MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

24 pages, 937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Chalcone-Derived 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivatives Using Magnetic Fe₂O₃@SiO₂ as Highly Efficient Nanocatalyst

by Dharambeer Singh Malhi, Navneet Kaur, Manvinder Kaur, Haesook Han, Pradip K. Bhowmik, Fohad Mabood Husain, Harvinder Singh Sohal and Meenakshi Verma

Catalysts 2025, 15(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15030281 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The growing threat of bacterial resistance, coupled with the increasing costs associated with drug development, poses significant challenges in the discovery of new antibiotics. The present study reports the synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivatives derived from chalcones, using silica-mediated magnetic [...] Read more.

The growing threat of bacterial resistance, coupled with the increasing costs associated with drug development, poses significant challenges in the discovery of new antibiotics. The present study reports the synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) derivatives derived from chalcones, using silica-mediated magnetic iron oxide, Fe₂O₃@SiO₂ nanoparticles as a nanocatalyst. The nanoparticles were characterized using FT-IR, SEM-EDS, XRD, Zeta-Potential, and VSM techniques to confirm their structure and properties. Among them, the series 8a–e (particularly compound 8c) demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, with effectiveness comparable to standard drugs Fluconazole and Amoxicillin; this was attributed to the presence of polar groups. Other derivatives exhibited moderate activity, with MICs ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL, while no significant activity was observed against Gram-negative bacteria. These compounds hold potential as promising antimicrobial agents and warrant further investigation for the development of effective therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopy in Modern Materials Science and Catalysis)

14 pages, 5306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Monitoring and Thermal Data Analysis Related to Mortality Rates in a Commercial Pig House

by Hyo-Jae Seo, Byung-Wook Oh and Il-Hwan Seo

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060635 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Diseases in pig houses not only hinder the growth and productivity of pigs but also result in significant economic losses for farmers due to high mortality rates. Although viral infections, including PRRS and PCV-2, are the primary causes, the likelihood of disease onset [...] Read more.

Diseases in pig houses not only hinder the growth and productivity of pigs but also result in significant economic losses for farmers due to high mortality rates. Although viral infections, including PRRS and PCV-2, are the primary causes, the likelihood of disease onset is closely linked to the pigs’ immune status, which is often compromised by environmental stressors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between environmental conditions and pig mortality through detailed field monitoring in a commercial pig house with 600 growing pigs. The facility, which experienced a surge in mortality after a ventilation system change, was analyzed for various environmental parameters, including ammonia concentration (range: 7.0–10.7 ppm), dust levels (PM10: 106 µg/m³, PM2.5: 45 µg/m³), ventilation rates (0.49 AER, 67% of design capacity), air temperature (mean: 22.3 °C, range: 18.1–28.7 °C), and relative humidity (mean: 67.4%, range: 55.3–83.2%). Pig mortality and its spatial distribution were recorded, while viral infections were identified using RT-PCR, detecting pathogens such as PRRS, PCV-2, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Salmonella. Our findings revealed that although dust and ammonia concentrations remained within permissible limits, mortality was significantly correlated with thermal instability. Chronic respiratory diseases were observed in regions where ventilation was concentrated, resulting in daily temperature variations as high as 6.64 °C. The combination of improper ventilation and frequent temperature fluctuations weakened the pigs’ immunity, facilitating the onset of disease. This research underscores the critical role of maintaining stable microclimatic conditions in reducing mortality and highlights the need for advanced automated environmental control systems in smart livestock barns. The insights gained from this study provide a foundational framework for developing precision ventilation and thermal management strategies to enhance productivity and animal welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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20 pages, 2390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A miRNA Signature for Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in Morocco: miR-21, miR-29a and miR-92a

by Sofia Fathi, Oussama Aazzane, Salma Guendaoui, Nezha Tawfiq, Souha Sahraoui, Fadila Guessous and Mehdi Karkouri

Non-Coding RNA 2025, 11(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ncrna11020026 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Morocco, often detected at late stages. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection, with miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-92a showing significant diagnostic [...] Read more.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Morocco, often detected at late stages. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC detection, with miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-92a showing significant diagnostic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of these miRNAs in a Moroccan population and their efficacy as diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: A prospective study was conducted using blood samples from 50 CRC patients and 50 healthy controls. Circulating miRNA expression levels were quantified through reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), with normalization to miR-1228-3p. Statistical analyses, including the Mann–Whitney U test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, sensitivity (Sen), and specificity (Spe) evaluations, were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of individual miRNAs and their combined performance as panels. Results: The expression levels of miR-21, miR-29a, and miR-92a were significantly elevated in CRC patients compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that miR-92a exhibited the highest individual diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.938), followed by miR-21 (AUC: 0.907) and miR-29a (AUC: 0.898). Sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 90%, 92% and 56%, and 76% and 94%, respectively. Combinatorial analysis revealed that the miR-29a and miR-92a panel achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.976), surpassing individual miRNAs and other combinations, highlighting its potential as a robust, non-invasive biomarker panel for CRC. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of the miR-29a and miR-92a combination, which achieved excellent diagnostic efficiency (AUC: 0.976). These findings underscore miRNA utility in enhancing early detection and reducing CRC-related mortality in Morocco. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-coding RNA as Biomarker in Cancer)

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22 pages, 6439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Education in Agriculture via XR-Based Digital Twins: A Novel Approach for the Next Generation

by Orestis Spyrou, Mar Ariza-Sentís and Sergio Vélez

Appl. Syst. Innov. 2025, 8(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/asi8020038 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies into agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to modernize education and sustainable food production. Traditional agriculture training remains resource-intensive, time-consuming, and geographically restrictive, limiting scalability. This study explores an AI-driven Digital Twin (DT) system embedded [...] Read more.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) technologies into agriculture presents a transformative opportunity to modernize education and sustainable food production. Traditional agriculture training remains resource-intensive, time-consuming, and geographically restrictive, limiting scalability. This study explores an AI-driven Digital Twin (DT) system embedded within a gamified XR environment designed to enhance decision-making, resource management, and practical training in viticulture as well as woody crop management. A survey among stakeholders in the viticultural sector revealed that participants are increasingly open to adopting Virtual Reality (VR) combined with AI-enhanced technologies, signaling a readiness for digital learning transformation in the field. The survey revealed a 4.48/7 willingness to adopt XR-based training, a 4.85/7 interest in digital solutions for precision agriculture, and a moderate climate change concern of 4.16/7, indicating a strong readiness for digital learning transformation. Our findings confirm that combining AI-powered virtual educators with DT simulations provides interactive, real-time feedback, allowing users to experiment with vineyard management strategies in a risk-free setting. Unlike previous studies focusing on crop monitoring or AI-based decision support, this study examines the potential of combining Digital Twins (DTs) with AI-driven personal assistants to improve decision-making, resource management, and overall productivity in agriculture. Proof-of-concept implementations in Unity and Oculus Quest 3 demonstrate how AI-driven NPC educators can personalize training, simulate climate adaptation strategies, and enhance stakeholder engagement. The research employs a design-oriented approach, integrating feedback from industry experts and end-users to refine the educational and practical applications of DTs in agriculture. Furthermore, this study highlights proof-of-concept implementations using the Unity cross game engine platform, showcasing virtual environments where students can interact with AI-powered educators in simulated vineyard settings. Digital innovations support students and farmers in enhancing crop yields and play an important role in educating the next generation of digital farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies and Methodologies in Education 4.0)

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15 pages, 2739 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Assessment of Novel Soda Ash Adsorbent Biogas Sweetening: Fixed Bed Studies, Adsorption Kinetics, and Adsorption Isotherms

by Register Mrosso and Cleophas Achisa Mecha

ChemEngineering 2025, 9(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9020033 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting unrenewable energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil, increases climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy, such as biogas, is crucial to reducing environmental degradation and global warming. The existence of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide hampers [...] Read more.

The reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting unrenewable energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil, increases climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy, such as biogas, is crucial to reducing environmental degradation and global warming. The existence of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide hampers the application of biogas. Utilizing natural resources for biogas purification is essential to improve access to clean energy for low-income communities. This study used soda ash derived from Lake Natron in Tanzania as a sorbent for H₂S removal. Effects of sorbent mass, flow rate, and particle size were investigated. Experimental data were analyzed using kinetic models, adsorption isotherms, and breakthrough curves. Soda ash of 280 μm particle size, a flow rate of 0.03 m³/h, and a mass of 75 g demonstrated the best performance, achieving an efficiency of 94% in removal and a sorption capacity of 0.02 g per 100 g in five repeated cycles. Freundlich and Jovanovich’s isotherms match the data with n = 0.4 and K_j = 0.003, respectively. Adsorption kinetics were best described by the intra-particle model (k_id = 0.14, c = 0.59 mg/g, and R² = 0.972). A breakthrough analysis indicated that the Yoon–Nelson model provided the best fit with an R² of 0.95. Soda ash from Lake Natron demonstrated great potential in biogas desulphurization, thus contributing to the production and access to clean energy. Full article

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13 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Water Kefir: Review of Microbial Diversity, Potential Health Benefits, and Fermentation Process

by Klinger Vinícius de Almeida, Cíntia Tomaz Sant’ Ana, Samarha Pacheco Wichello, Gabriele Estofeles Louzada, Silvani Verruck and Luciano José Quintão Teixeira

Processes 2025, 13(3), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030885 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Water kefir is a non-dairy fermented beverage that ferments water kefir grains in a sucrose solution. These grains harbor a diverse microbiota, including lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeast species. The composition of water kefir is primarily influenced by cultivation conditions [...] Read more.

Water kefir is a non-dairy fermented beverage that ferments water kefir grains in a sucrose solution. These grains harbor a diverse microbiota, including lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and yeast species. The composition of water kefir is primarily influenced by cultivation conditions and the microbiota profile of the grains, resulting in fermentation metabolites such as ethanol, lactic acid, mannitol, acetic acid, glycerol, and other organic acids. However, this microbial diversity can vary depending on the origin of the grains, the fermentation substrate, and environmental conditions. As it is a potentially beneficial product for health, interest in kefir consumption has increased in recent years. Specific legislation for water kefir is still scarce, and despite potentially probiotic microorganisms, water kefir is not classified as a probiotic, but it fits the definition of a potentially functional food due to its health benefits. Studies demonstrate the potential health benefits of water kefir in terms of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and intestinal health effects. However, industrial-scale production and starter cultures have not yet been developed. This study aims to comprehensively review water kefir, exploring its potential health benefits, fermentation process, microbial diversity, and regulatory aspects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Food Processing Technologies: Present Innovations and Future Opportunities)

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12 pages, 8336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Microstructure and Properties of Cu-Fe-Mg-Ti Alloys Based on Composition Regulation

by Yu Ding, Xiangpeng Xiao, Dawei Yuan and Jinshui Chen

Materials 2025, 18(6), 1325; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18061325 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study systematically investigates how Fe-Ti atomic ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) influence the microstructure, mechanical properties, and softening resistance of Cu-Fe-Mg-Ti alloys under fixed total Fe + Ti content. Through hardness testing, electrical conductivity measurements, and multiscale characterization (optical microscopy, scanning/transmission electron [...] Read more.

This study systematically investigates how Fe-Ti atomic ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) influence the microstructure, mechanical properties, and softening resistance of Cu-Fe-Mg-Ti alloys under fixed total Fe + Ti content. Through hardness testing, electrical conductivity measurements, and multiscale characterization (optical microscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction), we reveal a previously unreported phenomenon: Ti-dominated ratios (1:2) enable superior strength–conductivity synergy. After 70% cold rolling and 550 °C aging, the alloy with a 2:1 Fe/Ti ratio exhibits peak hardness (166.5 HV) and conductivity (64.1% IACS), outperforming both 1:1 (173.9 HV, 51.3% IACS) and 1:2 (189.5 HV, 44.2% IACS) counterparts. Critical microstructure analysis confirms that increased Ti content promotes high-density Fe₂Ti nanoprecipitation (5–15 nm) with coherent interfaces, enhancing strength while mitigating electron scattering. This work establishes atomic ratio optimization as a novel strategy to break the traditional strength–conductivity trade-off in copper alloys, providing a 21% hardness improvement over conventional Fe-Ti systems without sacrificing essential electrical performance. Full article

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13 pages, 1229 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Shapes of Altitudinal Species Richness Gradients Depend on the Vertical Range Studied? The Case of the Himalayas

by Jatishwor Singh Irungbam, Martin Konvicka and Zdenek Faltynek Fric

Diversity 2025, 17(3), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030215 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

We analyzed elevational species richness gradients (“decline”, “increase”, “unimodal”, or “bimodal”) in the Himalayan range using data from 157 publications covering both plants and animals. Our study tested the hypothesis that unimodal gradients, explainable by the geometric mid-domain effect, dominate in the mountains, [...] Read more.

We analyzed elevational species richness gradients (“decline”, “increase”, “unimodal”, or “bimodal”) in the Himalayan range using data from 157 publications covering both plants and animals. Our study tested the hypothesis that unimodal gradients, explainable by the geometric mid-domain effect, dominate in the mountains, while decreasing or increasing gradients result from studies that only examined limited sections of the full altitudinal range. Multivariate canonical correspondence analysis was applied to associate gradient shapes with altitude ranges, geographic locations, and the taxa studied. Our results show that, across taxa, most Himalayan altitudinal gradients exhibit a unimodal shape, with diversity peaks at approximately 2500 m a.s.l. for plants and 2200 m a.s.l. for animals. The gradient shapes were primarily influenced by three interrelated predictors: vertical range, maximum elevation, and mean elevation. Studies from the world’s highest mountain range suggest that surveys encompassing substantial portions of the elevational range tend to produce hump-shaped gradients, while incomplete sampling leads to declining or increasing species richness patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity: A Global Perspective)

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16 pages, 1693 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gait Characteristics of Fallers and Nonfallers in Female Patients with Unilateral End-Stage Hip Osteoarthritis

by Yu Kiko, Hirotaka Uchitomi, Masaaki Matsubara and Yoshihiro Miyake

Healthcare 2025, 13(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13060654 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis of the hip (hip OA) may increase the risk of falls. To decrease fall risk, it is important to assess the gait characteristics of patients with hip OA in detail. This study aimed to investigate the gait characteristics of patients with [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Osteoarthritis of the hip (hip OA) may increase the risk of falls. To decrease fall risk, it is important to assess the gait characteristics of patients with hip OA in detail. This study aimed to investigate the gait characteristics of patients with hip OA caused by falls by simultaneously assessing foot and waist trajectories via an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Methods: The subjects were 77 patients with hip OA, 17 of whom had fallen in the past year. The physical function, gait parameters, and waist trajectories of the fall and nonfall groups were compared. Results: Compared with the nonfall group, the fall group was older and had higher fall scores and lower Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip scores. With respect to gait characteristics, the stride length on the nonaffected side was significantly shorter in the fall group than in the nonfall group. Stride velocity gait asymmetry was also significantly lower in the fall group than in the nonfall group. The amount of lifting of the waist on the affected and nonaffected sides was significantly lower in the falling group than in the nonfalling group. Conclusions: It was suggested that the fall group might be adapting to stabilization and adjusting to a stable and safe gait pattern because of the effects of falls; new gait characteristics regarding falls in patients with hip OA were found. Full article

26 pages, 1924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Symmetric Projection Space and Adversarial Training Framework for Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning with Improved Computational Efficiency

by Qianqian Li, Shutian Zhou, Xiangrong Zeng, Jiaqi Shi, Qianye Lin, Chenjia Huang, Yuchen Yue, Yuyao Jiang and Chunli Lv

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3275; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063275 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a data security training framework based on symmetric projection space and adversarial training, aimed at addressing the issues of privacy leakage and computational efficiency encountered by current privacy protection technologies when processing sensitive data. By designing a new projection loss [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a data security training framework based on symmetric projection space and adversarial training, aimed at addressing the issues of privacy leakage and computational efficiency encountered by current privacy protection technologies when processing sensitive data. By designing a new projection loss function and combining autoencoders with adversarial training, the proposed method effectively balances privacy protection and model utility. Experimental results show that, for financial time-series data tasks, the model using the projection loss achieves a precision of 0.95, recall of 0.91, and accuracy of 0.93, significantly outperforming the traditional cross-entropy loss. In image data tasks, the projection loss yields a precision of 0.93, recall of 0.90, accuracy of 0.91, and mAP@50 and mAP@75 of 0.91 and 0.90, respectively, demonstrating its strong advantage in complex tasks. Furthermore, experiments on different hardware platforms (Raspberry Pi, Jetson, and NVIDIA 3080 GPU) show that the proposed method performs well on low-computation devices and exhibits significant advantages on high-performance GPUs, particularly in terms of computational efficiency, demonstrating good scalability and efficiency. The experimental results validate the superiority of the proposed method in terms of data privacy protection and computational efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cloud Computing: Privacy Protection and Data Security)

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14 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing the Treatment of Adult Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome: The Role of Rituximab

by Dmytro Ivanov, Mariia Ivanova, Olga Chub, Iryna Zavalna, Natalia Biljak, Yelizaveta Lagodych and Isa Jabbarli

Kidney Dial. 2025, 5(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/kidneydial5010010 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in adults presents a significant therapeutic challenge, often leading to end-stage kidneys. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of rituximab (RTX) administration as an alternative to traditional cytostatic therapy in adults with SRNS, focusing on its [...] Read more.

Background: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in adults presents a significant therapeutic challenge, often leading to end-stage kidneys. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of rituximab (RTX) administration as an alternative to traditional cytostatic therapy in adults with SRNS, focusing on its effectiveness and safety profile. Methods: This multicenter, randomized study evaluates the effects of RTX for SRNS treatment, analyzing its clinical outcomes, safety, and efficacy across 52 adults (median age 47, 52% male) over 36 months. Amyloidosis and proliferative diseases were excluded by a kidney biopsy. Results: Complete remission rates improved from 50% to 66.7% by 36 months, with variations based on the morphological types of nephrotic syndrome experienced. The number needed to treat (NNT) for complete remission decreased from indeterminate to 12 by 36 months. RTX was well tolerated, with 17.3% experiencing allergic reactions and 25% developing hypogammaglobulinemia after one year. Severe infusion reactions were managed with omalizumab. Hypogammaglobulinemia and recurrent respiratory infections (21.5%) required additional treatments. Conclusions: RTX shows promise in achieving sustained remission in SRNS, especially in MN and FSGS, with increasing effectiveness over time. While its safety profile is encouraging, extended monitoring is essential for accurate treatment assessments. Further studies are needed to refine RTX protocols and outcomes. Full article

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20 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Active Aging Policy Objectives in Italian Regions

by Davide Lucantoni, Giovanni Lamura, Marco Socci, Francesco Barbabella, Valerio Intraligi and Andrea Principi

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(3), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14030180 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: In light of the main challenges recognized as being linked to the operationalization of the active aging concept at the policy level, the present study aimed to understand whether and to what extent Italian regional governments plan to deal with these challenges, [...] Read more.

Background: In light of the main challenges recognized as being linked to the operationalization of the active aging concept at the policy level, the present study aimed to understand whether and to what extent Italian regional governments plan to deal with these challenges, i.e., implementing inter-sectoral and multilevel cooperation in a mainstreaming aging perspective; creating participatory processes by involving stakeholders in policymaking; and implementing the multidimensionality of active aging. Methods: Interviews with representatives of all Italian regions were conducted, and contributions by regional civil society stakeholders were collected. A framework analysis was conducted to identify and categorize policy objectives. Results: Policy plans to deal with the issues under study are in place in all Italian regions; however, differences across regions depend on two main factors: the presence of a relevant regulatory framework and its degree of implementation. Conclusion: policy recommendations for improving the current state concerned awareness-raising campaigns to strengthen the dialogue between regional governments and civil society stakeholders and the need for provisions issued at the national level to advance and harmonize regional policy tools in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Policy and Welfare)

12 pages, 6138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Thin Calcium Metal Anodes—An Essential Component for High-Energy-Density Calcium Batteries

by Christoph Kiesl, Reinhard Böck, Holger Kaßner, Joachim Häcker, Marco Kögel, Timo Sörgel and Şeniz Sörgel

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(6), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15060454 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Metal anodes, such as those based on Ca, Mg, Na and Li, are considered to be one of the keys to the further development of high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. The thickness of these metal anodes directly affects the energy density of the battery. However, [...] Read more.

Metal anodes, such as those based on Ca, Mg, Na and Li, are considered to be one of the keys to the further development of high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. The thickness of these metal anodes directly affects the energy density of the battery. However, the fabrication of thin anodes poses technical challenges which often result in using excessively thick metal anodes in batteries. Here we present, for the first time, a study on the development of a thin Ca battery anode fabricated by electrodeposition. The battery anode with a thickness of approximately 10 µm corresponds to a charge density of 4.0 mAh cm⁻². This study systematically investigates the electrodeposition behavior of Ca using a 1.0 M Ca(BH₄)₂ in THF as the electrolyte. A systematic evaluation of electrodeposition parameters—including substrate pretreatment, current density, hydrodynamics and charge density by area—is conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and complementary image analysis provide detailed insights into these parameters. Electrodeposition offers a promising route to achieve a defined battery cell balance with minimal excess of metal at the anode. This will improve overall battery performance and efficiency. The findings contribute to the advancement of fundamental aspects of rechargeable batteries, particularly Ca-based batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thin Films and Coatings for Electrochemical Applications)

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18 pages, 9215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Researching Holocene Sediments at Bac Lieu Offshore, Vietnam with Insights from Near-Surface 2D Reflection Seismic Data

by Dung Quang Nguyen, Cuong Van Anh Le, Thuan Van Nguyen and Tuan Van Huynh

Geosciences 2025, 15(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences15030107 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The high-resolution seismic method can provide acoustic reflectivity images of shallow marine geology structures. In South Vietnam, the demand for construction materials like sand is high; therefore, the exploration of its deposits is considered in this study. This study investigated an around 200-square-kilometer [...] Read more.

The high-resolution seismic method can provide acoustic reflectivity images of shallow marine geology structures. In South Vietnam, the demand for construction materials like sand is high; therefore, the exploration of its deposits is considered in this study. This study investigated an around 200-square-kilometer area offshore Bac Lieu using 2D seismic sub-bottom lines. We employed the processed seismic amplitude and its seismic attributes as mean and variance textures to interpret the data. The processed seismic amplitude and its attributes can represent the young Holocene sediments (i.e., sand, silt, clay, and their mixtures) thanks to their different seismic patterns. Our interpretation result consists of 3D horizons of the seabed, Holocene silt, and sand sediments, which are compatible with the prior geological information, including three nearby drill holes. The seabed gradually descends from 10.0 m to 19.0 m over a horizontal distance of around 11 km. Moreover, the interpreted results show that the sand sediments reside in the center of survey area, with a maximum thickness of around 12.0 m. Interestingly, a fill sediment channel effectively separates two different zones of young Holocene sand and silt sediments. The findings provide valuable information for Vietnamese government officers to develop sustainable policies and regulations for marine mineral exploitation and exploration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology)

13 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterising Sex-Specific Metabolite Differences in New Zealand Geoduck (Panopea zelandica) Using LC-MS/MS Metabolomics

by Leonie Venter, Andrea C. Alfaro, Jeremie Zander Lindeque, Peet J. Jansen van Rensburg, Natalí J. Delorme, Norman L. C. Ragg and Leonardo N. Zamora

Animals 2025, 15(6), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060860 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Geoduck aquaculture is becoming a key component in meeting international market demand, given the natural and regulatory restrictions on wild geoduck supply. Geoduck clams are not sexually dimorphic, making it practically unfeasible to distinguish between males and females prior to a spawning event. [...] Read more.

Geoduck aquaculture is becoming a key component in meeting international market demand, given the natural and regulatory restrictions on wild geoduck supply. Geoduck clams are not sexually dimorphic, making it practically unfeasible to distinguish between males and females prior to a spawning event. To facilitate increased production of geoduck, a better understanding of reproductive biology and associated targeted bio-markers is required. In this study, metabolomics was utilised as a research tool to distinguish between metabolites related to male and female New Zealand geoduck (Panopea zelandica), gill and muscle samples collected from broodstock individuals housed in an experimental hatchery. A total of 17 metabolites were detected, showing significant differences between sexes. The findings indicate that metabolites associated with lipid biosynthesis were increased in female clams to support reproductive functions. An increase in carbohydrate-linked metabolic pathways was detected in male geoduck, arguably to sustain sperm production. Taurine has been reported as a biomarker to distinguish between male and female bivalves in other studies and is confirmed within this study, with significant elevation in male adductor muscle tissue. Moreover, male geoduck had increased purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, supporting energy needs. This study provides useful sex biomarkers for future breeding strategies of P. zelandica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research on Shellfish Aquaculture and Reproduction)

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16 pages, 2144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Willingness to Pay for Renewably Sourced Irrigation with Solar Water Pumping (SWP) Systems in Drought-Prone Areas of Thailand

by Nilubon Luangchosiri, Chatchawan Chaichana, Parichat Yalangkan, Samuel Matthew G. Dumlao, Hideyuki Okumura and Keiichi N. Ishihara

Water 2025, 17(6), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060858 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

In Thailand, droughts severely impact agriculture, particularly in non-irrigated areas, which comprise 76.4% of the country’s farmland. This highlights the need for sustainable energy solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. Despite government efforts, including over 900 Solar Water Pumping (SWP) demonstration units, many farmers [...] Read more.

In Thailand, droughts severely impact agriculture, particularly in non-irrigated areas, which comprise 76.4% of the country’s farmland. This highlights the need for sustainable energy solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. Despite government efforts, including over 900 Solar Water Pumping (SWP) demonstration units, many farmers remain hesitant to adopt this technology. This study examines the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to invest in SWP in Thailand’s drought-prone north and northeast regions, the most affected areas. Data were collected from 210 families—127 in the north (NC) and 83 in the northeast (NEC)—through surveys, interviews, and observations. Results show that 75.6% of NC and 77.1% of NEC farmers are willing to invest. However, barriers include financial constraints, reliance on government aid, uncertainty about returns, and lack of information. The estimated willingness-to-pay per household is USD 1438 in NC and USD 1518 in NEC, both exceeding the cost of a basic SWP system. Education, land ownership, and debt influence investment decisions, while the cultivation area impacts the amount invested. To increase adoption and combat climate change, tailored financial support, such as loan programs and leasing options, are needed for farmers in non-irrigated regions. Full article

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33 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Dental Implants: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Testing with Nanoparticle Coatings

by Ana Maria Gianina Rehner (Costache), Elena-Theodora Moldoveanu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Florentina Cornelia Bîclesanu, Anna Maria Pangică, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu and George-Alexandru Croitoru

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9030140 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Since tooth loss is a common problem in humans and is widespread worldwide, dental implants are an effective and optimal alternative to solve this problem. Thus, it is necessary to develop implants with improved surfaces that favor the osseointegration of the implant into [...] Read more.

Since tooth loss is a common problem in humans and is widespread worldwide, dental implants are an effective and optimal alternative to solve this problem. Thus, it is necessary to develop implants with improved surfaces that favor the osseointegration of the implant into the surrounding tissues and promote cell adhesion and proliferation while also preventing and inhibiting peri-implant infections that can lead to implant failure. In this regard, this review aims to provide new insights into nanotechnology and the use of nanoparticles in creating new coatings, the new trends for enhancing dental implant surfaces, and the current technologies used for this purpose. Although in vitro and in vivo tests attest to the possible use of the nanomaterials described in this review, further tests are needed to establish the optimal concentrations to be safe for clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposites)

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16 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Robust Speech Models: Mitigating Backdoor Attacks via Audio Signal Enhancement and Fine-Pruning Techniques

by Heyan Sun, Qi Zhong, Minfeng Qi, Uno Fang, Guoyi Shi and Sanshuai Cui

Mathematics 2025, 13(6), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060984 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

The widespread adoption of deep neural networks (DNNs) in speech recognition has introduced significant security vulnerabilities, particularly from backdoor attacks. These attacks allow adversaries to manipulate system behavior through hidden triggers while maintaining normal operation on clean inputs. To address this challenge, we [...] Read more.

The widespread adoption of deep neural networks (DNNs) in speech recognition has introduced significant security vulnerabilities, particularly from backdoor attacks. These attacks allow adversaries to manipulate system behavior through hidden triggers while maintaining normal operation on clean inputs. To address this challenge, we propose a novel defense framework that combines speech enhancement with neural architecture optimization. Our approach consists of three key steps. First, we use a ComplexMTASS-based enhancement network to isolate and remove backdoor triggers by leveraging their unique spectral characteristics. Second, we apply an adaptive fine-pruning algorithm to selectively deactivate malicious neurons while preserving the model’s linguistic capabilities. Finally, we fine-tune the pruned model using clean data to restore and enhance recognition accuracy. Experiments on the AISHELL dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our method against advanced steganographic attacks, such as PBSM and VSVC. The results show a significant reduction in attack success rate to below 1.5%, while maintaining 99.4% accuracy on clean inputs. This represents a notable improvement over existing defenses, particularly under varying trigger intensities and poisoning rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Image Processing and Computational Intelligence: Methodologies and Applications)

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20 pages, 8269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciding on the Regularity of a Planar Coons Map

by Maharavo Randrianarivony and Guido Brunnett

Math. Comput. Appl. 2025, 30(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/mca30020030 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

We consider the construction of a regular map from the unit square to a general four-sided domain, a problem that arises in several applications, e.g., in the numerical solution of integral equations or when dealing with trimmed surfaces in CAD. In our approach, [...] Read more.

We consider the construction of a regular map from the unit square to a general four-sided domain, a problem that arises in several applications, e.g., in the numerical solution of integral equations or when dealing with trimmed surfaces in CAD. In our approach, we consider the problem in as general a form as possible, which means that initially no assumptions are made about the type of mathematical representation of the boundary curves. This approach becomes possible by using planar Coons maps to describe the parameterization. We show that the regularity of a Coons map depends both on the waviness and the similarity of the boundary curves. Constraining these properties allows us to formulate sufficient conditions for regularity and to specify special cases in which the regularity of the Coons map is obvious. For the case of polynomial boundary curves, we present a regularity criterion that is both necessary and sufficient and can thus be used to characterize regular polynomial mappings. Our decision algorithm implements this criterion and provides a powerful tool not only for deciding the regularity of a given Coons map, but also for determining the transition between a regular and a non-regular Coons map depending on the curvature of the boundary curves. Full article

25 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Medical Mistrust: A Concept Analysis

by Meghna Shukla, Marvin Schilt-Solberg and Wanda Gibson-Scipio

Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(3), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15030103 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: The term “medical mistrust” has increased in literary usage within the last ten years, but the term has not yet been fully conceptualized. This article analyzes the usage of the term “medical mistrust” in the extant literature in order to articulate its [...] Read more.

Background: The term “medical mistrust” has increased in literary usage within the last ten years, but the term has not yet been fully conceptualized. This article analyzes the usage of the term “medical mistrust” in the extant literature in order to articulate its antecedents, attributes, and consequences. The aim of this article is to provide a preliminary conceptual definition and conceptual figure for medical mistrust. Methods: Walker and Avant’s method of conceptual analysis was used to extract concept attributes, antecedents, and consequences and define empirical referents. The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PSYCinfo and the Google search engine were used. Results: Medical mistrust is a social determinant of health fueled by a fear of harm and exploitation and is experienced at both the interpersonal, intergenerational, and institutional levels, reinforced by structural racism and systemic inequalities. Medical mistrust is antedated by historical trauma, socioeconomic disparities, medical gaslighting, traumatic medical experiences, maladaptive health beliefs and behaviors, and individual minority identities and is transmitted intergenerationally and culturally. The consequences of medical mistrust include the underutilization of health services, delays in diagnosis and care, poor treatment adherence, poor health outcomes, negative psychological effects, and an increase in the uptake of medical misinformation and maladaptive health behaviors. Conclusions: The findings of this concept analysis have important implications for healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and researchers, as well as healthcare policy makers. Full article

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24 pages, 6036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Set-Valued Observer and Probability Density Function-Based Self-Organizing Neural Networks for Early Fault Diagnosis in Wind Energy Conversion Systems

by Ruinan Zhao

Symmetry 2025, 17(3), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17030448 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Fault diagnosis is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). However, existing methods are often specific to components or specific types of wind turbines and face challenges, such as difficulty in threshold setting and low accuracy in [...] Read more.

Fault diagnosis is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of wind energy conversion systems (WECSs). However, existing methods are often specific to components or specific types of wind turbines and face challenges, such as difficulty in threshold setting and low accuracy in diagnosing faults at early stages. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel fault diagnosis method based on self-organizing neural networks (SONNs) and probability density functions (PDFs). First, an improved set-valued observer (ISVO) is designed to accurately estimate the states of WECSs, considering the time delay and unknown nonlinearity of overall model. Then, the PDF is derived by fitting the estimation error data to characterize three common multiplicative faults of the pitch system actuators. Two types of SONNs are developed to cluster the parameter sets of the PDF. Finally, the PDFs of the estimation error are reconstructed based on the clustering results, thereby designing fault diagnosis strategies that enable a rapid and highly accurate diagnosis of early-stage faults. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategies achieved an early fault diagnosis accuracy rate of over 90%, with the fastest diagnosis time being approximately 0.11 s. Under the same fault conditions, the diagnosis time is 1 s faster than that of a k-means-based fault diagnosis strategy. This study provides a threshold-free, high-accuracy, and rapid fault diagnosis strategy for early fault diagnosis in WECS. By combining neural networks, the proposed method addresses the issue of threshold dependency in fault diagnosis, with potential applications in improving the reliability and safety of wind power generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer)

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27 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bayesian FMEA-Based Method for Critical Fault Identification in Stacker-Automated Stereoscopic Warehouses

by Xinyue Ma and Mengyao Gu

Machines 2025, 13(3), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13030242 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study proposes a Bayesian failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)-based method for identifying critical faults and guiding maintenance decisions in stacker-automated stereoscopic warehouses, addressing the limited research on whole-machine systems and the interactions among fault modes. First, the hesitant fuzzy evaluation method [...] Read more.

This study proposes a Bayesian failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)-based method for identifying critical faults and guiding maintenance decisions in stacker-automated stereoscopic warehouses, addressing the limited research on whole-machine systems and the interactions among fault modes. First, the hesitant fuzzy evaluation method was utilized to assess the influences of risk factors and fault modes in a stacker-automated stereoscopic warehouse. A hesitant fuzzy design structure matrix (DSM) was then constructed to quantify their interaction strengths. Second, leveraging the interaction strengths and causal relationships between severity, detection, risk factors, and fault modes, a Bayesian network model was developed to compute the probabilities of fault modes under varying severity and detection levels. FMEA was subsequently applied to evaluate fault risks based on severity and detection scores. Following this, fault risk ranking was conducted to identify critical fault modes and formulate targeted maintenance strategies. The proposed method was validated through a case study of Company A’s stacker-automated stereoscopic warehouse. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can more objectively identify critical fault modes and develop more precise maintenance strategies. Furthermore, the Bayesian FMEA method provides a more objective and accurate reflection of fault risk rankings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Machines Testing and Maintenance)

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19 pages, 6599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Lead–Zinc-Tailing-Based Geopolymer-Stabilized Aggregates

by Zhengdong Luo, Yuheng Yue, Benben Zhang and Yinghao Chen

Processes 2025, 13(3), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030884 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

As an innovative inorganic cementitious material, geopolymer holds significant application potential in the field of road engineering. Based on the theoretical basis of industrial solid waste resource utilization and combined with geopolymerization technology, this study investigates the feasibility of applying lead–zinc-tailing-based geopolymer–stabilized aggregate [...] Read more.

As an innovative inorganic cementitious material, geopolymer holds significant application potential in the field of road engineering. Based on the theoretical basis of industrial solid waste resource utilization and combined with geopolymerization technology, this study investigates the feasibility of applying lead–zinc-tailing-based geopolymer–stabilized aggregate (LZT-GSA) in road engineering through systematic mechanical property tests, durability assessment, and microstructural characterization. The study focuses on the influence of cementitious material admixture on the unconfined compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, compressive resilient modulus, drying shrinkage, and freeze–thaw cycle resistance of LZT-GSA. The experimental results demonstrated that LZT-GSA exhibited excellent properties in terms of mechanical performance and durability, which were remarkably better than those of conventional cement-stabilized aggregates (CSA). However, the incorporation of a small amount of lead–zinc tailing alone can weaken the mechanical properties of CSA. The drying shrinkage of LZT-GSA was slightly higher than that of CSA due to the difference in the intrinsic reaction mechanism between LZT-GSA and CSA. The effective cementing and wrapping effect of geopolymer gel on discrete aggregate dramatically improves the structural compactness of LZT-GSA. The leaching concentration of heavy metals in LZT-GSA is far below the requirements of environmental protection standards. These research results not only provide theoretical support for the resource utilization of lead–zinc tailings, but also lay a technical foundation for its practical application in road engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)

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18 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generalized Cardinal Polishing Splines Signal Reconstruction

by Fangli Sun and Zhanchuan Cai

Mathematics 2025, 13(6), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13060983 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Sampling and reconstruction are indispensable processes in signal processing, and appropriate foundations are crucial for spline reconstruction models. Generalized cardinal polishing splines (GCP-splines) are a class of high-precision explicit splines with pretty properties. We propose the theory of GCP-splines for signal reconstruction and [...] Read more.

Sampling and reconstruction are indispensable processes in signal processing, and appropriate foundations are crucial for spline reconstruction models. Generalized cardinal polishing splines (GCP-splines) are a class of high-precision explicit splines with pretty properties. We propose the theory of GCP-splines for signal reconstruction and differential signaling to improve signal reconstruction accuracy. First, the elementary theory of the GCP-splines signal processing is proposed, and it mainly includes Fourier transformation and Z-transformation of the GCP-splines. Then, a GCP-splines filter that can be used to reconstruct the output signal from the input discrete signal is proposed. Next, we propose differential signal reconstruction based on the GCP-splines and the sampled original signal values to obtain information on the signal change rate. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the signal reconstruction based on the GCP-splines yields lower approximation errors and better performance than the linear interpolation filter and cardinal B-spline interpolation filter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section E1: Mathematics and Computer Science)

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22 pages, 5641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pose Transfer with Multi-Scale Features Combined with Latent Diffusion Model and ControlNet

by Hsu-Yung Cheng, Chia-Cheng Su, Chi-Lun Jiang and Chih-Chang Yu

Electronics 2025, 14(6), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14061179 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

In recent years, generative AI has become popular in areas like natural language processing, as well as image and audio processing, significantly expanding AI’s creative capabilities. Particularly in the realm of image generation, diffusion models have achieved remarkable success across various applications, such [...] Read more.

In recent years, generative AI has become popular in areas like natural language processing, as well as image and audio processing, significantly expanding AI’s creative capabilities. Particularly in the realm of image generation, diffusion models have achieved remarkable success across various applications, such as image synthesis and transformation. However, traditional diffusion models operate at the pixel level when learning image features, which inevitably demands significant computational resources. To address this issue, this paper proposes a pose transfer model that integrates the latent diffusion model, ControlNet, and a multi-scale feature extraction module. Moreover, the proposed method incorporates a semantic extraction filter into the attention neural network layer. This approach enables the model to train images in the latent space, subsequently focusing on critical image features and the relationships between poses. As a result, the architecture can be efficiently trained using an RTX 4090 GPU instead of multiple A100 GPUs. This study advances generative AI by optimizing diffusion models for enhanced efficiency and scalability. Our integrated approach reduces computational demands and accelerates training, making advanced image generation more accessible to organizations with limited resources and paving the way for future innovations in AI efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pattern Recognition and Image Processing: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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12 pages, 1517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sequential Changes in Circulating Tumor Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Pancreatic Cancer Patients with Preoperative Chemotherapy Using a New Immunocytology-Based, Light Microscopic CTC Detection Platform

by Kohei Yasui, Takuya Saito, Sho Ueda, Kentaro Shinohara, Yasuyuki Fukami, Tsuyoshi Sano and Hayao Nakanishi

Diagnostics 2025, 15(6), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15060752 (registering DOI) - 17 Mar 2025

Abstract

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have recently been developed as biomarkers. Several studies have reported on the clinical use of CTCs to assess drug resistance in various cancers. However, sequential and multiple CTC measurements during chemotherapy are relatively rare. We recently reported a [...] Read more.

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have recently been developed as biomarkers. Several studies have reported on the clinical use of CTCs to assess drug resistance in various cancers. However, sequential and multiple CTC measurements during chemotherapy are relatively rare. We recently reported a transient increase in CTCs early after chemotherapy by sequentially detecting CTCs in a human pancreatic cancer xenograft model in nude mice. Method: In the present study, using a newly developed immunocytology and glass slide-based convenient CTC detection platform, we examined CTC numbers sequentially before, during, and after chemotherapy in the peripheral blood of 14 pancreatic cancer patients, pathological stage (pStage) I-IV, who underwent surgery with preoperative chemotherapy and GS (Gem/S-1) and GnP (Gem/nab-PTX). Results: Among patients with strongly or weakly elevated CTC counts (3–44/5 mL of blood) following GS treatment, four out of six pancreatic cancer patients were judged to have a partial response (PR), and two out of six were deemed to have stable disease (SD) as a clinical response based on the CT image. In contrast, in patients with GnP therapy, three out of four patients showed no CTC response, and these three patients were judged to have progressive disease (PD), while the remaining one patient was judged to have SD in terms of their clinical response. Conclusion: These results suggest that sequential CTC monitoring during preoperative chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients can be a helpful liquid biopsy diagnostic tool as a therapeutic marker to predict tumor chemosensitivity and chemoresistance in clinical settings. Further large-scale clinical studies are required to confirm and clarify this hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cell-Based Technologies for Precision Diagnostics)

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