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29 pages, 9514 KiB  
Article
Kennaugh Elements Allow Early Detection of Bark Beetle Infestation in Temperate Forests Using Sentinel-1 Data
by Christine Hechtl, Sarah Hauser, Andreas Schmitt, Marco Heurich and Anna Wendleder
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081272 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
Climate change is generally having a negative impact on forest health by inducing drought stress and favouring the spread of pest species, such as bark beetles. The terrestrial monitoring of bark beetle infestation is very time-consuming, especially in the early stages, and therefore [...] Read more.
Climate change is generally having a negative impact on forest health by inducing drought stress and favouring the spread of pest species, such as bark beetles. The terrestrial monitoring of bark beetle infestation is very time-consuming, especially in the early stages, and therefore not feasible for extensive areas, emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach based on remote sensing. Although numerous studies have researched the use of optical data for this task, radar data remains comparatively underexplored. Therefore, this study uses the weekly and cloud-free acquisitions of Sentinel-1 in the Bavarian Forest National Park. Time series analysis within a Multi-SAR framework using Random Forest enables the monitoring of moisture content loss and, consequently, the assessment of tree vitality, which is crucial for the detection of stress conditions conducive to bark beetle outbreaks. High accuracies are achieved in predicting future bark beetle infestation (R2 of 0.83–0.89). These results demonstrate that forest vitality trends ranging from healthy to bark beetle-affected states can be mapped, supporting early intervention strategies. The standard deviation of 0.44 to 0.76 years indicates that the model deviates on average by half a year, mainly due to the uncertainty in the reference data. This temporal uncertainty is acceptable, as half a year provides a sufficient window to identify stressed forest areas and implement targeted management actions before bark beetle damage occurs. The successful application of this technique to extensive test sites in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia proves its transferability. For the first time, the results clearly demonstrate the expected relationship between radar backscatter expressed in the Kennaugh elements K0 and K1 and bark beetle infestation, thereby providing an opportunity for the continuous and cost-effective monitoring of forest health from space. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Health)
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16 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
A Half-Discrete Hardy–Mulholland-Type Inequality Involving One Multiple Upper Limit Function and One Partial Sum
by Bicheng Yang, Shanhe Wu and Jianquan Liao
Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152497 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this paper, by using the techniques of real analysis, with the help of the Euler–Maclaurin summation formula, Abel’s summation by parts formula, and the differentiation mid-value theorem, we establish a half-discrete Hardy–Mulholland-type inequality involving one multiple upper limit function and one partial [...] Read more.
In this paper, by using the techniques of real analysis, with the help of the Euler–Maclaurin summation formula, Abel’s summation by parts formula, and the differentiation mid-value theorem, we establish a half-discrete Hardy–Mulholland-type inequality involving one multiple upper limit function and one partial sum. Based on the obtained inequality, we characterize the condition of the best possible constant factor related to several parameters. At the end of the paper, we illustrate that some new half-discrete Hardy–Mulholland-type inequalities can be deduced from the special values of the parameters. Our results enrich the current results in the study of half-discrete Hardy–Mulholland-type inequalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Convex Analysis and Inequalities)
14 pages, 2058 KiB  
Article
Integration of Daylight in Building Design as a Way to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Buildings
by Adrian Trząski and Joanna Rucińska
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4113; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154113 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
According to the United Nations Environment Programme reports, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related emissions; therefore, energy-optimized building design is crucial to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The OECD reports indicate the use [...] Read more.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme reports, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of energy-related emissions; therefore, energy-optimized building design is crucial to reduce the reliance on non-renewable energy sources as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The OECD reports indicate the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as one of the effective strategies for decarbonization of buildings, since a 3D digital representation of both physical and functional characteristics of a building can help to design a more efficient infrastructure. An efficient integration of solar energy in building design can be vital for the enhancement of energy performance in terms of heating, cooling, and lighting demand. This paper presents results of an analysis of how factors related to the use of daylight, such as automatic control of artificial lighting, external shading, or the visual absorptance of internal surfaces, influence the energy efficiency within an example room in two different climatic zones. The simulation was conducted using Design Builder software, with predefined occupancy schedules and internal heat gains, and standard EPW weather files for Warsaw and Genua climate zones. The study indicates that for the examined room, when no automatic sunshades or a lighting control system is utilized, most of the final energy demand is for cooling purposes (45–54%), followed by lighting (42–43%), with only 3–12% for heating purposes. The introduction of sunshades and/or the use of daylight allowed for a reduction of the total demand by up to half. Moreover, it was pointed out that often neglected factors, like the colour of the internal surfaces, can have a significant effect on the final energy consumption. In variants with light interior, the total energy consumption was lower by about 3–4% of the baseline demand, compared to their corresponding ones with dark surfaces. These results are consistent with previous studies on daylighting strategies and highlight the importance of considering both visual and thermal impacts when evaluating energy performance. Similarly, possible side effects of certain actions were highlighted, such as an increase in heat demand resulting from a reduced need for artificial lighting. The results of the analysis highlight the potential of a simulation-based design approach in optimizing daylight use, contributing to the broader goals of building decarbonization. Full article
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20 pages, 1309 KiB  
Systematic Review
Computational Thinking in Primary and Pre-School Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Efrosyni-Alkisti Paraskevopoulou-Kollia, Christos-Apostolos Michalakopoulos, Nikolaos C. Zygouris and Pantelis G. Bagos
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080985 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Computational Thinking (CT) has been an important concept for the computer science education community in the last 20 years. In this work we performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the computational thinking of children from kindergarten to primary school. We compiled [...] Read more.
Computational Thinking (CT) has been an important concept for the computer science education community in the last 20 years. In this work we performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the computational thinking of children from kindergarten to primary school. We compiled a large dataset of one hundred and twenty (120) studies from the literature. Through analysis of these studies, we tried to reveal important insights and draw interesting and valid conclusions. We analyzed various qualitative and quantitative aspects of the studies, including the sample size, the year of publication, the country of origin, the studies’ design and duration, the computational tools used, and so on. An important aspect of the work is to highlight differences between different study designs. We identified a total of 120 studies, with more than half of them (>50%) originating from Asian countries. Most studies (82.5%) conducted some form of intervention, aiming to improve their computational thinking in students. A smaller proportion (17.5%) were assessment studies in which the authors conducted assessments regarding the children’s computational thinking. On average, intervention studies had a smaller number of participants, but differences in duration could not be identified. There was also a lack of large-scale longitudinal studies. Block-based coding (i.e., Scratch) and Plugged and Unplugged activities were observed in high numbers in both categories of studies. CT assessment tools showed great variability. Efforts for standardization and reaching a consensus are needed in this regard. Finally, robotic systems have been found to play a major role in interventions over the last years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to STEM Education)
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13 pages, 2812 KiB  
Article
Fungal Laccases with High and Medium Redox Potential: Is the T1 Center Potential a Key Characteristic of Catalytic Efficiency in Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Reactions?
by Olga Morozova, Maria Khlupova, Irina Vasil’eva, Alexander Yaropolov and Tatyana Fedorova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7488; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157488 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Catalytic and bioelectrocatalytic properties of four white rot fungal laccases (Trametes hirsuta, ThL; Coriolopsis caperata, CcL; Steccherinum murashkinskyi, SmL; and Antrodiella faginea, AfL) from different orthologous groups were comparatively studied in homogeneous reactions of electron donor substrate oxidation [...] Read more.
Catalytic and bioelectrocatalytic properties of four white rot fungal laccases (Trametes hirsuta, ThL; Coriolopsis caperata, CcL; Steccherinum murashkinskyi, SmL; and Antrodiella faginea, AfL) from different orthologous groups were comparatively studied in homogeneous reactions of electron donor substrate oxidation and in a heterogeneous reaction of dioxygen electroreduction. The ThL and CcL laccases belong to high-redox-potential enzymes (E0T1 = 780 mV), while the AfL and SmL laccases are medium-redox-potential enzymes (E0T1 = 620 and 650 mV). We evaluated the efficiency of laccases in mediatorless bioelectrocatalytic dioxygen reduction by the steady-state potential (Ess), onset potential (Eonset), half-wave potential (E1/2), and the slope of the linear segment of the polarization curve. A good correlation was observed between the T1 center potential of the laccases and their electrocatalytic characteristics; however, no correlation with the homogeneous reactions of electron donor substrates’ oxidation was detected. The results obtained are discussed in the light of the known data on the three-dimensional structures of the laccases studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Enzymes in Biocatalysis)
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16 pages, 562 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Effects of Low Ruminal pH Values on Serum Concentrations of Macrominerals, Trace Elements, and Vitamins and Oxidative Status of Dairy Cows
by Panagiotis D. Katsoulos, Bengü Bilgiç, Duygu Tarhan, Fatma Ateş, Suat Ekin, Süleyman Kozat, Banu Dokuzeylül, Mehmet Erman Or, Emmanouil Kalaitzakis, Georgios E. Valergakis and Nikolaos Panousis
Ruminants 2025, 5(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/ruminants5030035 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect [...] Read more.
Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low ruminal pH on blood concentrations of certain macrominerals, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins and on the oxidative status of dairy cows during the first half of lactation. Fifty-three randomly selected lactating Holstein cows were used; blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected from all cows on days 30, 90 and 150 of lactation. Blood samples were obtained via coccygeal venipuncture, while the ruminal fluid was obtained by rumenocentesis and the pH was measured immediately after collection. Using a threshold pH of 5.5, samples were classified as normal (pH > 5.5) or low pH (pH ≤ 5.5). Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K were not significantly affected by ruminal pH, either by days in milk or by their interaction (p > 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione followed the same trend (p > 0.05). Copper concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and Fe concentration tended to be higher in cows with low pH compared to those with normal pH (p = 0.052). On day 150 of lactation, Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were significantly higher in low-pH cows compared to normal-pH cows (p < 0.05). Low ruminal pH is associated with significant changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, and cobalt but has no significant effect on the oxidative status of the animals or on the serum concentrations of the macro elements and fat-soluble vitamins studied. Full article
24 pages, 9564 KiB  
Article
Linking Optimization Success and Stability of Finite-Time Thermodynamics Heat Engines
by Julian Gonzalez-Ayala, David Pérez-Gallego, Alejandro Medina, José M. Mateos Roco, Antonio Calvo Hernández, Santiago Velasco and Fernando Angulo-Brown
Entropy 2025, 27(8), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/e27080822 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Abstract
In celebration of 50 years of the endoreversible Carnot-like heat engine, this work aims to link the thermodynamic success of the irreversible Carnot-like heat engine with the stability dynamics of the engine. This region of success is defined by two extreme configurations in [...] Read more.
In celebration of 50 years of the endoreversible Carnot-like heat engine, this work aims to link the thermodynamic success of the irreversible Carnot-like heat engine with the stability dynamics of the engine. This region of success is defined by two extreme configurations in the interaction between heat reservoirs and the working fluid. The first corresponds to a fully reversible limit, and the second one is the fully dissipative limit; in between both limits, the heat exchange between reservoirs and working fluid produces irreversibilities and entropy generation. The distance between these two extremal configurations is minimized, independently of the chosen metric, in the state where the efficiency is half the Carnot efficiency. This boundary encloses the region where irreversibilities dominate or the reversible behavior dominates (region of success). A general stability dynamics is proposed based on the endoreversible nature of the model and the operation parameter in charge of defining the operation regime. For this purpose, the maximum ecological and maximum Omega regimes are considered. The results show that for single perturbations, the dynamics rapidly directs the system towards the success region, and under random perturbations producing stochastic trajectories, the system remains always in this region. The results are contrasted with the case in which no restitution dynamics exist. It is shown that stability allows the system to depart from the original steady state to other states that enhance the system’s performance, which could favor the evolution and specialization of systems in nature and in artificial devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The First Half Century of Finite-Time Thermodynamics)
18 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of a Passive-Assist Exoskeleton Under Different Assistive Force Profiles in Agricultural Working Postures
by Naoki Saito, Takumi Kobayashi, Kohei Akimoto, Toshiyuki Satoh and Norihiko Saga
Actuators 2025, 14(8), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14080381 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
To enable the practical application of passive back-support exoskeletons employing pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) in tasks such as agricultural work, we evaluated their assistive effectiveness in a half-squatting posture with a staggered stance. In this context, assistive force profiles were adjusted according to [...] Read more.
To enable the practical application of passive back-support exoskeletons employing pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) in tasks such as agricultural work, we evaluated their assistive effectiveness in a half-squatting posture with a staggered stance. In this context, assistive force profiles were adjusted according to body posture to achieve more effective support. The targeted assistive force profile was designed to be continuously active from the standing to the half-squatting position, with minimal variation across this range. The assistive force profile was developed based on a PAM contractile force model and implemented using a cam mechanism. The effectiveness of assistance was assessed by measuring body flexion angles and erector spinae muscle activity during lifting and carrying tasks. The results showed that the assistive effect was greater on the side with the forward leg. Compared to the condition without exoskeleton assistance, the conventional pulley-based system reduced muscle activity by approximately 20% whereas the cam-based system achieved a reduction of approximately 30%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuation and Sensing of Intelligent Soft Robots)
18 pages, 1769 KiB  
Article
Students’ Perceptions of Effective Math Learning Strategies
by Marissa K. Hartwig and Doug Rohrer
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081047 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Two highly effective math learning strategies are spaced practice (in which problems of the same kind are distributed across many sessions) and interleaved practice (in which problems of different kinds are mixed rather than blocked). Though these strategies are supported by data, students [...] Read more.
Two highly effective math learning strategies are spaced practice (in which problems of the same kind are distributed across many sessions) and interleaved practice (in which problems of different kinds are mixed rather than blocked). Though these strategies are supported by data, students may be reluctant to use them if they perceive the strategies as ineffective or unpleasant. In Study 1, we surveyed 174 grade 7 math students about the efficacy and likability of spaced and interleaved practice. Spaced practice was often judged likable, but nearly half of students failed to recognize its efficacy. Interleaved practice was judged both unlikable and inefficacious by most students. In Study 2, we further explored perceptions of interleaving in a survey of 233 grade 7 math students. Again, students erroneously judged interleaved practice to have low efficacy. Compared to blocked practice, interleaved practice was judged less effective, less preferable, more time-consuming, and more difficult. This work identifies perceptions that may discourage students from using effective learning strategies and also shows that specific perceptions differ by strategy. Helping students overcome their negative perceptions of spacing and interleaving is an important future direction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Educational Applications of Cognitive Psychology)
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17 pages, 957 KiB  
Article
Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae Co-Producing MBL and OXA-48-like in a Romanian Tertiary Hospital: A Call to Action
by Violeta Melinte, Maria Adelina Radu, Maria Cristina Văcăroiu, Luminița Mîrzan, Tiberiu Sebastian Holban, Bogdan Vasile Ileanu, Ioana Miriana Cismaru and Valeriu Gheorghiță
Antibiotics 2025, 14(8), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14080783 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a critical public health threat due to its rapid nosocomial dissemination, limited therapeutic options, and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, carbapenemase profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CRKP isolates, as well as [...] Read more.
Introduction: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represents a critical public health threat due to its rapid nosocomial dissemination, limited therapeutic options, and elevated mortality rates. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology, carbapenemase profiles, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of CRKP isolates, as well as the clinical features and outcomes observed in infected or colonized patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical and microbiological data from patients with CRKP infections or colonization admitted between January 2023 and January 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to assess prevalence, resistance patterns, and patient outcomes. Two binary logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of sepsis and in-hospital mortality. Results: Among 89 CRKP isolates, 45 underwent carbapenemase typing. More than half were metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producers, with 44.4% co-harbouring NDM and OXA-48-like enzymes. Surgical intervention was associated with a significantly lower risk of sepsis (p < 0.01) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045), whereas intensive care unit (ICU) stay was a strong predictor of both outcomes. ICU admission conferred a 10-fold higher risk of sepsis (95%Cl 2.4–41.0) and a 40.8-fold higher risk of in-hospital death (95% Cl 3.5–473.3). Limitations: This single-center retrospective study included a limited number of isolates in certain groups. Additionally, cefiderocol (FDC) susceptibility was assessed by disk diffusion rather than by the broth microdilution method. Conclusions: Our study underscores the increasing prevalence of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing CRKP, particularly strains harbouring dual carbapenemases. Timely recognition of high-risk patients, combined with the implementation of targeted infection control measures and the integration of novel therapeutic options, is crucial to optimize clinical management and reduce mortality associated with CRKP. Full article
15 pages, 1899 KiB  
Article
Heterologous Watermelon HSP17.4 Expression Confers Improved Heat Tolerance to Arabidopsis thaliana
by Yajie Hong, Yurui Li, Jing Chen, Nailin Xing, Wona Ding, Lili Chen, Yunping Huang, Qiuping Li and Kaixing Lu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080606 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 35
Abstract
Members of the heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) family of proteins play an important role in responding to various forms of stress. Here, the expression of ClaHSP17.4 was induced by heat stress in watermelon. Then, a floral dipping approach was used to introduce [...] Read more.
Members of the heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) family of proteins play an important role in responding to various forms of stress. Here, the expression of ClaHSP17.4 was induced by heat stress in watermelon. Then, a floral dipping approach was used to introduce the pCAMBIA1391b-GFP overexpression vector encoding the heat tolerance-related gene ClaHSP17.4 from watermelon into Arabidopsis thaliana, and we obtained ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants. Under normal conditions, the phenotypes of transgenic and wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis plants were largely similar. Following exposure to heat stress, however, the germination rates (96%) of transgenic Arabidopsis plants at the germination stages were significantly higher than those of wild-type idopsis (17%). Specifically, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of transgenic Arabidopsis was half that of the control group, while the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 1.25 times those of the control group after exposure to high temperatures for 12 h at the seedling stages. The proline content in ClaHSP17.4-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis increased by 17% compared to WT plants (* p < 0.05), while the soluble sugar content rose by 37% (* p < 0.05). These results suggest that ClaHSP17.4 overexpression indirectly improves the antioxidant capacity and osmotic regulatory capacity of Arabidopsis seedlings, leading to improved survival and greater heat tolerance. Meanwhile, the results of this study provide a reference for further research on the function of the ClHSP17.4 gene and lay a foundation for breeding heat-tolerant watermelon varieties and advancing our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental stress. Full article
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33 pages, 3561 KiB  
Article
A Robust Analytical Network Process for Biocomposites Supply Chain Design: Integrating Sustainability Dimensions into Feedstock Pre-Processing Decisions
by Niloofar Akbarian-Saravi, Taraneh Sowlati and Abbas S. Milani
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7004; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157004 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 43
Abstract
Natural fiber-based biocomposites are rapidly gaining traction in sustainable manufacturing. However, their supply chain (SC) designs at the feedstock pre-processing stage often lack robust multicriteria decision-making evaluations, which can impact downstream processes and final product quality. This case study proposes a sustainability-driven multicriteria [...] Read more.
Natural fiber-based biocomposites are rapidly gaining traction in sustainable manufacturing. However, their supply chain (SC) designs at the feedstock pre-processing stage often lack robust multicriteria decision-making evaluations, which can impact downstream processes and final product quality. This case study proposes a sustainability-driven multicriteria decision-making framework for selecting pre-processing equipment configurations within a hemp-based biocomposite SC. Using a cradle-to-gate system boundary, four alternative configurations combining balers (square vs. round) and hammer mills (full-screen vs. half-screen) are evaluated. The analytical network process (ANP) model is used to evaluate alternative SC configurations while capturing the interdependencies among environmental, economic, social, and technical sustainability criteria. These criteria are further refined with the inclusion of sub-criteria, resulting in a list of 11 key performance indicators (KPIs). To evaluate ranking robustness, a non-linear programming (NLP)-based sensitivity model is developed, which minimizes the weight perturbations required to trigger rank reversals, using an IPOPT solver. The results indicated that the Half-Round setup provides the most balanced sustainability performance, while Full-Square performs best in economic and environmental terms but ranks lower socially and technically. Also, the ranking was most sensitive to the weight of the system reliability and product quality criteria, with up to a 100% shift being required to change the top choice under the ANP model, indicating strong robustness. Overall, the proposed framework enables decision-makers to incorporate uncertainty, interdependencies, and sustainability-related KPIs into the early-stage SC design of bio-based composite materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Enterprise Operation and Supply Chain Management)
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13 pages, 3428 KiB  
Review
Clinical and Demographics Aspects of Foot Angioleiomyomas: Case Reports and Systematic Review
by Antonio Córdoba-Fernández, Joaquín Mir-Gil, Carolina Díaz-Baena, Marina Ballesteros-Mora, Victoria Eugenia Córdoba-Jiménez and Aurora Castro-Méndez
Surgeries 2025, 6(3), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/surgeries6030066 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Angioleiomyoma (ALM) is a benign tumor that generally presents as a single lesion and, according to the updated WHO classification, includes the following three histological subtypes: solid (or capillary), cavernous, and venous. Typically, ALMs are described as well-defined nodules [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Angioleiomyoma (ALM) is a benign tumor that generally presents as a single lesion and, according to the updated WHO classification, includes the following three histological subtypes: solid (or capillary), cavernous, and venous. Typically, ALMs are described as well-defined nodules in the lower extremities but are unusually located in the acral locations and toes. We summarize two cases of ALM and perform a systematic review to provide foot surgeons with the most up-to-date and useful information on the epidemiological aspects, anatomical distribution, and specific histological subtypes of ALM in the foot. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was carried out according to the criteria of a PICO framework, and a systematic search and data processing were carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. We analyzed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnostic workup, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Each one of the included articles was independently assessed for methodological quality and risk of bias by an independent evaluator. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed based on their characteristics. Results: This systematic review included 14 case series with 172 reported cases of ALM. One hundred and seventy-two (18.57%) were cases of ALM located on foot, excluding the ankle region. The female-to-male ratio was 1.48. The most common location was the hindfoot (41.5%), followed by the forefoot (20.2%) and the midfoot (8.9%). In 29.4% of cases, the location of the lesions could not be determined. The most frequent location of the lesions was subcutaneous (69%), followed by subaponeurotic (16.5%) and skin (14.5%) locations. The most frequent histological presentation was the solid histologic subtype (65%), followed by the venous subtype (21%) and the cavernous subtype (14%), respectively. Of the total reported cases of ALM located in foot, 63.1% presented as solid painful lesions. Calcified presentations occurred in 7% of cases, with more than half of the cases located in the hindfoot. Surgical excision was the treatment of choice in the two herein reported cases of solid ALM located in the hindfoot, one of them with a calcified presentation. No recurrence was observed in either case after two and five years of follow-up, respectively. All cases reviewed after surgical excision showed a low recurrence rate with a favorable prognosis regardless of the histological subtype and a very rare tendency toward malignancy. Conclusions: ALMs of the foot present as well-defined, painful nodules in the subcutaneous tissue of middle-aged women. Solid histological subtypes are the most prevalent. Histopathological analysis is usually essential for confirmation. Treatment consists primarily of direct excision, with remarkably low recurrence rates. Full article
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22 pages, 3491 KiB  
Article
Phylogenetic Insights from a Novel Rehubryum Species Challenge Generic Boundaries in Orthotrichaceae
by Nikolay Matanov, Francisco Lara, Juan Antonio Calleja, Isabel Draper, Pablo Aguado-Ramsay and Ricardo Garilleti
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2373; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152373 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 55
Abstract
In recent years, phylogenomic approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of moss diversity. These techniques have uncovered numerous previously overlooked species and provided greater clarity in resolving complex taxonomic relationships. In this context, the genus Rehubryum is particularly outstanding, because of its close [...] Read more.
In recent years, phylogenomic approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of moss diversity. These techniques have uncovered numerous previously overlooked species and provided greater clarity in resolving complex taxonomic relationships. In this context, the genus Rehubryum is particularly outstanding, because of its close morphological similarity to both Ulota and Atlantichella. The challenges posed by its segregation are addressed in this study, which integrates morphological and molecular data to reassess the circumscription of Rehubryum and its phylogenetic placement within the subtribe Lewinskyinae. Our results support the recognition of a new species, R. kiwi, and show that its inclusion within the genus further complicates the morphological delimitation of Rehubryum from Ulota, as both genera are distinguishable by only two consistent gametophytic characteristics: a submarginal leaf band of elongated cells, and the presence of geminate denticulations in the margins of the basal half of the leaf. Moreover, R. kiwi challenges the current morphological circumscription of Rehubryum itself, as it overlaps in key characteristics with its sister genus Atlantichella, rendering their morphological separation untenable. The striking interhemispheric disjunction between Rehubryum and Atlantichella raises new questions about long-distance dispersal and historical biogeography in mosses, despite these complexities at the generic level. Nevertheless, species-level distinctions remain well defined, especially in sporophytic traits and geographic distribution. These findings highlight the pervasive cryptic diversity within Orthotrichaceae, underscoring the need for integrative taxonomic frameworks that synthesize morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and biogeography to resolve evolutionary histories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)
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11 pages, 1936 KiB  
Communication
Diffusion of C-O-H Fluids in a Sub-Nanometer Pore Network: Role of Pore Surface Area and Its Ratio with Pore Volume
by Siddharth Gautam and David Cole
C 2025, 11(3), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11030057 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Porous materials are characterized by the pore surface area (S) and volume (V) accessible to a confined fluid. For mesoporous materials NMR measurements of diffusion are used to assess the S/V ratio, because at short times, only [...] Read more.
Porous materials are characterized by the pore surface area (S) and volume (V) accessible to a confined fluid. For mesoporous materials NMR measurements of diffusion are used to assess the S/V ratio, because at short times, only the diffusivity of molecules in the adsorbed layer is affected by confinement and the fractional population of these molecules is proportional to the S/V ratio. For materials with sub-nanometer pores, this might not be true, as the adsorbed layer can encompass the entire pore volume. Here, using molecular simulations, we explore the role played by S and S/V in determining the dynamical behavior of two carbon-bearing fluids—CO2 and ethane—confined in sub-nanometer pores of silica. S and V in a silicalite model representing a sub-nanometer porous material are varied by selectively blocking a part of the pore network by immobile methane molecules. Three classes of adsorbents were thus obtained with either all of the straight (labeled ‘S-major’) or zigzag channels (‘Z-major’) remaining open or a mix of a fraction of both types of channel blocked, resulting in half of the total pore volume being blocked (‘Half’). While the adsorption layers from opposite surfaces overlap, encompassing the entire pore volume for all pores except the intersections, the diffusion coefficient is still found to be reduced at high S/V, especially for CO2, albeit not so strongly as would be expected in the case of wider pores. This is because of the presence of channel intersections that provide a wider pore space with non-overlapping adsorption layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbon Cycle, Capture and Storage)
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