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Development of forming methods for surface-coated metals is a current concern due to their economic and environmental advantages. For a successful forming operation, it is necessary that both components, the substrate and the coating, are able to withstand stress without damage until the final shape and dimensions are reached. This goal can be achieved through good knowledge of the elastic and plastic properties of the substrate and the coating, the compatibility between them, the appropriate surface treatment, and the rigorous control of technological forming parameters. Our study was carried out with flat specimens of pre-painted Al 99.0 sheet that were electromagnetically formed by bulging. Forming behavior was investigated as depending on the initial thickness of the substrate, on the aluminum sheet pretreatment, as well as on the plastic deformation path of the metal–paint structure. To verify the damage to the paint layer, tests with increasing strains were performed, and the interface between the metal and the coating layer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The obtained results indicate that electromagnetic forming of pre-painted sheets can be a feasible method for specific applications if the forming degree of the substrate is tightly correlated with the type of desired coating and with the pretreatment method used for the metal surface. Full article

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15 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reactive Power Optimization Control Method for Distribution Network with Hydropower Based on Improved Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

by Tao Liu, Bin Jia, Shuangxiang Luo, Xiangcong Kong, Yong Zhou and Hongbo Zou

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082455 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

With the rapid development of renewable energy, the proportion of small hydropower as a clean energy in the distribution network (DN) is increasing. However, the randomness and intermittence of small hydropower has brought new challenges to the operation of DN; especially, the problems of increasing network loss and reactive voltage exceeding the limit have become increasingly prominent. Aiming at the above problems, this paper proposes a reactive power optimization control method for DN with hydropower based on an improved discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Firstly, this paper analyzes the specific characteristics of small hydropower and establishes its mathematical model. Secondly, considering the constraints of bus voltage and generator RP output, an extended minimum objective function for system power loss is established, with bus voltage violation serving as the penalty function. Then, in order to solve the following problems: that the traditional discrete PSO algorithm is easy to fall into local optimization and slow convergence, this paper proposes an improved discrete PSO algorithm, which improves the global search ability and convergence speed by introducing adaptive inertia weight. Finally, based on the IEEE-33 buses distribution system as an example, the simulation analysis shows that compared with GA optimization, the line loss can be reduced by 3.4% in the wet season and 13.6% in the dry season. Therefore, the proposed method can effectively reduce the network loss and improve the voltage quality, which verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Operation, Control, and Planning of Intelligent Energy Systems)

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21 pages, 1260 KiB

Open AccessReview

Comprehensive Overview Assessment on Legal Guarantee System of Wetland Carbon Sink Trading for One Belt and One Road Initiative

by Jingjing Min, Wanwu Yuan, Wei He, Pingping Luo, Hanming Zhang and Yang Zhao

Land 2025, 14(8), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081583 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

The countries and regions along the Belt and Road are rich in wetland carbon sink resources, crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and achieving global emission reduction. This paper uses policy analysis and desk research to analyze the overview of wetland carbon sinks in these countries. It explores the necessity of legal system construction for their carbon sink trading. This study finds that smooth trading requires clear property rights definition rules, efficient market trading entities, definite carbon sink trading price rules, financial support aligned with the Equator Principles, and support from biodiversity-compatible environmental regulatory principles. Currently, there are still obstacles in wetland carbon sink trading in the Belt and Road, such as property rights confirmation, an accounting system, an imperfect market trading mechanism, and the coexistence of multiple trading risks. Therefore, this paper first proposes to clarify the goal of the legal guarantee mechanism. Efforts should focus on promoting a consensus on wetland carbon sink ownership and establishing a unified accounting standard system; simultaneously, the relevant departments should conduct field investigations and monitoring, standardize the market order, and strengthen government financial support and funding guarantees. Full article

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15 pages, 412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Risk Factors in the Renovation of Old Underground Commercial Spaces in Resource-Exhausted Cities: A Case Study of Fushun City

by Kang Wang, Meixuan Li and Sihui Dong

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7041; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157041 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Resource-exhausted cities have long played a key role in national energy development. Urban renewal projects, such as the renovation of old underground commercial spaces, can improve urban vitality and promote sustainable development. However, in resource-based cities, traditional industries dominate, while new industries such as modern commerce develop slowly. This results in low economic dynamism and weak motivation for urban development. To address this issue, we propose a systematic method for analyzing construction risks during the decision-making stage of renovation projects. The method includes three steps: risk value assessment, risk factor identification, and risk weight calculation. First, unlike previous studies that only used SWOT for risk factor analysis, we also applied it for project value assessment. Then, using the Work Breakdown Structure–Risk Breakdown Structure framework method (WBS-RBS), we identified specific risk sources by analyzing key construction technologies throughout the entire lifecycle of the renovation project. Finally, to enhance expert consensus, we proposed an improved Delphi–Analytic Hierarchy Process method (Delphi–AHP) to calculate risk indicator weights for different construction phases. The risk analysis covered all lifecycle stages of the renovation and upgrading project. The results show that in the Fushun city renovation case study, the established framework—consisting of five first-level indicators and twenty s-level indicators—enables analysis of renovation projects. Among these, management factors and human factors were identified as the most critical, with weights of 0.3608 and 0.2017, respectively. The proposed method provides a structured approach to evaluating renovation risks, taking into account the specific characteristics of construction work. This can serve as a useful reference for ensuring safe and efficient implementation of underground commercial space renovation projects in resource-exhausted cities. Full article

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23 pages, 1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics of Reheating Furnaces Under Oxygen-Enriched Conditions

by Maolong Zhao, Xuanxuan Li and Xianzhong Hu

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2454; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082454 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulation methodology was implemented to model transient heating processes in steel industry reheating furnaces, targeting combustion efficiency optimization and carbon emission reduction. The effects of oxygen concentration (O₂%) and different fuel types on the flow and heat transfer characteristics were investigated under both oxygen-enriched combustion and MILD oxy-fuel combustion. The results indicate that MILD oxy-fuel combustion promotes flue gas entrainment via high-velocity oxygen jets, leading to a substantial improvement in the uniformity of the furnace temperature field. The effect is most obvious at O₂% = 31%. MILD oxy-fuel combustion significantly reduces NOx emissions, achieving levels that are one to two orders of magnitude lower than those under oxygen-enriched combustion. Under MILD conditions, the oxygen mass fraction in flue gas remains below 0.001 when O₂% ≤ 81%, indicating effective dilution. In contrast, oxygen-enriched combustion leads to a sharp rise in flame temperature with an increasing oxygen concentration, resulting in a significant increase in NOx emissions. Elevating the oxygen concentration enhances both thermal efficiency and the energy-saving rate for both combustion modes; however, the rate of improvement diminishes when O₂% exceeds 51%. Based on these findings, MILD oxy-fuel combustion using mixed gas or natural gas is recommended for reheating furnaces operating at O₂% = 51–71%, while coke oven gas is not. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal and Fluid Flow Processes in Sustainable and Conventional Energy)

14 pages, 2852 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Quasi-Solid Aqueous Zinc Batteries: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Zhongxiu Liu, Xiaoou Zhou, Tongyuan Shen, Miaomiao Yu, Liping Zhu, Guiyin Xu and Meifang Zhu

Batteries 2025, 11(8), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11080293 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Quasi-solid aqueous zinc batteries (QSAZBs) have wide applications in the energy storage field due to their advantages of high safety, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. Despite prolific research output in the field of QSAZBs, existing reviews predominantly focus on experimental advancements, with limited synthesis of global research trends, interdisciplinary connections, or knowledge gaps. Herein, we review the research on QSAZBs via bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20). First, the data from qualitatively evaluated publications on QSAZBs from 2016 and 2024 are integrated. In addition, the annual trends, leading countries/regions and their international collaborations, institutional research and patent distribution, and important keyword cluster analyses in QSAZB research are evaluated. The results reveal that China dominates in terms of publication output (71.16% of total papers), and Singapore exhibits the highest citation impact (103.2 citations/paper). International collaboration networks indicate the central role of China, with strong ties to Singapore, the USA, and Australia. Keyword clustering indicates core research priorities: cathode materials (MnO₂ and V₂O₅), quasi-solid electrolyte optimization (hydrogels and graphene composites), and interfacial stability mechanisms. By mapping global trends and interdisciplinary linkages, this work provides insights to accelerate QSAZBs’ transition from laboratory breakthroughs to grid-scale and wearable applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Battery Interface: Analysis & Design)

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Graphical abstract

24 pages, 4701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evidence of Graft Incompatibility and Rootstock Scion Interactions in Cacao

by Ashley E. DuVal, Alexandra Tempeleu, Jennifer E. Schmidt, Alina Puig, Benjamin J. Knollenberg, José X. Chaparro, Micah E. Stevens and Juan Carlos Motamayor

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080899 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study sought to quantify and characterize diverse rootstock scion interactions in cacao around graft compatibility, disease resistance, nutrient use efficiency, vigor traits, and translocation of nonstructural carbohydrates. In total, 106 grafts were performed with three scion cultivars (Matina 1/6, Criollo 22, Pound 7) and nine diverse open-pollinated seedling populations (BYNC, EQX 3348, GNV 360, IMC 14, PA 107, SCA 6, T 294, T 384, T 484). We found evidence for both local and translocated graft incompatibility. Cross sections and Micro-XCT imaging revealed anatomical anomalies, including necrosis and cavitation at the junction and accumulation of starch in the rootstock directly below the graft junction. Scion genetics were a significant factor in explaining differences in graft take, and graft take varied from 47% (Criollo 22) to 72% (Pound 7). Rootstock and scion identity both accounted for differences in survival over the course of the 30-month greenhouse study, with a low of 28.5% survival of Criollo 22 scions and a high of 72% for Pound 7 scions. Survival by rootstocks varied from 14.3% on GNV 360 to 100% survival on T 294 rootstock. A positive correlation of 0.34 (p = 0.098) was found between the graft success of different rootstock–scion combinations and their kinship coefficient, suggesting that relatedness of stock and scion could be a driver of incompatibility. Significant rootstock–scion effects were also observed for nutrient use efficiency, plant vigor, and resistance to Phytophthora palmivora. These findings, while preliminary in nature, highlight the potential of rootstock breeding to improve plant nutrition, resilience, and disease resistance in cacao. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Tree Crop Cultivation and Fruit Quality Assessment)

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16 pages, 5845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrastructure and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal Alternative Pathways of Zona Radiata Formation in Culter alburnus with Different Spawning Habits

by Yan Zhao, Ge Xue, Yanghui Peng, Jia Zhang, Feng Chen, Yeke Wang, Jun He, Jun Chen and Ping Xie

Biology 2025, 14(8), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080987 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Spawning diversity plays an essential role in fish survival and reproduction, which contributes to the exceptional diversity of teleosts among vertebrates. Different zona radiata structures reflect the adaptability of fish to the environment of spawning and early embryonic development. The morphological and transcriptional characteristics of fish follicle development between different spawning habits, particularly the zona radiata variations, have been poorly documented. In this study, we integrated histology and transcriptomics to investigate the differences in the zona radiata structure and gene expression profiles among follicles from different spawning habits of Culter alburnus. Our results revealed that stage Ⅲ was the crucial period for zona radiata thickening and structure differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses of adhesive and semi-buoyant eggs at stage Ⅲ revealed a significant upregulation of genes involved in glycoprotein synthesis, extracellular matrix formation, and regulation of protease activity in adhesive eggs, such as the wfdc and a2ml gene family. This upregulation likely underpins the thicker zona radiata in adhesive eggs, facilitating their attachment to substrates. This study represents the first elucidation of the ultrastructure of the zona radiata and gene expression patterns in different developmental stages of adhesive and semi-buoyant eggs of Culter alburnus, offering new perspectives for aquaculture research in understanding fish reproductive adaptations. Full article

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8 pages, 494 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Acute Rickettsiosis Triggering Plasmodium vivax Relapse in a Returned Traveler: A Case Report and Clinical Review of Travel-Related Coinfections

by Ruchika Bagga, Charlotte Fuller, Kalsoom Shahzad, Ezra Bado, Judith Joshi, Dileesha Fernando, Amanda Hempel and Andrea K. Boggild

Pathogens 2025, 14(8), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14080768 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Given the overlap of epidemiological and clinical presentations of both rickettsioses and malaria infections, diagnostic testing where malaria is confirmed or excluded, without subsequent rickettsial testing, specifically in the case of Plasmodium vivax or P. ovale infection, may mask the possibility of relapse. A lack of clinical suspicion of co-infections, absence of knowledge on the geographic distribution of diseases, and lack of availability of point-of-care diagnostic testing for other tropical diseases can often lead to missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of common tropical infections, including rickettsioses. We herein describe a case of confirmed intercurrent rickettsial and P. vivax infection, with the former potentially triggering a relapse of the latter in a febrile traveler returning to Canada from South America, and review the literature on tropical coinfections in returning travelers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Rickettsia and Related Organisms)

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17 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Perfusion and Predicting Success: Infrared Thermography-Guided Perforator Flaps for Lower Limb Defects

by Abdalah Abu-Baker, Andrada-Elena Ţigăran, Teodora Timofan, Daniela-Elena Ion, Daniela-Elena Gheoca-Mutu, Adelaida Avino, Cristina-Nicoleta Marina, Adrian Daniel Tulin, Laura Raducu and Radu-Cristian Jecan

Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081410 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Lower limb defects often present significant reconstructive challenges due to limited soft tissue availability and exposure of critical structures. Perforator-based flaps offer reliable solutions, with minimal donor site morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infrared thermography (IRT) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of perforator-based flaps, assessing its accuracy in identifying perforators, predicting complications, and optimizing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps between 2022 and 2024. Perforator mapping was performed concurrently with IRT and Doppler ultrasonography (D-US), with intraoperative confirmation. Flap design variables and systemic parameters were recorded. Postoperative monitoring employed thermal imaging on days 1 and 7. Outcomes were correlated with thermal, anatomical, and systemic factors using statistical analyses, including t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: IRT showed high sensitivity (97.4%) and positive predictive value (96.8%) for perforator detection. A total of nine minor complications occurred, predominantly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or elevated glycemia (p = 0.05). Larger flap-to-defect ratios (A/C and B/C) correlated with increased complications in propeller flaps, while smaller ratios posed risks for V-Y and Keystone flaps. Thermal analysis indicated significantly lower flap temperatures and greater temperature gradients in flaps with complications by postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05). CRP levels correlated with glycemia and white blood cell counts, highlighting systemic inflammation’s impact on outcomes. Conclusions: IRT proves to be a reliable, non-invasive method for perforator localization and flap monitoring, enhancing surgical planning and early complication detection. Combined with D-US, it improves perforator selection and perfusion assessment. Thermographic parameters, systemic factors, and flap design metrics collectively predict flap viability. Integration of IRT into surgical workflows offers a cost-effective tool for optimizing reconstructive outcomes in lower limb surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Research and Trends in Plastic, Aesthetic and Regenerative Surgery)

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14 pages, 2736 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Renal Malacoplakia Following Obstetric Intervention: A Rare Cause of Acute Kidney Injury in a Young Woman

by Letícia Miyuki Ito, Juliana Miki Oguma, André Kiyoshi Miyahara, Marco Aurélio Sales da Veiga, Leandro Favaro, David Wesley de Godoy, Bárbara Antunes Bruno da Silva, Luiz Antônio Moura, Marcelino de Souza Durão and Érika Bevilaqua Rangel

Clin. Pract. 2025, 15(8), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract15080143 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Renal malacoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease, often associated with immunosuppression and persistent Gram-negative infections, particularly Escherichia coli. Case Presentation: We present a case involving a 31-year-old woman with hypertension, gestational diabetes, and prior uterine curettage after labor induction for preeclampsia at 23 weeks. She developed urinary sepsis post-procedure. Imaging revealed bilateral nephromegaly, while laboratory tests showed acute kidney injury (KDIGO stage III), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Blood and urine cultures grew Escherichia coli. Renal biopsy confirmed malacoplakia, demonstrating PAS-positive Michaelis–Gutmann bodies and Von Hansemann cells. The patient responded to prolonged antibiotic therapy and supportive care. Discussion and Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering renal malacoplakia in patients with atypical urinary tract infections and nephromegaly, particularly in obstetric settings. Histopathological confirmation is essential, and timely treatment with intracellularly active antibiotics can lead to favorable outcomes. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent irreversible renal damage. Full article

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17 pages, 4522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Dimensional Position and Motion Monitoring System for Preterm Infants Using a Fiber-Optic Pressure-Sensitive Mattress

by Giulia Palladino, Zheng Peng, Deedee Kommers, Henrie van den Boom, Oded Raz, Xi Long, Peter Andriessen, Hendrik Niemarkt and Carola van Pul

Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4774; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154774 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Monitoring position and movements of preterm infants is important to ensure their well-being and optimal development. This study evaluates the feasibility of a pressure-sensitive fiber-optic mattress (FM), made entirely of plastic, for two-dimensional analysis of preterm infant movements and positioning. Before clinical use, we developed a simple, replicable, and cost-effective test protocol to simulate infant movements and positions, enabling early identification of technical limitations. Using data from 20 preterm infants, we assessed the FM’s potential to monitor posture and limb motion. FM-derived pressure patterns were compared with camera-based manual annotations to distinguish between different positions and out-of-bed moments, as well as limb-specific movements. Bench-test results demonstrated the FM’s sensitivity to motion and pressure changes, supporting its use in preclinical validation. Clinical data confirmed the FM’s reliability in identifying infant positions and movement patterns, showing an accuracy comparable to camera annotations. However, limitations such as calibration, sensitivity to ambient light, and edge-related artifacts were noted, indicating areas for improvement. In conclusion, the test protocol proved effective for early-stage evaluation of smart mattress technologies. The FM showed promising clinical feasibility for non-obtrusive monitoring of preterm infants, though further optimization is needed for robust performance in neonatal care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Sensor Technologies for Accurate Movement Monitoring and Connectivity)

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15 pages, 1685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wildfires and Palm Species Response in a Terra Firme Amazonian Social Forest

by Tinayra T. A. Costa, Vynicius B. Oliveira, Maria Fabíola Barros, Fernando W. C. Andrade, Marcelo Tabarelli and Ima C. G. Vieira

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081271 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Tropical forests continue to experience high levels of habitat loss and degradation, with wildfires becoming a frequent component of human-modified landscapes. Here we investigate the response of palm species to the conversion of old-growth forests to successional mosaics, including forest patches burned during wildfires. Palms (≥50 cm height) were recorded once in 2023–2024, across four habitat classes: terra firme old-growth stands, regenerating forest stands associated with slash-and-burn agriculture, old-growth stands burned once and twice, and active cassava fields, in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The flammability of palm leaf litter and forest litter were also examined to assess the potential connections between palm proliferation and wildfires. A total of 10 palm species were recorded in this social forest (including slash-and-burn agriculture and resulting successional mosaics), with positive, negative, and neutral responses to land use. Species richness did not differ among forest habitats, but absolute palm abundance was greatest in disturbed habitats. Only Attalea spectabilis Mart. (curuá) exhibited increased relative abundance across disturbed habitats, including active cassava field. Attalea spectabilis accounted for almost 43% of all stems in the old-growth forest, 89% in regenerating forests, 90% in burned forests, and 79% in crop fields. Disturbed habitats supported a five-to-ten-fold increment in curuá leaves as a measure of habitat flammability. Although curuá litter exhibited lower flame temperature and height, its lower carbon and higher volatile content is expected to be more sensitive to fire ignition and promote the spread of wildfires. The conversion of old-growth forests into social forests promotes the establishment of palm-dominated forests, increasing the potential for a forest transition further fueled by wildfires, with effects on forest resilience and social reproduction still to be understood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem-Disturbance Interactions in Forests)

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19 pages, 792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Asymptotic and Oscillatory Results for Third-Order Noncanonical Advanced Differential Equations

by Asma Althemairi, Stefano Serra-Capizzano, Belgees Qaraad and Higinio Ramos

Mathematics 2025, 13(15), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13152494 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the oscillatory behaviour of a new class of third-order advanced differential equations in their noncanonical form. By employing newly refined transformations, the noncanonical equation is converted into its canonical form. This transformation reduces the number of possible nonoscillatory solution categories from four to two. The present study is based on a thorough and comprehensive review of existing literature and introduces new oscillation criteria by the comparison principle and other analytical techniques. These criteria provide sufficient conditions for the oscillation of solutions without imposing additional restrictive assumptions. The validity and significance of the obtained results are demonstrated through illustrative examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Differential Equations and Epidemiological Modelling, 2nd Edition)

21 pages, 1031 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Waiting Times for Surgery and Radiotherapy Among Breast Cancer Patients in Switzerland: A Cancer Registry-Based Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis

by Christoph Oehler, Michel Eric Nicolas Zimmermann, Mohsen Mousavi, Kattic Ram Joorawon, Marcel Blum, Christian Herrmann and Daniel Rudolf Zwahlen

Radiation 2025, 5(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/radiation5030023 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Delays in breast cancer treatment negatively affect prognosis and have increased over time. Data on waiting times in Switzerland are limited. Patients and Methods: This study analyzed cancer registry data from 2003 to 2005 (2628 patients) and 2015 to 2017 (421 patients) to evaluate waiting times for diagnosis, surgery, and radiotherapy; temporal trends; and survival in women with stage I–III invasive breast cancer treated with surgery without chemotherapy. Associations with demographic/clinical factors and overall survival (OS) were assessed using ANOVA, uni-/multivariable regression, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox regression. Results: From 2003 to 2005, mean intervals were biopsy-to-diagnosis 4.3 days, diagnosis-to-surgery 18.8 days, biopsy-to-surgery 26.8 days, and surgery-to-radiotherapy 56.7 days. Longer diagnosis-to-surgery times were associated with metropolitan areas, public hospitals, basic insurance, mastectomy, and older age (all p < 0.001). Radiotherapy delays were also longer in metropolitan areas and after mastectomy (p < 0.001). Between 2003–2005 and 2015–2017, diagnosis-to-surgery times rose in Eastern Switzerland (from 21.3 to 31.2 days), while radiotherapy timing remained stable. Five-year overall survival improved (from 76.7% to 88.4%), but was not significantly impacted by diagnosis-to-surgery intervals. Conclusions: Despite timely surgery in Switzerland (2003–2005), disparities existed, and time to surgery increased by 2015–2017. Reducing waiting times remains important despite no significant short-term OS impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Radiation and Its Application in Oncology and Radiation Protection)

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