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19 pages, 4032 KiB  
Article
Modest Irrigation Frequency Improves Maize Water Use Efficiency and Influences Trait Expression
by Carla Sofia Santos Ferreira, Arona Figueroa Pires, André Pereira, Pedro Mendes-Moreira and Matthew Tom Harrison
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7365; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167365 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 275
Abstract
While irrigation is generally required for most summer crops in the Mediterranean region, increasingly scarce water supplies are leading to a demand for more efficient irrigation infrastructure. Here, we assess how three irrigation volumes—100 mm/week (simulating excess water), 55 mm twice per week [...] Read more.
While irrigation is generally required for most summer crops in the Mediterranean region, increasingly scarce water supplies are leading to a demand for more efficient irrigation infrastructure. Here, we assess how three irrigation volumes—100 mm/week (simulating excess water), 55 mm twice per week (moderate supply), and a variable amount adjusted on a weekly basis according to crop water demand (AMP) applied once or twice weekly via drip irrigation—impacted the growth, yield, and ear traits of a local maize variety under low-input farming in central Portugal. We found that irrigation management significantly influenced grain yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), with the 55 mm treatment applied twice weekly achieving the highest yield (3504 kg ha−1) and IWUE (7.2 kg ha−1 mm−1). The highest irrigation treatment (100 mm/weekly) impaired yield (996 kg ha−1 and 1973 kg ha−1, when water was applied in one or two events), likely due to nutrient leaching, and resulted in the lowest IWRU (1.2 kg ha−1 mm−1 and 2.5 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively). Biweekly applications tended to increase crop height. Irrigation rate and frequency significantly affected kernel number and size, but not total ear weight or cob-to-ear weight ratio. These findings highlight the importance of irrigation frequency based on crop water demand over blanket approaches based on volume alone. Full article
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15 pages, 8138 KiB  
Article
Study on the Characteristics of Straw Fiber Curtains for Protecting Embankment Slopes from Rainfall Erosion
by Xiangyong Zhong, Feng Xu, Rusong Nie, Yang Li, Chunyan Zhao and Long Zhang
Eng 2025, 6(8), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/eng6080179 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
Straw fiber curtain contains a plant fiber blanket woven from crop straw, which is mainly used to protect embankment slopes from rainwater erosion. To investigate the erosion control performance of slopes covered with straw fiber curtains of different structural configurations, physical model tests [...] Read more.
Straw fiber curtain contains a plant fiber blanket woven from crop straw, which is mainly used to protect embankment slopes from rainwater erosion. To investigate the erosion control performance of slopes covered with straw fiber curtains of different structural configurations, physical model tests were conducted in a 95 cm × 65 cm × 50 cm (length × height × width) test box with a slope ratio of 1:1.5 under controlled artificial rainfall conditions (20 mm/h, 40 mm/h, and 60 mm/h). The study evaluated the runoff characteristics, sediment yield, and key hydrodynamic parameters of slopes under the coverage of different straw fiber curtain types. The results show that the A-type straw fiber curtain (woven with strips of straw fiber) has the best effect on water retention and sediment reduction, while the B-type straw fiber curtain (woven with thicker straw strips) with vertical straw fiber has a better effect regarding water retention and sediment reduction than the B-type transverse straw fiber curtain. The flow of rainwater on a slope covered with straw fiber curtain is mainly a laminar flow. Straw fiber curtain can promote the conversion of water flow from rapids to slow flow. The Darcy-Weisbach resistance coefficient of straw fiber curtain increases at different degrees with an increase in rainfall time. Full article
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25 pages, 2761 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Deep Learning, Grid Search, and Bayesian Networks to Predict Distant Recurrence of Breast Cancer
by Xia Jiang, Yijun Zhou, Alan Wells and Adam Brufsky
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2515; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152515 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
Background: Unlike most cancers, breast cancer poses a persistent risk of distant recurrence—often years after initial treatment—making long-term risk stratification uniquely challenging. Current tools fall short in predicting late metastatic events, particularly for early-stage patients. Methods: We present an interpretable machine [...] Read more.
Background: Unlike most cancers, breast cancer poses a persistent risk of distant recurrence—often years after initial treatment—making long-term risk stratification uniquely challenging. Current tools fall short in predicting late metastatic events, particularly for early-stage patients. Methods: We present an interpretable machine learning (ML) pipeline to predict distant recurrence-free survival at 5, 10, and 15 years, integrating Bayesian network-based causal feature selection, deep feed-forward neural network models (DNMs), and SHAP-based interpretation. Using electronic health record (EHR)-based clinical data from over 6000 patients, we first applied the Markov blanket and interactive risk factor learner (MBIL) to identify minimally sufficient predictor subsets. These were then used to train optimized DNM classifiers, with hyperparameters tuned via grid search and benchmarked against models from 10 traditional ML methods and models trained using all predictors. Results: Our best models achieved area under the curve (AUC) scores of 0.79, 0.83, and 0.89 for 5-, 10-, and 15-year predictions, respectively—substantially outperforming baselines. MBIL reduced input dimensionality by over 80% without sacrificing accuracy. Importantly, MBIL-selected features (e.g., nodal status, hormone receptor expression, tumor size) overlapped strongly with top SHAP contributors, reinforcing interpretability. Calibration plots further demonstrated close agreement between predicted probabilities and observed recurrence rates. The percentage performance improvement due to grid search ranged from 25.3% to 60%. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that combining causal selection, deep learning, and grid search improves prediction accuracy, transparency, and calibration for long-horizon breast cancer recurrence risk. The proposed framework is well-positioned for clinical use, especially to guide long-term follow-up and therapy decisions in early-stage patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI-Based Applications in Cancers)
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38 pages, 21337 KiB  
Article
Full-Scale Experimental Analysis of the Behavior of Electric Vehicle Fires and the Effectiveness of Extinguishing Methods
by Ana Olona and Luis Castejon
Fire 2025, 8(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8080301 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 808
Abstract
The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought specific risks, including the possibility of fires or explosions resulting from mechanical, thermal, or electrical failures, which can lead to thermal runaway (TR). There is a great lack of knowledge about how to act safely [...] Read more.
The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought specific risks, including the possibility of fires or explosions resulting from mechanical, thermal, or electrical failures, which can lead to thermal runaway (TR). There is a great lack of knowledge about how to act safely in this type of fire. This study carried out two full-scale fire experiments on electric vehicles to investigate response strategies to electric vehicle fires caused by thermal runaway. Centro Zaragoza provided technical advice for these tests, so that they could be carried out safely, controlling the risks. This advice has allowed Centro Zaragoza to analyze different response strategies to the fires in electric vehicles caused by thermal runaway. On the other hand, the propagation patterns of thermal runaway fires in electric vehicles were investigated. The early-phase effectiveness of fire blankets and other extinguishing measures was tested, and the temperature distributions inside the vehicle and the type of fire generated were measured. The results showed that fire blankets successfully extinguished flames by cutting off the oxygen supply. These findings contribute to the development of effective strategies for responding to electric vehicle fires, enabling the establishment of good practice for fire suppression in electric vehicles and their batteries. Full article
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5 pages, 175 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
General Concepts from the Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification of HTL-Derived Bio-Oil: A Case Study of the MARINES Project
by Nicholas J. Daras, Paraskevi C. Divari, Constantinos C. Karamatsoukis, Konstantinos G. Kolovos, Theodore Liolios, Georgia Melagraki, Christos Michalopoulos and Dionysios E. Mouzakis
Proceedings 2025, 121(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025121012 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
This study evaluates the risk assessment and hazard identification of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)-derived bio-oil from the MARINES project, which converts military organic waste into fuel. The high oxygen content (35–50 wt%), acidic pH (2–4), and viscosity (10–1000 cP) of bio-oils pose unique challenges, [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the risk assessment and hazard identification of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)-derived bio-oil from the MARINES project, which converts military organic waste into fuel. The high oxygen content (35–50 wt%), acidic pH (2–4), and viscosity (10–1000 cP) of bio-oils pose unique challenges, including oxidative polymerization, corrosion, and micro-explosions during combustion. Key hazards include storage instability, particulate emissions (20–30% higher than diesel), and aquatic toxicity (LC50 < 10 mg/L for phenolics). Mitigation strategies such as inert gas blanketing, preheating, and spill containment are proposed. While offering renewable fuel potential, HTL bio-oil demands rigorous safety protocols for military/industrial deployment, warranting further experimental validation. Full article
11 pages, 935 KiB  
Article
Rescue Blankets in Direct Exposure to Lightning Strikes—An Experimental Study
by Markus Isser, Wolfgang Lederer, Daniel Schwaiger, Mathias Maurer, Sandra Bauchinger and Stephan Pack
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080868 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Lightning strikes pose a significant risk during outdoor activities. The connection between conventionally used rescue blankets in alpine emergencies and the risk of lightning injury is unclear. This experimental study investigated whether rescue blankets made of aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate increase the likelihood of [...] Read more.
Lightning strikes pose a significant risk during outdoor activities. The connection between conventionally used rescue blankets in alpine emergencies and the risk of lightning injury is unclear. This experimental study investigated whether rescue blankets made of aluminum-coated polyethylene terephthalate increase the likelihood of lightning injuries. High-voltage experiments of up to 2.5 MV were conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, exposing manikins to realistic lightning discharges. In a balanced test environment, two conventionally used brands were investigated. Upward leaders frequently formed on the edges along the fold lines of the foils and were significantly longer in crumpled rescue blankets (p = 0.004). When a lightning strike occurred, the thin metallic layer evaporated at the contact point without igniting the blanket or damaging the underlying plastic film. The blankets diverted surface currents and prevented current flow to the manikins, indicating potentially protective effects. The findings of this experimental study suggest that upward leaders rise from the edge areas of rescue blankets, although there is no increased risk for a direct strike. Rescue blankets may even provide partial protection against exposure to electrical charges. Full article
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34 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Integrated Information in Relational Quantum Dynamics (RQD)
by Arash Zaghi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7521; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137521 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
We introduce a quantum integrated-information measure Φ for multipartite states within the Relational Quantum Dynamics (RQD) framework. Φ(ρ) is defined as the minimum quantum Jensen–Shannon distance between an n-partite density operator ρ and any product state over a bipartition of [...] Read more.
We introduce a quantum integrated-information measure Φ for multipartite states within the Relational Quantum Dynamics (RQD) framework. Φ(ρ) is defined as the minimum quantum Jensen–Shannon distance between an n-partite density operator ρ and any product state over a bipartition of its subsystems. We prove that its square root induces a genuine metric on state space and that Φ is monotonic under all completely positive trace-preserving maps. Restricting the search to bipartitions yields a unique optimal split and a unique closest product state. From this geometric picture, we derive a canonical entanglement witness directly tied to Φ and construct an integration dendrogram that reveals the full hierarchical correlation structure of ρ. We further show that there always exists an “optimal observer”—a channel or basis—that preserves Φ better than any alternative. Finally, we propose a quantum Markov blanket theorem: the boundary of the optimal bipartition isolates subsystems most effectively. Our framework unites categorical enrichment, convex-geometric methods, and operational tools, forging a concrete bridge between integrated information theory and quantum information science. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Communication and Quantum Information)
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24 pages, 1906 KiB  
Article
Coupling Advanced Oxidation and Anaerobic Treatment for Landfill Leachate: Magnetite-Catalyzed Ozone and USAB Reactor Efficiency
by Dorance Becerra-Moreno, Antonio Zuorro, Fiderman Machuca-Martínez, Luisa F. Ramírez-Rios, Janet B. García-Martínez and Andrés F. Barajas-Solano
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070218 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 890
Abstract
Sanitary landfill leachate treatment was evaluated using magnetite-catalyzed ozone, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, and microalgae, both individually and in combination, to improve biodegradability and remove organic matter, solids, metals, and nutrients. Leachates were characterized before and after each treatment, and [...] Read more.
Sanitary landfill leachate treatment was evaluated using magnetite-catalyzed ozone, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, and microalgae, both individually and in combination, to improve biodegradability and remove organic matter, solids, metals, and nutrients. Leachates were characterized before and after each treatment, and their impacts on methanogenic activity, aerobic toxicity, and the BOD5/COD ratio were assessed. Magnetite-catalyzed ozone pretreatment enhanced biodegradability, enabling an optimal coupling point with the UASB at 40 min when the specific methanogenic activity reached 0.22 g CH4-COD/(gVSS·d). The UASB achieved COD removal rates of up to 75%, but high concentrations were maintained in the effluent with low ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates. Microalgae promoted nutrient removal, reducing total nitrogen and phosphorus by up to 65% and 70%, respectively, although with lower efficiency in terms of organic matter removal. Process coupling demonstrated that ozonation followed by UASB application improved anaerobic degradation, whereas the use of microalgae after biological treatment optimized the final effluent quality. Despite the improvements achieved, the final values for some parameters still exceeded the discharge limits, indicating the need for operational adjustments or additional treatments to ensure effective purification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transition Metal Catalysts: Design, Synthesis and Applications)
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23 pages, 4515 KiB  
Article
Impact of Coastal Beach Reclamation on Seasonal Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Study of Diversified Saline–Alkaline Land Use Patterns
by Jiayi Xie, Ye Yuan, Xiaoqing Wang, Rui Zhang, Rui Zhong, Jiahao Zhai, Yumeng Lu, Jiawei Tao, Lijie Pu and Sihua Huang
Agriculture 2025, 15(13), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15131403 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Reclaiming coastal wetlands for agricultural purposes has led to intensified farming activities, which are anticipated to affect greenhouse gas (GHG) flux processes within coastal wetland ecosystems. However, how greenhouse gas exchanges respond to variations in agricultural reclamation activities across different years remains uncertain. [...] Read more.
Reclaiming coastal wetlands for agricultural purposes has led to intensified farming activities, which are anticipated to affect greenhouse gas (GHG) flux processes within coastal wetland ecosystems. However, how greenhouse gas exchanges respond to variations in agricultural reclamation activities across different years remains uncertain. To address this knowledge gap, this study characterized dynamic exchanges within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum by employing continuous monitoring across four representative coastal wetland soil–vegetation systems in Jiangsu, China. The results show the carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) flux exchanges between the system and the atmosphere and soil–vegetation carbon pools, which revealed the drivers of carbon dynamics in the coastal wetland system. The four study sites, converted from coastal wetlands to agricultural lands at different times (years), generally act as CO2 sinks and N2O sources. Higher levels of CO2 sequestration occur as the age of reclamation rises. In terms of time scale, crops lands were found to be CO2 sinks during the growing period but became CO2 sources during the crop fallow period. Although the temporal trend of the N2O flux was generally smooth, reclaimed farmlands acted as net sources of N2O, particularly during the crop-growing period. The RDA and PLS-PM models illustrate that soil salinity, acidity, and hydrothermal conditions were the key drivers affecting the magnitude of the GHG flux exchanges under reclamation. This study demonstrates that GHG emissions from reclaimed wetlands can be effectively regulated through science-based land management, calling for prioritized attention to post-development practices rather than blanket restrictions on coastal exploitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)
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42 pages, 22657 KiB  
Article
Holocene Flora, Vegetation and Land-Use Changes on Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, as Reflected in Pollen Analytical, Archaeological and Historical Records
by Michael O’Connell and Steffen Wolters
Diversity 2025, 17(7), 456; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070456 - 27 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 527
Abstract
Palaeoecological investigations connected with extensive pre-bog, stone walls, and field systems at Kilmore, Dingle peninsula, Ireland, are presented. The main pollen profile, KLM I, spans the last 4000 years. When the record opened, pine (Pinus sylvestris) was already a minor tree, [...] Read more.
Palaeoecological investigations connected with extensive pre-bog, stone walls, and field systems at Kilmore, Dingle peninsula, Ireland, are presented. The main pollen profile, KLM I, spans the last 4000 years. When the record opened, pine (Pinus sylvestris) was already a minor tree, oak (probably Quercus petraea) was the main tall-canopy tree, and birch and alder were dominant locally. Substantial farming is recorded between ca. 1530 and 600 BCE (Bronze Age) when the stone walls were likely constructed. From ca. 560 CE onwards, intensive farming was conducted for much of the time. A largely treeless landscape emerged in the late twelfth century CE. Fine-spatial reconstructions of landscape and vegetation dynamics, including the timing of blanket bog initiation, are made. Post-glacial change in the western Dingle peninsula, based on published Holocene lake profiles and drawing on the new information presented here, is discussed. Reported are (a) fossil spores of the filmy ferns Hymenophyllum tunbrigense, H. wilsonii, and Trichomanes speciosum; (b) the first fossil pollen record for Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree) in the Dingle peninsula (540 CE); and (c) the first published records for Fagopyrum fossil pollen in Ireland, indicating that buckwheat was grown at Kilmore in the late eighteenth/early nineteenth centuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Succession and Vegetation Dynamics)
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28 pages, 14197 KiB  
Article
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) Thermal Shield Design: Analysis and Optimisation of Electromagnetic, Thermal, and Structural Behaviours
by Fabio Viganò, Irene Pagani, Simone Talloni, Pouya Haghdoust, Giovanni Falcitelli, Ivan Maione, Lorenzo Giannini, Cesar Luongo and Flavio Lucca
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133305 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
The Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) is a pivotal facility proposed for advancing fusion nuclear technology, particularly for the qualification of breeding blanket systems, a key component of DEMO and future fusion reactors. This study focuses on the design and optimisation of the VNS [...] Read more.
The Volumetric Neutron Source (VNS) is a pivotal facility proposed for advancing fusion nuclear technology, particularly for the qualification of breeding blanket systems, a key component of DEMO and future fusion reactors. This study focuses on the design and optimisation of the VNS Thermal Shield, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to address its thermal and structural behaviours. The Thermal Shield plays a crucial role in protecting superconducting magnets and other cryogenic components by limiting heat transfer from higher-temperature regions of the tokamak to the cryostat, which operates at temperatures between 4 K and 20 K. To ensure both thermal insulation and structural integrity, multiple design iterations were conducted. These iterations aimed to reduce electromagnetic (EM) forces induced during magnet charge and discharge cycles by introducing strategic cuts and reinforcements in the shield design. The optimisation process included the evaluation of various aluminium alloys and composite materials to achieve a balance between rigidity and weight while maintaining structural integrity under EM and mechanical loads. Additionally, an integrated thermal study was performed to ensure effective temperature management, maintaining the shield at an operational temperature of around 80 K. Cooling channels were incorporated to homogenise temperature distribution, improving thermal stability and reducing thermal gradients. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the viability of advanced material solutions and design strategies for thermal and structural optimisation. The findings reinforce the importance of the VNS as a dedicated platform for testing and validating critical fusion technologies under operationally relevant conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Simulations for Nuclear Fusion Energy Systems)
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25 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
The Fate of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor Coupled with Constructed Wetlands for Decentralized Domestic Wastewater Treatment
by Evridiki Barka, Asimina Koukoura, Evangelos Statiris, Taxiarchis Seintos, Athanasios S. Stasinakis, Daniel Mamais, Simos Malamis and Constantinos Noutsopoulos
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2671; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132671 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Removal of micropollutants using biological treatment systems remains a challenge, since conventional bioprocess systems require adaptations to provide more advanced treatment. An ambient temperature upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was employed, followed by a two-stage (saturated and unsaturated) vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) [...] Read more.
Removal of micropollutants using biological treatment systems remains a challenge, since conventional bioprocess systems require adaptations to provide more advanced treatment. An ambient temperature upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was employed, followed by a two-stage (saturated and unsaturated) vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) constructed wetland (CW) system, to treat domestic wastewater from a nearby settlement and investigate the occurrence and fate of 10 contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in decentralized, non-conventional treatment systems. The integrated UASB—two-stage CW system achieved high performance regarding abatement of target CECs across all periods. Removal efficiencies ranged from 78% ± 21% (ketoprofen) to practically 100% (2-hydroxybenzothiazole). The pilot system was found to be robust performance-wise and provided enhanced treatment in comparison to a conventional wastewater treatment plant operating in parallel. Most of the target CECs were successfully treated by UASB, saturated and unsaturated CWs, while ibuprofen, bisphenol A and diclofenac were mostly removed in the unsaturated CW. Environmental risk assessment revealed that triclosan poses a significant ecological risk to algae during treated wastewater disposal into the aquatic environment. Additionally, cumulative risk quotient indicated that the potential for mixture toxicity should be carefully considered across all trophic levels. Full article
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29 pages, 411 KiB  
Review
Selective Dry Cow Therapy in Modern Dairy Management: Balancing Udder Health and Antimicrobial Stewardship
by Ionela Delia Ut, Daniel Ionut Berean, Liviu Marian Bogdan, Simona Ciupe and Sidonia Gog Bogdan
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12060580 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 907
Abstract
In recent decades, Blanket Dry Cow Therapy (BDCT) has been regarded as a cornerstone strategy for the control of mastitis in dairy cows during the dry period. However, concerns regarding the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance and the associated zoonotic risks have prompted [...] Read more.
In recent decades, Blanket Dry Cow Therapy (BDCT) has been regarded as a cornerstone strategy for the control of mastitis in dairy cows during the dry period. However, concerns regarding the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance and the associated zoonotic risks have prompted a paradigm shift, leading to intensified research into alternative management approaches. In response, many countries have adopted a more targeted approach, known as Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT), which focuses on the therapeutic use of antibiotics, administered only to cows or quarters that are either infected or at high risk of infection during the dry period. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature regarding the main methods for selecting animals for SDCT, the impact of this strategy on udder health, milk production, farm economics, and antibiotic consumption, as well as the factors that may influence its effectiveness. Over time, a range of methods have been developed to identify infected animals, including bacteriological culture, somatic cell count (SCC), differential somatic cell count (DSCC), and the California Mastitis Test (CMT), which are often used alone or in combination with clinical mastitis history and/or parity. Among these methods, SCC has proven to be the most economically viable and best suited for practical use, while its combination with DSCC has been shown to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. According to the studies reviewed, SDCT is a safe and effective strategy for maintaining udder health and farm profitability, as long as infected cows are accurately identified, and internal teat sealants are used in quarters not treated with antibiotics during the dry period. However, since udder health is influenced by herd characteristics, management practices, and regional pathogens, the findings cannot be universally applied and must be adapted to each herd’s specific conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics)
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13 pages, 3883 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Cultural Elements in the Sensory and Cognitive Stimulation of Persons with Dementia: An Exploratory Study Through Textile Artefacts
by Cláudia Lima, Susana Barreto and Catarina Sousa
J. Dement. Alzheimer's Dis. 2025, 2(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad2020014 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This article addresses an exploratory design study in the framework of the REMIND research study, which is focused on the importance of cultural and biographical components for the cognitive and sensory stimulation of persons with dementia. Through a case study conducted at [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This article addresses an exploratory design study in the framework of the REMIND research study, which is focused on the importance of cultural and biographical components for the cognitive and sensory stimulation of persons with dementia. Through a case study conducted at a Day Centre from the Alzheimer Portugal association, it aims to demonstrate the relevance of including cultural elements in sensory stimulation artefacts for persons with dementia. It is hypothesised that the inclusion of cultural elements central to the biographical stories of these persons will have greater potential to stimulate their senses and reminiscences. In the context of this study, this hypothesis was explored through textile artefacts. Methods: Methods included participant observation, sensory and visual ethnography, interviews, focus groups, and a participatory design approach involving women with moderate and advanced Alzheimer’s disease and health professionals. Due to the severely compromised verbal communication abilities of some of the women, beyond-verbal communication strategies were adopted. Results: The results showed that textiles with a cultural presence tended to elicit greater reactions and reminiscences of events associated with the women’s life stories. Crochet artefacts were of particular relevance: women’s involvement in activities with crochet artefacts was substantially higher and, in certain cases of women with moderate dementia, these artefacts activated positive memories of the person, suggesting the potential of crochet for sensory stimulation. Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis; however, further research exploring other cultural elements and involving a broader demographic is needed. Based on the results obtained, a sensory blanket was developed, which is already in use at the Centre. Full article
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28 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
How Oil Prices Impact the Japanese and South Korean Economies: Evidence from the Stock Market and Implications for Energy Security
by Willem Thorbecke
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4794; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114794 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 2128
Abstract
Oil prices are volatile. How does this affect Japanese and South Korean firms? Since they import almost all of their oil, oil price increases may harm their economies. To investigate these issues, this paper examines how oil prices affect sectoral stock returns. Using [...] Read more.
Oil prices are volatile. How does this affect Japanese and South Korean firms? Since they import almost all of their oil, oil price increases may harm their economies. To investigate these issues, this paper examines how oil prices affect sectoral stock returns. Using Hamilton’s method to decompose oil price changes into portions driven by global demand and by oil supply, the results indicate that many sectors in both countries benefit from increases in global aggregate demand that raise oil prices. Many industrial firms in Japan that produce advanced products also benefit from supply-driven oil price changes. The finding that many firms benefit from higher oil prices indicates that blanket subsidies to compensate for oil price increases are unnecessary. Targeted subsidies would be more economical and eco-friendly. Many sectors in Japan and Korea that produce for the domestic economy are harmed by oil price increases. Large oil price swings will continue due to wars, tariffs, geopolitical events, and climate change. These will whipsaw sectors in both countries. To shield their economies from oil price changes, Japan and Korea should invest in technologies to improve wind, solar, and hydro power and should facilitate intra-regional trade in renewables. They should also encourage individual sectors such as airlines, cosmetics, agriculture, hotels, semiconductors, and automobiles to reduce their exposure to fossil fuels and to choose environmentally friendly production methods. In addition, both countries should expedite their targets for achieving carbon neutrality. This paper considers ways to achieve these goals. Full article
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