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9 pages, 999 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Long-Term Knowledge Retention in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Families: A Pilot Study
by Lior Carmon, Eli Hershkovitz, David Shaki, Tzila Gratzya Chechik, Inna Uritzki, Itamar Gothelf, Dganit Walker, Neta Loewenthal, Majd Nassar and Alon Haim
Children 2025, 12(8), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081016 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: The education process for newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) patients and their families, primarily led by diabetes specialist nurses, is essential for gaining knowledge about the disease and its management. However, few assessment tools have been employed to evaluate long-term [...] Read more.
Background: The education process for newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) patients and their families, primarily led by diabetes specialist nurses, is essential for gaining knowledge about the disease and its management. However, few assessment tools have been employed to evaluate long-term knowledge retention among T1D patients years after diagnosis. Methods: We developed a 20-question test to assess the knowledge of patients and their families at the conclusion of the initial education process and again 6–12 months later. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Statistical analyses included comparisons between the first and second test results, as well as evaluation of potential contributing factors. The internal consistency and construct validity of the questionnaire were evaluated. Results: Forty-four patients completed both assessments, with a median interval of 11.5 months between them. The average score on the first test was 88.6, which declined to 82.7 on the second assessment (p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, factors positively associated with higher scores included Jewish ethnicity, lower HbA1c levels, and shorter hospitalization duration. Multivariate analysis revealed that parents had lower odds of experiencing a significant score decline compared to patients. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.69, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified eight components accounting for 67.1% of the total variance. Conclusions: Healthcare providers should consider offering re-education to patients and their families approximately one year after diagnosis, with particular attention to high-risk populations during the initial education phase. Further studies are needed to examine this tool’s performance in larger cohorts. Full article
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16 pages, 340 KiB  
Review
Methodological Standards for Conducting High-Quality Systematic Reviews
by Alessandro De Cassai, Burhan Dost, Serkan Tulgar and Annalisa Boscolo
Biology 2025, 14(8), 973; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080973 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Systematic reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based research, providing comprehensive summaries of existing studies to answer specific research questions. This article offers a detailed guide to conducting high-quality systematic reviews in biology, health and social sciences. It outlines key steps, including developing and [...] Read more.
Systematic reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based research, providing comprehensive summaries of existing studies to answer specific research questions. This article offers a detailed guide to conducting high-quality systematic reviews in biology, health and social sciences. It outlines key steps, including developing and registering a protocol, designing comprehensive search strategies, and selecting studies through a screening process. The article emphasizes the importance of accurate data extraction and the use of validated tools to assess the risk of bias across different study designs. Both meta-analysis (quantitative approach) and narrative synthesis (qualitative approach) are discussed in detail. The guide also highlights the use of frameworks, such as GRADE, to assess the certainty of evidence and provides recommendations for clear and transparent reporting in line with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. This paper aims to adapt and translate evidence-based review principles, commonly applied in clinical research, into the context of biological sciences. By highlighting domain-specific methodologies, challenges, and resources, we provide tailored guidance for researchers in ecology, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and related fields in order to conduct transparent and reproducible evidence syntheses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Theoretical Biology and Biomathematics)
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23 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
Multi-Model Dialectical Evaluation of LLM Reasoning Chains: A Structured Framework with Dual Scoring Agents
by Catalin Anghel, Andreea Alexandra Anghel, Emilia Pecheanu, Ioan Susnea, Adina Cocu and Adrian Istrate
Informatics 2025, 12(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics12030076 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
(1) Background and objectives: Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT, Mistral, and LLaMA exhibit strong capabilities in text generation, yet assessing the quality of their reasoning—particularly in open-ended and argumentative contexts—remains a persistent challenge. This study introduces Dialectical Agent, an internally developed [...] Read more.
(1) Background and objectives: Large language models (LLMs) such as GPT, Mistral, and LLaMA exhibit strong capabilities in text generation, yet assessing the quality of their reasoning—particularly in open-ended and argumentative contexts—remains a persistent challenge. This study introduces Dialectical Agent, an internally developed modular framework designed to evaluate reasoning through a structured three-stage process: opinion, counterargument, and synthesis. The framework enables transparent and comparative analysis of how different LLMs handle dialectical reasoning. (2) Methods: Each stage is executed by a single model, and final syntheses are scored via two independent LLM evaluators (LLaMA 3.1 and GPT-4o) based on a rubric with four dimensions: clarity, coherence, originality, and dialecticality. In parallel, a rule-based semantic analyzer detects rhetorical anomalies and ethical values. All outputs and metadata are stored in a Neo4j graph database for structured exploration. (3) Results: The system was applied to four open-weight models (Gemma 7B, Mistral 7B, Dolphin-Mistral, Zephyr 7B) across ten open-ended prompts on ethical, political, and technological topics. The results show consistent stylistic and semantic variation across models, with moderate inter-rater agreement. Semantic diagnostics revealed differences in value expression and rhetorical flaws not captured by rubric scores. (4) Originality: The framework is, to our knowledge, the first to integrate multi-stage reasoning, rubric-based and semantic evaluation, and graph-based storage into a single system. It enables replicable, interpretable, and multidimensional assessment of generative reasoning—supporting researchers, developers, and educators working with LLMs in high-stakes contexts. Full article
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27 pages, 4190 KiB  
Article
Dairy’s Development and Socio-Economic Transformation: A Cross-Country Analysis
by Ana Felis, Ugo Pica-Ciamarra and Ernesto Reyes
World 2025, 6(3), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6030105 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Global policy narratives on livestock development increasingly emphasize environmental concerns, often overlooking the social dimensions of the sector. In the case of dairy, the world’s most valuable agricultural commodity, its role in social and economic development remains poorly quantified. Our study contributes to [...] Read more.
Global policy narratives on livestock development increasingly emphasize environmental concerns, often overlooking the social dimensions of the sector. In the case of dairy, the world’s most valuable agricultural commodity, its role in social and economic development remains poorly quantified. Our study contributes to a more balanced vision of the UN SDGs thanks to the inclusion of a socio-economic dimension. Here we present a novel empirical approach to assess the socio-economic impacts of dairy development using a new global dataset and non-parametric modelling techniques (local polynomial regressions), with yield as a proxy for sectoral performance. We find that as dairy systems intensify, the number of farm households engaged in production declines, yet household incomes rise. On-farm labour productivity also increases, accompanied by a reduction in employment but higher wages. In dairy processing, employment initially grows, peaks, and then contracts, again with rising wages. The most substantial impact is observed among consumers: an increased milk supply leads to lower prices and improved affordability, expanding the access to dairy products. Additionally, dairy development is associated with greater agricultural value added, an expanding tax base, and the increased formalization of the economy. These findings suggest that dairy development, beyond its environmental footprint, plays a significant and largely positive role in social transformation, yet is having to adapt sustainably while tackling labour force relocation, and that dairy development’s social impacts mimic the general agricultural sector. These results might be of interest for the assessment of policies regarding dairy development. Full article
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13 pages, 6907 KiB  
Article
The Characterization of the Neuroimmune Response in Primary Pterygia
by Luis Fernando Barba-Gallardo, Sofía Guadalupe Ocón-Garcia, Manuel Enrique Avila-Blanco, José Luis Diaz-Rubio, Javier Ventura-Juárez, Elizabeth Casillas-Casillas and Martín Humberto Muñoz-Ortega
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157417 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Several chronic inflammatory processes are currently being studied in relation to other systems to better understand the regulation mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. A significant body of evidence supports the role of the nervous system in regulating various immunological processes. This study [...] Read more.
Several chronic inflammatory processes are currently being studied in relation to other systems to better understand the regulation mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets. A significant body of evidence supports the role of the nervous system in regulating various immunological processes. This study investigates the relationship between pterygia and the sympathetic nervous system, focusing on their interaction in the inflammatory response and fibrogenic process. Sixteen surgical specimens of primary pterygia and four conjunctival tissue samples were examined, and their morphology was analyzed using hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome stains. The gene expression of adrenergic receptors, as well as inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines, was also assessed. Additionally, both adrenergic receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase were found to be localized within the tissues according to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Increased expression of proinflammatory, fibrogenic, and adrenergic genes was observed in the pterygium compared to the healthy conjunctiva. Adrenergic receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase were localized in the basal region of the epithelium and within blood vessels, closely associated with immune cells. Neuroimmunomodulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pterygia by activating the sympathetic nervous system. At the intravascular level, norepinephrine promotes the migration of immune cells, thereby sustaining inflammation. Additionally, sympathetic nerve fibers located at the subepithelial level contribute to epithelial growth and the fibrosis associated with pterygia. Full article
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13 pages, 3980 KiB  
Article
Simulation–Driven Design of Ankle–Foot Orthoses Using DoE Optimization and 4D Visualization
by Marta Carvalho and João Milho
Biomechanics 2025, 5(3), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics5030055 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The simulation of human movement offers transformative potential for the design of medical devices, particularly in understanding the cause–effect dynamics in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. This study presents a simulation-driven framework to determine the optimal ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The simulation of human movement offers transformative potential for the design of medical devices, particularly in understanding the cause–effect dynamics in individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal impairments. This study presents a simulation-driven framework to determine the optimal ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness for mitigating the risk of ankle sprains due to excessive subtalar inversion during high-impact activities, such as landing from a free fall. Methods: We employed biomechanical simulations to assess the influence of translational stiffness on subtalar inversion control, given that inversion angles exceeding 25 degrees are strongly correlated with injury risk. Simulations were conducted using a musculoskeletal model with and without a passive AFO; the stiffness varied in three anatomical directions. A Design of Experiments (DoE) approach was utilized to capture nonlinear interactions among stiffness parameters. Results: The results indicated that increased translational stiffness significantly reduced inversion angles to safer levels, though direction–dependent effects were noted. Based on these insights, we developed a 4D visualization tool that integrates simulation data with an interactive color–coded interface to depict ”safe design” zones for various AFO stiffness configurations. This tool supports clinicians in selecting stiffness values that optimize both safety and functional performance. Conclusions: The proposed framework enhances clinical decision-making and engineering processes by enabling more accurate and individualized AFO designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Injury Biomechanics and Rehabilitation)
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13 pages, 1482 KiB  
Article
Effect of Surrounding Detritus on Phragmites australis Litter Decomposition: Evidence from Laboratory Aquatic Microcosms
by Franca Sangiorgio, Daniela Santagata, Fabio Vignes, Maurizio Pinna and Alberto Basset
Limnol. Rev. 2025, 25(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev25030034 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
The availability of detritus is a key factor influencing aquatic biota and can significantly affect decomposition processes. In this study, we investigated how varying quantities of surrounding detritus impact leaf litter decay rates. It was tested in flowing and still-water microcosms to highlight [...] Read more.
The availability of detritus is a key factor influencing aquatic biota and can significantly affect decomposition processes. In this study, we investigated how varying quantities of surrounding detritus impact leaf litter decay rates. It was tested in flowing and still-water microcosms to highlight context-dependent effects of surrounding detritus on leaf litter decomposition. To isolate the effect of detritus amount, experiments were conducted in laboratory microcosms simulating lotic and lentic ecosystems, each containing leaf fragments for decomposition assessments. Four detritus quantities were tested, with invertebrates either allowed or restricted from moving among detritus patches. Leaf decomposition rates were influenced by the amount of surrounding detritus, with slower decay observed at higher detritus conditions, regardless of invertebrate mobility. Detritivore distribution responded to both detritus quantity and oxygen availability, showing a preference for high detritus conditions. Additionally, detritus quantity affected microbial activity with a quadratic response, as indicated by leaf respiration rates. Overall, our findings indicate that the amount of surrounding detritus modulates leaf litter decomposition independently of invertebrate density, by influencing oxygen dynamics and, consequently, the activity of biological decomposers. Full article
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17 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Forgetting-Based Concept-Cognitive Learning for Classification in Fuzzy Formal Decision Context
by Chuanhong Sun, Xuewei Ling and Chengling Zhang
Axioms 2025, 14(8), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14080593 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
Concept-cognitive learning reveals the principle of human cognition by simulating the brain’s process of learning and processing concepts. Nevertheless, for neighborhood similarity granules, the average information of objects regarding all attributes is not considered, which may lead to unbalanced acquisition of knowledge. On [...] Read more.
Concept-cognitive learning reveals the principle of human cognition by simulating the brain’s process of learning and processing concepts. Nevertheless, for neighborhood similarity granules, the average information of objects regarding all attributes is not considered, which may lead to unbalanced acquisition of knowledge. On the other hand, there are some unnecessary concepts in the extension of fuzzy concepts, which results in poor classification learning. To tackle these challenges, we present a forgetting-based concept-cognitive learning model for classification in a fuzzy formal decision context. Firstly, the fuzzy concept space is established based on the the correlation coefficient matrix. Then, to delete unnecessary objects that are in the zone of proximal development, we construct the forgetting fuzzy concept space by selecting the concept corresponding to the maximum similarity. Subsequently, a forgetting-based fuzzy concept model (FCCLM) mechanism is proposed. In the end, experimental results on eight datasets validate the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed learning mechanism through classification performance assessment. Full article
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12 pages, 1392 KiB  
Brief Report
Soft Fillets in a Sustainable Seafood Era: Assessing Texture, Yield Loss and Valorization Potential of ‘Mushy’ Greenland Halibut Fillets
by Natacha L. Severin and Kurt Buchmann
Fishes 2025, 10(8), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10080367 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Abstract
‘Mushy halibut syndrome’ (MHS) is associated with inferior fillet quality in Greenland halibut and is reported to occur in commercial catches across the North Atlantic. MHS constitutes a quality issue in fisheries and leads to economic losses and food wastage. Despite the known [...] Read more.
‘Mushy halibut syndrome’ (MHS) is associated with inferior fillet quality in Greenland halibut and is reported to occur in commercial catches across the North Atlantic. MHS constitutes a quality issue in fisheries and leads to economic losses and food wastage. Despite the known challenges associated with MHS, quantitative data on product properties are lacking, and yet they are crucial to assess actual losses and value-adding processing potential. As part of a larger effort to document and characterize MHS in Greenland halibut, we investigated how thaw drip loss (TDL), cooked drip loss (CDL), cooked yield, and tissue compressibility and elasticity differ between normal and ‘mushy’ halibut fillets. The fillets were sorted into three categories: normal, intermediate MHS, and severe MHS. The mean TDL and CDL increased more than three-fold in both MHS categories compared to normal fillets, while cooked yield decreased by approximately 20%. Fillets severely affected by MHS demonstrated high tissue compressibility (56%) and poor elasticity (46%), while the elasticity of the fillets belonging to the intermediate MHS category did not differ significantly from that of normal ones. These findings provide new insights into the product attributes of fillets affected by MHS, which are important for developing utilization and valorization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Processing and Comprehensive Utilization of Fishery Products)
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24 pages, 3039 KiB  
Article
Plasmodium falciparum Subtilisin-like Domain-Containing Protein (PfSDP), a Cross-Stage Antigen, Elicits Short-Lived Antibody Response Following Natural Infection with Plasmodium falciparum
by Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Collins M. Morang’a, Nancy K. Nyakoe, Daniel Dosoo, Richmond Tackie, Joe K. Mutungi, Saikou Y. Bah, Lucas N. Amenga-Etego, Britta Urban, Gordon A. Awandare, Bismarck Dinko and Yaw Aniweh
Cells 2025, 14(15), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151184 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
With the increasing detection of artemisinin resistance to front-line antimalarials in Africa and notwithstanding the planned roll-out of RTS’S and R21 in Africa, the search for new vaccines with high efficacy remains an imperative. Towards this endeavour, we performed in silico screening to [...] Read more.
With the increasing detection of artemisinin resistance to front-line antimalarials in Africa and notwithstanding the planned roll-out of RTS’S and R21 in Africa, the search for new vaccines with high efficacy remains an imperative. Towards this endeavour, we performed in silico screening to identify Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte stage genes that could be targets of protection or diagnosis. Through the analysis we identified a gene, Pf3D7_1105800, coding for a Plasmodium falciparum subtilisin-like domain-containing protein (PfSDP) and thus dubbed the gene Pfsdp. Genetic diversity assessment revealed the Pfsdp gene to be relatively conserved across continents with signs of directional selection. Using RT qPCR and Western blots, we observed that Pfsdp is expressed in all developmental stages of the parasite both at the transcript and protein level. Immunofluorescence assays found PfSDP protein co-localizing with PfMSP-1 and partially with Pfs48/45 at the asexual and sexual stages, respectively. Further, we demonstrated that anti-PfSDP peptide-specific antibodies inhibited erythrocyte invasion by 20–60% in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that PfSDP protein might play a role in merozoite invasion. We also discovered that PfSDP protein is immunogenic in children from different endemic areas with antibody levels increasing from acute infection to day 7 post-treatment, followed by a gradual decay. The limited effect of antibodies on erythrocyte invasion could imply that it might be more involved in other processes in the development of the parasite. Full article
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16 pages, 5071 KiB  
Article
Effect of Diatomite Content in a Ceramic Paste for Additive Manufacturing
by Pilar Astrid Ramos Casas, Andres Felipe Rubiano-Navarrete, Yolanda Torres-Perez and Edwin Yesid Gomez-Pachon
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030096 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
Ceramic pastes used in additive manufacturing offer several advantages, including low production costs due to the availability of raw materials and efficient processing methods, as well as a reduced environmental footprint through minimized material waste, optimized resource use, and the inclusion of recyclable [...] Read more.
Ceramic pastes used in additive manufacturing offer several advantages, including low production costs due to the availability of raw materials and efficient processing methods, as well as a reduced environmental footprint through minimized material waste, optimized resource use, and the inclusion of recyclable or sustainably sourced components. This study evaluates the effect of diatomite content in a ceramic paste composed of carboxymethyl cellulose, kaolinite, and feldspar on its extrusion behavior and thermal conductivity, with additional analysis of its implications for microstructure, mechanical properties, and thermal performance. Four ceramic pastes were prepared with diatomite additions of 0, 10, 30, and 60% by weight. Thermal conductivity, extrusion behavior, morphology, and distribution were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while thermal degradation was assessed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that increasing diatomite content leads to a reduction in thermal conductivity, which ranged from 0.719 W/(m·°C) for the control sample to 0.515 W/(m·°C) for the 60% diatomite sample, as well as an improvement in extrusion behavior. The ceramic paste demonstrated adequate extrusion performance for 3D printing at diatomite contents above 30%. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and optimization in the development of functional ceramic pastes for advanced manufacturing applications. Full article
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21 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
Net and Configurational Effects of Determinants on Managers’ Construction and Demolition Waste Sorting Intention in China Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and the Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
by Guanfeng Yan, Yuhang Tian and Tianhai Zhang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6984; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156984 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) contains various types of substances, which require different processing methods to maximize benefits and minimize harm to realize the goal of the circular economy. Therefore, it is urgent to promote the on-site sorting of C&D waste and [...] Read more.
Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) contains various types of substances, which require different processing methods to maximize benefits and minimize harm to realize the goal of the circular economy. Therefore, it is urgent to promote the on-site sorting of C&D waste and explore the determinants of managers’ waste sorting intention. Based on a comprehensive literature review of C&D waste management, seven determinants are identified to explore how antecedent factors influence waste sorting intention by symmetric and asymmetric techniques. Firstly, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the data collected from 489 managers to assess the net impact of each determinant on their intentions. Then, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) provided another perspective by determining the configurations of the causal conditions that lead to higher or lower levels of intention. The PLS-SEM results reveal that all determinants show a significant positive relationship with the intention except for the perceived risks, which are negatively correlated with managers’ attitudes and intentions regarding C&D waste sorting. Moreover, top management support and subjective norms from other project participants and the public exhibit a huge impact, while the influence of perceived behavioral control (PBC) and policies is moderate. Meanwhile, fsQCA provides a complementary analysis of the complex causality that PLS-SEM fails to capture. That is, fsQCA identified six and five configurations resulting in high and low levels of intention to sort the C&D waste, respectively, and highlighted the crucial role of core conditions. The results provide theoretical and practical insights regarding proper C&D waste management and enhancing sustainable development. Full article
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29 pages, 14993 KiB  
Article
Microclimate Monitoring Using Multivariate Analysis to Identify Surface Moisture in Historic Masonry in Northern Italy
by Elisabetta Rosina and Hoda Esmaeilian Toussi
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8542; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158542 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
Preserving historical porous materials requires careful monitoring of surface humidity to mitigate deterioration processes like salt crystallization, mold growth, and material decay. While microclimate monitoring is a recognized preventive conservation tool, its role in detecting surface-specific moisture risks remains underexplored. This study evaluates [...] Read more.
Preserving historical porous materials requires careful monitoring of surface humidity to mitigate deterioration processes like salt crystallization, mold growth, and material decay. While microclimate monitoring is a recognized preventive conservation tool, its role in detecting surface-specific moisture risks remains underexplored. This study evaluates the relationship between indoor microclimate fluctuations and surface moisture dynamics across 13 historical sites in Northern Italy (Lake Como, Valtellina, Valposchiavo), encompassing diverse masonry typologies and environmental conditions. High-resolution sensors recorded temperature and relative humidity for a minimum of 13 months, and eight indicators—including dew point depression, critical temperature–humidity zones, and damp effect indices—were analyzed to assess the moisture risks. The results demonstrate that multivariate microclimate data could effectively predict humidity accumulation. The key findings reveal the impact of seasonal ventilation, thermal inertia, and localized air stagnation on moisture distribution, with unheated alpine sites showing the highest condensation risk. The study highlights the need for integrated monitoring approaches, combining dew point analysis, mixing ratio stability, and buffering performance, to enable early risk detection and targeted conservation strategies. These insights bridge the gap between environmental monitoring and surface moisture diagnostics in porous heritage materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Study on Diagnostics for Surfaces of Historical Buildings)
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15 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
Towards a Circular Economy: Unlocking the Potentials of Cigarette Butt Recycling as a Resource for Seashore Paspalum Growth
by Thais Huarancca Reyes, Marco Volterrani, Lorenzo Guglielminetti and Andrea Scartazza
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6976; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156976 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
The cigarette butt (CB) recycling process yields several byproducts, including cleaned filters, solid debris (mainly paper and tobacco), and wastewater. This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the long-term suitability of these recycled byproducts for turfgrass cultivation. Under controlled conditions, Paspalum [...] Read more.
The cigarette butt (CB) recycling process yields several byproducts, including cleaned filters, solid debris (mainly paper and tobacco), and wastewater. This study aimed to assess, for the first time, the long-term suitability of these recycled byproducts for turfgrass cultivation. Under controlled conditions, Paspalum vaginatum Swartz was grown in sand–peat substrate, either unmodified (control) or amended with small pieces of uncleaned CBs or solid byproducts from CB recycling at concentrations of 25% or 50% (v/v). In additional tests, turfgrass grown in unmodified substrate received wastewater instead of tap water once or twice weekly. Over 7 weeks, physiological and biometric parameters were assessed. Plants grown with solid debris showed traits comparable to the control. Those grown with intact CBs or cleaned filters had similar biomass and coverage as the control but accumulated more carotenoids and antioxidants. Wastewater significantly enhanced plant growth when applied once weekly, while becoming toxic when applied twice, reducing biomass and coverage. After scalping, turfgrass recovered well across all treatments, and in some cases biomass improved. Overall, recycled CB byproducts, particularly wastewater used at optimal concentrations, can be a sustainable resource for promoting turfgrass growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Waste and Recycling)
21 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Prediction of CO2 Diffusion in Brine: Model Development and Salinity Influence Under Reservoir Conditions
by Qaiser Khan, Peyman Pourafshary, Fahimeh Hadavimoghaddam and Reza Khoramian
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8536; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158536 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
The diffusion coefficient (DC) of CO2 in brine is a key parameter in geological carbon sequestration and CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), as it governs mass transfer efficiency and storage capacity. This study employs three machine learning (ML) models—Random Forest (RF), [...] Read more.
The diffusion coefficient (DC) of CO2 in brine is a key parameter in geological carbon sequestration and CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), as it governs mass transfer efficiency and storage capacity. This study employs three machine learning (ML) models—Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boost Regressor (GBR), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—to predict DC based on pressure, temperature, and salinity. The dataset, comprising 176 data points, spans pressures from 0.10 to 30.00 MPa, temperatures from 286.15 to 398.00 K, salinities from 0.00 to 6.76 mol/L, and DC values from 0.13 to 4.50 × 10−9 m2/s. The data was split into 80% for training and 20% for testing to ensure reliable model evaluation. Model performance was assessed using R2, RMSE, and MAE. The RF model demonstrated the best performance, with an R2 of 0.95, an RMSE of 0.03, and an MAE of 0.11 on the test set, indicating high predictive accuracy and generalization capability. In comparison, GBR achieved an R2 of 0.925, and XGBoost achieved an R2 of 0.91 on the test set. Feature importance analysis consistently identified temperature as the most influential factor, followed by salinity and pressure. This study highlights the potential of ML models for predicting CO2 diffusion in brine, providing a robust, data-driven framework for optimizing CO2-EOR processes and carbon storage strategies. The findings underscore the critical role of temperature in diffusion behavior, offering valuable insights for future modeling and operational applications. Full article
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