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20 pages, 3010 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Engineering Education in Transport Phenomena Through Project-Based Learning with a Nature-Based Solution Approach
by Rodrigo Bahia Pereira, Felipe Rezende da Costa, Luana Ramira da Costa, Luiz Eduardo Fernandes Moraes, Bianca Janzen, Vanessa Maia Feitosa and Johannes Gérson Janzen
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081050 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigates Project-Based Learning (PBL) to boost student engagement in a Transport Phenomena course at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Through a hands-on project involving Floating Treatment Islands (FTIs) for water quality improvement, PBL was hypothesized to enhance [...] Read more.
This study investigates Project-Based Learning (PBL) to boost student engagement in a Transport Phenomena course at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). Through a hands-on project involving Floating Treatment Islands (FTIs) for water quality improvement, PBL was hypothesized to enhance student involvement and analytical skills. Students designed and optimized FTIs, experimenting with configurations like root length and plant type. Quantitative outcomes reveal a standard deviation of 1.5 in project scores among top performers (course average > 6), reflecting diverse problem-solving strategies, while a standard deviation of 0.8 near the passing threshold (course average ≈ 6) indicates consistent efforts to improve grades. Additionally, 80% of students rated their experience ≥ 4 on a 5-point scale, signaling high satisfaction, although 40% identified data interpretation as a challenge requiring targeted support. Outcomes were assessed by analyzing score variability, revealing higher standard deviations among top performers, indicating diverse problem-solving approaches, while lower deviations near the passing threshold suggested uniform efforts to improve grades. Despite general satisfaction, some students faced data interpretation challenges, highlighting areas for instructional refinement. The results affirm PBL’s effectiveness in fostering engagement and practical skills but suggest that adaptive teaching methods are essential to support comprehension and maintain engagement across different performance levels. Full article
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21 pages, 978 KiB  
Article
Optimization and Practice of Deep Carbonate Gas Reservoir Acidizing Technology in the Sinian System Formation of Sichuan Basin
by Song Li, Jian Yang, Weihua Chen, Zhouyang Wang, Hongming Fang, Yang Wang and Xiong Zhang
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082591 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
The gas reservoir of the Sinian Dengying Formation (Member 4) in Sichuan Basin exhibits extensive development of inter-clast dissolution pores and vugs within its carbonate reservoirs, characterized by low porosity (average 3.21%) and low permeability (average 2.19 mD). With the progressive development of [...] Read more.
The gas reservoir of the Sinian Dengying Formation (Member 4) in Sichuan Basin exhibits extensive development of inter-clast dissolution pores and vugs within its carbonate reservoirs, characterized by low porosity (average 3.21%) and low permeability (average 2.19 mD). With the progressive development of the Moxi (MX)structure, the existing stimulation techniques require further optimization based on the specific geological characteristics of these reservoirs. Through large-scale true tri-axial physical simulation experiments, this study systematically evaluated the performance of three principal acid systems in reservoir stimulation: (1) Self-generating acid systems, which enhance etching through the thermal decomposition of ester precursors to provide sustained reactive capabilities. (2) Gelled acid systems, characterized by high viscosity and effectiveness in reducing breakdown pressure (18%~35% lower than conventional systems), are ideal for generating complex fracture networks. (3) Diverting acid systems, designed to improve fracture branching density by managing fluid flow heterogeneity. This study emphasizes hybrid acid combinations, particularly self-generating acid prepad coupled with gelled acid systems, to leverage their synergistic advantages. Field trials implementing these optimized systems revealed that conventional guar-based fracturing fluids demonstrated 40% higher breakdown pressures compared to acid systems, rendering hydraulic fracturing unsuitable for MX reservoirs. Comparative analysis confirmed gelled acid’s superiority over diverting acid in tensile strength reduction and fracture network complexity. Field implementations using reservoir-quality-adaptive strategies—gelled acid fracturing for main reservoir sections and integrated self-generating acid prepad + gelled acid systems for marginal zones—demonstrated the technical superiority of the hybrid system under MX reservoir conditions. This optimized protocol enhanced fracture length by 28% and stimulated reservoir volume by 36%, achieving a 36% single-well production increase. The technical framework provides an engineered solution for productivity enhancement in deep carbonate gas reservoirs within the G-M structural domain, with particular efficacy for reservoirs featuring dual low-porosity and low-permeability characteristics. Full article
23 pages, 1659 KiB  
Article
Fermentation with Pectin Trans-Eliminase to Reduce Cadmium Levels in Nacional and CCN-51 Cocoa Bean Genotypes
by Wiston Javier Morales-Rodriguez, Jaime Morante-Carriel, Mercedes Carranza-Patiño, Darko Ormaza-Vásquez, María Concepción Ayuso-Yuste and María Josefa Bernalte-García
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2553; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162553 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Cocoa represents a crucial source of income in coastal regions of Ecuador, where the product is exported for the production of high-value chocolates. However, elevated levels of cadmium (Cd) in cocoa beans, attributable to volcanic soils, have the potential to impede international trade, [...] Read more.
Cocoa represents a crucial source of income in coastal regions of Ecuador, where the product is exported for the production of high-value chocolates. However, elevated levels of cadmium (Cd) in cocoa beans, attributable to volcanic soils, have the potential to impede international trade, particularly in accordance with European Union regulations. The main objective of this study was to reduce Cd concentrations in cocoa beans of two genotypes, Nacional and CCN-51, by applying different doses of pectin trans-eliminase (PTE) enzyme during the fermentation process in conjunction with mucilage washing techniques, pre-drying resting periods, and various drying methods. To this end, a Taguchi orthogonal design (L9) was employed to evaluate nine treatments per genotype, complemented with two controls. The most efficacious treatment for Nacional was identified as T7, involving a 0.30 mL·kg−1 PTE dose, the absence of mucilage washing, a 48 h resting period, and drying in a marquee. This treatment resulted in a 68.6% reduction in Cd concentration (from 0.28 to 0.09 mg·kg−1). For CCN-51, T3 (0.10 mL·kg−1 PTE, complete washing, 48 h resting, and splint drying) yielded a 26.4% reduction in Cd (from 0.42 to 0.31 mg·kg−1). It is noteworthy that none of the treatments exceeded the EU regulatory threshold of 0.8 mg·kg−1. A physico-chemical analysis was conducted, which revealed significant treatment effects on pH (ranging from 5.63 to 6.85) and acidity (0.02% to 0.03%). Sensory evaluation indicated enhancements in cocoa and nutty flavors, along with a reduction in undesirable astringency and bitterness, particularly in Nacional samples. The findings of this study demonstrate that the combination of enzyme-assisted fermentation and optimized postharvest techniques represents a pragmatic approach to the mitigation of cadmium in cocoa, while simultaneously preserving or enhancing product quality. Full article
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18 pages, 2248 KiB  
Article
Influence of Drilling Protocol on Primary Implant Stability Depending on Different Bone Qualities and Implant Macro-Designs, Lengths, and Diameters
by Milan Stoilov, Ramin Shafaghi, Lea Stoilov, Helmut Stark, Michael Marder, Norbert Enkling and Dominik Kraus
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(8), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16080296 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Primary implant stability is a critical factor for successful osseointegration and long-term implant success. This study investigates the impact of drilling protocol modifications on primary stability, considering different bone qualities and implant macro-designs, lengths, and diameters. Material and Methods: Three implant designs—two [...] Read more.
Background: Primary implant stability is a critical factor for successful osseointegration and long-term implant success. This study investigates the impact of drilling protocol modifications on primary stability, considering different bone qualities and implant macro-designs, lengths, and diameters. Material and Methods: Three implant designs—two parallel-walled and one tapered—were tested with diameters ranging from 3.4 to 5.2 mm and lengths from 7.5 to 14.5 mm. Implants were placed in polyurethane foam blocks simulating different bone densities (10, 15, 25, and 35 PCF). A standard drilling protocol was used in all groups, with modifications based on bone quality: overpreparation in dense bone and underpreparation in softer bone. Primary stability was evaluated using insertion torque (IT). The optimal IT range was defined as 25–50 Ncm, based on clinical guidelines for immediate loading. The influence of drilling protocol adaptations on stability parameters was assessed. Results: Insertion torque was primarily influenced by bone density and implant diameter, with implant length playing a minor role. In dense bone (D1, D2), underpreparation improved torque values, especially in smaller implants, while overpreparation reduced them. The highest torques occurred with 5.2 mm implants, sometimes exceeding 80 Ncm. Standard protocols did not consistently achieve optimal torque across implant types. In soft bone (D3), underpreparation—particularly with tapered implants—was modestly beneficial. In very soft bone (D4), none of the protocols reliably reached the desired torque range. Conclusions: Adapting drilling protocols to bone density improves insertion torque, especially with wider implants and in denser bone. Underpreparation is generally more effective than overpreparation. However, in very soft bone, neither implant geometry nor drilling adaptations reliably achieve optimal primary stability, highlighting the need for additional strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dental Biomaterials)
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17 pages, 576 KiB  
Systematic Review
Reducing Caregiver Burden Through Dyadic Support in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review Focused on Middle-Aged and Older Adults
by Gonçalo Botas, Sara Pires, Cesar Fonseca and Ana Ramos
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5804; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165804 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Family caregivers in palliative care often face complex physical, emotional, and logistical challenges, which can result in a significant caregiving burden. Dyadic interventions—designed to support both the patient and the caregiver simultaneously—have emerged as a promising holistic approach to enhancing well-being [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Family caregivers in palliative care often face complex physical, emotional, and logistical challenges, which can result in a significant caregiving burden. Dyadic interventions—designed to support both the patient and the caregiver simultaneously—have emerged as a promising holistic approach to enhancing well-being and quality of life. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of dyadic support interventions in reducing caregiver burden among middle-aged and older adults receiving palliative care. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for grey literature) covering the period from 2019 to January 2025. Results: Of 653 records identified, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were typically delivered by multidisciplinary teams and included weekly in-person consultations, telephone follow-up, telemedicine, physical exercise sessions, laughter therapy, and music therapy over durations ranging from 16 weeks to 6 months. These programs resulted in reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms (PHQ-4, HADS, SDS, BAI, SAS), improved functional and social performance (SF-36), and/or enhanced quality of life (MQLQ, QOL-AD, KCCQ-12, EORTC QLQ-C30). In patients, they contributed to better symptom control (ESAS, CFS), while in caregivers, they effectively reduced burden (ZBI-12, FCBSI, CBI) and/or supported the anticipatory grief process (PGQ, AGS). However, not all studies reported consistently positive outcomes. Conclusions: Structured dyadic interventions that involve both patients and caregivers significantly improve outcomes in palliative care for middle-aged and older adults. Future research should examine their long-term impact and explore the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize intervention delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Medicine)
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19 pages, 2529 KiB  
Article
Assessing Parasite Prevalence and Health Status of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) in Green Urban Areas of a Southern European City
by Aida Vega, Michael J. Yabsley, Sonia M. Hernández, Kayla B. Garrett, Jose I. Aguirre and Eva Banda
Birds 2025, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds6030043 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Urban landscapes have given rise to novel ecosystems (e.g., green areas), which differ in design and ecological quality depending on local planning strategies. Europe has the goal to increase conservation through increasing greenspace; however, urban wildlife health impacts, particularly on birds, are poorly [...] Read more.
Urban landscapes have given rise to novel ecosystems (e.g., green areas), which differ in design and ecological quality depending on local planning strategies. Europe has the goal to increase conservation through increasing greenspace; however, urban wildlife health impacts, particularly on birds, are poorly studied. This study investigates associations between haemosporidians and intestinal coccidia in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), as well as their body condition and immunological status, from five urban green areas in Madrid, Spain, from 2019 to 2022. These green areas differ in green infrastructure, and because these birds are adapted to urban environments, they are a good model to evaluate how green area infrastructure may affect the birds’ health. We detected a 29% prevalence of haemosporidians (Haemoproteus being the most common, followed by Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium) and a 4% prevalence of intestinal coccidia. We found that haemosporidian prevalence was significantly higher in green areas with untreated stagnant water surrounded by muddy areas, ideal conditions for vector reproduction. Therefore, effective management strategies, especially related to water treatment, are essential for protecting urban wildlife and human health. This study provides valuable information for researchers and urban wildlife managers to incorporate appropriate management strategies into urban green area planning to preserve urban biodiversity and protect public health. Full article
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14 pages, 2419 KiB  
Article
Combined Lithium-Rich Czochralski Growth and Diffusion Method for Z-Cut Near-Stoichiometric Lithium Niobate Crystals and the Study of Periodic Domain Structures
by Xuefeng Xiao, Yan Zhang, Han Zhang, Jiayi Chen, Yan Huang, Jiashun Si, Shuaijie Liang, Qingyan Xu, Huan Zhang, Lingling Ma, Cui Yang and Xuefeng Zhang
Crystals 2025, 15(8), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15080727 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
This paper presents the preparation of Z-cut near-stoichiometric lithium niobate (NSLN) wafers using a combined process of the lithium-rich Czochralski growth and diffusion methods. The fabricated Z-cut NSLN wafers exhibited outstanding comprehensive performance, including a high Curie temperature of up to 1200 °C, [...] Read more.
This paper presents the preparation of Z-cut near-stoichiometric lithium niobate (NSLN) wafers using a combined process of the lithium-rich Czochralski growth and diffusion methods. The fabricated Z-cut NSLN wafers exhibited outstanding comprehensive performance, including a high Curie temperature of up to 1200 °C, a refractive index gradient in the diameter direction below 1.5 × 10−4 cm−1, and a UV absorption edge shifted 14 nm toward the ultraviolet region compared to congruent lithium niobate crystals, with a coercive field of 1268 V/mm. Additionally, the wafers demonstrated excellent processing characteristics, with the bow of 4-inch wafers controlled within 55 μm, surpassing the machining standards of traditional lithium niobate wafers of the same size. These results indicated the highly uniform chemical stoichiometry and crystallization quality of the wafers. Leveraging the high uniformity and low coercive field of the wafers, periodic triangular domain structure arrays were successfully fabricated, laying the foundation for domain engineering design in electro-optic deflectors and switching devices. This study not only achieves the scalable preparation of NSLN wafers but also provides a reliable technical solution for their practical applications in high-performance electro-optic devices. Full article
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21 pages, 984 KiB  
Article
Exploring Determinants of Compassionate Cancer Care in Older Adults Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
by Dominique Tremblay, Chiara Russo, Catherine Terret, Catherine Prady, Sonia Joannette, Sylvie Lessard, Susan Usher, Émilie Pretet-Flamand, Christelle Galvez, Élisa Gélinas-Phaneuf, Julien Terrier and Nathalie Moreau
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(8), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080465 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing number of older adults with cancer confront practical and organizational limitations that hinder their ability to obtain care that is adapted to their health status, needs, expectations, and life choices. The integration into practice of evidence-based and institutional recommendations for a [...] Read more.
The growing number of older adults with cancer confront practical and organizational limitations that hinder their ability to obtain care that is adapted to their health status, needs, expectations, and life choices. The integration into practice of evidence-based and institutional recommendations for a geriatric approach and person-centered high-quality care remains incomplete. This study uses an action research design to explore stakeholders’ perspectives of the challenges involved in translating the established care priorities into a compassionate geriatric approach in oncology and identify promising pathways to improvement. Fifty-three stakeholders participated in focus groups to create cognitive maps representing perceived relationships between concepts related to compassionate care of older adults with cancer. Combining maps results in a single model constructed in Mental Modeler software to weigh relationships and calculate concept centrality (importance in the model). The model represents stakeholders’ collective perspective of the determinants of compassionate care that need to be addressed at different decision-making levels. The results reveal pathways to improvement at systemic, organizational, practice, and societal levels. These include connecting policies on ageing and national cancer programs, addressing fragmented care through interdisciplinary teamwork, promoting person-centered care, cultivating relational proximity, and combatting ageism. Translating evidence-based practices and priority orientations into compassionate care rests on collective capacities across multiple providers to address the whole person and their unique trajectory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geriatric Oncology: Toward Optimized Cancer Care)
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16 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
An Interventional Study Exploring the Effects of Nutritional Psychoeducation on Emotional Eating After 3 Months
by Maria Mentzelou, Gavriela Voulgaridou, Konstantinos Papadimitriou, Olga Alexatou, Eirini-Georgia Deligiannidou, Aspasia Serdari, Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Evmorfia Psara, Gerasimos Tsourouflis and Constantinos Giaginis
Med. Sci. 2025, 13(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci13030138 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emotional eating may be a consequence of acquired cue reactivity, a lack of control, or an inaccurate link between episodic overeating and negative affect, according to a new analysis of its standard measurement. This study was a controlled trial, which was [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emotional eating may be a consequence of acquired cue reactivity, a lack of control, or an inaccurate link between episodic overeating and negative affect, according to a new analysis of its standard measurement. This study was a controlled trial, which was designed to investigate the effect of personalized nutritional psychoeducation on emotional eating behavior. Methods: This study enrolled 95 participants (62 control group and 33 intervention group) who were randomized to treatment and assessed at 3-month follow-up. Over a period of 3 months, six thematic individual sessions were conducted with a frequency of every 15 days for the participants in the intervention group. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was used to assess feeding patterns and the manifestation of emotional food consumption in response to emotion. Results: At baseline, it appears that gender is positively related to TFEQ Emotional Score (β: 1.77 (random error: 0.57, p-value: 0.003). BMI (β: −0.11 (random error: 0.04, p-value: 0.003) and waist circumference are negatively related to the TFEQ Emotional Score. Conclusions: Although this study confirmed significant associations of emotional eating and gender, BMI, and waist circumference, the nutritional psychoeducation-based intervention did not exert the expected effects on emotional eating. More high-quality clinical trials need to further be designed to improve emotional eating behavior by applying relevant nutritional psychoeducation-based interventions. Full article
12 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of an Educational Tool on Hypodermoclysis for Palliative Care Professionals
by Maria Vanessa Tomé Bandeira de Sousa, Carlos Laranjeira, José Mateus Pires, Isabela Melo Bonfim, Luís Carlos Carvalho Graça, Karla Maria Carneiro Rolim, Lara Anisia Menezes Bonates, Régia Christina Moura Barbosa Castro and Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes
Nurs. Rep. 2025, 15(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep15080301 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypodermoclysis has gained increasing recognition as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for administering medication and fluids in palliative care. Despite its advantages, its adoption remains limited, primarily due to a lack of structured training resources for healthcare professionals. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hypodermoclysis has gained increasing recognition as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for administering medication and fluids in palliative care. Despite its advantages, its adoption remains limited, primarily due to a lack of structured training resources for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to develop and validate an educational tool for training clinical nurses in hypodermoclysis administration in palliative care. Methods: This is a methodological study with a multi-methods approach. Study development involved a needs assessment with 48 professionals, a literature review, and the creation of a manual enriched with visual aids. Results: The material was validated by expert judges, technical reviewers, and the target audience. Organized into 21 chapters, the manual comprehensively addresses technical, theoretical, and ethical dimensions of the practice. Content validation by 14 experts yielded an outstanding global Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.95. An independent evaluation of visual design by four communication specialists produced consistently high scores (91–96%), classifying the material as “superior” in quality. Feedback from target users (12 nurses) highlighted the manual’s clarity, applicability, and relevance. All constructive suggestions were incorporated into the final version. Conclusions: The resulting manual demonstrates strong validity as an educational resource, with significant potential to standardize and enhance hypodermoclysis training in palliative nursing, promoting both safety and humanized care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nursing Care for Cancer Patients)
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15 pages, 1120 KiB  
Article
Local or Ecological? An Agri-Food Choice Experiment for Extra Virgin Olive Oil
by José A. Albaladejo-García, José A. Zabala, Gonzalo Martínez-García and José M. Martínez-Paz
Agriculture 2025, 15(16), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15161754 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Agricultural production systems and certificates of origin determine consumers’ preferences for agri-food products, attributes which have mainly been investigated separately. In this study, we examined the joint effect of these two quality criteria and how they influence agri-food choices. To this end, a [...] Read more.
Agricultural production systems and certificates of origin determine consumers’ preferences for agri-food products, attributes which have mainly been investigated separately. In this study, we examined the joint effect of these two quality criteria and how they influence agri-food choices. To this end, a choice experiment exercise was applied for extra virgin olive oil agri-food in a protected geographical area of south-eastern Spain where non-conventional production systems (organic and integrated pest management) and product origin labels (protected designation of origin and sustainable local brand) associated with the territory are being used. The results demonstrated that consumers’ choices to purchase extra virgin olive oil were primarily influenced by the type of production system, with a clear preference evident for organic systems. Furthermore, consumer preferences for sustainable local over generic national certificates of origin were also confirmed. In concrete terms, the willingness to pay for organic extra virgin olive oil is more than double that of the conventional one, while the surcharge for local origin may rise up to 75%. This work contributes to the understanding of how information related to the type of production system and its interaction between different origin certification labels applies in agri-food products, offering broader implications for producers and policy makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies for Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems)
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12 pages, 4086 KiB  
Article
Iron-Only Metasurface Broadband Absorber for Solar Energy Harvesting
by Lejia Wu, Xin Chen and Dawei Zhang
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(16), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15161263 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
We investigated a metasurface broadband absorber composed entirely of iron and featuring a simple bilayer structure: a metallic iron substrate topped with an iron nanodisk-patterned layer. This absorber structure achieved over 90% absorption across the visible spectrum, with an average absorption of 97%. [...] Read more.
We investigated a metasurface broadband absorber composed entirely of iron and featuring a simple bilayer structure: a metallic iron substrate topped with an iron nanodisk-patterned layer. This absorber structure achieved over 90% absorption across the visible spectrum, with an average absorption of 97%. The designed metasurface structure had an aspect ratio of less than 1, which facilitated high-quality sample fabrication. In contrast to precious or rare metals typically utilized in visible broadband metasurface absorbers, this absorber offers a significant cost advantage. Furthermore, it exhibits polarization insensitivity and maintains a stable performance under oblique incidence over a wide angular range, making it suitable for practical applications. Additionally, the high melting point and favorable thermal conductivity of iron satisfy the requirements for solar harvesting and photothermal conversion devices. Therefore, this paper presents a highly efficient, low-cost, easy-to-fabricate, and operationally stable solution that is amenable to large-scale deployment in solar energy-harvesting devices. Full article
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19 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
Research on a Blockchain-Based Quality and Safety Traceability System for Hymenopellis raphanipes
by Wei Xu, Hongyan Guo, Xingguo Zhang, Mingxia Lin and Pingzeng Liu
Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7413; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167413 (registering DOI) - 16 Aug 2025
Abstract
Hymenopellis raphanipes is a high-value edible fungus with a short shelf life and high perishability, which poses significant challenges for quality control and safety assurance throughout its supply chain. Ensuring effective traceability is essential for improving production management, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting [...] Read more.
Hymenopellis raphanipes is a high-value edible fungus with a short shelf life and high perishability, which poses significant challenges for quality control and safety assurance throughout its supply chain. Ensuring effective traceability is essential for improving production management, strengthening consumer trust, and supporting brand development. This study proposes a comprehensive traceability system tailored to the full lifecycle of Hymenopellis raphanipes, addressing the operational needs of producers and regulators alike. Through detailed analysis of the entire supply chain, from raw material intake, cultivation, and processing to logistics and sales, the system defines standardized traceability granularity and a unique hierarchical coding scheme. A multi-layered system architecture is designed, comprising a data acquisition layer, network transmission layer, storage management layer, service orchestration layer, business logic layer, and user interaction layer, ensuring modularity, scalability, and maintainability. To address performance bottlenecks in traditional systems, a multi-chain collaborative traceability model is introduced, integrating a mainchain–sidechain storage mechanism with an on-chain/off-chain hybrid management strategy. This approach effectively mitigates storage overhead and enhances response efficiency. Furthermore, data integrity is verified through hash-based validation, supporting high-throughput queries and reliable traceability. Experimental results from its real-world deployment demonstrate that the proposed system significantly outperforms traditional single-chain models in terms of query latency and throughput. The solution enhances data transparency and regulatory efficiency, promotes sustainable practices in green agricultural production, and offers a scalable reference model for the traceability of other high-value agricultural products. Full article
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21 pages, 2926 KiB  
Article
Geostatistical Analysis and Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones for Their Implications in Irrigated Agriculture of Punjab Pakistan
by Aamir Shakoor, Imran Rasheed, Muhammad Nouman Sattar, Akinwale T. Ogunrinde, Sabab Ali Shah, Hafiz Umer Fareed, Hareef Ahmed Keerio, Asim Qayyum Butt, Amjad Ali Khan and Malik Sarmad Riaz
World 2025, 6(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6030115 - 15 Aug 2025
Abstract
Groundwater is essential for irrigated agriculture, yet its use remains unsustainable in many regions worldwide. In countries like Pakistan, the situation is particularly pressing. The irrigated agriculture of Pakistan heavily relies on groundwater resources owing to limited canal-water availability. The groundwater quality in [...] Read more.
Groundwater is essential for irrigated agriculture, yet its use remains unsustainable in many regions worldwide. In countries like Pakistan, the situation is particularly pressing. The irrigated agriculture of Pakistan heavily relies on groundwater resources owing to limited canal-water availability. The groundwater quality in the region ranges from good to poor, with the lower-quality water adversely affecting soil structure and plant health, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. The delineation of quality zones with respect to irrigation parameters is thus crucial for optimizing its sustainable use and management. Therefore, this research study was carried out in the Lower Chenab Canal (LCC) irrigation system to assess the spatial distribution of groundwater quality. The geostatistical analysis was conducted using Gamma Design Software (GS+) and the Kriging interpolation method was applied within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework to generate groundwater-quality maps. Semivariogram models were evaluated for major irrigation parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) to identify the best fit for various Ordinary Kriging models. The spherical semivariogram model was the best fit for EC, while the exponential model best suited SAR and RSC. Overlay analysis was performed to produce combined water-quality maps. During the pre-monsoon season, 17.83% of the LCC area demonstrated good irrigation quality, while 42.84% showed marginal quality, and 39.33% was deemed unsuitable for irrigation. In the post-monsoon season, 17.30% of the area had good irrigation quality, 44.53% exhibited marginal quality, and 38.17% was unsuitable for irrigation. The study revealed that Electrical Conductivity (EC) was the primary factor affecting water quality, contributing to 71% of marginal and unsuitable conditions. In comparison, the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) accounted for 38% and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) contributed 45%. Therefore, it is recommended that groundwater in unsuitable zones be subjected to artificial recharge methods and salt-tolerated crops to enhance its suitability for agricultural applications. Full article
12 pages, 446 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Urban Ecological Networks on Health from a One Health Perspective: A Systematic Review
by Luigi Cofone, Maria Assunta Donato, Marise Sabato, Carolina Di Paolo, Livia Maria Salvatori, Stefano Di Giovanni and Lorenzo Paglione
Green Health 2025, 1(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/greenhealth1020009 - 15 Aug 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Ecological networks (ENs) are critical frameworks designed to protect biodiversity, enhance habitat connectivity, and provide ecosystem services in fragmented landscapes. Urban ecological networks (UENs) adapt this concept to address the challenges posed by urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. Methods: [...] Read more.
Introduction: Ecological networks (ENs) are critical frameworks designed to protect biodiversity, enhance habitat connectivity, and provide ecosystem services in fragmented landscapes. Urban ecological networks (UENs) adapt this concept to address the challenges posed by urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. Methods: This systematic review follows the PRISMA methodology, with the search strategy applied across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Articles published until 29 July 2025, were evaluated based on their alignment with One Health domains: human, animal, and ecosystem health. The included studies underwent independent review and quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Only nine of the 228 articles that were found satisfied the requirements for inclusion. These studies examined UENs’ effects on biodiversity, species migration, and climate resilience but lacked direct evaluation of human health impacts. Key findings highlighted the role of ecological corridors in improving habitat connectivity, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating climate-related fragmentation. Conclusions: While UENs show significant potential to enhance biodiversity and urban resilience, their direct impacts on human health remain underexplored. Future interdisciplinary research should focus on quantifying these links and integrating UENs into urban planning to address ecological and Public Health challenges under a One Health framework. Full article
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