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The global demand for biodiesel production is steadily increasing. Conventional homogeneous basic catalysts, while widely used in the industry, face significant drawbacks, such as the requirement for high-quality feedstock, excessive waste generation, and multiple purification steps. In this study, an acidic silane (IM-CPTMS-BS-H₂SO₄) containing imidazolium and sulfonic groups was synthesized. Heterogeneous catalysts were then prepared by anchoring varying proportions of the silane onto SBA-15 mesoporous solids. These materials were characterized by FTIR, ¹³C and ²⁹Si NMR, TGA, XRD, CHNS and acidity measurements. The catalysts were evaluated in the transesterification of methyl acetate with ethanol, with increasing catalytic conversions with the amount of grafted IM-CPTMS-BS-H₂SO₄. Furthermore, increasing the catalyst loading (from 2% to 5% wt.) and the reaction temperature (from 50 °C to 65 °C) led to higher methyl acetate conversion rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalytic Materials in Energy and Environment)

20 pages, 362 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Digital Economy on the Carbon Emission Intensity of Construction Industry—The Mediating Role of Industrial Structure Optimization

by Shilong Li, Tao Zhang, Xi Wang and Hao Wang

Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1504; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081504 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Given that the construction industry is a major source of energy consumption and carbon emissions, its green transition holds significant implications for both economic development and environmental sustainability. This study takes the digital economy as its point of departure and systematically examines its impact on the carbon emission intensity in the construction industry, as well as underlying transmission mechanisms. Based on theoretical analysis, this study employs fixed-effects and mediation-effects models for empirical testing. The study finds that the digital economy can significantly reduce the carbon emission intensity of the construction industry, a conclusion that remains robust after a series of robustness tests. Mechanism analysis shows that industrial structure optimization plays an important mediating role in the process through which the digital economy promotes the reduction of carbon emission intensity in the construction industry. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the impact of the digital economy on the carbon intensity in the construction industry is greater in the central and western regions than in the eastern regions. However, this impact is relatively smaller in regions with high urbanization levels than in those with average urbanization levels. At the same time, the impact of the digital economy on the carbon intensity in the construction industry is greater in low-income regions than in high-income regions. Finally, the study proposes measures to reduce the carbon emission intensity of the construction industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems)

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18 pages, 723 KB

Open AccessReview

Single-Cell Immune Atlases to Map Small Extracellular Vesicle Cargo in Tuberculosis–Diabetes Comorbidity: A Narrative Review and Conceptual Roadmap

by Ramona Cioboata, Silviu Gabriel Vlasceanu, Denisa Maria Mitroi, Anca Lelia Riza, Mara Amalia Balteanu, Oana Maria Catana and Mihai Olteanu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083437 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Tuberculosis–diabetes mellitus (TB-DM) is increasingly recognized as a syndemic in which chronic metabolic dysregulation amplifies tuberculosis severity, delays treatment response, and increases relapse and mortality. However, conventional systemic correlates soluble cytokines and bulk whole-blood transcriptomic signatures often appear broadly similar between TB and TB-DM. This highlights a key gap: clinically meaningful immune dysfunction in TB-DM likely resides in specific lung and blood cell states that are poorly resolved by bulk assays. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) provide a tractable “liquid biopsy” layer because their RNA and protein cargo can integrate information from infected macrophages, neutrophils, and epithelial/endothelial compartments, and may also include pathogen-derived components. Yet most EV studies remain bulk and cell-agnostic, and interpretation is constrained by heterogeneous vesicle mixtures, selective cargo packaging, and co-isolated non-vesicular contaminants, issues that are especially problematic for nucleic-acid claims without rigorous controls. In this targeted narrative review (2010–2026), we argue that single-cell and multimodal immune reference atlases, including scRNA-seq/CITE-seq, provide a needed scaffold to link EV cargo patterns to specific immune cell states, pathways, and anatomic compartments in TB-DM, enabling prioritized candidates and testable hypotheses. We outline three complementary frameworks: reference-atlas anchoring to project EV cargo modules onto atlas-defined immune states; orthogonal triangulation combining computational inference with immunoaffinity enrichment, targeted validation, and functional assays; and cautious use of “droplet-era” extracellular signals as hypothesis-generating priors for EV-producing states. Implemented in longitudinal, clinically annotated cohorts with standardized EV workflows, atlas-guided EV profiling could yield cell-of-origin–resolved biomarkers of TB-DM immunopathology and treatment response, while prioritizing mechanistically plausible targets for host-directed intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics)

21 pages, 4008 KB

Open AccessArticle

Delineating Management Zones in Tea Plantations by Coupling Soil Fertility and Heavy Metal Safety: A Case Study in Jiangsu Province, China

by Bin Yang, Yao Xiao, Wenbo Huang, Min Shen, Fei Zhao, Songjiayi Wei, Wanping Fang, Zhihao Zhang and Jie Jiang

Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080850 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Precision soil management is fundamental to the sustainable production of high-quality tea, yet the spatial integration of fertility and heavy metal safety remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to delineate multi-dimensional management zones (MZs) in the tea plantations of Tianmuhu, Jiangsu Province, by evaluating three clustering algorithms: K-means (KM), Fuzzy C-means (FCM), and Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique (ISODATA). A total of 70 representative soil samples were analyzed for 10 properties. Descriptive statistics revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity, particularly for Hg (CV = 71.04%) and P (CV = 61.83%). Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated strong synergistic relationships among organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) (r = 0.49–0.69, p < 0.01), which formed a distinct Fertility Factor on PC1. Conversely, PCA identified divergent sources for heavy metals, with Cr primarily governed by pedogenic processes (PC2), while Cd were associated with anthropogenic inputs. Guided by these distinct spatial drivers, this study separately delineated fertility and heavy metal safety MZs. The optimal number of clusters was determined by balancing statistical validity with spatial operationality via the Silhouette Coefficient (SC) and Smoothness Index (SI), with results indicating that a 2–3 zone scheme yielded the most favorable scores. Comparative analysis showed that for soil fertility, ISODATA outperformed KM and FCM by effectively capturing the high variability of P and producing statistically distinct zones (p < 0.05). For heavy metal pollution, FCM provided better partitioning by reflecting the continuous gradients of composite contaminants. Validation results showed that while 61% of the area was classified as high-fertility (ISODATA), approximately 63–75% fell into relatively higher heavy metal accumulation categories. This dual-objective zoning framework provides a scientific basis for site-specific fertilization and targeted environmental monitoring in the regional tea industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

25 pages, 2122 KB

Open AccessReview

Historic Buildings as Urban Sensors: Multi-Scale Diagnostics for Climate-Resilient Cities

by Joana Guedes, Esequiel Mesquita and Tiago Miguel Ferreira

Heritage 2026, 9(4), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9040152 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Built heritage is increasingly affected by climate-driven processes, yet its capacity to inform broader understandings of urban environmental change remains insufficiently explored. Here, we synthesize the recent literature (2020–2024) on the application of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach to the integrated management of cultural heritage under climate risk, reframing the historic built environment as a multi-scale diagnostic medium for climate–urban interactions. We analyze the steps and tools employed to support decision-making across territorial planning, risk assessment, and heritage governance in the papers selected from Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Results show that the approach is a flexible analytical framework that allows the integration of heterogeneous data, multi-criteria evaluations, and diverse stakeholder perspectives across spatial and temporal scales. Information modeling tools are shown to play a central role in structuring territorial knowledge, identifying patterns of vulnerability, and supporting comparative analyses across urban contexts. Nonetheless, significant challenges persist, including limited quantification of climate-induced degradation mechanisms, uncertainties in linking vulnerability assessments to predictive models, structural constraints on participatory implementation, and a tendency to apply the approach as a checklist due to inadequate understanding of its holistic dimensions. Overall, the HUL approach emerges as a scalable and transferable framework for embedding cultural heritage within climate research, advancing the conceptual integration of built heritage into resilience science and sustainability-oriented urban systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural Heritage)

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31 pages, 47648 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatially Explicit Assessment of Crop Production, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Environmental Footprint in Iran

by Xinxin Li, Jun Li, Xiaoli Shi and Wenjiao Shi

Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080851 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Crop production, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and environmental footprint are not only of great significance for ensuring food security, but also serve as key determinants for achieving the integrated governance of agricultural development and environmental protection. However, Iran is currently facing challenges such as production in an arid climate and on degraded land, low NUE, and associated ecological and environmental pollution. Current agricultural nitrogen (N) management research is mostly limited to single crops or dimensions, leaving a gap in integrated multi-crop, multi-dimensional spatiotemporal analyses and grid-scale high-resolution spatial assessments of regional heterogeneity. Therefore, from the perspectives of food, resources, and the environment, this study systematically assessed the sown area, yield, N application rate, NUE, N surplus, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) of six major crops (wheat, rice, barley, maize, sugarcane, and cotton) in Iran for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. The aim was to assess the current status and spatiotemporal evolution of cropland N management in Iran. The results of this study indicate that the total N application rate in Iranian cropland exhibited an overall upward trend from 2000 to 2020, increasing from 1.095 × 10⁶ t to 1.1937 × 10⁶ t over this period. The NUE improved in some regions but remained generally low, increasing from 31.7% to 41.8%. Provinces in northern and southern Iran were characterized by high N application rates, low NUE (20–40%), substantial N surplus accumulation, and high GHG emissions. The multi-dimensional comprehensive assessment framework proposed in this study provides a scientific basis for N management in regions aiming for coordinated governance of food security and the ecological environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecosystem, Environment and Climate Change in Agriculture)

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19 pages, 407 KB

Open AccessArticle

Renewable Energy Transition and Environmental Quality in OECD Economies: Evidence from Second-Generation Dynamic Panel Estimation

by Noura Ben Mbarek

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3805; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083805 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study explores the impact of renewable energy consumption on environmental quality in ten OECD economies over the period 1990–2024, aiming to assess its contribution as a structural driver of decarbonization in advanced economies. Given the presence of strong cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneous country dynamics, the analysis employs second-generation panel econometric techniques. Stationarity is assessed using the CIPS unit root test. Long-run relationships are examined using the Westerlund error-correction-based cointegration approach. Long-run elasticities are estimated using the Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCE-MG) and Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimators. Short-run dynamics are analyzed within a panel error-correction framework. The results confirm the existence of a stable long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. Renewable energy consumption is associated with a negative effect on CO₂ emissions, with the CCE-MG estimate indicating that a 1% increase in renewable energy reduces emissions by approximately 0.067%, although the long-run statistical significance remains marginal. In the short run, renewable energy is also associated with lower emissions, indicating both structural and immediate mitigation dynamics. By contrast, energy consumption and financial development increase emissions, while economic growth does not exhibit a robust long-run effect, providing no support for the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. The error-correction term confirms rapid convergence toward long-run equilibrium. Robustness analysis using carbon intensity as an alternative environmental indicator yields consistent findings. In sum, the results suggest that renewable energy expansion should be complemented by energy efficiency policies and the reorientation of financial systems toward green investments to achieve effective decarbonization. From a policy perspective, coordinated strategies integrating renewable deployment, efficiency improvements, and sustainable finance are essential for achieving long-term environmental sustainability in OECD economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sustainability and Applications)

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23 pages, 1439 KB

Open AccessArticle

Different Tourism, Different Attitudes? The Role of Tourism Type Preferences in Shaping Residents’ Attitudes Toward Sustainable Tourism Development: Evidence from an Exploratory Study in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia

by Nataša Đorđević and Snežana Milićević

Sustainability 2026, 18(8), 3804; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18083804 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study explores how residents of Vrnjačka Banja (Serbia) perceive the impacts of tourism and how these attitudes influence their support for future tourism development. Specifically, it examines positive and negative economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, as well as the types of tourism residents favor. Data were collected from 420 local residents using a structured survey, and the reliability of the scales was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of participant characteristics, while MANOVA and follow-up ANOVA tests were used to examine differences in perceived tourism impacts across tourism types. Multiple linear regression was used to assess how attitudes toward positive and negative impacts predict residents’ support for future tourism development. The results indicate that attitudes toward positive impacts are relatively consistent across residents, whereas negative socio-cultural and environmental impacts differ depending on the type of tourism they support. Regression analysis shows that positive socio-cultural and environmental impacts are the strongest drivers of residents’ support, while negative socio-cultural and economic impacts reduce support. These findings highlight the importance of social and environmental considerations in shaping community attitudes and suggest that sustainable tourism planning should prioritize local well-being and responsible environmental management alongside economic objectives. This study contributes to the literature by addressing the heterogeneity in residents’ attitudes through tourism type preferences, while also highlighting the limited research on this topic in spa destinations. It further provides practical guidance for destination managers and policymakers in developing more targeted and sustainable tourism strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainability in Destination Marketing and Tourism Management)

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17 pages, 611 KB

Open AccessReview

The Adjunctive Role of Probiotics in Periodontal Therapy: A Narrative Review

by Natalia de Campos Kajimoto, Cristhiam de Jesus Hernandez Matinez, Peter Michael Loomer, Yvonne de Paiva Buischi and Ana Carolina Punhagui Hernandes

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3753; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083753 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by microbial dysbiosis and an exacerbated host immune response. This leads to progressive breakdown of periodontal tissues. Although scaling and root planing remains the standard treatment, its capacity to fully restore immune balance and host–microbiota homeostasis is limited. Probiotics have emerged as promising adjunctive strategies to modulate pathways involved in periodontal disease progression. This review aimed to evaluate current clinical evidence on the use of probiotics as adjuncts in periodontal therapy. The review followed the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles criteria, applied exclusively as a reporting-quality framework. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed for manuscripts indexed through January/2026, using MeSH terms related to periodontitis and probiotics. Probiotics demonstrate potential as adjunctive agents in periodontal therapy, as evidenced by improvements in clinical parameters (probing depth, clinical attachment level, and/or bleeding on probing) reported in clinical studies. However, the findings remain heterogeneous across trials. Variability in probiotic strains, CFU concentrations, administration routes, and treatment durations highlights the need for standardized clinical protocols to improve comparability and reproducibility and better establish their clinical efficacy. Stronger, long-term evidence is required to standardize therapeutic protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Periodontal Therapy: Latest Advances and Prospects)

19 pages, 619 KB

Open AccessArticle

Altruism, Pragmatism, and Critical Engagement: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Motivational Profiles of Male Primary Teachers

by Marianela Navarro, Annjeanette Martin, Alessandra Díaz-Sacco, Raimundo Ossandón-Bustos and Carla Bravo-Rojas

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 613; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16040613 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

The low participation of men in primary education is a persistent and structural phenomenon that cannot be adequately understood through homogeneous views of teachers’ motivations and experiences. This study is conducted in the Chilean context, which is characterized by a highly feminized teaching workforce and persistent challenges related to working conditions, social valuation of teaching, and teacher retention. It aims to analyze profiles of male primary school teachers, considering their motivations, perceptions, and the meanings they attribute to the teaching profession. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design (QUAN → qual) was employed. First, 144 male in-service primary teachers completed the FIT-Choice scale and a latent class analysis was conducted. Subsequently, in-depth interviews were carried out with an intentionally selected subsample of 20 teachers, which were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Three distinct motivational profiles were identified: altruistic, pragmatic, and critical. The qualitative findings complemented these profiles, highlighting the influence of personal trajectories and working conditions on teachers’ career choice and retention in the profession. Overall, the findings suggest that policies for training, support, and professional induction must recognize teacher heterogeneity and promote inclusive working environments, moving beyond approaches that focus exclusively on increasing the number of men in primary education. Implications for the design of policies aimed at attracting and retaining male primary school teachers are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Education and Psychology)

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44 pages, 2085 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Novel Ceramic and Refractory Composites for Masonry Bricks and Blocks: A Systematic Review of Materials, Properties, and Sustainability

by Hugo Martínez Ángeles, Cesar Augusto Navarro Rubio, Margarita G. García-Barajas, José Gabriel Ríos Moreno, Luis Angel Iturralde Carrera, Leonel Díaz-Tato, Saúl Obregón-Biosca, Roberto Valentín Carrillo-Serrano and Mario Trejo Perea

Technologies 2026, 14(4), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies14040222 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Masonry bricks and blocks are among the most widely used construction materials worldwide; however, their conventional production relies on energy-intensive firing processes and virgin raw materials, leading to significant environmental impacts. In response to increasing sustainability and decarbonization demands in the construction sector, numerous novel ceramic and refractory materials have been proposed for masonry applications. This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of recent advances in ceramic and refractory materials for masonry bricks and blocks, focusing on material classification, processing routes, microstructure–property relationships, and sustainability performance. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the peer-reviewed literature published between 2018 and 2025 was systematically identified, screened, and analyzed. An analytical framework based on well-established relationships from ceramic science was adopted to support consistent comparison of mechanical, thermal, acoustic, durability, and sustainability-related properties across heterogeneous material systems. Conventional fired ceramics, waste-derived ceramics, lightweight and porous systems, alkali-activated and unfired materials, and advanced engineered ceramics were comparatively evaluated. The results reveal a clear shift from dense traditional fired ceramics toward materials incorporating industrial and agricultural residues, engineered porosity, and low-temperature or unfired processing routes. Waste-derived and geopolymer-based systems demonstrate significant potential for reducing CO

_{2}

emissions and energy consumption while maintaining functional performance suitable for masonry applications. Lightweight and porous ceramics exhibit enhanced thermal and acoustic behavior, often accompanied by reduced mechanical strength, highlighting application-dependent trade-offs. Overall, this review provides an integrated perspective linking composition, processing, microstructure, performance, and environmental impact, identifying key research trends and knowledge gaps relevant to sustainable masonry construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Innovations in Materials Science and Materials Processing)

22 pages, 1753 KB

Open AccessReview

Fibre-Reinforced Earth-Based 3D Printing: A Review of Mechanical Performance and Environmental Sustainability

by Karim Fahfouhi, Alberto Leal Matilla, Daniel Ferrández, Alfonso Cobo, Humberto Varum, Helena Bártolo and Ana Sofia Guimarães

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083752 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Earth-based additive manufacturing (AM) combines design flexibility and automation of 3D printing (3DP) with low embodied energy, local availability, and circular economy compatibility of earthen materials. However, the sustainability performance of earth-based AM remains contested, particularly when chemical stabilisers and fibres are introduced to address mechanical and durability limitations. This review examines earth-based AM, focusing on fibre reinforcement, mechanical performance, and environmental impacts. Following PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed open-access articles (2015–2025) were identified and analysed using the Web of Science database. The review synthesises findings on material compositions, processing strategies, mechanical behaviour, and life cycle assessments of 3D-printed earthen materials, with particular attention to natural fibres. Results show that fibre reinforcement primarily contributes to crack control, post-peak behaviour, dimensional stability, and printability rather than universal strength enhancement. Compressive strengths range from 1–3 MPa for non-stabilised printed earth to 6–25 MPa for stabilised systems, confirming stabilisation as critical for structural scalability. Environmental assessments reveal that despite low-carbon feedstocks, 3D-printed earth can exhibit higher carbon emissions than conventional earthen techniques due to binder use and energy-intensive printing unless material savings and circular strategies are optimised. Key gaps include heterogeneous testing protocols, limited structural-scale validation, and insufficient techno-economic integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Earthquake and Structural Engineering: Resilience, Performance, and Sustainability)

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15 pages, 6073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Fractal Analysis of Thermally Induced Damage in Volcanic Rocks: Linking Mechanical Behavior and Mineralogical Controls

by Özge Dinç Göğüş, Enes Zengin, Mehmet Korkut, Mehmet Mert Doğu, Mustafa Avcıoğlu, Ömer Ündül and Emin Çiftçi

Fractal Fract. 2026, 10(4), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract10040250 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Moderate thermal exposure can significantly influence the mechanical behavior of volcanic rocks by inducing microcrack development and altering crack network characteristics. However, quantifying such damage processes remains challenging when relying solely on conventional mechanical parameters. In this study, the evolution of crack network complexity in andesite and andesitic–basaltic rocks subjected to moderate thermal exposure (200 °C) is investigated using fractal analysis integrated with mechanical and mineralogical observations. Six core specimens were tested under uniaxial compression, including three natural specimens and three specimens thermally treated at 200 °C prior to loading. After failure, crack surfaces were digitized and fractal dimensions (D) were calculated using the box-counting method. Petrographic observations and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyses were conducted to characterize the mineralogical composition and microstructural features controlling crack development. The results indicate that thermal exposure primarily reduces rock stiffness rather than peak strength. While the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of two specimens remains nearly unchanged after heating, the elastic modulus (E) decreases in all thermally treated specimens. Mineralogical observations reveal a heterogeneous volcanic fabric dominated by plagioclase and pyroxene within a fine-grained groundmass, with secondary calcite phases occurring in veins and pocket fillings. Fractal analysis shows generally lower D values in thermally treated specimens, suggesting crack redistribution and coalescence rather than increased network complexity, consistent with the observed reduction in stiffness and a tendency toward more ductile deformation behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Engineering)

26 pages, 4985 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Fine-Tuning of Earth Foundation Models via Multidimensional Latin Hypercube Sampling for Small-Scale Burn Scar Identification

by Yuchen Du, Daniel Jacome and Jianghao Wang

Fire 2026, 9(4), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire9040161 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Identifying small-scale burn scars is critical for global carbon accounting, yet remains computationally challenging due to spectral complexity and ground truth scarcity in heterogeneous landscapes. Conventional deep learning models often fail to generalize in such environments, lacking both domain-specific priors and representative training distributions required for precise segmentation. Here, we show that optimizing the fine-tuning of the Prithvi Earth Foundation Model (EFM) via Multidimensional Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) establishes a robust framework for this task. Our comparative analysis reveals that the domain-adapted Prithvi model achieves a Mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 0.91, outperforming standard Vision Transformers (ViT) by 31.9% and significantly surpassing reconstruction-based architectures, such as Scale-MAE. We demonstrate that LHS is superior to Simple Random Sampling (SRS) for optimizing foundation models, as it ensures statistical fidelity with a Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) statistic below 0.1 and effectively captures the tail distributions of fire weather indices. Furthermore, our framework exhibited exceptional data efficiency, retaining 94.5% of its peak accuracy with only 100 training samples. These findings provide a scalable solution for monitoring small-scale disasters in data-constrained regions and validate the synergy between rigorous sampling strategies and EFMs. Full article

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14 pages, 2981 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Modal Analysis of Programmed Cell Death Identifies Biomarkers and Informs Prognosis in Osteosarcoma

by Xinyi Zou and Yuanfang Ru

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083431 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026

Abstract

Osteosarcoma (OS), the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor with a dismal prognosis, exhibits significant heterogeneity in programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, but its subtype-specific functional mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study integrated PCD-related gene signatures to delineate molecular subtypes in OS via consensus clustering, successfully defining four distinct subtypes with divergent prognostic outcomes and immune microenvironments. Differential expression, functional enrichment, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses revealed subtype-specific PCD pathway associations (e.g., lysosome-dependent cell death, apoptosis, pyroptosis and anoikis), while comparative immune profiling and clinical characterization further refined subgroup identities. A robust prognostic risk model incorporating five pivotal genes (SERPINE2, CBS, SQLE, UBE2D4, and S100A13) and metastasis status demonstrated superior predictive performance in both training and external validation cohorts. These findings not only elucidate the functional architecture of PCD across OS molecular subtypes but also establish a clinically actionable model for precision risk stratification and tailored therapeutic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Informatics)

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