by Honoria M. E. Brown, Jonathan J. Wilson, Daniel Rodgers, Shelley C. Evans, Julia Jones, Jianxiong Pang, Joy Archer, Fernando Constantino-Casas, Sam Parsons, Adam G. Scott, Anuradha Kaistha and Elizabeth J. Soilleux

Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(4), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13040330 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: T-cell lymphomas are relatively common in veterinary species, yet current diagnostic tools such as PCR-based clonality assays often lack sensitivity and specificity. In humans, we recently developed two related tissue-based diagnostic approaches based on the differential detection of the mutually exclusively expressed TCRbeta1 and 2 (TCRβ1 and 2) constant region proteins, or the corresponding TRBC1 and TRBC2 transcripts. Analogous to the detection of kappa/lambda light chains for the diagnosis of B-cell/plasma cell neoplasms in human clinical practice, our TCRβ1/2 diagnostic assay has the potential to transform veterinary diagnostic workflows. Methods: We identified and confirmed the sequences of the relevant TRBC1 and TRBC2 sequences in both cats and dogs, focusing on the 3′ untranslated region (UTR), where there is the least sequence homology between TRBC1 and TRBC2. To allow us to design appropriate probe sequences, we confirmed a lack of 3′UTR in either species, and we observed limited 3′ untranslated region UTR sequence polymorphism in the cat but not in the dog 3′UTR. We designed BaseScope™ RNA in situ hybridization probes targeting the 3′ UTR to distinguish between TRBC1 and TRBC2 transcripts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Results: In normal tissues, we found the TRBC2:TRBC1 expression ratio to be similar to the 1.2:1 ratio in humans, between 1:1 and 3:1, skewing towards TRBC2, in both dogs and cats. These findings were corroborated using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Applying our in situ hybridization probes to cases of T-cell lymphoma in dogs and cats, we demonstrated that an assay for differential expression of TRBC1 and TRBC2 in T-cell populations could identify clonal T-cell populations, as in human diagnostics. If further studies corroborate this proof-of-concept study, TRBC1/2 detection could obviate the need for slow, complex and expensive multiplexed PCR-based (PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements (PARR)) clonality assays. Conclusions: This study provides proof-of-concept data for a novel diagnostic approach that could simplify and substantially improve the accuracy of lymphoma diagnostics in veterinary medicine, by detecting TRBC1/2 transcripts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Anatomy, Histology and Pathology)

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30 pages, 8936 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of Numerical Techniques for Mixed Fractional Integro-Differential Equations with a Symmetric Singular Kernel

by Mohamed E. Nasr, Sahar M. Abusalim, Mohamed A. Abdou and Mohamed A. Abdel-Aty

Symmetry 2026, 18(4), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18040572 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

In this study, we investigate a class of mixed fractional partial integro-differential equations (FrPI-DE) involving symmetric singular kernels. The considered model problem involves Caputo fractional derivatives and integral operators that describe spatial interactions in a bounded domain. For the purpose of analysis, the original problem is reformulated in the form of a nonlinear Volterra–Fredholm integral equation (NV-FIE). The existence and uniqueness of the solution are established by the Banach fixed point theorem. To compute numerical solutions, a modified Toeplitz matrix method (TMM) is proposed to handle the singular kernel efficiently. The method transforms the integral equation to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations, which can be solved numerically. The convergence properties of the resulting numerical scheme are analyzed and illustrate the effectiveness of the method by providing numerical examples involving logarithmic, Cauchy-type, and weakly singular kernels. Numerical results indicate that the proposed method provides highly accurate approximations and exhibits stable convergence behavior for different parameter values. Furthermore, these results confirm the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed method for solving fractional integro-differential equations that include symmetric singular kernels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)

18 pages, 11374 KB

Open AccessArticle

CSGL-Former: Cross-Stripes Global–Local Fusion Transformer for Remote Sensing Image Dehazing

by Shuyi Feng, Xiran Zhang, Jie Yuan and Youwen Zhu

Sensors 2026, 26(7), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26072102 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Remote sensing (RS) images are often degraded by atmospheric haze, which compromises both visual interpretation and downstream applications. To address this, we introduce CSGL-Former, a novel Cross-Stripes Global–Local Fusion Transformer for RS image dehazing. Our model efficiently captures anisotropic long-range dependencies using cross-stripes attention (CSA) and aggregates hierarchical global semantics via a Multi-Layer Global Aggregation (MLGA) module. In the decoder, global context is adaptively blended with fine-grained local features to restore intricate textures. Finally, inspired by the atmospheric scattering model, a soft reconstruction head restores the clear image by predicting spatially varying affine parameters, strictly preserving content fidelity while effectively removing haze. Trained end-to-end, CSGL-Former demonstrates a compelling balance of accuracy and efficiency. Extensive experiments on the RRSHID and SateHaze1K benchmarks show that our model achieves state-of-the-art or highly competitive performance against representative baselines. Ablation studies further validate the effectiveness of each proposed component. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Pattern Recognition: Intelligent Sensing and Imaging)

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34 pages, 3023 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermochemical Valorisation of Apple Pomace-Derived Biochar: Temperature-Driven Structural Evolution, Soil Chemical Modulation, and Agronomic Performance in Wheat Germination

by Ramona-Raluca Handolescu, Violeta-Carolina Niculescu, Nadia Paun, Claudia Sandru, Antoaneta Roman, Daniela Ion-Ebrasu and Sina Niculina Cosmulescu

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3273; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073273 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Apple pomace represents an important agro-industrial residue with high moisture content and significant environmental burden if improperly managed. This study investigated its thermochemical valorisation into biochar via two processes, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization and agronomic evaluation. Elemental analysis revealed carbon enrichment from 47.89% in raw material to 77–78% after the thermal process, evidencing a progressive aromatization. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman analysis confirmed a temperature-dependent transition from partially amorphous carbon (400 °C) to more ordered aromatic structures (450 °C), while excessive thermal treatment (550 °C) increased structural defects. ICP-OES revealed an enrichment in thermally stable metals (Fe, Al, Mn) and limited Cd accumulation. Germination assays using Triticum aestivum L. demonstrated that biochar produced at 400 °C significantly improved the germination uniformity and seedling height (14.1 mm), as well as biomass accumulation compared to the control soil sample. The fertilizer addition increased the soluble Na and electrical conductivity (up to 643 µS/cm), potentially inducing transient salinity stress. Soil chemical analysis indicated increased K availability in soils amended with biochar produced at 400 °C, whereas the combination of biochar obtained at 450 °C with fertilizer conducted to elevated concentrations of certain trace metals, mainly Ni and Cr, highlighting the demand for careful monitoring. Overall, the biochar produced at 400 °C yielded to an optimal balance between structural stability, nutrient enrichment, and agronomic performance, evidencing that apple pomace may be a viable feedstock for sustainable biochar production within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technical Advances in Biomass Conversion)

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18 pages, 861 KB

Open AccessReview

Sotatercept in Children with Pulmonary Hypertension—A Narrative Review

by Johanna Schulz, Veronika C. Stark, Lars Harbaum, Rainer Kozlik-Feldmann, Thomas S. Mir, Fridrike Stute and Jakob Olfe

Children 2026, 13(4), 465; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13040465 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but life-threatening disease that presents particular therapeutic challenges in children. It is characterized by pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, leading to right ventricular strain and eventually right heart failure. Although advances in pharmacotherapy have improved outcomes, treatment options remain limited. This review aims to evaluate the potential role of sotatercept, a novel fusion protein recently approved for adult PAH, and to assess the translatability of adult data to the pediatric population. Methods: A narrative synthesis of preclinical studies and randomized controlled trials was conducted to summarize the current evidence on sotatercept. In addition, pathophysiological, developmental, and therapeutic differences between adult and pediatric PAH were critically examined to assess relevance and applicability to younger patients. Results: Clinical trials in adults (PULSAR, STELLAR, ZENITH, HYPERION) confirm sotatercept’s efficacy on background therapy, with significant reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance, improvements in 6 min walk distance, enhanced right ventricular function, and risk reductions in clinical worsening events. However, extrapolation to pediatric PAH faces challenges including etiological differences (e.g., PAH-CHD predominance, PPHN in infants), age-inappropriate endpoints (e.g., 6MWD infeasible in young children), variable growth-related pharmacokinetics, and compensatory RV physiology delaying overt failure. Safety concerns are manageable in adults but raise pediatric-specific alarms: activin inhibition’s theoretical tumorigenic potential (dual tumor suppressor/promoter role), pubertal/fertility disruption (FSH suppression, gonadal maturation delay), and skeletal growth interference—unproven clinically yet demanding long-term monitoring. The ongoing MOONBEAM trial will provide initial pharmacokinetic/safety data in children. Conclusions: Sotatercept represents a promising, first-in-class therapeutic option for PAH with the potential to transform disease management. Nevertheless, dedicated pediatric studies are crucial to confirm safety, efficacy, and appropriate dosing and to define its role in the long-term treatment of children with PAH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Treatment and Management of Cardiopulmonary Failure in the Pediatric Population)

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21 pages, 33829 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Austenitizing Temperature and Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of a Microalloyed High-Carbon Steel

by Jian Zhang, Chenglian Zhang and Han Dong

Materials 2026, 19(7), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19071342 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

A microalloyed high-carbon low-alloy steel was designed to clarify the combined effects of austenitizing temperature and deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) on microstructural evolution and mechanical performance. Specimens were austenitized at 770–900 °C, water-quenched, subjected to DCT at −196 °C, and subsequently tempered at 180 °C. Microstructural characterization by XRD, EBSD, and TEM indicates that the quenched microstructure is dominated by martensite and cementite, with retained austenite below 1% at moderate austenitizing temperatures. DCT does not fundamentally alter the martensitic morphology but promotes the transformation of retained austenite and induces substructure fragmentation, dislocation reorganization, and a more homogeneous lattice strain distribution. Concurrently, carbon redistribution during cryogenic exposure facilitates the formation of finely dispersed carbides. After tempering, partial recovery and stabilization of the martensitic substructure lead to reduced lattice distortion while maintaining a high density of effective strengthening features. Mechanical testing shows that DCT combined with appropriate austenitizing (770–790 °C) improves hardness and ultimate tensile strength with acceptable ductility, whereas excessive austenitizing at 900 °C results in severe grain coarsening and intergranular brittle fracture. The results demonstrate that optimized integration of microalloying and DCT enables a favorable strength–toughness balance in high-carbon tool steels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Alloys)

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26 pages, 4096 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nonparametric Autoregressive Copula Forecasting via Boundary-Reflected Kernel Estimation

by Guilherme Colombo Soares and Márcio Poletti Laurini

Econometrics 2026, 14(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/econometrics14020017 (registering DOI) - 28 Mar 2026

Abstract

We propose a fully nonparametric empirical autoregressive copula framework for univariate time series, designed to capture nonlinear and asymmetric serial dependence while exactly preserving the empirical marginal distribution. The method decouples marginal behavior from temporal dependence by (i) constructing a shape-preserving empirical marginal via monotone interpolation and mapping observations to the unit interval, and (ii) estimating the lag–lead dependence through a nonparametric conditional AR(1) copula density on

{(0, 1)}^{2}

. To ensure stable estimation near the boundaries, we employ reflection-based kernel methods that mitigate edge effects and yield well-behaved conditional densities on the unit support. Forecasts are obtained from the implied conditional predictive density: we compute point forecasts either as conditional modes (maximum a posteriori) on the copula scale or as conditional means, and then back-transform exactly using the empirical quantile function, guaranteeing marginal fidelity and support-respecting predictions. Empirically, we evaluate the approach on three CBOE volatility indices (VIX, VXD, and RVX) and benchmark it against linear ARMA models, copula-based parametric competitors, and state-space/heteroskedasticity baselines (Local level, TVP–AR, and ARMA–GARCH). The results highlight that modeling the full conditional transition density nonparametrically can deliver competitive—often best or near-best—forecast accuracy across horizons, particularly in the presence of pronounced volatility regimes and asymmetric adjustments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Macroeconometric Modeling and Time Series Analysis)

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21 pages, 1675 KB

Open AccessArticle

Thermoelastic Vibration of Functionally Graded Porous Euler–Bernoulli Beams Using the Differential Transformation Method

by Selin Kaptan and İbrahim Özkol

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3271; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073271 (registering DOI) - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Functionally graded porous beams are increasingly used in lightweight engineering structures, where thermal effects and material inhomogeneity significantly influence vibration behavior. In this study, the thermoelastic free vibration of functionally graded porous Euler–Bernoulli beams with temperature-dependent material properties is investigated by considering uniform and symmetric porosity distributions, together with uniform, linear, and nonlinear temperature fields. The governing equations are derived based on classical Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and solved using the Differential Transformation Method, while the accuracy of the semi-analytical formulation is verified through a Hermite-based finite element model. The results show that increasing temperature reduces the bending stiffness due to thermal axial forces and leads to a rapid decrease in natural frequency as the critical buckling temperature is approached. Increasing porosity generally decreases the natural frequency, although a slight increase may occur in symmetric distributions because of the accompanying reduction in mass density. The present study provides a computational framework for the thermo-vibration analysis of functionally graded porous beams in lightweight structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Acoustics and Vibrations)

37 pages, 3540 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multimodal Time-Frequency Fusion Architecture for FaultDiagnosis in Rotating Machinery

by Hui Wang, Congming Wu, Yong Jiang, Yanqing Ouyang, Chongguang Ren, Xianqiong Tang and Wei Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073269 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Accurate fault diagnosis of rotating machinery in complex industrial environments demands an optimal trade-off between feature representation capability and computational efficiency. Existing single-modality models relying solely on 1D time-series signals or heavy 2D time-frequency images often fail to simultaneously capture high-frequency transient impacts and long-range degradation trends. CLiST (Complementary Lightweight Spatiotemporal Network), a novel lightweight multimodal framework driven by time-frequency fusion, was proposed to overcome this limitation. The architecture of CLiST employs a synergistic dual-stream design: a LightTS module efficiently extracts global operational trends from 1D vibration signals with linear complexity, while a structurally pruned LiteSwin integrated with Triplet Attention captures local high-frequency textures from 2D continuous wavelet transform (CWT) images. This mechanism establishes explicit cross-dimensional dependencies, effectively eliminating feature blind spots without excessive computational overhead. The experimental results show that CLiST not only achieves perfect accuracy on the fundamental CWRU benchmark but also exhibits exceptional spatial generalization when independently evaluated on non-dominant sensor axes of the XJTUGearbox dataset. Furthermore, validation on the real-world dataset (Guangzhou port) proves that the framework has excellent robustness to the attenuation of the signal transmission path and reduces the performance fluctuation between remote measurement points. Ultimately, CLiST delivers highly reliable AI-driven image and signal-processing solutions for vibration monitoring in industrial equipment. Full article

22 pages, 2177 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Stackelberg Game-Based Model of the Distribution Network Planning in Local Energy Communities

by Javid Maleki Delarestaghi, Ali Arefi, Gerard Ledwich, Alberto Borghetti and Christopher Lund

Energies 2026, 19(7), 1662; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19071662 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

The electrical characteristics of distribution networks (DNs) are drastically changing, which is mainly due to widespread adoption of small-scale distributed energy resources (DERs) by end-users. In these cases, conventional planning models may lead to overinvestment choices. This paper presents a planning model for utility companies that explicitly incorporates a model of end-users’ energy-related decisions, considering a neighborhood energy trading scheme (NETS). The model is formulated based on the Stackelberg game (SG) approach, which guarantees the optimality of the final solution for each user and the utility. The proposed mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISOCP) problem finds the optimal investment plan for transformers, lines, distributed generators (DGs), and energy storage systems (ESSs) for the utility, considering the scenarios of end-users’ investments in rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems that maximize their benefits. Additionally, a dynamic network charge (NC) scheme is designed to rationalize the network use. Also, Benders decomposition (BD) is used to improve the convergence of the solution algorithm. The numerical studies on a real 23-bus low voltage (LV) network in Perth, Australia, using real-world data reveals that the proposed planning model offers the lowest total cost and the highest penetration of DERs in comparison with conventional models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Modeling, Operation and Control of Sustainable Energy Systems)

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27 pages, 667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Greening Human Rights in Africa: The African Court and the Environmental Accountability of States and Corporations

by Adeline Auffret O’Neil, Indira Boutier and Emmanuel Maganaris

Laws 2026, 15(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/laws15020022 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

The recognition of a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right has reshaped global human rights discourse, yet its operationalisation remains uneven. This article examines how the African human rights system which is uniquely grounded in collective rights, has reframed environmental protection as a constitutive element of development, sovereignty, and justice. Through doctrinal and case-law analysis, it traces the evolution from the African Commission’s foundational jurisprudence in SERAC, which extended state duties to the regulation of private and transnational corporate actors, to the African Court’s landmark judgment in LIDHO v. Côte d’Ivoire. The study demonstrates how the Court transforms the aspirational ‘greening’ of human rights into binding obligations by articulating a robust duty of vigilance and linking environmental harm to violations of the rights to life, health, and development. It further shows that LIDHO inaugurates a post-sovereign model of shared and polycentric responsibility, in which state accountability encompasses corporate conduct within their jurisdiction and, potentially, beyond it. The article concludes that the African Charter’s collective framework offers an implicit regional model of ecological justice, one capable of addressing extractive asymmetries and informing emerging climate-related obligations across the continent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Law Issues)

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33 pages, 3562 KB

Open AccessReview

Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: A Cross-Sectoral Review of 2019–2025

by Charalampos M. Liapis, Nikos Fazakis, Sotiris Kotsiantis and Yannis Dimakopoulos

Informatics 2026, 13(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics13040051 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a specialized research area to a ubiquitous socio-technical infrastructure influencing sectors from healthcare and law to manufacturing and defense. In tandem with its transformative promise, AI has created an exponentially expanding ethics literature questioning, fairness, transparency, accountability, and justice. This review synthesizes publications and key policy developments between 2019 and 2025, bringing sectoral discourses together with cross-cutting frameworks. Grounded in a systematic scoping review methodology, we frame the field along four meta-dimensions: trust and transparency, bias and fairness, governance & regulation, and justice, while we investigate their expression across diverse sectors. Special attention is dedicated to healthcare (patient trust and algorithmic bias), education (integrity and authorship), media (misinformation), law (accountability), and the industrial sector (data integrity, intellectual property protection, and environmental safety). We ground abstract principles in concrete case studies to illustrate real-world harms and mitigation strategies. Furthermore, we incorporate pluralistic ethics (e.g., Ubuntu, Islamic perspectives), environmental ethics, and emerging challenges posed by Generative AI and neuro-AI interfaces. To bridge theory and practice, we propose an operational governance framework for organizations. We contend that success involves transitioning from principles toward ethics-by-design, pluralistic governance, sustainability, and adaptive oversight. This review is intended for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who need a comprehensive and actionable framework for navigating the complex landscape of AI ethics. Full article

17 pages, 1019 KB

Open AccessArticle

Indole-3-Acetic Acid-Assisted Microalgal Biofilm for High-Efficiency Wastewater Purification: Biomass Densification and Pollutant Removal Kinetics

by Qun Wei, Fu Pang, Dan Zhao, Wenxi Chu, Ziming Pan and Xiangmeng Ma

Water 2026, 18(7), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070805 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

The enhancement of startup and performance in a Tetradesmus obliquus-polyurethane sponge biofilm system was investigated via the regulation of the phytohormone Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA supplementation at 1 and 5 mg/L increased biofilm biomass and chlorophyll a content, with the maximum biofilm biomass reaching 48.2 mg/g, and improved nutrient removal performance under shock-loading conditions, particularly for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). IAA treatment was associated with EPS remodeling, including an increase in the protein/polysaccharide ratio to 0.68 and a 16% enrichment in tryptophan-like protein components. These EPS-related changes coincided with a decrease in the absolute zeta potential to −2.49 mV, which may be relevant to enhanced initial biofilm development. The corresponding EPS-related changes were characterized by three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix (3D-EEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses using representative concentrations. Furthermore, the IAA-treated biofilm showed improved resilience under low, medium, and high loading conditions, with the most favorable TN removal reaching 87% at 1 mg/L IAA. These results suggest that IAA supplementation at 1 and 5 mg/L can promote microalgal biofilm start-up and improve nutrient-removal resilience under the tested conditions, with 5 mg/L showing the strongest response in biofilm growth and structural characterization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)

21 pages, 29754 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use Structure Evolution in Resource-Based Cities: Drivers and Multi-Scenario Forecasting—Evidence from China’s Huaihai Economic Zone

by Yan Lin, Binjie Wang and Liyuan Zhao

Land 2026, 15(4), 555; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15040555 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Resource-based cities face unique land use challenges due to resource dependence and path lock-in, yet the driving mechanisms and future trajectories of their land use transitions remain underexplored. This study examines the Huaihai Economic Zone (HEZ), a representative coal-rich region in eastern China, to analyze land use changes from 2000 to 2023 and simulate 2036 scenarios under different development pathways. Using land use transfer matrices, dynamic degree metrics, and the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, we systematically identified spatiotemporal evolution patterns, quantified the contributions of driving factors, and projected multi-scenario future land use patterns. Results reveal that land use change in the study area was dominated by the conversion of cultivated land to construction land, alongside spatial restructuring from a monocentric to a polycentric network pattern. Notably, construction land expansion was least evident in the central Mining-Affected Zone, where land use changes remained relatively sluggish compared to other sub-regions. Driving factor analysis indicates that socio-economic factors primarily influenced changes in construction and cultivated land, while natural factors strongly affected ecological land and unused land. Multi-scenario simulations for 2036 demonstrate diverging trajectories: an urban development scenario would accelerate cultivated land loss and unused land expansion; a natural development scenario would maintain current pressures; and an ecological protection scenario would effectively curb urban sprawl while actively promoting ecological land recovery. This study concludes that transcending simple land use control to actively orchestrate “mining-urban-rural-ecological” spatial synergy is critical for achieving a sustainable transition in resource-based regions facing similar transformation pressures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Optimization of Land Use: A Perspective on Carbon Emission and Energy Landscape Planning)

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30 pages, 412 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sustaining What? From Corporate Sustainability to Agri-Food Transformation Through Commonist Value Theory

by S. A. Hamed Hosseini

Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3290; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073290 - 27 Mar 2026

Abstract

Corporate sustainability programs in agri-food systems have expanded dramatically, yet emissions, deforestation, hunger, and land concentration intensify. Why does corporate sustainability systematically fail to deliver transformation? This paper applies Commonist Value Theory (CVT) to show that this failure is structural, not contingent. CVT distinguishes between True Value, the life-supporting qualities that sustain human and more-than-human flourishing, and Fetish Value, abstracted forms oriented toward capital accumulation. CVT traces how corporate sustainability programs convert the former into the latter through ‘decommonization’: the perversion and enclosure of shared life-supporting relations. Drawing on investor analyses, carbon market assessments, and critical scholarship, this paper demonstrates that corporate sustainability programs function as civilizing meta-mechanisms. Rather than transforming food systems, they stabilize existing arrangements by absorbing critique and redirecting transformative energies into regime-compatible forms. Farmers’ knowledge is captured as proprietary data, living ecosystems are reduced to tradeable metrics, collaborative relationships are fragmented by corporate platforms, and movements for genuine alternatives are channeled into supply chain optimization. The analysis concludes that corporate sustainability cannot deliver genuine transformation because its structural function is to stabilize rather than supersede the current value regime. Genuine transformation requires commons-based alternatives from below and political–legislative shifts from above that structurally constrain decommonization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)

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