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Search Results (703)

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28 pages, 352 KiB  
Article
Algorithm Power and Legal Boundaries: Rights Conflicts and Governance Responses in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
by Jinghui He and Zhenyang Zhang
Laws 2025, 14(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws14040054 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
This study explores the challenges and theoretical transformations that the widespread application of AI technology in social governance brings to the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. By examining typical cases in judicial assistance, technology-enabled law enforcement, and welfare supervision, it explains how AI [...] Read more.
This study explores the challenges and theoretical transformations that the widespread application of AI technology in social governance brings to the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. By examining typical cases in judicial assistance, technology-enabled law enforcement, and welfare supervision, it explains how AI characteristics such as algorithmic opacity, data bias, and automated decision-making affect fundamental rights including due process, equal protection, and privacy. The article traces the historical evolution of privacy theory from physical space protection to informational self-determination and further to modern data rights, pointing out the inadequacy of traditional rights-protection paradigms in addressing the characteristics of AI technology. Through analyzing AI-governance models in the European Union, the United States, Northeast Asia, and international organizations, it demonstrates diverse governance approaches ranging from systematic risk regulation to decentralized industry regulation. With a special focus on China, the article analyzes the special challenges faced in AI governance and proposes specific recommendations for improving AI-governance paths. The article argues that only within the track of the rule of law, through continuous theoretical innovation, institutional construction, and international cooperation, can AI technology development be ensured to serve human dignity, freedom, and fair justice. Full article
31 pages, 2536 KiB  
Review
Transitioning from a Multi-Agency to an Integrated Food Control System: A Case Study from the Sultanate of Oman
by Moza Abdullah Al Busaidi, Mohammad Shafiur Rahman and Hussein Samh Al Masroori
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152618 - 26 Jul 2025
Viewed by 437
Abstract
Food safety regulations and their implementations are becoming increasingly complex due to various reasons such as diverse food sources, supply chain, processing technologies, distribution systems and environmental concerns. Additionally, it is crucial to address diversified consumers and their preferences. To address these multifaceted [...] Read more.
Food safety regulations and their implementations are becoming increasingly complex due to various reasons such as diverse food sources, supply chain, processing technologies, distribution systems and environmental concerns. Additionally, it is crucial to address diversified consumers and their preferences. To address these multifaceted challenges, adopting an integrated unified management system is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progressive food safety governance in the Sultanate of Oman. The country is transitioning from a multi-agency to an integrated food control management system. This integrated approach can enhance the coordination between different government agencies and other stakeholders, avoid duplication, identify required resources and ensure optimum use of the resources. The progress can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in managing food safety in Oman. It addresses the issues of the food safety management system, explores the legislative frameworks, risk-based assessment and their enforcement, and creates public awareness and required research for continuous improvement in food safety. This integration approach is expected to continue strengthening food safety governance in the country. Finally, future challenges in achieving food safety are envisioned, including new food sources and technologies, applications of artificial intelligence, and new sensors for quick identification of risks in foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Policy, Strategy and Safety in the Middle East)
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11 pages, 1430 KiB  
Article
Determination of Trace 55Fe and 63Ni in Steel Samples via Liquid Scintillation Counting
by Giada Gandolfo, Maria Letizia Cozzella, Tiziana Guarcini and Giuseppe Augusto Marzo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8264; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158264 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 229
Abstract
In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, activated steel often contains radionuclides such as 55Fe and 63Ni, which are categorized as hard-to-measure due to their emission of only low-energy beta particles or X-rays. In samples exhibiting very low radioactivity, close to background [...] Read more.
In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, activated steel often contains radionuclides such as 55Fe and 63Ni, which are categorized as hard-to-measure due to their emission of only low-energy beta particles or X-rays. In samples exhibiting very low radioactivity, close to background levels, a large quantity of steel must undergo extensive physical and chemical processing to achieve the Minimum Detectable Activity Concentration (MDC) necessary for clearance, recycling, or reuse. Italian regulations set particularly stringent clearance levels for these radionuclides (1 Bq/g for both 55Fe and 63Ni), significantly lower than those specified in the EU Directive 2013/59 (1000 Bq/g for 55Fe and 100 Bq/g for 63Ni). Additionally, Italian authorities may enforce even stricter limits depending on specific circumstances. The analytical challenge is compounded by the presence of large amounts of non-radioactive Fe and Ni, which can cause color quenching, further extending analysis times. This study presents a reliable and optimized method for the quantitative determination of 55Fe and 63Ni in steel samples with activity levels approaching regulatory thresholds. The methodology was specifically developed and applied to steel from the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade (FTU) facility, under decommissioning by ENEA. The optimization process demonstrated that achieving the required MDCs necessitates acquisition times of approximately 5 days for 55Fe and 6 h for 63Ni, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements and supporting efficient laboratory workflows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioactive Waste Treatment and Environment Recovery)
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36 pages, 2135 KiB  
Article
Privacy Framework for the Development of IoT-Based Systems
by Yaqin Y. Shaheen, Miguel J. Hornos and Carlos Rodríguez-Domínguez
Future Internet 2025, 17(8), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17080322 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Addressing privacy concerns is one of the key challenges facing the development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems (IoTSs). As IoT devices often collect and process personal and sensitive information, strict privacy policies must be defined and enforced to keep data secure and [...] Read more.
Addressing privacy concerns is one of the key challenges facing the development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based systems (IoTSs). As IoT devices often collect and process personal and sensitive information, strict privacy policies must be defined and enforced to keep data secure and safe, ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Any data breach could compromise the security of the system, leading to various types of threats and attacks, some of which could even endanger human life. Therefore, it is crucial to design and build a comprehensive and general privacy framework for the development of IoTSs. This framework should not be limited to specific IoTS domains but should be general enough to support and cover most IoTS domains. In this paper, we present a framework that assists developers by (i) enabling them to build IoTSs that comply with privacy standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and (ii) providing a simplified and practical approach to identifying and addressing privacy concerns. In addition, the framework enables developers to implement effective countermeasures. Full article
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19 pages, 398 KiB  
Article
EUDR Compliance in Ghana’s Natural Rubber Sector and Its Implications for Smallholders
by Stephan Mabica, Erasmus Narteh Tetteh, Ingrid Fromm and Caleb Melenya Ocansey
Commodities 2025, 4(3), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/commodities4030014 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 360
Abstract
The enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) may reduce the supply of natural rubber to the European Union (EU), potentially leading to price increases due to the inelastic nature of rubber demand. This study assesses the potential financial implications for smallholder [...] Read more.
The enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) may reduce the supply of natural rubber to the European Union (EU), potentially leading to price increases due to the inelastic nature of rubber demand. This study assesses the potential financial implications for smallholder producers in Ghana, considering both the opportunities and risks associated with the evolving regulatory environment under EUDR and local market access conditions. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the impact of different EUDR-related export decline scenarios on the net present value (NPV) of a standard 4-hectare plantation. The results suggest that even a minor 2.5% decline in global exports to the EU could increase the NPV by 17% for an independent compliant producer. However, a simulated COVID-19-like crisis in the fifth year of production leads to a 20% decline in NPV, reflecting vulnerability to external shocks. Based on these findings, the study identifies two priorities. This first is improving the coordination and harmonization of compliance efforts across the value chain to enable more producers to benefit from potential EUDR-related price increases. The recent creation of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) presents an opportunity to support such collective mechanisms. Second, minimizing losses during demand shocks requires the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to establish clear rules and transparent reporting for authorizing unprocessed rubber exports when factories reduce purchases due to low international prices—thus preserving market access for vulnerable producers. Together, these approaches would ensure that the potential benefits of the EUDR are realized inclusively, remain stable despite market downturns, and do not undermine value addition in domestic processing factories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Changes in Agricultural Commodities Markets)
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14 pages, 474 KiB  
Article
Reproductive Results of Selected Cat Breeds
by Wojciech Wójcik and Marta Piechowska
Life 2025, 15(7), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071128 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
The main goal of purebred cat breeding is to produce healthy offspring while maintaining breed purity. Pedigree cat breeders are affiliated with international federations that enforce similar breeding regulations, which helps prevent the overexploitation of cats in breeding. The minimum age for allowing [...] Read more.
The main goal of purebred cat breeding is to produce healthy offspring while maintaining breed purity. Pedigree cat breeders are affiliated with international federations that enforce similar breeding regulations, which helps prevent the overexploitation of cats in breeding. The minimum age for allowing a cat to breed is at least 10 months. This study aimed to analyze the breeding performance of three cat breeds: Maine Coon (MCO), British Shorthair (BSH), and Devon Rex (DRX). These breeds are classified as late-maturing (MCO), medium-late maturing (BSH), and early-maturing (DRX). The analysis was based on pedigree data obtained from the Polish Felinological Association, which operates under the auspices of the World Cat Federation. In total, data from 1016 litters (453 MCO, 453 BSH, and 110 DRX) were analyzed. Breeds differed significantly in age at first birth (p = 0.041), mean interval between litters (p < 0.01), and mean number of kittens per litter (p < 0.01). Breed effects were also noted for the mean interval between births (p < 0.01), mean number of kittens per litter (p < 0.01), and the total number of kittens sired by the mother (p = 0.007). Within each breed, differences were found in the sex ratio of litters, with a predominance of males in DRX (p = 0.049), MCO (p = 0.003), and overall breeds (p = 0.036). In contrast, the BSH breed showed no significant difference in the sex ratio of litters (p = 0.455). In both the MCO and DRX breeds, the lowest average interval between litters was observed in females that gave birth to their first litter early compared to those that gave birth later. The total number of kittens raised by the mother was highest in the MCO breed (p ≤ 0.05), while the shortest litter spacing was found in the DRX breed (p ≤ 0.05). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Reproduction and Health)
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37 pages, 397 KiB  
Article
Food Safety in the European Union: A Comparative Assessment Based on RASFF Notifications, Pesticide Residues, and Food Waste Indicators
by Radosław Wolniak and Wiesław Wes Grebski
Foods 2025, 14(14), 2501; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14142501 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Guaranteeing food safety in the European Union (EU) is a continuing issue affected by diverse national traditions, regulatory power, and consumer culture. Despite the presence of a harmonized regulatory context, there continues to be variability in performance among the 27 member states. This [...] Read more.
Guaranteeing food safety in the European Union (EU) is a continuing issue affected by diverse national traditions, regulatory power, and consumer culture. Despite the presence of a harmonized regulatory context, there continues to be variability in performance among the 27 member states. This study gives an extensive comparative evaluation of EU food safety based on three indicators: Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) alerts, pesticide maximum-residue-limit (MRL) violation, and per capita food loss. Fuzzy TOPSIS, K-means clustering, and scenario-based sensitivity tests are used to give an extensive appraisal of the performance of member states. Alarming differences are quoted as findings of significance. The highest number of RASFF notifications (212) and percentage of pesticide MRL non-compliance (1.5%) were reported in 2022 by Bulgaria, whereas the lowest values were reported by Estonia and Lithuania—15–20 RASFF notifications and less than 0.6% MRL violation rates. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.72, p < 0.001) between pesticide MRL violation and food safety warnings was confirmed in favor of pesticide regulation as the optimal predictor of food safety warnings. On the other hand, food loss did not significantly affect safety measures but indicated very high variation (from 76 kg/capita per year in Croatia to 142 kg/capita per year in Greece). These findings suggest that while food loss remains an environmental problem, pesticide control is more central to the protection of food safety. Targeted policy is what the research necessitates: intervention and stricter enforcement in low-income countries, and diffusion of best practice from successful states. The composite approach adds to EU food safety policy discourse through the combination of performance indicators and targeted regulatory emphasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
23 pages, 2581 KiB  
Article
Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis of Waste Tire Pyrolysis Promotion: The Role of Differential Carbon Taxation and Policy Coordination
by Xiaojun Shen
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6422; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146422 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
In China, the recycling system for waste tires is characterized by high output but low standardized recovery rates. This study examines the environmental and health risks caused by non-compliant treatment by individual recyclers and explores the barriers to the large-scale adoption of Pyrolysis [...] Read more.
In China, the recycling system for waste tires is characterized by high output but low standardized recovery rates. This study examines the environmental and health risks caused by non-compliant treatment by individual recyclers and explores the barriers to the large-scale adoption of Pyrolysis Technology. A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Model involving pyrolysis plants, waste tire recyclers, and government regulators is developed. The model incorporates pollutants from pretreatment and pyrolysis processes into a unified metric—Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2-eq)—based on Global Warming Potential (GWP), and designs a Differential Carbon Taxation mechanism accordingly. The strategy dynamics and stability conditions for Evolutionary Stable Strategies (ESS) are analyzed. Multi-scenario numerical simulations explore how key parameter changes influence evolutionary trajectories and equilibrium outcomes. Six typical equilibrium states are identified, along with the critical conditions for achieving environmentally friendly results. Based on theoretical analysis and simulation results, targeted policy recommendations are proposed to promote standardized waste tire pyrolysis: (1) Establish a phased dynamic carbon tax with supporting subsidies; (2) Build a green market cultivation and price stabilization system; (3) Implement performance-based differential incentives; (4) Strengthen coordination between central environmental inspections and local carbon tax enforcement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
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15 pages, 1732 KiB  
Article
Differentiating Zeranol Implant Abuse and Fusarium spp. Toxin-Contaminated Corn Intake by Detection and Quantification of Resorcylic Acid Lactones in Bovine Urine
by Rafael Silva Gomes, Vanessa Gonçalves dos Santos, Carlos Juliano da Silva, Amanda Martinez Nagato Simões, Eliene Alves dos Santos, Mary Ane Gonçalves Lana, Kelly Moura Keller, Marco Blokland, Ane Arrizabalaga-Larrañaga, Rafael Romero Nicolino, Marcelo Resende de Souza, Tadeu Chaves de Figueiredo, Saskia Sterk and Silvana de Vasconcelos Cançado
Toxins 2025, 17(7), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17070347 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) are fungal metabolites with known biological activity. Zeranol, a synthetic RAL, has been used as an estrogenic growth promoter in cattle; however, its use is prohibited in several countries. Zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., is commonly found [...] Read more.
Resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) are fungal metabolites with known biological activity. Zeranol, a synthetic RAL, has been used as an estrogenic growth promoter in cattle; however, its use is prohibited in several countries. Zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., is commonly found in contaminated animal feed and can be metabolized into other RALs, which are subsequently excreted in urine. To differentiate between natural contamination from feed and the illegal administration of zeranol, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Growth Promoters (EURL) developed a mathematical equation. This study aims to evaluate the detection and quantification of RALs in bovine urine from animals fed zearalenone-contaminated diets, implanted with zeranol, or subjected to both conditions. RALs were detected and quantified in the urine of cattle consuming contaminated corn, while zeranol and taleranol were identified in the urine of implanted animals. The EURL equation proved to be a valuable tool for determining the origin of RALs in bovine urine and holds significant potential for monitoring and enforcing regulations regarding the illegal use of zeranol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mycotoxins)
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13 pages, 233 KiB  
Article
Policy Makers’ Perceptions on Implementation of National Action Plans on Antimicrobial Resistance in South Africa and Eswatini Using Coordination, Accountability, Resourcing, Regulation and Ownership Framework (2018–2019)
by Kholiwe Shabangu, Sabiha Yusuf Essack and Sinegugu Evidence Duma
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070696 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that affects humans, animals, plants, the environment, societies, and economies—requiring urgent coordinated action. In May 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR, urging member states to develop [...] Read more.
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat that affects humans, animals, plants, the environment, societies, and economies—requiring urgent coordinated action. In May 2015, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the Global Action Plan (GAP) on AMR, urging member states to develop and implement their own National Action Plans (NAPs) using a One Health approach. Objective: Both South Africa and Eswatini have developed NAPs and are currently in the implementation phase. However, no study has explored policymakers’ perceptions regarding NAP implementation particularly concerning coordination, accountability, resourcing, regulation and ownership. Methods: This qualitative study employed a narrative approach to explore these perceptions in South Africa and Eswatini. A total of 36 key informants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was collected between November 2018 and March 2019 and transcribed verbatim. Results: Findings revealed that while governance structures for implementing NAPs exist in South Africa and Eswatini, several critical areas require urgent attention. These include limited accountability across One Health sectors, the absence of dedicated national budgets for NAP implementation, poor intra- and inter- ministerial coordination, weak medicine regulation and enforcement, and delayed multisectoral ownership of the NAPs. Conclusions: To address AMR effectively, both countries must allocate dedicated budgets, improve multisectoral integration, and strengthen regulatory frameworks regarding antimicrobial access and use across all One Health sectors. A firm commitment from all sectors is required—not just formal endorsement of the NAPs—to ensure sustainable implementation and ownership. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A One Health Approach to Antimicrobial Resistance, 2nd Edition)
30 pages, 1496 KiB  
Article
Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Agronomic and Physiological Performance of Young Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Trees
by Rossana Porras-Jorge, José Mariano Aguilar, Carlos Baixauli, Bernardo Pascual and Nuria Pascual-Seva
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071671 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 602
Abstract
This article addresses the impact of deficit irrigation on the agronomic and physiological performance of “Rojo Brillante” persimmon trees in a Mediterranean climate. It compares the effect of a sustained deficit irrigation (SDI; imposing water deficit uniformly throughout the entire crop cycle) strategy [...] Read more.
This article addresses the impact of deficit irrigation on the agronomic and physiological performance of “Rojo Brillante” persimmon trees in a Mediterranean climate. It compares the effect of a sustained deficit irrigation (SDI; imposing water deficit uniformly throughout the entire crop cycle) strategy and two regulated deficit irrigation (RDI; enforcing a water deficit during the phenological phases that are less sensitive to water stress) strategies. Field trials were conducted from 2022 to 2024 at the Cajamar Experimental Center in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. The trees respond to mild water stress reducing transpiration through stomatal closure. RDI resulted in modest irrigation water savings (11–16%), minimizing fruit drop, leading to an increased number of fruits per tree and a higher marketable yield, although this came at the cost of a reduced unit fruit weight. SDI achieved a 30% reduction in irrigation water usage without impacting on the marketable yield, but it also caused a decrease in unit fruit weight. RDI increased water productivity (yield obtained per amount of water applied) primarily through higher yields, while SDI improved productivity mainly by lowering the amount of irrigation water applied. Both irrigation strategies are recommended for cultivating “Rojo Brillante” persimmons. RDI is especially advisable in years with lower fruit loads as more intensive thinning may be necessary in years with higher fruit loads. Conversely, SDI is recommended in situations where water availability is limited. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)
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13 pages, 920 KiB  
Project Report
Analysis of Primary and Secondary Frequency Control Challenges in African Transmission System
by Julius Abayateye and Daniel J. Zimmerle
Energy Storage Appl. 2025, 2(3), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/esa2030010 - 8 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 318
Abstract
This study analyzed the frequency control challenges within the West Africa Power Pool Interconnected Transmission System (WAPPITS) as it plans to incorporate variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, such as wind and solar energy. Concerns center on the ability of WAPPITS primary frequency control [...] Read more.
This study analyzed the frequency control challenges within the West Africa Power Pool Interconnected Transmission System (WAPPITS) as it plans to incorporate variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, such as wind and solar energy. Concerns center on the ability of WAPPITS primary frequency control reserves to adapt to high VRE penetration given the synchronization and frequency control problems experienced by the three separate synchronous blocks of WAPPITS. Optimizing solutions requires a better understanding of WAPPITS’ current frequency control approach. This study used questionnaires to understand operators’ practical experience with frequency control and compared these observations to field tests at power plants and frequency response metrics during system events. Eight (8) of ten (10) Transmission System Operators (TSOs) indicated that primary frequency control service was implemented in the TSO, but nine (9) of ten TSOs indicated that the reserves provided were inadequate to meet system needs. Five (5) of ten (10) respondents answered “yes” to the provision of secondary frequency control service, while only one (1) indicated that secondary reserves were adequate. Three (3) TSOs indicated they have AGC (Automatic Generation Control) installed in the control room, but none have implemented it for secondary frequency control. The results indicate a significant deficiency in primary control reserves, resulting in a reliance on under-frequency load shedding for primary frequency control. Additionally, the absence of an AGC system for secondary frequency regulation required manual intervention to restore frequency after events. To ensure the effectiveness of battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and the reliable operation of the WAPPITS with a higher penetration of inverter-based VRE, this paper recommends (a) implementing and enforcing basic primary frequency control structures through regional regulation and (b) establishing an ancillary services market to mobilize secondary frequency control resources. Full article
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25 pages, 775 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Loving-Kindness Meditation Guided by Short Video Apps on Policemen’s Mindfulness, Public Service Motivation, Conflict Resolution Skills, and Communication Skills
by Chao Liu, Li-Jen Lin, Kang-Jie Zhang and Wen-Ko Chiou
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15070909 - 4 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 486
Abstract
Police officers work in high-stress environments that demand emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and effective communication. Occupational stress can negatively impact their motivation, conflict resolution abilities, and professional effectiveness. Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM), a mindfulness-based intervention focused on cultivating compassion and empathy, has shown promise [...] Read more.
Police officers work in high-stress environments that demand emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and effective communication. Occupational stress can negatively impact their motivation, conflict resolution abilities, and professional effectiveness. Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM), a mindfulness-based intervention focused on cultivating compassion and empathy, has shown promise in enhancing prosocial attitudes and emotional regulation. With the rise of short video platforms, digital interventions like video-guided LKM may offer accessible mental health support for law enforcement. This study examines the effects of short video app-guided LKM on police officers’ mindfulness, public service motivation (PSM), conflict resolution skills (CRSs), and communication skills (CSSs). It aims to determine whether LKM can enhance these psychological and professional competencies. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 110 active-duty police officers from a metropolitan police department in China, with 92 completing the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the LKM group (n = 46) or the waitlist control group (n = 46). The intervention consisted of a 6-week short video app-guided LKM program with daily 10 min meditation sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using several validated scales: the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Public Service Motivation Scale (PSM), the Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory (CRSI), and the Communication Competence Scale (CCS). A 2 (Group: LKM vs. Control) × 2 (Time: Pre vs. Post) mixed-design MANOVA was conducted to analyze the effects. Statistical analyses revealed significant group-by-time interaction effects for PSM (F(4,177) = 21.793, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.108), CRS (F(4,177) = 20.920, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.104), and CSS (F(4,177) = 49.095, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.214), indicating improvements in these areas for LKM participants. However, no significant improvement was observed for mindfulness (F(4,177) = 2.850, p = 0.930, η2 = 0.016). Short video app-guided LKM improves public service motivation, conflict resolution skills, and communication skills among police officers but does not significantly enhance mindfulness. These findings suggest that brief, digitally delivered compassion-focused programs can be seamlessly incorporated into routine in-service training to strengthen officers’ prosocial motivation, de-escalation competence, and public-facing communication, thereby fostering more constructive police–community interactions. Full article
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29 pages, 3314 KiB  
Review
Advancing Sustainable Housing in Latin America: A Critical Review of Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Policy
by Claudia-Eréndira Vázquez-Torres, Leticia Ozawa-Meida, David Bienvenido-Huertas and A. Bassam
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6139; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136139 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 482
Abstract
While interest in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in Latin American housing has been growing over the past decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted its critical importance due to increased residential occupancy time, exposure to indoor pollutants, and their implications for health. Recognising [...] Read more.
While interest in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in Latin American housing has been growing over the past decade, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted its critical importance due to increased residential occupancy time, exposure to indoor pollutants, and their implications for health. Recognising the climatic, cultural, infrastructural, and socio-economic diversity of the region, this study presents a bibliometric review of research and policy advances with the aim of examining progress towards effective pathways for sustainable housing, focusing on the integrated vision of energy efficiency, IEQ, and regulations as the key thematic axes. This review, conducted using the Scopus database, synthesises findings, methodological practices, and policy developments from 2013 to 2023. Based on the qualitative thematic analysis of studies included in the narrative synthesis, the results reveal that energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality frameworks in the region are still insufficient and fragmented, hindering improvements in residential energy efficiency and thermal comfort, particularly in low-income housing. This study underscores the urgent need for updated public policies with the explicit incorporation of IEQ and health indicators, stronger enforcement of energy efficiency and building regulations, and the improved dissemination of IEQ benefits to promote sustainable governance. Further research on evaluating the long-term impacts of implemented policies and interventions in public health is also essential to address ongoing social, political, and environmental challenges in the region. Full article
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24 pages, 8171 KiB  
Article
An Improved Adaptive Car-Following Model Based on the Unscented Kalman Filter for Vehicle Platoons’ Speed Control
by Caixia Huang, Wu Tang, Jiande Wang and Zhiyong Zhang
Machines 2025, 13(7), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13070569 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
This study proposes an adaptive car-following model based on the unscented Kalman filter algorithm to enable coordinated speed control in vehicle platoons and to address key limitations present in conventional car-following models. Traditional models generally assume a fixed maximum speed within the optimal [...] Read more.
This study proposes an adaptive car-following model based on the unscented Kalman filter algorithm to enable coordinated speed control in vehicle platoons and to address key limitations present in conventional car-following models. Traditional models generally assume a fixed maximum speed within the optimal velocity function, which constrains effective platoon speed regulation across road segments with varying speed limits and lacks adaptability to dynamic scenarios such as changes in the platoon leader’s speed or substitution of the lead vehicle. The proposed adaptive model utilizes state estimation based on the unscented Kalman filter to dynamically identify each vehicle’s maximum achievable speed and to adjust inter-vehicle constraints, thereby enforcing a unified speed reference across the platoon. By estimating these maximum speeds and transmitting them to individual follower vehicles via vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the model promotes smooth acceleration and deceleration behavior, reduces headway variability, and mitigates shockwave propagation within the platoon. Simulation studies—covering both single-leader acceleration and intermittent acceleration scenarios—demonstrate that, compared with conventional car-following models, the adaptive model based on the unscented Kalman filter achieves superior speed synchronization, improved headway stability, and smoother acceleration transitions. These enhancements lead to substantial improvements in traffic flow efficiency and string stability. The proposed approach offers a practical solution for coordinated platoon speed control in intelligent transportation systems, with promising application prospects for real-world implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Control and Active Safety Techniques for Road Vehicles)
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