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26 pages, 914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Species Diversity and Resource Status of Macrofungi in Beijing: Insights from Natural and Urban Habitats

by Dong-Mei Liu, Shi-Hui Wang, Ke Wang, Jia-Xin Li, Wen-Qiang Yang, Xi-Xi Han, Bin Cao, Shuang-Hui He, Wei-Wei Liu and Rui-Lin Zhao

J. Fungi 2025, 11(8), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11080607 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study systematically documented macrofungal diversity in Beijing, China (field surveys conducted from 2020 to 2024) using line-transect and random sampling. A total of 1056 species were identified, spanning 2 phyla, 7 classes, 25 orders, 109 families, and 286 genera. The inventory includes [...] Read more.

This study systematically documented macrofungal diversity in Beijing, China (field surveys conducted from 2020 to 2024) using line-transect and random sampling. A total of 1056 species were identified, spanning 2 phyla, 7 classes, 25 orders, 109 families, and 286 genera. The inventory includes 12 new species, 456 new records for Beijing, 79 new records for China, and comprises 116 edible, 56 edible–medicinal, 123 medicinal, and 58 poisonous species. Among these, 542 species were assessed against China’s Macrofungi Redlist, revealing eight species needing conservation attention (seven Near Threatened, one Vulnerable). Analysis revealed stark differences in dominant taxa between natural ecosystems (protected areas) and urban green spaces/parks. In natural areas, macrofungi are dominated by 31 families (e.g., Russulaceae, Cortinariaceae) and 47 genera (e.g., Russula, Cortinarius). Ectomycorrhizal lineages prevailed, highlighting their critical role in forest nutrient cycling, plant symbiosis, and ecosystem integrity. In urban areas, 10 families (e.g., Agaricaceae, Psathyrellaceae) and 17 genera (e.g., Leucocoprinus, Coprinellus) were dominant. Saprotrophic genera dominated, indicating their adaptation to decomposing organic matter in human-modified habitats and the provision of ecosystem services. The study demonstrates relatively high macrofungal diversity in Beijing. The distinct functional guild composition—ectomycorrhizal dominance in natural areas versus saprotrophic prevalence in urban zones—reveals complementary ecosystem functions and underscores the conservation value of protected habitats for maintaining vital mycorrhizal networks. These findings provide fundamental data and scientific support for regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable macrofungal resource development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Edible and Medicinal Macrofungi, 4th Edition)

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39 pages, 2665 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Potential of Amphiphilic Cyclodextrins as Carriers for Therapeutic Purposes: A Short Overview

by Ramona Daniela Pârvănescu, Marius Păpurică, Ionica Oana Alexa, Cristina Adriana Dehelean, Codruța Șoica, Elena Alina Moacă, Adriana Ledeți, Mirela Voicu, Dorina Coricovac and Cristina Trandafirescu

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081086 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Cyclodextrins, since their discovery in the late 19th century, have gained tremendous interest in biomedical research, beginning with their recognition as safe pharmaceutical excipients, and continuing with exploiting their potential for enhancing the therapeutic response of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and also to be [...] Read more.

Cyclodextrins, since their discovery in the late 19th century, have gained tremendous interest in biomedical research, beginning with their recognition as safe pharmaceutical excipients, and continuing with exploiting their potential for enhancing the therapeutic response of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and also to be used as drugs for specific medical purposes. This review presents an integrative perspective on amphiphilic cyclodextrins, the manuscript being divided into two parts, one devoted to the properties of amphiphilic cyclodextrins, while the second one is dedicated to their biomedical applications, with an emphasis on cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Insights Concerning the Use of Supramolecular Systems for Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Federated Learning Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation Detection

by Wesley Chorney and Sing Hui Ling

J. Exp. Theor. Anal. 2025, 3(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jeta3030023 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Different treatments may be required for paroxysmal versus non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, they may be difficult to distinguish on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Machine learning methods may aid in differentiating these conditions, yet current approaches either do not preserve patient privacy or tend [...] Read more.

Background: Different treatments may be required for paroxysmal versus non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, they may be difficult to distinguish on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Machine learning methods may aid in differentiating these conditions, yet current approaches either do not preserve patient privacy or tend to make the unrealistic assumption of uniform data. Methods: We create a non-independently and identically distributed dataset for paroxysmal versus non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection. Two baselines (a centralized classifier and a federated classifier) are trained, and the performances of classifiers pretrained on shared data before federated training are compared. Results: The centralized classifier outperforms all other models (

p < 0.001

), while the federated model is the worst-performing model (

p < 0.0001

). Classifiers that are pretrained on 10%, 30%, and 50% of shared data (CNN-10, CNN-30, CNN-50, respectively) perform better than the purely federated model (

p < 0.0001

for all models). Furthermore, no performance difference is observed between any of the models trained on shared data (the null hypothesis of a one-way analysis of variance test between the shared data models is not rejected,

p = 0.954

). Conclusions: The partial sharing of data in creating federated machine learning models may significantly improve performance. Furthermore, the volume of data required to be shared may be relatively small. Full article

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27 pages, 12797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive and Pathological Changes of the Cardiac Muscle in a Mouse Model of Renocardiac Syndrome: The Role of Nestin-Positive Cells

by Polina A. Abramicheva, Ilya A. Sokolov, Arina A. Druzhinina, Daria M. Potashnikova, Nadezda V. Andrianova, Dmitry S. Semenovich, Vasily N. Manskikh, Ljubava D. Zorova, Elmira I. Yakupova, Ivan M. Vikhlyantsev, Olga S. Tarasova, Dmitry B. Zorov and Egor Y. Plotnikov

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168100 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Renocardiac syndrome type 4 (RCS4) is a common comorbid pathology, but the mechanisms of kidney dysfunction-induced cardiac remodeling and the involvement of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) in this process remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural and functional [...] Read more.

Renocardiac syndrome type 4 (RCS4) is a common comorbid pathology, but the mechanisms of kidney dysfunction-induced cardiac remodeling and the involvement of cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) in this process remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural and functional changes in the cardiac muscle in RCS4 induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and the role of nestin⁺ CPCs in these. Heart function and localization of nestin⁺ cells in the myocardium were assessed using nestin-GFP transgenic mice subjected to UUO for 14 and 28 days. UUO resulted in cardiac hypertrophy, accompanied by an elongation of the QRS wave on the ECG, decreased expression of Cxcl1, Cxcl9, and Il1b, reduced the number of CD11b⁺ cells, and increased in titin isoform parameters, such as T1/MHC and TT/MHC ratios, without changes in fibrosis markers. The number of nestin⁺ cells increased in the myocardium with increased duration of UUO and displayed an SCA-1⁺TBX5⁺ phenotype, consistent with CPCs. Thus, cardiac pathology in RCS4 was manifested by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy with changes in the electrophysiological phenotype of the heart, not accompanied by fibrosis or inflammation. Nestin⁺ cardiac cells retained the CPC phenotype during UUO, and their number increased, which suggests their participation in regenerative processes in the heart. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role and Application of Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine (Volume 5))

17 pages, 1509 KiB

Open AccessReview

Efficacy of Lactobacillus spp. Interventions to Modulate Mood Symptoms: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials

by Diego Fernández-Rodríguez, María Consuelo Bravo, Marcela Pizarro, Pablo Vergara-Barra, María José Hormazábal and Marcell Leonario-Rodriguez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 8099; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26168099 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. have demonstrated immunological and gastrointestinal benefits and may aid in recovery from mood disorders. However, evidence of their mood-modulating efficacy remains inconsistent. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of probiotic interventions with Lactobacillus spp. in modulating mood in humans. A [...] Read more.

Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. have demonstrated immunological and gastrointestinal benefits and may aid in recovery from mood disorders. However, evidence of their mood-modulating efficacy remains inconsistent. Aim: To analyze the efficacy of probiotic interventions with Lactobacillus spp. in modulating mood in humans. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed using nine Boolean combinations of the terms “mental”, “mental diseases”, “mental disorders”, “gastrointestinal microbiome”, “gut microbiome”, “gut microbiota”, and “lactobacillus”. The search was limited to clinical trials published in English and limited to ten years of publication. Eligible studies met the following criteria: (a) probiotic interventions in adults, with or without mood disturbances; (b) the use of Lactobacillus spp., either alone or in combination; (c) mood assessment instruments applied pre- and post-intervention; and (d) reporting of probiotic concentrations. Trials involving populations with other psychiatric or neurological diagnoses or those combining probiotics with additional mood-modulating nutrients were excluded. From 3291 records, 17 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. Data extracted included the author, year, population, country of origin, probiotic strain(s), dosage, intervention mode and duration, and outcomes related to the microbial composition, biomarkers, and microbial metabolites. Trials were categorized by probiotic type (single vs. multi-species) and participant profile (healthy individuals and those with depressive symptoms or specific physiological conditions). Preliminary evidence from single-strain interventions, particularly high-dose L. plantarum administered for ≥8 weeks, suggests potential improvements in anxiety, sleep quality, and inflammatory biomarkers. Multi-species formulations yielded reductions in depressive symptoms and changes in neurobiological markers. Nonetheless, substantial heterogeneity in strains, dosages, durations, and outcome measures limited cross-study comparisons. Lactobacillus spp. interventions show promising mood-modulating potential, especially with specific strains and prolonged administration. Standardized protocols, rigorous controls, and clearly defined clinical cohorts are needed to establish robust, evidence-based recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Therapeutic Approaches in Neuropsychiatric Disorders)

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20 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Nuclear Ribosomal Transcription Units of Two Echinostomes and Their Taxonomic Implications for the Family Echinostomatidae

by Yu Cao, Ye Li, Zhong-Yan Gao and Bo-Tao Jiang

Biology 2025, 14(8), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14081101 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Echinostomatidae is a taxonomically complex group with substantial species diversity and richness. The vast majority of species in this family parasitize birds and mammals, including humans, causing significant economic losses and medical costs. In this study, Echinostoma miyagawai (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) and Patagifer bilobus [...] Read more.

Echinostomatidae is a taxonomically complex group with substantial species diversity and richness. The vast majority of species in this family parasitize birds and mammals, including humans, causing significant economic losses and medical costs. In this study, Echinostoma miyagawai (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) and Patagifer bilobus (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) were isolated from domestic duck and Grus japonensis, respectively. The nearly complete ribosomal transcription unit (rTU) sequences of two echinostomes were obtained, with the rTU for P. bilobus being obtained for the first time. The nearly complete rTU sequence of P. bilobus (6790 bp) and E. miyagawai (6893 bp) encompass the small-subunit (18S) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and large-subunit (28S) rDNA. The complete lengths of 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 28S sequences for E. miyagawai are 1989 bp, 444 bp, 162 bp, 431 bp, and 3858 bp, respectively. For P. bilobus, complete or nearly complete lengths of these sequences are 1929 bp (nearly complete), 419 bp, 162 bp, 432 bp, and 3848 bp (nearly complete), respectively. The 18S, ITS, and 28S sequences of E. miyagawai show the highest sequence similarity with other E. miyagawai. The ITS and 28S sequences of P. bilobus show the highest sequence similarity with other P. bilobus, while 18S sequence shows the highest similarity with E. miyagawai. This is likely due to the unavailability of the 18S sequence of P. bilobus in GenBank. Repeat sequences were identified in 18S, ITS1, ITS2, and 28S sequences, with the 28S sequence containing the most repeats and the 5.8S sequence having none. The results of phylogenetic reconstruction indicated that E. miyagawai clusters with other Echinostoma spp., while P. bilobus clusters with other Patagifer spp., forming sister taxa. This study not only provides the first rTU sequence for P. bilobus but also reinforces the sister group status of Patagifer to Echinostoma through phylogenetic evidence. Finally, this study represents the first record of the G. japonensis as a new host for P. bilobus and the first report of a bird from the crane family (Gruidae) as a host for any echinostome species. These findings are significant as they expand our understanding of the host range and ecological interactions of Echinostomatidae. The data obtained provide a valuable resource of molecular markers for studying the taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics of the family Echinostomatoidea. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary relationships and biodiversity within this complex group of parasites, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impact on both wildlife and human health. Full article

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17 pages, 614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Representational Analysis as an Alternative Approach to Exploring Cultural Values

by Lucian Mocrei Rebrean and Nicu Gavriluță

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(8), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14080504 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Values remain notoriously difficult to “capture” because they cannot be directly observed. Attitudes and opinions are the only known indicators of their presence. The relationship between values and attitudes or opinions is that between latent and manifest, so that values can be justifiably [...] Read more.

Values remain notoriously difficult to “capture” because they cannot be directly observed. Attitudes and opinions are the only known indicators of their presence. The relationship between values and attitudes or opinions is that between latent and manifest, so that values can be justifiably inferred from observed attitudes and expressed opinions. Nevertheless, this is an epistemological limitation to reckon with. So, the alternative we propose is to explore cultural values as an integral part of social representations. We want to show that social representation theory can help with identifying values in an accurate and reliable manner. It is only due to the fact that we already have a common representation of social reality that we can develop attitudes that can then be manifested by expressing opinions. If values directly intervene in the formation of attitudes, they will surely be part of the representations that triggered that formation in the first place. Using a mixed-method approach, professionals’ representations of their professional role were explored in order to identify the values associated with it. As cognitively processed cultural constructs, values can be identified as elements of the central node of professionals’ representation of their profession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Social, Cultural, and Psychological Dimensions of Lived Experiences)

23 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Papillomavirus Across the Reproductive Lifespan: An Integrative Review of Fertility, Pregnancy Outcomes, and Fertility-Sparing Management

by Matteo Terrinoni, Tullio Golia D’Augè, Giuseppe Mascellino, Federica Adinolfi, Michele Palisciano, Dario Rossetti, Gian Carlo Di Renzo and Andrea Giannini

Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081499 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide and, beyond its oncogenic potential, may impair reproductive health in both sexes. This review examines HPV’s effects on male and female fertility, obstetric outcomes, vertical transmission, and fertility-sparing [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide and, beyond its oncogenic potential, may impair reproductive health in both sexes. This review examines HPV’s effects on male and female fertility, obstetric outcomes, vertical transmission, and fertility-sparing management in oncology. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted using terms related to HPV and reproduction. Additional search terms included those related to therapeutic vaccines, antivirals, and genotype prevalence. English-language human studies reporting clinical reproductive outcomes were included. Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened and assessed study quality using a simplified GRADE framework. Results: In men, seminal HPV infection correlates with reduced progressive motility (SMD ≈ −0.85), abnormal morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation. In women, high-risk HPV doubles the odds of infertility (OR ≈ 2.3) and is associated with endometrial involvement. High first-trimester viral load predicts vertical transmission (aOR 6.4), which is also increased by vaginal delivery (RR 1.8) and is linked to PROM (OR 1.8) and preterm birth (OR 1.8). Modeling suggests that nine-valent vaccination plus 5-year HPV-based screening could reduce CIN2+ by up to 80% and excisional treatments by >75%. Fertility-sparing surgery in early cervical cancer yields a <4% recurrence and up to 68% live birth rates. Conclusions: This review uniquely synthesizes reproductive and oncologic impacts of HPV and emphasizes risk stratification, multidisciplinary prevention, and fertility preservation. Integration of HPV DNA quantification, personalized care, and vaccine-based strategies offers a path toward optimized outcomes in both sexes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cervical Cancer Treatment and HPV Management: From Conventional Therapies to Emerging Strategies)

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19 pages, 15067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

If You Burn It, They Will Come: Collared Lizard Colonization of Ozark Mountains Under Prescribed Burns

by Alan R. Templeton and Jennifer L. Neuwald

Land 2025, 14(8), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081696 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

In 1982 a conservation project was initiated to restore glade communities in the Missouri Ozarks with a special emphasis on collared lizards (Crotophytus collaris), a state threatened species at the time. Starting in 1984, collared lizards were translocated onto restored glade [...] Read more.

In 1982 a conservation project was initiated to restore glade communities in the Missouri Ozarks with a special emphasis on collared lizards (Crotophytus collaris), a state threatened species at the time. Starting in 1984, collared lizards were translocated onto restored glade habitats on Stegall Mountain in the Ozarks. The populations persisted but did not colonize other glades on Stegall until 1994, when prescribed fires included not only the glades, but also the surrounding woodland. Starting in 1999, landscape-level burns connected Stegall to three nearby mountains. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that expanding prescribed burns to the forested woodlands between Stegall Mountain and nearby mountains would create dispersal corridors for the colonization of glades on new mountains. Indeed, all three mountains were colonized and direct dispersal of marked lizards from Stegall was observed following the prescribed fires. Inter-mountain colonization dynamics and patterns varied: one was absorbed into the Stegall meta-population, another experienced a founder event followed by rapid colonization, and the third underwent repeated failed colonization attempts before successful establishment years later. These diverse patterns were consistent with differences in landscape resistance in the inter-mountain corridors rather than in geographical distance. Intra-mountain colonization patterns indicated that lizards assessed glade quality based on multiple factors. High landscape resistance resulted in a young age structure in the initial colonizing population. This young age structure interacted with the territorial behavior of collared lizards, age of reproduction, and probability of dispersal. This strong interaction between landscape resistance in the dispersal corridor and social behavior in the colonizing population is a novel factor in predicting colonization dynamics. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of social behavior on dispersal decisions versus habitat quality alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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25 pages, 6144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Noctiluca scintillans Bloom Reshapes Microbial Community Structure, Interaction Networks, and Metabolism Patterns in Qinhuangdao Coastal Waters, China

by Yibo Wang, Min Zhou, Xinru Yue, Yang Chen, Du Su and Zhiliang Liu

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081959 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

The coastal waters of Qinhuangdao are a major hotspot for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Bohai Sea, with Noctiluca scintillans being one of the primary algal species responsible for these events. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial community structure and functional responses [...] Read more.

The coastal waters of Qinhuangdao are a major hotspot for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Bohai Sea, with Noctiluca scintillans being one of the primary algal species responsible for these events. A comprehensive understanding of the microbial community structure and functional responses to N. scintillans bloom events is crucial for elucidating their underlying mechanisms and ecological impacts. This study investigated the microbial community dynamics, metabolic shifts, and the environmental drivers associated with a N. scintillans bloom in the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, China, using high-throughput sequencing of 16S and 18S rRNA genes, co-occurrence network analysis, and metabolic pathway prediction. The results revealed that the proliferation of autotrophic phytoplankton, such as Minutocellus spp., likely provided a nutritional foundation and favorable conditions for the N. scintillans bloom. The bloom significantly altered the community structures of prokaryotes and microeukaryotes, resulting in significantly lower α-diversity indices in the blooming region (BR) compared to the non-blooming region (NR). Co-occurrence network analyses demonstrated reduced network complexity and stability in the BR, with keystone taxa primarily belonging to Flavobacteriaceae and Rhodobacteraceae. Furthermore, the community structures of both prokaryotes and microeukaryotes correlated with multiple environmental factors, particularly elevated levels of NH₄⁺-N and PO₄³⁻-P. Metabolic predictions indicated enhanced anaerobic respiration, fatty acid degradation, and nitrogen assimilation pathways, suggesting microbial adaptation to bloom-induced localized hypoxia and high organic matter. Notably, ammonia assimilation was upregulated, likely as a detoxification strategy. Additionally, carbon flux was redirected through the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway and pyruvate-malate shuttle to compensate for partial TCA cycle downregulation, maintaining energy balance under oxygen-limited conditions. This study elucidates the interplay between N. scintillans blooms, microbial interactions, and functional adaptations, providing insights for HAB prediction and management in coastal ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)

85 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for the Solution of Certain Non-Linear Problems of Combined Seagoing Main Engine Performance and Fixed-Pitch Propeller Hydrodynamics with Imperative Assignment Statements and Streamlined Computational Sequences

by Eleutherios Christos Andritsakis

Computation 2025, 13(8), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/computation13080202 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Seagoing marine propulsion analysis in terms of main engine performance and fixed-pitch propeller hydrodynamics is an engineering problem that has not been exactly defined to date. This study utilizes an original and comprehensive mathematical approach—involving the approximate representation of one function by another—to [...] Read more.

Seagoing marine propulsion analysis in terms of main engine performance and fixed-pitch propeller hydrodynamics is an engineering problem that has not been exactly defined to date. This study utilizes an original and comprehensive mathematical approach—involving the approximate representation of one function by another—to define this problem in mathematical terms and solve it. This is achieved by imperatively applying an original and sophisticated hybrid combination of an existing, formidable and ingenious, mathematical methodology with different original comprehensive functional systems. These original functional systems approximately represent the operations of vessels under seagoing conditions, including the thermo-fluid and frictional processes of vessels’ main engines in terms of fuel oil consumption, as well as the hydrodynamic performance of the respective vessels in terms of the shaft propulsion power and the rotational speed of the fixed-pitch propellers driven by these engines. Based on the least-squares criterion, this original and sophisticated hybrid combination systematically attains remarkably close approximate representations under seagoing conditions. Apart from this novel exact definition in mathematical terms and the significance of the above original representations, this combination is also applicable for the approximation of the baselines demarcating the standard engineering context representing the ideal reference (sea trials) conditions, from the seagoing conditions. Full article

19 pages, 1497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Iron–Carbon–Zeolite Substrate Configuration on Cadmium Removal in Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetlands

by Mengyi Li, Shiyu Chen, Jundan Chen, Naifu Zhou and Guanlong Yu

Separations 2025, 12(8), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12080223 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

The excessive emission of cadmium (Cd²⁺) poses a serious threat to the aquatic environment due to its high toxicity and bioaccumulation potential. This study constructed three types of vertical-subsurface-flow constructed wetlands configured with iron–carbon–zeolite composite substrates, including an iron–carbon–zeolite constructed wetland [...] Read more.

The excessive emission of cadmium (Cd²⁺) poses a serious threat to the aquatic environment due to its high toxicity and bioaccumulation potential. This study constructed three types of vertical-subsurface-flow constructed wetlands configured with iron–carbon–zeolite composite substrates, including an iron–carbon–zeolite constructed wetland (TF-CW), a zeolite–iron–carbon constructed wetland (FT-CW), and an iron–carbon–zeolite mixed constructed wetland (H-CW), to investigate the purification performance and mechanisms of constructed wetlands for cadmium-containing wastewater (0~6 mg/L). The results demonstrated that iron–carbon–zeolite composite substrates significantly enhanced Cd²⁺ removal efficiency (>99%) through synergistic redox-adsorption mechanisms, where the iron–carbon substrate layer dominated Fe-Cd co-precipitation, while the zeolite layer achieved short-term cadmium retention through ion-exchange adsorption. FT-CW exhibited superior NH₄⁺-N removal efficiency (77.66%~92.23%) compared with TF-CW (71.45%~88.05%), while iron–carbon micro-electrolysis effectively inhibited NO₃⁻-N accumulation (<0.1 mg/L). Under cadmium stress, Typha primarily accumulated cadmium through its root systems (>85%) and alleviated oxidative damage by dynamically regulating antioxidative enzyme activity, with the superoxide dismutase (SOD) peak occurring at 3 mg/L Cd²⁺ treatment. Microbial community analysis revealed that iron–carbon substrates promoted the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Patescibacteria as well as the enrichment of Saccharimonadales, Thauera, and Rhodocyclaceae (genera), enhancing system stability. This study confirms that iron–carbon–zeolite CWs provide an efficient and sustainable technological pathway for heavy metal-contaminated water remediation through multidimensional mechanisms of “chemical immobilization–plant enrichment–microbial metabolism”. Full article

16 pages, 1525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Assess Perpetrator and Victim Cytochrome P450 2C Induction Risk

by Marina Slavsky, Aniruddha Sunil Karve and Niresh Hariparsad

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081085 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Accurate assessment of CYP2C induction-mediated drug–drug interactions (DDIs) remains a challenge, despite the importance of CYP2C enzymes in drug metabolism. Limitations in available models and scarce clinical induction data have hampered quantitative preclinical DDI risk evaluation. Methods: In this study, the authors [...] Read more.

Background: Accurate assessment of CYP2C induction-mediated drug–drug interactions (DDIs) remains a challenge, despite the importance of CYP2C enzymes in drug metabolism. Limitations in available models and scarce clinical induction data have hampered quantitative preclinical DDI risk evaluation. Methods: In this study, the authors utilized an all-human hepatocyte triculture system to capture CYP2C induction using the perpetrators rifampicin, efavirenz, carbamazepine, and apalutamide. In vitro induction parameters were quantified by measuring changes in both mRNA and enzyme activities for CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. These induction parameters, along with CYP-specific intrinsic clearance (CL_int) for the victim compounds, were incorporated into a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of known CYP2C substrates were predicted with and without co-administration of perpetrator compounds using clinical dosing regimens. The results were quantitatively compared with the currently utilized mechanistic static modeling (MSM) approach and the reported clinical DDI outcomes. Results: By incorporating the measured f_m of CYP2C substrates into PBPK modeling, we observed a lower propensity to over- or underpredict the exposure of these substrates as victims of CYP2C induction-based DDIs when co-administered with known perpetrators, which resulted in an excellent correlation to observed clinical outcomes. The MSM approach predicted the CYP3A4 induction-based DDI risk accurately but could not capture CYP2C induction with similar precision. Conclusions: Overall, this is the first study that demonstrates the utility of PBPK modeling as a complementary approach to MSM for CYP2C induction-based DDI risk assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling)

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20 pages, 383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fundamental Risk and Capital Structure Adjustment Speed: International Evidence

by Dilesh Rawal, Jitendra Mahakud and L Maheswar Rao Achary

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080468 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of countries’ fundamental risk on the speed of adjustment (SOA) towards firms’ target capital structures. Using a dataset comprising 17,747 non-financial firms from 44 countries, this study finds that a reduction in country-specific fundamental risk significantly increases a [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of countries’ fundamental risk on the speed of adjustment (SOA) towards firms’ target capital structures. Using a dataset comprising 17,747 non-financial firms from 44 countries, this study finds that a reduction in country-specific fundamental risk significantly increases a firm’s rate of leverage adjustment. More specifically, we observe that a one standard deviation reduction in fundamental risk results in a substantial 12.79% increase in SOA for book leverage and a 4.81% increase for market leverage. The study also finds evidence of the influence of individual dimensions of fundamental risk on SOA. It implies that improved operational efficiency, high foreign accessibility, enhanced corporate transparency, and increased political stability expedite the pace of leverage adjustment within firms. Robustness checks using a machine learning random forest estimator predicted leverage targets to corroborate these findings. The results highlight the critical role of institutional quality in reducing financing frictions and promoting more efficient corporate capital adjustments. These insights have profound implications for policymakers, emphasising the need to strengthen institutional and regulatory frameworks to enhance capital market integrity and reduce friction, which could ultimately create value for the firm stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Issues in Economics, Finance and Business—2nd Edition)

28 pages, 6289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilising High-Ambient-Temperature Curing in the Development of Low-Calcium Geopolymers

by Cemal Karaaslan, Şeyda Şek and Canan Turan

Buildings 2025, 15(16), 2974; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15162974 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Geopolymers are typically cured either at ambient temperature (~25 °C) or subjected to short-term heat curing before being stored under ambient conditions until testing. However, in hot-arid regions, the daily ambient temperature may exceed 45 °C during summer months. Therefore, such conditions should [...] Read more.

Geopolymers are typically cured either at ambient temperature (~25 °C) or subjected to short-term heat curing before being stored under ambient conditions until testing. However, in hot-arid regions, the daily ambient temperature may exceed 45 °C during summer months. Therefore, such conditions should also be considered as high ambient curing, and their influence on low-calcium geopolymer performance needs to be investigated. In this study, pumice- and fly ash-based geopolymer mortars were produced to evaluate the effects of different curing regimes. In the pumice-based mixtures, 10 wt% of pumice was replaced with metakaolin to enrich the alumina content. Three curing conditions were applied: ambient curing, high ambient curing, and heat curing. Setting times of geopolymers were determined based on each curing regime. Physical properties, including density, water absorption, and sorption coefficient, were assessed. Compressive strength development was evaluated over 90 days. In addition, durability performance was assessed through water resistance, freeze–thaw durability, and resistance against sulphuric and hydrochloric acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed that geopolymerisation reactions continued significantly up to 90 days under high ambient curing, while mercury intrusion porosimetry showed a reduction in porosity. These findings explain the continuous increase in compressive strength. Pumice-based geopolymers cured under this condition exhibited significantly better long-term strength than those cured under other regimes. High ambient-cured fly ash-based geopolymers, a 3-day strength of 40.3 MPa was achieved, eliminating the need for heat curing. Thus, high ambient curing enables the in situ use of these geopolymers and offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)

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19 pages, 2829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Mn in Balancing the Tensile and Electrical Conductivity Properties of Al-Mg-Si Alloy

by Jiaxing He, Jiangbo Wang, Jian Ding, Yao Wang and Wenshu Qi

Metals 2025, 15(8), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15080923 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of manganese (Mn) on microstructure evolution and property optimization in Al-0.6Mg-0.58Si-0.24Fe-xMn alloys under both as-cast and hot-extruded conditions. The balance mechanisms of Mn in tensile properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloy were elucidated, achieving synergistic optimization of [...] Read more.

This study investigated the influence of manganese (Mn) on microstructure evolution and property optimization in Al-0.6Mg-0.58Si-0.24Fe-xMn alloys under both as-cast and hot-extruded conditions. The balance mechanisms of Mn in tensile properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloy were elucidated, achieving synergistic optimization of strength-elongation-conductivity. For non-equilibrium solidified as-cast alloys, JMatPro simulations coupled with Fe-rich phase size statistics reveal an inhibitory effect of Mn on β-Al₅FeSi phase formation. Matthiessen’s rule analysis quantitatively clarifies Mn-induced resistivity variations through solid solution and phase morphology modifications. In hot-extruded alloys, TEM characterization was used to analyze the structure of Al-Fe-Mn-Si quaternary compounds and clarify their combined effects with typical Mg₂Si phases on dislocation and subgrain configurations. The as-cast Al-0.6Mg-0.58Si-0.24Fe-0.18Mn alloy demonstrate comprehensive properties with ultimate tensile strength, elongation and electrical conductivity. The contributions of dislocations, grain boundaries and precipitates to resistivity are relatively minor, so the main source of resistivity in hot-extruded alloys is still Mn. The hot-extruded alloy containing 0.18 wt.% Mn still has better properties, with a tensile strength of 176 MPa, elongation of 24% and conductivity of 48.07 %IACS. Full article

20 pages, 17297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A GRU-Enhanced Kolmogorov–Arnold Network Model for Sea Surface Temperature Prediction Derived from Satellite Altimetry Product in South China Sea

by Rumiao Sun, Zhengkai Huang, Xuechen Liang, Siyu Zhu and Huilin Li

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(16), 2916; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17162916 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

High-precision Sea Surface Temperature (SST) prediction is critical for understanding ocean–atmosphere interactions and climate anomaly monitoring. We propose GRU_EKAN, a novel hybrid model where Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) capture temporal dependencies and the Enhanced Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (EKAN) models complex feature interactions between SST [...] Read more.

High-precision Sea Surface Temperature (SST) prediction is critical for understanding ocean–atmosphere interactions and climate anomaly monitoring. We propose GRU_EKAN, a novel hybrid model where Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) capture temporal dependencies and the Enhanced Kolmogorov–Arnold Network (EKAN) models complex feature interactions between SST and multivariate ocean predictors. This study integrates GRU with EKAN, using B-spline-parameterized activation functions to model high-dimensional nonlinear relationships between multiple ocean variables (including sea water potential temperature at the sea floor, ocean mixed layer thickness defined by sigma theta, sea water salinity, current velocities, and sea surface height) and SST. L2 regularization addresses multicollinearity among predictors. Experiments were conducted at 25 South China Sea sites using 2011–2021 CMEMS data. The results show that GRU_EKAN achieves a superior mean R² of 0.85, outperforming LSTM_EKAN, GRU, and LSTM by 5%, 25%, and 23%, respectively. Its average RMSE (0.90 °C), MAE (0.76 °C), and MSE (0.80 °C²) represent reductions of 31.3%, 27.0%, and 53.2% compared to GRU. The model also exhibits exceptional stability and minimal Weighted Quality Evaluation Index (WQE) fluctuation. During the 2019–2020 temperature anomaly events, GRU_EKAN predictions aligned closest with observations and captured abrupt trend shifts earliest. This model provides a robust tool for high-precision SST forecasting in the South China Sea, supporting marine heatwave warnings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Understanding Global Sea Level Rise Using Space and Earth Observations)

18 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Polish Women—The Role of Body Composition and Sociodemographic Factors

by Katarzyna Dereń, Magdalena Zielińska, Anna Bartosiewicz and Edyta Łuszczki

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5911; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165911 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide is one of the most serious public health challenges, reaching epidemic proportions. Excessive body weight is often accompanied by metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and hypertension—collectively known as metabolic syndrome. This [...] Read more.

Background: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide is one of the most serious public health challenges, reaching epidemic proportions. Excessive body weight is often accompanied by metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and hypertension—collectively known as metabolic syndrome. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify predictors of metabolic syndrome in women using logistic regression analysis based on selected sociodemographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle variables. Methods: The study included 250 women aged 23–85 recruited in the Podkarpackie region of Poland. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and smoking status were collected via a questionnaire. Physical activity and sedentary behaviours were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Fasting capillary blood samples and blood pressure measurements were obtained by qualified medical staff in accordance with standard procedures. Results: Obesity was strongly associated with metabolic syndrome components, particularly abnormal blood pressure (66.3%) and fasting glucose (64%), both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.01). Age was a significant predictor of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.06; p < 0.01) and its components, including hypertension, dysglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. Waist-to-hip ratio was strongly linked to metabolic syndrome (OR = 356.97; p < 0.01) and obesity (OR = 5.89 × 10³⁰; p < 0.001); however, these exceptionally high values should be interpreted with caution, as they may reflect statistical artifacts due to model instability or sample characteristics, rather than a meaningful or generalizable association. Higher body fat mass was associated with an increased risk of obesity, hypertension and dysglycaemia (OR = 1.42, 1.06 and 1.06 respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusions: These results emphasise the significant role of obesity as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in women, highlighting the need for personalised preventive strategies that consider lifestyle and sociodemographic factors, such as targeted health education, promotion of physical activity, and dietary counselling adapted to the needs of women at risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Complex Interplay Between Physical Activity, Sleep, Diet, and Obesity: Clinical Insights for Treatment and Prevention)

23 pages, 391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Students’ Self-Efficacy in General ICT Use as a Mediator Between Computer Experience, Learning ICT at School, ICT Use in Class, and Computer and Information Literacy

by Plamen Vladkov Mirazchiyski

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081081 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Self-efficacy is related to a specific domain and is a result of capabilities and beliefs of one’s own performance in a specific domain given a specific task, depending on the levels of anxiety, motivation, feeling of success, and positive and negative rewards. Computer [...] Read more.

Self-efficacy is related to a specific domain and is a result of capabilities and beliefs of one’s own performance in a specific domain given a specific task, depending on the levels of anxiety, motivation, feeling of success, and positive and negative rewards. Computer experience, the learning of information and communication technology tasks at school, and the use of general applications in class are known to be related to computer and information literacy. This study investigates the mediation effect of student computer self-efficacy in using general applications in these relationships using a structural equation model. The data used in this study stems from nine European educational systems participating in the International Computer and Information Literacy Study in 2018. The results show that in nearly all educational systems, the self-efficacy regarding the use of general applications has significant mediation effects in the relationship between computer and information literacy and each of the three information and communication technology variables in the model. The mediation effects are strongest for general applications in class and weakest for learning of information and communication technology tasks at school. The results are discussed against the educational systems’ context with recommendations for improving student computer self-efficacy. Full article

18 pages, 3623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Succinoglycan-Riclin-Zinc-Phthalocyanine-Based Composite Hydrogel with Enhanced Photosensitive and Antibacterial Activity Targeting Biofilms

by Yunxia Yang, Hongmei Zhang, Xueqing Zhang, Shuyan Shen, Baojuan Wu, Dexin Peng, Jie Yin and Yanqing Wang

Gels 2025, 11(8), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11080672 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Bacterial infections cause serious problems associated with wound treatment and serious complications, leading to serious threats to the global public. Bacterial resistance was mainly attributed to the formation of biofilms and their protective properties. Hydrogels suitable for irregular surfaces with effective antibacterial activity [...] Read more.

Bacterial infections cause serious problems associated with wound treatment and serious complications, leading to serious threats to the global public. Bacterial resistance was mainly attributed to the formation of biofilms and their protective properties. Hydrogels suitable for irregular surfaces with effective antibacterial activity have attracted extensive attention as potential materials. In this study, a succinoglycan-riclin-zinc-phthalocyanine-based composite (RL-Zc) hydrogel was synthesized through an amine reaction within an hour. The hydrogel was characterized via FT-IR, SEM, and rheology analysis, exhibiting an elastic solid gel state stably. The hydrogel showed large inhibition circles on E. coli as well as S. aureus under near-infrared irradiation (NIR). RL-Zc hydrogel exhibited positively charged surfaces and possessed a superior penetrability toward bacterial biofilm. Furthermore, RL-Zc hydrogel generated abundant single oxygen and mild heat rapidly, resulting in disrupted bacterial biofilm as well as amplified antibacterial effectiveness. A metabolomics analysis confirmed that RL-Zc hydrogel induced a metabolic disorder in bacteria, which resulted from phospholipid metabolism and oxidative stress metabolism related to biofilm disruption. Hence, this study provided a potential phototherapy for biofilm-induced bacterial resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gel Analysis and Characterization)

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28 pages, 11561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Symmetry-Driven Hybrid Framework Integrating ITTAO and sLSTM-Attention for Air Quality Prediction

by Yanping Liu, Kunkun Zhang, Bohao Yu, Bin Liao, Fuhong Song and Chunju Tang

Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081369 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Air pollution poses a threat to public health, ecosystem stability, and sustainable development. Accurate air quality prediction is essential for environmental protection and achieving sustainability. This study proposes a symmetry-driven hybrid framework that integrates an Improved Triangulation Topology Aggregation Optimizer (ITTAO) with a [...] Read more.

Air pollution poses a threat to public health, ecosystem stability, and sustainable development. Accurate air quality prediction is essential for environmental protection and achieving sustainability. This study proposes a symmetry-driven hybrid framework that integrates an Improved Triangulation Topology Aggregation Optimizer (ITTAO) with a Stable Long Short-Term Memory (sLSTM) network and an attention mechanism to achieve high-precision air quality prediction. Three enhancement strategies are introduced to improve the optimization capability of the TTAO algorithm. Experiments with CEC2017 standard functions validate the ITTAO algorithm’s superior convergence and global search ability. ITTAO then optimizes the hyperparameters of the sLSTM-Attention model, resulting in the ITTAO-sLSTM-Attention model. Four air quality datasets from diverse regions in China verify the model’s performance, demonstrating that the proposed model outperforms seven swarm intelligence-optimized sLSTM-Attention models and six machine learning models. Compared to the LSTM model, ITTAO-sLSTM-Attention reduces RMSE by 23.47%, 13.23%, 19.69%, and 26.46% across four cities, confirming its enhanced accuracy and generalization. Finally, an interactive air quality prediction system based on the ITTAO-sLSTM-Attention model and PyQt is developed, offering a user-friendly tool for air quality prediction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer)

19 pages, 2582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Updated Swiss Growth References 2025: No Height Differences, but BMI Variations Associated with Migration

by Urs Eiholzer, Anika Stephan, Ilja Dubinski, Christiane Fritz and Cees Noordam

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5912; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165912 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The 2019 Swiss growth references for height, weight, and BMI were based on a large dataset from the German-speaking part of Switzerland (Cohort 2019). The current study aimed to ensure national representativeness by proportionate amounts of additional data from the French-speaking (Suisse [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The 2019 Swiss growth references for height, weight, and BMI were based on a large dataset from the German-speaking part of Switzerland (Cohort 2019). The current study aimed to ensure national representativeness by proportionate amounts of additional data from the French-speaking (Suisse Romande) and Italian-speaking (Ticino) regions to validate the 2019 growth curves and to update the national growth references. It also investigated the influence of parental migration background on child growth. Methods: Anthropometric data from 43,290 children and adolescents—including 11,816 new cases—were analyzed (Cohort 2019 + 2025). Percentile curves were modeled using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS) framework. Results: The extended dataset largely confirms the 2019 growth references. Variations in height percentiles were small and clinically negligible. Clinically relevant differences in BMI percentiles were observed in girls, with the most pronounced deviations—up to 0.8 kg/m²—at the 97th percentile. Analyses by parental migration background revealed relevant differences in BMI. Conclusions: The extended Swiss Growth References (Cohort 2019 + 2025) are robust and provide valid reference data for all Swiss children and adolescents, offering contemporary tools for decision-making in clinical practice. To maintain their validity over time, targeted updates are required, with special attention to demographic changes resulting from migration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Pediatrics)

9 pages, 394 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Can Bio-Based Stomatal Blockers Inhibit Rapeseed Growth?

by Michele Faralli, Minuka Weerasinghe, Gee-Sian Leung, Ray Marriott, Melville Miles, James M. Monaghan and Peter Kettlewell

Int. J. Plant Biol. 2025, 16(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb16030098 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Stomatal blockers are hydrophobic polymers applied to leaves to physically block stomatal pores and restrict gas exchange, and which have potential as plant growth regulators to retard growth. Three experiments in a heated glasshouse, one sown in autumn and two sown in winter, [...] Read more.

Stomatal blockers are hydrophobic polymers applied to leaves to physically block stomatal pores and restrict gas exchange, and which have potential as plant growth regulators to retard growth. Three experiments in a heated glasshouse, one sown in autumn and two sown in winter, were conducted with pot-grown rapeseed plants at the four-leaf stage to evaluate retardant potential of two bio-based polymers: di-1-p-menthene (DPM) and extracted cauliflower leaf wax. Both stomatal blockers reduced stomatal conductance and plant dry weight in the autumn-sown experiment, when solar radiation was high during leaf development and stomatal conductance of water-treated plants was relatively high. Wax was more effective than DPM at reducing plant dry weight, despite no difference in stomatal conductance. In the two winter-sown experiments, when solar radiation was lower during leaf development, stomatal conductance in water-treated plants was less than in the autumn-sown experiment. Stomatal conductance was reduced by the blockers in the winter-sown experiments, but plant dry weight was unaffected. It was concluded that stomatal blockers may have potential to act as plant growth regulators to retard growth in rapeseed, but further research is necessary to define the circumstances when a response will occur. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Physiology)

16 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Many Pros and a Little Cons: Experiences of First-Time Guide Dog Recipients

by Chalotte Glintborg, Johan Trettvik, Rasmus Holm and Tia G. B. Hansen

Animals 2025, 15(16), 2461; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162461 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Guide dogs are primarily seen as mobility aids for people with visual impairments, but they may also influence users’ psychological well-being and social lives. Benefits of being partnered with a guide dog have been found in several countries but Scandinavian studies are sparse. [...] Read more.

Guide dogs are primarily seen as mobility aids for people with visual impairments, but they may also influence users’ psychological well-being and social lives. Benefits of being partnered with a guide dog have been found in several countries but Scandinavian studies are sparse. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of six Danish guide dog partners through semi-structured interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis found six primary benefits: improved mobility, increased physical activity, enhanced freedom and independence, new social interactions, a strong emotional bond with the dog, and better mental well-being. Users also reported challenges, including frequent distractions caused by the public interacting with the dog, difficulties during the initial adjustment period, increased cleaning, and occasional trouble finding care for the dog. Participants unanimously emphasized the irreplaceable value of their guide dogs and positive socioemotional dimensions of guide dog partnerships. The findings add Scandinavian voices that support existing international research and note three areas of potential improvement: better public education about guide dog etiquette, enhanced support during the adjustment period, and improved care-sharing arrangements. The study underscores the importance of considering guide dogs as both functional aids and sources of emotional and social support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistance Dogs—What Should We Focus On)

18 pages, 1212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Part-Wise Graph Fourier Learning for Skeleton-Based Continuous Sign Language Recognition

by Dong Wei, Hongxiang Hu and Gang-Feng Ma

J. Imaging 2025, 11(8), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging11080286 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sign language is a visual language articulated through body movements. Existing approaches predominantly leverage RGB inputs, incurring substantial computational overhead and remaining susceptible to interference from foreground and background noise. A second fundamental challenge lies in accurately modeling the nonlinear temporal dynamics and [...] Read more.

Sign language is a visual language articulated through body movements. Existing approaches predominantly leverage RGB inputs, incurring substantial computational overhead and remaining susceptible to interference from foreground and background noise. A second fundamental challenge lies in accurately modeling the nonlinear temporal dynamics and inherent asynchrony across body parts that characterize sign language sequences. To address these challenges, we propose a novel part-wise graph Fourier learning method for skeleton-based continuous sign language recognition (PGF-SLR), which uniformly models the spatiotemporal relations of multiple body parts in a globally ordered yet locally unordered manner. Specifically, different parts within different time steps are treated as nodes, while the frequency domain attention between parts is treated as edges to construct a part-level Fourier fully connected graph. This enables the graph Fourier learning module to jointly capture spatiotemporal dependencies in the frequency domain, while our adaptive frequency enhancement method further amplifies discriminative action features in a lightweight and robust fashion. Finally, a dual-branch action learning module featuring an auxiliary action prediction branch to assist the recognition branch is designed to enhance the understanding of sign language. Our experimental results show that the proposed PGF-SLR achieved relative improvements of 3.31%/3.70% and 2.81%/7.33% compared to SOTA methods on the dev/test sets of the PHOENIX14 and PHOENIX14-T datasets. It also demonstrated highly competitive recognition performance on the CSL-Daily dataset, showcasing strong generalization while reducing computational costs in both offline and online settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Machine Learning for Computer Vision Applications)

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17 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theoretical Studies of Non-Metal Endohedral Fullerenes

by Zdeněk Slanina, Filip Uhlík, Takeshi Akasaka, Xing Lu and Ludwik Adamowicz

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(16), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15161287 (registering DOI) - 21 Aug 2025

Abstract

This article presents computational studies of non-metal fullerene endohedrals, which are useful for understanding and interpreting experimental results. The encapsulated non-metal species are simple molecules like H₂, N₂, CO, HF, NH₃, H₂O₂, H [...] Read more.

This article presents computational studies of non-metal fullerene endohedrals, which are useful for understanding and interpreting experimental results. The encapsulated non-metal species are simple molecules like H₂, N₂, CO, HF, NH₃, H₂O₂, H₂O, and their aggregates. Predictions of thermodynamic stability and reaction populations are reviewed, based on quantum-chemical and statistical–thermodynamic treatments. As fullerene syntheses are performed at high temperatures, some of the calculations are based on both the encapsulation potential energy and the encapsulation Gibbs energy changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Nanomaterials)

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