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17 pages, 462 KiB  
Article
Knowledge-Guided Cyber Threat Intelligence Summarization via Term-Oriented Input Construction
by Junmei Ding and Yueming Lu
Electronics 2025, 14(15), 3096; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14153096 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 82
Abstract
Cyber threat intelligence summarization plays a critical role in enhancing threat awareness and operational response in cybersecurity. However, existing summarization models often fail to capture essential threat elements due to the unstructured nature of cyber threat intelligence documents and the lack of domain-specific [...] Read more.
Cyber threat intelligence summarization plays a critical role in enhancing threat awareness and operational response in cybersecurity. However, existing summarization models often fail to capture essential threat elements due to the unstructured nature of cyber threat intelligence documents and the lack of domain-specific knowledge. This paper presents a knowledge-guided cyber threat intelligence summarization framework via term-oriented input construction, designed to improve summary fidelity, semantic relevance, and model robustness. The proposed approach consists of two key components: a hybrid term construction pipeline that combines unsupervised keyword extraction and supervised term generation with rule-based refinement, and a knowledge-injected input construction paradigm that explicitly incorporates structured terms into the model input. This strategy enhances the model’s understanding of critical threat semantics without altering its architecture. Extensive experiments conducted on cyber threat intelligence summarization benchmarks under both zero-shot and supervised settings demonstrate that the proposed method consistently improves summarization performance across different models, offering strong generalization and deployment flexibility. Full article
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27 pages, 2496 KiB  
Article
A Context-Aware Tourism Recommender System Using a Hybrid Method Combining Deep Learning and Ontology-Based Knowledge
by Marco Flórez, Eduardo Carrillo, Francisco Mendes and José Carreño
J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(3), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20030194 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 200
Abstract
The Santurbán paramo is a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem exposed to pressures from extractive and agricultural activities, as well as increasing tourism. In response, this study presents a context-aware recommendation system designed to support sustainable tourism through the integration of deep neural networks and [...] Read more.
The Santurbán paramo is a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem exposed to pressures from extractive and agricultural activities, as well as increasing tourism. In response, this study presents a context-aware recommendation system designed to support sustainable tourism through the integration of deep neural networks and ontology-based semantic modeling. The proposed system delivers personalized recommendations—such as activities, accommodations, and ecological routes—by processing user preferences, geolocation data, and contextual features, including cost and popularity. The architecture combines a trained TensorFlow Lite model with a domain ontology enriched with GeoSPARQL for geospatial reasoning. All inference operations are conducted locally on Android devices, supported by SQLite for offline data storage, which ensures functionality in connectivity-restricted environments and preserves user privacy. Additionally, the system employs geofencing to trigger real-time environmental notifications when users approach ecologically sensitive zones, promoting responsible behavior and biodiversity awareness. By incorporating structured semantic knowledge with adaptive machine learning, the system enables low-latency, personalized, and conservation-oriented recommendations. This approach contributes to the sustainable management of natural reserves by aligning individual tourism experiences with ecological protection objectives, particularly in remote areas like the Santurbán paramo. Full article
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20 pages, 4386 KiB  
Article
Foliar Application of Salicylic Acid Stimulates Phenolic Compound Accumulation and Antioxidant Potential in Saposhnikovia divaricata Herb
by Daniil N. Olennikov, Nina I. Kashchenko and Nadezhda K. Chirikova
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080895 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 172
Abstract
Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk., commonly known as divaricate siler, is a well-known medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family. Its natural habitat is rapidly declining owing to the harvesting of its roots, used as fángfēng in traditional Oriental medicine. This underutilized herb [...] Read more.
Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk., commonly known as divaricate siler, is a well-known medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family. Its natural habitat is rapidly declining owing to the harvesting of its roots, used as fángfēng in traditional Oriental medicine. This underutilized herb may serve as a valuable source of bioactive phenolic compounds, which can potentially be influenced by salicylic acid (SA) elicitation—a practical method to increase the concentration of valuable substances in plants. A field study showed that foliar application of SA on one-year-old S. divaricata positively influenced the total phenolic content in the herb, with the highest increase observed at 1.0 mM SA. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) data became increasingly complex with rising SA levels, identifying up to 48 compounds, including cinnamoyl quinic acids (CQAs), dihydrofurochromones (DFCs), and flavonol O-glycosides (FOGs), most reported for the first time in this species. The highest concentrations of CQAs, DFCs, and FOGs in plants treated with 1.0 mM SA were 83.14, 3.75, and 60.53 mg/g, respectively, compared to 42.76, 0.95, and 40.73 mg/g in untreated (0.0 mM SA) plants. Nine in vitro antioxidant assays revealed strong radical-scavenging and nitric oxide (NO)- and Fe2+-chelating activities in 1.0 mM SA-treated plants, indicating robust antioxidative properties of the S. divaricata herb. Thus, foliar application of SA considerably enriches the herb with target antioxidants, increasing its medicinal value, which is reflected in the plant’s biological response. This could potentially reduce the overexploitation of natural populations of S. divaricata, helping to preserve this valuable plant. Full article
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20 pages, 1457 KiB  
Article
A Semi-Random Elliptical Movement Model for Relay Nodes in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
by Hyeon Choe and Dongsu Kang
Telecom 2025, 6(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/telecom6030056 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 132
Abstract
This study presents a semi-random mobility model called Semi-Random Elliptical Movement (SREM), developed for relay-oriented Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs). In FANETs, node distribution has a major impact on network performance, making the mobility model a critical design element. While random models offer [...] Read more.
This study presents a semi-random mobility model called Semi-Random Elliptical Movement (SREM), developed for relay-oriented Flying Ad Hoc Networks (FANETs). In FANETs, node distribution has a major impact on network performance, making the mobility model a critical design element. While random models offer simplicity and path diversity, they often result in unstable relay paths due to inconsistent node placement. In contrast, planned path models provide alignment but lack the flexibility needed in dynamic environments. SREM addresses these challenges by enabling nodes to move along elliptical trajectories, combining autonomous movement with alignment to the relay path. This approach encourages natural node concentration along the relay path while maintaining distributed mobility. The spatial characteristics of SREM have been analytically defined and validated through the Monte Carlo method, confirming stable node distributions that support effective relaying. Computer simulation results show that SREM performs better than general mobility models that do not account for relaying, offering more suitable performance in relay-focused scenarios. These findings suggest that SREM provides both structural consistency and practical effectiveness, making it a strong candidate for improving the realism and reliability of FANET simulations involving relay-based communication. Full article
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33 pages, 1497 KiB  
Article
Beyond Compliance: How Disruptive Innovation Unleashes ESG Value Under Digital Institutional Pressure
by Fang Zhang and Jianhua Zhu
Systems 2025, 13(8), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13080644 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Amid intensifying global ESG regulations and the expanding influence of green finance, China’s digital economy policies have emerged as key institutional instruments for promoting corporate sustainability. Leveraging the implementation of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as a quasi-natural experiment, this study [...] Read more.
Amid intensifying global ESG regulations and the expanding influence of green finance, China’s digital economy policies have emerged as key institutional instruments for promoting corporate sustainability. Leveraging the implementation of the National Big Data Comprehensive Pilot Zone as a quasi-natural experiment, this study utilizes panel data of Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2023 and applies multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Spatial DID models to rigorously identify the policy’s effects on corporate ESG performance. Empirical results indicate that the impact of digital economy policy is not exerted through a direct linear pathway but operates via three institutional mechanisms, enhanced information transparency, eased financing constraints, and expanded fiscal support, collectively constructing a logic of “institutional embedding–governance restructuring.” Moreover, disruptive technological innovation significantly amplifies the effects of the transparency and fiscal mechanisms, but exhibits no statistically significant moderating effect on the financing constraint pathway, suggesting a misalignment between innovation heterogeneity and financial responsiveness. Further heterogeneity analysis confirms that the policy effect is concentrated among firms characterized by robust governance structures, high levels of property rights marketization, and greater digital maturity. This study contributes to the literature by developing an integrated moderated mediation framework rooted in institutional theory, agency theory, and dynamic capabilities theory. The findings advance the theoretical understanding of ESG policy transmission by unpacking the micro-foundations of institutional response under digital policy regimes, while offering actionable insights into the strategic alignment of digital transformation and sustainability-oriented governance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)
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16 pages, 4629 KiB  
Article
Development of a Reflective Electrochromic Zinc-Ion Battery Device for Infrared Emissivity Control Using Self-Doped Polyaniline Films
by Yi Wang, Ze Wang, Tong Feng, Jiandong Chen, Enkai Lin and An Xie
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152110 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 200
Abstract
Electrochromic devices (ECDs) capable of modulating both visible color and infrared (IR) emissivity are promising for applications in smart thermal camouflage and multifunctional displays. However, conventional transmissive ECDs suffer from limited IR modulation due to the low IR transmittance of transparent electrodes. Here, [...] Read more.
Electrochromic devices (ECDs) capable of modulating both visible color and infrared (IR) emissivity are promising for applications in smart thermal camouflage and multifunctional displays. However, conventional transmissive ECDs suffer from limited IR modulation due to the low IR transmittance of transparent electrodes. Here, we report a reflection-type electrochromic zinc-ion battery (HWEC-ZIB) using a self-doped polyaniline nanorod film (SP(ANI-MA)) as the active layer. By positioning the active material at the device surface, this structure avoids interference from transparent electrodes and enables broadband and efficient IR emissivity tuning. To prevent electrolyte-induced IR absorption, a thermal lamination encapsulation method is employed. The optimized device achieves emissivity modulation ranges of 0.28 (3–5 μm) and 0.19 (8–14 μm), delivering excellent thermal camouflage performance. It also exhibits a visible color change from earthy yellow to deep green, suitable for various natural environments. In addition, the HWEC-ZIB shows a high areal capacity of 72.15 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2 and maintains 80% capacity after 5000 cycles, demonstrating outstanding electrochemical stability. This work offers a versatile device platform integrating IR stealth, visual camouflage, and energy storage, providing a promising solution for next-generation adaptive camouflage and defense-oriented electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Smart and Functional Polymers)
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11 pages, 226 KiB  
Entry
Gender and Digital Technologies
by Eduarda Ferreira and Maria João Silva
Encyclopedia 2025, 5(3), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5030111 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 223
Definition
This entry explores the multifaceted intersections of gender and digital technologies, offering a comprehensive analysis of how structural inequalities are reproduced, contested, and transformed in digital contexts. It is structured into six interrelated sections that collectively address key dimensions of gendered digital contexts. [...] Read more.
This entry explores the multifaceted intersections of gender and digital technologies, offering a comprehensive analysis of how structural inequalities are reproduced, contested, and transformed in digital contexts. It is structured into six interrelated sections that collectively address key dimensions of gendered digital contexts. It begins by addressing the gender digital divide, particularly in the Global South, emphasizing disparities in access, literacy, and sociocultural constraints. The second section examines gendered labor in the tech industry, highlighting persistent inequalities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, employment, and platform-based work. The third part focuses on gender representation in digital spaces, revealing how algorithmic and platform design perpetuate biases. The fourth section discusses gender bias in AI and disinformation, underscoring the systemic nature of digital inequalities. This is followed by an analysis of online gender-based violence, particularly its impact on marginalized communities and participation in digital life. The final section considers the potentials and limitations of digital activism in advancing gender justice. These sections collectively argue for an intersectional, inclusive, and justice-oriented approach to technology policy and design, calling for coordinated global efforts to create equitable digital futures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Encyclopedia of Social Sciences)
22 pages, 3483 KiB  
Review
The Paradigm Shift in Scientific Interest on Flood Risk: From Hydraulic Analysis to Integrated Land Use Planning Approaches
by Ángela Franco and Salvador García-Ayllón
Water 2025, 17(15), 2276; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152276 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 277
Abstract
Floods are natural hazards that have the greatest socioeconomic impact worldwide, given that 23% of the global population live in urban areas at risk of flooding. In this field of research, the analysis of flood risk has traditionally been studied based mainly on [...] Read more.
Floods are natural hazards that have the greatest socioeconomic impact worldwide, given that 23% of the global population live in urban areas at risk of flooding. In this field of research, the analysis of flood risk has traditionally been studied based mainly on approaches specific to civil engineering such as hydraulics and hydrology. However, these patterns of approaching the problem in research seem to be changing in recent years. During the last few years, a growing trend has been observed towards the use of methodology-based approaches oriented towards urban planning and land use management. In this context, this study analyzes the evolution of these research patterns in the field by developing a bibliometric meta-analysis of 2694 scientific publications on this topic published in recent decades. Evaluating keyword co-occurrence using VOSviewer software version 1.6.20, we analyzed how phenomena such as climate change have modified the way of addressing the study of this problem, giving growing weight to the use of integrated approaches improving territorial planning or implementing adaptive strategies, as opposed to the more traditional vision of previous decades, which only focused on the construction of hydraulic infrastructures for flood control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Analysis of Flooding Phenomena: Challenges and Case Studies)
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20 pages, 1573 KiB  
Article
Polyvalent Mannuronic Acid-Coated Gold Nanoparticles for Probing Multivalent Lectin–Glycan Interaction and Blocking Virus Infection
by Rahman Basaran, Darshita Budhadev, Eleni Dimitriou, Hannah S. Wootton, Gavin J. Miller, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Stefan Pöhlmann, Yuan Guo and Dejian Zhou
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081066 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 250
Abstract
Multivalent lectin–glycan interactions (MLGIs) are vital for viral infection, cell-cell communication and regulation of immune responses. Their structural and biophysical data are thus important, not only for providing insights into their underlying mechanisms but also for designing potent glycoconjugate therapeutics against target MLGIs. [...] Read more.
Multivalent lectin–glycan interactions (MLGIs) are vital for viral infection, cell-cell communication and regulation of immune responses. Their structural and biophysical data are thus important, not only for providing insights into their underlying mechanisms but also for designing potent glycoconjugate therapeutics against target MLGIs. However, such information remains to be limited for some important MLGIs, significantly restricting the research progress. We have recently demonstrated that functional nanoparticles, including ∼4 nm quantum dots and varying sized gold nanoparticles (GNPs), densely glycosylated with various natural mono- and oligo- saccharides, are powerful biophysical probes for MLGIs. Using two important viral receptors, DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR (together denoted as DC-SIGN/R hereafter), as model multimeric lectins, we have shown that α-mannose and α-manno-α-1,2-biose (abbreviated as Man and DiMan, respectively) coated GNPs not only can provide sensitive measurement of MLGI affinities but also reveal critical structural information (e.g., binding site orientation and mode) which are important for MLGI targeting. In this study, we produced mannuronic acid (ManA) coated GNPs (GNP-ManA) of two different sizes to probe the effect of glycan modification on their MLGI affinity and antiviral property. Using our recently developed GNP fluorescence quenching assay, we find that GNP-ManA binds effectively to both DC-SIGN/R and increasing the size of GNP significantly enhances their MLGI affinity. Consistent with this, increasing the GNP size also significantly enhances their ability to block DC-SIGN/R-augmented virus entry into host cells. Particularly, ManA coated 13 nm GNP potently block Ebola virus glycoprotein-driven entry into DC-SIGN/R-expressing cells with sub-nM levels of EC50. Our findings suggest that GNP-ManA probes can act as a useful tool to quantify the characteristics of MLGIs, where increasing the GNP scaffold size substantially enhances their MLGI affinity and antiviral potency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Lectins in Viral Infections and Antiviral Intervention)
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19 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning-Based Instance Segmentation of Galloping High-Speed Railway Overhead Contact System Conductors in Video Images
by Xiaotong Yao, Huayu Yuan, Shanpeng Zhao, Wei Tian, Dongzhao Han, Xiaoping Li, Feng Wang and Sihua Wang
Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4714; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154714 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
The conductors of high-speed railway OCSs (Overhead Contact Systems) are susceptible to conductor galloping due to the impact of natural elements such as strong winds, rain, and snow, resulting in conductor fatigue damage and significantly compromising train operational safety. Consequently, monitoring the galloping [...] Read more.
The conductors of high-speed railway OCSs (Overhead Contact Systems) are susceptible to conductor galloping due to the impact of natural elements such as strong winds, rain, and snow, resulting in conductor fatigue damage and significantly compromising train operational safety. Consequently, monitoring the galloping status of conductors is crucial, and instance segmentation techniques, by delineating the pixel-level contours of each conductor, can significantly aid in the identification and study of galloping phenomena. This work expands upon the YOLO11-seg model and introduces an instance segmentation approach for galloping video and image sensor data of OCS conductors. The algorithm, designed for the stripe-like distribution of OCS conductors in the data, employs four-direction Sobel filters to extract edge features in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal orientations. These features are subsequently integrated with the original convolutional branch to form the FDSE (Four Direction Sobel Enhancement) module. It integrates the ECA (Efficient Channel Attention) mechanism for the adaptive augmentation of conductor characteristics and utilizes the FL (Focal Loss) function to mitigate the class-imbalance issue between positive and negative samples, hence enhancing the model’s sensitivity to conductors. Consequently, segmentation outcomes from neighboring frames are utilized, and mask-difference analysis is performed to autonomously detect conductor galloping locations, emphasizing their contours for the clear depiction of galloping characteristics. Experimental results demonstrate that the enhanced YOLO11-seg model achieves 85.38% precision, 77.30% recall, 84.25% AP@0.5, 81.14% F1-score, and a real-time processing speed of 44.78 FPS. When combined with the galloping visualization module, it can issue real-time alerts of conductor galloping anomalies, providing robust technical support for railway OCS safety monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Industrial Sensors)
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15 pages, 2263 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Trueness of Complete Dentures Fabricated Using Liquid Crystal Display 3D Printing According to Build Angle and Natural Light Exposure
by Haeri Kim, KeunBaDa Son, So-Yeun Kim and Kyu-Bok Lee
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080277 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
The dimensional accuracy of the intaglio surface of complete dentures fabricated using liquid crystal display (LCD) three-dimensional (3D) printing might be influenced by the build angle and post-processing storage conditions. This study evaluated the effect of build angle and natural light exposure duration [...] Read more.
The dimensional accuracy of the intaglio surface of complete dentures fabricated using liquid crystal display (LCD) three-dimensional (3D) printing might be influenced by the build angle and post-processing storage conditions. This study evaluated the effect of build angle and natural light exposure duration on the intaglio surface trueness of maxillary complete denture bases. Standardized denture base designs (2 mm uniform thickness) were fabricated using an LCD 3D printer (Lilivis Print; Huvitz, Seoul, Republic of Korea) at build angles of 0°, 45°, and 90° (n = 7 per group). All specimens were printed using the same photopolymer resin (Tera Harz Denture; Graphy, Seoul, Republic of Korea) and identical printing parameters, followed by ultrasonic cleaning and ultraviolet post-curing. Specimens were stored under controlled light-emitting diode lighting and exposed to natural light (400–800 lux) for 0, 14, or 30 days. The intaglio surfaces were scanned and superimposed on the original design data, following the International Organization for Standardization 12836. Quantitative assessment included root mean square deviation, mean deviation, and tolerance percentage. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests (α = 0.05). Build angle and light exposure duration significantly affected surface trueness (p < 0.05). The 90° build angle group exhibited the highest accuracy and dimensional stability, while the 0° group showed the greatest deviations (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of optimizing build orientation and storage conditions in denture 3D printing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Additive Manufacturing in Materials Science)
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18 pages, 475 KiB  
Article
How Environmental Turbulence Shapes the Path from Resilience to Sustainability: Useful Insights Gathered from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
by Ahmet Serdar İbrahimcioğlu and Hakan Kitapçı
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6938; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156938 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 182
Abstract
In the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), organizational resilience has emerged as a critical capability for navigating dynamic and turbulent environments. The ability of firms to sustain their performance despite external disruptions, particularly those arising from market and technological change, is [...] Read more.
In the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), organizational resilience has emerged as a critical capability for navigating dynamic and turbulent environments. The ability of firms to sustain their performance despite external disruptions, particularly those arising from market and technological change, is paramount for achieving long-term sustainability. This study offers a novel contribution by examining how two key dimensions of environmental turbulence—market turbulence and technological turbulence—moderate the relationship between organizational resilience capacity and sustainability performance. Our empirical findings, based on data from 423 SMEs, demonstrate that while organizational resilience positively correlates with sustainability performance, this relationship is significantly weakened under high levels of market and technological turbulence, indicating a negative moderating effect. These results advance resource-based and dynamic capabilities theory by highlighting the contingent nature of resilience in unstable contexts. Furthermore, this study provides practical guidance. SMEs should strategically invest in resilience-building efforts and continuously adapt their strategies in response to environmental fluctuations. Targeted approaches to managing different forms of turbulence and forming resilience-oriented collaborations can enhance sustainability outcomes. This research makes significant contributions to theory and practice; however, there are limitations that future research should take into account in order to appropriately utilize this study’s findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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26 pages, 2486 KiB  
Review
Sports in Natural Forests: A Systematic Review of Environmental Impact and Compatibility for Readability
by Iulian Bratu, Lucian Dinca, Ionut Schiteanu, George Mocanu, Gabriel Murariu, Mirela Stanciu and Miglena Zhiyanski
Sports 2025, 13(8), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13080250 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 429
Abstract
The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents [...] Read more.
The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993–2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fostering Sport for a Healthy Life)
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18 pages, 3793 KiB  
Review
Research Progress on Vaterite Mineral and Its Synthetic Analogs
by Guoxi Sun, Xiuming Liu, Bin Lian and Shijie Wang
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080796 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
As the most unstable crystalline form of calcium carbonate, vaterite is rarely found in nature due to being highly prone to phase transitions. However, its high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and high solubility properties have led to a research boom and the [...] Read more.
As the most unstable crystalline form of calcium carbonate, vaterite is rarely found in nature due to being highly prone to phase transitions. However, its high specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and high solubility properties have led to a research boom and the following breakthroughs in the last two decades: (1) From primitive calculations and spectroscopic analyses to modern multidimensional research methods combining calculations and experiments, the crystal structure of vaterite has turned from early identifications in orthorhombic and hexagonal crystal systems to a complex polymorphic structure within the monoclinic crystal system. (2) The formation process of vaterite not only conforms to the classical crystal growth theory but also encompasses the nanoparticle aggregation theory, which incorporates the concepts of oriented nanoparticle assembly and mesoscale transformation. (3) Regardless of the conditions, the formation of vaterite depends on an excess of CO32− relative to Ca2+, and its stability duration relates to preservation conditions. (4) Vaterite demonstrates significant value in biomedical applications—including bone repair scaffolds, targeted drug carriers, and antibacterial coating materials—leveraging its porous structure, high specific surface area, and exceptional biocompatibility. While it also shows utility in environmental pollutant adsorption and general coating technologies, the current research remains predominantly concentrated on its medical applications. Currently, the rapid transformation of vaterite presents the primary limitation for its industrial application. Future research should prioritize investigating its formation kinetics and stability. Full article
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34 pages, 56730 KiB  
Article
Land Consolidation Potential Assessment by Using the Production–Living–Ecological Space Framework in the Guanzhong Plain, China
by Ziyi Xie, Siying Wu, Xin Liu, Hejia Shi, Mintong Hao, Weiwei Zhao, Xin Fu and Yepeng Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156887 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 246
Abstract
Land consolidation (LC) is a sustainability-oriented policy tool designed to address land fragmentation, inefficient spatial organization, and ecological degradation in rural areas. This research proposes a Production–Living–Ecological (PLE) spatial utilization efficiency evaluation system, based on an integrated methodological framework combining Principal Component Analysis [...] Read more.
Land consolidation (LC) is a sustainability-oriented policy tool designed to address land fragmentation, inefficient spatial organization, and ecological degradation in rural areas. This research proposes a Production–Living–Ecological (PLE) spatial utilization efficiency evaluation system, based on an integrated methodological framework combining Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Entropy Weight Method (EWM), Attribute-Weighting Method (AWM), Linear Weighted Sum Method (LWSM), Threshold-Verification Coefficient Method (TVCM), Jenks Natural Breaks (JNB) classification, and the Obstacle Degree Model (ODM). The framework is applied to Qian County, located in the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province. The results reveal three key findings: (1) PLE efficiency exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity. Production efficiency shows a spatial pattern characterized by high values in the central region that gradually decrease toward the surrounding areas. In contrast, the living efficiency demonstrates higher values in the eastern and western regions, while remaining relatively low in the central area. Moreover, ecological efficiency shows a marked advantage in the northern region, indicating a distinct south–north gradient. (2) Integrated efficiency consolidation potential zones present distinct spatial distributions. Preliminary consolidation zones are primarily located in the western region; priority zones are concentrated in the south; and intensive consolidation zones are clustered in the central and southeastern areas, with sporadic distributions in the west and north. (3) Five primary obstacle factors hinder land use efficiency: intensive utilization of production land (PC1), agricultural land reutilization intensity (PC2), livability of living spaces (PC4), ecological space security (PC7), and ecological space fragmentation (PC8). These findings provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for formulating tar-gated LC strategies, optimizing rural spatial structures, and advancing sustainable development in similar regions. Full article
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