightweight civil engineering structures is still limited even though several studies have shown an improvement in mitigating vibrations under uncertainty scenarios. In comparison with passive systems, a smart device is employed in a Semi-active Tuned Mass Damper (STMD) system to modify its response in real time, usually the damping force. Based on a control law, a degree of adaptability can be achieved in the smart device, leading to the desired tuning between the structure and the STMD to mitigate the vibration induced by the external force, especially when a detuned response between the structure and the control system is caused by external uncertainties. The magneto-rheological (MR) damper is the most common device used for this purpose. Thus, the practical implementation of an STMD in lightweight structures subjected to human-induced vibrations is presented in this paper. An STMD equipped with two sponge MR dampers is developed, modeled, and installed in a fiber-reinforced polymer footbridge, which fulfills the state requirements but exhibits excessive vibrations when its first vertical vibration mode is excited. Numerical simulations are also carried out considering human-structure-STMD interaction. For the analyses, a Mass-Spring-Damper system is used to depict a pedestrian, and the functioning of the MR dampers is represented through a hyperbolic tangent model. Additionally, three different phase control laws are considered for the numerical and experimental implementation of the STMD, namely: (i) an On-Off controller, (ii) a fixed gain controller, and (iii) a variable gain controller. The comparison of the numerical and test results shows that the model used for the MR damper and the STMD are adequate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators for System Identification, Vibration Analysis, and Control—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 571 KB  
Systematic Review
The Influence of the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle on Intrinsic Injury Risk Factors in Eumenorrheic Female Athletes or Physically Active Women—A Systematic Review
by Florent Osmani, Marta Victoria Santiago and Oliver Ramos-Álvarez
Sports 2026, 14(7), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports14070297 (registering DOI) - 10 Jul 2026
Abstract
Research in sports science has frequently excluded women due to the complexity of hormonal fluctuations. The overall aim of this study is to systematically analyse the influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) on intrinsic anatomical, biomechanical and neuromuscular injury risk factors in physically [...] Read more.
Research in sports science has frequently excluded women due to the complexity of hormonal fluctuations. The overall aim of this study is to systematically analyse the influence of the menstrual cycle (MC) on intrinsic anatomical, biomechanical and neuromuscular injury risk factors in physically active women or eumenorrheic athletes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement. Searches were carried out in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Scopus up to March 2026, including studies that analysed at least three phases of the MC. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Results: Eleven articles were included in the analysis. It was observed that the late follicular and ovulatory phases were associated with improved biomechanical and neuromuscular profiles, thereby reducing certain risk factors. In contrast, the premenstrual and menstrual phases are associated with a more unfavourable effect, slightly increasing the risk of injury. Conclusion: Although phase-specific trends emerge, methodological heterogeneity and limited evidence preclude a definitive consensus on how the menstrual cycle impacts intrinsic injury risk factors. Nevertheless, practitioners should consider that late follicular and ovulatory phases present more favourable neuromuscular and biomechanical profiles than menstrual and premenstrual phases. Future research must utilize standardized phase verification to provide conclusive evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women's Special Issue Series: Sports)
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