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22 pages, 7496 KB  
Article
Subducting Slab—Upper Plate Configuration, and Three-Dimensional Thermal Structure of Central-Southern Peru
by Antonella Megna, Stefano Mazzoli and Stefano Santini
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060216 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
The study investigates the three-dimensional architecture and thermal structure of the Central Andes in centralsouthern Peru, highlighting the interplay between basement structure, Moho geometry, slab configuration, and thermal properties. Basement structural highs and lows acted as zones of weakness that localized deformation during [...] Read more.
The study investigates the three-dimensional architecture and thermal structure of the Central Andes in centralsouthern Peru, highlighting the interplay between basement structure, Moho geometry, slab configuration, and thermal properties. Basement structural highs and lows acted as zones of weakness that localized deformation during Andean shortening. The Moho exhibits significant lateral heterogeneity, reflecting the combined effects of subduction processes, crustal shortening, magmatic underplating, and lower crustal flow or delamination. Its geometry provides key constraints on crustal thickness, seismic structure, and lithospheric dynamics. The subducting Nazca Plate shows strong along-strike variations in dip and continuity, influenced by plate kinematics and features such as the Nazca Ridge. These variations control mantle wedge development, arc magmatism, and deformation patterns in the overriding plate, contributing to the segmentation of the Andes. Steepslab segments promote mantle melting and volcanic activity, whereas flat-slab regions suppress magmatism. Consistent with these tectonic controls, Qs values increase from northwest to southeast, reflecting a transition from flat-slab conditions with low heat flow and limited geothermal activity to steep subduction zones characterized by active magmatism, elevated heat flow, and significant geothermal potential. This spatial variation underscores the strong coupling between slab geometry, thermal structure, and surface geothermal expression. Full article
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34 pages, 1422 KB  
Review
Emotional Eating and Abdominal Obesity: A Narrative Review of the Potential Mechanisms Underlying Their Relationship and Emerging Interventions for Their Management
by Leslie Yunuén Guillén-Medina, Norma Patricia Rodriguez-Rocha, Martha Betzaida Altamirano-Martínez, Gabriela Maldonado-Ulloa, Greissy Vianey Mora-López and Gabriela Macedo-Ojeda
Nutrients 2026, 18(11), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111767 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Abdominal obesity (AO), assessed through waist circumference (WC), has become a validated complementary anthropometric marker for cardiometabolic risk assessment. Growing evidence suggests that emotional eating (EE), characterized by food intake in response to emotions rather than physiological hunger cues, may be linked to [...] Read more.
Abdominal obesity (AO), assessed through waist circumference (WC), has become a validated complementary anthropometric marker for cardiometabolic risk assessment. Growing evidence suggests that emotional eating (EE), characterized by food intake in response to emotions rather than physiological hunger cues, may be linked to AO by promoting dysregulated eating patterns rich in palatable and energy-dense foods. This behavior may contribute, directly or indirectly, to excess visceral fat accumulation. An analysis of the current evidence was conducted to examine the psychological, physiological, neuroendocrine, and gut–brain axis mechanisms underlying the association between EE and AO, as well as to explore emerging interventions for its management. A narrative review of studies published between 2015 and 2025 was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms related to EE, AO, physiological mechanisms, hedonic hunger, diet quality, gut microbiota, and mindful eating were employed. The findings indicate that EE is associated with emotional dysregulation, chronic activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, increased cortisol levels, low-grade inflammation, alterations in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as well as intestinal dysbiosis. These mechanisms favor impulsive consumption of palatable foods, visceral fat gain, and metabolic deterioration. Interventions such as mindful eating show positive effects in reducing EE; however, their anthropometric impact still requires further validation. In conclusion, EE represents an important behavioral factor in the development and maintenance of AO. Its management requires a multidimensional approach integrating emotional regulation, dietary modification, and psychobehavioral strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Obesity)
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Graphical abstract

28 pages, 4048 KB  
Systematic Review
Detection of Viral Nucleic Acid in Specimens Spotted on Commercial Filter Papers: A Review and Meta-Analysis
by Betsy Armenta-Leyva, Berenice Munguía-Ramírez, Brad Kuennen, Yanqi Zhang, Luis G. Giménez-Lirola and Jeffrey J. Zimmerman
Viruses 2026, 18(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/v18060630 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Filter paper-based sampling has been widely used for the collection, transport, and storage of biological samples. This review and meta-analysis aggregated the performance of commercial filter paper matrices for nucleic acid detection across human and veterinary viral pathogens. The review was conducted according [...] Read more.
Filter paper-based sampling has been widely used for the collection, transport, and storage of biological samples. This review and meta-analysis aggregated the performance of commercial filter paper matrices for nucleic acid detection across human and veterinary viral pathogens. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed®, Web of Science®, and Scopus™ databases. Using eligible studies, nucleic acid detection rates were calculated as the number of PCR-positive filter paper samples divided by the total number of expected positive sampling units, based on direct testing or experimental design. Detection rates were analyzed using a multilevel meta-analysis of proportions with nested random effects to account for clustering within studies. A total of 145 studies representing 39 filter paper types were included. Cellulose-based matrices, particularly Whatman® and FTA™ products, predominated in the literature, although polyester and glass fiber substrates were also represented. Detection rates varied widely by filter paper type (46.1% to 97.0%) and virus target (63.7% to 92.8%). Experimental conditions, including storage temperature, drying time, and humidity, were inconsistently reported across studies, but the findings indicated that filter paper composition and experimental conditions influenced viral nucleic acid recovery and detection. Overall, this review showed that the recovery and detection of viral nucleic acid from filter paper is variable. The review also highlighted the need for experimental designs providing rigorous comparisons of filter paper performance over a range of conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Virology)
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17 pages, 3800 KB  
Article
Effects of Substrate Composition, S/I Ratio, and Particle Size on Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion Using a Modified ADM1-R3 Model
by Alejandra Velasco-Pérez, José Vian, Hector Puebla, Mariana Rodríguez-Jara, Adán Cabal-Prieto, Rocío Solar-González, Javier Emanuel Bulbarela-Marini, Tania García-Herrera, Jesús Atenodoro-Alonso and Emmanuel de Jesús Ramírez-Rivera
Fermentation 2026, 12(6), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12060267 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste is strongly influenced by substrate characteristics and operating conditions, particularly substrate composition, particle size, and substrate-to-inoculum (S/I) ratio. In this study, a modified ADM1-R3 model, incorporating a surface-based disintegration kinetics approach, was developed to evaluate the simultaneous [...] Read more.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste is strongly influenced by substrate characteristics and operating conditions, particularly substrate composition, particle size, and substrate-to-inoculum (S/I) ratio. In this study, a modified ADM1-R3 model, incorporating a surface-based disintegration kinetics approach, was developed to evaluate the simultaneous influence of these factors on methane production. Sensitivity analysis identified the disintegration and hydrolysis constants as the most influential parameters, while principal component analysis supported a sequential calibration strategy. The model was calibrated using literature data and verified against independent datasets, achieving values of 0.9967 (calibration) and 0.9745–0.9880 (verification). Simulation results showed that optimal performance was observed at low S/I ratios (0.5–1) and intermediate particle sizes (1.4–4 mm), with maximum yields of 419, 744, and 581 for carbohydrate-rich, protein- and lipid-rich, and mixed substrates, respectively. Overall, the model provides a consistent framework for analyzing AD behavior and identifying favorable operational conditions, although further validation under unstable operating conditions is required to fully assess its predictive capability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Recovery and Microbial Transformation of Organic Solid Waste)
17 pages, 4938 KB  
Article
Research on Electro-Acoustic Synergistic Partial Discharge Detection Technology for Cable Terminations
by Cong Chen, Xiaojian Wang, Yanju Li and Qichao Chen
Sensors 2026, 26(11), 3460; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26113460 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
To address the limited spatial localization accuracy of partial discharge (PD) in high-voltage cable terminations and the difficulty in accurately determining the trigger time in traditional ultrasonic detection, this paper proposes an electro-acoustic synergistic localization technology based on a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) [...] Read more.
To address the limited spatial localization accuracy of partial discharge (PD) in high-voltage cable terminations and the difficulty in accurately determining the trigger time in traditional ultrasonic detection, this paper proposes an electro-acoustic synergistic localization technology based on a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) and a Sagnac optical fiber interferometer. A high-sensitivity Sagnac acoustic sensor based on a 3D-printed photosensitive resin mandrel was developed. Through structural design and 0–50 kHz amplitude–frequency testing, the sensor exhibits a dominant resonant response at 33.2 kHz. This narrow-band, high-sensitivity characteristic effectively enhances the perception capability for weak PD ultrasonic signals. An electro-acoustic synergistic detection system was constructed, in which the high-frequency PD current signal captured by the HFCT was used as the electrical time reference, and a dual-channel Sagnac sensor array was used to extract the arrival times of ultrasonic waves. In a 12 kV laboratory cable-termination PD experiment, the proposed system identified the representative built-in air-gap PD source with an absolute localization error of 5 mm under the tested laboratory configuration. This value should be interpreted as the localization result for the tested representative defect, rather than as a generally validated accuracy specification of the system. This study provides a proof-of-concept laboratory demonstration of an electro-acoustic localization strategy that combines the fast electrical response of HFCT detection with the electromagnetic-interference immunity and acoustic sensitivity of Sagnac fiber-optic sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Sensors for Industrial Applications: 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 1739 KB  
Article
A Standardised Combinational Method for Evaluating Antimicrobial Compounds Against Biofilm Attachment, Development and Eradication
by Kevin Masterson, Mark Lynch, Ian Major and Neil Rowan
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061238 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance remains a significant challenge for healthcare and patient safety. Currently, there are gaps in standardised methods for assessing antimicrobials against biofilm formations such as (1) assessment of initial bacterial attachment inhibition, as well as (2) assessment of antimicrobial compounds against [...] Read more.
Biofilm-mediated antimicrobial resistance remains a significant challenge for healthcare and patient safety. Currently, there are gaps in standardised methods for assessing antimicrobials against biofilm formations such as (1) assessment of initial bacterial attachment inhibition, as well as (2) assessment of antimicrobial compounds against both the external biofilm mass and biofilm-embedded metabolically active bacteria. The aim of this study is to address these gaps by combining several anti-biofilm techniques. In the procedure96-well anti-biofilm assessments were performed using plate well and lid peg growth surfaces so as to determine the effects of bioactive compounds (silver nitrate (AgNO3), nisin, chitosan and zinc oxide nanopowder (ZnO)) on biofilm growth inhibition, formed biofilm reduction and bacterial attachment inhibition. These studies focused on the initial attachment stage against in vitro biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Effects were measured against biofilm mass using Crystal Violet (CV) staining, while embedded bacteria metabolic activity was measured using Resazurin. AgNO3 exhibited significant inhibition and reduction against P. aeruginosa at all stages of biofilm development (p < 0.0001). AgNO3 showed significant results against S. aureus during biofilm development and against the embedded, metabolically active population of established biofilms (p < 0.0001). Nisin showed significant inhibition against S. aureus biofilm populations (p < 0.0001). Chitosan showed significant increases in S. aureus biofilm formations following exposure, during initial attachment (p < 0.02), during biofilm growth (p < 0.0001) and against formed biofilm populations (p < 0.0001). ZnO showed significant increases during initial attachment exposure (p < 0.0001), but also exhibited growth inhibition (p < 0.0001) and biofilm reduction (p < 0.0001). Although variance in anti-biofilm efficacy was evident depending upon treatment used, Gram-staining phenotype and test growth surfaces, this combinational method offers potential for high throughput screening and for evaluating pipeline bioactives isolated from different environments for biofilm prevention, inhibition and removal. Additionally, this approach will help elucidate the relationship between bacteria of interest and biofilm mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biofilm)
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20 pages, 2442 KB  
Article
Effects of Different Exogenous Nutrient Bag Formulations on the Agronomic Traits, Nutritional Quality, and Soil Ecological Environment of Morchella sextelata
by Wangyang Wu, Qiong Wu, Tao Han, Huaqi He and Yongmei Miao
Horticulturae 2026, 12(6), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12060678 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Exogenous nutrient bags are essential for the artificial cultivation of Morchella sextelata, but the effects of different formulations on yield, nutritional quality, and the soil microecological environment remain unclear. In this study, nine exogenous nutrient bag formulations and one conventional treatment (CK) [...] Read more.
Exogenous nutrient bags are essential for the artificial cultivation of Morchella sextelata, but the effects of different formulations on yield, nutritional quality, and the soil microecological environment remain unclear. In this study, nine exogenous nutrient bag formulations and one conventional treatment (CK) were evaluated during M. sextelata cultivation. Fruiting time, fresh and dry yields, and nutritional quality indicators were measured, and principal component analysis combined with membership function analysis was used for comprehensive evaluation. Soil physicochemical properties were determined for all treatments, and A7, A3, and CK were selected to represent the best-performing, worst-performing, and conventional treatments, respectively, for soil microbial community analysis. Different formulations significantly affected agronomic and nutritional traits (p < 0.01). A6 showed the shortest fruiting time and the highest fresh and dry yields, whereas A7 had the highest polysaccharide content and ranked first in the comprehensive evaluation. The D values of A7, A6, and CK were 0.789, 0.777, and 0.653, respectively. Soil nutrient analysis showed that morel cultivation markedly altered soil nutrient structure, especially available nutrients and phosphorus-related indicators. Microbial analysis showed that A7 had the highest bacterial richness among the three sequenced treatments and stronger colonization by M. sextelata. Its bacterial and fungal communities were also more closely associated with soil organic carbon. Overall, A6 was more suitable for yield-oriented production, whereas A7 showed the best comprehensive performance when yield, nutritional quality, and soil ecological characteristics were considered together. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinals, Herbs, and Specialty Crops)
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9 pages, 827 KB  
Article
Outcomes and Predictors of Recurrence Following Open Fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s Disease: A Cohort Study from an Australian Tertiary Centre
by Ishith Seth, Akshay Soni, Omar Shadid, James Venturini, Angus Skeen, Sai-Vignesh Ashok, Richard J. Ross and Warren M. Rozen
Surgeries 2026, 7(2), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries7020065 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Open fasciectomy is the standard treatment for Dupuytren’s disease, but recent Australian outcome data are scarce. This study assessed outcomes and predictors of recurrence after open fasciectomy at a tertiary centre. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all open fasciectomy procedures for Dupuytren’s disease [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Open fasciectomy is the standard treatment for Dupuytren’s disease, but recent Australian outcome data are scarce. This study assessed outcomes and predictors of recurrence after open fasciectomy at a tertiary centre. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all open fasciectomy procedures for Dupuytren’s disease at Peninsula Health, Victoria (January 2023–October 2024). Data included contracture correction, functional scores (URAM, Southampton), recurrence at 6 and 12 months, complications, and demographic predictors. Appropriate statistical tests were used (significance: p < 0.05). Results: Among 152 procedures (mean age 63.8; 70.2% male), contracture correction was significant for all joints. URAM and Southampton scores improved by 15.3 and 7.6 points (p < 0.001). Complications (22.4%) were mainly transient neuropraxia. Recurrence was 10.5% at six months and 13.8% at twelve months. Smoking and female sex increased recurrence risk. Conclusions: Open fasciectomy provides effective correction, functional gain, and low early recurrence rates. Smoking and female sex predict recurrence, supporting tailored counselling and reaffirming open fasciectomy as the standard for advanced Dupuytren’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hand Surgery and Research)
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17 pages, 1971 KB  
Article
Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) Natural Excision Frequencies and Its Contributing Factors in Variant SCCmec Type Prototypic Strains
by Salman Mirza, Laura Fine, Jo-Ann McClure, Joseph Kim, John M. Conly and Kunyan Zhang
Antibiotics 2026, 15(6), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics15060555 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus aureus acquires methicillin resistance genes through the SCCmec element. Although spontaneous SCCmec excision has been observed, its frequency, type-specific variation, and responsiveness to environmental conditions remain undefined. Here, we systematically quantified SCCmec excision across diverse prototypic types/subtypes and [...] Read more.
Background: Staphylococcus aureus acquires methicillin resistance genes through the SCCmec element. Although spontaneous SCCmec excision has been observed, its frequency, type-specific variation, and responsiveness to environmental conditions remain undefined. Here, we systematically quantified SCCmec excision across diverse prototypic types/subtypes and evaluated the factors that contribute to excision variability. Methods: Twenty five prototypic MRSA strains (SCCmec types I–VIII, XI–XIII and defined subtypes) were examined under standard growth temperature (37 °C), elevated temperature (42 °C), desiccation, prolonged continuous culture (30 days), and sub-lethal oxacillin pressure. Excision frequencies were quantified using qPCR, normalized to the gyrB housekeeping gene using the formula: 10−((Ct,orfX−Ct,gyrB)/3.32). Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, t-tests, and OLS regression for time-dependent trends. Results: At 37 °C, excision frequencies ranged from 2.40 × 10−6 to 1.32 × 10−3 and varied among representative SCCmec types/subtypes but were unrelated to SCCmec size (R2 = 0.027, p = 0.44). Type I showed no detectable excision due to a truncated ccrB gene. At 42 °C, excision increased in 14 of 24 types (median +11.2%; eight significant) and decreased in 10 (median −7.4%; four significant). Desiccation produced similar effects, with nine types increasing (median +7.1%; four significant), 14 decreasing (median −8.2%; five significant), and one unchanged. Continuous culture exhibited progressive increases in excision across multiple types (R2 = 0.3–0.94), whereas sub-lethal oxacillin uniformly maintained low detectable excision frequencies across all SCCmec types. Conclusions: Excision varied among representative SCCmec types and was influenced heterogeneously by distinct stress conditions. Continuous culture promoted excision, whereas oxacillin exposure maintained low detectable excision. This work quantitatively confirms spontaneous SCCmec excision and provides new insights into MRSA genome plasticity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibiotic Resistance Genes: Mechanisms, Evolution and Dissemination)
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22 pages, 7527 KB  
Article
Environmental and Economic Assessment of the Intensification of an Isomerization Column–Reactor Through Vapor Recompression Electrification
by Fernanda Ribeiro Figueiredo, Roymel Rodríguez Carpio, Diego Martinez Prata and Argimiro Resende Secchi
Processes 2026, 14(11), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14111790 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Purification of isobutane remains a fundamental step in the production of a cleaner alkylated gasoline, and the distillation operation employed for this separation is notoriously energy-intensive and a significant contributor to environmental impacts. To address these challenges, this work proposes vapor recompression (VR) [...] Read more.
Purification of isobutane remains a fundamental step in the production of a cleaner alkylated gasoline, and the distillation operation employed for this separation is notoriously energy-intensive and a significant contributor to environmental impacts. To address these challenges, this work proposes vapor recompression (VR) as an intensified alternative process to fully electrify the conventional column–reactor configuration used in n-butane isomerization and separation. An external VR scheme was designed and globally optimized with the objective of minimizing total annualized cost. The optimized VR configuration showed a clear economic advantage, achieving an approximate 13.83% reduction in costs over a 10-year horizon with a break-even time of 7.13 years. Additionally, overall energy demand was reduced by 74%, and operational safety was enhanced, as the boiler is required only during plant start-up and shutdown. To account for economic uncertainty, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of fluctuations in electricity and steam prices. Environmental performance was further assessed through CO2 emissions using different national electricity emission factors. While emission reductions depend strongly on grid carbon intensity, regions with low-carbon electricity mixes show significant mitigation potential. Overall, VR emerges as a promising strategy to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of industrial processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization in Chemical Engineering)
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41 pages, 2408 KB  
Review
Biomimetic Targeted Drug Delivery for Liver Failure in Abdominal Sepsis: Focus on Autologous Erythrocyte Ghosts
by Kulzhan Berikkhanova, Isah Inuwa, Erlan Taigulov, Saken Kozhakhmetov, Nurzhan Bikhanov, Ardak Omarbekov, Gulsara Berikkhanova, Yessenhan Sultan, Abdulrahman Garba Jibo, Saniya Abdrakhmanova, Zhannat Zhakiyanova, Gulyash Tanysheva and Zhaxybay Zhumadilov
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4978; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114978 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Sepsis-induced liver failure remains a serious and often under-recognized complication of abdominal sepsis. Clinical reports suggest that liver dysfunction develops in a substantial proportion of these patients, and once failure ensues, mortality rises sharply. Despite progress in antimicrobial therapy and critical care support, [...] Read more.
Sepsis-induced liver failure remains a serious and often under-recognized complication of abdominal sepsis. Clinical reports suggest that liver dysfunction develops in a substantial proportion of these patients, and once failure ensues, mortality rises sharply. Despite progress in antimicrobial therapy and critical care support, there is still no therapy that directly halts or reliably reverses septic liver injury. Systemic drug administration frequently underperforms in this setting. Hepatic drug accumulation becomes unpredictable, pharmacokinetics shift, and immune dysregulation further complicates therapeutic control. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have attempted to address these shortcomings by improving drug stability and circulation time. Yet their behavior under septic conditions remains inconsistent. This inconsistency may reflect a deeper issue: most carriers are engineered under relatively stable physiological assumptions that do not hold during systemic inflammation. Biomimetic platforms, particularly those derived from erythrocyte membranes, offer a different conceptual entry point. Rather than merely evading immune recognition, erythrocyte-based systems interact naturally with hepatic clearance pathways. During sepsis, erythrocyte turnover appears to accelerate, and macrophage-mediated clearance in the liver intensifies. This shift, while pathologic, may present a therapeutic opportunity. In this review, we examine current liver-targeted delivery strategies for sepsis-induced liver failure and critically assess the underexplored role of erythrocyte ghost-based systems. We discuss how sepsis-specific pathophysiological changes reshape carrier biodistribution, identify translational constraints, and propose design considerations for inflammation-adaptive biomimetic platforms. By reconsidering hepatic clearance not solely as a pharmacokinetic barrier but as a potential delivery route, we outline a disease-aligned approach to nanomedicine design in septic organ failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)
22 pages, 5229 KB  
Commentary
Integrating Extracellular Matrix Dynamics and Membrane-Associated Signaling: The Role of Clusterin-LRP1 Network in Cancer Cell Migration and Tumor Progression
by Alessia Ciringione, Federica Rizzi, Sylvia Mangani, Zoi Piperigkou and Nikos Karamanos
Cancers 2026, 18(11), 1791; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18111791 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Tumor cell migration relies on the integration of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell surface signaling regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Clusterin (CLU), a secreted glycoprotein, is involved in extracellular proteostasis and is known to interact with members of the LDL receptor [...] Read more.
Tumor cell migration relies on the integration of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell surface signaling regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Clusterin (CLU), a secreted glycoprotein, is involved in extracellular proteostasis and is known to interact with members of the LDL receptor family, including low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). Beyond its canonical chaperone activity, CLU is involved in several biological processes, including cell survival, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, inflammation and cancer progression. On the other hand, the membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP), functionally linked to CD44 and LRP1, represents a key membrane-associated molecule that may control cell adhesion and receptor-mediated uptake of ECM ligands and proteases. In this article, we critically highlight a hypothetical model in which secreted CLU (sCLU) may function as the central player of a dynamic membrane-associated network integrating proteolysis, endocytosis, and intracellular signaling. Based on recent literature findings and STRING analyses, LRP1, MT1-MMP, CD44, and cell surface matrix components, such as proteoglycans (PGs) and integrins, are likely to be involved. By coordinating this membrane-associated molecular crosstalk, sCLU may integrate ECM remodeling with cytoskeletal dynamics and EMT-related programs related to invasive behavior. Overall, this framework highlights a potential mechanism through which sCLU may contribute to tumor cell plasticity and aggressiveness, suggesting new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Section "Tumor Microenvironment" (2nd Edition))
22 pages, 44844 KB  
Article
Urban-Scale Chikungunya Risk Mapping in the Western Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Using Remote Sensing
by Yufeng Liu and Suhong Liu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(6), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060730 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
This study presents a reproducible high-resolution framework for assessing urban chikungunya environmental suitability and outbreak-related spatial heterogeneity during the 2025 outbreak in the western Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Using Sentinel-2–derived environmental indicators together with a random forest–based residual correction of Landsat surface [...] Read more.
This study presents a reproducible high-resolution framework for assessing urban chikungunya environmental suitability and outbreak-related spatial heterogeneity during the 2025 outbreak in the western Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Using Sentinel-2–derived environmental indicators together with a random forest–based residual correction of Landsat surface temperature, we developed a 10 m weighted additive Mosquito Habitat Suitability Index (MHSI). Index weights were empirically derived by comparing reported case locations at the street and town level with randomly sampled background points. The optimized weighting scheme indicated that humidity- and water-related conditions contributed more strongly to habitat suitability than vegetation and temperature. Reported case locations generally corresponded to higher MHSI values than background locations, suggesting that the index captures broad spatial patterns of environmental suitability. Comparison with a coarser, model-derived global chikungunya risk map was used as an external comparative consistency assessment rather than predictive validation, showing moderate agreement at the macro-spatial scale (Pearson r = 0.3421) after correction for spatial autocorrelation. Residual-difference analysis, combined with multiple points-of-interest (POI) categories, ordinary least squares (OLS), and geographically weighted regression (GWR), further suggested that human activity, transport connectivity, and healthcare accessibility may account for part of the remaining spatial mismatch not explained by environmental suitability alone. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the broad LST downscaling pattern and the exploratory GWR interpretation were reasonably stable under alternative sampling, smoothing, grid-size, and bandwidth settings. Taken together, this framework provides preliminary spatial evidence for high-resolution environmental suitability assessment and exploratory interpretation of outbreak-related spatial heterogeneity, while underscoring the need for finer-scale epidemiological data and more explicit representation of human-driven processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Spatial Science and Technology in Health Research, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 14977 KB  
Article
Why Is Offshore Gas-to-Wire with CCUS Geopolitically and Economically Critical to Decarbonization?
by Icaro B. Boa Morte, Israel Bernardo S. Poblete, Cláudia R. V. Morgado, José Luiz de Medeiros and Ofélia de Queiroz Fernandes Araújo
Processes 2026, 14(11), 1791; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14111791 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Carbon taxes and credits (CT&C) accelerate global deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to enable energy transition. This study investigates the economic performance and resilience of floating gas-to-wire with CCUS (f-GTW-CCUS), deployed at the wellhead of stranded CO2-rich [...] Read more.
Carbon taxes and credits (CT&C) accelerate global deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies to enable energy transition. This study investigates the economic performance and resilience of floating gas-to-wire with CCUS (f-GTW-CCUS), deployed at the wellhead of stranded CO2-rich offshore oil and gas reservoirs. The f-GTW-CCUS platform integrates a natural gas combined cycle power plant with monoethanolamine post-combustion capture (PCC-MEA), producing low-carbon electricity (23 kgCO2e/MWh, competitive with renewables) while monetizing captured CO2 via enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The mass and energy balance data from the proposed process configuration were obtained in the literature. Critically, f-GTW-CCUS operates on wellhead-sourced in situ-associated gas, eliminating exposure to volatile natural gas markets, and achieves a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of USD 67.15/MWh. Monte Carlo analysis (10,000 Gaussian iterations, 30-year lifetime, 10% discount rate, three CT&C scenarios, namely, low/medium/high) is used to quantify economic feasibility across three stochastic variables: oil, natural gas, and electricity prices, starting in the 5th year. The results demonstrate the following: (1) Case A (f-GTW without CCUS) remains economically infeasible (NPV < 0) under all price volatility scenarios due to insufficient electricity-only revenue and carbon taxation penalties; (2) Case B (f-GTW-CCUS with immediate CCUS deployment) maintains positive NPV across all scenarios, with EOR monetization contributing 43% of total revenue; (3) the critical CCUS deployment-delay threshold is 6 years under high carbon taxation, extending to 10 years when carbon credits are included. Gate-to-gate environmental assessment (carbon intensity, water footprint, land transformation) shows f-GTW-CCUS superiority versus alternative power systems, with minimal water–land nexuses due to offshore desalination. An empirical consistency assessment based on the 2026 geopolitical energy crisis demonstrates the structural resilience of the f-GTW-CCUS plant: the wellhead sourcing provides resilience to global natural gas price shocks, while the concurrent crude price escalation amplifies EOR revenues by 43–57%, improving project feasibility during commodity disruptions. These findings position f-GTW-CCUS as a critical decarbonization pathway for O&G producers exploiting stranded gas reserves. The technology combines carbon intensity reduction with economic resilience under volatile energy market conditions and mandatory climate policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oil and Gas Drilling Processes: Control and Optimization, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 17141 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Ectodermal Marker Expression in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Amniotic Epithelial Cells Exposed to Ectoderm-Inducing Conditions
by Bartosz Sikora, Aleksandra Skubis-Sikora, Marcin Ciekalski, Patrycja Wieczorek, Agnieszka Prusek-Kucharek and Piotr Czekaj
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(11), 4976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27114976 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Nervous system and corneal disorders are major causes of permanent disability worldwide, largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of ectoderm-derived tissues. Therefore, the development of accessible and ethically acceptable cell-based therapies promoting the repair and regeneration of these tissues is of considerable [...] Read more.
Nervous system and corneal disorders are major causes of permanent disability worldwide, largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of ectoderm-derived tissues. Therefore, the development of accessible and ethically acceptable cell-based therapies promoting the repair and regeneration of these tissues is of considerable translational importance. In this study, we aimed to comparatively evaluate the ectodermal differentiation potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) in vitro, with hAECs serving as a reference cell population with established ectodermal plasticity. Primary ADSCs and hAECs were characterized phenotypically using flow cytometry and functional differentiation assays. Cells were subjected to a directed ectodermal differentiation protocol and assessed via morphological analysis, immunostaining for ectoderm-associated proteins, and RT-qPCR analysis of lineage-specific genes. ADSCs exhibited morphological changes following differentiation, including a more epithelial-like phenotype and an increased nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. Immunostaining revealed the induction of nestin and OTX2 expression after differentiation, which was particularly pronounced in ADSCs. Gene expression analysis demonstrated statistically significant upregulation of the ectoderm-related genes EN2, SOX1, and PAX6 exclusively in hAECs. Results suggest that in ADSCs the differentiation process was only partially activated. In conclusion, our findings further support the suitability of hAECs as a reference cell line for studies investigating ectodermal differentiation protocols, while also demonstrating that ADSCs exhibit a limited but detectable capacity for acquiring ectoderm-specific characteristics under defined in vitro culture conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Research on Mesenchymal Stem Cells (2nd Edition))
28 pages, 2811 KB  
Article
The Effect of Dark Matter Halo Annihilation on Gravitational Waves
by Yu Wang, Meilin Liu and Haiguang Xu
Universe 2026, 12(6), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe12060162 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
We investigate the influence of dark matter halos surrounding supermassive black holes on the gravitational waves emitted by extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs). Focusing on circular orbits, we model the orbital evolution by incorporating both gravitational-wave radiation reaction and dynamical friction induced by [...] Read more.
We investigate the influence of dark matter halos surrounding supermassive black holes on the gravitational waves emitted by extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs). Focusing on circular orbits, we model the orbital evolution by incorporating both gravitational-wave radiation reaction and dynamical friction induced by the dark matter distribution, including possible density spikes near the black hole. Using frequency-domain waveform analysis, we compute the phase evolution of gravitational waves and quantify the dephasing caused by different halo parameters, including slope, density, and mass ratio. We further explore the distinguishability of dark matter models with annihilation, non-annihilation, and p-wave velocity dependence, as well as the potential to differentiate between astrophysical and primordial black holes. Our results show that even small variations in the dark matter properties lead to observable phase differences over a four-year EMRI evolution, making space-based detectors such as LISA sensitive probes of central dark matter distributions. Finally, we employ the Fisher matrix formalism to estimate the precision with which key parameters, such as halo slope and density, can be constrained, demonstrating that EMRI observations provide a promising avenue to probe both the nature of dark matter and the formation history of supermassive black holes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Low-Frequency Gravitational Wave Sources: Waveforms, Detection and Sciences)
14 pages, 550 KB  
Article
Real-World Associations Between Physical Activity, LDL Cholesterol, and Functional Performance in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Peter Marián Kalanin and Ivan Uher
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111522 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiometabolic health and functional performance, but evidence from real-world primary care populations simultaneously examining PA, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and functional performance remains limited. Objective: This study evaluated associations between PA, LDL-C, and functional [...] Read more.
Background: Physical activity (PA) is associated with cardiometabolic health and functional performance, but evidence from real-world primary care populations simultaneously examining PA, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and functional performance remains limited. Objective: This study evaluated associations between PA, LDL-C, and functional performance in a real-world primary care cohort. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 863 adult primary care patients evaluated between February 2021 and March 2026. The overall cohort had a mean age of 52.4 ± 14.8 years, and 53.3% of participants were female. PA was assessed using self-reported activity categories (low, moderate, or high) obtained during a routine clinical evaluation. LDL-C concentrations were analyzed in the full cohort, while Timed Up and Go (TUG) functional performance assessment was available in an exploratory subgroup (n = 214). Multivariable regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and arterial hypertension in the TUG analysis. Results: Higher PA categories were associated with lower LDL-C concentrations across groups (p < 0.001). Mean LDL-C concentrations were 3.68 ± 1.05 mmol/L in the low PA group, 3.39 ± 0.97 mmol/L in the moderate PA group, and 3.12 ± 0.89 mmol/L in the high PA group. In the exploratory TUG subgroup, higher PA categories were also associated with better functional performance (p < 0.001). These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: Higher self-reported PA levels were associated with lower LDL-C concentrations in the full cohort and with better functional performance in the subgroup with available TUG data. Because of the cross-sectional observational design, these findings should be interpreted as associations and do not establish causality or directionality. Residual confounding, particularly from unavailable data on lipid-lowering medication use, smoking status, diet, socioeconomic status, and other cardiovascular risk factors, cannot be excluded. Future longitudinal studies using objective PA assessment, a more complete confounder assessment, and direct measurement of regulatory processes are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health and Preventive Medicine)
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13 pages, 651 KB  
Article
Controlling Myopia: Insights from a Nation-Wide Clinical Practice Survey
by Aldo Vagge, Gabriele Drago, Carlo Catti, Serge Resnikoff, Roberto Caputo, Paolo Nucci, Lelio Sabetti, Matteo Gabriele Gabutto, Massimiliano Serafino, Giuliano Stramare, Irene Schiavetti, Maurizio Fedriga, Maria Musolino and Michele Iester
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(11), 4237; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15114237 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and strategies employed by Italian ophthalmologists and orthoptists in control myopia progression. Methods: A comprehensive survey was developed, consisting of 26 questions focusing on various aspects of myopia progression control, and it was distributed electronically using the Google [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and strategies employed by Italian ophthalmologists and orthoptists in control myopia progression. Methods: A comprehensive survey was developed, consisting of 26 questions focusing on various aspects of myopia progression control, and it was distributed electronically using the Google Forms platform to all members of the major ophthalmological and orthoptist societies (S.I.S.O. ETS, AIOrAO, AIMO, and SIOPS). Results: A total of 662 respondents were obtained. 68.88% of participants use myopia progression control into their clinical practice, and 78.1% feel adequately updated in this field. Myopia-defocus lenses emerge as the first-line method for controlling myopia progression in approximately 43.05% of cases, whereas 33.53% recommend only behavioral methods. Atropine is used at a concentration of 0.01% as the first choice (55.59% of responses). Among myopia-defocus technologies, 38.82% use DIMS lenses, while another 38.82% leave the choice to the optician. Peripheral defocus lenses and low-dose atropine are considered scientifically valid by a larger number of participants (79.61% and 58.31%, respectively). Conclusions: This survey indicates that many ophthalmologists consider themselves well-versed and updated in current management approaches. Peripheral defocus lenses and low-concentration atropine emerge as the most widely implemented therapeutic strategies, supported by the perceived strong scientific evidence for their efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ophthalmology)
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26 pages, 1724 KB  
Article
Data-Driven Sliding Mode Coordinated Control for Air Flow Rate and Cathode Pressure in PEMFC Air Supply Systems
by Siyu Bao, Mengge Sun and Lulu Guo
Technologies 2026, 14(6), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14060335 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Accurate regulation of air flow rate and cathode pressure is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems. However, the PEMFC air supply system exhibits strong nonlinearity, multivariable coupling, and sensitivity to parameter variations and external [...] Read more.
Accurate regulation of air flow rate and cathode pressure is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems. However, the PEMFC air supply system exhibits strong nonlinearity, multivariable coupling, and sensitivity to parameter variations and external disturbances, which make precise mathematical modeling extremely challenging and consequently limit the effectiveness of conventional model-based control approaches. To address these issues, a data-driven sliding mode control strategy that requires neither prior model information nor structural knowledge is developed. First, a dynamic linearized data model capable of describing both separable and inseparable disturbances is constructed, and its dynamic equivalence to the original nonlinear system is rigorously established. A wavelet neural network is then employed to estimate the unknown parameters online, thereby improving estimation accuracy. Based on these data models, a data-driven sliding mode controller is designed for the coordinated regulation of air flow rate and cathode pressure. Furthermore, a novel hyperbolic reaching law is introduced to adaptively adjust the convergence rate and effectively alleviate chattering. Theoretical analysis proves that the proposed control scheme guarantees convergence to a quasi-sliding mode. Finally, comparative simulations with benchmark controllers demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. Full article
21 pages, 5640 KB  
Article
Investigation on Adaptive Building Shape Design Indicator Based on the Interaction of Building, Climate and Energy
by Jikang Jia, Li Pu, Yinghui Jiao, Fang Qian, Xiangyang Rong, Pengfei Si, Daya He, Lijun Shi, Songsong Feng and Jiansong Sun
Buildings 2026, 16(11), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16112209 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
The building shape coefficient is an important metric in building design and energy analysis for describing the geometric compactness of a building. However, the conventional shape coefficient neglects the beneficial contribution of transparent building envelopes in utilizing solar radiation. To address this limitation, [...] Read more.
The building shape coefficient is an important metric in building design and energy analysis for describing the geometric compactness of a building. However, the conventional shape coefficient neglects the beneficial contribution of transparent building envelopes in utilizing solar radiation. To address this limitation, this study proposes a novel indicator, the building shape energy-saving coefficient (E), which accounts for the thermal performance differences between transparent and non-transparent building envelopes. A key intermediate parameter in the development of this indicator is the transparent envelope equivalent coefficient (Ci). Numerical simulation results indicate that climate conditions and building orientation are the primary factors influencing Ci. Based on these results, reference Ci values for different orientations of linear buildings in typical cities are provided. Subsequently, the corresponding E values are calculated, and the correlations between E, the traditional shape coefficient, and building air conditioning energy consumption are systematically compared. The results show that the coefficient of determination between E and air conditioning energy consumption exceeds 0.80, significantly higher than that between the traditional shape coefficient and energy consumption, demonstrating the improved predictive capability of the proposed indicator. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture and Healthy Environment)
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14 pages, 4267 KB  
Article
Deficits in Cognitive–Motor Control of the Ipsilesional Upper Limb in Subacute Stroke Assessed Using a Robotic Exoskeleton: A Longitudinal Study
by Emmanuel Segnon Sogbossi, Léandre Gagné-Pelletier and Catherine Mercier
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(6), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16060595 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study longitudinally assessed cognitive–motor control deficits in the ipsilesional upper limb following stroke and, secondarily, examined the effect of lesion laterality on these deficits. Methods: Forty-one participants (mean [SD] age: 64.6 [14.4] years; 24 with right-hemisphere lesion; 38 right-handed) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study longitudinally assessed cognitive–motor control deficits in the ipsilesional upper limb following stroke and, secondarily, examined the effect of lesion laterality on these deficits. Methods: Forty-one participants (mean [SD] age: 64.6 [14.4] years; 24 with right-hemisphere lesion; 38 right-handed) were assessed using the KINARM Exoskeleton Lab at approximately 4 weeks (T1), 10 weeks (T2), and 29 weeks (T3) post-stroke. They completed the Visually Guided Reaching (VGR) and Reverse Visually Guided Reaching (RVGR; where the cursor moved in the opposite direction to the subject’s hand movement) tasks with their ipsilesional limb to assess motor control and cognitive–motor control, respectively. Global Task-scores and Z-scores for specific variables derived from normative data were used to determine the occurrence of deficits within each task. Linear mixed-effects models examined time and lesion-side effects. Results: About 88% and 56% of participants were impaired on the RVGR global Task-score, at T1 and T3, respectively. In contrast, only 12% and 9% of participants were impaired on the VGR Task-score, at T1 and T3, respectively. Performance on the RVGR task improved over time. Interestingly, deficits were significantly more severe for right-hemisphere lesions on several variables, except for the feedforward variables. Performance on the VGR task remained unchanged with no lesion-side effect. Conclusions: Stroke survivors exhibited significant impairments in cognitive–motor control of the ipsilesional upper limb, independent of pure motor deficits, persisting into the chronic stage. Right-hemisphere lesions were associated with greater impairments, indicating a potential hemispheric specialization for such cognitive–motor control task. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Plasticity and Motor Control—3rd Edition)
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21 pages, 2424 KB  
Article
An Eye-Tracking-Driven Evaluation Framework for Age-Friendly Smart Home Interface
by Zixin Huang and Yushu Chen
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(11), 5454; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16115454 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Smart home mobile applications are a primary digital channel through which older adults manage home devices and access daily services. Existing evaluation approaches do not adequately capture the cognitive burden experienced by older users, because dimensional weights are typically assigned through expert judgment [...] Read more.
Smart home mobile applications are a primary digital channel through which older adults manage home devices and access daily services. Existing evaluation approaches do not adequately capture the cognitive burden experienced by older users, because dimensional weights are typically assigned through expert judgment rather than derived from target-user data. This study proposes a framework integrating eye-tracking-derived cognitive load with WCAG 2.2 criteria. Evaluation dimensions are defined based on the MOLD-US aging barrier classification, and nine indicators are selected according to compliance level, quantifiability, and relevance to cognitive aging. Cognitive load data from 35 older adults (aged 60–75) were used to calibrate dimensional priorities. Accessibility-related tasks produced significantly higher cognitive load than visual and operational tasks (Cohen’s dz = 0.855), and the ordering held across three Cognitive Load Index aggregation schemes. A hybrid scoring mechanism combining a multimodal large language model with rule-based scripts was implemented for scalable evaluation. Validation on six high-fidelity prototypes showed strong agreement with expert ratings (Spearman’s ρ = 0.71–0.93) and on the same scoring task, the framework required about 1/14 of the time taken by an expert panel. By calibrating dimensional weights with eye-tracking data from older adults instead of expert judgment alone, the framework integrates WCAG compliance scoring with group-specific priorities, positioned as a design-stage screening tool prior to deployment testing. Full article
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34 pages, 3007 KB  
Article
A Memetic Genetic Algorithm Framework for Public Transit Route Optimization: The Genetic Scissors Method
by Kadir Akgol and Mucahit Kayis
Mathematics 2026, 14(11), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14111908 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
This study proposes a memetic genetic algorithm framework, termed Genetic Scissors, for improving the spatial directness of public transit routes based on the rationality measure. The framework is formulated on an extended problem structure and incorporates a same-location constraint that prevents stops sharing [...] Read more.
This study proposes a memetic genetic algorithm framework, termed Genetic Scissors, for improving the spatial directness of public transit routes based on the rationality measure. The framework is formulated on an extended problem structure and incorporates a same-location constraint that prevents stops sharing identical geographic coordinates from being selected consecutively within the same route, together with an enhanced repair procedure that preserves the positional integrity of route start and end stops. It combines three components: a two-phase fitness structure that resolves the scale incompatibility between absolute distance and normalized rationality, six original intensification operators acting at the node, segment, block, and in-route evolutionary search levels, and a regression-based adaptive parameterization scheme responsive to problem size. Experimental analyses on 213 normal clusters derived from the Istanbul public transit network, together with evaluations on a 109-cluster fair-comparison subsample, show that the proposed method improves the existing routes in 81.7% of cases, with a mean rationality improvement of 2.41%, and yields a highly significant Wilcoxon signed-rank effect (p<0.001, r=0.750). In direct comparison, Genetic Scissors outperforms the reference method in 84 of 109 clusters (p<0.001, r=0.714). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimization and Decision Analytics in Transportation System Management)
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34 pages, 4660 KB  
Article
Oral Mycobiome Alterations in Children with Phenylketonuria: Associations with Dietary Intake and Metabolic Context—A Pilot Study
by Małgorzata Ostrowska, Elwira Komoń-Janczara, Bożena Mikołuć, Katarzyna Iłowiecka, Justyna Jarczak, Justyna Zagórska, Paulina Zambrzycka, Silvia Turroni and Hubert Szczerba
Nutrients 2026, 18(11), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18111764 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder requiring a strict low-phenylalanine diet. Oral health impairment, including bacteriome dysbiosis, is common in PKU, yet the mycobiome remains poorly defined. This pilot study aimed to characterise the salivary oral mycobiome of children with PKU compared [...] Read more.
Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder requiring a strict low-phenylalanine diet. Oral health impairment, including bacteriome dysbiosis, is common in PKU, yet the mycobiome remains poorly defined. This pilot study aimed to characterise the salivary oral mycobiome of children with PKU compared with controls and to explore associations with dietary intake. Methods: Saliva samples from 18 children, including 8 patients with PKU and 10 age-matched controls, were profiled using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon sequencing. Alpha/beta diversity, taxonomic composition, diet–fungi correlations, discriminative taxa and LEfSe were analysed. Results: Alpha diversity did not differ significantly between groups after correction for multiple comparisons, although exploratory subgroup analyses suggested lower evenness in PKU children aged <10 years compared with older controls. Beta diversity differed by diagnosis (PERMANOVA: F = 1.7251, p = 0.0062) and in the age–diagnosis model (F = 1.8502, p = 0.0004). Taxonomic analyses identified nominal differences in several fungal taxa, including Candida (p = 0.011), Saccharomycetales_fam_Incertae_sedis (p = 0.011), Naganishia (p = 0.020), and Aspergillaceae (p = 0.036) in PKU samples; however, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory because many did not remain significant after FDR correction. Diet–mycobiome analyses identified selected FDR-supported associations, including an inverse relationship between phenylalanine intake and Naganishia in PKU. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests preliminary compositional differences in the oral mycobiome of children with PKU that may be related to dietary therapy and metabolic context. These exploratory findings require validation in larger cohorts with detailed oral health assessment and control of confounders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Omics Technologies and Other Quality and Safety Methodologies in Nutrition and Health)
24 pages, 1386 KB  
Article
The Hidden Asset: How Social Capital Influences Trade Credit in Private Firms
by Imad Jabbouri, Omar Farooq, Ahmed Ankit and Maryem Naili
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(6), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19060400 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between social capital and trade credit among private firms headquartered in 111 developing economies. The paper shows that firms headquartered in countries with higher levels of social capital receive more trade credit from their suppliers and extend more [...] Read more.
This paper examines the relationship between social capital and trade credit among private firms headquartered in 111 developing economies. The paper shows that firms headquartered in countries with higher levels of social capital receive more trade credit from their suppliers and extend more trade credit to their customers than firms headquartered in countries with lower social capital. The findings remain robust after controlling for a wide range of firm-level and country-level characteristics. Additional analyses show that the relationship between social capital and trade credit is more pronounced in countries with strong institutional environments. The results further indicate that specific dimensions of social capital, particularly interpersonal trust and social tolerance, are positively associated with both supplier-provided and firm-provided trade credit. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of informal institutional environments in facilitating relational financing among private firms operating in developing economies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Business and Entrepreneurship)
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10 pages, 13534 KB  
Article
Stable, Tunable High-Repetition-Rate Operation of Gain-Switched Semiconductor Laser via Hybrid Current-Pulse-Width Control
by Jinxu Fang, Yanyan Qi, Yan Liang and Heping Zeng
Photonics 2026, 13(6), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13060536 (registering DOI) - 30 May 2026
Abstract
The phenomenon of pulse tailing, primarily caused by relaxation oscillations, presents a significant challenge to increasing the repetition rates of gain-switched semiconductor lasers. This paper proposes a novel approach to mitigate this issue by simultaneously regulating both the magnitude and pulse width of [...] Read more.
The phenomenon of pulse tailing, primarily caused by relaxation oscillations, presents a significant challenge to increasing the repetition rates of gain-switched semiconductor lasers. This paper proposes a novel approach to mitigate this issue by simultaneously regulating both the magnitude and pulse width of the pump current, enabling stable, tail-free pulse generation across a broad range of repetition frequencies. Numerical solutions to the carrier rate equations are first employed to investigate the origins of optical pulse tailing. By reducing the current injection duration from 200 ps to 50 ps, carrier injection is effectively truncated, suppressing relaxation oscillations. However, this reduction also leads to a decrease in peak optical pulse power, limiting the laser’s applicability. Increasing the injection current’s magnitude provides a solution. Consequently, a high-precision circuit design has been developed to digitally adjust both the magnitude with a precision of ~3 μA and the pulse width with a resolution of 5 ps. This configuration successfully generates 200 ps optical pulses with a single-pulse energy of 0.96 pJ at 1550 nm, over a repetition rate range from 10 kHz to 1 GHz. With this laser as the transmitter, RZ-OOK modulated signal transmission at a slot rate of 250 MHz has been realized. The proposed scheme offers a stable, reliable optical emission source, making it ideal for high-speed, high-capacity optical time-division multiplexing communication, time-resolved spectroscopy, and laser ranging and imaging applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Lasers, Light Sources and Sensors)
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