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Background and aim: Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are innovative drugs based on genes, tissues, or cells that target rare and severe diseases. ATMPs have shown promising clinical outcomes but are associated with high costs, raising questions about cost-effectiveness. Hence, this systematic review aims to analyze the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility profiles of the European Medicines Agency-authorized ATMPs for treating rare diseases. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest scientific databases. Economic evaluations reporting incremental cost-effectiveness/utility ratios (ICERs/ICURs) for ATMPs were included. Costs were standardized to 2023 Euros, and a cost-effectiveness plane was constructed to evaluate the results against willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of EUR 50,000, EUR 100,000, and EUR 150,000 per QALY, as part of a sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 61 studies met the inclusion criteria. ATMPs for rare blood diseases, such as tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, were found to be cost-effective in a majority of studies, with incremental QALYs ranging from 1.5 to 10 per patient over lifetime horizon. Tisagenlecleucel demonstrated a positive cost-effectiveness profile in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (58%), while axicabtagene ciloleucel showed a positive profile in the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (85%). Onasemnogene abeparvovec for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) showed uncertain cost-effectiveness results, and voretigene neparvovec for retinal diseases was not cost-effective in 40% of studies, with incremental QALYs around 1.3 and high costs exceeding the WTP threshold set. Conclusions: ATMPs in treating rare diseases show promising economic potential, but cost-effectiveness varies across indications. Policymakers must balance innovation with system sustainability, using refined models and the long-term impact on patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthcare Economics, Management, and Innovation for Health Systems)

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20 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Computational Thinking in Primary and Pre-School Children: A Systematic Review of the Literature

by Efrosyni-Alkisti Paraskevopoulou-Kollia, Christos-Apostolos Michalakopoulos, Nikolaos C. Zygouris and Pantelis G. Bagos

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15080985 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

Computational Thinking (CT) has been an important concept for the computer science education community in the last 20 years. In this work we performed a systematic review of the literature regarding the computational thinking of children from kindergarten to primary school. We compiled a large dataset of one hundred and twenty (120) studies from the literature. Through analysis of these studies, we tried to reveal important insights and draw interesting and valid conclusions. We analyzed various qualitative and quantitative aspects of the studies, including the sample size, the year of publication, the country of origin, the studies’ design and duration, the computational tools used, and so on. An important aspect of the work is to highlight differences between different study designs. We identified a total of 120 studies, with more than half of them (>50%) originating from Asian countries. Most studies (82.5%) conducted some form of intervention, aiming to improve their computational thinking in students. A smaller proportion (17.5%) were assessment studies in which the authors conducted assessments regarding the children’s computational thinking. On average, intervention studies had a smaller number of participants, but differences in duration could not be identified. There was also a lack of large-scale longitudinal studies. Block-based coding (i.e., Scratch) and Plugged and Unplugged activities were observed in high numbers in both categories of studies. CT assessment tools showed great variability. Efforts for standardization and reaching a consensus are needed in this regard. Finally, robotic systems have been found to play a major role in interventions over the last years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches to STEM Education)

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38 pages, 6505 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trends in Oil Spill Modeling: A Review of the Literature

by Rodrigo N. Vasconcelos, André T. Cunha Lima, Carlos A. D. Lentini, José Garcia V. Miranda, Luís F. F. de Mendonça, Diego P. Costa, Soltan G. Duverger and Elaine C. B. Cambui

Water 2025, 17(15), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152300 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

Oil spill simulation models are essential for predicting the oil spill behavior and movement in marine environments. In this study, we comprehensively reviewed a large and diverse body of peer-reviewed literature obtained from Scopus and Web of Science. Our initial analysis phase focused on examining trends in scientific publications, utilizing the complete dataset derived after systematic screening and database integration. In the second phase, we applied elements of a systematic review to identify and evaluate the most influential contributions in the scientific field of oil spill simulations. Our analysis revealed a steady and accelerating growth of research activity over the past five decades, with a particularly notable expansion in the last two. The field has also experienced a marked increase in collaborative practices, including a rise in international co-authorship and multi-authored contributions, reflecting a more global and interdisciplinary research landscape. We cataloged the key modeling frameworks that have shaped the field from established systems such as OSCAR, OIL-MAP/SIMAP, and GNOME to emerging hybrid and Lagrangian approaches. Hydrodynamic models were consistently central, often integrated with biogeochemical, wave, atmospheric, and oil-spill-specific modules. Environmental variables such as wind, ocean currents, and temperature were frequently used to drive model behavior. Geographically, research has concentrated on ecologically and economically sensitive coastal and marine regions. We conclude that future progress will rely on the real-time integration of high-resolution environmental data streams, the development of machine-learning-based surrogate models to accelerate computations, and the incorporation of advanced biodegradation and weathering mechanisms supported by experimental data. These advancements are expected to enhance the accuracy, responsiveness, and operational value of oil spill modeling tools, supporting environmental monitoring and emergency response. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Remote Sensing for Coastal System Monitoring and Management)

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16 pages, 11765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The European Influence on Qing Dynasty Architecture: Design Principles and Construction Innovations Across Cultures

by Manuel V. Castilla

Heritage 2025, 8(8), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080311 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

The design and planning of Western-style constructions during the early Qing Dynasty in China constituted a significant multicultural encounter that fused technological advancement with aesthetic innovation. This cultural interplay is particularly evident in the imperial garden and pavilion projects commissioned by the Qing court, which served as physical and symbolic sites of cross-cultural dialogue. Influenced by the intellectual and artistic movements of the European Renaissance, Western architectural concepts gradually found their way into the spatial and visual language of Chinese architecture, especially within the royal gardens and aristocratic buildings of the time. These structures were not simply imitative but rather represented a selective adaptation of Western ideas to suit Chinese imperial tastes and principles. This article examines the architectural language that emerged from this encounter between Chinese and European cultures, analysing symbolic motifs, spatial design, ornamental aesthetics, the application of linear perspective, and the integration of foreign architectural forms. These elements collectively functioned as tools to construct a unique visual discourse that communicated both political authority and cultural hybridity. The findings underscore that this architectural phenomenon was not merely stylistic imitation, but rather a dynamic convergence of technological knowledge and artistic vision across cultural boundaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress in Heritage Education: Evolving Techniques and Methods)

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24 pages, 2419 KiB

Open AccessReview

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Ecological Restoration of Tropical Forests: A Bibliometric Review

by Yajaira Arévalo, María Eugenia Avila-Salem, Paúl Loján, Narcisa Urgiles-Gómez, Darwin Pucha-Cofrep, Nikolay Aguirre and César Benavidez-Silva

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081266 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a vital role in the restoration of tropical forests by enhancing soil fertility, facilitating plant establishment, and improving ecosystem resilience. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global scientific output on AMF in the context of ecological restoration, based on 3835 publications indexed in the Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2001 to 2024. An average annual growth rate of approximately 9.45% was observed, with contributions from 10,868 authors across 880 journals. The most prominent journals included Mycorrhiza (3.34%), New Phytologist (3.00%), and Applied Soil Ecology (2.79%). Thematically, dominant research areas encompassed soil–plant interactions, phytoremediation, biodiversity, and microbial ecology. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified “arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,” “diversity,” “soil,” and “plant growth” as core topics, while emerging topics such as rhizosphere interactions and responses to abiotic stress showed increasing prominence. Despite the expanding body of literature, key knowledge gaps remain, particularly concerning AMF–plant specificity, long-term restoration outcomes, and integration of microbial community dynamics. These findings offer critical insights into the development of AMF research and underscore its strategic importance in tropical forest restoration, providing a foundation for future studies and informing ecosystem management policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Forest Biodiversity)

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21 pages, 1353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogen Cost and Carbon Analysis in Hollow Glass Manufacturing

by Dario Atzori, Claudia Bassano, Edoardo Rossi, Simone Tiozzo, Sandra Corasaniti and Angelo Spena

Energies 2025, 18(15), 4105; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154105 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

The European Union promotes decarbonization in energy-intensive industries like glass manufacturing. Collaboration between industry and researchers focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions through hydrogen (H₂) integration as a natural gas substitute. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no updated real-world case studies are available in the literature that consider the on-site implementation of an electrolyzer for autonomous hydrogen production capable of meeting the needs of a glass manufacturing plant within current technological constraints. This study examines a representative hollow glass plant and develops various decarbonization scenarios through detailed process simulations in Aspen Plus. The models provide consistent mass and energy balances, enabling the quantification of energy demand and key cost drivers associated with H₂ integration. These results form the basis for a scenario-specific techno-economic assessment, including both on-grid and off-grid configurations. Subsequently, the analysis estimates the levelized costs of hydrogen (LCOH) for each scenario and compares them to current and projected benchmarks. The study also highlights ongoing research projects and technological advancements in the transition from natural gas to H₂ in the glass sector. Finally, potential barriers to large-scale implementation are discussed, along with policy and infrastructure recommendations to foster industrial adoption. These findings suggest that hybrid configurations represent the most promising path toward industrial H₂ adoption in glass manufacturing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Techno-Economic Evaluation of Hydrogen Energy)

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19 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Trends in the Management of Varicocele

by Tamás Takács, Anett Szabó and Zsolt Kopa

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5445; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155445 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

Varicocele is a common, potentially correctable condition associated with impaired male fertility. Despite being frequently encountered in clinical andrology, its pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic approaches remain areas of active investigation and debate. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search, using the PubMed database, covering clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and current international guidelines from the past ten years. Emphasis was placed on studies investigating novel diagnostic modalities, therapeutic innovations, and prognostic markers. Emerging evidence supports the multifactorial pathophysiology of varicocele, involving oxidative stress, hypoxia, inflammatory pathways, and potential genetic predisposition. Biomarkers, including microRNAs, antisperm antibodies, and sperm DNA fragmentation, offer diagnostic and prognostic utility, though their routine clinical implementation requires further validation. Advances in imaging, such as shear wave elastography, may improve diagnostic accuracy. While microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy remains the gold standard, technological refinements and non-surgical alternatives are being explored. Indications for treatment have expanded to include selected cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, hypogonadism, and optimization for assisted reproduction, though high-level evidence is limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Male Infertility Update: Current Knowledge on Etiology, Comorbidities, Diagnosis and Treatment: Clinical Topics)

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21 pages, 738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Macro Factors on NPLs in the Banking Industry of Kazakhstan

by Almas Kalimoldayev, Yelena Popova, Olegs Cernisevs and Sergejs Popovs

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080431 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

The importance of non-performing loans (NPLs) for the stability of financial sectors is difficult to overestimate. The NPL level depends on numerous factors; this study’s goal is to determine the impact of macroeconomic factors on NPLs with the mediation effect of foreign, saving and social factors in Kazakhstan’s banking sector. To determine the affecting factors, the authors performed a systematic literature review. To determine the dependencies between constructs, the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used. Macroeconomic factors’ direct effect on non-performing loans (NPLs) was examined; a significant negative dependence was determined. The mediation effect of foreign, saving, and social factors was investigated. Foreign factors have a mediation effect, strengthening the dependence between macro factors and NPLs. Nevertheless, they do not have a mediating effect; moreover, they balance and make the effect of macro factors on NPLs statistically insignificant. These findings allow policy-makers to stabilize the situation on NPLs in the financial markets of developing countries like Kazakhstan by directly influencing not only the financial sector but also other sectors of the national economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Banking and Finance)

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9 pages, 459 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Resurgence of Bordetella pertussis in Lazio: A Cross-Age Surveillance Study from Two Referral Hospitals

by Giuseppe Sberna, Giulia Linardos, Eleonora Lalle, Rossana Scutari, Antonella Vulcano, Cosmina Mija, Licia Bordi, Barbara Bartolini, Fabrizio Maggi, Carlo Federico Perno and Carla Fontana

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081808 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

Since late 2023, an increase in Bordetella pertussis infections has been noticed in Europe, particularly among children. Our data showed the upward trend of B. pertussis cases in the Lazio region, even among adults with severe influenza-like illnesses, highlighting the necessity for maintaining high vaccination rates across both children and adults. These findings underscore the urgent need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for B. pertussis in patients with respiratory symptoms, prioritize nasopharyngeal swabs for accurate diagnosis, assess for co-infections, verify booster vaccination status in adults, and support timely reporting to public health authorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Public Health Microbiology)

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34 pages, 7571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Passive Design for Residential Buildings in Arid Desert Climates: Insights from the Solar Decathlon Middle East

by Esra Trepci and Edwin Rodriguez-Ubinas

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152731 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of passive design in low-rise residential buildings located in arid desert climates, using the Dubai Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) competition as a case study. This full-scale experiment offers a unique opportunity to evaluate design solutions under controlled, realistic conditions; prescriptive, modeled performance; and monitored performance assessments. The prescriptive assessment reviews geometry, orientation, envelope thermal properties, and shading. Most houses adopt compact forms, with envelope-to-volume and envelope-to-floor area ratios averaging 1 and 3.7, respectively, and window-to-wall ratios of approximately 17%, favoring north-facing openings to optimize daylight while reducing heat gain. Shading is strategically applied, horizontal on south façades and vertical on east and west. The thermal properties significantly exceed the local code requirements, with wall performance up to 80% better than that mandated. The modeled assessment uses Building Energy Models (BEMs) to simulate the impact of prescriptive measures on energy performance. Three variations are applied: assigning minimum local code requirements to all the houses to isolate the geometry (baseline); removing shading; and applying actual envelope properties. Geometry alone accounts for up to 60% of the variation in cooling intensity; shading reduces loads by 6.5%, and enhanced envelopes lower demand by 14%. The monitored assessment uses contest-period data. Indoor temperatures remain stable (22–25 °C) despite outdoor fluctuations. Energy use confirms that houses with good designs and airtightness have lower cooling loads. Airtightness varies widely (avg. 14.5 m³/h/m²), with some well-designed houses underperforming due to construction flaws. These findings highlight the critical role of passive design as the first layer for improving the energy performance of the built environment and advancing toward net-zero targets, specifically in arid desert climates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate-Responsive Architectural and Urban Design)

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4 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Mancuso et al. Forcing Ahead: Second-Line Treatment Options for Lenalidomide-Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Cancers 2025, 17, 1168

by Katia Mancuso, Simona Barbato, Francesco Di Raimondo, Francesca Gay, Pellegrino Musto, Massimo Offidani, Maria Teresa Petrucci, Elena Zamagni, Renato Zambello and Michele Cavo

Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2555; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152555 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

The authors have separated the affiliations originally listed in affiliation 4—this is so both affiliations can be organized from subordinate to superior [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cancer Therapy)

28 pages, 1063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Digital Identity Blockchain Ecosystem: Linking Government-Certified and Uncertified Tokenized Objects

by Juan-Carlos López-Pimentel, Javier Gonzalez-Sanchez and Luis Alberto Morales-Rosales

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8577; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158577 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a novel digital identity ecosystem built upon a hierarchical structure of Blockchain tokens, where both government-certified and uncertified tokens can coexist to represent various attributes of an individual’s identity. At the core of this system is the government, which functions as a trusted authority capable of creating entities and issuing a unique, non-replicable digital identity token for each one. Entities are the exclusive owners of their identity tokens and can attach additional tokens—such as those issued by the government, educational institutions, or financial entities—to form a verifiable, token-based digital identity tree. This model accommodates a flexible identity framework that enables decentralized yet accountable identity construction. Our contributions include the design of a digital identity system (supported by smart contracts) that enforces uniqueness through state-issued identity tokens while supporting user-driven identity formation. The model differentiates between user types and certifies tokens according to their source, enabling a scalable and extensible structure. We also analyze the economic, technical, and social feasibility of deploying this system, including a breakdown of transaction costs for key stakeholders such as governments, end-users, and institutions like universities. Considering the benefits of blockchain, implementing a digital identity ecosystem in this technology is economically viable for all involved stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Blockchain Technology and Its Applications)

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27 pages, 4582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Palazzo Farnese and Dong’s Fortified Compound: An Art-Anthropological Cross-Cultural Analysis of Architectural Form, Symbolic Ornamentation, and Public Perception

by Liyue Wu, Qinchuan Zhan, Yanjun Li and Chen Chen

Buildings 2025, 15(15), 2720; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15152720 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study presents a cross-cultural comparison of two fortified residences—Palazzo Farnese in Italy and Dong’s Fortified Compound in China—through a triadic analytical framework encompassing architectural form, symbolic ornamentation, and public perception. By combining field observation, iconographic interpretation, and digital ethnography, the research investigates how heritage meaning is constructed, encoded, and reinterpreted across distinct sociocultural contexts. Empirical materials include architectural documentation, decorative analysis, and a curated dataset of 4947 user-generated images and 1467 textual comments collected from Chinese and international platforms between 2020 and 2024. Methods such as CLIP-based visual clustering and BERTopic-enabled sentiment modelling were applied to extract patterns of perception and symbolic emphasis. The findings reveal contrasting representational logics: Palazzo Farnese encodes dynastic authority and Renaissance cosmology through geometric order and immersive frescoes, while Dong’s Compound conveys Confucian ethics and frontier identity via nested courtyards and traditional ornamentation. Digital responses diverge accordingly: international users highlight formal aesthetics and photogenic elements; Chinese users engage with symbolic motifs, family memory, and ritual significance. This study illustrates how historically fortified residences are reinterpreted through culturally specific digital practices, offering an interdisciplinary approach that bridges architectural history, symbolic analysis, and digital heritage studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate)

11 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nomenclature and Typification of the Goat Grass Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae: Triticeae): A Key Species for the Secondary Gene Pool of Common Wheat Triticum aestivum

by P. Pablo Ferrer-Gallego, Raúl Ferrer-Gallego, Diego Rivera, Concepción Obón, Emilio Laguna and Nikolay P. Goncharov

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2375; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152375 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: The typification of the name Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae: Triticeae) is revisited. Several authors cited a gathering from Iberia as the locality and Buxbaum as the collector of as the type, but no actual specimens from this collection have been located, nor is there evidence that such a gathering existed. In 1994, van Slageren designated as lectotype an illustration from Buxbaum’s Plantarum minus cognitarum centuria I (1728), which, although original material, is not the only element cited in the protologue. The protologue mentions several gatherings, some of which are represented by identifiable herbarium specimens qualifying as syntypes. Methods: This work is based on the analysis of the protologue of Aegilops tauschii and the study of specimens conserved in several herbaria. According to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN, Shenzhen Code 2018), an illustration does not hold the same nomenclatural weight as preserved specimens cited in the protologue. Therefore, van Slageren’s lectotypification does not comply with Art. 9.12 of the ICN and must be superseded. Results: The original material includes multiple elements, and a new lectotype is designated from a specimen at PRC from Azerbaijan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy and Nomenclature of Euro + Mediterranean Vascular Plants)

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1 pages, 121 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Hernández-Juárez et al. Low-Frequency Acoustic Emissions During Granular Discharge in Inclined Silos. Fluids 2025, 10, 138

by Josué Roberto Hernández-Juárez, Abel López-Villa, Abraham Medina and Daniel Armando Serrano Huerta

Fluids 2025, 10(8), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids10080202 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

The authors would like to make the following correction to this published paper [...] Full article

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