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Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents a growing global public health challenge, now accounting for approximately half of all heart failure cases and often linked to a systemic pathophysiological process in older adults with multiple comorbidities. Despite increasing recognition of the vascular contributions to HFpEF, the precise molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of noncoding Ribonucleic Acids (ncRNAs) in mediating vascular aging and subsequent cardiac dysfunction, remain incompletely understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanistic link between vascular aging and HFpEF, with a specific focus on the pivotal roles of ncRNAs in this complex interplay. We delineate the classification of vascular aging, its cellular hallmarks, including endothelial senescence, vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and its systemic implications, such as inflammaging, oxidative stress, and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. We then detail how these vascular alterations, including increased ventricular afterload and impaired myocardial perfusion due to coronary microvascular dysfunction, contribute to HFpEF pathophysiology. The review extensively discusses recent findings on how diverse classes of ncRNAs, notably microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs, along with emerging evidence for PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and tRNA-derived small RNAs, regulate these vascular aging processes and serve as molecular bridges connecting vascular dysfunction to heart failure. In conclusion, understanding the regulatory landscape of ncRNAs in vascular aging may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic avenues, offering new strategies for precision medicine in HFpEF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Diseases)

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45 pages, 1602 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mechanisms and Genetic Drivers of Resistance of Insect Pests to Insecticides and Approaches to Its Control

by Yahya Al Naggar, Nedal M. Fahmy, Abeer M. Alkhaibari, Rasha K. Al-Akeel, Hend M. Alharbi, Amr Mohamed, Ioannis Eleftherianos, Hesham R. El-Seedi, John P. Giesy and Hattan A. Alharbi

Toxics 2025, 13(8), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13080681 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

The escalating challenge of resistance to insecticides among agricultural and public health pests poses a significant threat to global food security and vector-borne disease control. This review synthesizes current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning resistance, including well-characterized pathways such as target-site mutations affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, and metabolic detoxification mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), esterases, and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Emerging resistance mechanisms are also explored, including protein sequestration by odorant-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulation via non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Focused case studies on Aedes aegypti and Spodoptera frugiperda illustrate the complex interplay of genetic and biochemical adaptations driving resistance. In Ae. aegypti, voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSCs) mutations (V410L, V1016I, F1534C) combined with metabolic enzyme amplification confer resistance to pyrethroids, accompanied by notable fitness costs and ecological impacts on vector populations. In S. frugiperda, multiple resistance mechanisms, including overexpression of cytochrome P450 genes (e.g., CYP6AE43, CYP321A8), target-site mutations in ryanodine receptors (e.g., I4790K), and behavioral avoidance, have rapidly evolved across global populations, undermining the efficacy of diamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid insecticides. The review further evaluates integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing the role of biopesticides, biological control agents, including entomopathogenic fungi and parasitoids, and molecular diagnostics for resistance management. Taken together, this analysis underscores the urgent need for continuous molecular surveillance, the development of resistance-breaking technologies, and the implementation of sustainable, multifaceted interventions to safeguard the long-term efficacy of insecticides in both agricultural and public health contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Agrochemicals on Insects and Soil Organisms)

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16 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Soil in Allotment Gardens Healthy Enough?—Relation Between Organic Matter Content and Selected Heavy Metals

by Dariusz Gruszka, Katarzyna Szopka, Iwona Gruss and Maja Złocka

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7424; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167424 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study was conducted in nine allotment garden complexes in Wrocław, West Poland (Central Europe). Soil samples were collected from each garden and analyzed for their total concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd, alongside the percentage of organic carbon C. Contaminant levels varied widely between sites: Zn ranged from 101.1 to 3464.5 mg/kg, Cu from 24.93 to 322.45 mg/kg, Cd from 0.51 to 6.31 mg/kg, and Pb from 19.92 to 401.85 mg/kg. The highest metal contamination was found for the garden complex placed on the former impact of the Hutmen. The organic carbon content ranged from 2.12% to 7.64%, indicating substantial variability in organic matter levels across the studied sites. This variability may significantly influence the soils’ capacity to retain heavy metals. A significant positive correlation was observed between soil organic carbon and the total concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn, suggesting that soils richer in organic matter may retain higher levels of heavy metals. These findings underscore the dual role of organic matter as both a beneficial soil component and a potential contributor to heavy metal retention in urban garden soils. Protecting and enhancing SOM in polluted soils is a beneficial strategy, remediating environmental damage while aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy-Metal Soil Contamination: Sources, Opportunities, and Sustainable Solutions)

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15 pages, 4124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compensatory Regulation and Temporal Dynamics of Photosynthetic Limitations in Ginkgo Biloba Under Combined Drought–Salt Stress

by Yuxuan Meng, Yang Wu, Shengjie Liang, Lehao Li, Ying Zhu, Peng Ding, Chenhang Liu, Sunjie Tang and Jimei Han

Forests 2025, 16(8), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081334 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Photosynthesis in higher plants is highly sensitive to drought and salinity. While studies have examined the individual effects of drought or salt stress on photosynthesis, their combined impact remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the diurnal dynamics and primary limiting factors (stomatal, mesophyll, and biochemical) affecting the net photosynthetic rate (A_n) in Ginkgo (G.) biloba under drought, salt, and combined drought–salt stress. The results revealed that G. biloba exhibited a bimodal pattern of A_n under control conditions, primarily driven by mesophyll conductance (g_m). Under drought, this pattern shifted, with stomatal limitations dominant in the late afternoon. In contrast, salt and combined stress induced a unimodal A_n pattern due to a flattened g_m curve and reduced correlation between g_m and A_n. Interestingly, combined stress caused significantly lower mesophyll limitations than salt stress alone, compensating for increased stomatal limitations and leading to a higher A_n. Our findings reveal a dynamic shift in the limiting factors over time and stress types, suggesting that G. biloba has mechanisms to mitigate combined drought–salt stress. These insights deepen our understanding of plant resilience under complex environmental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth and Photosynthetic Responses of Seedlings Under Climate Change in Forests)

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23 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Precision Pest Management Based on Multimodal Fusion and Attention-Guided Lightweight Networks

by Ziye Liu, Siqi Li, Yingqiu Yang, Xinlu Jiang, Mingtian Wang, Dongjiao Chen, Tianming Jiang and Min Dong

Insects 2025, 16(8), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080850 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

In the context of global food security and sustainable agricultural development, the efficient recognition and precise management of agricultural insect pests and their predators have become critical challenges in the domain of smart agriculture. To address the limitations of traditional models that overly rely on single-modal inputs and suffer from poor recognition stability under complex field conditions, a multimodal recognition framework has been proposed. This framework integrates RGB imagery, thermal infrared imaging, and environmental sensor data. A cross-modal attention mechanism, environment-guided modality weighting strategy, and decoupled recognition heads are incorporated to enhance the model’s robustness against small targets, intermodal variations, and environmental disturbances. Evaluated on a high-complexity multimodal field dataset, the proposed model significantly outperforms mainstream methods across four key metrics, precision, recall, F1-score, and mAP@50, achieving 91.5% precision, 89.2% recall, 90.3% F1-score, and 88.0% mAP@50. These results represent an improvement of over 6% compared to representative models such as YOLOv8 and DETR. Additional ablation studies confirm the critical contributions of key modules, particularly under challenging scenarios such as low light, strong reflections, and sensor data noise. Moreover, deployment tests conducted on the Jetson Xavier edge device demonstrate the feasibility of real-world application, with the model achieving a 25.7 FPS inference speed and a compact size of 48.3 MB, thus balancing accuracy and lightweight design. This study provides an efficient, intelligent, and scalable AI solution for pest surveillance and biological control, contributing to precision pest management in agricultural ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Insect Pests Management: Securing Food Security, Human Health, and Natural Resources)

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14 pages, 711 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of SMARCA4-Mutated or Deficient Malignancies: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Series

by Ryuichi Ohta, Natsumi Yamamoto, Kaoru Tanaka, Chiaki Sano and Hidetoshi Hayashi

Cancers 2025, 17(16), 2675; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17162675 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: SMARCA4-deficient or SMARCA4-mutated cancers are rare but highly aggressive tumors with poor differentiation, resistance to conventional treatments, and limited clinical guidance. While thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumors are relatively well described, the full spectrum of SMARCA4-altered cancers across different organs and their therapeutic responses remains poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically review published case reports and case series to clarify the clinical characteristics, molecular features, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of SMARCA4-altered malignancies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of case reports and case series published between 2015 and 2025 using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Eligible studies included adult patients with immunohistochemically or genetically confirmed SMARCA4-deficient or SMARCA4-mutated tumors. Key clinical, pathological, molecular, therapeutic, and outcome-related data were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used, and exploratory subgroup analyses were performed based on tumor type and treatment modality. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251088805). Results: A total of 109 studies reporting 160 individual patients were included. Most tumors arose in the thorax (40.0%), followed by gastrointestinal (17.5%) and gynecologic sites (15.6%). The median age was 58 years, with a male predominance (70.0%) and frequent smoking history (44.4%). Platinum-based chemotherapy was administered in 62.5% of cases, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were used in 25.6%. Among ICI-treated patients, partial responses or stable disease were observed in 80.5%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.0 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 5.0 months. Conclusions: SMARCA4-altered cancers are clinically and molecularly diverse but uniformly aggressive, with limited therapeutic benefit from conventional chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may offer improved outcomes in select patients, particularly those with thoracic tumors. Early molecular profiling, rare tumor registries, and biomarker-driven trials are crucial for guiding future treatment strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Research of Cancer)

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22 pages, 5692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RiceStageSeg: A Multimodal Benchmark Dataset for Semantic Segmentation of Rice Growth Stages

by Jianping Zhang, Tailai Chen, Yizhe Li, Qi Meng, Yanying Chen, Jie Deng and Enhong Sun

Remote Sens. 2025, 17(16), 2858; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17162858 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

The accurate identification of rice growth stages is critical for precision agriculture, crop management, and yield estimation. Remote sensing technologies, particularly multimodal approaches that integrate high spatial and hyperspectral resolution imagery, have demonstrated great potential in large-scale crop monitoring. Multimodal data fusion offers complementary and enriched spectral–spatial information, providing novel pathways for crop growth stage recognition in complex agricultural scenarios. However, the lack of publicly available multimodal datasets specifically designed for rice growth stage identification remains a significant bottleneck that limits the development and evaluation of relevant methods. To address this gap, we present RiceStageSeg, a multimodal benchmark dataset captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), designed to support the development and assessment of segmentation models for rice growth monitoring. RiceStageSeg contains paired centimeter-level RGB and 10-band multispectral (MS) images acquired during several critical rice growth stages, including jointing and heading. Each image is accompanied by fine-grained, pixel-level annotations that distinguish between the different growth stages. We establish baseline experiments using several state-of-the-art semantic segmentation models under both unimodal (RGB-only, MS-only) and multimodal (RGB + MS fusion) settings. The experimental results demonstrate that multimodal feature-level fusion outperforms unimodal approaches in segmentation accuracy. RiceStageSeg offers a standardized benchmark to advance future research in multimodal semantic segmentation for agricultural remote sensing. The dataset will be made publicly available on GitHub v0.11.0 (accessed on 1 August 2025). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning for Multi-Source Remote Sensing Image Interpretation: Exploring, Rethinking, and Limiting Breakthroughs)

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12 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visceral Adiposity Index in Relation to Rotterdam Phenotypes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

by Dagmara Pluta, Alicja Staśczak, Tomasz Stokowy, Maciej Migacz, Klaudia Kochman and Michał Holecki

Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081997 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder with complex, multifactorial and still not fully explained etiopathogenesis. It is believed that the cause is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Background: With the aim to better understand PCOS etiology, the study examines body composition and compares the occurrence of lipid disorders and visceral adipose tissue depending on the adopted Rotterdam phenotypes. Methods: The study included 242 patients classified into four classic Rotterdam phenotypes. Clinical data from patients were collected and carefully analyzed to determine the relationship between the occurrence of lipid disorders and the visceral adiposity index (VAI). Results: The results obtained after assessing the differences between the Rotterdam phenotypes were not statistically significant. Differences in the levels of coefficients included in the VAI equation in the given phenotypes were also analyzed, as follows: waist circumference (p-value = 0.3415), BMI (p-value = 0.7112), TG [mmol/L] (p-value = 0.5341) and HDL [mmol/L] (p-value = 0.2302). None of the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: Although the results did not show a clear association between VAI and the individual Rotterdam PCOS phenotypes, this coefficient can be used in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk in women with PCOS regardless of the adopted classification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Metabolism Research)

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20 pages, 9625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ferric Tannate-Enhanced Electrochemical Conditioning Process for Improving Sludge Dewaterability

by Yalin Yu, Junkun Feng, Nanwen Zhu and Dongdong Ge

Water 2025, 17(16), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162424 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sludge dewatering is a key step in the overall process of sludge treatment and disposal. In this study, ferric tannate was synthesized by chemically complexing tannic acid with Fe₂(SO₄)₃ under various conditions and then was innovatively employed to enhance electrochemical conditioning (ECC) for municipal sludge dewatering. The optimal preparation conditions of ferric tannate were determined as a tannic acid to iron ion molar ratio of 0.8:10, pH of 10, and reaction time of 2 h. Subsequently, ferric tannate-enhanced ECC was investigated under different dosages and operating parameters. The optimal conditions were identified as ferric tannate dosage of 20% total solid, voltage of 50 V, and reaction time of 30 min, under which capillary suction time, specific resistance to filtration, and water content of dewatered sludge cake decreased by 84.3%, 84.2%, and 17.6%, respectively. Results of the mechanism analysis indicated that ferric tannate effectively reduced sludge viscosity, increased zeta potential, and neutralized the negative surface charges via charge neutralization, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Meanwhile, adsorption bridging promoted floc aggregation and particle growth. Compared with the ECC process alone, the addition of ferric tannate in the ferric tannate-enhanced ECC process generated more ^•OH, promoting the extracellular polymeric substance degradation and protein removal, thereby improving sludge hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the floc structure was reconstructed into a more compact and smooth morphology, facilitating the release of bound water during filtration. These findings provide new technical and theoretical support for the development of eco-friendly and efficient sludge conditioning and dewatering processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for Wastewater Treatment)

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16 pages, 1601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping the Daoist Ritual Cosmos: A Social Network Analysis of Generals in Song–Ming Liturgies

by Chen-Hung Kao and Yu-Jung Cheng

Religions 2025, 16(8), 1063; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16081063 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study employs social network analysis to illuminate the intricate relationships within Daoist exorcism rituals from the Southern Song to the Yuan dynasty, as documented in two pivotal compilations: Pearls Left Behind from the Sea of Ritual (Fahai Yizhu 法海遺珠) and Collected Essentials of Daoist Methods (Daofa Huiyuan 道法會元). While previous scholarship focused on individual rituals or generals using traditional document analysis, this article introduces a novel digital humanities methodology. By treating the Daoist generals summoned in these rituals as network nodes, we map and analyze their co-occurrence patterns, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving ritual landscape. Our analysis reveals a significant expansion in the scale of exorcism rituals from Fahai Yizhu to Daofa Huiyuan, indicating a shift from concise manuals to more systematic frameworks with clearer factional organization. Specifically, the Great Demon-Subjugating Ritual of Shangqing Tianpeng (Shangqing Tianpeng Fumu Dafa 上清天蓬伏魔大法) and various Marshal Zhao exorcism rituals exhibit the largest scales, reflecting the widespread popularity of Heavenly Commander Tianpeng (Tianpeng 天蓬) beliefs and Marshal Zhao’s capacity to integrate diverse pantheons, including local deities, plague gods, thunder generals, and “rampant soldiers” (changing 猖兵). Key figures like Yin Jiao (殷郊), Zhao Gongming (趙公明), Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯), Ma Sheng (馬勝), Deng Bowen (鄧伯溫), and Guan Yu (關羽) demonstrate high centrality. Notably, Ma Sheng, Zhao Gongming (趙公明), and Guan Yu (關羽) play increasingly pivotal roles in Daofa Huiyuan, while Zhang Yuanbo (張元伯) and Song Wuji (宋無忌) experience hierarchical reversals, suggesting an augmented importance of local deities after the Southern Song. This pioneering SNA application offers a robust framework for understanding these complex interconnections. Full article

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35 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessReview

Aflatoxin Exposure in Immunocompromised Patients: Current State and Future Perspectives

by Temitope R. Fagbohun, Queenta N. Nji, Viola O. Okechukwu, Oluwasola A. Adelusi, Lungani A. Nyathi, Patience Awong and Patrick B. Njobeh

Toxins 2025, 17(8), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080414 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Aflatoxins (AFs), harmful secondary metabolites produced by the genus Aspergillus, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are one of the best-known potent mycotoxins, posing a significant risk to public health. The primary type, especially aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), is a potent carcinogen associated with liver cancer, immunosuppression, and other health problems. Environmental factors such as high temperatures, humidity, and inadequate storage conditions promote the formation of aflatoxin in staple foods such as maize, peanuts, and rice. Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, or diabetes, are at increased risk due to their reduced detoxification capacity and weakened immune defenses. Chronic exposure to AF in these populations exacerbates liver damage, infection rates, and disease progression, particularly in developing countries and moderate-income populations where food safety regulations are inadequate and reliance on contaminated staple foods is widespread. Biomarkers such as aflatoxin-albumin complexes, urinary aflatoxin M₁, and aflatoxin (AF) DNA adducts provide valuable insights but remain underutilized in resource-limited settings. Despite the globally recognized health risk posed by AF, research focused on monitoring human exposure remains limited, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. This dynamic emphasizes the need for targeted studies and interventions to address the particular risks faced by immunocompromised individuals. This review provides an up-to-date overview of AF exposure in immunocompromised populations, including individuals with cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, malnutrition, pregnant women, and the elderly. It also highlights exposure pathways, biomarkers, and biomonitoring strategies, while emphasizing the need for targeted interventions, advanced diagnostics, and policy frameworks to mitigate health risks in these vulnerable groups. Addressing these gaps is crucial to reducing the health burden and developing public health strategies in high-risk regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mycotoxins)

27 pages, 8119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Scheme for High-Accuracy Frequency Estimation in Non-Contact Heart Rate Detection Based on Multi-Dimensional Accumulation and FIIB

by Shiqing Tang, Yunxue Liu, Jinwei Wang, Shie Wu, Xuefei Dong and Min Zhou

Sensors 2025, 25(16), 5097; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25165097 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel heart rate detection scheme to address key challenges in millimeter-wave radar-based vital sign monitoring, including weak signals, various types of interference, and the demand for high-precision and super-resolution frequency estimation under practical computational constraints. First, we propose a multi-dimensional coherent accumulation (MDCA) method to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by fully utilizing both spatial information from multiple receiving channels and temporal information from adjacent range bins. Additionally, we are the first to apply the fast iterative interpolated beamforming (FIIB) algorithm to radar-based heart rate detection, enabling super-resolution frequency estimation with low computational complexity. Compared to the traditional fast Fourier transform (FFT) method, the FIIB achieves an improvement of 1.08 beats per minute (bpm). A reordering strategy is also introduced to mitigate potential misjudgments by FIIB. Key parameters of FIIB, including the number of frequency components L and the number of iterations Q, are analyzed and recommended. Dozens of subjects were recruited for experiments, and the root mean square error (RMSE) of heart rate estimation was less than 1.12 bpm on average at a distance of 1 meter. Extensive experiments validate the high accuracy and robust performance of the proposed framework in heart rate estimation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Radar Sensors)

22 pages, 1330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Internet Governance in the Context of Global Digital Contracts: Integrating SAR Data Processing and AI Techniques for Standards, Rules, and Practical Paths

by Xiaoying Fu, Wenyi Zhang and Zhi Li

Information 2025, 16(8), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16080697 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

With the increasing frequency of digital economic activities on a global scale, internet governance has become a pressing issue. Traditional multilateral approaches to formulating internet governance rules have struggled to address critical challenges such as privacy leakage and low global internet defense capabilities. To tackle these issues, this study integrates SAR data processing and interpretation using AI techniques with the development of governance rules through international agreements and multi-stakeholder mechanisms. This approach aims to strengthen privacy protection and enhance the overall effectiveness of internet governance. This study incorporates differential privacy protection laws and cert-free cryptography algorithms, combined with SAR data analysis powered by AI techniques, to address privacy protection and security challenges in internet governance. SAR data provides a unique layer of spatial and environmental context, which, when analyzed using advanced AI models, offers valuable insights into network patterns and potential vulnerabilities. By applying these techniques, internet governance can more effectively monitor and secure global data flows, ensuring a more robust defense against cyber threats. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly outperforms traditional methods. When processing 20 GB of data, the encryption time was reduced by approximately 1.2 times compared to other methods. Furthermore, satisfaction with the newly developed internet governance rules increased by 13.3%. By integrating SAR data processing and AI, the model enhances the precision and scalability of governance mechanisms, enabling real-time responses to privacy and security concerns. In the context of the Global Digital Compact, this research effectively improves the standards, rules, and practical pathways for internet governance. It not only enhances the security and privacy of global data networks but also promotes economic development, social progress, and national security. The integration of SAR data analysis and AI techniques provides a powerful toolset for addressing the complexities of internet governance in a digitally connected world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Text Mining: Challenges, Algorithms, Tools and Applications)

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29 pages, 1444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Smart Public Administration: A TOE-Based Empirical Study of AI Chatbot Adoption in a Transitioning Government Context

by Mansur Samadovich Omonov and Yonghan Ahn

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080324 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

As governments pursue digital transformation to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency, AI chatbots have emerged as a promising innovation in smart public administration. However, their adoption remains limited, particularly in transitioning countries where institutional, organizational, and technological conditions are complex and evolving. This study aims to empirically examine the key aspects, challenges, and strategic implications of AI chatbots’ adoption in public administration of Uzbekistan, a transitioning government in Central Asia. The study offers a novel contribution by employing an extended technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. Data were collected through a survey among 501 public employees and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. The results reveal that perceived usefulness, compatibility, organizational readiness, effective accountability, and ethical AI regulation are key enablers, while system complexity, traditional leadership, resistance to change, and concerns over data management and security pose major barriers. The findings contribute to the literature on effective innovation in public administration and provide practical insights for policymakers and public managers aiming to effectively implement AI solutions in complex governance settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovation Management of Organizations in the Digital Age)

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20 pages, 4551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intelligent Optimization of Single-Stand Control in Directional Drilling with Single-Bent-Housing Motors

by Hu Yin, Yihao Long, Qian Li, Tong Zhao and Xianzhu Wu

Processes 2025, 13(8), 2593; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082593 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

Borehole trajectory control is a fundamental task for directional well engineers. Now that there are inevitable errors about single-stand control in the field situation, it is difficult to deal with the complex underground problems in real time. In order to improve the efficiency of directional operation and the accuracy of wellbore trajectory control, this paper presents an improved Sparrow Search algorithm by integrating the multi-strategy model and Constant-Toolface models to calculate the single-stand control scheme for single-bent-housing motors in directional drilling. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, the Particle Swarm algorithm, the Sparrow Search algorithm, and the improved Sparrow Search algorithm (LCSSA) are used to optimize the process parameters for each drilling, respectively. Numerical tests based on drilling data show that all three algorithms can predict the drilling parameters. In contrast, the LCSSA exhibits the fastest convergence and the smallest error after optimizing single-stand control, attaining an average convergence time of 0.08 s. It accurately back-calculated theoretical model parameters with high accuracy and met engineering requirements when applied to actual drilling data. In field applications, the LCSSA reduces the deviation from the planned trajectory by over 25%, restricting the deviation to within 0.005 m per stand; additionally the total drilling time was reduced by at least 18% compared to previous methods. The integration of the LCSSA with the drilling system significantly enhances drilling operations by optimizing trajectory accuracy and boosting efficiency and serves as an advanced tool for designing process parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Automation Control Systems)

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