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18 pages, 3309 KB  
Article
Myosin-X Acts Upstream of L-Plastin to Drive Stress-Induced Tunneling Nanotubes
by Ana Ramirez Perez, Joey Tovar and Karine Gousset
Cells 2026, 15(3), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15030224 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are thin, actin-based intercellular bridges that enable long-range communication during cellular stress; yet the molecular pathway controlling their formation remains unclear. Here, using gain- and loss-of-function approaches in Cath. a-differentiated (CAD) neuronal cells, we identified a unidirectional regulatory pathway in [...] Read more.
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are thin, actin-based intercellular bridges that enable long-range communication during cellular stress; yet the molecular pathway controlling their formation remains unclear. Here, using gain- and loss-of-function approaches in Cath. a-differentiated (CAD) neuronal cells, we identified a unidirectional regulatory pathway in which myosin-X (Myo10) functions upstream of the actin-bundling protein L-(LCP1) to drive TNT formation. Using Western blotting and fluorescence microscopy, we determined that overexpression of L-plastin significantly increased the proportion of TNT-connected cells, whereas L-plastin downregulation reduced TNT formation, demonstrating that L-plastin is both sufficient and necessary for maintaining normal TNT abundance. Having previously shown that Myo10 is required for TNT formation in CAD cells, we asked whether the relationship is reciprocal. Overexpression/downregulation of L-plastin had no effect on Myo10 protein levels. Conversely, Myo10 downregulation decreased endogenous L-plastin by ~30%, and Myo10 overexpression elevated L-plastin expression and TNT number, demonstrating that Myo10 acts as an upstream regulator of L-plastin. Dual-color 3D imaging revealed co-localization of Myo10 and L-plastin along TNT shafts and filopodia-like precursors (Proto-TNTs). Together, these findings demonstrate that Myo10-dependent TNT formation requires the bundling protein L-plastin, providing a framework for how stress-induced signaling cascades couple TNT initiation to actin-core stabilization during stress and disease. Full article
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27 pages, 2154 KB  
Review
A Review of Pavement Damping Characteristics for Mitigating Tire-Pavement Noise: Material Composition and Underlying Mechanisms
by Maoyi Liu, Wei Duan, Ruikun Dong and Mutahar Al-Ammari
Materials 2026, 19(3), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19030476 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
The mitigation of traffic noise is essential for the development of sustainable and livable urban environments, a goal that is directly contingent on addressing tire-pavement interaction noise (TPIN) as the dominant acoustic pollutant at medium to high vehicle speeds. This comprehensive review addresses [...] Read more.
The mitigation of traffic noise is essential for the development of sustainable and livable urban environments, a goal that is directly contingent on addressing tire-pavement interaction noise (TPIN) as the dominant acoustic pollutant at medium to high vehicle speeds. This comprehensive review addresses a critical gap in the literature by systematically analyzing the damping properties of pavement systems through a unified, multi-scale framework—from the molecular-scale viscoelasticity of asphalt binders to the composite performance of asphalt mixtures. The analysis begins by synthesizing state-of-the-art testing and characterization methodologies, which establish a clear connection between macroscopic damping performance and the underlying viscoelastic mechanisms coupled with the microscopic morphology of the binders. Subsequently, the review critically assesses the influence of critical factors, such as polymer modifiers including rubber and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS), temperature, and loading frequency. This examination elucidates how these variables govern molecular mobility and relaxation processes to ultimately determine damping efficacy. A central and synthesizing conclusion emphasizes the paramount importance of the asphalt binder’s properties, which serve as the primary determinant of the composite mixture’s overall acoustic performance. By delineating this structure-property-performance relationship across different scales, the review consolidates a foundational scientific framework to guide the rational design and informed material selection for next-generation asphalt pavements. The insights presented not only advance the fundamental understanding of damping mechanisms in pavement materials but also provide actionable strategies for creating quieter and more sustainable transportation infrastructures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction and Building Materials)
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28 pages, 16157 KB  
Article
A Robust Skeletonization Method for High-Density Fringe Patterns in Holographic Interferometry Based on Parametric Modeling and Strip Integration
by Sergey Lychev and Alexander Digilov
J. Imaging 2026, 12(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging12020054 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Accurate displacement field measurement by holographic interferometry requires robust analysis of high-density fringe patterns, which is hindered by speckle noise inherent in any interferogram, no matter how perfect. Conventional skeletonization methods, such as edge detection algorithms and active contour models, often fail under [...] Read more.
Accurate displacement field measurement by holographic interferometry requires robust analysis of high-density fringe patterns, which is hindered by speckle noise inherent in any interferogram, no matter how perfect. Conventional skeletonization methods, such as edge detection algorithms and active contour models, often fail under these conditions, producing fragmented and unreliable fringe contours. This paper presents a novel skeletonization procedure that simultaneously addresses three fundamental challenges: (1) topology preservation—by representing the fringe family within a physics-informed, finite-dimensional parametric subspace (e.g., Fourier-based contours), ensuring global smoothness, connectivity, and correct nesting of each fringe; (2) extreme noise robustness—through a robust strip integration functional that replaces noisy point sampling with Gaussian-weighted intensity averaging across a narrow strip, effectively suppressing speckle while yielding a smooth objective function suitable for gradient-based optimization; and (3) sub-pixel accuracy without phase extraction—leveraging continuous bicubic interpolation within a recursive quasi-optimization framework that exploits fringe similarity for precise and stable contour localization. The method’s performance is quantitatively validated on synthetic interferograms with controlled noise, demonstrating significantly lower error compared to baseline techniques. Practical utility is confirmed by successful processing of a real interferogram of a bent plate containing over 100 fringes, enabling precise displacement field reconstruction that closely matches independent theoretical modeling. The proposed procedure provides a reliable tool for processing challenging interferograms where traditional methods fail to deliver satisfactory results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Image Segmentation: Trends and Challenges)
18 pages, 13568 KB  
Article
Immunocytochemical Analysis of the Wall Ingrowths and Cell Wall Microdomains in the Digestive Glands of Venus’ Flytrap
by Bartosz J. Płachno, Małgorzata Kapusta, Marcin Feldo, Piotr Stolarczyk and Piotr Świątek
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031193 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
The digestive gland of Venus flytrap consists of various types of specialized cells. Secretory cells form two layers: the first is a more external outer layer and the second is an internal layer that is connected to stalk cells. Our goal was to [...] Read more.
The digestive gland of Venus flytrap consists of various types of specialized cells. Secretory cells form two layers: the first is a more external outer layer and the second is an internal layer that is connected to stalk cells. Our goal was to check whether the position/location of cells is essential in terms of cell wall composition (whether cell wall microdomains exist). We also focused on the structure of cell wall ingrowths in secretory cells. To achieve this, the localization of the cell wall components in the cell walls of gland cells was performed using the immunolabeling technique and confocal microscopy. It has been found that cells within the gland head are not equal. Their location determines the composition of their cell walls in terms of the presence of various epitopes. The cell walls of the secretory cells in the outer layer were deficient in epitopes recognized by antibodies, including JIM5 (low methylesterified homogalacturonans), CCRC-M38 (low methylesterified homogalacturonans), LM5 (galactan), and CCRC-M48 (xyloglucan), which contrasted with the cell walls of the cells in the inner layer. In terms of the occurrence of pectic homogalacturonans, cell wall ingrowths constitute cell wall microdomains. The digestive glands of Dionaea muscipula exhibit pronounced cell wall microdomain organization, with distinct distributions of pectins, hemicelluloses, and arabinogalactan proteins across different glandular layers. These compositional differences reflect functional specialization in secretion, absorption, and structural support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Cell/Organ Structure and Function Research)
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10 pages, 1228 KB  
Case Report
Fibrolipoma of the Buccal Space in a 47-Year-Old Male: A Case Report
by Athanasios Vlachodimitropoulos, Spyridon Lygeros, Michail Athanasopoulos, Dimitra Koumoundourou and Georgios Batsaouras
Reports 2026, 9(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9010034 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Fibrolipoma is an uncommon histological variant of lipoma characterized by mature adipose tissue with a significant fibrous component. Intraoral lipomas are rare (only about 1–4% of all lipomas) and lipomas arising in the buccal fat pad (buccal space) are [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Fibrolipoma is an uncommon histological variant of lipoma characterized by mature adipose tissue with a significant fibrous component. Intraoral lipomas are rare (only about 1–4% of all lipomas) and lipomas arising in the buccal fat pad (buccal space) are particularly uncommon. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old male presented with a painless, slowly enlarging swelling in the left cheek region. Physical examination revealed a soft, non-tender mass in the buccal space, causing mild bulging of the cheek. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed lesion within the left buccal fat pad suggestive of a lipoma. The tumor was excised entirely via an intraoral approach under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination showed lobules of mature adipocytes interspersed with dense fibrous connective septa consistent with a diagnosis of a fibrolipoma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions: This case highlights that fibrolipoma, while rare in the maxillofacial region, should be included in the differential diagnosis of buccal space tumors. Imaging studies can aid in identifying the fatty nature and extent of such lesions, but definitive diagnosis relies on histopathology. The buccal fat pad’s anatomy allows an intraoral surgical approach in appropriate cases, providing direct access and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Complete excision is curative in benign fibrolipomas, and careful surgical technique prevents injury to adjacent structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Otolaryngology)
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11 pages, 5421 KB  
Article
Underground Multi-Robot Systems at Work: A Revolution in Mining
by Victor Vigara Puche, Kashish Verma and Matteo Fumagalli
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031212 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
The growing global demand for critical raw materials has highlighted the need for autonomous systems in abandoned underground mines. We propose a multi-robot coordination architecture using Hierarchical Finite State Machines (HFSMs) for sequential task execution in GPS-denied, infrastructure-less environments. Unlike existing centralized approaches, [...] Read more.
The growing global demand for critical raw materials has highlighted the need for autonomous systems in abandoned underground mines. We propose a multi-robot coordination architecture using Hierarchical Finite State Machines (HFSMs) for sequential task execution in GPS-denied, infrastructure-less environments. Unlike existing centralized approaches, our system enables each robot to execute its own HFSM behavior triggered through inter-robot communication, eliminating dependency on persistent connectivity. We implemented and validated this architecture using a Deployer robot and a Stinger robot within the EU Horizon PERSEPHONE project. Experimental validation demonstrated successful coordination both with persistent connectivity and during network interruptions, proving the system’s fault tolerance capabilities. The system successfully executed sequential deployment and anchoring tasks, demonstrating that this coordination approach enables multi-robot coordination without requiring persistent connectivity, thereby addressing critical limitations for autonomous operations in underground environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Drilling Technology: Modeling and Application)
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13 pages, 264 KB  
Article
Feeling Unsafe in One’s Own Body: The Impact of Illness on Psychological Safety and Social Engagement
by Phoebe Taylor, Liza Morton and Nicola Cogan
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020148 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
The concept of neuroception of psychological safety, rooted in Polyvagal Theory, offers a framework for understanding how individuals perceive safety at a physiological and psychological level. Illness may disrupt this perception and affect bodily regulation, emotional resilience, social connection, and self-compassion. This study [...] Read more.
The concept of neuroception of psychological safety, rooted in Polyvagal Theory, offers a framework for understanding how individuals perceive safety at a physiological and psychological level. Illness may disrupt this perception and affect bodily regulation, emotional resilience, social connection, and self-compassion. This study aims to explore how experiences of being unwell, across both acute and chronic contexts, affect individuals’ neuroception of psychological safety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven adult participants aged 20–79, including individuals with both acute and chronic illness experiences. Interview questions were informed by the Neuroception of Psychological Safety and Polyvagal Theory. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s six-step process. Four key themes were identified: dysregulation and the narrowing window of tolerance (reduced emotional resilience and heightened bodily sensitivity); distrust and disappointment (a rupture in bodily and self-trust); responsibility and internalised guilt (moral and emotional burdens around illness and recovery); and illness demands attention and disrupts social connection (withdrawal, emotional depletion, and compromised compassion). Across these themes, participants described a diminished sense of psychological safety when unwell, shaped by both internal physiological changes and altered social dynamics. Illness can profoundly undermine psychological safety by disrupting neurobiological regulation, altering relational engagement, and eroding trust in one’s body and self. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological safety principles into models of care, particularly in how individuals experience and recover from illness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral and Mental Health)
17 pages, 2954 KB  
Article
Wind Catcher Cooling Performance Including Heat Loads: An Experimental Study
by Mohamed Yusuf, Dimitrios Mathioulakis, Nikolaos Vasilikos and Christina Georgantopoulou
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031207 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study experimentally investigates the cooling performance of a single-opening wind catcher model under varying orientations and wind speeds. The wind catcher was connected to a horizontal cavity representing an indoor space, with a rear outlet simulating a window opening. Electric resistors were [...] Read more.
This study experimentally investigates the cooling performance of a single-opening wind catcher model under varying orientations and wind speeds. The wind catcher was connected to a horizontal cavity representing an indoor space, with a rear outlet simulating a window opening. Electric resistors were installed at the catcher shaft and in the middle of the cavity length to simulate the building’s heat loads. Experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel, where K-type thermocouples were employed to record temperature variations for both closed and open cavity ends. Five wind speeds (4–9 m/s) and five orientations (0–180°) were examined. Under the closed-cavity configuration, the maximum temperature reduction (cooling) of 4 °C occurred at an orientation of 180°, at which the catcher opening was positioned on the leeward side. This orientation created a low-pressure region at the catcher’s inlet, located within the wake of the model, which, combined with a favorable vertical temperature gradient, enhanced suction-driven cooling. In the open-cavity configuration, cooling was observed for all orientations and wind speeds. The greatest temperature reduction of 6 °C occurred at the 180° orientation, whereas other orientations produced lower temperatures changes, down to 2 °C. Full article
24 pages, 14605 KB  
Article
Responses of Sorghum Growth and Rhizosphere–Plastisphere Microbiomes to Cadmium and Polypropylene Microplastic Co-Contamination
by Zong-Hua Wang, Shan-Shan Gao, Lei Yang, Yue-Liang Meng, Meng Wang, Bai-Lian Larry Li and Zhao-Jin Chen
Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030293 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) can serve as bearers of microorganisms and additional contaminants. However, the functional composition and assembly processes of plastisphere bacteria in co-contaminated soil–plant systems are not yet well understood. Using a pot experiment, we examined the effects of both individual and combined [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs) can serve as bearers of microorganisms and additional contaminants. However, the functional composition and assembly processes of plastisphere bacteria in co-contaminated soil–plant systems are not yet well understood. Using a pot experiment, we examined the effects of both individual and combined cadmium (Cd) and polypropylene (PP) MP contamination on the development of the bioenergy plant sorghum. The bacterial community, co-occurrence networks, and assembly processes in the rhizosphere soil and PP plastisphere were investigated using high-throughput sequencing. Compared with contamination by a single compound, combined contamination with Cd and PP had a more potent inhibitory effect on the development of sorghum. PCoA and diversity indices indicate that the bacterial community on PP plastics is structurally simpler than that in rhizosphere soil. The PP plastisphere could recruit bacteria from the genera Sphingomonas, Rhizobium, and Bacillus. The bacterial communities in the soil and the PP plastisphere were mostly formed by stochastic processes, with diffusion limitation playing a greater role in the bacterial community in the PP plastisphere. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed differences between the bacterial communities in the soil and in the PP plastisphere, with the network in the PP plastisphere showing lower complexity and connectivity. Functional prediction revealed that the prevalence of nitrogen cycling genes was greater in the PP plastisphere than in the dirt and that the PP plastisphere presented greater metabolic activity. The relative prevalence of metabolic pathways associated with human diseases was markedly elevated in the PP plastisphere, which may be correlated with the dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms. These findings indicate that the PP plastisphere, as a distinct microbial niche, might attract certain bacteria, consequently affecting the functional characteristics of cocontaminated soil–plant systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Phytoremediation on Soil Ecosystems)
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22 pages, 995 KB  
Review
Stroke Rehabilitation, Novel Technology and the Internet of Medical Things
by Ana Costa, Eric Schmalzried, Jing Tong, Brandon Khanyan, Weidong Wang, Zhaosheng Jin and Sergio D. Bergese
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16020124 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Stroke continues to impose an enormous morbidity and mortality burden worldwide. Stroke survivors often incur debilitating consequences that impair motor function, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life. Rehabilitation is a pivotal intervention to minimize disability and promote functional recovery [...] Read more.
Stroke continues to impose an enormous morbidity and mortality burden worldwide. Stroke survivors often incur debilitating consequences that impair motor function, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life. Rehabilitation is a pivotal intervention to minimize disability and promote functional recovery following a stroke. The Internet of Medical Things, a network of connected medical devices, software and health systems that collect, store and analyze health data over the internet, is an emerging resource in neurorehabilitation for stroke survivors. Technologies such as asynchronous transmission to handle intermittent connectivity, edge computing to conserve bandwidth and lengthen device life, functional interoperability across platforms, security mechanisms scalable to resource constraints, and hybrid architectures that combine local processing with cloud synchronization help bridge the digital divide and infrastructure limitations in low-resource environments. This manuscript reviews emerging rehabilitation technologies such as robotic devices, virtual reality, brain–computer interfaces and telerehabilitation in the setting of neurorehabilitation for stroke patients. Full article
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21 pages, 777 KB  
Article
A Multi-Compartment Tumor–Immune Model Under Uncertain Differential Dynamics and Therapeutic Forcing
by Darshan Mal, Javed Hussain and Sultan Hussain
Mathematics 2026, 14(3), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14030408 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
A four-compartment tumor–immune interaction model is studied in a belief-based uncertain framework. The deterministic dynamics for tumor cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes are extended to an uncertain differential system driven by a canonical Liu process, with [...] Read more.
A four-compartment tumor–immune interaction model is studied in a belief-based uncertain framework. The deterministic dynamics for tumor cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes are extended to an uncertain differential system driven by a canonical Liu process, with therapeutic effects represented through treatment-related parameters acting on the respective populations. The analysis establishes well-posedness in the biologically relevant positive orthant under structural conditions compatible with the model nonlinearities, and it characterizes stability properties in the sense appropriate to uncertain dynamical systems. Sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of a global attracting set describing the long-time behavior of trajectories. The analytical results are complemented by numerical experiments based on α-path dynamics to illustrate uncertainty-aware therapeutic scenarios and to connect the qualitative theory with observable system behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Mathematical Modelling and Dynamical Systems, 2nd Edition)
26 pages, 749 KB  
Article
News Framing of Assisted Death Through Argument Structures in Portugal and the United Kingdom
by Bruno Frutuoso Costa
Journal. Media 2026, 7(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia7010016 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
The news framing of assisted death in Portugal and the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2024 was analyzed across two dimensions. The first examined the overall frames through source positions and occupations. The second observed argumentative structures by coding argument characteristics: manifestation, origin, [...] Read more.
The news framing of assisted death in Portugal and the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2024 was analyzed across two dimensions. The first examined the overall frames through source positions and occupations. The second observed argumentative structures by coding argument characteristics: manifestation, origin, level, and evaluation. A total of 7464 structures were identified from 1731 published stories in Expresso, Público, The Guardian, and The Telegraph. The research utilized a methodological framework based on framing theory, creating direct connections between frame analysis and argumentative structures to improve the validity of valence and thematic framing mechanisms. The findings indicated significant differences between countries. The Portuguese news media showed a marked inclination to present concentrated opposing arguments with a higher argumentative density. In contrast, British newspapers displayed a greater diversity of arguments in favor of assisted death, along with a more cohesive representation among pro-assisted death sources. Three distinct argumentative profiles were identified, each showing different divisions between Portugal and the UK. These results reveal that argumentative structures in assisted death coverage reflect deeper systemic values and news media structures, positioning these quality newspapers as influential actors in representing arguments about moral legitimacy around bioethical issues. The study makes a valuable contribution by offering a comprehensive understanding of how these four newspapers frame arguments about assisted death while proposing an innovative analytical model applicable to comparative studies of other news media. Full article
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18 pages, 4244 KB  
Article
Selection of Specimen Orientations for Hyperspectral Identification of Wild and Cultivated Ophiocordyceps sinensis
by Hejuan Du, Xinyue Cui, Xingfeng Chen, Dawa Drolma, Shihao Xie, Jiaguo Li, Limin Zhao, Jun Liu and Tingting Shi
Processes 2026, 14(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14030412 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a precious medicinal material with significant pharmacological and economic value. However, the visual similarity between its wild and cultivated forms poses a challenge for authentication. This study investigates the influence of specimen orientation on the accuracy of hyperspectral identification. Hyperspectral [...] Read more.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a precious medicinal material with significant pharmacological and economic value. However, the visual similarity between its wild and cultivated forms poses a challenge for authentication. This study investigates the influence of specimen orientation on the accuracy of hyperspectral identification. Hyperspectral data were systematically acquired from four standard specimen orientations (left lateral, right lateral, dorsal, and ventral) for each sample. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), and Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN) models were trained and evaluated using both single-orientation and multi-orientation fused data. Results indicate that the LR model achieved superior and stable performance, with an average identification accuracy exceeding 98%. Crucially, for all tested models, no statistically significant difference in identification accuracy was observed across the different specimen orientations. This finding demonstrates that specimen orientation does not significantly influence identification accuracy. The conclusion was further corroborated in experiments using randomly orientation-fused datasets, in which model performance remained consistent and reliable. It is therefore concluded that precise specimen orientation control is unnecessary for the hyperspectral identification of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. This insight substantially simplifies the hardware design of dedicated identification devices by eliminating the need for complex orientation-fixing mechanisms and facilitating the standardization of operational protocols. The study provides a practical theoretical foundation for developing cost-effective, user-friendly, and widely applicable identification instruments for Ophiocordyceps sinensis and offers a reference for similar non-destructive testing applications involving anisotropic medicinal materials. Full article
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15 pages, 622 KB  
Article
Unveiling the Connection Between Outward Foreign Direct Investment and Environmental Quality in Turkey: A Frequency Domain Causality Analysis
by Abubaker Sadeg Abozriba and Wagdi M. S. Khalifa
Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031189 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
Debates relating to the sustainability of the environment have emerged as a major goal of the global agenda in recent years. As a result, this research examines the impact of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in [...] Read more.
Debates relating to the sustainability of the environment have emerged as a major goal of the global agenda in recent years. As a result, this research examines the impact of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) in Turkey from 1985 to 2022, using the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) and frequency domain causality analysis (FDCA). In addition, economic growth (GDP) and trade in services (TROP) were used as control variables because they capture two big ways the economy interacts with environment. The empirical results are as follows: (i) The bounds test confirms a long-run association among the variables. (ii) The ARDL result confirms that in the long and short run, OFDI and GDP increase CO2 in Turkey, while TROP contributes to the quality of the environment. (iii) The FDCA demonstrates that OFDI Granger causes CO2 in the short and medium term, while TROP Granger causes CO2 in the short, medium, and long-term. Based on these results, policies are recommended for implementation. Full article
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31 pages, 12177 KB  
Article
Regional Finance and Environmental Outcomes: Empirical Evidence from Kazakhstan’s Regions
by Nurlan Satanbekov, Ainagul Adambekova, Nurbek Adambekov, Akbota Anessova and Zhuldyz Adambekova
Economies 2026, 14(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/economies14020037 (registering DOI) - 24 Jan 2026
Abstract
This study investigates how financial growth connects to regional environmental performance within the framework of policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It uses a comprehensive panel dataset covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Although Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets, significant differences in [...] Read more.
This study investigates how financial growth connects to regional environmental performance within the framework of policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It uses a comprehensive panel dataset covering the period from 2010 to 2024. Although Kazakhstan has set ambitious targets, significant differences in financing levels and institutional development across regions pose substantial obstacles to achieving the target emissions reductions. Employing regional panel data, we use a random-effects model to assess links among banking loans, governmental funding metrics, employment statistics, and pollution measurements. Principal component analysis is utilized to tackle potential collinearity and reveal fundamental patterns. This approach reflects the inherent differences between regions rather than evolutionary shifts. The obtained empirical data demonstrate a significant relationship between high levels of bank loans and reduced carbon emissions. Regions with better access to financial services are better positioned to invest in energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and green innovation. Conversely, increases in regional budgets are associated with rising emissions, as tax revenue growth primarily comes from industries most dependent on fossil fuels. Dependence on the national budget for subsidies exacerbates distortions in regional budgets’ relationship with the regions’ transition to low-carbon development. The findings confirm the importance of regional financial management in determining the path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this, it is proposed to transform the mechanism of interbudgetary relations to grant regions greater financial autonomy and to localize credit resources at the regional level to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy in Kazakhstan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic Development)
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