MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

22 pages, 460 KB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Technology Usage and Family Farms’ Uptake of Green Production Technologies—Evidence from Citrus Family Farms in Jiangxi Province

by Chengyan Gong, Gaoyan Liu, Jinfang Wang and Xiaojin Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(22), 10334; https://doi.org/10.3390/su172210334 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

The adoption of green production technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural development. However, farmers often encounter obstacles including technological complexity, budgetary constraints, and information asymmetry during the promotion. Digital technology adoption on a large scale provides a practical way to get over [...] Read more.

The adoption of green production technologies is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural development. However, farmers often encounter obstacles including technological complexity, budgetary constraints, and information asymmetry during the promotion. Digital technology adoption on a large scale provides a practical way to get over these challenges. This study utilizes survey data from 432 family farms in Jiangxi Province’s primary citrus-producing regions to systematically examine the impact of digital technology usage on farmers’ adoption of water-fertilizer integration technology within green production practices. It focuses on adoption probability, duration, and scale while exploring underlying mechanisms. Benchmark regression results indicate that digital technology usage significantly increases farmers’ probability of adopting water-fertilizer integration by 23.5% to 39.8%, extends adoption duration by 42.7% to 57.4%, and expands adoption scale by 16.7% to 29.1%. A series of robustness tests consistently supports these findings. Regarding the mechanism: Digital technology usage increases the adoption of water-fertilizer integration by enhancing farmers’ perceptions of economic, social, and environmental benefits. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the promotional effect of digital technology on water-fertilizer integration is more significant among farmers who are highly educated and young, with lower capital (total capital expenditures on saplings and agricultural machinery) and lower land fragmentation levels. Furthermore, the promotional effect of digital technology on water-fertilizer integration adoption is only significant in the small-scale operation sample group. According to the study, a three-pronged strategy—digital empowerment, socialized services, and skills training—can hasten the widespread adoption of water-fertilizer integration in important citrus-producing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Technology)

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20 pages, 1122 KB

Open AccessReview

Mucosal Viruses in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle?

by Krishani Dinali Perera, Paige Cameron, Tayyibah Sarwar and Simon R. Carding

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211161 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic condition without a definitive aetiology, no reliable diagnostic test, and no proven effective treatment. Despite most patients reporting a post-viral onset of illness, findings to date are conflicting on whether a single virus or [...] Read more.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic condition without a definitive aetiology, no reliable diagnostic test, and no proven effective treatment. Despite most patients reporting a post-viral onset of illness, findings to date are conflicting on whether a single virus or multiple viral triggers are involved. Most studies to date have focused on detecting viruses in blood and circulating immune cells with relatively few investigating the presence of viruses in mucosal sites. In this review, we propose that this represents a critical gap in understanding the pathophysiology of ME/CFS knowledge, as mucosal tissues are primary entry points for most pathogens and often serve as reservoirs where viruses may persist. Consequently, they represent ideal niches for identifying persistent infections in ME/CFS. Emerging evidence from saliva and other mucosal samples in ME/CFS patients is consistent with this proposal and that latent viruses can persist and periodically reactivate in mucosal tissues from where they can potentially contribute to immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and increased symptom severity that defines ME/CFS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 1901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma with and Without Extrahepatic Spread: A Propensity Score Matching Study

by Chao-Ting Chen, Huei-Lung Liang, Chia-Ling Chiang, Wei-Lun Tsai and Yu-Chia Chen

J. Pers. Med. 2025, 15(11), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm15110561 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic spread (EHS). Materials and Methods: A total of 323 patients with unresectable HCC received HAIC plus lipiodol microvascular [...] Read more.

Purpose: We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic spread (EHS). Materials and Methods: A total of 323 patients with unresectable HCC received HAIC plus lipiodol microvascular embolization. HAIC was performed via puncture of the left subclavian artery with a temporary 4-French angio-catheter placed in the common/proper hepatic artery. The HAIC regimen consisted of a daily infusion of cisplatin (10 mg/m²), mitomycin-C (2 mg/m²), and leucovorin (15 mg/m²), administered over a period of 20–30 min, and then a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 100 mg/m²) infusion for the remaining of 22 h of each day, for five consecutive days. Before the temporary catheter was removed, 10 mL of ethiodized oil (Lipiodol, Guerbet, France) was injected to obtain a synergistic effect of chemoinfusion and lipiodol microvascular embolization. Treatment responses were evaluated based on mRECIST criteria. The objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of patients with EHS were compared to those without. Subgroup analyses of patients with and without major portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) were performed both before and after propensity score matching (PSM). The survival analyses were conducted with the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. All the statistical analyses were performed by SPSS (version 26.0). Result: The overall ORR was 59.1%. The median OS of the initial cohort and patients positive and negative for EHS were 16.3, 12.0, and 18.0 months, respectively (p = 0.002). In the subgroup analysis, there was no statistical difference in survival in patients with major PVTT between the with-EHS and without-EHS groups (13.0 vs. 15.0 months, p = 0.407). However, the median OS in patients with EHS was significantly shorter than those without EHS (11.4 vs. 19.4 months, p < 0.001) in the subgroup of non-major PVTT patients. After PSM, there were no significant survival differences between the EHS and non-EHS groups in any patient cohort or sub-cohort analysis. Conclusions: For unresectable HCC, controlling intrahepatic tumor progression through HAIC is more important than controlling extrahepatic tumor growth, especially in patients with major PVTT. Personalized locoregional HAIC can be performed in patients with EHS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Future Challenges in Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

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19 pages, 2172 KB

Open AccessReview

Preparation and Classification of Coatings by High-Energy Ball Milling: A Review

by Zhanfeng Qi, Hengye Zhang, Xiuli Guo and Le Geng

Coatings 2025, 15(11), 1343; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15111343 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

High-energy ball milling (HEBM) offers a pathway for the green preparation of multifunctional coatings. However, existing research lacks systematic frameworks addressing the interplay of HEBM process parameters, elemental screening criteria, and coating classification systems. This study establishes a comprehensive “elemental screening–process synergy–classification and [...] Read more.

High-energy ball milling (HEBM) offers a pathway for the green preparation of multifunctional coatings. However, existing research lacks systematic frameworks addressing the interplay of HEBM process parameters, elemental screening criteria, and coating classification systems. This study establishes a comprehensive “elemental screening–process synergy–classification and prediction” framework for HEBM coatings. Key contributions include establishing a two-tier screening criterion based on non-radioactivity/low-toxicity and functionality for coating elements; revealing the synergistic effects of key process parameters; proposing a dual-dimensional coating classification system based on composition and function; and constructing a quantitative database encompassing 11 key performance indicators. This work provides theoretical foundations and data-driven guidance for the precise design and selection of high-performance HEBM coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Alloy Surface Mechanics: The Effects of Coating Technologies on Performance)

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18 pages, 1337 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Enhanced Aperiodic Threshold-Sensitive Stable Election Protocol (EATSEP) for WSNs

by Muhammad Hassan

Telecom 2025, 6(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/telecom6040088 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as vital technologies for safety-critical applications due to their flexibility, scalability, and reliability. However, existing models such as LEACH, SEP, and TSEP exhibit limitations in energy efficiency, stability, and adaptability to heterogeneous node conditions. To address these [...] Read more.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have emerged as vital technologies for safety-critical applications due to their flexibility, scalability, and reliability. However, existing models such as LEACH, SEP, and TSEP exhibit limitations in energy efficiency, stability, and adaptability to heterogeneous node conditions. To address these gaps, this research proposes a multilevel heterogeneity-based WSN model that optimizes cluster-head (CH) selection and energy utilization for enhanced network performance. Simulations were conducted in MATLAB under unequal energy level variations and compared with established protocols. Results demonstrate that the proposed model consistently outperforms existing approaches in terms of network lifetime, throughput, and energy efficiency. Statistical analysis reveals a best-case improvement of approximately 9000 rounds and a worst-case gain of about 3000 rounds when four heterogeneity levels are employed, compared to three levels. These findings highlight that both the degree of energy diversity and the distribution of energy nodes across levels are crucial for achieving optimal performance. Overall, the proposed architecture significantly enhances reliability, stability, and energy efficiency, making it well-suited for disaster management and other safety-critical applications. Full article

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30 pages, 13946 KB

Open AccessArticle

Connecting to Antiquity Through Touch: Gem Impressions in the Long Eighteenth Century

by Lauren Kellogg DiSalvo

Arts 2025, 14(6), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/arts14060148 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

This article seeks to understand what an approach grounded in materiality and tactile engagement can offer to our understanding of why collectors might have been drawn to gem impressions in the long eighteenth century. Instead of looking to a specific collector or producer [...] Read more.

This article seeks to understand what an approach grounded in materiality and tactile engagement can offer to our understanding of why collectors might have been drawn to gem impressions in the long eighteenth century. Instead of looking to a specific collector or producer of gem impressions, this study examines interactions with gem impressions from a more general perspective. I speculate how, through touch, antiquarians may have used gem impressions as an aide-mémoire to bridge connections between eighteenth-century gem impressions and Greco-Roman gem traditions through shared function, materiality, production techniques, and signatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Early Modern Global Materials, Materiality, and Material Culture)

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14 pages, 5377 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Penalty Function and Equivalence Factor on the Performance of ECMS Controller in Range Extended Electric Vehicles

by Malika Keldiyarova, Umidjon Usmanov, Sanjarbek Ruzimov and Akmal Mukhitdinov

J 2025, 8(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/j8040044 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study discusses the role of the equivalence factor and penalty function in improving the performance of energy consumption minimization strategies in Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). In conventional ECMS, equivalence factors are typically derived from constant efficiency assumptions for simplicity or adaptively [...] Read more.

This study discusses the role of the equivalence factor and penalty function in improving the performance of energy consumption minimization strategies in Range Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs). In conventional ECMS, equivalence factors are typically derived from constant efficiency assumptions for simplicity or adaptively adjusted according to driving conditions in adaptive ECMS. In REEVs, however, the battery efficiency exhibits nonlinear behavior in the low SOC range, which directly leads to variability in the equivalence factor within conventional ECMS. This study investigates the influence of the variable equivalence factor on the overall fuel economy. The equivalence factors are usually considered constant or vary adaptively depending on driving cycles. However, the variation in battery efficiency is often neglected. The present study compares the results obtained for both constant and variable battery efficiencies in deriving the equivalence factors. The simulation results show that an improvement of approximately 3% in fuel economy was obtained for UDDS, NEDC, and WLTC driving cycles as a result of applying the variable equivalence factor. Additionally, through an analysis of various penalty function designs, the study highlights their crucial role in optimizing fuel consumption across different driving cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Engineering)

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21 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fractional-Order Deterministic Learning for Fast and Robust Detection of Sub-Synchronous Oscillations in Wind Power Systems

by Omar Kahouli, Lilia El Amraoui, Mohamed Ayari and Omar Naifar

Mathematics 2025, 13(22), 3705; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13223705 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

This work explores the issue of identifying sub-synchronous oscillations (SSOs). Regular detection techniques face issues with response timings to variations in viewpoint and adaptability to variations in conditions of the system but our proposed method overcomes them. We have actually come up with [...] Read more.

This work explores the issue of identifying sub-synchronous oscillations (SSOs). Regular detection techniques face issues with response timings to variations in viewpoint and adaptability to variations in conditions of the system but our proposed method overcomes them. We have actually come up with a new framework called Tempered Fractional Deterministic Learning (TF-DL) that successfully combines tempered fractional calculus with deterministic learning theory. This method makes a memory-based learner that works best for oscillatory dynamics. This lets SSO identification happen faster through a recursive structure that can run in real time. Theoretical analysis validates exponential convergence in the context of persistent excitation. Simulations show that detection time is 62.7% shorter than gradient descent, with better convergence and better parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence Techniques Applications on Power Systems)

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16 pages, 1777 KB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing Hidden Cognitive Language Patterns in Brain Injury: Can Modifiers and Function Words Play a Role in Neuroplasticity?

by Marisol Roldán-Palacios and Aurelio López-López

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15111239 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Although modifiers and function words are critical in cognitive linguistic assessments and cognitive training has proven to promote synaptic neural activity, they often receive limited attention, particularly in computational data-scarce settings. This study addresses communication difficulties associated with cognitive impairments using engineering [...] Read more.

Background: Although modifiers and function words are critical in cognitive linguistic assessments and cognitive training has proven to promote synaptic neural activity, they often receive limited attention, particularly in computational data-scarce settings. This study addresses communication difficulties associated with cognitive impairments using engineering data, a design to improve the evaluation of language attributes, applied specifically to these elements. A framework was developed to analyze potential language alterations resulting from traumatic brain injury (tbi), using narrative samples, primary data, and unconventional methods to overcome the limitations of existing resources. Methods: The core technique involves pairing language attributes based on defined relationships and assessing responses using standard statistical learning methods. Direct and normalized evaluations of variables, calculated using the Northwestern Narrative Language Analysis (nnla) profile from the original data, serve as benchmarks. The Area Under the Curve (auc) metric with the corresponding statistical support are reported. Results: The results indicate that the proposed method revealed informative patterns involving modifiers and function words that remained hidden in the baseline approaches. Although some exceptions were observed, results showed a substantially consistent behavior, and the responses achieved promote their use in a clinical setting. Conclusions: The findings can provide valuable directions for theoretical and applied research in language assessment. Identifying specific points of breakdown within language structures can improve the accuracy of rehabilitation plans and better leverage the neuroplastic response of the brain for recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurodegeneration)

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16 pages, 3833 KB

Open AccessArticle

Centrifugal Model Test Study on the Influence of Subgrade Filling on Adjacent Bridge Pile Foundations

by Shihao Zhou, Zhongju Feng, Junyong Liu, Chao Zhang, Cong Zhang and Jikun Wang

Buildings 2025, 15(22), 4162; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15224162 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

A series of centrifuge model tests was performed to investigate the influence of subgrade surcharge loading on adjacent bridge pile foundations in soft soils, based on the Mingu Road project in Zhongshan City, China. Four surcharge distances (1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D, where [...] Read more.

A series of centrifuge model tests was performed to investigate the influence of subgrade surcharge loading on adjacent bridge pile foundations in soft soils, based on the Mingu Road project in Zhongshan City, China. Four surcharge distances (1D, 2D, 3D, and 4D, where D is the pile diameter) were examined to clarify the spatial–temporal evolution of pile–soil interaction. The results show that horizontal displacement, bending moment, and lateral soil resistance of the pile increase over time, exhibiting significant time-dependent behavior characterized by rapid initial growth followed by stabilization. As the surcharge distance increases, these responses decrease markedly, indicating a strong spatial attenuation effect. The bending moment along the pile depth follows a unimodal pattern with a peak at the soft soil layer. In contrast, the lateral soil resistance exhibits a similar trend of increase and decrease with depth. When the surcharge distance exceeds approximately 4D, the additional influence on the pile response becomes small. This study provides physical evidence and theoretical support for the safe design and construction of bridge pile foundations adjacent to road embankments in areas with soft soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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19 pages, 1708 KB

Open AccessArticle

Semaphorin3A Rewires CD4⁺ T-Cell Metabolism via AKT/mTORC1 Inhibition in Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Raeda Mubariki, Nasren Eiza, Adi D. Sabag, Shiri Keret, Doron Rimar, Gleb Slobodin, Devy Zisman, Elias Toubi and Zahava Vadasz

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(22), 11160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262211160 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) is a regulatory protein found to be expressed on regulatory T and B cells and also secreted into peripheral blood. It has been identified as a potent immune regulator; however, not all its regulatory mechanisms have been evaluated. In this respect, [...] Read more.

Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) is a regulatory protein found to be expressed on regulatory T and B cells and also secreted into peripheral blood. It has been identified as a potent immune regulator; however, not all its regulatory mechanisms have been evaluated. In this respect, we aim to investigate how Sema3A affects key metabolic pathways in T cells during homeostasis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and on the AKT/mTORC1 signaling axis. In this study, peripheral blood samples were collected from 119 healthy donors and 32 rheumatoid arthritis patients. T cells were subjected to Seahorse analysis to evaluate OXPHOS and glycolysis, live cell TMRE staining to evaluate mitochondrial activity, mass spectrometry for metabolite profiling, ATP determination to study ATP production, and Western blot analysis to investigate the signaling pathway activity. This study presents evidence showing that Sema3A inhibits the AKT/mTORC1 pathway, leading to a decreased glucose uptake and glycolysis disruption. Furthermore, we show that Sema3A reduces mitochondrial capacity and OXPHOS in activated T cells of healthy and RA donors, leading to a decreased ATP production. In contrast, Sema3A upregulates fatty acid oxidation (FA), probably as a backup pathway to ensure cell survival. Results with p values of <0.05 were considered significant. Our data may point to Sema3A’s ability to convert activated T cells’ metabolic profile back to its non-activated state. This may suggest that Sema3A might be a beneficial treatment for immune-mediated diseases by metabolically reprogramming activated T cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Immunology)

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16 pages, 525 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Cancer-Specific PRONTO Protocol for Nutritional Risk Screening in Outpatient Oncology Cancer Care: A Pilot Study

by Darío Sánchez-Cabrero, Jaime Rubio, Jorge Durá Esteve, Laura Guzmán-Gómez, Germán Guzmán-Rolo, Cristina Grande, Andrea Martín Aguilar, Pablo Pérez-Wert, Ana Pertejo, Suela Sulo, Amy R. Sharn, Samara Palma Milla, Carolina Dassen and Maurizio Muscaritoli

Cancers 2025, 17(22), 3697; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17223697 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition or its risk is common among patients with cancer (from 15% to 90%) and can negatively impact treatment outcomes and quality of life. Early detection and nutritional intervention are essential to improve clinical, health, and economic outcomes. This study evaluates [...] Read more.

Background: Malnutrition or its risk is common among patients with cancer (from 15% to 90%) and can negatively impact treatment outcomes and quality of life. Early detection and nutritional intervention are essential to improve clinical, health, and economic outcomes. This study evaluates the PRONTO (PROtocol for NuTritional risk in Oncology), a novel tool designed for the early identification of nutritional risk in patients with cancer. Objectives: To assess the feasibility of the PRONTO in detecting nutritional risk among newly diagnosed oncology patients. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational pilot study included 200 patients from two oncology centers in Madrid, Spain. The PRONTO was applied during the first oncology visit. Nutritional risk was assessed using PRONTO and nutritional status was evaluated with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Tool acceptability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Net Promoter Score (NPS) among participating oncologists. Results: The PRONTO identified 62.0% of patients at nutritional risk, while malnutrition was confirmed in 57.0% of patients using GLIM criteria. The PRONTO demonstrated high sensitivity (90.4%) and specificity (75.6%) compared to the GLIM. Oncologists rated the PRONTO highly, with a SUS score of 87.9 and an NPS of 9.1, indicating strong usability and recommendation potential. Conclusions: The PRONTO is a feasible and practical tool for early nutritional risk screening in oncology settings. Its simplicity and efficiency support its integration into routine clinical practice. The high prevalence of nutritional risk underscores the need for early screening to guide timely nutrition care. Further research with larger and diverse groups of patients and oncologists is needed to validate scalability and assess the impact of nutritional interventions on patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Causes, Screening and Diagnosis)

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20 pages, 3728 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Source Fusion-Based Material Tracking Method for Discrete–Continuous Hybrid Scenarios

by Kaizhi Yang, Xiong Xiao, Yongjun Zhang, Guodong Liu, Xiaozhan Li and Fei Zhang

Processes 2025, 13(11), 3727; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113727 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Special steel manufacturing involves both discrete processing events and continuous physical flows, forming a representative discrete–continuous hybrid production system. However, due to the visually homogeneous surfaces of steel products, the highly dynamic production environment, and frequent disturbances or anomalies, traditional single-source tracking approaches [...] Read more.

Special steel manufacturing involves both discrete processing events and continuous physical flows, forming a representative discrete–continuous hybrid production system. However, due to the visually homogeneous surfaces of steel products, the highly dynamic production environment, and frequent disturbances or anomalies, traditional single-source tracking approaches struggle to maintain accurate and consistent material identification. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a multi-source fusion-based material tracking method tailored for discrete–continuous hybrid scenarios. First, a state–event system (SES) is constructed based on process rules, enabling interpretable reasoning of material states through event streams and logical constraints. Second, on the visual perception side, a YOLOv8-SE detection network embedded with the squeeze-and-excitation (SE) channel attention mechanism is designed, while the DeepSORT tracking framework is improved to enhance weak feature extraction and dynamic matching for visually similar targets. Finally, to handle information conflicts and cooperation in multi-source fusion, an improved Dempster–Shafer (D-S) evidence fusion strategy is developed, integrating customized anomaly handling and fault-tolerance mechanisms to boost decision reliability in conflict-prone regions. Experiments conducted on real special steel production lines demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves detection accuracy, ID consistency, and trajectory integrity under complex operating conditions, while enhancing robustness against modal conflicts and abnormal scenarios. This work provides an interpretable and engineering-feasible solution for end-to-end material tracking in hybrid manufacturing systems, offering theoretical and methodological insights for the practical deployment of multi-source collaborative perception in industrial environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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14 pages, 3884 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enabling Super-Resolution Quantitative Phase Imaging via OpenSRQPI—A Standardized Plug-and-Play Open-Source Tool for Digital Holographic Microscopy with Structured and Oblique Illumination

by Sofia Obando-Vasquez, Alan Schneider and Ana Doblas

Electronics 2025, 14(22), 4513; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14224513 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Accurate and label-free quantitative phase imaging (QPI) plays a crucial role in advancing diagnostic techniques that streamline histology and diagnostic procedures by minimizing sample preparation time, resources, and requirements. Although Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) has become a prominent tool within QPI, its diffraction-limited [...] Read more.

Accurate and label-free quantitative phase imaging (QPI) plays a crucial role in advancing diagnostic techniques that streamline histology and diagnostic procedures by minimizing sample preparation time, resources, and requirements. Although Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) has become a prominent tool within QPI, its diffraction-limited resolution has hindered broader adoption of QPI-DHM. The use of structured and oblique illumination in DHM platforms has overcome the resolution limit, advancing QPI-DHM technology to super-resolution QPI. Despite demonstrated success, adoption of super-resolution DHM (SR-DHM) in clinical and biomedical research remains limited by the absence of a standardized reconstruction algorithm capable of delivering quantitatively accurate, distortion-free super-resolved phase images. This work presents OpenSRQPI, the first standardized computational framework for super-resolution phase reconstruction in DHM systems, whether using structured or oblique illumination. Through its intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) and minimal parameter requirements, OpenSRQPI reduces the technical barrier for non-experts, making super-resolution QPI broadly accessible, enabling new studies of live-cell dynamics, subcellular structure, and tissue morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications in Image Restoration and Image Enhancement)

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15 pages, 5585 KB

Open AccessArticle

Structure and Energetics of Chemically Functionalized Silicene: Combined Density Functional Theory and Machine Learning Approach

by Paweł Wojciechowski, Andrzej Bobyk and Mariusz Krawiec

Materials 2025, 18(22), 5228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225228 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

It is crucial to control and comprehend the interaction between elemental adsorbates and two-dimensional materials to drive future generations of electronic, sensing, and energy applications. One such material, particularly interesting from the perspective of tunability, is silicene—the silicon-based cousin of graphene. In this [...] Read more.

It is crucial to control and comprehend the interaction between elemental adsorbates and two-dimensional materials to drive future generations of electronic, sensing, and energy applications. One such material, particularly interesting from the perspective of tunability, is silicene—the silicon-based cousin of graphene. In this work, we investigate nearly 2000 atomic adsorption models on silicene via a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML). Different systems with varied adsorption geometries, element identities, and surface coverages were optimized using spin-polarized DFT, and the most stable configurations were selected based on adsorption energy. This information was used to train various ML models, including tree-based models and artificial neural networks, to predict adsorption geometry (classification) and adsorption energy (regression). The current hybrid DFT + ML approach provides a transferable framework for high-throughput screening of element-functionalized silicene and other 2D surfaces, which is of immense importance in directing surface modification strategies in electronic and catalytic device engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Two-Dimensional Materials: Design, Properties, and Applications)

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16 pages, 6895 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Fuzzy Division Control Strategy for Flywheel Energy Storage to Assist Primary Frequency Regulation of Hydropower Units

by Zhengfa Li, Peina Gao, Ning Xu, Jian Lu, Dong Miao, Qiong Ma, Tian Zhang and Hao Zhang

Energies 2025, 18(22), 6032; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18226032 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Enhancing the flexibility of hydropower units is essential for adapting to future power systems dominated by intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which introduce significant frequency stability challenges due to their inherent variability. To improve the primary frequency regulation capability [...] Read more.

Enhancing the flexibility of hydropower units is essential for adapting to future power systems dominated by intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, which introduce significant frequency stability challenges due to their inherent variability. To improve the primary frequency regulation capability of the hydropower unit, this study incorporates a flywheel energy storage system—known for its fast response and high short-term power output. Using fuzzy control theory, a frequency regulation command decomposition method with a variable filtering time constant is proposed. In this fuzzy control design, the frequency change rate and the state of charge of the flywheel energy storage are used as inputs to dynamically adjust the filtering time constant, which serves as the output. Additionally, a logistic function is introduced to constrain the output power of the flywheel energy storage under different states of charge, ensuring operational safety and durability. Based on these techniques, a fuzzy frequency division control strategy is designed for flywheel-assisted hydropower primary frequency regulation. Simulation results show that the integration of flywheel energy storage significantly improves the primary frequency regulation performance of the hydropower unit. Compared to the system without energy storage, the proposed strategy reduces the maximum frequency deviation by 53.49% and the steady-state frequency deviation by 39.06%, while also markedly decreasing fluctuations in hydropower output. This study offers both a theoretical basis and practical guidance for enhancing the operational flexibility of hydropower systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)

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28 pages, 7487 KB

Open AccessReview

Aerogel-Based Phase Change Materials Meet Flame Retardancy: From Materials to Properties

by Panpan Zhao, Shudi Ying, Riming Hu, Jiachen Ma and Xuchuan Jiang

Gels 2025, 11(11), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11110923 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Energy storage materials play a crucial role in enhancing system efficiency by bridging the mismatch between energy supply and demand. Among them, organic phase change materials (PCMs) are particularly attractive due to their high energy storage density, no phase segregation and ability to [...] Read more.

Energy storage materials play a crucial role in enhancing system efficiency by bridging the mismatch between energy supply and demand. Among them, organic phase change materials (PCMs) are particularly attractive due to their high energy storage density, no phase segregation and ability to maintain nearly constant temperatures during phase transitions. However, their practical application is hindered by drawbacks such as leakage and flammability. Aerogels, characterized by high porosity, low density, and tunable structures, provide effective support matrices for encapsulating PCMs, thereby improving shape stability and enabling fire safety improvements when combined with flame-retardant strategies. Despite significant progress in PCM and aerogel research over the past decade, comprehensive studies dedicated to flame-retardant aerogel-based PCMs remain limited. This review systematically summarizes current flame-retardant approaches for aerogel-based PCMs, highlights recent advances in aerogel-supported systems, and outlines the key challenges and future opportunities for developing next-generation energy storage composites with improved thermal reliability, safety, and sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gels for Energy Applications)

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17 pages, 2638 KB

Open AccessArticle

Discovering the Diversity and Evolution of Danascelinae: A New Genus and Species from Eastern Asia and Insights into the Phylogenetic Placement of This Subfamily in Endomychidae (Coleoptera)

by Wioletta Tomaszewska and Emmanuel Arriaga-Varela

Insects 2025, 16(11), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111178 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea), Hadroscelis sinensis Tomaszewska and Arriaga-Varela gen. et sp. nov., were described, diagnosed, and illustrated from the south-eastern Palaearctic. In order to test the systematic placement of the new taxon within the [...] Read more.

A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea), Hadroscelis sinensis Tomaszewska and Arriaga-Varela gen. et sp. nov., were described, diagnosed, and illustrated from the south-eastern Palaearctic. In order to test the systematic placement of the new taxon within the subfamily Danascelinae and of Danascelinae within Endomychidae, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. A dataset of 35 morphological characters scored for 16 species, members of each Endomychidae subfamily and a representative of Coccinellidae as a distant outgroup, was analyzed using maximum parsimony. The results of the analysis unequivocally indicated Hadroscelis as a new, monotypic genus and the most basal taxon within Danascelinae. At the same time, this study formally confirmed, for the first time, the subfamily Danascelinae as a member and the basal clade of the monophyletic ‘merophysiine complex’ of the Endomychidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)

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19 pages, 484 KB

Open AccessArticle

Which Islamic Index to Invest?

by Burak Doğan and Umut Ugurlu

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(11), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18110651 (registering DOI) - 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

This paper compares the rulebooks of five main Shariah-compliant equity indices—DJIMI, KLSI, FTSE Shariah, MSCI Islamic, and STOXX Europe Islamic 50—inside one fixed S&P 500 stock list from Q1 2019 to Q4 2023. For each index, we build both equally weighted and market-capitalization-weighted [...] Read more.

This paper compares the rulebooks of five main Shariah-compliant equity indices—DJIMI, KLSI, FTSE Shariah, MSCI Islamic, and STOXX Europe Islamic 50—inside one fixed S&P 500 stock list from Q1 2019 to Q4 2023. For each index, we build both equally weighted and market-capitalization-weighted portfolios, then check their performances with the Sharpe, Treynor, and Jensen’s alpha ratios. All Islamic portfolios beat the regular S&P 500 after adjusting for risk, with STOXX as the most stable winner. Its market-cap version reaches a level of 253.01 by Q4 2023, far above the S&P 500 level of 210.46. Market-cap portfolios, in general, perform better than equally weighted ones. Furthermore, STOXX offer better protection in rough markets, while DJIMI shows relatively better performance when prices recover. Most rule sets cause small advantages to the Islamic portfolios compared to conventional ones, but STOXX’s 33% limit on leverage and liquidity results in higher Sharpe ratios. These results suggest that screening details shape portfolio behavior and point to the need for one clear, shared Shariah rulebook so investors can compare products with confidence. From a business ethics view, our study also shows that strict and open screening brings a real “moral dividend”, as follows: smaller losses when markets fall and stronger risk-adjusted returns overall, linking faith-based rules to the wider talk on responsible investing and stakeholder welfare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Islamic Financial Markets in Times of Global Uncertainty)

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23 pages, 1909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Balancing Cost and Precision: An Experimental Evaluation of Sensors for Monitoring in Electrical Generation Systems

by Janeth Alcalá, J. Antonio Juárez, Víctor Cárdenas, Saida Charre-Ibarra, Juan González-Rivera and Jorge Gudiño-Lau

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 7052; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25227052 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The growing adoption of renewable energy conversion systems and smart infrastructures has increased the demand for accurate monitoring solutions to ensure system performance and reliability, as well as seamless integration with cloud-based platforms. Voltage and current sensing are central to this task; however, [...] Read more.

The growing adoption of renewable energy conversion systems and smart infrastructures has increased the demand for accurate monitoring solutions to ensure system performance and reliability, as well as seamless integration with cloud-based platforms. Voltage and current sensing are central to this task; however, sensor selection often involves a trade-off between cost and measurement precision. Rather than comparing technologies as equivalent options, this study investigates the practical impact of using low-cost versus high-precision sensors in electrical power generation monitoring. The evaluation includes representative low-cost sensors and high-precision alternatives based on instrumentation amplifiers and a closed-loop Hall-effect transducer. All sensors were characterized under controlled laboratory conditions and analyzed using statistical indicators, including MAE, RMSE, MAPE, and R². Results show that high-precision sensors achieved R² > 0.97 and MAPE < 4%, whereas low-cost sensors showed R² as low as 0.73 and errors exceeding 10% under dynamic irradiance conditions. Low-cost sensors present deviations of 5–8% in RMS measurement, while high-precision sensors maintain error below 1%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors Technology Applied in Power Systems and Energy Management)

21 pages, 8304 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Antibiotics (Streptomycin and Penicillin) in Ethanol Mist on the Surfaces of Model and Historical Leather from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum

by Anna Wawrzyk, Dorota Rybitwa, Natalia Pydyn, Nel Jastrzębiowska, Aleksandra Papis, Lilianna Szyk-Warszyńska, Małgorzata Zimowska, Jacek Gurgul, Ada Bizacka and Sławomir Wilczyński

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(22), 12259; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152212259 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of disinfection with penicillin and/or streptomycin, added to ethanol mist, on the surface properties of both model and historical leather materials from the collections of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (A-BSM) in Oświęcim, Poland. [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of disinfection with penicillin and/or streptomycin, added to ethanol mist, on the surface properties of both model and historical leather materials from the collections of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (A-BSM) in Oświęcim, Poland. The experimental conditions involved application of 90% ethanol mist alone or with penicillin, streptomycin or a mixture of both antibiotics using an airbrush. Changes in the morphology, structure and chemical properties of the sample surfaces compared to non-exposed samples were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy (CM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Microscopic studies demonstrated that exposure to penicillin or the antibiotic mixture caused subtle smoothing and flattening of tested leathers and a significant reduction in contamination of biological and mineral origin. Decreases in fluorescence intensity and fluorescent layer thickness were also observed, which, according to the XPS results, may be caused by the removal of a large amount of surface deposits or the reveal of deeper leather layers that were previously covered with inorganic particles. Therefore, it can be concluded that the developed method of applying antibiotics in ethanol mist does not have any significant negative effect on the surface of model and historical leather. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage: Restoration and Conservation)

19 pages, 2125 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure, Compression Properties and Wear Performance of Compacted Al10SiMg Alloy Powders Processed Through Suction Casting

by Mila Christy de Oliveira, Marcella Gaute Cavalcante Xavier, Danusa Araújo de Moura and José Eduardo Spinelli

Metals 2025, 15(11), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15111261 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Surplus out-of-spec Al powders, typically discarded, remain an underused resource. Their reuse via alternative consolidation routes is a sustainable path for AlSi10Mg alloy recycling, but studies on the feasibility of such routes remain scarce. This study proposes a novel route combining powder compaction [...] Read more.

Surplus out-of-spec Al powders, typically discarded, remain an underused resource. Their reuse via alternative consolidation routes is a sustainable path for AlSi10Mg alloy recycling, but studies on the feasibility of such routes remain scarce. This study proposes a novel route combining powder compaction (under 50 kN and 80 kN loads) and remelting/solidification via suction casting to assess the feasibility of producing dense parts with enhanced properties. Microstructure, mechanical properties (compression and Vickers microhardness), and tribological performance (ball-crater wear under dry and abrasive conditions) were evaluated. The proposed route produced dense AlSi10Mg parts with low porosity levels (≤0.2%) and refined dendritic microstructures (spacing between 2.4 and 4.6 µm). Increased cooling rates promoted microstructural refinement, while higher compaction loads improved densification. The refined microstructure samples achieved compressive strengths above 500 MPa. Remarkably, microstructural refinement led to significantly increased hardness, with values reaching ≥100 HV. The samples compacted at 50 kN and subjected to the highest cooling rate exhibited the lowest dry wear rate (2.3 × 10⁻⁴ mm³/N·m), comparable to additively manufactured AlSi10Mg (AM) samples, confirming the efficiency of this recycling route. The dry wear rates ranged from 2.3 to 3.9 × 10⁻⁴ mm³/N·m, reinforcing the inverse correlation between hardness and dry wear performance. Although abrasive wear resulted in a material loss approximately 3 times higher than dry wear, it preserved the same microstructural dependence: finer, harder, and denser samples exhibited better wear resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)

39 pages, 10254 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Load and Migration of Heavy Metals in Soil Profiles in Wheat–Corn Rotation Systems

by Yi Zhang, Kunling Zheng, Yinxian Song, Tengjie Cui, Zhongyao Chen and Chunjun Tao

Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2647; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112647 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is a critical global concern, threatening ecosystem safety and food security. The wheat–corn rotation system, vital for food production in regions like Northern China, is particularly vulnerable. However, comprehensive studies investigating vertical migration, future dynamics under climate [...] Read more.

Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils is a critical global concern, threatening ecosystem safety and food security. The wheat–corn rotation system, vital for food production in regions like Northern China, is particularly vulnerable. However, comprehensive studies investigating vertical migration, future dynamics under climate change, and predictive modeling of heavy metals within this system are still limited. This study combined field sampling of soil profiles (0–200 cm) with geochemical modeling (the PROFILE and SSCL models) and machine learning techniques (Multiple Regression, Neural Networks, and Random Forest). Key findings revealed that atmospheric deposition was the primary input source for most heavy metals, contributing 49.50–93.27%. The release rates (Rm) of heavy metals were significantly higher during the corn season than the wheat season and are projected to increase by 1.2–1.5 times under the RCP4.5 climate scenario. Vertical distribution analysis showed a significant accumulation of heavy metals in the middle soil layer (20–120 cm), with Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) exhibiting the strongest migration potential, posing a threat to groundwater. The Random Forest model demonstrated superior performance (R² > 0.95) in predicting heavy metal behavior, identifying Fed and soil TOC as the dominant controlling factors. This study provides a unique and significant contribution by integrating geochemical fate modeling with climate projections and advanced machine learning to offer a predictive, multi-faceted risk assessment framework, thereby supplying a scientific basis for targeted pollution control and sustainable soil management in wheat–corn rotation systems under a changing climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

16 pages, 2071 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Silicon Carbide Static Induction Transistor for High Frequency/High Temperature Sensor Interface Circuits: Measurements and Modeling

by Jonathon R. Grgat, Maximilian C. Scardelletti and Christian A. Zorman

Sensors 2025, 25(22), 7051; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25227051 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we report on the characterization of a silicon carbide static induction transistor (SiC SIT) for potential use in sensor interface circuits that operate at frequencies up to 100 MHz and temperatures up to 400 °C. Measurements were performed to [...] Read more.

In this paper, we report on the characterization of a silicon carbide static induction transistor (SiC SIT) for potential use in sensor interface circuits that operate at frequencies up to 100 MHz and temperatures up to 400 °C. Measurements were performed to generate current–voltage curves, capacitive transistor characteristics, and high-frequency scattering parameters at temperatures between 25 and 400 °C. The measured data were used to extrapolate the transconductance, g_m, as a function of temperature and to develop a small signal model. Circuit simulation tools were used to generate scattering parameters, which were compared to the measured values. At 400 °C, the maximum difference between the measured and simulated scattering parameters for frequencies from 20 to 100 MHz were all less than 0.1 dB, indicating strong agreement between the model and measurement results. The average transition frequency, f_t, calculated from measured parameters was 197.8 MHz, which compares favorably to the simulated value from the model (200 MHz). This is also the first paper to report the characterization of a SiC SIT at temperatures above 100 °C. The high-temperature model is the first of its kind for a silicon carbide static induction transistor and the findings reported herein provide a platform to stimulate further development for sensor interface circuits that require transistors that operate at both high frequency and high temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronics and Sensors for Structure Health Monitoring)

17 pages, 715 KB

Open AccessArticle

‘Care Beyond Co-Residence’: A Qualitative Exploration of Emotional and Instrumental Care Gaps Among Older Adults in Migrant Households of Kerala

by Anu Mohan, Teddy Andrews Jaihind Jothikaran, Divya Sussana Patil and Lena Ashok

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111745 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

The convergence of youth migration and the nuclearization of families has altered conventional living arrangements in India, indicating a sharp rise in the number of families in which older adults live alone due to the outmigration of their adult children. This study aims [...] Read more.

The convergence of youth migration and the nuclearization of families has altered conventional living arrangements in India, indicating a sharp rise in the number of families in which older adults live alone due to the outmigration of their adult children. This study aims to explore the perceptions of left-behind older adults regarding long-distance care practices by their adult children and to describe the practical and functional care deficits that lead to vulnerability and unmet mental health care in migrant households. Twenty older adults above 65 years of age living alone or with a spouse for at least one year due to the out-migration of their adult children were selected purposively. The analysis revealed that distance from migrant children makes older adults feel anxious, miss their family togetherness, and experience increased loneliness and care gaps in later years, contributing to a multifaceted causality of vulnerability while aging alone. Narratives of distance care are often shaped by the bidirectional flow of care across generations through virtual and in-person means, where emotional and functional deprivations continue to challenge the quality of informal distant care among left-behind older adults. Mental health promotion among community-dwelling older adults is crucial for sustaining their functional capacity, thereby delaying psychological morbidities during aging. Full article

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14 pages, 1737 KB

Open AccessArticle

Classification of Speech and Associated EEG Responses from Normal-Hearing and Cochlear Implant Talkers Using Support Vector Machines

by Shruthi Raghavendra, Sungmin Lee and Chin-Tuan Tan

Audiol. Res. 2025, 15(6), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres15060158 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Speech produced by individuals with hearing loss differs notably from that of normal-hearing (NH) individuals. Although cochlear implants (CIs) provide sufficient auditory input to support speech acquisition and control, there remains considerable variability in speech intelligibility among CI users. As a [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Speech produced by individuals with hearing loss differs notably from that of normal-hearing (NH) individuals. Although cochlear implants (CIs) provide sufficient auditory input to support speech acquisition and control, there remains considerable variability in speech intelligibility among CI users. As a result, speech produced by CI talkers often exhibits distinct acoustic characteristics compared to that of NH individuals. Methods: Speech data were obtained from eight cochlear-implant (CI) and eight normal-hearing (NH) talkers, while electroencephalogram (EEG) responses were recorded from 11 NH listeners exposed to the same speech stimuli. Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers employing 3-fold cross-validation were evaluated using classification accuracy as the performance metric. This study evaluated the efficacy of Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms using four kernel functions (Linear, Polynomial, Gaussian, and Radial Basis Function) to classify speech produced by NH and CI talkers. Six acoustic features—Log Energy, Zero-Crossing Rate (ZCR), Pitch, Linear Predictive Coefficients (LPC), Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), and Perceptual Linear Predictive Cepstral Coefficients (PLP-CC)—were extracted. These same features were also extracted from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of NH listeners who were exposed to the speech stimuli. The EEG analysis leveraged the assumption of quasi-stationarity over short time windows. Results: Classification of speech signals using SVMs yielded the highest accuracies of 100% and 94% for the Energy and MFCC features, respectively, using Gaussian and RBF kernels. EEG responses to speech achieved classification accuracies exceeding 70% for ZCR and Pitch features using the same kernels. Other features such as LPC and PLP-CC yielded moderate to low classification performance. Conclusions: The results indicate that both speech-derived and EEG-derived features can effectively differentiate between CI and NH talkers. Among the tested kernels, Gaussian and RBF provided superior performance, particularly when using Energy and MFCC features. These findings support the application of SVMs for multimodal classification in hearing research, with potential applications in improving CI speech processing and auditory rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hearing)

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11 pages, 3273 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gastrocnemius Echo Intensity Is Associated with Walking Distance and Hemodynamic Improvements After Endovascular Therapy in Lower Extremity Artery Disease

by Satoshi Yuguchi, Yusuke Ochi, Yukari Sagata, Mitsuhiro Idesako, Shino Maeda and Masahito Taniguchi

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228189 (registering DOI) - 18 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to validate the associations between the echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle before endovascular therapy (EVT) and post-EVT changes in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and other skeletal muscle indicators in patients with lower [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to validate the associations between the echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle before endovascular therapy (EVT) and post-EVT changes in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and other skeletal muscle indicators in patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD). Methods: A total of 29 male patients (mean age: 73.5 years) presenting with Fontaine stage II LEAD participated in this research. The EI of the gastrocnemius muscle before EVT was assessed using ultrasonography. Based on the tertiles of EI values, participants were categorized into low (n = 10), mid (n = 10), and high (n = 9) groups. The ABI, gastrocnemius thickness, EI, and 6MWD were examined before EVT, at discharge, and at 6 months after EVT. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons were conducted across the three groups before and after EVT. Results: Before EVT, the high group demonstrated lower gastrocnemius thickness (9.0 vs. 12.7 mm, p < 0.01) and shorter 6MWD (258 vs. 391 m, p < 0.05) than the low group. At 6 months after EVT, the high group demonstrated lower ABI than the low and mid groups. The low (from 391 to 467 m, p < 0.05) and mid (from 375 to 416 m, p < 0.05) groups exhibited improvements in 6MWD. However, the high group did not (from 258 to 312 m, p = 0.1). Conclusions: EI before EVT was associated with improvements in ABI and 6MWD in patients with LEAD after EVT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery)

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