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13 pages, 505 KB

Open AccessArticle

Stability Assessment of Intravenous Iron–Carbohydrate Complexes in Commercial All-in-One Parenteral Nutrition: Potential for Therapeutic Iron Dose Admixing

by Valentina V. Huwiler, Peter J. Neyer, Christoph Saxer, Katja A. Schönenberger, Angelika Hammerer-Lercher, Zeno Stanga and Stefan Mühlebach

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020255 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency and associated iron deficiency anaemia represent a major global health burden. Parenteral nutrition (PN) patients are at increased risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate iron supplementation. Currently, iron is added to all-in-one (AIO) PN mostly as low-dose ferric chloride [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency and associated iron deficiency anaemia represent a major global health burden. Parenteral nutrition (PN) patients are at increased risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate iron supplementation. Currently, iron is added to all-in-one (AIO) PN mostly as low-dose ferric chloride in trace element solutions, limited to 1–2 mg in adults, to ensure emulsion stability and prevent lipid peroxidation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility and stability of selected, widely used complex-bound iron products added to AIO PN over a 48 h period. Methods: Ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose were added as non-biological complex intravenous iron oxide carbohydrate products to two different commercial AIO PN admixtures for adults. The iron concentrations used were 100 and 400 mg/L (1.79 and 7.16 mmol/L), corresponding to approximately 200 mg (3.58 mmol) of iron dose per PN bag. Free and complex-bound iron were separated using 100 kDa dialysis tubes. Free and complex-bound iron were assessed at 4, 24, and 48 h after admixing. pH was measured before and at 0, 4, 24, and 48 h after admixture. Iron quantification was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: No significant changes in complex-bound iron concentration were observed over the 48 h incubation period (p-value = 0.449; estimate 0.060 mg/L per h, 95% CI −0.089, 0.201 mg/L per h). The concentration of free iron was very low and increased only slightly over time. Iron recovery ranged from 95.8% to 103.9%. The addition of the alkaline iron sucrose significantly increased the pH of the AIO admixture (p-value = 0.033), whereas the addition of ferric carboxymaltose did not affect the pH (p-value = 0.351). After the initial increase, the pH of all conditions remained stable over the 48 h incubation period (p-value = 0.07). Conclusions: Ferric carboxymaltose demonstrated stable intravenous iron admixtures within the PN formulations tested. Before the clinical application of these findings, further studies should specifically evaluate the lipid peroxidation and stability of the lipid emulsions, the most sensitive and important PN compatibility and safety characteristics of AIO PN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Drug Delivery Strategies Across Biological Barriers: From Organ-on-a-Chip Models to Nanopharmaceuticals)

17 pages, 1568 KB

Open AccessArticle

Traffic-Oriented Three-Dimensional Vehicle Reconstruction Using Fixed Roadside Monocular Camera Sensors

by Chu Zhang, Yuxin Zhang, Liangbin Li and Xianhua Cai

Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041324 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Fixed roadside monocular cameras are widely used as low-cost sensing devices in intelligent transportation systems; however, extracting reliable three-dimensional (3D) information from such sensors remains challenging due to limited baselines, long observation distances, and moving vehicles. This paper presents a traffic-oriented 3D vehicle [...] Read more.

Fixed roadside monocular cameras are widely used as low-cost sensing devices in intelligent transportation systems; however, extracting reliable three-dimensional (3D) information from such sensors remains challenging due to limited baselines, long observation distances, and moving vehicles. This paper presents a traffic-oriented 3D vehicle reconstruction framework based on monocular image sequences captured by fixed roadside camera sensors. Semantic and non-semantic vehicle feature points are jointly exploited to balance structural consistency and surface completeness, and a feature-map-consistency-based optimization strategy is introduced to refine feature point localization and reduce reprojection errors. In addition, an optimized incremental Structure-from-Motion (SfM) pipeline incorporating traffic-aware initialization, keyframe selection, and local bundle adjustment is developed to improve reconstruction efficiency. Experiments on real-world traffic surveillance videos show that the proposed method reduces the mean reprojection error by 13.6% and shortens reconstruction time by 43.9% compared with widely used incremental SfM systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection 3D Imaging and Sensing System)

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28 pages, 5740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Analyses and Taste Bud Distribution Mapping of Bovine Tongues: An Exploratory Study Across Diverse 3 Chinese Genetic Resources

by Jiawei Li, Luiz F. Brito, Lirong Hu, Shihan Zhang, Jingyi Xu, Lei Wang, Tenzin Ngodrup, Jiatai Bao, Huaming Mao, Yajing Wang, Menghua Zhang, Hailiang Zhang and Yachun Wang

Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040471 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

The bovine tongue is a complex and very important muscular and gustatory organ, yet a comprehensive understanding of its gustatory apparatus across diverse genetic resources remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a multidimensional analysis of the lingual morphology and taste bud (TB) [...] Read more.

The bovine tongue is a complex and very important muscular and gustatory organ, yet a comprehensive understanding of its gustatory apparatus across diverse genetic resources remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a multidimensional analysis of the lingual morphology and taste bud (TB) distribution in 40 specimens from 12 representative bovine breeds and species across China, encompassing Bos taurus taurus (Taurine cattle), Bos taurus indicus (Zebu cattle), Bubalus bubalis (water buffalo), and Bos grunniens (domestic yak). Morphometric measurements and histological quantifications were integrated to evaluate the influence of species, sex, age, and geographical factors. Given the relatively limited sample size per breed, these findings are presented as exploratory research. Our results revealed that yak and water buffalo showed the most distinct morphological patterns of mechanical papillae compared to the other populations. Taurine and Zebu cattle displayed more similar lingual morphology traits. Although high phenotypic correlations were observed between lingual morphometric parameters and quantitative papillae indicators, factors such as age, altitude, and feeding methods showed minimal influence on lingual phenotypic variation within this cohort (p > 0.05). Furthermore, we constructed a topological atlas of TB distribution, revealing that TB distribution patterns are decoupled from macro-anatomical dimensions, highlighting the complexity of the bovine gustatory system. These findings provide a quantitative baseline for ruminant comparative anatomy and offer structural insights into the evolutionary adaptation and nutrient regulation mechanisms of diverse bovine species in varying environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

36 pages, 1450 KB

Open AccessReview

The Significance of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

by Christophor Lazov, Krassimira Yoncheva and Marta Slavkova

Sci. Pharm. 2026, 94(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm94010019 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Lipid nanoparticles have been a subject of intense scientific interest in recent years due to their inherent biocompatibility, versatile delivery routes, drug loading and potential large-scale production. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are matrix lipid nanoparticles that differ in [...] Read more.

Lipid nanoparticles have been a subject of intense scientific interest in recent years due to their inherent biocompatibility, versatile delivery routes, drug loading and potential large-scale production. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are matrix lipid nanoparticles that differ in their lipid composition and, specifically, the presence of liquid lipid in the latter. Their production is straightforward and relatively inexpensive. They provide an additional specific advantage for dermal delivery in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, as they can carry various drugs and even ameliorate the skin condition on their own. The chronic character and the observed predominance of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population further justify the utility of improved therapeutic strategies and the application of SLNs and NLCs specifically. Therefore, in the current review, we aimed to systematically collect the available literature on this topic and to evaluate where we stand in terms of scientific and practical knowledge. The observations show significant potential for clinical translation for both SLNs and NLCs in the near future. However, some key limitations were identified and discussed. The novelty of this review lies in its systematic consolidation and critical discussion of SLNs and NLCs specifically in the context of atopic dermatitis. Full article

17 pages, 1690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plugged or Unplugged? A Comparative Study of Computational Thinking Development in Early Childhood

by Maria-Emilia Garcia-Marques, Adrián Pérez-Suay and Ismael García-Bayona

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16020333 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) has increasingly been recognized as a fundamental skill that should be fostered from early childhood. This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of plugged (robot-based) and unplugged (without technology) instructional activities on the development of CT skills in young children. Two [...] Read more.

Computational thinking (CT) has increasingly been recognized as a fundamental skill that should be fostered from early childhood. This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of plugged (robot-based) and unplugged (without technology) instructional activities on the development of CT skills in young children. Two natural classroom groups participated, each receiving the same instructional content and assessment, differing only in intervention modality: one utilized the Bee-bot floor robot, while the other engaged in unplugged activities simulating the robot’s movements. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured CT and spatial reasoning skills to evaluate learning gains. Results demonstrated significant improvements in CT across both groups, with no statistically significant differences in overall gains, suggesting that unplugged activities, when thoughtfully designed, can be as effective as technology-supported ones. These findings have important implications for designing inclusive and resource-sensitive early childhood CT curricula, emphasizing the value of developmentally appropriate and engaging learning experiences beyond technological availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Thinking and Programming in Early Childhood Education)

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17 pages, 695 KB

Open AccessArticle

Abdominal Obesity, Hepatic Steatosis, Oxidative Stress and Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

by Luca Colangeli, Ilaria Milani, Maria Eugenia Parrotta, Susanna Longo, Alessandro Nucera, Massimo Federici, Simonetta Palleschi, Barbara Rossi, Alessandro Mantovani, Saverio Muscoli, Frida Leonetti, Danila Capoccia, Paolo Sbraccia and Valeria Guglielmi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041968 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in individuals with obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether MASLD and diastolic dysfunction are independently associated with abdominal obesity [...] Read more.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in individuals with obesity. This study aimed to investigate whether MASLD and diastolic dysfunction are independently associated with abdominal obesity through shared metabolic and oxidative mechanisms. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a tertiary university hospital including patients aged ≥ 50 years with obesity and MASLD. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were collected, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed using vibration-controlled transient elastography (FibroScan^®). Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of echocardiographic diastolic dysfunction. A total of 73 patients was included in the analysis and 27.4% had diastolic dysfunction. Patients with diastolic dysfunction were older and had higher body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Markers of hepatic steatosis, including fatty liver index (FLI) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), were higher in patients with diastolic dysfunction, whereas fibrosis measures were not. CAP was independently associated with diastolic dysfunction after adjustment for age and sex, but this association was lost after further adjustment for waist circumference, suggesting a mediating role of central adiposity. Plasma glutathione was inversely associated with FLI, but oxidative stress markers were not associated with diastolic dysfunction or steatosis severity. In conclusion, in patients ≥ 50 years with MASLD and obesity, diastolic dysfunction was common and closely related to abdominal obesity, highlighting MASLD as a multisystem condition with early cardiac involvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Obesity Research: Metabolic Pathways and Pathophysiological Factors)

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29 pages, 74659 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Green Prevailing Monochromy in the Wall Paintings of the Domus at Avenida Miguel de Cervantes 35 (Écija, Seville): An Archaeochemical Study

by Irene Loschi, Daniel Cosano Hidalgo and José Rafael Ruiz Arrebola

Heritage 2026, 9(2), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9020079 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

This paper highlights the findings of the emergency excavation carried out at Avenida Miguel de Cervantes No. 35 in Écija, conducted in two phases between 1999 and 2000 and in 2003. The investigation revealed a domus featuring valuable decorative elements, including pictorial wall [...] Read more.

This paper highlights the findings of the emergency excavation carried out at Avenida Miguel de Cervantes No. 35 in Écija, conducted in two phases between 1999 and 2000 and in 2003. The investigation revealed a domus featuring valuable decorative elements, including pictorial wall paintings and two high-quality mosaics. Stylistic analysis of the wall decorations identified a scheme composed of wide and narrow panels, with a predominance of bright green in the central zone, along with traces of figurative representations. The evidence suggests a second construction phase in the latter half of the 2nd century AD, followed by renovations in the 3rd and 4th centuries. The use of green prevailing monochromy appears to be associated with high-status representational spaces. A total of six samples from the wall paintings and mortars were analysed. X-ray diffraction (XRPD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were employed for a minimally destructive preliminary study of the mortars, while confocal microscopy was used to observe the sequence in which the pigments were applied, and Raman spectroscopy enabled the identification of the pigments, notably highlighting glauconite as the green pigment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)

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27 pages, 1474 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Math and Science Attitudes and Beliefs in Shaping Migratory Adolescents’ Aspirational Engineering Identity: An Exploratory Study

by Ulises Juan Trujillo Garcia and Dina Verdín

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(2), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16020332 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Developing an engineering identity is critical for supporting students’ engineering career pathways. Yet, migratory adolescents are often not afforded engineering experiences to support that identity formation. Early experiences in math and science often serve as gateways to engineering careers; examining students’ attitudes and [...] Read more.

Developing an engineering identity is critical for supporting students’ engineering career pathways. Yet, migratory adolescents are often not afforded engineering experiences to support that identity formation. Early experiences in math and science often serve as gateways to engineering careers; examining students’ attitudes and beliefs in these subjects is essential to understanding identity formation. This study took an exploratory approach to examine how migratory adolescents’ math and science attitudes and beliefs, specifically their interest, recognition, and performance beliefs, contributed to developing an aspirational engineering identity. Mediation analysis was used to explore how math and science interest, recognition, and performance beliefs shaped the engineering identity formation of 227 migratory adolescents. Results show that math and science interest served as both a direct pathway to engineering identity and as the essential mediator linking performance beliefs and recognition to engineering identity development. Performance beliefs and recognition operated as interchangeable predictor variables but supported engineering identity through their influence on students’ interest in math and science. Multiple pathways emerged for fostering an engineering identity among migratory adolescents, rather than a singular path. These findings highlight the importance of cultivating math and science interest as a key mechanism for supporting engineering aspirations and informing future educational interventions for this underrepresented group. Full article

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31 pages, 2439 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Structural Performance of a Multi-Story Reinforced Concrete Building and Its Equivalent Timber Building

by Alireza Bahrami, Dina Jaloul, Marco Rasho and Honghao Ren

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042030 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

An increased interest in decreasing the environmental impact of the construction sector and in vertical urbanization has renewed attention to timber as a primary structural material in multi-story buildings. This study investigated whether an existing 10-story reinforced concrete (RC) residential building can be [...] Read more.

An increased interest in decreasing the environmental impact of the construction sector and in vertical urbanization has renewed attention to timber as a primary structural material in multi-story buildings. This study investigated whether an existing 10-story reinforced concrete (RC) residential building can be redesigned as an equivalent mass-timber structure while satisfying the same structural performance requirements. It addressed the lack of like-for-like building-scale comparisons that redesigned an existing multi-story RC residential building into a functionally equivalent mass-timber scheme. A real RC building in Gävle, Sweden, was modeled, analyzed, and designed using StruSoft FEM-Design software in accordance with the Eurocodes and the Swedish National Annex, after which all main structural elements were systematically replaced with timber. Through iterative adjustments of member sizes, support conditions, and added reinforcing elements, both the RC and timber schemes were verified with respect to load-bearing capacity, serviceability, and global stability under identical load combinations. The RC and timber buildings reached maximum utilization ratios of 99% and 98%, respectively; displacements were higher in the timber building but remained within serviceability limits, and both systems were classified as globally stable. The timber alternative reduced the total structural weight to about 19% of the RC building and roughly halved the maximum vertical reaction forces, at the expense of additional beams, columns, and basement wall segments. Moreover, this article developed an equivalent-design methodology for material substitution, a bottom-up reinforcing elements logic that resolved serviceability and stability constraints in tall timber, and a performance trade-off map based on structural performance, offering guidance for future mass-timber design. Full article

14 pages, 836 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sonographic Brain Volume Growth Trajectories in VLBW and Clinical Determinants—Data from the NeoNEVS Project

by Christian Brickmann, Renée Lampe, Irina Sidorenko, Nils Gauger, Julia Hauer, Marcus Krüger and Simon Loth

Children 2026, 13(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13020281 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background: Very Low Birth Weight preterm infants are at elevated risk for disrupted brain growth and later neurodevelopmental impairment. Bedside-accessible tools for monitoring cerebral development remain limited. Methods: In this retrospective pilot cohort study, 153 Very Low Birth Weight infants (<32 weeks gestational [...] Read more.

Background: Very Low Birth Weight preterm infants are at elevated risk for disrupted brain growth and later neurodevelopmental impairment. Bedside-accessible tools for monitoring cerebral development remain limited. Methods: In this retrospective pilot cohort study, 153 Very Low Birth Weight infants (<32 weeks gestational age and/or <1500 g) from two Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units underwent serial cranial ultrasound assessments. Total brain volume was estimated using an ellipsoid formula derived from standardized imaging planes. Growth trajectories were analysed via linear mixed-effects modelling. Associations with clinical predictors—including invasive ventilation, sepsis, and somatic growth—were evaluated. Results: A total of 976 brain volume measurements were collected. Median cerebral volume increased from 164 cm³ to 275 cm³ across the hospital stay, corresponding to a median growth rate of 2.3 cm³/day (95% CI: 1.5–3.1). Duration of invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with reduced cerebral growth (p < 0.01, R² = 0.26). Cerebral volume growth showed a weak but statistically significant correlation with head circumference percentile progression (p < 0.05, ρ = 0.16). Conclusions: Sonographic brain volumetry is a feasible and non-invasive method for tracking cerebral development in Very Low Birth Weight infants. These findings confirm significant associations between cerebral growth and head growth and identify prolonged invasive ventilation as a risk factor for impaired cerebral development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Preterm Infants)

36 pages, 3135 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Municipal Rural Revitalization Development Levels in China

by Xiao Li and Mingyang Song

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042073 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study establishes a municipal-level evaluation system for rural revitalization in China, grounded in the five-sphere integrated framework encompassing “prosperous industries, livable ecology, civilized rural customs, effective governance, and affluent life.” Employing methodologies including the entropy weight-coupling coordination model, LISA spatiotemporal analysis, and [...] Read more.

This study establishes a municipal-level evaluation system for rural revitalization in China, grounded in the five-sphere integrated framework encompassing “prosperous industries, livable ecology, civilized rural customs, effective governance, and affluent life.” Employing methodologies including the entropy weight-coupling coordination model, LISA spatiotemporal analysis, and multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR), it empirically investigates the evolution and driving mechanisms of rural revitalization development across 282 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2023. The findings reveal: (1) Nationwide and regional rural revitalization levels demonstrate a consistent upward trajectory, progressing from a state of “Mild Disorder” to being “On the Verge of Disorder,” with a distinct gradient pattern of “Eastern Region > National Average > Central Region > Western Region.” (2) Significant global spatial correlation is observed, manifesting as polarization typified by “high–high” and “low–low” agglomeration, alongside notable volatility in Northeast and Southwest China. (3) Influencing factors display marked spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Agricultural production efficiency (North China) and technological innovation (nationwide, except the Yangtze River Delta) significantly foster rural revitalization. Conversely, economic development level (Northeast, Central, and Western China), government intervention (Northeast China), and industrial structure upgrading (Northwest China) exhibit constraining effects. The localized positive impacts of urbanization (border areas of Yunnan, Heilongjiang, Sichuan, Jilin, and Tibet) and opening up (border ports) are increasingly evident. Building on these insights, the study proposes recommendations—such as implementing differentiated regional policies, innovating spatial governance models, and activating multidimensional drivers—to overcome the “low-level lock-in” predicament and advance comprehensive rural revitalization. Furthermore, this paper reveals the patterns of multidimensional system coupling and the spatial heterogeneity of driving mechanisms. These findings provide a reference for deepening the understanding of geographical complexity within global sustainable development theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

13 pages, 1843 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Whole-Cell Catalytic System for Equol Production Based on Daidzein Reductase Engineering

by Bing-Juan Li, Jiao-Jiao Zhuo, Meng-Ran Tian, Dan Meng and Hong-Yan Li

Molecules 2026, 31(4), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31040711 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

As an isoflavone metabolite with diverse physiological activities, the development of efficient and sustainable manufacturing technologies for (S)-equol holds significant importance. This study focuses on the semi-rational design of daidzein reductase (DZNR), the first key enzyme in the (S)-equol biotransformation pathway. Through multiple [...] Read more.

As an isoflavone metabolite with diverse physiological activities, the development of efficient and sustainable manufacturing technologies for (S)-equol holds significant importance. This study focuses on the semi-rational design of daidzein reductase (DZNR), the first key enzyme in the (S)-equol biotransformation pathway. Through multiple sequence alignment and three-dimensional structural analysis, two critical residues, Gly30 and Ala105, were identified in DZNR. A library of single and combinatorial mutants was constructed and screened, yielding the double variant DZNR30S+105S with substantially enhanced catalytic performance. In a whole-cell biocatalytic system, the recombinant E. coli(Escherichia coli) strain harboring this combinatorial mutant achieved a yield of 238.3 mg/L (S)-equol at a substrate concentration of 1 mM daidzein, demonstrating markedly improved catalytic efficiency. Upon increasing the daidzein concentration to 2 mM, the reaction reached equilibrium within 5 h, producing 384.6 mg/L (S)-equol, which highlights the mutant’s excellent potential for high-substrate-concentration applications. This study not only provides novel mechanistic insights into DZNR catalysis but also successfully establishes a DZNR variant with enhanced activity, offering an efficient biocatalytic component for the industrial-scale biomanufacturing of (S)-equol and thereby advancing the development of green biosynthesis technologies for this valuable compound. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 30th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

21 pages, 636 KB

Open AccessArticle

Everyday Peace Power: Girl Drummers of Gira Ingoma in Rwanda

by Ananda Breed, Odile Gakire Katese, Sarah Huxley and Ariane Zaytzeff

Soc. Sci. 2026, 15(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15020134 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

This article presents an arts-based and polyvocal account of Gira Ingoma (One Drum per Girl), a women- and girl-led cultural initiative in Rwanda that reconstructs drumming, warrior dance, and self-praise poetry to advance gender equality and contribute to everyday peace power. Based on [...] Read more.

This article presents an arts-based and polyvocal account of Gira Ingoma (One Drum per Girl), a women- and girl-led cultural initiative in Rwanda that reconstructs drumming, warrior dance, and self-praise poetry to advance gender equality and contribute to everyday peace power. Based on arts-based qualitative methods (workshops, rehearsals, festivals, interviews, and youth-led Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning), we show how repetitive public performance materialises gender equality beyond policy texts. The article explores core theoretical frames—gender performativity, everyday peace power, spatial approaches to peace, and performance-as-knowledge—while aligning key findings to research questions concerning (1) negotiation of gender through performance, (2) micro-processes of everyday peace power, and (3) observable change in confidence, community engagement, and institutional practice. We conclude with policy measures to embed gender-responsive arts education, resource girls and women across the creative value chain, and set parity targets within cultural institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gender Knowledges and Cultures of Equalities in Global Contexts)

28 pages, 973 KB

Open AccessArticle

Robust HMM-Based Remaining Useful Life Estimation Using a Ridge-Regularized EM Algorithm

by Halime Beyza Küçükdağ, Gokhan Kirkil and Mustafa Hekimoğlu

Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041321 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of engineering systems is crucial for maintenance planning and the reliability of complex mechanical units. Accurate RUL predictions support timely interventions and help to prevent unexpected failures. This study proposes a statistically robust framework that models degradation [...] Read more.

Estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of engineering systems is crucial for maintenance planning and the reliability of complex mechanical units. Accurate RUL predictions support timely interventions and help to prevent unexpected failures. This study proposes a statistically robust framework that models degradation signals up to the end of life using a hidden Markov model (HMM) with a simple-failure structure and an absorbing terminal state. The proposed method estimates state-dependent linear emission parameters and transition probabilities using a ridge-regularized expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm. The ridge penalty stabilizes slope estimates under limited data, while a robust Huber-based scale estimator reduces sensitivity to outliers in the sensor-derived health indicator. RUL is computed as a weighted expected time to absorption, combining transient-state survival characteristics with smoothed posterior-state probabilities obtained via the forward–backward algorithm. This yields a low-variance state-aware estimator that preserves the probabilistic structure of the HMM. Simulation studies show that the proposed ridge-regularized EM significantly reduces parameter variance and improves predictive accuracy compared with the baseline weighted least squares EM (WLS-EM). A real-data case analysis demonstrates further improvements in RUL estimation accuracy and smoother, more reliable prediction trajectories. Overall, the framework provides a robust and interpretable approach for practical prognostics applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)

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19 pages, 428 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Case-Study-Based Comparative Evaluation of Functional Analysis Paradigms in Aircraft System Design

by Haomin Li, Meng Zhao, Yong Chen and Youbai Xie

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2028; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042028 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Functional analysis plays a critical role in early-stage aircraft system design by defining system functions that guide downstream architectural development and verification. In practice, many design deficiencies originate not from incorrect physical realization but from incomplete or ambiguous functional definitions established at conceptual [...] Read more.

Functional analysis plays a critical role in early-stage aircraft system design by defining system functions that guide downstream architectural development and verification. In practice, many design deficiencies originate not from incorrect physical realization but from incomplete or ambiguous functional definitions established at conceptual stages. This challenge is particularly pronounced in aircraft systems, where interaction- and physical-effect-induced functions tend to remain implicit and weakly justified. To address this issue, in this study, we conduct a case-study-based comparative evaluation of three functional analysis paradigms: design-theory-oriented functional decomposition, systems-engineering-based functional allocation, and scenario-driven functional analysis. Using an aircraft ground deceleration scenario as a controlled context, this comparison examines how different function-derivation mechanisms influence the identification and justification of interaction- and effect-induced functions. Through structured cross-paradigm comparison, three distinct and, in principle, reproducible derivation mechanisms, namely decomposition-driven, responsibility-driven, and physical-effect-driven, are identified. In this study, the physical-effect-driven mechanism is examined through an effect-strengthened implementation of the scenario-driven paradigm. While all paradigms consistently identify mission-oriented functions, the examined scenario-driven implementation enhances transparency in functional justification and improves sensitivity to interaction- and effect-induced functions, thereby reducing the risk of omission during conceptual design. By formalizing these derivation mechanisms and clarifying their complementary roles, this study contributes to a clearer methodological understanding of functional identification in early-stage complex system design, while providing practical guidance for methodological selection and integration in aircraft system design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Systems Engineering: Theory and Applications, 2nd Volume)

10 pages, 290 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in the Timeliness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy Detection in US Infants, 2016–2023

by Scott D. Grosse, Kai Hong, Golriz K. Yazdanpanah, Ashley Nash, Amy Gaviglio, Marcus Gaffney, Kendra A. K. Lawrence and Jennifer M. Kwon

Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2026, 12(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijns12010009 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was adopted by all US state newborn screening programs between 2018 and 2024; by the end of 2022, 48 states were screening for SMA. We assessed trends in health insurance records of SMA diagnoses to quantify improvements [...] Read more.

Screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) was adopted by all US state newborn screening programs between 2018 and 2024; by the end of 2022, 48 states were screening for SMA. We assessed trends in health insurance records of SMA diagnoses to quantify improvements in the timeliness of SMA identification following the adoption of screening. We used nationally representative Medicaid claims data for approximately half of US births covered by public insurance and a convenience sample of employer-sponsored health plans. We analyzed records for birth cohorts with at least 1 full year of follow-up (i.e., through the end of the following calendar year). For 2017 births, 1.3 per 100,000 infants had SMA codes first recorded by 1 month of age; this increased to 6.6 per 100,000 among publicly insured newborns born in 2022. The rollout of SMA newborn screening across US states was also followed by improvements in the timely detection of SMA. The proportion of infants with SMA detected by 1 month increased from 18% in 2017 to 61% in 2021 and is projected to reach 75% in 2022. Growth in timely detection was even greater in the employer-insured sample. Timely diagnosis of SMA can enable the initiation of treatment prior to the irreversible loss of motor function. Full article

21 pages, 1099 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mean Corpuscular Volume as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Surgical Resection: A Cohort Study

by Soomin An and Wankyu Eo

Medicina 2026, 62(2), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020395 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anatomical staging alone insufficiently explains survival heterogeneity in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although inflammation-based biomarkers have demonstrated prognostic value, the clinical relevance of erythrocyte-derived indices—particularly mean corpuscular volume (MCV)—remains poorly characterized in this setting. This [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: Anatomical staging alone insufficiently explains survival heterogeneity in patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although inflammation-based biomarkers have demonstrated prognostic value, the clinical relevance of erythrocyte-derived indices—particularly mean corpuscular volume (MCV)—remains poorly characterized in this setting. This study evaluated the prognostic significance of preoperative MCV and examined whether its integration with the Noble and Underwood (NUn) score improves survival prediction. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage I–IIIA NSCLC who underwent complete surgical resection. Associations between clinicopathological variables and overall survival (OS) were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. Prognostic performance was evaluated using the concordance index and the integrated time-dependent area under the curve. Continuous variables were modeled on their original scale without dichotomization. Results: Model comparison using the Akaike Information Criterion indicated that incorporation of the composite NUn–MCV index into the intermediate model—comprising age, basal metabolic rate, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, pleural invasion, and pathological stage—provided a superior model fit compared with inclusion of the NUn score and MCV as separate covariates. On this basis, the composite NUn–MCV model was selected as the full model. Across all evaluations, the full model demonstrated consistently greater discriminative ability for survival prediction than both the intermediate model and the baseline model based solely on pathological stage. Conclusions: Preoperative MCV independently predicts OS in patients with resected stage I–IIIA NSCLC. Integration of MCV with the NUn score into a composite index provides incremental prognostic value beyond anatomical staging and established clinical factors, supporting its use as a complementary tool for postoperative risk stratification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thoracic Oncology: Current Challenges and Future Prospects)

21 pages, 1504 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Data-Driven Reduced-Order Model for Rotary Kiln Temperature Field Prediction Using Autoencoder and TabPFN

by Ya Mao, Yuhang Li, Yanhui Lai and Fangshuo Fan

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042029 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

The accurate reconstruction of the internal temperature field in rotary kilns is critical for optimizing the clinker calcination process and ensuring energy efficiency. In this study, a rapid and high-fidelity surrogate modeling framework is proposed, utilizing snapshot ensembles generated by full-order Computational Fluid [...] Read more.

The accurate reconstruction of the internal temperature field in rotary kilns is critical for optimizing the clinker calcination process and ensuring energy efficiency. In this study, a rapid and high-fidelity surrogate modeling framework is proposed, utilizing snapshot ensembles generated by full-order Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to reconstruct the temperature field of the axial center section. The framework incorporates a symmetric Autoencoder (AE) coupled with a TabPFN network as its core components. Capitalizing on the kiln’s strong axial symmetry, this reduction–regression system efficiently maps the high-dimensional nonlinear thermodynamic topology of the central section into a compact low-dimensional latent manifold via AE, while utilizing TabPFN to establish a robust mapping between operating boundary conditions and these latent features. By leveraging the In-Context Learning (ICL) mechanism for prior-data fitting, TabPFN effectively overcomes the data scarcity inherent in high-cost CFD sampling. Predictive results demonstrate that the model achieves a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.897 for latent feature regression, outperforming traditional algorithms by 6.53%. In terms of field reconstruction on the test set, the model yields an average temperature error of 15.31 K. Notably, 93.83% of the nodal errors are confined within a narrow range of 0–50 K, and the reconstructed distributions exhibit high consistency with the CFD benchmarks. Furthermore, compared to the hours required for full-scale simulations, the inference time is reduced to 0.45 s, representing a speedup of four orders of magnitude. Consequently, the predictive system demonstrates excellent accuracy and efficiency, serving as an effective substitute for traditional models to realize online monitoring and intelligent optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fuel Cell Technologies in Power Generation and Energy Recovery)

16 pages, 242 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the Digital Economy on Carbon Emission Reduction—Taking China’s Coastal Ports as an Example

by Kebiao Yuan, Lina Ma and Renxiang Wang

Sustainability 2026, 18(4), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18042072 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the coordinated advancement of the “Dual Carbon” goals and the Digital China strategy, this study focuses on the mechanism through which the digital economy influences port emission reduction. Based on panel data from 16 coastal ports in China from [...] Read more.

Against the backdrop of the coordinated advancement of the “Dual Carbon” goals and the Digital China strategy, this study focuses on the mechanism through which the digital economy influences port emission reduction. Based on panel data from 16 coastal ports in China from 2014 to 2023, this study systematically examines the impact of the digital economy on port carbon emission reduction. Using two-way fixed effects and mediation effect models, this study empirically tests the direct and indirect pathways through which digital economy development affects port carbon emissions. The results indicate that the digital economy significantly reduces port carbon emissions, a finding robust to endogeneity and sensitivity tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that the digital economy not only directly enhances operational efficiency but also indirectly promotes emission reduction through green technology innovation, whereas the mediating role of industrial structure upgrading appears limited. This research provides theoretical foundations and policy insights for promoting sustainable development and deep integration of port green transformation and digital technology. Full article

15 pages, 2344 KB

Open AccessArticle

Anticancer Acridones, Part 2—Acronycine-Type Derivatives Modified with 2,5-Dihydro-1,2,4-Triazine Moiety: Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation

by Andrey A. Zonov, Ramil F. Fatykhov, Igor A. Khalymbadzha, Ainur D. Sharapov, Anastasia P. Potapova, Ilya I. Butorin, Vsevolod V. Melekhin, Anastasia V. Paramonova and Emiliya V. Nosova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041969 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

This manuscript presents the synthesis of eight novel noracronycine derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazine moiety and evaluates their anticancer activity in vitro. The obtained compounds exhibit activity in the micromolar range and show selectivity towards glioblastoma A172 and breast cancer Hs578T cells. Compounds incorporating a [...] Read more.

This manuscript presents the synthesis of eight novel noracronycine derivatives containing 1,2,4-triazine moiety and evaluates their anticancer activity in vitro. The obtained compounds exhibit activity in the micromolar range and show selectivity towards glioblastoma A172 and breast cancer Hs578T cells. Compounds incorporating a dihydrotriazine moiety demonstrate an enhanced anticancer profile when compared to a noracronycine derivative lacking a triazine substituent. Furthermore, introducing a pyridyl group into the triazine core increases selective cytotoxicity toward cancerous cells. The lead compound exhibits an IC₅₀ value of 3.4 μM for glioblastoma A172, with a selectivity index of 7.59. Mechanistic studies reveal that the obtained compounds slow down cell division, while no significant apoptosis was detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ongoing Anticancer Agents)

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24 pages, 730 KB

Open AccessArticle

Alexithymia and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Mediation Roles of Self-Compassion and Deficits in Emotion Regulation

by George Fedorov and Glen Bates

Eur. J. Investig. Health Psychol. Educ. 2026, 16(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe16020030 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a global mental health concern, with recent research focussing on the psychological mechanisms that contribute to its development and maintenance. Alexithymia, characterised by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, has been identified as a potential risk factor for PTSD. [...] Read more.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a global mental health concern, with recent research focussing on the psychological mechanisms that contribute to its development and maintenance. Alexithymia, characterised by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, has been identified as a potential risk factor for PTSD. This study was a preliminary investigation of a model of the relationship between alexithymia and PTSD symptoms, focussing on the potential mediating roles of self-compassion and difficulties in emotional regulation. Participants (N = 332), who were university students and members of the community, completed self-report measures of the key variables. As expected, alexithymia was strongly associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms. Three mediation pathways were also significant. In one, alexithymia was associated with greater regulation difficulties for negative emotions, which was associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms. In the second, higher alexithymia was associated with greater difficulties regulating positive emotions, which was associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms. The final pathway involved a serial mediation in which higher alexithymia was associated with lower self-compassion, and lower self-compassion was associated with greater difficulties in regulating negative emotions, which were associated with higher PTSD symptoms. Contrary to expectation, self-compassion had no direct relationship with PTSD symptoms and did not relate to difficulties in regulating positive emotions. The general pattern of results was evident for the PTSD subtypes of negative alterations in cognitions and mood and alterations in arousal and reactivity. However, mediation by difficulties in regulating positive emotions was nonsignificant for the symptoms of re-experiencing and avoidance. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed. Full article

18 pages, 3942 KB

Open AccessArticle

m⁶A RNA Methylation Is Increased in Tumour Invasive Regions and Influences Invasive Capability and Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Adult Glioblastoma

by Masar Radhi, Jonathan Rowlinson, Lauryn Walker, Simon Deacon, Helen Miranda Knight and Stuart Smith

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041967 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Adult glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour caused by multiple molecular factors. N⁶-methyl-adenosine (m⁶A) is an abundant RNA modification that governs cellular RNA metabolism. We hypothesise that changes in m⁶A-modified RNA and [...] Read more.

Adult glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour caused by multiple molecular factors. N⁶-methyl-adenosine (m⁶A) is an abundant RNA modification that governs cellular RNA metabolism. We hypothesise that changes in m⁶A-modified RNA and regulatory machinery such as the writer proteins, Methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) and WT1-associating protein (WTAP), the demethyltransferase protein, and Alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase (FTO), are driving factors of GBM development and treatment resistance. Here, we investigated m⁶A-RNA spatial and quantitative abundance and expression of m⁶A effector proteins directly in GBM tissue and patient-derived low-passage primary adult GBM and low-grade glioma (LGG) cells, and explored the consequences of m⁶A-RNA disruption on GBM invasive capabilities, self-renewal and responsiveness to temozolomide (TMZ). We observed that METTL3, WTAP and FTO transcript and protein expression were significantly increased in cells derived from invasive regions of GBM tumours, and elevated WTAP and FTO expression significantly correlated with poor GBM patient survival. We further found that the abundance of m⁶A-modified RNA in GBM tumours was significant higher in rim and invasive tissue, as well as significantly higher in patient-derived cells from GBM tumour invasive regions. Functional depletion of these effector proteins significantly altered m⁶A levels on and the expression of the pluripotency stem cell marker SOX2 while also impairing self-renewal and cell invasion behaviour and increasing sensitivity to TMZ. The targeting of RNA modification regulatory mechanisms reveals novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving clinical outcomes for GBM patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Advances in the Field of Glioblastomas: Mechanisms, Microenvironment and Treatments)

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26 pages, 8499 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Non-Contact Methods for Measuring Turbidity in the Colorado River

by Natalie K. Day, Tyler V. King and Adam R. Mosbrucker

Remote Sens. 2026, 18(4), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs18040638 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Monitoring suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) is essential to better understand how sediment transport could adversely affect water availability for human communities and ecosystems. Aquatic remote sensing methods are increasingly utilized to estimate SSC and turbidity in rivers; however, an evaluation of their quantitative performance [...] Read more.

Monitoring suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) is essential to better understand how sediment transport could adversely affect water availability for human communities and ecosystems. Aquatic remote sensing methods are increasingly utilized to estimate SSC and turbidity in rivers; however, an evaluation of their quantitative performance is limited. This study evaluates the performance of three multispectral sensors, which vary in resolution and ease of deployment, to estimate turbidity in the Colorado River: the Multispectral Instrument (MSI) on board the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite, an industrial-grade 10-band dual camera system mounted on a cable car, and a consumer-grade 6-band dual camera system positioned on the riverbank. We use multivariate linear regression to compare in situ turbidity measurements with concurrent spectral reflectance data from each sensor. Models for all three sensors selected similar spectral information and resulted in mean errors <35% in predicting turbidity. A cross-sensor comparison showed that little accuracy is lost when applying models developed for satellite-based systems to ground-based systems, and vice versa. Transferability of satellite-based models to ground-based systems could support continuous water-quality monitoring between satellite overpasses and avoid issues associated with cloud interference. Conversely, continuously operating ground-based systems could be used to rapidly establish datasets and models for application in satellite imagery, thus accelerating remote sensing applications. The encouraging performance of the consumer-grade system indicates that SSC could be monitored for low cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing in Water Quality Monitoring)

21 pages, 28930 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geolocalization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images and Mapping onto Satellite Images Utilizing 3D Gaussian Splatting

by Satoshi Arakawa, Kaiyu Suzuki and Tomofumi Matsuzawa

Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041322 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Geolocalization of images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remains a significant challenge in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments. Although geolocalization is typically achieved by matching UAV images with satellite images, the viewpoint discrepancy between oblique UAV and nadir satellite images complicates this [...] Read more.

Geolocalization of images captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remains a significant challenge in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments. Although geolocalization is typically achieved by matching UAV images with satellite images, the viewpoint discrepancy between oblique UAV and nadir satellite images complicates this task. In this study, we employ 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) to generate images from viewpoints close to the satellite viewpoint based on multiview UAV images. Assuming that the approximate flight area of the UAV is known, we propose a geolocalization method that directly establishes correspondences between 3DGS-rendered and satellite images using pixel-level image matching. These satellite images, which we refer to as wide-area satellite images, cover a larger area than the UAV observation range. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves higher geolocalization accuracy than existing approaches that divide wide-area satellite images and perform image retrieval. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential for geographically consistent integration of independently captured and trained 3DGS models by leveraging the correspondences between 3DGS-rendered and wide-area satellite images. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Navigation and Positioning)

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19 pages, 3610 KB

Open AccessArticle

LCS-Net: Learnable Color Correction and Selective Multi-Scale Fusion for Underwater Image Enhancement

by Gang Li and Xiangfei Zhao

Sensors 2026, 26(4), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26041323 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

Underwater images are frequently degraded by wavelength-dependent absorption and scattering, which introduce strong color casts, reduce contrast, and obscure fine structures. Although learning-based enhancement methods have recently improved perceptual quality, many remain computationally intensive, limiting deployment on resource-constrained underwater platforms. To address this [...] Read more.

Underwater images are frequently degraded by wavelength-dependent absorption and scattering, which introduce strong color casts, reduce contrast, and obscure fine structures. Although learning-based enhancement methods have recently improved perceptual quality, many remain computationally intensive, limiting deployment on resource-constrained underwater platforms. To address this challenge, we propose LCS-Net, a lightweight framework for single underwater image enhancement that targets a favorable quality–efficiency trade-off. LCS-Net first applies a dynamic Learnable Color Correction Module (LCCM) that predicts image-specific correction parameters from global color statistics, enabling low-overhead cast compensation and stabilizing the input distribution. Feature extraction is conducted using efficient inverted residual blocks equipped with squeeze-and-excitation (SE) to recalibrate channel responses and facilitate detail recovery under scattering-induced degradation. At the bottleneck, a Selective Multi-Scale Dilated Block (SMSDB) aggregates complementary context via parallel dilated convolutions and global cues and adaptively reweights the fused features to handle diverse water conditions. Extensive experiments on public benchmarks demonstrate that LCS-Net achieves competitive performance, yielding a PSNR of 26.46 dB and an SSIM of 0.92 on UIEB, along with 28.71 dB and 0.86 on EUVP, while maintaining a compact model size and low computational cost, highlighting its potential for practical deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensing and Imaging)

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26 pages, 3984 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Spatial Patterns of Short-Term Rental Accommodations in Lisbon with Geographic Information System (GIS)

by Jorge Ferreira and Gonçalo Antunes

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2026, 15(2), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15020088 (registering DOI) - 18 Feb 2026

Abstract

There has been substantial debate regarding the consequences of overtourism in cities. Scholars have also examined variables that are directly and indirectly related to tourism, including demography, urban rehabilitation and requalification, gentrification, speculation in the real estate market, the influence of digital booking [...] Read more.

There has been substantial debate regarding the consequences of overtourism in cities. Scholars have also examined variables that are directly and indirectly related to tourism, including demography, urban rehabilitation and requalification, gentrification, speculation in the real estate market, the influence of digital booking platforms, and the expansion of short-term rental (STR) accommodation. This research seeks to develop a clearer spatial understanding of this last one. By analyzing their distribution, density (maximum occupancy), and clustering and by employing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this article will propose methodologies to better visualize spatial patterns, providing different perspectives of the city of Lisbon and its most tourism-intensive parishes. The article finds that STRs in Lisbon have expanded rapidly, concentrating overwhelmingly in six historic parishes where STR supply and maximum occupancy now exceed resident populations and housing availability. GIS analysis reveals intense clustering in central neighborhoods—especially Alfama—indicating significant tourism pressure and signs of overtourism. These spatial patterns correlate with depopulation and rising housing costs. The study concludes that STR are now a decisive factor in urban imbalance and that detailed spatial analysis is essential for regulating tourism, defining carrying-capacity thresholds, and developing more sustainable, socially just urban planning policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Data Science and Knowledge Discovery)

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