Sci | June 2025 - Browse Articles

40 pages, 8828 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advancements of Biohydrogen Production Based on Anaerobic Digestion: Technologies, Substrates, and Future Prospects

by Rossana Parra, Cristhian Chicaiza-Ortiz, Robinson J. Herrera-Feijoo, Diana Victoria Arellano-Yasaca, Lien-Chieh Lee, Roberto Xavier Supe-Tulcan and Jaime Marti-Herrero

Sci 2025, 7(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020052 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2025

Abstract

Population growth has significantly increased energy and resource demands, driving research toward cost-effective technologies that repurpose waste into alternative energy forms such as biohydrogen. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate biohydrogen production via anaerobic digestion, addressing gaps in previous studies focusing on a [...] Read more.

Population growth has significantly increased energy and resource demands, driving research toward cost-effective technologies that repurpose waste into alternative energy forms such as biohydrogen. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate biohydrogen production via anaerobic digestion, addressing gaps in previous studies focusing on a single sustainable development goal or limited environmental benefits. The methodology used the Scopus database with specific keywords, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol to screen relevant articles, and bibliometric analysis to delineate research directions from 2002 to 2024. Findings indicate that research on biohydrogen production via anaerobic digestion has grown exponentially over the past two decades, with increasing emphasis on advanced techniques, innovative reactor configurations, and diverse microbial consortia. Emerging trends, including the integration of artificial intelligence for process optimization and comprehensive life cycle assessments, suggest promising avenues for large-scale implementation. Anaerobic digestion-based biohydrogen production supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the ones related to clean energy (SDG7), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 12 (waste management), among others. Recent advancements are synthesized to provide a clear roadmap for future research toward sustainable energy solutions. Full article

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22 pages, 3091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Ancestry and Selection in the Genomes of Russian Black Pied Cattle

by Alexander V. Igoshin, Andrey A. Yurchenko, Nikolay S. Yudin and Denis M. Larkin

Sci 2025, 7(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020051 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 232

Abstract

The Russian Black Pied (RBP) is one of Russia’s most popular dairy cattle breeds. It was developed in the USSR during the 1930s by crossing Russian native cattle with Dutch cattle. Since the mid-1970s, the RBP has been cross-bred with Holstein cattle to [...] Read more.

The Russian Black Pied (RBP) is one of Russia’s most popular dairy cattle breeds. It was developed in the USSR during the 1930s by crossing Russian native cattle with Dutch cattle. Since the mid-1970s, the RBP has been cross-bred with Holstein cattle to enhance milk production. To trace haplotypes and selection signatures in the RBP genomes formed during cross-breeding and selection, we conducted local ancestry inference and scans for selection signatures in 12 resequenced RBP animals. Scans for selection using hapFLK and window-based F_ST identified 65 putatively selected regions across the genome, with 4 identified by both methods. Candidate missense variants were detected within these regions, including KIAA1755, CNBD1, and MPZL3, which may be related to milk traits, pathogen resistance, and climate adaptation. Local ancestry inference and functional annotation analyses suggest that regions with a higher fraction of native haplotypes are enriched for genes associated with keratin filaments, antimicrobial defence, the immune system, protein digestion, and amino acid transporters. The results of our study could be utilised for conservation purposes and the improvement of this and other breeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)

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16 pages, 9241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Protein-Rich Agricultural Residues in the Biotechnological Production of L-Lactic Acid and 1,3-Propanediol for Added Value

by Anja Kuenz, Victoria Hancock, Susan Krull and Ulf Prüße

Sci 2025, 7(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020050 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 162

Abstract

Due to limited fossil resources and climate change, biotechnological processes converting renewable resources into industrial raw materials are increasingly important. Many of these processes require yeast extract for microorganism growth, a high-cost factor. Therefore, the use of inexpensive, protein-rich agricultural raw materials as [...] Read more.

Due to limited fossil resources and climate change, biotechnological processes converting renewable resources into industrial raw materials are increasingly important. Many of these processes require yeast extract for microorganism growth, a high-cost factor. Therefore, the use of inexpensive, protein-rich agricultural raw materials as a source of nutrients is desirable. However, their usage usually results in lower product concentrations and productivity in the fermentation process. This work investigates the nutritional requirements for the production of L-lactic acid using Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 and 1,3-propanediol using Clostridium butyricum DSM 25047, aiming to replace complex nutrient sources with hydrolyzed protein-rich agricultural raw materials. In the production of 1,3-propanediol, yeast extract was largely (80%) replaced by rapeseed meal hydrolyzate, achieving the same final product concentration and maximum productivity. In the production of L-lactic acid, rapeseed meal hydrolyzate supplemented with B vitamins, mineral salts, cysteine, and tryptophan replaced yeast and meat extracts, achieving the same final product concentration with comparable maximum productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2025)

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19 pages, 2277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring the Distance and Velocity of Protons in a Medium for Biomedical Applications Using a Straightforward Mathematical Approach

by Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris, Ioannis Psychogios, Anna Malamou and Andreas Stylianou

Sci 2025, 7(2), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020049 - 11 Apr 2025

Viewed by 233

Abstract

Radiotherapy is one of the major cancer treatments that uses controlled doses of ionizing radiation to damage tumor cells. The monitoring of charged particles within a medium is of tremendous importance in radiotherapy. Monte Carlo methods can be used to estimate radiation profiles; [...] Read more.

Radiotherapy is one of the major cancer treatments that uses controlled doses of ionizing radiation to damage tumor cells. The monitoring of charged particles within a medium is of tremendous importance in radiotherapy. Monte Carlo methods can be used to estimate radiation profiles; however, despite their effectiveness, they are computationally expensive, which limits their practicality. To simplify the analysis, approximate analytical methods focused on estimating the range of charged particles and their velocity function within a medium have been previously derived. Previous solutions include non-elementary functions, such as the exponential integral function with relativistic coordinate transformations, or the use of regular perturbation methods accounting for small relativistic effects. In this paper, a much simpler approach is presented to assist practitioners in the field of radiotherapy. Using the proposed method, the particles’ range and velocities are calculated exclusively with elementary functions. The main advantage of the proposed approach, aside from its straightforward application, is its suitability for relativistic velocities. The equations derived in this paper were successfully tested at the radiotherapy level, accommodating protons with energies of up to 350 MeV. Full article

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14 pages, 2367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dynamics of Aggregation of Polyamide Granule Clusters on a Water Surface

by Elena Lebedeva, Boris Straumal, Anton Poplevin and Sofya Luzenina

Sci 2025, 7(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020048 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 262

Abstract

The process of convergence and the aggregation of polyamide granules and clusters on a water surface has been studied. These granules are widely used to visualize flows on the surface and in the bulk of the water. It is shown that the law [...] Read more.

The process of convergence and the aggregation of polyamide granules and clusters on a water surface has been studied. These granules are widely used to visualize flows on the surface and in the bulk of the water. It is shown that the law of particle motion during convergence corresponds to electrostatic interaction. Like other polymers, polyamide particles are easily charged owing to friction. The quantitative estimation of the surface charge of the granules gives values close to the results of other authors. The range of action of electrostatic forces is fractions of a millimeter, and the maximum velocities of the clusters and granules measured in the experiment do not exceed 1 mm/s when converging. Therefore, when studying flows, electrostatic interaction does not distort the velocity field if the concentration of the granules is low and the velocities of the flows are rather high. Full article

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22 pages, 1126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Study of YOLO, SSD, Faster R-CNN, and More for Optimized Eye-Gaze Writing

by Walid Abdallah Shobaki and Mariofanna Milanova

Sci 2025, 7(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020047 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 380

Abstract

Eye-gaze writing technology holds significant promise but faces several limitations. Existing eye-gaze-based systems often suffer from slow performance, particularly under challenging conditions such as low-light environments, user fatigue, or excessive head movement and blinking. These factors negatively impact the accuracy and reliability of [...] Read more.

Eye-gaze writing technology holds significant promise but faces several limitations. Existing eye-gaze-based systems often suffer from slow performance, particularly under challenging conditions such as low-light environments, user fatigue, or excessive head movement and blinking. These factors negatively impact the accuracy and reliability of eye-tracking technology, limiting the user’s ability to control the cursor or make selections. To address these challenges and enhance accessibility, we created a comprehensive dataset by integrating multiple publicly available datasets, including the Eyes Dataset, Dataset-Pupil, Pupil Detection Computer Vision Project, Pupils Computer Vision Project, and MPIIGaze dataset. This combined dataset provides diverse training data for eye images under various conditions, including open and closed eyes and diverse lighting environments. Using this dataset, we evaluated the performance of several computer vision algorithms across three key areas. For object detection, we implemented YOLOv8, SSD, and Faster R-CNN. For image segmentation, we employed DeepLab and U-Net. Finally, for self-supervised learning, we utilized the SimCLR algorithm. Our results indicate that the Haar classifier achieves the highest accuracy (0.85) with a model size of 97.358 KB, while YOLOv8 demonstrates competitive accuracy (0.83) alongside an exceptional processing speed and the smallest model size (6.083 KB), making it particularly suitable for cost-effective real-time eye-gaze applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence)

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37 pages, 2012 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Microbial Enzyme Applications for Sustainable Textile Processing and Waste Management

by Mohd Faheem Khan

Sci 2025, 7(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020046 - 9 Apr 2025

Viewed by 640

Abstract

Microbial enzymes have revolutionised the textile industry by replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives, enhancing processes such as desizing, scouring, dyeing, finishing, and promoting water conservation while reducing pollution. This review explores the role of enzymes like amylases, pectinases, cellulases, catalases, laccases, and [...] Read more.

Microbial enzymes have revolutionised the textile industry by replacing harmful chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives, enhancing processes such as desizing, scouring, dyeing, finishing, and promoting water conservation while reducing pollution. This review explores the role of enzymes like amylases, pectinases, cellulases, catalases, laccases, and peroxidases in sustainable textile processing, focusing on their ability to mitigate environmental pollution from textile effluents. The review also examines the types and characteristics of hazardous textile waste and evaluates traditional waste treatment methods, highlighting sustainable alternatives such as microbial enzyme treatments for effluent treatment. Recent advancements in recombinant enzyme technology, including enzyme engineering and immobilisation techniques to enhance stability, reusability, and catalytic performance, are also explored. Additionally, the potential of extremozymes in textile processing and effluent treatment is explored, emphasising their stability under harsh industrial conditions. Strategies for reducing textile waste through enzyme-based processes are presented, focusing on principles of the circular economy. The review also addresses challenges such as scalability, cost, and process optimisation, while proposing potential solutions and outlining future directions for the widespread adoption of microbial enzymes in sustainable textile production and waste management. This review underscores the transformative potential of microbial enzymes in achieving greener textile manufacturing practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2024)

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18 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Physicochemical Characteristics of Two Soils on Agro-Morphological Traits of Two Chickpea Varieties (Cicer arietinum L.)

by Sara Fahde, Said Boughribil, Lamyae Ed-daoudy, Youssef Dadi, Abdelali El Mekkaoui, Badreddine Sijilmassi, Zakaria Kehel and Ahmed Amri

Sci 2025, 7(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020045 - 9 Apr 2025

Viewed by 274

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of soil properties under greenhouse conditions on the growth and productivity of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes (V1 and V2) using two distinct soils collected from Marchouch and Beni Mellal sites. Soil analysis revealed significant differences [...] Read more.

This study investigated the impact of soil properties under greenhouse conditions on the growth and productivity of two chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes (V1 and V2) using two distinct soils collected from Marchouch and Beni Mellal sites. Soil analysis revealed significant differences in organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen levels between the two sites. Marchouch soil, characterized by higher nutrient content, especially phosphorus, demonstrated a more favorable environment for chickpea growth, resulting in enhanced plant height, leaf number, chlorophyll content, seed number, and seed weight. Variety V2 showed slightly better performance than V1 across both soil types, particularly in terms of seed yield and mineral content. This research highlights the importance of soil nutrient availability. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the important role of phosphorus in chickpea growth, with Marchouch soil having a higher phosphorus level (62.9 mg kg⁻¹), significantly boosting plant development and yield. Although soil mineral characteristics and genotypes had little effect on most minerals, zinc (19.77 mg uL⁻¹) and iron (69.43 mg uL⁻¹) levels stood out as significant exceptions. Therefore, further studies should focus on examining additional soil characteristics and expanding genotype selection. Based on the findings, Marchouch soil appears to be more favorable for chickpea cultivation. However, more research is needed on the effect of soil and genotypes on Rhizobium activity. Full article

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22 pages, 3589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Jitter and Phase Noise to the Precision of Sinusoidal Amplitude Estimation Using Coherent Sampling

by Francisco A. C. Alegria

Sci 2025, 7(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020044 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 182

Abstract

Estimating the amplitude of a sinewave from a set of data points is a common procedure in various applications. This is typically achieved using a least squares method that provides closed-form estimators. The sampling process itself is often affected by different non-ideal phenomena [...] Read more.

Estimating the amplitude of a sinewave from a set of data points is a common procedure in various applications. This is typically achieved using a least squares method that provides closed-form estimators. The sampling process itself is often affected by different non-ideal phenomena like additive noise, phase noise, or sampling jitter, for example. Here, the precision of the estimation of a sinewave amplitude when the samples are affected by phase noise or sampling jitter is studied in the case of coherent sampling. The mathematical expression derived is useful in obtaining the confidence intervals for the estimated sinusoidal amplitude. It is also valuable at the time of choosing the proper number of samples to acquire from a signal in order to reach a certain desired level of sinewave amplitude estimation precision. The analytical expression presented is validated using both numerically generated data and experimental data. Various non-ideal factors, such as a fixed, uncontrollable amount of jitter in the setup, additive noise, analog-to-digital converter non-linearity, and limited signal bandwidth, are observed and discussed. Additionally, this work presents an exhaustive overview of the technical aspects involved in the experimental validation, including the implementation of the Monte Carlo type procedure, instrument interface, programming language, and the general development of automated measurement systems, which may be useful to other engineers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer Sciences, Mathematics and AI)

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22 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessReview

Genomic Innovations and Marker-Assisted Breeding in Echinacea Species: Insights and Applications

by Fatemeh Ahmadi

Sci 2025, 7(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020043 - 2 Apr 2025

Viewed by 218

Abstract

The genus echinacea has attracted attention for its diverse medicinal properties, including its ability to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and combat microorganisms. Despite its popularity in herbal medicine, the varying concentrations of active compounds among different echinacea species and products create obstacles for [...] Read more.

The genus echinacea has attracted attention for its diverse medicinal properties, including its ability to enhance immunity, reduce inflammation, and combat microorganisms. Despite its popularity in herbal medicine, the varying concentrations of active compounds among different echinacea species and products create obstacles for achieving uniform quality and reliable efficacy. This study investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for producing key bioactive substances such as alkamides, chicoric acid, and complex carbohydrates, which are essential for echinacea’s therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the research explores recent advancements in plant breeding methodologies, including the use of DNA-based selection techniques and cutting-edge genomic tools like CRISPR-Cas9. These innovative approaches seek to develop echinacea varieties with improved tolerance to environmental challenges, heightened disease resistance, and enhanced production of valuable phytochemicals. Additionally, this review addresses the impact of environmental factors, including abiotic stresses like drought and salinity, on gene expression related to secondary metabolite production. These insights are crucial for optimizing both cultivation practices and breeding programs. The conclusions suggest that integrating traditional breeding methods with modern genomic tools holds great promise for improving the consistency and quality of echinacea products, which is essential for their sustained use in global herbal medicine markets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)

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12 pages, 3253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy and Quality Assessment in the Cooling of Crushed Bombino Nero Grapes with Indirect Heat Exchange System and Direct Heat Exchange System with CO₂

by Ferruccio Giametta, Filippo Catalano, Gianluca Tanucci, Gabriele Fioschi, Vito Michele Paradiso and Biagio Bianchi

Sci 2025, 7(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020042 - 2 Apr 2025

Viewed by 188

Abstract

A study was conducted in a winery in Puglia on the effect of cooling crushed and destemmed Bombino Nero grapes, comparing two different systems: (1) traditional indirect heat exchange using a water-cooled with a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and (2) a direct refrigeration system [...] Read more.

A study was conducted in a winery in Puglia on the effect of cooling crushed and destemmed Bombino Nero grapes, comparing two different systems: (1) traditional indirect heat exchange using a water-cooled with a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and (2) a direct refrigeration system with a CO₂ system. The must obtained from crushed grapes cooled with CO₂, compared to that treated with an exchanger, has a lower ethanol content, greater presence of sugars and higher color and tone; these qualitative advantages are due to much faster cooling and deoxygenation, which slowed down the development of indigenous yeasts present on the surface of the grapes and allowed for greater extraction of the anthocyanin components in the must. These qualitative advantages give added value to the wine, justifying higher energy costs. In fact, the test results highlighted limitations associated with higher energy costs for the direct cooling system with CO₂ compared to the traditional one with indirect heat exchange. Energy consumption in the winery is lower for the CO₂ system, but energy and costs for capture, liquefaction and stockage must also be considered. However, from an energy and functional point of view, the potential advantages related to the clarification phase should not be neglected: it could be carried out at higher temperatures than those currently adopted for musts treated with CO_2, limiting the amount of the required CO₂ and consequently the total energy consumption for the whole process. Full article

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21 pages, 2857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Integration and WEP Technical Evaluation of a Large-Scale PVC Production Process

by Antonio Mendivil-Arrieta, Eduardo Andres Aguilar-Vasquez, Juan Manuel Diaz-Perez, Miguel Ramos-Olmos and Ángel Darío Gonzaléz-Delgado

Sci 2025, 7(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020041 - 2 Apr 2025

Viewed by 347

Abstract

PVC has become an indispensable material worldwide. However, its production method (suspension) presents significant sustainability challenges, such as negative environmental impacts and high operational costs due to energy consumption. For this reason, a combined analysis was conducted involving energy integration using Aspen Energy [...] Read more.

PVC has become an indispensable material worldwide. However, its production method (suspension) presents significant sustainability challenges, such as negative environmental impacts and high operational costs due to energy consumption. For this reason, a combined analysis was conducted involving energy integration using Aspen Energy Analyzer™ V14 software and a technical process analysis. This methodology aims to reduce industrial utility consumption and assess the sustainability performance of this alternative. The integration through pinch analysis revealed that it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of the process by 29% in heating utilities and 6% in cooling utilities. The minimum utility requirements were 21 GJ/h for heating (down from 29 GJ/h) and 131 GJ/h for cooling (down from 139 GJ/h). This reduction resulted in approximately a 41% decrease in utility costs. Additionally, the reduction in burner energy consumption led to lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a decreased natural gas consumption of approximately 279 m³. However, only two streams could be integrated due to technical process limitations; therefore, it is recommended to explore integrations with complex operations such as reactors and phase-change processes. In addition to this, the WEP technical evaluation yielded promising results showing a decrease in the specific energy intensity by 3219.506 MJ/t (being 4681.8 MJ/t), which represents an economic saving in industrial services (energy purposes) of approximately USD 886.000 per year, satisfying the optimization of the process despite the limitations when integrating it energetically. Finally, a more in-depth analysis should be conducted to further integrate other streams of the process to reduce utilities consumption. Full article

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14 pages, 2420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography Electrochemical Determination of Uric Acid as a Contamination Marker

by Kevin C. Honeychurch

Sci 2025, 7(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020040 - 1 Apr 2025

Viewed by 284

Abstract

This study presents the first instance of determining environmental uric acid in urban dust using high-performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. The optimum chromatographic conditions were identified as a 10 mm × 4.6 mm, 10 µm anion exchange column with a [...] Read more.

This study presents the first instance of determining environmental uric acid in urban dust using high-performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. The optimum chromatographic conditions were identified as a 10 mm × 4.6 mm, 10 µm anion exchange column with a mobile phase of pH 8 50 mM phosphate buffer. Cyclic voltametric investigations over a pH range of 2 to 12 showed that uric acid gave a single diffusion-controlled peak. Hydrodynamic voltametric studies of uric acid using a mobile phase of 50 mM pH 8.0 phosphate buffer over the range 0.0 V to +1.4 V (vs. stainless steel) showed a similar single oxidation wave, which plateaued at potentials more positive than +0.7 V (vs. stainless steel). An applied potential of +0.90 V (vs. stainless steel) was chosen for further investigations, and a linear range of 0.10 to 100 mg/L was obtained, with a detection limit of 0.866 mg/L based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Dust wipe samples were extracted in pH 8, 50 mM phosphate buffer with the aid of sonication. Recoveries of 99.6% (% CV = 4.52%) were achieved for the dust wipe fortified with 16.8 µg of uric acid. Nitrate, nitrite, chloride, acetate, and sulfate ions were found not to interfere. The dust wipe samples were found to have uric acid levels of between 32.6 µg/m² and 3.98 mg/m². Full article

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13 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endoscopic Biopsy Assessment of Neoplastic Prevalence in Dogs with Chronic Diarrhoea and Non-Suggestive Ultrasound Findings

by Ico Jolly-Frahija, Sophie Dormon, Hannah Shing and Ferran Valls Sanchez

Sci 2025, 7(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020039 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 220

Abstract

Chronic diarrhoea is a frequent complaint in dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography is frequently utilised in cases of dogs with chronic diarrhoea. The prevalence of neoplasia in dogs with chronic diarrhoea for which ultrasonographic findings are not suggestive of neoplasia has not been reported. This [...] Read more.

Chronic diarrhoea is a frequent complaint in dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography is frequently utilised in cases of dogs with chronic diarrhoea. The prevalence of neoplasia in dogs with chronic diarrhoea for which ultrasonographic findings are not suggestive of neoplasia has not been reported. This study aimed to list the histologic diagnosis of endoscopic gastroduodenal biopsies in this specific population. The medical records of 115 dogs with chronic diarrhoea for which an abdominal ultrasound was not suggestive of a neoplastic process and had undergone endoscopic biopsies were reviewed. Cases were excluded if an abdominal ultrasound revealed a focal intestinal mass, loss of intestinal wall layering, or a mass lesion in another location. Dogs that had undergone previous treatment with immunosuppressants were also excluded. Histologic findings revealed neoplastic features in 3 out of 115 cases (2.6%) and non-neoplastic conditions in 112 cases (97.4%). In conclusion, the prevalence of neoplastic disease in this population was very low. This is valuable information when considering the diagnostic approach in patients which meet the population criteria and which would historically have had endoscopy and biopsy recommended with the main goal of excluding neoplasia but have moderate–high anaesthetic risk, limited access to endoscopy and/or when financial constraints are present (Figure 1). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)

13 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Resilience as a Buffer for Burden and Psychological Distress in ADS Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Raquel Herrero and Amelia Díaz

Sci 2025, 7(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020038 - 28 Mar 2025

Viewed by 272

Abstract

The main objectives of this research are, firstly, to determine the state of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) caregivers in objective and subjective burden, psychological distress, and resilience, and, secondly, to assess the role of resilience as a mediator variable that could buffer the [...] Read more.

The main objectives of this research are, firstly, to determine the state of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) caregivers in objective and subjective burden, psychological distress, and resilience, and, secondly, to assess the role of resilience as a mediator variable that could buffer the effect of objective burden on perceived burden and psychological distress. The method is descriptive, cross-sectional with a sample of 250 family caregivers. Results show that levels of burden were high, with half of the sample presenting psychological distress, and that the resilience level was above that of the general population. Additionally, the relational pattern showed significant positive relationships between burden and psychological distress, but negative relationships between these variables and resilience. Finally, as expected, resilience has worked as a buffer, decreasing the effect of objective burden, measured as hours/day caring, on subjective burden and psychological distress. The direct impact of resilience on burden and psychological distress, two of the more important risk factors for the mental health of ASD caregivers, as highlighted in this study, points to the necessity of implementing intervention or training programs that help caregivers to cope with stressors associated with the daily tasks of caring, to enhance resilience and personal growth out of stressful situations. Full article

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22 pages, 3351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan as a Postharvest Alternative for the Control of Phytophthora capsici in Bell Pepper Fruits

by Juan Antonio Torres-Rodriguez, Juan José Reyes Pérez, Luis Tarquino Llerena Ramos, Leonardo Gonzalo-Matute, Edgar Omar Rueda-Puente and Luis Guillermo Hernandez-Montiel

Sci 2025, 7(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020037 - 25 Mar 2025

Viewed by 333

Abstract

Phytophthora capsici is a phytopathogen that affects postharvest bell peppers, as it causes rotting and decreases their commercial value. This study evaluates the efficacy of chitosan as a biocontrol agent against P. capsici on bell peppers using in vitro and in vivo assays. [...] Read more.

Phytophthora capsici is a phytopathogen that affects postharvest bell peppers, as it causes rotting and decreases their commercial value. This study evaluates the efficacy of chitosan as a biocontrol agent against P. capsici on bell peppers using in vitro and in vivo assays. The antifungal activity of chitosan was evaluated at four concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g L⁻¹). Its effect on mycelial growth inhibition, sporangial germination, disease incidence and severity, and fruit weight loss was determined. The results show that concentrations of 1.0 g L⁻¹ or higher completely inhibited P. capsici growth and sporangial germination in vitro and reduced disease incidence and severity to 0% in treated fruit. Furthermore, chitosan treatments preserved the fresh and dry weight of the fruit, which prevented postharvest deterioration. This study demonstrates that chitosan is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative for the management of postharvest diseases in bell peppers. This could reduce consumer dependence on synthetic fungicides and preserve fruit quality. Full article

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27 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of the State of the Art for the Internet of Medical Things

by Peter Matthew, Sarah Mchale, Xutao Deng, Ghada Nakhla, Marcello Trovati, Nonso Nnamoko, Ella Pereira, Huaizhong Zhang and Mohsin Raza

Sci 2025, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci7020036 - 24 Mar 2025

Viewed by 654

Abstract

The technological developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), data science, artificial intelligence, wearable sensors, remote monitoring, decision support systems, fog, and edge systems have transformed digital healthcare. Especially after the pandemic, there has been a rapid transformation of healthcare infrastructure from a [...] Read more.

The technological developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), data science, artificial intelligence, wearable sensors, remote monitoring, decision support systems, fog, and edge systems have transformed digital healthcare. Especially after the pandemic, there has been a rapid transformation of healthcare infrastructure from a conventional to a digital approach. Now, specifically, technologies such as the Internet of Things play a vital role in the transformation of the healthcare system. In this paper, an effort has been made to encompass the transformation of healthcare with a focus on the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). In particular, it provides a detailed overview of the Internet of Medical Things whilst discussing the design goals and challenges, the resource constraints and limitations of the complex healthcare systems. The paper also provides a detailed account of the research initiatives as well as off-the-shelf wireless motes, internet-enabled sensors and open-source platforms. A thorough account of the next-generation digital healthcare technologies and future research opportunities is provided. This work not only covers the state-of-the-art but also offers critical insight into the digital healthcare challenges. The work attempts to summarise the extensive literature in the domain and present a new perspective on the internet of medical things, affiliate technologies and their role in healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2024)

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