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Romolo Putelli and Alessandro Sina were two politically active priests in Italy in the first decades of the twentieth century. Their work, as well as their heritage, is culturally and socially representative of a peripheral area of Northern Italy, the Valcamonica. However, the two figures stood out by supporting two different political factions during the fascist period, generating alternative ways to acquire or donate their assets. By examining the archival documentation and bibliographical materials in their collections, this article aims to understand the processes, individuals involved, and the role of priests in assembling collections that remain accessible today. To accomplish this goal, it is essential to trace the biographical profiles of Romolo Putelli and Alessandro Sina, emphasising their prominent traits, as well as reconstructing the bureaucratic stages of the donations and acquisitions by identifying those aspects—whether socio-political, religious, or cultural—that would have significantly influenced the course of events. In doing so, this article aims to highlight how political–religious interference and public interest influence the development of a bibliographic cluster. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Politics: Interactions and Boundaries)

15 pages, 1122 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Sleep Quality and Vascular Health in Shift- and Day-Working Nurses

by Gleb Saharov, Barbara Salti, Maram Bareya, Anat Keren-Politansky, Yona Nadir and Tamar Shochat

Clocks & Sleep 2025, 7(4), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/clockssleep7040058 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Sleep disturbances and shift work are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, possibly through disruptions in endothelial and hemostatic function. While prior studies link acute sleep deprivation to vascular dysfunction, the impact of chronic sleep quality and circadian misalignment on endothelial health in healthy individuals, particularly shift workers, remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the association between objectively measured sleep quality and endothelial/hemostatic function in healthy female hospital nurses, comparing shift and day workers, and considering time-of-day variation. In this repeated-measures study, 100 female nurses (51 shift, 49 day workers) aged 25–50 wore actigraphy devices for 7–14 days to assess total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SEF), and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Endothelial function was measured using EndoPAT (Reactive Hyperemia Index—RHI). Hemostatic markers included plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor (VWF), heparanase and heparanase procoagulant activity assessed by ELISA, and chromogenic assays in morning and evening. TST was not associated with any vascular outcomes. Poor sleep quality (low SEF, high WASO) was significantly associated with reduced RHI and elevated PAI-1 level, heparanase level, and heparanase procoagulant activity levels. Regression models revealed significant main effects of SEF and WASO on endothelial and coagulation markers, with some interactions depending on shift type and time of measurement. No significant associations were found for VWF. Impaired sleep quality, but not sleep duration, is associated with endothelial dysfunction and procoagulant activation, particularly among shift-working nurses. These findings suggest that sleep quality may play a critical role in vascular health and support the use of sleep-based interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk in shift-working populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Basic Research & Neuroimaging)

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17 pages, 283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Christians and Muslims of Sicily Under Aghlabid and Fāṭimid Rule: A Cultural and Historical Perspective

by Nuha Alshaar

Religions 2025, 16(10), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16101291 (registering DOI) - 11 Oct 2025

Abstract

Looking into early Christian–Muslim relations seems to be the outcome of greater interest in Islam transcultural encounters due to current issues of mass migration. Sicily presents an informative example of the interaction between different ethnic and religious groups over centuries. Several scholars, including Jeremy Johns, Alex Metcalfe and Julie Taylor, have explored the social and administrative position of Christians and Muslims within the complex society of Sicily, although their contributions were largely from the umbrella of Norman Sicily from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries. Thus, there is a need to shift away from the Normans’ experience to exploring Christian–Muslim relations in Sicily during the ninth through eleventh centuries, especially the expansion, society and activities during the rule of the Fāṭimids of Ifrīqiya (909–965) and their Kalbid allies (948–1053). These forms of relationships are not only important for Sicily but for the whole region of the central Mediterranean. This paper will build on the works of Umberto Rizzitano and other scholars to explore the relations between the Arabs and Muslims and the Christians in Sicily during the Muslim rule of the Island. Using Arabic and Islamic sources, including travel accounts by the Muslim geographer Ibn Ḥawqal (d. 988), this paper aims to discuss the lives of Christians and their dynamic exchanges with Muslims within the social and political complexities of Aghlabid and Fāṭimid Sicily as well as Sicily’s link to North Africa (Ifrīqiya). Sicily’s proximity to North Africa and to Europe has been an essential aspect of its history, which facilitated movement of communities between these regions. The paper will also compare the policies of the Fāṭimids towards Christians in Sicily with their relations towards their Christian subjects in Cairo, Egypt. It will show the pragmatic aspects of this relationship concerning marriage, legal status, the movement of people, and cultural and intellectual exchange. Christians and Muslims practised cultural hybridisation that brought changes in Sicily with respect to language, religion, and social habits, resulting in a distinctive Sicilian multicultural identity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue University of Konstanz, International Conference (25 October, 31 October, 8 November 2024): Emerging Historical Perspectives on Christian-Muslim Interactions in and Around the Mediterranean (c. 630–1614))

33 pages, 6026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Rooting of Stem Cuttings of Five Mediterranean Salvia spp., as a Means for Their Wider Exploitation in Sustainable Horticulture

by Aikaterini N. Martini, Konstantinos Bertsouklis, Georgia Vlachou and Maria Papafotiou

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 8999; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17208999 (registering DOI) - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Salvia fruticosa, S. officinalis, S. pomifera ssp. pomifera, S. ringens, and S. tomentosa have multiple potential uses in floriculture and the pharmaceutical industry, serving sustainable horticulture and landscaping. The aim was to develop effective asexual propagation protocols for the exploitation of the above species. Thus, the effect of cutting origin, season of cutting collection, and various indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) treatments on rooting stem cuttings was examined. Shoot-tip cuttings were collected either from greenhouse or wild mother plants, in November, February, May, and August and were treated either with Rhizopon dusting powder 0.5% w/w IBA or immersion for 1 min in 0–6000 mg L⁻¹ IBA solution. The cuttings were then placed for rooting in a 1:1 (v/v) peat–perlite substrate, under mist, for 2 weeks and on the greenhouse bench in semi-shade for another 4 weeks. More efficient rooting was succeeded by cuttings, (i) of S. tomentosa, followed by S. fruticosa and S. pomifera ssp. pomifera, while S. officinalis was the most difficult to root, (ii) from greenhouse plants, (iii) collected in autumn or spring, and (iv) treated with Rhizopon dusting powder or 1500 mg L⁻¹ IBA solution. Higher dry weight values of the rooted cuttings were found in autumn. Conclusively, rooting of Salvia spp. cuttings depended on species, mother plants’ physiological state, time of cutting collection, climatic conditions, and auxin application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 3279 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Three Methods for Soil Organic Matter Determination in Calcareous Soils, Eastern Algeria

by Hadjer Laoufi, Hakim Bachir, Samir Hadj-Miloud and Kerry Clark

Land 2025, 14(10), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102030 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a fundamental role in soil fertility and ecosystem functioning. In calcareous soils, SOM quantification is often challenging due to carbonate interference. This study aimed to compare three common analytical methods for SOM determination: the Anne method, the modified Walkley–Black method, and the Loss on Ignition (LOI) method, with and without decarbonation. Twenty-five soil samples were collected from a calcareous parcel in the Bordj Bou Arreridj region (Algeria), and SOM content was analysed using all methods. The results revealed substantial variability in SOM content across methods, reflecting differences in sensitivity to carbonates and efficiency of organic carbon oxidation. The Anne method, considered the reference technique, yielded the highest mean SOM content (3.61%), followed by LOI without decarbonation (3.41%), the modified Walkley–Black method (2.96%), and LOI with decarbonation (2.55%). Strong correlations were observed between methods, particularly between the Anne method and LOI with decarbonation (R² = 0.91), confirming the latter as a reliable alternative. Decarbonation significantly reduced SOM overestimation, as demonstrated by paired statistical tests and a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.95). Linear regression models were established to estimate SOM from LOI results, providing a cost-effective approach for rapid assessment. These findings highlight the importance of method selection according to soil type, the need for standardised protocols, and the value of LOI with decarbonation as a robust, practical, and economical method for SOM determination in calcareous soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)

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15 pages, 2994 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Raman Spectroscopy to Characterize (Sulfated) Glycosaminoglycans in Human Articular Cartilage

by Andrea Schwab, Jannik Jahn, Kerstin Sitte, Christoph H. Lohmann, Jessica Bertrand and Sonja Gamsjaeger

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209875 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Raman spectroscopy allows for analyzing local molecular matrix components while preserving spatial resolution in tissue samples. The aim of this study was to use Raman line scans to discriminate between healthy and diseased cartilage tissue based on the depth-dependent sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) and total GAGs distribution. Full-thickness articular cartilage tissue was harvested from human individuals at different maturation stages (skeletally immature, skeletally mature) and from patients with diagnosed osteoarthritis. Raman spectroscopic line scans (30 µm step size) were utilized to analyze the sub-zonal sGAG (1062 cm⁻¹) and total GAG (1370–1380 cm⁻¹) distribution relative to the organic matrix (CH₂ band 1430–1480 cm⁻¹). We found a linear trend of the sGAG/CH₂ ratio over the tissue depth in all samples (p < 0.0001). The total GAG/CH₂ ratio of the skeletally immature and mature cartilage showed a characteristic non-linear behavior over the tissue distance. The elderly osteoarthritic cartilage exhibited lower total GAG/CH₂ ratios compared to the ratios of the skeletally immature and mature samples, without a pronounced increase in the superficial area. Raman spectroscopic line scans are a fast and representative method allowing us to identify the local and tissue depth-dependent distribution of GAGs at higher specificity and resolution compared to histological staining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Elucidating How Chondrocytes Maintain Cartilage Stability)

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27 pages, 796 KB

Open AccessReview

Beyond Antibiotics: Repurposing Non-Antibiotic Drugs as Novel Antibacterial Agents to Combat Resistance

by Gagan Tiwana, Ian Edwin Cock, Stephen Maxwell Taylor and Matthew James Cheesman

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9880; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209880 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

The escalating global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antibiotic development. Drug repurposing offers a rapid, cost-effective approach by identifying new antibacterial applications for existing non-antibiotic drugs with established safety profiles. Emerging evidence indicates that diverse classes of non-antibiotic drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), statins, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers and antidepressants, exhibit intrinsic antibacterial activity, or potentiate antibiotic efficacy. This review critically explores the mechanisms by which drugs that are not recognised as antibiotics exert antibacterial effects, including efflux pump inhibition, membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, and quorum sensing interference. We discuss specific examples that demonstrate reductions in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibiotics when combined with these drugs, underscoring their potential as antibiotic adjuvants. Furthermore, we examine pharmacokinetic considerations, toxicity challenges, and clinical feasibility for repurposing these agents as standalone antibacterials or in combination therapies. Finally, we highlight future directions, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to prioritise drug candidates for repurposing, and the development of targeted delivery systems to enhance bacterial selectivity while minimising host toxicity. By exploring the overlooked potential of non-antibiotic drugs, this review seeks to stimulate translational research aimed at leveraging these agents in combating resistant bacterial infections. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that such drugs may also pose unintended risks, including gut microbiota disruption and facilitation of resistance development. Hence, future research should pursue these opportunities with equal emphasis on efficacy, safety, and resistance mitigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Latest Review Papers in Molecular Microbiology)

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28 pages, 1739 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Isochrone-Based Geospatial Analysis of Mobility Policies and Vulnerability Hotspots in the Lazio Region, Italy

by Alessio D’Auria, Irina Di Ruocco and Antonio Gioia

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2025, 14(10), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi14100395 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Areas characterised by high ecological and cultural value are increasingly exposed to overtourism and intensifying land-use pressures, often exacerbated by mobility policies aimed at enhancing regional accessibility and promoting tourism. These dynamics create spatial tensions, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas such as those within the Natura 2000 network and Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), where intensified visitor flows, and infrastructure expansion can disrupt the balance between conservation and development. This study offers a geospatial analysis of the current state (2024) of such dynamics in the Lazio Region (Italy), evaluating the effects of mobility strategies on ecological vulnerability and tourism pressure. By applying isochrone-based accessibility modelling, GIS buffer analysis, and spatial overlays, the research maps the intersection of accessibility, heritage value, and environmental sensitivity. The methodology enables the identification of critical zones where accessibility improvements coincide with heightened ecological risk and tourism-related stress. The original contribution of this work lies in its integrated spatial framework, which combines accessibility metrics with indicators of ecological and heritage significance to visualise and assess emerging risk areas. The Lazio Region, distinguished by its heterogeneous landscapes and ambitious mobility planning initiatives, constitutes a significant case study for examining how policy-driven improvements in transport infrastructure may inadvertently exacerbate spatial disparities and intensify ecological vulnerabilities in peripheral and sensitive territorial contexts. The findings support the formulation of adaptive, place-based policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the unintended consequences of accessibility-led tourism strategies. These include prioritising soft mobility, enhancing regulatory protection in high-risk zones, and fostering coordinated governance across sectors. Ultimately, the study advances a replicable methodology to inform sustainable territorial governance and balance tourism development with environmental preservation. Full article

20 pages, 5042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Relationship Between Haller Cells, Accessory Maxillary Ostium, and Maxillary Sinus Pathologies: A Cross-Sectional CBCT Study

by İsmail Çapar, Çiğdem Şeker and Orhan Cicek

Diagnostics 2025, 15(20), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15202557 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sinonasal anatomical variations, particularly Haller cells (HCs) and the accessory maxillary ostium (AMO), are critical structural factors that may increase surgical risks in dental and otorhinolaryngological (ENT) procedures and predispose individuals to chronic sinusitis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HCs, AMO dimensions, maxillary sinus ostium, and sinus pathologies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, CBCT images of 443 patients (226 males, mean age 48.4 ± 15.4 years; 217 females, mean age 46.1 ± 15.2 years) were analyzed. The presence of HCs, AMO, ostium narrowing, and ostium obstruction were recorded, along with ostium dimensions. Relationships between these variations and sinus pathologies were statistically evaluated, with a p-value < 0.05 considered significant. Results: HC prevalence was 34.5% on the right and 39.5% on the left, while AMO was present in 39.5% on the right and 34.5% on the left. Bilateral AMO was significantly associated with localized mucosal thickening, and partial opacification was more common in cases with ostium obstruction. Significant relationships were observed between HC presence and ostium narrowing. While HCs and ostium narrowing did not significantly influence maxillary sinus pathologies, sex (right OR = 0.335; left OR = 0.384; p < 0.001) and the AMO (right OR = 1.698, p = 0.018; left OR = 1.713, p = 0.014) were found to have a significant impact. Conclusions: It was concluded that (i) HCs may contribute to ostium narrowing and impaired sinus drainage, thereby increasing the risk of chronic sinusitis; (ii) the presence of a bilateral AMO is strongly associated with localized mucosal thickening; (iii) sex and the presence of an AMO emerge as independent predictors of maxillary sinus pathologies; and (iv) the careful evaluation of these anatomical variations using CBCT can support multidisciplinary treatment planning in both dental and ENT practice, enhance surgical safety, and help minimize postoperative complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)

10 pages, 215 KB

Open AccessBrief Report

The Effect of Maternal Engagement in Their Children’s Distance Learning on Parental Stress and Offspring’s Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms During COVID-19 School Closure

by Luca Cerniglia and Silvia Cimino

COVID 2025, 5(10), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5100170 (registering DOI) - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal involvement in children’s home-based learning activities during the COVID-19 lockdown on mothers’ parenting stress, the quality of maternal care perceived by offspring, and the level of children’s internalizing/externalizing symptoms. This study recruited 415 subjects from the general population. To assess parenting stress, mothers were administered the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form; to assess children’s perceived quality of maternal care, this study used the Parental Bonding Inventory; and the Child Behavior Checklist/6–18 was used to assess internalizing/externalizing symptoms in children. Correlations showed that the amount of time spent by the mother supervising children’s self-study was highly and positively correlated with parental stress and offspring’s externalizing (but not internalizing) symptoms, and highly and positively correlated with the subscale of maternal overprotection in the children’s perceived quality of maternal care. Moreover, the multiple regression analyses conducted based on the above significant correlations showed that the amount of time spent by the mother overseeing children’s study was associated with parental stress, children’s externalizing symptoms, and maternal overprotection. Overall, the current study contributes to showing the burden families had to face as a result of school closures and accompanying distance learning during the COVID-19 epidemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section COVID Public Health and Epidemiology)

35 pages, 6355 KB

Open AccessArticle

Innovating Intrusion Detection Classification Analysis for an Imbalanced Data Sample

by Elrasheed Ismail Mohommoud Zayid, Ibrahim Isah, Abdulmalik A. Humayed and Yagoub Abbker Adam

Information 2025, 16(10), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16100883 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

This work is designed to assist researchers and interested learners in comprehending and putting deep machine learning classification approaches into practice. It aimed to simplify, facilitate, and advance classification methodology skills. To make it easier for the users to understand, it employed a methodical approach. The categorization assessment measures seek to give the fundamentals of these measures and demonstrate how they operate to function as a comprehensive resource for academics interested in this area. Intrusion detection and threat analysis (IDAT) is a particularly unpleasant cybersecurity issue. In this study, IDAT is identified as a case study, and a real-sample dataset that was used for institutional and community awareness was generated by the researchers. This review shows that, to solve a classification problem, it is crucial to use the output of classification in terms of performance measurements, encompassing both conventional criteria and contemporary metrics. This study focused on addressing the dynamic of classification assessment capabilities for using both scalars and visual metrics, and to fix imbalanced dataset difficulties. In conclusion, this review is a useful tool for researchers, especially when they are working on big data preprocessing, handling imbalanced data for multiclass assessment, and ML classification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Software Applications Programming and Data Security)

13 pages, 760 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computed Tomography Volumetric Measurements of Adrenal Glands in 26 Dogs Under One Year of Age: A Retrospective Study

by Julia Topmöller, Johanna Rieder, Sebastian Meller, Kerstin von Pückler, Holger Volk and Kristina Merhof

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(10), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12100974 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Limited data exist regarding the size and volume of adrenal glands in puppies; therefore, the present research aims to describe volumetric and traditional measurements of adrenal glands in computed tomography (CT) images of 26 dogs under 1 year of age. Using OsiriX^®MD v9.0.1, the adrenal volume as well as adrenal length, and the height and width of the cranial and caudal poles were documented. The results were compared with groups based on age, weight at the time of examination, and the dogs’ adult size when patients were clinically re-evaluated after more than 12 months of age. The mean adrenal gland volumes were 0.50 cm³ for the left (range 0.08–1.29 cm³) and 0.41 cm³ for the right (range 0.03–1.10 cm³) adrenal gland. The results showed that older puppies had larger adrenal glands, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The volume of the adrenal glands correlated positively with body weight and the patients’ adult size. The findings highlight the diagnostic potential of CT-based adrenal volumetry and two-dimensional measurements and support their use in refining reference values for young dogs. The strong correlation between adrenal size and body weight emphasizes the importance of weight-adjusted interpretation in clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Internal Medicine)

19 pages, 2160 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

AI-Driven Optimization for Efficient Public Bus Operations

by Cheng-Yu Ku, Chih-Yu Liu and Ting-Yuan Wu

Mathematics 2025, 13(20), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13203249 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Public transport bus services often experience financial inefficiencies due to high operational costs and unbalanced service allocation. To address these challenges, this study presents a machine learning-based framework aimed at optimizing financial and operational performance in public bus systems. A dataset comprising 57 routes including cost, service, and ridership data was analyzed to identify key factors correlated with net revenue. These features were integrated into multiple predictive models, among which support vector regression (SVR) with a Gaussian kernel and Bayesian optimization achieved the highest accuracy (R² = 0.99), indicating excellent generalization capability. Scenario simulations using the trained SVR model evaluated the effects of service and cost adjustments. Results showed that cutting personnel costs had the most significant effect on net income, followed by administrative and financial expenses. These findings highlight the importance of data-driven strategies such as route reallocation and workforce optimization. The proposed framework offers transit agencies a robust tool for improving efficiency and ensuring financial sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Advanced Statistical Techniques and AI: A Multidisciplinary Approach)

23 pages, 1577 KB

Open AccessReview

Targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor: The Potential of Indole Compounds in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

by Sen Hou, Qingkun Yue, Xia Hou and Qingtian Wu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 9876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26209876 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating immune homeostasis, inflammatory responses, and intestinal barrier function. Indole compounds and their derivatives are ligands of AHR, which can activate the AHR signal transduction pathway and show significant regulatory potential in various inflammatory and immune diseases. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction affects multiple systems throughout the body. The core of its pathological process is chronic infection, abnormal inflammation, and tissue damage caused by mucus accumulation. Exploring alternative or adjunctive therapeutic strategies targeting pathological pathways downstream of CFTR is of significant importance. The aim of the present study is to explore the multiple beneficial effects that indole compounds may exert in regulating pulmonary infection and inflammation, repairing intestinal barrier function, and regulating immune homeostasis in CF patients by activating the AHR signaling pathway. Additionally, this study discusses the risks and challenges associated with developing indole compounds as CF drugs, offering a novel research approach distinct from traditional CFTR modulators for creating new CF therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 1241 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Distance-Independent Forest Growth Models Using National-Scale Forest Inventory Data

by Byungmook Hwang, Sinyoung Park, Hyemin Kim, Dongwook W. Ko, Kiwoong Lee, A-Reum Kim and Wonhee Cho

Forests 2025, 16(10), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16101567 - 10 Oct 2025

Abstract

National-scale long-term forest ecosystem surveys based on systematic sampling offer a robust framework for detecting temporal growth trends of specific tree species across regions. The National Forest Inventory (NFI) of the Republic of Korea serves as a vital source for analyzing long-term forest dynamics on a national scale by providing regularly collected large-scale forest data. However, various limitations, such as the lack of individual-level and spatial interaction data, restrict the development of reliable individual tree growth models. To overcome this, distance-independent models, compatible with the structure and data resolution of the NFI, provide a practical alternative for simulating individual tree and stand-level growth by utilizing straightforward attributes, such as diameter at breast height (DBH). This study aimed to analyze the growth patterns and construct species-specific models for two major plantation species in South Korea, Pinus koraiensis and Larix kaempferi, using data from the 5th (2006–2010), 6th (2011–2015), and 7th (2016–2020) NFI survey cycles. The sampling points included 117 and 171 plots for P. koraiensis and L. kaempferi, respectively. An additional matching process was implemented to improve species identification and tracking across multiple survey years. The final models were parameterized using a distance-independent model, integrating the estimation of potential diameter growth (PG) and a modifier (MOD) function to adjust for species- and site-specific variabilities. Consequently, the models for each species demonstrated strong performance, with P. koraiensis showing an R² of 0.98 and RMSE of 1.15 (cm), and L. kaempferi showing an R² of 0.98 and RMSE of 1.14 (cm). This study provides empirical evidence for the development of generalized and scalable growth models using NFI data. As the NFI increases in volume, the framework can be expanded to underrepresented species to improve the accuracy of underperforming models. Ultimately, this study lays a scientific foundation for the future development of tree-level simulation algorithms for forest dynamics, encompassing mortality, harvesting, and regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Inventory, Modeling and Remote Sensing)

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