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16 pages, 1540 KiB  
Article
A Comparison of Daily and Hourly Evapotranspiration and Transpiration Rate of Summer Maize with Contrast Canopy Size
by Gaoping Xu, Hui Tong, Rongxue Zhang, Xin Lu, Zhaoshun Yang, Yi Wang and Xuzhang Xue
Water 2025, 17(10), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101521 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2025
Abstract
A detailed characterization of evapotranspiration (ET) patterns is of paramount importance for optimizing irrigation scheduling and enhancing water-use efficiency in the North China Plain. To delve into this, a two-season study was conducted at the National Experimental Station for Precise Agriculture in Beijing. [...] Read more.
A detailed characterization of evapotranspiration (ET) patterns is of paramount importance for optimizing irrigation scheduling and enhancing water-use efficiency in the North China Plain. To delve into this, a two-season study was conducted at the National Experimental Station for Precise Agriculture in Beijing. Using 12 weighing lysimeters, the study compared two summer maize varieties with contrasting canopy sizes: Jingke 968 (JK), characterized by a large canopy, and CF 1002 (CF), with a small canopy. The comprehensive analysis yielded the following significant findings: (1) The daily average ET rates exhibited consistent trends across cultivars, yet with notable disparities in magnitude. JK consistently demonstrated higher water consumption throughout the growth seasons. In the first season, at the V13–R1 stage, the peak daily ET of JK and CF reached 5.91 mm/day and 5.52 mm/day, respectively. In the second season, during the R1–R3 stage, these values were 5.21 mm/day for JK and 5.22 mm/day for CF, highlighting the nuanced differences in water use between the varieties under varying growth conditions. (2) Regardless of canopy size, the hourly ET fluctuations across different growth stages followed similar temporal patterns. However, the most striking inter-varietal differences in ET emerged during the R1–R3 reproductive stages, when both cultivars had achieved peak canopy development (leaf area index, LAI > 4.5). Notably, the ET differences between JK and CF adhered to a characteristic diurnal “increase–decrease” pattern. These differences peaked during mid-morning (09:00–11:00) and early afternoon (13:00–15:00), while minimal divergence was observed at solar noon. This pattern suggests complex interactions between canopy structure, microclimate, and plant physiological processes that govern water loss over the course of a day. (3) Analysis of the pooled data pinpointed two critical time periods that significantly contributed to the cumulative ET differences between the varieties. The first period was from 12:00–17:00 during the R1–R3 (anthesis) stage, and the second was from 08:00–16:00 during the R3–R5 (grain filling) stage. JK maintained significantly higher transpiration rates (Tr) compared to CF, especially during the morning hours (09:00–12:00). On average, the Tr of JK exceeded that of CF by 5.3% during the pre-anthesis stage and by 16.0% during the post-anthesis stage. These observed Tr differentials strongly indicate that canopy architecture plays a pivotal role in modulating stomatal regulation patterns. Maize varieties with large canopies, such as JK, demonstrated enhanced morning photosynthetic activity, which likely contributed to increased transpiration. At the same time, both varieties seemed to employ similar midday water conservation strategies, possibly as an adaptive response to environmental stress. In summary, this study has comprehensively elucidated the intricate relationship between the leaf area index and the evapotranspiration of summer maize across multiple timescales, encompassing periodic, daily, and hourly variations. The findings provide invaluable data-driven insights that can underpin the development of precise and quantitative irrigation strategies, ultimately promoting sustainable and efficient maize production in the North China Plain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Scarcity)
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20 pages, 1350 KiB  
Review
Autobiographical Memory: A Scoping Meta-Review of Neuroimaging Data Enlightens the Inconsistencies Between Theory and Experimentation
by Edoardo Donarelli, Cristina Civilotti, Giulia Di Fini, Gabriella Gandino and Alessia Celeghin
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050515 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Autobiographical memory (AM) is typically viewed in terms of comprising episodic (EAM) and semantic (SAM) components. Despite the emergence of numerous meta-analyses, the literature on these constructs remains fragmented. We aimed to summarize neural activations and to discuss the relations between constructs [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Autobiographical memory (AM) is typically viewed in terms of comprising episodic (EAM) and semantic (SAM) components. Despite the emergence of numerous meta-analyses, the literature on these constructs remains fragmented. We aimed to summarize neural activations and to discuss the relations between constructs based on theory and experimentation, while evaluating the consistency between literature sources and discussing the critical issues and challenges of current research. Methods: We conducted a scoping meta-review on AM, EAM, and SAM based on meta-analytic studies in five scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsychInfo, and PsychArticles). No temporal or language limits were applied. Results: We included twelve meta-analyses on AM, EAM and SAM in healthy populations. The meta-analyses of AM and EAM actually investigated the same construct, leading to misinterpretation. The two available meta-analyses on SAM used two different operationalizations of the construct. Neural data about EAM were analyzed via mean rank classification, finding the most relevant areas in the posterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, precuneus, temporo-parietal junction, angular gyrus, and medial prefrontal cortex. SAM was linked to the posterior and anterior cingulate cortexes, middle and inferior frontal gyri, thalamus, middle and superior temporal gyri, inferior frontal and fusiform gyri, and parahippocampal cortex. Conclusions: Variability in reported activation patterns persists, reflecting differences in methodology and assumptions. We propose the homogenization the notations of EAM and AM based on experimental practice. In this notation, AM does not have a separate experimental task nor activation pattern and may not indicate a separate construct but an array of its components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging)
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12 pages, 2091 KiB  
Article
Opposing Calcium-Dependent Effects of GsMTx4 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: In Vitro Proliferation vs. In Vivo Survival Advantage
by Souleymane Abdoul-Azize, Rachid Zoubairi and Olivier Boyer
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4822; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104822 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2025
Abstract
Mechanogated (MG) ion channels play a crucial role in mechano-transduction and immune cell regulation, yet their impact on blood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), remains poorly understood. This study investigates the pharmacological effects of GsMTx4, an MG channel inhibitor, in human ALL [...] Read more.
Mechanogated (MG) ion channels play a crucial role in mechano-transduction and immune cell regulation, yet their impact on blood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), remains poorly understood. This study investigates the pharmacological effects of GsMTx4, an MG channel inhibitor, in human ALL cells both in vitro and in vivo. Unexpectedly, we found that GsMTx4 remarkably increased basal calcium (Ca2+) levels in ALL cells through constitutive Ca2+ entry and enhanced store-operated Ca2⁺ influx upon thapsigargin stimulation. This increase in basal Ca2+ signaling promoted ALL cell viability and proliferation in vitro. Notably, chelating intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA-AM reduces GsMTx4-mediated leukemia cell viability and proliferation. However, in vivo, GsMTx4 decreases cytosolic Ca2+ levels in Nalm-6 GFP⁺ cells isolated from mouse blood, effectively countering leukemia progression and significantly extending survival in NSG mice transplanted with leukemia cells (median survival: GsMTx4 vs. control, 37.5 days vs. 29 days, p = 0.0414). Our results highlight the different properties of GsMTx4 activity in in vitro and in vivo models. They also emphasize that Ca2+ signaling is a key vulnerability in leukemia, where its precise modulation dictates disease progression. Thus, targeting Ca2+ channels could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for leukemia by exploiting Ca2+ homeostasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drugs Targeting Cancer Signaling Pathways: Dissecting Mechanisms to Unlock New Therapeutic Targets)
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11 pages, 9609 KiB  
Article
Research on the Influence of Laser Cleaning Parameters on the Removal Effectiveness of Al Metal Layers from Ceramic Substrate Surfaces
by Yuqin Li, Hangchao Wang, Weizhuo Hua, Hang Wang and Yuchang Qing
Coatings 2025, 15(5), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050600 (registering DOI) - 18 May 2025
Abstract
This study explores a novel method for removing Al metal coatings by using nanosecond pulsed lasers to clean Al metal layers from ceramic substrate surfaces. The impact of laser power and pulse width on the effectiveness of the removal of the Al metal [...] Read more.
This study explores a novel method for removing Al metal coatings by using nanosecond pulsed lasers to clean Al metal layers from ceramic substrate surfaces. The impact of laser power and pulse width on the effectiveness of the removal of the Al metal layer from the ceramic substrate was examined. The findings revealed that a laser with a power of 120 W, a pulse width of 200 ns, a frequency of 240 kHz, and a speed of 6000 mm/s could effectively remove the Al metal layer (50 μm) in a single laser cleaning cycle without causing damage to the ceramic substrate. The mechanism behind the removal of the Al metal layer from the ceramic substrate surface was also investigated. It was discovered that local high temperatures caused by laser irradiation and the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the metal layer and the ceramic substrate both contribute to the removal of the Al metal layer during the laser cleaning process. This research provides an effective process for removing the Al metal layer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Coating Material for Heritage Preservation, 2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 698 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on Thermal Performance of PCM in an Inclined Shell-and-Tube Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit
by Kaixing Fan, Shouchao Zong, Huaibin Gao and Zhongxing Duan
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051557 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Latent heat thermal energy storage systems play a crucial role in aligning energy supply with demand, enhancing the efficiency of energy usage, thereby aiding in energy conservation and emissions reduction, and promoting the efficient use of renewable energy. Therefore, we constructed an experimental [...] Read more.
Latent heat thermal energy storage systems play a crucial role in aligning energy supply with demand, enhancing the efficiency of energy usage, thereby aiding in energy conservation and emissions reduction, and promoting the efficient use of renewable energy. Therefore, we constructed an experimental apparatus for a shell-and-tube latent heat storage. This apparatus was utilized to investigate how varying the inclination angle of the heat storage device, the inlet temperature of the heat transfer fluid (HTF), and water flow direction affect both the heat transfer behavior and the thermal efficiency of the system. The findings indicate that as the inlet temperature rises, the melting rate of the phase-change material (PCM) increases; when the inclination angle is 0°, for every 5 °C increase in water temperature, the time required to reach thermal equilibrium is shortened by 2 h, and the time needed for the PCM to transition from a solid to a liquid state is correspondingly reduced by 2 h. Additionally, the temperature variation trend of the phase-change material remains fundamentally consistent at different inclination angles. However, as the angle increases from 0° to 90°, there is a gradual reduction in the melting rate. Whether the water enters from the top or bottom, the melting rate of the PCM remains almost unchanged, and the stabilized temperature of the PCM is also nearly the same. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
40 pages, 5032 KiB  
Article
A Lightweight Multi-Scale Object Detection Framework for Shrimp Meat Quality Control in Food Processing
by Henghui Zhang, Jinpeng Chen, Bing-Yuh Lu and Shaolin Hu
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051556 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Reliable quality and size inspection of shrimp meat is essential in food processing to ensure food safety, enhance production efficiency, and promote sustainable practices. However, significant scale differences in shrimp meat categories and the presence of subtle local defects pose challenges to traditional [...] Read more.
Reliable quality and size inspection of shrimp meat is essential in food processing to ensure food safety, enhance production efficiency, and promote sustainable practices. However, significant scale differences in shrimp meat categories and the presence of subtle local defects pose challenges to traditional manual inspection methods, resulting in low efficiency and high rates of false positives and negatives. To address these challenges, we propose a lightweight multi-scale object detection framework specifically designed for automated shrimp meat inspection in food processing environments. Our framework incorporated a novel downsampling module (ADown) that was engineered to reduce parameters while preserving essential features. Additionally, we propose dual-scale information selection convolution (DSISConv), multi-scale information selection convolution (MSISConv), and a lightweight multi-scale information selection detection head (LMSISD) to improve detection accuracy across diverse object scales. Furthermore, a bidirectional complementary knowledge distillation strategy was employed, which enabled the lightweight model to learn crucial features from a larger teacher model without increasing inference complexity. Experimental results validated the effectiveness of our approach. Compared to the YOLOv11n (baseline) model, the proposed framework improved precision by 1.0%, recall by 0.8%, mAP50 by 0.9%, and mAP50-95 by 1.3%, while simultaneously reducing parameters by 7.1%, model size by 8.0%, and GFLOPs by 22.2%. The application of knowledge distillation yielded further improvements of 0.1% in precision, 1.2% in recall, 0.5% in mAP50, and 0.5% in mAP50-95. These results indicated that the proposed approach provided an effective and efficient solution for real-time shrimp meat inspection, balancing high accuracy with low computational requirements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Process Engineering)
12 pages, 5875 KiB  
Article
The First Mitochondrial Genome of Family Xylococcidae (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha) and Its Phylogenetic Implications
by Xiaxia Zhao, Yuang Li, Han Xu and Sanan Wu
Genes 2025, 16(5), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16050594 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Background: The mitochondrial genome has been used for understanding higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Coccomorpha. we sequenced and analyzed the first mitochondrial genome of Xylococcus castanopsis Wu & Huang, 2017 to elucidate its genomic features and phylogenetic position. Methods: The complete mitogenome was assembled [...] Read more.
Background: The mitochondrial genome has been used for understanding higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Coccomorpha. we sequenced and analyzed the first mitochondrial genome of Xylococcus castanopsis Wu & Huang, 2017 to elucidate its genomic features and phylogenetic position. Methods: The complete mitogenome was assembled using NOVOPlasty and annotated with MITOS. We analyzed genome organization, codon usage, and tRNA structures. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using 13 protein-coding genes from 19 scale insect species with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood methods. Result: The mitochondrial genome is 16,363 bp in size and contains the typical 37 mitochondrial genes, with an A + T content of 89.2%. All protein-coding genes start with the ATN and end with TAA/TAG or a single T- residue. Sixteen tRNAs exhibit the typical cloverleaf structure, while the remaining six lack either the dihydrouridine (DHU) or TΨC (T) arm. Gene rearrangements occur only in individual tRNAs and transpositions between the gene clusters trnS2-ND1 and trnL1-rrnL-trnV-rrnS. Phylogenetic analysis consistently place Xylococcidae as a sister group to all scale insects except Matsucoccidae. Conclusions: This study provides the first complete mitogenome for Xylococcidae, revealing characteristic gene rearrangements. Phylogenetic reconstruction resolves the phylogenetic position of Xylococcidae as a distinct lineage sister to all scale insects except Matsucoccidae, providing critical evolutionary insights. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)
19 pages, 1792 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Tax Systems: How Heterogeneous Tax Mix Shapes Income Inequality in European OECD Economies
by Marina Beljić and Olgica Glavaški
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(5), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18050279 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Divergences in tax policies are evident among European OECD economies, due to varying priorities of efficiency vs. equity, influenced by the forms of direct vs. indirect taxation. The special interest of this paper is to identify how different tax forms (direct—corporate and personal [...] Read more.
Divergences in tax policies are evident among European OECD economies, due to varying priorities of efficiency vs. equity, influenced by the forms of direct vs. indirect taxation. The special interest of this paper is to identify how different tax forms (direct—corporate and personal income taxes (CIT, PIT); and indirect—value added tax (VAT)) affect inequality in European OECD economies in the period 2003–2020. Using heterogeneous non-stationary panel models and the (Pooled) Mean Group (PMG/MG) methods of estimation, a long-run negative relationship between direct tax forms (CIT, PIT) and the Gini coefficient was discovered, meaning that utilizing progressive direct tax forms resulted in more equity. The error-correction terms are heterogeneous, showing that developed economies decrease income inequality by using direct taxes more efficiently than emerging European OECD economies. The short-run statistically significant relationships between VAT and the Gini coefficient are discovered, meaning that certain European OECD economies effectively use VAT revenue to achieve greater equity in society. This study demonstrates that the use of indirect tax forms may be beneficial in terms of collecting more tax revenues, and that using them for redistributive programs can reduce inequality while maintaining economic efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Issues in Economics, Finance and Business—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3754 KiB  
Article
YOLOv8-SDC: An Improved YOLOv8n-Seg-Based Method for Grafting Feature Detection and Segmentation in Melon Rootstock Seedlings
by Lixia Li, Kejian Gong, Zhihao Wang, Tingna Pan and Kai Jiang
Agriculture 2025, 15(10), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15101087 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
To address the multi-target detection problem in the automatic seedling-feeding procedure of vegetable-grafting robots from dual perspectives (top-view and side-view), this paper proposes an improved YOLOv8-SDC detection segmentation model based on YOLOv8n-seg. The model improves rootstock seedlings’ detection and segmentation accuracy by SAConv [...] Read more.
To address the multi-target detection problem in the automatic seedling-feeding procedure of vegetable-grafting robots from dual perspectives (top-view and side-view), this paper proposes an improved YOLOv8-SDC detection segmentation model based on YOLOv8n-seg. The model improves rootstock seedlings’ detection and segmentation accuracy by SAConv replacing the original Conv c2f_DWRSeg module, replacing the c2f module, and adding the CA mechanism. Specifically, the SAConv module dynamically adjusts the receptive field of convolutional kernels to enhance the model’s capability in extracting seedling shape features. Additionally, the DWR module enables the network to more flexibly adapt to the perception accuracy of different cotyledons, growth points, stem edges, and contours. Furthermore, the incorporated CA mechanism helps the model eliminate background interference for better localization and identification of seedling grafting characteristics. The improved model was trained and validated using preprocessed data. The experimental results show that YOLOv8-SDC achieves significant accuracy improvements over the original YOLOv8n-seg model, YOLACT, Mask R-CNN, YOLOv5, and YOLOv11 in both object detection and instance segmentation tasks under top-view and side-view conditions. The mAP of Box and Mask for cotyledon (leaf1, leaf2, leaf), growing point (pot), and seedling stem (stem) assays reached 98.6% and 99.1%, respectively. The processing speed reached 200 FPS. The feasibility of the proposed method was further validated through grafting features, such as cotyledon deflection angles and stem–cotyledon separation points. These findings provide robust technical support for developing an automatic seedling-feeding mechanism in grafting robotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Intelligent Agriculture: Perception Technologies and Agricultural Equipment for Crop Production Processes)
10 pages, 235 KiB  
Review
Developing a Personalized Approach to Follow-Up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections: A Narrative Review
by Renatos-Nikolaos Tziolos and Diamantis P. Kofteridis
Diseases 2025, 13(5), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13050156 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
The utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) remains controversial. The lack of randomized controlled trials and guidelines has led to the inappropriate use of unnecessary FUBCs, increasing costs, the length of hospital stays, and antibiotic use. In this [...] Read more.
The utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs) remains controversial. The lack of randomized controlled trials and guidelines has led to the inappropriate use of unnecessary FUBCs, increasing costs, the length of hospital stays, and antibiotic use. In this review, we aim to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the most significant studies on FUBCs in GN-BSIs, proposing a more personalized approach for using FUBCs in GN-BSIs. FUBCs seem to have a low yield of persistent positive BC in uncomplicated GN-BSIs and no effect on mortality, but some selected patients may benefit. Available studies show different results regarding the mortality and benefit of FUBCs, mainly due to differences in methodology and patient characteristics. However, selected patients with endovascular infections, central venous catheters, unfavorable responses, and no source control seem to benefit the most. Randomized controlled trials are warranted in order to confirm these indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Disease)
14 pages, 398 KiB  
Article
Communal Land Titling and New Geographies of Development in Northern Thailand
by Ian G. Baird and Chusak Wittayapak
Land 2025, 14(5), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051094 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
In 1964, the National Forest Reserve Act (B.E. 2507) of Thailand classified all unoccupied forested areas as forest reserve, or pa sanguan. It became illegal to obtain individual land titles in forest reserves, thus reducing the land rights of farmers. In addition, [...] Read more.
In 1964, the National Forest Reserve Act (B.E. 2507) of Thailand classified all unoccupied forested areas as forest reserve, or pa sanguan. It became illegal to obtain individual land titles in forest reserves, thus reducing the land rights of farmers. In addition, roads could not be built, electricity access could not be provided, and agricultural support programs could not operate on land without land titles. However, in recent years, Thailand’s National Committee on Land Policy (Khana Kammakarn Natyobai Thidin Haeng Chat) has been promoting the Kor Tor Chor (KTC) program for communal land titling, designed to create land tenure clarity but not to provide full ownership rights. The objective of this article is to assess the vertical geographies associated with the KTC program in Nan Province, northern Thailand, and their implications with regard to land rights and accessing government funding, one of the key objectives of KTC. The article reveals that vertical land classification aspects associated with watershed classification present particular challenges to KTC. In particular, we argue that while farmers are generally happy with the benefits that have come to them due to KTC, vertical geographical circumstances have significantly influenced the abilities of village communities to benefit from the KTC program. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use: Integration of Rural and Urban Landscape)
24 pages, 9161 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Pyramid Transformer Network for Cross-View Geo-Localization in Complex Terrains
by Chengjie Ju, Wangping Xu, Nanxing Chen and Enhui Zheng
Drones 2025, 9(5), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9050379 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) self-localization in complex environments is critical when global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) are unreliable. Existing datasets, often limited to low-altitude urban scenes, hinder generalization. This study introduces Multi-UAV, a novel dataset with 17.4 k high-resolution UAV–satellite image pairs from [...] Read more.
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) self-localization in complex environments is critical when global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) are unreliable. Existing datasets, often limited to low-altitude urban scenes, hinder generalization. This study introduces Multi-UAV, a novel dataset with 17.4 k high-resolution UAV–satellite image pairs from diverse terrains (urban, rural, mountainous, farmland, coastal) and altitudes across China, enhancing cross-view geolocalization research. We propose a lightweight value reduction pyramid transformer (VRPT) for efficient feature extraction and a residual feature pyramid network (RFPN) for multi-scale feature fusion. Using meter-level accuracy (MA@K) and relative distance score (RDS), VRPT achieves robust, high-precision localization across varied terrains, offering significant potential for resource-constrained UAV deployment. Full article
23 pages, 20198 KiB  
Article
The Evolution of Cropland Slope Structure and Its Implications for Fragmentation and Soil Erosion in China
by Guangjie Liu, Yi Xia and Li Bao
Land 2025, 14(5), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051093 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Cropland slope structure is a key factor influencing agricultural sustainability and ecological risk, especially in topographically complex regions. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates slope spectrum analysis with H3 hexagonal grid partitioning to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland slope across [...] Read more.
Cropland slope structure is a key factor influencing agricultural sustainability and ecological risk, especially in topographically complex regions. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates slope spectrum analysis with H3 hexagonal grid partitioning to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland slope across China from 1990 to 2023. Using 30 m CLCD land cover data, we derived key indicators, including the T-value, upper slope limit (ULS), peak area proportion (PaP), slope at maximum area (SMA), and cropland slope change index (CSCI). This grid-based, multi-indicator approach enables the fine-scale detection of slope structure transitions. Results show that the average slope of cropland fluctuated at around 4.12°, peaking at 4.18° in 2003, while the ULS remained stable at 17°, with 95% of cropland below this threshold. Regionally, cropland in southwest and northwest China was concentrated on steeper slopes (ULS > 26°, PaP < 10%), whereas flatter areas in north and south China had cropland mainly below 15°. From 1990 to 2023, upslope expansion was evident in south China (CSCI > 10), while downslope shifts aligned with high-slope cropland in the western regions. Geographically weighted regression revealed significant positive correlations between increasing ULS and CSCI and elevated cropland fragmentation and soil erosion in hilly areas. These findings highlight the ecological risks of cropland expansion into steep terrain. The proposed framework offers a spatially explicit perspective of cropland slope evolution and supports targeted strategies for land management and ecological restoration. Full article
14 pages, 604 KiB  
Article
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Subcutaneous Preservation of Bone Flaps with Cryogenic Preservation of Bone Flaps for Cranioplasty in Cases of Traumatic Brain Injury
by Rachith Sridhar, Anil Kumar, Harendra Kumar, Abdul Vakil Khan, Abdul Hakeem, Deepak Kumar, Anurag Kumar and Majid Anwer
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050514 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Background and objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure, useful for relieving the intracranial pressure following trauma. Following reduction in cerebral oedema, the bone is placed back to cover the defect. During the interim period, the bone flap may be preserved using [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure, useful for relieving the intracranial pressure following trauma. Following reduction in cerebral oedema, the bone is placed back to cover the defect. During the interim period, the bone flap may be preserved using cryopreservation or in subcutaneous tissue. This leads to a need to determine the benefits and risks involved in preservation of bone flap in a subcutaneous pocket or conventional freezer following decompressive craniectomy in traumatic brain injury. Materials and methods: An open randomized controlled trial was conducted at a level one trauma centre from July 2023 to December 2024. Simple randomization was performed in order to allocate patients into the subcutaneous preservation group and the cryogenic preservation group. Patients underwent cranioplasty after 3 months and were followed up post-operatively for complications and Glasgow Outcome Scale assessment. Results: The study initially recruited a total of 158 patients, out of which 104 patients remained eligible for the final analysis. The patients with cryopreserved flaps were found to have a higher rate of surgical site infection (31.3%) as compared to those with subcutaneously preserved flaps (5.6%), with the differences being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Among the 87 patients who had a poorer Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score before the intervention, 55 (63.2%) patients had at least some improvement in GOS over a period of one month. Conclusion: The use of subcutaneous preservation of bone is more beneficial in resource-limited settings as compared to conventional freezer storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Surgical Treatment of Brain Injury)
19 pages, 341 KiB  
Review
N-Nitrosamines in Meat Products: Formation, Detection and Regulatory Challenges
by Tomislav Rot, Dragan Kovačević, Kristina Habschied and Krešimir Mastanjević
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051555 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Nitrosamines (NAs) are a class of chemical compounds predominantly formed during the processing, curing, and storage of meat products through the reaction of nitrites with amines. Decades of toxicological and epidemiological evidence have unequivocally established several NAs as potent human carcinogens, with strong [...] Read more.
Nitrosamines (NAs) are a class of chemical compounds predominantly formed during the processing, curing, and storage of meat products through the reaction of nitrites with amines. Decades of toxicological and epidemiological evidence have unequivocally established several NAs as potent human carcinogens, with strong associations with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and liver cancers. This review critically examines the pathways of NA formation in meat, the influence of processing conditions, and the factors contributing to their variability in food products. It also outlines state-of-the-art analytical techniques for their detection and summarizes recent scientific efforts to reduce their formation. Despite scientific consensus on the health hazards posed by dietary exposure to NAs, regulatory control remains fragmented and insufficient. Therefore, this review highlights the pressing need for coordinated international action and the development of a harmonized regulatory framework to mitigate public health risks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Biochemistry and Health: Recent Developments and Perspectives)
31 pages, 370 KiB  
Review
The Adverse Effects of Tuberculosis Treatment: A Comprehensive Literature Review
by Rūta Mereškevičienė and Edvardas Danila
Medicina 2025, 61(5), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050911 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge globally. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains presents one of the biggest hurdles in tuberculosis management. Both first- and second-line tuberculosis drugs are associated with common adverse reactions, which can lead to treatment interruptions and [...] Read more.
Tuberculosis remains a significant public health challenge globally. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains presents one of the biggest hurdles in tuberculosis management. Both first- and second-line tuberculosis drugs are associated with common adverse reactions, which can lead to treatment interruptions and decreased adherence. In this article, we review the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis, focusing on the adverse reactions they may cause. We will examine the frequency and timeline of adverse drug reactions involving gastrointestinal, cardiac, neurological, nephrological, and cutaneous systems. Identifying patients at risk of developing those reactions is crucial for healthcare providers to implement monitoring strategies and manage complications effectively. In the review, we present the data about risk factors, management recommendations, and drug discontinuation rates as a result of side effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Updates on Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment)
19 pages, 3896 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Effect of 1-MCP Treatment on the Post-Harvest Quality and Electronic Nose Characteristics of ‘Jizaohong’ Apricots
by Zhikun Liu, Xuefeng Chen, Chenjuan Jing, Duan Wang, Jingang He, Jianfang Hu and Xiaohong Wu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(10), 4820; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26104820 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Apricots, known for their unique flavor and health advantages, experience external quality deterioration after harvest due to their climacteric characteristics, leading to a decrease in shelf life. This research examines the effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on the post-harvest quality and volatile compound [...] Read more.
Apricots, known for their unique flavor and health advantages, experience external quality deterioration after harvest due to their climacteric characteristics, leading to a decrease in shelf life. This research examines the effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on the post-harvest quality and volatile compound profiles of ‘Jizaohong’ apricots when stored under ambient conditions. After harvesting, apricots underwent treatment with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µL L−1 of 1-MCP for a duration of 24 h, subsequently being stored at ambient temperature (20 ± 1 °C). The results demonstrate that 1-MCP treatments reduced decay, respiration rates, and ethylene production, while also preserving fruit firmness and maintaining skin coloration. Furthermore, the application of 1-MCP markedly diminished the emission of volatile compounds in ‘Jizaohong’ apricots, while linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effectively distinguished between the treated fruits and the untreated controls. The correlation analysis revealed a relationship between the response values of the electronic nose and the quality of the fruit, supporting its potential for swift and non-invasive assessment. Among the concentrations evaluated, 1.0 µL L−1 1-MCP demonstrated the highest efficacy in minimizing decay and improving quality, whereas 1.5 µL L−1 1-MCP did not show notable variations in firmness or ethylene suppression. Thus, the application of 1.0 µL L−1 1-MCP after harvest serves as an effective method for preserving the quality of ‘Jizaohong’ apricots and prolonging their shelf life, while also enabling swift, non-invasive evaluations using the electronic nose. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
7 pages, 680 KiB  
Article
Fault-Tolerant Path Embedding in Folded Hypercubes Under Conditional Vertex Constraints
by Che-Nan Kuo and Yu-Huei Cheng
Mathematics 2025, 13(10), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13101648 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
The n-dimensional folded hypercube, denoted as FQn, is an extended version of the n-dimensional hypercube Qn, constructed by adding edges between opposite vertices in Qn, i.e., vertices with complementary addresses. Folded hypercubes outperform traditional [...] Read more.
The n-dimensional folded hypercube, denoted as FQn, is an extended version of the n-dimensional hypercube Qn, constructed by adding edges between opposite vertices in Qn, i.e., vertices with complementary addresses. Folded hypercubes outperform traditional hypercubes in various metrics such as the fault diameter, connectivity, and path length. It is known that FQn has bipartite characteristics in odd n≥3 and non-bipartite in even n≥2. In this paper, let FFv represent the set of faulty vertices in FQn and suppose that each vertex is adjacent to at least four fault-free vertices in FQn−FFv. Then, we consider the following path embedding properties: (1) For every odd n≥3, FQn−FFv contains a fault-free path with a length of at least 2n−2FFv−1 (respectively, 2n−2FFv−2) between any two fault-free vertices of odd (respectively, even) distance if FFv≤2n−5; (2) For every even n≥4, FQn−FFv contains a fault-free path with a length of at least 2n−2FFv−1 between any two fault-free vertices if FFv≤2n−6. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section B: Geometry and Topology)
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28 pages, 15953 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Potential Mapping Using Optimized Decision Tree-Based Ensemble Learning Model with Local and Global Explainability
by Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini, Ali Jafari, Iman Zandi, Ali Asghar Alesheikh and Fatemeh Rezaie
Water 2025, 17(10), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101520 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Identifying potential groundwater areas is of great importance for its sustainable management. This study improves groundwater potential mapping in Fars province, Iran, by integrating Random Forest (RF) and Categorical gradient Boosting (CatBoost) models with a Bayesian optimization algorithm. The Boruta–XGBoost algorithm for selecting [...] Read more.
Identifying potential groundwater areas is of great importance for its sustainable management. This study improves groundwater potential mapping in Fars province, Iran, by integrating Random Forest (RF) and Categorical gradient Boosting (CatBoost) models with a Bayesian optimization algorithm. The Boruta–XGBoost algorithm for selecting the most important features and SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) values increased the local and global interpretability of the models. The results showed that the optimized CatBoost model provided a more accurate and reliable groundwater potential map with an Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve (AUC) of 0.8778 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.3779 compared to the RF with an AUC = 0.8396 and RMSE = 0.4072. The CatBoost model also identified 80% of wells with potential 1 in the very high and high potential classes, as well as 60% of wells with potential 0 in the low and very low potential classes. SHAP analysis highlighted land use/land cover and the terrain roughness index as the most impactful features, while porosity and permeability had minimal influence. Also, the contribution of individual features for each mapping unit in the study area was calculated using SHAP analysis and a map of SHAP values was prepared. The proposed approach offers a comprehensive methodology for groundwater potential mapping, encompassing input data identification, key feature selection, machine learning model optimization, and output explanation. This effective procedure can be applied in other areas and regions, providing valuable insights for decision-makers to manage groundwater resources sustainably and ensure water security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Management of Groundwater Resources: New Developments, Challenges and Untapped Potentials)
15 pages, 1818 KiB  
Article
Neural Network-Based Path Planning for Fixed-Wing UAVs with Constraints on Terminal Roll Angle
by Qian Xu, Fanchen Wu and Zheng Chen
Drones 2025, 9(5), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9050378 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a neural network-based path planning method for fixed-wing UAVs under terminal roll-angle constraints. The nonlinear optimal path planning problem is first formulated as an optimal control problem. The necessary conditions derived from Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle are then established to convert [...] Read more.
This paper presents a neural network-based path planning method for fixed-wing UAVs under terminal roll-angle constraints. The nonlinear optimal path planning problem is first formulated as an optimal control problem. The necessary conditions derived from Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle are then established to convert extremal trajectories as the solutions of a parameterized system. Additionally, a sufficient condition is presented to guarantee that the obtained solution is at least locally optimal. By simply propagating the parameterized system, a training dataset comprising at least locally optimal trajectories can be constructed. A neural network is then trained to generate the nonlinear optimal control command in real time. Finally, numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method robustly ensures the generation of optimal trajectories in real time while satisfying the prescribed terminal roll-angle constraint. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Assisted Control Strategies and Their Applications to the Stabilization, Guidance and Navigation of Drones)
20 pages, 348 KiB  
Article
Care Providers’ and Parents’ Experiences with Implementing the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool (CHAT)-Maternity-Care in the Netherlands: A Mixed Methods Study
by Evi M. E. Vlassak, Judit K. J. Keulen, Elina Miteniece, Rianneke de Ritter, Marijke J. C. Hendrix and Marianne J. Nieuwenhuijze
Healthcare 2025, 13(10), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13101173 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Care providers’ understanding of patients’ health literacy is crucial to tailoring care and reducing health inequalities. This study explores the experiences, facilitators, and barriers encountered by maternity care providers when implementing CHAT-maternity-care: a conversational tool that supports care providers in estimating (expectant) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Care providers’ understanding of patients’ health literacy is crucial to tailoring care and reducing health inequalities. This study explores the experiences, facilitators, and barriers encountered by maternity care providers when implementing CHAT-maternity-care: a conversational tool that supports care providers in estimating (expectant) parents’ health literacy. As a secondary objective, the study also examines the experiences of (expectant) parents. Methods: Maternity care providers used CHAT-maternity-care after finalizing an e-learning. Implementation was evaluated among maternity care providers with a questionnaire and in-depth focus group meetings and among (expectant) parents with semi-structured interviews. Results: Providers experienced that using CHAT-maternity-care enhanced their health literacy insight, improved health literacy awareness, and fostered easier, more comprehensive and structured estimation of parents’ health literacy. Key facilitators for implementing CHAT-maternity-care as perceived by providers were the perceived value of health literacy insights; the tool’s relevance, user-friendliness, and familiarity; and social factors. The main barriers were time constraints, the tool’s novelty, and social factors. (Expectant) parents were positive and open to having conversations based on CHAT-maternity-care. Questions based on CHAT-maternity-care were perceived as beneficial by parents in uncovering previously unaddressed concerns. Conclusions: CHAT-maternity-care is mostly well received and assessed as helpful to improving health literacy insights. The findings underscore the importance of education, peer support, and organizational alignment for broader adoption and implementation of CHAT-maternity-care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Midwifery-Led Care and Practice: Promoting Maternal and Child Health)
24 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Potential and Sensory Acceptance of Granola Bars Developed with Sorghum Sprout Flour Irradiated with UV-A LED Light
by Alan A. Ruiz-Hernández, Ofelia Rouzaud-Sández, Maribel Valenzuela-González, J. Abraham Domínguez-Avila, Gustavo A. González-Aguilar and Maribel Robles-Sánchez
Foods 2025, 14(10), 1787; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14101787 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are worldwide problems; several strategies have been applied to counteract them, including the development of functional foods with specific bioactivities. Sorghum has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to improve various biomarkers related to overweight, obesity, and [...] Read more.
Overweight and obesity are worldwide problems; several strategies have been applied to counteract them, including the development of functional foods with specific bioactivities. Sorghum has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to improve various biomarkers related to overweight, obesity, and inflammation, particularly when sprouted and irradiated with UV light. In the present study, irradiated sorghum sprouts were used to prepare granola bars; their phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, in vitro bioaccessibility, anti-inflammatory potential, and sensory acceptability were measured. Gallic acid increased in response to irradiation, while catechin increased in response to sprouting. In vitro digestion showed higher intestinal recovery of phenolics and antioxidant capacity, as well as a significant decrease in nitric oxide content, an inflammation biomarker. A sensory analysis showed scores of approximately 5.5–6.5 (on a 9-point hedonic scale) for most variables analyzed, suggesting adequate acceptability. Sorghum bars made with irradiated sorghum sprouts present high potential as health foods that could help counteract the problems of overweight, obesity, and related diseases. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to demonstrate the benefits of consuming this food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Polyphenols in Foods)
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17 pages, 489 KiB  
Article
Adolescents’ Openness to Include Refugee Peers in Their Leisure Time Activities
by Hanna Beißert, Kelly Lynn Mulvey and Meike Bonefeld
Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(5), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14050309 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Background: Against the backdrop of increasing refugee movements, the integration of refugees is becoming a more and more relevant topic for many European countries. As integration is a bidirectional process, the current study examines the openness of adolescents in Germany to include refugee [...] Read more.
Background: Against the backdrop of increasing refugee movements, the integration of refugees is becoming a more and more relevant topic for many European countries. As integration is a bidirectional process, the current study examines the openness of adolescents in Germany to include refugee peers from Syria in leisure time activities. Methods: Participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario in which they had to choose who of two peers (a German peer or a refugee peer from Syria) they would include in their activity. Additionally, we varied the relevant skills of the two protagonists to investigate the role of group functioning aspects for inclusion decisions. Three measures were applied: (1) adolescents’ own decisions, (2) what they expected their peer group to do, and (3) what they thought their peer group should do. Results: The findings demonstrate that the participants were generally very open to include refugees and that the protagonists’ skills were relevant for their decisions, though much more for the expected group decision than for adolescents’ own decisions. Reasoning analyses illustrate adolescents’ considerations for these decisions. Conclusion: This research helps to clarify the interplay of moral considerations and aspects of group functioning in adolescents’ inclusion decisions regarding refugee peers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Inclusion of Children, Youth and Families from Refugee and Migrant Backgrounds)
21 pages, 922 KiB  
Article
A Bidirectional Material Diffusion Algorithm Based on Fusion Hypergraph Random Walks for Video Recommendation
by Yibo Sun, Lei Yue, Tao He, Weitong Chen and Zhe Sun
Mathematics 2025, 13(10), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13101649 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
With the rapid popularization of video software, video recommendation algorithms have become crucial for ensuring the quality of video platforms. This study focuses on video tags and constructs a ternary structure of user–video–tags. It proposes a bidirectional material diffusion algorithm based on fusion [...] Read more.
With the rapid popularization of video software, video recommendation algorithms have become crucial for ensuring the quality of video platforms. This study focuses on video tags and constructs a ternary structure of user–video–tags. It proposes a bidirectional material diffusion algorithm based on fusion hypergraph random walks for video recommendation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated by comparing it with existing algorithms on public datasets. Full article
17 pages, 2357 KiB  
Article
Spatial Evolution of Grassland Ecological Carrying Capacity and Low-Carbon Development Pathways for Animal Husbandry in Inner Mongolia
by Bingxuan Liu, Dacheng Wang, Guozhu Mao, Aixia Yang, Yue Jiao and Kaichen Zhang
Land 2025, 14(5), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051092 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Inner Mongolia’s grasslands, covering 22% of China’s total grassland area, face critical challenges in balancing livestock production with carbon sequestration under climate change pressures. This study establishes an integrated assessment framework combining remote sensing monitoring, InVEST modeling, and life cycle assessment to analyze [...] Read more.
Inner Mongolia’s grasslands, covering 22% of China’s total grassland area, face critical challenges in balancing livestock production with carbon sequestration under climate change pressures. This study establishes an integrated assessment framework combining remote sensing monitoring, InVEST modeling, and life cycle assessment to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution of grassland ecological carrying capacity and livestock-related carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020. Key findings reveal a 78.8% increase in actual livestock carrying capacity (from 53.09 to 94.94 million sheep units), with Tongliao experiencing 185% growth, while Alxa League showed a 229,500 sheep unit decrease. The theoretical carrying capacity grew by 50.6%, yet severe ecological pressure emerged in western regions, as evidenced by Alxa League’s grass–livestock balance index exceeding 2100%. Carbon sequestration exhibited a northeast–southwest spatial pattern, decreasing by 7.4% during 2015–2020, while greenhouse gas emissions from intensive livestock systems reached 6.40 million tons CO2-eq in Tongliao by 2020. The results demonstrate that regions combining high-intensity husbandry with low carbon storage require urgent intervention. We propose three pathways: adaptive grazing management to reduce overloading in western pastoral zones, carbon monitoring systems to enhance sequestration in vulnerable ecosystems, and emission reduction technologies for intensive farming systems. These strategies provide actionable solutions for reconciling grassland sustainability with China’s dual carbon goals, offering insights for global pastoral ecosystem management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Management Practices for Enhancing Ecosystem Services: Cases and Experiences)
12 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
Differences in the Relative External Load Demands of Pre-Competitive Warm-Ups and Official Matches in Semi-Professional Football Players: A Pilot Study Considering Specific Positions
by José María Escudero-Ferrer, Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda, Manuel Sanz-Matesanz, Konstantinos Spyrou, Pedro E. Alcaraz and Javier Raya-González
J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2025, 10(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk10020182 (registering DOI) - 17 May 2025
Abstract
Background: A pre-competition warm-up is considered a key strategy for optimising physical preparedness and potentially reducing injury risks in football. Programmes such as FIFA 11+ have demonstrated efficacy in this regard. Its effectiveness depends on alignment with match demands. This study compares the [...] Read more.
Background: A pre-competition warm-up is considered a key strategy for optimising physical preparedness and potentially reducing injury risks in football. Programmes such as FIFA 11+ have demonstrated efficacy in this regard. Its effectiveness depends on alignment with match demands. This study compares the relative external load demands of warm-ups and matches in semi-professional football players, focusing on positional differences. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether warm-ups adequately prepare players for match demands and to explore positional variations. Methods: This is a retrospective study that analysed 19 semi-professional male players during the 2023/2024 season. External load demands (m/min) were measured using a GPS, covering the total distance (TD), speed zones (DZ1–DZ5), accelerations (ACCs), and decelerations (DECs). Paired t-tests and effect size calculations compared team-wide and position-specific demands. Results: Match demands significantly exceeded warm-up demands across all distance-related variables, except for DZ1 (67.06 vs. 66.40 m/min for warm-ups and games, respectively). The greatest differences were observed in TD (80.73 vs. 107.12 m/min; −26.39%) and DZ2–DZ3 (−17.42 and −4.89%, respectively). A positional analysis revealed that concerning DZ1, midfielders covered more distance during competitions (67.62 vs. 65.04 m/min; −2.58%), while full-backs covered more during the pre-competition warm-up (69.01 vs. 66.86 m/min; 2.14%). Additionally, midfielders, wingers, and forwards experienced higher match demands in DECs (1.04; 1.12, and 1.18 nº/min; range = 0.23–3.13%), whereas central defenders showed higher values during the pre-competition warm-up (1.14 nº/min; 0.13%). No significant differences were found for ACCs across any position; however, central defenders showed higher nº ACCs during warm-up (1.04 vs. 0.97 nº/min). Conclusions: These findings enable clubs and coaches to redesign their warm-up protocols to align as closely as possible with the demands of matches, particularly in high-speed zones, to enhance readiness, thereby increasing the effectiveness of warm-ups in football competitions. Additionally, this approach allows for the individualisation of warm-up routines based on the player’s specific position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Strength and Resistance Training: Best Practices Applied to Sports Disciplines and Performance)
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