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Artificial intelligence is reshaping approaches to architectural heritage conservation by enabling a deeper understanding of how people perceive and experience historic built environments. This study employs deep learning and large language models (LLMs) to explore public perceptions of the Qinghefang Historical and Cultural District in Hangzhou, illustrating how AI-driven analytics can inform intelligent heritage management and architectural revitalization. Large-scale public online reviews were processed through BERTopic-based clustering to extract thematic structures of experience, while interpretive synthesis was refined using an LLM to identify core perceptual dimensions including Hangzhou Housing & Residential Choice, Hangzhou Urban Tourism & Culture, Hangzhou Food & Dining, and Qinghefang Culture & Creative. Sentiment polarity and emotional intensity were quantified using a fine-tuned BERT model, revealing distinct affective and perceptual patterns across the district’s architectural and cultural spaces. The results demonstrate that AI-based textual analytics can effectively decode human–heritage interactions, offering actionable insights for data-informed conservation, visitors’ experience optimization, and sustainable management of historic districts. This research contributes to the emerging field of AI-driven innovation in architectural heritage by bridging computational intelligence and heritage conservation practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Preservation: AI-Driven Innovation in Cultural Heritage Buildings)

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17 pages, 2400 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Research on Torque Ripple of Built-In V-Shaped Permanent Magnet Motor with Magnetic Isolation Holes

by Junhong Dong, Hongbin Yin, Xiaobin Sun, Mingyang Luo and Xiaojun Wang

World Electr. Veh. J. 2026, 17(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj17010050 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

The built-in V-shaped permanent magnet motor can effectively utilize reluctance torque to improve torque density, but there is also a problem of large torque ripple causing high vibration noise. This article proposes a rotor structure with four magnetic isolation holes to reduce torque ripple in V-shaped built-in permanent magnet motors. Firstly, a finite element analysis model of the built-in V-shaped permanent magnet motor is established. The influence of slot width, rotor rib width, and magnetic bridge parameters on the torque of the permanent magnet motor was studied through parameterized scanning, and an optimization scheme was selected. Then, the position and size of the magnetic hole were optimized through an adaptive single-objective algorithm. Compared with the ordinary built-in V-shaped structure, the torque ripple of the built-in V-shaped permanent magnet motor with four magnetic isolation holes is reduced from 17.7% to 6.7%. The proposed internal V-shaped rotor structure with magnetic isolation holes and the optimization method can effectively reduce torque ripple, thus effectively solving the problem of vibration noise caused by torque ripple. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Propulsion Systems and Components)

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18 pages, 266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Associations Between Adoption Discounts, Length-of-Stay, and Adoption Rates of Dogs in an Open-Admission Municipal Animal Shelter in NSW, Australia

by Tianyang Qiu, Simone J. Maher, Evelyn Hall and Mark E. Westman

Animals 2026, 16(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020321 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study explored possible associations between adoption discounts, length-of-stay (LOS), and adoption rates for dogs at a municipal (council) shelter in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, over a one-year period (4 April 2023–3 April 2024). Data from 479 rehomed dogs and eight temporary promotional campaigns were analysed, considering the following factors: discount levels applied, breed group, body size, age group, coat colour, intake method (stray, privately surrendered, or seized), and return-to-shelter history after adoption. Dogs with ≥75% discount and 0–50% discount had a longer LOS compared to those without a discount (p < 0.001), likely because many discounted dogs already had a prolonged LOS prior to the campaign’s commencement. Other important LOS predictors included breed group (p < 0.001), body size (p < 0.001), age group (p = 0.004), and intake method (p < 0.001). Gundogs/hounds/terriers (purebred), and toy/non-sporting groups (both purebred and crossbred), small-sized dogs, seniors, puppies, and privately surrendered dogs had significantly lower LOS compared to their counterparts. However, when daily adoption rates were examined, temporary price-discounting campaigns resulted in substantially increased rehoming rates. In particular, Flash Sales (≤48 h) increased daily adoptions by 204% compared to non-campaign periods. One Flash Sale event resulted in higher daily adoption rates, but also significantly higher return rates compared to other temporary campaigns, highlighting a possible risk of impulse adoptions and necessitating future work with adopters to identify potentially problematic decision-making. Shelters should be aware that, on an individual level, factors other than price can be more important for potential adopters. On a broader level, temporary campaigns involving a reduced adoption price can increase overall adoption rates and therefore should be considered as part of any marketing exposure strategy for animal shelters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)

13 pages, 660 KB

Open AccessOpinion

Frontiers in Cell-Cycle-Targeting Therapies: Addressing the Heterogeneity of the Cancer Cell Cycle

by Ishaar P. Ganesan and Hiroaki Kiyokawa

Cancers 2026, 18(2), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020329 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

The cell division cycle machinery has been regarded as a promising therapeutic target for several decades. One of the most prominent milestones in the approach to targeting the cancer cell cycle was the development and approval of CDK4/6 inhibitors such as palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib. These small-molecule therapeutics have exhibited remarkable anti-cancer efficacy and have become primary choices for treating steroid receptor-positive breast cancer at multiple stages. This epoch-making success of cell-cycle-targeting drugs was followed by the development of small molecules to target other cell cycle-regulatory proteins, such as CDK2, CDK1, WEE1 kinase, Aurora kinases, and polo-like kinases, while therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors have been pursued. In this article, we focus on heterogeneous vulnerabilities of cancers as consequences of various genetic and epigenetic alterations in the cell cycle-regulatory network, and we discuss how next-generation cell-cycle-targeting drugs currently in the developmental pipeline could exploit these heterogeneous vulnerabilities in the cancer cell cycle. We hope to provide a forward-looking perspective on directions for therapeutic cell-cycle targeting in the advent of personalized precision medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Cell Vulnerabilities on Pathways Regulating the Cell Cycle)

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21 pages, 1961 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Evaluation of a Generative AI-Enhanced Serious Game for Digital Literacy: An AI-Driven NPC Approach

by Suepphong Chernbumroong, Kannikar Intawong, Udomchoke Asawimalkit, Kitti Puritat and Phichete Julrode

Informatics 2026, 13(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics13010016 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of misinformation on social media underscores the urgent need for scalable digital-literacy instruction. This study presents the design and evaluation of a Generative AI-enhanced serious game system that integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) to drive adaptive non-player characters (NPCs). Unlike traditional scripted interactions, the system employs role-based prompt engineering to align real-time AI dialogue with the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) framework, enabling dynamic scaffolding and authentic misinformation scenarios. A mixed-method experiment with 60 undergraduate students compared this AI-driven approach to traditional instruction using a 40-item digital-literacy pre/post test, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), and open-ended reflections. Results indicated that while both groups improved significantly, the game-based group achieved larger gains in credibility-evaluation performance and reported higher perceived competence, interest, and effort. Qualitative analysis highlighted the HCI trade-off between the high pedagogical value of adaptive AI guidance and technical constraints such as system latency. The findings demonstrate that Generative AI can be effectively operationalized as a dynamic interface layer in serious games to strengthen critical reasoning. This study provides practical guidelines for architecting AI-NPC interactions and advances the theoretical understanding of AI-supported educational informatics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI in Higher Education: Applications, Implications, and Future Directions)

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28 pages, 2893 KB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of Silicon and Sulfur Modifies Grain Mineral Composition of Spring Oats ( Avena sativa L.) Under Contrasting Seasonal Drought Conditions

by Bekir Bytyqi, Fanni Zsuzsa Forgács, Anteneh Agezew Melash, István Csaba Virág, József Csajbók, Ebenezer Ayew Appiah and Erika Tünde Kutasy

Plants 2026, 15(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020316 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of foliar silicon (Si) and sulfur (S) applications under contrasting climatic conditions on macro- and micronutrient accumulation in oat grain. The three-year field experiment (2022–2024) was conducted in Debrecen, Hungary, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD)with three replications. Grain samples were analyzed for macroelements (K, P, S, Mg, Ca) and micronutrients (Na, Si, Fe, Mn, Cu). Environmental conditions markedly influenced nutrient accumulation. Severe drought promoted the highest concentrations of K, S, and Mg, while mild drought significantly increased the accumulation of P, Ca, Si, Fe, and Cu contents. Moderate drought favored Na accumulation. Foliar S application under relatively favorable water supply significantly enhanced the concentration of all measured elements, with the strongest response observed for Cu (+47.4% compared with the control) and the weakest for Mg (8.5%). In contrast, Si application alone had only limited or negative effects, particularly under severe drought, where it reduced K (6.4%), S (2.4%), and Ca (13%) concentrations, despite increased Si accumulation in the grain. During drought stress, however, the combined Si + S treatment significantly increased the grain macro- and micronutrient concentrations. Among the tested genotypes, ‘Mv Pehely’ exhibited the highest macronutrient accumulation, while ‘GK Kormorán’ and ‘Mv Pehely’ showed superior micronutrient accumulation. ‘GK Pillangó’ and ‘Mv Szellő’ showed consistently lower nutrient contents. These results highlight the importance of genotype × environment × nutrient management strategies for improving nutrient composition in oat grain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Management for Crop Production and Quality)

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9 pages, 260 KB

Open AccessArticle

On the Theorem of Univalence on the Boundary

by Mihai Cristea

Axioms 2026, 15(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms15010075 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

We give several generalizations of a known theorem from complex analysis, namely the univalence on the boundary theorem. Starting from a purely topological result (Theorems 1 and 11), we obtain univalence conditions for Sobolev mappings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematical Analysis)

22 pages, 6511 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Sustainability-Focused Real-Time Dynamic Wind Speed Estimation Method for Turbine Performance Optimization

by Abdulsamed Güneş, Beytullah Erdoğan, İrfan Kılıç, Orhan Yaman, Nafiye Nur Apaydın, Adnan Topuz, Yusuf Duran and Yüksel Yalçın

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18021067 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

To achieve the highest efficiency from the turbines used in wind power plants, the region where the plant will be located must meet the appropriate conditions. One of these conditions, and the most important, is that the wind potential be above the critical value for energy production and be continuous. Locations that meet these conditions contribute positively to energy production and produce high efficiency. Based on the interpreted data, temperature, wind direction, and wind speed data from three turbines located at altitudes of 432, 454, and 492 m in the Sebenoba area of Yayladağ, Hatay, where wind potential is high, were collected at 10 min intervals between 1 January 2017, and 19 September 2018, yielding a total of 50,986 data points. Wind speed was estimated for this region using temperature, wind direction, and time information. Daily, monthly, and seasonal analyses were used to generate forecasts for the three altitudes. Wind speed was estimated using Decision Tree Regression and 10-Fold Cross Validation methods, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values were found to be 0.64917, 0.66629, and 0.59954 for the three altitudes, respectively; the overall RMSE value was found to be 0.60188. RMSE values decreased in daily, monthly, and seasonal analyses, and an inverse relationship existed between wind speed and RMSE. Analysis of these results indicated that the forecast model was suitable. This study supports sustainability by enabling accurate wind speed forecasting for optimal turbine placement, improving energy efficiency, and promoting long-term environmentally and economically sustainable wind energy planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)

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11 pages, 201 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a Renewed Civic Pragmatism: Integrating Policy, Law, and Statistical Literacy in Civics Education

by Phillip Marcial Pinell

Laws 2026, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws15010007 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Since 2017, more than a dozen civics institutes have been founded at America’s public universities, marking a renaissance in civic education. Grounded in the liberal arts, these institutes rightly restore the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake and reconnect citizens to the nation’s past. Yet liberal education requires assistance to help students navigate today’s data-driven republic, where questions of law and justice increasingly turn on the interpretation of evidence. This article proposes a balanced model for civics education—a “renewed civic pragmatism”—that unites the historical connectedness of liberal learning with the technical skills required for public life and the rule of law. In doing so, civics education recovers its role as a bridge between moral principle, empirical judgment, and the pursuit of justice under law. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vol. II of Civic Engagement, Justice, and the Law in a National and International Context)

11 pages, 317 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling the Private-to-Public Transition: IPOs, Direct Listings and De-SPAC Mergers

by Vasilios Margaris and Georgios Angelidis

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19010084 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

We have developed a comprehensive mathematical framework that delineates the complete transition of a firm from private to public ownership. This framework explicitly formalizes the endogenous decision to list, pre-listing restructuring, regulatory feasibility constraints, information production, pricing and allocation mechanisms, and post-listing market dynamics. A unified structure is employed to represent traditional IPOs, direct listings, and de-SPAC mergers. The proposed framework integrates the concepts of information asymmetry, free-float constraints, and market impact with equilibrium offer prices, first-day returns, and post-listing volatility. This integration enables the formulation of testable predictions across a range of listing mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Economics and Finance)

23 pages, 1897 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of Propolis Products Collected from Different Regions

by Aynur Cetin, Sena Bakir, Tugba Ozdal and Esra Capanoglu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(2), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27021046 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Propolis, a sticky bee hive product collected from resinous plant sources by Apis mellifera bees, exhibits a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties, primarily attributed to its rich composition of bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, esters, and flavonoids. In this study, the antioxidant properties of 76 liquid propolis solutions from 18 different countries were investigated based on their dry matter, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacities, and phenolic profiles. The antioxidant activities of propolis from various geographic regions, including Latvia, Croatia, New Zealand, San Marino, Russia, France, Romania, Italy, Estonia, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Japan, the United States of America (USA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spain, and Korea, were compared. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as total antioxidant capacity (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity—CUPRAC method), were analyzed by spectrophotometry, and the major constituents were investigated by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant test results indicated that 29 products scored below 10 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/mL, and only 14 were scored above 100 mg TE/mL. The results showed that the total phenolic content of the samples ranged from 0.1 to 107.5 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL, while total flavonoid content varied between 0.1 and 174.5 mg Catechin equivalent (CE)/mL. Based on the CUPRAC assay, total antioxidant capacity values ranged from 0.1 to 492.3 mg TE/mL. Among the 76 analyzed samples, nine products exhibited antioxidant capacity values exceeding 150 mg TE/mL. In all of these samples, phenolic profiling confirmed the presence of propolis, and the analytical results were consistent with the information declared on the product labels. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive, real-market evaluation of commercial propolis products by integrating spectrophotometric assays with LC-MS-based targeted metabolomics profiling, highlighting formulation- and product type-driven differences in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity beyond geographical origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)

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14 pages, 9871 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sugar and Ethanol Conversion of Recovered Whole and Degermed Corn Kernel Fibers Pretreated with Sodium Carbonate

by Valerie García-Negrón and David B. Johnston

Fermentation 2026, 12(1), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12010061 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Corn fermentation in biorefineries produces residual biomass and by-products, particularly corn kernel fiber and outgassed carbon dioxide (CO₂), that have value-added potential for improving sugar and bioethanol conversions. Recovered corn kernel fiber contains lignocellulosic components which can be made accessible by pretreating the biomass with an alkaline sodium carbonate solution made with captured CO₂ and then used as supplemental biomass in corn ethanol production. In this work, different ratios of whole and degermed corn kernel fibers are pretreated and mixed with corn to be evaluated as beneficial ingredients in bioethanol co-fermentation. Sugar yields from enzymatic hydrolysis demonstrate the pretreatment promotes saccharification reaching over 70% total sugar conversion for the whole corn fibers. During co-fermentation, 10 and 20% corn solid loadings significantly increased ethanol yields while additional corn fiber loadings increased sugar yields. Conversion rates and yields were similar between the whole and degermed corn fibers supporting how a single recovery design can benefit multiple corn streams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Materials to Value-Added Products)

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26 pages, 2015 KB

Open AccessArticle

Shaping Lycopene Nanoparticles Performance: How Surfactants Influence Stability, Antioxidant Activity, and Uptake in Human Skin Spheroids

by Francesca Baldassarre, Chiara Boncristiani, Michela Ottolini, Concetta Nobile, Maryam Shahzad Shirazi, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto, Gianpiero Colangelo, Viviana Vergaro, Ludovico Valli and Giuseppe Ciccarella

Antioxidants 2026, 15(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15010136 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

There is a growing demand for plant-derived antioxidants to replace synthetic ones in skincare applications. Phytochemicals are characterized by certain limitations, including poor bioavailability and chemical instability, which affect their industrial exploitation. Tomato peel extract has been used as a source of lycopene, which is renowned for its antioxidant properties. To improve the bioavailability of extracted lycopene, polymeric (poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nano-carriers were synthesized by comparing two non-ionic surfactants, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Tween 20. The impact of surfactants has been studied by evaluating: (i) colloidal stability determined by dynamic light scattering; (ii) lycopene retention and bioactivity over time, as measured by spectrophotometric assays; (iii) biological interactions on 2D and 3D keratinocyte and melanocyte cell cultures. It was found that both surfactants enable the formation of stable lycopene-loaded nanoparticles suspensions; however, greater colloidal stability was exhibited by nanoparticles prepared with Tween 20. PVA, on the other hand, provided greater nanoparticle stability in terms of loaded lycopene retention and antioxidant activity. Tween 20 surfactant improves the internalization of lycopene-loaded nanoparticles in human skin spheroids. It was demonstrated that both surfactants provided excellent intracellular antioxidant activity of lycopene. This was observed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, adherent cells, and spheroids, suggesting potential skincare applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Antioxidant Nanoparticles, 2nd Edition)

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37 pages, 3289 KB

Open AccessReview

Essential Oil of Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl.: Chemistry and Bioactivities

by Mijat Božović, Vanja Tadić, Milan Mladenović and Rino Ragno

Plants 2026, 15(2), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020317 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl. (Apiaceae) is an orophilous species with notable traditional uses, particularly across the broader Middle East region. Over the past 50 years, research on its essential oil has revealed the existence of several chemotypes. In addition to its chemical composition, there is also data on the biological activities of the essential oil. Among these activities, the most extensively studied are its antimicrobial and, to a lesser extent, antioxidant properties. Recent findings suggest the presence of additional biological effects, including cytotoxic, insecticidal, and phytotoxic effects. This review summarizes current knowledge and provides a foundation for future research, including more in-depth chemical and chemotaxonomic analyses, as well as exploration of the full therapeutic potential of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Derived Natural Products: Extraction Methods, Chemistry and Bioactivities)

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14 pages, 490 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prostate Cancer in the MENA Region: Attributable Burden of Behavioral and Environmental Exposures

by Magie Tamraz, Razan Al Tartir, Sara El Meski and Sally Temraz

Toxics 2026, 14(1), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14010096 (registering DOI) - 21 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is shaped by a complex interplay of behavioral and environmental risk factors, yet comprehensive estimates of preventable cases remain scarce. To address this gap, we estimated population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for a range of modifiable exposures among men aged 50 years and older and assessed potential reductions in incidence under feasible intervention scenarios. Methods: Regional prevalence data were combined with relative risks from meta-analyses to compute closed-form PAFs for tobacco smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, high dairy and calcium intake, heavy alcohol use, drinking water nitrates, trihalomethanes, arsenic, lead, selenium status, ambient PM_2.5 and NO₂, and occupational diesel exhaust, covering an estimated 47 million men. Estimates were validated using a synthetic cohort simulation of 100,000 individuals, with uncertainty quantified through Monte Carlo sampling. Results: Results showed that drinking water nitrate exposure accounted for the largest single fraction (17.4%), followed by tobacco smoking (9.5%), physical inactivity (6.7%), and trihalomethane exposure (5.0%), while other exposures contributed smaller but meaningful shares. Joint elimination of all exposures projected a 45.5% reduction in incidence, and simultaneous feasible reductions in four targeted exposures yielded a combined potential impact fraction of 12.1%. Conclusions: These findings suggest that integrated water quality management, tobacco control, lifestyle interventions, and targeted environmental surveillance should be prioritized to reduce prostate cancer burden in the MENA region. However, estimates of drinking-water nitrate exposure rely on limited evidence from a single case–control study with a relatively small sample size, and should therefore be considered exploratory and primarily hypothesis-generating. Full article

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