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Search Results (2,632)

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20 pages, 3714 KB  
Article
Electrochemical and Computational Studies Show That Vitamin C Assists Resveratrol, Piceatannol and Oxyresveratrol in Superoxide Scavenging, Suggesting a Superoxide Dismutase Mechanism
by Francesco Caruso, Taylor S. Teitsworth, Raiyan Sakib, Alessio Caruso, Stuart Belli and Miriam Rossi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(13), 5691; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27135691 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
In this study, we combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate a density functional theory (DFT)-derived mechanism for superoxide scavenging by resveratrol, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol. Using rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) hydrodynamic voltammetry, the superoxide radicals are generated in situ, allowing direct measurement [...] Read more.
In this study, we combine experimental and computational approaches to elucidate a density functional theory (DFT)-derived mechanism for superoxide scavenging by resveratrol, piceatannol, and oxyresveratrol. Using rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) hydrodynamic voltammetry, the superoxide radicals are generated in situ, allowing direct measurement of antioxidant activity. Data show that the catechol-containing piceatannol is approximately four times more active than resveratrol, while resveratrol and oxyresveratrol exhibit similar efficiencies, indicating that the additional 2′-OH group in oxyresveratrol has minimal impact. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) facilitates scavenging by acting as a proton donor for resveratrol, piceatannol, and 4′-OH oxyresveratrol, but it is unable to deprotonate the 2′OH group of oxyresveratrol. The experimental results suggest a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like mechanism, obtained from energetically feasible DFT calculations, in which these stilbenes convert two superoxide anions into H2O2 and O2, helped by vitamin C. Mechanistically, the first superoxide is reduced by abstracting a hydroxyl-group hydrogen atom, while the second undergoes oxidation via π–π interaction with the aromatic system, releasing O2. Notably, resveratrol can be regenerated through a catalytic cycle involving vitamin C. These data underscore the SOD-mimicking properties of dietary polyphenols and suggest a need to reevaluate resveratrol’s clinical utility regardless of its low bioavailability. Full article
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24 pages, 2253 KB  
Article
Quantum-Inspired Semantic Encoding and Temporal Transformer Fusion (QuST-TF) for Misinformation Detection
by Krishna Kumar and Akila Venkatesan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(13), 6338; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16136338 (registering DOI) - 24 Jun 2026
Abstract
Misinformation propagates more rapidly than factual content on social media, presenting significant challenges for automated misinformation detection. Existing approaches often focus solely on textual features without incorporating temporal information, treat timing and propagation as separate factors, or apply quantum-inspired methods primarily to multimodal [...] Read more.
Misinformation propagates more rapidly than factual content on social media, presenting significant challenges for automated misinformation detection. Existing approaches often focus solely on textual features without incorporating temporal information, treat timing and propagation as separate factors, or apply quantum-inspired methods primarily to multimodal data rather than text-centric misinformation. This study introduces QuST-TF (Quantum-inspired Semantic encoding and Temporal Transformer Fusion), a unified model designed to detect misinformation in tweets and news articles. QuST-TF integrates quantum-inspired (classical approximation) amplitude encoding, time-aware Transformer fusion, and propagation graph attention based on engagement data, without reliance on images, audio, or quantum hardware. Performance gains are achieved through quantum-inspired (classical approximation) nonlinear angular modulation (cosine and sine rotations) implemented via classical computation, rather than genuine quantum computing. All computations utilize classical Dense layers, Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) activations, and cosine/sine functions on CPUs or GPUs; quantum hardware is not required. The quantum-inspired (classical approximation) layer applies classical rotation-based transformations to enrich the semantic representation of BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations and Transformer) embeddings. Temporal information is captured by a dual-attention Transformer encoder, while propagation graph attention monitors the spread of claims. Evaluation on FakeNewsNet and PHEME datasets demonstrates 91.4% and 95.5% accuracy, respectively, with 34% fewer trainable parameters compared to standard Transformers. Ablation studies indicate that quantum encoding is the most influential component (+3.0% versus without quantum encoding), surpassing the contributions of graph attention (+2.6%) and temporal attention (+2.2%). The integration of all three components yields a 1.3% synergistic improvement, confirming effective inter-module collaboration. Attention visualization enhances interpretability, supporting the utility of QuST-TF for fact-checking applications. Full article
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18 pages, 3272 KB  
Article
Influence of Roughness of Copper Coatings on the Cathodic Reduction of Nitrate Under Mixed Diffusion–Kinetic Control
by Oleg Kozaderov, Frol Vdovenkov and Pavel Tarakanov
Electrochem 2026, 7(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/electrochem7020016 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 123
Abstract
The morphological and structural state of rough solid electrodes usually has a complex effect on the kinetics of an electrochemical process. In order to correctly distinguish the influence of different factors on the rate of an electrode reaction, it is necessary to first [...] Read more.
The morphological and structural state of rough solid electrodes usually has a complex effect on the kinetics of an electrochemical process. In order to correctly distinguish the influence of different factors on the rate of an electrode reaction, it is necessary to first separate a purely geometric current rise caused by the surface area increase. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that surface roughness itself often not only leads to a geometric rise in the electrode area, but also contributes to a change in the kinetic parameters of the electrochemical process. As a consequence, the conclusion regarding an electrocatalytic effect will be reasonable only if the roughness effect is correctly taken into account. The most difficult problem is to establish the role of roughness when experimental electrochemical data are obtained under mixed diffusion–kinetic control of the electrode process. However, the use of appropriate theoretical approaches is required to correctly determine the kinetic characteristics of the electrochemical stage, i.e., of the charge transfer stage. This paper establishes the influence of the morphology and structure of electrodeposited copper coatings on the kinetics of the cathodic reduction of nitrate ion, which occurs in a mixed diffusion–kinetic mode, using the theoretical model of chronoamperometry of an electrochemical process on a rough electrode developed earlier by the authors. Several Cu-electrodes with roughness and structure, the parameters of which vary widely enough, were obtained by cathodic deposition from sulfate solutions of different compositions. The integral (roughness factor) and local (average roughness) characteristics of the surface morphology were determined by methods of underpotential deposition and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Structural investigation of the electrodeposited coatings was carried out by X-ray diffraction to determine their crystallographic structure and average crystallite size. The methods of voltammetry and a rotating disk electrode revealed the mixed kinetics of the electroreduction of NO3 ions. The kinetic parameters of the charge transfer stage on the copper coatings with a roughness factor of fr ≤ 3.5 are determined for the first time in this paper by treatment of the experimental current decay curves with the non-linear theoretical equation obtained by the authors for the chronoamperogram of the process on rough electrodes. It was found that the rate constant of the charge transfer stage and the exchange current density of the nitrate ion electroreduction increase by about 50%, with an increase in the average surface roughness from 25 to 120 nm. Considering that this effect is not caused by a purely geometric increase in the true surface area of the electrode, and that the average crystallite size is approximately the same (25 ± 2 nm) for all investigated coatings, it can be concluded that the electrocatalytic activity of copper increases in the reaction of the cathodic reduction of nitrate ions during the transition to copper electrodes with the higher average surface roughness. Taking into account XRD data, the role of the structural and morphological state in the kinetics of the electroreduction of nitrate ions has been established. The smoothest polycrystalline coating was found to be the least electrocatalytically active in this reaction. On the contrary, the roughest coatings with the most prominent plane (220) show the highest activity, which increases with increasing average roughness, possibly due to the growth of defects and excess energy of such curved surfaces. Full article
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20 pages, 5463 KB  
Article
Associations Between Lower Extremity Myotonic Properties, Strength, and Balance in American Football Players: An Exploratory LASSO-Based Study
by Derya Azim, Ömer Özer, Ahmet Kurtoğlu and Safaa M. Elkholi
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(12), 4842; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15124842 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 78
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Evidence on the role of muscle mechanical (myotonic) properties in athletic performance remains limited in young adult and sub-elite populations, particularly in American football, and sex-specific patterns of association are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the associations between lower [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Evidence on the role of muscle mechanical (myotonic) properties in athletic performance remains limited in young adult and sub-elite populations, particularly in American football, and sex-specific patterns of association are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the associations between lower extremity myotonic properties and performance outcomes (strength and balance) in American football athletes, with a specific focus on sex-related differences and candidate predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented involving 35 American football athletes (17 female, 18 male). Lower extremity muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity were assessed using MyotonPRO. Strength parameters (lower limb, handgrip, back, and shoulder internal rotation) and balance performance (static and dynamic under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions) were evaluated using standardized measurement protocols. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine bivariate associations, followed by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to determine candidate predictors while addressing multicollinearity. Results: Male athletes exhibited significantly greater height, body mass, and BMI (p < 0.001), alongside elevated myotonic values compared to females. Correlation analyses indicated distinct sex-specific association patterns between myotonic properties and performance metrics. LASSO regression revealed a distinct sex-specific divergence in strength prediction: female strength was predominantly driven by proximal musculature (quadriceps and hamstring elasticity/stiffness), whereas male strength was anchored by distal musculature (gastrocnemius tone/stiffness). Furthermore, rigorous penalization shrunk nearly all balance coefficients to zero in both sexes, indicating that resting myotonic properties do not independently predict dynamic or static postural control. Conclusions: While lower extremity myotonic properties are candidate predictors of multi-regional strength via sex-specific proximal and distal strategies, they do not independently predict balance performance, suggesting postural control relies primarily on active motor recruitment rather than passive resting mechanics. Given the cross-sectional design of this study, causal inferences cannot be drawn, and these findings should be interpreted accordingly. The observed sex-specific differences may support consideration of individualized, sex-informed training strategies in American football athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Physical Therapy)
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27 pages, 8903 KB  
Article
Grazed Pasture Effects on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Global Warming Potential Estimates in the Ozark Highlands, USA
by Tyler Buchanan, Kristofor Brye, Diego Della Lunga, Will Dockery, Mike Daniels, Samantha Robinson and Bronc Finch
Climate 2026, 14(6), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli14060131 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Grazing lands are foundational for the United States (US) livestock industry. In Arkansas, pastures are essential for rotational grazing and dairy operations. Climate change is an increasing concern in agriculture due to anthropogenic activities promoting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, partly due to nutrient [...] Read more.
Grazing lands are foundational for the United States (US) livestock industry. In Arkansas, pastures are essential for rotational grazing and dairy operations. Climate change is an increasing concern in agriculture due to anthropogenic activities promoting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, partly due to nutrient recycling that occurs from animal manure additions. The objective of this study was to quantify and evaluate the potential effects of grazing method (i.e., enhanced grazed (EG) and minimally grazed (MG))on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes, season-long emissions, and global warming potential (GWP) over two consecutive growing seasons (i.e., 2024 and 2025) in the Ozark Highlands region of northwest Arkansas. In 2024, averaged over time, the CO2 flux from the EG (880 mg m−2 h−1) was greater (p ≤ 0.05) than from the MG (687 mg m−2 h−1) treatment. Averaged across grazing treatment, season-long CO2 emissions and GWP were at least 1.8 times greater (p ≤ 0.05) in 2025 than 2024, while season-long CH4 emissions were 4.6 times greater (p ≤ 0.05) in 2024 than 2025. Averaged across year, season-long N2O emissions were greater (p ≤ 0.05) from the EG (1.6 kg ha−1) than from the MG (0.38 kg ha−1) treatment. Two-year-cumulative, season-long CH4 and N2O emissions and GWP from only CH4 and N2O were greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the EG compared to the MG treatment. Considering the large land area devoted to various agricultural grazing operations throughout the US, understanding the magnitude of GHG emissions from different grazing strategies will contribute to improving GHG mitigation efforts in managed grazing lands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Adaptation and Mitigation Practices and Frameworks)
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25 pages, 19868 KB  
Article
Development of a Gravity Mixer for Energy-Efficient Mixing of Sapropel and Organic Fertilizers
by Tokhtar Abilzhanuly, Daniyar Abilzhanov, Marat Aldabergenov, Nursultan Orynbayev, Sergey Sakhnov, Olzhas Seipataliyev and Dauren Kosherbay
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6239; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126239 (registering DOI) - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 155
Abstract
The high energy consumption of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements necessitates the development of more efficient technologies for mixing bulk materials and feed mixtures. This study presents a gravity-driven mixing approach based on the rotation of an inclined cylindrical chamber, eliminating [...] Read more.
The high energy consumption of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements necessitates the development of more efficient technologies for mixing bulk materials and feed mixtures. This study presents a gravity-driven mixing approach based on the rotation of an inclined cylindrical chamber, eliminating the need for active mixing elements. During chamber rotation, the mixture components move toward both end walls while simultaneously undergoing a circular motion along the inner cylindrical surface. This movement intensifies the mixing process and reduces energy consumption, thereby providing an energy-efficient gravity-based mixing approach that operates without active mixing elements. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the key physical and mechanical properties of the sapropel, organic fertilizer, and compound feed (formulation K-60-1). The measured values were as follows: velocity on an inclined steel surface, 0.65–1.21 m/s; coefficient of friction, 0.40–0.91; bulk density, 453–1166 kg/m3; and angle of repose, 36–39°. The experimental results confirmed the validity and adequacy of the developed analytical relationships. A structural and technological design of the gravity mixer was developed, and an experimental prototype was manufactured. Analytical relationships were obtained to determine the critical rotational speed of the chamber, particle movement velocity, and the power required for the mixing process. Under optimal operating conditions, the mixture uniformity reached 95.7% after 4 min of mixing. The mixer productivity was 0.95 t/h, while the specific energy consumption was 0.5 kWh/t, which is 2.5 times lower than that of conventional mixers equipped with active mixing elements. The obtained results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed gravity-based mixing method for the preparation of feed and organomineral mixtures under the operating conditions of small-scale farms. Full article
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20 pages, 10857 KB  
Article
Intra-Rater, Inter-Rater, and Test–Retest Reliability of a Laser- and Inclinometer-Based Hip Joint Position Sense Test in Healthy Adults: A Two-Phase Study with Preliminary Reference Values
by Joévin Burnel, Benoit Vallee, Benoit Pairot de Fontenay and Joachim Van Cant
Muscles 2026, 5(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/muscles5020045 (registering DOI) - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 123
Abstract
Hip joint position sense (JPS), a key component of neuromuscular function arising from muscle spindle and periarticular mechanoreceptor input, remains underexplored, with no standardized and reliable clinical protocol available to assess hip proprioception. This study evaluated the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a [...] Read more.
Hip joint position sense (JPS), a key component of neuromuscular function arising from muscle spindle and periarticular mechanoreceptor input, remains underexplored, with no standardized and reliable clinical protocol available to assess hip proprioception. This study evaluated the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a laser- and inclinometer-based active hip JPS protocol and established preliminary references in healthy adults. A two-phase reliability study was conducted in accordance with GRRAS and COSMIN guidelines: 17 participants for reliability analyses and 57 for preliminary references. Six movement directions were assessed (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotations). Reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients with their 95% confidence intervals, using two-way random-effects models with absolute agreement (ICC(3,1) for intra-rater and ICC(2,1) for inter-rater analyses), interpreted as poor (<0.50), moderate (0.50–0.70), or good (≥0.70). Absolute measurement error was reported as standard error of measurement (SEM%) and 95% minimal detectable change (MDC95%), normalized to target amplitudes to allow direct cross-direction comparison. Intra-rater reliability ranged from poor to moderate, with experienced raters reaching ICC = 0.64 (95% CI [0.39; 0.80]) for medial rotation. Inter-rater reliability improved across sessions, peaking for medial rotation (ICC = 0.78; 95% CI [0.50; 0.91]). Rotational movements yielded the lowest SEM% (3–6%), indicating high measurement precision despite trial-to-trial variability (MDC% 9–31%). Normative errors were largest in flexion (21.4 cm) and smallest in rotations (≈2.2–2.3°). Despite overall low-to-moderate reliability, the protocol achieved clinically acceptable measurement precision (SEM% < 10%) for rotational tasks, whereas the laser-based sagittal and frontal-plane components remained exploratory. The protocol provides preliminary reference values for hip JPS in healthy adults and requires further validation before clinical use. Full article
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17 pages, 1872 KB  
Article
Hydrodynamic Intensification of PFAS Adsorption: Comparative Evaluation of Rotating Bed Reactor, Batch, and Column Systems Using Granular Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange Resin
by Sajjad Hazrati, Sandric Roué, Jurate Kumpiene and Ivan Carabante
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121989 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 188
Abstract
Despite advances in reactor-based process intensification, the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on PFAS removal remains poorly understood. In particular, rotating bed reactors (RBRs), which are designed to enhance mass transfer, have not been systematically evaluated for PFAS removal or compared with conventional batch [...] Read more.
Despite advances in reactor-based process intensification, the influence of hydrodynamic conditions on PFAS removal remains poorly understood. In particular, rotating bed reactors (RBRs), which are designed to enhance mass transfer, have not been systematically evaluated for PFAS removal or compared with conventional batch and fixed-bed column systems. This lack of comparative understanding limits the ability to assess their practical relevance for PFAS remediation. In this study, PFAS removal was investigated under intensified hydrodynamic conditions using an RBR and compared with batch and small-scale column systems with special focus on short-chain PFAS compounds. The RBR significantly enhanced adsorption kinetics, with pseudo-first-order rate constants increasing by 3 to 16-fold across PFAS, particularly for short-chain PFAS. For instance, PFBA exhibited near-complete removal within 12 h in the RBR, whereas only ~50% removal was achieved in batch conditions. However, faster kinetics did not translate into superior long-term breakthrough performance compared to the column treatment system. After 50 treatment cycles using ion exchange resin, PFBA reached approximately 40% C/C0 in the RBR, while the column system maintained C/C0 below 5%; similar trends were observed for PFPeA (15% vs. ~0.5%) and PFHxA (6.2% vs. ~0.2%). These findings reveal a fundamental trade-off between kinetic intensification and long-term treatment performance. The results highlight distinct design roles, with RBR systems enabling rapid and intensified treatment (e.g., staged or parallel configurations), while conventional column systems perform better for continuous operation and compliance control in PFAS remediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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14 pages, 2687 KB  
Article
Effects of Cervical and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Head Posture and Muscle Activity in Individuals with Cervical Extension Type: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Qiu-Shuo Tian, Meng-Jun Hu, Xin Yan and Tae-Ho Kim
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 6163; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16126163 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Background: Cervical extension type is commonly associated with forward head posture and altered cervical and scapular muscle activity. However, the comparative effects of cervical stabilization exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises or thoracic exercises remain unclear. Objective: In this study, we aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Cervical extension type is commonly associated with forward head posture and altered cervical and scapular muscle activity. However, the comparative effects of cervical stabilization exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises or thoracic exercises remain unclear. Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of cervical stabilization exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises and cervical stabilization exercises combined with thoracic exercises on head posture and muscle activity in individuals with cervical extension type. Methods: Thirty-two university students with cervical extension deformity were randomly assigned to either a cervical spine stabilization combined with scapular stabilization training group or a cervical spine stabilization combined with thoracic spine training group. Baseline demographic and anthropometric characteristics, including sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index, were comparable between the groups. Both groups received a 4-week intervention consisting of stretching, strengthening, and postural correction exercises, performed three times per week. Head posture was assessed using the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and cranial rotation angle (CRA), and the muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) was measured using surface electromyography. Paired t-tests and two-way repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant differences were observed in the general characteristics between the two groups at baseline. After the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in CVA and CRA compared with baseline. Compared with the CTG, the CSG showed significantly greater reductions in SCM and UT activity and significantly greater increases in LT and SA activity. Significant time effects and group-by-time interaction effects were identified for selected head posture and muscle activity variables. Conclusion: Cervical stabilization exercises combined with scapular stabilization exercises may be more effective than cervical stabilization exercises combined with thoracic exercises in improving head posture and optimizing neck and scapular muscle activity in individuals with cervical extension type. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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29 pages, 12446 KB  
Review
Alfalfa as a Biological Nitrogen Source and Biofertilizer Component in Sustainable Horticultural Production Systems
by Vladimir Filipović, Elmira Saljnikov, Snežana Dimitrijević, Ljubica Šarčević-Todosijević, Vera Popović, Aleksandar Miletić, Jelena Golijan Pantović, Aleksandra Stanojković-Sebić and Vladan Ugrenović
Horticulturae 2026, 12(6), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12060740 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 573
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is widely recognized as a major forage crop, yet its role as a multifunctional biological input in sustainable horticultural production remains underexplored. This review evaluates alfalfa as a biological nitrogen source, organic fertilization resource, and biofertilizer-supporting crop within [...] Read more.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is widely recognized as a major forage crop, yet its role as a multifunctional biological input in sustainable horticultural production remains underexplored. This review evaluates alfalfa as a biological nitrogen source, organic fertilization resource, and biofertilizer-supporting crop within vegetable, medicinal, and perennial horticultural systems. Due to its high capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, alfalfa can supply substantial amounts of plant-available nitrogen, reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers and supporting environmentally sound nutrient management. When used as green manure, cover crop, intercrop, mulch source, compost feedstock, or processed organic fertilizer, alfalfa enhances the soil organic carbon (SOC), improves soil structure, and increases the water-holding capacity properties particularly critical in intensive horticultural production. Higher SOC levels also contribute to the improved tolerance of horticultural crops to drought and heat stress through enhanced soil moisture retention and rhizosphere buffering. Alfalfa-based organic inputs stimulate rhizosphere microbial biomass, enzymatic activity, and functional genes associated with nitrogen cycling, strengthening plant–microbe interactions that underpin biofertilizer effectiveness. Evidence from vegetable and perennial systems indicates that alfalfa-derived amendments and rotations increase soil nitrogen availability, support yield stability, and improve soil health over the long-term. In orchards and vineyards, alfalfa cover cropping contributes to carbon sequestration, erosion control, and enhanced soil biological functioning. Overall, alfalfa emerges as a strategic species for integrating organic fertilization and biofertilizer-based approaches into modern horticultural systems, supporting reduced mineral fertilizer inputs while sustaining productivity, soil health, and environmental quality. Full article
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18 pages, 1495 KB  
Article
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Arabic Bernese Motive and Goal Inventory (Ar-BMZI) in Physical Health: A General Population Study Among Adults
by Nasser M. AbuDujain, Nawwaf N. Alharbi, Omar S. Alobaysi, Ariam M. Almsari, Mohammed K. Alqifari, Joud S. Almutairi, Khalid F. Alsadhan, Turky H. Almigbal and Abdulaziz Z. Alomar
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121750 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 182
Abstract
Background/aim: Physical inactivity remains widespread globally, with most adults not achieving recommended physical activity levels. Exercise motives and goals, central to Self-Determination Theory, strongly influence sustained participation. The Bernese Motive and Goal Inventory (BMZI) is a validated tool to assess exercise motivation; [...] Read more.
Background/aim: Physical inactivity remains widespread globally, with most adults not achieving recommended physical activity levels. Exercise motives and goals, central to Self-Determination Theory, strongly influence sustained participation. The Bernese Motive and Goal Inventory (BMZI) is a validated tool to assess exercise motivation; however, no Arabic version exists. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the BMZI for Arabic-speaking adults. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between September and October 2025 among native Arabic-speaking adults via social media and community networks. The survey included sociodemographic data, the Arabic version of the Bernese Motive and Goal Inventory (Ar-BMZI), the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS), and the SF-12 Health Survey. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and ICC for test–retest consistency; construct validity via exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis; and convergent validity by correlating Ar-BMZI with the Arabic-SMS and Arabic-SF-12 physical component. Results: A total of 680 participants were included, with a mean age of 30.4 ± 12.9 years. Most were female (61.6%) and held a bachelor’s degree (73.5%). Nearly half (50.9%) reported a low monthly income. The Ar-BMZI demonstrated strong overall psychometric performance. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.883; ω = 0.868), and test–retest reliability indicated high stability over time (ICC = 0.870, 95% CI = 0.786–0.933). Convergent validity was supported by a moderate correlation with the Arabic Sport Motivation Scale (r = 0.613, p < 0.001) and a weak correlation with the SF-12 physical health domain (r = 0.098, p = 0.011), which supported discriminant validity. Exploratory principal component analysis with Varimax rotation identified a five-factor structure explaining 69.2% of the total variance, and confirmatory factor analysis further supported this structure, demonstrating an excellent model fit. Conclusions: The Ar-BMZI demonstrates high reliability and good validity, supporting its use among Arabic-speaking adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health and Psychosocial Well-being)
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29 pages, 4368 KB  
Article
Effects of a 6-Week Hip and Ankle Mobility-Based Rehabilitation Program on Clinical, Neuromuscular, and Functional Outcomes in Male Collegiate Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Hengquan Xu, Zhaozhi Feng, Yue Dou and Gang Wang
Life 2026, 16(6), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16061013 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 240
Abstract
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) in athletes is associated with lower-limb kinetic-chain constraints, yet rehabilitation strategies targeting both hip and ankle mobility remain insufficiently examined. This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week hip and ankle mobility-based rehabilitation program in male collegiate [...] Read more.
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) in athletes is associated with lower-limb kinetic-chain constraints, yet rehabilitation strategies targeting both hip and ankle mobility remain insufficiently examined. This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week hip and ankle mobility-based rehabilitation program in male collegiate athletes with PFP. Forty-eight participants were assigned using computer-generated 1:1 randomization to an intervention group (n = 24) or a control group (n = 24). The intervention group completed supervised hip and ankle mobility rehabilitation three times weekly, whereas the control group maintained regular sport-specific training only. Co-primary outcomes were pain intensity assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) and knee-related function assessed using the Kujala score. Secondary outcomes included hip rotation range of motion, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion, vastus medialis–vastus lateralis (VM–VL) onset timing, Y-Balance Test (YBT) composite score, and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. Significant group × time interactions favored the intervention group for VAS (p < 0.0001; partial η2 = 0.436; change difference: −1.54 cm; 95% CI: −2.06 to −1.02) and Kujala score (p < 0.0001; partial η2 = 0.285; change difference: 8.00 points; 95% CI: 4.24 to 11.76). Significant interactions were also observed for hip internal and external rotation range of motion, weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion, VM–VL onset timing during a controlled squat task, and YBT composite score (all p ≤ 0.0405; partial η2 = 0.088–0.374). No significant group × time interaction was observed for CMJ height (p = 0.0511; partial η2 = 0.080). These findings suggest that, compared with regular sport-specific training alone, adding a supervised hip and ankle mobility-based rehabilitation program may improve pain, knee-related function, targeted mobility outcomes, VM–VL onset timing during a controlled squat task, and dynamic balance in the short term. However, because the control group did not receive an active or attention-matched intervention, these findings should be interpreted as the added effect of the supervised rehabilitation program rather than as definitive evidence of mobility-specific treatment effects. In addition, because patellar tracking, knee kinematics, joint kinetics, and patellofemoral joint loading were not directly measured, the findings should be interpreted as clinical and functional outcome changes rather than direct evidence of a confirmed biomechanical mechanism. Trial registration: NCT07542236. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Biomechanics, Injury, and Physiotherapy)
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19 pages, 2312 KB  
Article
CFD Modeling of Rotational Speed Effects on Thermal Behavior and Temperature Excursion Minimization in Large Type IV Polymer Composite Hydrogen Storage Tanks
by Mehmet Akif Kartal and Dudu Mertgenç Yoldaş
Polymers 2026, 18(12), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18121499 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 242
Abstract
During fast-fill, large type IV polymer composite hydrogen storage tanks experience significant temperature gradients associated with both the compression of the gas and a Joule–Thomson effect that can compromise vessel integrity, significantly affecting overall safety. In order to remedy this concern, the current [...] Read more.
During fast-fill, large type IV polymer composite hydrogen storage tanks experience significant temperature gradients associated with both the compression of the gas and a Joule–Thomson effect that can compromise vessel integrity, significantly affecting overall safety. In order to remedy this concern, the current work proposes a novel active mixing approach in which the tank rotates, which leads to enhanced internal convective heat transfer and consequently minimizes temperature gradients. Transient CF simulations were performed using the Redlich–Kwong real-gas equation of state, capturing the high-pressure thermodynamic behavior of hydrogen precisely. The study, based on the 1000 s fast-refueling of a tank of 20.56 m3 internal volume, was carried out to assess the tangential speeds of rotation at 10, 30, and 50 rad/s, respectively. Results also show that thermal performance has a strongly nonlinear dependence on rotational speed. At 10 rad/s, a reasonably even temperature profile develops with a much lower energy cost. The most significant suppression of peak temperatures, and therefore the most efficient cooling, is seen at 30 rad/s. Nevertheless, when the rotation speed further elevates to 50 rad/s, abundant viscous dissipation heating results in an unwanted secondary temperature increase while partially counteracting the benefits brought about by improved mixing. On the whole, the results indicate that an ideal operating window more closely correlated with 30 rads/s is seen to provide the most beneficial compromise between temperature uniformity, maximum temperature limitation, and energy consumption for rapid refueling of large composite hydrogen storage systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling of Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 1592 KB  
Article
New Cytotoxic Anthraquinone Derivatives from a Deep-Sea-Derived Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41331
by Ziyi Wu, Zehan Zheng, Weimao Zhong, Qianting Jiang, Mengjing Cong, Haozhe Zhang, Fazuo Wang, Yonghong Liu, Hailiang Hu and Junfeng Wang
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(6), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24060214 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 268
Abstract
Two new anthraquinone derivatives, (±)-1′-O-methyl-6-chloroaverantin (1a and 1b) and 6-chloroaverythrin (2), and one new diphenyl ether 1-((E)-but-2-en-2-yl)-3,8-dihydroxy-6-((E)-4-hydroxybut-2-en-2-yl)-4,9-dimethyl-11H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxepin-11-one (3), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus [...] Read more.
Two new anthraquinone derivatives, (±)-1′-O-methyl-6-chloroaverantin (1a and 1b) and 6-chloroaverythrin (2), and one new diphenyl ether 1-((E)-but-2-en-2-yl)-3,8-dihydroxy-6-((E)-4-hydroxybut-2-en-2-yl)-4,9-dimethyl-11H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]dioxepin-11-one (3), along with six known compounds, were isolated from the fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO 41331 collected from the deep-sea sediment in the cold-seep area of the South China Sea. Elucidation of planar structures was achieved via 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry, whereas stereochemistry was validated through optical rotation and NOE correlations, chiral phase HPLC analysis and NMR calculation. All compounds were assessed for antitumor activity, among which compound 4 displayed moderate antiproliferative activity against HT29 cells and suppressed colony expansion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biotechnology Related to Drug Discovery or Production)
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20 pages, 4030 KB  
Article
Legacy Effects of 32 Years of Tillage and Crop Diversification on Soil Biological Activity in Paraguay
by Carlos Alcides Villalba Algarin, Marcos Fabian Sanabria Franco, Alodia Concepción González and José Lavres
Soil Syst. 2026, 10(6), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10060066 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Soil biological activity integrates microbial processes involved in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, yet its long-term response under agricultural systems in Paraguay remains poorly documented. This study evaluated soil biological activity in a 32-year field experiment in the Eastern Region of Paraguay, [...] Read more.
Soil biological activity integrates microbial processes involved in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, yet its long-term response under agricultural systems in Paraguay remains poorly documented. This study evaluated soil biological activity in a 32-year field experiment in the Eastern Region of Paraguay, comparing cropping systems differing in tillage intensity and crop rotation diversification. Soil samples from the 0–20 cm layer were analyzed for microbial biomass carbon (MBC), β-glucosidase (BG), urease (URE), acid phosphatase (AP), arylsulfatase (ARS), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and pH. Our results revealed that BG, URE, and AP increased under no-tillage, particularly in the most diversified no-tillage rotation, with 71%, 90%, and 51% higher activities, respectively, than conventional tillage. MBC and ARS were not significantly affected by cropping systems. Principal component analysis, Spearman correlations, and Mantel analysis indicated that enzymatic responses were associated with SOC, TN, P, S, and pH, linking soil biological activity with chemical attributes related to nutrient cycling. These findings show that diversified no-tillage strengthens soil biological functioning under representative Paraguayan grain-production conditions, providing long-term local evidence to guide soil-health management, crop diversification strategies, and more sustainable agricultural systems in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Soil Quality: Monitoring Attributes and Productivity)
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