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20 pages, 813 KiB  
Review
Exploring Design Thinking Methodologies: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Literature, Outstanding Practices, and Their Linkage to Sustainable Development Goals
by Matilde Martínez Casanovas
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7142; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157142 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Design Thinking (DT) has emerged as a relevant methodology for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents a systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which analyzes 42 peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. [...] Read more.
Design Thinking (DT) has emerged as a relevant methodology for addressing global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study presents a systematic literature review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which analyzes 42 peer-reviewed publications from 2013 to 2023. Through inductive content analysis, 10 core DT principles—such as empathy, iteration, user-centeredness, and systems thinking—I identified and thematically mapped to specific SDGs, including goals related to health, education, innovation, and climate action. The study also presents five real-world cases from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, and urban planning, illustrating how DT has been applied to address practical challenges aligned with the SDGs. However, the review identifies persistent gaps in the field: the lack of standardized evaluation frameworks, limited integration across SDG domains, and weak adaptation of ethical and contextual considerations, particularly in vulnerable communities. As a response, this paper recommends the adoption of structured impact assessment tools (e.g., Cities2030, Responsible Design Thinking), integration of design justice principles, and the development of participatory, iterative ecosystems for innovation. By offering both conceptual synthesis and applied insights, this article positions Design Thinking as a strategic and systemic approach for driving sustainable transformation aligned with the 2030 Agenda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Education and Approaches)
30 pages, 2190 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review of the State of Knowledge About Açaí-Do-Amazonas (Euterpe precatoria Mart., Arecaceae)
by Sabrina Yasmin Nunes da Rocha, Maria Julia Ferreira, Charles R. Clement and Ricardo Lopes
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152439 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Euterpe precatoria Mart. is an increasingly important palm for subsistence and income generation in central and western Amazonia with growing demand for its fruit pulp, which is an alternative source of açaí juice for domestic and international markets. This study synthesizes current knowledge [...] Read more.
Euterpe precatoria Mart. is an increasingly important palm for subsistence and income generation in central and western Amazonia with growing demand for its fruit pulp, which is an alternative source of açaí juice for domestic and international markets. This study synthesizes current knowledge on its systematics, ecology, fruit production in natural populations, fruit quality, uses, population management, and related areas, identifying critical research gaps. A systematic literature survey was conducted across databases including Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, CAPES, and Embrapa. Of 1568 studies referencing Euterpe, 273 focused on E. precatoria, with 90 addressing priority themes. Genetic diversity studies suggest the E. precatoria may represent a complex of species. Its population abundance varies across habitats: the highest variability occurs in terra firme, followed by baixios and várzeas. Várzeas exhibit greater productivity potential, with more bunches per plant and higher fruit weight than baixios; no production data exist for terra firme. Additionally, E. precatoria has higher anthocyanin content than E. oleracea, the primary commercial açaí species. Management of natural populations and cultivation practices are essential for sustainable production; however, studies in these fields are still limited. The information is crucial to inform strategies aiming to promote the sustainable production of the species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)
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32 pages, 41105 KiB  
Article
A Novel Medical Image Encryption Algorithm Based on High-Dimensional Memristor Chaotic System with Extended Josephus-RNA Hybrid Mechanism
by Yixiao Wang, Yutong Li, Zhenghong Yu, Tianxian Zhang and Xiangliang Xu
Symmetry 2025, 17(8), 1255; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17081255 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Conventional image encryption schemes struggle to meet the high security demands of medical images due to their large data volume, strong pixel correlation, and structural redundancy. To address these challenges, we propose a grayscale medical image encryption algorithm based on a novel 5-D [...] Read more.
Conventional image encryption schemes struggle to meet the high security demands of medical images due to their large data volume, strong pixel correlation, and structural redundancy. To address these challenges, we propose a grayscale medical image encryption algorithm based on a novel 5-D memristor chaotic system. The algorithm integrates a Symmetric L-type Josephus Spiral Scrambling (SLJSS) module and a Dynamic Codon-based Multi-RNA Diffusion (DCMRD) module to enhance spatial decorrelation and diffusion complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves near-ideal entropy (e.g., 7.9992), low correlation (e.g., 0.0043), and high robustness (e.g., NPCR: 99.62%, UACI: 33.45%) with time complexity of O(11MN), confirming its effectiveness and efficiency for medical image protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Chaos Theory and Applications)
19 pages, 1090 KiB  
Article
Inbound Truck Scheduling for Workload Balancing in Cross-Docking Terminals
by Younghoo Noh, Seokchan Lee, Jeongyoon Hong, Jeongeum Kim and Sung Won Cho
Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2533; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152533 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
The rapid growth of e-commerce and advances in information and communication technologies have placed increasing pressure on last-mile delivery companies to enhance operational productivity. As investments in logistics infrastructure require long-term planning, maximizing the efficiency of existing terminal operations has become a critical [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of e-commerce and advances in information and communication technologies have placed increasing pressure on last-mile delivery companies to enhance operational productivity. As investments in logistics infrastructure require long-term planning, maximizing the efficiency of existing terminal operations has become a critical priority. This study proposes a mathematical model for inbound truck scheduling that simultaneously minimizes truck waiting times and balances workload across temporary inventory storage located at outbound chutes in cross-docking terminals. The model incorporates a dynamic rescheduling strategy that updates the assignment of inbound trucks in real time, based on the latest terminal conditions. Numerical experiments, based on real operational data, demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly outperforms conventional strategies such as First-In First-Out (FIFO) and Random assignment in terms of both load balancing and truck turnaround efficiency. In particular, the proposed model improves workload balance by approximately 10% and 12% compared to the FIFO and Random strategies, respectively, and it reduces average truck waiting time by 17% and 18%, thereby contributing to more efficient workflow and alleviating bottlenecks. The findings highlight the practical potential of the proposed strategy for improving the responsiveness and efficiency of parcel distribution centers operating under fixed infrastructure constraints. Future research may extend the proposed approach by incorporating realistic operational factors, such as cargo heterogeneity, uncertain arrivals, and terminal shutdowns due to limited chute storage. Full article
20 pages, 2614 KiB  
Article
Porphyrin-Modified Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes for Enhanced Bacterial Inactivation and Filtration Performance
by Funeka Matebese, Nonkululeko Malomane, Meladi L. Motloutsi, Richard M. Moutloali and Muthumuni Managa
Membranes 2025, 15(8), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes15080239 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone [...] Read more.
Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was conducted to improve bacterial inactivation in complex municipal wastewater and enhance the fouling resistance and filtration performance. The synthesis and fabrication of porphyrin nanofillers and the resultant membrane characteristics were studied. The incorporation of porphyrin-based nanofillers improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, morphology, and flux (247 Lm−2 h−1), with the membrane contact angle (CA) decreasing from 90° to ranging between 58° and 50°. The membrane performance was monitored for its flux, antifouling properties, reusability potential, municipal wastewater, and humic acid. The modified membranes demonstrated an effective application in wastewater treatment, achieving notable antibacterial activity, particularly under light exposure. The In-BP@SW/PES membrane demonstrated effective antimicrobial photodynamic effects against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. It achieved at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial viability, meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for efficient antimicrobial materials. Among the variants tested, membranes modified with In-PB@SW nanofillers exhibited superior antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios (FRRs) of 78.9% for the humic acid (HA) solution and 85% for the municipal wastewater (MWW), suggesting a strong potential for long-term filtration use. These results highlight the promise of porphyrin-functionalized membranes as multifunctional tools in advanced water treatment technologies. Full article
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15 pages, 6966 KiB  
Article
A Concise Grid-Based Model Revealing the Temporal Dynamics in Indoor Infection Risk
by Pengcheng Zhao and Xiaohong Zheng
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2786; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152786 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Determining the transmission routes of pathogens in indoor environments is challenging, with most studies limited to specific case analyses and pilot experiments. When pathogens are instantaneously released by a patient in an indoor environment, the peak infection risk may not occur immediately but [...] Read more.
Determining the transmission routes of pathogens in indoor environments is challenging, with most studies limited to specific case analyses and pilot experiments. When pathogens are instantaneously released by a patient in an indoor environment, the peak infection risk may not occur immediately but may instead appear at a specific moment during the pathogen’s spread. We developed a concise model to describe the temporal crest of infection risk. The model incorporates the transmission and degradation characteristics of aerosols and surface particles to predict infection risks via air and surface routes. Only four real-world outbreaks met the criteria for validating this phenomenon. Based on the available data, norovirus is likely to transmit primarily via surface touch (i.e., the fomite route). In contrast, crests of infection risk were not observed in outbreaks of respiratory diseases (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), suggesting a minimal probability of surface transmission in such cases. The new model can serve as a preliminary indicator for identifying different indoor pathogen transmission routes (e.g., food, air, or fomite). Further analyses of pathogens’ transmission routes require additional evidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development of Indoor Environment Comfort)
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21 pages, 9310 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Regulation of Pigment Cell Precursors’ Differentiation and Migration by ednrb1a and ednrb2 in Nile Tilapia
by Zilong Wen, Jinzhi Wu, Jiawen Yao, Fugui Fang, Siyu Ju, Chenxu Wang, Xingyong Liu and Deshou Wang
Cells 2025, 14(15), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151213 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
The evolutionary loss of ednrb2 in specific vertebrate lineages, such as mammals and cypriniform fish, raises fundamental questions about its functional necessity and potential redundancy or synergy with paralogous endothelin receptors in pigment cell development. In teleosts possessing both ednrb1a and ednrb2 (e.g., [...] Read more.
The evolutionary loss of ednrb2 in specific vertebrate lineages, such as mammals and cypriniform fish, raises fundamental questions about its functional necessity and potential redundancy or synergy with paralogous endothelin receptors in pigment cell development. In teleosts possessing both ednrb1a and ednrb2 (e.g., Nile tilapia), their respective and combined roles in regulating neural crest-derived pigment cell precursors remains unresolved. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated single and double ednrb mutants to dissect their functions. We demonstrated that ednrb1a and ednrb2 synergistically govern the differentiation and migration of iridophore precursors. While ednrb1a is broadly essential for iridophore development, ednrb2 plays a unique and indispensable role in the colonization of iridophores in the dorsal iris. Double mutants exhibit near-complete iridophore loss; severe depletion of melanophores, xanthophores, and erythrophores; and a striking, fertile, transparent phenotype. Crucially, this iridophore deficiency does not impair systemic guanine synthesis pathways. mRNA rescue experiments confirmed mitfa as a key downstream effector within the Ednrb signaling cascade. This work resolves the synergistic regulation of pigment cell fates by Ednrb receptors and establishes a mechanism for generating transparent ermplasm. Full article
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24 pages, 1604 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Low-Cost Sensors in Early-Age Concrete: Laboratory Testing and Industrial Applications
by Rocío Porras, Behnam Mobaraki, Zhenquan Liu, Thayré Muñoz, Fidel Lozano and José A. Lozano
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8701; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158701 (registering DOI) - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Concrete is an essential material in the construction industry due to its strength and versatility. However, its quality can be compromised by environmental factors during its fresh and early-age states. To address this vulnerability, various sensors have been implemented to monitor critical parameters. [...] Read more.
Concrete is an essential material in the construction industry due to its strength and versatility. However, its quality can be compromised by environmental factors during its fresh and early-age states. To address this vulnerability, various sensors have been implemented to monitor critical parameters. While high-precision sensors (e.g., piezoelectric and fiber optic) offer accurate measurements, their cost and fragility limit their widespread use in construction environments. In response, this study proposes a cost-effective, Arduino-based wireless monitoring system to track temperature and humidity in fresh and early-age concrete elements. The system was validated through laboratory tests on cylindrical specimens and industrial applications on self-compacting concrete New Jersey barriers. The sensors recorded temperature variations between 15 °C and 35 °C and relative humidity from 100% down to 45%, depending on environmental exposure. In situ monitoring confirmed the system’s ability to detect thermal gradients and evaporation dynamics during curing. Additionally, the presence of embedded sensors caused a tensile strength reduction of up to 37.5% in small specimens, highlighting the importance of sensor placement. The proposed solution demonstrates potential for improving quality control and curing management in precast concrete production with low-cost devices. Full article
31 pages, 4260 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Global TCWV and AI Hybrid Model Prediction
by Longhao Xu, Kebiao Mao, Zhonghua Guo, Jiancheng Shi, Sayed M. Bateni and Zijin Yuan
Hydrology 2025, 12(8), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12080206 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Extreme precipitation events severely impact agriculture, reducing yields and land use efficiency. The spatiotemporal distribution of Total Column Water Vapor (TCWV), the primary gaseous form of water, directly influences sustainable agricultural management. This study, through multi-source data fusion, employs methods including the Mann–Kendall [...] Read more.
Extreme precipitation events severely impact agriculture, reducing yields and land use efficiency. The spatiotemporal distribution of Total Column Water Vapor (TCWV), the primary gaseous form of water, directly influences sustainable agricultural management. This study, through multi-source data fusion, employs methods including the Mann–Kendall test, sliding change-point detection, wavelet transform, pixel-scale trend estimation, and linear regression to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of global TCWV from 1959 to 2023 and its impacts on agricultural systems, surpassing the limitations of single-method approaches. Results reveal a global TCWV increase of 0.0168 kg/m2/year from 1959–2023, with a pivotal shift in 2002 amplifying changes, notably in tropical regions (e.g., Amazon, Congo Basins, Southeast Asia) where cumulative increases exceeded 2 kg/m2 since 2000, while mid-to-high latitudes remained stable and polar regions showed minimal content. These dynamics escalate weather risks, impacting sustainable agricultural management with irrigation and crop adaptation. To enhance prediction accuracy, we propose a novel hybrid model combining wavelet transform with LSTM, TCN, and GRU deep learning models, substantially improving multidimensional feature extraction and nonstationary trend capture. Comparative analysis shows that WT-TCN performs the best (MAE = 0.170, R2 = 0.953), demonstrating its potential for addressing climate change uncertainties. These findings provide valuable applications for precision agriculture, sustainable water resource management, and disaster early warning. Full article
18 pages, 2610 KiB  
Article
Quorum-Sensing C12-HSL Drives Antibiotic Resistance Plasmid Transfer via Membrane Remodeling, Oxidative Stress, and RpoS-RMF Crosstalk
by Yang Yang, Ziyan Wu, Li’e Zhu, Zixin Han, Junpeng Li, Qiaoqiao Fang and Guoqiang Zhu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081837 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Antibiotic misuse accelerates resistance dissemination via plasmid conjugation, but quorum sensing (QS) regulatory mechanisms remain undefined. Using Escherichia coli (E. coli) MG1655 conjugation models (RP4-7/EC600 plasmids), we demonstrate that long-chain acyl-homoserine lactones (C10/C12-HSL) enhance transfer frequency by up to 7.7-fold (200μM [...] Read more.
Antibiotic misuse accelerates resistance dissemination via plasmid conjugation, but quorum sensing (QS) regulatory mechanisms remain undefined. Using Escherichia coli (E. coli) MG1655 conjugation models (RP4-7/EC600 plasmids), we demonstrate that long-chain acyl-homoserine lactones (C10/C12-HSL) enhance transfer frequency by up to 7.7-fold (200μM C12-HSL; p < 0.001), while quorum-quenching by sub-inhibitory vanillin suppressed this effect by 95% (p < 0.0001). C12-HSL compromised membrane integrity via ompF upregulation (4-fold; p < 0.01) and conjugative pore assembly (trbBp upregulated by 1.38-fold; p < 0.05), coinciding with ROS accumulation (1.5-fold; p < 0.0001) and SOS response activation (recA upregulated by 1.68-fold; p < 0.001). Crucially, rpoS and rmf deletion mutants reduced conjugation by 65.5% and 55.8%, respectively (p < 0.001), exhibiting attenuated membrane permeability (≤65.5% reduced NPN influx; p < 0.0001), suppressed ROS (≤54% downregulated; p < 0.0001), and abolished transcriptional induction of conjugation/stress genes. Reciprocal RpoS–RMF (ribosomal hibernation factor) crosstalk was essential for AHL responsiveness, with deletions mutually suppressing expression (≤65.9% downregulated; p < 0.05). We establish a hierarchical mechanism wherein long-chain AHLs drive resistance dissemination through integrated membrane restructuring, stress adaptation, and RpoS–RMF-mediated genetic plasticity, positioning QS signaling as a viable target for curbing resistance spread. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance)
13 pages, 3790 KiB  
Article
Anti-CD26 Antibody Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
by Takumi Iwasawa, Ryo Hatano, Satoshi Takeda, Ayumi Kurusu, Chikako Okamoto, Kazunori Kato, Chikao Morimoto and Noriaki Iwao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157620 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
CD26 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) is a marker of colorectal cancer stem cells with high metastatic potential and resistance to therapy. Although CD26 expression is known to be associated with tumor progression, its functional involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis remains to be fully [...] Read more.
CD26 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) is a marker of colorectal cancer stem cells with high metastatic potential and resistance to therapy. Although CD26 expression is known to be associated with tumor progression, its functional involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a monoclonal anti-CD26 antibody on EMT-related phenotypes and metastatic behavior in colorectal cancer cells. We evaluated changes in EMT markers by quantitative PCR and Western blotting, assessed cell motility and invasion using scratch wound-healing and Transwell assays, and examined metastatic potential in vivo using a splenic injection mouse model. Treatment with the anti-CD26 antibody significantly increased the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and reduced levels of EMT-inducing transcription factors, including ZEB1, Twist1, and Snail1, at the mRNA and protein levels. Functional assays revealed that the antibody markedly inhibited cell migration and invasion in vitro without exerting cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, systemic administration of the anti-CD26 antibody significantly suppressed the formation of liver metastases in vivo. These findings suggest that CD26 may contribute to the regulation of EMT and metastatic behavior in colorectal cancer. Our data highlight the potential therapeutic utility of CD26-targeted antibody therapy for suppressing EMT-associated phenotypes and metastatic progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Therapies of Colorectal Cancer: 4th Edition)
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27 pages, 28656 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study and FEM Analysis on the Strengthening of Masonry Brick Walls Using Expanded Steel Plates and Shotcrete with and Without Glass Fiber Reinforcement
by Zeynep Yaman, Alper Cumhur, Elif Ağcakoca, Muhammet Zeki Özyurt, Muhammed Maraşlı, Mohammad Saber Sadid, Abdulsalam Akrami and Azizullah Rasuly
Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2781; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152781 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this study, an effective strengthening method was investigated to improve the seismic performance of masonry brick walls. The strengthening method comprised the use of shotcrete, which was applied in both glass fiber-reinforced and unreinforced forms for steel plates and tie rods. Thirteen [...] Read more.
In this study, an effective strengthening method was investigated to improve the seismic performance of masonry brick walls. The strengthening method comprised the use of shotcrete, which was applied in both glass fiber-reinforced and unreinforced forms for steel plates and tie rods. Thirteen wall specimens constructed with vertical perforated masonry block bricks were tested under diagonal compression in accordance with ASTM E519 (2010). Reinforcement plates with different thicknesses (1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) were anchored using 6 mm diameter tie rods. A specially designed steel frame and an experimental loading program with controlled deformation increments were employed to simulate the effects of reinforced concrete beam frame system on walls under the effect of diagonal loads caused by seismic loads. In addition, numerical simulations were conducted using three-dimensional finite element models in Abaqus Explicit software to validate the experimental results. The findings demonstrated that increasing the number of tie rods enhanced the shear strength and overall behavior of the walls. Steel plates effectively absorbed tensile stresses and limited crack propagation, while the fiber reinforcement in the shotcrete further improved wall strength and ductility. Overall, the proposed strengthening techniques provided significant improvements in the seismic resistance and energy absorption capacity of masonry walls, offering practical and reliable solutions to enhance the safety and durability of existing masonry structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Concrete Materials in Construction)
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24 pages, 1379 KiB  
Article
Avant-Texts, Characters and Factoids: Interpreting the Genesis of La luna e i falò Through an Ontology
by Giuseppe Arena
Humanities 2025, 14(8), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/h14080162 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study introduces the Real-To-Fictional Ontology (RTFO), a structured framework designed to analyze the dynamic relationship between reality and fiction in literary works, with a focus on preparatory materials and their influence on narrative construction. While traditional Italian philology and genetic criticism have [...] Read more.
This study introduces the Real-To-Fictional Ontology (RTFO), a structured framework designed to analyze the dynamic relationship between reality and fiction in literary works, with a focus on preparatory materials and their influence on narrative construction. While traditional Italian philology and genetic criticism have distinct theoretical and editorial approaches to avant-text, this ontology addresses their limitations by integrating fine-grained textual analysis with contextual biographical avant-text to enhance character interpretation. Modeled in OWL2, RTFO harmonizes established frameworks such as LRMoo and CIDOC-CRM, enabling systematic representation of narrative elements. The ontology is applied to the case study of Cesare Pavese’s La luna e i falò, with a particular focus on the biographical avant-text of Pinolo Scaglione, the real-life friend who inspired key aspects of the novel. The fragmented and unstable nature of avant-text is addressed through a factoid-based model, which captures character-related traits, states and events as interconnected entities. SWRL rules are employed to infer implicit connections, such as direct influences between real-life contexts and fictional constructs. Application of the ontology to case studies demonstrates its effectiveness in tracing the evolution of characters from preparatory drafts to final texts, revealing how biographical and contextual factors shape narrative choices. Full article
21 pages, 3451 KiB  
Article
Transcriptional Repression of CCL2 by KCa3.1 K+ Channel Activation and LRRC8A Anion Channel Inhibition in THP-1-Differentiated M2 Macrophages
by Miki Matsui, Junko Kajikuri, Hiroaki Kito, Yohei Yamaguchi and Susumu Ohya
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157624 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
We investigated the role of the intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 and volume-regulatory anion channel LRRC8A in regulating C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) expression in THP-1-differentiated M2 macrophages (M2-MACs), which serve as a useful [...] Read more.
We investigated the role of the intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 and volume-regulatory anion channel LRRC8A in regulating C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) expression in THP-1-differentiated M2 macrophages (M2-MACs), which serve as a useful model for studying tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). CCL2 is a potent chemoattractant involved in the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and its expression is regulated through intracellular signaling pathways such as ERK, JNK, and Nrf2 in various types of cells including macrophages. The transcriptional expression of CCL2 was suppressed in M2-MACs following treatment with a KCa3.1 activator or an LRRC8A inhibitor via distinct signaling pathways: ERK–CREB2 and JNK–c-Jun pathways for KCa3.1, and the NOX2–Nrf2–CEBPB pathway for LRRC8A. Under in vitro conditions mimicking the elevated extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]e) characteristic of the tumor microenvironment (TME), CCL2 expression was markedly upregulated, and this increase was reversed by treatment with them in M2-MACs. Additionally, the WNK1–AMPK pathway was, at least in part, involved in the high [K+]e-induced upregulation of CCL2. Collectively, modulating KCa3.1 and LRRC8A activities offers a promising strategy to suppress CCL2 secretion in TAMs, potentially limiting the CCL2-induced infiltration of immunosuppressive cells (TAMs, Tregs, and MDSCs) in the TME. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Ion Channels and Transporters)
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16 pages, 17057 KiB  
Article
Numerical Analysis of Cavitation Suppression on a NACA 0018 Hydrofoil Using a Surface Cavity
by Pankaj Kumar, Ebrahim Kadivar and Ould el Moctar
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081517 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study examines the hydrodynamic and acoustic performance of plain NACA0018 hydrofoil and modified NACA0018 hydrofoils (foil with a cavity on suction surface) at a Reynolds number (Re) of 40,000, which is indicative of small-scale turbines and [...] Read more.
This study examines the hydrodynamic and acoustic performance of plain NACA0018 hydrofoil and modified NACA0018 hydrofoils (foil with a cavity on suction surface) at a Reynolds number (Re) of 40,000, which is indicative of small-scale turbines and marine applications. A cavity was created on suction side surface at 40–50% of the chord length, which is chosen for its efficacy in cavitation control. The present analysis examines the impact of the cavity on lift-to-drag-ratio (L/D) and cavity length at three cavitation numbers (1.7, 1.2, and 0.93) for plain and modified hydrofoils. Simulations demonstrate a significant enhancement of 7% in the lift-to-drag ratio relative to traditional designed foils. Contrary to earlier observations, the cavity length increases instead of decreasing for the modified hydrofoil. Both periodic steady and turbulent inflow conditions are captured that simulate the complex cavity dynamics and flow–acoustic interactions. It is found that a reduction in RMS velocity with modified blade suggests flow stabilization. Spectral analysis using Mel-frequency techniques confirms the cavity’s potential to reduce low-frequency flow-induced noise. These findings offer new insights for designing quieter and more efficient hydrofoils and turbine blades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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