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16 pages, 11733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Springback Control of Profile by Multi-Point Stretch-Bending and Torsion Automatic Forming Based on FE-BPNN

by Yu Wen, Jicai Liang, Yi Li and Ce Liang

Metals 2025, 15(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15050544 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Springback control is a critical factor in profile stretch-bending-torsion forming. A new stretch-bending-torsion automatic forming method based on the mixture of finite element and BP neural network (FE-BPNN) is proposed. The method enhances the shape accuracy of profiles after single-step forming. Initially, the [...] Read more.

Springback control is a critical factor in profile stretch-bending-torsion forming. A new stretch-bending-torsion automatic forming method based on the mixture of finite element and BP neural network (FE-BPNN) is proposed. The method enhances the shape accuracy of profiles after single-step forming. Initially, the study introduces the 3D multi-point stretch-bending and torsion (3D MPSBT) forming machine and its forming principles. Subsequently, it details the springback prediction method and automatic forming control approach based on BPNN. A springback control model is established through numerical simulation and experiments. The proposed springback control method is compared with a springback factor-based approach from other researchers using hollow rectangular profiles undergoing combined bending and torsion deformation as the research object. The results validate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. Full article

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12 pages, 212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Under-Connected: Building Relational Power, Solidarity, and Developing Leaders in Broad-Based Community Organizing

by Aaron Stauffer

Religions 2025, 16(5), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16050620 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Many pastors, faith leaders, and community organizers are isolated and under-connected to communities of praxis that can accompany them as they go about their social change work, helping them to ground their organizing in their faith lives. There is a crisis of leadership [...] Read more.

Many pastors, faith leaders, and community organizers are isolated and under-connected to communities of praxis that can accompany them as they go about their social change work, helping them to ground their organizing in their faith lives. There is a crisis of leadership development and training. This paper argues for a rethinking of leadership development as grounded in conceptions of relational power, value-based organizing, and deep solidarity. Leaders, it is often said, are those who have followers. This definition takes for granted models of leadership that were first developed in the 1940s in Alinsky-style networks and adapted in the 1980s and 1990s in the neo-Alinskyite movement. This article extends this approach to home in on what leadership development amounts to in broad-based community organizing so as to help congregations and faith leaders see how community organizing can be an enactment and expression of their faith lives. Organizing strategies of leadership development can sit at the heart of congregational development. Developing leaders is about transformative critical reflection on premises of meaning schema. Leadership development is connected to leaders developing in the sense of exploring new ways of seeing the world and acting on them. By refocusing the organizing strategy of leadership development around relational power and deep solidarity, pastors, faith leaders, and community organizers can build stronger institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends in Congregational Engagement and Leadership)

14 pages, 6539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations and Key Driving Factors of Dust Storms in China’s Source Regions from 2000 to 2024

by Chenghao Tan, Chong Liu, Tian Li, Xiali Liu, Mingjin Tang and Tianliang Zhao

Atmosphere 2025, 16(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16050589 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

The Taklimakan Desert (TD), located in the Tarim Basin, and the Gobi Desert (GD), spanning northern China and southern Mongolia, are the two major dust source regions in East Asia, with substantial influence on China’s atmospheric environment and ecosystem. Using dust storm day [...] Read more.

The Taklimakan Desert (TD), located in the Tarim Basin, and the Gobi Desert (GD), spanning northern China and southern Mongolia, are the two major dust source regions in East Asia, with substantial influence on China’s atmospheric environment and ecosystem. Using dust storm day (DSD) observations from national meteorological stations between 2000 and 2024, along with meteorological variables and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), this study examines the spatiotemporal trends of dust storms and their key driving factors in both source regions. The TD and GD regions exhibit high levels of dust storm activity in China, with a distinct decreasing gradient from the source areas to downstream regions observed across all seasons. Trend analysis of DSD reveals distinct temporal patterns: the TD region experienced a moderate decline (−0.11 d/a) followed by a fluctuating increase (0.04 d/a), while the GD region exhibited a sharp drop (−0.32 d/a) and a subsequent marked resurgence (0.09 d/a). Seasonally, dust storm events in the TD region were frequent in both spring and summer, whereas in the GD region they were concentrated almost entirely in spring. In both source regions, spring dust storm events were closely linked to wind speed and the frequency of strong wind days. However, in summer, precipitation played a more suppressive role in the GD region, while wind remained the primary driver in the TD region. Between 2001 and 2013, both regions experienced a reduction in barren land area, aligning with a decline in dust storm events. In contrast, barren land in the GD region expanded from 2013 to 2023, accompanied by a significant increase in dust storm events. Notably, in the GD region, spring and summer NDVI values were negatively correlated with DSD, indicating stronger vegetation control over dust emission. In contrast, this relationship was weaker in the TD region, underscoring distinct ecological–meteorological interactions between the two desert systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pollution Dynamics in China)

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20 pages, 8325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Graphite Nanoplatelets via Functionalized Polyketone-Assisted Diels–Alder Chemistry: Evidence of Reduced Layer Thickness and Enhanced Exfoliation Efficiency

by Ricardo Cisternas, Jaime Orellana, Nataly Silva, Jonathan Correa-Puerta, Andrea Pucci, Ranjita K. Bose, Francesco Picchioni, Esteban Araya-Hermosilla and Rodrigo Araya-Hermosilla

Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101333 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

This study introduces an efficient and scalable method for the top-down exfoliation of graphite into graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) using polyketones (PKs) functionalized with Diels–Alder (DA) active groups. Leveraging the reversible covalent interactions facilitated by furan and thiophene moieties in PK, combined with melt-mixing [...] Read more.

This study introduces an efficient and scalable method for the top-down exfoliation of graphite into graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) using polyketones (PKs) functionalized with Diels–Alder (DA) active groups. Leveraging the reversible covalent interactions facilitated by furan and thiophene moieties in PK, combined with melt-mixing and shear force, this process achieves significant exfoliation while preserving the structural integrity of the resulting material. Thermal and rheological analyses demonstrate enhanced interfacial adhesion and stability within polymer composites attributed to the DA-driven interactions between functionalized PK and graphite. Comparative evaluations demonstrate that furan-functionalized PK exhibits superior exfoliation efficiency, highlighting its potential for producing high-quality exfoliated graphite suitable for advanced nanocomposite applications that require enhanced thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. This method seamlessly integrates sustainability with industrial scalability, offering significant advancements in developing GNP-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Graphene-Polymer Composites, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Steps to Adapt the Medication Administration Error Survey in Highly Specialised Units—Polish Perspectives

by Katarzyna Kwiecień-Jaguś, Wioletta Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska and Monika Kopeć

Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(5), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15050173 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Medication errors are a critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to significant patient harm, with studies indicating that medication-related incidents are among the most common causes of adverse events in medical practice. There are between 80 and 200 steps [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Medication errors are a critical issue in healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to significant patient harm, with studies indicating that medication-related incidents are among the most common causes of adverse events in medical practice. There are between 80 and 200 steps in providing a single patient with a single dose of drugs, with five stages, including prescription, preparation, dispensation, administration and monitoring. This study aims to describe and validate the MAEs (Medication Administration Error Scale) tool, which investigates the most common causes of medication errors in medication administration. Materials and Methods: Independent translators translated the original version of the scale using language verification. The agreed-upon version of the translation was then assessed by a team of nurses, specialists in anaesthetic and intensive care nursing, in terms of understanding the translated content. After introducing changes resulting from linguistic and organisational differences, a survey questionnaire was prepared and used in the pilot study. Eighty-six respondents participated in the pilot study via the Office 365 platform and the Forms programme. The research was led by nurses who work in highly specialised units. The reliability of the translated version of the questionnaire was examined by calculating the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The tool’s internal consistency across ranges was within acceptable limits. For part A (questions 1–29), it was 0.93; for part B (questions 30–45), it was 0.94. In part C, regarding the percentages of the type of error occurring in a given medical facility, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.97. When the factor loadings of the items were evaluated, they were determined to be in the range of 0.602–0.783. In this context, the factor loading levels of the items in the 5-factor model were high and sufficient. Conclusions: The statistical analyses suggest that the Polish version of the Medication Administration Error Survey demonstrates satisfactory reliability and is a promising tool for assessing the cause of medication administration errors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breakthroughs in Nursing: Clinical Reasoning and Decision-Making)

21 pages, 10277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Variant NSP6 on Pathogenicity: Genetic Analysis and Cell Biology

by Yangye Gao, Peng Ni, Yanqiao Hua, Shuaiyin Chen and Rongguang Zhang

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(5), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47050361 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein (NSP) 6 is one of the factors affecting viral pathogenicity. Mutations in NSP6 continuously emerge during viral transmission and are closely associated with alterations in viral pathogenicity. This study investigated the structural and functional impacts of NSP6 mutations by analyzing [...] Read more.

SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein (NSP) 6 is one of the factors affecting viral pathogenicity. Mutations in NSP6 continuously emerge during viral transmission and are closely associated with alterations in viral pathogenicity. This study investigated the structural and functional impacts of NSP6 mutations by analyzing NSP6 proteins from the Wuhan-Hu-1/B (WT) strain and predominant variants Alpha, XBB.1.16, BA.2.86, and JN.1 using bioinformatics, transcriptomics, and cellular experiments. The results demonstrate that the V3593F mutation decreased the β-sheet proportion and modified hydrogen bonding patterns, while the L3829F mutation enhanced structural stability by promoting random coils. The R3821K substitution exposed lysine residues, potentially enhancing molecular interactions. Combined transcriptomic profiling and functional assays revealed that WT-NSP6 significantly inhibited poly (I: C)-induced immune factor transcription and reduced the phosphorylation levels of p-IRF3 and p-STAT1, effects absent in the XBB.1.16 variant. Furthermore, WT-NSP6 markedly activated p-AKT and p-mTOR expression, with JN.1-NSP6 maintaining limited capacity to upregulate p-mTOR. However, p53 inhibitor treatment reversed Alpha-NSP6- and BA.2.86-NSP6-upregulated p-mTOR protein expression in cells. This study demonstrates that a high frequency of NSP6 mutations alters NSP6’s structure, impairing the type I interferon signaling pathway and affecting host antiviral responses through the p53-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. These findings contribute to the understanding of evolution, immune evasion, and viral pathogenesis mechanisms, with potential implications for the development of antiviral therapies and preventive strategies for this viral infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Microbiology)

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25 pages, 1707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Relocation and Urban Restructuring: Between Decline and Global Connectivity in Setúbal

by Ferit Serkan Öngel, Jorge Gonçalves and Fernando Nunes da Silva

Urban Sci. 2025, 9(5), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9050167 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Setúbal Peninsula (SetPe) has played a critical role in Portugal’s industrial history, symbolizing economic growth in the 1960s and serving as the centre of the working-class movement during the Carnation Revolution. This study examines the impacts of deindustrialisation and integration into Global Network [...] Read more.

Setúbal Peninsula (SetPe) has played a critical role in Portugal’s industrial history, symbolizing economic growth in the 1960s and serving as the centre of the working-class movement during the Carnation Revolution. This study examines the impacts of deindustrialisation and integration into Global Network and Chain Structures (GNCS) on the region’s daily life and urban areas. Despite the decline in industrial employment and the challenges posed by abandoned industrial areas, the region has remained connected to GNCS through existing industrial facilities. The study utilised both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse these transformations and highlighted the region’s vulnerability in the face of these global processes. The findings suggest that integration into GNCS in SetPe has led to economic dependence on multinational companies, social and cultural decline, and challenges in urban redevelopment. Full article

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29 pages, 57066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

URT-YOLOv11: A Large Receptive Field Algorithm for Detecting Tomato Ripening Under Different Field Conditions

by Di Mu, Yuping Guou, Wei Wang, Ran Peng, Chunjie Guo, Francesco Marinello, Yingjie Xie and Qiang Huang

Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101060 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

This study proposes an improved YOLOv11 model to address the limitations of traditional tomato recognition algorithms in complex agricultural environments, such as lighting changes, occlusion, scale variations, and complex backgrounds. These factors often hinder accurate feature extraction, leading to recognition errors and reduced [...] Read more.

This study proposes an improved YOLOv11 model to address the limitations of traditional tomato recognition algorithms in complex agricultural environments, such as lighting changes, occlusion, scale variations, and complex backgrounds. These factors often hinder accurate feature extraction, leading to recognition errors and reduced computational efficiency. To overcome these challenges, the model integrates several architectural enhancements. First, the UniRepLKNet block replaces the C3k2 module in the standard network, improving computational efficiency, expanding the receptive field, and enhancing multi-scale target recognition. Second, the RFCBAMConv module in the neck integrates channel and spatial attention mechanisms, boosting small-object detection and robustness under varying lighting conditions. Finally, the TADDH module optimizes the detection head by balancing classification and regression tasks through task alignment strategies, further improving detection accuracy across different target scales. Ablation experiments confirm the contribution of each module to overall performance improvement. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model exhibits enhanced stability under special conditions, such as similar backgrounds, lighting variations, and object occlusion, while significantly improving both accuracy and computational efficiency. The model achieves an accuracy of 85.4%, recall of 80.3%, and

m A P @ 50

of 87.3%. Compared to the baseline YOLOv11, the improved model increases

m A P @ 50

by 2.2% while reducing parameters to 2.16 M, making it well-suited for real-time applications in resource-constrained environments. This study provides an efficient and practical solution for intelligent agriculture, enhancing real-time tomato detection and laying a solid foundation for future crop monitoring systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Precision Farming for Sustainable Agriculture)

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23 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Various Crack Widths in RC Bridge Decks on the Initiation of Chloride-Induced Corrosion

by Mostafa Hassan and Lamya Amleh

J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050242 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of crack width on the time to chloride-induced corrosion initiation in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks, incorporating climate change projections through the year 2100 under IPCC scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). A probabilistic modelling approach using Monte Carlo simulations [...] Read more.

This study investigates the influence of crack width on the time to chloride-induced corrosion initiation in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks, incorporating climate change projections through the year 2100 under IPCC scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). A probabilistic modelling approach using Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) was applied to assess corrosion initiation across a range of environmental and structural conditions, including normal and high-performance concrete (HPC), varying concrete cover depths, and the use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs). The results indicate that increasing the crack width significantly accelerates chloride ingress, reducing the time to corrosion initiation by up to 41% compared with that under uncracked conditions. HPC demonstrated superior durability, delaying corrosion initiation by nearly twice as long as normal concrete under identical chloride exposure. Elevated temperatures projected under high-emission scenarios further reduce service life by increasing chloride diffusion rates. Polynomial regression models were developed to relate crack width and concrete cover to corrosion initiation time, offering practical tools for durability-based design and service life prediction. These findings highlight the importance of enhanced crack control, climate-adaptive material selection, and updated durability standards to improve the resilience of RC bridge infrastructure in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Sustainable Cement-Based Composites: Innovations in Performance, Durability, and Environmental Impact)

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18 pages, 15487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Four-Dimensional Variations of In Situ Stress in Stress-Sensitive Ultra-High-Pressure Tight Gas Reservoirs

by Chuankai Zhao, Lei Shi, Hang Su, Liheng Yan, Yang Luo, Shangui Luo, Peng Qiu and Yuanwei Hu

Processes 2025, 13(5), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051508 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Compared with traditional gas reservoirs, ultra-deep and ultra-high-pressure tight sandstone gas reservoirs are characterized by well-developed faults and fractures, strong heterogeneity and stress sensitivity, and complex in situ stress distribution. Traditional three-dimensional geological models and numerical models ignore the variation characteristics of reservoir [...] Read more.

Compared with traditional gas reservoirs, ultra-deep and ultra-high-pressure tight sandstone gas reservoirs are characterized by well-developed faults and fractures, strong heterogeneity and stress sensitivity, and complex in situ stress distribution. Traditional three-dimensional geological models and numerical models ignore the variation characteristics of reservoir in situ stress during the production process, it affects the accuracy of the subsequent fracturing modification design and development plan formulation. Therefore, based on the integrated method of geological engineering, this article first carried out high-temperature and high-pressure stress sensitivity tests on reservoir rock samples and fitted the stress-sensitive mathematical model to clarify the influence of high temperature and high pressure on permeability. Then, aiming at the problem of four-dimensional in situ stress variation caused by the coupling of the seepage field and stress field during the exploitation of tight sandstone gas reservoirs, combined with the results of well logging interpretation, rock physical property analysis, and mechanical experiments, based on the three-dimensional geological model and geomechanical model of the gas reservoir and coupled with the stress-sensitive characteristics of the reservoir, a four-dimensional in situ stress model for the reservoir of tight sandstone gas reservoirs was established. The prediction of the variation law of four-dimensional in situ stress during the production process was carried out. Finally, the influence of considering stress sensitivity on reservoir production was simulated. The results show the following: ① The production process has a significant impact on the magnitude and distribution of four-dimensional in situ stress. With the decrease in pore pressure, both the maximum horizontal principal stress and the minimum horizontal principal stress decrease. ② In the area near the production well, the direction of in situ stress will significantly deflect over time. ③ In an ultra-deep and ultra-high-pressure environment, the gas reservoir is affected by the stress-sensitive effect. The stable production time of the gas well is reduced by two years, and the cumulative gas production decreases by 5.01 × 10⁸ m³. The research results provide the temporal stress field distribution results for the simulation and prediction of the secondary fracturing of old wells and the commissioning fracturing of new wells in the target well area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Systems)

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23 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Renewal Strategies for Older Hospital-Adjacent Communities Based on Residential Satisfaction: A Case Study of Xiangya Hospital

by Haoyu Deng, Li Zhu, Xiaokang Wang, Ni Zhang and Yue Tang

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104458 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Since 2019, China has been promoting the renovation of old urban residential areas built in 2000 or earlier. However, older communities surrounding large urban hospitals face unique challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, complex social dynamics, and conflicts between tenants and residents. This study focuses [...] Read more.

Since 2019, China has been promoting the renovation of old urban residential areas built in 2000 or earlier. However, older communities surrounding large urban hospitals face unique challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, complex social dynamics, and conflicts between tenants and residents. This study focuses on old communities near Xiangya Hospital in Changsha, Hunan Province, employing questionnaire surveys to analyze residential satisfaction and demands across three dimensions: housing spaces, community public spaces, and social relations. Using multilevel linear regression, structural equation modeling, and moderation effect analysis, this research systematically investigates influencing factors and group heterogeneity. The findings reveal that community greening, recreational facilities, and property management are core drivers of residential satisfaction, while social relationships and public spaces play critical mediating roles. Distinct group-specific needs emerged: elderly residents prioritized greening, security, and property management responsiveness; medical students emphasized sound insulation and tenant management; and patients and their families heavily emphasized ventilation and lighting, hygienic conditions, and infrastructure. To address these issues, the study proposes an integrated renewal strategy emphasizing the integration of physical upgrades and soft governance. The findings provide theoretical and practical insights for the systematic renewal of similar older hospital-adjacent communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Explorations in Health and Healthcare: Addressing Complex Challenges for Sustainable Futures)

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12 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Stress on Haemonchus contortus Larvae Exposed to Alternative Treatment with Artemisia cina n-Hexane Extract and Cinaguaiacin Metabolites

by Ana Elvia Sánchez-Mendoza, Guillermo Reséndiz-González, Eduardo Rico-Mejía, Héctor Alejandro de la Cruz-Cruz, Gerardo Ramírez-Rico, Jorge Alfredo Cuéllar-Ordaz, José Francisco Montiel-Sosa, María Eugenia López-Arellano, David Emmanuel Reyes-Guerrero, Clara Luisa Domínguez-Delgado, Martín Orlando Pulido Medellín, Daniel Hernández-Patlán and Rosa Isabel Higuera-Piedrahita

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050467 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Anthelmintic resistance is currently negatively impacting animal production parameters, leading to an increase in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and resulting in low profitability in small ruminants. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative control strategies to reduce the prevalence and damage [...] Read more.

Anthelmintic resistance is currently negatively impacting animal production parameters, leading to an increase in the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and resulting in low profitability in small ruminants. Therefore, there is a need to develop alternative control strategies to reduce the prevalence and damage caused by these parasites in extensive systems. One of these strategies involves plant extracts and their secondary metabolites, which have shown antiparasitic properties. The main aim of the present study was the evaluation of Artemisia cina (A. cina) foliage to perform an n-hexane extract and cinaguaiacin as secondary metabolite (mixture of 63% of 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin and 37% norisoguaiacin), previously identified by chromatography technique and relative expression of three antioxidant enzyme genes of infective Haemonchus contortus larvae (L₃). The results showed upregulation of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT), and decreased expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes after exposure to H. contortus L₃ to n-hexane extract of A. cina. Furthermore, cinaguacin displayed up- and downregulation of GPx and superoxide dismutase genes, respectively. These data suggest the active function of reactive oxidative species (ROS) genes of H. contortus L₃ exposed by the extract of A. cina and cinaguaiacin to induce the larve death. In this sense, both alternatives could be promising to mitigate resistance to anthelmintic drugs. Full article

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15 pages, 4835 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

First Detection and Genetic Characterization of Felis catus Papillomavirus Type 11, the First Treisetapapillomavirus Type to Infect Domestic Cats

by John S. Munday, Adrienne F. French, Louisa Broughton, Xiaoxiao Lin, Sarah D. Bond, Simona Kraberger and Matthew A. Knox

Animals 2025, 15(10), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101416 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Domestic cats are currently recognized to be infected by 10 different Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV) types that are classified into three genera. Examination of a skin sample from a cat with presumptive allergic dermatitis revealed clusters of large amphophilic intracytoplasmic bodies within epidermal [...] Read more.

Domestic cats are currently recognized to be infected by 10 different Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV) types that are classified into three genera. Examination of a skin sample from a cat with presumptive allergic dermatitis revealed clusters of large amphophilic intracytoplasmic bodies within epidermal cells. A 312 bp section of DNA from a novel PV type was amplified from the sample, while the entire 7569 bp genome was amplified and sequenced from a skin swab. The novel PV, which was designated FcaPV11, was predicted to contain coding regions for five early proteins and two late ones. Phylogenetic analysis of the L1 gene sequence showed FcaPV11 clusters with members of the Treisetapapillomavirus genus and shares less than 64% similarity with any of the previously fully sequenced FcaPV types. FcaPV11 DNA was not detected in a series of neoplastic and non-neoplastic skin samples from an additional 30 cats. These results show, for the first time, that cats can be infected by members of the Treisetapapillomavirus genus and suggest PVs in this genus may have co-evolved with a common Carnivora ancestor. While FcaPV11 was considered unlikely to have caused skin lesions in this cat, the prominent PV-induced cell changes indicate the PV can influence cell regulation. This suggests FcaPV11 may have the potential to cause skin disease in cats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)

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34 pages, 3239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crisis-Proofing the Fresh: A Multi-Risk Management Approach for Sustainable Produce Trade Flows

by Roxana Voicu-Dorobanțu

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4466; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104466 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

This study posits the need for a conceptual multi-risk management approach for fresh produce, an essential product category for societal resilience and one constantly affected by climate change, policy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions. The research started with a literature-informed typological risk mapping, leading [...] Read more.

This study posits the need for a conceptual multi-risk management approach for fresh produce, an essential product category for societal resilience and one constantly affected by climate change, policy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions. The research started with a literature-informed typological risk mapping, leading to Gephi ver 0.10.1 visualizations of networks related to this trade. Network analysis using 2024 bilateral trade data revealed a core–periphery topology, with the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands as central hubs. A gravity-based simulation model was, lastly, used to address the following question: what structural vulnerabilities and flow-based sensitivities define the global fresh produce trade, and how do they respond to simulated multi-risk disruptions? The model used the case of the USA as a global trade hub and induced two compounding risks: a protectionist tariff policy shock and a climate-related shock to its main supplier. The conclusion was that the fragility in the fresh produce trade enhances the cascading effects that any risk event may have across the environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. This paper emphasizes the need for anticipatory governance, the diversification of trade partners, and investment in cold chain resilience, offering a means for policymakers to acknowledge the risk and mitigate the threats to the increasingly fragile fresh produce trade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)

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18 pages, 1990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life and Working Conditions of Plastic Surgeons and Trainees: A National Survey

by Léna G. Dietrich, Michael J. Deml, Laura De Pellegrin and Cédric Zubler

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050778 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Background: While the well-being and working conditions of healthcare professionals are increasingly scrutinized, there remains a critical research gap regarding the quality of life and job satisfaction of plastic surgeons in Switzerland. No prior national study has systematically examined these aspects within this [...] Read more.

Background: While the well-being and working conditions of healthcare professionals are increasingly scrutinized, there remains a critical research gap regarding the quality of life and job satisfaction of plastic surgeons in Switzerland. No prior national study has systematically examined these aspects within this specialty. Objective: This study aims to address this gap by evaluating workload, career satisfaction, and quality of life among Swiss plastic surgeons and trainees, thereby providing evidence to inform systemic improvements in the profession. Methods: A national, multilingual online survey was distributed to all members of the Swiss Society for Plastic Surgery and the Association of Young Plastic Surgeons. A total of 102 plastic surgeons responded (response rate: 22.7%). The survey assessed contractual versus actual working hours, work performed during personal time, mental health indicators (e.g., burnout), and career satisfaction. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted. Results: The respondents reported an average of 58 actual versus 49 contractual working hours per week, with an additional 8.1 h spent working during leisure time. Burnout symptoms were present in 29%, and 63% experienced work-related stress during their free time. While 42% wished to reduce their workload, 88.7% would still choose the profession again. Career satisfaction averaged 3.66/5, although 35% rated their salary as inadequate. Notably, 79.8% reported work negatively affecting private relationships, despite 82.65% feeling supported by their environment. Conclusion: This first nationwide assessment highlights the high workload and psychological strain faced by Swiss plastic surgeons. Key priorities include targeted burnout prevention, structural workload reduction, enhanced support for work–life integration (especially among women and younger surgeons), and improved compensation. These measures are essential to sustain the well-being of practitioners and ensure long-term quality in surgical care. Full article

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21 pages, 7844 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WRRT-DETR: Weather-Robust RT-DETR for Drone-View Object Detection in Adverse Weather

by Bei Liu, Jiangliang Jin, Yihong Zhang and Chen Sun

Drones 2025, 9(5), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9050369 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of UAV technology, robust object detection under adverse weather conditions has become critical for enhancing UAVs’ environmental perception. However, object detection in such challenging conditions remains a significant hurdle, and standardized evaluation benchmarks are still lacking. To bridge this [...] Read more.

With the rapid advancement of UAV technology, robust object detection under adverse weather conditions has become critical for enhancing UAVs’ environmental perception. However, object detection in such challenging conditions remains a significant hurdle, and standardized evaluation benchmarks are still lacking. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Adverse Weather Object Detection (AWOD) dataset—a large-scale dataset tailored for object detection in complex maritime environments. The AWOD dataset comprises 20,000 images captured under three representative adverse weather conditions: foggy, flare, and low-light. To address the challenges of scale variation and visual degradation introduced by harsh weather, we propose WRRT-DETR, a weather-robust object detection framework optimized for small objects. Within this framework, we design a gated single-head global–local attention backbone block (GLCE) to fuse local convolutional features with global attention, enhancing small object distinguishability. Additionally, a Frequency–Spatial Feature Augmentation Module (FSAE) is introduced to incorporate frequency-domain information for improved robustness, while an Attention-based Cross-Fusion Module (ACFM) facilitates the integration of multi-scale features. Experimental results demonstrate that WRRT-DETR outperforms SOTA methods on the AWOD dataset, exhibiting superior robustness and detection accuracy in complex weather conditions. Full article

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33 pages, 2654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Portable and Affordable Four-Channel EEG System for Emotion Recognition with Self-Supervised Feature Learning

by Hao Luo, Haobo Li, Wei Tao, Yi Yang, Chio-In Ieong and Feng Wan

Mathematics 2025, 13(10), 1608; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13101608 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Emotions play a pivotal role in shaping human decision-making, behavior, and physiological well-being. Electroencephalography (EEG)-based emotion recognition offers promising avenues for real-time self-monitoring and affective computing applications. However, existing commercial solutions are often hindered by high costs, complicated deployment processes, and limited reliability [...] Read more.

Emotions play a pivotal role in shaping human decision-making, behavior, and physiological well-being. Electroencephalography (EEG)-based emotion recognition offers promising avenues for real-time self-monitoring and affective computing applications. However, existing commercial solutions are often hindered by high costs, complicated deployment processes, and limited reliability in practical settings. To address these challenges, we propose a low-cost, self-adaptive wearable EEG system for emotion recognition through a hardware–algorithm co-design approach. The proposed system is a four-channel wireless EEG acquisition device supporting both dry and wet electrodes, with a component cost below USD 35. It features over 7 h of continuous operation, plug-and-play functionality, and modular expandability. At the algorithmic level, we introduce a self-supervised feature extraction framework that combines contrastive learning and masked prediction tasks, enabling robust emotional feature learning from a limited number of EEG channels with constrained signal quality. Our approach attains the highest performance of 60.2% accuracy and 59.4% Macro-F1 score on our proposed platform. Compared to conventional feature-based approaches, it demonstrates a maximum accuracy improvement of up to 20.4% using a multilayer perceptron classifier in our experiment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Time Series and Computational Methods in Biological Signal Processing)

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20 pages, 15147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design for Loss Reduction in a Compact AFPM Electric Water Pump with a PCB Motor

by Do-Hyeon Choi, Hyung-Sub Han, Min-Ki Hong, Dong-Hoon Jung and Won-Ho Kim

Energies 2025, 18(10), 2538; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102538 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

A PCB stator axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) motor is presented that overcomes the manufacturing challenges associated with the complex geometry of conventional stators by employing a PCB substrate. Traditionally, AFPM motors are produced by winding coils around the stator teeth, a process [...] Read more.

A PCB stator axial flux permanent magnet (AFPM) motor is presented that overcomes the manufacturing challenges associated with the complex geometry of conventional stators by employing a PCB substrate. Traditionally, AFPM motors are produced by winding coils around the stator teeth, a process that requires specialized winding machinery and is both labor intensive and time consuming, ultimately incurring considerable manufacturing costs and delays. In contrast, PCB substrates offer significant advantages in manufacturability and mass production, effectively resolving these issues. Furthermore, the primary material used in PCB substrates, FR-4, exhibits a permeability similar to that of air, resulting in negligible electromagnetic cogging torque. Cogging torque arises from the attraction between permanent magnets and stator teeth, creating forces that interfere with motor rotation and generate unwanted vibration, noise, and potential mechanical collisions between the rotor and stator. In the PCB stator design, the conventional PCB circuit pattern is replaced by the motor’s coil configuration, and the absence of stator teeth eliminates these interference issues. Consequently, a slotless motor configuration with minimal vibration and noise is achieved. The PCB AFPM motor has been applied to a vehicle-mounted electric water pump (EWP), where mass production and space efficiency are critical. In an EWP, which integrates the impeller with the motor, it is essential that vibrations are minimized since excessive vibration could compromise impeller operation and, due to fluid resistance, require high power input. Moreover, the AFPM configuration facilitates higher torque generation compared to a conventional radial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor (RFPM). In a slotless AFPM motor, the absence of stator teeth prevents core flux saturation, thereby further enhancing torque performance. AC losses occur in the conductors as a result of the magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnets, and similar losses arise within the PCB circuits. Therefore, an optimized PCB circuit design is essential to reduce these losses. The Constant Trace Conductor (CTC) PCB circuit design process is proposed as a viable solution to mitigate AC losses. A 3D finite element analysis (3D FEA) model was developed, analyzed, fabricated, and validated to verify the proposed solution. Full article

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19 pages, 4760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hyaluronic Acid Ultra-Porous Scaffolds Reinforced with Low Quantities of Graphene Oxide: Influence on the Delivery of Curcumin and Bacterial Inhibition

by Sandra Fuster-Gómez and Alberto J. Campillo-Fernández

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100735 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

In this study, the influence of (i) the degree of crosslinking and (ii) incorporating small amounts of graphene oxide—up to 0.2% by mass—into the matrix of ultra-porous hyaluronic acid scaffolds was analyzed in relation to their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Also studied was [...] Read more.

In this study, the influence of (i) the degree of crosslinking and (ii) incorporating small amounts of graphene oxide—up to 0.2% by mass—into the matrix of ultra-porous hyaluronic acid scaffolds was analyzed in relation to their physicochemical and mechanical properties. Also studied was the effect of incorporating graphene oxide on the release profile of curcumin, a hydrophobic molecule of interest in tissue engineering, plus the potential antibacterial activity of graphene oxide against Escherichia coli, E.coli. This paper describes the development of a hybrid ultra-porous material composed of crosslinked hyaluronic acid and graphene oxide, representing a significant advance in the field of nanomedicine. The resulting material enables dual control over the release kinetics of curcumin, a compound with high pharmacological potential and neuroprotective properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fabrication and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposite Materials)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Platelet-Rich Plasma Provides Superior Clinical Outcomes Without Radiologic Differences in Lateral Epicondylitis: Randomized Controlled Trial

by Taha Kizilkurt, Ahmet Serhat Aydin, Taha Furkan Yagci, Ali Ersen, Celal Caner Ercan and Artür Salmaslioglu

Medicina 2025, 61(5), 894; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050894 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent condition characterized by pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. Various treatment options, including corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and saline injections, are utilized, yet their comparative efficacy remains unclear. Hypothesis: [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent condition characterized by pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. Various treatment options, including corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and saline injections, are utilized, yet their comparative efficacy remains unclear. Hypothesis: This study hypothesizes that PRP injections result in superior functional and clinical outcomes compared to corticosteroid and saline treatments, as assessed by clinical scoring systems and radiological findings. Materials and Methods: The study enrolled patients aged 18 years and older with pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle persisting for at least three months and no prior treatment. Patients with comorbidities affecting the upper extremity were excluded. Fifty-five elbows from 50 patients were randomized into three groups (glucocorticoid, PRP, and saline). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Radiological evaluations included vascularity and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) indices via ultrasonography before injection and three months post-injection. Results: Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 36 patients (36 elbows, 16 males and 20 females; mean age 42.4 ± 6.15 years) for analysis. The glucocorticoid group included 13 elbows, PRP group 14 elbows, and saline group 14 elbows. Baseline functional and radiological scores were similar across groups. At three months, PRP and glucocorticoid groups showed no significant differences in VAS scores (p = 0.7), but PRP outperformed both of the other groups in DASH and PRTEE scores, with the saline group performing the worst (p < 0.001). PRP consistently achieved the best outcomes at both three and six months. Radiological assessments revealed no significant group differences in vascularity or SMI indices (p = 0.3 and p = 0.2, respectively). Conclusions: PRP treatment demonstrated superior functional outcomes in early and mid-term evaluations compared to glucocorticoid and saline. However, ultrasonographic measures of vascularity and SMI did not correlate with functional outcomes. Clinical Relevance: PRP offers a promising treatment option for lateral epicondylitis, with superior functional improvements over other commonly used injections. Radiological assessments of vascularity and SMI may not reliably predict clinical outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Orthopaedic Diseases and Innovative Intervention Strategies, 2nd Volume)

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25 pages, 5696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing a Prognostic Model for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Risk Based on Genes Characterising the Differentiation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

by Yuheng Tang, Jianyu Pang, Yongzhi Chen, Qi Qi, Hui Wang, Yingjie Sun, Samina Gul, Xuhong Zhou and Wenru Tang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4679; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104679 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Cancer is the most common malignancy, with over 2 million new cases and nearly 1.8 million deaths worldwide annually. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant subtype, accounting for the majority of cases. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which originate from monocytes and typically [...] Read more.

Cancer is the most common malignancy, with over 2 million new cases and nearly 1.8 million deaths worldwide annually. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant subtype, accounting for the majority of cases. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which originate from monocytes and typically differentiate into macrophages and granulocytes, possess potent immunosuppressive capabilities. MDSCs regulate immune responses in various pathological conditions and are strongly associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. This study aims to elucidate the complex interplay between MDSCs, immune cells, and tumours in the NSCLC tumour microenvironment (TME). By integrating single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data with bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk RNA-seq) data, we identified MDSCs as the target cell population and used Monocle software (v2.22.0) to infer their developmental trajectories. We identified key genes associated with MDSCs differentiation processes and classified MDSCs into seven distinct states based on their functional roles. Furthermore, we constructed a prognostic risk model based on the impact of MDSCs differentiation on NSCLC prognosis, utilizing Elastic Net regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis of Bulk RNA-seq data. The model’s performance and accuracy were validated using both internal and external validation sets. Additionally, we compared risk scores with clinical pathological features and the relationship between risk scores and key immune cells in the immune microenvironment, demonstrating the model’s clinical predictive value. We also explored how prognostic genes contribute to poor prognosis in NSCLC. Moreover, small molecule compounds targeting these prognostic genes were screened, and their anti-tumour effects were evaluated as potential therapeutic strategies for NSCLC treatment. This study not only reveals the complex regulatory mechanisms of MDSCs in the NSCLC immune microenvironment but also successfully constructs a prognostic risk model based on MDSCs differentiation states. The model demonstrates excellent clinical performance in predicting patient prognosis, effectively identifying high-risk patients and providing robust support for individualized treatment and immunotherapy decisions. Through association analyses with key immune cells in the immune microenvironment and clinical pathological features, our model can assist clinicians in formulating more precise treatment plans based on patients’ immune status and tumour characteristics. Furthermore, we identified small molecule compounds targeting these prognostic genes, providing novel and promising therapeutic targets for NSCLC, which could further enhance treatment efficacy and improve patients’ survival quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning Applications in Bioinformatics and Biomedicine: 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 1498 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Discovery of Association Rules in E-Commerce: Comparing Candidate Generation and Pattern Growth Techniques

by Ioan Daniel Hunyadi, Nicolae Constantinescu and Oana-Adriana Țicleanu

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5498; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105498 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Association rule mining plays a critical role in uncovering item correlations and hidden patterns within transactional data, particularly in e-commerce environments. Despite the widespread use of Apriori and FP-Growth algorithms, few studies offer a statistically rigorous, tool-based comparison of their performance on real-world [...] Read more.

Association rule mining plays a critical role in uncovering item correlations and hidden patterns within transactional data, particularly in e-commerce environments. Despite the widespread use of Apriori and FP-Growth algorithms, few studies offer a statistically rigorous, tool-based comparison of their performance on real-world e-commerce data. This paper addresses this gap by evaluating both algorithms in terms of execution time, memory consumption, rule generation volume, and rule strength (support, confidence, and lift). Implementations in RapidMiner and an analysis through SPSS establish statistically significant performance differences, particularly under varying support thresholds. Our findings confirm that FP-Growth consistently outperforms Apriori for large-scale datasets due to its ability to bypass candidate generation, while Apriori retains pedagogical and small-scale relevance. The study contributes practical guidance for data scientists and e-commerce practitioners choosing suitable rule-mining techniques based on their data size and performance constraints. Full article

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9 pages, 764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and Grading of Textural Interface Opacities in DSAEK Grafts with the M-TIO Scale for Predicting Visual Outcomes

by Marina S. Chatzea, George D. Kymionis, Dionysios G. Vakalopoulos, Robert C. O’Brien, Daniella Mora, Katrina Llanes, Elizabeth Fout, William Buras, Concetta Triglia, Rahul S. Tonk and Sonia H. Yoo

Diagnostics 2025, 15(10), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15101241 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Background: Textural Interface Opacities (TIOs) following Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) have become a notable postoperative concern. Several studies have attempted to identify associations between TIO development and intraoperative factors, including fluid dynamics, irregular stromal surfaces, viscoelastic usage, and recipient immunological [...] Read more.

Background: Textural Interface Opacities (TIOs) following Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) have become a notable postoperative concern. Several studies have attempted to identify associations between TIO development and intraoperative factors, including fluid dynamics, irregular stromal surfaces, viscoelastic usage, and recipient immunological responses. Despite these efforts, the precise etiology of TIO remains uncertain. TIO has not been considered predictable in the preoperative setting. Its detection has relied exclusively on slit-lamp biomicroscopy, a subjective approach lacking standardized diagnostic criteria, which limits diagnostic reliability and is highly susceptible to interobserver variability. Methods: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images of DSAEK-processed corneal grafts, prepared using the same microkeratome and technique for transplantation at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, underwent blinded analysis using a newly developed grading scale termed “M-TIO”. This analysis focused on DSAEK-processed grafts OCT images to evaluate and categorize the occurrence of TIO and assess the final visual acuity of the patients at the 1-year postoperative evaluation. Results: Based on the results, the M-TIO grading scale demonstrated strong predictive value, with higher grades on OCT of DSAEK lenticules consistently associated with worse postoperative visual acuity. The study included 221 donor corneas transplanted from 2019 to 2023. Greater TIO based on the “M-TIO” grading scale was associated with worse recipient logMAR VA (Mean 0.151 [99% CI: 0.077 to 0.225] for corneas with no TIO, increased to 0.680 [99% CI: 0.532 to 0.828] for corneas with the greatest TIO grade). These findings highlight the clinical utility of the M-TIO scale as an objective and reliable preoperative tool for assessing graft quality and predicting postoperative visual outcomes. Conclusions: This study introduces the “M-TIO” grading scale, which provides a standardized and objective method for evaluating Textural Interface Opacities in DSAEK grafts prior to transplantation. Our results demonstrate a clear association between the severity of TIO as graded by the M-TIO scale, and postoperative visual outcomes, with higher TIO grades correlating with worse visual acuity, emphasizing its value in improving graft selection, and clinical decision-making in DSAEK. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Coherence Tomography in Diagnosis of Ophthalmology Disease)

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11 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers and Enablers for Physical Activity in Culturally Deaf Adults: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

by Alex B. Barker, J. Yoon Irons, Clare M. P. Roscoe and Andy Pringle

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050777 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing; however, there is, a paucity of research amongst culturally deaf adults. Especially, to understand the needs of deaf adults and how to get them involved in shaping interventions that would help deaf [...] Read more.

Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing; however, there is, a paucity of research amongst culturally deaf adults. Especially, to understand the needs of deaf adults and how to get them involved in shaping interventions that would help deaf people to be physically active. The current study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators for engaging in PA amongst deaf adults. Method: Focus groups involving nine culturally deaf adults communicating using British sign language were conducted and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: Barriers including physical barriers, lack of deaf spaces and deaf awareness, and a lack of personal motivations were identified. Enablers included group/social support, deaf-led activities and health and wellbeing awareness. The findings highlighted a strong deaf identity. Conclusions: Deaf adults face barriers due to spaces being made for hearing people, leading to feelings of social exclusion and a lack of spaces to engage in activity and socialise, despite being personally and socially motivated to engage in PA. Deaf identity should be considered when promoting PA to deaf adults. The current paper highlights research and practice implications regarding how to engage and work with deaf people to develop appropriate interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Sport and Physical Activity Contribute to Healthy Lifestyle and Physical Fitness for Public Health)

21 pages, 7387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transient High-Frequency Electromagnetic Force Calculation for Linear Induction Motors Under Pulse Width Modulation Current Excitation

by Mingke Li, Jin Xu, Junjie Zhu, Yuhu Wang and Tairan Chen

Machines 2025, 13(5), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13050409 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Because of their transient working mode and end effects, it is particularly difficult to compute high-frequency electromagnetic forces on linear induction motors under PWM current simulation. The current methods for computing high-frequency electromagnetic forces in transient operating conditions are computationally expensive and have [...] Read more.

Because of their transient working mode and end effects, it is particularly difficult to compute high-frequency electromagnetic forces on linear induction motors under PWM current simulation. The current methods for computing high-frequency electromagnetic forces in transient operating conditions are computationally expensive and have limited practicality. To deal with these issues, this paper introduces a non-periodic transient high-frequency electromagnetic force calculation model. Firstly, an examination of a linear induction motor under PWM currents demonstrates that the transient magnetic field calculation issue in a linear induction motor can be simplified to a periodic boundary steady-state magnetic field calculation problem. Based on this, a 2D magnetic field analytical model is established for high-frequency magnetic field calculation. Subsequently, a hybrid approach employing both finite element analysis and analytical methods is employed to compute the transient magnetic field. Finally, electromagnetic forces are calculated across the entire frequency spectrum, and the correctness of the model is validated indirectly through motor vibration experiments. This model offers faster and more accurate results than finite element analysis, making it suitable for application in the iterative stages of motor optimization design and applicable to rotary induction motors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrical Machines and Drives)

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21 pages, 1316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduction of the Disturbance Effects in a Twin Rotor Multi-Input Multi-Output System Based on a Modified Smith Predictor Control Scheme

by Aissa Mehallel and Vicente Feliu-Batlle

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 5499; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15105499 (registering DOI) - 14 May 2025

Abstract

Three factors that complicate the position and orientation control of unmanned autonomous vehicles are the hardware-induced delays, delays caused by teleoperated modes of operation, and persistent disturbances such as wind. In this article, we study how to overcome these challenges by controlling a [...] Read more.

Three factors that complicate the position and orientation control of unmanned autonomous vehicles are the hardware-induced delays, delays caused by teleoperated modes of operation, and persistent disturbances such as wind. In this article, we study how to overcome these challenges by controlling a twin rotor multi-input, multi-output system. This nonlinear system has two degrees of freedom and significant cross-coupling, making its control particularly challenging. Time delay and external disturbances contribute to system instability and complicate flight control. The effects of time delay can be mitigated using the standard Smith predictor controller. However, this approach performs poorly when persistent disturbances are present. Our contribution is a modified Smith predictor that effectively mitigates disturbances. Additionally, a decoupler is employed to transform the system into two single-input, single-output models, enabling precise control of both the horizontal and vertical planes. The proposed method is implemented on a prototype and compared with the original Smith predictor-based control scheme. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showing that our approach reduces the steady-state tracking error to less than 2%, decreases settling time from 30 s to 20 s, and improves disturbance rejection under wind disturbance conditions by 35% compared to the standard Smith predictor. These results demonstrate the superior set-point tracking performance and enhanced disturbance rejection of the proposed approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Computer Science in Mobile Robots II)

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