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29 pages, 3861 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mitigating Crossfire Attacks via Topology Spoofing Based on ENRNN-MTD

by Dexian Chang, Xiaobing Zhang, Jiajia Sun and Chen Fang

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11432; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111432 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Crossfire attacks disrupt network services by targeting critical links of server groups, causing traffic congestion and server failures that prevent legitimate users from accessing services. To counter this threat, this study proposes a novel topology spoofing defense mechanism based on a sequence-based Graph [...] Read more.

Crossfire attacks disrupt network services by targeting critical links of server groups, causing traffic congestion and server failures that prevent legitimate users from accessing services. To counter this threat, this study proposes a novel topology spoofing defense mechanism based on a sequence-based Graph Neural Network–Moving Target Defense (ENRNN-MTD). During the reconnaissance phase, the method employs a GNN to generate multiple random and diverse virtual topologies, which are mapped to various external hosts. This obscures the real internal network structure and complicates the attacker’s ability to accurately identify it. In the attack phase, an IP random-hopping mechanism using a chaotic sequence is introduced to conceal node information and increase the cost of launching attacks, thereby enhancing the protection of critical services. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to existing defense mechanisms, the proposed approach exhibits significant advantages in terms of deception topology randomness, defensive effectiveness, and system load management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue IoT Technology and Information Security)

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19 pages, 8658 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Strategy of Nitrogen Reduction, Microbial Amendment, and Straw Incorporation Mitigates Soil Degradation and Enhances Cucumber Yield in Northern Chinese Greenhouses

by Yang Yang, Runze Guo, Xin Fu, Tianjie Sun, Yanqun Wang and Zhengping Peng

Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2231; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212231 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Facility agriculture is essential for modernizing the production of horticultural plants, while long-standing over-fertilization and improper tillage in some vegetable facilities in northern China have resulted in reduced soil quality, increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and diminished vegetable yields and quality. This study [...] Read more.

Facility agriculture is essential for modernizing the production of horticultural plants, while long-standing over-fertilization and improper tillage in some vegetable facilities in northern China have resulted in reduced soil quality, increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and diminished vegetable yields and quality. This study systematically analyzed the deteriorating health of typical cucumber facility soils in Hebei Province, China, induced by long-term over-fertilization. Based on field surveys, we explored dynamic changes in soil physicochemical properties across different durations of over-fertilization. Subsequently, a series of field trials were conducted to assess whether reducing nitrogen application, either alone or when combined with microbial agents, could ameliorate soil properties, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance cucumber productivity. The initial field assessment revealed severe topsoil salt and nutrient accumulation, with water-soluble salt content in 5-year-old greenhouses from Yongqing soaring to 3.82 g·kg⁻¹, nearly eight times the level found in 1-year-old plots. Field experiments demonstrated that a 20% reduction in nitrogen application from the conventional rate of 900 kg·hm⁻² effectively mitigated salt accumulation, improved the structure of the microbial community, and maintained cucumber yield at 66,914 kg·hm⁻², an output comparable to conventional practices. More notably, integrating this 20% nitrogen reduction with an inoculation of Bacillus megaterium reduced the overall global warming potential by 26.7% and simultaneously increased cucumber yield to 72,747 kg·hm⁻². The most comprehensive strategy combined deep tillage, soybean straw incorporation, and B. megaterium application under reduced nitrogen, which boosted nitrogen use efficiency by 13.7% and achieved the highest yield among all treatments. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that a combined approach of nitrogen reduction, microbial amendment, and straw application offers an effective strategy to restore soil health, enhance crop productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts in protective vegetable production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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24 pages, 30268 KB

Open AccessArticle

Accurate Multi-Step State of Charge Prediction for Electric Vehicle Batteries Using the Wavelet-Guided Temporal Feature Enhanced Informer

by Chuke Liu and Ling Pei

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11431; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111431 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The state of charge (SOC) serves as a critical indicator for evaluating the remaining driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), and its prediction is of significance for alleviating range anxiety and promoting the development of the EVs industry. This study addresses two key [...] Read more.

The state of charge (SOC) serves as a critical indicator for evaluating the remaining driving range of electric vehicles (EVs), and its prediction is of significance for alleviating range anxiety and promoting the development of the EVs industry. This study addresses two key challenges in current SOC prediction technologies: (1) the scarcity of multi-step prediction research based on real driving conditions and (2) the poor performance in multi-scale temporal feature extraction. We innovatively propose the Wavelet-Guided Temporal Feature Enhanced Informer (WG-TFE-Informer) prediction model with two core innovations: a wavelet-guided convolutional embedding layer that significantly enhances anti-interference capability through joint time-frequency analysis and a temporal edge enhancement (TEE) module that achieves the collaborative modeling of local microscopic features and macroscopic temporal evolution patterns based on sparse attention mechanisms. Building upon this model, we establish a multidimensional SOC energy consumption prediction system incorporating battery characteristics, driving behavior, and environmental terrain factors. Experimental validation with real-world operating data demonstrates outstanding performance: 1-min SOC prediction accuracy achieves a mean relative error (MRE) of 0.21% and 20-min SOC prediction exhibits merely 0.62% error fluctuation. Ablation experiments confirm model effectiveness with a 72.1% performance improvement over baseline (MRE of 3.06%) at 20-min SOC prediction, achieving a final MRE of 0.89%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue EV (Electric Vehicle) Energy Storage and Battery Management)

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17 pages, 3392 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation into the Working Behavior of Geotextile Pipe-Bag Systems on Soft Soil Foundations in the Ningde Port Industrial Zone, China

by Peijun Fan, Honglei Ren, Xiatao Zhang, Wei Li and Wanli Guo

Water 2025, 17(21), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213063 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of coastal and nearshore engineering projects in China, geotextile pipe and bag (GPB) structures have been increasingly applied in marine land reclamation and coastal protection works. To better understand the mechanical behavior of GPB structures on soft soil foundations, [...] Read more.

With the rapid development of coastal and nearshore engineering projects in China, geotextile pipe and bag (GPB) structures have been increasingly applied in marine land reclamation and coastal protection works. To better understand the mechanical behavior of GPB structures on soft soil foundations, this study conducts a systematic investigation into the mechanical properties of both soft soils and GPBs using a physical model test system. By integrating numerical simulations, the stress–deformation characteristics of GPB structures on soft soils and the evolution of pore pressure are further analyzed. The results indicate that the compression curve of soft soil exhibits significant nonlinearity, with silt showing higher apparent compressibility than silty clay. Experimental data yielded the compression coefficient λ and rebound coefficient μ for both soil types. As consolidation pressure increases, deviatoric stress in the soft soil rises notably, demonstrating typical strain-hardening behavior. Based on these findings, the critical state effective stress ratio M was determined for both soil types. The study also establishes the development laws of cohesion c and friction angle φ during soil consolidation, as well as the variation of pore water pressure under different confining pressures. Interface tests clarify the relationships between cohesion and friction angle at the interfaces between geotextile pipe bags and sand, and between adjacent pipe bag layers. Numerical simulations reveal that the reclamation construction process significantly influences structural horizontal displacement. Significant stress concentration occurs at the toe of the slope, while the central portion of the pipe-bag structure experiences maximum tensile stress—still within the material’s allowable stress limit. The installation of drainage boards effectively accelerates pore pressure dissipation, achieving nearly complete consolidation within one year after construction. This research provides a scientific foundation and practical engineering guidance for assessing the overall stability and safety of (GPB) structures on soft soil foundations in coastal regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coastal Engineering and Fluid–Structure Interactions)

61 pages, 13924 KB

Open AccessReview

Agar-Based Composites in Sustainable Energy Storage: A Comprehensive Review

by Zeenat Akhter, Sultan Ullah, Arvydas Palevicius and Giedrius Janusas

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5618; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215618 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The shift towards renewable resources has positioned agar, a natural seaweed polysaccharide, as a pivotal and sustainable material for developing next-generation energy storage technologies. This review highlights the transformative role of agar-based composites as a game-changing and eco-friendly platform for supercapacitors, batteries, and [...] Read more.

The shift towards renewable resources has positioned agar, a natural seaweed polysaccharide, as a pivotal and sustainable material for developing next-generation energy storage technologies. This review highlights the transformative role of agar-based composites as a game-changing and eco-friendly platform for supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells. Moving beyond the traditional synthetic polymers, agar introduces a novel paradigm by leveraging its natural gelation, superior film-forming ability, and inherent ionic conductivity to create advanced electrolytes, binders, and matrices. The novelty of this field lies in the strategic fabrication of synergistic composites with polymers, metal oxides, and carbon materials, engineered through innovative techniques like electrospinning, solvent casting, crosslinking, 3D printing, and freeze-drying. We critically examine how these innovative composites are breaking new ground in enhancing device efficacy, flexibility, and thermal stability. Ultimately, this analysis not only consolidates the current landscape but also charts future pathways, positioning agar-based materials as a pivotal and sustainable solution for powering the future. Full article

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17 pages, 3493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Nacelle Inlet Geometry on Crosswind Distortion Under Ground Static Conditions

by Xiufeng Song, Binbin Tang, Changkun Li and Zhenlong Wu

Aerospace 2025, 12(11), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace12110955 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The aerodynamic performance of nacelle inlets under crosswind conditions is crucial for engine stability and efficiency. Current parametric investigations are predominantly focused on cruise operations, with minimal consideration given to crosswind conditions. This study employs an iCST-based parametric modeling approach to construct geometric [...] Read more.

The aerodynamic performance of nacelle inlets under crosswind conditions is crucial for engine stability and efficiency. Current parametric investigations are predominantly focused on cruise operations, with minimal consideration given to crosswind conditions. This study employs an iCST-based parametric modeling approach to construct geometric models. A systematic examination of key geometric parameters—including the throat axial location, fan face radius, and leading-edge radii of the inner and outer contours is conducted. The reliability of the numerical methodology was established through a two-step validation process using both the iCST-generated non-axisymmetric model and the DLR-F6 benchmark model, followed by a geometric sensitivity analysis based on parametrically generated axisymmetric models. The results demonstrate that the inner contour leading-edge radius (ROC_I/R_hi) has the most substantial influence on flow separation. When ROC_I/R_hi decreases from 7.84% to 3.46%, the peak maximum circumferential total pressure distortion index (IDCmax) is increased by 86.78% with a 53.85% rearward shift in the complete reattachment mass flow rate. Correspondingly, a similar reduction in the outer contour leading-edge radius (ROC_O/R_hi) from 9.38% to 4.69% results in a 55.50% increase in peak IDCmax and a 33.33% rearward shift. Comparatively, the fan face radius shows minimal impact on flow distortion (increases by 9.72%), but more pronounced effects on total pressure recovery, while rearward movement of the throat axial location (35.00% to 69.00%) causes a 30.03% rise in IDCmax and 43.75% complete flow reattachment delay. It is concluded that the leading-edge optimization is crucial for crosswind resilience, with the inner contour geometry being particularly influential, providing parametric foundations for robust inlet design across a wide range of operating regimes. In addition, it is also found that the effects of Reynolds number (Re) lie in two folds: (1) For a fixed model scale, the aerodynamic performance of the inlet suffers a remarkable degradation with rapidly rising IDCmax as the crosswind velocity-based Re is increased to cause significant flow separations. (2) For a fixed crosswind velocity, the peak IDCmax progressively decreases with the increasing scale based Re, while σ exhibits an overall enhancement as Re rises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)

19 pages, 1647 KB

Open AccessArticle

Toxicokinetic Characterization of MDM Hydantoin via Stable Metabolite DMH: Population Modeling for Predicting Dermal Formaldehyde Formation

by Woohyung Jung, Jaewoong Lee, Woojin Kim, Seongwon Kim, Woojin Nam, In-Soo Myeong, Kwang Ho Kim, Soyoung Shin and Tae Hwan Kim

Toxics 2025, 13(11), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13110917 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

MDM hydantoin (MDMH), a formaldehyde-releasing preservative widely used in cosmetics, poses potential health risks due to its conversion to formaldehyde and systemically absorbed metabolites. Current safety assessments lack quantitative exposure data due to rapid degradation of MDMH in biological matrices. In the present [...] Read more.

MDM hydantoin (MDMH), a formaldehyde-releasing preservative widely used in cosmetics, poses potential health risks due to its conversion to formaldehyde and systemically absorbed metabolites. Current safety assessments lack quantitative exposure data due to rapid degradation of MDMH in biological matrices. In the present study, we developed a validated LC-MS/MS assay for simultaneous determination of MDMH and its stable metabolite DMH in rat plasma, and characterized their toxicokinetics using population modeling following intravenous and transdermal administration. MDMH exhibited extremely rapid elimination (t_1/2 = 0.4 ± 0.1 min) with near-complete conversion to DMH (97.6 ± 9.6%), while DMH demonstrated prolonged retention (t_1/2 = 174.2 ± 12.2 min) and complete bioavailability (100.9 ± 18.0%) after transdermal application. Population modeling estimated that 84% (relative standard error: 42.8%) of applied MDMH undergoes cutaneous absorption and metabolism to DMH and formaldehyde within skin tissues. This study demonstrates that stable metabolite monitoring combined with population modeling enables toxicokinetic characterization of rapidly degrading compounds following dermal exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Computational Methods of Studying Exposure to Chemicals)

20 pages, 347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploration of Cannabis Use with Excessive Social Media Use Among U.S. College Students

by Madelyn J. Hill, Rebecca A. Vidourek, Keith A. King, Matthew Lee Smith and Ashley L. Merianos

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1455; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111455 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Excessive social media use (ESMU) may negatively impact college students. Less is known about whether cannabis use may influence ESMU. This study assessed the association between current cannabis use and ESMU in addition to cannabis use risk and ESMU among U.S. college students. [...] Read more.

Excessive social media use (ESMU) may negatively impact college students. Less is known about whether cannabis use may influence ESMU. This study assessed the association between current cannabis use and ESMU in addition to cannabis use risk and ESMU among U.S. college students. An analysis of the 2022–2023 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment dataset including 65,052 college students aged 18–24-years old was performed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were analyzed. In total, 23.2% of college students reported current cannabis use within the past 30 days. The unadjusted and adjusted logistic model results indicated that college students reporting current cannabis use were at increased odds of reporting ESMU compared to college students not reporting current cannabis use (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.16–1.28; AOR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.20–1.34, respectively). Furthermore, unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression results demonstrated that college students with moderate cannabis use risk (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.12–1.30; AOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.12–1.30) or high cannabis use risk (OR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.50–2.11; AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.53–2.16) were at increased odds of reporting ESMU compared to college students with low cannabis use risk. U.S. college students who currently use cannabis, especially those exhibiting a moderate or high cannabis use risk, are at an increased odds of excessively using social media sites. Full article

27 pages, 5357 KB

Open AccessReview

From Sources to Environmental Risks: Research Progress on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in River and Lake Environments

by Zhanqi Zhou, Fuwen Deng, Jiayang Nie, He Li, Xia Jiang, Shuhang Wang and Yunyan Guo

Water 2025, 17(21), 3061; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213061 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted global attention due to their persistence and biological toxicity, becoming critical emerging contaminants in river and lake environments worldwide. Building upon existing studies, this work aims to comprehensively understand the pollution patterns, environmental behaviors, and potential [...] Read more.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted global attention due to their persistence and biological toxicity, becoming critical emerging contaminants in river and lake environments worldwide. Building upon existing studies, this work aims to comprehensively understand the pollution patterns, environmental behaviors, and potential risks of PFASs in freshwater systems, thereby providing scientific evidence and technical support for precise pollution control, risk prevention, and the protection of aquatic ecosystems and human health. Based on publications from 2002 to 2025 indexed in the Web of Science (WoS), bibliometric analysis was used to explore the temporal evolution and research hotspots of PFASs, and to systematically review their input pathways, pollution characteristics, environmental behaviors, influencing factors, and ecological and health risks in river and lake environments. Results show that PFAS inputs originate from both direct and indirect pathways. Direct emissions mainly stem from industrial production, consumer product use, and waste disposal, while indirect emissions arise from precursor transformation, secondary releases from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT). Affected by source distribution, physicochemical properties, and environmental conditions, PFASs display pronounced spatial variability among environmental media. Their partitioning, degradation, and migration are jointly controlled by molecular properties, aquatic physicochemical conditions, and interactions with dissolved organic matter (DOM). Current risk assessments indicate that PFASs generally pose low risks in non-industrial areas, yet elevated ecological and health risks persist in industrial clusters and regions with intensive aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use. Quantitative evaluation of mixture toxicity and chronic low-dose exposure risks remains insufficient and warrants further investigation. This study reveals the complex, dynamic environmental behaviors of PFASs in river and lake systems. Considering the interactions between PFASs and coexisting components, future research should emphasize mechanisms, key influencing factors, and synergistic control strategies under multi-media co-pollution. Developing quantitative risk assessment frameworks capable of characterizing integrated mixture toxicity will provide a scientific basis for the precise identification and effective management of PFAS pollution in aquatic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution Process and Microbial Responses in Aquatic Environment)

14 pages, 3967 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lithium-Ion Battery SOH Prediction Method Based on ICEEMDAN+FC-BiLSTM

by Xiangdong Meng, Haifeng Zhang, Haitao Lan, Sheng Cui, Yiyi Huang, Gang Li, Yunchang Dong and Shuyu Zhou

Energies 2025, 18(21), 5617; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18215617 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Driven by the rapid promotion of new energy technologies, lithium-ion batteries have found broad applications. Accurate prediction of their state of health (SOH) plays a critical role in ensuring safe and reliable battery management. This study presents a hybrid SOH prediction method for [...] Read more.

Driven by the rapid promotion of new energy technologies, lithium-ion batteries have found broad applications. Accurate prediction of their state of health (SOH) plays a critical role in ensuring safe and reliable battery management. This study presents a hybrid SOH prediction method for lithium-ion batteries by combining improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) and a fully connected bidirectional long short-term memory network (FC-BiLSTM). ICEEMDAN is applied to extract multi-scale features and suppress noise, while the FC-BiLSTM integrates feature mapping with temporal modeling for accurate prediction. Using end-of-discharge time, charging capacity, and historical capacity averages as inputs, the method is validated on the NASA dataset and laboratory aging data. Results show RMSE values below 0.012 and over 15% improvement compared with BiLSTM-based benchmarks, highlighting the proposed method’s accuracy, robustness, and potential for online SOH prediction in electric vehicle battery management systems. Full article

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20 pages, 830 KB

Open AccessArticle

External Costs of Road Traffic Accidents in Türkiye: The Willingness-to-Pay Method

by Rahmi Topcu and Emine Coruh

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9514; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219514 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Traffic accidents remain a major global burden, causing mortality, disability, and socio-economic losses that hinder sustainable development. Beyond human suffering, crashes place long-term pressures on health systems, labor markets, and national economies, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries. Estimating the true societal costs [...] Read more.

Traffic accidents remain a major global burden, causing mortality, disability, and socio-economic losses that hinder sustainable development. Beyond human suffering, crashes place long-term pressures on health systems, labor markets, and national economies, disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income countries. Estimating the true societal costs of accidents is therefore essential for designing effective, equitable, and sustainable road safety policies. This study applies the Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) method to evaluate the external costs of traffic-related deaths and injuries in Türkiye between 2008 and 2018. By incorporating material and immaterial losses, the WTP framework captures a broader spectrum of impacts than traditional approaches, offering valuable insights into the scale of welfare losses and the value of risk reduction. The findings reveal that external costs rose substantially over the decade, from 1.63% to 2.72% of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring that economic losses from road crashes are growing faster than the economy. These results highlight the need for systematic interventions that integrate road safety into national sustainability agendas, including safer infrastructure, behavioral programs, advanced vehicle technologies, and efficient emergency response systems. The evidence presented strengthens the case for prioritizing traffic safety as a fundamental component of sustainable transport and public health strategies. Full article

20 pages, 1038 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prejudice Formation in Childhood: How Parental Bonding Can Affect Social Dominance Orientation

by Serenella Tolomeo, Shannen Koh and Gianluca Esposito

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15111147 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background. How individuals develop and form perspectives of those around them differs from person to person. Factors such as childhood parental bonding styles can affect how prejudice forms. Social dominance in adulthood may also be affected by childhood experiences through the bonding received. [...] Read more.

Background. How individuals develop and form perspectives of those around them differs from person to person. Factors such as childhood parental bonding styles can affect how prejudice forms. Social dominance in adulthood may also be affected by childhood experiences through the bonding received. Not many studies examine how an individual’s Social Dominance Orientationcan be influenced by parental bonding styles in childhood. Furthermore, few studies that investigated neural correlates are associated with these two variables. As such, this study aims to establish how parental bonding in childhood affects brain regions that are also implicated in adult SDO. Methods. Ninety-one participants were recruited and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Parental Bonding Index (PBI) were collected. We used DARTEL package in SPM12 to conduct a whole-brain analysis. The ROI analyses were focused on amygdala grey matter volume (GMV). Results. This study identified a strong correlation between PBI and SDO. Interestingly, PBI_Care and PBI_Protection scores significantly predicted SDO scores. SDO was positively associated with amygdala GMV, PBI_Care was negatively associated with amygdala GMV, and PBI_Protection was positively associated with amygdala GMV. Conclusions. Our results show that PBI and SDO are highly correlated as well as their association with the amygdala and other key regions of the brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neural Mechanisms Underlying Social Cognition and Emotional Processing)

10 pages, 1034 KB

Open AccessArticle

Montagnulans A–D with Anti-Osteoclastogenic Activity from the Marine Fungus Montagnula sp. GXIMD 02514

by Miaoping Lin, Humu Lu, Jiaxi Wang, Huangxue Qin, Xinya Xu, Chenghai Gao, Yonghong Liu, Yanhui Tan and Xiaowei Luo

Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(11), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23110416 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Four novel tetramic acid compounds, montagnulans A–D (1–4), were obtained from the Beibu Gulf coral-associated fungus Montagnula sp. GXIMD 02514. Their structures were determined by comprehensive physicochemical and spectroscopic data interpretation. The absolute configurations were accomplished by ECD calculations. [...] Read more.

Four novel tetramic acid compounds, montagnulans A–D (1–4), were obtained from the Beibu Gulf coral-associated fungus Montagnula sp. GXIMD 02514. Their structures were determined by comprehensive physicochemical and spectroscopic data interpretation. The absolute configurations were accomplished by ECD calculations. Structurally, compounds 1–4 were rare leucine-derived tetramic acids bearing an ethyl (1–3) or hexylenic alcohol (4) side chain and a pyranone ring at C-3 of the 2,4-pyrrolidinedione core. Compound 1 exhibited inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-κB in RAW 264.7 macrophages at 20 μM, which further inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation without cytotoxicity in bone marrow macrophages cells (BMMs). This is the first report of osteoclastogenesis inhibitions for tetramic acids, which sheds light on their development as potential osteoclast differentiation inhibitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 2025 Symposium on Marine Microbiology in China)

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32 pages, 831 KB

Open AccessReview

Valorising Whey: From Environmental Burden to Bio-Based Production of Value-Added Compounds and Food Ingredients

by Hiba Selmi, Ester Presutto, Giuseppe Spano, Vittorio Capozzi and Mariagiovanna Fragasso

Foods 2025, 14(21), 3646; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213646 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Cheese manufacturing generates large volumes of whey with high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, historically treated as waste. Yet, whey is rich in lactose, proteins, and minerals that can be fractionated and upgraded into foods and bio-based products. During cheese production, 80% to [...] Read more.

Cheese manufacturing generates large volumes of whey with high biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, historically treated as waste. Yet, whey is rich in lactose, proteins, and minerals that can be fractionated and upgraded into foods and bio-based products. During cheese production, 80% to 90% of the total volume is discarded as whey, which can cause severe pollution. However, milk by-products can be a natural source of high-value-added compounds and a cost-effective substrate for microbial growth and metabolites production. The current review focuses on cheese whey as a key milk by-product, highlighting its generation and composition, the challenges associated with its production, methods for fractionating whey to recover bioactive compounds, its applications in functional food development, the barriers to its broader use in the food sector, and its potential as a substrate for producing value-added compounds. Particularly, the focus was on the recent solutions to use cheese whey as a primary material for microbial fermentation and enzymatic processes, producing a diverse range of chemicals and products for applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and biotechnology industries. This review contributes to defining a framework for reducing the environmental impacts of whey through its application in designing foods and generating biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Waste as Ingredients in Functional Food Development: Sources, Extractions and Functionality)

13 pages, 306 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Inheritance and the Impact of Low Birth Weight on the Incidence of Cryptorchidism in Hyperprolific Sows

by Thanut Wathirunwong, Padet Tummaruk, Sarthorn Porntrakulpipat and Jatesada Jiwakanon

Animals 2025, 15(21), 3105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15213105 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Cryptorchidism in piglets, characterized by undescended testicles, causes economic losses and reduces consumer acceptance. Hyperprolific sows (HPS) have been hypothesized to produce a higher incidence of cryptorchid offspring. This study investigated the incidence of cryptorchidism in piglets born to HPS and its association [...] Read more.

Cryptorchidism in piglets, characterized by undescended testicles, causes economic losses and reduces consumer acceptance. Hyperprolific sows (HPS) have been hypothesized to produce a higher incidence of cryptorchid offspring. This study investigated the incidence of cryptorchidism in piglets born to HPS and its association with piglet birth weight and litter size in an observational study. Data from 276 litters (144 Landrace × Yorkshire sows; 4003 piglets) were analyzed. Sows were classified by genetic line (conventional: 68 litters; HPS: 208 litters) and parity (primiparous: 144; second parity: 132). At first parity, all gilts were inseminated with semen from a phenotypically unilateral cryptorchid Duroc boar, whereas at second parity, semen from three normal Duroc boars, which were full siblings, was used. The Landrace × Yorkshire HPS line produced more piglets per litter than the conventional Landrace × Yorkshire line (16.5 ± 0.3 vs. 12.4 ± 0.6; p < 0.001). Cryptorchidism occurred in 25.7% (37/144) of litters inseminated with semen from the cryptorchid boar, compared with 3.8% (5/132) of litters inseminated with semen from normal boars (p < 0.001). In total, 42 sows produced at least one cryptorchid piglet across both parities. Among affected sows (n = 42), the average number of cryptorchid piglets per litter was 1.3 ± 0.6 (range: 1–3). In the HPS line, cryptorchidism was detected in 24.1% (26/108) of litters, compared with 30.6% (11/36) in the conventional line (p = 0.441). HPS piglets had lower birth weights than conventional piglets (1.14 ± 0.01 vs. 1.30 ± 0.02 kg; p < 0.001). In the HPS line, litters with cryptorchid piglets had lower birth weights than those without (1.11 ± 0.02 vs. 1.18 ± 0.01 kg; p = 0.012), whereas no difference was observed in the conventional line (1.31 ± 0.04 vs. 1.28 ± 0.02 kg; p = 0.917). Litter size did not differ between litters with and without cryptorchid piglets in either genetic line. In conclusion, the lower average birth weight in cryptorchid litters of the HPS line, but not in conventional lines, suggests that HPS breeds may influence cryptorchidism incidence. These findings highlight the need to optimize fetal growth especially in the HPS to reduce this risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Best Management Practices for Breeding Sows and Boars)

17 pages, 1207 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pressure Control of Variable Air Volume System Based on Infiltration Rate

by Kyung-Won Kim, Min-Jun Kim, Jin-Hyun Lee, Hyo-Jun Kim and Young-Hum Cho

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(21), 11430; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152111430 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study proposes an operational strategy to reduce building infiltration rates by predicting the infiltration rate in a variable air volume (VAV) system and implementing pressure control based on these predictions. To achieve this, a theoretical review of conventional VAV systems operations and [...] Read more.

This study proposes an operational strategy to reduce building infiltration rates by predicting the infiltration rate in a variable air volume (VAV) system and implementing pressure control based on these predictions. To achieve this, a theoretical review of conventional VAV systems operations and its impact on building pressure differences was conducted. A method for predicting infiltration rate based on airflow variations in the VAV system was proposed and validated. Furthermore, a pressure control algorithm that utilizes the predicted infiltration rate was developed and evaluated. Previous studies were limited in capturing real-time envelope pressure differentials and changes in infiltration rate. However, this study predicted infiltration rate based on the exponential relationship between the difference in supply and return airflow rates and pressure differential, and verified its reliability against measured values. Furthermore, pressure control based on predicted infiltration rate reduced the infiltration rate by up to 46.1% compared with fan tracking and volumetric tracking control systems, while also reducing fan energy consumption by 94.7%, confirming its effectiveness in reducing cooling load. Full article

21 pages, 4662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Influence Mechanism of Solar Radiation on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Artificial Freshwater Ice Based on Indoor Simulation Experiments

by Chunyang Song, Enliang Wang, Xingchao Liu and Hongwei Han

Water 2025, 17(21), 3062; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17213062 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

In cold regions, solar radiation triggers the spring ablation of river ice layers, thereby changing their physical traits and mechanical behavior. This study uses the Heilongjiang River section near Mohe Arctic Village as the research prototype area. It analyzes the impact of solar [...] Read more.

In cold regions, solar radiation triggers the spring ablation of river ice layers, thereby changing their physical traits and mechanical behavior. This study uses the Heilongjiang River section near Mohe Arctic Village as the research prototype area. It analyzes the impact of solar radiation on ice density and uniaxial compressive strength through indoor simulation tests and multiple regression analysis, aiming to reveal the influence mechanism on uniaxial compressive strength. The results show that after applying a cumulative amount of simulated solar radiation of 84 MJ/m², the ice density decreases by 3.88%, and the loss rate of uniaxial compressive strength can exceed 50%. Solar radiation promotes the transformation of the uniaxial compressive failure mode from ductile to brittle. The established multiple regression model attains a coefficient of determination of 0.891. In the spring ice-melting period in cold regions, the impact of solar radiation on ice strength should be fully considered in the design of ice condition early warnings and water conservancy projects for ice flood prevention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Challenges in the Lake, River, and Sea Ice Sciences and Engineering)

12 pages, 643 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cheese Consumption and Incidence of Dementia in Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults: The JAGES 2019–2022 Cohort Study

by Seungwon Jeong, Takao Suzuki, Yusuke Inoue, Eunji Bang, Kentaro Nakamura, Mayuki Sasaki and Katsunori Kondo

Nutrients 2025, 17(21), 3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17213363 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dementia is a growing public health concern in rapidly aging Japan. Dietary factors, including dairy products, have been proposed as modifiable influences on cognitive health, although findings across studies remain inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between habitual cheese consumption [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Dementia is a growing public health concern in rapidly aging Japan. Dietary factors, including dairy products, have been proposed as modifiable influences on cognitive health, although findings across studies remain inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between habitual cheese consumption and incident dementia in a large, population-based cohort of older Japanese adults, and to provide epidemiological evidence regarding its potential preventive role in populations with low baseline dairy intake. Methods: We analyzed data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) 2019–2022 cohort, linking survey responses to long-term care insurance (LTCI) certification records. Participants aged ≥65 years without prior LTCI certification were included. Cheese consumption was assessed at baseline and categorized as ≥1 time/week vs. non-consumers. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied on sociodemographic and health-related covariates. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for incident dementia over three years. Results: After PSM, 7914 participants were analyzed (3957 consumers; 3957 non-consumers). Baseline covariates were well-balanced. Over 3 years, 134 consumers (3.4%) and 176 non-consumers (4.5%) developed dementia, corresponding to an absolute risk difference of 1.06 percentage points. Cheese consumption was associated with a lower hazard of dementia (HR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60–0.95, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Habitual cheese consumption (≥1 time/week) was modestly associated with a reduced 3-year incidence of dementia in older Japanese adults. While the absolute risk reduction was small, these findings are consistent with prior observational evidence linking dairy intake to cognitive health. Further research is warranted to clarify dose–response relationships, cheese subtypes, and underlying mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Benefits of Diet, Physical Activity and Lifestyle Habits in Older Adults for Longevity)

29 pages, 838 KB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Behavior of NT-3 and VEGFβ, Two Unstudied Growth Factors in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and End-Stage Renal Disease

by Mihaela Gheorghiu, Maria-Florina Trandafir, Octavian Savu, Daniela Pasarica and Coralia Bleotu

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(21), 7585; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217585 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background. DM frequently causes ESRD, a situation in which survival is impossible without chronic dialysis. This research aimed to study the tissue-regenerative capacity of ESRD patients with/without DM. For this purpose, two growth factors were studied: NT-3 and VEGFβ. To our knowledge, this [...] Read more.

Background. DM frequently causes ESRD, a situation in which survival is impossible without chronic dialysis. This research aimed to study the tissue-regenerative capacity of ESRD patients with/without DM. For this purpose, two growth factors were studied: NT-3 and VEGFβ. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the serum behavior of NT-3 in patients with ESRD + DM and, very likely, in patients with ESRD alone. VEGFβ is also very little studied in these patient categories. Since the quasi-permanent inflammation was already clearly proven, this study focused on the anti-inflammatory capacity, taking IL-10 as a prototype, and also the interrelationships between these three factors. Method. All the aforementioned compounds were determined from serum samples, utilizing ELISA kits. Results. The results were surprising, proving a marked polarization of their serum behavior. Although the mean serum levels of NT-3 and VEGFβ were significantly increased in patients with ESRD + DM compared to those with ESRD alone, most patients in both groups had serum levels below the detection limits of the kits used. Conclusions. Although this research is in its early stages, it generates important conclusions and directions for further research, as the functional connections between the studied parameters are not fully understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)

23 pages, 1824 KB

Open AccessArticle

LiDAR Point Cloud Colourisation Using Multi-Camera Fusion and Low-Light Image Enhancement

by Pasindu Ranasinghe, Dibyayan Patra, Bikram Banerjee and Simit Raval

Sensors 2025, 25(21), 6582; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25216582 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

In recent years, the fusion of camera data with LiDAR measurements has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance spatial understanding. This study introduces a novel, hardware-agnostic methodology that generates colourised point clouds from mechanical LiDAR using multiple camera inputs, providing complete 360-degree [...] Read more.

In recent years, the fusion of camera data with LiDAR measurements has emerged as a powerful approach to enhance spatial understanding. This study introduces a novel, hardware-agnostic methodology that generates colourised point clouds from mechanical LiDAR using multiple camera inputs, providing complete 360-degree coverage. The primary innovation lies in its robustness under low-light conditions, achieved through the integration of a low-light image enhancement module within the fusion pipeline. The system requires initial calibration to determine intrinsic camera parameters, followed by automatic computation of the geometric transformation between the LiDAR and cameras—removing the need for specialised calibration targets and streamlining the setup. The data processing framework uses colour correction to ensure uniformity across camera feeds before fusion. The algorithm was tested using a Velodyne Puck Hi-Res LiDAR and a four-camera configuration. The optimised software achieved real-time performance and reliable colourisation even under very low illumination, successfully recovering scene details that would otherwise remain undetectable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Point Clouds for Sensing Applications)

22 pages, 36240 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Sustainable Indicator System for Multi-Coal Seam Mining: A Case Study of the Buertai Coal Mine in China

by Tianshuo Qi, Hao Li, Zhiqin Kang, Dong Yang and Zhengjun Zhou

Sustainability 2025, 17(21), 9512; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219512 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The extraction of multiple coal seams not only increases the risk of water inrush disasters in mines but also exacerbates the long-term depletion of groundwater, posing challenges for sustainable resource management in ecologically sensitive areas. This study utilizes the plastic damage–permeability coupling model [...] Read more.

The extraction of multiple coal seams not only increases the risk of water inrush disasters in mines but also exacerbates the long-term depletion of groundwater, posing challenges for sustainable resource management in ecologically sensitive areas. This study utilizes the plastic damage–permeability coupling model in Abaqus CAE to analyze the impact of coal seam thickness and pillar layout on the evolution of the plastic zone and groundwater loss in the Shen Dong mining area, specifically at the Buertai coal mine. The results indicate that coal seam thickness is a strong driving factor for aquifer depletion: the water inflow under a 10 m thick coal seam is 1.56 times that under a 4 m thick coal seam. In contrast, the optimized staggered pillar layout alters stress distribution and reduces the water inflow under deeper coal seams by approximately 38%, demonstrating excellent water-saving potential. To translate these findings into a sustainability framework, this study proposes three new indicators: the Groundwater Loss Index (GLI) to quantify depletion intensity, the Aquifer Protection Efficiency (APE) to assess protection benefits, and the Sustainability Trade-off Index (STI) to balance coal recovery, safety, and groundwater protection. These metrics establish a dual-objective optimization approach that ensures safe mining and the sustainability of the aquifer. This study provides practical benchmarks for environmental impact assessment and aligns with the global sustainable development agenda, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals concerning clean water (SDG 6), responsible consumption (SDG 12), and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15). By incorporating groundwater protection into the design of the Buertai coal mine, this study advances the transition of multi-seam mining at Buertai from disaster prevention to sustainability orientation. Full article

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16 pages, 2589 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Laser-Induced Audible Metal Defect Detection Method Based on Spectral Discriminative Weights

by Bin Zhu, Tao Liu, Wuyue Hou, Sirui Wang, Yuhua Hang, Lei Shao, Zhen Cai, Jinna Mei and Xueqin Chen

Electronics 2025, 14(21), 4175; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14214175 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a metal defect detection method based on laser-induced audible sound testing (LAST). Defective and defect-free martensitic stainless-steel cubes were used as study samples, and the spectral characteristics of the acoustic signals generated under laser irradiation were comparatively analyzed. Based on [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a metal defect detection method based on laser-induced audible sound testing (LAST). Defective and defect-free martensitic stainless-steel cubes were used as study samples, and the spectral characteristics of the acoustic signals generated under laser irradiation were comparatively analyzed. Based on F-ratio analysis, weighting curves characterizing the discrimination capability of each frequency band were calculated. Subsequently, nonlinear filter banks were designed according to the spectrum discrimination weights, tailored to the degree of spectrum discrimination. Finally, a globally weighted cepstral coefficient (GWCC) extraction algorithm for laser-induced acoustic signals was developed to determine whether defects are present in metals. Experimental results show that the recognition rate of defective samples based on GWCC features reached 94%, higher than that of traditional acoustic features, effectively enhancing feature discriminability. The results of this study demonstrate that applying LAST to metal defect detection is feasible. This method leverages laser-generated acoustic signals from a more comprehensive and economical perspective, pioneering a new solution for non-destructive testing of metal defects. Full article

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26 pages, 4803 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Life Evaluation of Suspended Monorail Track Beams Using Scaled Testing and FE Analysis

by Xu Han, Longsheng Bao, Baoxian Li and Tongfeng Zhao

Buildings 2025, 15(21), 3862; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213862 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Suspended monorail systems are increasingly adopted in urban rail transit due to their small land requirements and environmental benefits. However, welded details in track beams are prone to fatigue cracking under repeated service loads, posing risks to long-term structural safety. This study investigates [...] Read more.

Suspended monorail systems are increasingly adopted in urban rail transit due to their small land requirements and environmental benefits. However, welded details in track beams are prone to fatigue cracking under repeated service loads, posing risks to long-term structural safety. This study investigates the fatigue performance of suspended monorail track beams through 1:4 scaled fatigue experiments and finite element (FE) simulations. Critical fatigue-sensitive locations were identified at the mid-span longitudinal stiffener–bottom flange weld toe and the mid-span web–bottom flange weld toe. Under the most unfavorable operating condition (train speed of 30 km/h), the corresponding hot-spot stresses were 28.48 MPa and 27.54 MPa, respectively. Stress deviations between scaled and full-scale models were within 7%, verifying the feasibility of using scaled models for fatigue studies. Fatigue life predictions based on the IIW hot-spot stress method and Eurocode S–N curves showed that the critical details exceeded the 100-year design requirement, with estimated fatigue lives of 2.39 × 10⁸ and 5.95 × 10⁸ cycles. Furthermore, a modified damage equivalent coefficient method that accounts for traffic volume and train speed was proposed, yielding coefficients of 2.54 and 3.06 for the two fatigue-prone locations. The results provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for fatigue life evaluation, design optimization, and code development of suspended monorail track beam structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)

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4 pages, 192 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Applications of Remote Sensing in Agricultural Soil and Crop Mapping

by Haoteng Zhao and Chen Zhang

Agriculture 2025, 15(21), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15212230 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Agricultural soils and crops form the foundation of global food systems, and their sustainable management is essential for ensuring food security, mitigating climate change, and adapting to environmental pressures [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Remote Sensing in Agricultural Soil and Crop Mapping)

23 pages, 25388 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Resolution Monitoring and Driving Factor Analysis of Long-Term Surface Deformation in the Linfen-Yuncheng Basin

by Yuting Wu, Longyong Chen, Tao Jiang, Yihao Xu, Yan Li and Zhe Jiang

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(21), 3536; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17213536 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

The comprehensive, accurate, and rapid acquisition of large-scale surface deformation using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology provides crucial information support for regional eco-geological safety assessments and the rational development and utilization of groundwater resources. The Linfen-Yuncheng Basin in Shanxi Province is one [...] Read more.

The comprehensive, accurate, and rapid acquisition of large-scale surface deformation using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology provides crucial information support for regional eco-geological safety assessments and the rational development and utilization of groundwater resources. The Linfen-Yuncheng Basin in Shanxi Province is one of China’s historically most frequented regions for geological hazards in plain areas, such as land subsidence and ground fissures. This study employed the coherent point targets based Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) time-series InSAR technique to interpret a dataset of 224 scenes of 5 m resolution RADARSAT-2 satellite SAR images acquired from January 2017 to May 2024. This enabled the acquisition of high-resolution spatiotemporal characteristics of surface deformation in the Linfen-Yuncheng Basin during the monitoring period. The results show that the area with a deformation rate exceeding 5 mm/a in the study area accounts for 12.3% of the total area, among which the subsidence area accounts for 11.1% and the uplift area accounts for 1.2%, indicating that the overall surface is relatively stable. There are four relatively significant local subsidence areas in the study area. The total area with a rate exceeding 30 mm/a is 41.12 km², and the maximum cumulative subsidence is close to 810 mm. By combining high-resolution satellite images and field survey data, it is found that the causes of the four subsidence areas are all the extraction of groundwater for production, living, and agricultural irrigation. This conclusion is further confirmed by comparing the InSAR monitoring results with the groundwater level data of monitoring wells. In addition, on-site investigations reveal that there is a mutually promoting and spatially symbiotic relationship between land subsidence and ground fissures in the study area. The non-uniform subsidence areas monitored by InSAR show significant ground fissure activity characteristics. The InSAR monitoring results can be used to guide the identification and analysis of ground fissure disasters. This study also finds that due to the implementation of surface water supply projects, the demand for groundwater in the study area has been continuously decreasing. The problem of ground water over-extraction has been gradually alleviated, which in turn promotes the continuous recovery of the groundwater level and reduces the development intensity of land subsidence and ground fissures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Radar Remote Sensing in Earth Observation)

14 pages, 2082 KB

Open AccessArticle

Medical Professionals’ Opinions of and Attitudes Toward Uterus Transplantation in Hungary

by Kata Szilvia Papp, Peter Szakaly, Szilard Kolumban, Kálmán András Kovács, Jozsef Bodis, Nelli Farkas, Gabor Fazekas and Balint Farkas

Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(11), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15110194 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a proven treatment for individuals affected by absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) who desire biological motherhood. Despite the fact that over 130 procedures have been performed worldwide in the past decade, UTx remains relatively unfamiliar, even among [...] Read more.

Background: Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a proven treatment for individuals affected by absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) who desire biological motherhood. Despite the fact that over 130 procedures have been performed worldwide in the past decade, UTx remains relatively unfamiliar, even among healthcare professionals. This study aimed to identify knowledge gaps regarding and evaluate attitudes toward UTx among Hungarian obstetricians/gynecologists and transplantation providers, in anticipation of the first procedure to be performed in the country. Methods: A Microsoft Forms^® questionnaire was distributed electronically among Hungarian medical professionals via e-mail, including members of the Hungarian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Hungarian Transplantation Society. Additionally, participants of the “Update 2024” OB/GYN conference (held 28–29 November 2024, in Visegrád, Hungary) were invited to complete the survey through a QR code displayed during the event. Results: A total of 290 medical professionals completed the survey (response rate: 27.6%, 290/1050). Most of the respondents specialized in obstetrics and gynecology (81.7%, n = 237), with the remainder representing transplantation fields (18.3%, n = 53). Over half (56.6%, n = 161) reported they would recommend UTx to patients with AUFI, and 64.1% (n = 186) agreed that UTx should be available as a treatment option. The medical risks associated with the procedure were deemed acceptable for both living donors (58.0%, n = 168) and recipients (54.8%, n = 159). Conclusions: This is the first study to explore perceptions of UTx among Hungarian medical professionals. The findings suggest there is a generally favorable professional attitude toward its future clinical implementation. Full article

16 pages, 1985 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation on High-Temperature and High-Field Reliability of NMOS Devices Fabricated Using 28 nm Technology After Heavy-Ion Irradiation

by Yanrong Cao, Zhixian Zhang, Longtao Zhang, Miaofen Li, Shuo Su, Weiwei Zhang, Youli Xu, Dingqi Huang, Le Liu, Ling Lv and Xiaohua Ma

Micromachines 2025, 16(11), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16111216 (registering DOI) - 25 Oct 2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the degradation of 28 nm technology NMOS devices under high-temperature and high-field conditions following heavy-ion irradiation. The effects of stress time, stress magnitude, temperature, device structural dimensions, and heavy-ion radiation fluence on device degradation were analyzed. The results indicate that [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the degradation of 28 nm technology NMOS devices under high-temperature and high-field conditions following heavy-ion irradiation. The effects of stress time, stress magnitude, temperature, device structural dimensions, and heavy-ion radiation fluence on device degradation were analyzed. The results indicate that under positive gate bias stress, the threshold voltage of NMOS devices exhibits a continuous positive shift. Increased stress time, higher stress magnitude, elevated temperature, and reduced device structural dimensions all aggravate device degradation. The combined effects of electrical stress and radiation lead to a degradation that initially decreases and then increases. This is because the trap charges generated in the gate oxide layer by radiation are positive charges at low fluence, compensating for the negative charges generated under electrical stress, thereby reducing degradation. However, at high fluence, the negative interface trap charges increase, while radiation also generates positive charges in the shallow trench isolation (STI) region. These two factors collectively contribute to increased device degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nano-Semiconductor Devices: Design, Modeling and Next-Generation AI Applications)

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