Saved Queries

by Woo-Jin Jeong, Dong-Min Kang, Atif Ali Khan Khalil, Bashu Dev Neupane, Seong-Joon Cho, Na-In Yang, Ki-Hyun Kim and Mi-Jeong Ahn

Plants 2025, 14(16), 2558; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162558 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sambucus williamsii Hance (Viburnaceae), the Korean elderberry, is widely used in herbal medicine and in the food industry. It is known to have various pharmacological effects, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. During our search for anti-Helicobacter pylori compounds from natural resources, the methanol extract of the S. williamsii branch significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori. Three phenolic and four lignan compounds were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction that had shown the most potent anti-H. pylori activity among the hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions. The chemical structures were identified to be three phenolics of sylvopinol (1), dihydroconiferyl alcohol (2), and (7S,8R)-guaiacylglycerol (3) and four lignans of boehmenan (4), (7S,8S)-guaiacylglycerol β-coniferyl ether (6) and lawsonicin (7) with a new lignan, (7R,8R)-sambucanol (5), the structure of which was established by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and HRESI-MS, as well as quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among the isolates, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity against strains 51 and 26695. Compound 3 displayed more potent antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.13 and 6.25 μM, and MIC₅₀ values of 28.5 and 56.8 μM against the two strains, respectively. Their inhibitory activities were higher than those of a positive control, quercetin. Furthermore, these two compounds showed moderate urease inhibitory activity. A molecular docking simulation revealed the high binding ability of 3 and 4 to the active site of H. pylori urease. These results will provide further insights into the design of more potent natural products for eradicating H. pylori. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products of Medicinal Plants: Isolation, Purification and Bioactivity Evaluation)

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26 pages, 4379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Dioxide Emission-Reduction Efficiency in China’s New Energy Vehicle Sector Toward Sustainable Development: Evidence from a Three-Stage Super-Slacks Based-Measure Data Envelopment Analysis Model

by Liying Zheng, Fangjuan Zhan and Fangrong Ren

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7440; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167440 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

This research evaluates the carbon dioxide emission-reduction efficiency of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China from 2018 to 2023 by applying a three-stage super-SBM data envelopment analysis (DEA) model that incorporates undesirable outputs. This model offers significant advantages over traditional DEA models, as it effectively disentangles the influences of external environmental factors and stochastic noise, thereby providing a more accurate and robust assessment of true efficiency. Its super-efficiency characteristic also allows for effective ranking of all decision-making units (DMUs) on the efficiency frontier. The empirical findings reveal several key insights. (1) The NEV industry’s carbon-reduction efficiency in China between 2018 and 2023 displayed an upward trend accompanied by pronounced fluctuations. Its mean super-efficiency score was 0.353, indicating substantial scope for improvements in scale efficiency. (2) Significant interprovincial disparities in efficiency appear. Unbalanced coordination between production and consumption in provinces such as Shaanxi, Beijing, and Liaoning has produced correspondingly high or low efficiency values. (3) Although accelerated urbanization has reduced the capital and labor inputs required by the NEV industry and has raised energy consumption, the net effect enhances carbon-reduction efficiency. Household consumption levels and technological advancement exerts divergent effects on efficiency. The former negatively relates to efficiency, whereas the latter is positively associated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transitions in Transport Energy Consumption: Self-Contained Transport Energy Systems Using Renewable Energy)

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24 pages, 928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Sheep Vitality Through Diverse Pastures and Seaweed-Based Bio-Stimulants: Effects on Performance, Health, and Product Quality

by Sagara N. Kumara, Anita Fleming, Fabiellen Pereira, Ashna Khan, Simon Kelly, Gwen-Aelle Grelet and Pablo Gregorini

Agriculture 2025, 15(16), 1764; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161764 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

This on-farm study explored the effects of diverse pasture systems and seaweed-based bio-stimulants (AgriSea NZ Seaweed Products, Paeroa, New Zealand) on sheep performance, metabolic health, milk composition, and carcass characteristics. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to compare three pasture systems; ryegrass-white clover (RW), a 23-species diverse mix (DI), and functionally diverse strip swards (ST), with (SW) or without (CO) a seaweed-based bio-stimulant. Ninety pregnant ewes were stratified by live weight and allocated across six treatment groups (15 ewes per treatment). Lambing occurred on treatment paddocks. At weaning, 90 lambs (15 per treatment) were selected based on body weight and sex balance to continue through to finishing. Pasture chemical composition differed among treatments: ST had lower fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF) than RW and DI, while SW increased dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME), and reduced NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). Strip pastures improved lamb average daily gain (ADG) by 17% from lambing to weaning compared to DI, and by 14% from weaning to finishing compared to RW (p < 0.05). Seaweed-based bio-stimulant treatment enhanced lamb ADG by up to 12% and improved carcass traits, including loin and shoulder yields (p < 0.05). Ewes and lambs on seaweed-treated pastures exhibited lower serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating better energy balance. Milk from ST and/or SW treated ewes had elevated omega-6 fatty acids and essential amino acids, suggesting enhanced nutritional value. These findings demonstrate that combining botanical diversity with natural bio-stimulants can improve animal growth, metabolic health, and product quality, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and welfare-oriented sheep production systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regenerative Livestock Systems: Enhancing Nutrient Density and Ecosystem Health Through Holistic Practices)

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19 pages, 1125 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lignocellulosic Waste-Derived Nanomaterials: Types and Applications in Wastewater Pollutant Removal

by Farabi Hossain, Md Enamul Hoque, Aftab Ahmad Khan and Md Arifuzzaman

Water 2025, 17(16), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162426 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

Industrial wastewater pollution has reached acute levels in the environment; consequently, scientists are developing new sustainable treatment methods. Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) stands as a promising raw material because it originates from agricultural waste, forestry residues, and energy crop production. This review examines the application of nanomaterials derived from lignocellulosic resources in wastewater management, highlighting their distinctive physical and chemical properties, including a large surface area, adjustable porosity structure, and multifunctional group capability. The collection of nanomaterials incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with lignin nanoparticles, as well as biochar and carbon-based nanostructures, demonstrates high effectiveness in extracting heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants through adsorption, membrane filtration, and catalysis mechanisms. Nanomaterials have benefited from recent analytical breakthroughs that improve both their manufacturing potential and eco-friendly character through hybrid catalysis methods and functionalization procedures. This review demonstrates the ability of nanomaterials to simultaneously turn waste into valuable product while cleaning up the environment through their connection to circular bioeconomic principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review addresses hurdles related to feedstock variability, production costs, and lifecycle impacts, demonstrating the capability of lignocellulosic nanomaterials to transform wastewater treatment operations while sustaining global sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biotechnologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment, 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formation and Melting of Hydrate with Binary CO₂/C₂H₆ Mixtures in Silica Sand: Comparison Between Dissociation Data and Phase Equilibrium of Pure CO₂ and C₂H₆ Hydrates

by Alberto Maria Gambelli, Federico Rossi and Giovanni Gigliotti

C 2025, 11(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/c11030063 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

The present study deals with hydrate formation with binary gaseous mixtures consisting of carbon dioxide mixed with ethane at varying concentrations. Since the production of hydrates is recognised as a stochastic process and also due to the marked influence that experimental apparatuses often have on the results, the continuous updating of the literature with new experimental data is needed. Hydrates were produced and dissociated in excess water and in unstirred conditions. The dissociation values were collected and tabulated. Each test was plotted and compared with the phase boundary equilibrium conditions of pure ethane and pure carbon dioxide hydrates. The results confirmed the lowering of pressures required for hydrate formation with the increase in ethane concentration in the gas mixture. In detail, the dissociation condition for CO₂/C₂H₆ hydrates was tested within the following thermodynamic ranges: 0.1–13 °C and 11.26–36.75 bar for the 25/75 vol% mixture, 0.1–13 °C and 9.74–35.07 bar for the 50/50 vol% mixture and 7.0–12.9 °C and 17.36–30.05 bar for the 75/25 vol% mixture. When 75 vol% ethane was used, the dissociation of hydrates occurred at conditions corresponding to the phase equilibrium of pure ethane hydrates, denoting that the system reached the most favourable thermodynamic conditions possible despite the presence of 25 vol% CO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of C — Journal of Carbon Research)

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26 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment Model for Designing Touch Panels

by Amy H. I. Lee, Chien-Jung Lai, He-Yau Kang and Chih-Chang Wang

Mathematics 2025, 13(16), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13162636 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

Facing the global competitive market and ever-changing customer demands, manufacturers must navigate intense competition and uncertain demand while striving to enhance customer satisfaction. As a result, the demand for customized products has become a crucial design consideration. To respond accurately and swiftly in a competitive market, manufacturers must focus on customer needs, analyze market trends and competitor information, and leverage data analysis as a reference for new product development and design. This study presents a new product development model by integrating quality function deployment (QFD), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), analytic network process (ANP), and fuzzy set theory. It first uses a 2-tuple fuzzy DEMATEL to identify significant interrelationships among factors. A revised house of quality (HOQ) is then constructed to map relationships among customer requirements (CRs), engineering requirements (ERs), and the influences of CRs on ERs. To address uncertainty in human judgment, fuzzy set theory is incorporated into the ANP. The integrated model can determine the relative importance of the ERs. The proposed model is applied to touch panel development, and the results are recommended to the R&D team for new product development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section E: Applied Mathematics)

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22 pages, 2535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Waste to High-Value Chemicals and Materials: A Zero-Waste Technology Approach

by Maciej Kapkowski, Sonia Kotowicz, Karina Kocot, Mateusz Korzec, Jerzy Kubacki, Maciej Zubko, Krzysztof Aniołek, Urszula Siudyga, Tomasz Siudyga and Jaroslaw Polanski

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4375; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164375 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

The presence of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) in the environment is a global problem due to soil and water microplastic contamination. There is a constant demand for new technologies that expand the possibilities of PET disposal or recycling while reducing energy consumption and anthropogenic carbon footprint. In this study, we developed a comprehensive zero-waste management system for PET recycling (rPET) to cyclic ketals and terephthalic acid. The developed method is based on the hydrolysis of rPET flakes in an inert environment with the separation and purification of terephthalic acid and the dehydration of ethylene glycol. For the first time, we present the use of cheap and readily available Cr/SiO₂ and Fe/SiO₂ nanocatalysts for direct acetalization of ethylene glycol without organic co-solvents. The catalysts were characterized by EDXRF, XPS and TEM techniques. The 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane (DMD), a product of ethylene glycol’s direct acetalization with acetone, was tested as a solvent for polymers with satisfactory results in the solubility of epoxy resins. The addition of unpurified terephthalic acid and residues constituting post-production waste to concrete allows for a reduction in the mass of concrete in the range of 11.3–23.4% and the material modified in this way allows for a reduction in concrete consumption. This rPET waste management methodology is consistent with the assumptions of the circular economy and allows for a significant reduction of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Development of Nanomaterials for Advanced Energy Fuels and Environmental Protection)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Recycling Technology to Produce Premixed Thermal Insulating Mortars from Polyurethane Waste Foams

by Antonis Kountouris, Kypros Efstathiou, Nikolaos Kostoglou, Dimitrios Manolakos and Claus Rebholz

Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2233; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162233 (registering DOI) - 17 Aug 2025

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has driven research into the reuse of plastic waste for renewable building applications. This study introduces a new lightweight insulating mortar for floor and roof systems, utilizing recycled rigid polyurethane (PU) foam as the primary aggregate. The binder mainly consists of Portland cement, with no added sand, and includes minor additives to enhance mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Initial tests demonstrated that key performance metrics—density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity—are significantly influenced by the PU content. As the proportion of PU increased, all three parameters decreased. The optimized formulation, comprising 92.25 vol.% PU foam, 6.75 vol.% cement, and 1 vol.% additives, achieved a low bulk density of 420 kg/m³, a compressive strength of 1 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.07 W/m·K. A pilot-scale production system with a capacity of 1500 L/h (equivalent to 20 bags of 75 L) was subsequently designed, implemented, and validated. These findings underscore the potential of PU-based lightweight insulating mortars to reduce environmental impact and support the development of sustainable construction practices globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Polymeric Materials in Building and Construction)

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37 pages, 7163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Energy Trajectories: Innovation-Driven Pathways to Future Development

by Yuri Anatolyevich Plakitkin, Andrea Tick, Liudmila Semenovna Plakitkina and Konstantin Igorevich Dyachenko

Energies 2025, 18(16), 4367; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18164367 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

In recent years, experts have associated forecasts of global energy consumption with energy transitions. This paper presents the research results of the paths and trajectories of the global transformations of world energy, including demographic, technological, energy, transport, and communication changes. After demonstrating the long-term trends in global energy consumption, fossil and renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy using neuroforecasting methods, this study explains global demographic development and its relationship with global innovation and technological processes as explained by the flow of global patent applications. The relationship between energy transition and the previously mentioned two factors is also justified based on the trajectories developed by the neural network forecasting. By leveraging the fundamental laws of energy conservation, robust patterns in the evolution and development of global energy could be identified. It is demonstrated that mankind has entered the era of four closely interconnected global transitions: demographic, energy, technological, and political–economic, all at once. According to the results, civilizational changes are currently taking place in global energy advancement, indicating an energy transition to a new quality of energy development. The permanent growth patterns of the energy density of energy sources used and their impact on labor productivity and the speed of movement of people and goods in the economy are also discussed. Finally, the contour of future developments in energy technologies is determined. It is also forecast that future energy technologies are expected to be largely associated with the exploration of outer space, development of robotics, and the expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Carbon Energy Economy Transformation and Integrated Assessment of Energy)

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16 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GC-MS Non-Target Metabolomics-Based Analysis of the Volatile Aroma in Cerasus humilis After Grafting with Different Rootstocks

by Gaixia Qiao, Jun Xie, Chun’e Zhang, Yujuan Liu, Xiaojing Guo, Qiaoxia Jia, Caixia Zhang and Meilong Xu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080972 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

C. humilis is a small shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, and grafting is one of the main ways for propagation. However, the influence of different rootstocks on volatile aroma is still unclear. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics approach based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to analyze the volatile differential metabolites between the rootstock–scion combinations and self-rooted seedlings. Furthermore, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. In total, 191,162 and 150 volatile differential metabolites were identified in different rootstock–scion combinations. The rootstock–scion combinations of ZG/MYT and ZG/BT could improve the volatile aroma in the fruit of C. humilis and made significant contributions to the rose and fruity flavors. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the butanoate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways, showing an increasing trend. Prunus tomentosa and Amygdalus communis can serve as preferred rootstocks for enhancing the aroma quality of C. humilis fruits. These results provide new insight into rootstock-based propagation and breeding and also offer some guidance for graft-based fruit production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Breeding and Germplasm Resources of Fruit and Vegetable Crops)

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34 pages, 4350 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials in Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes

by Krzysztof Piaskowski, Renata Świderska-Dąbrowska and Tomasz Dąbrowski

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167414 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

The observed increase in the diversity and level of pollutant content in the water environment forces the development of more effective technologies for their removal. Using nanomaterials in water and wastewater treatment offers numerous opportunities to remove organic and inorganic contaminants that are hardly removable in conventional processes. In this group, carbon-based nanomaterials, mainly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene (Gr), and graphene oxide (GO), are very popular. This review aims to present the directions and diversity of applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) in water and wastewater technology, as well as the challenges and environmental dangers that new solutions entail. Authors also present the results of the research on the changes in properties of GO produced in the laboratory as water suspension and a freeze-dried product over time. The results confirm the significant influence of the form of graphene oxide and its storage time on the structural properties, hydrophilicity, and stability of GO. Therefore, they should be considered when selecting an adsorbent or reaction catalyst in environmental applications for developing new greener and sustainable methods of treatment and purification, which use fewer reagents and release safer products. Full article

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14 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Workplace Telepressure Fuels Job Burnout Among Educators: Mediated by Work-Related Rumination and Moderated by Perceived Organizational Support

by Ke Qin, Ze Yu, Qihai Cai, Nan Jiang and Kin San Chung

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15081109 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025

Abstract

The rapid advancement in information and communication technologies (ICT) has improved workplace productivity but also introduced new psychosocial stressors. Workplace telepressure, the urge to respond quickly to work-related messages sent via digital communication tools, often erodes employees’ psychological well-being and blurs work–life boundaries. This study, grounded in the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, investigates the influence mechanism between workplace telepressure and job burnout. Using data collected from 323 middle school teachers in China, results revealed that workplace telepressure significantly predicted job burnout. In addition, work-related rumination partially mediated this relationship, indicating a cognitive mechanism linking telepressure and burnout. Furthermore, perceived organizational support moderated the relationship between work-related rumination and job burnout. Specifically, when perceived support was high, the impact of rumination on burnout was weakened. These findings provide theoretical insights and practical implications for fostering healthy work environments and promoting psychological well-being in the digital era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Work Environment: Employee Well-Being and Job Satisfaction)

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23 pages, 666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can New Digital Infrastructure Promote Agricultural Carbon Reduction: Mechanisms and Impact Assessment

by Qiaoling Shi, Congyu Zhao, Gengchen Yao, Chuqiao Yang and Runfeng Yang

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7410; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167410 - 15 Aug 2025

Abstract

The development of new digital infrastructure enables the construction of intelligent agricultural production systems, enhances agricultural sustainability, and supports the national “dual-carbon” goals. Based on a theoretical analysis and using panel data for 31 Chinese provinces during 2011–2023, this study constructs a two-way fixed-effects model to empirically test the impact of new digital infrastructure on agricultural carbon emissions, and provides insights for differentiating provincial heterogeneity, as well as impact mechanism. The main findings are as follows: (1) New digital infrastructure is negatively correlated with agricultural carbon emissions, and this conclusion holds after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that, by geographic location, new digital infrastructure has a significant carbon reduction effect in eastern provinces but increases emissions in central provinces. By the digital development level, this study highlights the dual importance of digital infrastructure and financial supports. Contrary to those provinces leading in digital infrastructure development, there is a positive correlation in lagging areas. By policy support level, the significant carbon reduction effect is only observed in provinces with advanced digital-inclusive finance support. For green development policy support, it significantly reduces agricultural carbon emissions in pioneer regions but increases emissions in follower regions. (3) Mechanism tests indicate that new digital infrastructure promotes agricultural carbon reduction mainly through scale-economy effects and energy efficiency upgrading effects. Policy implications to improve agricultural digital infrastructure development and accelerate carbon emission reductions are finally suggested. Full article

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13 pages, 3382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Personalized and Low-Cost 3D-Printed Liver Model for Preoperative Planning of Hepatic Resections

by Badreddine Labakoum, Amr Farhan, Hamid El malali, Azeddine Mouhsen and Aissam Lyazidi

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(16), 9033; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15169033 - 15 Aug 2025

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers new opportunities in surgical planning and medical education, yet high costs and technological complexity often limit its widespread use, especially in low-resource settings. This study presents a personalized, cost-effective, and anatomically accurate liver model designed using open-source tools and affordable 3D-printing techniques. Segmentation of hepatic CT images was performed in 3D Slicer using a region-growing method, and the resulting models were optimized and exported as STL files. The external mold was printed with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) using PLA+, while internal structures such as vessels and tumors were fabricated via Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) printing using PLA Pro resin. The final assembly was cast in food-grade gelatin to mimic liver tissue texture. The complete model was produced for under USD 50, with an average total production time of under 128 h. An exploratory pedagogical evaluation with five medical trainees yielded high Likert scores for anatomical understanding (4.6), spatial awareness (4.4), planning confidence (4.2), and realism (4.4). This model demonstrated utility in preoperative discussions and training simulations. The proposed workflow enables the fabrication of low-cost, realistic hepatic phantoms suitable for education and surgical rehearsal, promoting the integration of 3D printing into everyday clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies and Additive Manufacturing: Recent Advances and Applications)

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38 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of a Consumer-Oriented Sensory Evaluation Scale for Pale Lager Beer

by Yiyuan Chen, Ruiyang Yin, Liyun Guo, Dongrui Zhao and Baoguo Sun

Foods 2025, 14(16), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14162834 - 15 Aug 2025

Abstract

Pale lager dominates global beer markets. However, rising living standards and changing consumer expectations have reshaped sensory preferences, highlighting the importance of understanding consumers’ true sensory priorities. In this study, a twenty-eight-item questionnaire, refined through multiple rounds of optimization, was distributed across China and yielded 1837 valid responses. Spearman correlation analysis and partial least-squares regressions showed that educational background and spending willingness exerted the strongest independent effects on sensory priorities. A hybrid analytic hierarchy process–entropy weight method–Delphi procedure was then applied to quantify sensory attribute importance. Results indicated that drinking sensation (30.92%) emerged as the leading driver of pale lager choice, followed by taste (26.60%), aroma (24.77%), and appearance (17.71%), confirming a flavor-led and experience-oriented preference structure. Weighting patterns differed across drinking-frequency cohorts: consumers moved from reliance on overall mouthfeel, through heightened sensitivity to negative attributes, to an eventual focus on subtle hedonic details. Based on these findings, a new sensory evaluation scale was developed and validated against consumer preference rankings, showing significantly stronger alignment with consumer preferences (ρ = 0.800; τ = 0.667) than the traditional scale. The findings supply actionable metrics and decision tools for breweries, supporting applications in product development, quality monitoring, and targeted marketing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sensory and Consumer Sciences)

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