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19 pages, 2328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Precisely Engineered Nitrogen-Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon from Lignin for High-Rate and Ultra-Stable Supercapacitors

by Zhebiao Xu, Siyu Song, Zhuangjia Chen, Wenzhuo Wang, Yushen Huang, Fudong Bai, Riyang Shu, Zhipeng Tian and Chao Wang

Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 368; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040368 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

The development of high-performance and sustainable carbon electrodes is increasingly important for next-generation supercapacitors, yet controlling heteroatom doping and hierarchical pore evolution in biomass-derived carbons remains a key challenge. Lignin, as an abundant aromatic biopolymer, offers a structurally rich platform for designing functional [...] Read more.

The development of high-performance and sustainable carbon electrodes is increasingly important for next-generation supercapacitors, yet controlling heteroatom doping and hierarchical pore evolution in biomass-derived carbons remains a key challenge. Lignin, as an abundant aromatic biopolymer, offers a structurally rich platform for designing functional carbons, but its rigid cross-linked architecture limits precise pore regulation and efficient nitrogen incorporation. In this work, nitrogen-doped hierarchical porous carbons were engineered from enzymatically treated lignin through a synergistic urea-assisted nitrogen doping and KOH activation strategy. The urea–KOH co-activation drives the coordinated evolution of micropores and mesopores. This approach yields an optimized carbon material possessing a high BET surface area of 2569 m² g⁻¹, an interconnected micro–mesoporous architecture, and a favorable distribution of pyridinic, pyrrolic, and graphitic nitrogen species. The engineered pore hierarchy is correlated with enhanced ion transport kinetics, as evidenced by a high b value of 0.99 and a capacitive contribution of 98.5% at 100 mV s⁻¹; nitrogen functionalities introduce redox-active sites and improve interfacial wettability. As a result, the selected material delivers a high specific capacitance of 221 F g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹, strong rate capability with 84.4% retention at 20 A g⁻¹, and excellent cycling durability with 90.7% capacitance retention after 50,000 cycles. This study demonstrates a potentially mechanistically informed, scalable pathway for coupling enzymatic structural regulation with chemical activation, offering a sustainable route for transforming lignin into high-value carbon electrodes suitable for advanced supercapacitor applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalysis for Solid Waste Upcycling: Challenges and Opportunities)

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27 pages, 4460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation and Photocorrosion Inhibition of CNC-Supported Ag–ZnO Nanocomposites: Structural Evolution and Intermediate Identification

by Md. Shakhawoat Hossain, Mohammad Shahid Ullah, Md. Nurul Anwar Khan, Md. Sajib, Shirin Akter Jahan and Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman

J. Compos. Sci. 2026, 10(4), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs10040216 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

In this study, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-supported Ag–ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via a hydrothermal route as a polymeric photocatalyst for efficient UV-A light-driven dye degradation. The renewable CNC framework provides abundant hydroxyl functional groups for nanoparticle anchoring, enhancing dispersion and interfacial charge transfer. [...] Read more.

In this study, a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-supported Ag–ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized via a hydrothermal route as a polymeric photocatalyst for efficient UV-A light-driven dye degradation. The renewable CNC framework provides abundant hydroxyl functional groups for nanoparticle anchoring, enhancing dispersion and interfacial charge transfer. Structural (XRD, FTIR, TEM, PL, and XPS) and thermal (TGA and DTG) analyses confirm successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and retention of CNC crystallinity. The composite exhibits a reduced optical bandgap (3.02 eV) and demonstrates superior photocatalytic activity, achieving 96% methylene blue (MB) degradation within 120 min. Enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag-induced plasmonic excitation and CNC-facilitated charge migration, effectively suppressing ZnO photocorrosion. Moreover, the optimization of the parameters was conducted and found to be pH 7, a catalyst dose of 0.3 g L⁻¹, and an initial MB concentration of 10 ppm, which shows the best photocatalytic degradation reaction. The CNC/Ag–ZnO catalyst maintains 87% activity after five reuse cycles, showing good stability and reusability. The photostability of the CNC/Ag–ZnO catalyst was evaluated by ICP-MS, which measured Zn²⁺ concentration in the aqueous solution. Additionally, the degraded MB compounds were identified using GC-MS/MS analysis. This work highlights the potential of polymer-based biogenic supports for sustainable photocatalyst design and bridges polymer science with environmental remediation technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposites)

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14 pages, 1082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Sinking Performance and Design Parameters of Small-Scale Purse Seine Gears in Aceh and Papua, Indonesia

by Aris Widagdo, Gun-Ho Lee and Subong Park

Fishes 2026, 11(4), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11040251 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study presents a comparative evaluation of the sinking performance of traditional small-scale purse-seine gears used in Aceh and Papua, Indonesia, using a three-dimensional mass–spring framework validated by sea-trial data from the Java Sea. Simulations compared sinking behavior under changes in the netting [...] Read more.

This study presents a comparative evaluation of the sinking performance of traditional small-scale purse-seine gears used in Aceh and Papua, Indonesia, using a three-dimensional mass–spring framework validated by sea-trial data from the Java Sea. Simulations compared sinking behavior under changes in the netting material, knot type, mesh size, and total sinking force across region-specific gear configurations. Compared with existing gear configurations, both modified gear scenarios demonstrated improved sinking performance in Aceh and Papua. In Aceh, the average sinking speed increased from 0.07 to 0.15 m/s in Improved Gear I and to 0.18 m/s in Improved Gear II, while the maximum depth increased from 37.3 to 54.8 m and 56.2 m, respectively. In Papua, the average sinking speed increased from 0.08 to 0.18 m/s and 0.20 m/s, while the maximum depth increased from 37.2 to 56.8 m and 60.6 m, respectively. In both regions, Improved Gear II exhibited the highest sinking performance. Enhanced sinking performance was accompanied by higher purse-line tension during pursing, with maximum values of 1666 kgf in Aceh and 1589 kgf in Papua. These results suggest that design tendencies identified in previous Indonesian studies, particularly a comparative reference sinking force (1.24 kgf/m), larger mesh size, and knotless polyester netting, appear consistent across the two regional cases examined. However, because the modified scenarios represent coupled multivariable scenarios and direct local field validation was not available for Aceh and Papua, the findings should be interpreted as comparative simulation-based evidence for assessing gear-modification options rather than as absolute in situ predictions. Full article

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25 pages, 1146 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Mechanical Hurdle-Resisted, Sled-Resisted and Standard Sprint Training in U18 Female Hurdlers: A Preliminary Randomized Trial

by Stamatios Magos, Zacharias Papadakis, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Apostolos S. Theodorou, Flora Panteli and Athanasia Smirniotou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083989 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

To compare hurdle-resisted sprint training (EGH), sled-resisted training (EGS), and hurdles-only training (CG) on performance and kinematics using a smallest-effect-size-of-interest (SESOI) framework, fifteen U18 female hurdlers (16.3 ± 1.3 years) were randomized to EGH, EGS, or CG (n = 5 each) for [...] Read more.

To compare hurdle-resisted sprint training (EGH), sled-resisted training (EGS), and hurdles-only training (CG) on performance and kinematics using a smallest-effect-size-of-interest (SESOI) framework, fifteen U18 female hurdlers (16.3 ± 1.3 years) were randomized to EGH, EGS, or CG (n = 5 each) for a 7-week intervention (7 microcycles). EGH used individualized resistance (10% velocity decrement), while EGS used fixed ~13% body-mass resistance. Outcomes included 30 m hurdle time (30 mH), Technique Index, and exploratory kinematics. Primary analysis used baseline-adjusted robust ANCOVA with permutation and linear mixed models (LMM) as sensitivity checks. A smallest-effect-size-of-interest (SESOI) of −0.066 s (~1.2%) was pre-specified. Adjusted ANCOVA favored EGH over CG (−0.19 s; 95% CI [−0.45, 0.06]; p = 0.11). The point estimate exceeded the SESOI, though the CI captured both meaningful and trivial effects. Sensitivity analyses maintained this directional pattern, but LMM estimates varied in magnitude, suggesting model dependence. The EGH–EGS contrast was smaller and uncertain (−0.15 s; p = 0.10). Exploratory baseline-adjusted kinematic contrasts showed no clear differences at the first hurdle, but highlighted nominal differences in the EGH group at the second hurdle (greater take-off distance, p = 0.030) and third hurdle (shorter flight and landing times, p < 0.05), which should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. In this preliminary trial, the data are compatible with a range of effects from negligible to practically meaningful for hurdle-resisted sprint training relative to both control and sled-resisted conditions. All estimates are accompanied by wide compatibility intervals, precluding confirmatory conclusions. These findings establish protocol feasibility, provide estimation-based preliminary evidence with openly available individual-level data, and motivate adequately powered multi-center replication trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanical Analysis for Sport Performance)

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24 pages, 1209 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovation Dynamics of Regional Banks Under Tech–Finance Integration Policies: Constraint-Induced Innovation for Business Sustainability

by Jiaji An, Xinran Zhao and He Di

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084073 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

In an increasingly volatile global economy, countries are scaling up financial investment in innovation to sustain their competitive advantages. Financial institutions, specifically banks, are facing the challenge of aligning more radical financial policies for innovation with their own business sustainability, and innovation has [...] Read more.

In an increasingly volatile global economy, countries are scaling up financial investment in innovation to sustain their competitive advantages. Financial institutions, specifically banks, are facing the challenge of aligning more radical financial policies for innovation with their own business sustainability, and innovation has thus become a key issue confronting banking. Existing studies mostly explain financial innovation from an external incentive perspective, leaving theoretical divergences and empirical paradoxes regarding core innovation dynamics unclear. Adopting a novel perspective of constraint-induced innovation theory, which challenges the dominant external pull view in the existing literature, this paper takes China’s tech–finance integration pilots as a quasi-natural experiment and uses a double/debiased machine learning model to identify causal effects by using panel data from 142 Chinese regional banks from 2008 to 2024. We find that tech–finance integration policies induce regional bank financial innovation through the dual channels of profitability and safety constraints. Banks must innovate to cope with the pressure exerted by new policies, and constraint-induced innovation is the main dynamic mechanism. In addition, financial innovation amplifies the policy’s impact on banks’ business sustainability. This study bridges the gap between existing theory and empirical evidence, extending the boundaries of financial innovation dynamic research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management, Innovation Dynamics and Economic Sustainability)

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41 pages, 794 KB

Open AccessReview

Diffuse Midline Gliomas: Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Perspectives

by Sanyukta Bihari, Dia Yang, Devarshi Mukherji and Aya Haggiagi

Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040934 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are rare but highly aggressive central nervous system (CNS) tumors that can present in both pediatric and adult populations. These tumors were redefined in the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors based on integrated histopathological and molecular features, and [...] Read more.

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are rare but highly aggressive central nervous system (CNS) tumors that can present in both pediatric and adult populations. These tumors were redefined in the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors based on integrated histopathological and molecular features, and were initially designated as “DMG, H3 K27M-mutant”. In the 2021 WHO update, DMGs were incorporated into the newly defined category of primarily pediatric-type diffuse high-grade gliomas, and nomenclature was changed to “DMG, H3 K27-altered” to encompass additional molecular drivers beyond the canonical H3 K27M mutation. Clinically, DMGs arise as expansile, infiltrating tumors within midline structures and may present as non-enhancing or enhancing lesions on imaging. Diagnosis is based on neuroimaging and molecular confirmation by immunohistochemistry or sequencing when tissue is available. DMGs are categorized as WHO grade 4 malignant tumors due to their aggressive biology leading to rapid and infiltrative growth. Owing to their deep and midline location, surgical resection is typically not feasible. Radiation therapy is the backbone of treatment, but there is no standard regimen of chemotherapy that has demonstrated durable efficacy. Recent progress in therapeutic approaches has led to a major breakthrough on 6 August 2025 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted the accelerated approval of dordaviprone (ONC201), marking it as the first systemic therapy for progressive DMG harboring H3 K27M mutation. Other novel approaches, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell directed therapies and convection-enhanced delivery, are actively under investigation. We aim to comprehensively review DMGs, including the recent insights into their biology, the evolving therapeutic landscape, and the opportunities to fuel this new momentum against one of the most formidable gliomas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment of CNS Tumors (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 1673 KB

Open AccessArticle

Boundary Recognition and Value Capture for Sustainable Intelligent Interconnected Ecosystem (SICE) Oriented Smart Product Service

by Haiqin Xie, Xinguo Ming, Maokuan Zheng and Xianyu Zhang

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084066 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

With the profound transformation of service-oriented manufacturing worldwide since the 21st century, a new industrial model based on the combination of products and services has become a new profit and value growth point for manufacturing enterprises. Enterprises are shifting from simple product production [...] Read more.

With the profound transformation of service-oriented manufacturing worldwide since the 21st century, a new industrial model based on the combination of products and services has become a new profit and value growth point for manufacturing enterprises. Enterprises are shifting from simple product production to providing a comprehensive product-service system, further evolving into a smart product-service system, and ultimately expanding into Sustainable Intelligent Interconnected Ecosystems (SICE). The complexity and dynamic nature of SICE make its business and value boundaries unclear, and there is no effective theoretical framework and method for boundary identification and value capture, which hinders the sustainable development of SICE. To clarify the effective boundaries of the operation of the SICE, an innovative model and methods of the framework process, system boundaries for the SICE have been proposed. This study constructs a systematic framework for SICE business and value boundary research to optimize business boundary integration, and verifies the model through empirical research in the smart-home industry, providing a new method for SICE boundary identification and value capture. The system boundary research methods proposed in this paper can identify the business boundary and value boundary of the smart-home product-service ecosystem through a hierarchical approach, and the case illustration shows that the methods have certain applicability and practical guiding significance for the construction of smart-home product-service enterprise business platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Smart Manufacturing and Industrial Intelligence)

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20 pages, 1351 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Gradual Evaporation of the Aqueous Phase from Highly Stable Water–Hydrocarbon Emulsions in a Batch Reactor for Thermomechanical Dehydration: A Comparison of Average and Extreme Vapor Formation Rates

by Aliya Gabdelfayazovna Safiulina and Ismagil Shakirovich Khusnutdinov

Processes 2026, 14(8), 1308; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14081308 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

In various sectors of the petrochemical and metallurgical industries, significant volumes of waste in the form of highly stable water–hydrocarbon emulsions are generated and stored. The presence of an aqueous phase limits their further use. To utilize this waste and obtain valuable commercial [...] Read more.

In various sectors of the petrochemical and metallurgical industries, significant volumes of waste in the form of highly stable water–hydrocarbon emulsions are generated and stored. The presence of an aqueous phase limits their further use. To utilize this waste and obtain valuable commercial products, a thermomechanical dewatering method based on the evaporation of the aqueous phase under turbulent emulsion flow conditions has been proposed and tested. However, the dynamics of aqueous phase evaporation and vapor phase formation within this method remain poorly understood. This understanding is crucial, as it directly influences the optimal selection of necessary auxiliary equipment. To address this gap, the dynamics of vapor formation during the boiling off of the aqueous phase from highly stable water–hydrocarbon emulsions in a batch thermomechanical dewatering reactor were simulated. To identify general patterns, the gradual evaporation process was calculated as a set of multiple single-effect evaporation steps with a two-degree increment. Initially, modeling results showed that to obtain a commercial product with a water content of less than 1%, temperatures must be maintained at up to 150 °C. This finding was in complete agreement with experimental data, thereby confirming the accuracy of the calculations. Subsequently, extreme vaporization rates were identified, which significantly (1.7–9 times) exceeded the average vapor formation rates in a batch reactor. Maximum vapor formation rates were observed in the temperature range of 100–120 °C. Furthermore, increasing the feedstock water content above 10% was found to significantly prolong the processing time and elevate the maximum vapor formation rate. The patterns presented in this article facilitate the optimization of operating modes for commercial thermomechanical dewatering units, enable the informed selection of necessary auxiliary equipment, and help maintain both the safety and efficiency of the industrial process. Full article

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20 pages, 4898 KB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Robust and Multimodal PVA/Aramid Nanofiber/MXene Organogel Sensors for Advanced Human–Machine Interfaces

by Guofan Zeng, Leiting Liao, Zehong Wu, Jinye Chen, Peidi Zhou, Yihan Qiu and Mingcen Weng

Biosensors 2026, 16(4), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040229 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Flexible and wearable electronics require soft sensing materials that balance mechanical compliance, stable signal transduction, and durability for human–machine interfaces (HMIs). To address the limitations of single-filler systems, we propose a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/aramid nanofiber (ANF)/MXene organogel (PAM) as a multifunctional soft platform. [...] Read more.

Flexible and wearable electronics require soft sensing materials that balance mechanical compliance, stable signal transduction, and durability for human–machine interfaces (HMIs). To address the limitations of single-filler systems, we propose a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/aramid nanofiber (ANF)/MXene organogel (PAM) as a multifunctional soft platform. This design integrates a PVA physically crosslinked network with ANF for mechanical reinforcement and MXene for electrical functionality. The optimized PAM composite exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, including a fracture stress of 2931 kPa, a fracture strain of 676%, and a fracture toughness of 9.04 MJ m⁻³. Importantly, PAM serves as a single material platform configurable into three sensing modalities. The resistive strain sensor achieves a gauge factor of 3.1 over 10–100% strain and enables the reliable recognition of human joint movements and gestures. The capacitive pressure sensor delivers a sensitivity of 0.298 kPa⁻¹, rapid response/recovery times of 30/10 ms, and is integrated with a wireless module to control a smart car. Furthermore, the PAM-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) delivers excellent electrical outputs (V_oc = 123 V, I_sc = 0.52 μA, Q_sc = 58 nC) and functions as a self-powered smart handwriting pad, achieving a machine-learning-based recognition accuracy of 97.6%. This work demonstrates the immense potential of the PAM organogel for advanced, self-powered HMIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Stretchable Biosensors)

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28 pages, 2606 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Assessment of Growth Performance, Biomass Accumulation, and Physiological Responses in Kale (Brassica oleracea L.) During Early Growth Under Different LED Spectral Conditions in a PFAL

by Jae Hwan Lee, Yeong Sunwoo, Eun Ji Shin and Sang Yong Nam

Horticulturae 2026, 12(4), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12040498 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) spectral qualities on the early growth of kale at the baby-leaf harvest stage in a plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) by integrating morphological traits, biomass accumulation, plant quality indices, vegetation indices, and [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) spectral qualities on the early growth of kale at the baby-leaf harvest stage in a plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) by integrating morphological traits, biomass accumulation, plant quality indices, vegetation indices, and chlorophyll a fluorescence. Two kale (Brassica oleracea L.) cultivars, ‘Jellujon’ and ‘Manchoo Collard’, were grown for four weeks under monochromatic red, green, and blue LEDs, a purple composite LED with far-red wavelengths, and three white LEDs with different correlated color temperatures (3000, 4100, and 6500 K). Blue LED increased shoot height by approximately 14–28%, depending on cultivar and comparison among the white LED treatments, but this elongation did not translate into superior biomass production. In contrast, white LEDs, particularly at 3000–4100 K, increased leaf area to 24.2–24.9 cm² and SPAD units to 47.3–50.2, whereas blue or green LEDs generally resulted in smaller leaves and lower SPAD units. Shoot dry weight under 3000–4100 K white LEDs reached 0.25–0.26 g in ‘Jellujon’ and 0.26–0.29 g in ‘Manchoo Collard’, approximately twofold higher than under blue or green LEDs. Compactness, Dickson quality index, root investment ratio, and leaf efficiency index were also more favorable under white LEDs, indicating improved plant sturdiness and structural stability. Green LED light was associated with lower maximum photochemical efficiency (Φ_Po) and greater energy dissipation (Φ_Do and DI_o/RC), whereas photochemical reflectance index and PI_ABS tended to be more favorable under selected white LED treatments, although these responses were partly cultivar- and treatment-dependent. Taken together, among the LED spectral quality treatments tested, 3000–4100 K white LEDs provided the most consistently favorable conditions for producing structurally robust, high-quality kale at the early growth stage in PFAL systems. The purple LED showed partial advantages in leaf development and selected physiological responses, but these effects were less consistent across cultivars and indices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Protected Culture)

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24 pages, 9188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Presentation and Tumour Burden in Head and Neck Sarcomas: Implications for Early Diagnosis and Referral

by Samhita Shanmugasundaram, Malla Salli, Amrita Jay, Antonia Timmis, Xin Kowa, Simon Morley, Katrina Ingley, Rachael Windsor, Ajla Wasti, Harini Rao, Franel Le Grange, Sandra J. Strauss, Vasilios Karavasilis, George Bitar, Simon Wan, Jonathan Joseph, Nicholas Kalavrezos and Deepti Sinha

Cancers 2026, 18(8), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18081298 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Head and neck sarcomas account for 11% of all soft tissue and 9% of all bone sarcomas in the UK. Diagnostic delays are common, with non-specific symptoms and histological misdiagnosis reported in up to 42% of cases. This study aims to evaluate [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Head and neck sarcomas account for 11% of all soft tissue and 9% of all bone sarcomas in the UK. Diagnostic delays are common, with non-specific symptoms and histological misdiagnosis reported in up to 42% of cases. This study aims to evaluate the association between presenting symptoms, symptom duration, and tumour size to inform a tailored HNS diagnostic strategy for early referral to a tertiary centre. Methods: We analysed a retrospective cohort of 425 adult and paediatric patients referred to the London Sarcoma Service between 2002 and 2025. Results: Our cohort analysis identified a median tumour size of 44.00 mm and symptom duration of 3 months. Although symptom duration did not predict tumour size (β = 0.63, p = 0.76), non-specific symptoms (swelling, pain, nasal/oral changes) were significantly associated with larger tumours (OR 1.96–3.66), alongside systemic symptoms (β = 22.90 mm, p = 0.044). Each 1 mm increase in tumour size was also associated with a 2.60% increased chance of a higher-grade sarcoma (OR = 1.03 per mm, p < 0.001). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort study to characterise diagnostic patterns in HNS. Our findings reveal three critical insights: 1. Current size-based referral thresholds are inadequate. 2. Non-specific symptoms, such as nasal or oral symptoms, are frequently overlooked. 3. The anatomical complexity of the HN region demands early tailored diagnostic strategies. We propose a hypothesis-generating ‘1–2–1’ framework to support earlier clinical suspicion, which requires prospective validation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multimodality Management of Sarcomas (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiencies in Physical Talent Identification Among Australian Adolescents: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Observational Study

by Patrick W. R. Norton, Stephen J. Norton and Kevin I. Norton

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2026, 11(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020160 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Talent identification (TID) programmes aim to detect adolescents with high physical potential, yet the efficiency of finding high-performance talent across different testing environments in an Australian context is unknown. The current study aim was to calculate the likelihood of participants scoring [...] Read more.

Background: Talent identification (TID) programmes aim to detect adolescents with high physical potential, yet the efficiency of finding high-performance talent across different testing environments in an Australian context is unknown. The current study aim was to calculate the likelihood of participants scoring at or above the 90th percentile in anthropometric or physical performance measures across different testing settings. Methods: We analysed retrospective, cross-sectional physical and performance data from 10,134 Australian adolescents aged 12–17 years (4427 girls; 5707 boys) tested in either schools (2992; 3500), advertised come-and-try TID “Select” sessions (1235; 1622), or community-based amateur sports clubs (200; 585). Standardised measures used across all settings included height, body mass, and five physical performance tests of strength, speed, agility, leg power and aerobic fitness. We used a threshold of “higher physical performance” or “physical talent” as an age- and sex-specific ≥90th percentile ranking in any of the performance tests when compared against our international normative database. Anthropometry measures were also compared using the same approach across settings. Results: Chi-square tests showed girls had significantly higher (p < 0.001) prevalence of ≥90th percentile scores in all performance results in Select, and all except speed in Sport settings compared to Schools testing. No differences were found for either height or body mass across settings (p = 0.078 and 0.17, respectively). Boys exhibited smaller differences, with Sport settings yielding significantly higher sprint and agility scores ≥90th percentile (p < 0.05), relative to both Schools and Select testing environments. Differences were found for height and body mass across settings (p < 0.001 for both analyses, respectively). Conclusions: Select environments enhance the identification of physically talented girls, while boys demonstrate broader distribution of performance talent across settings. Findings inform resource allocation for future TID programmes when the primary aim is to maximise the efficiency of finding higher-performance physical talent relative to the number of tests conducted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Fitness Assessment and Monitoring in Sport)

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26 pages, 1927 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recognition of Soccer Player Actions Using a Synchronized Multi-Camera and mm-Wave Radar Platform

by Daniël Benjamin Keyter and Johan Pieter de Villiers

Sensors 2026, 26(8), 2532; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26082532 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This paper presents a multimodal sensing approach for fine-grained soccer action recognition using synchronized mm-wave FMCW radar and multiview RGB cameras. A TI IWR1443BOOST FMCW radar and three Sony IMX296 global-shutter cameras were used to record seven soccer-related actions in different movement directions [...] Read more.

This paper presents a multimodal sensing approach for fine-grained soccer action recognition using synchronized mm-wave FMCW radar and multiview RGB cameras. A TI IWR1443BOOST FMCW radar and three Sony IMX296 global-shutter cameras were used to record seven soccer-related actions in different movement directions in an outdoor environment. Range–Doppler radar processing is applied to extract global mel features and CFAR-localized block representations of mel and radar spectrogram features to capture both coarse and fine micro-Doppler characteristics. Camera features are derived from bounding box, HOG, optical flow, and pose estimations. Classification is performed using logistic regression as the classical model and various deep models. Performance is evaluated using cross-validation. Radar alone achieved moderate performance (0.897 F1_macro using TCN), successfully identifying coarse motion but showing limited separability for dribbling-based actions. Camera-only models achieve near-perfect accuracy (≥0.997 F1_macro using 1D-CNN), with the confusion matrices being nearly perfectly diagonal already. The best performance is obtained from a cross-modal transformer with multiple cameras (0.998 F1_macro). These results demonstrate that a camera by itself performs strongly for the action recognition task but also that radar–camera fusion can improve robustness and enhance the discrimination of finer soccer player movements for outdoor analytics and player monitoring applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Sensor Data Fusion)

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36 pages, 743 KB

Open AccessArticle

Servicescape, Price Perception, and Diner Loyalty: Empirical Evidence from Full-Service Restaurants in Northern Peru

by Marco Agustín Arbulú Ballesteros, Marilú Trinidad Flores Lezama, Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Ana Elizabeth Paredes Morales and Cristina Fuentes Mejía

Tour. Hosp. 2026, 7(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp7040114 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Customer loyalty is a critical asset for the restaurant industry, yet the mechanisms linking the physical environment, price perception, and satisfaction remain underexplored in emerging Latin American gastronomy markets. This study examines the relationships among three servicescape dimensions—décor and artifacts, spatial layout, and [...] Read more.

Customer loyalty is a critical asset for the restaurant industry, yet the mechanisms linking the physical environment, price perception, and satisfaction remain underexplored in emerging Latin American gastronomy markets. This study examines the relationships among three servicescape dimensions—décor and artifacts, spatial layout, and ambient conditions—price perception, customer satisfaction, and loyalty in full-service restaurants in northern Peru (Chiclayo, Trujillo, and Piura). A cross-sectional survey was administered to 310 diners, and the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with 10,000 bootstrap resamples. Results supported seven of nine direct hypotheses and three of four mediation hypotheses. Décor and artifacts and ambient conditions significantly predicted both price perception and satisfaction, while spatial layout showed no significant effect on any path. Price perception partially mediated the effect of décor and ambient conditions on satisfaction, and satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between price perception and loyalty. The satisfaction–loyalty path yielded the largest effect size (β = 0.708, f² = 0.798). Serial chain analyses revealed that the physical environment shapes diner loyalty through sequential cognitive and evaluative mechanisms. These findings offer actionable insights for hospitality managers seeking to enhance gastronomy destination competitiveness through strategic servicescape investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Customer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality)

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18 pages, 1492 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Visual and Spatial Factors on Classical Music Listening: A Systematic Review

by Carlo-Ferdinando de Nardis, Mariangela De Vita and Alessio Gabriele

Architecture 2026, 6(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6020066 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, synthesising evidence on how visual and spatial features of classical concert settings—such as performer visibility, seating position and sightlines, stage layout, lighting, and vibrotactile cues—shape listeners’ engagement and judgments. RILM, APA [...] Read more.

This paper presents a systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, synthesising evidence on how visual and spatial features of classical concert settings—such as performer visibility, seating position and sightlines, stage layout, lighting, and vibrotactile cues—shape listeners’ engagement and judgments. RILM, APA PsycNet, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed experimental studies that manipulated or compared visual/spatial dimensions and reported subjective or physiological outcomes relevant to live, non-amplified contexts. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened, and data were extracted and analysed with respect to study design, stimulus environment, outcome measures, and main effects. Heterogeneity across studies precluded meta-analysis; therefore, a narrative synthesis was conducted. A total of 23 publications—22 experiments and one meta-analysis—met the inclusion criteria: the reviewed studies primarily examined issues related to visual presence and spatial configuration. Most studies relied on laboratory or home-based audiovisual reproductions, with only one study collecting data in a naturalistic performance setting. The evidence is limited by methodological heterogeneity, the predominance of simulated environments, and variability in outcome measures. Overall, visual and spatial factors substantially shape classical music listening and the audience experience, underscoring the need for more field-based and methodologically standardised research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Acoustics into Architectural Design)

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14 pages, 2371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multimodal Phase-Space Dynamics Fusion for Robust Ischemia Screening: An Edge-AI Paradigm with SERF Magnetocardiography

by Keyi Li, Xiangyang Zhou, Yifan Jia, Ruizhe Wang, Yidi Cao, Jiaojiao Pang, Rui Shang, Yadan Zhang, Yangyang Cui, Dong Xu and Min Xiang

Biosensors 2026, 16(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040228 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and requires timely and reliable detection. Although Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) magnetocardiography (MCG) provides femtotesla-level sensitivity for identifying non-linear cardiac repolarization anomalies, its clinical deployment is currently impeded by the computational [...] Read more.

Background: Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and requires timely and reliable detection. Although Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) magnetocardiography (MCG) provides femtotesla-level sensitivity for identifying non-linear cardiac repolarization anomalies, its clinical deployment is currently impeded by the computational bottlenecks inherent to portable edge platforms. Methods: We propose a “Sensor-to-Image” Edge-AI framework that links quantum sensing with computer vision. Single-channel SERF-MCG signals from a large cohort of 2118 subjects (1135 Healthy, 983 Ischemia) were transformed into phase-space images using three distinct encoding modalities: Recurrence Plots (RP), Gramian Angular Summation Fields (GASF), and Markov Transition Fields (MTF). These visual representations were subsequently analyzed by a streamlined MobileNetV3-Small architecture, optimized for low-latency inference. To maximize diagnostic precision, an adaptive weighted fusion mechanism was engineered to combine the chaotic specificity captured by RP with the morphological sensitivity of GASF through a validation-optimized fixed global weighting strategy. Results: In our experiments, the fusion model achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.865, which was higher than the 1D-CNN baseline (AUC 0.857) and the single-modality models. Notably, the fusion strategy significantly elevated sensitivity to 88.3% while maintaining a specificity of 66.5%. Although specificity is moderate, this trade-off prioritizes high sensitivity to minimize false negatives in pre-hospital screening scenarios. The average inference time was 4.7 ms per sample on a standard CPU, suggesting suitability for real-time Point-of-Care (PoC) scenarios under further on-device validation. Conclusions: The results suggest that multi-view phase-space fusion can capture subtle spatio-temporal changes associated with ischemia. The proposed lightweight framework may support the development of portable SERF-MCG systems with embedded AI screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biosensor and Bioelectronic Devices)

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18 pages, 1935 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Pellet Diameter on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health of Piglets During the Creep Feeding Stage

by Lingao Kong, Fangxing Ou, Shuang Dong, Nan Zhang and Yongxi Ma

Animals 2026, 16(8), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081260 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This experiment evaluated the effects of pellet diameter on growth performance and intestinal health of piglets during the creep feeding stage. A total of 144 7-day-old suckling piglets (body weight of 2.2 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups and fed [...] Read more.

This experiment evaluated the effects of pellet diameter on growth performance and intestinal health of piglets during the creep feeding stage. A total of 144 7-day-old suckling piglets (body weight of 2.2 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly assigned to four groups and fed the same formula as meal feed and pellets of 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm in diameter, respectively. Each treatment consisted of six replicates of six piglets. The trial was divided into two phases by weaning time: 7–21 days (breast milk + creep feed) and 21–35 days (creep feed only). After the feeding trial, piglets from the meal feed group and the 8 mm pellet group were selected for slaughter and sampling. The results showed that before weaning, average daily feed intake (ADFI) increased significantly with increasing pellet diameter (p < 0.001). Post-weaning, piglets fed 8 mm pellets presented significantly higher final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) than those in the meal group (p < 0.05). Apparent nutrient digestibility (ATTD) in pellet groups was significantly higher than that in the meal feed group and rose with increasing pellet diameter (p < 0.001). The organ indices of the stomach and large intestine in the 8 mm group of piglets were significantly lower than those of the meal group. The jejunal villus height (VH) in the 8 mm group showed a trend toward an increase (p = 0.066), and the ileal crypt depth (CD) was significantly lower (p = 0.004), with significantly higher digestive enzyme activities in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). In the 8 mm group, the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes in the jejunum and Actinobacteriota in the cecum and colon increased, while those of Pseudomonadota decreased; jejunal microbial relative richness increased significantly, while the ileal microbial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness decreased obviously. In conclusion, pellets improved the growth performance of creep feeding piglets. Compared with meal, 8 mm pellets can significantly enhance intestinal health level and nutrient digestion and absorption capacity by optimizing intestinal morphology, boosting digestive enzyme activities, and improving flora structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

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27 pages, 3995 KB

Open AccessArticle

Video-Based Arabic Sign Language Recognition with Mediapipe and Deep Learning Techniques

by Dana El-Rushaidat, Nour Almohammad, Raine Yeh and Kinda Fayyad

J. Imaging 2026, 12(4), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12040177 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This paper addresses the critical communication barrier experienced by deaf and hearing-impaired individuals in the Arab world through the development of an affordable, video-based Arabic Sign Language (ArSL) recognition system. Designed for broad accessibility, the system eliminates specialized hardware by leveraging standard mobile [...] Read more.

This paper addresses the critical communication barrier experienced by deaf and hearing-impaired individuals in the Arab world through the development of an affordable, video-based Arabic Sign Language (ArSL) recognition system. Designed for broad accessibility, the system eliminates specialized hardware by leveraging standard mobile or laptop cameras. Our methodology employs Mediapipe for real-time extraction of hand, face, and pose landmarks from video streams. These anatomical features are then processed by a hybrid deep learning model integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), specifically Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) layers. The CNN component captures spatial features, such as intricate hand shapes and body movements, within individual frames. Concurrently, BiLSTMs model long-term temporal dependencies and motion trajectories across consecutive frames. This integrated CNN-BiLSTM architecture is critical for generating a comprehensive spatiotemporal representation, enabling accurate differentiation of complex signs where meaning relies on both static gestures and dynamic transitions, thus preventing misclassification that CNN-only or RNN-only models would incur. Rigorously evaluated on the author-created JUST-SL dataset and the publicly available KArSL dataset, the system achieved 96% overall accuracy for JUST-SL and an impressive 99% for KArSL. These results demonstrate the system’s superior accuracy compared to previous research, particularly for recognizing full Arabic words, thereby significantly enhancing communication accessibility for the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition)

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16 pages, 275 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sensory-Rich Play and Language Development in Children with Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities: A Quasi-Experimental Study

by Dimitra V. Katsarou, Georgia Andreou and Evangelos Mantsos

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16040650 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examined the association between sensory-rich messy play and language development in children with Down syndrome (DS) and children with intellectual disabilities of unknown etiology (IDUE). Drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and the framework of embodied cognition, the study investigated whether different [...] Read more.

This study examined the association between sensory-rich messy play and language development in children with Down syndrome (DS) and children with intellectual disabilities of unknown etiology (IDUE). Drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and the framework of embodied cognition, the study investigated whether different play contexts are differentially associated with expressive and receptive language outcomes across developmental populations. A 2 × 2 quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was employed. Forty children aged 4 to 6 years were assigned to one of four conditions based on diagnostic group (DS vs. IDUE) and intervention type (sensory-rich messy play vs. structured non-sensory play). Language development was assessed before and after a 12-week intervention using the LaTo standardized test. Mixed-design analyses of variance revealed significant improvements in language performance over time, as well as significant effects of intervention type and diagnostic group. Children who participated in sensory-rich messy play demonstrated greater gains in expressive and receptive language compared to those engaged in structured play. A significant interaction between diagnostic group and intervention type was also observed, indicating that the association between play context and language development differed across groups. In particular, children with DS in the messy play condition showed the most pronounced improvements, especially in expressive language. These findings suggest that sensory-rich play contexts are associated with enhanced language outcomes, particularly for children with DS. However, due to the quasi-experimental design, causal interpretations should be made with caution. These findings suggest that sensory-rich play contexts are associated with enhanced short-term language outcomes, particularly for children with DS. However, due to the quasi-experimental design and the absence of follow-up assessment, conclusions regarding long-term or causal effects should be made with caution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations and Evidence-Based Approaches in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education)

27 pages, 3677 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coaxial Jet Mixing for Pharmaceutical Nanocarrier Production: Experimental Analysis and Mechanistic Modeling

by Diego Caccavo, Raffaella De Piano, Francesca Landi, Gaetano Lamberti and Anna Angela Barba

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040507 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the need for scalable and predictive strategies linking mixing conditions to nanocarrier properties by developing and analyzing a coaxial jet antisolvent process for the continuous production of pharmaceutical nanocarriers. Methods: A single experimental platform was used to generate both [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study addresses the need for scalable and predictive strategies linking mixing conditions to nanocarrier properties by developing and analyzing a coaxial jet antisolvent process for the continuous production of pharmaceutical nanocarriers. Methods: A single experimental platform was used to generate both curcumin-based nanoparticles and nanoliposomes, enabling direct comparison of how mixing regime and formulation variables influence product characteristics. Results: Fluid-dynamic behavior was first characterized using tracer and micromixing experiments, revealing a strong dependence of mixing time on flow conditions, with characteristic mixing times decreasing from >1000 ms under laminar conditions to approximately 10–30 ms in turbulent regimes. Nanoparticles and liposomes obtained under optimized conditions exhibited mean sizes in the range of 120–250 nm, with polydispersity indices typically below 0.2 under optimized turbulent conditions. To rationalize these observations, a computational framework was implemented, combining Reynolds-averaged computational fluid dynamics with a population balance formulation solved by the method of moments. The model provided spatially resolved insight into solvent exchange, supersaturation development, and nucleation–growth dynamics, showing good agreement with experimental trends and capturing the effect of mixing conditions on particle size across different regimes. Conclusions: Although simplified, the modeling approach establishes the basis for future extensions toward full population-balance distribution simulations capable of predicting complete particle size distributions, highlighting the ability of the coaxial jet mixer to control supersaturation and particle formation through tunable hydrodynamic conditions. This capability makes the system particularly attractive compared to conventional batch or less controllable mixing technologies, enabling a more rational and scalable design of pharmaceutical nanocarriers, with good encapsulation performance as discussed in the main text. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing and Devices)

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2 pages, 128 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for a New Section: Interfacial Properties

by Volodymyr I. Kovalchuk and Eugene V. Aksenenko

Colloids Interfaces 2026, 10(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids10020032 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

From a physical point of view, interfaces are not simply borders between two contacting continuous phases, but material objects with specific properties [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Interfacial Properties)

24 pages, 11089 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Design and Engineering Application of Recycled Asphalt Mixture Based on Waste Engine Oil

by Guangyu Men, Fangyuan Han, Yanlin Chen, Yu Cui, Jialong Yan, Juanqi Liang and Zichao Wu

Infrastructures 2026, 11(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11040142 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

To address the growing demand for sustainable road infrastructure development and
resolve technical bottlenecks in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycling, this study
optimized the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures (RAMs) and validated their engineering
applicability for field construction. RAM specimens were prepared using [...] Read more.

To address the growing demand for sustainable road infrastructure development and
resolve technical bottlenecks in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycling, this study
optimized the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures (RAMs) and validated their engineering
applicability for field construction. RAM specimens were prepared using 5-year
and 10-year aged RAP from Ningxia, with a constant RAP content of 30%. Laboratory
tests including high-temperature rutting, moisture susceptibility, low-temperature cracking,
dynamic modulus, and four-point bending fatigue were performed to determine the
optimal mix proportion. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thin-Layer
Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (TLC-FID) were employed to reveal the regeneration
mechanism of waste engine oil (WEO). Results showed that WEO modified the
functional groups and four fractions of asphalt, optimizing its colloidal structure, while
excessive WEO compromised high-temperature stability. The optimal WEO contents were
4% for RAP (5Y) and 8% for RAP (10Y), which significantly enhanced the overall performance
of RAM to adapt to Ningxia’s climate. This study provides technical support for
sustainable road infrastructure in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Service Safety and Green Maintenance Technology for Road Infrastructure in Complex Environments)

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18 pages, 1292 KB

Open AccessArticle

Threaded Antibiotic-Coated Locking Nails in Osteomyelitis-Associated Long-Bone Non-Union: Short-Term Outcomes of a Prospective Cohort

by Akef Obeidat, Abdal Ahmad, Akhtar Hussain, Saeed Ahmad, Hidayat Ullah, Mahmood Ul Hassan, Muhammad Abrar and Sadia Qazi

Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14081091 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Long-bone non-unions complicated by osteomyelitis remain a major reconstructive and healthcare challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings with a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Conventional staged management is associated with a prolonged treatment burden, repeated procedures, and delayed functional recovery. This [...] Read more.

Background: Long-bone non-unions complicated by osteomyelitis remain a major reconstructive and healthcare challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings with a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Conventional staged management is associated with a prolonged treatment burden, repeated procedures, and delayed functional recovery. This study evaluated the clinical, radiological, functional, and short-term safety outcomes of a single-stage approach using custom-threaded antibiotic-coated locking nails (TACLNs) in a high-resistance cohort. Methods: This prospective single-center cohort study enrolled 30 adults with osteomyelitis-associated femoral or tibial nonunion at a tertiary hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. All patients underwent radical debridement and single-stage stabilization with a chest tube mold TACLN loaded with vancomycin and gentamicin, with culture-directed adjunctive antibiotics for resistant organisms. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, Weeks 3 and 6, and Month 6 using inflammatory markers, RUST score, VAS pain, EQ-5D-5L, ASAMI criteria, and return to work or usual activity. No formal sample size calculation was performed, and this study was exploratory in nature. Results: The cohort (mean age 44.9 ± 9.9 years) had a challenging microbiological profile, with 40.0% MDR and 13.3% extensively drug-resistant (XDR) infections. By Month 6, short-term infection control was achieved in 96.7% of patients, with significant reductions in ESR and CRP (both p < 0.001). Radiographic union was achieved in 90.0% of cases at a mean of 18.6 weeks, and the mean RUST score improved from 4.87 to 10.43 at the final follow-up. The VAS pain decreased from 5.23 at week 3 to 0.73 at month 6, EQ-5D-5L improved from 0.39 to 0.84, and 90.0% returned to work or usual activity by month 6. No cement debonding, implant failure, or nephrotoxicity was noted. Conclusions: In this single-arm exploratory cohort, TACLNs were associated with favorable short-term infection control, radiographic union, and functional recovery in osteomyelitis-associated long-bone nonunion, including in an MDR/XDR setting. The independent contribution of the threaded core design cannot be established. Larger multicenter comparative studies with longer follow-ups are needed to confirm the durability and implementation feasibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Continuous Quality Improvement and Patient Safety in Healthcare)

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23 pages, 329 KB

Open AccessArticle

Primary Energy Demand in Korea: Substitution and Structural Change

by Ji-Whan Kim and Yoon-Kyung Kim

Energies 2026, 19(8), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19081980 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

International energy price changes can lead energy-importing economies to adjust their input factor choices, and Korea provides a useful case given its very high dependence on imported primary energies. This study estimates a primary energy input-demand system for Korea using quarterly data from [...] Read more.

International energy price changes can lead energy-importing economies to adjust their input factor choices, and Korea provides a useful case given its very high dependence on imported primary energies. This study estimates a primary energy input-demand system for Korea using quarterly data from 2000 to 2021, covering coal; crude oil; natural gas; labor; and others, including non-primary energy inputs. Our analysis uses LA-AIDS specifications. Breakpoint unit-root and cointegration tests support structural change around the global financial crisis, and this shift is incorporated through period-specific parameters within a unified demand system. The compensated elasticities indicate that crude oil becomes more price sensitive after the break, while coal and natural gas become less responsive to their own prices. Cross-price relationships also change, with weaker substitution among the primary energies and greater substitution between crude oil and others. These findings suggest that the ability to adjust inputs and the economic effects of international price changes can vary over time, which should be taken into account in energy policy evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section C: Energy Economics and Policy)

23 pages, 456 KB

Open AccessArticle

Caring for the ‘Heads-Down Generation’: Screen Time and Physical Health Complaints Among Adolescents in Poland

by Joanna Mazur, Alicja Kozakiewicz, Katarzyna Porwit, Dorota Kleszczewska, Maciej Białorudzki and Zbigniew Izdebski

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(8), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15083130 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Digital media play an important role in the lives of contemporary adolescents. While associated with many benefits, they also pose risks to physical health related to prolonged screen time and non-ergonomic body posture. This study analyzed the frequency of self-reported physical complaints [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Digital media play an important role in the lives of contemporary adolescents. While associated with many benefits, they also pose risks to physical health related to prolonged screen time and non-ergonomic body posture. This study analyzed the frequency of self-reported physical complaints among Polish adolescents in relation to time spent on different screen-based activities. Methods: The study included 9083 students aged 13–17 who completed an online survey in March and April 2024 in schools located in western Poland (approximately 30% of the region’s student population). Physical symptoms selected from the HBSC-SCL instrument were analyzed and supplemented with neck or shoulder pain and eye strain. Results: Longer screen time was associated with more frequent occurrence of all analyzed complaints. A 5-item index ranging from 0 to 20 points was proposed, including headache, neck or shoulder pain, eye strain, dizziness, and problems falling asleep (mean 6.56 ± 5.15). The index showed reliability at the level of α = 0.744 and good model fit according to CFA (RMSEA = 0.025). In a multivariate linear regression model (R² = 0.153), after adjusting for age, gender, place of residence, and family affluence, the variability of this index was most strongly associated with time spent on social media (β = 0.40) and browsing websites (β = 0.30). Gender-specific models were also compared. Conclusions: The results confirm the co-occurrence of physical complaints during adolescence and a significant association between their severity and screen-based activities, particularly engagement in social media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)

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32 pages, 7098 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ground-Level Ozone Distribution Across Saudi Arabia: A Spatiotemporal Study (2003–2024)

by Ahmad E. Samman, Abdallah Abdaldym, Heshmat Abdel Basset and Mostafa Morsy

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 4075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18084075 (registering DOI) - 20 Apr 2026

Abstract

Ground-level ozone (GLO₃) poses a critical threat to public health and the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, yet its long-term spatiotemporal evolution across the Arabian Peninsula remains poorly constrained. Utilizing CAMS-derived mixing ratios (1000–850 hPa) from 2003 to 2024, this [...] Read more.

Ground-level ozone (GLO₃) poses a critical threat to public health and the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, yet its long-term spatiotemporal evolution across the Arabian Peninsula remains poorly constrained. Utilizing CAMS-derived mixing ratios (1000–850 hPa) from 2003 to 2024, this study identifies a major systemic regime shift occurring in 2016–2017, marking a transition toward a more O₃-enriched atmospheric state across Saudi Arabia. While the early study period was characterized by pronounced spatial heterogeneity, post-2017 diagnostics reveal a synchronized intensification of GLO₃, particularly within the urban industrial belts of the Eastern and Western Provinces. Statistical trend metrics, including Mann–Kendall and regime-shift detection, show a persistent upward trend in GLO₃ concentrations, most significantly during winter and over the southwestern highlands. These trends are robustly coupled with increasing boundary-layer height, temperature, and UV-B radiation, alongside shifting precursor stoichiometry (CO, VOCs, NO_x) that separates titration-dominated from production-dominated regimes. Our results suggest that this mid-decade intensification reflects a convergence of anthropogenic forcing under Saudi Vision 2030 and shifting regional climatic drivers. By uncovering the transition from localized variability to kingdom-wide synchronization, this research provides a process-based foundation for targeted air quality management and the safeguarding of regional sustainability frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Air, Climate Change and Sustainability)

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