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0 pages, 6011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gray Matter Volume Associations with Montreal Cognitive Assessment Domains in an ADNI Cohort of Early-Onset Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

by Minos Kritikos, Taulant Rama, Vania Zubair, Chuan Huang, Christopher Christodoulou, Allen P. F. Chen, Roman Kotov, Frank D. Mann and on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative

J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2030024 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment are standard, efficient, and swift clinical and research tools used when interrogating cognitively impairing (CI) conditions, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the associations between gross [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment are standard, efficient, and swift clinical and research tools used when interrogating cognitively impairing (CI) conditions, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the associations between gross cognitive impairment (CI) as compared to domain-specific functioning and underlying neuroanatomical correlates have not been investigated among individuals with early-onset Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD), who can benefit greatly from early diagnosis and intervention strategies. Methods: We analyzed T1-weighted MRIs and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores from the ADNI database in individuals < 65 years old who were either cognitively normal (CN) or had MCI or EOAD. Gray matter volume (GMV) was estimated in voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and ROI-parcellation general linear models examining associations with individual MoCA scores after adjusting for demographic covariates. Results: Results from 120 subjects (44 CN, 62 MCI, and 14 EOAD), identified significant global but also individually distinct domain-specific topographical signatures spanning the temporal, parietal, limbic, occipital, frontal lobes, and cingulate gyri. Conclusions: The results highlight neural correlates of cognitive functioning in a sample of young patients representative of the AD continuum, in addition to studying the structural MRI and functional cognitive difference. Full article

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17 pages, 2584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Heterogeneity of Conservation Units in the Amazon Ensures High Contribution to Phytoplankton Beta Diversity in Streams

by Idelina Gomes da Silva, Ellen Guimarães Amaral Trindade, Leandra Palheta and Bárbara Dunck

Phycology 2025, 5(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/phycology5030030 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Conservation units (CUs) play a fundamental role in maintaining and conserving biodiversity, and are important in preserving streams, reducing impacts from human activities and increasing water availability beyond the boundaries of the reserves. However, knowledge about the phytoplankton biodiversity of ecosystems in CUs [...] Read more.

Conservation units (CUs) play a fundamental role in maintaining and conserving biodiversity, and are important in preserving streams, reducing impacts from human activities and increasing water availability beyond the boundaries of the reserves. However, knowledge about the phytoplankton biodiversity of ecosystems in CUs is scarce. This study evaluated how environmental integrity alters microphytoplankton communities in extractive CUs and their surroundings in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Our results demonstrated that the streams exhibited distinct physicochemical and hydrological characteristics, representing spatially heterogeneous environments. Differences in habitat integrity values altered species composition in streams within and outside conservation units. Local beta diversity (LCBD) was negatively influenced by habitat integrity, indicating that sites with greater habitat integrity did not always present a greater number of unique species. The species Trachelomonas hispida, Gyrosigma scalproides and Spirogyra sp. were the ones that contributed the most to beta diversity. However, the phytoplankton species that contributed most to beta diversity were not always associated with streams with greater integrity, indicating that even environments that are less intact play a relevant role in maintaining species richness and beta diversity of microphytoplankton. Factors such as habitat integrity, pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen were the main influencers of microphytoplankton in the streams. Thus, the streams of both CUs and their surroundings, despite their physical–chemical and hydrological differences, effectively contribute to the high richness and beta diversity of regional microphytoplankton. Full article

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12 pages, 496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Physical Activity Patterns Between Individuals with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitively Healthy Adults

by Léonie Moll, Michèle Häner, Roland Rössler and Sabine Krumm

J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2030023 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing amyloid accumulation, lowering inflammatory factors, and increasing hippocampal grey matter. While high lifetime PA engagement is associated with a reduced risk of AD, the relationship between specific types of [...] Read more.

Background: Physical activity (PA) has been shown to prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing amyloid accumulation, lowering inflammatory factors, and increasing hippocampal grey matter. While high lifetime PA engagement is associated with a reduced risk of AD, the relationship between specific types of PA and early-stage AD remains unclear. As AD primarily affects cognitive function before physical capabilities, PA engagement—an important factor in PA—needs further investigation. Objectives: This study explores the potential association between current participation in open-skill sports (OSSs) versus closed-skill sports (CSSs) and early-stage AD. Methods: The sample (N = 128) included a cognitively healthy (HC, n = 78) group and an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) group, combining amnestic mild cognitive impairment due to AD patients (n = 22) and early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia patients (n = 28), reflecting the continuum of progression from aMCI to dAD (n = 50). PA was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly questionnaire, specifically focusing on PA within the last seven days. The statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U tests and backwards stepwise logistic regression models. Results: Key predictors of group classification (AD vs. NC) included sex, high frequency of PA, and high duration of PA, each for the last seven days. Participation in OSS was significantly associated with medium PA frequency, high PA duration, both within the last seven days, and age, but not with diagnostic status. No statistically significant differences in PA levels (OSSs or CSSs) executed within the last seven days were observed between the AD and HC groups. Conclusions: Participation in OSSs or CSSs within the last seven days was only a marginally significant predictor of AD vs. HC status, and a diagnosis of AD was not predictive of OSS participation within the last seven days. Given the protective role of PA in AD, future research should aim to identify specific PA types that effectively support cognitive health in older adults with early cognitive decline. Full article

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17 pages, 793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Food Package Supplier Selection in Business-to-Business Websites Based on Online Reviews with a Novel Approach

by Shupeng Huang, Kun Li, Zikang Ma, Kang Du, Manyi Tan and Hong Cheng

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030163 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Suppliers nowadays can be directly approached in business-to-business (B2B) E-commerce websites. This makes the product and service information of certain suppliers accessible in online reviews. Therefore, online reviews have become important for B2B supplier evaluation and selection. Recently, the sustainability of food packaging [...] Read more.

Suppliers nowadays can be directly approached in business-to-business (B2B) E-commerce websites. This makes the product and service information of certain suppliers accessible in online reviews. Therefore, online reviews have become important for B2B supplier evaluation and selection. Recently, the sustainability of food packaging has attracted increasing attention from companies and consumers. This study developed a novel multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method called Percentage Assessment with Synergistic Comparisons And Aggregated Ranks (PASCAAR) to support the selection of sustainable food package suppliers based on online review information in B2B E-commerce websites. Such a method used three different percentage comparisons between alternatives and the minimal options, and then aggregates the comparisons with their ranks. This study confirmed the effectiveness of PASCAAR by applying it to a case study to select the supplier of sustainable food packages (i.e., biodegradable food containers) from six candidates in the B2B E-commerce website by considering multi-dimensional online review information and their own product properties. Using PASCAAR, this study obtained the outcome that the third candidate is the most suitable one, as quantitative results indicate this supplier has the highest PASCAAR score. Based on the results, this study further conducted thorough sensitivity tests to validate the results. It can be found that, compared with the classical MCDM methods in measuring the performance of alternatives and aggregating evaluation scores, the PASCAAR method can have more robust and informative results. This study also developed a PASCAAR Solver to enable easy implementation of this method. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing new ranking and aggregation ideas in MCDM and can offer practitioners a more informative and highly actionable method for supplier selection and decision support system development by utilizing online review information. Full article

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16 pages, 2787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Effects of Ionophore Antibiotic Monensin and Polystyrene Microplastics on the Growth and Physiology of Microcystis aeruginosa

by Behen Manawadu, Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka Senavirathna and Takeshi Fujino

Stresses 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5030043 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the combined effects of monensin (MS) and 3 µm polystyrene microplastics (PEMPs) on the growth and stress-associated physiological responses of Microcystis aeruginosa under controlled laboratory conditions [temperature: 20 ± 1 °C, lighting: (30 ± 4) µmol m [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to examine the combined effects of monensin (MS) and 3 µm polystyrene microplastics (PEMPs) on the growth and stress-associated physiological responses of Microcystis aeruginosa under controlled laboratory conditions [temperature: 20 ± 1 °C, lighting: (30 ± 4) µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (12 h:12 h light–dark photoperiod), growth medium: BG-11]. The experiments included MS concentrations of 0, 50, 250, and 500 µg/L and PEMPs concentrations of 0.25, 1.25, and 6 mg/L. Measurements included optical density (OD₇₃₀), chlorophyll ‘a’, cellular protein content, oxidative stress, and the activities of catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). M. aeruginosa exhibited a significant increase in growth on day 7 at elevated MS concentrations across all PEMP levels. Similarly, MS and PEMP treatments had a significant interactive effect on cellular protein content on day 7. However, their combined effect on chlorophyll ‘a’ production was not significant. Oxidative stress measurements showed a dose-dependent decrease with increasing MS concentrations under PEMP administrations. Enzyme activity assays indicated that CAT activity increased while GPX activity decreased with higher MS concentrations. The results imply that co-contamination of PEMPs and MS has a significant impact on the growth and stress physiology of M. aeruginosa in aquatic ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant and Photoautotrophic Stresses)

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20 pages, 1648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endogenous Quantity Timing Between the Online Retailer and the Third-Party Retailer

by Zongbao Zou, Lihao Chen and Cong Wang

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030162 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the strategic interaction between an online retailer (e.g., Amazon) and a third-party retailer (3PR) under sequential and simultaneous quantity competition models. The platform and 3PR simultaneously compete and cooperate with each other. By game-theoretic analysis, we confirm that the degree [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the strategic interaction between an online retailer (e.g., Amazon) and a third-party retailer (3PR) under sequential and simultaneous quantity competition models. The platform and 3PR simultaneously compete and cooperate with each other. By game-theoretic analysis, we confirm that the degree of competition between the online retailer and the 3PR in the sequential quantity game is lower than that in the simultaneous quantity game. More importantly, when the two retailers’ products are sold on the platform, their profits are both much higher in the sequential quantity game than in the simultaneous quantity game, leading to a win–win situation. Meanwhile, the coexistence of the two retailers’ products on the platform is able to mitigate the double marginal effect between the online retailer and the 3PR and to increase consumer surplus and social welfare. Our results provide operational insights for platform governance and 3PR participation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section e-Commerce Analytics)

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26 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessEssay

International Law of Abeyance: Our Sovereign Wild

by Alexandra Carleton

Wild 2025, 2(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/wild2030025 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Ecological ethics is gaining traction. Can this new attitude towards our ecosystems help to motivate a change in our relationship with land and nature? Can we move towards a legal system that supports the legal personality of land, devoid of human ownership? There [...] Read more.

Ecological ethics is gaining traction. Can this new attitude towards our ecosystems help to motivate a change in our relationship with land and nature? Can we move towards a legal system that supports the legal personality of land, devoid of human ownership? There are substantial amounts of international environmental laws that have been hovering on the fringes of defining and then redefining our relationship with land, with more emphasis on respecting the land as itself rather than as a vehicle with which humanity can gain wealth. This article briefly explores the conjunction of international environmental law history and ecological ethics in the hope that it will encourage a segue in our approach to conservation, ecology, and being. Full article

0 pages, 474 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review on the Importance of Gut Microbiota in the Regulation of Type 2 Diabetes Through Physical Activity and Exercise

by Luis Muguerza-Rodríguez, Alba Mier, Jesus G. Ponce-González, Cristina Casals and Juan Corral-Pérez

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070505 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global health issue, influenced by sedentary behavior and obesity. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota in T2D pathophysiology through effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. This systematic review included eleven studies, six observational and [...] Read more.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major global health issue, influenced by sedentary behavior and obesity. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiota in T2D pathophysiology through effects on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. This systematic review included eleven studies, six observational and five interventional, examining the relationship between physical activity, exercise, and gut microbiota in individuals with or at risk of T2D. Observational studies associated low physical activity and high sedentary time with reduced α-diversity and increased abundance of potentially harmful bacteria. Interventional studies showed that structured exercise, including moderate-intensity and sprint interval training, increased beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, Veillonella, Lachnospira, and Bifidobacterium, linked to anti-inflammatory effects and improved metabolic profiles. However, overall microbial diversity often remained unchanged unless combined with dietary modifications. Exercise also reduced levels of trimethylamine N-oxide, a metabolite linked to cardiovascular risk. Despite increases in butyrate-producing taxa, most studies did not report significant short-term changes in short-chain fatty acid levels, highlighting the complex interaction between microbiota and host metabolism. These findings support physical activity and exercise as modifiable factors that can influence gut microbiota composition, potentially contributing to improved metabolic regulation and better management of T2D. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Insights into Multifactorial Causes of Insulin Resistance in Obesity)

0 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation on the Lung Microbiome

by Jose Luis Estela-Zape, Valeria Sanclemente-Cardoza, Maria Alejandra Espinosa-Cifuentes and Leidy Tatiana Ordoñez-Mora

Adv. Respir. Med. 2025, 93(4), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm93040023 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The lung microbiota is integral to maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis, influencing immune regulation, host defense against pathogens, and overall respiratory health. The dynamic interplay among the lung microbiota emphasizes their significance in shaping the respiratory milieu and potential impact on diverse pulmonary affections. This [...] Read more.

The lung microbiota is integral to maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis, influencing immune regulation, host defense against pathogens, and overall respiratory health. The dynamic interplay among the lung microbiota emphasizes their significance in shaping the respiratory milieu and potential impact on diverse pulmonary affections. This investigation aimed to identify the effects of invasive mechanical ventilation on the lung microbiome. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted with registration number CRD42023461618, based on a search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases, in line with the PRISMA guidelines. To achieve this, “(mechanical ventilation) AND (microbiota)” was used as the search term, replicable across all databases. The closing date of the search was 12 March 2025, and the evidence was scored using the MINORS scale. Results: A total of 16 studies were included, with patients aged 13.6 months to 76 years, predominantly male (64.2%). Common ICU admission diagnoses requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) included pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and COVID-19. IMV was associated with reduced lung microbiota diversity and an increased prevalence of pathogenic bacteria, including Prevotella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. The most frequently used antibiotics were cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and penicillins. IMV-induced pulmonary dysbiosis correlated with higher infection risk and mortality, particularly in pneumonia and COVID-19 cases. Factors such as antimicrobial therapy, enteral nutrition, and systemic inflammation contributed to these alterations. Conclusions: Invasive mechanical ventilation has been associated with the development of alterations in the respiratory microbiome, resulting in reduced diversity of lung microorganisms. Full article

15 pages, 1873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Thriving of Bacillus megaterium and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in Mining Areas: Their Adaptation and Tolerance Under Extreme Levels of Cu and Mn

by Alfonso Álvarez-Villa, Maribel Plascencia-Jatomea, Kadiya Calderón, Katiushka Arévalo-Niño, Guadalupe López-Avilés and Francisco Javier Almendariz-Tapia

Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(7), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16070140 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Understanding microbial adaptation and tolerance based on the cellular concentration and biosorption capacity provides critical insights for evaluating microbial performance under heavy metal stress, which is essential for selecting efficient strains or consortia for bioremediation applications. In this study, the adaptation and tolerance [...] Read more.

Understanding microbial adaptation and tolerance based on the cellular concentration and biosorption capacity provides critical insights for evaluating microbial performance under heavy metal stress, which is essential for selecting efficient strains or consortia for bioremediation applications. In this study, the adaptation and tolerance of Bacillus megaterium and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa to elevated concentrations of copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) were investigated by introducing the maximum adaptation concentration (MAC) alongside the maximum tolerable concentration (MTC) and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A Gaussian model was fitted to the relative growth responses to estimate the MACs, MTCs, and MICs. B. megaterium exhibited MACs of 4.6 ppm Cu and 393.9 ppm Mn, while R. mucilaginosa showed MACs of 59.6 ppm Cu and 64.4 ppm Mn, corresponding to concentrations that stimulated their maximum cell density. A biosorption analysis revealed average capacities of 6.3 ± 5.3 mg Cu/g biomass and 28.6 ± 17.2 mg Mn/g biomass, positively correlated with the MTCs, indicating enhanced metal uptake under sublethal stress. The co-culture assays demonstrated dynamic microbial interactions shaped by the type and concentration of metal, including coexistence, competitive substitution, and dominance by tolerance. These findings support the use of MACs as indicators of growth stimulation and MTCs as thresholds for enhanced metal uptake, providing a dual-parameter framework for selecting metallotolerant microorganisms for metal recovery strategies. Full article

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24 pages, 1984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robust Deep Neural Network for Classification of Diseases from Paddy Fields

by Karthick Mookkandi and Malaya Kumar Nath

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(7), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7070205 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Agriculture in India supports millions of livelihoods and is a major force behind economic expansion. Challenges in modern agriculture depend on environmental factors (such as soil quality and climate variability) and biotic factors (such as pests and diseases). These challenges can be addressed [...] Read more.

Agriculture in India supports millions of livelihoods and is a major force behind economic expansion. Challenges in modern agriculture depend on environmental factors (such as soil quality and climate variability) and biotic factors (such as pests and diseases). These challenges can be addressed by advancements in technology (such as sensors, internet of things, communication, etc.) and data-driven approaches (such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL)), which can help with crop yield and sustainability in agriculture. This study introduces an innovative deep neural network (DNN) approach for identifying leaf diseases in paddy crops at an early stage. The proposed neural network is a hybrid DL model comprising feature extraction, channel attention, inception with residual, and classification blocks. Channel attention and inception with residual help extract comprehensive information about the crops and potential diseases. The classification module uses softmax to obtain the score for different classes. The importance of each block is analyzed via an ablation study. To understand the feature extraction ability of the modules, extracted features at different stages are fed to the SVM classifier to obtain the classification accuracy. This technique was experimented on eight classes with 7857 paddy crop images, which were obtained from local paddy fields and freely available open sources. The classification performance of the proposed technique is evaluated according to accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, MCC, area under curve (AUC), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The model was fine-tuned by setting the hyperparameters (such as batch size, learning rate, optimizer, epoch, and train and test ratio). Training, validation, and testing accuracies of 99.91%, 99.87%, and 99.49%, respectively, were obtained for 20 epochs with a learning rate of 0.001 and sgdm optimizer. The proposed network robustness was studied via an ablation study and with noisy data. The model’s classification performance was evaluated for other agricultural data (such as mango, maize, and wheat diseases). These research outcomes can empower farmers with smarter agricultural practices and contribute to economic growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture)

24 pages, 8337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stone Detection on Agricultural Land Using Thermal Imagery from Unmanned Aerial Systems

by Florian Thürkow, Mike Teucher, Detlef Thürkow and Milena Mohri

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(7), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7070203 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Stones in agricultural fields pose a recurring challenge, particularly due to their potential to damage agricultural machinery and disrupt field operations. As modern agriculture moves toward automation and precision farming, efficient stone detection has become a critical concern. This study explores the potential [...] Read more.

Stones in agricultural fields pose a recurring challenge, particularly due to their potential to damage agricultural machinery and disrupt field operations. As modern agriculture moves toward automation and precision farming, efficient stone detection has become a critical concern. This study explores the potential of thermal imaging as a non-invasive method for detecting stones under varying environmental conditions. A series of controlled laboratory experiments and field investigations confirmed the assumption that stones exhibit higher surface temperatures than the surrounding soil, especially when soil moisture is high and air temperatures are cooling rapidly. This temperature difference is attributed to the higher thermal inertia of stones, which allows them to absorb and retain heat longer than soil, as well as to the evaporative cooling from moist soil. These findings demonstrate the viability of thermal cameras as a tool for stone detection in precision farming. Incorporating this technology with GPS mapping enables the generation of accurate location data, facilitating targeted stone removal and reducing equipment damage. This approach aligns with the goals of sustainable agricultural engineering by supporting field automation, minimizing mechanical inefficiencies, and promoting data-driven decisions. Thermal imaging thereby contributes to the evolution of next-generation agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends and Advances in Agricultural Engineering)

21 pages, 5618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computer Vision-Based Multiple-Width Measurements for Agricultural Produce

by Cannayen Igathinathane, Rangaraju Visvanathan, Ganesh Bora and Shafiqur Rahman

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(7), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7070204 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The most common size measurements for agricultural produce, including fruits and vegetables, are length and width. While the length of any agricultural produce can be unique, the width varies continuously along its length. Single-width measurements alone are insufficient for accurately characterizing varying width [...] Read more.

The most common size measurements for agricultural produce, including fruits and vegetables, are length and width. While the length of any agricultural produce can be unique, the width varies continuously along its length. Single-width measurements alone are insufficient for accurately characterizing varying width profiles, resulting in an inaccurate representation of the shape or mean dimension. Consequently, the manual measurement of multiple mean dimensions is laborious or impractical, and no information in this domain is available. Therefore, an efficient alternative computer vision measurement tool was developed utilizing ImageJ (Ver. 1.54p). Twenty sample sets, comprising fruits and vegetables, with each representing different shapes, were selected and measured for length and multiple widths. A statistically significant minimum number of multiple widths was determined for practical measurements based on an object’s shape. The “aspect ratio” (width/length) was identified to serve as an effective indicator of the minimum multiple width measurements. In general, 50 multiple width measurements are recommended; however, even 15 measurements would be satisfactory (

1.0 % \pm 0.6 %

deviation from 50 widths). The developed plugin was fast (734 ms ± 365 ms CPU time/image), accurate (>99.6%), and cost-effective, and it incorporated several user-friendly and helpful features. This study’s outcomes have practical applications in the characterization, quality control, grading and sorting, and pricing determination of agricultural produce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transforming Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence: Recent Advances and Applications)

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19 pages, 23180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantum Scattering by Multiple Slits—A Lippmann–Schwinger Approach

by Rafael M. Fortiny, Matheus E. Pereira and Alexandre G. M. Schmidt

Physics 2025, 7(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/physics7030025 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

We investigate the non-relativistic scattering of a plane wave by a vertical segment formulating the problem in terms of the Lippmann–Schwinger equation in two spatial dimensions. Adjusting the coupling strength function we show how to implement the scattering by a system of multiple [...] Read more.

We investigate the non-relativistic scattering of a plane wave by a vertical segment formulating the problem in terms of the Lippmann–Schwinger equation in two spatial dimensions. Adjusting the coupling strength function we show how to implement the scattering by a system of multiple slits and by a Cantor set. We present detailed calculations of the scattered wave function for the line segment, as well as for the single, double, and multiple slits. We define reflection and transmission functions that are position-dependent in a defined region. From these results, we obtain the probability densities and differential and total cross-sections for these problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Classical Physics)

20 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventive Health Behavior and Readiness for Self-Management in a Multilingual Adult Population: A Representative Study from Northern Italy

by Dietmar Ausserhofer, Christian J. Wiedermann, Verena Barbieri, Stefano Lombardo, Timon Gärtner, Klaus Eisendle, Giuliano Piccoliori and Adolf Engl

Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(7), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15070240 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Preventive health behaviors are key to disease prevention and health system sustainability; however, population-level factors remain understudied in multilingual regions. South Tyrol, an autonomous multilingual province in Northern Italy, provides a unique setting to examine how sociodemographic and linguistic factors shape preventive [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Preventive health behaviors are key to disease prevention and health system sustainability; however, population-level factors remain understudied in multilingual regions. South Tyrol, an autonomous multilingual province in Northern Italy, provides a unique setting to examine how sociodemographic and linguistic factors shape preventive behaviors. Methods: A stratified, population-representative survey of 2090 adults (aged ≥18 years) was conducted in South Tyrol in 2024. Preventive behavior was assessed using the validated 16-item Good Health Practices Scale (GHP-16). Key predictors included age, sex, education, living situation, language group, employment in the health/social sector, health literacy (HLS-EU-Q16), patient activation (PAM-10), and the mistrust of professional health information. Weighted statistics and multivariable linear regression were used to identify associations. Results: The GHP-16 scores varied significantly across sociodemographic and psychosocial strata. Female sex, older age, higher education, higher patient activation, and sufficient health literacy were independently associated with greater engagement in preventive behaviors. Patient activation showed the strongest graded effect (β = 1.739). The mistrust of health professionals was inversely associated with behavior (β = –0.050, 95% CI: –0.090 to –0.009). Italian speakers reported higher GHP-16 scores than German speakers (β = 0.377), even after adjusting for covariates. Item-level analysis revealed small but consistent differences, particularly in information-seeking and vaccination behavior. Conclusions: Preventive behaviors in South Tyrol are shaped by demographic, psychosocial, and linguistic factors. Patient activation and health literacy are key modifiable predictors, whereas language group differences suggest structural and trust-related disparities that require tailored public health strategies in multilingual settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Self-Management of Chronic Disease)

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0 pages, 1500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Large Terrace Structure Unearthed in the Heart of the City Zone of Īśānapura: Could It Be the ‘Great Hall’ Described in the Book of Sui?

by Shimoda Ichita, Chan Vitharong and Chhum Menghong

Heritage 2025, 8(7), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8070258 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The archaeological complex of Sambor Prei Kuk is identified with Īśānapura, the capital of the Chenla Kingdom in the early 7th century, a political predecessor to the Angkor Empire. Previous studies have largely focused on the eastern temple zone, where numerous Hindu religious [...] Read more.

The archaeological complex of Sambor Prei Kuk is identified with Īśānapura, the capital of the Chenla Kingdom in the early 7th century, a political predecessor to the Angkor Empire. Previous studies have largely focused on the eastern temple zone, where numerous Hindu religious structures are concentrated, while the western moated city area—presumably the core of urban and political activity—has remained underexplored. This paper presents the results of recent archaeological excavations at a large central mound within the city zone, which is hypothesized to have functioned as a key administrative facility. The excavation revealed a large-scale and uniquely configured terraced structure, unprecedented within the site, and radiocarbon dating suggests its construction dates from the mid 6th to mid 7th century. Notably, a Chinese historical source from the same period, the Book of Sui, describes a “Great Hall” in Īśānapura where the king administered state affairs. The characteristics and spatial context of the excavated structure suggest a possible correspondence with this account. In addition, LiDAR-derived topographic data identified multiple linear and structural features extending eastward from the mound, indicating that it may have stood at the rear of a more extensive administrative compound. These findings offer new insights into the urban structure of Īśānapura and the political architecture of early Khmer civilization. Full article

20 pages, 5145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mangrove Ecosystems in the Maldives: A Nationwide Assessment of Diversity, Habitat Typology and Conservation Priorities

by Aishath Ali Farhath, S. Bijoy Nandan, Suseela Sreelekshmi, Mariyam Rifga, Ibrahim Naeem, Neduvelil Regina Hershey and Remy Ntakirutimana

Earth 2025, 6(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030066 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives. Surveys were conducted across 162 islands in 20 administrative atolls, integrating field data, the literature, and secondary sources to map mangrove distribution, confirm species presence, and classify habitat types. [...] Read more.

This study presents the first comprehensive nationwide assessment of mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives. Surveys were conducted across 162 islands in 20 administrative atolls, integrating field data, the literature, and secondary sources to map mangrove distribution, confirm species presence, and classify habitat types. Twelve true mangrove species were identified, with Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, and Lumnitzera racemosa emerging as dominant. Species diversity was evaluated using Shannon (H′), Margalef (d′), Pielou’s evenness (J′), and Simpson’s dominance (λ′) indices. Atolls within the northern and southern regions, particularly Laamu, Noonu, and Shaviyani, exhibited the highest diversity and evenness, while central atolls such as Ari and Faafu supported mono-specific or degraded stands. Mangrove habitats were classified into four geomorphological types: marsh based, pond based, embayment, and fringing systems. Field sampling was conducted using standardized belt transects and quadrats, with species verified using photographic documentation and expert validation. Species distributions showed strong habitat associations, with B. cylindrica dominant in marshes, R. mucronata and B. gymnorrhiza in ponds, and Ceriops tagal and L. racemosa in embayments. Rare species like Bruguiera hainesii and Heritiera littoralis were confined to stable hydrological niches. This study establishes a critical, island-level baseline for mangrove conservation and ecosystem-based planning in the Maldives, providing a reference point for tracking future responses to climate change, sea-level rise, and hydrological disturbances, emphasizing the need for habitat-specific strategies to protect biodiversity. Full article

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0 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Waveguide Arrays: Interaction to Many Neighbors

by Marco A. Tapia-Valerdi, Irán Ramos-Prieto, Francisco Soto-Eguibar and Héctor M. Moya-Cessa

Dynamics 2025, 5(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/dynamics5030025 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

We present an analytical framework for describing light propagation in infinite waveguide arrays, incorporating a generalized long-range coupling to achieve a more realistic model. We demonstrate that the resulting solution can be expressed in terms of generalized Bessel-like functions. Additionally, by applying the [...] Read more.

We present an analytical framework for describing light propagation in infinite waveguide arrays, incorporating a generalized long-range coupling to achieve a more realistic model. We demonstrate that the resulting solution can be expressed in terms of generalized Bessel-like functions. Additionally, by applying the concept of eigenstates, we borrow from quantum mechanics a basis given in terms of phase states that allows the analysis of the transition from the discrete to the continuum limit, obtaining a relationship between the field amplitudes and the Fourier series coefficients of a given function. We apply our findings to different coupling functions, providing new insights into the propagation dynamics of these systems. Full article

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0 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformation of Shipbuilding into Smart and Green: A Methodology Proposal

by Zoran Kunkera, Nataša Tošanović and Neven Hadžić

Eng 2025, 6(7), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6070148 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Since the beginning of the last decade, digital technological achievements have ushered the economies of developed countries into the fourth industrial revolution, transforming industries into smart ones, referred to as “Industry 4.0”, enabling them to innovate as a prerequisite for sustainable development and [...] Read more.

Since the beginning of the last decade, digital technological achievements have ushered the economies of developed countries into the fourth industrial revolution, transforming industries into smart ones, referred to as “Industry 4.0”, enabling them to innovate as a prerequisite for sustainable development and economic growth. At the same time, the European Union’s institutions are adopting strategies and programs to transform the European industry into a climate-neutral one, aiming to achieve this by 2050. The authors, participating in the introduction of Lean tools and digital technologies into one of the European shipyards using the “CULIS” (Connect Universal Lean Improvement System) methodology, recognize the high potential of its contribution to the European Commission’s guidelines for transitioning the economy to a sustainable one, and for this purpose, they present it in this paper. Namely, the methodology in question not only theoretically results in a “quick” implementation of tools and doctrines—with an approximately 36-month total duration of the process—but also encompasses as many as three transformations: Lean, digital, and green; an analysis of a methodology with such characteristics significantly adds to the originality of this study. The current stage of the observed shipyard’s “triple” transformation process already results in significant improvements—e.g., an increase in productivity by around 21% or a reduction in sales process costs by 38%. However, given its ongoing pilot phase, (further) analyses of improvements in (European) shipbuilding competitiveness and profitability that can be achieved through digital Lean management of projects’ realization process are implied. Full article

29 pages, 3286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A BEM Adjoint-Based Differentiable Shape Optimization of a Stealth Aircraft

by Charles Thoulon, Gilbert Roge and Olivier Pironneau

Eng 2025, 6(7), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6070147 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Modern fighter aircraft have an increasing need for at least a moderate level of stealth, and the shape design must bear a part of this constraint. However, the high frequency of close range radar makes high-fidelity radar cross-section computation methods such as the [...] Read more.

Modern fighter aircraft have an increasing need for at least a moderate level of stealth, and the shape design must bear a part of this constraint. However, the high frequency of close range radar makes high-fidelity radar cross-section computation methods such as the boundary element method too expensive to use in a gradient-free optimization process. On the other hand, asymptotic methods are not able to accurately predict the RCS of complex shapes such as intake cavities. Hence, the need arises for efficient and accurate methods to compute the gradient of high-fidelity radar cross-section computation methods with respect to shape parameters. In this paper, we propose an adjoint formulation for the boundary element method to efficiently compute these gradients. We present a novel approach to calculate the gradient of high-fidelity radar cross-section computations using the boundary element method. Our method employs an adjoint formulation that allows for the efficient computation of these gradients. This is particularly beneficial in shape optimization problems where accurate and efficient methods are crucial to designing modern fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities. By avoiding the need for solving the actual adjoint problem in certain cases, our formulation provides a more streamlined solution while still maintaining high accuracy. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by performing shape optimization on various shapes, including simple geometries like spheres and ellipsoids, as well as complex aircraft shapes with multiple variables. Full article

13 pages, 3181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Microbial Artifacts in Laboratory Research on Underground Hydrogen Storage

by Adnan Aftab, Silvia J. Salgar-Chaparro, Quan Xie, Ali Saeedi and Mohammad Sarmadivaleh

Fuels 2025, 6(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6030052 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The global energy sector is aiming to substantially reduce CO₂ emissions to meet the UN climate goals. Among the proposed strategies, underground storage solutions such as radioactive disposal, CO₂, NH₃, and underground H₂ storage (UHS) have emerged [...] Read more.

The global energy sector is aiming to substantially reduce CO₂ emissions to meet the UN climate goals. Among the proposed strategies, underground storage solutions such as radioactive disposal, CO₂, NH₃, and underground H₂ storage (UHS) have emerged as promising options for mitigating anthropogenic emissions. These approaches require rigorous research and development (R&D), often involving laboratory-scale experiments to establish their feasibility before being scaled up to pilot plant operations. Microorganisms, which are ubiquitous in laboratory environments, can significantly influence geochemical reactions under variable experimental conditions of porous media and a salt cavern. We have selected a consortium composed of Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Cronobacter sp. bacteria, which are typically present in the laboratory environment. These microorganisms can contaminate the rock sample and develop experimental artifacts in UHS experiments. Hence, it is pivotal to sterilize the rock prior to conduct experimental research related to effects of microorganisms in the porous media and the salt cavern for the investigation of UHS. This study investigated the efficacy of various disinfection and sterilization methods, including ultraviolet irradiation, autoclaving, oven heating, ethanol treatments, and gamma irradiation, in removing the microorganisms from silica sand. Additionally, the consideration of their effects on mineral properties are reviewed. A total of 567 vials, each filled with 9 mL of acid-producing bacteria (APB) media were used to test killing efficacy of the cleaning methods. We conducted serial dilutions up to 10⁻⁸ and repeated them three times to determine whether any deviation occurred. Our findings revealed that gamma irradiation and autoclaving were the most effective techniques for eradicating microbial contaminants, achieving sterilization without significantly altering the mineral characteristics. These findings underscore the necessity of robust cleaning protocols in hydrogeochemical research to ensure reliable, reproducible data, particularly in future studies where microbial contamination could induce artifacts in laboratory research. Full article

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29 pages, 2114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Vibration Solutions of Sandwich Lévy Plates with Viscoelastic Layers at Low and High Frequencies

by Yichi Zhang and Bingen Yang

Appl. Mech. 2025, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/applmech6030049 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

The sandwich plates in consideration are structures composed of a number of Lévy plate components laminated with viscoelastic layers, and they are seen in broad engineering applications. In vibration analysis of a sandwich plate, conventional analytical methods are limited due to the complexity [...] Read more.

The sandwich plates in consideration are structures composed of a number of Lévy plate components laminated with viscoelastic layers, and they are seen in broad engineering applications. In vibration analysis of a sandwich plate, conventional analytical methods are limited due to the complexity of the geometric and material properties of the structure, and consequently, numerical methods are commonly used. In this paper, an innovative analytical method is proposed for vibration analysis of sandwich Lévy plates having different configurations of viscoelastic layers and using various models of viscoelastic materials. The focus of the investigation is on the determination of closed-form frequency response at any given frequencies. In the development, an s-domain state-space formulation is established by the Distributed Transfer Function Method (DTFM). With this formulation, closed-form analytical solutions of the frequency response problem of sandwich plates are obtained, without the need for spatial discretization. As one unique feature, the DTFM-based approach has consistent formulas and unified solution procedures by which analytical solutions at both low and high frequencies are obtained. The accuracy, efficiency, and versatility of the proposed analytical method are demonstrated in three numerical examples, where the DTFM-based analysis is compared with the finite element method and certain existing analytical solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Design Technologies for Beam, Plate and Shell Structures (3rd Edition))

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0 pages, 3742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Comparison of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns: Marginal/Internal Adaptation and 3D-Quantified Preparation Defects Using Air-Driven, Electric-Driven, and Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Handpieces

by Rand Saman Jadid and Abdulsalam Rasheed Al-Zahawi

Prosthesis 2025, 7(4), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7040075 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of rotary (air-driven, electric-driven) and oscillating (piezoelectric ultrasonic) handpieces on the quality of crown preparation, marginal integrity, and internal adaptation of monolithic zirconia crowns. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two standardized premolar preparations were [...] Read more.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of rotary (air-driven, electric-driven) and oscillating (piezoelectric ultrasonic) handpieces on the quality of crown preparation, marginal integrity, and internal adaptation of monolithic zirconia crowns. Materials and Methods: Seventy-two standardized premolar preparations were performed using the air-driven handpiece with a guide pin-ended tapered fissure diamond bur on a modified dental surveyor. The finishing process utilized three handpiece types (n = 24/group) with fine/superfine diamond burs under controlled force with a fixed number of rotations and controlled advancement time. Marginal/internal adaptation was evaluated via the triple-scan technique; defects (marginal, axial, and occlusal) were quantified based on predefined criteria through the inspection of the Standard Tessellation Language (STL) file. Results: One-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD and Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn–Bonferroni tests were utilized. The marginal gap showed no significant differences (p > 0.05, η² = 0.04). The electric handpiece outperformed the ultrasonic (p = 0.023, η² = 0.105) in internal adaptation, while the air-driven showed no differences (p > 0.05). The ultrasonic handpiece produced fewer marginal defects than the air-driven (p = 0.039, ε² = 0.132), but more axial defects (median 9 vs. 6, p = 0.014, ε² = 0.168) than the electric handpiece and occlusal defects (5 vs. 3, 4 p = 0.007, p = 0.015, ε² = 0.227) than rotary handpieces. The air-driven handpiece exhibited comparable defect numbers to the electric handpiece without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Handpiece selection had a small effect on marginal adaptation but more pronounced effects on overall defect formations and internal adaptation. The ultrasonic handpiece’s decreased marginal defects but variable axial/occlusal results reveal technological constraints, whereas rotary handpieces’ consistency reflects their operator-dependent nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Prosthodontics)

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0 pages, 2735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Area Estimation in High-Wire Tomato Cultivation Using Plant Body Scanning

by Hiroki Naito, Tokihiro Fukatsu, Kota Shimomoto, Fumiki Hosoi and Tomohiko Ota

AgriEngineering 2025, 7(7), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering7070206 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Accurate estimation of the leaf area index (LAI), a key indicator of canopy development and light interception, is essential for improving productivity in greenhouse tomato cultivation. This study presents a non-destructive LAI estimation method using side-view images captured by a vertical scanning system. [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of the leaf area index (LAI), a key indicator of canopy development and light interception, is essential for improving productivity in greenhouse tomato cultivation. This study presents a non-destructive LAI estimation method using side-view images captured by a vertical scanning system. The system recorded the full vertical profile of tomato plants grown under two deleafing strategies: modifying leaf height (LH) and altering leaf density (LD). Vegetative and leaf areas were extracted using color-based masking and semantic segmentation with the Segment Anything Model (SAM), a general-purpose deep learning tool. Regression models based on leaf or all vegetative pixel counts showed strong correlations with destructively measured LAI, particularly under LH conditions (R² > 0.85; mean absolute percentage error ≈ 16%). Under LD conditions, accuracy was slightly lower due to occlusion and leaf orientation. Compared with prior 3D-based methods, the proposed 2D approach achieved comparable accuracy while maintaining low cost and a labor-efficient design. However, the system has not been tested in real production, and its generalizability across cultivars, environments, and growth stages remains unverified. This proof-of-concept study highlights the potential of side-view imaging for LAI monitoring and calls for further validation and integration of leaf count estimation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Exploring the Application of Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing in Agriculture)

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14 pages, 1051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geo-Statistics and Deep Learning-Based Algorithm Design for Real-Time Bus Geo-Location and Arrival Time Estimation Features with Load Resiliency Capacity

by Smail Tigani

AI 2025, 6(7), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6070142 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces a groundbreaking decentralized approach for real-time bus monitoring and geo-location, leveraging advanced geo-statistical and multivariate statistical methods. The proposed long short-term memory (LSTM) model predicts bus arrival times with confidence intervals and reconstructs missing positioning data, offering cities an accurate, [...] Read more.

This paper introduces a groundbreaking decentralized approach for real-time bus monitoring and geo-location, leveraging advanced geo-statistical and multivariate statistical methods. The proposed long short-term memory (LSTM) model predicts bus arrival times with confidence intervals and reconstructs missing positioning data, offering cities an accurate, resource-efficient tracking solution within typical infrastructure limits. By employing decentralized data processing, our system significantly reduces network traffic and computational load, enabling data sharing and sophisticated analysis. Utilizing the Haversine formula, the system estimates pessimistic and optimistic arrival times, providing real-time updates and enhancing the accuracy of bus tracking. Our innovative approach optimizes real-time bus tracking and arrival time estimation, ensuring robust performance under varying traffic conditions. This research demonstrates the potential of integrating advanced statistical techniques with decentralized computing to revolutionize public transit systems. Full article

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32 pages, 1187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mercury Contamination and Human Health Risk by Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Activity in Gunung Pongkor, West Java, Indonesia

by Tia Agustiani, Susi Sulistia, Agus Sudaryanto, Budi Kurniawan, Patrick Adu Poku, Ahmed Elwaleed, Jun Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Ishibashi, Yasumi Anan and Tetsuro Agusa

Earth 2025, 6(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth6030067 (registering DOI) - 1 Jul 2025

Abstract

Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest source of global mercury (Hg) emissions. This study investigated Hg contamination in water, soil, sediment, fish, and cassava plants around ASGM sites in Gunung Pongkor, West Java, Indonesia. Hg concentration ranged from 0.06 to 4.49 [...] Read more.

Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the largest source of global mercury (Hg) emissions. This study investigated Hg contamination in water, soil, sediment, fish, and cassava plants around ASGM sites in Gunung Pongkor, West Java, Indonesia. Hg concentration ranged from 0.06 to 4.49 µg/L in water; 0.420 to 144 mg/kg dw in soil; 0.920 to 150 mg/kg dw in sediment; 0.259 to 1.23 mg/kg dw in fish; 0.097 to 5.09 mg/kg dw in cassava root; and 0.350 to 8.84 mg/kg dw in cassava leaf. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis revealed moderate to heavy soil contamination upstream, likely due to direct ASGM input. In contrast, sediment Igeo values indicated heavy contamination downstream, suggesting Hg transport and sedimentation. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) in fish were predominantly high in downstream and midstream areas, indicating enhanced Hg bioavailability. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in cassava were higher in upstream areas. Health risk assessment, based on the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI), identified ingestion as the primary exposure route, with children exhibiting significantly higher risks than adults. These findings highlight the significant Hg contamination associated with ASGM in Gunung Pongkor and emphasize the need for targeted mitigation strategies to protect human and environmental health. Full article

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