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Flexible sensors have emerged as essential components in next-generation technologies such as wearable electronics, smart healthcare, soft robotics, and human–machine interfaces, owing to their outstanding mechanical flexibility and multifunctional sensing capabilities. Despite significant advancements, challenges such as the trade-off between sensitivity and detection range, and poor signal stability under cyclic deformation remain unresolved. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, this work introduces a high-performance soft sensor featuring a dual-layered electrode system, comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with carbon black (CB), coupled with a laser-engraved crack-gradient microstructure. This structural strategy facilitates progressive crack formation under applied strain, thereby achieving enhanced sensitivity (1.56 kPa⁻¹), broad operational bandwidth (50–600 Hz), fine frequency resolution (0.5 Hz), and a rapid signal response. The synergistic structure also improves signal repeatability, durability, and noise immunity. The sensor demonstrates strong applicability in health monitoring, motion tracking, and intelligent interfaces, offering a promising pathway for reliable, multifunctional sensing in wearable health monitoring, motion tracking, and soft robotic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Materials for Flexible Sensing Applications and Electronics)

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18 pages, 435 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular and Glycosylation Pathways in Osteosarcoma: Tumor Microenvironment and Emerging Strategies Toward Personalized Oncology

by Georgian Longin Iacobescu, Antonio-Daniel Corlatescu, Horia Petre Costin, Razvan Spiridonica, Mihnea-Ioan-Gabriel Popa and Catalin Cirstoiu

Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080629 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents, which is also considered an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth rate, ability to metastasize early, and complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME). Although we are developing improved surgical and chemotherapeutic approaches, the presence of metastatic or recurrent disease is still detrimental to the patient’s outcome. Major advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of OS are needed to substantially improve outcomes for patients being treated for OS. This review integrates new data on the molecular biology, pathophysiology, and immune landscape of OS, as well as introducing salient areas of tumorigenesis underpinning these findings, such as chromothripsis; kataegis; cancer stem cell dynamics; and updated genetic, epigenetic, and glycosylation modifiers. In addition, we review promising biomarkers, diagnostic platforms, and treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted small molecule inhibitors, and nanomedicine. Using genomic techniques, we have defined OS for its significant genomic instability due to TP53 and RB1 mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, and aberrant glycosylation. The TME is also characterized as immunosuppressive and populated by tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, ultimately inhibiting immune checkpoint inhibitors. Emerging fields such as glycomics and epigenetics, as well as stem cell biology, have defined promising biomarkers and targets. Preclinical studies have identified that glycan-directed CAR therapies could be possible, as well as metabolic inhibitors and 3D tumor models, which presented some preclinical success and could allow for tumoral specificity and enhanced efficacy. OS is a biologically and clinically complex disease; however, advances in exploring the molecular and immunologic landscape of OS present new opportunities in biomarkers and the development of new treatment options with adjunctive care. Successful treatments in the future will require personalized, multi-targeted approaches to account for tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion. This will help us turn the corner in providing improved outcomes for patients with this resilient malignancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tumor Microenvironment: Crosstalk Between Epigenetics, Metabolism and Immunity)

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22 pages, 6168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Valorization of Sugarcane Bagasse in Thailand: An Economic Analysis of Ethanol and Co-Product Recovery via Organosolv Fractionation

by Suphalerk Khaowdang, Nopparat Suriyachai, Saksit Imman, Nathiya Kreetachat, Santi Chuetor, Surachai Wongcharee, Kowit Suwannahong, Methawee Nukunudompanich and Torpong Kreetachat

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7145; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157145 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

A comprehensive techno-economic assessment was undertaken to determine the viability of bioethanol production from sugarcane bagasse in Thailand through organosolv fractionation, incorporating three distinct catalytic systems: sulfuric acid, formic acid, and sodium methoxide. Rigorous process simulations were executed using Aspen Plus, facilitating the derivation of detailed mass and energy balances, which served as the foundational input for downstream cost modeling. Economic performance metrics, including the total annualized cost and minimum ethanol selling price, were systematically quantified for each scenario. Among the evaluated configurations, the formic acid-catalyzed organosolv system exhibited superior techno-economic attributes, achieving the lowest unit production costs of 1.14 USD/L for ethanol and 1.84 USD/kg for lignin, corresponding to an estimated ethanol selling price of approximately 1.14 USD/L. This favorable outcome was attained with only moderate capital intensity, indicating a well-balanced trade-off between operational efficiency and investment burden. Conversely, the sodium methoxide-based process configuration imposed the highest economic burden, with a TAC of 15.27 million USD/year, culminating in a markedly elevated MESP of 5.49 USD/kg (approximately 4.33 USD/L). The sulfuric acid-driven system demonstrated effective delignification performance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that reagent procurement costs exert the greatest impact on TAC variation, highlighting chemical expenditure as the key economic driver. These findings emphasize the critical role of solvent choice, catalytic performance, and process integration in improving the cost-efficiency of lignocellulosic ethanol production. Among the examined options, the formic acid-based organosolv process stands out as the most economically viable for large-scale implementation within Thailand’s bioeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Circular Economy: Innovations in Waste Management and Technological Solutions)

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22 pages, 3532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for Early Identification of Vessels Potentially Threatening Critical Maritime Infrastructure

by Miroslaw Wielgosz and Marzena Malyszko

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8716; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158716 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a procedural method aimed at protecting maritime critical infrastructure, which is essential for the functioning of developed nations. A novel approach, developed by the authors, is introduced—focusing on the behavioral analysis of vessels to enable early identification of suspicious maritime activity and to prevent damage or destruction to key infrastructure elements. An integrated system is proposed, combining real-time electronic surveillance with continuous access to and analysis of data from both national and international databases. Drawing inspiration from medical sciences, a screening-based methodology has been developed. Data on vessels collected from various sources are processed according to the criteria adopted by the authors, using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach. MCDA is a decision-support method that considers multiple criteria simultaneously. It allows for the comparison and evaluation of different options, even when they are difficult to compare directly. This characteristic is used to select high-risk vessels for further monitoring. An initial classification of a vessel as suspicious does not constitute proof of criminal activity but rather serves as a trigger for further coordinated actions. Data on vessels is collected from the AIS (automatic identification system) and platforms that store vessel history. The AIS is a powerful tool that processes parameters such as a ship’s speed and course. This article presents sample results from surveillance and pre-selection analyses using the AIS, followed by a multi-criteria assessment of the behavior of vessels identified through this process. The results are presented both graphically and numerically. The authors conducted several scenarios, analyzing different groups of vessels. Based on this analysis, recommendations were developed for the interpretation of the findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Science and Engineering)

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13 pages, 1329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Complex Interaction Between the Sense of Presence, Movement Features, and Performance in a Virtual Reality Spatial Task: A Preliminary Study

by Tommaso Palombi, Andrea Chirico, Laura Mandolesi, Maurizio Mancini, Noemi Passarello, Erica Volta, Fabio Alivernini and Fabio Lucidi

Electronics 2025, 14(15), 3143; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14153143 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

The present study explores the innovative application of virtual reality (VR) in conducting the Radial Arm Maze (RAM) task, a performance-based test traditionally utilized for assessing spatial memory. This study aimed to develop a gamified version of the RAM implemented in immersive VR and investigate the interaction between the sense of presence, movement features, and performance within the RAM. We developed software supporting a head-mounted display (HMD), addressing prior limitations in the scientific literature concerning user interaction, data collection accuracy, operational flexibility, and immersion level. This study involved a sample of healthy young adults who engaged with the immersive VR version of the RAM, examining the influence of VR experience variables (sense of presence, motion sickness, and usability) on RAM performance. Notably, it also introduced the collection and analysis of movement features within the VR environment to ascertain their impact on performance outcomes and their relationship with VR experience variables. The VR application developed is notable for its user-friendliness, adaptability, and integration capability with physiological monitoring devices, marking a significant advance in utilizing VR for cognitive assessments. Findings from our study underscore the importance of VR experience factors in RAM performance, highlighting how a heightened sense of presence can predict better performance, thereby emphasizing engagement and immersion as crucial for task success in VR settings. Additionally, this study revealed how movement parameters within the VR environment, specifically speed and directness, significantly influence RAM performance, offering new insights into optimizing VR experiences for enhanced task performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and 3D Reconstruction)

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16 pages, 2468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Targeting the Oviduct Microbiota and Redox Status: A Novel Perspective on Probiotic Use in Laying Hens

by Gabriela Miotto Galli, Ines Andretta, Camila Lopes Carvalho, Aleksandro Schafer da Silva and Marcos Kipper

Poultry 2025, 4(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/poultry4030035 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

(1) Background: The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether the supplementation with a multi-species probiotic in the diet of laying hens can change the microbiota and health status of the oviduct. (2) Methods: A total of 60 cages housing lightweight laying hens (36 weeks old) were randomly assigned to the following two different treatments: a control group fed a diet without probiotic, and a treatment group receiving diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial lasted for 26 weeks, after which five layers were slaughtered per treatment for oviduct (magnum) assessment, focusing on microbiome composition, oxidant and antioxidant status, and morphological analyses. Additionally, intestinal (jejunum) samples were collected to determine oxidant and antioxidant status. (3) Results: Probiotic supplementation resulted in lower counts of organisms from the RB41 order (p = 0.039) and Burkholderia genus (p = 0.017), and a total reduction in Bacillus and Corynebacterium (p = 0.050) compared to the control treatment. Genera Burkholderia (p = 0.017), Corynebacterium (p = 0.050), and Bacillus (p = 0.050) were also lower with the probiotic supplementation in relation to the control. Genera Epulopiscium (p = 0.089), Flavobacterium (p = 0.100), Ruminococcus (p = 0.089), and Staphylococcus (p = 0.100) tended to be lower in the probiotic group compared to the control. No significant differences were found between treatments for oviduct lesions. Probiotic treatment resulted in a higher protein thiol level in the intestine compared to the control (p < 0.001). However, the use of probiotics tended to reduce glutathione S-transferase levels in the oviduct compared to the control (p = 0.068). (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotics can modulate the oviduct microbiota and improve the antioxidant status of laying hens, without causing tissue damage. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term implications of these changes on reproductive performance and egg quality. Full article

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21 pages, 15471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tribology of EDM Recast Layers Vis-À-Vis TIG Cladding Coatings: An Experimental Investigation

by Muhammad Adnan, Waqar Qureshi and Muhammad Umer

Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080913 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Tribological performance is critical for the longevity and efficiency of machined components in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical. This study investigates whether electrical discharge machining recast layers can serve as a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to conventional tungsten inert gas cladding coatings for enhancing surface properties. The samples were prepared using electrical discharge machining and tungsten inert gas cladding. For electrical discharge machining, various combinations of electrical and non-electrical parameters were applied using Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array. Similarly, tungsten inert gas cladding coatings were prepared using a suitable combination of current, voltage, powder size, and speed. The samples were characterized using, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, microhardness testing, tribological testing, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and profilometry. The electrical discharge machining recast layers exhibited superior tribological performance compared to tungsten inert gas cladding coatings. This improvement is attributed to the formation of carbides, such as TiC and Ti₆C_3.75. The coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were reduced by 11.11% and 1.57%, respectively, while microhardness increased by 10.93%. Abrasive wear was identified as the predominant wear mechanism. This study systematically compares electrical discharge machining recast layers with tungsten inert gas cladding coatings. The findings suggest that optimized electrical discharge machining recast layers can serve as effective coatings, offering cost and time savings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Electrical Discharge Machining Technology)

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18 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Joint Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Reveal Rewired Glycerophospholipid and Arginine Metabolism as Components of BRCA1-Induced Metabolic Reprogramming in Breast Cancer Cells

by Thomas Lucaora and Daniel Morvan

Metabolites 2025, 15(8), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15080534 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) is a tumor suppressor gene whose mutations are associated with increased susceptibility to develop breast or ovarian cancer. BRCA1 mainly exerts its protective effects through DNA double-strand break repair. Although not itself a transcriptional factor, BRCA1, through its multiple protein interaction domains, exerts transcriptional coregulation. In addition, BRCA1 expression alters cellular metabolism including inhibition of de novo fatty acid synthesis, changes in cellular bioenergetics, and activation of antioxidant defenses. Some of these actions may contribute to its global oncosuppressive effects. However, the breadth of metabolic pathways reprogrammed by BRCA1 is not fully elucidated. Methods: Breast cancer cells expressing BRCA1 were investigated by multiplatform metabolomics, metabolism-related transcriptomics, and joint metabolomics/transcriptomics data processing techniques, namely two-way orthogonal partial least squares and pathway analysis. Results: Joint analyses revealed the most important metabolites, genes, and pathways of metabolic reprogramming in BRCA1-expressing breast cancer cells. The breadth of metabolic reprogramming included fatty acid synthesis, bioenergetics, HIF-1 signaling pathway, antioxidation, nucleic acid synthesis, and other pathways. Among them, rewiring of glycerophospholipid (including phosphatidylcholine, -serine and -inositol) metabolism and increased arginine metabolism have not been reported yet. Conclusions: Rewired glycerophospholipid and arginine metabolism were identified as components of BRCA1-induced metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells. The study helps to identify metabolites that are candidate biomarkers of the BRCA1 genotype and metabolic pathways that can be exploited in targeted therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Metabolism)

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19 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessReview

Comparison of Polynucleotide and Polydeoxyribonucleotide in Dermatology: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives

by Sung Tae Kim

Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081024 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Polynucleotide (PN) and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) are DNA-derived biopolymers increasingly recognized for their potential in dermatology. Despite their structural similarities, PN and PDRN exhibit distinct functions due to differences in polymer length and molecular weight. PN, composed of longer DNA fragments, plays a key role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Conversely, PDRN, composed of relatively shorter oligonucleotide sequences than those of PN, enhances skin condition through adenosine receptor activations and supports nucleotide synthesis via both the salvage and de novo pathways. This review provides a critical comparison of the molecular characteristics and functions of PN and PDRN with particular emphasis on their dermatological applications. By delineating their respective roles in esthetic and regenerative medicine, we aim to highlight recent advances that may guide the development of optimized treatment strategies and foster evidence-based clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advanced Pharmaceutical Science and Technology in Korea)

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12 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Relationship Between the Introduction of the Acellular Pertussis Vaccine and Whooping Cough Resurgence in the United States

by Jeegan Parikh, Ismael Hoare and Ricardo Izurieta

Vaccines 2025, 13(8), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13080841 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The whole cell pertussis vaccine was introduced in the United States in the 1940s and switched to the acellular pertussis vaccine partially in 1992 and completely in 1997. This study examines the relationship between the resurgence of pertussis in the United States and the change in the type of pertussis vaccines. Methods: Pertussis cases from 1922 to 2024 were obtained from the CDC’s national notifiable disease surveillance system, and vaccination coverage was obtained from the WHO. A trend analysis and Pearson’s correlation test were conducted between the incidence of cases and the coverage of the third and fourth doses of the pertussis vaccine. An ANOVA test and multivariable linear regression were performed to assess the association between the type of vaccine and the number of pertussis cases. Results: The number of cases increased from 4083 in 1992 to 35,435 in 2024, with cyclical outbreaks in 2010, 2012–2014, and 2024. The third and fourth doses of pertussis vaccine coverage had mild and moderate correlations with the number of pertussis cases. The vaccine type had a significant association with the number of pertussis cases and stayed significant after adjusting for vaccination coverage. Conclusions: The switch in pertussis vaccine has impacted the epidemiology of pertussis outbreaks in the United States. A combination of factors, such as different types of immune response to vaccines, waning of immunity, and selection of non-vaccine bacterial strains, may explain the observed results. Further research on newer, improved vaccinations or alternative schedules in children needs to be conducted to address the resurgence of pertussis in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vaccination, Public Health and Epidemiology)

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20 pages, 3615 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Suitable Habitats for Threatened Elasmobranch Species in the OSPAR Maritime Area

by Moritz Mercker, Miriam Müller, Thorsten Werner and Janos Hennicke

Fishes 2025, 10(8), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080393 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Protecting threatened elasmobranch species despite limited data on their distribution and abundance is a critical challenge, particularly in the context of increasing human impacts on marine ecosystems. In the northeastern Atlantic, species such as the leafscale gulper shark, Portuguese dogfish, spurdog, and spotted ray are facing pressures from overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, and climate change. The OSPAR Commission has listed these species as threatened and/or declining and aims to protect them by reliably identifying suitable habitats and integrating these areas into Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In this study, we present a spatial modelling framework using regression-based approaches to identify suitable habitats for these four species. Results show that suitable habitats of the spotted ray (25.8%) and spurdog (18.8%) are relatively well represented within existing MPAs, while those of the deep-water sharks are underrepresented (6.0% for leafscale gulper shark, and 6.8% for Portuguese dogfish). Our findings highlight the need for additional MPAs in deep-sea continental slope areas, particularly west and northwest of Scotland and Ireland. Such expansions would support OSPAR’s goal to protect 30% of its maritime area by 2030 and could benefit broader deep-sea biodiversity, including other vulnerable demersal species and benthic communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat Assessment and Conservation of Fishes)

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27 pages, 414 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contractions of Wigner’s Little Groups as Limiting Procedures

by Sibel Başkal, Young S. Kim and Marilyn E. Noz

Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081257 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

Wigner’s little groups are the subgroups of the Poincaré group whose transformations leave the four-momentum of a relativistic particle invariant. The little group for a massive particle is SO(3)-like, whereas for a massless particle, it is E(2)-like. Multiple approaches to group contractions are discussed. It is shown that the Lie algebra of the E(2)-like little group for massless particles can be obtained from the SO(3) and from the SO(2, 1) group by boosting to the infinite-momentum limit. It is also shown that it is possible to obtain the generators of the E(2)-like and cylindrical groups from those of SO(3) as well as from those of SO(2, 1) by using the squeeze transformation. The contraction of the Lorentz group SO(3, 2) to the Poincaré group is revisited. As physical examples, two applications are chosen from classical optics. The first shows the contraction of a light ray from a spherical transparent surface to a straight line. The second shows that the focusing of the image in a camera can be formulated by the implementation of the focal condition to the [ABCD] matrix of paraxial optics, which can be regarded as a limiting procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry and Lie Algebras)

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20 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessReview

Appropriate Lifelong Circadian Rhythms Are Established During Infancy: A Narrative Review

by Teruhisa Miike

Clocks & Sleep 2025, 7(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep7030041 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

In humans, the master circadian clock, present in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, plays an important role in controlling life-sustaining functions. The development of the circadian clock begins in the fetal period and is almost completed during infancy to early childhood, based on the developmental program that is influenced by the mother’s daily rhythms and, after birth, with the addition of information from the daily life environment. It is known that circadian rhythms are deeply related not only to the balance of a child’s mental and physical development but also to maintaining mental and physical health throughout one’s life. However, it has been suggested that various health problems in the future at any age may be caused by the occurrence of circadian disturbances transmitted by the mother during the fetal period. This phenomenon can be said to support the so-called DOHaD theory, and the involvement of the mother in the maturation of appropriate and stable circadian rhythms cannot be ignored. We consider the problems and countermeasures during the fetal and infant periods, which are important for the formation of circadian clocks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Circadian Rhythm Research in Infants and Young Children)

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12 pages, 383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Polyazaheterocyclic Derivatives of Quinine

by Gulim K. Mukusheva, Nurizat N. Toigambekova, Roza B. Seidakhmetova, Roza I. Jalmakhanbetova, Mukhlissa N. Babakhanova, Oralgazy A. Nurkenov, Ekaterina A. Akishina, Evgenij A. Dikusar, Irina A. Kolesnik, Hongwei Zhou and Vladimir I. Potkin

Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153301 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

A synthetic methodology of the CuAAC “click” approach was exploited for the construction of 1,2-azolyltriazole quinine derivatives by the reaction of O-propargylquinine with azidomethyl-1,2-azoles in methanol. Quinine–piperidine and quinine–anabasine conjugates were obtained using a chloroacetate linker by reacting quinine chloroacetate with piperidine or anabasine in a diethyl ether medium. Cinchophene ester was obtained by the acylation of quinine with cinchophen acid chloride in methylene chloride. The antibacterial, fungicidal, analgesic and cytotoxic properties of the obtained compounds were examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutics: Molecular Aspects, Metabolic Profiles, and Omics Studies 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inference to the Only Explanation: The Case of the Cretaceous/Paleogene Extinction Controversies

by Keith M. Parsons

Philosophies 2025, 10(4), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies10040089 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025

Abstract

In the sciences of the deep past, it is taken for granted that the hypothesis that offers the best explanation is the best confirmed. I examine in detail the debate over the K/Pg mass extinctions that began in 1980 with the publication of the paper by Alvarez et al. that proposed the impact extinction hypothesis. I summarize this debate and show how the impact hypothesis eventually achieved consensus as the best explanation. I then consider the relevance of that case study to an evaluation of the employment of inference to the best explanation (IBE) in the earth sciences. I first reject a number of the standard objections to IBE and then strongly endorse John Norton’s claim that no form of ampliative inference can receive a priori justification. Nevertheless, drawing on the case study and other instances, we may identify four “abductive virtues” that characterize many of the most successful instances of IBE, making them attractive and even compelling. Full article

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