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Open AccessArticle

Influence of Additive Manufacturing Parameters and Surface Treatments on Wettability of VPP Acrylic Resins

by María Jordá-Reolid, Ivan Dominguez-Candela, Mirko Kunowsky, Ignacio Sandoval-Pérez and Asunción Martínez-García

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141738 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

There is a growing industrial interest in the development of functional plastic surfaces with hydrophobic and easy-to-clean properties, particularly in manufacturing sectors where safety, hygiene, and durability are critical requirements. This work investigates the development of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces on acrylic resin [...] Read more.

There is a growing industrial interest in the development of functional plastic surfaces with hydrophobic and easy-to-clean properties, particularly in manufacturing sectors where safety, hygiene, and durability are critical requirements. This work investigates the development of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces on acrylic resin components fabricated by vat photopolymerisation (VPP), using a high-performance Rigid 10K photopolymer. The influence of manufacturing parameters, namely layer thickness and build orientation, on initial wettability was first evaluated, showing that orientation plays a more relevant role than layer thickness in controlling the water contact angle. Subsequently, different surface modification strategies were explored, including femtosecond laser microtexturing, sandblasting, and physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings. Preliminary results indicate that femtosecond laser texturing enables controlled modification of surface roughness and wettability, with strong dependence on laser fluence and pitch. Sandblasting significantly increases surface roughness, promoting hydrophobic behaviour through the generation of irregular topographies. In contrast, PVD coatings appear to modify wettability primarily through surface chemistry. Roughness analysis suggests that, although layer thickness governs the initial surface condition, post-processing treatments progressively dominate the final surface morphology. Ongoing work is focused on fully correlating roughness parameters, surface morphology, and wettability performance. Overall, the combination of VPP and tailored surface treatments presents a promising approach for functionalising polymeric surfaces for advanced engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing for Plastics: Latest Advances and Future Challenges)

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Open AccessArticle

Iron Deficiency-Induced Hair Loss Is Associated with ROS-Mediated Disruption of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

by Sang-Ah Kwon, So Young Bu, Yeon-Hee Kim, Joo Weon Lim, Christopher D. Vulpe and Seung-Min Lee

Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142321 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Gestational iron requirements may lead to maternal iron deficiency, increasing susceptibility in offspring. In mice, maternal iron deficiency induces hair loss in pups, but mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Objective: This study investigates mechanisms underlying maternal iron deficiency-induced abnormal hair growth and the [...] Read more.

Background: Gestational iron requirements may lead to maternal iron deficiency, increasing susceptibility in offspring. In mice, maternal iron deficiency induces hair loss in pups, but mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Objective: This study investigates mechanisms underlying maternal iron deficiency-induced abnormal hair growth and the impact of iron supplementation on pups’ hair development. Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6J mice (nine-week-old, second week of gestation) were randomly assigned to a standard AIN-76 diet (control, CTRL) or an iron-deficient AIN diet (ID) until parturition and weaning. Offspring were maintained on the same diet as their mothers. At six weeks, hair loss was examined in one set (CTRL1 and ID), while the remaining were transitioned to an iron-replete AIN-76 diet (CTRL2 and IDN) for two additional weeks. An in vitro study with human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) via deferoxamine (DFO) treatment was performed. Results: ID offspring exhibited truncal hairlessness, reduced body size, and abnormal follicular morphology compared to CTRL1, while IDN demonstrated hair regrowth comparable to CTRL2. ID skin tissues had reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, elevated oxidative stress markers, and activation of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, all reversed by iron supplementation. DFO-treated HFDPCs demonstrated increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling, activation of caspase-3, NF-κB, and TGF-β signaling pathways. N-acetylcysteine pretreatment abrogated DFO-induced alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis, suggesting ROS mediates iron deficiency-induced hair loss. Conclusions: Early iron deficiency may have impaired hair growth through increased ROS production, reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and enhanced apoptotic signals, while postnatal iron supplementation could reverse these abnormalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)

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Open AccessReview

Mapping the Translational Research Structure of Photobiomodulation in Osteoarthritis: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Minh Le Tran and Ji-Woo Seok

Bioengineering 2026, 13(7), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13070811 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex whole-joint disease imparting a substantial global socioeconomic burden. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has attracted increasing research interest as a non-pharmacological intervention for OA, but the intellectual structure and developmental trajectory of this research field remain incompletely understood. Objective: This [...] Read more.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex whole-joint disease imparting a substantial global socioeconomic burden. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has attracted increasing research interest as a non-pharmacological intervention for OA, but the intellectual structure and developmental trajectory of this research field remain incompletely understood. Objective: This study systematically mapped the intellectual landscape, research hotspots, thematic structure, and translational characteristics of PBM research in OA using bibliometric methods. Methods: Bibliographic records were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Following data cleaning, 422 publications (1988–2026) were analyzed using the bibliometrix package in R and VOSviewer software. Results: Publication output increased substantially after 2015, with a marked rise after 2020. Keyword co-occurrence analysis classified 71 core keywords into seven clusters, revealing a dual-axis knowledge structure comprising a mechanistic biology axis (inflammation, chondrocytes, oxidative stress, and cartilage) and a clinical rehabilitation axis (pain, WOMAC, exercise, and physical therapy). Overlay visualization and thematic map analyses indicated a gradual shift in research focus from symptom-oriented rehabilitation research toward mechanistic investigations and regenerative medicine-related approaches involving platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells. Reference co-citation analysis identified two major citation clusters connected through studies related to inflammation, pain management, and rehabilitation. Conclusions: The PBM-OA literature is characterized by a translational knowledge structure integrating mechanistic biology and rehabilitation-oriented research. Notably, recent publication trends indicate increasing scholarly attention to regenerative medicine-related approaches while continuing to position PBM within exercise-centered conservative management. To strengthen the evidence base and guide future investigations, future research should prioritize protocol standardization, dose–response validation, and long-term structural outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)

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Open AccessArticle

Interpretable Data-Driven Explicit Shear Formula for Keyed Dry Joints Considering Steel Fiber Contribution

by Qingkun Wei, Kaiqi Zheng, Tianjie Wang, Xueyang Bai, Shima Iortim and Fan Jiang

Buildings 2026, 16(14), 2820; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16142820 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Precast concrete segmental bridges rely on keyed dry joints to transfer shear forces, yet existing formulas have insufficient accuracy for normal concrete (NC) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) joints. In this study, a unified database containing 158 specimens of keyed dry joints was established [...] Read more.

Precast concrete segmental bridges rely on keyed dry joints to transfer shear forces, yet existing formulas have insufficient accuracy for normal concrete (NC) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) joints. In this study, a unified database containing 158 specimens of keyed dry joints was established and systematically screened, and 134 specimens were retained for machine-learning modeling and formula development. Among six machine-learning models, Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) showed the best prediction performance. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis indicated that confining stress, concrete compressive strength, the area of the base of all keys in the failure plane, and the area of contact between smooth surfaces on the failure plane govern shear capacity. Based on these key variables, multiplicative and additive explicit formulas were developed, and the additive formula showed better overall performance, with average experimental-to-predicted ratio (Avg), coefficient of variation (CoV), and R² values of 1.08, 0.22, and 0.94, respectively. Although the additive formula stably predicted NC specimens, it showed insufficient accuracy for UHPC specimens. After introducing steel fiber volume fraction into the root shear term, the UHPC subset’s Avg and CoV improved from 1.30 and 0.24 to 1.09 and 0.21, respectively. The proposed framework integrates data-driven prediction and physical interpretability, providing an engineering-oriented method for shear-capacity prediction of keyed dry joints. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Design of FRP Strengthened/Reinforced Construction Materials)

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Open AccessArticle

Boundedness of Singular Integral Operator in Variable Exponent Lebesgue Spaces

by Muhammad Nasir and Fehaid Salem Alshammari

Mathematics 2026, 14(14), 2558; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14142558 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This manuscript establishes the boundedness results for a class of singular integral operators to a more general framework by imposing conditions on the Hardy–Littlewood maximal function. We establish the results where we construct a suitable range space [...] Read more.

This manuscript establishes the boundedness results for a class of singular integral operators to a more general framework by imposing conditions on the Hardy–Littlewood maximal function. We establish the results where we construct a suitable range space

L^{t (\cdot)} (R_{+})

for a given domain space

L^{s (\cdot)} (R_{+})

such that the operator maps

L^{s (\cdot)} (R_{+})

into

L^{t (\cdot)} (R_{+})

under appropriate assumptions. Conversely, for a prescribed range space

L^{t (\cdot)} (R_{+})

, we determine a corresponding domain space

L^{s (\cdot)} (R_{+})

ensuring that the operator maps

L^{s (\cdot)} (R_{+})

into

L^{t (\cdot)} (R_{+})

. In both settings, we provide illustrative examples to explicitly construct the respective spaces. Since our approach fundamentally relies on the boundedness of the maximal operator, the main results are valid only when the essential infimum

s_{-} > 1

. In the limiting case

s_{-} = 1

, we derive weak-type boundedness results of the form

(1, t (\cdot))

. Additionally, we present analogous formulations of these results in the classical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Functional Analysis and PDEs)

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Open AccessArticle

Water Influx Behavior and CO₂ Injection for Water Control and Production Enhancement in Vertically Heterogeneous Gas Reservoirs

by Zhiliang Shi, Yudan Li, Hua Liu, Qikui Yu, Qizhi Wang, Feifei Fang, Sijie He, Mingyi Gao and Yiqiang Li

Processes 2026, 14(14), 2310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14142310 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

In heterogeneous edge-water carbonate gas reservoirs during the middle-to-late development stage, edge-water invasion and pressure depletion significantly compromise production stability and gas recovery. To investigate water invasion behavior under permeability heterogeneity and evaluate the effectiveness of CO₂ injection for water control and [...] Read more.

In heterogeneous edge-water carbonate gas reservoirs during the middle-to-late development stage, edge-water invasion and pressure depletion significantly compromise production stability and gas recovery. To investigate water invasion behavior under permeability heterogeneity and evaluate the effectiveness of CO₂ injection for water control and enhanced gas recovery, a series of long-core depletion experiments and three-dimensional vertically heterogeneous physical-model experiments were conducted based on representative reservoir conditions. The results show that permeability contrast plays a key role in governing water breakthrough timing and gas production performance. High-permeability cores experience earlier water breakthrough but contribute higher overall recovery, whereas low-permeability cores exhibit delayed depletion and pronounced production decline after breakthrough due to large pressure differentials. In multilayer commingled production, interlayer pressure imbalance drives fluid crossflow from low- and medium-permeability zones toward high-permeability zones, leading to premature water breakthrough, delayed layer activation, and the development of water-blocked gas zones, thereby intensifying interlayer heterogeneity. After depletion, CO₂ injection effectively modifies fluid flow pathways and improves reservoir connectivity. Through gravity-assisted displacement and energy replenishment, CO₂ mitigates water invasion, reconnects previously isolated gas zones, and enhances overall reservoir utilization. The findings demonstrate that CO₂ injection provides a dual benefit in both water control and production enhancement, offering valuable insights for improving recovery strategies in heterogeneous edge-water gas reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiscale Process Engineering for Unconventional Resources)

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Open AccessArticle

Structure Identification of Germplasm Resources of Lotus with High Resistant Starch

by Bin Wang, Zelin Li, Fenglin Zhu, Liangbo Yang, Xingwen Zheng, Shoulei Yan, Ying Diao and Zhongli Hu

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141737 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study focused on resistant starch (RS) from lotus, analyzing its content and structural characteristics across different lotus germplasms. Detection using the Dual-Wavelength Colorimetric Method revealed the following findings: The proportion of amylose in fresh lotus rhizomes was higher than that in fresh [...] Read more.

This study focused on resistant starch (RS) from lotus, analyzing its content and structural characteristics across different lotus germplasms. Detection using the Dual-Wavelength Colorimetric Method revealed the following findings: The proportion of amylose in fresh lotus rhizomes was higher than that in fresh lotus seeds. The average content of resistant starch in fresh lotus rhizomes was also higher than that in fresh lotus seeds. After cooking, the resistant starch content of both lotus rhizomes and seeds decreased, with lotus seeds retaining a relatively higher amount of resistant starch post-cooking. Structural characterization showed that the surface of resistant starch from lotus seeds exhibited a grooved morphology, whereas that from lotus rhizomes appeared as irregular clusters. Additionally, the structure of raw resistant starch was more compact than that of cooked resistant starch. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that all lotus-derived resistant starches formed a type-C crystalline structure, with the crystallinity of resistant starch from lotus seeds being higher than that from lotus rhizomes. This study provides a theoretical foundation for breeding of high-RS lotus varieties and for the effective utilization of lotus germplasm. This work systematically compares RS composition and multi-scale structural differences between two edible lotus organs across a large germplasm population, clarifying the structural basis of RS variation, which distinguishes this study from previous single-material lotus RS research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)

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Open AccessArticle

Advanced State of Charge Estimation for Electric Vehicles Using Novel Pi and T Battery Equivalent Circuit Models

by Abhishek Singh, Kirti Pal, Chandra Bhan Vishwakarma, Himkar and Gulshan Sharma

World Electr. Veh. J. 2026, 17(7), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17070366 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Accurate state of charge (SoC) estimation requires mathematical models that consider individual user usage patterns to ensure optimal performance of lithium-ion battery (LiB) systems. Accurate SoC estimation improves battery life, driving comfort and avoids failure. In this paper, Pi and T equivalent circuit [...] Read more.

Accurate state of charge (SoC) estimation requires mathematical models that consider individual user usage patterns to ensure optimal performance of lithium-ion battery (LiB) systems. Accurate SoC estimation improves battery life, driving comfort and avoids failure. In this paper, Pi and T equivalent circuit models were developed and validated with the 1RC and 2RC Thevenin models. Simulations were carried out to test their behavior under different rates of charging and discharging (1C, 2C, and 3C). The proposed models were validated by using real data from battery tests. At high C-rates, the 1RC and 2RC models show large variations, but the Pi model provided the best agreement with the experimental data for all rates, and the T model provided the second-best fit. In this paper, the impact of battery aging and degradation on the accuracy of the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and Coulomb Counting (CC) methods for estimating the SoC was studied, emphasizing the need to include them in the models. The results emphasized the importance of advanced modeling approaches for efficient battery management and point to directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Storage Systems)

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Open AccessArticle

Curtachalasins Y1–Y13, Anti-Inflammatory Cytochalasans from the Soil Fungus Xylaria sp. Y01

by Yi-Yun Yuan, Yang Xie, Xi Zhou, Liang Tu, Ying-Meng Leng, Qi-An Chen, Qing-Hui Xiao, Shao Liu, Wen-Xuan Wang and Jing Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146313 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Twenty-seven cytochalasans, including thirteen previously undescribed analogs with a 5/6/6/6 tetracyclic skeleton (curtachalasins Y1–Y13), were isolated from the rice-based culture of a soil-derived fungus, Xylaria sp. Y01. Their structures were determined through comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. All isolates [...] Read more.

Twenty-seven cytochalasans, including thirteen previously undescribed analogs with a 5/6/6/6 tetracyclic skeleton (curtachalasins Y1–Y13), were isolated from the rice-based culture of a soil-derived fungus, Xylaria sp. Y01. Their structures were determined through comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data and quantum chemical calculations. All isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Curtachalasin Y1 (12), 5,6-dihydro-7-oxo-18-desoxy-19,20-epoxycytochalasin C (21), and 7-oxo-19,20-epoxycytochalasin C (22) exhibited potent inhibition, with IC₅₀ values of 55.4, 43.8, and 17.8 µM, respectively, compared to 14.9 μM for the positive control dexamethasone. Furthermore, these compounds suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α, confirming their anti-inflammatory activity. Preliminary mechanistic investigation indicated that compound 22 exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cells by downregulating CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and upregulating suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression. These results expand the structural diversity of cytochalasans from Xylaria species and provide a basis for further exploration of their anti-inflammatory potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Bioactive Compounds in Human Health and Disease: 3rd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Flexible Intumescent Roll-Form Fire Protection for Enhancing the Fire Resistance Ratings of Building Structures

by Marina Gravit, Vasily Prusakov, Zybina Olga, Muhammad Mudassar Chishti, Irina Kotlyarskaya and Maxim Sychov

Polymers 2026, 18(14), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18141736 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Intumescent coatings are widely used to enhance the fire resistance of structural steel. In contrast to traditional fire protection methods, this novel flexible intumescent protection offers several key advantages: universal compatibility with other coatings (via non-contact wrapping), resistance to extreme temperatures (−60 °C [...] Read more.

Intumescent coatings are widely used to enhance the fire resistance of structural steel. In contrast to traditional fire protection methods, this novel flexible intumescent protection offers several key advantages: universal compatibility with other coatings (via non-contact wrapping), resistance to extreme temperatures (−60 °C to +90 °C), all-weather usability, and suitability for light-gauge cold-formed thin-walled steel structures. This paper describes the development and investigation of these fire-protective, flexible intumescent coatings based on eco-friendly binders (silicone polymers and acrylic resins) with varying intercalated graphite (IG) content from 0% to 40%. An IG content of 25–40% enables a steel I-section with a section factor of 294 mm⁻¹ to reach its limit state at 44 min (compared to 15 min for unprotected steel). Fire tests on steel beams with a section factor of 172 mm⁻¹ demonstrated that samples reached the deflection limit state at the 64th and 66th minutes, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to determine the temperature ranges for the thermal decomposition and expansion of the IG. Mechanical property studies revealed the influence of IG on the elastic modulus and tensile strength. Accelerated climatic testing in moderately cold conditions and salt spray chamber tests confirmed that the intumescent roll coating has no negative impact on the steel substrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Civil Engineering)

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Open AccessArticle

High Histological Entropy Is Correlated with Poor Overall Survival and Death Within the First 2 Years in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

by Joaquim Carreras, Yara Yukie Kikuti, Shunsuke Nagase, Giovanna Roncador, Haruka Ikoma, Atsushi Ito, Makoto Orita, Sakura Tomita, Yuki Tanigaki, Akihisa Ueno, Yusuke Kondo, Naoya Nakamura and Yohei Masugi

Cancers 2026, 18(14), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18142279 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma and one of the most common hematological neoplasia. Entropy is a statistical measure of randomness that characterizes the texture of an input image and measures tissue complexity. Methods: Image processing and computer vision [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma and one of the most common hematological neoplasia. Entropy is a statistical measure of randomness that characterizes the texture of an input image and measures tissue complexity. Methods: Image processing and computer vision analysis were performed on a series of 114 diagnostic DLBCL cases and 44 reactive lymphoid tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Histological entropy was measured to differentiate between reactive lymphoid tissue and DLBCL and predict clinical evolution. At protein level, immunohistochemistry analyzed Ki67, LMO2, MYC, MDM2, CDK6, E2F1, BCL2, CASP8, MYOB, TP53, cPARP, cCASP3, ISY1, TNFAIP8, CSF1R, CD163, PD-L1 and IL-10 markers. Gene expression analysis using the NanoString nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel was performed in 29 cases. Results: In comparison with reactive lymphoid tissue, DLBCL was characterized by lower entropy (7.32 ± 0.16 vs. 6.82 ± 0.44, respectively; p < 0.001). Within the DLBCL diagnostic category, higher entropy was associated with poor overall survival and death events within the first 2 years (hazard-risk = 2.4, p = 0.004) and lower entropy with a moderate and more favorable outcome (hazard-risk = 0.4, p = 0.004). High entropy was also correlated with ECOG performance status ≥ 2, lower protein expression of apoptosis markers of cPARP and cCASP3, and upregulation of specific immuno-oncology genes such as STAT3, BTK, CASP8, CD47, VCAM1, and MYD88. The prognostic value of entropy was independent of the international prognostic index (IPI), Epstein–Barr virus (EBER), and cell of origin (Hans). Conclusions: The histological evaluation of entropy is useful for the differential diagnosis of reactive lymphoid tissue and DLBCL and is a predictive factor of DLBCL prognosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hematologic Malignancies: Clinical Features and Prognostic Indicators)

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Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Investigation of the Influence of Setting and Meaning on Emotion Responses to Virtual Reality Environments

by David Anthony Redmond, Brendan Rooney and Pamela Gallagher

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16071195 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

The route to wellbeing is often divided into hedonic (pleasure or relaxation) and eudaimonic (meaning or growth) pathways. Positive technology is a growing research area which aims to use technology to facilitate engagement in wellbeing-supporting activities. While virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used [...] Read more.

The route to wellbeing is often divided into hedonic (pleasure or relaxation) and eudaimonic (meaning or growth) pathways. Positive technology is a growing research area which aims to use technology to facilitate engagement in wellbeing-supporting activities. While virtual reality (VR) is increasingly used to support day-to-day wellbeing, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear and VR research typically determines success based on outcomes. This leaves a gap whereby the processes which facilitate outcomes are less understood. This exploratory study examined the relative effects, on participant emotion responses (N = 35), of hedonic (nature vs. urban setting) and eudaimonic (personally meaningful vs. not personally meaningful) VR environments. Results showed that the level of personal meaning associated with an environment influenced emotion outcomes and visual setting did not. Notably, meaningful environments elicited a “mixed-emotional” state, increasing both positive and negative emotional responses. The results highlight the potential for short, personalised virtual experiences to elicit emotionally complex responses that are theoretically consistent with eudaimonic processes like meaningful reminiscence. Results are discussed in relation to the relative influence of hedonic and eudaimonic stimuli to be explored in future research that builds on these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Well-Being in Daily Life)

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Open AccessArticle

Climate-Adaptive Passive Solar Shading Optimization for Building Retrofits and New Construction in Hot Low-Latitude and Cold High-Latitude Regions

by Fei-Yu Song, Wen-Bin Geng, Hong-Shuo Liu and Yan Li

Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7249; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147249 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Passive solar shading must balance energy saving, daylight availability, glare control, and thermal comfort under contrasting climates. This study develops and validates a lightweight, interpretable light-thermal-energy coupling framework for early-stage shading optimization in building retrofits and new construction. It addresses two questions: how [...] Read more.

Passive solar shading must balance energy saving, daylight availability, glare control, and thermal comfort under contrasting climates. This study develops and validates a lightweight, interpretable light-thermal-energy coupling framework for early-stage shading optimization in building retrofits and new construction. It addresses two questions: how shading geometry, envelope performance, and thermal inertia should adapt to hot low-latitude and cold high-latitude regions, and how their coupled performance can be quantified. The framework combines solar geometry, the Perez radiation model, surface irradiance calculation, indoor ray tracing/voxel illuminance simulation, daylight glare probability (DGP) assessment, and a 6R3C (6-Resistance, 3-Capacitance) transient thermal network. A full-factorial matrix of 120 design combinations was evaluated using shading scale, glazing performance, envelope thermal resistance, and thermal mass as variables, with energy use, thermal response, daylight availability, and DGP as objectives. Results show climate-dependent thermal inertia: it stabilizes indoor temperature in cold regions but increases heat accumulation in hot regions. The optimal schemes satisfy visual comfort (DGP < 0.40) and achieve energy savings up to 44.2% for retrofits and 50.0% for new buildings in hot regions, and 14.6% in cold regions. The framework provides transparent decision support for climate-adaptive, low-carbon building design and complements EnergyPlus, TRNSYS, and Radiance. By supporting energy-efficient retrofits and climate-responsive new construction, the proposed approach contributes to sustainability by reducing dependence on mechanical heating and cooling, improving operational resource efficiency, and maintaining indoor thermal and visual comfort. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Green Building)

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Open AccessArticle

Calibration and Experiment of Discrete Element Parameters for White Radish Seed Pods

by Shengsheng Wang, Hao Guo, Jialiang Zhang, Zhonghan Chen, Qian Wu and Wendong Xie

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7122; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147122 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

To investigate the dynamic threshing and separation process of white radish seed pods using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and improve the accuracy of DEM simulations, a study on parameter calibration for the DEM model of white radish seed pods was carried out [...] Read more.

To investigate the dynamic threshing and separation process of white radish seed pods using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and improve the accuracy of DEM simulations, a study on parameter calibration for the DEM model of white radish seed pods was carried out through experimental and simulation methods. Firstly, the static friction coefficient and rolling friction coefficient between seed pods and steel plates and between seed pods themselves, as well as restitution coefficient between seed pods and steel plates, were measured using the inclined plane method and the flat plate collision method. The angle of repose test for white radish seed pods was conducted using the funnel accumulation method, and the contour of the angle of repose image was fitted by Origin 2018 software, yielding a measured angle of repose of 31.03°. Key contact parameters between white radish seed pods and operating equipment were determined using the Plackett–Burman design and the steepest ascent method, and the model reliability was verified through the angle of repose test. The results indicated that restitution coefficient, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient between white radish seed pods and operating equipment were 0.5, 0.488, and 0.025, respectively. The optimal values of restitution coefficient, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient between white radish seed pods themselves were 0.4, 0.219, and 0.055, respectively. In the angle of repose verification test, the relative error between the simulated and measured values was 2.56%. A DEM-based threshing simulation of white radish seed pods was conducted, achieving a threshing efficiency of 96.47%, with a relative error of 2.24% compared to the actual threshing efficiency. The DEM model of white radish seed pods showed good agreement with the actual situation, and the calibrated DEM simulation parameters were reliable, providing a reference for the DEM simulation studies of white radish seed pods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Science and Technology)

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Open AccessArticle

An Interactive Parametric Framework for Quartic Overhauser (QOVR) Splines in Geometric Modeling with Local Shape Control and C¹ Continuity

by Hakan Üstünel

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7121; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147121 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study presents a continuous geometric framework utilizing a novel quartic Overhauser (QOVR) spline with adjustable local parameters. The proposed spline is constructed as an alternative representation from an algebraic blending mechanism of three parabolic segments defined over a five-point control configuration. This [...] Read more.

This study presents a continuous geometric framework utilizing a novel quartic Overhauser (QOVR) spline with adjustable local parameters. The proposed spline is constructed as an alternative representation from an algebraic blending mechanism of three parabolic segments defined over a five-point control configuration. This structure enables flexible spline definitions through internal parametric knots without modifying the spatial locations of the control points. The resulting formulation maintains

C^{1}

continuity, ensuring smooth transitions between adjacent spline segments. The QOVR spline offers structural advantages in interactive design and computational geometry environments. To evaluate the computational steps, a dedicated object-oriented prototyping framework was introduced to organize, visualize, and analyze the proposed spline. This arrangement facilitates continuous visualization, interactive adjustment of local parameters, and multi-segment implementations. Exported coordinates further allow independent numerical verification in external computational environments when required. The QOVR spline achieves a balance between geometric flexibility and boundary condition invariance. By allowing independent parametric knot adjustments without disrupting the global continuity constraints, the proposed design offers direct local morphological flexibility during geometric synthesis. This study introduces the QOVR spline integrated into an object-oriented prototyping framework, offering a distinct algebraic design for interactive geometric environments and computer-aided design (CAD) setups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computer Graphics and 3D Technologies, 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

The Tourism–Housing Nexus in Portugal: Recent Change, Correlation Evidence, and Residents’ Perceptions

by Pedro Chamusca

Urban Sci. 2026, 10(7), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci10070410 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between tourism dynamics and housing systems in large urban municipalities, combining three complementary analytical dimensions: statistical indicators, correlation analysis, and resident survey data. The study explores how tourism growth, platform-mediated accommodation, and real estate pressures interact with housing [...] Read more.

This article examines the relationship between tourism dynamics and housing systems in large urban municipalities, combining three complementary analytical dimensions: statistical indicators, correlation analysis, and resident survey data. The study explores how tourism growth, platform-mediated accommodation, and real estate pressures interact with housing affordability and availability. By triangulating municipal statistical indicators and residents’ perceptions, the article contributes to current debates on touristification, housing assetisation, and platform urbanism. The findings suggest that tourism–housing pressures are multidimensional and uneven, requiring integrated regulatory and planning responses that address both supply constraints and demand-side transformations linked to tourism economies. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Algorithmic Nudging and Financial Over-Indebtedness: A Longitudinal Panel Analysis of AI-Integrated BNPL in MENA E-Commerce

by Osama Wagdi, Walid Abouzeid, Heba Farid and Sharihan M. Aly

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2026, 21(7), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer21070227 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Artificial intelligence-integrated ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) platforms are diffusing rapidly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), raising concerns about consumer financial vulnerability. Drawing on choice architecture, payment decoupling, and financial literacy literatures, this study examines how three platform-level features—algorithmic nudging, [...] Read more.

Artificial intelligence-integrated ‘buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) platforms are diffusing rapidly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), raising concerns about consumer financial vulnerability. Drawing on choice architecture, payment decoupling, and financial literacy literatures, this study examines how three platform-level features—algorithmic nudging, AI personalization intensity, and perceived ease of credit—are associated with impulsive buying tendency and downstream financial outcomes, and whether BNPL-specific financial literacy attenuates these associations. A multi-method design combined cross-sectional partial least squares structural equation modeling (N = 1247 active BNPL users in seven MENA countries) with a six-month longitudinal follow-up (N = 847, 68% retention). Algorithmic nudging was positively associated with impulsive buying tendency, which in turn was associated with elevated financial stress and longitudinal debt accumulation. The ‘loyalty trap’—a paradoxical state in which financially stressed consumers maintain high platform loyalty—is provisionally documented via piecewise longitudinal trajectories. We emphasize that this pattern is consistent with but not causally established by the present design, and we outline specific experimental and quasi-experimental research designs needed for causal identification. BNPL-specific financial literacy moderated the associations between algorithmic nudging, impulsive buying, and adverse financial outcomes, with the highest-literacy quartile exhibiting substantially attenuated debt trajectories. We discuss boundary conditions, alternative explanations, and the limits of causal inference in non-experimental panel data. Findings inform evolving BNPL regulatory frameworks in MENA, with particular relevance to nudge-transparency disclosures, contractual cooling-off periods, and credit-bureau reporting standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section FinTech, Blockchain, and Digital Finance)

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Open AccessArticle

Photonic–Chemical Coupling in Confined Catalytic Nanocavities for Selective Energy Conversion

by Pietro Perlo, Marco Dalmasso, Luca Belforte, Vito Guido Lambertini and Nello Li Pira

Coatings 2026, 16(7), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16070844 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Selective energy conversion in confined catalytic nanocavities is examined through a coupled reactive–photonic framework. The practical target is a combustor-integrated selective emitter for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion and cascaded thermoelectric (TEG) recovery, in which Pt-coated anodic porous alumina (APA) functions simultaneously as a catalytic [...] Read more.

Selective energy conversion in confined catalytic nanocavities is examined through a coupled reactive–photonic framework. The practical target is a combustor-integrated selective emitter for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion and cascaded thermoelectric (TEG) recovery, in which Pt-coated anodic porous alumina (APA) functions simultaneously as a catalytic reactor, a cavity-modified electromagnetic environment and a heat-routing structure. Visible/near-infrared spectra (380–780 nm) show that Pt-coated APA exhibits a substantially stronger non-grey red-edge depression than a smooth zirconia reference. This observation establishes a spectral contrast in the measured window but is not used to identify an experimental cutoff wavelength, because a finite, open, lossy and array-coupled pore does not exhibit the abrupt edge predicted for an ideal cylindrical waveguide. For the mid-infrared, analytical scaling shows that the principal H₂O and CO₂ bands at 2.7, 4.3, 6.3 and 15.0 µm all lie deep in the evanescent regime relative to the ideal TE₁₁ cutoff wavelength λc ≈ 0.513 µm for a 300 nm pore. A converged finite-difference time-domain benchmark at the CO₂ 4.3 µm band yields a source-local Purcell factor F_p ≈ 0.38, indicating suppression of the total local density of optical states, while aperture flux is more than six orders of magnitude smaller than the near-field power budget. The specific contribution is therefore not the established fact of below-cutoff attenuation, but the co-design and separate quantification of a catalytic nanocavity as a reactive compartment, photonic environment and energy-branching element. The results provide a bounded mechanistic basis for combustor-integrated TPV and hybrid TPV/TEG architectures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Functional Nanostructured Films and Coatings for Energy Applications, 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Integrated Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis Unveils the Multi-Organ Regulatory Mechanisms of Growth Divergence in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

by Tengfei Zhu, Hao Chen, Zhipeng Zheng, Huayang Guo, Baosuo Liu, Kecheng Zhu, Nan Zhang, Lin Xian, Yingying Yu, Yang Liu, Songlin Chen and Dianchang Zhang

Animals 2026, 16(14), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16142205 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an important freshwater aquaculture species in China. However, high-density farming often leads to significant growth differentiation among individuals, seriously affecting yield and product quality. Here, we conducted an integrated transcriptomic and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomic analysis [...] Read more.

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an important freshwater aquaculture species in China. However, high-density farming often leads to significant growth differentiation among individuals, seriously affecting yield and product quality. Here, we conducted an integrated transcriptomic and data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomic analysis across the brain, liver, and muscle tissues of fast-growing (FG) and slow-growing (SG) grass carp after 9 months of high-density culture. Our analysis revealed that the core mechanism driving growth differentiation is a deep decoupling of transcription and translation, where enhanced muscle translational efficiency dictates the fast-growth phenotype, while slow growth is constrained by central stress and hepatic energy depletion. In the slow growth group, the brain exhibited translational arrest and neuroinflammation, and the liver entered a state of hypermetabolism mediated by AMPK, evidenced by the post-transcriptional up-regulation of key sensors such as CAB39 (PRM ratio = 1.634) and CAMKK2 (PRM ratio = 1.295). Conversely, in the fast-growing group, the mTOR–ribosome signaling axis was strongly activated at the post-transcriptional level in the muscle (GSEA NES = −1.852), triggering myofibrillar protein deposition despite transcriptional silence in classical growth pathways. These findings elucidate the systemic molecular mechanisms of growth divergence and provide high-confidence molecular targets for developing fast-growing, stress-resilient grass carp strains for precision aquaculture breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aquatic Animals)

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Open AccessStudy Protocol

The Effect of Binaural Beats Music-Based Interventions on the Autonomic Nervous System, Considering Kinesiophobia of Reinjuries and Fitness Biomarkers in Professional Athletes with Musculoskeletal Injuries: Study Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials

by Evangelos Kontogiannis, Marianna Papadopoulou, Dimitrios Mandalidis, Apostolos Z. Skouras and Maria Papandreou

Healthcare 2026, 14(14), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14142129 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of binaural beats (BB) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), kinesiophobia of reinjury and fitness biomarkers in professional athletes with chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: A total of 54 athletes aged 18–25 years, engaged in [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of binaural beats (BB) on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), kinesiophobia of reinjury and fitness biomarkers in professional athletes with chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Methods: A total of 54 athletes aged 18–25 years, engaged in open-skill sports and experiencing chronic lower-limb injuries for over three months, will be recruited. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: an intervention group, a placebo group, and a control group. All athletes will undergo a 15 min auditory intervention five times per week for four weeks. The intervention group will listen to BB embedded in music at high beta and gamma frequencies (30–100 Hz) with guided instructions. The placebo group will receive placebo BB within the same music framework, while the control group will listen only to the music background. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 4-week follow-up. The primary outcomes will be kinesiophobia of reinjury, ANS function, and heart rate variability (HRV), assessed using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-17), Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR), and HRV analysis, respectively. Secondary outcomes will include sport-related anxiety and pain beliefs, assessed using the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT-15) and the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory (PBPI-16), respectively; handgrip strength, assessed using the Hand Grip Test; and fitness-related biomarkers, including maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and blood lactate concentration. Conclusions: These findings may provide evidence supporting BB as a complementary, non-invasive intervention to enhance psychological and physiological rehabilitation in injured athletes. Ethics and Dissemination: The study has received ethical approval and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and academic presentations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Sports Injury Prevention and Physical Rehabilitation)

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Open AccessReview

Piriformospora indica in Improving Stress Resistance in Horticultural Plants: Function and Mechanism

by Yan Yang, Pei Yang, Chunzhen Cheng, Hongsheng Zhang and Yandong Yao

Horticulturae 2026, 12(7), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12070860 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Horticultural plants are exposed to multiple environmental stresses that compromise both vegetative growth development and final crop production. Piriformospora indica, a mycorrhizal-like fungus that can be cultivated axenically, promotes plant growth and stress tolerance. There is currently compelling experimental evidence that P [...] Read more.

Horticultural plants are exposed to multiple environmental stresses that compromise both vegetative growth development and final crop production. Piriformospora indica, a mycorrhizal-like fungus that can be cultivated axenically, promotes plant growth and stress tolerance. There is currently compelling experimental evidence that P. indica is involved in the plant stress response. This narrative review mainly focuses on the ability of P. indica to induce defense responses by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, regulating membrane peroxidation, promoting photosynthesis, and reducing the accumulation of ROS, thereby ultimately improving plant stress tolerance. Future research may focus on deciphering the intricate mechanisms by which P. indica, gasotransmitters, and transcription factors coregulate plant growth during stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Stress Physiology and Resistance Regulation in Horticultural Plants: 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessArticle

Competitive Fitness of Cytomegalovirus Mutants Bearing Changes in the UL56 Terminase Subunit, Associated with Letermovir-Resistance, in Presence and Absence of Antivirals

by Graciela Andrei, Sarah Gillemot and Robert Snoeck

Viruses 2026, 18(7), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18070779 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Letermovir (LMV), a cytomegalovirus (CMV) terminase inhibitor, has a potentially low genetic barrier to the emergence of resistance, with single mutations in the terminase subunits (UL51, UL56, UL89) being associated with LMV resistance (LMV-R). We determined the fitness of LMV-R viruses (UL56 C325F/W/Y [...] Read more.

Letermovir (LMV), a cytomegalovirus (CMV) terminase inhibitor, has a potentially low genetic barrier to the emergence of resistance, with single mutations in the terminase subunits (UL51, UL56, UL89) being associated with LMV resistance (LMV-R). We determined the fitness of LMV-R viruses (UL56 C325F/W/Y or M236V mutants) with different DNA polymerase (pol) (UL54) mutants in the presence and absence of anti-CMV drugs in dual-infection competition assays. After 7 days of growth, viral variants were quantified by targeted sequencing of the UL54 or UL56 genes by next-generation sequencing. Without antivirals, the UL56 C325F mutant was equally fitted as the wild-type virus, in contrast to C325W/Y mutants that had a reduced replication capacity. The UL56 C325F mutant showed the highest replication capacity among all terminase mutants tested when grown in competition with wild-type virus under LMV. The UL56 terminase mutants gained replication capacity when grown in competition with DNA pol mutant viruses under LMV pressure, with the terminase mutant UL56 C325F being able to overgrow various DNA pol mutants. Furthermore, the UL56 C325F mutant showed the highest replication capacity when grown in competition with another UL56 terminase mutant. Our results are in line with the C325F UL56 mutant being the most frequent LMV-R mutation identified in the clinic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Virology and Viral Diseases)

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Open AccessArticle

Co-Creating Governance for Community-Based Forest Orchid Cultivation and Ecotourism: Lessons from Lore Lindu National Park, Indonesia

by Teguh Kurniawan, Syifa Amania Afra, Ega Wahyudi, Yohani Ebiantari, Imam Fajri and Raynilda Siringoringo

Forests 2026, 17(7), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17070837 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP), a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, is characterized by its significant biodiversity and ecotourism potential, including endemic forest orchids and rich cultural heritage. Despite its ecological importance, the park [...] Read more.

Lore Lindu National Park (LLNP), a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, is characterized by its significant biodiversity and ecotourism potential, including endemic forest orchids and rich cultural heritage. Despite its ecological importance, the park continues to face deforestation and illegal land use, partly driven by limited community involvement in conservation governance. In this study, we examine the co-creation of governance in community-based forest orchid cultivation and ecotourism initiatives in Karunia Village, where local communities have developed organic orchid cultivation practices since 2004. Drawing on the co-creation governance framework of Christopher Ansell, Eva Sørensen, and Jacob Torfing, we employ a qualitative case study approach based on a literature review, field observations, and in-depth interviews conducted over four months. Our findings reveal that each phase of co-creation is shaped by distinct institutional and socio-political dynamics. Initiation is strongly influenced by local economic pressures and social solidarity, while design encounters regulatory barriers related to licensing and conservation policy. Implementation remains constrained by fragmented coordination among multi-level stakeholders, and systematic evaluation mechanisms are largely absent. We propose the use of a Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI) Matrix to clarify institutional roles and strengthen collaborative governance arrangements. This article contributes to the literature by expanding the empirical understanding of co-creation practices in the Global South and highlighting the importance of institutional and socio-political dimensions in community-based environmental governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Forest Governance, Policy, and Economics)

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Open AccessArticle

Design of a Robust Controller for Speed Sensorless Brushless DC Motor Drive

by Kuei-Hsiang Chao and Zheng-Nan Lin

Electronics 2026, 15(14), 3126; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15143126 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

This paper proposes a robust controller combined with extension theory (ET) and applies it to the speed control of a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive system. The controller uses the motor’s speed error and its rate of change as characteristic values to establish [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a robust controller combined with extension theory (ET) and applies it to the speed control of a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive system. The controller uses the motor’s speed error and its rate of change as characteristic values to establish ET classical domain and neighborhood domain models. Appropriate weights are set, and then the real-time speed error and its rate of change are used as input to calculate their correlation function with the ET model. The system can automatically determine the optimal proportional–integral (P-I) parameters, enabling the controller to perform real-time adaptive adjustments in response to the system’s nonlinear and time-varying characteristics. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional fixed-gain P-I controllers with insufficient response during speed tracking and load changes. Furthermore, the system is equipped with a synchronous reference frame-based sliding mode observer (SRF-SMO) to achieve speed sensorless control. A power factor correction (PFC) circuit and over-voltage and over-current protection circuits are added to the drive system to improve the power quality at the power source and the operational safety of the drive system. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller, this paper implements the control algorithm on a 32-bit floating-point digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F28335 using PSIM SimCoder’s automatic code generation technology. The experimental results show that compared to three different sliding mode controllers (SMCs) designed with constant speed reaching law (CSRL), exponential reaching law (ERL), and extension theory combined with exponential reaching law (ETERL), the proposed extension theory robust speed controller exhibits superior control performance in speed command tracking and load regulation response. This demonstrates that the proposed robust controller not only possesses stronger anti-disturbance capability, smaller speed drop, and shorter recovery time but additionally, the power factor of the drive system under rated load can reach above 0.98, and the protection mechanism can be activated under both over-voltage and over-current conditions, allowing the drive system to operate safely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Electric Machines Design, Modelling, Control, and Operation, 2nd Edition)

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Open AccessReview

Cracking the Hard Seed: Molecular Mechanisms and Multi-Omics Insights into Seed Dormancy and Germination in the Genus Astragalus

by Waqar Afzal Malik, Maria Afzal, Salsabeel Yousuf, Li Ma, Xinchun Tian, Lei Wang, Yunling Zhang and Hongling Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(14), 6312; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27146312 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

The genus Astragalus comprises one of the largest and most ecologically diverse groups of flowering plants and includes species of major medicinal, forage, and restoration value, particularly Astragalus membranaceus and allied taxa. However, effective germplasm utilization and large-scale cultivation remain constrained by strong [...] Read more.

The genus Astragalus comprises one of the largest and most ecologically diverse groups of flowering plants and includes species of major medicinal, forage, and restoration value, particularly Astragalus membranaceus and allied taxa. However, effective germplasm utilization and large-scale cultivation remain constrained by strong seed dormancy, most commonly expressed as physical dormancy imposed by a water-impermeable seed coat. In some species, this coat-imposed barrier is further complicated by an additional physiological component, resulting in combinational dormancy. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the structural, molecular, and multi-omics basis of seed dormancy and germination in Astragalus, with emphasis on the dormancy-to-germination transition. We first examine the anatomical basis of hardseededness, including the palisade layer, light line, and associated seed-coat barrier domains, and discuss the likely contributions of phenylpropanoid, lignin, suberin, and cutin biosynthesis to the establishment of physical dormancy. We then summarize current understanding of hormone crosstalk, highlighting the central roles of abscisic acid and gibberellins together with ethylene, brassinosteroids, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide in regulating post-dormancy germination. Recent transcriptomic, metabolomic, and emerging integrative omics studies reveal that Astragalus germination involves not only reserve mobilization and energy activation but also early induction of characteristic secondary-metabolite pathways, particularly flavonoids and isoflavonoids, which distinguishes medicinal Astragalus seeds from many conventional crop seeds. Finally, we discuss current bottlenecks, including the limited availability of robust functional-genomics tools, and outline future directions involving CRISPR-based validation, epigenetic regulation, and marker-assisted breeding for improved germination uniformity and reduced hardseededness. This review provides a mechanistic framework for unlocking Astragalus seed dormancy and accelerating the conservation, breeding, and medicinal utilization of this important genus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Characterization and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources)

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Open AccessArticle

Research on Regional Crustal Stability Evaluation Based on Random Forest Weighting: A Case Study of Pumped Storage Power Station in Tibet

by Rongfu Zeng, Shuyu Wu, Dejun Zhao, Chaopeng Luo, Hualian Miao and Anbang Wang

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7119; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147119 (registering DOI) - 15 Jul 2026

Abstract

A large pumped storage power station is planned in Mangkam, Xizang, adjacent to the Lancang River Fault Zone, where the terrain is highly dissected. In recent years, seismic activity, extreme weather, and human interference have collectively caused frequent collapses and landslides. Based on [...] Read more.

A large pumped storage power station is planned in Mangkam, Xizang, adjacent to the Lancang River Fault Zone, where the terrain is highly dissected. In recent years, seismic activity, extreme weather, and human interference have collectively caused frequent collapses and landslides. Based on comprehensive data collection and field geological investigations, this study evaluates regional crustal stability using a Random Forest (RF) model, incorporating seismicity, geological hazards, geophysical fields, and in situ stress conditions. The results show that the area of stable, relatively stable, relatively unstable and unstable crustal zones account for 31.2%, 34.09%, 16.53% and 18.16%, respectively. Fault structures are the dominant factor controlling crustal instability, while geological hazard susceptibility exerts a significant secondary influence. The RF and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) yield broadly consistent zoning patterns, but RF demonstrates clearer spatial differentiation and a more pronounced response to key controlling factors, indicating its greater effectiveness for crustal stability assessment. Full article

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