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14 pages, 1475 KB  
Article
Alanine Uptake Is Required to Maintain Staphylococcus aureus Cell Envelope Stability Under Magnesium and Calcium Limitation
by Tyler G. Brown, Shalee Killpack, Vinai Thomas, David L. Erickson and Eric Wilson
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061332 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
The cell envelope of Gram-positive bacteria is a primary target of host immune defenses and antibiotics, and its stability is influenced by environmental factors, including the availability of the divalent cations Mg2+ and Ca2+. Alanine also plays a critical role [...] Read more.
The cell envelope of Gram-positive bacteria is a primary target of host immune defenses and antibiotics, and its stability is influenced by environmental factors, including the availability of the divalent cations Mg2+ and Ca2+. Alanine also plays a critical role in cell envelope integrity, contributing to peptidoglycan cross-linking, D-alanine modification of teichoic acids, and protein synthesis. However, how these factors functionally interact to maintain envelope stability in S. aureus remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that growth of S. aureus under Mg2+-limited and Ca2+-limited conditions requires increased alanine uptake mediated by the transporter AapA. Loss of AapA results in increased cell lysis and impaired growth under cation-limited conditions, and removing alanine from the growth medium phenocopies these aapA mutant defects. Alanine limitation increases susceptibility to the detergent Triton X-100 and the membrane-targeting antibiotic daptomycin, consistent with defects in envelope stability. Furthermore, aapA function contributes to bacterial fitness in insect and murine infection models. Together, these findings indicate that Mg2+, Ca2+, and alanine play overlapping roles in stabilizing the S. aureus cell envelope, pointing to AapA as a target that may leveraged to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Microbiology)
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15 pages, 422 KB  
Article
A Whole-School Approach to Outdoor Learning
by Mona Kvivesen and Solveig Karlsen
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16060939 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
In this case study, we examined a school in Northern Norway that has integrated outdoor learning as a core element of its pedagogical practices. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of outdoor learning and the factors contributing to the school’s success, [...] Read more.
In this case study, we examined a school in Northern Norway that has integrated outdoor learning as a core element of its pedagogical practices. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of outdoor learning and the factors contributing to the school’s success, we conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders of outdoor learning: six students, three teachers, one teaching assistant, and the principal. Our interviews were thematically analyzed using a whole-school approach framework, and our findings indicate that outdoor learning is embedded in the school’s identity. The regularity of outdoor learning for all students, with support from the school’s leadership and committed teachers, ensures predictability and continuity. Students and staff are broadly positive about outdoor learning and report that it strengthens student–teacher relationships. Outdoor learning is understood as interdisciplinary, and the practice enhances both academic learning and environmental awareness. Nevertheless, we identified limited opportunities and a weak culture for sharing outdoor learning practices among teachers. The school therefore aims to develop a progression plan for outdoor learning and to facilitate greater sharing to strengthen the professional community and improve coherence. This case study contributes to the literature by specifying organizational and contextual conditions for successful implementation and by highlighting the need to align outdoor and indoor teaching. Sustained outdoor learning requires holistic support from everyone involved in the school community. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Outdoor Learning Through Interdisciplinary Perspectives)
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31 pages, 13651 KB  
Article
Umbilical Cord Blood Gasometry and pH as Key Regulators of Growth Factor Expression Profile in Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (UC-MSCs)
by Dominika Przywara, Wiktor Babiuch, Alicja Petniak, Małgorzata Wasilewska, Jarosław Krzyżanowski, Monika Czuba, Arkadiusz Krzyżanowski, Adrianna Kondracka, Janusz Kocki and Paulina Gil-Kulik
Cells 2026, 15(12), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15121076 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) are a key element of regenerative medicine due to their ability to secrete growth factors that stimulate proliferation and angiogenesis, and modulate the inflammatory response. Despite their widespread use, the influence of the perinatal microenvironment on their [...] Read more.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) are a key element of regenerative medicine due to their ability to secrete growth factors that stimulate proliferation and angiogenesis, and modulate the inflammatory response. Despite their widespread use, the influence of the perinatal microenvironment on their biological properties remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of pH and blood gas parameters in umbilical cord blood on the global transcriptomic profile of UC-MSCs and to analyze the correlation between the metabolic status of the newborn and the expression of key trophic factors: EGF, FGF2, FGFR1, FGFR3, GDNF, HGF, IGF1, NES, NGF, and PGF. Methods: The study was conducted in two stages. In the first phase, transcriptomic screening was performed using Affymetrix HuGene 2.0 ST microarray on cells isolated from three environmental groups defined by cord blood pH: acidic (pH < 7.35), physiological (7.35–7.39), and alkaline (pH ≥ 7.4). In the second phase, the results were validated using qPCR on an expanded study group (N = 50). Gene expression levels (RQ) were related to blood gas parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2, cHCO3) and the presence of clinical features of threatened neonatal asphyxia. Results: Microarray analysis revealed that environmental pH acts as a molecular phenotypic switch. Under low pH conditions (<7.35), a shift in cell profile from proliferative to structural–migratory was observed. Significant overexpression of genes responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and adhesion (e.g., COMP, DCN, LUM, FMOD) was observed, while pathways related to cell cycle and cell division (↓CDK1, AURKA, TOP2A) were downregulated. qPCR validation confirmed these observations, demonstrating a strong positive correlation between blood pH and the expression of regenerative mediators: FGFR1 (r = 0.28), EGF (r = 0.30), NGF (r = 0.39), and IGF1 (r = 0.30). A negative correlation was also found between carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) and the expression of NGF, FGFR1, and EGF. A significant clinical finding was that in newborns diagnosed with threatened asphyxia, EGF, FGFR1, and NGF gene expression was significantly reduced, indicating impaired trophic potential of the cells in response to metabolic stress. Conclusions: These results indicate that cord blood gas parameters are critical regulators of the genetic activity of UC-MSCs. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis not only inhibit the cells’ proliferative potential but also force them into a matrix remodeling mode, permanently modifying their transcriptomic profile. This suggests that the neonatal acid–base status may serve as an objective indicator of the “biological quality” of isolated stromal cells, which has significant implications for their future applications in cell therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Stem Cells)
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18 pages, 3551 KB  
Article
Toward a Simple Design Approach for Soil Slope Reinforcement with Curing Agent
by Wei Wang, Longfei Zhang, Dajun Mao, Xuxiong Zhang, Zeying Li, Yan Dong, Yanbing Zhao, Yan Zhang and Yu Tian
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6005; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126005 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Landslides are the most common geological hazards, and chemical reinforcement is an effective method for enhancing the stability of soil slopes. Based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method, finite element analyses were conducted to develop a simple design approach for soil slope reinforcement using [...] Read more.
Landslides are the most common geological hazards, and chemical reinforcement is an effective method for enhancing the stability of soil slopes. Based on the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian method, finite element analyses were conducted to develop a simple design approach for soil slope reinforcement using the curing agent. First, the effects of internal friction angle, cohesion, soil unit weight, slope height and angle on the slope stability were systematically quantified through 93 numerical cases. On this basis, an empirical formula was established for the factor of safety (FOS) of soil slope, and a method for determining the failure mode was proposed using a dimensionless parameter and two critical values related to slope angle. Subsequently, the reinforcement performance of the SH curing agent was investigated by varying the reinforcement position and length. The results indicate that the reinforcement of Case I-II-III and Case I-II provide the best performance, and the optimum reinforcement length was determined for different slope conditions. For slope angles ranging from 25° to 65°, the FOS after reinforcement was found to increase by 12.1% to 18.8% compared with that before reinforcement. Based on the FE results, empirical formulae for predicting the FOS of reinforced slope were further developed. Finally, a simple design approach was proposed for soil slope reinforcement with curing agent. The proposed method provides a convenient and effective reference for engineering practice in soil slope reinforcement with curing agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Civil Engineering)
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15 pages, 2246 KB  
Article
Comparison of Preoperative Refractive Status and Postoperative Outcomes Following Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy
by Jiunn-Liang Chen and Kai-Ling Peng
Life 2026, 16(6), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16060997 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) offers superior re-epithelialization and visual recovery. This study evaluates the impact of preoperative refractive status on clinical outcomes and identifies prognostic factors across varying myopic severities. This retrospective observational study included 125 eyes [64 patients; age > 20 years; [...] Read more.
Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) offers superior re-epithelialization and visual recovery. This study evaluates the impact of preoperative refractive status on clinical outcomes and identifies prognostic factors across varying myopic severities. This retrospective observational study included 125 eyes [64 patients; age > 20 years; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/25] that underwent Trans-PRK between March and December 2022. Patients were stratified into low myopia (LM: > −5.0 D), moderate-to-high myopia (MHM: −5.0 D to −8.0 D), and extremely high myopia (EHM: ≤ −8.0 D) groups. Analysis focused on preoperative refraction, intraoperative parameters, postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and corneal conditions of superficial punctate keratitis (SPKs) and haze. The mean age was 30.20 ± 6.34 years, with a mean initial manifest sphere (MS) of −6.42 ± 2.27 diopter (D) overall and −3.73 ± 0.15 D, −6.28 ± 0.13 D, and −9.17 ± 0.15 D in the LM, MHM, and EHM groups, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 6.69 ± 3.73 months, the overall mean final manifest spherical equivalent (MSE) was −0.12 ± 0.73 D, and the mean final UCVA was 0.01 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 205/200] ± 0.08 logMAR. Predictability was 94.4%, 88.88%, and 94.3% for the final MS ≤ −1.0 D, final MSE ≤ −1.0 D, and UCVA 0.8, respectively. In the LM and MHM groups, cycloplegic and subjective refractions showed the highest concordance with emmetropia, whereas initial manifest refractions were most accurate for the EHM group. Corneal SPK incidence declined from 32.2% (1 month) to 1.6% (6 months), primarily localized to EHM eyes. Corneal haze peaked at 28.2% at three months before receding to 9.4% by 6 months. Refractive and visual stability were achieved by the third month for the LM and MHM groups, whereas the EHM group (mean MSE: −9.59 ± 0.15 D) required six months to reach both refractive and visual plateaus. Despite transiently higher rates of corneal SPKs and haze in EHM eyes, final visual outcomes remained excellent, achieving a mean UCVA of 18/20. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms and Treatment of Eye and Vision Conditions)
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27 pages, 18729 KB  
Article
Wolffia globosa Ethanolic Extract Protects Against Bisphenol A-Induced Osteoblast Dysfunction via Antioxidant Defense, Apoptosis Inhibition, and β-Catenin Modulation
by Benjawan Wudtiwai, Pornsiri Pitchakarn, Piya Temviriyanukul, Pattaralawan Sittiju, Woorawee Inthachat, Jirarat Karinchai, Nuttida Phunsanit, Prachya Kongtawelert and Peraphan Pothacharoen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5352; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125352 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
The prevalent endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with aging-related conditions, including metabolic disorders. It has been shown that BPA promotes bone fragility through oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and impaired osteoblast differentiation. The identification of sustainable bioactive substances that alleviate BPA-induced bone toxicity [...] Read more.
The prevalent endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) is associated with aging-related conditions, including metabolic disorders. It has been shown that BPA promotes bone fragility through oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and impaired osteoblast differentiation. The identification of sustainable bioactive substances that alleviate BPA-induced bone toxicity is thus of biomedical and environmental significance. Wolffia globosa (WG), the world’s smallest flowering aquatic plant, has recently gained attention as a high-protein, antioxidant-rich nutraceutical, yet its impact on BPA-induced osteoblast dysfunction has not been systematically investigated. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of WG ethanolic extract (WGE) in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, incorporating thorough phytochemical characterization, acute high-dose and chronic low-dose BPA exposure models, and multi-faceted mechanistic analysis. LC-MS/MS profiling identified luteolin (116.17 ± 0.69 µg/g), rosmarinic acid (54.80 ± 2.12 µg/g), and apigenin (48.77 ± 0.61 µg/g) as the predominant bioactive compounds. WGE exhibited potent antioxidant capacity across DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, complemented by high ORAC and FRAP values, reflecting broad-spectrum antioxidant mechanisms. Treatment with WGE (25 and 50 µg/mL) resulted in significant alleviation of BPA-induced cytotoxicity, decreased intracellular ROS levels, and inhibited apoptosis. WGE (12.5 µg/mL) also modulated autophagy-related markers (LC3-II, Beclin-1, and p62), suggesting potential autophagic participation, although flux verification was not conducted. Treatment with WGE (12.5 µg/mL) also restored BPA-suppressed osteogenesis under chronic exposure, as evidenced by enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, and increased both mineralization and upregulation of osteogenic genes including runt-related transcription factor2 (Runx2), collagen type I alpha 1 (Colla1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN). These effects were accompanied by partial reactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This study is the first to demonstrate that WGE protects osteoblasts from BPA toxicity by concurrently strengthening antioxidant defenses, limiting apoptosis, modulating autophagy-related markers, and supporting β-catenin-mediated osteogenesis, highlighting WG as a promising sustainable nutraceutical candidate for the prevention of environmental toxin-related bone fragility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Metabolic Bone Disorders)
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34 pages, 717 KB  
Article
Optimisation of Culture Conditions Enhances Antifungal Activity and Reshapes Extracellular Metabolite Profiles in Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD
by Luis Apaza Ticona and María Teresa Alvarez-Aliaga
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1331; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061331 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Botrytis cinerea is a major phytopathogenic fungus responsible for substantial economic losses in horticultural crops, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This study investigated the influence of physical, chemical and biological culture parameters on the antifungal activity of culture filtrates [...] Read more.
Botrytis cinerea is a major phytopathogenic fungus responsible for substantial economic losses in horticultural crops, underscoring the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides. This study investigated the influence of physical, chemical and biological culture parameters on the antifungal activity of culture filtrates produced by Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD. Culture conditions were sequentially optimised by evaluating light-filter exposure, carbon and nitrogen source composition, potato ecotype selection, co-cultivation with Botrytis cinerea, and volatile-mediated interactions. Antifungal activity was assessed using mycelial growth inhibition assays against Botrytis cinerea. Among the individual factors, violet-filter illumination, a medium containing 5 g L−1 glucose and 250 g L−1 potato extract, the Leke Pek’e potato ecotype, ammonium nitrate as nitrogen source, and co-cultivation with Botrytis cinerea at 104 conidia mL−1 produced the highest inhibitory effects. Sequential integration of these optimised conditions resulted in enhanced antifungal activity, reaching up to 62% inhibition. Volatile organic compounds produced by Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD exhibited only minimal antifungal activity under the conditions tested, suggesting that volatile-mediated antagonism plays a limited role in this system. In contrast, culture-dependent modulation of extracellular metabolite profiles was evidenced by comparative 1H NMR fingerprinting, which revealed condition-specific spectral differences, with the optimised treatment displaying a distinct metabolic signature relative to all other conditions. Cytotoxicity assays in murine peritoneal macrophages showed no significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations up to 200 μg mL−1. In vivo exposure to the optimised culture filtrate (250 mg kg−1 d−1 for 10 days) induced transient treatment-related clinical observations without mortality, indicating a need for further detailed toxicological characterisation. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the antifungal activity of Trichoderma harzianum BOL-12QD is strongly modulated by interacting environmental, nutritional and biological culture parameters. The results support the potential of optimised culture filtrates as a source of bioactive metabolites for biocontrol applications, while highlighting the importance of integrated biochemical and toxicological evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Microbes for Crop Protection and Fertilization)
16 pages, 2628 KB  
Article
Prediction of Rainfall-Induced Slope Stability Spatiotemporal Evolution Based on a Hybrid Transformer–LSTM Deep Learning Framework
by Xin Zhang, Fang Wang, Hao Yang and Shixiao Liu
GeoHazards 2026, 7(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7020075 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Rainfall is a critical factor inducing slope instability, and accurate prediction of the factor of safety (FOS) of slopes under rainfall conditions is of paramount importance for disaster prevention and mitigation. Conventional numerical simulation methods incur high computational costs, while individual machine learning [...] Read more.
Rainfall is a critical factor inducing slope instability, and accurate prediction of the factor of safety (FOS) of slopes under rainfall conditions is of paramount importance for disaster prevention and mitigation. Conventional numerical simulation methods incur high computational costs, while individual machine learning models are often insufficient to adequately capture the nonlinear spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of multiple factors under coupled multi-physics fields. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a Transformer–LSTM prediction framework. First, a fluid–structure coupling model for rainfall-affected slopes is constructed using COMSOL, and multi-factor orthogonal experiments are performed to generate multi-dimensional time-series data. Subsequently, a Transformer–LSTM fusion deep learning model is built, in which LSTM is employed to extract the temporal dynamic characteristics of rainfall infiltration, and the self-attention mechanism of the Transformer is leveraged to enhance feature extraction and global dependency modeling of key disaster-causing factors. Experimental results demonstrate that the Transformer–LSTM model significantly outperforms traditional PSO-LSTM, PSO-SVM, and standalone Transformer or LSTM models in terms of both prediction accuracy and generalization capability. Its coefficient of determination (R2) remains above 0.94, and key evaluation metrics—including mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE)—attain the lowest values among the compared models. Furthermore, the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) interpretability framework is introduced to quantitatively elucidate the model’s predictive decision-making and to establish a physically grounded causal mapping with geotechnical mechanisms. It is confirmed that effective cohesion and slope angle exert a dominant interactive effect on the degradation of slope stability, providing data-driven support for wide-area monitoring of rainfall-induced landslides. Full article
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22 pages, 7640 KB  
Article
Optimization of CO2 Flooding Strategies for an Undeveloped Chang 8 Tight Oil Reservoir in the Ordos Basin, China
by Jiwei Wang, Peihao Xu, Long Liu, Yongjian Feng, Qiang Liu, Qinglong Zhu, Luming Shi and Wei Wang
Energies 2026, 19(12), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19122829 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
The Chang 8 tight oil reservoir in the Xifeng area of the Ordos Basin is characterized by poor reservoir properties, making conventional water flooding ineffective for efficient reservoir development. CO2 flooding is therefore considered an important approach for enhancing oil recovery in [...] Read more.
The Chang 8 tight oil reservoir in the Xifeng area of the Ordos Basin is characterized by poor reservoir properties, making conventional water flooding ineffective for efficient reservoir development. CO2 flooding is therefore considered an important approach for enhancing oil recovery in tight reservoirs. However, suitable development strategies for direct CO2 injection in undeveloped reservoir areas remain insufficiently understood. In this study, compositional numerical simulation combined with a single-factor sensitivity analysis was employed to investigate the effects of key parameters, including well pattern configuration, fracturing parameters, injection–production strategy, and gas injection modes. The results indicate that an inverted nine-spot well pattern with vertical well injection and vertical well production, a well spacing of 500 m, and a row spacing of 200 m can achieve relatively favorable areal and vertical sweep performance. A fracture half-length of 80 m, fracture widths of 0.003–0.005 m, and fracturing treatment before initial production help balance early-stage productivity and gas channeling control. Maintaining an injection rate of 0.03–0.04 PV/a, an oil production rate of 2–3 m3/d, and a bottomhole flowing pressure of 13–14 MPa is beneficial for maintaining reservoir energy and stabilizing displacement-front propagation. Based on neighboring field development experience, switching from continuous CO2 injection to water–alternating–gas (WAG) injection during the mid-development stage can improve mobility control and enlarge the CO2 swept volume. Under the current geological model and simulation conditions, the recommended development strategy predicts a recovery factor of 35.43% over a 30-year production period. The results provide reasonable parameter ranges and an engineering reference for direct CO2 flooding development in the Chang 8 tight oil reservoir and similar reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS))
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21 pages, 3402 KB  
Review
Insomnia in Breast Cancer: A Neglected Symptom Cluster
by Giuseppe Marano, Ida Paris, Gianandrea Traversi, Osvaldo Mazza, Antonella Migliore, Valentina Ricozzi, Silvia Rotondaro, Francesco Pavese, Tatiana D’Angelo, Paola Fuso, Alessandra Fabi, Gianluca Franceschini and Marianna Mazza
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4603; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124603 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent and persistent symptoms among patients with breast cancer, yet it remains under-recognized and undertreated in routine clinical practice. Beyond its impact on sleep quality, insomnia is increasingly understood as a multidimensional condition involving neurobiological, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent and persistent symptoms among patients with breast cancer, yet it remains under-recognized and undertreated in routine clinical practice. Beyond its impact on sleep quality, insomnia is increasingly understood as a multidimensional condition involving neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms, closely intertwined with cancer-related stress and psychiatric comorbidities. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative overview of insomnia in breast cancer, focusing on its epidemiology, pathophysiological underpinnings, neuropsychiatric correlates, and clinical implications, while highlighting gaps in current research and management. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, including studies published in major medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to 2025. Relevant articles addressing insomnia, sleep disturbances, psychiatric symptoms, and neurobiological mechanisms in breast cancer populations were selected and synthesized. Results: Insomnia affects a substantial proportion of breast cancer patients across the disease trajectory, from diagnosis to survivorship. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, inflammatory processes, and circadian rhythm, as well as treatment-related factors such as chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and menopausal symptoms. Insomnia frequently co-occurs with depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain, forming symptom clusters that significantly impair quality of life and may influence clinical outcomes. Emerging evidence supports a bidirectional relationship between insomnia and psychiatric vulnerability, suggesting a shared neurobiological substrate within the brain–body stress axis. Conclusions: Insomnia in breast cancer should be conceptualized as a neuropsychiatric condition embedded within a broader stress-related symptom network rather than as an isolated sleep disturbance. Improved screening, interdisciplinary management, and the integration of evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia are essential. Research should focus on personalized and mechanistically informed approaches to better address this highly prevalent yet insufficiently managed condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breast Cancer: Advances in Clinical and Personalized Practices)
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23 pages, 1272 KB  
Article
Dynamic Optimization of Incoming Quality Control Policies for Cost, Carbon, and Energy Reduction Using Bayesian Reinforcement Learning
by David Massetti, Mehdi Raoofi, Tiziano Miroglio, Marco Mosca and Flavio Tonelli
Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 6094; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126094 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
The transition towards sustainable manufacturing necessitates complex optimization that integrates economic goals with environmental factors, such as energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This research addresses the critical challenge of optimizing the Incoming Quality Control (IQC) policy for raw material batches. The primary [...] Read more.
The transition towards sustainable manufacturing necessitates complex optimization that integrates economic goals with environmental factors, such as energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This research addresses the critical challenge of optimizing the Incoming Quality Control (IQC) policy for raw material batches. The primary objective is formulated as a multi-criteria control problem that jointly minimizes the weekly final product cost, carbon footprint, and energy consumption. To handle sequential decision making under uncertainty, we adopt a scalarized reinforcement learning (RL) reward that combines these objectives into a single value function and explores different trade-offs through alternative weight configurations. To effectively handle the uncertainty in incoming quality and the sequential decision making required for dynamic control, the optimization problem is modeled as a Bayesian Adaptive Markov Decision Process (BAMDP). To maintain computational tractability despite the continuous belief space inherent in the BAMDP formulation, we employ a Deep Q-Network (DQN) architecture acting as an approximate dynamic programming solver. The Bayesian framework represents model uncertainty explicitly, updates beliefs as new inspection evidence becomes available, and allows prior domain knowledge on supplier quality to be incorporated into the learning process. The BAMDP formulation is used to learn a set of adaptive inspection policies that adjust the IQC strategy over time to achieve conflicting goals: reducing inspection costs while maintaining standard quality, minimizing energy consumption, and lowering CO2-equivalent emissions. The goal is to find robust policies that balance these trade-offs under different quality and demand conditions. This methodology aligns with the principles of Industry 5.0 by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods, such as reinforcement learning (RL), coupled with a stochastic simulation of the production system, based on a geometric/physical model of the component’s tolerance chains, to support decision-makers in designing and assessing sustainable IQC strategies. Comparative simulations on the case study, including a benchmark against ISO 2859-1 sampling plans, confirm that this dynamic and risk-aware optimization paradigm can reduce overall cost, energy use, and environmental impact across various quality conditions, while preserving outgoing quality. Full article
22 pages, 2962 KB  
Article
Simulation and Analysis of a Silicon Membrane-Supported Beam–Island Diaphragm for Graphene Piezoresistive MEMS Microphones in High-SPL Acoustic Sensing
by Shengsheng Wei, Chunyuan Li, Yipeng Wang, Junqiang Wang and Mengwei Li
Micromachines 2026, 17(6), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17060719 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
High sound pressure level (SPL) acoustic sensing requires miniaturized microphones that can operate under large acoustic loading while maintaining mechanical linearity, sufficient sensing response, and broadband audio frequency behavior. This work targets high-SPL operation and numerically investigates a graphene piezoresistive MEMS microphone based [...] Read more.
High sound pressure level (SPL) acoustic sensing requires miniaturized microphones that can operate under large acoustic loading while maintaining mechanical linearity, sufficient sensing response, and broadband audio frequency behavior. This work targets high-SPL operation and numerically investigates a graphene piezoresistive MEMS microphone based on a membrane-supported beam–island diaphragm. The proposed structure retains a continuous membrane for acoustic load bearing, while the upper beam–island topology redirects deformation-induced strain toward beam root regions where graphene piezoresistors are placed. This design is intended to increase the local strain available for piezoresistive readout without simply relying on larger global diaphragm deflection. Finite-element analysis was used to optimize the diaphragm geometry and evaluate strain enhancement, pressure response linearity, modal behavior, and harmonic response. Under the 170 dB SPL reference condition, the optimized structure increases the peak structural strain from 47.83 με in a thickness-equivalent solid diaphragm to 562.53 με, achieving an approximately 11.8-fold enhancement in local sensing strain while maintaining a highly linear pressure response (R2 > 0.9999). Additionally, the results also show that the sensor exhibits a high first natural frequency of 64.07 kHz and a small response variation of approximately 0.94 dB within the 0–20 kHz target frequency range, indicating excellent dynamic stability and high-fidelity signal transduction characteristics. To connect the structural response with piezoresistive readout, first-order electromechanical output estimation was further performed using representative graphene gauge factors, quarter-bridge readout assumptions, contact resistance correction, and Johnson-noise-limited signal-to-noise ratio estimation. A ±5% geometric tolerance check further indicates that the membrane side length is the most fabrication-sensitive parameter, while the selected design remains generally robust except for reduced linearity margin under positive membrane side-length deviation. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed graphene-based MEMS microphone for high-SPL broadband acoustic sensing applications in harsh and high-intensity acoustic environments. Full article
26 pages, 6629 KB  
Article
Control Strategies for Alleviating Power Oscillation and Circulating Current in Parallel Grid-Forming Energy Storage Converters
by Zhe Li, Zhixiang Hu, Hua Liu, Li You and Jie Zhao
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121933 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Parallel grid-forming energy storage converters based on virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control are prone to active power oscillation and interphase circulating current under load disturbance, unit switching, and parameter mismatch conditions. To address these problems, this paper proposes a dual-layer damping control strategy [...] Read more.
Parallel grid-forming energy storage converters based on virtual synchronous generator (VSG) control are prone to active power oscillation and interphase circulating current under load disturbance, unit switching, and parameter mismatch conditions. To address these problems, this paper proposes a dual-layer damping control strategy that combines adaptive virtual damping in the power loop with capacitor current feedback damping in the current loop. First, the small-signal models of the LCL filter, VSG power loop, and parallel converter system are established, and the dominant oscillation modes are analyzed using eigenvalue and participation factor methods. Then, an adaptive damping coefficient is designed according to the active power deviation and frequency dynamic response to suppress low-frequency power oscillation, while a capacitor current feedback branch is introduced to reshape the LCL filter’s resonant poles and attenuate circulating current resonance. Compared with the conventional fixed-damping VSG control, the proposed method reduces active power overshoot and accelerates power redistribution under load step and unit switching conditions. In the traditional control case, the active power peaks of VSG1 and VSG2 reach approximately 30 kW and 40 kW, with an oscillation period of about 1.8 s, whereas the proposed strategy suppresses the oscillatory process and enables the output powers to rapidly reach the preset sharing ratio. In addition, the system frequency can recover to the rated value of 50 Hz without obvious steady-state deviation, and the high-frequency component of the grid-connected current and the interphase circulating current are significantly attenuated. MATLAB/Simulink simulation results verify that the proposed dual-layer damping strategy provides better power oscillation suppression, circulating current mitigation, and frequency dynamic performance than the conventional VSG control. Full article
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17 pages, 2503 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Fiber Contamination from Different Microapplicators in Universal Adhesive Systems: A Pilot In Vitro Study
by Flavius-Alexandru Sinitean, Luminița-Maria Nica, Laura-Elena Cîrligeriu and Anca Jivănescu
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122562 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Fiber contamination originating from disposable dental microapplicators has received limited attention despite its potential influence on adhesive procedures. The aim of this pilot in vitro study was to evaluate fiber-like structure release associated with different microapplicator types during the application of universal adhesive [...] Read more.
Fiber contamination originating from disposable dental microapplicators has received limited attention despite its potential influence on adhesive procedures. The aim of this pilot in vitro study was to evaluate fiber-like structure release associated with different microapplicator types during the application of universal adhesive systems. Three universal adhesives (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Gluma Universal, and G-Premio BOND) and five microapplicator types (X-Slim, Clinique, Prima, Single TIM, and ZerofloX silicone-bristle microapplicators) were evaluated. A total of 75 adhesive applications were performed on standardized sandblasted glass substrates under controlled laboratory conditions. Adhesives were actively applied for 10 s, and fiber-like structures were quantified microscopically using ImageJ software. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc testing (α = 0.05). Significant differences were observed among microapplicator types. X-Slim applicators produced the highest fiber counts, whereas Single TIM applicators demonstrated substantially lower values. No detectable fiber-like structures were observed in specimens treated with the ZerofloX silicone-bristle microapplicator. Adhesive system type showed a comparatively smaller influence on fiber counts than microapplicator design. Within the limitations of this pilot in vitro study, microapplicator type appeared to be the primary factor influencing visible fiber contamination during adhesive application. Further studies are required to determine whether the contamination patterns observed influence adhesive performance under clinically relevant conditions. Full article
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34 pages, 5338 KB  
Article
Experimental Insight on Hydraulic Performance of Surface Roughness in Eco-Engineered Flood Defenses
by Nadir Murtaza and Ghufran Ahmed Pasha
GeoHazards 2026, 7(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards7020073 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Flooding has become increasingly severe due to rapid urbanization and changing hydrological conditions, necessitating effective and sustainable mitigation strategies. This study investigates the hydraulic performance of a hybrid flood defense system comprising a dike, a moat, and vegetation under varying surface roughness conditions. [...] Read more.
Flooding has become increasingly severe due to rapid urbanization and changing hydrological conditions, necessitating effective and sustainable mitigation strategies. This study investigates the hydraulic performance of a hybrid flood defense system comprising a dike, a moat, and vegetation under varying surface roughness conditions. The results demonstrate that increasing roughness significantly enhances flood mitigation performance by improving energy dissipation and delaying the propagation of floodwater. A maximum energy reduction of approximately 75.56% and a delay in floodwater arrival of up to 65% were observed under higher roughness conditions. In contrast, increasing flow intensity reduced system efficiency, highlighting the importance of optimizing roughness under varying hydraulic conditions. The findings reveal that surface roughness is the dominant factor controlling flow resistance, turbulence generation, and hydraulic jump formation within the system. The novelty of this study lies in systematically quantifying the combined effect of roughness across structural and vegetative components within a hybrid defense framework. These results provide a practical basis for the design and optimization of eco-engineered flood defense systems, offering a cost-effective approach for reducing flood risk in riverine environments. Full article
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