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16 pages, 1196 KiB  
Article
Integrated Additive Manufacturing of TGV Interconnects and High-Frequency Circuits via Bipolar-Controlled EHD Jetting
by Dongqiao Bai, Jin Huang, Hongxiao Gong, Jianjun Wang, Yunna Pu, Jiaying Zhang, Peng Sun, Zihan Zhu, Pan Li, Huagui Wang, Pengbing Zhao and Chaoyu Liang
Micromachines 2025, 16(8), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16080907 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing offers mask-free, high-resolution deposition across a broad range of ink viscosities, yet combining void-free filling of high-aspect-ratio through-glass vias (TGVs) with ultrafine drop-on-demand (DOD) line printing on the same platform requires balancing conflicting requirements: for example, high field strengths to [...] Read more.
Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing offers mask-free, high-resolution deposition across a broad range of ink viscosities, yet combining void-free filling of high-aspect-ratio through-glass vias (TGVs) with ultrafine drop-on-demand (DOD) line printing on the same platform requires balancing conflicting requirements: for example, high field strengths to drive ink into deep and narrow vias; sufficiently high ink viscosity to prevent gravity-induced leakage; and stable meniscus dynamics to avoid satellite droplets and charge accumulation on the glass surface. By coupling electrostatic field analysis with transient level-set simulations, we establish a dimensionless regime map that delineates stable cone-jetting regime; these predictions are validated by high-speed imaging and surface profilometry. Operating within this window, the platform achieves complete, void-free filling of 200 µm × 1.52 mm TGVs and continuous 10 µm-wide traces in a single print pass. Demonstrating its capabilities, we fabricate transparent Ku-band substrate-integrated waveguide antennas on borosilicate glass: the printed vias and arc feed elements exhibit a reflection coefficient minimum of –18 dB at 14.2 GHz, a –10 dB bandwidth of 12.8–16.2 GHz, and an 8 dBi peak gain with 37° beam tilt, closely matching full-wave predictions. This physics-driven, all-in-one EHD approach provides a scalable route to high-performance, glass-integrated RF devices and transparent electronics. Full article
28 pages, 15264 KiB  
Article
Effect of Auxiliary Air-Suction Seed-Filling Structure on Seed Discharge Performance of Peanut High-Speed Seed-Metering Machine
by Peng Guo, Bin Sun, Shuqi Shang, Jialin Hou, Dongwei Wang, Zhuang Zhao, Ahmed Elshafie, Xiaoshuai Zheng and Farid Eltoum
Agriculture 2025, 15(15), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15151678 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Aiming to resolve the problem of the poor peanut seed-filling effect under high-speed operation when developing high-speed peanut sowing with precision, a peanut precision seed-metering machine with an auxiliary air-suction seed-filling device was designed. Focusing on the force analysis of peanuts in the [...] Read more.
Aiming to resolve the problem of the poor peanut seed-filling effect under high-speed operation when developing high-speed peanut sowing with precision, a peanut precision seed-metering machine with an auxiliary air-suction seed-filling device was designed. Focusing on the force analysis of peanuts in the seed chamber, the peanut seed disturbance principle in the seed-metering machine for the blowing structure of an auxiliary air-suction seed-filling device was clarified. The seed-filling process was analyzed via DEM-CFD coupled simulation, and three factors affecting the seed-filling effect were identified, namely the seed-filling chamber ‘V’ angle γ, the bottom blow-air-hole cross-sectional area S, and the bottom blow-air-hole airflow velocity vq, and the ranges of values of the three factors were determined. The Box–Behnken test was conducted using the seed-filling index and leakage index as the indexes. The results show that the seed-filling chamber ‘V’ angle γ is 56.59°, the bottom blowhole cross-sectional area S is 1088.4 mm2, and the blowhole air velocity vq is 12.11 m·s−1. At this point, the peanut seed suction qualification index and leakage index are optimal, the seed suction qualification index is 96.33%, and the seed leakage index is 2.59%. At the same time, the field test shows that a sowing operation speed of 8–12 km·h−1, a qualified index > 93%, and a leakage index < 4.5% are required to meet the agronomic requirements of peanut precision sowing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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27 pages, 3806 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Evolution and Resilience Enhancement of the Urban Tourism Ecological Health Network: A Case Study in Shanghai, China
by Man Wei and Tai Huang
Systems 2025, 13(8), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13080654 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Urban tourism has evolved into a complex adaptive system, where unregulated expansion disrupts the ecological balance and intensifies resource stress. Understanding the dynamic evolution and resilience mechanisms of the tourism ecological health network (TEHN) is essential for supporting sustainable urban tourism as a [...] Read more.
Urban tourism has evolved into a complex adaptive system, where unregulated expansion disrupts the ecological balance and intensifies resource stress. Understanding the dynamic evolution and resilience mechanisms of the tourism ecological health network (TEHN) is essential for supporting sustainable urban tourism as a coupled human–natural system. Using Shanghai as a case study, we applied the "vigor–organization–resilience–services" (VORS) framework to evaluate ecosystem health, which served as a constraint for constructing the TEHN, using the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model for the period from 2001 to 2023. A resilience framework integrating structural and functional dimensions was further developed to assess spatiotemporal evolution and guide targeted enhancement strategies. The results indicated that as ecosystem health degraded, particularly in peripheral areas, the urban TEHN in Shanghai shifted from a dispersed to a centralized structure, with limited connectivity in the periphery. The resilience of the TEHN continued to grow, with structural resilience remaining at a high level, while functional resilience still required enhancement. Specifically, the low integration and limited choice between the tourism network and the transportation system hindered tourists from selecting routes with higher ecosystem health indices. Enhancing functional resilience, while sustaining structural resilience, is essential for transforming the TEHN into a multi-centered, multi-level system that promotes efficient connectivity, ecological sustainability, and long-term adaptability. The results contribute to a systems-level understanding of tourism–ecology interactions and support the development of adaptive strategies for balancing network efficiency and environmental integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Complex Systems and Cybernetics)
26 pages, 7634 KiB  
Article
Research on the Preparation and Performance of Wood with High Negative Oxygen Ion Release Induced by Moisture
by Min Yin, Yuqi Zhang, Yun Lu, Zongying Fu, Haina Mi, Jianfang Yu and Ximing Wang
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080905 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
With the growing severity of environmental pollution, people are paying increasing attention to their health. However, naturally occurring wood with health benefits and applications in human healthcare is still scarce. Natural wood exhibits a limited negative oxygen ion release capacity, and this release [...] Read more.
With the growing severity of environmental pollution, people are paying increasing attention to their health. However, naturally occurring wood with health benefits and applications in human healthcare is still scarce. Natural wood exhibits a limited negative oxygen ion release capacity, and this release has a short duration, failing to meet practical application requirements. This study innovatively developed a humidity-responsive, healthy wood material with a high negative oxygen ion release capacity based on fast-growing poplar. Through vacuum cyclic impregnation technology, hexagonal stone powder was infused into the pores of poplar wood, endowing it with the ability to continuously release negative oxygen ions. The healthy wood demonstrated a static average negative oxygen ion release rate of 537 ions/cm3 (peaking at 617 ions/cm3) and a dynamic average release rate of 3,170 ions/cm3 (peaking at 10,590 ions/cm3). The results showed that the particle size of hexagonal stone powder in suspension was influenced by the dispersants and dispersion processes. The composite dispersion process demonstrated optimal performance when using 0.5 wt% silane coupling agent γ-(methacryloxy)propyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), achieving the smallest particle size of 8.93 μm. The healthy wood demonstrated excellent impregnation performance, with a weight gain exceeding 14.61% and a liquid absorption rate surpassing 165.18%. The optimal impregnation cycle for vacuum circulation technology was determined to be six cycles, regardless of the type of dispersant. Compared with poplar wood, the hygroscopic swelling rate of healthy wood was lower, especially in PEG-treated samples, where the tangential, radial, longitudinal, and volumetric swelling rates decreased by 70.93%, 71.67%, 69.41%, and 71.35%, respectively. Combining hexagonal stone powder with fast-growing poplar wood can effectively enhance the release of negative oxygen ions. The static average release of negative oxygen ions from healthy wood is 1.44 times that of untreated hexagonal stone powder, and the dynamic release reaches 2 to 3 times the concentration of negative oxygen ions specified by national fresh air standards. The water-responsive mechanism revealed that negative oxygen ion release surged when ambient humidity exceeded 70%. This work proposes a sustainable and effective method to prepare healthy wood with permanent negative oxygen ion release capability. It demonstrates great potential for improving indoor air quality and enhancing human health. Full article
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20 pages, 4663 KiB  
Article
Investigation on Imbibition Recovery Characteristics in Jimusar Shale Oil and White Mineral Oil by NMR
by Dunqing Liu, Chengzhi Jia and Keji Chen
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4111; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154111 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Recovering oil by fracturing fluid imbibition has demonstrated significant potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in tight oil reservoirs. White mineral oil (WMO), kerosene, or saturated alkanes with matched apparent viscosity have been widely used as “crude oil” to investigate imbibition mechanisms in [...] Read more.
Recovering oil by fracturing fluid imbibition has demonstrated significant potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in tight oil reservoirs. White mineral oil (WMO), kerosene, or saturated alkanes with matched apparent viscosity have been widely used as “crude oil” to investigate imbibition mechanisms in light shale oil or tight oil. However, the representativeness of these simulated oils for low-maturity crude oils with higher viscosity and greater content of resins and asphaltenes requires further research. In this study, imbibition experiments were conducted and T2 and T1T2 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were adopted to investigate the oil recovery characteristics among resin–asphaltene-rich Jimusar shale oil and two WMOs. The overall imbibition recovery rates, pore scale recovery characteristics, mobility variations among oils with different occurrence states, as well as key factors influencing imbibition efficiency were analyzed. The results show the following: (1) WMO, kerosene, or alkanes with matched apparent viscosity may not comprehensively replicate the imbibition behavior of resin–asphaltene-rich crude oils. These simplified systems fail to capture the pore-scale occurrence characteristics of resins/asphaltenes, their influence on pore wettability alteration, and may consequently overestimate the intrinsic imbibition displacement efficiency in reservoir formations. (2) Surfactant optimization must holistically address the intrinsic coupling between interfacial tension reduction, wettability modification, and pore-scale crude oil mobilization mechanisms. The alteration of overall wettability exhibits higher priority over interfacial tension in governing displacement dynamics. (3) Imbibition displacement exhibits selective mobilization characteristics for oil phases in pores. Specifically, when the oil phase contains complex hydrocarbon components, lighter fractions in larger pores are preferentially mobilized; when the oil composition is homogeneous, oil in smaller pores is mobilized first. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development: 2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 28131 KiB  
Article
Landslide Susceptibility Assessment in Ya’an Based on Coupling of GWR and TabNet
by Jiatian Li, Ruirui Wang, Wei Shi, Le Yang, Jiahao Wei, Fei Liu and Kaiwei Xiong
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(15), 2678; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17152678 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Landslides are destructive geological hazards, making accurate landslide susceptibility assessment essential for disaster prevention and mitigation. However, existing studies often lack scientific rigor in negative sample construction and have unclear model applicability. This study focuses on Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, China, and proposes [...] Read more.
Landslides are destructive geological hazards, making accurate landslide susceptibility assessment essential for disaster prevention and mitigation. However, existing studies often lack scientific rigor in negative sample construction and have unclear model applicability. This study focuses on Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, China, and proposes an innovative approach to negative sample construction using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), which is then integrated with Tabular Network (TabNet), a deep learning architecture tailored to structured tabular data, to assess landslide susceptibility. The performance of TabNet is compared against Random Forest, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, deep neural networks, and Residual Networks. The experimental results indicate that (1) the GWR-based sampling strategy substantially improves model performance across all tested models; (2) TabNet trained using the GWR-based negative samples achieves superior performance over all other evaluated models, with an average AUC of 0.9828, exhibiting both high accuracy and interpretability; and (3) elevation, land cover, and annual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index are identified as dominant predictors through TabNet’s feature importance analysis. The results demonstrate that combining GWR and TabNet substantially enhances landslide susceptibility modeling by improving both accuracy and interpretability, establishing a more scientifically grounded approach to negative sample construction, and providing an interpretable, high-performing modeling framework for geological hazard risk assessment. Full article
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15 pages, 3579 KiB  
Article
Dual-Control-Gate Reconfigurable Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect Transistor with Nickel-Silicide Contacts for Adaptive and High-Sensitivity Chemical Sensing Beyond the Nernst Limit
by Seung-Jin Lee, Seung-Hyun Lee, Seung-Hwa Choi and Won-Ju Cho
Chemosensors 2025, 13(8), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13080281 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this study, we propose a bidirectional chemical sensor platform based on a reconfigurable ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (R-ISFET) architecture. The device incorporates Ni-silicide Schottky barrier source/drain (S/D) contacts, enabling ambipolar conduction and bidirectional turn-on behavior for both p-type and n-type configurations. Channel polarity [...] Read more.
In this study, we propose a bidirectional chemical sensor platform based on a reconfigurable ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (R-ISFET) architecture. The device incorporates Ni-silicide Schottky barrier source/drain (S/D) contacts, enabling ambipolar conduction and bidirectional turn-on behavior for both p-type and n-type configurations. Channel polarity is dynamically controlled via the program gate (PG), while the control gate (CG) suppresses leakage current, enhancing operational stability and energy efficiency. A dual-control-gate (DCG) structure enhances capacitive coupling, enabling sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit without external amplification. The extended-gate (EG) architecture physically separates the transistor and sensing regions, improving durability and long-term reliability. Electrical characteristics were evaluated through transfer and output curves, and carrier transport mechanisms were analyzed using band diagrams. Sensor performance—including sensitivity, hysteresis, and drift—was assessed under various pH conditions and external noise up to 5 Vpp (i.e., peak-to-peak voltage). The n-type configuration exhibited high mobility and fast response, while the p-type configuration demonstrated excellent noise immunity and low drift. Both modes showed consistent sensitivity trends, confirming the feasibility of complementary sensing. These results indicate that the proposed R-ISFET sensor enables selective mode switching for high sensitivity and robust operation, offering strong potential for next-generation biosensing and chemical detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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11 pages, 398 KiB  
Perspective
Implications of Metabolic Bariatric Surgery on Reproductive Health
by Amihai Rottenstreich and Yitka Graham
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5446; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155446 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
In the last two decades, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has become the mainstay of treatment for severe and complex obesity. The majority of patients undergoing MBS are women of childbearing age. Coupled with the dramatic increase in the utilization of MBS, caregivers [...] Read more.
In the last two decades, metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has become the mainstay of treatment for severe and complex obesity. The majority of patients undergoing MBS are women of childbearing age. Coupled with the dramatic increase in the utilization of MBS, caregivers are likely to encounter patients who have undergone MBS in routine practice. From this perspective, we highlight the different reproductive health challenges and issues encountered throughout the pre-operative, peri-operative, and postoperative phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics & Gynecology)
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15 pages, 611 KiB  
Review
Role of Dyadic Proteins in Proper Heart Function and Disease
by Carter Liou and Michael T. Chin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157478 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a wide group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Of these diseases, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias specifically have been well-studied in their relationship to cardiac dyads, nanoscopic structures that connect electrical signals to muscle contraction. The proper development [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a wide group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Of these diseases, cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias specifically have been well-studied in their relationship to cardiac dyads, nanoscopic structures that connect electrical signals to muscle contraction. The proper development and positioning of dyads is essential in excitation–contraction (EC) coupling and, thus, beating of the heart. Three proteins, namely CMYA5, JPH2, and BIN1, are responsible for maintaining the dyadic cleft between the T-tubule and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (jSR). Various other dyadic proteins play integral roles in the primary function of the dyad—translating a propagating action potential (AP) into a myocardial contraction. Ca2+, a secondary messenger in this process, acts as an allosteric activator of the sarcomere, and its cytoplasmic concentration is regulated by the dyad. Loss-of-function mutations have been shown to result in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy with dyad components can rescue dyadic dysfunction, which results in cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias. Overall, the dyad and its components serve as essential mediators of calcium homeostasis and excitation–contraction coupling in the mammalian heart and, when dysfunctional, result in significant cardiac dysfunction, arrhythmias, morbidity, and mortality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases: Histopathological and Molecular Diagnostics)
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21 pages, 6618 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Deep Learning Models for LAI Simulation and Interpretable Hydrothermal Coupling in the Loess Plateau
by Junpo Yu, Yajun Si, Wen Zhao, Zeyu Zhou, Jiming Jin, Wenjun Yan, Xiangyu Shao, Zhixiang Xu and Junwei Gan
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152391 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
As the world’s largest loess deposit region, the Loess Plateau’s vegetation dynamics are crucial for its regional water–heat balance and ecosystem functioning. Leaf Area Index (LAI) serves as a key indicator bridging canopy architecture and plant physiological activities. Existing studies have made significant [...] Read more.
As the world’s largest loess deposit region, the Loess Plateau’s vegetation dynamics are crucial for its regional water–heat balance and ecosystem functioning. Leaf Area Index (LAI) serves as a key indicator bridging canopy architecture and plant physiological activities. Existing studies have made significant advancements in simulating LAI, yet accurate LAI simulation remains challenging. To address this challenge and gain deeper insights into the environmental controls of LAI, this study aims to accurately simulate LAI in the Loess Plateau using deep learning models and to elucidate the spatiotemporal influence of soil moisture and temperature on LAI dynamics. For this purpose, we used three deep learning models, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Interpretable Multivariable (IMV)-LSTM, to simulate LAI in the Loess Plateau, only using soil moisture and temperature as inputs. Results indicated that our approach outperformed traditional models and effectively captured LAI variations across different vegetation types. The attention analysis revealed that soil moisture mainly influenced LAI in the arid northwest and temperature was the predominant effect in the humid southeast. Seasonally, soil moisture was crucial in spring and summer, notably in grasslands and croplands, whereas temperature dominated in autumn and winter. Notably, forests had the longest temperature-sensitive periods. As LAI increased, soil moisture became more influential, and at peak LAI, both factors exerted varying controls on different vegetation types. These findings demonstrated the strength of deep learning for simulating vegetation–climate interactions and provided insights into hydrothermal regulation mechanisms in semiarid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Modeling)
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21 pages, 7537 KiB  
Article
Variable Step-Size FxLMS Algorithm Based on Cooperative Coupling of Double Nonlinear Functions
by Jialong Wang, Jian Liao, Lin He, Xiaopeng Tan and Zongbin Chen
Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081222 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Based on the principle of symmetry, we propose a variable step-size FxLMS algorithm with double nonlinear functions cooperative coupling (DNVSS-FxLMS), aiming to optimize the contradiction between convergence rate and steady-state error in the active pressure pulsation control system of hydraulic systems. The algorithm [...] Read more.
Based on the principle of symmetry, we propose a variable step-size FxLMS algorithm with double nonlinear functions cooperative coupling (DNVSS-FxLMS), aiming to optimize the contradiction between convergence rate and steady-state error in the active pressure pulsation control system of hydraulic systems. The algorithm innovatively couples two types of nonlinear mechanisms (rational-fractional and exponential-function-based), constructing a refined error-step mapping relationship to achieve a balance between rapid convergence and low steady-state error. Simulation experiments were conducted considering the complex time-varying operating environment of a simulation-based hydraulic system. The results demonstrate that, when the system undergoes unstable random changes, the DNVSS-FxLMS algorithm converges at least twice as fast as traditional and existing variable step size algorithms, while reducing steady-state error by 2–5 dB. The proposed DNVSS-FxLMS algorithm exhibits significant advantages in convergence rate, steady-state error reduction, and tracking capability, providing a highly efficient and robust solution for real-time active control of hydraulic system pressure pulsation under complex operating conditions. Full article
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17 pages, 3193 KiB  
Article
Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Additions on the Stability of Soil Carbon Fractions in Subtropical Castanopsis sclerophylla Forests
by Yunze Dai, Xiaoniu Xu and LeVan Cuong
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081264 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool plays an extremely important role in regulating the global carbon (C) cycle and climate change. Atmospheric nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition caused by human activities has significant impacts on soil C sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystem. To [...] Read more.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool plays an extremely important role in regulating the global carbon (C) cycle and climate change. Atmospheric nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition caused by human activities has significant impacts on soil C sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystem. To investigate the effects of N and P deposition on soil C sequestration and C-N coupling relationship in broad-leaved evergreen forests, a 6-year field nutrient regulation experiment was implemented in subtropical Castanopsis sclerophylla forests with four different N and P additions: N addition (100 kg N·hm−2·year−1), N + P (100 kg N·hm−2·year−1 + 50 kg P·hm−2·year−1), P addition (50 kg P·hm−2·year−1), and CK (0 kg N·hm−2·year−1). The changes in the C and N contents and stable isotope distributions (δ13C and δ15N) of different soil organic fractions were examined. The results showed that the SOC and total nitrogen (STN) (p > 0.05) increased with N addition, while SOC significantly decreased with P addition (p < 0.05), and N + P treatment has low effect on SOC, STN (p > 0.05). By density grouping, it was found that N addition significantly increased light fraction C and N (LFOC, LFN), significantly decreased the light fraction C to N ratio (LFOC/N) (p < 0.05), and increased heavy fraction C and N (HFOC, HFN) accumulation and light fraction to total organic C ratio (LFOC/SOC, p > 0.05). Contrary to N addition, P addition was detrimental to the accumulation of LFOC, LFN and reduced LFOC/SOC. It was found that different reactive oxidized carbon (ROC) increased under N addition but ROC/SOC did not change, while N + P and P treatments increased ROC/SOC, resulting in a decrease in SOC chemical stability. Stable isotope analysis showed that N addition promoted the accumulation of new soil organic matter, whereas P addition enhanced the transformation and utilization of C and N from pre-existing organic matter. Additionally, N addition indirectly increased LFOC by significantly decreasing pH; significantly contributed to LFOC and ROC by increasing STN accumulation promoted by NO3-N and NH4+-N; and decreased light fraction δ13C by significantly increasing dissolved organic C (p < 0.05). P addition had directly significant negative effect on LFOC and SOC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, six-year N deposition enhances soil C and N sequestration while the P enrichment reduces the content of soil C, N fractions and stability in Castanopsis sclerophylla forests. The results provide a scientific basis for predicting the soil C sink function of evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem under the background of future climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
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14 pages, 3201 KiB  
Article
Coupled Eu Anomalies and Fe Isotopes Reveal a Hydrothermal Iron Source for Superior-Type Iron Formations: A Case Study from the Wilgena Hill Iron Formation, South Australia
by Shuo Chen, Jian Sun, Xiangkun Zhu and Yuelong Chen
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080824 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Superior-type iron formations (IFs) represent a globally significant source of iron ore; yet, their origin remains a subject of ongoing debate. Early models proposed a continental weathering source for the iron, whereas later interpretations—mainly supported by positive europium (Eu) anomalies—favored a hydrothermal source. [...] Read more.
Superior-type iron formations (IFs) represent a globally significant source of iron ore; yet, their origin remains a subject of ongoing debate. Early models proposed a continental weathering source for the iron, whereas later interpretations—mainly supported by positive europium (Eu) anomalies—favored a hydrothermal source. However, the hydrothermal model largely relies on REE systematics, and whether iron and REEs in Superior-type IFs share the same source remains uncertain. As iron isotopes directly trace the sources and fractionation history of iron, a spatial co-variation between Fe isotopes and Eu anomalies would shed new light on the iron source issue of IFs. In this study, we present new Fe isotope and REE data from the drill core WILDD004 at Wilgena Hill and integrate them with reported data for two additional drill cores: HKDD4 (Hawks Nest) and GWDD1 (Giffen Well). All three cores are stratigraphically equivalent to the Wilgena Hill Jaspilite Formation but span a lateral distance of ~100 km across the Gawler Craton, South Australia. While the Hawks Nest and Giffen Well samples exhibit both positive Eu anomalies and elevated δ56Fe values, the Wilgena Hill samples show positive yet smaller Eu/Eu* (1.17–2.41) and negative δ56Fe values (−0.60‰ to −1.63‰). The consistent presence of Eu anomalies and the systematic spatial correlation between δ56Fe and Eu/Eu* across all three locations provide direct, Fe-based geochemical evidence for a hydrothermal source of iron in this Superior-type IF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemical, Isotopic, and Biotic Records of Banded Iron Formations)
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24 pages, 90648 KiB  
Article
An Image Encryption Method Based on a Two-Dimensional Cross-Coupled Chaotic System
by Caiwen Chen, Tianxiu Lu and Boxu Yan
Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081221 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Chaotic systems have demonstrated significant potential in the field of image encryption due to their extreme sensitivity to initial conditions, inherent unpredictability, and pseudo-random behavior. However, existing chaos-based encryption schemes still face several limitations, including narrow chaotic regions, discontinuous chaotic ranges, uneven trajectory [...] Read more.
Chaotic systems have demonstrated significant potential in the field of image encryption due to their extreme sensitivity to initial conditions, inherent unpredictability, and pseudo-random behavior. However, existing chaos-based encryption schemes still face several limitations, including narrow chaotic regions, discontinuous chaotic ranges, uneven trajectory distributions, and fixed pixel processing sequences. These issues substantially hinder the security and efficiency of such algorithms. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel hyperchaotic map, termed the two-dimensional cross-coupled chaotic map (2D-CFCM), derived from a newly designed 2D cross-coupled chaotic system. The proposed 2D-CFCM exhibits enhanced randomness, greater sensitivity to initial values, a broader chaotic region, and a more uniform trajectory distribution, thereby offering stronger security guarantees for image encryption applications. Based on the 2D-CFCM, an innovative image encryption method was further developed, incorporating efficient scrambling and forward and reverse random multidirectional diffusion operations with symmetrical properties. Through simulation tests on images of varying sizes and resolutions, including color images, the results demonstrate the strong security performance of the proposed method. This method has several remarkable features, including an extremely large key space (greater than 2912), extremely high key sensitivity, nearly ideal entropy value (greater than 7.997), extremely low pixel correlation (less than 0.04), and excellent resistance to differential attacks (with the average values of NPCR and UACI being 99.6050% and 33.4643%, respectively). Compared to existing encryption algorithms, the proposed method provides significantly enhanced security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Chaos Theory and Applications)
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16 pages, 4733 KiB  
Article
Vibratory Pile Driving in High Viscous Soil Layers: Numerical Analysis of Penetration Resistance and Prebored Hole of CEL Method
by Caihui Li, Changkai Qiu, Xuejin Liu, Junhao Wang and Xiaofei Jing
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152729 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
High-viscosity stratified strata, characterized by complex geotechnical properties such as strong cohesion, low permeability, and pronounced layered structures, exhibit significant lateral friction resistance and high-end resistance during steel sheet pile installation. These factors substantially increase construction difficulty and may even cause structural damage. [...] Read more.
High-viscosity stratified strata, characterized by complex geotechnical properties such as strong cohesion, low permeability, and pronounced layered structures, exhibit significant lateral friction resistance and high-end resistance during steel sheet pile installation. These factors substantially increase construction difficulty and may even cause structural damage. This study addresses two critical mechanical challenges during vibratory pile driving in Fujian Province’s hydraulic engineering project: prolonged high-frequency driving durations, and severe U-shaped steel sheet pile head damage in high-viscosity stratified soils. Employing the Coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) numerical method, a systematic investigation was conducted into the penetration resistance, stress distribution, and damage patterns during vibratory pile driving under varying conditions of cohesive soil layer thickness, predrilled hole spacing, and aperture dimensions. The correlation between pile stress and penetration depth was established, with the influence mechanisms of key factors on driving-induced damage in high-viscosity stratified strata under multi-factor coupling effects elucidated. Finally, the feasibility of predrilling techniques for resistance reduction was explored. This study applies the damage prediction model based on the CEL method to U-shaped sheet piles in high-viscosity stratified formations, solving the problem of mesh distortion in traditional finite element methods. The findings provide scientific guidance for steel sheet pile construction in high-viscosity stratified formations, offering significant implications for enhancing construction efficiency, ensuring operational safety, and reducing costs in such challenging geological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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