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14 pages, 4194 KiB  
Article
Crystal Structure of Anthranilate Phosphoribosyltransferase from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
by Jung-Min Choi
Crystals 2025, 15(8), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080702 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Tryptophan is synthesized in microorganisms via a five-step enzymatic pathway originating from chorismate, which is a product of the shikimate pathway. As a biosynthetic precursor to a wide range of high-value compounds such as indole-3-acetic acid, indigo, indirubin, and violacein, this pathway has [...] Read more.
Tryptophan is synthesized in microorganisms via a five-step enzymatic pathway originating from chorismate, which is a product of the shikimate pathway. As a biosynthetic precursor to a wide range of high-value compounds such as indole-3-acetic acid, indigo, indirubin, and violacein, this pathway has been a central target for metabolic engineering to enhance microbial production. Anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase (AnPRT) catalyzes the second step of the pathway by transferring a phosphoribosyl group from PRPP to anthranilate, forming phosphoribosyl anthranilate (PRA). AnPRT, the sole member of class IV phosphoribosyltransferases, adopts a unique fold and functions as a homodimer. While the structural basis of AnPRT activity has been elucidated in several organisms, thermostable variants remain underexplored despite their relevance for high-temperature bioprocessing. In this study, the crystal structure of AnPRT from the thermophilic archaeon Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (MjAnPRT) was determined at a 2.16 Å resolution. The enzyme exhibits a conserved dimeric architecture and key catalytic motifs. Comparative structural analysis with mesophilic and hyper thermophilic homologs revealed that MjAnPRT possesses enhanced local stability in catalytically important regions and strengthened inter-subunit interactions. These features likely contribute to its thermostability and provide a valuable framework for the rational design of robust AnPRTs for industrial and synthetic biology applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crystallography of Enzymes)
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35 pages, 1524 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Interplay of Climate Vulnerability and Social Capital: Insights from West Bengal, India
by Sayari Misra, Md Saidul Islam and Suchismita Roy
Climate 2025, 13(8), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13080160 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 679
Abstract
This study explores the interplay of climate vulnerability and social capital in two rural communities: Brajaballavpur, a high-climate-prone village in the Indian Sundarbans characterized by high ecological fragility, recurrent cyclones, and saline water intrusion affecting water access, livelihoods, and infrastructure; and Jemua, a [...] Read more.
This study explores the interplay of climate vulnerability and social capital in two rural communities: Brajaballavpur, a high-climate-prone village in the Indian Sundarbans characterized by high ecological fragility, recurrent cyclones, and saline water intrusion affecting water access, livelihoods, and infrastructure; and Jemua, a low-climate-prone village in the land-locked district of Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India, with no extreme climate events. A total of 85 participants (44 in Brajaballavpur, 41 in Jemua) were selected through purposive sampling. Using a comparative qualitative research design grounded in ethnographic fieldwork, data were collected through household interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and analyzed manually using inductive thematic analysis. Findings reveal that bonding and bridging social capital were more prominent in Brajaballavpur, where dense horizontal ties supported collective action during extreme weather events. Conversely, linking social capital was more visible in Jemua, where participants more frequently accessed formal institutions such as the Gram Panchayat, local NGOs, and government functionaries that facilitated grievance redressal and information access, but these networks were concentrated among more politically connected individuals. The study concludes that climate vulnerability shapes the type, strength, and strategic use of social capital in village communities. While bonding and bridging ties are crucial in high-risk contexts, linking capital plays a critical role in enabling long-term social structures in lower-risk settings. The study contributes to both academic literature and policy design by offering a relational and place-based understanding of climate vulnerability and social capital. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development Pathways and Climate Actions)
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16 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
Impact of Combined Hypertension and Diabetes on the Prevalence of Disability in Brazilian Older People—Evidence from Population Studies in 2013 and 2019
by Rafaela Gonçalves Ribeiro-Lucas, Barbara Niegia Garcia de Goulart and Patricia Klarmann Ziegelmann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071157 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Disability in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) reflects functional decline in older adults and can be associated with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (SAH). This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2013 and 2019 [...] Read more.
Disability in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) reflects functional decline in older adults and can be associated with chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and hypertension (SAH). This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2013 and 2019 Brazilian National Health Surveys to investigate the associations between T2DM, SAH, and disability levels. Exposures were self-reported diagnoses and outcomes were classified as independent, moderate, or severe. Multivariable Poisson regression models, with robust variance estimates, estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa), accounting for sociodemographic variables and the survey design. In 2013, the absence of diabetes and hypertension was associated with a lower prevalence (PRa = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.58–0.85) of moderate disability in BADL when compared with the presence of only one of the conditions. On the other hand, the coexistence of T2DM and SAH was associated with a higher prevalence (PRa = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.01–1.91). A similar result was found in 2019 with the addition that coexistence was also associated with a higher prevalence of severe disability in BADLs (PRa = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.59–2.07). For IADL, the absence of T2DM and SAH was associated with a lower prevalence of severe disability in 2013 and 2019 and a lower prevalence of moderate disability only in 2019. However, coexistence showed a higher prevalence in both degrees of disability and both years of the survey. These findings highlight the impact of T2DM and SAH on disability in older people. Therefore, it is crucial to develop targeted strategies for vulnerable subgroups to enhance functional independence in aging populations. Full article
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27 pages, 5012 KiB  
Article
Optimizing FPGA Resource Allocation in SDR Remote Laboratories via Partial Reconfiguration
by Zhiyun Zhang and Rania Hussein
Electronics 2025, 14(14), 2908; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14142908 - 20 Jul 2025
Viewed by 389
Abstract
In wireless communications and radio frequency courses, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) offer students hands-on experience with software-based signal processing on programmable hardware platforms such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). While some remote SDR laboratories enable students to access real hardware, they typically lack [...] Read more.
In wireless communications and radio frequency courses, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) offer students hands-on experience with software-based signal processing on programmable hardware platforms such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). While some remote SDR laboratories enable students to access real hardware, they typically lack support for Partial Reconfiguration (PR)—a powerful FPGA capability that allows sections of a design to be reconfigured at runtime without disrupting the main system operation. This capability enhances real-time adaptability and optimizes resource utilization, making it highly relevant for modern SDR applications. This study addresses this gap by extending an existing SDR remote lab to support PR, enabling students to explore reconfigurable hardware design within a remote learning environment. Two integration architectures were developed: one based on a graphical user interface (UI) and another utilizing a command-line workflow, both accessible via a web browser. Preliminary experiments using Red Pitaya SDR platforms—reportedly the first use of these devices for educational PR exploration—examined the impact of PR on logic resource utilization and total power consumption across three levels of design complexity. These results were compared to equivalent static FPGA designs performing the same functionality without PR. By making PR experimentation accessible through a remote platform, this work enhances STEM education by bridging advanced FPGA techniques with practical learning. It will equip students with industry-relevant skills for developing agile, resource-efficient wireless systems and foster a deeper understanding of adaptive hardware design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue FPGA-Based Reconfigurable Embedded Systems)
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50 pages, 3777 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Teaching Recommendation Model for Practical Discussion Course of Higher Education Based on Naive Bayes Machine Learning and Improved k-NN Data Mining Algorithm
by Xiao Zhou, Ling Guo, Rui Li, Ling Liu and Juan Pan
Information 2025, 16(6), 512; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16060512 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Aiming at the existing problems in practical teaching in higher education, we construct an intelligent teaching recommendation model for a higher education practical discussion course based on naive Bayes machine learning and an improved k-NN data mining algorithm. Firstly, we establish the [...] Read more.
Aiming at the existing problems in practical teaching in higher education, we construct an intelligent teaching recommendation model for a higher education practical discussion course based on naive Bayes machine learning and an improved k-NN data mining algorithm. Firstly, we establish the naive Bayes machine learning algorithm to achieve accurate classification of the students in the class and then implement student grouping based on this accurate classification. Then, relying on the student grouping, we use the matching features between the students’ interest vector and the practical topic vector to construct an intelligent teaching recommendation model based on an improved k-NN data mining algorithm, in which the optimal complete binary encoding tree for the discussion topic is modeled. Based on the encoding tree model, an improved k-NN algorithm recommendation model is established to match the student group interests and recommend discussion topics. The experimental results prove that our proposed recommendation algorithm (PRA) can accurately recommend discussion topics for different student groups, match the interests of each group to the greatest extent, and improve the students’ enthusiasm for participating in practical discussions. As for the control groups of the user-based collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm (UCFA) and the item-based collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm (ICFA), under the experimental conditions of the single dataset and multiple datasets, the PRA has higher accuracy, recall rate, precision, and F1 value than the UCFA and ICFA and has better recommendation performance and robustness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI Technology-Enhanced Learning and Teaching)
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10 pages, 916 KiB  
Article
Accessing the Impacts of the Calculated Panel Reactive Antibody Value on a Lung Transplant Waitlist: A Latin American Experience
by Samuel Lucas dos Santos, Flavio Pola dos Reis, Luis Gustavo Abdalla, Lucas Matos Fernandes, Elissa Ayumi Okuno, Priscila Cilene Leon Bueno Camargo, Rafael Medeiros Carraro, Silvia Vidal Campos, Ricardo Henrique Oliveira Braga Teixeira and Paulo Manuel Pêgo-Fernandes
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4344; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124344 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Backgorund\Objectives: Lung transplantation is the definitive treatment for select patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases. However, immunologic sensitization, as measured by calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA), poses significant challenges to transplant access and outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cPRA on lung [...] Read more.
Backgorund\Objectives: Lung transplantation is the definitive treatment for select patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases. However, immunologic sensitization, as measured by calculated panel-reactive antibody (cPRA), poses significant challenges to transplant access and outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cPRA on lung transplantation waitlist dynamics in a single-center cohort in Brazil, focusing on its association with waitlist mortality, delisting, and transplantation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all lung transplant candidates listed in our institution between January 2012 and December 2022. Candidates were stratified by cPRA values at listing into five groups: 0%, 0.1–25%, 25.1–50%, 50.1–75%, and 75.1–100%. Primary outcomes included lung transplantation, with secondary outcomes of waitlist mortality and delisting due to clinical deterioration. Statistical comparisons were performed, as appropriate. Results: Of the 411 candidates evaluated, 327 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 100 (30.6%) were sensitized (cPRA > 0%), with increasing cPRA values correlating with longer median waitlist times (p < 0.01). Although transplantation rates were not statistically different across the cPRA strata (p = 0.277), the group with a cPRA > 75% had the lowest transplant rate (37.5%). Waitlist mortality was significantly higher in candidates with a cPRA > 50% (p = 0.047), whereas delisting rates did not differ across groups (p = 0.722). Conclusions: Elevated cPRA is associated with prolonged waitlist time and increased mortality, reflecting both immunologic and logistical barriers to lung transplantation. These findings support the need for incorporating cPRA into allocation policies and adopting targeted strategies, such as desensitization protocols, to improve equity in transplant access for sensitized patients, particularly in genetically diverse populations. Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate these results and inform policy development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lung Transplantation: Clinical Advances and Practice Updates)
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40 pages, 1803 KiB  
Article
“Feeling Stressed?” A Critical Analysis of the Regulatory Prescribed Stress Tests for Financial Services in the UK
by Stavros Pantos
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(5), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18050246 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 1259
Abstract
This paper captures a qualitative review of the regulatory prescribed stress tests for UK financial services designed by the Bank of England and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)/Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) after the Global Financial Crisis. It presents a critical analysis of the [...] Read more.
This paper captures a qualitative review of the regulatory prescribed stress tests for UK financial services designed by the Bank of England and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)/Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) after the Global Financial Crisis. It presents a critical analysis of the use of stress testing as part of supervisory practices for UK banking institutions and insurance undertakings, commenting on their qualitative characteristics, after looking at the regulatory prescribed stress tests from three key categories: the macroeconomic scenarios for banks, denoted as the bank stress tests (BST), the insurance stress tests (IST), and the biennial exploratory scenarios (BES). In this study, five trends describing regulatory prescribed stress are identified: (1) the regulatory collaboration, (2) cross-industry stress tests, (3) exploratory scenarios, (4) reporting and disclosure requirements, and (5) the underlying modelling capabilities and tools. The associated challenges of (A) governance, (B) frequency, (C) individual disclosures, (D) data and modelling, and (E) capabilities and skillset from participating institutions underpinning these stresses are highlighted, shaping the policy recommendations for future exercises. These address the gaps identified from existing stress tests towards the effective prudential supervision of UK financial services, based on each scenario category, for improvements and advances to practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Financial Markets and Institutions and Financial Crises)
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13 pages, 541 KiB  
Article
Efficacy and Safety of Anakinra in Colchicine-Resistant or -Intolerant Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Single-Center Real-Life Experience
by Tuğba Ocak, Havva Nur Köse, Burcu Yağız, Belkıs Nihan Coşkun, Ediz Dalkılıç and Yavuz Pehlivan
Medicina 2025, 61(5), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61050792 - 25 Apr 2025
Viewed by 620
Abstract
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent febrile attacks and serositis. While colchicine is the primary treatment for FMF, some patients present resistance or intolerance with respect to this drug. Anakinra—an IL-1 receptor antagonist—has demonstrated efficacy in colchicine-resistant or -intolerant FMF patients. [...] Read more.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent febrile attacks and serositis. While colchicine is the primary treatment for FMF, some patients present resistance or intolerance with respect to this drug. Anakinra—an IL-1 receptor antagonist—has demonstrated efficacy in colchicine-resistant or -intolerant FMF patients. Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment duration, response to therapy, dose interval modifications, and long-term outcomes in FMF patients treated with anakinra. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 68 FMF patients who were colchicine-resistant or -intolerant and received anakinra treatment. Results: The median patient age was 40.2 years, with a predominance of female patients (57.3%). The median follow-up duration for patients treated with anakinra was 34.2 months. Anakinra dosing was successfully extended in 30.8% of patients. Eight patients discontinued anakinra due to remission, with a median remission duration of 18.4 months. In a subgroup analysis of 57 patients treated with anakinra for at least 12 months, a significant decrease was observed in Pras scores at 0 months, 3 months, and 12 months, as well as in Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-reactive protein, and Serum Amyloid A values (all p < 0.001). Statistically significant decreases in 24 h proteinuria values were found between 0 and 3 months, 3 and 12 months, and 0 and 12 months (p = 0.011, p = 0.006, and p = 0.007, respectively). Anakinra use in pregnancy and kidney transplant recipients was well tolerated. Dose extension and treatment discontinuation in remission are feasible strategies. Conclusions: These findings support the use of anakinra as a good treatment option in selected patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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13 pages, 1289 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Selected Eye Disorders in a Group of Predisposed Breeds of Dogs: Molecular Diagnostics of Collie Eye Anomaly and Progressive Retinal Atrophy
by Jaroslav Bučan, Beáta Holečková, Martina Galdíková, Jana Halušková and Viera Schwarzbacherová
Genes 2025, 16(5), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16050474 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 659
Abstract
Background: Two hereditary eye disorders that are frequently observed in Collies and related breeds are Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). The main symptom of CEA is choroidal hypoplasia. It is associated with a 7.8 kb deletion in intron 4 [...] Read more.
Background: Two hereditary eye disorders that are frequently observed in Collies and related breeds are Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). The main symptom of CEA is choroidal hypoplasia. It is associated with a 7.8 kb deletion in intron 4 of the NHEJ1 gene located on chromosome CFA7. Rod–cone dysplasia 3 (RCD3), an early-onset form of PRA, is associated with mutations in the PDE6A gene. Methods: Molecular diagnostic techniques were used in this study to identify genetic mutations linked to CEA and RCD3-type PRA in a subset of dog breeds. Australian Shepherds (n = 29), Border Collies (n = 9), Longhaired Collies (n = 27), and Shetland Sheepdogs (n = 10) provided a total of 75 DNA samples. Samples were collected by buccal swab or blood draw, and PCR and real-time PCR methods were used for processing. Results: Of the dogs in the studied breeds, 31 had the NHEJ1 gene mutation linked to CEA. Among these, 15 were homozygous recessive (affected), while 16 were heterozygous (carriers). None of the samples had any mutations in the PDE6A gene associated with RCD3-type PRA. Conclusions: Effective identification of carriers and affected individuals for CEA was made possible by PCR-based genetic testing, confirming its value in early diagnosis and breed control. Although the RCD3 form of PRA has not been previously reported in Collies or Australian Shepherds, it was included in our analysis due to the genetic relatedness among herding breeds and the potential presence of undetected carriers resulting from historical crossbreeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics in Retinal Diseases—2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 7266 KiB  
Article
Simulation of Fire Smoke Diffusion and Personnel Evacuation in Large-Scale Complex Medical Buildings
by Jian Wang, Geng Chen, Yuyan Chen, Mingzhan Zhu, Jingyuan Zheng and Na Luo
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081329 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 639
Abstract
To address the significant problems of high fire risk and low evacuation efficiency in large and complex medical buildings, this study uses Ezhou Hospital as the empirical object to construct a multi-dimensional threat and risk assessment and fire evacuation dynamic coupling model and [...] Read more.
To address the significant problems of high fire risk and low evacuation efficiency in large and complex medical buildings, this study uses Ezhou Hospital as the empirical object to construct a multi-dimensional threat and risk assessment and fire evacuation dynamic coupling model and proposes a systematic optimization scheme to improve personnel evacuation safety. This study proposes an innovative full-chain analysis framework of “threat and risk assessment-dynamic coupling-multi-strategy optimization”. The specific methods employed include the following: (1) Using the probabilistic threat and risk assessment (PRA) method and the risk index (RII) method to identify the most unfavorable scenarios where the fire source is located in the outpatient hall (risk value C2 = 9.86). (2) Combining PyroSim and Pathfinder to construct a dynamic coupling model of fire smoke diffusion and personnel evacuation. Multiple groups, such as patients with mobility problems and rescue personnel, are added to address the limitations of traditional single-factor simulations. (3) Considering the failure of fire shutters, a two-stage optimization strategy is proposed for when the number of personnel is at its peak: the evacuation time is shortened by 23% by using internal intelligent guidance to shunt the congestion node crowd, and the addition of external fire ladders forms a multi-channel coordinated evacuation that further reduces the total evacuation time from 1780 s to 1266 s and improves the efficiency by 29%. The results show that the coupled multi-path coordination strategy and three-dimensional rescue facilities can significantly reduce the bottleneck associated with a single channel. This study provides a multi-dimensional dynamic evaluation framework and comprehensive optimization paradigm for the design of the evacuation of high-rise medical buildings and has important theoretical and technical reference values for improving the fire safety performance of public buildings and the intelligence of emergency management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)
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16 pages, 5813 KiB  
Article
Unlocking the Potential of Mg-Doped Rare Earth Manganites: Machine Learning-Guided Synthesis and Insights into Structural and Optical Properties
by Chikh Lakhdar Ben Messaoud, Zoulikha Hebboul, Ibn Khaldoun Lefkaier, Ahmed Draoui, Ahmed Lamine Ben Kamri, Souraya Goumri-Said, Mohammed Benali Kanoun, Romualdo S. Silva, José A. Alonso and Sophie Laurent
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070561 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 778
Abstract
By leveraging machine learning insights from prior perovskite studies and employing the sol–gel method, we successfully synthesized two novel perovskite nanoceramics—M0.5 Ca0.25Mg0.25MnO3 (M = La, Pr)—as multifunctional nanomaterials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed their orthorhombic Pnma crystal structure. [...] Read more.
By leveraging machine learning insights from prior perovskite studies and employing the sol–gel method, we successfully synthesized two novel perovskite nanoceramics—M0.5 Ca0.25Mg0.25MnO3 (M = La, Pr)—as multifunctional nanomaterials. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed their orthorhombic Pnma crystal structure. The Williamson–Hall method estimated average particle sizes of 59.5 nm for PCMMO and 21.8 nm for LCMMO, while the Scherrer method provided corresponding values of 32.59 nm and 20.43 nm. SEM, UV-Vis, and FTIR analyses validated the chemical composition, homogeneity, and optical properties of the synthesized compounds, revealing band gaps of 3.25 eV (LCMMO) and 3.71 eV (PCMMO) with Urbach energies of 0.29 eV and 0.26 eV, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights into the structural and optical properties of LCMMO and PCMMO, highlighting their potential as multifunctional materials for advanced device applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)
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15 pages, 1622 KiB  
Review
Single-Port Robotic Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy: Current Perspectives, Technical Considerations, and Future Directions
by Kwangsoon Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072314 - 28 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 638
Abstract
Single-port (SP) robotic posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SP-PRA) represents a State-of-the-Art innovation in endocrine surgery, offering a minimally invasive approach for adrenal gland resection with significant improvements in surgical precision, cosmetic outcomes, and patient quality of life. The SP robotic system facilitates surgery through [...] Read more.
Single-port (SP) robotic posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (SP-PRA) represents a State-of-the-Art innovation in endocrine surgery, offering a minimally invasive approach for adrenal gland resection with significant improvements in surgical precision, cosmetic outcomes, and patient quality of life. The SP robotic system facilitates surgery through a single incision in the back, avoiding the transperitoneal cavity and enabling direct retroperitoneal access to the adrenal gland. This review explores the evolution, techniques, and clinical outcomes of SP-PRA, emphasizing its advantages over traditional multi-port and laparoscopic methods. Enhanced visualization and precise articulation of the SP robotic system minimize trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to fewer complications and faster recovery times. Initial studies suggest superior patient satisfaction due to hidden incisions and excellent postoperative outcomes. However, challenges such as a steep learning curve, high costs, and limited long-term data remain. This review highlights the need for continued research and innovation to optimize the adoption of SP-PRA and expand its indications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Surgery)
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21 pages, 3476 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Risk Framework for Nuclear- and Fossil-Powered Vessels: Analyzing Casualty Event Severity and Sub-Causes
by Handan Tanyildizi-Kokkulunk, Görkem Kökkülünk and John Settles
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(3), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13030553 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Maritime activities pose significant safety risks, particularly with the growing presence of nuclear-powered vessels (NPVs) alongside traditional fossil-powered vessels (FPVs). This study employs a probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach to evaluate and compare accident hazards involving NPVs and FPVs. By analyzing historical data [...] Read more.
Maritime activities pose significant safety risks, particularly with the growing presence of nuclear-powered vessels (NPVs) alongside traditional fossil-powered vessels (FPVs). This study employs a probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach to evaluate and compare accident hazards involving NPVs and FPVs. By analyzing historical data from 1960 to 2024, this study identifies risk patterns, accident frequency (probability), and severity levels. The methodology focuses on incidents such as marine incidents, marine casualties, and very serious cases with sub-causes. Key findings reveal that Russia exhibits the highest risk for very serious incidents involving both NPVs and FPVs, with a significant 100% risk for NPVs. China has the highest FPV risk, while France and the USA show above-average risks, particularly for marine casualties and very serious incidents. Moreover, collision is the most significant global risk, with a 26% risk for NPVs and 34% for FPVs, followed by fire hazards, which also pose a major concern, with a 17% risk for NPVs and 16% for FPVs, highlighting the need for enhanced safety and fire-prevention measures. In conclusion, comparative analysis highlights the need for enhanced stability improvements, fire prevention, and maintenance practices, particularly in the UK, France, Russia, and China. This study underscores the importance of targeted safety measures to mitigate risks, improve ship design, and promote safer maritime operations for both nuclear- and fossil-fueled vessels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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32 pages, 2134 KiB  
Article
Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) for Sustainable Water Resource Management: A Future Flood Inundation Example
by Nick Martin, Francisco Peña and David Powers
Water 2025, 17(6), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060816 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Sustainable decision making addresses resource and cost sharing among current and future generations. Adaptation costs are incurred by current and damage mitigation costs are borne by future generations. Circularity extends sustainability by including resource regeneration and benefits from resource re-use. Climate change and [...] Read more.
Sustainable decision making addresses resource and cost sharing among current and future generations. Adaptation costs are incurred by current and damage mitigation costs are borne by future generations. Circularity extends sustainability by including resource regeneration and benefits from resource re-use. Climate change and associated global warming are producing more frequent extreme events with different probabilities of occurrence than historically observed. Traditional approaches to asset and infrastructure design tend to be backward-looking for weather- and climate-related bases and to introduce too little variability to compensate for uncertainty, resulting in infrastructure that was designed for irrelevant future conditions. An example dynamic probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) for flood inundation is developed and implemented to examine the usefulness and limitations of PRA for sustainable water resource management. It specifically addresses the issue of sustainable decision making related to outdated but historically regulatory-compliant assets under non-stationary climatic conditions. Weather attribution provides improved extreme event frequency expectations to, generates the dynamic component of, and allows for incorporation of additional uncertainty to the PRA. Results from the PRA provide decision making optimization between current adaptation and future mitigation costs. A limitation of PRA is that it analyzes failure and risk and not benefits accruing from resource regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Adaptation and Water Resources Management)
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24 pages, 4247 KiB  
Article
Energy-Based Optimization of Seismic Isolation Parameters in RC Buildings Under Earthquake Action Using GWO
by Ali Erdem Çerçevik and Nihan Kazak Çerçevik
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2870; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052870 - 6 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Modeling seismic isolators, one of the most effective installations in the design of earthquake-resistant buildings, is a very important challenge. In this study, we propose a new energy-based approach for the optimization of seismic isolation parameters. The hysteretic energy represents the dissipation of [...] Read more.
Modeling seismic isolators, one of the most effective installations in the design of earthquake-resistant buildings, is a very important challenge. In this study, we propose a new energy-based approach for the optimization of seismic isolation parameters. The hysteretic energy represents the dissipation of isolated structures in the isolation system. The minimization of input energy ensures that structural components are exposed to reduced seismic energy. For these reasons, this study aims to minimize the input energy and maximize the hysteretic energy. Additionally, an objective function is also generated with the energy ratio obtained from the input and hysteretic energy. The gray wolf optimizer (GWO) was applied to the optimization process. A four-story, 3D, and reinforced concrete superstructure was prepared and lead rubber bearings were placed under the base story. The isolation system is modeled nonlinearly, which requires two parameters: isolation period and characteristic strength. The inter-story drift ratio was selected as the structure constraint, while the isolator displacement and effective damping ratio were selected as the isolator constraints in the optimization process. The prepared base-isolated structure was optimized using 11 scaled ground motions. Nonlinear time history analyses were run in ETABS finite element software. Firstly, the optimum isolation parameters were obtained using peak roof story acceleration (PRA), in accordance with the methodology in previous studies. The outcomes generated by the PRA and energy components are compared considering the isolation parameters and structural responses. The energy ratio produced better results in terms of inter-story drift ratio than the other energy components. Secondly, the energy ratio was re-optimized with different constraints and its effectiveness was examined. Full article
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