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760 KB  
Article
The Impact of DRG-Based Payment Reform on Inpatient Healthcare Utilization: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in China
by Hua Zhang, Xin Fu, Yuhan Wu, Yao Tang, Hui Jin and Bo Xie
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192424 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to examine the impact of Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment on medical costs, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services in public hospitals, providing policy recommendations for further health insurance payment reforms in China. Methods: Utilizing inpatient medical insurance settlement data [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aims to examine the impact of Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment on medical costs, efficiency, and quality of healthcare services in public hospitals, providing policy recommendations for further health insurance payment reforms in China. Methods: Utilizing inpatient medical insurance settlement data from 2020 to 2023 in the selected city, we constructed a regression discontinuity design (RDD) and an interrupted time series (ITS) model to evaluate the causal effects of the DRG reform. The analysis includes 66,533 inpatient settlement records. Results: Following the reform, the average length of stay (LOS) decreased by 2 days (95% CI: −3.43 to −0.70, p < 0.01), total hospitalization expenditures dropped by 13% (95% CI: −0.26 to −0.00, p < 0.05), and expenditures from the medical insurance fund declined by 25% (95% CI: −0.39 to −0.12, p < 0.01). Additionally, examination and consultation fees were reduced by 23% (95% CI: −0.41 to −0.05, p < 0.05), although patients’ out-of-pocket burden increased by 8% (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.10, p < 0.01). In terms of healthcare quality, the 30-day readmission rate decreased by 1% (95% CI: −0.01 to −0.00, p < 0.01), and the mortality rate among low-risk patients declined by 4% (95% CI: −0.04 to −0.03, p < 0.01). We found no evidence of patient selection or denial of admission. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that the reduction in hospital stay was concentrated among enrollees under the Urban and Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance and those treated in secondary hospitals. The policy’s effects peaked shortly after implementation but gradually attenuated over time. Conclusions: Our study offers hospital-level evidence indicating that the initial stage of DRG implementation achieved its preliminary goals of optimizing medical resource allocation and improving the efficiency of medical insurance fund utilization. However, the reform still faces several challenges. These findings may offer valuable references for developing countries pursuing reforms in primary healthcare and health insurance payment systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Organizations, Systems, and Providers)
562 KB  
Article
From Necessity to Excess: Temporal Differences in Smartphone App Usage–PSU Links During COVID-19
by Chiho Ok
COVID 2025, 5(10), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5100163 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
With the growing prevalence of digital media use, increasing attention has been directed toward the impact of smartphone usage patterns on mental health. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered daily life, accelerating the integration of smartphones into social and economic activities. This [...] Read more.
With the growing prevalence of digital media use, increasing attention has been directed toward the impact of smartphone usage patterns on mental health. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered daily life, accelerating the integration of smartphones into social and economic activities. This study utilized four years of cross-sectional data (N = 75,450) to examine how different types of smartphone application usages—specifically gaming, social networking services (SNS), and online shopping—are associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU), comparing patterns during and after the pandemic. The findings indicate that excessive gaming had a consistently notable association with PSU across both periods. However, the relationship between SNS and shopping app usage on PSU was significantly stronger after the pandemic. This shift suggests that while such applications served essential roles during the pandemic, their continued and excessive use after the return to face-to-face interaction may potentially contribute to problematic use. These results highlight the evolving nature of smartphone application use and its psychological consequences, underscoring the importance of developing tailored intervention strategies that reflect post-pandemic digital behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section COVID Public Health and Epidemiology)
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Review
Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: From Sarcomere to Clinic
by Kazufumi Nakamura, Takahiro Okumura, Seiya Kato, Kenji Onoue, Toru Kubo, Hidemichi Kouzu, Toshiyuki Yano and Takayuki Inomata
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199347 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, often resulting from pathogenic variants of sarcomeric protein genes. Conventional treatments, such as the use of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, focus on symptomatic control but do not [...] Read more.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, often resulting from pathogenic variants of sarcomeric protein genes. Conventional treatments, such as the use of beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, focus on symptomatic control but do not address the underlying hypercontractility at the sarcomere level. Recent advances in molecular understanding have led to the development of cardiac myosin inhibitors that directly modulate sarcomeric function by reducing myosin–actin cross-bridge formation and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. Mavacamten and aficamten have shown promising results in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, improving symptoms, exercise capacity, and left ventricular outflow tract gradients in patients with obstructive HCM. This review summarizes the current understanding of HCM pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and conventional treatments with a focus on the mechanisms of action of myosin inhibitors, clinical evidence supporting their use, and future directions for improvement. We also discuss their potential applications in non-obstructive HCM and the importance of precision medicine guided by genetic profiling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
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Article
Development and Characterization of Sustainable Biocomposites from Wood Fibers, Spent Coffee Grounds, and Ammonium Lignosulfonate
by Viktor Savov, Petar Antov, Alexsandrina Kostadinova-Slaveva, Jansu Yusein, Viktoria Dudeva, Ekaterina Todorova and Stoyko Petrin
Polymers 2025, 17(19), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17192589 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Coffee processing generates large volumes of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which contain 30–40% hemicellulose, 8.6–13.3% cellulose, and 25–33% lignin, making them a promising lignin-rich filler for biocomposites. Conventional wood composites rely on urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF), and phenol–formaldehyde resins (PF), which dominate 95% [...] Read more.
Coffee processing generates large volumes of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which contain 30–40% hemicellulose, 8.6–13.3% cellulose, and 25–33% lignin, making them a promising lignin-rich filler for biocomposites. Conventional wood composites rely on urea-formaldehyde (UF), melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF), and phenol–formaldehyde resins (PF), which dominate 95% of the market. Although formaldehyde emissions from these resins can be mitigated through strict hygiene standards and technological measures, concerns remain due to their classification as category 1B carcinogens under EU regulations. In this study, fiber-based biocomposites were fabricated from thermomechanical wood fibers, SCGs, and ammonium lignosulfonate (ALS). SCGs and ALS were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and incorporated at 40–75% of the oven-dry fiber mass. Hot pressing was performed at 150 °C under 1.1–1.8 MPa to produce panels with a nominal density of 750 kg m−3, and we subsequently tested them for their physical properties (density, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS)), mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bond (IB) strength), and thermal behavior and biodegradation performance. A binder content of 50% yielded MOE ≈ 2707 N mm−2 and MOR ≈ 22.6 N mm−2, comparable to UF-bonded medium-density fiberboards (MDFs) for dry-use applications. Higher binder contents resulted in reduced strength and increased WA values. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG) revealed an inorganic residue of 2.9–8.5% and slower burning compared to the UF-bonded panels. These results demonstrate that SCGs and ALS can be co-utilized as a renewable, formaldehyde-free adhesive system for manufacturing wood fiber composites, achieving adequate performance for value-added practical applications while advancing sustainable material development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cellulose-Based Polymers and Composites, 2nd Edition)
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Review
Automated Network Defense: A Systematic Survey and Analysis of AutoML Paradigms for Network Intrusion Detection
by Haowen Liu, Xuren Wang, Famei He and Zhiqiang Zheng
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10389; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910389 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
As cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated, advanced Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) have become essential for securing cyberspace. While Machine Learning (ML) is foundational to modern NIDS, its effectiveness is often hampered by a resource-intensive development pipeline involving feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter [...] Read more.
As cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated, advanced Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) have become essential for securing cyberspace. While Machine Learning (ML) is foundational to modern NIDS, its effectiveness is often hampered by a resource-intensive development pipeline involving feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning. Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) promises a solution, but its application to the massive, high-speed data streams in NIDS is fundamentally a parallel and distributed computing challenge. This paper argues that the scalability and performance of AutoML in NIDS are governed by the underlying computational paradigm. We introduce a novel taxonomy of AutoML frameworks, uniquely classifying them by their parallel and distributed architectures. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis of over 15 NID methods on benchmark datasets, we demonstrate how the performance of leading systems is a direct consequence of their chosen computational paradigm. Finally, we identify frontier challenges and future research directions at the intersection of AutoML, NIDS, and high-performance distributed systems, focusing on computational scalability, security, and end-to-end automation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
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Article
A Newly Discovered Obolenskvirus Phage with Sustained Lytic Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
by Eduardo Vera-Jauregui, María Guadalupe Avila-Novoa, Berenice González-Torres, Pedro Javier Guerrero-Medina, Cristobal Chaidez, Irvin González-López, Jean Pierre González-Gómez and Melesio Gutiérrez-Lomelí
Antibiotics 2025, 14(10), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14100961 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly concerning pathogen in hospital settings, responsible for severe infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Its remarkable genetic plasticity facilitates the rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance, significantly complicating treatment and increasing mortality rates. [...] Read more.
Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly concerning pathogen in hospital settings, responsible for severe infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and meningitis. Its remarkable genetic plasticity facilitates the rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance, significantly complicating treatment and increasing mortality rates. As multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections continue to rise, phage therapy emerges as a viable alternative. Methods: This study reports the isolation and characterization of Acinetobacter phage vB_AbaM_A72 from stagnant water in Jalisco, Mexico. Results: Transmission electron microscopy revealed a myovirus-like morphology with an icosahedral head (91.32 ± 0.12 nm) and a contractile tail (123.77 ± 0.19 nm). The phage exhibited high environmental resilience, tolerating temperatures up to 60 °C and pH ranging from 5 to 11. Notably, A72 demonstrated a narrow host range but effectively inhibited the growth of an MDR A. baumannii strain for at least 12 h across different multiplicities of infection. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed the absence of virulence, antibiotic resistance, or lysogeny-associated genes. Comparative genomic analysis identified A72 as the first member of a newly described Obolenskvirus species, sharing only 76.4% similarity with its closest relatives. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of fully characterizing novel bacteriophages to expand therapeutic libraries and reinforce the feasibility of phage therapy as a promising approach against MDR A. baumannii infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
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Article
Influences of Chloride Salts on Enzymatic Activity, Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Compounds of Reduced-Sodium Salt Pastırma
by Barış Yalınkılıç, Fatma Yağmur Hazar Suncak, Güzin Kaban, Muhammet İrfan Aksu and Mükerrem Kaya
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10390; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910390 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
The study investigated the effects of chloride salts (control: 100% NaCl, salt mixture I: NaCl/KCl (50/50), salt mixture II: NaCl/KCl/CaCl2 (40/40/20), salt mixture III: NaCl/KCl/CaCl2/MgCl2 (30/40/20/10)) on enzymatic activity, lipid oxidation, and volatile compounds in reduced-sodium salt pastırma, a [...] Read more.
The study investigated the effects of chloride salts (control: 100% NaCl, salt mixture I: NaCl/KCl (50/50), salt mixture II: NaCl/KCl/CaCl2 (40/40/20), salt mixture III: NaCl/KCl/CaCl2/MgCl2 (30/40/20/10)) on enzymatic activity, lipid oxidation, and volatile compounds in reduced-sodium salt pastırma, a Turkish dry-cured meat product. Lipid oxidation and instrumental color values were not affected by different salt mixtures. Salt mixtures II and III decreased pH value (p < 0.05). However, the mean pH value did not fall below 5.5 in any sample. The salt mixture treatment had significant effect on water activity, cathepsin B, and cathepsin B + L. In contrast, aw value was under 0.90 in all treatments. The highest mean values for cathepsin B and B + L were determined in the control group with 11.69 ± 2.73 and 85.82 ± 12.65 U g−1 × 10−3 dry matter, respectively. The closest correlation for lipolytic enzyme activities was determined by the mixture II and III groups, while a closer correlation was observed between salt mixtures I and III in terms of proteolytic enzyme activities. With regard to volatile compounds, there was a closer relationship between the control and salt mixture I. As a result, it can be concluded that salt mixture I in reduced-sodium salt pastırma showed closer results to the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing, Preservation, and Quality Evaluation for Meat and Meat Products, 2nd Edition)
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Review
Improving Advanced Communication Skills Towards the Family System: A Scoping Review of Family Meeting Training in Oncology and Other Healthcare Settings
by Sara Alquati, Loredana Buonaccorso, Nuria Maria Asensio Sierra, Francesca Sassi, Francesco Venturelli, Maria Chiara Bassi, Stefano David Scialpi and Silvia Tanzi
Cancers 2025, 17(19), 3115; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193115 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Family meetings (FMs) are clinical encounters in a structured space between the patient, family members, and care teams. Healthcare professionals (HPs) often lack formal training in conducting FMs. The scoping review aims to provide an overview of the available research evidence on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Family meetings (FMs) are clinical encounters in a structured space between the patient, family members, and care teams. Healthcare professionals (HPs) often lack formal training in conducting FMs. The scoping review aims to provide an overview of the available research evidence on FMs’ education for HPs. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The PCC (Population-Concept-Context) framework was used to define inclusion criteria: educational intervention on FMs aimed at HPs in all settings of care and students of medicine and nursing sciences treating adult patients with oncological and non-oncological diseases. Results: The search retrieved 1017 articles, of which 26 were eligible. The training had as its primary aims the development of communication skills and curriculum development/evaluation. For the most part, palliative care physicians served as trainers, while medical students and residents represented a major part of trainees, underscoring a focus on early-career learners. FM training is mainly provided in the American countries and intensive care settings. Role-play or simulation was the most common teaching method. Pre- and post-interventional designs were the most common, with few studies incorporating longitudinal follow-up to assess skill retention. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to evaluate interventions. Conclusions: The training topics are related to advanced communication, but there is a lack of an interprofessional perspective and long-term assessment of the skills learned. It is necessary to consider different family types as subjects of communication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Social Determinants on Cancer Care)
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Review
Understanding the Ageing Customer and Designing Services for Ageing in Place
by Vessela Warren and Richard Nicholls
J. Ageing Longev. 2025, 5(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal5040038 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Many developed countries are experiencing a marked rise in the ageing population, with a growing proportion of adults entering older age groups. Whilst the literature has focused on the design, management, and quality of services within senior living facilities, less attention has been [...] Read more.
Many developed countries are experiencing a marked rise in the ageing population, with a growing proportion of adults entering older age groups. Whilst the literature has focused on the design, management, and quality of services within senior living facilities, less attention has been paid to services for ageing in one’s home and community. This article seeks to add understanding of the needs of older customers and how services and service processes can be designed to support their independent living and ageing in place. These services can enable older customers who feel challenged by daily tasks to continue to live in the community as opposed to in senior facilities. However, the literature on the designing of services has failed to keep pace with the growing trend of older customers and there is currently a deficiency of literature focusing on services designed for ageing in place. Therefore, this article addresses this lacuna through a thematic review of the literature in the field of service design, gerontology, and hospitality. The article reconceptualises hospitality in both hospitality and non-hospitality services and offers a theoretical and practical perspective into service design through the hospitality and human-design lens to enable older customers to age in place. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Hospitality in Ageing and Longevity: A New Frontier for Ageing in Place and Senior Living)
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Review
Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Era of CRT and ARNI: A Missing Link in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Care
by Oana Pătru, Silvia Luca, Dragoș Cozma, Cristina Văcărescu, Simina Crișan, Mihaela Daniela Valcovici, Mirela Vîrtosu, Adrian Sebastian Zus, Constantin-Tudor Luca and Simona Ruxanda Drăgan
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196766 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) continues to impose a high burden of morbidity and mortality despite significant advances in pharmacologic and device-based therapy. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) have independently demonstrated substantial benefits in symptoms, health-related quality [...] Read more.
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) continues to impose a high burden of morbidity and mortality despite significant advances in pharmacologic and device-based therapy. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) have independently demonstrated substantial benefits in symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and survival. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), incorporating structured exercise, education, and lifestyle optimization, is well established as an effective intervention in HFrEF, yet its role in the era of combined CRT and ARNI therapy remains insufficiently characterized. This literature review synthesizes current evidence on CR in HFrEF populations receiving CRT, ARNI, or both, highlighting its impact on HRQoL, exercise capacity, and functional outcomes. Across diverse study designs—including randomized trials, observational cohorts, and meta-analyses—CR consistently yielded clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported HRQoL and objective measures such as six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and peak oxygen uptake. Data directly evaluating CR in patients concurrently receiving both CRT and ARNI are lacking; indirect evidence suggests CR is compatible with, and may add to, contemporary device and drug therapy. However, referral rates remain low, indicating an implementation gap despite strong evidence of benefit. The review underscores the importance of integrating CR into contemporary HFrEF care and identifies a pressing need for targeted prospective studies to define its role in patients receiving dual device–pharmacologic therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Rehabilitation)
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Systematic Review
Clinical, Radiological, and Pathological Features of Intraosseous Hibernoma: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
by Jawad Albashri, Ahmed Albashri, Muhannad Alhamrani, Abdulrahman Hassan, Hisham Shamah, Rayan Alhefzi, Najim Z. Alshahrani, Mohammed R. Algethami, Louis-Romée Le Nail and Ramy Samargandi
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(10), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32100535 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Intraosseous hibernoma (IOH) is a rare benign tumor composed of brown adipose tissue within the bone, frequently mimicking metastatic lesions and leading to diagnostic challenges. This systematic review aimed to consolidate and analyze all published IOH cases to improve recognition and inform management. [...] Read more.
Intraosseous hibernoma (IOH) is a rare benign tumor composed of brown adipose tissue within the bone, frequently mimicking metastatic lesions and leading to diagnostic challenges. This systematic review aimed to consolidate and analyze all published IOH cases to improve recognition and inform management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to March 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported histopathologically confirmed cases of intraosseous hibernoma (IOH) in human patients. A total of 62 cases from 30 studies were included. The mean age was 59.2 years, with a female predominance. Lesions were most frequently located in the pelvis and spine and were typically identified incidentally during cancer staging or imaging performed for unrelated indications. Imaging often revealed sclerotic patterns on computed tomography (CT), hyperintense signals on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences, and mild to moderate uptake on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). Immunohistochemistry consistently showed S100 protein positivity. Most patients underwent biopsy and were managed conservatively, with no cases of malignant transformation reported. IOH is a benign entity with distinctive radiologic and immunohistochemical features that may mimic malignancy. Awareness of its presentation can reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions, supporting biopsy-based confirmation and conservative management in most cases. Full article
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Article
AttenResNet18: A Novel Cross-Domain Fault Diagnosis Model for Rolling Bearings
by Gangjin Huang, Shanshan Wu, Yingxiao Zhang, Wuguo Wei, Weigang Fu, Junjie Zhang, Yuxuan Yang and Junheng Fu
Sensors 2025, 25(19), 5958; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25195958 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
To tackle the difficulties in cross-domain fault diagnosis for rolling bearings, researchers have devised numerous domain adaptation strategies to align feature distributions across varied domains. Nevertheless, current approaches tend to be vulnerable to noise disruptions and often neglect the distinctions between marginal and [...] Read more.
To tackle the difficulties in cross-domain fault diagnosis for rolling bearings, researchers have devised numerous domain adaptation strategies to align feature distributions across varied domains. Nevertheless, current approaches tend to be vulnerable to noise disruptions and often neglect the distinctions between marginal and conditional distributions during feature transfer. To resolve these shortcomings, this study presents an innovative fault diagnosis technique for cross-domain applications, leveraging the Attention-Enhanced Residual Network (AttenResNet18). This approach utilizes a one-dimensional attention mechanism to dynamically assign importance to each position within the input sequence, thereby capturing long-range dependencies and essential features, which reduces vulnerability to noise and enhances feature representation. Furthermore, we propose a Dynamic Balance Distribution Adaptation (DBDA) mechanism, which develops an MMD-CORAL Fusion Metric (MCFM) by combining CORrelation ALignment (CORAL) with Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD). Moreover, an adaptive factor is employed to dynamically regulate the balance between marginal and conditional distributions, improving adaptability to new and untested tasks. Experimental validation demonstrates that AttenResNet18 achieves an average accuracy of 99.89% on two rolling bearing datasets, representing a significant improvement in fault detection precision over existing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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Article
Advancing the Analysis of Resilience of Global Phosphate Flows
by Matthias Raddant, Martin Bertau and Gerald Steiner
Resources 2025, 14(10), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14100151 - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
This paper introduces a novel method for estimating material flows, with a focus on tracing phosphate flows from mining countries to those using phosphate in agricultural production. Our approach integrates data on phosphate rock extraction, fertilizer use, and international trade of phosphate-related products. [...] Read more.
This paper introduces a novel method for estimating material flows, with a focus on tracing phosphate flows from mining countries to those using phosphate in agricultural production. Our approach integrates data on phosphate rock extraction, fertilizer use, and international trade of phosphate-related products. A key advantage of this method is that it does not require detailed data on material concentrations, as these are indirectly estimated within the model. We demonstrate that our model can reconstruct country-level phosphate flow matrices with a high degree of accuracy, thereby enhancing traditional material flow analyses. This method bridges the gap between conventional material flow analysis and the economic analysis of resilience of national supply chains, and it is applicable not only to phosphorus but also to other resource flows. We show how the estimated flows can support country-specific assessments of supply security: while global phosphate flows appear moderately concentrated, country-level analyses reveal significant disparities in import dependencies and, in some cases, substantially higher supplier concentration. Full article
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Article
Evaluation of the Economic Convenience Deriving from Reforestation Actions to Reduce Soil Erosion and Safeguard Ecosystem Services in an Apulian River Basin
by Giuliano Rocco Romanazzi, Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano, Marilisa Cioffi, Claudio Acciani, Annalisa De Boni, Giovanni Francesco Ricci, Vincenzo Leronni, Francesco Gentile and Rocco Roma
Land 2025, 14(10), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101936 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Soil erosion is a widespread problem leading to land degradation in many watersheds, including the Lato Basin, an Apulian permanent river that supplies water used for irrigation in many agricultural territories along the Ionian coast with considerable economic importance for crop production. The [...] Read more.
Soil erosion is a widespread problem leading to land degradation in many watersheds, including the Lato Basin, an Apulian permanent river that supplies water used for irrigation in many agricultural territories along the Ionian coast with considerable economic importance for crop production. The loss of fertile soil makes land less productive for agriculture; soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields. The present research aimed to determine soil loss (t/ha/year) in the Lato watershed in 2024, and then four ecosystem services—loss of carbon, habitat quality, crop productivity and sustainable tourism suitability—directly or indirectly linked to erosion, were defined and evaluated in monetary terms. These ecosystem service evaluations were made for the actual basin land use, and also for two hypothetical scenarios applying different afforestation strategies to the watershed. The first scenario envisages afforestation interventions in the areas with the highest erosion; the second scenario envisages afforestation interventions in the areas with medium erosion, cultivated with cereal crops. Each scenario was also used to evaluate the economic convenience and the effects of sustainable land management practices (e.g., reforestation) to reduce soil erosion and loss of ecosystem services. This study demonstrates that soil erosion is related to land use. It also underlines that reforestation reduces soil erosion and increases the value of ecosystem services. Furthermore, the economic analysis shows that crop productivity is the most incisive ecosystem service, as the lands with high productivity achieve higher economic values, making conversion to wooded areas economically disadvantageous if not supported with economic aid. The results of this study may help development of new management strategies for the Lato Basin, to be implemented through the distribution of community funds for rural development programs that consider the real economic productivity of each area through naturalistic engineering interventions. The reforestation measures need to be implemented over a long time frame to perform their functions; this requires relevant investments from the public sector due to cost management, requesting monetary compensation from EU funds for companies involved in forestation projects on highly productive areas that will bring benefits for the entire community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Land Degradation Processes, Control and Restoration)
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Article
Investigation of the Prognostic Value of Novel Laboratory Indices in Patients with Sepsis in an Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Observational Study
by Korhan Kollu, Betul Cigdem Yortanli, Ayse Nur Cicek, Emre Susam, Nalan Karakas and Muhammet Cemal Kizilarslanoglu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6765; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196765 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of some novel laboratory indices in intensive care unit (ICU)-hospitalized sepsis patients. Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 400 patients with sepsis. The indices studied were the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), hemoglobin, albumin lymphocyte, [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of some novel laboratory indices in intensive care unit (ICU)-hospitalized sepsis patients. Methods: This retrospective, observational study included 400 patients with sepsis. The indices studied were the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), hemoglobin, albumin lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), vitamin B12xC-reactive protein index (BCI), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The predicting effects of these indices in ICU mortality, along with other clinical outcomes, were investigated. Results: The median age of the study population was 73 (18–95) years and 51.6% were males. The ICU mortality rate was 51.7%. Deceased patients with sepsis had an increased age and high APACHE II and SOFA scores compared to the survivors (p < 0.05 for all). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (HR = 1.069, p = 0.038 in Model 1 vs. HR = 1.053, p = 0.001 in Model 2), SOFA score (HR = 2.145, p < 0.001 in Model 1 vs. HR = 1.740, p < 0.001 in Model 2), phosphorus levels (in Model 1, HR = 0.608, p = 0.037), and CAR (in Model 2, HR = 1.012, p = 0.023) were independent associated factors for ICU mortality. According to the ROC analyses, the SOFA (AUC = 0.879, p < 0.001) and APACHE II (AUC = 0.769, p < 0.001) scores showed high accuracy in predicting ICU mortality, while the PNI (AUC = 0.675, p < 0.001), CAR (AUC = 0.609, p < 0.001), and the BCI (AUC = 0.648, p < 0.001) showed limited accuracy. However, the HALP score did not reach a significant level in predicting ICU mortality (p = 0.067). Conclusions: Excluding the HALP score, the new laboratory indices mentioned above may be prognostic markers for predicting clinical outcomes in intensive care units for patients with sepsis. However, these indices need to be supported by larger patient populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction: New Insights into Diagnosis and Treatment)
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Article
Research on the Mechanical Properties and Failure Mechanism of Lignite Affected by the Strain Rate Under Static and Dynamic Loading Conditions
by Jiang Yu, Hongfa Ma, Linlin Jin, Feng Wang, Dawei Yin, Xiao Qu, Chenghao Han, Jicheng Zhang and Fan Feng
Processes 2025, 13(10), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13103054 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Coal seams, as critical components of open-pit mine slopes, are subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic loading disturbances during mining operations, with their mechanical properties directly influencing the slope stability. Consequently, to clarify the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of coal seams affected [...] Read more.
Coal seams, as critical components of open-pit mine slopes, are subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic loading disturbances during mining operations, with their mechanical properties directly influencing the slope stability. Consequently, to clarify the mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of coal seams affected by the strain rate under the static–dynamic loading conditions, the mineral composition and meso-structural characteristics of lignite were analyzed in this study, and uniaxial compression tests with different quasi-static loading rates and dynamic compression tests with different impact velocities were conducted. The results indicate that there is an obvious horizontal bedding structure in lignite, which leads to differences in mechanical response and failure mechanism at different strain rates. Under the quasi-static loading, lignite exhibits significantly lower strain-rate sensitivity than compared to dynamic impact conditions. The Poisson’s ratio difference between the bedding matrix and the lignite will produce interfacial friction, which gradually decreases with the increase in the distance from the interface, thus promoting the transformation of lignite from multi-crack tensile shear mixed fracture to single-crack splitting failure. Under the dynamic impact conditions, low-impact velocities induce stress wave reflection at bedding interfaces due to wave impedance disparity between the matrix and lignite, generating tensile strains that result in bedding-plane delamination failure; at higher velocities, incomplete energy absorption by the rock specimen leads to fragmentation failure of lignite. These findings are of great significance for the stability analysis of open-pit slopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Processes in Mining Safety and Disaster Prevention: From Gas Extraction to Fire/Dust Control)
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Review
Clinical Potential of Essential Oils: Cytotoxicity, Selectivity Index, and Efficacy for Combating Gram-Positive ESKAPE Pathogens
by Biruk Bayleyegn Belete, Jerome Ozkan, Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan and Mark Willcox
Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3873; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193873 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
(1) Background: Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising antibacterial agents due to their broad-spectrum activity and low risk of resistance development. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the effectiveness of EOs against Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens, and to evaluate their safety and toxicity [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising antibacterial agents due to their broad-spectrum activity and low risk of resistance development. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the effectiveness of EOs against Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens, and to evaluate their safety and toxicity in mammalian cells. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. (3) Results: Heracleum pyrenaicum exhibited the most potent effect, with a MIC of 0.02–0.04 µg/mL and a selectivity index ranging from 251.3 to 2006.5, indicating high selective toxicity toward bacterial cells over mammalian cells. In contrast, certain species such as Cannabis sp. and Citrus sp. had selectivity indices of <1, indicating toxicity to mammalian cells. Ocimum basilicum showed good efficacy against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with a selectivity index of 23.4–34.9, while Satureja nabateorum demonstrated potent activity against E. faecium, with a selectivity index of 65.6–87.2. (4) Conclusions: EOs from Heracleum, Eucalyptus, Cinnamomum, Mentha, Thymus, and Syzygium aromaticum had good efficacy and high safety margins and show a potential for development for treating Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogen infections. However, EOs with a narrow safety margin (selectivity index < 10) raise concerns and warrant further in vivo and clinical trials to better understand their therapeutic windows and potential adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Review on Essential Oils)
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Review
Biomarkers for Personalised Primary or Secondary Prevention in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Rapid Scoping Review
by Chantal Babb de Villiers, Elena Plans-Beriso, Chaitanya Erady, Laura Blackburn, Hayley Wilson, Heather Turner, Isla Kuhn, Cristina Barahona-López, Paul Diez-Echave, Orlando Romulo Hernández, Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz, Dafina Petrova, Ramon Cierco Jimenez, Pablo Fernández-Navarro, Esther García-Esquinas, Fernando Rodríguez-Artalejo, María José Sánchez, Víctor Moreno, Marina Pollán, Beatriz Perez-Gomez and Mark Kroeseadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(19), 9346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26199346 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Early detection and personalised prevention strategies are crucial for reducing the burden of CVD. The use of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in identifying individuals at risk and facilitating timely interventions. [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Early detection and personalised prevention strategies are crucial for reducing the burden of CVD. The use of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in identifying individuals at risk and facilitating timely interventions. This rapid scoping review aims to identify and evaluate current research on biomarkers used for primary and secondary personalised prevention of CVD, highlighting evidence gaps and the integration of digital technologies. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline and Embase databases from January 2020 to February 2023. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. A total of 775 studies were included, with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke being the most investigated CVDs. Molecular, cellular, imaging, physiological, and anthropometric biomarkers were included. Molecular biomarkers, particularly genetic and biochemical, were the most researched. For secondary prevention, there was considerable research using imaging biomarkers. Genetic biomarker research was the most frequent category of biomarker identified, particularly using variant analysis and polygenic scores, followed by biochemical, imaging, and physiological biomarkers. There was also evidence of the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance the predictive capabilities of these biomarkers. Despite progress, research gaps were identified for less common CVDs, such as aortic aneurysm and nonrheumatic valvular heart disease, and limited research investigating other molecular biomarker types, such as epigenetics and transcriptomics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research for Heart Disease Biology and Therapeutics (Third Edition))
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Article
High-Mountain Contamination: Microplastic Occurrence and Risk Assessments in Fish from Nero Lake, Italy
by Camilla Mossotto, Serena Anselmi, Tecla Bentivoglio, Alice Gabetti, Giuseppe Esposito, Alessandra Maganza, Antonia Concetta Elia, Monia Renzi, Damià Barceló, Elisabetta Pizzul, Marino Prearo and Paolo Pastorino
Ecologies 2025, 6(4), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies6040064 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern, yet its occurrence in remote high-mountain ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study investigated MP contamination in fish from Nero Lake, an alpine lake in northwestern Italy. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 33 specimens [...] Read more.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern, yet its occurrence in remote high-mountain ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study investigated MP contamination in fish from Nero Lake, an alpine lake in northwestern Italy. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 33 specimens of Salmo trutta, Phoxinus lumaireul, and Salvelinus fontinalis were analyzed. MPs were detected in 84% of specimens in 2023 and in 93% in 2024. Filaments were the predominant particle type, while polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common polymers. In 2024, polyamide was also detected and showed the highest Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 12.22), indicating a high hazard risk (Grade III) and elevated toxicological potential. Contamination Factor values exceeded 10 in S. trutta, and Pollution Load Index values frequently surpassed 1, both suggesting established contamination. However, the limited number of specimens, particularly for P. lumaireul and S. fontinalis, reduces statistical power and increases the risk of Type II errors. Although no significant interspecific differences in MP counts were observed, results should be interpreted with caution. Larger sample sizes are recommended but remain difficult to obtain in alpine environments. These findings highlight the vulnerability of remote lakes to both local and long-range MP pollution sources. Full article
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Article
Isolation of a Novel Streptomyces Species from the Tuha Basin and Genomic Insights into Its Environmental Adaptability
by Xiaomin Niu, Yujie Wu, Xue Yu, Shiyu Wu, Gaosen Zhang, Guangxiu Liu, Tuo Chen and Wei Zhang
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102238 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Mining novel Streptomyces species from extreme environments provides a valuable strategy for the discovery of new antibiotics. Here, we report a strain of Streptomyces sp. HMX87T, which exhibits antimicrobial activity and was isolated from desert soil collected in the Tuha Basin, [...] Read more.
Mining novel Streptomyces species from extreme environments provides a valuable strategy for the discovery of new antibiotics. Here, we report a strain of Streptomyces sp. HMX87T, which exhibits antimicrobial activity and was isolated from desert soil collected in the Tuha Basin, China. Molecular taxonomic analysis revealed that the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain HMX87T shares the highest similarity with those of Streptomyces bellus CGMCC 4.1376T (98.5%) and Streptomyces coerulescens DSM 40146T (98.43%). In phylogenetic trees, it formed a distinct branch. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain HMX87T and the above two type strains were below the thresholds of 95% and 70%, respectively, confirming that strain HMX87T represents a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces hamibioticus sp. nov. is proposed. Physiologically, the strain HMX87T grew at temperatures ranging from 25 to 37 °C, tolerated pH values from 5 to 12, and survived in NaCl concentrations of 0% to 8% (w/v). Chemotaxonomic characterization indicated the presence of LL-diaminopimelic acid (LL-DAP) in the cell wall, ribose and galactose as whole-cell hydrolysate sugars, MK-9(H8) (66.3%) as the predominant menaquinone, and iso-C16:0 (25.94%) and anteiso-C15:0 (16.98%) as the major fatty acids characteristics that clearly distinguish it from its closest relatives. Whole-genome sequencing of strain HMX87T revealed an abundance of genes associated with high-temperature tolerance, salt-alkali resistance, and antimicrobial activity. The genomic features and secondary metabolic potential reflect its adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, including high temperature, salinity, alkalinity, strong ultraviolet radiation, and oligotrophic nutrients. The strain HMX87T has been deposited in the Czech Collection of Microorganisms (CCM 9454T) and the Guangdong Microbial Culture Collection Center (GDMCC 4.391T). The 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences have been submitted to GenBank under accession numbers PQ182592 and PRJNA1206124, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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Article
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of Seed-Filling Disorders in Soybeans Under Different Ecological Conditions
by Junxia Huang, Wei Zheng, Zicong Liang, Zhenghao Zhang, Jiayi Li, Huijun Zhang, Haiying Wang, Xue Ao, Xingdong Yao and Futi Xie
Agronomy 2025, 15(10), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15102266 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Disorders in soybean seed-filling can lead to wrinkled seeds, affecting yield and quality. Previous studies have demonstrated that some soybean cultivars from Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province (cold-temperate continental monsoon, ~3.5 °C mean annual temperature, ~530 mm precipitation) exhibit seed-filling disorders when cultivated in Shenyang, [...] Read more.
Disorders in soybean seed-filling can lead to wrinkled seeds, affecting yield and quality. Previous studies have demonstrated that some soybean cultivars from Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province (cold-temperate continental monsoon, ~3.5 °C mean annual temperature, ~530 mm precipitation) exhibit seed-filling disorders when cultivated in Shenyang, Liaoning Province (mid-temperate semi-humid continental monsoon, ~8.3 °C, ~610 mm). However, the causes and regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, Henong 76 (a soybean cultivar with seeds less prone to wrinkling) and Heihe 43 (a soybean cultivar with seeds prone to wrinkling) were used as experimental materials. They were sown simultaneously in Jiamusi and Shenyang, respectively, to explore the causes of seed-filling disorders in Heihe 43. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the contents of soluble sugars and starch, as well as in the activities of sucrose synthase and invertase, between the seeds of Henong 76 and Heihe 43 grown in Shenyang. However, no significant differences were found between them in Jiamusi. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggested that genes related to controlling starch hydrolysis (isoamylase, α-amylase, and glycogen phosphorylase) and sucrose synthesis and decomposition (sucrose synthase, invertase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, and phosphoglucomutase) in Heihe 43 were upregulated in Shenyang. In contrast, genes regulating plant hormone signal transduction (auxin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, and cytokinin) were generally downregulated. These changes led to differences in metabolites, resulting in the occurrence of seed-filling disorders. Furthermore, we analyzed the climatic conditions of the two cultivars during the soybean seed-filling period. The results indicated that high temperature might be the primary meteorological factor contributing to the occurrence of seed-filling disorders. All results indicated that the insufficient accumulation of sugars in seeds due to exposure to high temperatures during the seed-filling period is the primary cause of the prone-to-wrinkling phenomenon of the Heihe 43 cultivar under the ecological conditions of Shenyang. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop and Vegetable Physiology Under Environmental Stresses—2nd Edition)
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Article
The Size Effects of Modified Nano-Silica on the Physical Properties of Resorcinol-Poly(Acrylamide-Co-2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropanesulfonic Acid) Gels in Harsh Reservoir Conditions
by Xun Zhong, Yuxuan Yang, Jiating Chen, Yudan Dong, Sheng Lei, Hui Zhao, Hong He and Lifeng Chen
Gels 2025, 11(10), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11100769 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Nano-silica is widely used to enhance gel properties, but its size, concentrations, and aggregation behaviors all matter. The influencing rules of these factors remain unclear especially in harsh reservoir conditions. This study presented a comprehensive investigation into the gelation, rheological, and plugging properties [...] Read more.
Nano-silica is widely used to enhance gel properties, but its size, concentrations, and aggregation behaviors all matter. The influencing rules of these factors remain unclear especially in harsh reservoir conditions. This study presented a comprehensive investigation into the gelation, rheological, and plugging properties of phenolic polymer gels reinforced by modified nano-silica (GSNP) of different sizes and concentrations in harsh reservoir conditions. Specifically, the nano-silica was modified with a highly soluble silane, and gel properties were evaluated through rheological, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and sandpack flooding tests. The results showed that the incorporation of GSNP prolonged the gelation time, enhanced gel strength, and improved stability, allowing the gelation solution to enter deeper into the formation while maintaining long-time effectiveness. The optimal gel system was obtained with 0.4 wt.% GSNP-30, under which condition the storage modulus increased by approximately 14 times, and the content of non-freezable bound water more than doubled. This system exhibited plugging efficiency exceeding 80% in formations with permeabilities ranging from 1000 to 6000 millidarcy and enhanced the oil recovery factor by over 25%. The reinforcement mechanisms were attributed to the adsorption of GSNP onto polymer chains and its role in filling the gel matrix, which enhanced polymer hydrophilicity, suppressed polymer aggregation/curling, prevented ion penetration, and promoted the formation of a more uniform gel network. Careful optimization of nanoparticle size and concentration was essential to avoid the detrimental effects due to nanoparticle overfilling and aggregation. The novelty of this study lies in the practicable formulation of thermal and salt-tolerant gel systems with facile modified nano-silica of varying sizes and the systematic study of size and concentration effects. These findings offer practical guidance for tailoring nanoparticle parameters to cater for high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Applications)
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Article
A Novel p-Norm-Based Ranking Algorithm for Multiple-Attribute Decision Making Using Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Applications
by Sandeep Kumar, Saiful R. Mondal and Reshu Tyagi
Axioms 2025, 14(10), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14100722 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
The main focus of this paper is to introduce an algorithm that enhances the outcomes of multiple-attribute decision making by harnessing the adaptability of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) sets (IVIFSs). This algorithm [...] Read more.
The main focus of this paper is to introduce an algorithm that enhances the outcomes of multiple-attribute decision making by harnessing the adaptability of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) sets (IVIFSs). This algorithm utilizes IVIF numbers (IVIFNs) to represent attribute values and attribute weights, enabling the decision maker to account for the intricate nuances and uncertainties that are inherent in the decision-making process. We introduce a novel generalized score function (GSF) designed to overcome the limitations of previous functions. This function incorporates two parameters, denoted as γ1andγ2(γ1+γ2=1) with γ1∈(0,0.5). The core concept of this algorithm centers around the computation of the p-distance for each alternative relative to the positive ideal alternative. The p-distance is derived from the p-norm associated with each alternative’s score matrix, providing the decision maker (DM) with a tool to rank the available alternatives. Various examples are given to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Additionally, we apply the algorithm to a real event-based multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem—the investment company problem—to identify the optimal alternatives through a comparative analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fuzzy Theory Applications)
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Article
On-the-Ground Application of Cloud Evaluation: Big Data Reveals Experiential Effectiveness of Industrial Heritage Revitalization
by Xuesen Zheng, Timothy Heath and Sifan Guo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(19), 10388; https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910388 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Post-occupancy evaluation is a critical mechanism for ensuring the sustained success and continuous improvement of industrial heritage revitalization initiatives. The quality of the visitor experience plays a key role in determining a project’s long-term vitality. This study focuses on assessing user satisfaction with [...] Read more.
Post-occupancy evaluation is a critical mechanism for ensuring the sustained success and continuous improvement of industrial heritage revitalization initiatives. The quality of the visitor experience plays a key role in determining a project’s long-term vitality. This study focuses on assessing user satisfaction with a revitalized industrial heritage site by employing web crawling and data mining techniques to systematically collect and analyze user-generated reviews from major online platforms. Using the 1933 Old Millfun in Shanghai, China, as an example, this research identifies six core evaluation dimensions derived from extensive user commentary: project accessibility, cultural legibility, aesthetic distinctiveness, commercial appeal, facility completeness, and sense of security. These dimensions are integrated into a comprehensive analytical framework, with the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE) method applied to quantitatively assess the site’s performance across each category. By combining qualitative sentiment data with quantitative evaluation techniques, the data-driven presentation provides nuanced insights into the evolving user experience. The research results contribute to the development of a replicable and scalable paradigm for measuring user experience in industrial heritage revitalization and highlights the potential of digital platforms as valuable tools for heritage site management and continuous optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage: Restoration and Conservation)
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Article
How Can Empathy Be Achieved?—A Comparative Study Between the Christian “Golden Rule” and the Buddhist “Five Precepts and Ten Virtues” in China
by Liandong Wang, Lingjun Xie and Min Jia
Religions 2025, 16(10), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16101229 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
The four ethical boundaries established in the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic (1993)—“Do not kill,” “Do not steal,” “Do not lie,” and “Do not commit sexual immorality”—though recognized as cross-civilizational consensus, face practical challenges as external commandments. From a comparative theological perspective, Christianity’s [...] Read more.
The four ethical boundaries established in the Declaration Toward a Global Ethic (1993)—“Do not kill,” “Do not steal,” “Do not lie,” and “Do not commit sexual immorality”—though recognized as cross-civilizational consensus, face practical challenges as external commandments. From a comparative theological perspective, Christianity’s “Moral Golden Rule” originates from the Ten Commandments, with Sabbath observance serving as sacred temporal space for moral practice. While this time-bound practice has physiological and psychological foundations and plays a vital role in shaping religious identity, contemporary conflicts and divisions within Christian civilization reveal its sacredness facing secularization crises. The Buddhist ethical framework of the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues, grounded in the principles of dependent origination, karma, and mind-consciousness, manifests enhanced flexibility in sacred temporality and tolerant practical applications when interpreted through the lens of emptiness as a temporal perspective. The Christian Zen movement creatively employs Buddhist meditation techniques as methodological instruments, providing an embodied practice pathway for civilizational dialogue and constructing future communities of shared ethical values. Full article
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Article
From AI Adoption to ESG in Industrial B2B Marketing: An Integrated Multi-Theory Model
by Raul Ionuț Riti, Laura Bacali and Claudiu Ioan Abrudan
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8595; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198595 (registering DOI) - 24 Sep 2025
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is transforming industrial marketing by reshaping processes, decision-making, and inter-firm relationships. However, research remains fragmented, with limited evidence on how adoption drivers create new capabilities and sustainability outcomes. This study develops and empirically validates an integrated framework that combines technology, organization, [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence is transforming industrial marketing by reshaping processes, decision-making, and inter-firm relationships. However, research remains fragmented, with limited evidence on how adoption drivers create new capabilities and sustainability outcomes. This study develops and empirically validates an integrated framework that combines technology, organization, environment, user acceptance, resource-based perspectives, dynamic capabilities, and explainability. A convergent mixed-methods design was applied, combining survey data from industrial firms with thematic analysis of practitioner insights. The findings show that technological readiness, organizational commitment, environmental pressures, and user perceptions jointly determine adoption breadth and depth, which in turn foster marketing capabilities linked to measurable improvements. These include shorter quotation cycles, reduced energy consumption, improved forecasting accuracy, and the introduction of carbon-based pricing mechanisms. Qualitative evidence further indicates that explainability and human–machine collaboration are decisive for trust and practical use, while sustainability-oriented investments act as catalysts for long-term transformation. The study provides the first empirical integration of adoption drivers, capability building, and sustainability outcomes in industrial marketing. By demonstrating that artificial intelligence advances competitiveness and sustainability simultaneously, it positions marketing as a strategic lever in the transition toward digitally enabled and environmentally responsible industrial economies. We also provide a simplified mapping of theoretical lenses, detail B2B-specific scale adaptations, and discuss environmental trade-offs of AI use. Given the convenience/snowball design, estimates should be read as upper-bound effects for mixed-maturity populations; robustness checks (stratification and simple reweighting) confirm sign and significance. Full article
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