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Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects in Hybrid TPMS Lattices: Improved Energy Absorption Under Quasi-Static Compression

by Jiangping Xie, Shaofeng Wu, Zhe Yang, Zhentao Yang, Wenfeng Li, Yunteng Zhou and Huahua Liang

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10030150 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Lattices have attracted increasing attention for their outstanding mechanical and multifunctional properties. In this study, a novel class of hybrid lattices composed of Primitive (P) and I-Wrapped Package (W) topologies is proposed by a mathematical formula. The deformation behaviors, mechanical properties, and energy [...] Read more.

Lattices have attracted increasing attention for their outstanding mechanical and multifunctional properties. In this study, a novel class of hybrid lattices composed of Primitive (P) and I-Wrapped Package (W) topologies is proposed by a mathematical formula. The deformation behaviors, mechanical properties, and energy absorption characteristics of the hybrid lattices are systematically investigated using compression experiments and simulations. The results show that the hybrid lattices exhibit a localized initial failure followed by stress redistribution, effectively avoiding brittle interlayer collapse of the P-type sub-lattices and maintaining a high load-bearing capacity even after the initial failure. A synergistic enhancement effect of ‘1 + 1 > 2’ is observed, in which the hybrid lattices outperform the linear combination of their constituent sub-lattices. Compared with the total performance of the P and W sub-lattices, the hybrid lattices exhibit increases of 11.6%, 30.0%, 34.5%, and 368% in elastic modulus, yield strength, compressive strength, and energy absorption, respectively. The exceptional energy absorption capability of hybrid lattices is attributed to the synergistic deformations and stress redistribution mechanisms during the compression. The proposed hybrid lattices significantly improve energy absorption, and they have potential applications in a tunnel lamp maintenance robot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites: Design, Multifunctionality, and Structural Health Monitoring)

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18 pages, 3721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Alloreferent and Apparent Seasonal Polyphenism of Dielis tejensis with an Updated Key to Nearctic Dielis Species (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae)

by Przemyslaw Szafranski

Insects 2026, 17(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030295 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Scoliidae are fossorial aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Apocrita) whose larvae develop as parasitoids of beetle grubs, mainly from the family Scarabaeidae. Despite their distinctive appearance and economic importance, the taxonomy and biology of Scoliidae are less well understood compared to other Hymenoptera. Recently, a [...] Read more.

Scoliidae are fossorial aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Apocrita) whose larvae develop as parasitoids of beetle grubs, mainly from the family Scarabaeidae. Despite their distinctive appearance and economic importance, the taxonomy and biology of Scoliidae are less well understood compared to other Hymenoptera. Recently, a new species of Scoliidae, Dielis tejensis Szafr., was described based on about a dozen male specimens from Texas (Nearctic realm). This article reports on mtDNA-verified discovery of the female D. tejensis. As in the case of other members of the tribe Campsomerini, D. tejensis exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in body structure and color pattern. Females of D. tejensis most closely resemble Dielis plumipes (Drury) and were previously confused with D. plumipes fossulana (Fabr.), with which D. tejensis is partially sympatric. D. tejensis has more than one generation per year, characterized by a male-biased sex ratio, perhaps resulting from the female immature stages entering a state of aestivation. The multi-generational developmental cycle of D. tejensis correlates with the existence of a partial seasonal polyphenism in this species. The data presented also shows a similarity in the distribution ranges of D. tejensis and one of its main nectaring plants, Hymenopappus artemisiifolius DC (Asteraceae), that may suggest similarity in the environmental requirements of both organisms or specialized trophic relationship between the still-unknown beetle host of the wasp larvae and H. artemisiifolius or another plant with a similar range. D. tejensis has been included in the accordingly modified key to the Nearctic species of Dielis Sauss. & Sichel, which is also presented here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hymenoptera: Biology, Taxonomy and Integrated Management—2nd Edition)

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9 pages, 426 KB

Open AccessArticle

Atrial Fibrillation as a Marker of High-Risk Phenotype in Acute Coronary Syndrome

by Gamze Yeter Arslan and Erkan Baysal

Cardiovasc. Med. 2026, 29(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/cardiovascmed29010012 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently encountered in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, its clinical significance beyond being a simple rhythm disturbance remains debated. We hypothesized that AF at presentation may be associated with a high-risk clinical profile characterized [...] Read more.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently encountered in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, its clinical significance beyond being a simple rhythm disturbance remains debated. We hypothesized that AF at presentation may be associated with a high-risk clinical profile characterized by hemodynamic instability and increased inflammatory and ischemic activity. Methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study included consecutive adult patients with acute coronary syndrome admitted to a tertiary cardiology center between January 2022 and December 2024. Patients were classified into two groups according to cardiac rhythm at presentation: AF and sinus rhythm. Baseline demographic characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, laboratory biomarkers, validated risk scores, and revascularization strategies were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate whether AF was independently associated with a high-risk presentation, primarily defined by elevated GRACE risk score, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and increased inflammatory markers. Results: A total of 158 patients were included, of whom 50 (31.6%) presented with atrial fibrillation (mean age 71.2 ± 11.4 years, 46% female). Compared with patients in sinus rhythm, those with AF had significantly higher GRACE risk scores, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, faster heart rate, and higher white blood cell counts and peak high-sensitivity troponin levels. These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment. Patients with AF also showed a numerically higher prevalence of severe angina at presentation. Conclusions: In patients presenting with ACS, atrial fibrillation is associated with a high-risk hemodynamic profile accompanied by increased inflammatory and ischemic activity. Rather than being an incidental finding, AF may represent a clinically relevant marker of acute cardiovascular stress and may contribute to early risk stratification in this setting. Full article

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20 pages, 5502 KB

Open AccessArticle

Manufacturing of Banana Fiber-Reinforced Bidirectional Fabric with UPR Matrix by Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding

by Juan Altamiranda Suárez, Oswaldo Rivero-Romero, Luis Armando Espitia Sanjuán and Jimy Unfried-Silgado

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10030149 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study explores the use of banana pseudostem fibers from Córdoba, Colombia, as reinforcement in polymer composites manufactured through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The fibers were decorticated, oven-dried at 40 °C, and subjected to mercerization and epoxy coating treatments. Plain-weave fabrics were [...] Read more.

This study explores the use of banana pseudostem fibers from Córdoba, Colombia, as reinforcement in polymer composites manufactured through vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The fibers were decorticated, oven-dried at 40 °C, and subjected to mercerization and epoxy coating treatments. Plain-weave fabrics were produced using continuous yarns composed of 10 and 15 fibers, both treated and untreated. Experimental analyses included pull-out tests, thermogravimetric analysis, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, winding speed, surface twist angle, and tensile strength tests for yarns, as well as tensile load, adhesion, and permeability tests for fabrics and tensile and flexural strength tests for composites. Treated yarns exhibited a slight increase in diameter and a lower extraction (25%) compared to untreated yarns (33%). Although treated fabrics showed enhanced permeability and improved resin infiltration, untreated fabrics demonstrated superior mechanical performance, with a tensile load of 2.33 kN in comparison to 1.37 kN for treated yarns. The highest tensile strength of 76.56 MPa was achieved in composites reinforced with three layers of untreated fabric, while the best flexural strength of 86.93 MPa was observed in single-layer composites with the same configuration. These results emphasize the potential of untreated banana fiber fabrics as promising reinforcement in structural composite applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: Fibre Composite Materials)

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29 pages, 3019 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Intelligent Framework for Implementing AIAG–VDA FMEA and Action Priority (AP) Assessment

by Alexandru-Vasile Oancea, Laurențiu-Mihai Ionescu, Corneliu Rontescu, Nadia Ionescu, Agnieszka Misztal, Ana-Maria Bogatu, Cosmin Știrbu, Dumitru-Titi Cicic and Elena-Manuela Stanciu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16052591 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

The paper presents the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method applied to a process-based case study, together with an approach for implementing the AIAG & VDA harmonized FMEA standard by using modern digital tools. While classical FMEA is widely used in the [...] Read more.

The paper presents the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method applied to a process-based case study, together with an approach for implementing the AIAG & VDA harmonized FMEA standard by using modern digital tools. While classical FMEA is widely used in the industry, risk assessment based on the Risk Priority Number (RPN) often leads to the inconsistent ranking of failures and unclear prioritization of corrective actions. This paper explores the shift from the traditional Risk Priority Number (RPN) approach to the Action Priority (AP) concept introduced in the AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook and explains why this change leads to clearer, more consistent risk-based decisions. Rather than focusing only on the methodological differences, the paper also outlines a practical framework for full implementation, showing how Industry 4.0 technologies can strengthen traceability, improve response time, and ensure greater consistency in PFMEA development. It also examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) can support engineers in everyday practice—for example, by helping identify potential failure modes, standardizing documentation, and guiding the definition of prevention and detection controls. In parallel, IoT-based monitoring and real-time data collection can provide valuable feedback to validate occurrence and detection ratings. Over time, this data-driven feedback loop can improve the accuracy and reliability of risk assessments. The proposed framework contributes to improved responsiveness in process optimization activities, reduces the probability of recurring failures, and supports continuous quality improvement in manufacturing organizations. The solution is discussed in relation to classical FMEA practices and recent trends in the digital transformation of quality management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering)

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13 pages, 565 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Lip Pressure, Bite Force and Denture Use as Predictors of Oral Frailty in Physically Active Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Catarina Colaço, Inês Caetano-Santos, José Brito, Vanessa Machado, Angel Lobito, José João Mendes, Selma Siessere, Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo and Luciano Maia Alves Ferreira

Dent. J. 2026, 14(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14030152 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Oral frailty is an emerging determinant of late-life disability. While objective functional measures have been proposed as key indicators, their combined role in predicting frailty among physically active older adults remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the [...] Read more.

Background: Oral frailty is an emerging determinant of late-life disability. While objective functional measures have been proposed as key indicators, their combined role in predicting frailty among physically active older adults remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of oral frailty and lip pressure, bite force, and denture use. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 192 participants aged 60 years or older from Brazil (n = 131) and Portugal (n = 61), all physically active and with ≥20 natural or rehabilitated teeth. Data were collected through a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and the Oral Frailty Index-8. The clinical assessment included lip pressure, bite force, and denture use. Multiple logistic regression identified independent predictors; model fit and discrimination were examined using the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and ROC curve. Results: Participants were mainly female (83.3%), mean age ≈72 years; 76% used dentures and frailty prevalence was ≈49%. Higher lip pressure (OR = 0.986, 95% CI = [0.973–0.999]) and higher bite force (OR = 0.925, 95% CI = [0.885–0.967) were independently protective, whereas denture use (OR = 6.898, 95% CI = [2.994–15.895]) markedly increased oral frailty odds. The model showed good discrimination (AUC 0.779). Conclusions: Even small increases in lip pressure and bite force reduced the likelihood of frailty, while denture use identified individuals at substantially higher risk. These findings highlight orofacial muscle strength and masticatory capacity as core components of oral frailty and support incorporating lip pressure and bite force testing into multidimensional frailty assessment and targeted rehabilitation. Full article

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22 pages, 357 KB

Open AccessArticle

Medicaid Expansion and Medication Use Among U.S. Children with ASD or ADHD: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Analysis Comparing Before and During the COVID-19 Periods

by Florida Uzoaru, Michael A. Preston, Travis Loux and Levi Ross

Healthcare 2026, 14(5), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14050684 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently rely on pharmacological treatment to manage core symptoms. This study examined how Medicaid expansion and the COVID-19 pandemic influenced medication use among children with ASD or ADHD, including those with comorbid [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently rely on pharmacological treatment to manage core symptoms. This study examined how Medicaid expansion and the COVID-19 pandemic influenced medication use among children with ASD or ADHD, including those with comorbid diagnoses. Methods: We analyzed 2016–2023 data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) for children aged 3–17 years with caregiver-reported diagnoses. Logistic regression models assessed the association between Medicaid expansion, the pandemic period, and current medication use, including an interaction between expansion and pandemic period. Analyses were conducted for the full sample (N = 35,198) and a subgroup with comorbid ASD and ADHD (N = 4298). Results: Current Medicaid expansion was associated with significantly lower odds of medication use in the full sample (aOR = 0.68, p < 0.001) but not the comorbid group (aOR = 0.98, p = 0.9). Medication use showed no significant change during the COVID-19 period in either the full sample (aOR = 0.99; p > 0.90) or the comorbid subgroup (aOR = 1.22; p = 0.4). A significant interaction indicating increased odds of medication use during the pandemic in expansion states was observed only in the full sample, although a similar but non-significant pattern appeared in the comorbid group. Age, race, and insurance-related differences were significant across groups, with coverage consistency playing a larger role in the full sample. Sensitivity analyses, excluding the 2020 survey year and modeling pre/post pandemic periods, supported the robustness of findings. Conclusions: Medicaid expansion was associated with patterns consistent with buffering pandemic-related disruptions in medication use among children with ASD or ADHD overall, but those with co-occurring conditions remain especially vulnerable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Futures: Health Policy Innovations for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children)

15 pages, 1988 KB

Open AccessArticle

Whole-Genome Analysis of Priestia aryabhattai WJ45 Reveals a Genetic Repertoire Associated with Enhanced Wheat Germination and Early Seedling Growth Under Salt Stress

by Ji-In Woo, Min Young Back, Ho-Jun Gam, Ju-Yeon Ha, Sang-Mo Kang and In-Jung Lee

Microorganisms 2026, 14(3), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14030605 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Salinity stress constitutes a major environmental constraint impeding crop establishment by limiting water uptake and disrupting osmotic homeostasis during seed germination and early growth. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to mitigate these limitations in agricultural systems. In [...] Read more.

Salinity stress constitutes a major environmental constraint impeding crop establishment by limiting water uptake and disrupting osmotic homeostasis during seed germination and early growth. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to mitigate these limitations in agricultural systems. In this study, whole-genome analysis of the salt-tolerant PGPB Priestia aryabhattai WJ45 identified its genomic potential for PGP and salinity adaptation, alongside evaluations of wheat germination under saline conditions. Genome analysis revealed that strain WJ45 harbors a coordinated set of genes associated with key plant growth-promoting traits, including exopolysaccharide production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore biosynthesis, as well as genes involved in Na⁺/K⁺ transport and osmolyte metabolism. Consistent with these genomic predictions, germination assays demonstrated that WJ45 treatment increased the germination rate by 13.1%, under salt stress compared with the non-inoculated control, while coleoptile, radicle lengths, and fresh weight were enhanced by 17.0%, 15.7%, and 53.2%, respectively, indicating improved early seedling establishment. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that WJ45 possesses a genome-encoded capacity to facilitate crop establishment under saline conditions. While further seedling and large-scale evaluations are warranted, this study underscores the potential of this genome-informed microbial resource to enhance early plant growth and resilience in salt-affected environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)

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15 pages, 491 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sleep Disturbances and Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: Sex Differences and Impact on Quality of Life in a Turkish Cohort

by Burcu Gökçe Çokal, Bünyamin Tosunoğlu, Hatice Mediha Kına, Kübra Mehel Metin and Hafize Nalan Güneş

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(5), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15052065 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) and sleep disturbances are frequent but underrecognized non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly affect quality of life. However, the relationships among sexual dysfunction, sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and the possible sex-related differences remain [...] Read more.

Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) and sleep disturbances are frequent but underrecognized non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly affect quality of life. However, the relationships among sexual dysfunction, sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and the possible sex-related differences remain insufficiently investigated. Methods: In this cross-sectional case–control study, we evaluated these non-motor symptoms in 147 Turkish patients with PD and 160 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, and we assessed their associations and impact on quality of life, with particular attention to sex-specific patterns. Sexual function was assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), quality of life using the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), and disease severity using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) staging scale. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, and sex-stratified subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Patients with PD had significantly higher ASEX, PSQI, and ESS scores compared with controls (p < 0.01), and women with PD had significantly higher total ASEX scores than men, indicating greater sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness but showed no significant association with the motor severity measures (UPDRS, H&Y stage). Sleep quality, as measured via PSQI scores, was worse in patients with PD, and poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness were both associated with significantly worse quality of life. Conclusions: According to our findings, sexual dysfunction and sleep disturbances are interrelated non-motor symptoms that significantly impair quality of life, largely independently of motor severity, and these associations were particularly pronounced among women. A combined evaluation of sleep and sexual function may therefore improve the recognition and management of the non-motor burden in PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)

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24 pages, 1686 KB

Open AccessArticle

Obtention and Characterization of Bio-Based Composite PBAT/PLA Active Trays for Fresh Food Packaging

by Tatiana Jiménez-Ariza, Sofía Castellanos-González, Johanna Garavito and Diego A. Castellanos

Polymers 2026, 18(5), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18050665 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Currently, the packaging sector must continue developing more sustainable systems to reduce the high quantities of single-use plastic waste generated. This study evaluated the production and characterization of bio-based composite trays with antimicrobial activity. Different formulations of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactic [...] Read more.

Currently, the packaging sector must continue developing more sustainable systems to reduce the high quantities of single-use plastic waste generated. This study evaluated the production and characterization of bio-based composite trays with antimicrobial activity. Different formulations of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizer and citric acid as a compatibilizer/crosslinker were evaluated, in addition to the inclusion of plantain microfibers (PFs), TiO₂, and menthol as reinforcing and antimicrobial agents, respectively. The mixtures were subjected to pellet extrusion (165/175/185/190 °C and 60 rpm) and then to flat sheet extrusion (at 185/190/195/205 °C and 60 rpm), besides calendering (at 3.5–6.0 rpm). A single-screw extruder was used in both cases. The obtained sheets (0.317 ± 0.040 mm thick and 17 cm wide) were molded into 12.5 × 11.0 × 3.5 cm trays in a thermoforming machine (at 325 °C and vacuum pressure). For the resulting composite sheets and trays, measurements of mechanical strength, moisture absorption, barrier (WVTR), transmittance, and color were performed. FT-IR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and in vitro antimicrobial tests were also conducted. Based on these tests, an initial formulation with an 85/15 (w/w) PLA/PBAT ratio was defined, which was then reinforced with 3% (w/w) PF. Furthermore, the inclusion of 5% (w/w) menthol in the composite led to fungistatic activity against Botrytis cinerea, also resulting in homogeneous sheets (tensile strength 24.137 ± 1.439 MPa) and trays (compressive strength 0.113 ± 0.010 MPa). These findings can be applied to the packaging and preservation of perishable produce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable and Functional Polymers for Food Packaging)

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27 pages, 3976 KB

Open AccessArticle

Andean Tuber Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus): Phenolic Profiling by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS

by Bianca Guzmán Condarco, Beatriz A. Vivanco Retamal and Catherine V. Tessini Ortiz

Foods 2026, 15(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15050956 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Ullucus tuberosus is an underutilized Andean tuber of South America, representing a highly nutritious food source valuable in bioactive compounds and used in traditional medicine by the local population. Despite its potential as a functional food, limited information is available regarding the phenolic [...] Read more.

Ullucus tuberosus is an underutilized Andean tuber of South America, representing a highly nutritious food source valuable in bioactive compounds and used in traditional medicine by the local population. Despite its potential as a functional food, limited information is available regarding the phenolic composition of its diverse varieties, hindering its revalorization and potential biotechnological applications. In this study, the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and thirteen individual phenolic compounds were investigated in five ulluco varieties using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with electrospray ionization and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Statistical analyses revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the varieties in TPC, AA, and the concentration of the four quantified flavonoids. The major flavonoids found were rutin, quercetin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside, using solid-phase extraction (SPE-C8) as a cleanup step for ultrasound-assisted extracts, achieving satisfactory precision and recovery. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) effectively discriminated the samples based on their phenolic profiles, AA, and TPC. These findings contribute to the revalorization of ulluco varieties by providing new insights into their phenolic composition and demonstrating their potential as a source of health-promoting bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Food Analytical Methods)

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3 pages, 177 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for Special Issue: “Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Fatty Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, 2nd Edition”

by Wei Guo and Haibo Dong

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2026, 48(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb48030288 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

The nomenclature for fatty liver diseases, characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, has recently been updated by a global consensus of liver organizations and societies for steatotic liver disease (SLD) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Fatty Liver Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment, 2nd Edition)

25 pages, 5393 KB

Open AccessArticle

Potential of Zinc-L-Selenomethionine to Improve the Health of Weaned Piglets and Its Antioxidant Stress Mechanism Through Modulation of PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 Signaling Pathways

by Shujie Liu, Yongming Li, Xin Tao, Siyuan Li, Jie Wu, Fei Ji, Ziwei Xu and Bo Deng

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052499 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Zinc-L-selenomethionine (Zn-L-SeMet), a novel organic selenium (Se) source, shows great potential in alleviating oxidative stress. This study first evaluated the potential of Zn-L-SeMet to improve the health of weaned piglets and investigated underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo, 240 weaned piglets were assigned to [...] Read more.

Zinc-L-selenomethionine (Zn-L-SeMet), a novel organic selenium (Se) source, shows great potential in alleviating oxidative stress. This study first evaluated the potential of Zn-L-SeMet to improve the health of weaned piglets and investigated underlying molecular mechanisms. In vivo, 240 weaned piglets were assigned to five dietary groups, namely, a control group (basal diet without Se) and four groups supplemented with Zn-L-SeMet (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mg Se/kg in basal diet) for 42 days. In vitro, an oxidative stress model was established using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) to investigate the mechanisms of Zn-L-SeMet against oxidative damage. The results showed that Zn-L-SeMet improved growth performance, enhanced antioxidant and immune function, stimulated thyroid hormone secretion, and upregulated expression of selenoprotein genes. In vitro, Zn-L-SeMet reduced H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, promoted IPEC-J2 viability, and enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes, while reducing lactate dehydrogenase release, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species levels. Furthermore, Zn-L-SeMet significantly increased the expression levels of Keap1, NQO1, HO-1, ARE, p-Nrf2, p-PI3K, and p-AKT, and protein ratio of p-Nrf2/Nrf2, PI3K/PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT compared to the H₂O₂ group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Zn-L-SeMet improves health status with antioxidant potential in weaned piglets, and the mechanism is associated with activation of PI3K/AKT and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Trace Elements in Nutrition and Health)

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17 pages, 1596 KB

Open AccessArticle

N-Benzylpyrrolidine Compounds with MAO-B Inhibitory Activity in an Experimental Model of Parkinson’s Disease

by Jane Tchekalarova, Petj Ivanova, Violina T. Angelova, Nicol Bogdanova, Stanislav Bozhanov, Miglena Smerikarova and Vania Maslarska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2496; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052496 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic signaling, resulting in motor dysfunction. Although monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are clinically used in PD, their long-term efficacy and safety remain limited. In the present study, three novel N-benzylpyrrolidine [...] Read more.

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic signaling, resulting in motor dysfunction. Although monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are clinically used in PD, their long-term efficacy and safety remain limited. In the present study, three novel N-benzylpyrrolidine derivatives (3e, 3f, and 3i), previously identified as dual MAO-A/B inhibitors in silico and in vitro, were pharmacologically evaluated in an acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. The compounds were administered intraperitoneally starting 2 days prior to MPTP exposure and continuing for 6 days thereafter. Repeated administration of the compounds did not alter striatal dopamine (DA) levels under basal conditions, indicating no detectable modulation of dopaminergic tone in vivo. All three derivatives ameliorated MPTP-induced motor deficits. Compounds 3f and 3i improved motor function without detectable changes in striatal DA levels, whereas compound 3e partially restored striatal DA levels, similar to the positive control. In addition, compound-specific alterations in hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed, including increased levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) following 3e administration. Together, these findings provide in vivo pharmacological characterization of novel MAO-targeting derivatives and reveal differential behavioral, neurochemical, and cytokine profiles among the tested compounds, supporting further mechanistic investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Therapies and Strategies in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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27 pages, 3286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Honey Bee Viromes from Beekeeping Operations Experiencing High Losses in 2022–2023

by Boone H. Jones, Taylor Reams, Lauren Jonas, Brandon K. Hopkins and Michelle L. Flenniken

Viruses 2026, 18(3), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18030334 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Recent high annual losses of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, averaging 40% in the United States from 2008 to 2025, are concerning for beekeepers, growers, policy makers, and scientists. Viruses, the most abundant group of honey bee pathogens, impact honey bee [...] Read more.

Recent high annual losses of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies, averaging 40% in the United States from 2008 to 2025, are concerning for beekeepers, growers, policy makers, and scientists. Viruses, the most abundant group of honey bee pathogens, impact honey bee fitness and contribute to colony losses. Several studies have utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to discover new honey beeinfecting viruses and expand our understanding of the honey bee virome. Herein, we examined the viromes of honey bees obtained from longitudinally monitored, commercially managed colonies that experienced population decline (average ~44%) during the 2022–2023 beekeeping season. We hypothesized new viruses or virus genome variants may be associated with these declines. To test this hypothesis, we sequenced RNA obtained from virus-augmented honey bee samples from representative colonies managed by four beekeeping operations in California. We discovered three undescribed partitivirus-like sequences that were prevalent and abundant in all beekeeping operations, a new Lake Sinai virus, and a sequence variant of acute bee paralysis virus. In addition, we re-sequenced the genomes of 16 previously characterized bee and/or Varroa destructor mite infecting viruses and two previously described, but not well-characterized, partitivirus-like sequences (i.e., Apis mellifera associated partiti-like virus 1 and Hubeipartiti-like virus 34). Virus abundance was greater in libraries representing colonies that died during the monitoring period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Invertebrate Viruses)

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13 pages, 1747 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Polystyrene/SiO₂ Composite Aerogel Microspheres

by Zenghui Qian, Yangyang Yu, Wenjing Chen, Guodong Jiang, Yucai Shen and Zepeng Mao

Materials 2026, 19(5), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19051036 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Silica aerogel microspheres demonstrate tremendous potential as fillers for diverse materials across various fields. Enhancing the strength of silica aerogel microspheres is therefore crucial for their practical applications. This study aims to develop novel hydrophobic polymer-reinforced silica aerogel microspheres using water glass as [...] Read more.

Silica aerogel microspheres demonstrate tremendous potential as fillers for diverse materials across various fields. Enhancing the strength of silica aerogel microspheres is therefore crucial for their practical applications. This study aims to develop novel hydrophobic polymer-reinforced silica aerogel microspheres using water glass as the precursor, hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) as the modifier, and styrene as the crosslinking agent, with further strength enhancement achieved through short-term thermal post-treatment. The effects of varying polystyrene coating levels, crosslinker dosage, and short-term heat treatment on the structure and properties of silica aerogel were investigated. The optimized silica aerogel microspheres (Sample A-6) exhibited a specific surface area of 604.8 m²/g and a thermal conductivity of 0.030 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ and demonstrated excellent hydrophobicity and mechanical stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymeric Materials)

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28 pages, 5943 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Driving Mechanisms of Soil Microbial Community Diversity and Stability in Different Plant Communities Along the Lower Jinsha River’s Water-Level-Fluctuation Zone

by Jingying Lu, Yuehua Zhang, Xianyong Dong, Xiaogang Wu, Lumei Xiao, Kaiwen Pan, Lin Zhang and Juan Wang

Microorganisms 2026, 14(3), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14030604 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

The Water-Level-Fluctuation Zones (WLFZ) of the Lower Jinsha River, as a typical transition areas between land and water, show crucial ecological functions. However, the relationship between soil nutrients and microbial communities in different plant communities of the WLFZ is poorly understand. Therefore, we [...] Read more.

The Water-Level-Fluctuation Zones (WLFZ) of the Lower Jinsha River, as a typical transition areas between land and water, show crucial ecological functions. However, the relationship between soil nutrients and microbial communities in different plant communities of the WLFZ is poorly understand. Therefore, we chose four typical plant communities, including Parthenium hysterophorus (P. hysterophorus), Ziziphus mauritiana (Z. mauritiana), Cynodon dactylon (C. dactylon), Zea mays (Z. mays), as a long-term plant communities experiment-monitoring site in a WLFZ of the Lower Jinsha River. By using high-throughput sequences, Mantel test and Mediation model, we explored the changing characteristics of soil nutrients and microbial communities, especially bacteria and fungi, and their driving role in the microbial stability in four typical plant communities. The results indicated that soil properties and enzyme activities noticeably changed among four types of different plant communities in the WLFZ, of which their P. hysterophorus and Z. mauritiana treatments were eventually higher than their of Z. mays and C. dactylon treatments. In the bacteria and fungi communities, the OTU number of P. hysterophorus and Z. mauritiana treatments were higher than their of C. dactylon and Z. mays treatments, which showed that the bacterial biomarkers only explained with the order, but the fungal biomarkers could explain with species. The bacterial and fungal diversity among four types of different plant communities in the WLFZ significantly changed such that the bacterial and fungal explanations of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) was at 42.45% and 28.17%, respectively, and the anosim analysis of bacteria and fungi showed the p was 0.001 and the R was at 0.6995 and 0.7491. The bacterial and fungal co-occurrence network patterns presented that the bacterial community structure of the C. dactylon and P. hysterophorus treatments were the most complicated under the Z. mauritiana and Z. mays treatments, whereas the communities stability of C. dactylon and P. hysterophorus treatments were notably lower than that of their Z. mauritiana and Z. mays treatments. Lastly, the CCA, mantel test and intermediary analysis indicated pH served as the primary direct driver in the Z. mauritiana community, soil moisture exerted dominant effects in Z. mays and P. hysterophorus, while in C. dactylon, bacterial stability was indirectly modulated by pH mediated through SMC changes. This study highlights the major role of soil nutrients and enzyme activities in driving ecosystem stability of bacterial and fungal communities in four different plant communities in the WLFZ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant–Soil–Microbe Interactions)

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13 pages, 1305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Greek Version of the 4 ‘A’s Test for Delirium Screening in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture

by Maria Spyraki, Evanthia Dimitriou, Panagiotis Antzoulas, Georgios Karpetas, Francesk Mulita, Vasileios Leivaditis, Ejona Shaska, John Lakoumentas, Diamanto Aretha and Andreas Panagopoulos

Clin. Pract. 2026, 16(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract16030058 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Delirium is a frequent and serious complication in elderly patients with hip fractures and is associated with adverse outcomes. Early identification requires a brief and reliable screening tool suitable for routine clinical practice. The 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) is a rapid instrument [...] Read more.

Background: Delirium is a frequent and serious complication in elderly patients with hip fractures and is associated with adverse outcomes. Early identification requires a brief and reliable screening tool suitable for routine clinical practice. The 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) is a rapid instrument for delirium detection that requires minimal training. Objective: To translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Greek version of the 4AT in elderly patients with hip fractures. Methods: A total of 103 patients aged ≥65 years who were admitted with hip fracture were enrolled. The 4AT was translated using a forward–backward translation process and culturally adapted according to established guidelines. Delirium diagnosis was established using DSM-5 criteria by trained clinicians, serving as the reference standard. The 4AT was administered independently within 3 h. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The optimal cut-off was determined using Youden’s index. Results: At a cut-off score ≥4, the Greek 4AT demonstrated a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 91.1%, with PPV 75% and NPV 96%. The AUC was 0.94, indicating excellent diagnostic performance. Conclusions: The Greek version of the 4AT is a valid and reliable screening tool for detecting delirium in elderly patients with hip fractures. Full article

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14 pages, 1148 KB

Open AccessArticle

Seminal Redox Improvement and Sperm Proteome Remodeling After Deprox-HP Nutraceutical Supplementation in Male Accessory Gland Inflammation: A Pilot Study

by Fiorella Di Nicuolo, Alessandro Oliva, Emanuele Pierpaolo Vodola, Michela Cicchinelli, Federica Iavarone, Carla Di Nardo, Edoardo Vergani, Paola Girardi, Francesca Mancini, Alfredo Pontecorvi, Andrea Urbani, Silvia Baroni, Domenico Milardi and Emanuela Teveroni

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2498; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052498 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Male accessory gland inflammation (MAGI) can impair male fertility through inflammation-driven oxidative stress and direct sperm damage; nutraceutical approaches may be useful when antibiotics are not indicated. Here, we evaluated a 3-month treatment with a Graminex™-based dietary supplement (Deprox-HP) in twenty MAGI patients [...] Read more.

Male accessory gland inflammation (MAGI) can impair male fertility through inflammation-driven oxidative stress and direct sperm damage; nutraceutical approaches may be useful when antibiotics are not indicated. Here, we evaluated a 3-month treatment with a Graminex™-based dietary supplement (Deprox-HP) in twenty MAGI patients integrating conventional semen analysis and oxidative stress assessment with sperm proteomics before and after therapy. After treatment, total and progressive sperm motility increased significantly, whereas sperm concentration and sperm morphology showed a non-significant upward trend. Sperm lipid peroxidation decreased markedly, while the antioxidant capacity showed a non-significant increase. Analysis of the sperm proteome demonstrated a clear PRE–POST clustering, consistent with treatment-associated remodeling. POST samples showed upregulation of proteins linked to sperm motility, redox homeostasis, mitochondrial metabolism and membrane remodeling. Two pregnancies occurred during the treatment period; in both cases, lipid peroxidation decreased along with an increase morphologically typical spermatozoa, and sperm proteomics showed a concordant post-treatment shift enriched in flagellar and mitochondrial respiratory/redox compartments. Moreover, we found a selective enrichment POST treatment in these two patients of TEX50, a crucial protein involved in acrosome/head-stability during epididymal transit. Overall, Deprox-HP was associated with reduced oxidative membrane damage and a coordinated sperm proteomic shift consistent with improved motility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sperm Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility)

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36 pages, 3273 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Integrating IoT and Blockchain for Real-Time Inventory Visibility and Traceability: A Bibliometric–Systematic Review

by Blessing Takawira and Babra Duri

Logistics 2026, 10(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics10030057 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: The accelerated convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain is reconfiguring logistics, yet knowledge regarding their operationalisation for real-time inventory management remains fragmented. Methods: A Bibliometric–Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) was conducted on peer-reviewed sources from Scopus and Web of Science [...] Read more.

Background: The accelerated convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain is reconfiguring logistics, yet knowledge regarding their operationalisation for real-time inventory management remains fragmented. Methods: A Bibliometric–Systematic Literature Review (B-SLR) was conducted on peer-reviewed sources from Scopus and Web of Science (2019–2025), utilising science mapping to visualise intellectual and conceptual structures. Results: The analysis reveals a steep rise in publications during 2024–2025, identifying traceability, smart contracts, and integrity mechanisms as central themes. The synthesis supports a layered theoretical model linking transparency (sensing) and trust (ledger validation) to efficiency and supply chain resilience in Industry 5.0. The review highlights unresolved issues, including interoperability and privacy-by-design, alongside emerging directions such as digital twins. Conclusions: While scholarship has expanded rapidly, it remains weighted toward adoption mapping, underscoring the need for empirical, context-aware models that explain socio-technical integration and its measurable impacts on logistics performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence, Logistics Analytics, and Automation)

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16 pages, 1032 KB

Open AccessArticle

Change in the Air: How Shifting Federal Guidance Related to DEI Influences Teachers’ Use of Culturally Responsive Practices

by Kate M. Morman, Laura M. Brady, Cong Wang and Stephanie A. Fryberg

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16030390 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Culturally responsive practices (CRPs) (i.e., practices that affirm students’ cultural backgrounds) can reduce educational inequities, but these practices have yet to become normative within U.S. education. A national study of K-12 teachers conducted in late 2023 found that teachers’ use of CRPs depended [...] Read more.

Culturally responsive practices (CRPs) (i.e., practices that affirm students’ cultural backgrounds) can reduce educational inequities, but these practices have yet to become normative within U.S. education. A national study of K-12 teachers conducted in late 2023 found that teachers’ use of CRPs depended not only on their individual moral frameworks regarding diversity (i.e., endorsement of multiculturalism and colorblindness) but also on their communities’ and administrators’ support for efforts to increase equitable educational outcomes among students (i.e., equity work). Since 2023, federal guidance has shifted, and educational equity work is now discouraged. We conducted a second national survey of K-12 teachers (N = 980) in early 2025 to examine whether contextual influences on teachers’ decisions regarding CRP use have also shifted in light of changes to federal guidance. While the 2023 study found that teachers with weaker multiculturalism beliefs were more likely to use CRPs when their administrators supported equity work, findings from the 2025 study revealed that administrator support only predicted greater CRP use when these teachers worked in politically liberal (but not conservative) communities. The shift suggests that recent federal policy changes have weakened the influence of district and school leadership on teachers’ decisions to use CRPs, particularly among teachers who are not individually inclined to use these practices. This study offers timely insights into teachers’ use of CRPs after new federal guidance on educational equity efforts and reaffirms that teachers’ practices are not solely shaped by their personal beliefs, but are instead responsive to the broader contexts in which they work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Picturing Morality from Multidisciplinary Perspectives—Third Edition)

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11 pages, 581 KB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study of Alien Crosstalk Limits in Densely Bundled Commodity 10GBASE-T Ethernet Cables

by Aleksei Demin, Viktoriia Vasileva and Dmitrii Chaikovskii

Network 2026, 6(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/network6010014 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

In the realm of high-speed Ethernet networks, alien crosstalk (AXT) significantly undermines the integrity and efficiency of data transmission. While existing works mostly focus on modeling and physical-layer mitigation techniques such as PAM16/DSQ128 modulation and LDPC coding, there is a lack of experimental [...] Read more.

In the realm of high-speed Ethernet networks, alien crosstalk (AXT) significantly undermines the integrity and efficiency of data transmission. While existing works mostly focus on modeling and physical-layer mitigation techniques such as PAM16/DSQ128 modulation and LDPC coding, there is a lack of experimental evidence on how severe AXT affects commodity 10GBASE-T equipment in realistic, densely cabled installations. In this study, we assemble and evaluate the experimental testbed that emulates a highly adverse AXT environment by tightly bundling up to seven 60 m twisted-pair Ethernet cables and using only off-the-shelf 10GBASE-T network cards. We quantitatively characterize how increasing cable density leads to automatic speed downgrades, connection failures, and non-linear saturation of the aggregate throughput, and relate these effects to the observed link quality on individual ports. Our results demonstrate that, even in the presence of standard crosstalk mitigation and error-correction mechanisms, severe AXT can force commodity 10GBASE-T links to fall back from 10 Gbit/s to 1 Gbit/s or below. Based on these findings, we derive practical guidelines for dense-cabling deployments and identify key requirements for experimental testbeds that can more reliably quantify AXT severity and its impact on commodity 10GBASE-T link stability (rate fallback and link loss) under realistic conditions. Full article

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18 pages, 988 KB

Open AccessArticle

HbA1c as a Key Metabolic Marker in Predicting Myomectomy Requirement in Women with Uterine Fibroids: A Machine Learning Study

by Inci Öz, Ecem E. Yegin, Ali Utku Öz and Engin Ulukaya

Medicina 2026, 62(3), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030500 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that frequently require surgical management, particularly myomectomy, in women of reproductive age. Metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance have been implicated in fibroid biology; however, the clinical relevance of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors that frequently require surgical management, particularly myomectomy, in women of reproductive age. Metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance have been implicated in fibroid biology; however, the clinical relevance of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting myomectomy requirement remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of HbA1c for myomectomy requirement in women with uterine fibroids using conventional statistical analyses and machine learning-based models under real-world clinical decision-making conditions. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated data from a retrospective multicenter cohort comprising 618 women with a diagnosis of uterine fibroids. Patients were stratified according to myomectomy status (performed vs. not performed). Comparative analyses, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and machine learning modeling were conducted using demographic, laboratory, hormonal, and fibroid-related variables. A total of 155 machine learning models were trained, and the top 20 models with the highest accuracy were evaluated. Blinded concordance analysis was conducted on 50 independent, anonymized cases evaluated by a gynecologist who was blinded to the study data. Results: Patients undergoing myomectomy (38.5%) had significantly higher HbA1c levels than non-surgical patients (5.57 ± 0.32 vs. 5.03 ± 0.61, p < 0.001). HbA1c showed a strong association with myomectomy requirement in univariate analysis (OR 0.026, 95% CI 0.012–0.055) but lost significance in multivariate models, while ferritin remained independently associated. Machine learning models incorporating HbA1c, ferritin, hormonal, and fibroid parameters achieved accuracies between 0.99 and 1.00. Blinded concordance analysis demonstrated 94% concordance between model predictions and expert clinical judgment. Conclusions: HbA1c is a valuable integrative marker in predicting myomectomy requirement when evaluated within multidimensional machine learning frameworks, although its independent effect is confounded by iron-related parameters. These findings support the use of HbA1c as part of a comprehensive decision-support approach in uterine fibroid management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gynecological Surgery: Bridging Research and Clinical Practice)

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16 pages, 273 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the iWrite Automated Writing Evaluation System on University EFL Students’ Writing Performance and Writing Anxiety

by Jiapeng Du and Nur Rasyidah Mohd Nordin

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030411 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) systems have been increasingly integrated into second-language writing instruction; however, empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of localized AWE tools in EFL contexts remains limited. This study investigated the impact of the iWrite Automated Writing Evaluation system on university EFL [...] Read more.

Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) systems have been increasingly integrated into second-language writing instruction; however, empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of localized AWE tools in EFL contexts remains limited. This study investigated the impact of the iWrite Automated Writing Evaluation system on university EFL students’ writing performance and writing anxiety. Employing a quasi-experimental mixed-methods design, 60 Chinese university students were assigned to an experimental group using iWrite and a control group receiving traditional teacher feedback over a 12-week instructional period. Writing performance was assessed using the complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF) framework, while writing anxiety was measured through a validated questionnaire. Quantitative results revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in writing accuracy, fluency, and lexical complexity, as well as significantly lower levels of writing anxiety, compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in syntactic complexity. Qualitative findings further indicated that immediate, non-judgmental feedback and opportunities for repeated revision contributed to increased learner confidence and reduced anxiety. The findings suggest that localized AWE systems such as iWrite can effectively support both the cognitive and affective dimensions of EFL writing when integrated within a human–AI collaborative instructional framework. Full article

19 pages, 1789 KB

Open AccessReview

From Shared Mechanisms to Precision Breeding: Engineering Cold and Drought Cross-Tolerance in Crops

by Xue Yang, Zi-Chang Jia, Yan Liu, Xue Wang, Jia-Jia Chen, Ying-Gao Liu and Mo-Xian Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(5), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27052497 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Low temperature and drought are among the most pervasive abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity worldwide, and their frequent co-occurrence or alternation imposes compounded constraints on agricultural sustainability. Increasing evidence supports cross-tolerance, whereby exposure to one stress enhances resistance to another, as an emergent [...] Read more.

Low temperature and drought are among the most pervasive abiotic stresses limiting crop productivity worldwide, and their frequent co-occurrence or alternation imposes compounded constraints on agricultural sustainability. Increasing evidence supports cross-tolerance, whereby exposure to one stress enhances resistance to another, as an emergent property of shared signaling networks and integrative regulatory layers. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding cold–drought cross-talk, from early stress perception and secondary messengers to hormonal coordination via abscisic acid, transcriptional reprogramming centered on dehydration responsive element binding protein/C repeat binding factor (DREB/CBF) modules, and longer-term regulatory memory mediated by chromatin remodeling and biomolecular condensates. Importantly, we further discuss how these mechanistic insights can be translated into precision breeding strategies, including genome editing, allele mining, and backcross-assisted introgression, to accelerate the development of crop varieties with stable multi-stress tolerance. Finally, we highlight future directions for integrating multi-omics, high-throughput phenotyping, and data-driven approaches to enable efficient molecular design breeding for complex stress environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Engineering of Plants for Stress Tolerance, Second Edition)

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16 pages, 594 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Framework for Risk-Adjusted Investment Attractiveness Assessment of Manufacturing Companies

by George Abuselidze, Adina Zharlikenova and Beibit Korabayev

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(3), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19030201 (registering DOI) - 9 Mar 2026

Abstract

Assessing the investment attractiveness of companies is essential for effective capital allocation under conditions of uncertainty and heterogeneous risk–return profiles. Investors typically face multiple financing alternatives, making comparative evaluation impossible without robust and specialized assessment methodologies. This study proposes a refined conceptual model [...] Read more.

Assessing the investment attractiveness of companies is essential for effective capital allocation under conditions of uncertainty and heterogeneous risk–return profiles. Investors typically face multiple financing alternatives, making comparative evaluation impossible without robust and specialized assessment methodologies. This study proposes a refined conceptual model for assessing the investment attractiveness of production companies, with a specific focus on the manufacturing sector of Kazakhstan. The research is based on a modeling-oriented methodological framework that integrates a modified discounted cash flow (DCF) approach with elements of environmental controlling. The proposed model incorporates sector-specific characteristics, including resource utilization patterns, regulatory requirements and the potential “green” premium observed in capital markets. To capture investment-related uncertainty and risk, the study employs material flow cost accounting, scenario-based modeling and probabilistic decision tree analysis. Particular attention is given to improving the determination of the discount rate, recognizing its critical influence on present value-based investment assessments. The model accounts for macroeconomic and sectoral factors specific to Kazakhstan’s production industry and offers alternative discount rate estimation scenarios under different initial conditions. The study contributes to the literature on investment attractiveness assessment by integrating financial, environmental and risk dimensions into a unified framework. The proposed model enhances transparency in investment decision-making and provides new insights into investment evaluation practices in emerging industrial economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Finance and Policy Frameworks in Emerging Markets)

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