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13 pages, 211 KiB  
Article
Predictive Factors for Spontaneous Resolution in Primary Obstructive Megaureter: The Impact of Hydronephrosis Severity on Clinical Outcomes
by George Vlad Isac and Nicolae Sebastian Ionescu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072463 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a rare congenital urological condition usually diagnosed prenatally or in early childhood. Conservative management is increasingly preferred due to a high potential for spontaneous resolution. However, reliable predictors of spontaneous resolution remain controversial, complicating clinical decision-making. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a rare congenital urological condition usually diagnosed prenatally or in early childhood. Conservative management is increasingly preferred due to a high potential for spontaneous resolution. However, reliable predictors of spontaneous resolution remain controversial, complicating clinical decision-making. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, and imaging parameters predictive of spontaneous resolution in patients with primary obstructive megaureter. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with primary obstructive megaureter, who were treated conservatively at the Maria Sklodowska Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children from January 2015 to December 2024. Clinical parameters, imaging findings, and renal function were evaluated. Statistical analyses included univariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression modeling. Results: Spontaneous resolution occurred in 12 (57%) patients, at a median age of 45.75 months. The only statistically significant predictor identified was the initial hydronephrosis grade (p = 0.046). Patients with mild-to-moderate dilation (Grades I–II) had a significantly higher resolution rate (11 of 15 cases) compared with those with severe dilation (1 of 6 cases). Ureteral diameter showed a trend toward predicting outcomes, with unresolved cases having larger median diameters (15 mm vs. 10.5 mm, p ≈ 0.08). Age at diagnosis, sex, bilateral involvement, and history of urinary infections did not significantly influence resolution rates. Conclusions: The initial severity of hydronephrosis significantly predicts spontaneous resolution in primary obstructive megaureter. Conservative management is particularly justified in mild-to-moderate cases, whereas patients with severe dilation may require early intervention due to lower resolution likelihood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)
12 pages, 3221 KiB  
Article
Electron Beam Irradiation-Induced Degradation of Sulfadiazine in Aqueous Solutions
by Boris Tende Kengne, Shizong Wang, Yongxia Sun, Jianlong Wang and Sylwester Bulka
Water 2025, 17(7), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071077 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The degradation of sulfadiazine (4-amino-N-pyrimidin-2yl-benzenesulfonamide, SDZ), a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, in aqueous solution under electron beam irradiation was investigated to explore its potential as an Advanced Oxidation Process for environmental remediation. This study evaluated the effects of irradiation dose, initial [...] Read more.
The degradation of sulfadiazine (4-amino-N-pyrimidin-2yl-benzenesulfonamide, SDZ), a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, in aqueous solution under electron beam irradiation was investigated to explore its potential as an Advanced Oxidation Process for environmental remediation. This study evaluated the effects of irradiation dose, initial sulfadiazine concentration, and initial pH on the degradation efficiency. It was found at 0.5 kGy that the degradation efficiency decreased with increasing initial SDZ concentration, from 83.0% at 5 mg/L to 35.0% at 30 mg/L. The kinetic results showed a pseudo-first order model. The degradation efficiencies of 30 mg/L SDZ reached 80.8%, 75.3%, 69.5% and 69.8%, respectively, at pH 3.0, 6.3, 9.0, and 11.0 at 3.0 kGy, indicating the pH dependence to SDZ degradation under electron beam. The maximum removal efficiency was around 90% after UV analysis and 99% after HPLC analysis for 10mg/L SDZ at absorbed doses of 2–3 kGy and pH 6.3. Increasing the degradation efficiency of 10 mg/L SDZ from 0.5 kGy to 3.0 kGy showed the dose dependence on SDZ removal. Reactive species generated during irradiation, including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen radicals, and solvated electrons, were identified as primary contributors to the degradation process. The effect of reactive species on the degradation of 10 mg/L SDZ was evaluated at variable doses, revealing the following trend: OH>H>eaq. Transformation products were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), providing insights into the degradation pathway. The results demonstrate that electron beam irradiation is an effective and sustainable method for sulfadiazine removal in water treatment systems, offering an innovative approach to mitigating antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments. Full article
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11 pages, 236 KiB  
Perspective
A New Perspective on Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Paradigm Shift
by John R. Ostergaard
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073370 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Agitation is a common and difficult-to-manage neuropsychiatric syndrome in dementia. Recently, an association with the autonomous nervous system has been suggested. From the literature researched, however, only two studies investigating autonomic function concomitant to agitation situations appeared; one case series comprised two American [...] Read more.
Agitation is a common and difficult-to-manage neuropsychiatric syndrome in dementia. Recently, an association with the autonomous nervous system has been suggested. From the literature researched, however, only two studies investigating autonomic function concomitant to agitation situations appeared; one case series comprised two American veterans with vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia, respectively, and in a case series of patients with CLN3 (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), this was found to be the most common neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia in childhood. In both case series, the measurement of the autonomic system disclosed a parasympathetic withdrawal and sympathetic hyperactivity in the temporal context with agitated behavior. If the time-wise-related autonomic imbalance shown previously can be demonstrated in a larger cohort of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the use of transcutaneous vagal stimulation might be a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dysfunctional Neural Circuits and Impairments in Brain Function)
17 pages, 2178 KiB  
Article
Overload Risk Assessment of Transmission Lines Considering Dynamic Line Rating
by Jieling Li, Jinming Lin, Yu Han, Lingzi Zhu, Dongxu Chang and Changzheng Shao
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071822 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Dynamic line rating (DLR) technology dynamically adjusts the current-carrying capacity of transmission lines based on real-time environmental parameters and plays a critical role in maximizing line utilization, alleviating power flow congestion, and enhancing the security and economic efficiency of power systems. However, the [...] Read more.
Dynamic line rating (DLR) technology dynamically adjusts the current-carrying capacity of transmission lines based on real-time environmental parameters and plays a critical role in maximizing line utilization, alleviating power flow congestion, and enhancing the security and economic efficiency of power systems. However, the strong coupling between the dynamic capacity and environmental conditions increases the system’s sensitivity to multiple uncertainties and causes complications in the overload risk assessment. Furthermore, conventional evaluation methods struggle to meet the minute-level risk refresh requirements in ultrashort-term forecasting scenarios. To address these challenges, in this study, an analytical overload risk assessment framework is proposed based on the second-order reliability method (SORM). By transforming multidimensional probabilistic integrals into analytical computations and establishing a multiscenario stochastic analysis model, the framework comprehensively accounts for uncertainties such as component random failures, wind power fluctuations, and load variations and enables the accurate evaluation of the overload probabilities under complex environmental conditions with DLR implementation. The results from this study provide a robust theoretical foundation for secure power system dispatch and optimization using multiscenario coupled modeling. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is validated using case studies on a constructed test system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
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19 pages, 16309 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Uptake of Two Semidomesticated Jaltomata Schltdl. Species for Their Cultivation
by Ignacio Darío Flores-Sánchez, Manuel Sandoval-Villa and Ebandro Uscanga-Mortera
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071124 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The nutrient uptake of a species under cultivated conditions is important for program fertilization. The Jaltomata genus has two semidomesticated species, J. procumbens and J. tlaxcala, used as food and considered with potential for their study in controlled environments. The objective of [...] Read more.
The nutrient uptake of a species under cultivated conditions is important for program fertilization. The Jaltomata genus has two semidomesticated species, J. procumbens and J. tlaxcala, used as food and considered with potential for their study in controlled environments. The objective of this research was to determine nutrient uptake curves of these species in a greenhouse and using hydroponics. The research was carried out at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, from August to November 2020. The treatments included the following: two species and three electrical conductivity levels: 1, 2, and 3 dS m−1. Nutrients in leaf and total dry matter (TDM) were determined. Variability between species and phenological stages on the nutrient concentration and accumulation of TDM was observed. For macronutrients, J. procumbens concentrated in descending order more P from the vegetative stage (4.21–2.43 g kg−1 dry matter), and Mg until fructification (4.92–3.26 g kg−1 dry matter), for K it was higher at vegetative (52.29 g kg−1 dry matter) and harvesting stages (26.05 g kg−1 dry matter), and N (23.92 g kg−1 dry matter) at flowering; J. tlaxcala concentrated more Ca from fructification (10.10–13.85 g kg−1 dry matter). For micronutrients, J. tlaxcala concentrated more Fe from the vegetative stage (157.7–207.5 mg kg−1 dry matter), B and Zn at 23.3–38.4 and 26.04–28.45 mg kg−1 dry matter, respectively, from flowering, and Mn (108.4–232.28 mg kg−1 dry matter) from fructification. The main structures of TDM accumulation by vegetative stage in J. procumbens were the leaf and root (vegetative and flowering), root and stem (fructification), and reproductive structures and root (harvesting); in J. tlaxcala, the main structures were the leaf and root (vegetative), root and leaf (flowering and fructification), and root and reproductive structures (harvesting). Due to this variability, specific fertilization programs are required for each species. Full article
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19 pages, 983 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Huntington’s Disease
by Félix Javier Jiménez-Jiménez, Hortensia Alonso-Navarro, Elena García-Martín, Alba Cárcamo-Fonfría, María del Mar Caballero-Muñoz and José A. G. Agúndez
Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040527 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Although the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative phenomena of Huntington’s disease (HD) is not well known, in the last 30 years, numerous data have been published that suggest a possible role of oxidative stress. The majority of studies regarding this issue were performed in [...] Read more.
Although the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative phenomena of Huntington’s disease (HD) is not well known, in the last 30 years, numerous data have been published that suggest a possible role of oxidative stress. The majority of studies regarding this issue were performed in different experimental models of this disease (neurotoxic models such as intraperitoneal injection of 3-nitropropionic acid or intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid, transgenic animal models for HD, and cell cultures) and, less frequently, in samples of brain tissue, plasma/serum, blood cells, and other tissues from patients with a genetic–molecular diagnosis of presymptomatic and symptomatic HD compared to healthy controls. In this narrative review, we have summarized the data from the main studies in which oxidative stress parameters have been measured both in patients with HD and in experimental models of the same disease, as well as the few studies on gene variants involved in oxidative stress in patients with HD. Most studies addressing this issue in experimental models of HD have shown an increase in markers or oxidative stress, a decrease in antioxidant substances, or both. However, the results of studies on patients with HD have not been conclusive as few studies have been published on the matter. However, a meta-analysis of blood studies on HD patients (including a pool of serum and blood cell studies) has shown an increase in lipid peroxidation markers, OH8dG concentrations, and GPx activity and a decrease in GSH levels. Future prospective and multicenter studies with a long-term follow-up period involving a large number of HD patients and healthy controls are needed to address this topic. Full article
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18 pages, 5124 KiB  
Article
Influence of Electro-Optical Characteristics on Color Boundaries
by Jingxu Li, Xifeng Zheng, Deju Huang, Fengxia Liu, Junchang Chen, Yufeng Chen, Hui Cao and Yu Chen
Electronics 2025, 14(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14071460 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the phenomenon of gamut boundary distortion that occurs during the gamut conversion process in LED full-color display systems. This phenomenon is influenced by the electro-optical transfer function. First, a CIE-xyY colorimetric framework specifically designed for LEDs [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the phenomenon of gamut boundary distortion that occurs during the gamut conversion process in LED full-color display systems. This phenomenon is influenced by the electro-optical transfer function. First, a CIE-xyY colorimetric framework specifically designed for LEDs is developed and established as the foundation for gamut conversion in LED applications. Next, the principles of gamut conversion based on this model are detailed. Additionally, a set of indices, including the Laplacian operator, entropy function, and magnitude of deviation of distorted color points, is integrated to form a comprehensive descriptive methodology. This methodology enables a thorough quantification of distribution patterns and effectively illustrates the outcomes of distortion. The findings of this research are significant for improving color conversion strategies and enhancing the color performance of display devices, making meaningful contributions to related fields. Full article
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13 pages, 3705 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Influence of Laser Polarization on Filamentation Thresholds in Transparent Media via Supercontinuum Coherence
by Yun Zhang, Yu Xia, Canneng Liang, Yuyao Xiong, Jingyuan Zhang, Shuang Lin, Suyu Li and Mingxing Jin
Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2285; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072285 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
In this work, we experimentally investigate the characteristics of supercontinuum (SC) generation induced by femtosecond laser pulses with different polarization states in transparent medium. We employ a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) to capture interference patterns during the filamentation process. The relative filamentation threshold, P [...] Read more.
In this work, we experimentally investigate the characteristics of supercontinuum (SC) generation induced by femtosecond laser pulses with different polarization states in transparent medium. We employ a Mach–Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) to capture interference patterns during the filamentation process. The relative filamentation threshold, Pth, is measured for femtosecond laser pulses with different polarization states. The results demonstrate that the intensity of SC is strongly correlated with the polarization state of the incident laser pulses. At the same pulse energy, circularly polarized (CP) pulses suppress SC generation compared to linearly polarized (LP) pulses. Compared with weak external focusing, short-focal-length focusing significantly broadens the spectral range of SC. As the focal length of the focusing lens increases, the measured Pth values also increase. The Pth of the CP pulses is consistently higher than that of LP pulses. The experimental measurements of Pth for femtosecond lasers with different polarization states provide basic data support for the research on nonlinear characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Sensors)
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19 pages, 2153 KiB  
Article
Complex Network Method for Inferring Well Interconnectivity in Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
by M. Mayoral-Villa, F. A. Godínez, J. A. González-Guevara, J. Klapp and J. E. V. Guzmán
Fluids 2025, 10(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10040095 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Reservoir management becomes increasingly critical as fields decline to a fully mature state. During this stage, engineers and managers must make decisions based on a limited set of field measurements (such as pressure and production rates). At the same time, up-to-date information concerning [...] Read more.
Reservoir management becomes increasingly critical as fields decline to a fully mature state. During this stage, engineers and managers must make decisions based on a limited set of field measurements (such as pressure and production rates). At the same time, up-to-date information concerning the reservoir’s geophysical characteristics and petrochemical properties may be unavailable. To aid in the expert’s appraisal of this production scenario, we present the results of applying a data-driven methodology based on visibility graph analysis (VGA) and multiplex visibility graphs (MVGs). It infers inter-well connectivities at the reservoir level and clarifies the degrees of mutual influence among wells. This parameter-free technique supersedes the limitations of traditional methods, such as the capacitance–resistance (CR) models and inter-well numerical simulation models (INSIMs) that rely heavily on geophysical data and are sensitive to porous datasets. We tested the method with actual data representing a field’s state over 62 years. The technique revealed short- and long-term dependencies between wells when applied to historical records of production rates (oil, water, and gas) and pressures (bottom and wellhead). The inferred connectivity aligned with documented operational trends and successfully identified stable connectivity structures. In addition, the interlayer mutual information (IMI) parameter exceeded 0.75 in most periods, confirming high temporal consistency. Moreover, validation by field experts confirmed that the inferred interconnectivity was consistent with the observed production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pipe Flow: Research and Applications, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 3230 KiB  
Review
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Multiple Myeloma Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Giovanna Gilioli da Costa Nunes, Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes, Aline Beatriz Carvalho de Almeida, Felipe Goes Costa, Luiz Fernando Duarte de Andrade Junior, Maria Vitória Sabino Hupp, Ruan Rotondano Assunção, Marianne Rodrigues Fernandes, Sidney Emanuel Batista dos Santos and Ney Pereira Carneiro dos Santos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073369 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Multiple myeloma ranks as the second most common hematopoietic malignancy in terms of both incidence and mortality. Prognostic stratification is critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies, as certain genetic alterations can significantly influence disease progression and treatment response. The meta-analysis analyzed data from 3421 [...] Read more.
Multiple myeloma ranks as the second most common hematopoietic malignancy in terms of both incidence and mortality. Prognostic stratification is critical for optimizing therapeutic strategies, as certain genetic alterations can significantly influence disease progression and treatment response. The meta-analysis analyzed data from 3421 multiple myeloma patients and 14,720 controls. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used as databases. Associations between the SNPs and multiple myeloma were calculated as a measure of pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan). DNAH11 rs4487645 A/C genotype (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24–1.46; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), ULK4 rs1052501 G/G genotype (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.98–1.50; p = 0.08; I2 = 64%), ULK4 rs1052501 A/G genotype (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.13–1.34; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), DTNB rs6746082 A/A genotype (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.20; p = 0.03; I2 = 45%), and VDR rs1544410 A/G genotype (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.04–3.36; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%) increased multiple myeloma risk. Our study concludes that DNAH11, ULK4, DTNB, and VDR may serve as predictive biomarkers for MM risk. Full article
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18 pages, 6451 KiB  
Article
Social Network Analysis Reveals Spatiotemporal Patterns of Green Space Recreational Walking Between Workdays and Rest Days
by Jiali Zhang and Zhaocheng Bai
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9040111 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Growing concerns about the negative impacts of high-density built environments on residents’ physical and mental health have made optimizing recreational walking networks in green spaces a crucial issue for improving urban public health service efficiency. While previous studies have largely focused on static [...] Read more.
Growing concerns about the negative impacts of high-density built environments on residents’ physical and mental health have made optimizing recreational walking networks in green spaces a crucial issue for improving urban public health service efficiency. While previous studies have largely focused on static accessibility measures, these methods cannot capture actual human recreational behaviors and temporal variations in green space usage. Our research introduces a novel social network analysis methodology using GPS trajectory data from Shanghai’s Inner Ring Area to construct and compare recreational walking networks during workdays and rest days, revealing dynamic spatiotemporal patterns that traditional methods miss. Key findings include: (1) At the node level, green spaces of different sizes play differentiated roles in the network, with large-scale spaces serving as destination hubs while pocket green spaces function as critical connecting points; (2) At the regional level, workday networks show more dispersed spatial distribution patterns with higher modularity, while rest day networks form high-density clusters in the central urban area; (3) At the overall network level, rest day networks demonstrate higher density and diversity, reflecting residents’ expanded spatial activity range and diverse recreational preferences. Green space management should focus on the social value of urban green networks. These findings provide theoretical and methodological support for transitioning from “static equity” to “dynamic justice” in green space system planning, contributing to the development of more inclusive and resilient urban green space networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Urban Ecological Environment Protection)
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11 pages, 1254 KiB  
Article
Simultaneous Modified Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and Tibial Tuberosity Transposition for Grade IV Medial Patellar Luxation and Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease in Small-Breed Dogs
by Changsu Jung and Byung-Jae Kang
Animals 2025, 15(7), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15071042 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study explored the complications and prognosis of modified tibial plateau leveling osteotomy with tibial tuberosity transposition (mTPLO-TTT) for simultaneously correcting high-grade medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in small-breed dogs. This retrospective study evaluated patient data, lameness scores, [...] Read more.
This study explored the complications and prognosis of modified tibial plateau leveling osteotomy with tibial tuberosity transposition (mTPLO-TTT) for simultaneously correcting high-grade medial patellar luxation (MPL) and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) in small-breed dogs. This retrospective study evaluated patient data, lameness scores, radiographic outcomes, and complications over a median follow-up period of 10 weeks. Additionally, an owner interview was conducted 6 months postoperatively. Nine stifles from seven dogs were included in this study. All cases showed satisfactory patellar alignment and stability after surgery, with no major complications or reluxations. The lameness scores improved, and radiographic assessments confirmed implant stability and appropriate bone healing. Owner-reported outcomes at 6 months were also favorable. These findings suggest that simultaneous mTPLO-TTT is an effective surgical option for small-breed dogs with concurrent CCLD and Grade IV MPL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Clinical Studies)
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7 pages, 2585 KiB  
Case Report
Successful Treatment of Acanthamoeba Keratitis According to New Protocol with Polihexanide 0.08% Therapy: Case Report
by Tomislav Kuzman, Suzana Matić, Ivan Gabrić, Antonela Geber and Ana Meter
Reports 2025, 8(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports8020044 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious corneal infection that can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness if not promptly treated. The condition is primarily associated with contact lens use but can also occur due to ocular [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare but serious corneal infection that can lead to severe visual impairment or blindness if not promptly treated. The condition is primarily associated with contact lens use but can also occur due to ocular trauma or environmental contamination. The most frequently used treatment options include biguanides and diamidines, though dosing protocols remain empirical and vary widely among clinicians. Recent research has explored a new standardized protocol with 0.08% polihexanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide, PHMB) as a monotherapy for AK, offering improved efficacy and better corneal penetration. Case Presentation: This case report describes a 35-year-old female contact lens wearer who presented with redness, pain, photophobia, and vision loss in her right eye. Upon referral, a slit-lamp examination revealed stromal infiltrates and perineural involvement, with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) confirming Acanthamoeba cysts. The patient was treated with a new standardized intensive regimen of polihexanide 0.08% monotherapy, leading to rapid clinical improvement. Corneal infiltrates were significantly reduced, and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 0.4 logMAR to 0.15 logMAR. Resolution with only discrete stromal haze was achieved over the following months, without recurrence. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential of polihexanide 0.08% monotherapy as an effective treatment for AK in a new standardized treatment protocol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
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19 pages, 15989 KiB  
Article
A Harmonic Suppression Method for the Single Phase PWM Rectifier in the Hydrogen Production Power Supply
by Li Lun, Siming Chen, Yihe Zhan, Hui Yang and Jianyong Zhu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3978; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073978 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
In renewable and sustainable hydrogen production energy systems (RSHPES), the presence of harmonics gives rise to fluctuations in the voltage and current of the electrolysis cell (EC). This, in turn, results in an unstable electrolysis process, a reduction in hydrogen production efficiency, and [...] Read more.
In renewable and sustainable hydrogen production energy systems (RSHPES), the presence of harmonics gives rise to fluctuations in the voltage and current of the electrolysis cell (EC). This, in turn, results in an unstable electrolysis process, a reduction in hydrogen production efficiency, and an escalation in electrode corrosion. This paper puts forward a novel harmonic suppression control method (HSCM), which is devised for the single phase PWM rectifier in hydrogen production rectifiers (HPR) with the aim of alleviating the adverse impacts caused by harmonics. Initially, a highly meticulous harmonic model is constructed, which lays solid groundwork for understanding the existing problems. Subsequently, a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the HSCM is provided, accentuating its novel and inventive strategy for harmonic suppression. Thereafter, a comparison is drawn between the HSCM and traditional methods, thereby manifesting its enhanced suitability and superiority within the context of RSHPES. In conclusion, the simulation and experimental results vividly demonstrate the advantages, effectiveness, and practicality of HSCM under four conditions of power grids containing integer multiples of harmonics, interharmonics, ultraharmonics, and voltage disturbances. Full article
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15 pages, 1945 KiB  
Review
Effects of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Uptake Preferences of Plants for Nutrient: A Review
by Fang Liu, Wei Zhang and Siqi Li
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071122 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Freeze–thawing is an abiotic climatic force prevalent at mid-to-high latitudes or high altitudes, significantly impacting ecosystem nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling, which is receiving increasing attention due to ongoing global warming. The N and P nutrients are essential for plant growth and [...] Read more.
Freeze–thawing is an abiotic climatic force prevalent at mid-to-high latitudes or high altitudes, significantly impacting ecosystem nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling, which is receiving increasing attention due to ongoing global warming. The N and P nutrients are essential for plant growth and development, and the uptake and utilization of these nutrients by plants are closely linked to external environmental conditions. Additionally, the availability of N and P nutrients influences the ecological adaptability of plants. Adapting plants to diverse external environments for the efficient uptake and utilization of N and P nutrients represents a main focus in contemporary ecological research on plant nutrient utilization in the ecosystems of mid-to-high latitudes or high altitudes. Through a comprehensive analysis of the experimental results regarding plant nutrient uptake and utilization in mid-to-high-latitude or high-altitude ecosystems, this paper discussed the processes of soil N and P cycling and the different utilization strategies of nutrient forms employed by plants during freezing and thawing. Freeze–thaw cycles affect the availability of N and P in the soil. Under freeze–thaw conditions, plants preferentially take up readily available N sources (e.g., nitrate (NO3-N) or ammonium (NH4+-N)) and adjust their root growth and timing of N uptake, developing specific physiological and biochemical adaptations to meet their growth needs. When nutrient conditions are poor or N sources are limited, plants may rely more on low-molecular-weight organic nitrogen (e.g., amino acids) as N sources. Plants adapt to changes in their environment by adjusting root growth, making changes in root secretions, and utilizing microbial communities associated with the P cycle to support more efficient P utilization. Future research should (i) enhance the monitoring of plant roots and nutrient dynamics in the subterranean layers of the soil; (ii) incorporate a broader range of nutrients; (iii) examine specific freeze–thaw landscape types, along with the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of climate change within seasons, which is essential for minimizing uncertainty in our understanding of plant nutrient utilization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Nutrition)
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26 pages, 22584 KiB  
Article
Expansion of Output Spatial Extent in the Wavenumber Domain Algorithms for Near-Field 3-D MIMO Radar Imaging
by Yifan Gong, Limin Zhai, Yan Jia, Yongqing Liu and Xiangkun Zhang
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(7), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17071287 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Microwave camera provides 3-D high-resolution radar images at video frame rates, enabling the capture of dynamic target features. Multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) array-based 3-D radar imaging system requires fewer antennas, which effectively reduces hardware costs. Due to the limited computational resources of the miniaturized MIMO [...] Read more.
Microwave camera provides 3-D high-resolution radar images at video frame rates, enabling the capture of dynamic target features. Multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) array-based 3-D radar imaging system requires fewer antennas, which effectively reduces hardware costs. Due to the limited computational resources of the miniaturized MIMO microwave camera, real-time processing of a large amount of 3-D echo data requires an imaging algorithm that has both real-time performance and large output spatial extent. This paper presents the limited output spatial extent and spatial aliasing in existing MIMO wavenumber domain algorithms through theoretical derivation and simulation. To suppress aliasing while expanding the output spatial extent, an optimization approach for the wavenumber domain algorithms is proposed. The improved wavenumber domain algorithms divide the target area into multiple sub-blocks, and a broader range of imaging results is obtained through independent imaging of the sub-blocks and a spatial aliasing suppression filter. Simulation results show that the improved wavenumber domain algorithms effectively suppress the aliasing energy of each sub-block while maintaining the advantage of low time complexity. Expansion of output spatial extent in existing MIMO wavenumber domain algorithms is achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Array and Signal Processing for Radar)
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19 pages, 1118 KiB  
Review
Lactylation in Glioblastoma: A Novel Epigenetic Modifier Bridging Epigenetic Plasticity and Metabolic Reprogramming
by Qingya Qiu, Hui Deng, Ping Song, Yushu Liu and Mengxian Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073368 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, is characterized by a high rate of recurrence, disability, and lethality. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop more effective prognostic biomarkers and treatment approaches for glioblastoma. Lactylation, an emerging form of [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor, is characterized by a high rate of recurrence, disability, and lethality. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop more effective prognostic biomarkers and treatment approaches for glioblastoma. Lactylation, an emerging form of protein post-translational modification, has been closely associated with lactate, a metabolite of glycolysis. Since the initial identification of lactylation sites in core histones in 2019, accumulating evidence has shown the critical role that lactylation plays in glioblastoma development, assessment of poor clinical prognosis, and immunosuppression, which provides a fresh angle for investigating the connection between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic plasticity in glioblastoma cells. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the metabolic and epigenetic roles of lactylation in the expanding field of glioblastoma research and explore the practical value of developing novel treatment plans combining targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Oncology)
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20 pages, 7686 KiB  
Review
Learning from Octopuses: Cutting-Edge Developments and Future Directions
by Jinjie Duan, Yuning Lei, Jie Fang, Qi Qi, Zhiming Zhan and Yuxiang Wu
Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040224 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper reviews the research progress of bionic soft robot technology learned from octopuses. The number of related research papers increased from 760 in 2021 to 1170 in 2024 (Google Scholar query), with a growth rate of 53.95% in the past five years. [...] Read more.
This paper reviews the research progress of bionic soft robot technology learned from octopuses. The number of related research papers increased from 760 in 2021 to 1170 in 2024 (Google Scholar query), with a growth rate of 53.95% in the past five years. These studies mainly explore how humans can learn from the physiological characteristics of octopuses for sensor design, actuator development, processor architecture optimization, and intelligent optimization algorithms. The tentacle structure and nervous system of octopus have high flexibility and distributed control capabilities, which is an important reference for the design of soft robots. In terms of sensor technology, flexible strain sensors and suction cup sensors inspired by octopuses achieve accurate environmental perception and interaction. Actuator design uses octopus muscle fibers and movement patterns to develop various driving methods, including pneumatic, hydraulic and electric systems, which greatly improves the robot’s motion performance. In addition, the distributed nervous system of octopuses inspires multi-processor architecture and intelligent optimization algorithms. This paper also introduces the concept of expected functional safety for the first time to explore the safe design of soft robots in failure or unknown situations. Currently, there are more and more bionic soft robot technologies that draw on octopuses, and their application areas are constantly expanding. In the future, with further research on the physiological characteristics of octopuses and the integration of artificial intelligence and materials science, octopus soft robots are expected to show greater potential in adapting to complex environments, human–computer interaction, and medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Soft Robotics: Design, Fabrication and Applications)
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24 pages, 2024 KiB  
Article
An IoT Featureless Vulnerability Detection and Mitigation Platform
by Sarah Bin Hulayyil and Shancang Li
Electronics 2025, 14(7), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14071459 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
With the increase in ownership of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, there is a bigger demand for stronger implementation of security mechanisms and addressing zero-day vulnerabilities. This work is the first to provide a platform that combines featureless approaches with artificial intelligence (AI) [...] Read more.
With the increase in ownership of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, there is a bigger demand for stronger implementation of security mechanisms and addressing zero-day vulnerabilities. This work is the first to provide a platform that combines featureless approaches with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which are deep learning and large language models, to uncover IoT security vulnerabilities based on network traffic data directly without manual feature selection. The platform correctly identifies vulnerable and secure IoT devices just by raw network traffic! Experimental results show that the proposed study detects vulnerability with great accuracy by using pre-trained deep learning and LLM models, which facilitates direct extraction of vulnerability features from the dataset and therefore helps speed up the identification process. In addition, the design of the platform ensures that the models are accessible and can be easily applied by users with a user-friendly interface. Furthermore, the models with small sizes, 277.5 MB and 334 MB for the deep learning model and the LLM model, respectively, illustrated the potential use of the detection tool in practical settings. The ability to defend large-scale, diversified IoT ecosystems efficiently and in a scalable way by installing thousands of software manifestations quickly while exposing new applications to growing cyber threats is made possible by this significant advancement in the field of IoT security. Full article
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15 pages, 21805 KiB  
Article
Case Study on the Rupture Morphology of a Copper Tube in an Air Conditioner Condenser After Fire
by Yunlong Ou, Ming Fu, Jing Zhang, Wenzhong Mi, Changzheng Li, Shouhai Chen and Shoulei Zheng
Fire 2025, 8(4), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8040145 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The new eco-friendly flammable refrigerant in air conditioners has resulted in an annual increase in fire incidents associated with these units. Fire investigators face significant challenges in identifying the causes of these fires. In this study, copper tube samples were extracted from various [...] Read more.
The new eco-friendly flammable refrigerant in air conditioners has resulted in an annual increase in fire incidents associated with these units. Fire investigators face significant challenges in identifying the causes of these fires. In this study, copper tube samples were extracted from various locations of air conditioner condenser debris post fire. The morphology characteristics of the ruptured copper tubes formed by a high-temperature flame in fire and that formed by corrosion were analyzed, respectively. The findings indicate that the ruptures in the copper tubes of air conditioners may be classified into two types based on their origins: ruptures resulting from fire and ruptures resulting from corrosion. The ruptures in the copper tubes resulting from fire are associated with the presence of aluminum alloy fins. At elevated temperatures, the copper and aluminum atoms persist in diffusing and fracturing. A significant quantity of silver-white aluminum is present surrounding the ruptures, and distinct elemental layers may be seen in the cross-section. The corrosion-induced ruptures in the copper tubes are associated with ant nest corrosion. Despite the influence of high-temperature flame melting on surface corrosion pits, they will not entirely obscure the pits and the cross-section continues to exhibit the bifurcated structure characteristic of ant nest corrosion. This investigation demonstrates that corrosion of ant nests is the root cause of copper tube breakage obscured by flames. An investigation method for the refrigerant leakage air conditioning fire is proposed. The above findings can provide proof and method for air conditioning fire investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire Detection and Public Safety, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 5895 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation and Optimization of a Chevron-Type Corrugated Solar Air Heater
by Umar Fahed Alqsair
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071821 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
In the present study, a numerical simulation and optimization combined approach is applied to investigate the thermal performance of a solar air heater (SAH). Numerical simulation of the solar air heater is performed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) via ANSYS Fluent 2023R1 [...] Read more.
In the present study, a numerical simulation and optimization combined approach is applied to investigate the thermal performance of a solar air heater (SAH). Numerical simulation of the solar air heater is performed based on computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) via ANSYS Fluent 2023R1 software. The solar air heater includes a corrugated absorber plate with a Chevron-type design. Present study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia on August 15. The optimization process is used to enhance the thermal efficiency of the solar system. In the optimization process, several geometric parameters of the solar air heater, including the wave height and pitch length of the corrugated absorber plate and the height of the airflow channel under the absorber plate, have been evaluated. The wave height is between 10 and 20 mm, the pitch length is between 50 and 90 mm, and the channel height is between 70 and 90 mm. Therefore, the design of experiment (DOE) and response surface methodology (RSM) are utilized to estimate temperature rise and thermal efficiency. The thermal analysis shows that increasing the wave height, decreasing the pitch length, and shortening the channel height enhances both the temperature rise coefficient and the thermal efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A: Sustainable Energy)
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22 pages, 40986 KiB  
Article
Modeling Short-Term Drought for SPEI in Mainland China Using the XGBoost Model
by Fanchao Zeng, Qing Gao, Lifeng Wu, Zhilong Rao, Zihan Wang, Xinjian Zhang, Fuqi Yao and Jinwei Sun
Atmosphere 2025, 16(4), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16040419 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Accurate drought prediction is crucial for optimizing water resource allocation, safeguarding agricultural productivity, and maintaining ecosystem stability. This study develops a methodological framework for short-term drought forecasting using SPEI time series (1979–2020) and evaluates three predictive models: (1) a baseline XGBoost model (XGBoost1), [...] Read more.
Accurate drought prediction is crucial for optimizing water resource allocation, safeguarding agricultural productivity, and maintaining ecosystem stability. This study develops a methodological framework for short-term drought forecasting using SPEI time series (1979–2020) and evaluates three predictive models: (1) a baseline XGBoost model (XGBoost1), (2) a feature-optimized XGBoost variant incorporating Pearson correlation analysis (XGBoost2), and (3) an enhanced CPSO-XGBoost model integrating hybrid particle swarm optimization with dual mechanisms of binary feature selection and parameter tuning. Key findings reveal spatiotemporal prediction patterns: temporal-scale dependencies show all models exhibit limited capability at SPEI-1 (R2: 0.32–0.41, RMSE: 0.68–0.79) but achieve progressive accuracy improvement, peaking at SPEI-12 where CPSO-XGBoost attains optimal performance (R2: 0.85–0.90, RMSE: 0.33–0.43) with 18.7–23.4% error reduction versus baselines. Regionally, humid zones (South China/Central-Southern) demonstrate peak accuracy at SPEI-12 (R2 ≈ 0.90, RMSE < 0.35), while arid regions (Northwest Desert/Qinghai-Tibet Plateau) show dramatic improvement from SPEI-1 (R2 < 0.35, RMSE > 1.0) to SPEI-12 (R2 > 0.85, RMSE reduction > 52%). Multivariate probability density analysis confirms the model’s robustness through enhanced capture of nonlinear atmospheric-land interactions and reduced parameterization uncertainties via swarm intelligence optimization. The CPSO-XGBoost’s superiority stems from synergistic optimization: binary particle swarm feature selection enhances input relevance while adaptive parameter tuning improves computational efficiency, collectively addressing climate variability challenges across diverse terrains. These findings establish an advanced computational framework for drought early warning systems, providing critical support for climate-resilient water management and agricultural risk mitigation through spatiotemporally adaptive predictions. Full article
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28 pages, 3613 KiB  
Article
Chatbot Based on Large Language Model to Improve Adherence to Exercise-Based Treatment in People with Knee Osteoarthritis: System Development
by Humberto Farías, Joaquín González Aroca and Daniel Ortiz
Technologies 2025, 13(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13040140 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition globally, leading to significant pain and disability, particularly in individuals over the age of 40. While exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve physical function and quality of life in patients with KOA, long-term [...] Read more.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition globally, leading to significant pain and disability, particularly in individuals over the age of 40. While exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve physical function and quality of life in patients with KOA, long-term adherence to exercise programs remains a challenge due to the lack of ongoing support. To address this, a chatbot was developed using large language models (LLMs) to provide evidence-based guidance and promote adherence to treatment. A systematic review conducted under the PRISMA framework identified relevant clinical guidelines that served as the foundational knowledge base for the chatbot. The Mistral 7B model, optimized with Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning (PEFT) and Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) techniques, was integrated to ensure computational efficiency and mitigate hallucinations, a critical concern in medical applications. Additionally, the chatbot employs Self-Reflective Retrieval-Augmented Generation (SELF-RAG) combined with Chain of Thought (CoT) reasoning, enabling dynamic query reformulation and the generation of accurate, evidence-based responses tailored to patient needs. The chatbot was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-improvement versions and against a reference model (ChatGPT), using metrics of accuracy, relevance, and consistency. The results demonstrated significant improvements in response quality and conversational coherence, emphasizing the potential of integrating advanced LLMs with retrieval and reasoning methods to address critical challenges in healthcare. This approach not only enhances treatment adherence but also strengthens patient–provider interactions in managing chronic conditions like KOA. Full article
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21 pages, 915 KiB  
Article
Access to Livelihood Assets and Vulnerability to Lower Levels of Well-Being in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya
by Mary Nyambura Kinyanjui
Economies 2025, 13(4), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies13040103 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper investigates the role that access to livelihood assets plays in reducing vulnerability to lower levels of well-being, especially for camp-based refugees. We develop the multidimensional vulnerability index using the 2019 Kakuma socioeconomic survey to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the role that access to livelihood assets plays in reducing vulnerability to lower levels of well-being, especially for camp-based refugees. We develop the multidimensional vulnerability index using the 2019 Kakuma socioeconomic survey to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to measuring vulnerability. The fractional regression results suggest that the household head’s age and education level determine the vulnerability of refugees to lower levels of well-being. In addition, access to finance and employment substantially reduces refugees’ vulnerability. Although remittances from abroad are a prevalent source of finance among refugees, we find that remittances from abroad only lessen the prevalence of vulnerability by 1.1%. Therefore, we recommend camp refugees adopt more self-reliant ways of accessing sustainable finance. The multidimensional vulnerability index reveals a high level of food insecurity in camps caused by the influx of refugees over the years. We recommend the inclusion of refugees in farming and training on climate change to provide sustainable solutions around food security to them and the host community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Capital Development in Africa)
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26 pages, 5156 KiB  
Article
Integrative Assessment of Surface Water Contamination Using GIS, WQI, and Machine Learning in Urban–Industrial Confluence Zones Surrounding the National Capital Territory of the Republic of India
by Bishnu Kant Shukla, Lokesh Gupta, Bhupender Parashar, Pushpendra Kumar Sharma, Parveen Sihag and Anoop Kumar Shukla
Water 2025, 17(7), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071076 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study proposes an innovative framework integrating geographic information systems (GISs), water quality index (WQI) analysis, and advanced machine learning (ML) models to evaluate the prevalence and impact of organic and inorganic pollutants across the urban–industrial confluence zones (UICZ) surrounding the National Capital [...] Read more.
This study proposes an innovative framework integrating geographic information systems (GISs), water quality index (WQI) analysis, and advanced machine learning (ML) models to evaluate the prevalence and impact of organic and inorganic pollutants across the urban–industrial confluence zones (UICZ) surrounding the National Capital Territory (NCT) of India. Surface water samples (n = 118) were systematically collected from the Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Sonipat, Gurugram, Jhajjar, and Baghpat districts to assess physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. The application of spatial interpolation techniques, such as kriging and inverse distance weighting (IDW), enhances WQI estimation in unmonitored areas, improving regional water quality assessments and remediation planning. GIS mapping highlighted stark spatial disparities, with industrial hubs, like Faridabad and Gurugram, exhibiting WQI values exceeding 600 due to untreated industrial discharges and wastewater, while rural regions, such as Jhajjar and Baghpat, recorded values below 200, reflecting minimal anthropogenic pressures. The study employed four ML models—linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), Gaussian process regression (GPR_PUK), and support vector machines (SVM_Poly)—to predict WQI with high precision. SVM_Poly emerged as the most effective model, achieving testing CC, RMSE, and MAE values of 0.9997, 11.4158, and 5.6085, respectively, outperforming RF (0.9925, 29.8107, 21.7398) and GPR_PUK (0.9811, 68.4466, 54.0376). By leveraging machine learning models, this study enhances WQI prediction beyond conventional computation, enabling spatial extrapolation and early contamination detection in data-scarce regions. Sensitivity analysis identified total suspended solids as the most critical predictor influencing WQI, underscoring its relevance in monitoring programs. This research uniquely integrates ML algorithms with spatial analytics, providing a novel methodological contribution to water quality assessment. The findings emphasize the urgency of mitigating the fate and transport of organic and inorganic pollutants to protect Delhi’s hydrological ecosystems, presenting a robust decision-support system for policymakers and environmental managers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Fate and Transport of Organic Pollutants in Water)
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