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17 pages, 3160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of COVID-19-Induced Human Mobility Changes on Global Wildfire Activity

by Liqing Si, Wei Li, Mingyu Wang, Lifu Shu, Feng Chen, Fengjun Zhao, Pengle Cheng and Weike Li

Fire 2025, 8(7), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8070276 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Wildfires critically affect ecosystems, carbon cycles, and public health. COVID-19 restrictions provided a unique opportunity to study human activity’s role in wildfire regimes. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of pandemic-induced wildfire regime changes across global fire-prone regions. Using MODIS data (2010–2022), we [...] Read more.

Wildfires critically affect ecosystems, carbon cycles, and public health. COVID-19 restrictions provided a unique opportunity to study human activity’s role in wildfire regimes. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of pandemic-induced wildfire regime changes across global fire-prone regions. Using MODIS data (2010–2022), we analyzed fire patterns during the pandemic (2020–2022) against pre-pandemic baselines. Key findings include: (a) A 22% global decline in wildfire hotspots during 2020–2022 compared to 2015–2019, with the most pronounced reduction occurring in 2022; (b) Contrasting regional trends: reduced fire activity in tropical zones versus intensified burning in boreal regions; (c) Stark national disparities, exemplified by Russia’s net increase of 59,990 hotspots versus Australia’s decrease of 60,380 in 2020; (d) Seasonal shifts characterized by December declines linked to mobility restrictions, while northern summer fires persisted due to climate-driven factors. Notably, although climatic factors predominantly govern fire regimes in northern latitudes, anthropogenic ignition sources such as agricultural burning and accidental fires substantially contribute to both fire incidence and associated emissions. The pandemic period demonstrated that while human activity restrictions reduced ignition sources in tropical regions, fire activity in boreal ecosystems during these years exhibited persistent correlations with climatic variables, reinforcing climate’s pivotal—though not exclusive—role in shaping fire regimes. This underscores the need for integrated wildfire management strategies that address both human and climatic factors through regionally tailored approaches. Future research should explore long-term shifts and adaptive management frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Forest Fire Prediction and Detection)

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10 pages, 1156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Value Framework for Evaluating Population Genomic Programs: A Mixed Methods Approach

by David Campbell, Scott Spencer, Ashley Kang, Rajshree Pandey, Sarah Katsandres and David Veenstra

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(7), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15070307 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Value frameworks are useful tools to explicitly define the dimensions and criteria important for decision-making, but no existing frameworks capture the broad value domains of population genomic programs. Using a mixed methods approach, we aimed to develop a novel value framework [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Value frameworks are useful tools to explicitly define the dimensions and criteria important for decision-making, but no existing frameworks capture the broad value domains of population genomic programs. Using a mixed methods approach, we aimed to develop a novel value framework for evaluating population genomic programs (PGPs). Methods: We first conducted a targeted literature review of published evidence on the value of PGPs and existing frameworks to evaluate and quantify their impact. Value domains and elements were extracted and summarized to develop a preliminary framework. Semi-structured stakeholder interviews on the preliminary framework were conducted from March 2024 to October 2024 with 11 experts representing 9 countries. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted to map value elements to domains of the final framework. Results: We identified 348 potentially relevant articles from MEDLINE-indexed and the gray literature sources. After title and abstract screening, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria and underwent full-text review, and 8 reported value elements were extracted and mapped to a preliminary framework for testing in interviews. Stakeholder themes were summarized into the value domains and elements of the final framework, which included health as a primary domain, education and research, enterprise and finance, and labor as the core domains, and agriculture and security as extended domains. Domains and elements may be excluded based on stakeholder objectives and program characteristics. Conclusions: This novel framework for assessing the comprehensive value of PGPs provides a foundational step to assess the value of these programs and may promote more efficient and informed allocation of resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Omics/Informatics)

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25 pages, 1799 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Cyber-Physical Systems for Smart Farming: A Systematic Review

by Alexis Montalvo, Oscar Camacho and Danilo Chavez

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6393; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146393 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

In recent decades, climate change, increasing demand, and resource scarcity have transformed the agricultural sector into a critical field of research. Farmers have been compelled to adopt innovations and new technologies to enhance production efficiency and crop resilience. This study presents a systematic [...] Read more.

In recent decades, climate change, increasing demand, and resource scarcity have transformed the agricultural sector into a critical field of research. Farmers have been compelled to adopt innovations and new technologies to enhance production efficiency and crop resilience. This study presents a systematic literature review, supplemented by a bibliometric analysis of relevant documents, focusing on the key applications and combined techniques of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital twins (DT) in the development and implementation of cyber-physical systems (CPS) in smart agriculture and establishes whether CPS in agriculture is an attractive research topic. A total of 108 bibliographic records from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases were analyzed to construct the bibliometric study database. The findings reveal that CPS has evolved and emerged as a promising research area, largely due to its versatility and integration potential. The analysis offers researchers and practitioners a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and research trends on the dynamic relationship between CPS and its primary applications in the agricultural industry while encouraging further exploration in this field. Additionally, the main challenges associated with implementing CPS in the context of smart agriculture are discussed, contributing to a deeper understanding of this topic. Full article

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13 pages, 20460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of AtNCED3 on the Cuticle of Rice Leaves During the Nutritional Growth Period

by Yang Zhang, Yuwei Jia, Hui Chen, Min Wang, Xiaoli Li, Lanfang Jiang, Jianyu Hao, Xiaofei Ma and Hutai Ji

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6690; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146690 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

The plant cuticle, a protective barrier against external stresses, and abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone, are crucial for plant growth and stress responses. Heterologous expression of AtNCED3 in plants has been widely studied. In this research, by comparing the japonica rice cultivar [...] Read more.

The plant cuticle, a protective barrier against external stresses, and abscisic acid (ABA), a key phytohormone, are crucial for plant growth and stress responses. Heterologous expression of AtNCED3 in plants has been widely studied. In this research, by comparing the japonica rice cultivar Zhonghua 10 and its AtNCED3 over-expressing lines during the vegetative growth stage through multiple methods, we found that AtNCED3 over-expression increased leaf ABA content, enhanced epidermal wax and cutin accumulation, modified wax crystal density, and thickened the cuticle. These changes reduced leaf epidermal permeability and the transpiration rate, thus enhancing drought tolerance. This study helps understand the role of endogenous ABA in rice cuticle synthesis and its mechanism in plant drought tolerance, offering potential for genetic improvement of drought resistance in crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Plant Abiotic Stress: 3rd Edition)

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19 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Wi-Fi Fingerprinting Indoor Localization Framework Using Feature-Level Augmentation via Variational Graph Auto-Encoder

by Dongdeok Kim, Jae-Hyeon Park and Young-Joo Suh

Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2807; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142807 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Wi-Fi fingerprinting is a widely adopted technique for indoor localization in location-based services (LBS) due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment using existing infrastructure. However, the performance of these systems often suffers due to missing received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, which [...] Read more.

Wi-Fi fingerprinting is a widely adopted technique for indoor localization in location-based services (LBS) due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment using existing infrastructure. However, the performance of these systems often suffers due to missing received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements, which can arise from complex indoor structures, device limitations, or user mobility, leading to incomplete and unreliable fingerprint data. To address this critical issue, we propose Feature-level Augmentation for Localization (FALoc), a novel framework that enhances Wi-Fi fingerprinting-based localization through targeted feature-level data augmentation. FALoc uniquely models the observation probabilities of RSSI signals by constructing a bipartite graph between reference points and access points, which is then processed by a variational graph auto-encoder (VGAE). Based on these learned probabilities, FALoc intelligently imputes likely missing RSSI values or removes unreliable ones, effectively enriching the training data. We evaluated FALoc using an MLP (Multi-Layer Perceptron)-based localization model on the UJIIndoorLoc and UTSIndoorLoc datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that FALoc significantly improves localization accuracy, achieving mean localization errors of 7.137 m on UJIIndoorLoc and 7.138 m on UTSIndoorLoc, which represent improvements of approximately 12.9% and 8.6% over the respective MLP baselines (8.191 m and 7.808 m), highlighting the efficacy of our approach in handling missing data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wireless Sensor Network: Latest Advances and Prospects)

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12 pages, 3424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tri-Layered Full-Thickness Artificial Skin Incorporating Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells, Keratinocytes, and a Basement Membrane

by Jung Huh, Seong-Ho Jeong, Eun-Sang Dhong, Seung-Kyu Han and Kyung-Chul Moon

Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070757 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Tissue-engineered artificial skin has the potential to enhance wound healing without necessitating extensive surgical procedures or causing donor-site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of developing tri-layered tissue-engineered full-thickness artificial skin with a basement membrane for clinical use [...] Read more.

Tissue-engineered artificial skin has the potential to enhance wound healing without necessitating extensive surgical procedures or causing donor-site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to examine the possibility of developing tri-layered tissue-engineered full-thickness artificial skin with a basement membrane for clinical use to accelerate wound healing. We engineered full-thickness artificial skin with a basement membrane for wound healing by employing stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells for the dermal layer and autologous keratinocytes for the epidermal layer. The fabrication of a basement membrane involved the use of 100% bovine collagen and 4% elastin produced through a low-temperature three-dimensional printer. Scaffolds for cells were printed with 100% bovine collagen. The basement membrane underwent evaluations for collagenase degradation, tensile strength, and structural characteristics using scanning electron microscopy. The final tri-layered full-thickness artificial skin included two cell scaffolds with a basement membrane between them. The basement membrane may support cellular attachment without inducing significant cytotoxic effects. This study presents a novel strategy for full-thickness artificial skin development, combining SVF and keratinocytes with an optimized collagen-elastin basement membrane. This method may overcome the significant limitations of current artificial skin, thereby contributing to the advancement of tissue-engineering in wound healing for clinical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)

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17 pages, 2108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing for Dyads: A Comparative User Experience Study of Remote and Face-to-Face Multi-User Interfaces

by Mengcai Zhou, Jingxuan Wang, Ono Kenta, Makoto Watanabe and Chacon Quintero Juan Carlos

Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2806; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142806 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Collaborative digital games and interfaces are increasingly used in both research and commercial contexts, yet little is known about how the spatial arrangement and interface sharing affect the user experience in dyadic settings. Using a two-player iPad pong game, this study compared user [...] Read more.

Collaborative digital games and interfaces are increasingly used in both research and commercial contexts, yet little is known about how the spatial arrangement and interface sharing affect the user experience in dyadic settings. Using a two-player iPad pong game, this study compared user experiences across three collaborative gaming scenarios: face-to-face single-screen (F2F-OneS), face-to-face dual-screen (F2F-DualS), and remote dual-screen (Rmt-DualS) scenarios. Eleven dyads participated in all conditions using a within-subject design. After each session, the participants completed a 21-item user experience questionnaire and took part in brief interviews. The results from a repeated-measure ANOVA and post hoc paired t-tests showed significant scenario effects for several experience items, with F2F-OneS yielding higher engagement, novelty, and accomplishment than remote play, and qualitative interviews supported the quantitative findings, revealing themes of social presence and interaction. These results highlight the importance of spatial and interface design in collaborative settings, suggesting that both technical and social factors should be considered in multi-user interface development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Designs in Human–Computer Interaction)

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23 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eating Disorders in the Workplace

by Nicola Magnavita, Igor Meraglia and Lucia Isolani

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142300 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although eating disorders (EDs) affect a large portion of the population and have a significant impact on health and productivity, they are understudied in the workplace. We assessed the frequency of EDs and studied the relationship between EDs and occupational and [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Although eating disorders (EDs) affect a large portion of the population and have a significant impact on health and productivity, they are understudied in the workplace. We assessed the frequency of EDs and studied the relationship between EDs and occupational and individual factors. Methods: All workers undergoing health surveillance were invited to fill in the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, short form (EDE-QS) and, before their routine medical examination that included metabolic tests, measure their level of health literacy, stress, quality of sleep, anxiety, depression, and happiness. Out of a total of 2085 workers, 1912 (91.7%) participated. Results: Suspected EDs affected 4.9% (CI95% 3.9; 5.9) of workers, with no notable difference in gender (5.3% CI95% 4.1; 6.7 in female workers vs. 4.2%, CI95% 2.9; 5.9 in male). Cases were significantly associated with trauma and emotional factors (anxiety, depression, unhappiness), but also with work-related stress and poor sleep quality, and negatively associated with health literacy. Using a hierarchical logistic regression model, suspected cases of EDs were significantly predicted in Model II by life trauma (OR 2.21 CI95% 1.40; 3.48, p < 0.001) and health literacy (OR 0.94 CI95% 0.90; 0.98, p < 0.001), in Model III also by work-related stress (OR 2.57 CI95% 1.68; 3.94, p < 0.001), and in Model IV by depression (OR 1.19 CI95% 1.02; 1.38, p < 0.05) and happiness (OR 0.88 CI95% 0.78; 0.99, p < 0.05). An association was also found between EDs and overweight, obesity, increased abdominal circumference, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, atherogenic index of plasma, and metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The workplace is an ideal setting for the prevention of EDs and their consequences. Occupational health intervention should promote health literacy, improve sleep quality, and reduce work-related stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Behaviour and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Modification)

14 pages, 8367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anatomical Barriers to Impregnation in Hybrid Poplar: A Comparative Study of Pit Characteristics in Normal and Tension Wood

by Andreas Buschalsky, Holger Militz and Tim Koddenberg

Forests 2025, 16(7), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071151 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Fast-growing hardwoods like poplar often lack natural durability in outdoor use and require homogeneous impregnation with protective agents, though achieving homogeneity remains a known challenge. Various anatomical structures influence fluid transport in wood. This study compares characteristics of pits in libriform fibres, between [...] Read more.

Fast-growing hardwoods like poplar often lack natural durability in outdoor use and require homogeneous impregnation with protective agents, though achieving homogeneity remains a known challenge. Various anatomical structures influence fluid transport in wood. This study compares characteristics of pits in libriform fibres, between ray–vessel interfaces, and between vessel-to-vessel connections in normal wood and tension wood of a hybrid poplar genotype (Populus × canadensis, ‘Gelrica’), including both impregnated (with an aqueous, dye-containing solution) and non-impregnated regions, to identify anatomical barriers to impregnation. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in pit morphology and frequency in libriform fibres between normal wood and tension wood. In non-impregnated regions, pits were often encrusted. Vessel–ray pits did not differ between normal wood and tension wood but showed distinct differences between impregnated and non-impregnated regions: in the latter, pits were occluded by tylose-forming layers. Intervessel pits differed in border and aperture size between earlywood and latewood in both normal wood and tension wood. Hence, fluid transport is strongly impeded by occluded vessel–ray pits and, to a lesser extent, by encrusted fibre pits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wood Anatomy and Evaluation of Wood Structures and Their Modifications—2nd Edition)

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26 pages, 1271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Interventions Using Support Tools to Reduce Household Food Waste: A Study Using a Cloud-Based Automatic Weighing System

by Yasuko Seta, Hajime Yamakawa, Tomoko Okayama, Kohei Watanabe and Maki Nonomura

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146392 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Food waste is a global sustainability issue, and in Japan, approximately half of all food waste is generated in households. This study focused on refrigerator management behaviors aimed at using up the food inventory in the home. An intervention study involving 119 households [...] Read more.

Food waste is a global sustainability issue, and in Japan, approximately half of all food waste is generated in households. This study focused on refrigerator management behaviors aimed at using up the food inventory in the home. An intervention study involving 119 households with two or more members across Japan, with a two-week baseline period and a two-week intervention, was conducted. Target behaviors were set as “search food that should be eaten quickly,” “move it to a visible place,” and “use the foods that should be eaten quickly,” and tools to support these behaviors were selected, including an organizer for the refrigerator, photos, and food management apps. Each tool was assigned to approximately 30 households, and a control group was established. Food waste was measured using a cloud-based automatic weighing system, and all participants were asked to separate avoidable food waste at home and dispose of it in the designated waste bin. During the intervention period, the average weekly food waste per household decreased by 29% to 51% in the intervention group, while there was little change in the control group. An analysis using a two-way mixed ANOVA revealed a marginally significant interaction (p < 0.10), indicating moderate effectiveness. Among the behaviors contributing to reduced food waste, three actions—“having trouble not being able to recall food inventory at home during shopping,” “moving foods that should be used sooner,” and “organizing refrigerator”—showed significant interaction effects (p < 0.05) in a two-way mixed ANOVA, indicating the effectiveness of the intervention. Full article

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16 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in Dairy Cow Mastitis Management: Innovations in Non-Antibiotic Treatment Technologies

by Lijie Jiang, Qi Li, Huiqing Liao, Hourong Liu and Zhiqiang Wang

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070662 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Dairy mastitis is a common dairy farming disease. It severely affects the health of dairy cows and the quality and yield of dairy products. This paper reviews the main current mastitis treatments and associated bacterial resistance. It emphasizes the importance of integrated resistance [...] Read more.

Dairy mastitis is a common dairy farming disease. It severely affects the health of dairy cows and the quality and yield of dairy products. This paper reviews the main current mastitis treatments and associated bacterial resistance. It emphasizes the importance of integrated resistance and treatment management. The therapeutic efficacy and resistance associated with commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are analyzed. The principles, application effects and benefits of non-antibiotic therapies are also discussed, including those of immunotherapy, herbal therapy, probiotic therapy and phage therapy. The paper presents the latest gene editing and nanotechnology advances in the contexts of big data and artificial intelligence. It suggests future research directions such as developing new antibiotics, optimizing treatment and enhancing immunity. In conclusion, effective treatment and management can control dairy cow mastitis. It can guarantee cow health, improve dairy product quality and promote sustainable dairy industry development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Innovative Approaches in Veterinary Health)

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22 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Agri-Food Competitiveness: Assessing Food Security, Trade, Sustainability, and Innovation in the G20 Nations

by Sylvain Charlebois, Janet Music, Nicole Natali and Janele Vezeau

World 2025, 6(3), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6030099 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study presents a comparative benchmarking analysis of G20 nations’ agri-food competitiveness across five critical pillars: food security and nutrition, trade and geopolitics, environmental sustainability, fiscal regimes, and entrepreneurship support. Using a structured benchmarking framework with 13 performance indicators sourced from internationally recognized [...] Read more.

This study presents a comparative benchmarking analysis of G20 nations’ agri-food competitiveness across five critical pillars: food security and nutrition, trade and geopolitics, environmental sustainability, fiscal regimes, and entrepreneurship support. Using a structured benchmarking framework with 13 performance indicators sourced from internationally recognized datasets, the research delivers a comprehensive evaluation of national agri-food systems. The analysis reveals significant disparities in transparency, policy coherence, and investment in innovation across member states. Countries such as the United States, Germany, and Australia emerge as leaders, driven by integrated policy frameworks, trade surpluses, and sustainable production practices. Others fall behind due to import dependence, fragmented governance, or weak innovation ecosystems. Canada performs consistently in trade metrics but is hindered by high emissions intensity, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of a cohesive national food strategy. Theoretically, this work contributes to the emerging field of agri-food system diagnostics by operationalizing a cross-pillar benchmarking methodology applicable at the national level. Practically, it offers policymakers a decision-support tool for identifying structural gaps and setting reform priorities. The framework enables governments, trade partners, and multilateral institutions to design targeted interventions aimed at boosting food system resilience, economic competitiveness, and sustainability in an era of rising geopolitical and environmental volatility. Full article

18 pages, 4696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Deep-Learning Framework with Multi-Feature Fusion and Attention Mechanism for Classification of Chinese Traditional Instruments

by Jinrong Yang, Fang Gao, Teng Yun, Tong Zhu, Huaixi Zhu, Ran Zhou and Yikun Wang

Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2805; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142805 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Chinese traditional instruments are diverse and encompass a rich variety of timbres and rhythms, presenting considerable research potential. This work proposed a deep-learning framework for the automated classification of Chinese traditional instruments, addressing the challenges of acoustic diversity and cultural preservation. By integrating [...] Read more.

Chinese traditional instruments are diverse and encompass a rich variety of timbres and rhythms, presenting considerable research potential. This work proposed a deep-learning framework for the automated classification of Chinese traditional instruments, addressing the challenges of acoustic diversity and cultural preservation. By integrating two datasets, CTIS and ChMusic, we constructed a combined dataset comprising four instrument families: wind, percussion, plucked string, and bowed string. Three time-frequency features, namely MFCC, CQT, and Chroma, were extracted to capture diverse sound information. A convolutional neural network architecture was designed, incorporating 3-channel spectrogram feature stacking and a hybrid channel–spatial attention mechanism to enhance the extraction of critical frequency bands and feature weights. Experimental results demonstrated that the feature-fusion method improved classification performance compared to a single feature as input. Meanwhile, the attention mechanism further boosted test accuracy to 98.79%, outperforming baseline models by 2.8% and achieving superior F1 scores and recall compared to classical architectures. Ablation study confirmed the contribution of attention mechanisms. This work validates the efficacy of deep learning in preserving intangible cultural heritage through precise analysis, offering a feasible methodology for the classification of Chinese traditional instruments. Full article

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17 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Honeybee Sentience: Scientific Evidence and Implications for EU Animal Welfare Policy

by Roberto Bava, Giovanni Formato, Giovanna Liguori and Fabio Castagna

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070661 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

The growing recognition of animal sentience has led to notable progress in European Union animal welfare legislation. However, a significant inconsistency remains: while mammals, birds, and cephalopods are legally protected as sentient beings, honeybees (Apis mellifera)—despite robust scientific evidence of their [...] Read more.

The growing recognition of animal sentience has led to notable progress in European Union animal welfare legislation. However, a significant inconsistency remains: while mammals, birds, and cephalopods are legally protected as sentient beings, honeybees (Apis mellifera)—despite robust scientific evidence of their cognitive, emotional, and sensory complexity—are excluded from such protections. This manuscript examines, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the divergence between emerging evidence on invertebrate sentience and current EU legal frameworks. Honeybees and cephalopods serve as comparative case studies to assess inconsistencies in the criteria for legal recognition of sentience. Findings increasingly confirm that honeybees exhibit advanced cognitive functions, emotional states, and behavioral flexibility comparable to those of legally protected vertebrates. Their omission from welfare legislation lacks scientific justification and raises ethical and ecological concerns, especially given their central role in pollination and ecosystem stability. In general, we advocate for the inclusion of Apis mellifera in EU animal welfare policy. However, we are aware that there are also critical views on their introduction, which we address in a dedicated paragraph of the manuscript. For this reason, we advocate a gradual and evidence-based approach, guided by a permanent observatory, which could ensure that legislation evolves in parallel with scientific understanding, promoting ethical consistency, sustainable agriculture, and integrated health under the One Health framework. This approach would meet the concerns of consumers who consider well-being and respect for the environment as essential principles of breeding, and who carefully choose products from animals raised with systems that respect welfare, with indisputable economic advantages for the beekeeper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animal Health and Welfare Disorders: Recent Trends and Strategies of Prevention and Treatment)

21 pages, 24495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UAMS: An Unsupervised Anomaly Detection Method Integrating MSAA and SSPCAB

by Zhe Li, Wenhui Chen and Weijie Wang

Symmetry 2025, 17(7), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17071119 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Anomaly detection methods play a crucial role in automated quality control within modern manufacturing systems. In this context, unsupervised methods are increasingly favored due to their independence from large-scale labeled datasets. However, existing methods present limited multi-scale feature extraction ability and may fail [...] Read more.

Anomaly detection methods play a crucial role in automated quality control within modern manufacturing systems. In this context, unsupervised methods are increasingly favored due to their independence from large-scale labeled datasets. However, existing methods present limited multi-scale feature extraction ability and may fail to effectively capture subtle anomalies. To address these challenges, we propose UAMS, a pyramid-structured normalization flow framework that leverages the symmetry in feature recombination to harmonize multi-scale interactions. The proposed framework integrates a Multi-Scale Attention Aggregation (MSAA) module for cross-scale dynamic fusion, as well as a Self-Supervised Predictive Convolutional Attention Block (SSPCAB) for spatial channel attention and masked prediction learning. Experiments on the MVTecAD dataset show that UAMS largely outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised methods, in terms of detection and localization accuracy, while maintaining high inference efficiency. For example, when comparing UAMS against the baseline model on the carpet category, the AUROC is improved from 90.8% to 94.5%, and AUPRO is improved from 91.0% to 92.9%. These findings validate the potential of the proposed method for use in real industrial inspection scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer)

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20 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elucidation of Nutritional Quality, Antinutrients, and Protein Digestibility of Dehulled and Malted Flours Produced from Three Varieties of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranean)

by Mpho Edward Mashau, Thakhani Takalani, Oluwaseun Peter Bamidele and Shonisani Eugenia Ramashia

Foods 2025, 14(14), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142450 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) is an important legume grain in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. Nevertheless, the peculiarity of being hard to cook and mill and the availability of antinutritional factors often limit Bambara groundnut (BGN) use in food applications. This [...] Read more.

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) is an important legume grain in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. Nevertheless, the peculiarity of being hard to cook and mill and the availability of antinutritional factors often limit Bambara groundnut (BGN) use in food applications. This study investigated the impact of dehulling and malting on the nutritional composition, antinutritional factors, and protein digestibility of flours obtained from three BGN varieties (red, cream, and brown). Dehulling and malting significantly enhanced the moisture and protein content of BGN flours (dry basis), with values varying from 6.01% (control brown variety) to 8.71% (malted cream and brown varieties), and from 18.63% (control red variety) to 21.87% (dehulled brown), respectively. Dehulling increased the fat content from 5.82% (control red variety) to 7.84% (dehulled cream), whereas malting decreased the fat content. Nevertheless, malting significantly increased (p < 0.05) the fiber content from 4.78% (control cream) to 8.28% (malted brown variety), while dehulling decreased the fiber content. Both processing methods decreased the ash and carbohydrate contents of the BGN flours. Dehulling and malting significantly enhanced the amino acids of BGN flours, except for tryptophan and asparagine. Dehulling and malting notably increased the phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur contents of the BGN flours, while calcium and zinc were reduced. Malting significantly enhanced the iron content of BGN flour, whereas dehulling reduced it. Both processing methods significantly enhanced palmitic, arachidic, and y-Linolenic acids. Nonetheless, processing methods significantly reduced phytic acid and oxalate, and dehulling achieved the most significant reductions. Dehulling and malting significantly enhanced the protein digestibility of the BGN flours from 69.38 (control red variety) to 83.29 g/100 g (dehulled cream variety). Overall, dehulling and malting enhanced the nutritional quality and decreased the antinutritional factors of BGN flours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Processing Technologies: Enhancing Quality, Safety, and Sustainability)

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18 pages, 2506 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Early Predictive Markers and Histopathological Response to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Postmenopausal Patients with HR+/HER2− Early Breast Cancer

by Aleksandra Konieczna and Magdalena Rosinska

Cancers 2025, 17(14), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17142319 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Purpose: Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) represents a valuable treatment option for hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and histopathological efficacy of NET and to explore early and late changes in Ki-67 and [...] Read more.

Purpose: Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) represents a valuable treatment option for hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/HER2-negative breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and histopathological efficacy of NET and to explore early and late changes in Ki-67 and progesterone receptor (PgR) expression as indicators of endocrine response. Methods: A prospective cohort of 127 postmenopausal patients with stage cT1–4N0–3M0 HR+/HER2− breast cancer was enrolled between 2019 and 2021. Patients received NET (mostly letrozole) for a mean of 7.7 months. In 80 cases, a second core biopsy was performed after four weeks. Tumor size, histological grade, and biomarkers (Ki-67, PgR) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Results: NET led to a significant reduction in tumor size, with median shrinkage of 47.0% (from 32.0 mm to 17.0 mm, p < 0.0001). Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was performed in 52.2% of patients and lymph node negativity (pN0) was observed in 50.4%. Median Ki-67 decreased from 20.0% at baseline to 5.0% after four weeks (p < 0.0001) and remained low in surgical specimens (median 5.0%, p < 0.0001). In 33.3% of patients, Ki-67 dropped below 2.7%, and 67.0% showed a concordant decrease in both Ki-67 and PgR. PgR expression declined significantly during treatment (p < 0.0001). HER2 status conversion was noted in 6.4% of patients during treatment. Pathological complete response (pCR) occurred in 3.5%, while minimal or moderate residual disease (RCB I–II) was identified in 71.3% of cases. Conclusions: NET effectively reduced tumor burden and histological aggressiveness, enabling higher rates of BCS. Early reduction in Ki-67 and PgR may serve as surrogate markers of endocrine responsiveness, supporting their use for treatment stratification and monitoring during NET in HR+/HER2− breast cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Neoadjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer)

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12 pages, 3338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural CCD2 Variants and RNA Interference for Boosting Crocin Biosynthesis in Tomato

by Elena Moreno-Giménez, Eduardo Parreño, Lucía Morote, Alberto José López Jiménez, Cristian Martínez Fajardo, Silvia Presa, Ángela Rubio-Moraga, Antonio Granell, Oussama Ahrazem and Lourdes Gómez-Gómez

Biology 2025, 14(7), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070850 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Crocin biosynthesis involves a complex network of enzymes with biosynthetic and modifier enzymes, and the manipulation of these pathways holds promise for improving human health through the broad exploitation of these bioactive metabolites. Crocins play a significant role in human nutrition and health, [...] Read more.

Crocin biosynthesis involves a complex network of enzymes with biosynthetic and modifier enzymes, and the manipulation of these pathways holds promise for improving human health through the broad exploitation of these bioactive metabolites. Crocins play a significant role in human nutrition and health, as they exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Plants that naturally accumulate high levels of crocins are scarce, and the production of crocins is highly limited by the characteristics of the crops and their yield. The CCD2 enzyme, initially identified in saffron, is responsible for converting zeaxanthin into crocetin, which is further modified to crocins by aldehyde dehydrogenases and glucosyltransferase enzymes. Crops like tomato fruits, which naturally contain high levels of carotenoids, offer valuable genetic resources for expanding synthetic biology tools. In an effort to explore CCD2 enzymes with improved activity, two CCD2 alleles from saffron and Crocosmia were introduced into tomato, together with a UGT gene. Furthermore, in order to increase the zeaxanthin pool in the fruit, an RNA interference construct was introduced to limit the conversion of zeaxanthin to violaxanthin. The expression of saffron CCD2, CsCCDD2L, led to the creation of transgenic tomatoes with significantly high crocins levels, reaching concentrations of 4.7 mg/g dry weight. The Crocosmia allele, CroCCD2, also resulted in high crocins levels, reaching a concentration of 2.1 mg/g dry weight. These findings underscore the importance of enzyme variants in synthetic biology, as they enable the development of crops rich in beneficial apocarotenoids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Natural Products: Mechanisms of Action for Promoting Health)

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13 pages, 4295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chelerythrine Inhibits TGF-β-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in A549 Cells via RRM2

by Jinlong Liu, Mengran Xu, Liu Han, Yuxuan Rao, Haoming Han, Haoran Zheng, Jinying Wu and Xin Sun

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(7), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18071036 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms underlying the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have long been a focal point of medical research. The anti-tumor effects of chelerythrine (CHE) have been confirmed; however, its ability to inhibit tumor metastasis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The [...] Read more.

Background: The mechanisms underlying the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have long been a focal point of medical research. The anti-tumor effects of chelerythrine (CHE) have been confirmed; however, its ability to inhibit tumor metastasis and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects and molecular mechanisms of CHE on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: Wound healing and Transwell assays were employed to evaluate TGF-β-induced migration in A549 cells and the inhibitory effects of CHE. Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) expression levels were detected via Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to examine the expression levels of EMT-related markers. Animal experiments were conducted to analyze the role of RRM2 in the CHE inhibition of TGF-β-induced lung cancer metastasis. Results: This study found that TGF-β treatment enhanced the metastasis of A549 cells, while CHE inhibited the expression of TGF-β-induced EMT-related transcription factors by RRM2, thereby suppressing tumor cell migration (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the oral administration of CHE inhibited the metastasis of A549 cells to the lungs from the tail vein in mice, consistent with in vitro findings. Despite the high doses of CHE used, there was no evidence of toxicity. Conclusions: Our data reveal the mechanism of the anti-metastatic effects of CHE on TGF-β-induced EMT and indicate that CHE can be used as an effective anti-tumor treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)

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10 pages, 7084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation Between Microstructure and Electric Behavior of (1−x)Ba_0.96Ca_0.04TiO₃-xBa(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ Ceramics Prepared via Chemical-Furnace-Assisted Combustion Synthesis

by Haiqin Ding, Jun Wang, Tongchun Qin, Lingling Cui, Guodong Jia, Guang Ji and Zhiwei Li

Coatings 2025, 15(7), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070817 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

The (1−x)Ba_0.96Ca_0.04TiO₃-xBa(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (x = 0–0.20) lead-free ceramics were prepared through the chemical-furnace-assisted combustion synthesis (abbreviated as CFACS). The phase structure, microstructure, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties were systematically investigated. Phase analysis revealed the [...] Read more.

The (1−x)Ba_0.96Ca_0.04TiO₃-xBa(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ (x = 0–0.20) lead-free ceramics were prepared through the chemical-furnace-assisted combustion synthesis (abbreviated as CFACS). The phase structure, microstructure, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties were systematically investigated. Phase analysis revealed the coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases in the vicinity of x = 0.07. More importantly, the composition with x = 0.07 exhibited optimal overall electrical properties, including a high piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) of 495 pC/N, the planar electromechanical coupling factor (K_p) of 41.9%, and the Curie temperature (T_c) of 123.7 °C. In addition, the average grain size was observed to progressively decrease with increasing x. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ceramic Coatings and Engineering Technology)

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11 pages, 1220 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

The Effect of Assistive Devices on the Accuracy of Fitbits in Healthy Individuals: A Brief Report

by John Jaworski, Brian Makowski, Michael Weaver, Michael Seils and Jennifer L. Scheid

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071100 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Our study explored the accuracy of Fitbit recorded step count during the use of an assistive device (two-wheeled walker and standard cane) at various body positions (wrists, hips, and ankles). Participants (n = 11) ambulated an obstacle course (50 m total, including [...] Read more.

Our study explored the accuracy of Fitbit recorded step count during the use of an assistive device (two-wheeled walker and standard cane) at various body positions (wrists, hips, and ankles). Participants (n = 11) ambulated an obstacle course (50 m total, including turns and a step up/down) a total of three times (two-wheeled walker, standard cane, and a deviceless control trial). Fitbit generated step counts (at the wrists, hips, and ankles) were then compared to the individual’s “actual” step count captured through video analysis. During the cane trial and the deviceless trial, all positions were significantly correlated (r = 0.764 to 0.984; p < 0.006) with the actual step count. However, increased variability (demonstrated by increased limits of agreement) was observed when the Fitbit was worn on the wrist (compared to the hips or ankles). During the walker trial, the step count was significantly correlated to the actual step count at the ankle and hip positions (r = 0.669 to 0.888; p < 0.017) with an average error of 1.5%, while it was not statistically correlated at the wrist with a 31.2% average error. Our study suggests that Fitbits are a good predictor of actual step count, with the caveat that the location of the Fitbit should be considered if an assistive device (e.g., two-wheeled rolling walker and single-point cane) is being used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Global Health)

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17 pages, 2877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on High-Precision Initial Pointing for Near-Earth Laser Communication

by Yuang Li, Xuan Wang, Junfeng Han and Xinxin Quan

Photonics 2025, 12(7), 706; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12070706 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a systematic ground experimental method to address the insufficient initial pointing accuracy of optical terminals in free space optical communication (FSO). By utilizing a multi-coordinate system transformation model combined with geodetic coordinates obtained from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a systematic ground experimental method to address the insufficient initial pointing accuracy of optical terminals in free space optical communication (FSO). By utilizing a multi-coordinate system transformation model combined with geodetic coordinates obtained from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the elevation and azimuth angles of the optical terminal are calculated to achieve initial pointing. High-precision horizontal installation and true north direction calibration are accomplished using a GNSS dual-antenna system and a digital inclinometer to suppress mechanical installation errors. Furthermore, an iterative stellar calibration method is proposed, leveraging ephemeris to precompute stellar positions and optimize correction values through multiple observations, significantly improving pointing accuracy. In a 104.68 km span experiment conducted in the Qinghai Lake area, the azimuth and elevation angle errors of the optical terminal were reduced to −0.0293° and −0.0068°, respectively, with the uncertainty region narrowed to 0.0586°. These results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in high-precision rapid link establishment, providing technical support for the engineering application of satellite-to-ground laser communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Communication Systems and Related Technologies)

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11 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of the Effect of Palmaris Longus Presence on the Upper Extremity and Hand Functions in Individuals of Different Ethnic Origins

by Onur Seçgin Nişanci, Rıdvan Yildiz and Sidrenur Aslan Kolukisa

Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141763 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the presence rate of the palmaris longus (PLM) muscle in Turkish and Georgian individuals and to examine its effect on hand/upper extremity function. Methods: The study, conducted at Artvin Çoruh University, included 400 volunteer students [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the presence rate of the palmaris longus (PLM) muscle in Turkish and Georgian individuals and to examine its effect on hand/upper extremity function. Methods: The study, conducted at Artvin Çoruh University, included 400 volunteer students (800 hands). The presence of PLM was evaluated with Schaeffer and Thompson tests. Upper extremity and hand functions were measured by the Upper Extremity Function Index (UEFI-15) and the Sollerman Hand Function Test. Data were evaluated with the chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U, and Linear Mixed Model analysis in the SPSS v22 program. Results: PLM muscle was significantly more common in Georgian individuals compared to Turkish individuals (p < 0.05). This difference was statistically significant, particularly in Georgian men (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the presence of PLM and hand and upper extremity functions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Although the PLM muscle shows different and significant prevalence rates in relation to ethnicity, it does not show a significant effect on hand function. Ethnicity is a determining factor in anatomical and surgical studies of the PLM, and its minimal functional impact on hand function makes its graft use safe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Impacts and Value of Anatomy)

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12 pages, 1773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary, Body Composition, and Blood Leptin Variations in Fit-Model Female Athletes During the Pre-Competition Period

by Ramutis Kairaitis, Petras Minderis, Inga Lukonaitienė, Gediminas Mamkus, Tomas Venckūnas and Sigitas Kamandulis

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142299 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: The Fit-Model in bodybuilding is a relatively new category designed for women seeking a balanced physique, avoiding excessive muscularity and extreme leanness. This study examined the dietary strategies, body composition changes, and plasma leptin fluctuations of Fit-Model athletes during a seven-week pre-competition [...] Read more.

Background: The Fit-Model in bodybuilding is a relatively new category designed for women seeking a balanced physique, avoiding excessive muscularity and extreme leanness. This study examined the dietary strategies, body composition changes, and plasma leptin fluctuations of Fit-Model athletes during a seven-week pre-competition phase. Methods: Twelve females (age: 27.6 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 60.0 ± 6.2 kg) preparing for a national championship were monitored for energy and macronutrient intakes, total, lean, and fat mass, plasma leptin levels, and menstrual cycle characteristics. The five highest-ranked athletes were selected to compete at the world championship, allowing for comparisons between national and international athletes. Results: Low carbohydrate intake was reported, and total energy intake decreased from 1700 to 1520 kcal/day approaching the contest day. Athletes experienced an average body mass loss of 4.2 kg, with no clear relationship between final weight or fat mass and competitive success. Plasma leptin levels were markedly low during all 7 weeks of preparation with a further decline before the contest, but did not correlate with either changes in body composition and weight or energy or macronutrient intakes. Menstrual cycle disturbances were prevalent, with only two athletes maintaining regular cycles by the end of the preparation. Conclusions: Fit-Model athletes undergo a considerable decline in body weight and fat mass during the final weeks before the contest, yet these changes do not appear to be decisive for performance outcomes. Persistently low leptin levels and menstrual irregularities call for strategies that balance physique optimization with endocrine health to support both the performance and well-being of athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance in Sports, Physical Activity, Exercise: Nutrition, Fatigue and Recovery)

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13 pages, 1099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NF-κB as an Inflammatory Biomarker in Thin Endometrium: Predictive Value for Live Birth in Recurrent Implantation Failure

by Zercan Kalı, Pervin Karlı, Fatma Tanılır, Pınar Kırıcı and Serhat Ege

Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141762 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) poses a major challenge in assisted reproductive technologies, with thin endometrium (≤7 mm) being a frequently observed yet poorly understood condition. Emerging evidence implicates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key transcription factor in inflammatory signaling, in impaired endometrial [...] Read more.

Background: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) poses a major challenge in assisted reproductive technologies, with thin endometrium (≤7 mm) being a frequently observed yet poorly understood condition. Emerging evidence implicates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key transcription factor in inflammatory signaling, in impaired endometrial receptivity. However, its clinical relevance and prognostic value for live birth outcomes still need to be fully elucidated. Objective: We aim to evaluate the expression levels of endometrial NF-κB in patients with RIF and thin endometrium and to determine its potential as a predictive biomarker for live birth outcomes following IVF treatment. Methods: In this prospective case–control study, 158 women were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (RIF with thin endometrium, ≤7 mm, n = 52), Group 2 (RIF with normal endometrium, >7 mm, n = 38), and fertile controls (n = 68). NF-κB levels were assessed using ELISA and immunohistochemical histoscore. Pregnancy outcomes were compared across groups. ROC analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the predictive value of NF-κB. Results: NF-κB expression was significantly elevated in Group 1 compared to Group 2 and controls (p = 0.0017). ROC analysis identified a cut-off value of 7.8 ng/mg for live birth prediction (AUC = 0.72, sensitivity 74%, specificity 75%). Multivariable analysis confirmed NF-κB is an independent predictor of live birth (p = 0.045). Histological findings revealed increased NF-κB staining in luminal and glandular epithelial cells in the thin endometrium group. Conclusions: Increased endometrial NF-κB expression is associated with thin endometrium and reduced live birth rates in RIF patients. NF-κB may serve not only as a biomarker of pathological inflammation but also as a prognostic tool for treatment stratification in IVF. Based on findings in the literature, the therapeutic targeting of NF-κB may represent a promising strategy to improve implantation outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Prognosis of Gynecological and Obstetric Diseases)

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31 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Advances in Biotechnology in the Circular Economy: A Path to the Sustainable Use of Resources

by Pedro Carmona Marques, Pedro C. B. Fernandes, Pedro Sampaio and Joaquim Silva

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6391; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146391 (registering DOI) - 12 Jul 2025

Abstract

This article analyzes the role of biotechnologies in supporting the circular economy in various productive sectors. It highlights innovative approaches that contribute to sustainability, resource regeneration, waste recovery, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The text brings together relevant examples of biotechnological applications [...] Read more.

This article analyzes the role of biotechnologies in supporting the circular economy in various productive sectors. It highlights innovative approaches that contribute to sustainability, resource regeneration, waste recovery, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The text brings together relevant examples of biotechnological applications aimed at the production of bioplastics, bioenergy, bioproducts, and bioremediation solutions, among others of interest. In addition, it highlights the potential of using agro-industrial waste as raw material in biotechnological processes, promoting more efficient production chains with less environmental impact. The methodology was based on a comprehensive review of recent advances in industrial biotechnology. The main results reveal successful applications in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from food waste, in the microbial bioleaching of metals from electronic waste, and in the bioconversion of agricultural byproducts into functional materials, among others. The article also discusses the regulatory and social factors that influence the integration of these solutions into circular value chains. It concludes that biotechnology is a key element for the circular bioeconomy, offering scalable and environmentally efficient alternatives to conventional linear models, although its large-scale adoption depends on overcoming technological and market challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Biotechnology and Circular Economy: Driving Sustainable Innovations in the Bioeconomy)

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