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Search Results (1,609)

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18 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Sustainability and Profitability of Large Manufacturing Companies
by Iveta Mietule, Rasa Subaciene, Jelena Liksnina and Evalds Viskers
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080439 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study explores whether sustainability achievements—proxied through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—are associated with superior financial performance in Latvia’s manufacturing sector, where ESG maturity remains low and institutional readiness is still emerging. Building on stakeholder, legitimacy, signal, slack resources, and agency theories, [...] Read more.
This study explores whether sustainability achievements—proxied through ESG (environmental, social, and governance) reporting—are associated with superior financial performance in Latvia’s manufacturing sector, where ESG maturity remains low and institutional readiness is still emerging. Building on stakeholder, legitimacy, signal, slack resources, and agency theories, this study applies a mixed-method approach (that consists of two analytical stages) suited to the limited availability and reliability of ESG-related data in the Latvian manufacturing sector. Financial indicators from three large firms—AS MADARA COSMETICS, AS Latvijas Finieris, and AS Valmiera Glass Grupa—are compared with industry averages over the 2019–2023 period using independent sample T-tests. ESG integration is evaluated through a six-stage conceptual schema ranging from symbolic compliance to performance-driven sustainability. The results show that AS MADARA COSMETICS, which demonstrates advanced ESG integration aligned with international standards, significantly outperforms its industry in all profitability metrics. In contrast, the other two companies remain at earlier ESG maturity stages and show weaker financial performance, with sustainability disclosures limited to general statements and outdated indicators. These findings support the synergy hypothesis in contexts where sustainability is internalized and operationalized, while also highlighting structural constraints—such as resource scarcity and fragmented data—that may limit ESG-financial alignment in post-transition economies. This study offers practical guidance for firms seeking competitive advantage through strategic ESG integration and recommends policy actions to enhance ESG transparency and performance in Latvia, including performance-based reporting mandates, ESG data infrastructure, and regulatory alignment with EU directives. These insights contribute to the growing empirical literature on ESG effectiveness under constrained institutional and economic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Business and Entrepreneurship)
14 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
FLOT Versus CROSS—What Is the Optimal Therapeutic Approach for Locally Advanced Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus and the Esophagogastric Junction?
by Martin Leu, Hannes Mahler, Johanna Reinecke, Ute Margarethe König, Leif Hendrik Dröge, Manuel Guhlich, Benjamin Steuber, Marian Grade, Michael Ghadimi, Volker Ellenrieder, Stefan Rieken and Alexander Otto König
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152587 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy are both well-established treatment strategies for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) and the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ). However, recent knowledge controversially discusses whether neoadjuvant radiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy represents superior therapeutic options to prolong survival or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy are both well-established treatment strategies for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) and the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ). However, recent knowledge controversially discusses whether neoadjuvant radiotherapy or perioperative chemotherapy represents superior therapeutic options to prolong survival or cause less toxicity. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with locally advanced EAC or AEGJ treated at our tertiary cancer center between January 2015 and March 2023. Patients received either perioperative FLOT chemotherapy (n = 36) or neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy following the CROSS protocol (n = 40), followed by surgical resection and standardized follow-up. We compared survival outcomes, toxicity profiles, treatment compliance, and surgical results between the two groups. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between FLOT and CROSS treatments in five-year loco-regional controls (LRC: 61.5% vs. 68.6%; p = 0.81), progression-free survival (PFS: 33.9% vs. 42.8%; p = 0.82), overall survival (OS: 60.2% vs. 63.4%; p = 0.91), or distant controls (DC: 42.1% vs. 56.5%; p = 0.39). High-grade hematologic toxicities did not significantly differ between groups (p > 0.05). Treatment compliance was lower in the FLOT group, with 50% (18/36) not completing all the planned chemotherapy cycles, compared to 17.5% (7/40) in the CROSS group. All the patients in the CROSS group received the full radiotherapy dose. Surgical outcomes and post-surgical tumor status were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Although perioperative chemotherapy with FLOT has recently become a standard of care for locally advanced EAC and AEGJ, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy per the CROSS protocol remains a well-tolerated alternative. In appropriately selected patients, both approaches yield comparable oncological outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Treatments of Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers)
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9 pages, 351 KiB  
Article
Button Cystostomy in Children with Neurogenic Bladder: Outcomes from a Single Center
by Michela Galati, Rebecca Pulvirenti, Ida Barretta, Noemi Deanesi, Chiara Pellegrino, Antonio Maria Zaccara, Maria Luisa Capitanucci and Giovanni Mosiello
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5532; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155532 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Neurogenic bladder (NB) in children may lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), renal deterioration, and a reduced quality of life. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the standard of care, but in some patients, CIC may be unfeasible due to anatomical, [...] Read more.
Background: Neurogenic bladder (NB) in children may lead to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), renal deterioration, and a reduced quality of life. Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the standard of care, but in some patients, CIC may be unfeasible due to anatomical, sensory, or compliance issues. Button cystostomy (BC) has emerged as a minimally invasive, bladder-preserving alternative. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes in the long-term of BC in pediatric NB patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on children with NB who underwent endoscopic BC placement between January 2020 and December 2024 in a tertiary pediatric center. Demographic data, operative time, complications, and follow-up outcomes were collected. All procedures used an endoscopic approach with cystoscopic guidance for safe device placement. Results: Thirty-three patients (25 males; median age 7.96 years) underwent BC placement. Most had spinal dysraphism (63.6%). The mean operative time was 48.5 ± 6 min. During a mean follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.4 years, five patients (15.2%) had febrile UTIs and two had minor leakage. No major complications occurred. Four buttons were removed due to clinical improvement (N = 1), the fashioning of a continent derivation (N = 1) and implantation of a sacral neuromodulator (N = 2); two patients accepted CIC. Satisfaction was reported by 93.9% of families. Conclusions: BC is an effective, minimally invasive alternative for urinary drainage in children with NB, even when compared to continent diversion techniques such as the Mitrofanoff, due to its lower invasiveness, greater feasibility, and lower complication rate. Broader adoption may be warranted, but prospective studies are needed to confirm long-term outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Reconstructive Urology and Prosthetic Surgery)
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10 pages, 1342 KiB  
Review
Review of Neurostimulation Therapies for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation and Beyond
by Patrícia dos Santos Cé, Maria Eduarda Schiestl Melo, Alan Alves Machado, Sarah Eden Ridge and Thomaz Fleury Curado
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5494; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155494 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, typically resulting in a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation and repeated awakenings from sleep. It is the most common sleep-related respiratory disorder, affecting 9% [...] Read more.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related respiratory disorder characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway, typically resulting in a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation and repeated awakenings from sleep. It is the most common sleep-related respiratory disorder, affecting 9% to 38% of adults. OSA is associated with loss of tone, improper contraction of the tongue, and pharyngeal dilator muscles of the upper airway during sleep. The gold-standard treatment for moderate-to-severe OSA is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, many patients have poor long-term compliance with CPAP. Stimulation of the upper airway with electrical activation of the hypoglossal nerve has emerged as a promising treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe OSA who have failed CPAP therapy. Objectives: The present paper aims to review the literature regarding neurostimulation for the treatment of OSA. Conclusions: Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has shown favorable success and low morbidity in the management of moderate-to-severe OSA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Airway Management: From Basic Techniques to Innovative Technologies)
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31 pages, 1583 KiB  
Article
Ensuring Zero Trust in GDPR-Compliant Deep Federated Learning Architecture
by Zahra Abbas, Sunila Fatima Ahmad, Adeel Anjum, Madiha Haider Syed, Saif Ur Rehman Malik and Semeen Rehman
Computers 2025, 14(8), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers14080317 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Deep Federated Learning (DFL) revolutionizes machine learning (ML) by enabling collaborative model training across diverse, decentralized data sources without direct data sharing, emphasizing user privacy and data sovereignty. Despite its potential, DFL’s application in sensitive sectors is hindered by challenges in meeting rigorous [...] Read more.
Deep Federated Learning (DFL) revolutionizes machine learning (ML) by enabling collaborative model training across diverse, decentralized data sources without direct data sharing, emphasizing user privacy and data sovereignty. Despite its potential, DFL’s application in sensitive sectors is hindered by challenges in meeting rigorous standards like the GDPR, with traditional setups struggling to ensure compliance and maintain trust. Addressing these issues, our research introduces an innovative Zero Trust-based DFL architecture designed for GDPR compliant systems, integrating advanced security and privacy mechanisms to ensure safe and transparent cross-node data processing. Our base paper proposed the basic GDPR-Compliant DFL Architecture. Now we validate the previously proposed architecture by formally verifying it using High-Level Petri Nets (HLPNs). This Zero Trust-based framework facilitates secure, decentralized model training without direct data sharing. Furthermore, we have also implemented a case study using the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets to evaluate the existing approach with the proposed Zero Trust-based DFL methodology. Our experiments confirmed its effectiveness in enhancing trust, complying with GDPR, and promoting DFL adoption in privacy-sensitive areas, achieving secure, ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) with transparent and efficient data processing. Full article
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18 pages, 605 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Regulatory Framework for Incineration at Sea in Peru: Implementing the 1996 London Protocol for Effective Maritime Environmental Governance
by Carlos Gonzalo Carranza Rodriguez, Yeon S. Chang and Hyewon Jang
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7060; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157060 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Incineration at sea is a significant source of marine pollution, threatening biodiversity and public health. Although Peru ratified the 1996 London Protocol in 2018, key deficiencies persist in its domestic legal framework, particularly the absence of clear and internationally aligned definitions for “incineration” [...] Read more.
Incineration at sea is a significant source of marine pollution, threatening biodiversity and public health. Although Peru ratified the 1996 London Protocol in 2018, key deficiencies persist in its domestic legal framework, particularly the absence of clear and internationally aligned definitions for “incineration” and “incinerator.” These gaps hinder effective enforcement by the National Maritime Authority (NMA-DICAPI) and limit regulatory compliance with international obligations. This study analyzes Peru’s current legislation in light of the London Protocol and includes a comparative overview of regional regulatory approaches in Latin America. Based on this analysis, the study identifies regulatory inconsistencies that compromise environmental protection and proposes three key legal reforms: (1) refining the definition of “incineration” to reflect international standards; (2) formally incorporating a definition for “incinerator”; and (3) establishing specific administrative and economic sanctions for related infractions. Through comparative analysis with Mexico and Colombia’s approaches, we propose targeted amendments including refined definitions aligned with IMO standards and explicit administrative/economic sanctions. Implementing these recommendations would enhance Peru’s legal clarity, enforcement capacity, and compliance with international maritime law, reinforcing its role as a responsible actor in marine environmental governance. Full article
24 pages, 607 KiB  
Article
ESG Reporting in the Digital Era: Unveiling Public Sentiment and Engagement on YouTube
by Dmitry Erokhin
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157039 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is communicated and perceived on YouTube. A dataset of 553 relevant videos and 5060 user comments was extracted on 2 April 2025 ranging between 2014 and 2025, and sentiment, topic, and stance analyses [...] Read more.
This study examines how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is communicated and perceived on YouTube. A dataset of 553 relevant videos and 5060 user comments was extracted on 2 April 2025 ranging between 2014 and 2025, and sentiment, topic, and stance analyses were applied to both transcripts and comments. The majority of video content strongly endorsed ESG reporting, emphasizing themes such as transparency, regulatory compliance, and financial performance. In contrast, viewer comments revealed diverse stances, including skepticism about methodological inconsistencies, accusations of greenwashing, and concerns over politicization. Notably, statistical analysis showed minimal correlation between video sentiment and audience sentiment, suggesting that user perceptions are shaped by factors beyond the tone of the videos themselves. These findings underscore the need for more rigorous ESG frameworks, enhanced standardization, and proactive stakeholder engagement strategies. The study highlights the value of online platforms for capturing stakeholder feedback in real time, offering practical insights for organizations and policymakers seeking to strengthen ESG disclosure and communication. Full article
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36 pages, 1010 KiB  
Article
SIBERIA: A Self-Sovereign Identity and Multi-Factor Authentication Framework for Industrial Access
by Daniel Paredes-García, José Álvaro Fernández-Carrasco, Jon Ander Medina López, Juan Camilo Vasquez-Correa, Imanol Jericó Yoldi, Santiago Andrés Moreno-Acevedo, Ander González-Docasal, Haritz Arzelus Irazusta, Aitor Álvarez Muniain and Yeray de Diego Loinaz
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8589; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158589 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 213
Abstract
The growing need for secure and privacy-preserving identity management in industrial environments has exposed the limitations of traditional, centralized authentication systems. In this context, SIBERIA was developed as a modular solution that empowers users to control their own digital identities, while ensuring robust [...] Read more.
The growing need for secure and privacy-preserving identity management in industrial environments has exposed the limitations of traditional, centralized authentication systems. In this context, SIBERIA was developed as a modular solution that empowers users to control their own digital identities, while ensuring robust protection of critical services. The system is designed in alignment with European standards and regulations, including EBSI, eIDAS 2.0, and the GDPR. SIBERIA integrates a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) framework with a decentralized blockchain-based infrastructure for the issuance and verification of Verifiable Credentials (VCs). It incorporates multi-factor authentication by combining a voice biometric module, enhanced with spoofing-aware techniques to detect synthetic or replayed audio, and a behavioral biometrics module that provides continuous authentication by monitoring user interaction patterns. The system enables secure and user-centric identity management in industrial contexts, ensuring high resistance to impersonation and credential theft while maintaining regulatory compliance. SIBERIA demonstrates that it is possible to achieve both strong security and user autonomy in digital identity systems by leveraging decentralized technologies and advanced biometric verification methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Distributed Systems)
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16 pages, 2578 KiB  
Article
Experimental Comparison Between Two-Course Masonry Specimens and Three-Course Extracted Masonry Specimens in Clay Masonry Structures
by Bernardo Tutikian and Felipe Schneider
Processes 2025, 13(8), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13082446 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between the compressive strength of two-course masonry specimens and three-course masonry specimens extracted from previously constructed walls, to correlate the execution control specimens with the retest specimens. Compressive strength tests were performed on clay masonry units, laboratory-built two-course [...] Read more.
This study investigates the relationship between the compressive strength of two-course masonry specimens and three-course masonry specimens extracted from previously constructed walls, to correlate the execution control specimens with the retest specimens. Compressive strength tests were performed on clay masonry units, laboratory-built two-course masonry specimens, and three-course masonry specimens extracted from constructed walls, following the prescriptions of NBR 15270 and NBR 16868-3. The results demonstrate that three-course masonry specimens exhibit lower compressive strength (characteristic and average, 44.83% and 40.29%, respectively) compared to two-course masonry specimens. Additionally, it was found that the dispersion of results is greater in three-course masonry specimens. Given that three-course specimens are typically used when it becomes necessary to verify the structural compliance of executed masonry—usually following unsatisfactory results from execution control using two-course specimens—more data are needed to compare such results. Factors such as increased height-to-thickness ratio, the presence of head joints, and the influence of execution conditions at the construction site seem to influence the difference between two and three-course specimens, as well as the dispersion of the results. Therefore, it is essential that technical standards provide supporting criteria to enable a reliable comparison between two-course specimens used for execution control and three-course specimens used as retest elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composite Materials Processing, Modeling and Simulation)
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14 pages, 628 KiB  
Article
Variations in the Diagnosis and Management of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Among Physician Specialties in Saudi Arabia: Influence of Clinical Experience and Case Exposure
by Sarah Alshehri, Abdullah Oudah Al Ahmree, Abdulaziz Qobty, Abdullah Musleh and Khalid A. Alahmari
Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151887 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most prevalent vestibular disorder encountered in clinical settings and is highly responsive to evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, variations in practice patterns among physician specialties can compromise timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most prevalent vestibular disorder encountered in clinical settings and is highly responsive to evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, variations in practice patterns among physician specialties can compromise timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding these variations is essential for improving clinical outcomes and standardizing care. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and treatment practices for BPPV among Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, neurologists, general practitioners, and family physicians in Saudi Arabia and to examine how these practices are influenced by clinical experience and patient case exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between April 2023 and March 2024 at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A total of 413 physicians were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24.0. Parametric tests, including one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests, were used to assess differences across groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, all physician groups exhibited limited adherence to guideline-recommended positional diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. However, ENT specialists and neurologists demonstrated relatively higher compliance, particularly in performing the Dix–Hallpike test, with 46.97% and 26.79% reporting “always” using the maneuver, respectively (p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.22). Neurologists were the most consistent in conducting oculomotor examinations, with 73.68% reporting routine performance (p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.35). Epley maneuver usage was highest among neurologists (86.36%) and ENT specialists (77.14%) compared to family physicians (50.60%) and GPs (67.50%) (p = 0.044). Physicians with 11–15 years of experience and >50 BPPV case exposures consistently showed a greater use of diagnostic maneuvers, repositioning techniques, and guideline-concordant medication use (betahistine 76.67%; p < 0.001). Continuing medical education (CME) participation and the avoidance of unnecessary imaging were also highest in this group (46.67% and 3.33%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant inter-specialty differences exist in the management of BPPV in Saudi Arabia. Greater clinical experience and higher case exposure are associated with improved adherence to evidence-based practices. Targeted educational interventions are needed, particularly in primary care, to enhance guideline implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)
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22 pages, 760 KiB  
Review
Strengthening Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting Through Regulatory Reform: A Comparative Analysis of Greek Laws 3016/2002 and 4706/2020
by Savvina Paganou, Ioannis Antoniadis, Panagiota Xanthopoulou and Vasilios Kanavas
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2025, 18(8), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm18080426 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 569
Abstract
This study explores how corporate governance reforms can enhance financial reporting quality and organizational transparency, focusing on Greece’s transition from Law 3016/2002 to Law 4706/2020. The legislative reform aimed to modernize governance structures, align national practices with international standards, and strengthen investor protection [...] Read more.
This study explores how corporate governance reforms can enhance financial reporting quality and organizational transparency, focusing on Greece’s transition from Law 3016/2002 to Law 4706/2020. The legislative reform aimed to modernize governance structures, align national practices with international standards, and strengthen investor protection in a post-crisis economic environment. Moving beyond a simple legal comparison, the study examines how Law 3016/2002’s formal compliance model contrasts with Law 4706/2020’s more substantive accountability framework. We hypothesize that Law 4706/2020 introduces substantively stronger governance mechanisms than its predecessor, thereby improving transparency and investor protection, while compliance with the new law imposes materially greater administrative and financial burdens, especially on small- and mid-cap firms. Methodologically, the research employs a narrative literature review and a structured comparative legal analysis to assess the administrative and financial implications of the new law for publicly listed companies, focusing on board composition and diversity, internal controls, suitability policies, and disclosure requirements. Drawing on prior comparative evidence, we posit that Law 4706/2020 will foster governance and disclosure improvements, enhanced oversight, and clearer board roles. However, these measures also impose compliance burdens. Due to the heterogeneity of listed companies and the lack of firm-level data following Law 4706/2020’s implementation, the findings are neither fully generalizable nor quantifiable; future quantitative research using event studies or panel data is required to validate the hypotheses. We conclude that Greece’s new framework is a critical step toward sustainable corporate governance and more transparent financial reporting, offering regulators, practitioners, and scholars examining legal reform’s impact on governance effectiveness and financial reporting integrity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Corporate Governance and Financial Reporting)
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19 pages, 2547 KiB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence Optimization of Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) Dosage in Drinking Water Treatment: A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm–Neural Network Approach
by Darío Fernando Guamán-Lozada, Lenin Santiago Orozco Cantos, Guido Patricio Santillán Lima and Fabian Arias Arias
Computation 2025, 13(8), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/computation13080179 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 186
Abstract
The accurate dosing of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) is essential for achieving effective coagulation in drinking water treatment, yet conventional methods such as jar tests are limited in their responsiveness and operational efficiency. This study proposes a hybrid modeling framework that integrates artificial neural [...] Read more.
The accurate dosing of polyaluminum chloride (PAC) is essential for achieving effective coagulation in drinking water treatment, yet conventional methods such as jar tests are limited in their responsiveness and operational efficiency. This study proposes a hybrid modeling framework that integrates artificial neural networks (ANN) with genetic algorithms (GA) to optimize PAC dosage under variable raw water conditions. Operational data from 400 jar test experiments, collected between 2022 and 2024 at the Yanahurco water treatment plant (Ecuador), were used to train an ANN model capable of predicting six post-treatment water quality indicators, including turbidity, color, and pH. The ANN achieved excellent predictive accuracy (R2 > 0.95 for turbidity and color), supporting its use as a surrogate model within a GA-based optimization scheme. The genetic algorithm evaluated dosage strategies by minimizing treatment costs while enforcing compliance with national water quality standards. The results revealed a bimodal dosing pattern, favoring low PAC dosages (~4 ppm) during routine conditions and higher dosages (~12 ppm) when influent quality declined. Optimization yielded a 49% reduction in median chemical costs and improved color compliance from 52% to 63%, while maintaining pH compliance above 97%. Turbidity remained a challenge under some conditions, indicating the potential benefit of complementary coagulants. The proposed ANN–GA approach offers a scalable and adaptive solution for enhancing chemical dosing efficiency in water treatment operations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Computational Engineering)
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34 pages, 1543 KiB  
Article
Smart Money, Greener Future: AI-Enhanced English Financial Text Processing for ESG Investment Decisions
by Junying Fan, Daojuan Wang and Yuhua Zheng
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6971; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156971 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 204
Abstract
Emerging markets face growing pressures to integrate sustainable English business practices while maintaining economic growth, particularly in addressing environmental challenges and achieving carbon neutrality goals. English Financial information extraction becomes crucial for supporting green finance initiatives, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, and [...] Read more.
Emerging markets face growing pressures to integrate sustainable English business practices while maintaining economic growth, particularly in addressing environmental challenges and achieving carbon neutrality goals. English Financial information extraction becomes crucial for supporting green finance initiatives, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance, and sustainable investment decisions in these markets. This paper presents FinATG, an AI-driven autoregressive framework for extracting sustainability-related English financial information from English texts, specifically designed to support emerging markets in their transition toward sustainable development. The framework addresses the complex challenges of processing ESG reports, green bond disclosures, carbon footprint assessments, and sustainable investment documentation prevalent in emerging economies. FinATG introduces a domain-adaptive span representation method fine-tuned on sustainability-focused English financial corpora, implements constrained decoding mechanisms based on green finance regulations, and integrates FinBERT with autoregressive generation for end-to-end extraction of environmental and governance information. While achieving competitive performance on standard benchmarks, FinATG’s primary contribution lies in its architecture, which prioritizes correctness and compliance for the high-stakes financial domain. Experimental validation demonstrates FinATG’s effectiveness with entity F1 scores of 88.5 and REL F1 scores of 80.2 on standard English datasets, while achieving superior performance (85.7–86.0 entity F1, 73.1–74.0 REL+ F1) on sustainability-focused financial datasets. The framework particularly excels in extracting carbon emission data, green investment relationships, and ESG compliance indicators, achieving average AUC and RGR scores of 0.93 and 0.89 respectively. By automating the extraction of sustainability metrics from complex English financial documents, FinATG supports emerging markets in meeting international ESG standards, facilitating green finance flows, and enhancing transparency in sustainable business practices, ultimately contributing to their sustainable development goals and climate action commitments. Full article
22 pages, 6031 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Power Quality in Photovoltaic Systems for Weak Grid Connections
by Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Pushpendra Singh, Sharat Chandra Choube and Lakhan Singh Titare
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4066; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154066 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 242
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel control strategy for a dual-stage grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system designed to ensure reliable and efficient operation under unstable grid conditions. The strategy incorporates a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL)-based positive sequence estimator for accurate detection of grid voltage disturbances, [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a novel control strategy for a dual-stage grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) system designed to ensure reliable and efficient operation under unstable grid conditions. The strategy incorporates a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL)-based positive sequence estimator for accurate detection of grid voltage disturbances, including sags, swells, and fluctuations in solar irradiance. A dynamic DC-link voltage regulation mechanism is employed to minimize converter power losses and enhance the performance of the Voltage Source Converter (VSC) under weak grid scenarios. The control scheme maintains continuous maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and unity power factor (UPF) operation, thereby improving overall grid power quality. The proposed method is validated through comprehensive simulations and real-time hardware implementation using the OPAL-RT OP4510 platform. The results demonstrate compliance with IEEE Standard 519, confirming the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A1: Smart Grids and Microgrids)
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20 pages, 10603 KiB  
Article
A Safety-Based Approach for the Design of an Innovative Microvehicle
by Michelangelo-Santo Gulino, Susanna Papini, Giovanni Zonfrillo, Thomas Unger, Peter Miklis and Dario Vangi
Designs 2025, 9(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs9040090 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 156
Abstract
The growing popularity of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), such as e-scooters, has revolutionized urban mobility by offering compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, safety concerns, including inadequate infrastructure, poor protective measures, and high accident rates, remain critical challenges. This paper [...] Read more.
The growing popularity of Personal Light Electric Vehicles (PLEVs), such as e-scooters, has revolutionized urban mobility by offering compact, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. However, safety concerns, including inadequate infrastructure, poor protective measures, and high accident rates, remain critical challenges. This paper presents the design and development of an innovative self-balancing microvehicle under the H2020 LEONARDO project, which aims to address these challenges through advanced engineering and user-centric design. The vehicle combines features of monowheels and e-scooters, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety, stability, and usability. The design adheres to European regulations, including Germany’s eKFV standards, and incorporates user preferences identified through representative online surveys of 1500 PLEV users. These preferences include improved handling on uneven surfaces, enhanced signaling capabilities, and reduced instability during maneuvers. The prototype features a lightweight composite structure reinforced with carbon fibers, a high-torque motorized front wheel, and multiple speed modes tailored to different conditions, such as travel in pedestrian areas, use by novice riders, and advanced users. Braking tests demonstrate deceleration values of up to 3.5 m/s2, comparable to PLEV market standards and exceeding regulatory minimums, while smooth acceleration ramps ensure rider stability and safety. Additional features, such as identification plates and weight-dependent motor control, enhance compliance with local traffic rules and prevent misuse. The vehicle’s design also addresses common safety concerns, such as curb navigation and signaling, by incorporating large-diameter wheels, increased ground clearance, and electrically operated direction indicators. Future upgrades include the addition of a second rear wheel for enhanced stability, skateboard-like rear axle modifications for improved maneuverability, and hybrid supercapacitors to minimize fire risks and extend battery life. With its focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and rider-friendly innovations, this microvehicle represents a significant advancement in promoting safe and sustainable urban mobility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vehicle Engineering Design)
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