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15 pages, 1884 KB  
Article
Genomic Characterization and Phylogenetic Relationships of Procypris rabaudi Revealed by Whole-Genome Survey Analysis
by Xiaolu Han, Renhui Luo, Qi Liu, Zengbao Yuan and Wenping He
Animals 2026, 16(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16020246 (registering DOI) - 14 Jan 2026
Abstract
Procypris rabaudi, a member of the Cyprinidae family and genus Procypris, has been designated as a national second-class protected wildlife species in China due to a significant decline in its wild populations. Understanding its genomic characteristics and mitochondrial genome structure is [...] Read more.
Procypris rabaudi, a member of the Cyprinidae family and genus Procypris, has been designated as a national second-class protected wildlife species in China due to a significant decline in its wild populations. Understanding its genomic characteristics and mitochondrial genome structure is crucial for germplasm conservation and systematic classification. In this study, we utilized high-throughput sequencing to investigate the genome of P. rabaudi. The genome size was 1.5 Gb, with a heterozygosity rate of 0.44% and 61.47% of repetitive sequences. We identified 1,151,980 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), with mononucleotide repeats being the most abundant at 55.34%. The complete mitochondrial genome was assembled with 16,595 bp length. A phylogenetic tree constructed from 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes indicated that genus Procypris was most closely related to genus Luciocyprinus and formed a monophyletic group with Cyprinus, Carassioides, and Carassius. Pairwise Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (PSMC) analysis revealed a rapid population expansion prior to the Last Interglacial Period, followed by a decline after reaching its peak during Last Glacial Period. Notably, P. rabaudi exhibited a two-peak demographic pattern during both the Last Glacial Period. These genomic data provide valuable resources for the conservation of P. rabaudi germplasm and for future studies on cyprinid classification and evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics in Economic Aquatic Animals: Second Edition)
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41 pages, 4351 KB  
Review
Autoantibodies as Precision Tools in Connective Tissue Diseases: From Epiphenomenon to Endophenotype
by Muhammad Soyfoo and Julie Sarrand
Antibodies 2026, 15(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/antib15010007 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Autoantibodies have long been regarded as passive reflections of immune dysregulation in connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Recent advances in systems immunology and molecular pathology have fundamentally redefined them as active molecular fingerprints that delineate distinct disease endophenotypes with predictive power for clinical trajectories [...] Read more.
Autoantibodies have long been regarded as passive reflections of immune dysregulation in connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Recent advances in systems immunology and molecular pathology have fundamentally redefined them as active molecular fingerprints that delineate distinct disease endophenotypes with predictive power for clinical trajectories and therapeutic responses. Rather than mere epiphenomena, autoantibodies encode precise information about dominant immune pathways, organ tropism, and pathogenic mechanisms. This review synthesizes emerging evidence that autoantibody repertoires—defined by specificity, structural properties, and functional characteristics—stratify patients beyond traditional clinical taxonomy into discrete pathobiological subsets. Specific signatures such as anti-MDA5 in rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease, anti-RNA polymerase III in scleroderma renal crisis, and anti-Ro52/TRIM21 in systemic overlap syndromes illustrate how serological profiles predict outcomes with remarkable precision. Mechanistically, autoantibody pathogenicity is modulated by immunoglobulin isotype distribution, Fc glycosylation patterns, and tissue-specific receptor expression—variables that determine whether an antibody functions as a biomarker or pathogenic effector. The structural heterogeneity of autoantibodies, shaped by cytokine microenvironments and B-cell subset imprinting, creates a dynamic continuum between pro-inflammatory and regulatory states. The integration of serological, transcriptomic, and imaging data establishes a precision medicine framework: autoantibodies function simultaneously as disease classifiers and therapeutic guides. This endophenotype-driven approach is already influencing trial design and patient stratification in systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and inflammatory myopathies, and is reshaping both clinical practice and scientific taxonomy in CTDs. Recognizing autoantibodies as endophenotypic determinants aligns disease classification with pathogenic mechanism and supports the transition towards immunologically informed therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibody and Autoantibody Specificities in Autoimmunity)
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21 pages, 699 KB  
Review
Low-Cost Sensors in 5G RF-EMF Exposure Monitoring: Validity and Challenges
by Phoka C. Rathebe and Mota Kholopo
Sensors 2026, 26(2), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26020533 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
The deployment of 5G networks has transformed the landscape of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure patterns, shifting from high-power macro base stations to dense networks of small, beamforming cells. This review critically assesses the validity, challenges, and research gaps of low-cost RF-EMF sensors [...] Read more.
The deployment of 5G networks has transformed the landscape of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure patterns, shifting from high-power macro base stations to dense networks of small, beamforming cells. This review critically assesses the validity, challenges, and research gaps of low-cost RF-EMF sensors used for 5G exposure monitoring. An analysis of over 60 studies covering Sub-6 GHz and emerging mmWave systems shows that well-calibrated sensors can achieve measurement deviations of ±3–6 dB compared to professional instruments like the Narda SRM-3006, with long-term calibration drift less than 0.5 dB per month and RMS reproducibility around 5%. Typical outdoor 5G FR1 exposure levels range from 0.01 to 0.5 W/m2 near small cells, while personal device use can cause transient exposures 10–30 dB higher. Although mmWave (24–100 GHz) and Wi-Fi 7/8 (~60 GHz) are underrepresented due to antenna and component limitations, Sub-6 GHz sensing platforms, including software-defined radio (SDR)-based and triaxial isotropic designs, provide sufficient sensitivity for both citizen and institutional monitoring. Major challenges involve calibration drift, frequency band gaps, data interoperability, and ethical management of participatory networks. Addressing these issues through standardized calibration protocols, machine learning-assisted drift correction, and open data frameworks will allow affordable sensors to complement professional monitoring, improve spatial coverage, and enhance public transparency in 5G RF-EMF exposure governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromagnetic Sensing and Its Applications)
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47 pages, 3006 KB  
Review
A Systematic Review of the Scalability of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics from a Multidisciplinary Perspective
by Baitong Li, Dian Zhou, Mengyuan Zhou, Duo Xu, Qian Zhang, Yingtao Qi, Zongzhou Zhu and Yujun Yang
Buildings 2026, 16(2), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16020332 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has become a core technology in the green building sector, driven by global carbon-neutrality goals and the growing demand for sustainable design. This review adopts a scalability-oriented perspective and systematically examines 82 peer-reviewed articles published [...] Read more.
Over the past two decades, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) has become a core technology in the green building sector, driven by global carbon-neutrality goals and the growing demand for sustainable design. This review adopts a scalability-oriented perspective and systematically examines 82 peer-reviewed articles published between 2001 and 2025. The results indicate that existing research is dominated by studies on electrical and thermal performance, with East Asia and Europe—particularly China, Japan, and Germany—emerging as the most active regions. This dominance matters for scalability because real projects must satisfy comfort, compliance, buildability, and operation/maintenance constraints alongside energy yield; limited evidence in these dimensions increases delivery risk when transferring solutions across regions and building types. Accordingly, we interpret the observed distribution as an evidence-maturity pattern: performance gains are increasingly well characterized, whereas deployment-relevant uncertainties (e.g., boundary-condition sensitivity and validation depth) remain less consistently reported. Multidimensional integration of thermal, optical, and electrical functions is gaining momentum; however, user-centered performance dimensions remain underexplored. Simulation-based approaches still prevail, whereas large-scale empirical studies are limited. The review also reveals extensive interdisciplinary collaboration but also identifies a notable lack of architectural perspectives. Using Biblioshiny, this study maps co-authorship networks and research structures. Based on the evidence, we propose future research directions to enhance the practical scalability of BIPV, including strengthening interdisciplinary integration, expanding empirical validation, and developing product-level design strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Neutral Pathways for Urban Building Design)
30 pages, 4344 KB  
Article
HAGEN: Unveiling Obfuscated Memory Threats via Hierarchical Attention-Gated Explainable Networks
by Mahmoud E. Farfoura, Mohammad Alia and Tee Connie
Electronics 2026, 15(2), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15020352 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Memory resident malware, particularly fileless and heavily obfuscated types, continues to pose a major problem for endpoint defense tools, as these threats often slip past traditional signature-based detection techniques. Deep learning has shown promise in identifying such malicious activity, but its use in [...] Read more.
Memory resident malware, particularly fileless and heavily obfuscated types, continues to pose a major problem for endpoint defense tools, as these threats often slip past traditional signature-based detection techniques. Deep learning has shown promise in identifying such malicious activity, but its use in real Security Operations Centers (SOCs) is still limited because the internal reasoning of these neural network models is difficult to interpret or verify. In response to this challenge, we present HAGEN, a hierarchical attention architecture designed to combine strong classification performance with explanations that security analysts can understand and trust. HAGEN processes memory artifacts through a series of attention layers that highlight important behavioral cues at different scales, while a gated mechanism controls how information flows through the network. This structure enables the system to expose the basis of its decisions rather than simply output a label. To further support transparency, the final classification step is guided by representative prototypes, allowing predictions to be related back to concrete examples learned during training. When evaluated on the CIC-MalMem-2022 dataset, HAGEN achieved 99.99% accuracy in distinguishing benign programs from major malware classes such as spyware, ransomware, and trojans, all with modest computational requirements suitable for live environments. Beyond accuracy, HAGEN produces clear visual and numeric explanations—such as attention maps and prototype distances—that help investigators understand which memory patterns contributed to each decision, making it a practical tool for both detection and forensic analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Artificial Intelligence)
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16 pages, 5314 KB  
Article
The Behaviours of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Carbon Nanotube-Layered Nanocomposites
by Ayse Nihan Basmaci and Seckin Filiz
Materials 2026, 19(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020315 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the intricate behaviours of electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation in a sophisticated, multilayered nanocomposite structure. The structure comprises four precisely engineered layers, each meticulously crafted from carbon nanotube (CNT) fibres arranged at specific angles and directions. These intricate arrangements [...] Read more.
This comprehensive study delves into the intricate behaviours of electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation in a sophisticated, multilayered nanocomposite structure. The structure comprises four precisely engineered layers, each meticulously crafted from carbon nanotube (CNT) fibres arranged at specific angles and directions. These intricate arrangements not only define the structural integrity of the composite but also play a pivotal role in determining the material properties of each layer. Remarkably, when the layers are meticulously arranged at angles of [0°/90°/90°/0°] with respect to each other, the structure exhibits the highest reduced material property parameter (D*). Conversely, positioning the layers at 90-degree angles [90°/90°/90°/90°] results in the lowest reduced material property parameters, elucidating the profound influence of the arrangement patterns of the CNTs on the structural and material behaviour of the composite. Given the nanostructure nature of the composite, this study leverages the nonlocal theory to delve into the electromagnetic wave propagation frequencies (ω) and meticulously scrutinise the behaviour of transmitted and reflected electromagnetic waves within the intricate layered structure. This nanocomposite structure has been engineered as a multi-layered system, with its design grounded in the principles of nonlocal theory. Within this framework, it is revealed that, as the nonlocal parameter (η) increases, there is a discernible reduction in the frequencies (ω) of EM wave propagation through the material. This in-depth analysis aims to contribute to a fundamental understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation behaviour in complex nanocomposite structures, with potentially far-reaching implications in various technological applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology)
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17 pages, 1247 KB  
Article
Morphometric Relations Within Elasmobranch Species from the Amvrakikos Gulf (Central Mediterranean)
by Martina Ciprian, Ioannis Giovos, Carlotta Mazzoldi and Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos
Diversity 2026, 18(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/d18010041 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Despite their ecological and conservation significance, morphometric relations remain scarce for elasmobranch species in the Mediterranean. This study examined morphometric parameters of the eight elasmobranch species (one shark and seven batoids) presented in the Amvrakikos Gulf that has been designated as a National [...] Read more.
Despite their ecological and conservation significance, morphometric relations remain scarce for elasmobranch species in the Mediterranean. This study examined morphometric parameters of the eight elasmobranch species (one shark and seven batoids) presented in the Amvrakikos Gulf that has been designated as a National Park. A total of 1247 specimens were sampled between 2022 and 2025, caught by small-scale fishing vessels using trammel nets, gillnets or bottom longlines and collected through onboard surveys or landing sites monitoring. Linear regressions were applied to describe relations between total length and other body measures (disc length, disc width, fork length), and length measurements and body weight. Results showed strong relations across morphometric traits, with R2 values exceeding 0.655 for most relations. Growth patterns varied: four species (Aetomylaeus bovinus, Dasyatis pastinaca, D. tortonesei, Mustelus mustelus) exhibited positive allometry, one species (D. marmorata) displayed negative allometry and Gymnura altavela showed near-isometric growth. Sexual dimorphism was generally absent, although significant differences were found between sex in disc width slopes for D. marmorata, Myliobatis aquila and Torpedo torpedo, and in length–weight relations for M. mustelus. These findings substantially fill regional data gaps, offering new baseline estimates for rare and threatened elasmobranchs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Biodiversity, Ecology, and Management in Shark Research)
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39 pages, 2558 KB  
Systematic Review
Enhancing Informal Education Through Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review Focusing on Institutional Informal Learning Places (2018–2025)
by Stephanie Moser, Miriam Lechner, Marina Lazarević and Doris Lewalter
Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16010114 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Informal learning in institutional settings plays a vital role in lifelong education by fostering self-directed knowledge acquisition. With the increasing integration of digital media into these environments, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a particularly promising technology due to its ability to overlay [...] Read more.
Informal learning in institutional settings plays a vital role in lifelong education by fostering self-directed knowledge acquisition. With the increasing integration of digital media into these environments, augmented reality (AR) has emerged as a particularly promising technology due to its ability to overlay virtual content in real-time and across multiple sensory modalities. This systematic literature review investigates the use of AR in institutional informal learning places (IILPs) from 2018 to 2025, aiming to synthesize findings across the following overall research questions: (1) In which IILP contexts has AR been implemented, and what are the characteristics of the technology? (2) What learning-relevant functions and (3) outcomes are associated with AR in these settings? (4) Which learning theories underpin the design of AR interventions? Following the PRISMA guidelines, empirical studies were identified through comprehensive database searches (Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, FIS Bildung) and cross-referencing. Forty-four studies were analyzed via qualitative content analysis. The goal is to provide a descriptive overview of findings, patterns, and relationships. Findings indicate that AR is widely adopted across diverse domains and institutional contexts, primarily through mobile-based AR applications for K–12 learning. Native app development signals growing technological maturity. AR enhances both cognitive and emotional-motivational outcomes, though its potential to support social interaction remains insufficiently investigated. The predominant function of AR is the provision of information. Most of the examined studies are grounded in constructivist or cognitivist learning theories, particularly the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Only limited references to emotional-motivational frameworks and minimal references to behaviorist frameworks were found. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating Informal Learning in the Age of Technology)
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68 pages, 9076 KB  
Review
Collagen Type I as a Biological Barrier Interface in Biomimetic Microfluidic Devices: Properties, Applications, and Challenges
by Valentina Grumezescu and Liviu Duta
Biomimetics 2026, 11(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11010066 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Collagen type I has become a practical cornerstone for constructing biologically meaningful barrier interfaces in microfluidic systems. Its fibrillar architecture, native ligand display, and susceptibility to cell-mediated remodeling support epithelial and endothelial polarization, tight junctions, and transport behaviors that are difficult to achieve [...] Read more.
Collagen type I has become a practical cornerstone for constructing biologically meaningful barrier interfaces in microfluidic systems. Its fibrillar architecture, native ligand display, and susceptibility to cell-mediated remodeling support epithelial and endothelial polarization, tight junctions, and transport behaviors that are difficult to achieve with purely synthetic barrier interfaces. Recent advances pair these biological strengths with tighter engineering control. For example, ultrathin collagen barriers (tens of micrometers or less) enable faster molecular exchange and short-range signaling; gentle crosslinking and composite designs limit gel compaction and delamination under flow; and patterning/bioprinting introduce alignment, graded porosity, and robust integration into device geometries. Applications now span intestine, vasculature, skin, airway, kidney, and tumor–stroma interfaces, with readouts including transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), tracer permeability, and image-based quality control of fiber architecture. Persistent constraints include batch variability, long-term mechanical drift, limited standardization of fibrillogenesis conditions, and difficulties scaling fabrication without loss of bioactivity. Priorities include reporting standards for microstructure and residual crosslinker, chips for continuous monitoring, immune-competent co-cultures, and closer collaboration across materials science, microfabrication, computational modelling, and clinical pharmacology. Thus, this review synthesizes the state-of-the-art and offers practical guidance on technological readiness and future directions for using collagen type I as a biological barrier interface in biomimetic microfluidic systems. Full article
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15 pages, 5093 KB  
Article
Single-Cell Tracking of Brewing Yeast Dynamics in Baijiu Fermentation Using GFP-Labeled Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae FSC01
by Yeyu Huang, Jie Meng, Xinglin Han, Dan Huang, Ruiqi Luo and Deliang Wang
Fermentation 2026, 12(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation12010045 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
In view of the technical bottleneck of microbial dynamic monitoring during the solid-state fermentation of traditional Baijiu, this study introduced green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling technology into the dominant Saccharomyces cerevisiae of Jiang-flavored Baijiu to construct the chromosomal integration engineering strain named FSC01. [...] Read more.
In view of the technical bottleneck of microbial dynamic monitoring during the solid-state fermentation of traditional Baijiu, this study introduced green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling technology into the dominant Saccharomyces cerevisiae of Jiang-flavored Baijiu to construct the chromosomal integration engineering strain named FSC01. By designing an integrated recombinant plasmid containing the GFP gene and the geneticmycin resistance gene, an engineered strain that stably expresses fluorescent proteins was obtained by electroconversion. Flow cytometry verification showed that FSC01 showed excellent linear responses in the pure microbial system (R2 = 0.998) and the complex matrix of Baijiu jiupei (R2 = 0.981), with a detection limit of 102 cells/mL, and the detection cycle was shortened to 10 min. Solid-state fermentation simulation experiments show that the inoculation volume of FSC01 of 105 cells/kg can not only ensure the effective identification of fluorescence signals, but also does not significantly interfere with the growth and growth patterns of the original yeast (p > 0.05), which is highly consistent with the results of the traditional plate counting method. Dynamic monitoring shows that Saccharomyces cerevisiae during fermentation presents a typical succession pattern of “increase first and then decrease”, reaching a peak on the 7th day (1.2 × 107 cells/g), which is positively correlated with the base alcohol yield rate (26.7%). Compared with metagenomic (72 h) and PMA-qPCR (4 h) methods, this technology breaks through the limitations of specificity and timeliness of live bacteria detection, and provides a single-cell-level dynamic analysis tool for the digitization of traditional brewing processes. In the future, it will be expanded to monitor key functional microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria through a multi-color fluorescent labeling system, and optimized pretreatment to eliminate starch granule interference, and promote the in-depth application of synthetic biology technology in the traditional fermentation industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fermentation Process Design)
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34 pages, 1184 KB  
Article
Student Attitudes and Experiences with Distance Learning During COVID-19: A Framework for Hybrid Education
by Aristogiannis Garmpis, Spyridon Garmpis, Aliki Panagiotarou, Hera Antonopoulou and Constantinos Halkiopoulos
Societies 2026, 16(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010024 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented global transition to emergency remote teaching, fundamentally disrupting traditional higher education delivery methods. This study investigated how Greek higher education students adapted to mandatory distance learning during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented global transition to emergency remote teaching, fundamentally disrupting traditional higher education delivery methods. This study investigated how Greek higher education students adapted to mandatory distance learning during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to May 2021), providing baseline evidence of forced technology adoption patterns that can inform understanding of subsequent hybrid learning developments and future educational design. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design surveyed n = 477 students from Greek higher education institutions using a structured questionnaire measuring technology access, platform usage, learning modality preferences, challenges encountered, and future educational perspectives. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression to identify predictors of distance learning satisfaction and preferences. Results: Most students expressed positive attitudes toward distance learning (67.9%) and reported comfort with online courses (71.6%), with 69.8% strongly preferring hybrid approaches combining synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Internet connectivity emerged as the primary predictor of satisfaction (β = 0.393, p = 0.052), while demographic factors showed minimal influence (R2 = 0.048). Most students achieved platform proficiency within ten days (73.6%), though 67.9% recognized that distance learning poses differential accessibility challenges. Conclusions: Despite successful adaptation to emergency remote teaching, students envision a hybrid educational future that strategically integrates online and face-to-face modalities rather than wholesale replacement of traditional methods, emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment and pedagogical innovation while preserving valued social learning dimensions. Full article
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15 pages, 4642 KB  
Communication
Sustainable Management of Potato Tuber Moths Using Eco-Friendly Dust Formulations During Storage in the Andean Highlands
by Alex Villanueva, Fernando Escobal, Héctor Cántaro-Segura, Luis Diaz-Morales and Daniel Matsusaka
Insects 2026, 17(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010086 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Postharvest losses caused by potato tuber moths severely impact storage in the Andean highlands, where reliance on synthetic insecticides poses sustainability and safety concerns. This study evaluated eco-friendly alternatives for protecting stored seed tubers of the widely adopted cultivar INIA 302 Amarilis in [...] Read more.
Postharvest losses caused by potato tuber moths severely impact storage in the Andean highlands, where reliance on synthetic insecticides poses sustainability and safety concerns. This study evaluated eco-friendly alternatives for protecting stored seed tubers of the widely adopted cultivar INIA 302 Amarilis in Cajamarca, Peru. In two storage facilities, a completely randomized block design compared four treatments: Bacillus thuringiensis plus talc (Bt-talc), talc, agricultural lime, and wood ash against an untreated control. Powders were applied at 50 g per 10 kg of tubers, and incidence, severity of damage, and live larvae were assessed over 150 days. Bt–talc consistently achieved the lowest damage. Incidence in Cochapampa was 16.8% ± 6.2 with Bt-talc, compared with 58.1% ± 3.9 in the control; in Sulluscocha, incidence was 25.5% ± 4.8 and 64.2% ± 3.0 for Bt-talc and the control, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for moth-damage severity in both localities. Live larvae per unit were also markedly lower with 1.3 ± 0.3 (Cochapampa) and 1.6 ± 0.6 (Sulluscocha) under Bt–talc. A single dusting with Bt–talc, or alternatively agricultural lime, offers effective, accessible, and sustainable control of potato tuber moths in high-Andean storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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16 pages, 774 KB  
Systematic Review
Sustainable AI-Driven Assessment in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Fairness, Transparency, Pedagogical Innovation, and Governance
by Maha Alfaleh
Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020785 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly utilized in higher-education assessment; however, existing research remains fragmented, with limited synthesis regarding the interplay of fairness, transparency, pedagogy, and governance. To address this gap, this systematic review analyzed 47 studies published between 2019 and 2025 across Western, [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly utilized in higher-education assessment; however, existing research remains fragmented, with limited synthesis regarding the interplay of fairness, transparency, pedagogy, and governance. To address this gap, this systematic review analyzed 47 studies published between 2019 and 2025 across Western, Gulf, South Asian, and East Asian contexts, employing the PRISMA 2020 framework. Among these studies, 32 addressed fairness, 29 examined transparency, 34 explored pedagogical implications, and 22 investigated governance practices. Quantitative evidence demonstrated that AI achieved greater scoring consistency than human graders in over two-thirds of fairness-focused studies. Conversely, more than half of the transparency studies identified inadequate or partial disclosure of AI decision processes. Pedagogical studies indicated AI-enhanced feedback frequency and revision opportunities in approximately 70% of cases, although teacher mediation was necessary to mitigate over-reliance. Governance findings showed that fewer than one-third of institutions had established policies or audit mechanisms for ethical AI use. Based on these patterns, the review proposes a governance-anchored model that integrates fairness and transparency with pedagogical design, providing a coherent framework for institutions aiming to implement AI-based assessment responsibly and equitably. Full article
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66 pages, 102445 KB  
Article
The Symbolic Meaning of the Paired Birds on the Eight Lintels on the Southern and Northern Walls of Mogao Cave 285: Questioning the Meditative Function of the Cave
by Wutian Sha
Religions 2026, 17(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17010089 - 13 Jan 2026
Abstract
Regarding the functions of Cave 285 at the Mogao Caves 莫高窟 during the Western Wei period, scholars have generally considered it a meditation cave. The main chamber has four small chambers each on the southern and northern walls, believed to serve as meditation [...] Read more.
Regarding the functions of Cave 285 at the Mogao Caves 莫高窟 during the Western Wei period, scholars have generally considered it a meditation cave. The main chamber has four small chambers each on the southern and northern walls, believed to serve as meditation spaces. However, a close examination of the architectural features of these eight small chambers reveals that they may have had another purpose, fundamentally different from meditation. Close visual analysis shows that the lintels of each small chamber are adorned with honeysuckle patterns, between which stand two birds forming paired bird images, with considerable variation in the types of birds. The lintel imagery of the eight small chambers in Cave 285 differs from the honeysuckle and lotus-rebirth themes commonly emphasized in the lintel designs of the main niches of contemporaneous caves that highlight the significance of the Pure Land of the Buddha. It also does not align with the flame-pattern-dominated designs seen in other niches on various faces of the central pillar during this period. This indicates a difference in symbolic meaning. At the same time, the paired birds or individual birds appear in depictions of the Pure Land on the truncated-pyramidal ceilings of caves from the same period, alongside images of honeysuckle, lotus-born beings, celestial beings, winged deities, jewels, and animals. Similarly, paired birds (such as parrots, vermilion birds, phoenixes, and bluebirds) found on the walls, heavenly gates, and screens of the Wei and Jin dynasty tombs in Dunhuang symbolize the deceased’s ascension to immortality. The frequent appearance of paired birds on lintels, doors, door frames, and walls outside the doors of tombs from the medieval period signifies the deceased’s ascension to immortality. Considering the funerary nature of the eight small chambers in Cave 285 and the symbolic meaning and development trajectory of paired birds in tombs and caves during the medieval period, the eight pairs of birds on the lintels of these small chambers were meant to aid the deceased’s soul in its ascension to immortality and rebirth in the Pure Land. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Buddhist Meditation in Central Asia)
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21 pages, 992 KB  
Article
Dietary Assessment and Trends Among Preschoolers in South Korea: Data from KNHANES 2012–2021
by Yong-Seok Kwon, Ye-Jun Kim, Eun-Kyung Kim, Jin-Young Lee, Yangsuk Kim and Sohye Kim
Nutrients 2026, 18(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18020240 - 12 Jan 2026
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the dietary assessment and trends of preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years in Korea from 2012 to 2021 and to provide basic data for early childhood dietary education and policy development. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2021 were analyzed for 2510 children in the 3–5 age group. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24 h recall. Intakes of food groups, dishes, and nutrients were calculated, and trends across years were tested using generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, household income, energy intake, mother’s age, and mother’s education. Results: Over the tenyear period, intakes of carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, carotene, thiamine, niacin, and vitamin C, as well as the carbohydrate energy ratio, showed significant declines. Meanwhile, protein, fat, retinol, and riboflavin increased, as did the protein and fat energy ratios. Fruit intake decreased by approximately 42 g among food group intakes. Analysis of foods contributing to total food intake revealed that milk, white rice, apples, and eggs consistently accounted for a high proportion of total intake in all survey years. Average calcium intake was approximately 100 mg below the estimated average requirement. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that preschoolers exhibit insufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as calcium, and a decrease in fruit intake. Interventions are needed to establish regular meal patterns, promote plant food intake such as fruit, and improve calcium intake. These results provide valuable evidence for designing dietary education programs and dietary guidelines tailored to early childhood. Full article
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