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Scientific assessment of energy conservation, emissions reduction, public health externalities, and economic costs is crucial for the sustainable development of new energy vehicles (NEVs). Despite minimal emissions during the operational phase of NEVs, the production process of energy, such as electricity and hydrogen, contributes to pollution across the full supply chain, shifting environmental and health burdens to upstream sectors and raising concerns about the overall societal benefits. To address this, we apply a full-chain life cycle assessment (FC-LCA) framework that integrates emissions from vehicle production, energy supply, and end-of-life stages, while simultaneously quantifying health-related mortality attributable to key pollutants. By incorporating upstream energy production structure and downstream industry emissions, this approach captures the complete energy supply chain and enables a systematic comparison between NEVs and conventional vehicles. We further employed and compared ARIMA, LSTM, and Bi-LSTM models to forecast future vehicle demand and defined different forecasting scenarios for China’s passenger vehicle sector. Results provide policy-relevant insights for decision-makers to make informed policy choices concerning the widespread implementation of NEVs in a sustainable manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Sustainability of Energy Systems: Policy, Economy, and Environment)

29 pages, 927 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated PdM–OEE–LCC Framework: A Stochastic Control Approach for Industry 4.0 Systems

by Przemysław Drożyner and Małgorzata Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4391; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094391 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

In the Industry 4.0 era, effective maintenance management is paramount to ensuring production continuity, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Modern industrial systems operate under inherent uncertainty and limited observability, necessitating the development of sophisticated decision-support frameworks. This study introduces a comprehensive approach to optimizing maintenance control for industrial assets under stochastic degradation and partial observability. The framework integrates stochastic processes for degradation modeling with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis for multi-dimensional performance assessment. Maintenance interventions are governed by threshold-based strategies, where optimal service limits (Θ*) are determined through extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Furthermore, both local and global sensitivity analyses are employed to identify critical drivers of decision-making, such as failure penalties, process volatility, and maintenance efficacy. The model is extended to incorporate Digital Twin concepts, enhancing state estimation under noisy sensor data, and addresses multi-machine scenarios with resource constraints to reflect real-world operational complexities. Results indicate that failure costs and process uncertainty are the primary determinants of maintenance timing. Notably, Digital Twin integration significantly bolsters decision accuracy in the presence of measurement noise, providing a robust and scalable solution for modern manufacturing environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maintenance and Reliability Engineering: Latest Advances and Prospects)

10 pages, 207 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Non-Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Cohort Study from Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Mesud Jamaković, Armin Šljivo, Azra Durak-Nalbantić, Farid Ljuca, Mugdim Bajrić and Behija Hukeljić-Berberović

Med. Sci. 2026, 14(2), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci14020227 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and may contribute to increased coronary complexity and adverse outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data regarding its prognostic significance in Southeastern Europe remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between elevated Lp(a) levels, coronary artery disease severity, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1 and 6 months after AMI. Methods: This prospective study included 150 consecutive patients with STEMI and NSTEMI enrolled between December 2024 and August 2025. MACE was defined as a composite of overall cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular insult, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction occurrence, and new revascularization, either PCI or CABG. Results: Patients with elevated Lp(a) had significantly greater coronary disease burden, reflected by higher mean SYNTAX scores (17.3 ± 7.0 vs. 13.8 ± 7.0; p = 0.011) and a greater proportion of intermediate- and high-risk SYNTAX classifications (p = 0.016). Although the number of diseased vessels did not differ significantly, three-vessel disease was more frequent in the elevated Lp(a) group. At 1-month follow-up, overall MACE incidence was numerically higher but not statistically significant between groups. At 6 months, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was significantly increased in patients with elevated Lp(a) (27.7% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.027). Binary logistic regression demonstrated that elevated Lp(a) independently predicted 6-month MACE (OR 2.768, p = 0.011, 95% CI 1.262–6.072), but not 1-month outcomes. Conclusions: Elevated Lp(a) is associated with increased coronary artery disease severity and higher mid-term MACE risk after AMI. Full article

21 pages, 6716 KB

Open AccessArticle

Age of Ore Formation in the Ailinwudui Gold Deposit, Central Jilin, NE China: Geochronological Data and Metallogenic Insights

by Chengbao Geng, Mingxin Duan, Zhande Hou, Yanchao Cao, Zeyou Xuan, Hongqiang Zhao, Haicheng Zhang and Yongmei Zhang

Minerals 2026, 16(5), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050469 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

The Ailinwudui gold deposit is located in central Jilin Province and represents a newly discovered typical vein-type gold deposit hosted in a Paleozoic metamorphic rock series in recent years. At present, the metallogenic epoch and regional metallogenic tectonic setting of the deposit remain poorly constrained, which seriously restricts the understanding of gold metallogenic regularities and subsequent mineral exploration deployment in central Jilin. Previous studies indicate that the Ailinwudui gold deposit is a structurally controlled vein-type gold deposit. In this study, zircon U-Pb and muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geo-chronology were employed to precisely constrain the metallogenic timing of the gold mineralization. Zircon U-Pb dating yields an emplacement age of 174.7 ± 0.85 Ma for the granodiorite and a formation age of 209.5 ± 1.40 Ma for the rhyolite porphyry. Muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating yields a plateau age of 180.39 ± 1.83 Ma, which confines the gold mineralization to the Early–Middle Jurassic. Whole-rock geochemical results reveal that the granitoids in the study area are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and depleted in high-field-strength elements (HFSEs), showing typical arc-related magmatic affinities. The formation of this gold deposit is related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate during the Early–Middle Jurassic. The research results can provide important geochronological and geochemical evidence for the study of gold metallogenic mechanisms and mineral exploration in central Jilin Province. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genesis and Metallogeny of Non-Ferrous and Precious Metal Deposits, 3rd Edition)

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36 pages, 6073 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Family of Resonant Converters with Multi-Output Without Transformer, Single-Switch and High Frequency Operation: Analysis and Design Tool

by Cristian Díaz-Martín, Eladio Durán Aranda, Salvador Pérez Litrán and J. Fernando Silva

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4390; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094390 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Multi-output, single-switch, hard-switched Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) converters suffer from high switching losses, which strictly limit their power density. To significantly reduce these losses, this work proposes a novel family of non-isolated multi-output DC-DC converters based on a quasi-resonant, single-switch cell operating in the megahertz (MHz) range. Sixteen configurations are derived to enhance power density and minimize component stress. A comprehensive analysis derives the fundamental analytical expressions for operation, switching conditions, and power flow. These expressions form the basis of a design tool that facilitates parametric component selection and optimization. The developed tool calculates voltage and current stresses, alongside power losses, using RMS current analysis and user-defined parameters such as ESR and semiconductor non-idealities. Finally, experimental results from prototypes operating at approximately 1 MHz in both full-wave and half-wave modes, with step-up and step-down capabilities, confirm the accuracy of the analytical design tool and the simulation model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Power Electronics Converters in Electrical Power Systems)

24 pages, 4766 KB

Open AccessReview

Visualization Analysis of Global Trends and Hotspots in Intercropping and Crop Rotation of Medicinal Plants Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer

by Mei-Chen Zhou, Wan-Ying Guo, Zhi-Lai Zhan, Li-Ping Kang, Xiao-Lin Yang and Tie-Gui Nan

Agriculture 2026, 16(9), 988; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16090988 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Driven by increasing demand in the health and wellness industry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agriculture currently faces significant challenges related to supply–demand imbalances and continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). Intercropping and crop rotation can mitigate yield decline and environmental stress by improving microclimates and rhizosphere ecology. However, there is still a lack of bibliometric synthesis within this research area. To analyze research hotspots and evolutionary trends, 192 articles on the intercropping and crop rotation of medicinal plants were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection (1998–2025), including databases such as the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), the Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI). The results revealed a steady increase in publication volume over time. China emerged as the most prolific contributor (93 articles), while the United States occupied a pivotal position in the global collaborative network, achieving a high centrality of 0.90. Research hotspots in this field have evolved from an early emphasis on plant yield and quality toward the mechanisms for alleviating CCOs, interspecific interactions within the rhizosphere microbiome, and the ecological management of soil health. Keyword bursts indicate that “microbial community” and “carbon” have emerged as the current research frontiers. To clarify the micro-mechanisms by which intercropping and crop rotation patterns mitigate or prevent CCOs, future research should prioritize the integration of multi-omics approaches to resolve molecular interactions within the “microbe–plant–soil” nexus. Key priorities include the development of functional Synthetic Microbial Communities (SynComs) and the establishment of comprehensive evaluation systems for ecological cultivation. Furthermore, aligning these models with global climate neutrality strategies would facilitate the balance between high-quality medicinal production and ecosystem stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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18 pages, 2886 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laser-Based Polishing of Additively Manufactured PA12 and PAEK Polymer Components Using a Robotic System

by Emrah Uluz, Leander Metz, Lukas Hedwig and Sebastian Bremen

Polymers 2026, 18(9), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091106 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

A non-contact laser polishing method for additively manufactured polymer components with complex three-dimensional geometries is presented, employing a 6-axis robotic system. Robot-guided sample orientation, a quasi-top-hat scanning strategy, and closed-loop temperature control are combined to address curved geometries. On Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)-manufactured Polyamide 12 (PA12) tensile samples with three build orientations and two thicknesses, laser polishing yields up to a 15% increase in tensile strength (Rm) and a 50% increase in elongation at break (A). For 45°-built 5 mm samples, Rm increases from 31.53 MPa to 36.33 MPa and A from 6.52% to 9.8%, approaching the tensile strength reported for optimally oriented SLS-printed PA12 Smooth samples of the same grade. For convex–concave PA12 demonstrators, areal roughness (Sa) on convex surfaces is reduced from 33.6 µm to 2.7 µm (approximately 92%) and the high-pass-filtered micro-roughness (Sa_HP) on concave surfaces by 98.2% to 0.15 µm. For Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-printed Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) samples, Sa is reduced from 28.35 µm to 4.1 µm and Sa_HP from 15.98 µm to 0.23 µm (98.6%), despite the high melting temperature and anisotropic raster topography. These results demonstrate that robotic laser polishing constitutes a viable post-processing approach for functionally demanding polymer applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Processing and Engineering)

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29 pages, 34528 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Modelling of a Compact Dual-Purpose Star Tracker and Debris Detector for Small Satellites: Straylight, Thermal, and Structural

by João P. Castanheira, Beltran N. Arribas, Geraldo Rodrigues, Pedro Marinho, Rui Melicio, Miguel C. Fialho, Paulo Gordo and André R. R. Silva

Aerospace 2026, 13(5), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13050421 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

In this paper the design, modelling, and performance assessment of a miniaturised dual-purpose optical instrument for small satellites are presented. The instrument can function as a star tracker and as a space-debris detection camera. The system integrates commercial off-the-shelf components, i.e., a CMOS sensor, a processing unit and lens assembly, together with a custom three-vane optical baffle optimised for stray-light suppression. A complete numerical evaluation was conducted through optical ray-tracing, lumped-parameter thermal modelling, and structural finite-element analysis to validate the instrument prior to hardware testing. Optical simulations confirmed effective stray-light suppression and acceptable Point Source Transmission behaviour, enabling signal-to-noise ratio performance suitable for star and debris detection up to ∼5.8 mag. The resulting instrument, with a mass of approximately 172 g and dimensions of 105 mm × 52 mm × 52 mm, demonstrates a compact, low-cost, and multifunctional solution for small-sized platforms. Future work includes environmental testing and on-orbit demonstration to prepare the system for flight qualification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Space Optical Instrumentation)

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21 pages, 723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Phenology of Tubers and Accumulation of Metabolite Compounds on Two Accessions of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus L.)

by Fetti Andriyani Kurniya Ningsih, Yulia Rahmah, Youngkwan Cho and Ani Kurniawati

Cosmetics 2026, 13(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics13030108 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) is a tropical tuber crop that has potential not only as a food source but also as a natural active ingredient in the cosmetics industry. This study aims to evaluate the phenology of tuber development and the content of primary and secondary metabolites of two jicama accessions (Bogor and Kebumen) at three tuber ages (3, 4, and 5 months). The parameters observed included tuber weight, starch yield, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (% inhibition). For data analysis, we used the T-test to compare differences between accessions. The results showed that tuber weight and starch yield increased significantly up to 5 months of age, while secondary metabolite content (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity) was higher in young tubers (3–4 months). This study shows a trade-off between productivity (starch and vitamin C) and bioactive metabolite content (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidants) as the tubers age. The Bogor accession has a more stable vitamin C content, phenol levels, and antioxidant activity, while the Kebumen accession shows higher flavonoid levels in young tubers. The optimal tuber age and accession recommended to obtain a balance between productivity and secondary metabolite content is the Bogor accession at 4 months of age. This supports the potential use of jicama in the cosmetics industry as a brightening agent (vitamin C), humectant (sugar), anti-aging agent (phenols, flavonoids), and base ingredient for natural starch-based formulations. This study provides the first integrated evaluation of tuber phenology, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolite dynamics of two Indonesian jicama accessions in relation to cosmetic functionality. The results highlight a clear trade-off between productivity and bioactive compound accumulation, offering a scientific basis for selecting optimal harvest age and accession for cosmetic raw materials This study provides the first integrated evaluation of tuber phenology, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolite dynamics of two Indonesian jicama accessions in relation to cosmetic functionality. The results highlight a clear trade-off between productivity and bioactive compound accumulation, offering a scientific basis for selecting the optimal harvest age and accession for cosmetic raw materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Cosmetic Sciences: Sustainability in Materials and Processes)

18 pages, 1798 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cellulose Nanocrystals Enhance the Rheological Properties and pH-Responsiveness of Potassium Oleate Solutions

by Mikhail M. Avdeev, Vyacheslav S. Molchanov, Alexander I. Kuklin and Olga E. Philippova

Polysaccharides 2026, 7(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides7020050 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Wormlike micelles (WLMs) of surfactants with rheological properties highly responsive to pH are of growing interest for various applications. The present paper proposes an approach to enhance their rheological properties and make the pH-response more pronounced. It consists of the incorporation of a percolated network of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into the solution of entangled WLMs. To provide pH-responsiveness, potassium oleate was used as a surfactant. Rheological studies demonstrated that CNCs increase the viscosity and storage modulus by one order of magnitude. This effect was attributed to the interaction of WLMs with nanocrystals and the formation of entanglements of WLMs with percolated CNCs. Moreover, added CNCs make the pH-response stronger. The lowering of pH from 10.1 to 9.7 leads to a sharp drop in viscosity by ca. 2000 Pa·s, which is much higher than the decrease in viscosity of the WLM solution without CNCs. According to SANS data, the drop in viscosity is due to the transformation of WLMs into vesicles. It occurs as a result of the protonation of surfactant carboxylic groups decreasing surface charge on the micelles. In the presence of CNCs, the transition pH shifts to an alkaline medium, indicating that CNCs promote vesicle formation. Also, CNCs cause some of the vesicles to aggregate with each other, as follows from dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy data. Both observations suggest an interaction between CNCs and vesicles, which is supported by ITC data. These findings are valuable for the research and development of high-performing surfactant-based products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Nanocellulose and Related Polysaccharide-Based Nanomaterials in a Green Context)

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21 pages, 4499 KB

Open AccessArticle

3D Bioprinting of Blood Vessel Model for Improving Wound Healing

by Florin Iordache, Madalina Dulceanu, Alina Maria Holban, Alexandra Valentina Badaluta, Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Bogdan Amuzescu and Carmen Curutiu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(9), 4019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27094019 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Hydrogel-based stem cell therapy uses different stem cells and bioactive molecules for wound healing in the treatment of diabetes and chronic burn wounds by accelerating angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and inhibition of inflammatory responses. Artificial vessels have already been used for patients with cardiovascular diseases, but most of them are polymeric, which can cause thrombosis and restenosis. 3D bioprinting combines cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to create a setting in which cells grow and differentiate into native tissue-like structures. The current study aimed to create a model of blood vessels using collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrogel combined with endothelial and muscle progenitor cells derived from amniotic mesenchymal stem cells using 3D bioprinting. A computer-aided design (CAD) software was employed to create the 3D models of a blood vessel model and printed using a 3D bioprinter with two printheads: one with bioink encapsulating endothelial progenitor cells and the second with bioink encapsulating smooth muscle progenitor cells. The blood vessel constructs were characterized morphologically and structurally by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), immunohistochemistry, water uptake, and enzymatic degradation. Viability, proliferation, oxidative stress, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) production were assessed to demonstrate the cytocompatibility of the blood vessel constructs. Our results showed that collagen–hyaluronic acid hydrogels embedded with stem cells can be used for vascular constructs, meeting the desired requirements of biocompatibility and accuracy in reproducing the model created in the CAD software v1.0. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanobiomaterials for Medical Research: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation)

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13 pages, 474 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Quality of Life of Children and Adolescents with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret, Kenya

by Myra Maghasi Koech, Njie Albertine Enjema and Juddy Wachira

Children 2026, 13(5), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050623 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Beyond its clinical consequences, RHD adversely affects the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected children and adolescents, their families, and healthcare systems. Addressing the HRQoL of children and adolescents with RHD will contribute to strengthening patient-centered care and policy development. Objective: To determine the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease attending follow-up at the pediatric cardiology clinic of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kenya. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted between January and July 2024. A total of 171 children and adolescents aged 5–18 years were consecutively enrolled while attending follow-up at the pediatric cardiology clinic of MTRH. The EuroQol EQ-5D-Y and EQ-5D-L questionnaires were used to assess HRQoL across five domains: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Overall HRQoL was evaluated using the EQ visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) and categorized as optimal (≥80%), suboptimal (70–79%), or poor (≤70%). Results: Overall HRQoL was optimal in 70.8% (n = 121) of participants, suboptimal in 8.2% (n = 14), and poor in 21.1% (n = 36). Impaired HRQoL was significantly associated with poor self-care (95% CI: 0.066–0.853; p = 0.028), anxiety/depression (95% CI: 0.111–0.678; p = 0.005), pain/discomfort (95% CI: 0.142–0.758; p = 0.009) and missing more than five school days (95% CI: 0.109–0.584; p = 0.001). Caregiver characteristics (age, education level, and income), surgical correction, RHD-related hospital admissions, comorbidities, and Ross classification were not significantly associated with HRQoL. Conclusion: Health-related quality of life among children and adolescents with RHD was most adversely affected in the mental health and mobility domains. Routine assessment of HRQoL should be incorporated into the clinical care of children and adolescents with RHD to reduce disease-related morbidity and support holistic management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress of the Pediatric Cardiology: 4th Edition)

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20 pages, 5514 KB

Open AccessArticle

Data Provenance and Whole-Life Carbon Assessment: A Colombian Residential Building Case Study

by Nicolás Pardo, José Zelaya, Alexander Méndez, Kelly Quintero, Alejandra Rico and Luis Zapata

Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094401 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study evaluates how differences in data provenance and inventory construction influence whole-life carbon assessment (WLCA) results for a residential building in Colombia. Two scenarios were assessed: Scenario A, based on contractor records (building Company Z) and the public utility supplier; and Scenario B, based on drawing-derived quantity take-offs and a Colombian regulatory energy baseline (Resolution 0549 of 2015). The assessment follows UNE-EN 15978 and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) WLCA for modules A1–A3, A4–A5, and B6. Scenario B reached 784.4 kg CO₂e/m², which is 37.9% higher than Scenario A. In the product stage, impacts increased from 298.1 to 332.6 kg CO₂e/m², while in the operational energy stage they increased from 246.2 to 426.2 kg CO₂e/m². The results show that WLCA outcomes are highly sensitive to data provenance, reporting gaps, and baseline selection, underscoring the need for stronger data governance and more traceable environmental reporting practices in building assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Management)

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26 pages, 1729 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criteria Rotary System for Quality Control and Classification of Eggs into Categories

by Jakhfer Alikhanov, Aidar Moldazhanov, Akmaral Kulmakhambetova, Dmitriy Zinchenko, Tsvetelina Georgieva, Eleonora Nedelcheva and Plamen Daskalov

AgriEngineering 2026, 8(5), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8050171 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This article presents methods and hardware for the multi-criteria non-destructive determination of chicken egg quality parameters, implemented using a multifunctional rotary system. Unlike traditional single-criteria sorting, which relies primarily on weight, the proposed approach utilizes a combination of physical and geometric parameters, including weight, linear dimensions, cross-sectional area and perimeter, volume, density, and shape. The experimental framework for the study was formed by measuring the parameters of 750 chicken eggs, covering the entire range of product categories and morphological variations. Geometric parameters were determined using machine vision methods, weight was determined using a strain gauge, and derived parameters were calculated using formalized models. A multi-criteria evaluation algorithm based on fuzzy set theory was used to make the classification decision, accounting for overlapping feature ranges and regulatory differences between EU and EAEU standards. The results of statistical and correlation analysis showed that egg density is identified as a relatively independent diagnostic parameter, weakly correlated with weight and geometric characteristics, justifying its inclusion in the quality model. A comparison of manual and automatic classification revealed differences in boundary categories during single-criteria sorting and indicated the potential of a multi-criteria approach. The obtained results support the feasibility of the developed methods and hardware under the conditions of the present study. Full article

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18 pages, 13444 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pomegranate Leaf Extract as a Source of Bioactive Compounds for Edible Coatings Applied to Strawberry Postharvest Preservation

by Daniela de Almeida Carrea, Farayde Matta Fakhouri, Fabricio Luiz Tulini, José Ignacio Velasco and Carmen Sílvia Favaro-Trindade

Polymers 2026, 18(9), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18091100 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the use of aqueous pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) leaf extracts as a source of bioactive compounds in edible coatings for strawberry postharvest preservation. Extraction conditions were evaluated by varying solid-to-solvent ratio, temperature, and time, using total phenolic content (TPC) as the response variable. Response surface analysis indicated that the best predicted extraction conditions within the studied range were 1:50 (w/v), 57.36 °C, and 25 min. Among the evaluated treatments, extract C503 (1:50 (w/v), 50 °C, and 25 min) showed the highest experimental TPC (474.62 ± 21.69 mg GAE/g DM) and was selected for further characterization. This extract also showed high antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 7085 ± 72.0 µM FeSO₄/g; ABTS: 4921 ± 149.0 µM Trolox/g) and antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. When incorporated into gelatin- and starch-based edible coatings and applied to strawberries, both coatings reduced mass loss and delayed deterioration during nine days of storage at room temperature. At the end of storage, mass loss was reduced by approximately 25% with the gelatin-based coating and 11% with the starch-based coating. These results support aqueous pomegranate leaf extract as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable edible coatings to improve strawberry preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers for Food Packaging Applications)

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