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This study introduces a comprehensive framework combining building information modeling (BIM), project management body of knowledge (PMBOK), and machine learning (ML) to optimize energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in Riyadh’s construction sector. The suggested methodology utilizes BIM for dynamic energy simulations and design visualization, PMBOK for integrating sustainability into project-management processes, and ML for predictive modeling and real-time energy optimization. Implementing an integrated model that incorporates building-management strategies and machine learning for both commercial and residential structures can offer stakeholders a thorough solution for forecasting energy performance and environmental impact. This is particularly essential in arid climates owing to specific conditions and environmental limitations. Using a simulation-based methodology, the framework was evaluated based on two representative case studies: (i) a commercial complex and (ii) a residential building. The neural network (NN), reinforcement learning (RL), and decision tree (DT) were implemented to assess performance in energy prediction and optimization. Results demonstrated notable seasonal energy savings, particularly in spring (15% reduction for commercial buildings) and fall (13% reduction for residential buildings), driven by optimized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation strategies, and window configurations. ML models successfully predicted energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enabling targeted mitigation strategies. GHG emissions were reduced by up to 25% in commercial and 20% in residential settings. Among the models, NN achieved the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.95), while RL proved effective in adaptive operational control. This study highlights the synergistic potential of BIM, PMBOK, and ML in advancing green project management and sustainable construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Civil Engineering Construction and Management: Innovations in Green Building, Intelligent Construction, and Sustainable Infrastructure Development)

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12 pages, 513 KB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal and Birth Characteristics Are Relevant to the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in Young Adults: Results from the Nutritionists’ Health Study

by Sthefani C. Penha, Ilana N. Bezerra, Daniela V. Azevedo, Helena A. C. Sampaio and Antonio A. F. Carioca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091321 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: One’s dietary pattern throughout life is established during the perinatal period, especially in the intrauterine environment. This study aims to analyze whether maternal and birth characteristics are associated with food consumption in young adults using baseline data from the Nutritionists’ Health Study (NutriHS). Methods: We employed cross-sectional analysis of data from 386 undergraduate nutrition students and nutritionists. Current food consumption was evaluated as per the NOVA classification. The maternal and birth factors included maternal age, parity, type of childbirth, health problems during pregnancy, prematurity, and birth weight, and multiple correspondence analysis of these variables was performed to identify patterns in them. Results: The energy contribution of ultra-processed foods was positively associated with the pattern characterized by participants whose mothers were 19 years of age or younger, primiparous, and had a vaginal delivery (β = 0.48; 95% confidence interval = 0.02, 1.66). Conclusions: We concluded that maternal age at birth was associated with the dietary patterns of adult children. Participants whose mothers were 19 or younger at birth had significantly higher consumption of ultra-processed foods in adulthood compared to those whose mothers were older. Full article

23 pages, 593 KB

Open AccessReview

Pediatric Spigelian Hernia and Spigelian–Cryptorchidism Syndrome: An Integrative Review

by Javier Arredondo Montero and María Rico-Jiménez

Children 2025, 12(9), 1120; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12091120 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Spigelian hernia (SH) is an infrequent aponeurotic defect in Spiegel’s semilunar line. The literature on pediatric SH is scarce. A comprehensive review of the previous literature was conducted. Eligible studies were identified by searching primary medical bibliography databases, and a pooled analysis of published case-level data was performed. Medians and interquartile ranges were used to describe the quantitative variables and proportions for categorical variables. The Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare group variables. Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to assess the degree of correlation between variables, while Cramér’s V was applied to evaluate the degree of association among the variables. A p-value < 0.05 (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant. Our search identified 82 publications reporting on 123 patients (106 male, 86.2%), with an age range of 0–21 years. Forty-seven patients (38.2%) had a left-sided SH, fifty-six (45.5%) had a right-sided SH, and thirteen (10.6%) had a bilateral SH. Traumatic SH, mostly from bicycle injuries, accounted for 45 cases (36.6%), while 41 (33.3%) were associated with undescended testis (UDT). In this series of published cases, hernia incarceration/strangulation (I/S) was reported in 15 patients (12.2%), who were significantly younger (p = 0.02). Surgical correction was performed in 95 cases (77.2%), 14 of them laparoscopically, with a 35.7% conversion rate. Eight cases (6.5%) were managed conservatively. Overall, outcomes were favorable. SH is an infrequent pediatric condition that, based on the synthesized literature, predominantly affects males. The published cases suggest two main clinical phenotypes: a congenital form, often linked to ipsilateral UDT, and an acquired form, typically resulting from trauma. Analysis of the reported data indicates a higher risk of incarceration in early childhood. Surgical treatment is the most frequently reported approach with generally favorable outcomes, whereas the evidence for conservative management remains limited. This comprehensive review highlights the dual nature of pediatric SH and underscores the need for a high index of suspicion in relevant clinical scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Surgery)

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27 pages, 6078 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Generative AI-Enhanced Case-Based Reasoning Method for Risk Assessment: Ontology Modeling and Similarity Calculation Framework

by Jiayi Sun and Liguo Fei

Mathematics 2025, 13(17), 2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13172735 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Traditional Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) methods face significant methodological challenges, including limited information resources in case databases, methodologically inadequate similarity calculation approaches, and a lack of standardized case revision mechanisms. These limitations lead to suboptimal case matching and insufficient solution adaptation, highlighting critical gaps in the development of CBR methodologies. This paper proposes a novel CBR framework enhanced by generative AI, aiming to improve and innovate existing methods in three key stages of traditional CBR, thereby enhancing the accuracy of retrieval and the scientific nature of corrections. First, we develop an ontology model for comprehensive case representation, systematically capturing scenario characteristics, risk typologies, and strategy frameworks through structured knowledge representation. Second, we introduce an advanced similarity calculation method grounded in triangle theory, incorporating three computational dimensions: attribute similarity measurement, requirement similarity assessment, and capability similarity evaluation. This multi-dimensional approach provides more accurate and robust similarity quantification compared to existing methods. Third, we design a generative AI-based case revision mechanism that systematically adjusts solution strategies based on case differences, considering interdependence relationships and mutual influence patterns among risk factors to generate optimized solutions. The methodological framework addresses fundamental limitations in existing CBR approaches through systematic improvements in case representation, similarity computation, and solution adaptation processes. Experimental validation using actual case data demonstrates the effectiveness and scientific validity of the proposed methodological framework, with applications in risk assessment and emergency response scenarios. The results show significant improvements in case-matching accuracy and solution quality compared to traditional CBR approaches. This method provides a robust methodological foundation for CBR-based decision-making systems and offers practical value for risk management applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multi-Source Information Fusion and Fuzzy Uncertainty Reasoning in Interdisciplinary Applications)

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13 pages, 3987 KB

Open AccessArticle

CFD-Based Optimization of the Growth Zone in an Industrial Ammonothermal GaN Autoclave for Uniform Flow and Temperature Fields

by Marek Zak, Pawel Kempisty, Boleslaw Lucznik, Robert Kucharski and Michal Bockowski

Crystals 2025, 15(9), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090754 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to investigate fluid flow and heat transfer within the growth zone of gallium nitride crystals synthesized via the alkaline ammonothermal method, with particular emphasis on the influence of seed crystal arrangement and installation geometry. The model analyzes temperature and velocity distributions, highlighting how seed configuration affects turbulent and transitional flow behavior. Key findings demonstrate the effectiveness of CFD in evaluating and optimizing growth zone design. Both simulation and experimental results show that achieving more uniform flow and temperature fields leads to more consistent growth rates and improved structural crystal quality. Furthermore, the study underscores the critical role of installation geometry in shaping flow characteristics such as velocity distribution, temperature gradients, and their transient fluctuations, factors essential for optimizing the ammonothermal crystallization process. Full article

26 pages, 2374 KB

Open AccessArticle

Native Plant Responses and Elemental Accumulation in Mining and Metallurgical Mediterranean Ecosystems

by Eleni G. Papazoglou, Hamza Zine, Panayiotis Trigas, Małgorzata Wójcik and Jaco Vangronsveld

Plants 2025, 14(17), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14172646 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Mining and metallurgical activities negatively impact ecosystems due to the release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This study assesses PTE pollution and accumulation in native plant species that have spontaneously colonized a historical mining site (Michaly, site A) and a nearby metallurgical smelter site (Varvara, site B) on the Lavreotiki Peninsula, Attika, Greece. Soils were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn. A total of 89 native plant taxa across 28 families were identified. The aerial parts from dominant species were analyzed for PTE concentrations, and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated. One-way ANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) using R were used for statistical evaluation. Soils at both sites showed elevated As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn; Mn was high only at site B, while Co and Fe remained at background levels. Several plant species, especially at Michaly, had elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, Sb, and Zn in their aerial parts. BCFs indicated general PTE exclusion from aerial parts, particularly at site B. Native vegetation on these contaminated sites shows resilience and PTE exclusion, highlighting their potential for phytoremediation, especially phytostabilization, and ecological restoration in similarly polluted Mediterranean environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Phytomanagement for Soil Health Restoration and Sustainability)

15 pages, 3066 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Induction Hardening Following Carburizing–Nitriding Duplex Treatment on the Microstructure and Fatigue Strength of JIS-SCM420 Low-Alloy Steel

by Minheon Kim and Osamu Umezawa

Metals 2025, 15(9), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/met15090944 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this study, a duplex treatment combining carburizing, nitriding, and subsequent induction hardening (IH) was applied to JIS-SCM420 low-alloy steel. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to assess surface characteristics, including microstructure, hardness, residual stress, and fatigue performance. The IH process successfully produced a high-nitrogen-content ε-Fe_2-3(N,C) compound layer (2–3 μm thick) and fine acicular martensite at the surface, significantly enhancing surface hardness (950 HV0.03) and inducing beneficial compressive residual stress (−477 MPa). The IH-treated material exhibited a plane-bending fatigue strength of approximately 775 MPa, notably higher than that of conventionally carbonitrided specimens (700 MPa). This improvement was primarily attributed to the formation of the hard ε-Fe_2-3(N,C) compound layer and refined martensitic structure resulting from induction hardening. Additionally, IH activated residual interstitial elements, promoting the precipitation of stable surface nitrides. These microstructural changes effectively suppressed fatigue crack initiation and propagation, thereby extending fatigue life under cyclic loading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Fatigue and Fracture Behaviour of Metallic Materials)

19 pages, 1200 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Wave Load Reduction and Tranquility Zone Formation Using an Elastic Plate and Double Porous Structures for Seawall Protection

by Gagan Sahoo, Harekrushna Behera and Tai-Wen Hsu

Mathematics 2025, 13(17), 2733; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13172733 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study presents an analytical model to reduce the impact of wave-induced forces on a vertical seawall by introducing a floating elastic plate (EP) located at a specific distance from two bottom-standing porous structures (BSPs). The hydrodynamic interaction with the EP is described using thin plate theory, while the fluid flow through the porous medium is described by the model developed by Sollit and Cross. The resulting boundary value problem is addressed through linear potential theory combined with the eigenfunction expansion method (EEM), and model validation is achieved through consistency checks with recognized results from the literature. A comprehensive parametric analysis is performed to evaluate the influence of key system parameters such as the porosity and frictional coefficient of the BSPs, their height and width, the flexural rigidity of the EP, and the spacing between the EP and BSPs on vital hydrodynamic coefficients, including the wave force on the seawall, free surface elevation, wave reflection coefficient, and energy dissipation coefficient. The results indicate that higher frictional coefficients and higher BSP heights significantly enhance wave energy dissipation and reduce reflection, in accordance with the principle of energy conservation. Oscillatory trends observed with respect to wavenumbers in the reflection and dissipation coefficients highlight resonant interactions between the structures. Moreover, compared with a single BSP, the double BSP arrangement is more effective in minimizing the wave force on the seawall and free surface elevation in the region between the EP and the wall, even when the total volume of porous material remains unchanged. The inter-structural gap is found to play a crucial role in optimizing resonance conditions and supporting the formation of a tranquility zone. Overall, the proposed configuration demonstrates significant potential for coastal protection, offering a practical and effective solution for reducing wave loads on marine infrastructure. Full article

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12 pages, 697 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenotypic and Genetic Stability of the Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. Plants Regenerated in Tissue Culture

by Marzena Parzymies, Katarzyna Głębocka, Magdalena Pogorzelec, Barbara Banach-Albińska, Alicja Świstowska and Michał Arciszewski

Genes 2025, 16(9), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16091003 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Tissue culture might be a method supplementing traditional plant propagation in various fields, like agriculture, medicine, industry, and the active conservation of plant species. For the purpose of plant restoration, it is important that the obtained progenies are identical with the mother plants to ensure the true-to-typeness of the future population. Methods: In the present study, the stability of Aldrovanda vesiculosa regenerants obtained in vitro through phenotypic and genetic analysis was estimated. Clones of aldrovanda plants were cultivated in tissue culture in the 1/10 MS liquid medium under the same conditions for over a year, with five weeks of subculturing. Results: It was observed that two clones formed plants that displayed atypical growth structures, the shoots were shorter with many lateral shoots, and they had a lower fresh weight. They also formed fewer and smaller snap-traps, which, in the case of carnivorous plants, determines the capability of catching prey. The 35 in vitro regenerated plants and 5 specimens obtained from the natural habitat were subjected to genetic analyses with two molecular markers: start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP). Despite the visible morphological variants, the genetic stability of all the regenerants with the individuals from natural stands was confirmed. All of them were monomorphic except three bands that were obtained for reference, where individuals were amplified with SCoT28 and me12-em13 SRAP primers. Conclusions: As shown in the presented research, it might be recommended to use different methods to evaluate the stability of in vitro cultivated plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Genetics and Genomics)

18 pages, 314 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Decade of Advancements: A Systematic Review of Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Burnout AmongMental Health Nurses

by Mark Fredrick Abundo and Adem Sav

Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172113 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a prevalent issue among mental health nurses. While various interventions have been implemented to address burnout, their effectiveness and sustainability remain unclear in specialised mental health settings. This systematic review aims to clearly evaluate the effectiveness of interventions specifically designed to reduce burnout among mental health nurses, focusing on intervention types, their impact, and the sustainability of results. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases (Embase, CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) identified studies on burnout reduction interventions for mental health nurses. Inclusion criteria focused on mental health nursing populations with pre- and post-intervention burnout measures. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. A narrative synthesis guideline was used to analyse data. Results: Among 2502 studies retrieved, only 4 met the inclusion criteria after a rigorous screening process. These studies explored specific intervention types, including a two-day burnout prevention workshop, an eight-week group-based psychoeducational programme, a twelve-week mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention, and an eight-week guided self-help mindfulness programme delivered via a digital platform. Significant reductions in burnout were observed across these studies; however, the sustainability of these effects varied. Interventions of greater duration, such as the 12-week mindfulness-based programme and the 8-week group psychoeducational intervention, yielded more enduring improvements. In contrast, shorter interventions, like a two-day workshop, showed transient benefits that diminished over time. Conclusions: This review highlights a critical gap in research on burnout interventions for mental health nurses. While the reviewed interventions showed promise in reducing burnout, the findings underscore the need for sustainable, adaptable interventions and more robust research. Full article

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17 pages, 1832 KB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Characterization of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Chimera Expressing Schmallenberg Virus Glycoproteins

by Huijuan Guo, Zhigang Jiang, Jing Wang, Fang Wang, Qi Jia, Zhigao Bu, Xin Yin and Zhiyuan Wen

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090809 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a negative-sense RNA virus transmitted by insect vectors, causing arthrogryposis-hydranencephaly syndrome in newborn ruminants. Since its discovery in Germany and the Netherlands in 2011, SBV has rapidly spread across multiple European countries, resulting in significant economic losses in the livestock industry. With the increasing global animal trade and the expanded range of insect transmission, the risk of SBV introduction into non-endemic regions is also rising. As the gold standard for serological testing, the virus neutralization test (VNT) is crucial for tracking the spread of SBV and evaluating the efficacy of vaccines. However, in non-endemic regions, the lack of local viral strains and the biosafety risks associated with introducing foreign strains pose challenges to the implementation of VNT. In this study, we employed reverse genetics techniques using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to substitute the VSV G protein with the envelope glycoproteins of SBV, thereby successfully generating and rescuing the recombinant virus rVSVΔG-eGFP-SBVGPC. The recombinant virus was then thoroughly characterized in terms of SBV Gc protein expression, viral morphology, and growth kinetics. Importantly, rVSVΔG-eGFP-SBVGPC exhibited SBV-specific cell tropism and was capable of reacting with SBV-positive serum, enabling the measurement of neutralizing antibody titers. The results suggest that this recombinant virus can serve as a feasible alternative for SBV neutralization tests, with promising potential for application in serological screening and vaccine evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)

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38 pages, 3747 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Optimization of Artificial Neural Networks and Machine Learning Techniques Applied to Small Welding Datasets

by Vinícius Resende Rocha, Fran Sérgio Lobato, Pedro Augusto Queiroz de Assis, Carlos Roberto Ribeiro, Sebastião Simões da Cunha, Louriel Oliveira Vilarinho, João Rodrigo Andrade, Leonardo Rosa Ribeiro da Silva and Luiz Eduardo dos Santos Paes

Processes 2025, 13(9), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092711 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Establishing precise welding parameters is essential to achieving the desired bead geometry and ensuring consistent quality in manufacturing processes. However, determining the optimal configuration of parameters remains a challenge, particularly when relying on limited experimental data. This study proposes the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs), with their architecture optimized via differential evolution (DE), to predict key MAG welding parameters based on target bead geometry. To address data limitations, cross-validation and data augmentation techniques were employed to enhance model generalization. In addition to the ANN model, machine learning algorithms commonly recommended for small datasets, such as K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs), were implemented for comparative evaluation. The results demonstrate that all models achieved good predictive performance, with SVM showing the highest accuracy among the techniques tested, reinforcing the value of integrating traditional ML models for benchmarking purposes in low-data scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence in Process Innovation and Optimization)

13 pages, 417 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrasonography of the Vagus Nerve in Parkinson’s Disease: Links to Clinical Profile and Autonomic Dysfunction

by Ovidijus Laucius, Justinas Drūteika, Tadas Vanagas, Renata Balnytė, Andrius Radžiūnas and Antanas Vaitkus

Biomedicines 2025, 13(9), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13092070 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction. Structural alterations in the vagus nerve (VN) may contribute to PD pathophysiology, though existing data remain inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate morphological changes in the VN using high-resolution ultrasound (USVN) and to investigate associations with autonomic symptoms, heart rate variability (HRV), and clinical characteristics in PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 PD patients and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. USVN was performed to assess VN cross-sectional area (CSA), echogenicity, and homogeneity bilaterally. Autonomic symptoms were measured using the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS-31). HRV parameters—SDNN, RMSSD, and pNN50—were obtained via 24 h Holter monitoring. Additional clinical data included Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, transcranial sonography findings, and third ventricle width. Results: PD patients showed significantly reduced VN CSA compared to controls (right: 1.90 ± 0.19 mm² vs. 2.07 ± 0.18 mm²; left: 1.74 ± 0.21 mm² vs. 1.87 ± 0.22 mm²; p < 0.001 and p < 0.02). Altered echogenicity and decreased homogeneity were also observed. Right VN CSA correlated with body weight, third ventricle size, and COMPASS-31 scores. Left VN CSA was associated with body size parameters and negatively correlated with RMSSD (p = 0.025, r = −0.21), indicating reduced vagal tone. Conclusions: USVN detects structural VN changes in PD, correlating with autonomic dysfunction. These findings support its potential as a non-invasive biomarker for early autonomic involvement in PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience)

16 pages, 1018 KB

Open AccessArticle

Honey Bee Foraging Decisions Are Shaped by Floral Trait Distinctiveness and Perception of Gains or Losses

by Juan C. Hernández, Jair E. García, Harrington Wells and Marisol Amaya-Márquez

Insects 2025, 16(9), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090884 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

The floral choices of honey bees (Apis mellifera) were studied using artificial flower patches to understand how foragers manage changing floral landscapes. Bees were observed under conditions where reward quality changed over time in blue and white flowers. We evaluated initial learning and reversal learning, varying the magnitude of reward quality-difference and color distinctness in the honey bee’s color vision space (being either similar or more distinct). Flower color fidelity was higher when flower colors were more distinct, but it also made it more difficult for bees to abandon the flower color in the reversal learning phase. Smaller differences in reward quality reduced flower color fidelity and promoted reversal learning. When reward difference between flower colors was created (initial learning), a decrease in one of the flower color rewards elicited a stronger behavioral response from foragers than an increase in reward. Our work highlights that bees used and integrated information from different axes of information: distinctiveness of color cues, magnitude of reward difference, and directionality (being stronger for losses than gains). Thus, flower distinctiveness, opportunity cost, and loss aversion drive honey bee foraging decisions. Higher accuracy at initial learning has stronger costs in behavioral adaptations at changing floral landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Conservation: Behavior, Health and Pollination Ecology)

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18 pages, 713 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Indigenous Ruminant Breeds for Preserving Genetic Diversity and the Risk of Extinction Due to Crossbreeding—A Case Study in an Intensified Livestock Area in Western Macedonia, Greece

by Martha Tampaki, Georgia Koutouzidou, Katerina Melfou, Athanasios Ragkos and Ioannis A. Giantsis

Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171813 (registering DOI) - 25 Aug 2025

Abstract

Livestock plays a crucial role in the global food system, not only as an important source of nutrients but also as a means of economic and social well-being. It constitutes a critical parameter of agricultural production in Mediterranean countries, with the majority of farms still having a relatively small herd size and depending largely on family labor. The purpose of this study is to record and evaluate the perceptions of livestock farmers in the Region of Western Macedonia, Greece (which represents a typical paradigm of an agricultural region), regarding the future prospects and the actions taken to ensure the sustainability of their farms. The research is based on a survey carried out from May to October, 2024, on ruminant farmers. Selective breeding and crossbreeding with higher-productivity breeds are some of the genetic improvements that are generally applied to increase productivity and were, therefore, investigated in this study. Through gradual crossbreeding, farmers attempt to improve the composition of their initial herds by incorporating high-productivity traits—although without officially participating in any recognized improvement program. This increases the risk of extinction for indigenous breeds, which are abandoned for use by the farmers. Our results also showed that most livestock farms derive from inheritances, with many livestock farmers practicing grazing mainly in mountainous areas and still rearing indigenous breeds. From the farmers’ point of view, more information and education regarding market conditions are needed. Furthermore, the sustainability of farms largely depends on subsidies, which are crucial due to difficulties in economic viability, particularly in mountainous areas. Encouraging the support of market differentiation and public awareness for the nutritional value of products derived from local breeds may serve as a promising agrobiodiversity conservation strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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