Saved Queries

by Michela Maria Taiana, Andrea Massimiliano Nebuloni, Elena De Vecchi, Laura de Girolamo, Giuseppe Michele Peretti, Enrico Ragni and Arianna Barbara Lovati

Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030640 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Cartilage defects remain a clinical challenge due to the limited intrinsic repair capacity of hyaline cartilage, driving increasing interest in blood-derived products, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Variability in PRP preparation and activation protocols limits reproducibility and clinical translation, particularly in large animal models where species-specific differences are an additional cue. This study aimed to standardize and optimize in pigs a protocol for plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), a leukocyte-poor PRP, aligned with current human clinical practice. Methods: Whole blood from six female pigs was processed via three centrifugation protocols and activated with varying CaCl₂ concentrations to evaluate gelation and morphology. PRGF was characterized through hematological analysis, ELISA-based quantification of soluble factors, and structural imaging of fibrin gel via histology and scanning electron microscopy. Data were further analyzed using protein–protein interaction networks, hierarchical clustering, and comparative human PRGF proteomic profiles. Results: Protocol with 400× g centrifugation followed by 13.3 mM CaCl₂ activation achieved the most favorable performance, yielding the highest platelet recovery, effective leukocyte clearance, and consistent formation of a well-organized fibrin network. Porcine activated PRGF showed substantial overlap in detected factors and concentration ranges with human activated PRGF prepared with the same protocol. Conclusions: These findings establish a robust, clinically aligned porcine PRGF protocol and support the pig as a relevant translational model for PRP-based regenerative strategies, providing a reliable platform for preclinical evaluation of cartilage therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Translational and Precision Medicine in Osteoarthritis, Bone Healing and Musculoskeletal Diseases)

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13 pages, 3526 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Randomized, Open, Single-Administration, Cross-Over Study to Investigate the Acceptability, Swallowability, Palatability, and Preference of Different Oral Placebo Formulations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

by Hans Martin Bosse, Kotryna Karosaite, Carolin Kloft, Melanie Schütte, Marc Pawlitzki, Philipp Albrecht, Sharmishtha Chauhan, Isabelle Gallou, Sebastien Chabaud, Tushar Sawai, Haripriya Tumuluri, Manfred Wargenau, Lucas-Sebastian Spitzhorn and Viviane Klingmann

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030353 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of systematic investigations of the acceptability and preference of alternative oral drug formulations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The use of appropriate oral dosage forms has the potential to circumvent challenges associated with the ingestion of tablets. Objective: This randomized, open, cross-over study aimed to investigate acceptability, swallowability, palatability, and preference of four oral placebo drug formulations of similar sizes/given volumes but different modes of ingestion (film-coated tablet, orodispersible tablet, orodispersible film, and gel) in MS patients. Methods: Acceptability was tested in two patient subgroups (32 participants each) of different MS disability levels (expanded disability status scale [EDSS] < 4 and ≥4). The primary endpoint was acceptability derived as a composite of swallowability (rated by investigator) and palatability (rated by participant). Results: The film-coated tablet showed the highest acceptability rates for EDSS < 4 and EDSS ≥ 4 (100.0%, 93.8%), followed by gel (81.3%, 68.8%). Acceptability rates for all formulations were consistently higher for EDSS < 4 compared to EDSS ≥ 4. Concerning the subjective assessment of palatability, the gel received the highest rate of positive ratings, but also was frequently judged as ‘Unpleasant’. Furthermore, the gel was ranked as the first or second choice as the most-preferred formulation, followed by the film-coated tablet. All formulations were considered safe in the study population. Conclusions: Film-coated tablets are well-suited for use in MS patients and gels may represent an interesting alternative for a certain subgroup of MS patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dosage Forms in Drug Delivery: State of the Art and Future Perspectives, 2nd Edition)

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40 pages, 608 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Θ(m⁹) Ternary Minimum-Cost Network Flow LP Model of the Assignment Problem Polytope, with Applications to Hard Combinatorial Optimization Problems

by Moustapha Diaby

Logistics 2026, 10(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/logistics10030063 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background: Combinatorial optimization problems (COPs) are central to Logistics and Supply Chain decision making, yet their NP-hardness prevents exact optimal solutions in reasonable time. Methods: This work addresses that limitation by developing a novel ternary network flow linear programming (LP) model of the [...] Read more.

Θ (m^{9})

variables and

Θ (m^{8})

constraints, where m is the number of assignments). Although not intended to compete with conventional two-dimensional formulations of the AP with respect to solution procedures, it enables hard COPs to be solved exactly as “strict” (integrality requirements-free) LPs through simple transformations of their cost functions. Illustrations are given for the quadratic assignment problem (QAP) and the traveling salesman problem (TSP). Results: Because the proposed LP model is polynomial-sized and there exist polynomial-time algorithms for solving LPs, it affirms “

P = N P

.” A separable substructure of the model shows promise for practical-scale instances due to its suitability for large-scale optimization techniques such as Dantzig–Wolfe Decomposition, Column Generation, and Lagrangian Relaxation. The formulation also has greater robustness relative to standard network flow models. Conclusions: Overall, the approach provides a systematic, modeling-barrier-free framework for representing NP-complete problems as polynomial-sized LPs, with clear theoretical interest and practical potential for medium to large-scale Logistics and other COP-intensive applications. Full article

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4 pages, 152 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Wild Plant Species as Potential Horticultural Crops: An Opportunity for Farmers and Consumers, 2nd Edition

by Ada Baldi, Antonios Chrysargyris and Roberta Bulgari

Horticulturae 2026, 12(3), 346; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12030346 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Increasing pressure on global food systems, driven by climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising demand for nutritious foods, has intensified interest in alternative, climate-resilient, and underutilized crop resources [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wild Plant Species as Potential Horticultural Crops: An Opportunity for Farmers and Consumers—2nd Edition)

22 pages, 309 KB

Open AccessArticle

Inside the Labyrinth: The Effects of Feminization on Women Assistant Heads’ Well-Being

by Jennie M. Weiner and Eileen Bouffard

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030432 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the organizational structures shaping the experience of 18 women assistant heads working at K-12 independent, co-educational, day schools serving students of 700 students or more. Specifically, we were interested in better understanding the disproportionate representation of women in the assistant headship and whether, and to what degree, this may be a function of the role. We wondered if gendered structural elements shaping the role and specifically feminization (e.g., gendered expectations, role elasticity, diminished professional autonomy, and compensation structures that devalue care work) may hamper these women’s overall success and well-being. We found that the structures shaping their role did appear to be feminized, such that while many participants felt a sense of purpose in their work, the expansive and seemingly endless nature of their responsibilities; the emotional labor the role necessitated; the limited guidance, autonomy, and feedback they received; and their frequent perception that their efforts were under-compensated contributed to diminished well-being. The implications of this study include the need for training in, and implementation of, best practices for evaluation, mentorship, and mitigating gender bias and discrimination in all aspects of school operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue School Leadership Well-Being: Stressors, Enablers, and Impact on Leadership Practices and Educational Outcomes)

15 pages, 2232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Search Efficiency and Visual Appeal of Pictorial-Based and Typography-Based Map

by Dorotea Kovačević and Klementina Možina

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2026, 15(3), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi15030119 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Visual information should be presented clearly and effectively so that it is quickly and easily understood. The same principle applies to different types of maps and plans. This study explores the relationship between a map’s design and how users interact with it when searching for specific targets. Focusing on a digital tourist city map, we employed an eye-tracking technology to investigate how different cartographic designs (pictorial-based versus typography-based) influence visual search. As the need for visually appealing designs becomes an important part of the user experience, we further explored the observers’ perceptions of the maps’ visual appeal. The results show that the typography-based maps enabled a more effective visual search than the pictorial, as measured by search time, fixation count, and the number of fixations before locating the target. A greater amount of visual attention was directed towards the typography-based maps, as measured by completion time and several eye-tracking metrics during the observers’ evaluation of the maps’ visual appeal. Based on the results, this study highlights the practical implications of effective map design in enhancing users’ navigation and their visual engagement with cartographic data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cartography and Geovisual Analytics)

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21 pages, 398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Infusing Gen Z’s Pro-Ecological Intentions: From AI Hallucinations to the Ethical Governance of Green Digital Footprints

by Mostafa Aboulnour Salem

Educ. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci16030431 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Green AI contributes to digital sustainability in higher education by encouraging computationally efficient technologies and responsible digital practices. Despite growing interest in sustainable AI, empirical evidence remains limited on how Gen Z students develop socially responsible intentions toward the use of sustainability-aligned AI, particularly within a single host-country higher-education context. This study examines these intentions among students enrolled in Saudi Arabia, using a culturally diverse sample of Saudi and international students while treating national origin as a demographic characteristic rather than a basis for cross-national comparison. The research also addresses emerging concerns related to AI hallucinations and ethical governance in educational settings. An integrated framework is employed that combines the instrumental appraisal logic of UTAUT with responsibility-oriented constructs. The model includes Sustainable Performance Value (SPV), Responsible Use Ease (RUE), Ethical Social Norms (ESN), Institutional Ethical Support (IES), Responsible AI Competence (RAC), AI Hallucination Awareness (AHA), and Green Digital Responsibility (GDR) as predictors of Socially Responsible Intentions (SRI). Data were collected through an anonymous survey of 1159 higher-education students residing and studying within the Saudi higher-education system. The study design reflects one institutional context rather than a multi-country comparison. The findings show strong explanatory and predictive capability (R² = 0.64; Q² = 0.43). SPV, RAC, AHA, and GDR are the strongest predictors of SRI, while RUE shows a moderate association and IES provides contextual support; ESN is not significant. The results highlight the importance of values, competence, and risk awareness in shaping the responsible use of AI. Implications focus on governance and curriculum strategies that support sustainability-aligned engagement with AI in higher education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Higher Education in the Age of AI: Instructional Innovation, Societal Equity, and Infrastructure Reliance)

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15 pages, 493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Informing Intervention: An Exploration of Behavioral and Social–Emotional IEP Goals for Students with ASD

by Sarah K. Cox, Courtenay A. Barrett, Goretty Chavez, Rebecca Saur, Megan Feury, Grace Huber, Brianna Booms and Gabrielle Snyder

Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16030417 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience impairments in reciprocal social interactions, communication, and a restricted range of interests or repetitive behaviors that impact the development of their behavioral and/or social–emotional skills. In schools, students with ASD receive Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which include goals to understand the types of behavioral and/or social–emotional skills students are working to develop. However, there is scant empirical research examining the nature of IEP goals that target behavioral and/or social–emotional skills among students with ASD. The current study explores the content, scope, and location of behavioral and social–emotional IEP goals for 153 students with ASD in Grades K-12 in one state in the Upper Midwest. Understanding the nature of IEP goals is a critical first step to increase access to evidence-based behavioral and social–emotional interventions for students with ASD. Implications for school-based behavioral and psychosocial interventions for students with ASD are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions for Youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders)

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23 pages, 3347 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Profiling and Water Repellency of Cover Crop Residues in Southern United States Agroecosystems

by Payton B. Davis, Dara M. Park, Brook T. Russell and Debabrata Sahoo

Soil Syst. 2026, 10(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10030040 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Integrating cover crops (CCs) into crop rotations has gained interest in the Southeastern United States due to the benefits that CCs offer, which improve soil health for agricultural production. However, more information is needed on how CCs may affect the development of soil water repellency (SWR), which can negatively impact soil hydrology. The development of SWR threatens crop yields, food security, and farmer livelihoods. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment measured the water repellency (WR) of four common CC species and a fallow treatment. CC samples were oven-dried, ground, and analyzed for WR using the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test. The mean WDPTs of the CC residues collected at termination and four weeks post-termination ranged from 49 to 4174 and 8 to 2627 s, respectively. Large WDPTs (>5 s) indicate that CC residues can potentially influence the development of SWR. All CC residues exhibited WR. The results suggest that farmers may need to consider alternative CC species depending on when they plant their cash crops in relation to CC termination. Considering the effects of CCs on SWR will enable farmers to make informed management decisions to mitigate SWR development and maintain soil health in a changing climate. Full article

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16 pages, 1059 KB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Citizen-Collected Ticks

by Andrea Matucci, Salvatore Scarso, Graziana Da Rold, Federica Obber, Filippo Marzoli, Andrea Ragusa, Fabio Formenti, Davide Treggiari, Antonio Mori, Cristina Mazzi, Andrea Tedesco, Pietro Sponga, Giulia Bertoli, Lucia Moro, Concetta Castilletti, Carlo Vittorio Citterio, Dora Buonfrate, Federico Giovanni Gobbi, Francesca Perandin and Chiara Piubelli

Pathogens 2026, 15(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030310 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study aimed primarily to evaluate the performance of two Conformité Européenne—In Vitro Diagnostic (CE-IVD) multiplex real-time PCR (rt-PCR) assays for the molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of human interest on ticks removed from human skin and collected through a citizen science-based approach. As a secondary objective, the aggregated results were used to describe tick species distribution, developmental stages, and seasonal TBP circulation in 2024 in the considered area. The comparison was conducted on 116 tick samples collected in 2024 voluntarily delivered to a hospital in northeastern Italy. Detected TBPs were further confirmed with in-house-validated PCR methods and, where applicable, resolved to the species level. Clinically relevant pathogen species were identified as single infections or coinfections. Overall, 33.6% of tick samples tested positive for at least one TBP, and 6.9% showed coinfections. Kit B exhibited a higher detection rate for Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. targets, partly reflecting its broader diagnostic specificity, while statistically significant differences in cycle threshold values were observed for Anaplasma phagocytophilum detection. The most frequently involved ticks were Ixodes ricinus nymphs, and the most represented area was Verona province. Late spring and early summer were identified as the periods with the highest tick conferment and pathogen diversity. Overall, the results support the use of multiplex real-time PCR commercial kits combined with citizen science-based tick collection as an effective approach for both diagnostic screening and regional surveillance of circulating ticks and TBPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases―Pathogens, Parasites, People and Practices)

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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 23754 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Sphere Packings in

2 \frac{1}{2}

Dimensions

by Kenneth Stephenson

Axioms 2026, 15(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms15030210 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

This paper investigates cylindrical sphere packings, that is, patterns of uniform spheres with mutually disjoint interiors which are all tangent to a common cylinder. The key unifying themes are the existence and uniqueness of hexagonal packings, in which each sphere is tangent to [...] Read more.

(m, n)

. Interesting questions in rigidity and density are encountered. Density questions arise because the packings, being of equal diameter, lie within the space between inner and outer cylinders. This density problem hovers between the 2D and 3D sphere packing cases, and though it is not solved here, it is conjectured that the hexagonal packings are densest for the countable number of cylinders which support them. Other geometric objects are along for the ride, including equilateral triangles and the packings’ dual graphs, which are associated with patterns of carbon atoms forming buckytubes. Interesting structural rigidity questions also arise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geometry and Topology)

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32 pages, 2223 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Large Language Models to Agentic AI in Industry 5.0 and the Post-ChatGPT Era: A Socio-Technical Framework and Review on Human–Robot Collaboration

by Enrique Coronado

Robotics 2026, 15(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics15030058 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), particularly Foundation Models (FMs), has recently become a key component of Industry 5.0. Despite growing interest in integrating these technologies into industrial environments, comprehensive analyses of the socio-technical opportunities and challenges of deploying these emerging AI systems in real-world settings remain limited. This article proposes a socio-technical conceptual perspective, termed Responsible Agentic Robotics (RAR), which structures the lifecycle deployment of agentic AI-enabled robotic systems around three core layers: context, design, and value. Additionally, this article presents a brief review of 21 peer-reviewed studies published between 2023 and 2025 (post-ChatGPT era) on FMs and agentic AI-enabled Human–Robot Collaboration (HRC) in industrial assembly/disassembly environments. The results indicate that existing research remains predominantly technology-centric, with a strong emphasis on enhancing robot autonomy, while comparatively limited attention is devoted to human-centered and responsible practices. Moreover, empirical evaluations of human, social, and sustainability dimensions, such as worker empowerment, human factors, well-being, inclusivity, resource utilization, and environmental impact, are rarely conducted and poorly discussed. This article concludes by identifying key socio-technical gaps, outlining future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Centered Robotics: The Transition to Industry 5.0)

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2 pages, 153 KB

Open AccessComment

Comment on Santana-Bejarano et al. NRP1 and GFAP Expression in the Medulloblastoma Microenvironment: Implications for Angiogenesis and Tumor Progression. Cancers 2025, 17, 2417

by Rafael Roesler and Gustavo R. Isolan

Cancers 2026, 18(6), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060913 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

We read with great interest the recent study by Santana-Bejarano et al [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Malignant Nervous System Cancers)

26 pages, 3780 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Thermoelectric Generators Modules (TEGs): Applications, Performance, and Global Trends in Renewable Energy Systems

by J. D. Gámez-Avilez, S. Islas-Pereda, N. Velázquez-Limón, J. A. Aguilar-Jiménez and L. A. López-Martínez

Processes 2026, 14(6), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14060901 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

The integration of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) into renewable energy systems represents a critical technological frontier for global energy efficiency. This review systematically analyzes the scientific output in the field, which has experienced accelerated growth over the last decade, reaching a historical peak in publications between 2023 and 2024. Geographically, research is led by China, Iran, Turkey, and India. Regarding sectoral distribution, the analysis reveals that solar energy dominates applications, divided into solar thermal (25.53%) and photovoltaics (23.40%), followed by biomass (21.28%) and geothermal energy (17.02%), while ocean energy (12.77%) remains the least developed area. Despite the surge in scientific interest, the results confirm a significant methodological gap: 72.34% of the literature relies exclusively on pure simulations and numerical modeling, whereas only 27.66% incorporates experimental validation. This theoretical dependence translates into a lack of data regarding long-term operational reliability; consequently, mechanical analysis indicates that performance degradation becomes critical after the first 4000 cycles of operation, resulting in an 18% power loss. It is concluded that closing the gap toward commercial scale requires a transition from idealized modeling toward polygeneration schemes and thermal coupling designs that mitigate cyclic mechanical stress. This work provides a synthesis that serves as a roadmap for future engineering implementations at the energy-thermal management nexus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Renewable Energy Systems (2nd Edition))

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10 pages, 1377 KB

Open AccessArticle

Augmenting 16-Run Two-Level Non-Regular Fractional Factorial Designs

by Hanan Alqarni, Douglas C. Montgomery and Carly E. Metcalfe

Mathematics 2026, 14(6), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/math14060957 (registering DOI) - 12 Mar 2026

Abstract

When the resources for experimentation are limited, experimenters usually turn to the class of 2-level fractional factorial designs. Resolution III fractional factorial designs are the smallest available designs, but they alias main effects and 2-factor interactions. The class of Resolution IV designs avoids this and provides clear estimates of the main effects, assuming that 3-factor and higher-order interactions are not active. Meanwhile, some two-factor interactions remain aliased with each other. Resolution V designs have no aliasing of main effects and two-factor interactions, assuming that all higher-order interactions are inactive. However, they are often too large for situations with six or more factors of interest. For example, with six factors, the only design capable of estimating all main effects and 2-factor interactions has 32 runs. Consequently, resource restrictions often require experimenters to use smaller designs of lower resolution, typically Resolution IV. The aliasing of effects often requires additional follow-up experimentation to de-alias all active effects. However, there are situations in which follow-up experiments are impossible to perform due to the unavailability of certain test resources. An alternative to using a 16-run Resolution IV design and a follow-up experiment is to use a design with more than 16 runs as the initial experiment. We investigated a strategy for initially augmenting a class of 16-run Resolution IV designs with either 4 or 8 runs. We use a simulation study to show that this augmentation strategy improves the ability to estimate active factors when standard analysis methods are employed. The analysis methods used in this study are Stepwise, LASSO, and Dantzig. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section D1: Probability and Statistics)

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