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25 pages, 2110 KB  
Article
Nanopore Characteristics and Controlling Factors of the Lower Cambrian Shale Reservoirs in Different Sedimentary Facies Based on Multifractal Analysis
by Wei Liu, Ping Gao, Yanming Zhao, Yijie Xing, Guangming Meng, Dongsheng Li and Xianming Xiao
Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(7), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10070432 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
The Lower Cambrian shale has been considered an important target for shale gas exploration in South China. However, systematic research on the differences in pore structure and their controlling factors in shales from different sedimentary facies is still lacking, which hinders the accurate [...] Read more.
The Lower Cambrian shale has been considered an important target for shale gas exploration in South China. However, systematic research on the differences in pore structure and their controlling factors in shales from different sedimentary facies is still lacking, which hinders the accurate prediction of favorable areas. In this study, pore types, structural parameters, heterogeneity and connectivity of the Lower Cambrian shale samples from the shallow shelf, deep shelf and slope were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LPCA), low-pressure N2 adsorption (LPNA) and multifractal theory, in order to reveal the reservoir characteristics and differences among these sedimentary facies. The results show that organic pores dominate the pore space in shales from different sedimentary facies, but their morphology and abundance are controlled by the depositional environment. The shallow shelf shales are characterized by scattered organic pores and abundant intragranular pores. Deep shelf shales feature uniformly distributed bubble-like organic pores and have the highest non-micropore volume. Slope shales contain the most developed micropores, with organic pores mainly occurring within organic matter (OM). Total organic carbon (TOC) is the primary factor controlling pore development. It affects pore connectivity and heterogeneity by regulating the development of pore space. Micropore connectivity increases with TOC content. In contrast, non-micropore connectivity first increases and then decreases as TOC increases. The influence of mineral components on shale pore structure varies with sedimentary facies. Clay minerals promote micropore development in shallow and deep shelf shales by adsorbing abundant OM. Carbonate minerals inhibit micropore development through diluting TOC content and cementing pore. However, dissolution of carbonate minerals can contribute to non-micropore space in shallow shelf shales. Deep shelf and slope shales with TOC between 4% and 6% have optimal pore volume, high connectivity, and low heterogeneity, and are the main intervals for forming high-quality shale reservoirs. This study clarifies the pore structure characteristics and controlling factors of shale reservoirs in different sedimentary facies, providing a theoretical basis for predicting and exploring shale gas sweet spots in the Lower Cambrian of South China. Full article
16 pages, 528 KB  
Essay
Can Hahnemann’s Conceptualization of the Active Principle of Highly Diluted Potentized Preparations Contribute to Today’s Research?
by Renate Künne, Stephan Baumgartner, Peter Heusser and Sandra Würtenberger
Philosophies 2026, 11(4), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies11040104 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
The German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) established the basic principles of homeopathy as a medical specialty 200 years ago. Nowadays homeopathy is generally categorized as a method of complementary medicine, because its principles seem difficult to relate to modern western biomedicine and due [...] Read more.
The German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843) established the basic principles of homeopathy as a medical specialty 200 years ago. Nowadays homeopathy is generally categorized as a method of complementary medicine, because its principles seem difficult to relate to modern western biomedicine and due to a different philosophical background. One important aspect is that Hahnemann ascribed the mode of action of homeopathic remedies—highly diluted potentized preparations (HDPPs)—to a non-physical force, called geistartig (literally translated as spirit-like). However, the term geistartig is nowadays difficult to understand and to translate, and it is open to misunderstanding. To build a bridge to today’s science, we aimed to clarify the meaning of geistartig. We therefore analyzed the complete body of Hahnemann’s publications and found that Hahnemann provided a consistent conceptualization of geistartig. The term geistartig encompasses the dynamic (force-like) effects of HDPPs and includes substance-specific gestalt-organizing effects, which differ from the known physical forces. A detailed analysis reveals that the hypothesis of such non-physical gestalt-organizing forces agrees with the concepts of modern biology and can also be tested empirically. We thus conclude that Hahnemann’s concept of the active principle of HDPPs can be related to contemporary research. Full article
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23 pages, 3639 KB  
Article
A Label-Free Cell-Based Biosensor Method for Ethanol Quantification Using Temperature-Induced Spontaneous Cell Detachment
by Derick Yongabi, Alex Krane, Heloisa Espreafico Guelerman Ramos, Sofia Xavier Bustia, Jonas Gruber, Michael J. Schöning, Frank Delvigne and Patrick Wagner
Biosensors 2026, 16(7), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16070355 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
Rapid, low-cost ethanol quantification is vital for beverage quality control, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical applications, yet current approaches are costly, reagent- or label-dependent, or rely on spectroscopy with substantial sample preparation. We introduce a purely cell-based, label-free biosensor that exploits temperature-gradient-induced spontaneous detachment [...] Read more.
Rapid, low-cost ethanol quantification is vital for beverage quality control, biofuel production, and pharmaceutical applications, yet current approaches are costly, reagent- or label-dependent, or rely on spectroscopy with substantial sample preparation. We introduce a purely cell-based, label-free biosensor that exploits temperature-gradient-induced spontaneous detachment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae from a chip surface. The readout is the detachment half-time, td50, derived from time-resolved changes in interfacial thermal resistance, Rth, at the solid–liquid interface. Cells were pre-exposed to ethanol (0–70% v/v) and the detachment kinetics monitored using the heat transfer method (HTM). Under these conditions, cells display a pronounced non-monotonic td50 response with a peak around 20% v/v ethanol. Overall, the td50 rises from ~45 min (0% ethanol) to ≳10 h (20%) and then decreases, with no detachment at 60% and beyond. Critically, cell quality gates the detachment window. Fresh yeast responds up to ~50%, whereas aged yeast ceases to detach above ~8%, demonstrating a dual-function assay. Complementary measurements show that ethanol decreases surface tension monotonically, as expected, while optical/SEM imaging reveals aggregation above the detachment window. Requiring only a heater and a temperature probe, this platform offers a compact and low-cost strategy for ethanol sensing. Its applicability in a complex matrix is further demonstrated using whiskey diluted to selected alcohol concentrations, which produced responses consistent with the ethanol calibration trend. Potentially, it also offers a thermal assay for real-time monitoring of microbial cell quality across biotechnology and bioengineering applications. Considering ethanol as a proxy for drugs, the strategy may also support label-free drug screening on cells. At a fundamental level, the non-monotonic effect of ethanol, and especially the sharp maximum at 20%, remains unresolved and invites further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors and Healthcare)
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24 pages, 8829 KB  
Article
Narrow Shielded Spaces: Analysis of BDS Navigation Signal Feature Establishment and Spectrum Map Network Design
by Heng Zhang, Baoguo Yu, Shuguo Pan, Chuanzhen Sheng, Shiyuan Liu, Jianqiang Cheng and Shitong Du
Electronics 2026, 15(13), 2799; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15132799 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
Long and narrow shielded confined spaces, represented by traffic tunnels and underground utility tunnels, constitute critical application scenarios for indoor and underground positioning services. Despite their relatively simple geometric configurations, such environments suffer from severe spatial distortion of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP). [...] Read more.
Long and narrow shielded confined spaces, represented by traffic tunnels and underground utility tunnels, constitute critical application scenarios for indoor and underground positioning services. Despite their relatively simple geometric configurations, such environments suffer from severe spatial distortion of geometric dilution of precision (GDOP). Coupled with pervasive low-elevation signal propagation and intensive multipath reflection effects, conventional BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) positioning services are unable to provide continuous and reliable coverage in these scenarios. To date, existing research on high-precision pseudolite positioning for narrow confined spaces remains largely confined to theoretical analysis and laboratory experimental verification, while systematic studies on application-oriented signal atlas feature network design are significantly insufficient, forming a prominent gap that restricts the practical engineering deployment of relevant technologies. To address the aforementioned technical bottlenecks, this paper proposes a novel BDS pseudolite signal atlas network design method to improve the continuity, stability and comprehensive positioning performance in spatially distorted narrow shielded environments. Field vehicular tests were carried out in actual engineering tunnels and underground utility tunnels to systematically analyze the variation characteristics of raw BDS pseudolite observation data, including pseudorange, carrier phase, carrier-to-noise ratio (C/N0) and Doppler shift. The test results verified that kinematic Doppler parameters exhibited outstanding stability in complex shielded environments with strong multipath interference. On this basis, a spatial feature model based on kinematic Doppler measurements was constructed, and wavelet denoising technology was adopted to extract effective typical spatial feature parameters. Combined with the deterministic one-to-one mapping relationship between Doppler peak characteristics and spatial positions, a multi-peak kinematic Doppler atlas was established, which eliminates the dependence on pre-deployment data collection, dedicated database construction and offline model training. Furthermore, comprehensively considering multi-dimensional constraints such as spatial environment scale, carrier dynamic characteristics and terminal output rate, the atlas network scheme was optimized to achieve a balanced trade-off among positioning detection accuracy, absolute positioning precision and suppression of the pseudolite near-far effect. Comparative experimental results demonstrate that the proposed BDS pseudolite atlas network effectively resolves the inherent GNSS positioning difficulty in long and narrow shielded spaces. Benefiting from the rational spectral peak configuration strategy, the system can satisfy the continuous and stable positioning requirements of multiple carrier types including motor vehicles and railway locomotives under variable motion speeds and terminal output rates. This study provides a robust and feasible technical solution for high-precision BDS positioning services in long and narrow shielded confined spaces, and holds favorable engineering application prospects for underground navigation scenarios. Full article
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21 pages, 1168 KB  
Article
FSA-Based Fire Risk Assessment of Electric Vehicles on Korean Coastal Car Ferries: Expert-Elicited FTA–ETA Analysis with Vessel-Specific Cost–Benefit Evaluation
by Byung-Hwa Song
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(13), 1168; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14131168 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
Electric vehicle (EV) transport by ship is expanding beyond industrial logistics centred on automobile production, trade, and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) into daily transportation for island tourism, commuting, and essential mobility. According to Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) vessel status [...] Read more.
Electric vehicle (EV) transport by ship is expanding beyond industrial logistics centred on automobile production, trade, and pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs) into daily transportation for island tourism, commuting, and essential mobility. According to Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority (KOMSA) vessel status data as of March 2026, 104 of 146 domestic passenger ships were car-ferry passenger ships, accounting for 71.2% of the fleet and operating on 75 of 99 designated routes nationwide. Korea Shipping Association (KSA) operational records show that the EV transport rate on these routes increased from 0.76% in 2024 to 1.21% in 2025, with some routes exceeding 2.0–4.7%. Unlike enclosed multi-deck PCTC vehicle spaces, Korean coastal car-ferry passenger ships generally have single-tier open vehicle decks and bow ramp gates. Crosswinds on open decks may reduce smoke detector activation probability by 60–75%. Although Article 97 of the Standard for Ship Fire-Fighting Appliance newly requires dedicated EV fire-fighting equipment for car-ferry ships, it remains primarily equipment-prescriptive and does not yet provide open-deck-specific performance requirements for wind-resistant detection, fixed EV-zone cooling, EV-designated stowage arrangements, or passenger–operator safety management obligations. This study applies the five-step International Maritime Organization (IMO) Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) procedure to support improvements to EV fire-fighting equipment standards for coastal car-ferry passenger ships. Hazard identification (HAZID) was conducted with a 15-member advisory panel, and probability elicitation was performed through a Delphi survey with 10 core experts, showing strong consensus (Kendall’s W = 0.74, p < 0.01). Fault tree analysis (FTA) and event tree analysis (ETA) probabilities were derived from the Delphi results and the international literature. H-07, representing wind-induced smoke dilution, was identified as the dominant single-point vulnerability within the detection-failure branch. Monte Carlo-based FTA–ETA analysis (n = 10,000) estimated annual fire frequencies of 5.9 × 10−2, 1.8 × 10−1, and 2.9 × 10−1 yr−1 at EV loading ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50%, respectively, with 2.47 expected fatalities per fire. Risk entered the IMO ALARP band above a 30% EV loading ratio and exceeded the maximum tolerable crew risk above 50%. The combined application of risk control options (RCOs) 2, 3, and 4 reduced annual expected fatalities by 85.6%. Based on these results, six RCOs and institutional recommendations are proposed, including strengthened safety management obligations for passenger ship operators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety of Ships and Marine Design Optimization)
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15 pages, 453 KB  
Article
Protective Effects of Ginseng Extract Against Oxidative Stress in Chilled Rooster Semen: Implications for Sperm Quality and Fertility
by Ruthaiporn Ratchamak, Khanitta Pengmeesri and Eakapol Wangkahart
Animals 2026, 16(13), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16131960 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a primary driver of sperm deterioration during chilled storage of poultry semen, and identifying effective natural antioxidant supplements for semen extenders is an important practical goal for poultry reproductive management. This study evaluated the protective effects of ginseng extract (Panax [...] Read more.
Oxidative stress is a primary driver of sperm deterioration during chilled storage of poultry semen, and identifying effective natural antioxidant supplements for semen extenders is an important practical goal for poultry reproductive management. This study evaluated the protective effects of ginseng extract (Panax ginseng) supplementation on sperm viability, motility, oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant defense, and fertility in chilled Leung Hang Kao rooster semen. Pooled semen was diluted in IGGKPh extender supplemented with ginseng extract at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mg/mL and stored at 5 °C for 0, 24, and 48 h. Sperm viability, total motility, progressive motility, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and fertility following artificial insemination were evaluated at each time point. All ginseng-supplemented groups showed significantly lower MDA concentrations and higher GPx activity than the unsupplemented control throughout storage. At 48 h, total motility and progressive motility were highest in the 2 and 3 mg/mL groups, while T-AOC was best maintained in the 1 and 2 mg/mL groups. CAT activity did not differ significantly among groups at 48 h (p = 0.2498). Fertility was significantly higher in the 1 and 2 mg/mL groups than in the control after 24 and 48 h of storage, and the alignment between T-AOC and fertility across storage time points indicated that overall antioxidant buffering capacity was a stronger determinant of fertilizing competence than individual enzyme activities or MDA concentration alone. Concentrations of 3–4 mg/mL, despite producing lower MDA at 48 h, did not confer superior fertility outcomes, suggesting a hormetic dose–response relationship. Based on integrated evidence from sperm quality, antioxidant status, and in vivo fertility, ginseng extract supplementation at 1–2 mg/mL is recommended as the most suitable range for preserving chilled Leung Hang Kao rooster semen and may represent a practical natural antioxidant strategy for Thai native poultry breeding programs. Full article
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23 pages, 3765 KB  
Review
Dynamic Bacterial Communities, Resistome–Virulome Coupling, and Biomonitoring Paradigms at Direct Sea Discharge Outlets: An Integrated Microbiome Perspective for Coastal Pollution Control
by Bingkun Wang, Shulei Jia, Lingling Chen and Miming Zhang
Microorganisms 2026, 14(7), 1401; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14071401 (registering DOI) - 25 Jun 2026
Abstract
Direct sea discharge outlets served as critical conduits for urban sewage and industrial wastewater disposal, playing dual roles as pollutant dilution channels and hotspots for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Traditional monitoring approaches relying on physicochemical parameters and fecal indicator bacteria failed to [...] Read more.
Direct sea discharge outlets served as critical conduits for urban sewage and industrial wastewater disposal, playing dual roles as pollutant dilution channels and hotspots for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes. Traditional monitoring approaches relying on physicochemical parameters and fecal indicator bacteria failed to capture the latent and cumulative risks posed by complex microbial communities. In this review, a holistic microbiome perspective was adopted to systematically synthesize current knowledge on the bacterial community dynamics, assembly mechanisms, resistome–virulome coupling patterns, mobilome-associated risk characteristics, and emerging biomonitoring strategies in direct sea discharge outlets. By integrating high-throughput multi-omics technologies with ecological network analysis and machine learning, we delineated a paradigm shift from cataloging microbial presence to deciphering functional interactions, risk propagation dynamics, and proactive surveillance strategies. Furthermore, under the “One Health” framework, we discussed emerging research frontiers and future challenges in managing pollution at discharge outlets, aiming to provide a scientific basis for environmental risk management in coastal zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
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38 pages, 783 KB  
Article
An Empowerment Perspective on Rural Tourism for Sustainable Traditional Villages: Evidence from Yunqiu Mountain Village, Shanxi, China
by Di Jin, May Ling Siow and Mohd Fabian Hasna
Sustainability 2026, 18(13), 6444; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18136444 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: Traditional villages are important carriers of China’s agrarian civilization, and rural tourism has increasingly been promoted as a strategy for local economic revitalization. In this context, governments have introduced external developers and encouraged village–enterprise integration as a community-based governance arrangement, raising questions [...] Read more.
Background: Traditional villages are important carriers of China’s agrarian civilization, and rural tourism has increasingly been promoted as a strategy for local economic revitalization. In this context, governments have introduced external developers and encouraged village–enterprise integration as a community-based governance arrangement, raising questions about its implications for community empowerment. Methods: Guided by sustainable development and empowerment theory, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach to examine the impacts of rural tourism on traditional village communities and the constraints shaping these outcomes. Results: Drawing on empirical evidence from Yunqiu Mountain Village, the findings indicate that rural tourism generates a simultaneous process of empowerment and disempowerment across economic, social, psychological, and political dimensions, with political empowerment remaining particularly weak. Conclusions: The analysis further reveals that the rural collective land system, marked by diluted property rights, together with limited and ineffective community participation mechanisms, constitutes key institutional constraints on community empowerment. By highlighting the dynamic process of “empowerment–disempowerment” under China’s specific institutional arrangements, this study contributes to tourism impact research and provides empirical insights into the contextual applicability of empowerment theory in traditional village tourism development. Full article
19 pages, 11374 KB  
Article
Portable Multi-Spectral Sensing Platform and Self-Metering Microfluidic Strips for Quantitative Monitoring of o-Phthalaldehyde Disinfectants
by Hsien-Yi Hsiao, Tzong-Jih Cheng, Hung-Yu Chen and Richie L. C. Chen
Chemosensors 2026, 14(7), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14070145 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Routine monitoring of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) disinfectants is critical for endoscope reprocessing, yet commercial test strips suffer from subjective visual ambiguity, strict manual timing, and susceptibility to sample matrix dilution. This study proposes a portable multi-spectral colorimetric sensing platform paired with structurally engineered [...] Read more.
Routine monitoring of ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) disinfectants is critical for endoscope reprocessing, yet commercial test strips suffer from subjective visual ambiguity, strict manual timing, and susceptibility to sample matrix dilution. This study proposes a portable multi-spectral colorimetric sensing platform paired with structurally engineered microfluidic plastic strips for quantitative OPA monitoring. The strips utilize a confined microfluidic geometry to achieve capillary-driven volumetric self-metering (5.4 μL), while cross-hatched micro-structures eliminate edge pooling, yielding uniform colorimetric responses. Analytically, the system integrates a matrix-matched reagent formulation, an interference-free indicator, and an automated steady-state ratiometric readout algorithm to counteract physical dilution and spectral interference. Cross-validation against a capillary electrophoresis benchmark confirmed quantitative accuracy (R2 = 0.9684) under physical dilution of real-world CIDEX OPA solutions. This correlation facilitated a matrix-compensated 0.32% diagnostic threshold for unambiguous, automated “[PASS]” or “[FAIL]” alerts. Ultimately, this scalable, cost-effective microfluidic architecture provides an objective point-of-care diagnostic solution, demonstrating translational potential for broad dry chemistry optical detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analytical Methods, Instrumentation and Miniaturization)
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28 pages, 6209 KB  
Article
Mechanical, Thermal, and Microstructural Characterization of FDM-Printed PLA/Obsidian Composites
by Fatih Alibeyoglu
Polymers 2026, 18(13), 1563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18131563 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
FDM-printed polylactic acid (PLA) composites containing 5 and 10 wt% obsidian powder sourced from the Kars region of Eastern Anatolia (Turkey) were produced via twin-screw masterbatch extrusion and subsequent single-screw filament dilution. Mechanical (tensile, three-point flexure, notched Charpy impact, Shore D), physical (density), [...] Read more.
FDM-printed polylactic acid (PLA) composites containing 5 and 10 wt% obsidian powder sourced from the Kars region of Eastern Anatolia (Turkey) were produced via twin-screw masterbatch extrusion and subsequent single-screw filament dilution. Mechanical (tensile, three-point flexure, notched Charpy impact, Shore D), physical (density), thermal (simultaneous TGA/DSC) and microstructural (macroscopic fractography and SEM at 100×–1000×) characterizations were performed on FDM-printed specimens. Young’s modulus rose monotonically by +9.0% at 5 wt% and +18.2% at 10 wt%, while ultimate tensile strength decreased by 12.4% and 17.3%, respectively. The flexural modulus increased by +15.2% at 5 wt% and plateaued at 10 wt% (+16.7%), whereas the flexural strength decreased by only 3.5% at 10 wt%, indicating that flexure-mode loading is markedly more tolerant of obsidian filler than axial tension. Shore D hardness rose by +2.11 points from 0 to 5 wt% with saturation thereafter. TGA showed a dual thermal effect: T5 and T10 dropped by 5–6 °C from 5 to 10 wt%, while the main decomposition rate decreased by ~46% and the decomposition interval widened from 9.7 to 23.5 °C, indicating a barrier/heat-shielding effect of dispersed silicate particles. SEM revealed a continuous ductile → transitional → brittle progression with increasing obsidian content; extended interfacial debonding lines at 10 wt% identified weak unmodified filler/matrix coupling as the principal performance-ceiling factor. Density measurements indicated a ~3–6% residual void fraction consistent with the inter-bead voids observed by SEM. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic study of obsidian as a reinforcing filler in PLA; the 5 wt% composition is identified as a strong candidate for esthetic, flexure-dominant, and low-load structural applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites)
16 pages, 469 KB  
Article
Simulation of Dry Matter Production and N Uptake in Processing Pepper and Broccoli with the VegSyst Model Adapted to Outdoor Conditions
by José María Vadillo, Carlos Campillo, Marisa Gallardo, Sandra Millán and Henar Prieto
Plants 2026, 15(13), 1934; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15131934 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Horticultural intensification in Mediterranean areas has increased the risk of nitrate pollution due to inefficient irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation management. The availability of simulation models aimed at rational nitrogen management in outdoor crops is limited. The objective of this study is to adapt [...] Read more.
Horticultural intensification in Mediterranean areas has increased the risk of nitrate pollution due to inefficient irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation management. The availability of simulation models aimed at rational nitrogen management in outdoor crops is limited. The objective of this study is to adapt the VegSyst model, initially developed for greenhouse vegetables, for use in open-field conditions in relevant crops, such as processing peppers and broccoli in Extremadura. VegSyst simulates dry matter production and nitrogen uptake by incorporating the influence of evaporative demand (TUE approach) in addition to the effect of radiation (RUE approach). Experimental field data obtained in five campaigns (peppers: 2020–2022; broccoli: 2020 and 2022) under different nitrogen doses were used. The model was calibrated, and critical N dilution curves were developed for each crop. Subsequently, the simulation of fi-PAR, dry matter production (DMP) and N uptake was validated using statistical indices (RMSE, RE, d, EF) and regression analysis. The model showed a high predictive capacity for N uptake in both crops, with values of d ≥ 0.98 and EF ≥ 0.90 in the validation campaigns. The fi-PAR simulation was acceptable in peppers and excellent in broccoli. In contrast, the DMP prediction showed notable deviations in peppers, especially in 2022, attributable to interannual variations in weather conditions and physiological limitations not considered by the model. In both crops, the TUE-based strategy was a better fit for the measurements than the RUE-based strategy, indicating that under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions, transpiration is the limiting factor for biomass production. The adaptation of the VegSyst-Outdoors model proved to be robust for simulating N uptake and sufficiently accurate to be integrated into decision support tools aimed at efficient fertilisation and irrigation management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Modeling)
11 pages, 327 KB  
Article
Diagnostic Performance Evaluation of the GXT96 X3 Extraction System with the FluoroType® SARS-CoV-2 varID Q Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Mutation Screening
by Riffat Munir, Oluwakemi Laguda-Akingba, Lesley Erica Scott and Wendy Susan Stevens
Diagnostics 2026, 16(13), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16131951 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background: The continued evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created ongoing challenges for molecular diagnostics and variant surveillance. Assays capable of maintaining diagnostic sensitivity across emerging variants while providing variant-related information remain essential for clinical and public health applications. [...] Read more.
Background: The continued evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created ongoing challenges for molecular diagnostics and variant surveillance. Assays capable of maintaining diagnostic sensitivity across emerging variants while providing variant-related information remain essential for clinical and public health applications. This study evaluated the performance of the GXT96 X3 extraction kit in combination with the FluoroType® SARS-CoV-2 varID Q version 1.0 assay (Hain LifeScience SA (Pty) Ltd., South Africa) for the detection, semi-quantitative assessment, and variant characterization of SARS-CoV-2 under laboratory conditions. Methods: A total of 220 samples were evaluated, including residual nasopharyngeal clinical specimens (n = 183), reference materials, and cultured SARS-CoV-2 virus dilutions. Residual specimens collected during multiple COVID-19 waves in South Africa (wild-type, Beta, Delta, and Omicron) were compared against standard-of-care (SOC) molecular assays used for routine diagnosis. RNA extraction was performed using the automated GXT96 X3 platform, followed by amplification on the FluoroCycler® XT using the FluoroType® SARS-CoV-2 varID Q assay targeting RdRp and N genes, with additional spike gene mutation detection for variant detection. Diagnostic accuracy, agreement (Cohen’s kappa), precision, linearity, and limit of detection (LoD) were assessed. Results: The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 98.4% (95% CI: 94.2–99.8) and specificity of 100% (95% CI: 95.9–100.0) compared with SOC assays, with an overall agreement of κ = 0.981. Precision analysis showed acceptable reproducibility with a standard deviation of ≤1.49 and a coefficient of variation of ≤3.83%. Regression analysis demonstrated linearity across the dilution series (R2 = 0.9882 for RdRp and 0.994 for N genes). The LoD was ≤100 copies/mL for the RdRp gene and 250 copies/mL for the N gene. Variant-associated spike mutations corresponded broadly with epidemiological wave patterns observed in South Africa. Conclusions: Under the evaluated laboratory conditions, the GXT96 X3 extraction platform combined with the FluoroType® SARS-CoV-2 varID Q assay demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility for SARS-CoV-2 detection across a range of viral loads with additional spike gene mutation detection as an adjunct feature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)
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22 pages, 2940 KB  
Article
Monitoring Atypical Metabolite Biomarkers in Patients with Bile Acid Synthesis Disorders by a Novel Targeted Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay
by Kenneth D. R. Setchell, Xueheng Zhao, Stacey Reed and Wujuan Zhang
Metabolites 2026, 16(7), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16070436 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Bile acid synthesis disorders (BASDs) represent a distinct category of progressive familiar cholestatic liver disease. A novel targeted mass spectrometry assay was developed for the accurate measurement of the major urinary atypical bile acids and bile alcohols that are biomarkers for [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Bile acid synthesis disorders (BASDs) represent a distinct category of progressive familiar cholestatic liver disease. A novel targeted mass spectrometry assay was developed for the accurate measurement of the major urinary atypical bile acids and bile alcohols that are biomarkers for HSD3B7, AKR1D1, CYP7B1 and CYP27A1 deficiencies, the four most common BASDs. Methods: Stable-isotope dilution UPLC tandem mass spectrometry was used for the simultaneous quantification of 12 key atypical bile acid biomarkers in urine from patients with BASD. Typical concentration ranges for these metabolites were established from urine samples from patients with biochemically and/or genetically confirmed BASD and compared with non-cholestatic and cholestatic controls. Results: The separation of major 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-bile acid sulfates, taurine- and glycine-conjugated 3-oxo-Δ4-bile acids, and bile alcohol glucuronides was achieved in a 20 min chromatographic run with intra- and inter-batch imprecisions of <15% for all metabolites. The mean ± SEM urinary concentration of total 3β-sulfated-Δ5-cholenoic acids in patients with HSD3B7 deficiency was 704 ± 204 µmol/L (n = 22), approximately 2000-fold higher than in cholestastic patients (n = 168) or non-cholestatic controls (n = 127). Similarly, the concentration of 5β-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,24,25-pentol-glucuronide, the major bile alcohol, in patients with CYP27A1 deficiency was 95 ± 17 µmol/L (n = 12). For CYP7B1 deficiency, two confirmed cases showed elevated levels (average, 7.5 µmol/L) of the glycine conjugate of 3β-sulfooxy-Δ5-bile acid. In AKR1D1 deficiency, total 3-oxo-Δ4-bile acids in urine were elevated (81 ± 16 µmol/L, n = 48), but concentrations showed overlap with cholestatic and non-cholestatic controls. Conclusions: A novel quantitative tandem mass spectrometry assay is described for the measurement of the major atypical metabolites and biomarkers in urine applicable to the accurate monitoring of treatment responses, and for the first time typical concentration ranges are established for each of these BASDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Lipid Metabolism in Health and Disease)
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29 pages, 10647 KB  
Article
Failure Analysis and Thermo-Mechanical Simulation of Seal Welding and Girth Welding in Lined Composite Pipes
by Xianqiao Fu, Hai Fu, Yuanxin Jiang, Ze Wu, Yang Yu, Bin Han and Tianping Gu
Materials 2026, 19(13), 2693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19132693 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
Abstract
This study focused on burn-through leakage at girth welds of mechanically lined pipe (MLP) during field service. Field failure analysis, experimental tests, and numerical simulation were combined to investigate the process parameters of seal welding and multi-pass girth butt welding. Macroscopic metallography and [...] Read more.
This study focused on burn-through leakage at girth welds of mechanically lined pipe (MLP) during field service. Field failure analysis, experimental tests, and numerical simulation were combined to investigate the process parameters of seal welding and multi-pass girth butt welding. Macroscopic metallography and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) of failed specimens showed that excessive welding heat input (high current) caused severe expansion of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and significant element dilution. The results indicated that the HAZ width of the solid-wire girth weld increased markedly from 1.312 mm to 2.247 mm under high-current conditions. Meanwhile, the Fe mass fraction in the root pass sharply increased to 33.66%, while key corrosion-resistant elements such as Cr and Ni were greatly reduced, which directly led to local pitting corrosion and perforation leakage. In addition, a moving heat source model was established in Abaqus 2024 to simulate the multi-pass welding process. The results showed that strong stress concentration developed at the groove root and the interface between the backing steel pipe and corrosion-resistant liner during repeated thermal cycles. The maximum von Mises stress reached 686.56 MPa during the second butt welding pass. After final cooling, the residual hoop tensile stress and axial tensile stress at the center of the inner surface reached 500–550 MPa and 480–510 MPa, respectively. By correlating microscopic compositional evolution with the macroscopic residual stress field, this study revealed the weld failure mechanism of MLP joints. The proposed finite element method can also be used as an efficient tool to predict the effects of welding speed, current, and voltage on residual stress, providing guidance for field welding procedure optimization and pipeline structural integrity assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Novel Materials and Structures)
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17 pages, 3548 KB  
Article
A Rapid Recombinase Polymerase Amplification–CRISPR/Cas12a Assay for Detecting Grapevine Black-Foot Pathogens
by Wenwen Liang, Baoyu Wang, Junbo Peng, Caiping Huang, Yueyan Zhou, Xing Li, Wei Zhang and Jiye Yan
J. Fungi 2026, 12(7), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12070455 (registering DOI) - 23 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Grapevine black-foot disease is a destructive trunk disease with a complex pathogen composition that often involves mixed and latent infections, making timely field diagnosis challenging. To improve rapid field detection, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and low instrument-dependent nucleic acid assay. The assay [...] Read more.
Grapevine black-foot disease is a destructive trunk disease with a complex pathogen composition that often involves mixed and latent infections, making timely field diagnosis challenging. To improve rapid field detection, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and low instrument-dependent nucleic acid assay. The assay integrates recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas12a for the detection of Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria, two genera associated with grapevine black-foot disease. Conserved regions of the histone H3 and β-tubulin genes were selected for the design of specific RPA primers and corresponding CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) for Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria, respectively. A workflow integrating RPA, Cas12a-mediated recognition, and lateral flow assay (LFA)-based visualization was established. The reaction conditions were optimized to enhance amplification efficiency and Cas12a recognition stability. Specificity was evaluated using DNA from target and non-target fungi, and sensitivity was determined using serially diluted templates. Under optimized conditions, the assay detected Ilyonectria DNA at concentrations as low as 3.6 ng/μL within 1 h at 39 °C. For Dactylonectria, the detection limit reached 80 fg/μL within 50 min at 41 °C. No cross-reactivity was observed. The LFA strips exhibited positive and negative bands within minutes, enabling rapid visual interpretation. This RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA system provides a rapid, visually interpretable approach for detecting selected grapevine black-foot disease-associated species in China. The workflow reduces the requirement for specialized thermocycling and fluorescence detection equipment during amplification and readout, following DNA extraction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Population Genetics of Fungal Plant Pathogens)
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