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27 pages, 4436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leveraging Large Language Models for Sentiment Analysis and Investment Strategy Development in Financial Markets

by Yejoon Mun and Namhyoung Kim

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(2), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20020077 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the application of large language models (LLMs) in sentiment analysis of financial news and their use in developing effective investment strategies. We conducted sentiment analysis on news articles related to the top 30 companies listed on Nasdaq using both discriminative [...] Read more.

This study investigates the application of large language models (LLMs) in sentiment analysis of financial news and their use in developing effective investment strategies. We conducted sentiment analysis on news articles related to the top 30 companies listed on Nasdaq using both discriminative models such as BERT and FinBERT, and generative models including Llama 3.1, Mistral, and Gemma 2. To enhance the robustness of the analysis, advanced prompting techniques—such as Chain of Thought (CoT), Super In-Context Learning (SuperICL), and Bootstrapping—were applied to generative LLMs. The results demonstrate that long strategies generally yield superior portfolio performance compared to short and long–short strategies. Notably, generative LLMs outperformed discriminative models in this context. We also found that the application of SuperICL to generative LLMs led to significant performance improvements, with further enhancements noted when both SuperICL and Bootstrapping were applied together. These findings highlight the profitability and stability of the proposed approach. Additionally, this study examines the explainability of LLMs by identifying critical data considerations and potential risks associated with their use. The research highlights the potential of integrating LLMs into financial strategy development to provide a data-driven foundation for informed decision-making in financial markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Artificial Intelligence Applications in Financial Technology, 2nd Edition)

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28 pages, 5439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characterization and Antioxidant and Erythroprotective Effects of β-Carotene Complexed in β-Cyclodextrin

by Andrés Leobardo Puebla-Duarte, Ariadna Thalía Bernal-Mercado, Irela Santos-Sauceda, Mónica Acosta-Elias, Daniel Fernández-Quiroz, Silvia Elena Burruel-Ibarra, José de Jesús Ornelas-Paz, Ingrid Daniela Pérez-Cabral, Francisco Rodríguez-Félix, Rey David Iturralde-García, Miguel Ángel Robles-García, José Agustín Tapia-Hernández, Ricardo Iván González-Vega and Carmen Lizette Del-Toro-Sánchez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083902 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

β-carotene (β-C) is a hydrophobic compound, easily degradable by light and oxygen and with low solubility, limiting its applications. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) can encapsulate β-C, protecting it from degradation and maintaining its bioactivity. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize and determine the antioxidant and [...] Read more.

β-carotene (β-C) is a hydrophobic compound, easily degradable by light and oxygen and with low solubility, limiting its applications. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) can encapsulate β-C, protecting it from degradation and maintaining its bioactivity. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize and determine the antioxidant and erythroprotective activity of β-C/β-CD inclusion complexes. The co-precipitation technique was used to elaborate β-C/β-CD in a 40:60 ratio, obtaining a high yield (94.10%), an entrapment efficiency of 82.47%, and a loading efficiency of 11.92%. The moisture of β-C/β-CD was 2.93%. β-C release increased over the time of 216 h (80.8%, 92.8%, and 97.4% at 8 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C, respectively). A UV–visible analysis confirmed the presence of β-carotene in the inclusion complex, indicating successful encapsulation without significant structural changes. According to the adsorption–desorption isotherms, the complexes showed a type II isotherm. The FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex, which interacted by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, or van der Waals forces. The DSC showed an endothermic peak at 118 °C in the β-C/β:CD. The TGA revealed reduced water loss in the β-carotene/β-cyclodextrin complex, indicating limited water binding due to encapsulation. The microscopic surface morphologies observed by the SEM of β-C/β-CD were irregular-shaped clumps in the surface with a particle average size of 8.09 µm. The X-ray diffraction showed a crystalline structure of the complex. The zeta potential determination indicated a negative charge (−23 and −32 mV). The ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP demonstrated the antioxidant activity of β-C/β:CD (34.09%, 21.73%, and 8.85. mM ET/g, respectively), similar to pure β-C (34.64%, 22.63%, and 9.12 μM ET/g, respectively). The complexes showed an erythroprotective effect inhibiting hemolysis (64.09%). Therefore, with these characteristics, β-CD is a good encapsulant for β-C, and this complex could be applied in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Bioactives from Natural Products)

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22 pages, 10154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Century of Water–Socioecological Dynamics and Evolutionary Stages in Lake Victoria Basin, East Africa

by Xinxin Zhang, Mengyuan Wang, Shiying Jin, Ismael A. Kimirei and Qun Gao

Land 2025, 14(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040906 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Understanding the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of water–socioecological systems (W-SESs) is crucial for achieving sustainable development in basins. This study focuses on the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) in East Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, and developing industrialization have intensified water resource [...] Read more.

Understanding the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of water–socioecological systems (W-SESs) is crucial for achieving sustainable development in basins. This study focuses on the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) in East Africa, where population growth, rapid urbanization, and developing industrialization have intensified water resource supply–demand conflicts, leading to socioecological issues such as water environmental degradation and ecological conflicts. The objective of this research is to develop a theoretical framework for the Lake Victoria Basin W-SESs (LVB-WSESs) based on the SES framework, identify the main drivers and critical nodes in the evolution of the LVB-WSESs, analyze the root causes of water–society–ecology conflicts, and explore the feedback relationships and evolutionary stages of the LVB-WSESs over the past century. To achieve this, we employed an integrated qualitative and quantitative analysis of historical data combined with tipping point detection to systematically assess the dynamics of the LVB-WSESs. Our findings show that, under the drivers of climate change (with a 1 °C increase in annual temperature since 1920s), population growth (a six-fold increase since 1920s), economic development, land-use change, urbanization, and species invasion, the basin’s demand for water resources, water environments, and aquatic ecosystems has continually increased, leading to the gradual degradation and imbalance of the basin’s ecological functions. The evolution of the LVB-WSESs can be divided into five stages against the historical backdrop of societal transitions from colonial to independent democratic systems: the stable resource utilization period, the slow environmental change period (1920s–1960s), the rapid environmental imbalance period (1960s–1990s), the transition period from environmental imbalance to protection (1990s–2015), and the reconstruction period of socioecological equilibrium. This study not only enhances understanding of the long-term dynamics of the LVB-WSESs but also provides practical implications for sustainable water management in similar basins globally. It enriches the local practice of global sustainable development theories, providing new theoretical perspectives and case references for future watershed sustainable management. By identifying critical drivers and evolutionary stages, our findings can inform policy decisions and interventions to mitigate socioecological conflicts and achieve basin-level sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 4th Edition)

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18 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Fuzzy Temporal Pattern Mining: A Block-Decomposition Algorithm for Partial Periodic Associations in Event Data

by Aihua Zhu, Haote Zhang, Xingqian Chen and Dingkun Zhu

Mathematics 2025, 13(8), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13081349 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces a dual-strategy model based on temporal transformation and fuzzy theory, and designs a partitioned mining algorithm for periodic frequent patterns in large-scale event data (3P-TFT). The model reconstructs original event data through temporal reorganization and attribute fuzzification, preserving data continuity [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a dual-strategy model based on temporal transformation and fuzzy theory, and designs a partitioned mining algorithm for periodic frequent patterns in large-scale event data (3P-TFT). The model reconstructs original event data through temporal reorganization and attribute fuzzification, preserving data continuity distribution characteristics while enabling efficient processing of multidimensional attributes within a multi-temporal granularity calendar framework. The 3P-TFT algorithm employs temporal interval and object attribute partitioning strategies to achieve distributed mining of large-scale data. Experimental results demonstrate that this method effectively reveals hidden periodic patterns in stock trading events at specific temporal granularities, with volume–price association rules providing significant predictive and decision-making value. Furthermore, comparative algorithm experiments confirm that the 3P-TFT algorithm exhibits exceptional stability and adaptability across event databases with various cycle lengths, offering a novel theoretical tool for complex event data mining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence Applications with Advanced Mathematical Methods)

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45 pages, 27302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation of Hydrogen Mixing Process in T-Junction Natural Gas Pipeline

by Yangyang Tian, Tongmu Tian, Gaofei Ren and Jiaxin Zhang

Materials 2025, 18(8), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081879 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

As a cost-effective transitional strategy, the integrated utilization and transportation of hydrogen and natural gas have gained significant attention as a viable pathway toward carbon neutrality. However, hydrogen’s low density, viscosity, and calorific value cause upward migration and accumulation in pipelines, raising embrittlement [...] Read more.

As a cost-effective transitional strategy, the integrated utilization and transportation of hydrogen and natural gas have gained significant attention as a viable pathway toward carbon neutrality. However, hydrogen’s low density, viscosity, and calorific value cause upward migration and accumulation in pipelines, raising embrittlement risks. Its high diffusion and leakage rates also pose significant safety challenges. To address hydrogen–natural gas blending challenges, achieving uniform mixing is crucial. This study systematically examines hydrogen–methane mixing in T-junction pipelines via numerical simulations, analyzing hydrogen mixing ratios (HMR: 10–25%) and methane flow rates (4–10 m/s) to assess flow and mixing dynamics. The coefficient of variation (COV) quantifies mixing uniformity with spatial and temporal analyses, optimizing hydrogen injection for rapid, homogeneous mixing. The key findings are as follows: (1) The uniform mixing length (the minimum axial distance required for the first pipeline cross-section to achieve 95% mixing uniformity) decreases inversely with the HMR, from 100 D to 20.875 D (D represents the pipeline diameter) as the HMR rises from 10% to 25%. (2) Analysis of initial uniform mixing time (defined as the duration required for the first pipeline cross-section to achieve 95% mixing uniformity) shows significant reduction with increasing HMR. While methane flow rate has a less pronounced effect, it nevertheless contributes to reducing the outlet uniform mixing time (defined as the time required to attain 95% mixing uniformity at the pipeline outlet). (3) A fundamental trade-off in engineering applications is established: increasing the HMR reduces mixing length but extends overall mixing time (difference between outlet and initial mixing times), while higher methane flow rates shorten overall mixing time at the cost of increased mixing length. The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the fundamental fluid dynamics of hydrogen–methane mixtures in T-junction pipelines, providing scientific insights for the safe and efficient operation of hydrogen-blended natural gas pipeline systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiscale Characterization and Computational Modeling/Simulation of Metallic Materials)

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20 pages, 5194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for the 3D Reconstruction of Landscape Trees in the Leafless Stage

by Jiaqi Li, Qingqing Huang, Xin Wang, Benye Xi, Jie Duan, Hang Yin and Lingya Li

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(8), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17081473 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Three-dimensional models of trees can help simulate forest resource management, field surveys, and urban landscape design. With the advancement of Computer Vision (CV) and laser remote sensing technology, forestry researchers can use images and point cloud data to perform digital modeling. However, modeling [...] Read more.

Three-dimensional models of trees can help simulate forest resource management, field surveys, and urban landscape design. With the advancement of Computer Vision (CV) and laser remote sensing technology, forestry researchers can use images and point cloud data to perform digital modeling. However, modeling leafless tree models that conform to tree growth rules and have effective branching remains a major challenge. This article proposes a method based on 3D Gaussian Splatting (3D GS) to address this issue. Firstly, we compared the reconstruction of the same tree and confirmed the advantages of the 3D GS method in tree 3D reconstruction. Secondly, seven landscape trees were reconstructed using the 3D GS-based method, to verify the effectiveness of the method. Finally, the 3D reconstructed point cloud was used to generate the QSM and extract tree feature parameters to verify the accuracy of the reconstructed model. Our results indicate that this method can effectively reconstruct the structure of real trees, and especially completely reconstruct 3rd-order branches. Meanwhile, the error of the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of the model is below 1.59 cm, with a relative error of 3.8–14.6%. This proves that 3D GS effectively solved the problems of inconsistency between tree models and real growth rules, as well as poor branch structure in tree reconstruction models, providing new insights and research directions for the 3D reconstruction and visualization of landscape trees in the leafless stage. Full article

28 pages, 734 KiB

Open AccessReview

Home-Based Lower Limb Exercises for Individuals with Diabetes: A Scoping Review

by Sylwia Bęcławska, Michalina Błażkiewicz, Piotr Czyżewski, Tomasz Rutkowski and Jacek Wąsik

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4552; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084552 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect millions worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of amputation, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While conventional interventions such as specialized footwear and podiatric care can mitigate ulceration risks, they do not address the biomechanical factors contributing to [...] Read more.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect millions worldwide, significantly increasing the risk of amputation, mortality, and reduced quality of life. While conventional interventions such as specialized footwear and podiatric care can mitigate ulceration risks, they do not address the biomechanical factors contributing to ulcer recurrence. Emerging evidence suggests that lower limb exercises may play a role in secondary DFU prevention. This scoping review aims to synthesize available research on home-based lower limb exercise programs for individuals with diabetes mellitus, focusing on feasibility, adherence, and their impact on foot biomechanics and ulcer prevention. Methods: A search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies included those assessing home-based lower limb exercises in diabetic individuals, with interventions lasting at least four weeks. Studies focusing on supervised exercises, pharmacological interventions, or non-diabetic populations were excluded. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, featuring a range of home-based exercise interventions, such as muscle strengthening, stretching routines, proprioceptive training, functional mobility exercises, and range-of-motion activities. These interventions demonstrated notable effectiveness, leading to improved foot biomechanics, more even plantar pressure distribution, enhanced balance, and reduced ulcer recurrence (in some cases). One study, for instance, reported a significant decrease in ulcer recurrence, with only 16% of participants in the intervention group experiencing relapse compared to 72% in the control group after 24 weeks. Adherence rates varied across studies but were generally higher when programs included structured guidance through educational booklets, mobile applications, or consistent phone follow-ups ranging from 41% to 92.5%. Nonetheless, the findings tend to be tempered by methodological differences between studies and a lack of robust long-term follow-up data. Conclusions: Home-based lower limb exercises show promise in improving foot function and preventing DFU recurrence. Further research is needed to standardize protocols, enhance adherence, and confirm long-term effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Foot Biomechanics and Gait Analysis, 2nd Edition)

15 pages, 1448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Evaluation of Antitumor and Anti-Angiogenesis Activity of Pyrone- or Pyridone-Embedded Analogs of Cortistatin A

by Yuri Fujimoto, Kanako Mizuno, Yuta Nakamura, Masayoshi Arai and Naoyuki Kotoku

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(4), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23040179 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Simplified analogs of cortistatin A were synthesized and biologically evaluated to develop novel antitumor substances that target angiogenesis. To analyze the effect of substituents at positions corresponding to C-2 and/or C-4 of the A-ring, various pyrone- or pyridone-embedded analogs were designed and synthesized. [...] Read more.

Simplified analogs of cortistatin A were synthesized and biologically evaluated to develop novel antitumor substances that target angiogenesis. To analyze the effect of substituents at positions corresponding to C-2 and/or C-4 of the A-ring, various pyrone- or pyridone-embedded analogs were designed and synthesized. Among the prepared analogs, the pyridone analog 19 bearing a methyl group at C-2 and a hydroxyl group at C-4 showed potent and selective growth inhibitory activity against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs, IC₅₀ = 0.001 µM, selective index over that against human epidermoid carcinoma KB3-1 cells = 6400), exceeding those of natural products. The analog 19 of oral administration exhibited excellent in vivo antitumor activity in mice subcutaneously inoculated with sarcoma S180 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthetic Studies of Marine Bioactive Natural Products and Analogs to Develop Novel Drug Leads)

14 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Salivary Biomarkers IL-1β and MMP-8 in Early Detection and Staging of Periodontal Disease

by Liliana Sachelarie, Corina Laura Stefanescu, Rodica Maria Murineanu, Mircea Grigorian, Agripina Zaharia, Ioana Scrobota and Loredana Liliana Hurjui

Medicina 2025, 61(4), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040760 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe complications. This study investigates and compares the utility of two salivary biomarkers, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), in [...] Read more.

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting tissues of the teeth. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing severe complications. This study investigates and compares the utility of two salivary biomarkers, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), in the early detection and staging of periodontal disease. Methods: This study included 189 patients, all of whom were evaluated both clinically and biologically. Each participant provided unstimulated saliva samples, which were analyzed using ELISA methods to quantify IL-1β and MMP-8 levels. Clinical periodontal data, including probing depth (3.9 ± 0.6 mm), clinical attachment loss (3.4 ± 0.6 mm), and Plaque Index (2.35 ± 0.55), were collected for all subjects. Biomarker concentrations were then correlated with these clinical parameters and with disease severity, classified according to the 2018 EFP/AAP criteria. Results: IL-1β levels (210 ± 95 pg/mL) were strongly associated with early gingival inflammation, while MMP-8 levels (185 ± 140 ng/mL) correlated with periodontal tissue destruction (p < 0.01). MMP-8 showed a higher sensitivity for diagnosing advanced stages (p = 0.002), whereas IL-1β was more effective in detecting early inflammatory changes (p = 0.01). Logistic regression identified MMP-8 as a significant predictor of advanced disease (coefficient 0.85, p < 0.001) and IL-1β as an indicator of early inflammation (coefficient 0.25, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Both biomarkers are valuable tools for the diagnosis and staging of periodontal disease. MMP-8 is relevant for identifying advanced cases, while IL-1β supports early detection. Their combined use may enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide personalized periodontal care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Breakthroughs in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Inflammatory Diseases)

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14 pages, 4120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SACG-YOLO: A Method of Transmission Line Insulator Defect Detection by Fusing Scene-Aware Information and Detailed-Content-Guided Information

by Lihui Zhao, Jun Kang, Yang An, Yurong Li, Meili Jia and Ruihong Li

Electronics 2025, 14(8), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081673 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

To address the challenges in insulator defect detection for transmission lines, including complex background interference, varying defect region scales, and sample imbalance, we propose a detection method that effectively integrates scene perception information and detailed content guidance. First, a scene perception enhancement module [...] Read more.

To address the challenges in insulator defect detection for transmission lines, including complex background interference, varying defect region scales, and sample imbalance, we propose a detection method that effectively integrates scene perception information and detailed content guidance. First, a scene perception enhancement module is employed to extract global environmental information, improving the baseline model’s adaptability to complex backgrounds. Second, a detailed content attention module is introduced to enable the model to more accurately capture fine-grained features of small defect regions. Furthermore, a normalized Wasserstein distance metric function is adopted to mitigate the sensitivity of the regression branch in the baseline model. Simultaneously, a sample weighting function is utilized to reduce the impact of sample imbalance on the classification branch. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior detection performance on a real-world transmission line insulator defect dataset. Full article

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11 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Dietary Habits and Stress Responses Exerted by Different Gut Microbiota

by Kouji Satoh, Makoto Hazama, Mari Maeda-Yamamoto and Jun Nishihira

Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081388 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: A number of studies have reported on the improvement in physical and psychological diseases through diet; however, the findings for these ameliorative effects have differed. Such differences may be due to the varying metabolism of the nutrient content in food among subjects. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: A number of studies have reported on the improvement in physical and psychological diseases through diet; however, the findings for these ameliorative effects have differed. Such differences may be due to the varying metabolism of the nutrient content in food among subjects. It has been reported that differences in the enterotypes of gut microbiota are associated with metabolic differences, and enterotypes vary between countries and regions. This study investigated whether differences in gut microbiota affect the relationship between dietary habits and stress responses. Methods: We administered a questionnaire to 810 subjects who participated in the “Sukoyaka Health Survey” regarding their dietary habits and stress reactions. We also performed an analysis of the gut microbiota from fecal samples. Results: The gut microbiota was grouped into four clusters based on the abundance of genus strains. The relationship between dietary habits and stress responses revealed two patterns of eating: one where more frequent intakes were associated with a lower stress response, and another with a higher stress response. We investigated the relationship between dietary habits and stress responses for each gut microbiota cluster. The results showed that the relationship between dietary habits and stress responses differed for each cluster. Conclusions: Our analysis showed that dietary habits affect stress responses, but the relationship varies depending on the gut microbiota. This finding suggests that one of the factors for the difference in the ameliorative efficacy of physical and psychological diseases through diet is the difference in the abundance ratio of the gut microbiota (enterotype). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics)

17 pages, 7990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Analysis and Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Air Pollutants in Relation to Meteorological Parameters: A Case Study from Sakarya, Türkiye

by Beytullah Eren, Samiullah Serat, Yasemin Damar Arifoglu and Serkan Ozdemir

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4551; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084551 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Air pollution poses significant environmental and public health challenges, especially in urban–industrial areas where pollutant dynamics are influenced by complex interactions with meteorological factors. This study examines the seasonal variations and correlations between air pollutants (PM₁₀, NO, NO₂, and [...] Read more.

Air pollution poses significant environmental and public health challenges, especially in urban–industrial areas where pollutant dynamics are influenced by complex interactions with meteorological factors. This study examines the seasonal variations and correlations between air pollutants (PM₁₀, NO, NO₂, and CO) and meteorological parameters (wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) in Sakarya, Türkiye, in 2021–2023. Statistical analyses and predictive models, including multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF), were applied to evaluate the factors shaping pollutant levels and assess model effectiveness in forecasting air quality. The findings highlight wind speed and rainfall as critical in reducing PM₁₀ and NO concentrations, with notable seasonal effects. RF outperformed MLR for PM₁₀ predictions, while MLR better captured the linear relationships influencing NO and NO₂ levels. Both models faced challenges in predicting CO due to its diverse sources and weak meteorological links. The dynamic effects of temperature and relative humidity further emphasize the complexity of pollutant behavior. This research underscores the necessity of integrating meteorological data into air quality strategies and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and urban planners to advance sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Quality Monitoring, Analysis and Modeling)

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24 pages, 2960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Model for Efficient, Equitable, and Sustainable Water Allocation Under Uncertainty: A Case Study of Namhan River Basin, South Korea

by Flavia D. Frederick and Doosun Kang

Water 2025, 17(8), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081230 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Water allocation under uncertainty remains a critical challenge in water-scarce regions. This study presents an integrated water allocation model that explicitly incorporates uncertainty through stochastic streamflow simulations and addresses multiple objectives—efficiency, equity, and sustainability—within a unified framework. The model uses historical inflow data, [...] Read more.

Water allocation under uncertainty remains a critical challenge in water-scarce regions. This study presents an integrated water allocation model that explicitly incorporates uncertainty through stochastic streamflow simulations and addresses multiple objectives—efficiency, equity, and sustainability—within a unified framework. The model uses historical inflow data, future demand projections, and a multi-objective optimization approach based on the NSGA-II to generate trade-off solutions. To support decision-making, TOPSIS is applied to identify the most balanced allocation strategies from the Pareto-optimal sets. The model is applied to the Namhan River Basin in South Korea, with two key applications: (1) developing adaptive water allocation strategies under dry, normal, and wet hydrological conditions, and (2) proposing targeted infrastructure enhancements—including new dams, transmission lines, and intake points—to address vulnerabilities in dry years. The results demonstrate that the proposed model improves supply reliability, economic efficiency, equity across regions, and sustainability through river maintenance and reservoir storage compliance. This study provides a generalizable and practical decision-support tool for long-term water planning under climate and demand uncertainties, offering actionable insights for water-deficient basins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization-Simulation Modeling of Sustainable Water Resource)

12 pages, 8788 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Innovative Integration of High-Performance Floating Patch Antennas in Empty Substrate Integrated Waveguides

by Darío Herraiz Tirado, Marcos D. Fernandez, David Herraiz-Zanon, Ignacio Galeote Carballo, Akram Alomainy and Angel Belenguer

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4549; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084549 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Substrate Integrated Circuits (SICs) represent a significant advancement in microwave communication systems due to their high efficiency, performance, and integration capabilities. Empty Substrate-Integrated Waveguides (ESIWs) are a type of SIC that offers benefits such as cost-effectiveness while maintaining high performance. This paper presents [...] Read more.

Substrate Integrated Circuits (SICs) represent a significant advancement in microwave communication systems due to their high efficiency, performance, and integration capabilities. Empty Substrate-Integrated Waveguides (ESIWs) are a type of SIC that offers benefits such as cost-effectiveness while maintaining high performance. This paper presents the design and implementation of the first floating patch antenna integrated into an ESIW, fed by a metallic rod. The proposed antenna is designed to operate in the X-band (8–12 GHz), with a resonance peak at 10 GHz. The patch antenna is square, which provides interesting radiation characteristics. It is excited by a metallic rod that connects the patch to the ESIW line, resulting in excellent performance in terms of measured radiation efficiency (over 90%) and −10 dB impedance bandwidth (approximately 20%). The prototype demonstrates minimal differences between the simulated and manufactured versions. These results highlight the potential of ESIW-fed floating patch antennas for advanced satellite communication systems. This will enable the integration of complete communication systems within ESIWs and facilitate the straightforward development of 2D element arrays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Antennas and Propagation)

17 pages, 1124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of Mining-Induced Dynamic Loading in Shallow Coal Seams Crossing Maoliang Terrain

by Jie Zhang, Guang Qin, Tao Yang, Bin Wang, Yifeng He and Shoushi Gao

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4550; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084550 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

To address the intense mining pressure and dynamic accidents, such as shield collapse during mining in shallow coal seams crossing the Maoliang terrain, this study focuses on Panel 30206 of the Yanghuopan Coal Mine. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field measurements, the [...] Read more.

To address the intense mining pressure and dynamic accidents, such as shield collapse during mining in shallow coal seams crossing the Maoliang terrain, this study focuses on Panel 30206 of the Yanghuopan Coal Mine. Through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field measurements, the stress transfer patterns and dynamic changes in shield loads during mining were analyzed, and the mechanism of dynamic mining pressure and calculation method for maximum support resistance were determined. The results show that when the working face enters the load-affected zone of the Maoliang terrain, the base load ratio of the overburden increases. The fracturing of the roof strata causes a synchronized motion between the key stratum and the overlying surface layer. The fracture and instability of the key stratum under mining-induced terrain loads significantly increase the shield resistance and intensify the mining pressure, with a hysteresis effect. Field measurements indicate a maximum shield working resistance of 8974 kN at Panel 30206, showing a 3.25% deviation from the theoretical value of 9266 kN, with a 25 m lag behind the peak load in the Maoliang terrain. This research provides criteria for support selection and ground control in Maoliang terrain mining, ensuring safe production. Full article

13 pages, 446 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Cerebellum in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Fatigue and Disability

by Nicola Manocchio, Ornella Argento, Michela Bossa, Barbara Spanò, Leonardo Pellicciari, Calogero Foti and Ugo Nocentini

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2840; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082840 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), significantly impairing quality of life. While the cerebellum is traditionally associated with motor control, emerging evidence suggests its involvement in cognitive, emotional, and integrative functions. This study aimed [...] Read more.

Background: Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), significantly impairing quality of life. While the cerebellum is traditionally associated with motor control, emerging evidence suggests its involvement in cognitive, emotional, and integrative functions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between fatigue components (physical, cognitive, and psychosocial), clinical disability, and cerebellar structural changes in pwMS acquired via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Participants of this cross-sectional study underwent clinical assessments for fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale). Cerebellar volumes were measured using high-resolution MRI and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify correlations between fatigue subdomains and specific cerebellar subregions. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation tests. Results: Forty-four pwMS were included. Fatigued MS patients exhibited reduced sensorimotor cerebellar volumes compared to non-fatigued counterparts. Physical fatigue correlated negatively with sensorimotor cerebellum volume, while cognitive fatigue showed an inverse relationship with limbic cerebellum regions. Interestingly, psychosocial fatigue was positively associated with limbic cerebellum volume, contrary to initial hypotheses. Higher disability scores were linked to atrophy in cognitive and limbic cerebellar regions. Conclusions: The findings highlight the cerebellum’s multifaceted role in MS-related fatigue, with distinct subregions contributing to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial fatigue components. These results underscore the cerebellum’s critical function as a hub for motor, cognitive, and emotional integration. Future longitudinal studies incorporating objective measures and advanced imaging are essential to elucidate these relationships further and inform targeted therapeutic strategies for pwMS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Clinical Management)

12 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis from Southern Italy on the Use of T2 Magnetic Resonance Assays as a Point-of-Care Method for Patients with Sepsis

by Mariarita Margherita Bona, Vincenza Maria Carelli, Nicola Serra, Salvatore Amico, Roberta Bartolini, Anna Giammanco, Paola Di Carlo, Teresa Fasciana and Maria Andriolo

Biomedicines 2025, 13(4), 999; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13040999 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: The rapid and accurate identification of the pathogens responsible for sepsis is essential for prompt and effective antimicrobial therapy. The T2Bacteria^® Panel (T2B) and T2Candida^® Panel (T2C) are rapid molecular tests performed on whole blood that exploit T2 Magnetic [...] Read more.

Background: The rapid and accurate identification of the pathogens responsible for sepsis is essential for prompt and effective antimicrobial therapy. The T2Bacteria^® Panel (T2B) and T2Candida^® Panel (T2C) are rapid molecular tests performed on whole blood that exploit T2 Magnetic Resonance (T2MRsup^®) technology. Objectives: This study evaluates the impact of the T2MR system as a point-of-care device for managing sepsis and septic shock patients. Methods: This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the Sant’ Elia Hospital of Caltanissetta from 1 January 2023 to 31 July 2023. The study population was composed of patients with suspected sepsis and septic shock according to the Sepsis-3 criteria and for whom concurrent T2MR and BC samples were requested for diagnosis. Results: A total of 81 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. Concordant T2/BC results were obtained in 69/81 (85.2%) patients; 58/81 (71.6%) were concordant-negative and 11/81 (13.6%) were concordant-positive. Discordant T2MR+/BC− results were observed in 9/81 patients (11.1%), while T2MR−/BC+ results were detected in 3/81 patients (3.7%). Furthermore, the median time for reporting positive T2MR test results (5.2 h) was significantly shorter than that for BC (122 h). Conclusions: Due to its high reliability, faster detection time, and simple workflow, T2MR in combination with BC improved the etiological diagnosis of sepsis in the enrolled patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Infections and Sepsis: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches)

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18 pages, 2082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Evaluation of Aquatic Antimicrobial Peptides Derived from Marine Metagenomes Using a High-Throughput Screening Approach

by Kaiyue Wu, Guangxin Xu, Yin Tian, Guizhen Li, Zhiwei Yi and Xixiang Tang

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23040178 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Bacterial diseases cause high mortality and considerable losses in aquaculture. The rapid expansion of intensive aquaculture has further increased the risk of large-scale outbreaks. However, the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, food safety concerns, and environmental regulations have severely limited the availability of antimicrobial. [...] Read more.

Bacterial diseases cause high mortality and considerable losses in aquaculture. The rapid expansion of intensive aquaculture has further increased the risk of large-scale outbreaks. However, the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, food safety concerns, and environmental regulations have severely limited the availability of antimicrobial. Compared to traditional antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer broad spectrum activity, physicochemical stability, and lower resistance development. However, their low natural yield and high extraction costs along with the time-consuming and expensive nature of traditional drug discovery, pose a challenge. In this study, we applied a machine-learning macro-model to predict AMPs from three macrogenomes in the water column of South American white shrimp aquaculture ponds. The AMP content per megabase in the traditional earthen pond (TC1) was 1.8 times higher than in the biofloc pond (ZA1) and 63% higher than in the elevated pond (ZP11). A total of 1033 potential AMPs were predicted, including 6 anionic linear peptides, 616 cationic linear peptides, and 411 cationic cysteine-containing peptides. After screening based on structural, and physio-chemical properties, we selected 10 candidate peptides. Using a rapid high-throughput cell-free protein expression system, we identified nine peptides with antimicrobial activity against aquatic pathogens. Three were further validated through chemical synthesis. The three antimicrobial peptides (K-5, K-58, K-61) showed some inhibitory effects on all four pathogenic bacteria. The MIC of K-5 against Vibrio alginolyticus was 25 μM, the cell viability of the three peptides was higher than 70% at low concentrations (≤12.5 μM), and the hemolysis rate of K-5 and K-58 was lower than 5% at 200 μM. This study highlights the benefits of machine learning in AMP discovery, demonstrates the potential of cell-free protein synthesis systems for peptide screening, and provides an efficient method for high-throughput AMP identification for aquatic applications. Full article

14 pages, 2095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Power Generation and Acid Recovery in an Analogous Process of Reverse Electrodialysis

by Qiaolin Lang, Yang Liu, Gaojuan Guo, Fei Liu and Yang Zhang

Membranes 2025, 15(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15040126 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

The feasibility of an analogous reverse electrodialysis (RED) process for power generation and acid recovery from acidic waste streams in the steel industry is investigated in this study. A comprehensive model was established to simulate the transport phenomena and power generation, which was [...] Read more.

The feasibility of an analogous reverse electrodialysis (RED) process for power generation and acid recovery from acidic waste streams in the steel industry is investigated in this study. A comprehensive model was established to simulate the transport phenomena and power generation, which was validated through experimental data. The simulated operation time was 3 h, during which an acid recovery rate of 41.7% was achieved, and the maximum output power density reached 30.37 μW·cm⁻². The results demonstrated a strong dependence of output power density on the acid concentration, with a linear relationship within the tested range of 1.0–3.0 mol·L⁻¹ HCl. An optimal flow rate range was identified that maximized power output, with the best value of 90 mL∙min⁻¹. The differences in energy harvesting between the traditional acid diffusion dialysis process and our analogous RED process were demonstrated via simulation. The importance of system electroneutrality in driving ion migration and forming ionic currents was crucial for effective power generation. The analogous RED process is a promising solution for efficient acid recovery and power generation from industrial acid waste, offering a sustainable treatment approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Membrane Applications for Energy)

28 pages, 14146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virtual MOS Sensor Array Design for Ammonia Monitoring in Pig Barns

by Raphael Parsiegel, Miguel Budag Becker, Pieter Try and Marion Gebhard

Sensors 2025, 25(8), 2617; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082617 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Animal welfare in barns is strongly influenced by air quality, with gaseous emissions like ammonia posing significant respiratory health risks. However, current state-of-the-art ammonia monitoring systems are labor-intensive and expensive. Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors offer a promising alternative due to their compatibility [...] Read more.

Animal welfare in barns is strongly influenced by air quality, with gaseous emissions like ammonia posing significant respiratory health risks. However, current state-of-the-art ammonia monitoring systems are labor-intensive and expensive. Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensors offer a promising alternative due to their compatibility with sensor networks, enabling high-resolution ammonia monitoring across spatial and temporal scales. While MOS sensors exhibit high sensitivity to various volatile compounds, temperature-cycled operation is commonly employed to enhance selectivity, effectively creating virtual sensor arrays. This study aims to improve ammonia detection by designing a virtual sensor array through a cyclic data-driven approach, integrating machine learning with solid-state sensor modeling. The results of a two-week dataset with measurements of four different pig barns demonstrate ammonia sensing with a sampling rate of about 2/min and a range of 1–30 ppm. The method is robust and exhibits a 10 increase in normalized RMSE when comparing testing results of an unseen sensor module with results of the training dataset. A filter membrane boosts accuracy and prevents data loss due to contamination, such as flyspecks. Overall, the used MOS sensor BME688 is effective and economical for widespread continuous ammonia monitoring and localization of ammonia sources in pig barns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI, IoT and Smart Sensors for Precision Agriculture: 2nd Edition)

16 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of the Central Motor Drives Interactions Between the Eyes, and an Index Finger, and a Little Finger

by Shiho Fukuda, Han Gao, Naoki Hamada and Koichi Hiraoka

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(4), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040422 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: When manipulating an object placed on the palm, the eyes and fingers move together. To perform this task precisely, coordination of the eyes and fingers is needed. Based on this view, the present study examined the three-way interaction among the central [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: When manipulating an object placed on the palm, the eyes and fingers move together. To perform this task precisely, coordination of the eyes and fingers is needed. Based on this view, the present study examined the three-way interaction among the central motor drives to the eyes, index finger, and little finger. Methods: Healthy male participants abducted the right index and/or little finger with or without concomitant saccadic eye movement to the right in response to a visual cue, while the forearm was in the pronated or supinated position. We measured the reaction time (RT), velocity, and amplitude of the eye movements, as well as the RT and amplitude of the electromyographic (EMG) responses in the prime movers for the independent and dependent finger movements. Results: The velocity, amplitude, and RT of the eye movement were not changed by the additional involvement of the finger movement, indicating that the central motor drive to the finger does not influence the eye motor excitability and central motor drive to the eyes. On the one hand, the RT of the finger was not changed by the eye movement, indicating that the central motor drive to the eyes does not influence the central motor drive to the finger muscle. On the other hand, the EMG amplitude in the first dorsal interosseous muscle at the movement onset decreased during the concomitant eye movement, indicating that the central motor drive to the eyes suppresses the motor excitability of the independent finger muscle. The RT increased and EMG amplitude decreased in one finger muscle when the other finger concurrently moved, indicating that the central motor drive to one finger muscle suppresses the motor excitability of and central motor drive to the other finger muscle. The change in the RT and EMG amplitude in one finger muscle caused by the concomitant execution of the other finger movement and/or eye movement varied with forearm position, indicating that forearm proprioception influences the interaction of the motor execution processes among the fingers and eyes. Conclusions: The central motor drive to the eyes or finger muscles suppresses the motor excitability of the other finger muscles and the central motor drive to that muscle, but the central motor drive to the finger muscles does not influence those for the eyes. Forearm proprioception influences the motor excitability of the finger muscle and central motor drive to that muscle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Motor Neuroscience)

20 pages, 4381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Nanoclay Composites’ Mixed-Matrix Membranes: Exploring Structure, Properties, and Performance Relationships

by Rund Abu-Zurayk, Nour Alnairat, Haneen Waleed, Mohammed Q. Al-Khaial, Aya Khalaf, Ayat Bozeya, Duaa Abu-Dalo, Sojoud Al-Yousef and Razan Afaneh

Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081120 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have become a favored choice for membrane filtration because of their outstanding mechanical characteristics, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and ease of handling. Nevertheless, the hydrophobic nature of PVDF membranes can result in fouling, which diminishes their efficiency over time. [...] Read more.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes have become a favored choice for membrane filtration because of their outstanding mechanical characteristics, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and ease of handling. Nevertheless, the hydrophobic nature of PVDF membranes can result in fouling, which diminishes their efficiency over time. This study explores the impact of ZnO-Nanoclay on the properties and performance of mixed matrix membranes made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different loading percentages (0, 1, and 3 wt%). The ZnO-Nanoclay nanoparticles were synthesized using environmentally friendly methods, characterized, and blended into PVDF matrices via a solution-casting technique, resulting in a series of membranes. The synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The resulting mixed-matrix membranes underwent comprehensive analyses to assess their structure and surface properties, employing SEM, XRD, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and contact-angle measurements. Furthermore, tensile, antibacterial, and barrier properties were evaluated. Integrating ZnO-Nanoclay into PVDF membranes greatly improves antifouling properties, achieving inhibition rates of 99.92% at a clay-loading percentage of 3 wt% and increasing water-flux rates by 16% compared to pure PVDF membranes at 1 wt%. In addition, ZnO-Nanoclay nanoparticles significantly boost the mechanical properties of PVDF membranes, enhancing maximum strength by 500% at 3 wt% loading. This study examines the interplay between the structure, properties, and performance of mixed-matrix membranes by comparing different PVDF membranes that were mixed with different nanoclay composites, providing significant insights into improving these membranes through the incorporation of nanoclay composites to enhance their overall properties and effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)

30 pages, 9763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore–Fracture Structure and Fractal Features of Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation Hydrocarbon Source Rocks as Investigated Using MICP, LFNMR, and FESEM

by Dun Wu, Liu Zhao, Guangqing Hu and Wenyong Zhang

Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9040263 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

The pore structure of reservoir rocks was a crucial factor affecting hydrocarbon production. Accurately characterized the micropore structure of different types of rock reservoirs was of great significance for unconventional natural gas exploration. In this study, multiple observation methods (field emission scanning electron [...] Read more.

The pore structure of reservoir rocks was a crucial factor affecting hydrocarbon production. Accurately characterized the micropore structure of different types of rock reservoirs was of great significance for unconventional natural gas exploration. In this study, multiple observation methods (field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR)) and physical tests (mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP)) were employed, and double logarithmic plots for fractal fitting were illustrated. The fractal dimension of 15 samples was calculated using fractal theory to systematically investigate the pore–fracture structure and fractal characteristics of hydrocarbon source rock (limestone, mudstone, and sandstone) samples from the Late Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation in the Huainan coalfield. MICP experiments revealed that sandstone reservoirs had larger and more uniformly distributed pore throats compared to mudstone and limestone, exhibiting superior connectivity and permeability. The T₂ spectrum characteristic maps obtained using LFNMR were also consistent with the pore distribution patterns derived from MICP experiments, particularly showed that sandstone types exhibited excellent signal intensity across different relaxation time periods and had a broader T₂ spectrum width, which fully indicated that sandstone types possess superior pore structures and higher connectivity. FESEM experiments demonstrated that sandstone pores were highly developed and uniform, with sandstone fractures dominated by large fractures above the micrometer scale. Meanwhile, the FESEM fractal dimension results indicated that sandstone exhibits good fractal characteristics, validating its certain oil storage capacity. Furthermore, the FESEM fractal dimension exhibited a good correlation with the porosity and permeability of the hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs, suggesting that the FESEM fractal dimension can serve as an important parameter for evaluating the physical properties of hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs. This study enriched the basic geological theories for unconventional natural gas exploration in deep coal-bearing strata in the Huainan coalfield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics in Unconventional Oil and Gas Reservoirs)

23 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ambient Air Pollution and Semen Quality in China: A Nationwide Case-Control Study of 27,014 Males with Biomarker-Confirmed Semen Pathology

by Jianfeng Liu, Zhixiang Fang, Dongyue Chai, Zhipeng Zhu, Qunshan Shen and Xiaojin He

Toxics 2025, 13(4), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13040322 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

Amidst China’s rapid industrialization and deteriorating air quality, emerging evidence suggests a parallel decline in male reproductive health. However, large-scale assessments of pollution-semen quality associations remain scarce. This nationwide multicenter study investigated these relationships among 27,014 Chinese men using high-resolution satellite-derived exposure estimates [...] Read more.

Amidst China’s rapid industrialization and deteriorating air quality, emerging evidence suggests a parallel decline in male reproductive health. However, large-scale assessments of pollution-semen quality associations remain scarce. This nationwide multicenter study investigated these relationships among 27,014 Chinese men using high-resolution satellite-derived exposure estimates (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, O₃, CO, and SO₂) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), adjusting for key demographic confounders. A case-control study involving 5256 cases and 21758 controls used the exposure values of air pollutants 90 days prior to sperm collection for epidemiological exposure analysis reactions to obtain the association between sperm quality and air pollution. This study demonstrates significant associations between increased exposure to regional air pollutants and the risk of substandard semen quality in China. Key findings reveal NO₂’s potential reproductive toxicity, showing a 79.7% increased risk of semen volume abnormalities per 11.34 µg/m³ exposure (OR = 1.797, 95% CI: 1.402–2.302). Susceptibility disparities emerged, with 16.4-fold greater PM_2.5 sensitivity in obese individuals (OR = 1.121 vs. 1.007) and 133% higher PM₁₀ risk in urban residents (OR = 1.342 vs. 1.006). Strikingly, SO₂ exposure at 15% of the WHO 24 h average guideline (6.16 µg/m³) was associated with a 3.8% increase in abnormalities, indicating the challenge of the current safety thresholds. These findings highlight the need for policy reforms, including (1) incorporating reproductive health endpoints into air quality standards, (2) implementing antioxidant interventions for high-risk groups, and (3) strengthening traffic emission controls in urban planning. This study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the impact of air pollution on male reproductive health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Unraveling the Health Impacts of Air Pollution: Assessments and Mechanisms)

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13 pages, 6225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Austenitizing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Gray Cast Iron

by Hongkui Zhang, Yipeng Lan, Zhe Ju, Shian Zhu, Xinming Liu, Yihan Hao and Guanglong Li

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4548; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084548 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study enhanced the performance of gray cast iron through the precise control of the partial austenitizing temperature combined with an isothermal quenching process. The study investigated the effects of three austenitizing temperatures, namely 810 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C, on the [...] Read more.

This study enhanced the performance of gray cast iron through the precise control of the partial austenitizing temperature combined with an isothermal quenching process. The study investigated the effects of three austenitizing temperatures, namely 810 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of gray cast iron. With the increase in austenitizing temperature, the transformation of pearlite to ausferrite was promoted, and the ausferrite content increased from 8.0% at 810 °C to 91.2% at 900 °C. Mechanical property tests showed that the specimen treated at 850 °C had the best comprehensive performance. Its tensile strength reached 332 MPa, an increase of 78.6% compared with the as-cast state. The elongation increased by 51.8%, and the wear depth under a 20 N load decreased from 250 μm to 2 μm. Specimens with a high ausferrite content exhibited stable low-friction characteristics due to the uniform hardness and the suppression of adhesive wear. However, an excessively high austenitizing temperature of 900 °C would lead to an increase in residual stress in the casting and deformation of the graphite structure, reducing the wear resistance. Under the established austenitizing temperature conditions, this study explored the relevant mechanisms for the performance improvement of gray cast iron by means of various testing methods, providing a theoretical basis and process reference for optimizing the material performance of explosion-proof equipment under harsh mining conditions. Full article

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