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Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve plays a critical role in ecological conservation, and assessing its ecosystem service value (ESV) is essential for guiding sustainable management strategies that harmonize development and preservation. This study was motivated by the need to generate actionable insights for adaptive conservation planning in this vulnerable coastal region. We evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamics of ESV from 2000 to 2020 using a combination of remote sensing, geographic information system analyses, and statistical modeling. Primary drivers influencing the spatial heterogeneity of ecosystem service value were identified through geographical detector analysis, and future trends were projected based on historical patterns. The results revealed that (1) ESV showed a clear spatial gradient, with higher values in coastal zones, moderate values along river channels, and lower values inland, and exhibited an overall significant increase over the two decades, primarily driven by improvements in regulating services; (2) wetland area and precipitation were the most influential factors, though socio-economic elements and environmental conditions also contributed to ESV distribution; and (3) future ESV is expected to follow current trends, reinforcing the importance of current management practices. Given that the continuous increase in ESV from 2000 to 2020 was predominantly attributed to water body expansion, future conservation strategies should prioritize the protection and restoration of these water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis for Monitoring and Assessing Landscape and Ecosystem Sustainability)

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20 pages, 315 KB

Open AccessArticle

University Students’ Character Strengths and Their Impact on Quality Education in Higher Education

by Thet Thet Mar, Balqees Rashid Suleiman AL Mandhari, Mária Hercz and Ahmed Said AlGhdani

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101407 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Character strengths are the positive personality traits essential for a meaningful life. Recognising and applying character strengths is crucial to becoming high-quality learners. This study explores the role of character strengths in enhancing the quality of education within Hungarian Higher Education, an area often neglected in discussing quality education. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten international students enrolled in BA and MA Teacher Education programs. The study explored how students perceive and apply character strengths to support learning and academic engagement. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with ATLAS.ti software. The findings highlight several key strengths—such as creativity, hope, curiosity, teamwork, and self-regulation—as essential to fostering effective learning environments. Four predominant thematic areas emerged: the importance of positive personality traits, the pivotal role of the teacher–student relationship in fostering a conducive learning environment, the integration of character strengths in education, and personal development and character strengths, elucidating the integral role of character strengths in promoting quality education, advocating for a harmonious equilibrium between academic knowledge and personal growth. The study also contributes to the limited literature on character strengths in Hungarian Higher Education and suggests directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Higher Education and Creativity: International Perspectives on Stimulating Student Engagement)

14 pages, 2875 KB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Identification of Genetic Background of Infertility and Calculating Inbreeding Coefficient in Dromedary Camel Herds

by Fahad A. Alshanbari and Abdulrahman Aloraini

Genes 2025, 16(10), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101238 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Inbreeding is a major genetic problem that reduces fertility and causes genetic disorders. Some breeders of dromedary camels use the same bull for many years due to its excellent characteristics, leading to mating with offspring and subsequent generations, resulting in increased homozygosity and genetic disorders. We hypothesize that inbreeding is associated with infertility in dromedary camels with normal and uninfected reproductive tracts. Methods: We genotyped 96 samples from seven camel breeds using the Illumina 55K SNP BeadChip, including five confirmed infertile individuals. Inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated using PLINK based on heterozygosity and runs of homozygosity. Genome-wide association analysis using logistic regression was performed to identify potential genomic regions associated with infertility. Results: All five infertile camels showed significantly higher F values (>0.15) compared to 91 fertile individuals (<0.10, p < 0.001). The genome-wide association analysis failed to identify specific genomic regions linked to infertility, likely due to limited statistical power (n = 5 cases) and the polygenic nature of fertility traits. Population structure analysis revealed genetic differentiation related to coat color, with two significant SNPs on chromosome 3 near SLC30A5 (p < 10

^{- 7}

). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that elevated inbreeding is strongly associated with infertility in dromedary camels. Future studies should employ larger sample sizes (≥50 infertile individuals) or whole-genome sequencing (35× coverage) to identify specific genomic regions. Implementation of breeding strategies avoiding related matings (F < 0.10) is recommended to maintain reproductive performance in camel herds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

15 pages, 1305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy Transition and Sustainable Economic Growth in South Asia: Insights from the CO₂ Emissions Policy Threshold

by Mustapha Mukhtar, Idris Abdullahi Abdulqadir and Hassan Sani Abubakar

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9289; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209289 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

This article examines the asymmetric effects of renewable energy on sustainable economic growth across six South Asian countries from 2000 to 2023, employing panel data and threshold regression analysis. The findings indicate that CO₂ emissions must remain below a threshold of 2.38% to support the integration of renewable energy with sustainable growth. Furthermore, access to clean energy and technologies should exceed 3.38%, and urbanization must be managed at a complementary threshold of 3.21%. These results are consistent with various studies investigating the renewable energy transition’s economic impacts globally. It is recommended that South Asia focus on reducing CO₂ emissions below the identified threshold, enhancing clean energy access and innovation above the designated thresholds, and supporting urban growth as part of its policy initiatives. Such actions are essential for fostering economic growth and ensuring the sustainability of the region. The study recommends that the South Asian region take decisive steps to reduce CO₂ emissions and enhance access to clean energy while accommodating urban population growth. It highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy to stimulate economic growth and maintain trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) as a viable part of the gross domestic product. The study suggests that investments in Gross Capital Formation (GCF), trade, and FDI will yield long-term benefits, although short-term policy adjustments may disrupt resource allocation and hinder economic and renewable energy development. Future research should explore the complex interactions between CO₂ emissions, clean energy access, FDI, and trade, particularly in light of recent trade policies, including U.S. tariffs. Investigating these relationships through advanced methodologies, such as machine learning, could provide valuable insights into drivers of renewable energy transition and economic outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic CO₂ Capture and Renewable Energy, 2nd Edition)

20 pages, 542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Compassion in Engineering Education: Validation of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (CEAS) and Conceptual Insights

by Alejandro Baquero-Sierra, Cristian Vargas-Ordóez, Jacqueline Tawney and Michael Robinson

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1406; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101406 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study validates the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales for Self and Others (CEAS) for use with undergraduate engineering students in the United States. Compassion, defined as sensitivity to suffering in oneself and others coupled with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it, is increasingly recognized as a vital socio-emotional competency in professional education. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 434 engineering undergraduates completed the CEAS instrument. In addition, students responded to open-ended questions about their definition of compassion and “others” as well as a validated engineering identity scale. Structural equation modeling supported the hypothesized three-flow, two-component structure of compassion, with excellent fit indices (CFI = 0.980, RMSEA = 0.037) and generally strong factor loadings. Reliability was high for most subscales (α = 0.716–0.762), though self-compassion engagement showed lower internal consistency (α = 0.614). Divergent validity was confirmed through weak correlations with engineering identity dimensions. Qualitative salience and thematic analysis revealed that participants most frequently associated compassion with empathy, kindness, caring, and understanding and defined “others” mainly as friends, family, and classmates, with high-compassion scorers being more compassion oriented and including broader social circles. Findings support the CEAS’s structural validity and utility in engineering education while highlighting opportunities to strengthen self-compassion engagement to enhance well-being, ethical reasoning, and socially responsible practice among future engineers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Engineering Education)

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12 pages, 8902 KB

Open AccessArticle

Central Bone Mineral Density Is Not a Reliable Surrogate for Assessing Suitable Bone Strength for Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty

by Dong Hwan Lee, Dai-Soon Kwak, Yong Deok Kim, Nicole Cho and In Jun Koh

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(20), 7384; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14207384 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Central bone mineral density (cBMD) is widely utilized for assessing bone quality, but its reliability as a predictor of knee bone strength for cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether cBMD reliably estimates bone strength suitable for cementless fixation. Methods: 188 patients scheduled for TKA underwent preoperative cBMD assessment of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. During surgery, femoral bone specimens were collected for indentation tests. We compared distal femoral bone strength among osteoporosis classification groups (normal, osteopenia, osteoporosis) and examined the distribution of cementless suitable versus cemented mandatory cases with chi-square tests. ROC analysis evaluated cBMD’s diagnostic performance in predicting cementless TKA suitability, with AUC, sensitivity, and specificity calculated for both measurement sites. Results: No significant differences in distal femoral bone strength existed between osteopenia and osteoporosis groups (p = 0.845 for lumbar spine, p = 0.857 for femoral neck). Among patients with normal cBMD, 35.4% (lumbar spine) and 30.7% (femoral neck) were unsuitable for cementless TKA, whereas 30.8% and 45.0% of osteoporotic patients, respectively, had adequate bone strength for cementless fixation. The AUC values for predicting cementless suitability were 0.656 (lumbar spine) and 0.669 (femoral neck), with sensitivity and specificity below 0.75 for both measurements. Conclusions: Central BMD does not reliably represent distal femoral bone strength and demonstrates inadequate predictive capability for identifying appropriate candidates for cementless TKA in this predominantly Asian female cohort. Future multi-center, multi-ethnic studies are needed to enhance generalizability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Orthopedics)

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14 pages, 2414 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Insights into Genetic Diversity and Adaptation of Nanyang Cattle: Implications for Conservation and Breeding

by Yan Zhang, Xian Liu, Jiakun Liu, Tong Fu, Hetian Huang, Mingpeng Han, Dong Liang and Tengyun Gao

Animals 2025, 15(20), 3033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15203033 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

The conservation of agricultural animal resources holds significant importance for addressing future breeding demands and promoting sustainable utilization of regional livestock genetic resources. As one of China’s five major fine cattle breeds, Nanyang cattle exhibit notable characteristics, including strong adaptability and a docile temperament. Through whole-genome comparative analysis of the Nanyang cattle core conservation population and free-ranging populations in mountainous areas, this study systematically investigated the genetic diversity, population structure, and adaptive evolutionary mechanisms of this indigenous Chinese cattle breed. Population structure analysis revealed that both groups belong to a single genetic lineage of Nanyang cattle without significant genetic differentiation; however, the free-ranging population demonstrated a slower linkage disequilibrium decay rate. Combined F_ST and θπ ratio analyses identified 170 positively selected genes, with KEGG enrichment highlighting glutamatergic synapse and African trypanosomiasis immune pathways. PLCB4, as a shared gene across both pathways, may exert pleiotropic functions in environmental adaptation. The core conservation population likely exhibits reduced diversity in neuroplasticity-related genes under artificial selection, whereas the free-ranging population retained more genes associated with environmental adaptation and immune response. These findings provide genomic evidence for formulating differentiated conservation strategies for Nanyang cattle, necessitating balanced co-optimization of production trait breeding and natural adaptability preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

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23 pages, 889 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergy of Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Management of the Logistics Chains Within Developing Distributed Generation of Electric Power: The EU Evidence for Ukraine

by Olena Borysiak, Vasyl Brych, Volodymyr Manzhula, Tomasz Lechowicz, Tetiana Dluhopolska and Petro Putsenteilo

Energies 2025, 18(20), 5512; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18205512 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Rising carbon emissions from international road freight transport in the EU—increasing from 29.4% in 2023 to 31.4% in 2025 under the With Existing Measures (WEM) Road Transport scenario—necessitate the implementation of additional measures within the framework of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). For Ukraine, operating under martial law and pursuing a post-war green recovery of its transport and trade sectors, the adoption of EU experience in distributed generation (DG) from renewable energy sources (RESs) is particularly critical. This study evaluates the synergy between energy-efficient and low-carbon management in logistics chains for road freight transportation in Ukraine, drawing on EU evidence of DG based on RESs. To this end, a decoupling analysis was conducted to identify the factors influencing low-carbon and energy-efficient management of logistics chains in Ukraine’s freight transport sector. Under wartime conditions, the EU practice of utilising electric vehicles (EVs) as an auxiliary source of renewable energy for distributed electricity generation within microgrids—through Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies—was modelled. The results confirm the relevance of RES-based DG and the integration of EVs as a means of enhancing energy resilience in resource-constrained and conflict-affected regions. The scientific novelty of this research lies in identifying the conditions for achieving energy-efficient and low-carbon effects in the design of logistics chains through RES-based distributed generation, grounded in circular and inclusive economic development. The practical significance of the findings lies in formulating a replicable model for diversifying low-carbon fuel sources via the development of distributed generation of electricity based on renewable resources, providing a scalable paradigm for energy-limited and conflict-affected areas. Future research should focus on developing innovative logistics chain models that integrate DG and renewable energy use into Ukraine’s transport system. Full article

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48 pages, 2022 KB

Open AccessReview

Microbial-Based Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Comparative Review of Bacteria- and Fungi-Mediated Approaches

by Emir Akdaşçi, Furkan Eker, Hatice Duman, Mikhael Bechelany and Sercan Karav

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(20), 10163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262010163 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly technologies has driven the development of green and bio-based synthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles. Among these, the microbial synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical methods, which often rely on hazardous reagents and harsh conditions. Bacteria and fungi are particularly attractive due to their ability to produce AgNPs with tunable size, shape, and surface properties through natural enzymatic and metabolic processes. This review provides a comparative analysis of bacterial and fungal synthesis routes, focusing on their distinct advantages, limitations, and optimal applications. Bacterial synthesis offers faster growth, simpler culture requirements, and greater potential for genetic manipulation, enabling precise control over nanoparticle (NP) characteristics. In contrast, fungal synthesis typically yields higher nanoparticle stability and is well suited for extracellular, scalable production. The review also summarizes key synthesis parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, reaction time), addresses reproducibility and scalability challenges, and highlights emerging research areas, including antibacterial bio-hybrid materials and bacterial-supported metallic catalysts. Overall, this comparative perspective provides a clear framework for selecting appropriate microbial systems for different technological applications and identifies future research directions to advance green nanotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Nanomaterials from Functional Molecules)

26 pages, 1624 KB

Open AccessReview

Silver-Exchanged Zeolites: Preparation and Applications—A Review

by Marin Senila, Eniko Kovacs and Lacrimioara Senila

Materials 2025, 18(20), 4779; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18204779 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Zeolites are widely acknowledged as minerals with outstanding characteristics, primarily due to their complex porous structure and large specific surface area. The modification of natural and synthetic zeolites can improve their properties, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. In recent years, silver-exchanged natural zeolites have been increasingly studied because silver is known for its antimicrobial and electrical conductivity properties, which enhance their utility in various fields. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review specifically focused on the silver-zeolite composite system. It synthesizes advancements in silver modified zeolites, offering a targeted analysis that connects synthesis methodologies to enhanced properties and applications. The paper is structured to include an overview of the general characteristics of both natural and synthetic zeolites, and methods for their modification to serve as supports for Ag⁺ and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It subsequently covers the properties of silver-exchanged zeolites and their principal applications. The study also summarizes the advantages and limitations of these materials, along with an analysis of future trends regarding new production possibilities and potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Environmental Remediation Using Zeolites and Other Adsorbent Materials (2nd Edition))

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22 pages, 1111 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Early STEM Engagement: The Impact of Inquiry-Based Robotics Projects on First-Grade Students’ Problem-Solving Self-Efficacy and Collaborative Attitudes

by Rina Zviel-Girshin and Nathan Rosenberg

Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15101404 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study examines the effects of integrating an inquiry-based final project into an early childhood robotics program, focusing on its influence on children’s problem-solving self-efficacy, attitudes toward collaboration, confidence in applying robotics to real-world challenges, and future interest in STEM. A total of 176 first-grade students (aged 6–7) were randomly assigned to either a research group that completed a culminating inquiry-based robotics project or a control group that followed a traditional structured curriculum. A quasi-experimental post-test-only comparison group design was used, and baseline equivalence was confirmed across groups. Results revealed that children who participated in the inquiry-based final project group demonstrated significantly higher problem-solving self-efficacy and more positive attitudes toward peer collaboration, while also being more likely to see the relevance of robotics to real-world problems and to align with inquiry-based learning approaches. Gender analysis showed that these gains were especially pronounced among girls, who exhibited more statistically significant improvements in problem-solving confidence and self-efficacy in inquiry-based problem-solving. The study’s findings highlight the benefits of incorporating inquiry-based final projects into early robotics curricula, addressing a critical gap in early childhood STEM education by providing evidence-based insights into how to enhance foundational STEM dispositions and engagement through inquiry-based, technology-integrated instruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inquiry-Based Learning and Student Engagement)

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22 pages, 11139 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification, Drought-Responsive Expression, and EAR-Mediated Regulatory Network Construction of TOPLESS Genes in Populus ussuriensis Kom.

by Wanxin Li, Qianqian Liu, Jingru Ren, Zihan Fan, Tabeer Gulfam, Zhongzheng Ma and Jingli Yang

Plants 2025, 14(20), 3213; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14203213 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

Drought stress significantly impairs plant growth and productivity, which triggers complex adaptive responses mediated by diverse gene families. Among these, the TOPLESS (TPL)/TPL-related (TPR) family of transcriptional corepressors plays a crucial role by recruiting epigenetic modifiers through interactions with EAR motif-containing proteins. However, genome-wide studies of this corepressor family and its associated regulatory networks with EAR motif-containing repressors remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the TPL/TPR transcriptional corepressor family in Populus ussuriensis Kom., elucidate their regulatory networks with EAR motif-containing repressors, and validate their functional roles in drought stress adaptation. To this end, we identified 21 TPL/TPR genes in P. ussuriensis (PuTPLs), classified them into five subfamilies, and found they are evolutionarily conserved with Arabidopsis thaliana and Populus trichocarpa, harboring characteristic CTLH and WD40 domains. Given that TPL/TPR proteins are recruited by transcription factors containing repression motifs, we constructed a putative TPL/TPR-EAR motif interaction network representing a core paradigm of negative regulation. Expression profiling under drought stress showed significant upregulation of most PuTPLs in a tissue-specific and temporal manner. Functional validation using transgenic P. ussuriensis lines overexpressing five PuTPLs demonstrated enhanced drought tolerance, evidenced by reduced electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content and increased proline accumulation. Our study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the TPL/TPR family in P. ussuriensis, establishes a core EAR-mediated negative regulatory network, and validates the critical role of these genes in drought stress adaptation, providing valuable resources for future mechanistic research and breeding of stress-resistant trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Regulatory Mechanisms of Abiotic Stress Response and Secondary Metabolism in Forest Trees)

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19 pages, 2000 KB

Open AccessArticle

Techno-Economic Optimization of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs) and Feasibility Study on Replacing Diesel and Photovoltaic Systems with Hydrogen for Electrical and Small Deferrable Loads: Case Study of Cameroon

by Tabitha Christie Vartan Messana M’oboun, Nasser Yimen, Jorelle Larissa Meli’i, Andre Michel Pouth Nkoma and Philippe Njandjock Nouck

Hydrogen 2025, 6(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen6040090 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2025

Abstract

To reduce the amount of harmful gases produced by fossil fuels, more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives are being proposed around the world. As a result, technologies for manufacturing hydrogen fuel cells and producing green hydrogen are becoming more widespread, with an impact on energy production and environmental protection. In many countries around the world, and in Africa in particular, leaders, scientists, and populations are considering switching from fossil fuels to so-called green energies. Hydrogen is therefore an interesting alternative that deserves to be explored, especially since both rural and urban populations have shown an interest in using it in the near future, which would reduce pollution and the proliferation of greenhouse gases, thereby mitigating global warming. The aim of this paper is to determine the hybrid energy system best suited to addressing the energy problem in the study area, and then to make successive substitutions of different energy sources, starting with the most polluting, in order to assess the possibilities for transitioning the energy used in the area to green hydrogen. To this end, this study began with a technical and economic analysis which, based on climatic parameters, led to the proposal of a PV/DG-BATTery system configuration, with a Net Present Cost (NPC) of USD 19,267 and an average Cost Of Energy (COE) of USD 0.4, and with a high proportion of CO₂ emissions compared with the PV/H₂GEN-BATT and H₂GEN systems. The results of replacing fossil fuel generators with hydrogen generators are beneficial in terms of environmental protection and lead to a reduction in energy-related expenses of around 2.1 times the cost of diesel and a reduction in mass of around 2.7 times the mass of diesel. The integration of H₂GEN, at high duty percentages, increases the Cost Of Energy, whether in a hybrid PV/H₂GEN system or an H₂GEN system. This shows the interest in the study country in using favorable duty proportions to make the use of hydrogen profitable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Hydrogen—The New Energy Vector for the Transition of Industries "Hard to Abate")

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19 pages, 6316 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Analysis of Suction Anchor Foundations for an Integrated Offshore Renewable and Aquaculture System

by Peng Gao, Yongjin Cheng, Bin Wang, Zhenqiang Jiang, Ben He, Weijiang Chu, Gen Xiong, Ruilong Shi, Xiangming Ge, Jingfang Zhang and Qingxiang Meng

CivilEng 2025, 6(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/civileng6040054 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025

Abstract

This study presents the design and performance assessment of suction anchor foundations for an integrated offshore wind–solar–aquaculture system located in Jiangsu Sheyang, China. The project represents one of the first practical demonstrations of coupling renewable energy production with large-scale marine aquaculture on a shared floating platform. Using three-dimensional numerical simulations in FLAC3D and ABAQUS, the study evaluates the anchors’ bearing capacity, structural safety, and fatigue performance under ultimate (ULS), accidental (ALS), and fatigue (FLS) limit states. The analysis incorporates site-specific geotechnical conditions, seabed scour, and installation deviations, providing a realistic framework for foundation design in layered coastal sediments. Results confirm that the suction anchor system meets international safety requirements (DNV, CCS) and maintains robust performance throughout its service life. The findings demonstrate that scour depth and installation accuracy are critical factors governing anchor reliability and offer practical insights for updating offshore foundation design standards in future multifunctional renewable–aquaculture developments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Resources and Coastal Engineering)

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17 pages, 1775 KB

Open AccessArticle

AI-Driven Analysis for Real-Time Detection of Unstained Microscopic Cell Culture Images

by Kathrin Hildebrand, Tatiana Mögele, Dennis Raith, Maria Kling, Anna Rubeck, Stefan Schiele, Eelco Meerdink, Avani Sapre, Jonas Bermeitinger, Martin Trepel and Rainer Claus

AI 2025, 6(10), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6100271 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025

Abstract

Staining-based assays are widely used for cell analysis but are invasive, alter physiology, and prevent longitudinal monitoring. Label-free, morphology-based approaches could enable real-time, non-invasive drug testing, yet detection of subtle and dynamic changes has remained difficult. We developed a deep learning framework for stain-free monitoring of leukemia cell cultures using automated bright-field microscopy in a semi-automated culture system (AICE3, LABMaiTE, Augsburg, Germany). YOLOv8 models were trained on images from K562, HL-60, and Kasumi-1 cells, using an NVIDIA DGX A100 GPU for training and tested on GPU and CPU environments for real-time performance. Comparative benchmarking with RT-DETR and interpretability analyses using Eigen-CAM and radiomics (RedTell) was performed. YOLOv8 achieved high accuracy (mAP@0.5 > 98%, precision/sensitivity > 97%), with reproducibility confirmed on an independent dataset from a second laboratory and an AICE3 setup. The model distinguished between morphologically similar leukemia lines and reliably classified untreated versus differentiated K562 cells (hemin-induced erythroid and PMA-induced megakaryocytic; >95% accuracy). Incorporation of decitabine-treated cells demonstrated applicability to drug testing, revealing treatment-specific and intermediate phenotypes. Longitudinal monitoring captured culture- and time-dependent drift, enabling separation of temporal from drug-induced changes. Radiomics highlighted interpretable features such as size, elongation, and texture, but with lower accuracy than the deep learning approach. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that deep learning resolves subtle, drug-induced, and time-dependent morphological changes in unstained leukemia cells in real time. This approach provides a robust, accessible framework for label-free longitudinal drug testing and establishes a foundation for future autonomous, feedback-driven platforms in precision oncology. Ultimately, this approach may also contribute to more precise and adaptive clinical decision-making, advancing the field of personalized medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Bio and Healthcare Informatics)

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