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25 pages, 9044 KB  
Article
Microstructural Evolution and ISO-Based Weld Quality in MAG and Laser Welding of HC420LA Steel Under Different Heat Inputs
by Cemil Kobak and Arzum Işıtan
Crystals 2026, 16(7), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst16070461 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
In this study, HC420LA steel plates joined by gas metal arc welding (MAG), manual laser welding (ML), and robotic laser welding (RL) were comparatively examined under heat input (HI) levels obtained from an active production line exhibiting weld defects. The effect of HI [...] Read more.
In this study, HC420LA steel plates joined by gas metal arc welding (MAG), manual laser welding (ML), and robotic laser welding (RL) were comparatively examined under heat input (HI) levels obtained from an active production line exhibiting weld defects. The effect of HI and welding method on mechanical properties, microstructural evolution, phase characteristics, and weld integrity was evaluated using tensile and hardness tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Weld imperfections were evaluated according to ISO 5817:2023(E) for MAG welds and BS EN ISO 13919-1:2019 for laser welds, and the corresponding quality levels were determined. The highest tensile strength (568 MPa) and elongation (23%) were achieved in RL welds at the lowest HI value (0.108 kJ/mm), with fracture occurring outside the weld region, indicating superior joint integrity and mechanical compatibility with the base metal. In contrast, MAG and ML welds exhibited a non-linear relationship between HI and ductility and tensile strength. ML welds showed higher hardness and reduced ductility due to the formation of harder transformation products, while MAG welds demonstrated a non-linear response associated with heat-affected zone (HAZ) coarsening. Heterogeneous phase distribution XRD analysis confirmed the presence of α-Fe-based phases and secondary alloyed structures, while EDS analyses revealed a relatively homogeneous distribution of the principal alloying elements within the weld regions and provided supporting evidence for the Mn3O4 oxide phase identified in the RL welds. SEM observations further demonstrated distinct microstructural transitions across the fusion zone (FZ) and HAZ, reflecting the influence of the welding process and heat input on weld evolution. The assessment of weld imperfections according to the relevant ISO standards showed that ML and RL welds satisfied Quality Level B, whereas MAG welds exhibited quality levels ranging from B to D, depending on the evaluated imperfection. These results indicate that equivalent HI values do not guarantee comparable weld quality or mechanical performance across different welding processes. The study provides insight into the relationship between heat input, weld quality, microstructural evolution, phase constitution, and mechanical performance in HSLA steels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Performance Alloys)
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13 pages, 2865 KB  
Article
Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio Improves Discrimination of Severe Atherosclerosis Beyond Conventional Lipid Markers in High-Risk Statin-Naive Patients
by Taedong Ok, Woo-Ri Lee, Sung Hun Kim and Kwon-Duk Seo
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145598 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/A1) ratio has been proposed as a marker of cardiovascular risk, but its value for assessing extracranial and intracranial atherosclerosis beyond conventional lipid markers remains uncertain. We evaluated whether the ApoB/A1 ratio improves discrimination of severe [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/A1) ratio has been proposed as a marker of cardiovascular risk, but its value for assessing extracranial and intracranial atherosclerosis beyond conventional lipid markers remains uncertain. We evaluated whether the ApoB/A1 ratio improves discrimination of severe atherosclerosis in high-risk statin-naive patients. Methods: We retrospectively included 3416 statin-naive patients who underwent lipid profiling and carotid duplex ultrasonography and/or cerebrovascular imaging between 2014 and 2023. The primary outcome was stenosis severity, categorized as normal, mild (<50% stenosis), or severe (≥50% stenosis, including occlusion), based on clinical imaging reports. Secondary outcomes were carotid plaque score and the number of stenotic intracranial vessels. Associations were assessed using multivariable ordinal logistic regression with 1-SD–standardized lipid markers. Results: The ApoB/A1 ratio was independently associated with greater stenosis severity (adjusted odds ratio 1.24 per 1-SD increase, 95% CI 1.15–1.35; p < 0.0001). Adding ApoB/A1 to a model including clinical covariates, LDL-C, and HDL-C significantly improved discrimination of severe stenosis on every metric examined (continuous NRI +0.142, 95% CI 0.053–0.227; IDI +0.0058, 0.0026–0.0088; likelihood ratio p = 0.0004), although the absolute increase in AUC was modest (0.660 to 0.668; ΔAUC +0.008; DeLong p = 0.026). Associations were consistent for carotid plaque score and intracranial vessel-count outcomes. Conclusions: In high-risk statin-naive patients undergoing carotid or cerebrovascular evaluation, the ApoB/A1 ratio was independently associated with atherosclerosis severity and provided modest incremental discrimination beyond conventional lipid markers. Apolipoprotein assessment may help refine risk stratification in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Neurology)
17 pages, 632 KB  
Article
Periconception Maternal-Serum Vitamin D, Vaginal Bleeding, and Subchorionic Hemorrhage in Early Pregnancy
by Zeina M. Alkhalaf, Sunni L. Mumford, Enrique F. Schisterman, Robert M. Silver and Marie E. Thoma
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142339 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: To examine relationships between maternal-serum 25(OH)D levels at preconception and 8 weeks’ gestation and the risk of vaginal bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage during pregnancy. Methods: A secondary analysis of the EAGeR Trial, which is a prospective, multisite, randomized controlled trial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To examine relationships between maternal-serum 25(OH)D levels at preconception and 8 weeks’ gestation and the risk of vaginal bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage during pregnancy. Methods: A secondary analysis of the EAGeR Trial, which is a prospective, multisite, randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1228 women with 1–2 prior pregnancy losses. Analyses were restricted to participants who became pregnant and had 25(OH)D measured at preconception (n = 747) and 8 weeks’ gestation (n = 605). Vaginal bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage were assessed via medical record extraction, which captured clinically recognized symptoms at medical visits measured at any point throughout pregnancy. Symptom severity of vaginal bleeding was assessed via time-varying self-reported symptoms across early pregnancy through 3–8 weeks gestation using daily diaries. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between maternal-serum 25(OH)D levels (deficient ≤20 ng/mL; insufficient 21–29 ng/mL; sufficient ≥30 ng/mL) and vaginal bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage, while generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to evaluate time-varying symptom severity of vaginal bleeding from daily diary data. Results: Those who remained 25(OH)D deficient/insufficient had increased odds of having a subchorionic hemorrhage (aOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.13, 4.20) compared to those who had sufficient levels at both time points. In longitudinal GEE models, women with deficient preconception 25(OH)D had greater odds of moderate-to-heavy bleeding (vs. none) (aOR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.13, 8.13), but no association was observed for light bleeding (aOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.58, 2.00). Findings were directionally similar, yet less precise when restricted to pregnancies resulting in a live birth. Conclusions: Persistently low vitamin D from preconception to early pregnancy is associated with increased risk of subchorionic hemorrhage and moderate/heavy vaginal bleeding, highlighting the importance of vitamin D sufficiency for implantation and early placental development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Prenatal Nutrition on Fetal Growth Development)
12 pages, 1016 KB  
Article
Thermal Mass–Ventilation Interaction in Naturally Ventilated School Classrooms: A Building Performance Simulation Study Evaluated Against Field Measurements in South East Nigeria
by Anthony I. V. Maduabum, Sanober Hassan Khattak and Andrew John Wright
Energies 2026, 19(14), 3369; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19143369 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Field measurements undertaken in six paired primary school classrooms in Anambra State, Nigeria, previously demonstrated that interlocking compressed earth block (ICEB) classrooms maintained significantly lower occupied-hour temperatures than adjacent sandcrete block (SCB) classrooms. This study applies DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus simulation, evaluated against field measurements, to [...] Read more.
Field measurements undertaken in six paired primary school classrooms in Anambra State, Nigeria, previously demonstrated that interlocking compressed earth block (ICEB) classrooms maintained significantly lower occupied-hour temperatures than adjacent sandcrete block (SCB) classrooms. This study applies DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus simulation, evaluated against field measurements, to investigate the physical mechanisms underlying this observed thermal advantage and to explore seasonal performance beyond the period accessible through field monitoring. Simulation models were developed using literature-derived thermophysical properties and validated against field measurements collected at Awkuzu Primary School on 2 July 2024. Model accuracy was assessed using ASHRAE Guideline 14 metrics. The ICEB model achieved NMBE of −6.4% and CV(RMSE) of 6.8%, satisfying both recommended thresholds. The SCB model achieved CV(RMSE) of 15.6%, while NMBE of −14.0% marginally exceeded the recommended threshold because of conservative TMYx boundary conditions. Results indicate that the superior wet-season performance of ICEB classrooms is attributable to the interaction between high thermal mass (μ = 0.31; φ = 9.1 h) and continuous cross-ventilation. Parametric crossover simulations demonstrated that ventilation was the dominant cooling mechanism, while ICEB wall thermal mass provided an additional independent thermal benefit of approximately 0.31 °C. This material contribution is secondary in magnitude to the ventilation effect and is not presented as a standalone practical advantage. Dry-season simulations suggested a possible reversal of performance under near-calm harmattan conditions; however, the magnitude and direction of this effect remain uncertain because of EPW boundary-condition limitations. The findings suggest that classroom thermal performance depends on the interaction between envelope thermal mass and ventilation configuration rather than material properties alone and highlight the potential importance of controllable ventilation in naturally ventilated educational buildings in tropical climates. Full article
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13 pages, 318 KB  
Article
Effects of Short-Term (14-Day) Intake of Sucrose and Non-Caloric Sweeteners on Glucose Regulation, Blood Lipids, Gut Hormones, Inflammation Markers, and Appetite in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Anne Nilsson
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142337 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-caloric sweeteners are increasingly used as alternatives to sugar to reduce energy intake, yet their metabolic effects remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sucrose, saccharin, and steviol glycosides on glucose regulation and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy adults. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-caloric sweeteners are increasingly used as alternatives to sugar to reduce energy intake, yet their metabolic effects remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sucrose, saccharin, and steviol glycosides on glucose regulation and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy adults. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, 39 healthy, normal-weight adults consumed beverages containing sucrose (66 g/day), saccharin (220 mg/day), or steviol glycosides (220 mg/day) for 14 days, with washout periods between interventions. Metabolic outcomes were assessed at baseline and after each intervention under fasting conditions and during a 2 h postprandial test. Primary outcomes were glucose and insulin responses; secondary outcomes included gut hormones, lipids, inflammatory markers, and subjective appetite. Results: Compared with baseline, fasting glucose increased after sucrose and saccharin, and fasting insulin increased after stevia (p < 0.01). All interventions increased postprandial insulin responses and reduced indices of insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05). Fasting PYY and GLP-2 increased following all treatments (p < 0.001), without differences between sweeteners. Triglycerides were higher after sucrose than saccharin (p < 0.05), while no differences were seen for cholesterol, apolipoproteins, or CRP. Appetite ratings were unchanged, with a trend (p = 0.053) towards a reduced desire to eat after stevia in the late postprandial phase. Conclusions: Short-term intake of sucrose and non-caloric sweeteners resulted in broadly similar metabolic responses, with no significant differences in glucose regulation. However, triglyceride concentrations were higher following sucrose than saccharin, whereas no consistent differences were observed across the remaining outcomes. Observed deviations from baseline should be interpreted with caution. Further long-term studies in diverse populations are warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Carbohydrates)
32 pages, 31685 KB  
Article
UCMR-Net: Text-Anchored Residual Fusion with Adaptive Residual Weighting for Multimodal Sentiment Intensity Prediction
by Daoyun Tang, Gulshat Amirkhanova and Yanwei Fu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7142; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147142 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Robust multimodal sentiment analysis requires models that can integrate linguistic, acoustic, and visual cues while avoiding over-reliance on noisy nonverbal signals. This study proposes UCMR-Net, a text-anchored residual fusion framework for continuous multimodal sentiment intensity prediction. The model uses contextual textual representations as [...] Read more.
Robust multimodal sentiment analysis requires models that can integrate linguistic, acoustic, and visual cues while avoiding over-reliance on noisy nonverbal signals. This study proposes UCMR-Net, a text-anchored residual fusion framework for continuous multimodal sentiment intensity prediction. The model uses contextual textual representations as the primary semantic backbone and introduces acoustic and visual representations as adaptive residual correction signals. Instead of treating the learned positive residual coefficient as a direct estimate of aleatoric or epistemic uncertainty, the proposed framework interprets it as a residual reliability score for regulating nonverbal contribution. Under a unified five-seed evaluation protocol on CMU-MOSI, UCMR-Net achieves MAE = 0.699 ± 0.009, RMSE = 0.997 ± 0.011, Pearson correlation = 0.802 ± 0.006, Acc-2 = 85.82 ± 0.62%, and F1 = 85.60 ± 0.62% (mean ± SD). Controlled ablation results show that text anchoring is the dominant contributor to regression improvement, while residual fusion, adaptive residual weighting, counterfactual distillation, and multi-task supervision provide secondary stabilization effects. Unified missing-modality evaluation further indicates that performance remains relatively stable when audio or visual streams are removed, but degrades substantially when text is unavailable, confirming that the model is text-anchored rather than modality-symmetric. Calibration analysis shows that raw UCMR-Net only modestly improves calibration-related metrics, whereas post-hoc temperature scaling reduces ECE from 0.121 to 0.064 and NLL from 2.337 to 2.286. Additional CMU-MOSEI validation suggests that the proposed fusion strategy generalizes beyond CMU-MOSI, although cross-dataset transfer remains more challenging. Overall, UCMR-Net provides an effective and empirically validated framework for complete-modality sentiment intensity prediction, with moderate robustness under nonverbal missing or corrupted conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computing and Artificial Intelligence)
40 pages, 6403 KB  
Article
Field Monitoring Analysis and Welding Sequence Optimization of an Inclined-Column Dense-Beam Exterior Frame in a Super High-Rise Steel Structure
by Mai Wu, Meng Zhao, Yilong Yu, Yulong Jiang, Jiatong Wang, Yansheng Du, Peng Li and Xin Zhao
Buildings 2026, 16(14), 2835; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16142835 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
The exterior frame of super-high-rise steel structures with inclined columns and dense beams contains numerous welded joints and complex constraints, making field welding prone to residual stress and cumulative displacement. Taking the 19th erection segment of the Tianjin China Overseas City Plaza main [...] Read more.
The exterior frame of super-high-rise steel structures with inclined columns and dense beams contains numerous welded joints and complex constraints, making field welding prone to residual stress and cumulative displacement. Taking the 19th erection segment of the Tianjin China Overseas City Plaza main tower as an example, this study monitored welding-induced stress and column-top displacement using vibrating-wire strain gauges and BeiDou GNSS, and established a finite element model based on the equivalent indirect action method to evaluate different welding sequences. The results show that stresses near welds evolve in stages during lower-flange, web, and upper-flange welding. Adjacent welding causes limited disturbance after the completed joint has stabilized, whereas lower-layer welding can induce secondary shrinkage in upper-layer welded regions. The simulated residual stresses and column-top offsets show reasonable agreement with the monitoring results in terms of overall magnitude and distribution trend, with mean values 2.50% and 6.22% lower than the measurements, respectively. Welding sequence significantly influences deformation. Horizontal grouped skip welding improves construction efficiency by about 30%, and vertical reverse welding further reduces the mean column-top offset by 53.31% and controls the maximum column-top offset within the project-specific limit. Therefore, under the studied structural configuration and construction conditions, the combined sequence of horizontal grouped skip welding and vertical reverse welding is recommended as a practical welding-sequence scheme. Full article
25 pages, 2731 KB  
Article
Neutron Shielding by Concrete Slabs and Its Impact on the Soft-Error Rate of Electronics in Nuclear Fusion
by Daniela Munteanu, Jean-Luc Autran, Soilihi Moindjie, Matteo Cecchetto and Martin Dentan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7139; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147139 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
The present study investigates the effects of neutron shielding by concrete slabs in the context of nuclear fusion (14 MeV neutrons). MCNP and Geant4 numerical simulations have been performed to characterize neutron transport through concrete slabs with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 160 [...] Read more.
The present study investigates the effects of neutron shielding by concrete slabs in the context of nuclear fusion (14 MeV neutrons). MCNP and Geant4 numerical simulations have been performed to characterize neutron transport through concrete slabs with thicknesses ranging from 1 to 160 cm. Using a monoenergetic, normally incident 14 MeV neutron source, we examine neutron-flux attenuation and spectral evolution after propagation through concrete. The results show that multiple elastic and inelastic scattering processes dominate the transport, leading to a strong spectral redistribution and a significant build-up of scattered neutrons. For intermediate thicknesses (50–100 cm), the transmitted flux is largely composed of scattered and secondary neutrons, with a pronounced epithermal slowing-down component approximately following a 1/E behavior, a thermal peak resulting from hydrogen moderation, and a residual high-energy tail corresponding to partially degraded primary neutrons. At larger thicknesses (≥100 cm), absorption and capture of thermalized neutrons become dominant, resulting in a sharp decrease in the transmitted flux. The impact of these spectral modifications on the soft-error rate (SER) of microelectronic devices is evaluated by folding the transmitted neutron spectra with energy-dependent single-event upset (SEU) cross-sections representative of advanced semiconductor technologies. The results indicate that, although total neutron flux decreases significantly with increasing concrete thickness, the spectral redistribution and the persistence of intermediate-energy neutrons can maintain a non-negligible contribution to SER in certain configurations. These findings highlight the importance of using full transport simulations, including spectral effects, when assessing radiation-induced reliability risks in fusion facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Advances in Nuclear Fusion Technology)
26 pages, 4853 KB  
Article
Rockburst Damage Scale Prediction in Underground Mines Using SMOTE-Based Resampling and Ensemble Learning
by Kairat Sarsembayev, Amoussou Coffi Adoko, Rashid Afshar and Candan Gokceoglu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7135; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147135 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Rockburst risk in seismically active mines poses a significant threat to underground safety. This study aims to improve the prediction of rockburst-induced damage by addressing the challenge of class imbalance, which is commonly encountered in rockburst datasets. Various data-balancing techniques, including the Synthetic [...] Read more.
Rockburst risk in seismically active mines poses a significant threat to underground safety. This study aims to improve the prediction of rockburst-induced damage by addressing the challenge of class imbalance, which is commonly encountered in rockburst datasets. Various data-balancing techniques, including the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and its variants, namely SMOTE-Tomek, KM-SMOTE, SMOTE-ENN, SVM-SMOTE, Borderline-SMOTE, and Adaptive Synthetic (ADASYN) sampling, were applied to a dataset containing rockburst damage scales and selected influencing parameters. The data were collected from Canadian and Australian underground mining operations affected by mining-induced seismicity. Three machine learning classifiers, namely Random Forest (RF), CatBoost (CB), and Gradient Boosting (GB), were trained and evaluated using accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score metrics. The five best-performing models were SMOTE-ENN-GB, SMOTE-ENN-CB, SMOTE-ENN-RF, KM-SMOTE-CB, and Borderline-SMOTE-CB, achieving testing accuracies ranging from 70% to 88%. SHAP analysis further revealed that stress conditions and peak particle velocity (PPV) are the dominant factors controlling rockburst severity, while geological factors and support conditions act as secondary contributing factors. Compared with previous studies using the same dataset, the proposed approach achieved substantial improvements in predictive performance, particularly for the minority and severe rockburst classes. It is concluded that SMOTE-based balancing techniques, when combined with ensemble learning algorithms, can significantly improve rockburst damage prediction and contribute to safer and more effective risk management in deep, seismically active mining environments. Full article
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21 pages, 851 KB  
Review
Peri- and Intraarticular Injections with Isolable Treatment Effects in Recurrent Mandibular Dislocation: A Mapping Review of the Current Evidence
by Amelia Hoppe, Maciej Chęciński, Wojciech Macek, Maja Kosińska, Karolina Grzybowska-Kowalczyk, Tomasz Horodniczy, Julia Kasprzycka, Oliwia Jagiełło, Zuzanna Baniak, Kamila Chęcińska and Maciej Sikora
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5589; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145589 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation is associated with repeated dislocation episodes, pain, impaired jaw function, and psychosocial burden. Injectable intra- and periarticular therapies have been proposed as minimally invasive methods of improving joint stability, but the available evidence is heterogeneous and frequently involves [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation is associated with repeated dislocation episodes, pain, impaired jaw function, and psychosocial burden. Injectable intra- and periarticular therapies have been proposed as minimally invasive methods of improving joint stability, but the available evidence is heterogeneous and frequently involves adjunctive procedures. This mapping review aimed to characterize injectable treatments whose effects could be assessed independently from simultaneous non-injectable interventions. Methods: PubMed (MEDLINE), Europe PMC, and BASE were searched from inception to 7 April 2026. Reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were also screened. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of injectable intra- or periarticular treatments for recurrent mandibular dislocation were eligible when the effect of the injectable component could be evaluated independently. Study selection, data charting, and critical appraisal were performed using predefined methods. Results: Five primary clinical studies and eight secondary mapping or reference-checking sources were included. The primary studies evaluated autologous blood injection, dextrose prolotherapy, and sodium morrhuate or other sclerosing-agent injections. Most studies reported reductions in recurrent dislocation or subluxation and improvements in joint stability. Some also reported improvements in maximal mouth opening, clicking, pain, or other clinical outcomes. However, the evidence was limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, variable injection sites, and limited comparative data. Conclusions: The available literature on injectable therapies for recurrent mandibular dislocation is limited and heterogeneous. Although included studies generally reported favorable outcomes, the evidence does not permit conclusions regarding the comparative effectiveness or superiority of any specific injectable modality. Full article
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28 pages, 1130 KB  
Review
Psychotherapeutic Interventions and Psychosocial Outcomes Following Perinatal Loss: An Umbrella Review with a Patient-Centered Care Perspective
by Thalia Bellali, Anna Papadopoulou, Polyxeni Liamopoulou and Chrysovalantis Karagkounis
Healthcare 2026, 14(14), 2141; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14142141 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Perinatal loss is a profoundly distressing life event associated with grief, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and long-term psychosocial challenges among bereaved parents who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Although psychotherapeutic interventions are increasingly used to address these adverse outcomes, there [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Perinatal loss is a profoundly distressing life event associated with grief, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and long-term psychosocial challenges among bereaved parents who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Although psychotherapeutic interventions are increasingly used to address these adverse outcomes, there is limited synthesis on how characteristics consistent with a patient-centered care perspective are reflected in such interventions and how they may relate to psychosocial well-being. This umbrella review aimed to synthesize evidence on psychotherapeutic interventions following perinatal loss and to examine patient-centered care–related dimensions reported across the included reviews, including therapeutic communication, patient engagement, therapeutic relationships, emotional validation, and meaning-making processes. Methods: An umbrella review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological guidance. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2025 were identified through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to 31 May 2026. Eligible reviews examined psychotherapeutic, psychosocial, and psychological support interventions designed to improve grief, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, psychological distress, coping, and psychosocial well-being among bereaved parents following perinatal loss. In accordance with the predefined secondary exploratory objective, a secondary interpretive synthesis examined patient-centered care–related dimensions described within the included reviews. Results: Five systematic reviews and meta-analyses met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, bereavement counseling, psychosocial support programs, narrative interventions, supportive counseling, and digitally delivered psychological therapies. Across reviews, psychotherapeutic interventions were generally associated with beneficial effects on grief, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and broader indicators of psychosocial well-being. Communication-, support-, and engagement-related characteristics consistent with a patient-centered care perspective, including empathy, therapeutic alliance, individualized support, emotional validation, and continuity of communication, were identified through secondary interpretive synthesis as recurring features of beneficial interventions. Digital modalities, such as internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and telephone-delivered counseling, were consistently described as supporting accessibility, engagement, and continuity of care. Conclusions: Psychotherapeutic interventions following perinatal loss appear to improve a range of psychosocial outcomes. A patient-centered care perspective may help interpret how communication, emotional validation, patient engagement, and supportive therapeutic relationships are described in relation to psychological adaptation after loss. These dimensions should be understood as interpretive characteristics identified across the included reviews rather than as directly measured mechanisms of intervention effectiveness. Future research should examine communication processes, therapeutic alliance, and patient engagement using validated measures, assess how these factors relate to intervention effectiveness, and support the development of integrated, patient-centered models of perinatal bereavement care. Full article
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13 pages, 9054 KB  
Article
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of New High-Performance Mg Alloy with Low RE Content
by Liqiang Ma and Dongdong Zhang
Metals 2026, 16(7), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/met16070798 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
High-strength Mg alloys always contain heavy RE solutes, which leads to the high cost of Mg alloys preventing commercial use. In this work, we developed a new high-performance Mg–3Nd–1Yb–0.6Zn–0.4Zr alloy with low RE content and investigated the effects of heat treatment on the [...] Read more.
High-strength Mg alloys always contain heavy RE solutes, which leads to the high cost of Mg alloys preventing commercial use. In this work, we developed a new high-performance Mg–3Nd–1Yb–0.6Zn–0.4Zr alloy with low RE content and investigated the effects of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The results show that the main secondary phase in the as-cast alloy is the eutectic Mg12RE phase at grain boundaries. The average grain size is measured to be 24.6 μm. After solution treatment, the grain-boundary eutectic Mg12RE phase is completely dissolved into the matrix, without obvious grain growth. The alloy exhibits an obvious age-hardening effect during aging at 200 °C, and its hardness reaches a peak at 15 h, with a hardness increment of ~31 HV. A high-density prismatic β′ phase is formed in the matrix after peak aging. The peak-aged alloy presents optimal mechanical properties, with ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of 282 MPa, 202 MPa and 6.8%, respectively, which are remarkably superior to those of typical alloys such as EV31A and WE43. Quantitative calculation of strengthening mechanisms indicates that age hardening is the dominant strengthening mechanism of the peak-aged alloy, and the precipitation strengthening contribution of prismatic β′ phase is 158 MPa, accounting for approximately 78% of the yield strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Metal Casting, Forming and Heat Treatment)
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23 pages, 24160 KB  
Systematic Review
Reconstruction of Post-Burn Neck Contractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Surgical Techniques and Outcomes
by Marko Jović, Milana Marinković, Jelena Rakocevic, Zoran Bukumirić, Milana Jurišić, Milan Jovanović, Milan Stojičić, Ljiljana Jovanović, Zoran Tabaković, David Savic and Jelena Jeremić
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(14), 5583; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15145583 - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Post-burn neck contractures continue to represent a complex reconstructive problem, with significant functional limitations and a marked impact on patients’ appearance and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess surgical outcomes in adult patients undergoing reconstruction for post-burn [...] Read more.
Background: Post-burn neck contractures continue to represent a complex reconstructive problem, with significant functional limitations and a marked impact on patients’ appearance and quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess surgical outcomes in adult patients undergoing reconstruction for post-burn neck contractures. Methods: A comprehensive search of Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed up to January 2025. Studies reporting surgical management of post-burn neck contractures were included. Primary outcomes were functional and aesthetic improvement, while secondary outcomes included complications, recontracture, and disfiguring scarring. Results: In total, 46 studies comprising 1636 patients were included. Flap-based reconstruction was the most frequently applied approach. Overall, functional improvement was achieved in 92% of cases (95% CI: 89–94%), while satisfactory aesthetic outcomes were reported in 90% (95% CI: 85–93%). The pooled complication rate was 15% (95% CI: 11–20%), with higher rates observed following free flap reconstruction. The incidence of recontracture and disfiguring scarring remained relatively low, about 6%. Although functional outcomes were comparable across flap types, regional flaps appeared to offer the most favorable balance between aesthetic results and complication rates. In contrast, skin grafts and dermal substitutes showed less consistent outcomes and a higher tendency toward recurrence. Conclusions: Flap-based reconstruction remains the cornerstone of treatment for post-burn neck contractures. Surgical planning should be individualized, taking into account defect severity, tissue availability, and surgical expertise. Further prospective studies using standardized outcome measures are needed to strengthen current evidence. Full article
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26 pages, 1617 KB  
Article
Exploratory Data-Driven Modeling of Macroeconomic Indicators Associated with Sustainable Housing Affordability: A Comparative Analysis of Construction Economics in Poland
by Aleksandra Kostrzanowska-Siedlarz and Kamil Roter
Sustainability 2026, 18(14), 7268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18147268 - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
This article employs exploratory data-driven modeling to examine the relationships between selected macroeconomic indicators, residential property prices, and housing affordability pressures in Poland between 2020 and 2024. This turbulent period was selected for analysis because of the unprecedented volatility triggered by the COVID-19 [...] Read more.
This article employs exploratory data-driven modeling to examine the relationships between selected macroeconomic indicators, residential property prices, and housing affordability pressures in Poland between 2020 and 2024. This turbulent period was selected for analysis because of the unprecedented volatility triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical shocks associated with the war in Ukraine, both of which severely disrupted macroeconomic stability and construction supply chains. The study examines how key economic variables—including inflation, gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, and average and minimum wage dynamics—are associated with residential property price dynamics within the framework of construction economics. Using statistical modeling techniques, including linear regression and Pearson correlation analysis, the study quantifies the strength, direction, and dynamics of these relationships across primary and secondary housing sectors. Our findings reveal a distinct comparative pattern of associations: average wage growth and inflation emerge as the macroeconomic indicators most strongly associated with property valuations, while macroeconomic growth and unemployment dynamics exhibit asymmetric associations across market segments. Notably, the findings suggest that the primary sector may be more sensitive to credit-related demand shocks and policy interventions, whereas the secondary sector appears to respond more directly to broader consumer trends and household purchasing capacity. By integrating macroeconomic data into a sectoral analysis, this study provides an exploratory empirical basis for discussing sustainable housing strategies. The results underscore the necessity of aligning investment and production cycles in the construction sector with macroeconomic stability to maintain long-term residential purchasing capacity and support resilient urban development. Full article
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25 pages, 13515 KB  
Article
Study on Kiln-Transformation Mechanism of 3D-Printed Body of Hejin Gray Pottery
by Shuai Liu, Wenjie Hao, Guolong Gao, Yu Liu, Hanjie Guo, Yongsheng Zhou, Jiafeng Lv and Yalin Liu
Materials 2026, 19(14), 3063; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19143063 - 16 Jul 2026
Abstract
The firing of traditional gray pottery relies on complex physicochemical reactions governing its color, dimensional accuracy, and structural stability. Unclear kiln-transformation mechanisms restrict standardized and digital production of this Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Herein, direct ink writing (DIW) was used to fabricate Hejin [...] Read more.
The firing of traditional gray pottery relies on complex physicochemical reactions governing its color, dimensional accuracy, and structural stability. Unclear kiln-transformation mechanisms restrict standardized and digital production of this Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Herein, direct ink writing (DIW) was used to fabricate Hejin gray pottery green bodies from local ternary raw materials. Thermodynamic calculations, TG–DTG/DSC, XRD, XRF, and atmosphere-controlled firing tests were combined to reveal coupled phase evolution and reduction color-forming mechanisms during sintering. Two interrelated kiln-transformation processes were identified. First, sequential mineral reconstruction occurs at four critical temperatures: free water loss at 119.8 °C, two-stage dehydroxylation of hydrous silicates at 270.5 °C and 767.9 °C, and CaCO3 decomposition at 547.9 °C. Uneven shrinkage and gas release at these temperatures induce cracking, blistering, and deformation of printed bodies. Micron-sized CaCO3 (equivalent radius ≈ 1.31 μm) exhibits high surface energy and significantly reduces its decomposition temperature, consistent with experimental observations. Second, reducing atmospheres trigger competitive phase formation. Distinct from the conventional Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → FeO reduction pathway, Fe oxides preferentially react with abundant Al2O3 to form thermodynamically stable FeAl2O4 spinel, yielding uniform celadon-gray tones. The final color is nearly independent of 20–90 vol% CO, and air-isolated cooling below 600 °C is mandatory to prevent secondary oxidation and reddening. This work establishes a thermodynamic framework for DIW-printed Hejin gray pottery kiln transformation, clarifies microscale defect and color-evolution mechanisms, and offers theoretical guidance for atmosphere-controlled firing and digital mass production of heritage ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses)
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