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12 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Antibiotic Stewardship in Silkworms: Navigating the Pros and Cons

by Rittick Mondal, Dipanjan Das and Amit Kumar Mandal

Bacteria 2025, 4(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria4010002 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

To safeguard against microbial diseases and maintain optimal silk yields, the sericulture industry relies on antibiotics to promote the health, well-being, and vitality of silkworms (Bombyx mori). Antibiotics are commonly incorporated into synthetic diets for rearing silkworms or included as key [...] Read more.

To safeguard against microbial diseases and maintain optimal silk yields, the sericulture industry relies on antibiotics to promote the health, well-being, and vitality of silkworms (Bombyx mori). Antibiotics are commonly incorporated into synthetic diets for rearing silkworms or included as key components in bed disinfectant formulations. The silkworm-rearing industry’s reliance on antibiotics has led to concerns about the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Previous research has uncovered a dual role for antibiotics: not only do they prevent disease, but they also promote silkworm growth by reshaping the gut microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption, highlighting the need for judicious use. Therefore, there is a critical need for prudent management and further exploration of alternative growth-promoting strategies to minimize resistance risks. This study investigates the relationship between antibiotic administration and silkworm growth, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying antibiotic-induced effects and assessing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emergence and dissemination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing of Soil Microbiome for Sustainable Agriculture)

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17 pages, 380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Phenomenological Study on the Experience of Searching for Tourism Information Following the Emergence of ChatGPT: Focused on the Uncanny Valley Theory

by Jin-Hee Jin and Jin-Seok Han

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010355 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the experience of searching for tourism information through ChatGPT and discover the meaning of it. In order to achieve this purpose, data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and data analysis was [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of the experience of searching for tourism information through ChatGPT and discover the meaning of it. In order to achieve this purpose, data collection was conducted through in-depth interviews, and data analysis was conducted according to Giorgi. As a result, eight themes, 27 meaning units, and 226 meaningful statements were derived. First, the participants were found to partially trust tourism information searched through it and perceive it as a personal AI travel agent. In addition, they were found to be satisfied with it as their primary tool of searching for tourism information and perceived it as an AI travel mate in all processes of tourism. On the one hand, they were found to be disappointed that it still felt like a machine. Second, they were found to feel ambivalent about it and experience better moments with it than with humans. Moreover, they were found to feel enjoyment in the process of learning about it. This study discovered the meaning of experience in searching for tourism information through it, laid the foundation for follow-up research related to it, and presented the possibility of expanding the application of it in the tourism industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Tourism)

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11 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Early Postoperative Gait Parameters After Total Hip Arthroplasty on Forgotten Joint Score-12 at 2-Year Follow-Up

by Kazuya Okazawa, Satoshi Hamai, Tsutomu Fujita, Shinya Kawahara, Daisuke Hara, Yasuharu Nakashima and Hiroshi Katoh

Geriatrics 2025, 10(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10010007 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between early postoperative gait parameters after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) score at the 2-year follow-up after surgery. In addition, the cutoff gait parameter values for predicting discomfort using specific [...] Read more.

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between early postoperative gait parameters after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) score at the 2-year follow-up after surgery. In addition, the cutoff gait parameter values for predicting discomfort using specific FJS-12 subitems were evaluated. Methods: Among 313 patients who underwent THA between April and December 2019, 44 (14.0%) who responded to the FJS-12 questionnaire at 2 years postoperatively were included in this study. Gait parameters, including walking speed, stride length, and their coefficients of variation (CVs), were measured at 13.8 ± 3.6 (mean ± standard deviation) days postoperatively. The FJS-12 was used to evaluate patients at 2 years after surgery. The correlation between the FJS-12 score and gait parameters was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. To determine the significant predictors of the FJS-12 score, multiple regression analysis was performed after adjusting for age as a covariate. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the cutoff gait parameter values for predicting discomfort using specific FJS-12 subitems. Results: The FJS-12 score was significantly positively correlated with walking speed (r_s = 0.38, p < 0.05) and stride length (r_s = 0.51, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the FJS-12 score was significantly negatively correlated with the CVs of walking speed (r_s = −0.34, p < 0.05) and stride length (r_s = −0.35, p < 0.05). Based on multiple regression analysis, stride length was a significant predictor of discomfort assessed using the FJS-12 score (β = 0.48, p < 0.01). According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the cutoff stride length values for predicting discomfort using the FJS-12 subitems 9, 10, 11, and 12 showed moderate accuracy (area under the curve > 0.7). Conclusions: Improved walking ability of patients who underwent THA through early rehabilitation is linked to joint discomfort and patient satisfaction in daily life 2 years postoperatively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Rehabilitation)

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17 pages, 2340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing the Contaminant-Adhesion of a Dibenzofuran Degrader Rhodococcus sp.

by Yu Chen, Qingquan Wei, Xudi Wang, Yanan Wu, Changai Fu, Xu Wang, Hangzhou Xu and Li Li

Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010093 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The adhesion between dibenzofuran (DF) and degrading bacteria is the first step of DF biodegradation and affects the efficient degradation of DF. However, their efficient adhesion mechanism at the molecular level remains unclear. Therefore, this study first examined the adhesive behaviors and molecular [...] Read more.

The adhesion between dibenzofuran (DF) and degrading bacteria is the first step of DF biodegradation and affects the efficient degradation of DF. However, their efficient adhesion mechanism at the molecular level remains unclear. Therefore, this study first examined the adhesive behaviors and molecular mechanisms of Rhodococcus sp. strain p52 upon exposure to DF. The results showed that the adhesion between strain p52 and DF is mediated by extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). Compared with sodium acetate as a carbon source, the percentages of glucose and proteins related to electron transfer, toxin–antitoxin, and stress responses were elevated, which were analyzed by polysaccharide composition and proteomics, and the contents of extracellular polysaccharides and proteins were increased. Moreover, biofilm analysis suggested an increase in EPS content, and the change in components increased biofilm yield and promoted loose and porous aggregation between the bacteria; this aggregation caused an increase in the specific surface area in contact with DF. The surface characteristics analysis indicated that the production of EPS reduced the absolute value of the zeta potential and increased the hydrophobicity of strain p52, which was beneficial for the adhesion of strain p52 and DF. These findings help us to enhance the understanding of the adhesion mechanisms and bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by degrading bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Microbes in the Remediation of Pollutants in the Environment)

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13 pages, 1545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Heterozygous p.A684V Variant in the WFS1 Gene Is a Mutational Hotspot Causing a Severe Hearing Loss Phenotype

by Shintaro Otsuka, Chihiro Morimoto, Shin-ya Nishio, Shinya Morita, Daisuke Kikuchi, Masahiro Takahashi, Kozo Kumakawa, Yasuhiro Arai, Hajime Sano, Hidekane Yoshimura, Norio Yamamoto, Shunsuke Kondo, Mari Hasegawa, Tomo Nishi, Tadashi Kitahara and Shin-ichi Usami

Genes 2025, 16(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16010057 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: A heterozygous mutation in the WFS1 gene is responsible for autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNA6/14/38) and Wolfram-like syndrome, which is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with optic atrophy and/or diabetes mellitus. However, detailed clinical features for the patients with the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: A heterozygous mutation in the WFS1 gene is responsible for autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNA6/14/38) and Wolfram-like syndrome, which is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss with optic atrophy and/or diabetes mellitus. However, detailed clinical features for the patients with the heterozygous p.A684V variant remain unknown. Methods: We report the clinical details of 14 cases with a heterozygous p.A684V variant in the WFS1 gene identified from target resequencing analysis of 63 previously reported deafness genes by next-generation sequencing of 15,684 hearing loss patients (mean age 27.5 ± 23.1 years old, 6574 male, 8612 female and 498 for whom information was unavailable). Results: Among the 14 patients from 13 families with the p.A684V variant, nine were sporadic cases. In addition, we confirmed de novo occurrence of this variant in seven families. This result strongly supports the notion that this variant was located on a mutational hotspot. When comparing previously reported cases of autosomal dominant WFS1 gene-associated hearing loss, most of the patients in this study showed severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (genotype–phenotype correlation). Two patients had optic atrophy, while the others did not have any other complications. Conclusions: The identified heterozygous p.A684V variant appears to be a hotspot mutation and likely to cause severe-to-profound hearing loss in early childhood. Cochlear implantation is considered favorable in cases of hearing impairment due to this variant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases)

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21 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correcting or Concealing? The Impact of Digital Transformation on the Greenwashing Behavior of Heavily Polluting Enterprises

by Xiaohui Zhan, Xinrong Lian and Shengli Dai

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010356 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Identifying and governing enterprises’ greenwashing behavior is important for achieving green and low-carbon development. This behavior can be governed via digital transformation. Based on data from listed companies from 2013 to 2021, this article examines the impact of the digital transformation of heavily [...] Read more.

Identifying and governing enterprises’ greenwashing behavior is important for achieving green and low-carbon development. This behavior can be governed via digital transformation. Based on data from listed companies from 2013 to 2021, this article examines the impact of the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises on their greenwashing behavior, with an empirical analysis revealing that it can significantly inhibit this behavior. A mechanism analysis indicates that the digital transformation of heavily polluting enterprises reduces greenwashing behavior by enhancing the level of enterprise green technological innovation and improving investor attention. A heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of enterprise digital transformation on greenwashing behavior is more significant among the private and highly competitive heavily polluting enterprises located in central China. The research conclusions of this article indicate that digital transformation is important for curbing enterprises’ greenwashing behavior and achieving green and sustainable development. Full article

12 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scaling Behavior of Ionic Conductance Dependent on Surface Charge Inside a Single-Digit Nanopore

by Anping Ji, Lang Zhou, Qiming Xiao, Jigang Liu, Wenqian Huang, Yun Yu, Zhengwei Zhang, Junhao Pi, Chenxi Yang and Haoxuan Chen

Molecules 2025, 30(1), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010191 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The ionic conductance in a charged nanopore exhibits a power-law behavior in low salinity—as has been verified in many experiments (

G_{0} \propto c_{0}^{α}

)—which is governed by surface charges. The surface charge inside a nanopore determines the zeta potential [...] Read more.

The ionic conductance in a charged nanopore exhibits a power-law behavior in low salinity—as has been verified in many experiments (

G_{0} \propto c_{0}^{α}

)—which is governed by surface charges. The surface charge inside a nanopore determines the zeta potential and ion distributions, which have a significant impact on ion transport, especially in a single-digit nanopore with potential leakage. However, precisely measuring surface charge density in a single-digit nanopore remains a challenge. Here, we propose a methodology for exploring the power-law variation of ionic conductance, with potential leakage taken into account. We conducted experiments to measure the ionic current using silicon nitride nanopores and employed a continuous theory to explore the relationship between pore-bound concentration and surface charges. Considering that the influence of potential leakage on concentration follows a power-law relationship, we established a coefficient (

α

) to examine the controlling factors of potential leakage and modified the conductance model to obtain the ion mobility inside a nanopore. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemistry)

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26 pages, 2904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Study About Integrating Enterprise Engineering Change Management into Blockchain Technology

by Lewis A. Njualem and Chirag Pandey

J. Theor. Appl. Electron. Commer. Res. 2025, 20(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer20010006 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Heightened interest in providing transparency and security within business systems and processes has triggered a multitude of studies on the adoption of emergent technologies. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged to address issues of transparency, efficiency, and security in manufacturing, supply chain, enterprise, and [...] Read more.

Heightened interest in providing transparency and security within business systems and processes has triggered a multitude of studies on the adoption of emergent technologies. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged to address issues of transparency, efficiency, and security in manufacturing, supply chain, enterprise, and e-commerce systems. Given the enormous success of BCT in financial applications, there is keenness to explore other application areas. This research explores the integration of BCT in enterprise systems to enhance the engineering change management (ECM) process. Employing the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess adoption intentions from the perspective of users, two concepts were examined: perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU). A quantitative survey method collected and analysed the perception data. The findings revealed a positive perception of both usefulness and ease of use from the users in adopting a blockchain-enabled enterprise platform to support the ECM process. More detailed findings uncovered the workflow management function as an area that may require further technical exploration. These findings provide valuable insights on the benefits of blockchain in optimizing business processes and contribute to the growing literature about perceptions of integrating BCT in enterprise platforms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Business Organization)

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11 pages, 206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Execute Justice and Charity for Your People: Jewish Divorce Mediation as a Model for Intrareligious Peacekeeping

by Sarah M. Nissel

Religions 2025, 16(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16010045 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

This article explores the complex issue of disharmony within religious marriages, focusing on Jewish approaches to divorce. Contrasting Jewish divorce mediation with other religions’ approaches to marital conflict, this article examines two Judaic models: one viewing divorce as a severe remedy permissible only [...] Read more.

This article explores the complex issue of disharmony within religious marriages, focusing on Jewish approaches to divorce. Contrasting Jewish divorce mediation with other religions’ approaches to marital conflict, this article examines two Judaic models: one viewing divorce as a severe remedy permissible only under certain circumstances, and the other allowing for divorce when a marriage is irreparably broken. The author highlights the positive Jewish commandment to peacefully divorce, discussing how mediation integrates compassion and justice, in line with Jewish legal and ethical traditions. This work emphasizes the benefits of community-based divorce mediation, including lower costs, shorter timelines, and increased communal acceptance. Jewish divorce mediation, the author argues, is particularly effective in maintaining child-centeredness and co-parenting relationships post-divorce. This article calls for a broader adoption of Jewish divorce mediation through charitable organizations to effectuate Jewish family values and provide amicable resolutions within the Jewish community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Global Urgency of Interreligious Studies)

18 pages, 5451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Verification of Differentially Expressed Genes Following DENV2 Infection in Aedes aegypti

by Xiaoli Chen, Xinyu Zhou, Xiaoxue Xie, Bo Li, Teng Zhao, Haotian Yu, Dan Xing, Jiahong Wu and Chunxiao Li

Viruses 2025, 17(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17010067 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The dengue virus (DENV) is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Investigating genes associated with mosquito susceptibility to DENV2 offers a theoretical foundation for targeted interventions to regulate or block viral replication and transmission within mosquitoes. Based on the transcriptomic analyses of the [...] Read more.

The dengue virus (DENV) is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Investigating genes associated with mosquito susceptibility to DENV2 offers a theoretical foundation for targeted interventions to regulate or block viral replication and transmission within mosquitoes. Based on the transcriptomic analyses of the midgut and salivary glands from Aedes aegypti infected with DENV2, alongside analyses of Aag2 cell infections, 24 genes potentially related to the regulation of Aedes aegypti infection with DENV2 were selected. By establishing transient transfection and overexpression models of Aedes aegypti Aag2 cells, and mosquito target gene interference models, the difference in viral load before and after treatment was compared, and the effects of DEGs on viral replication were evaluated. After overexpressing 24 DEGs in Aag2 cells, 19 DEGs showed a significant difference in DENV2 RNA copies in the cell supernatant (p < 0.05). In adult mosquitoes, knocking down defensin-A, defensin-A-like, and SMCT1 respectively reduced the DENV2 RNA copies, while knocking down UGT2B1 and ND4 respectively increased the DENV2 RNA copies. In this study, to assess the role of genes related to DENV2 replication, and transient transfection and overexpression models in Aag2 cells and mosquito gene knockdown models were established, and five genes, defensin-A, defensin-A-like, SMCT1, UGT2B1, and ND4, were found to have an impact on the replication of DENV2, providing a reference basis for studying the complex mechanism of mosquito–virus interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Invertebrate Viruses)

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25 pages, 8373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Segmentation for Hyperspectral Target Detection

by Yoram Furth and Stanley R. Rotman

Sensors 2025, 25(1), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25010272 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Algorithms for detecting point targets in hyperspectral imaging commonly employ the spectral inverse covariance matrix to whiten inherent image noise. Since data cubes often lack stationarity, segmentation appears to be an attractive preprocessing operation. Surprisingly, the literature reports both successful and unsuccessful segmentation [...] Read more.

Algorithms for detecting point targets in hyperspectral imaging commonly employ the spectral inverse covariance matrix to whiten inherent image noise. Since data cubes often lack stationarity, segmentation appears to be an attractive preprocessing operation. Surprisingly, the literature reports both successful and unsuccessful segmentation cases, with no clear explanations for these divergent outcomes. This paper elucidates the conditions under which segmentation might improve detector performance. Focusing on a representative algorithm and assuming a target additive model, the study examines all influential factors through theoretical analysis and extensive simulations. The findings offer fundamental insights and practical guidelines for characterizing segmented datasets, enabling a thorough evaluation of segmentation’s utility for detector performance. They outline the range of target scenarios and parameters where segmentation may prove beneficial and help assess the potential impact of proposed segmentation strategies on detection outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vision Sensors for Object Detection and Tracking)

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4 pages, 200 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Borrelia, Leishmania, and Babesia: An Emerging Triad of Vector-Borne Co-Infections?

by Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas, Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles and Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz

Pathogens 2025, 14(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010036 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL), caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and transmitted primarily by phlebotomine sand flies, poses significant challenges for zoonotic disease management [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Parasitic Pathogens)

13 pages, 12210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Stresses Caused by Gaseous Pollutants: How Can They Affect a Fruit-Feeding Butterfly Community (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in the Caatinga?

by Gustavo dos Santos Silva, Maicon dos Santos da Silva, Eloito Caires de Mates, Wesley Gil Oliveira Silva, Daniela Ribeiro da Costa, Laura Braga, Raymundo José de Sá Neto, Avaldo de Oliveira Soares Filho, Mateus Pereira dos Santos, Suzany Aguiar Leite and Maria Aparecida Castellani

Stresses 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/stresses5010003 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of gaseous pollutants and vegetation on the structure of fruit-feeding butterfly communities (some subfamilies of Nymphalidae) in a Caatinga area in Brumado, BA, between 2016 and 2018. Two transects were established: Transect “I” (presence of pollutant plumes) and [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the effects of gaseous pollutants and vegetation on the structure of fruit-feeding butterfly communities (some subfamilies of Nymphalidae) in a Caatinga area in Brumado, BA, between 2016 and 2018. Two transects were established: Transect “I” (presence of pollutant plumes) and Transect “II” (absence), encompassing a forest fragment and pasture. Bait traps were installed in each transect, and the butterfly communities were analyzed using faunistic indices, including species richness, Shannon diversity index, abundance, and dominance. The canopy opening was also assessed. The composition of fruit-feeding butterfly communities was influenced by both pollutants and vegetation. Gaseous pollutants increased butterfly abundance, diversity, and species richness, though species dominance remained unaffected. Notably, the abundance of Hamadryas februa was particularly sensitive to pollutant exposure. Conversely, increased canopy opening was negatively associated with butterfly abundance and diversity. A relationship between canopy opening and the presence of gaseous pollutants may reflect changes in the abundance and diversity of fruit-feeding butterfly species in the study region. Long-term community monitoring is important, as interannual differences in population fluctuations are common. A better understanding of the patterns found is essential to for devise devising conservation strategies for frugivorous butterfly communities in mining ventures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Human and Animal Stresses)

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17 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Twistability of Partially Coherent, Schell-Model Sources

by Riccardo Borghi

Photonics 2025, 12(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12010042 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of assessing the twistability of a given bona fide cross-spectral density is tackled for the class of Schell-model sources, whose shift-invariant degree of coherence is represented by a real and symmetric function, denoted as [...] Read more.

In this paper, the problem of assessing the twistability of a given bona fide cross-spectral density is tackled for the class of Schell-model sources, whose shift-invariant degree of coherence is represented by a real and symmetric function, denoted as

μ (- r) = μ (r)

. By employing an abstract operatorial language, the problem of determining the highly degenerate spectrum of a twisted operator

{\hat{W}}_{u}

is addressed through a modal analysis based on the complete knowledge of the spectrum of the sole twist operator

{\hat{T}}_{u}

, as found by R. Simon and N. Mukunda. To this end, the evaluation of the complete tensor of the matrix elements

⟨ n^{'}, ℓ^{'} | {\hat{W}}_{u} | n, ℓ ⟩

is carried out within the framework of the so-called extended Wigner distribution function, a concept recently introduced by M. VanValkenburgh. As a nontrivial application of the algorithm developed here, the analytical determination of the spectrum of saturated twisted astigmatic Gaussian Schell-model sources is also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)

21 pages, 3141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biorefining Brazilian Green Propolis: An Eco-Friendly Approach Based on a Sequential High-Pressure Extraction for Recovering High-Added-Value Compounds

by Guilherme Dallarmi Sorita, Wilson Daniel Caicedo Chacon, Monique Martins Strieder, Camilo Rodriguez-García, Alcilene Monteiro Fritz, Silvani Verruck, Germán Ayala Valencia and José A. Mendiola

Molecules 2025, 30(1), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30010189 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Propolis is a valuable natural resource for extracting various beneficial compounds. This study explores a sustainable extraction approach for Brazilian green propolis. First, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process parameters were optimized (co-solvent: 21.11% v/v CPME, and temperature: 60 °C) to maximize [...] Read more.

Propolis is a valuable natural resource for extracting various beneficial compounds. This study explores a sustainable extraction approach for Brazilian green propolis. First, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process parameters were optimized (co-solvent: 21.11% v/v CPME, and temperature: 60 °C) to maximize yield, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and LOX (lipoxygenase) inhibitory activity. GC–MS analysis identified 40 metabolites in SFE extracts, including fatty acids, terpenoids, phenolics, and sterols. After selecting the optimum SFE process parameters, a sequential high-pressure extraction (HPE) approach was developed, comprising SFE, pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) with EtOH/H₂O, and subcritical water extraction (SWE). This process was compared to a similar sequential extraction using low-pressure extractions (LPE) with a Soxhlet extractor. The HPE process achieved a significantly higher overall yield (80.86%) than LPE (71.43%). SFE showed higher selectivity, resulting in a lower carbohydrate content in the non-polar fraction, and PLE extracted nearly twice the protein amount of LPE–2. Despite the HPE selectivity, LPE extracts exhibited better acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and LOX inhibition, demonstrating that the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts may be associated with a symbiosis of a set of compounds. Finally, a comprehensive greenness assessment revealed that the HPE process proved more sustainable and aligned with green chemistry principles than the LPE method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Molecules in Foods: From Sources to Functional Applications)

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30 pages, 6268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Destabilizing Effect of Glacial Unloading on a Large Volcanic Slope Instability in Southeast Iceland

by Daniel Ben-Yehoshua, Sigurður Erlingsson, Þorsteinn Sæmundsson, Reginald L. Hermanns, Eyjólfur Magnússon, Robert A. Askew and Jóhann Helgason

GeoHazards 2025, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/geohazards6010001 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Since the turn of the 20th century, glacial thinning has been exposing volcanic mountain slopes around Iceland’s outlet glaciers. In the early 2000s, several slope instabilities appeared around the Svínafellsjökull outlet glacier in Southeast Iceland. The largest of these is located on a [...] Read more.

Since the turn of the 20th century, glacial thinning has been exposing volcanic mountain slopes around Iceland’s outlet glaciers. In the early 2000s, several slope instabilities appeared around the Svínafellsjökull outlet glacier in Southeast Iceland. The largest of these is located on a slope called Svarthamrar and is defined by a more than 2 km-long fracture system that separates the northernmost part of the mountain, south of Svínafellsjökull. Here we present updated glacier bed topography, a stratigraphical and structural assessment of the Svarthamrar slope, and quantify the destabilizing effect of glacial unloading from 1890 to deglaciated. Our results show that the slope was predisposed to instability by structural discontinuities and a strongly overdeepened glacial trough. Glacial unloading likely controlled the slope destabilization, potentially exacerbated by temporarily steeper hydraulic gradients due to rapid glacier thinning in the late 1990s and 2000s. The load of older landslide deposits on the glacier acts stabilizing on the slope. We propose that future glacial thinning will reduce the slope stability further, making it more susceptible to external triggers, and resulting in reactivation of the deformation and potential failure. Similar trends of destabilization can be expected for many slopes in Iceland and elsewhere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide Research: State of the Art and Innovations)

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16 pages, 8302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Characteristics of Axle-Box Bearings Under Wheel Flat Excitation

by Yaping Luo, Fan Zhang, Zhiwei Wang, Chen Yang, Weihua Zhang and Fengshou Gu

Lubricants 2025, 13(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants13010019 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The high-amplitude and high-frequency wheel–rail impacts excited by wheel flat result in severe contact friction in axle-box bearing (ABB), and the friction can cause a temperature rise or even structural damage of ABB. To this end, a thermal analysis model considering the vehicle [...] Read more.

The high-amplitude and high-frequency wheel–rail impacts excited by wheel flat result in severe contact friction in axle-box bearing (ABB), and the friction can cause a temperature rise or even structural damage of ABB. To this end, a thermal analysis model considering the vehicle operation environment is proposed to analyze the temperature characteristics of ABB. Various coupling dynamics effects between the vehicle–track system and ABB are synergistically integrated. The heat conduction, convection, and radiation between the various components of ABB are also integrated into the thermal analysis modeling. By the field tests, the accuracy of the ABB thermal model is validated. The results obtained through the model simulation show that the ABB temperature increases with vehicle speed and wheel flat length, and the ABB temperature at the outside row is higher than that at the inside row. Moreover, the temperature of the roller, cage, inner ring, outer ring, and axle box increases following an ascending order. Specifically, the temperature at the small end of the roller is higher than that at the large end. The findings of this study can provide engineering guidelines for the condition monitoring of ABBs. Full article

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7 pages, 208 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

An Atypical Case of Rhabdomyolysis Following an Atypical Antidepressant Overdose

by Raluca Ungureanu, Ana-Maria Dumitriu, Cristian Cobilinschi, Rǎzvan Ene, Mihaela Buiuc, Ioana Marina Grințescu and Liliana Mirea

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010276 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background: Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, is known for its potential to cause seizures, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in overdose scenarios. However, overdoses may present variably, and muscular and renal complications, such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI), can [...] Read more.

Background: Bupropion, an atypical antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, is known for its potential to cause seizures, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity in overdose scenarios. However, overdoses may present variably, and muscular and renal complications, such as rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury (AKI), can emerge in unexpected ways. Previous reports have shown that severe overdoses can lead to a spectrum of complications, but the precise mechanisms linking bupropion overdose with rhabdomyolysis remain poorly understood. Clinical presentation: This paper presents the management of a severe rhabdomyolysis case following deliberate ingestion of 4 g of immediate-release bupropion. The report highlights the unexpected presentation of bupropion overdose, including a lack of typical neurotoxic or muscular symptoms, and the subsequent involvement of multiple factors in the decision to initiate early renal replacement therapy, despite the absence of overt acute kidney injury (AKI). Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of individualized patient assessment and the challenges of managing rare and complex drug overdoses. Early intervention with renal replacement therapy, despite the absence of acute kidney injury, may be justified in cases of significant rhabdomyolysis and potential renal complications. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for complications like rhabdomyolysis in overdose scenarios and consider early renal support in patients at risk of renal failure, even in the absence of overt kidney injury. The findings also point to the need for a more nuanced approach to diagnosing and treating bupropion overdose in critically ill patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)

20 pages, 7409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteomic Profile of Daphnia pulex in Response to Heavy Metal Pollution in Lakes of Northern Patagonia

by Juan-Alejandro Norambuena, Patricia Poblete-Grant, Jorge F. Beltrán, Patricio De los Ríos-Escalante, Cristian Aranzaez-Ríos and Jorge G. Farías

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010417 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Over recent decades, Northern Patagonia in Chile has seen significant growth in agriculture, livestock, forestry, and aquaculture, disrupting lake ecosystems and threatening native species. These environmental changes offer a chance to explore how anthropization impacts zooplankton communities from a molecular–ecological perspective. This study [...] Read more.

Over recent decades, Northern Patagonia in Chile has seen significant growth in agriculture, livestock, forestry, and aquaculture, disrupting lake ecosystems and threatening native species. These environmental changes offer a chance to explore how anthropization impacts zooplankton communities from a molecular–ecological perspective. This study assessed the anthropogenic impact on Daphnia pulex by comparing its proteomes from two lakes: Llanquihue (anthropized) and Icalma (oligotrophic). Results showed substantial differences in protein expression, with 17 proteins upregulated and 181 downregulated in Llanquihue, linked to elevated levels of copper, manganese, dissolved solids, phosphate, and nitrogen. These stressors caused metabolic damage and environmental stress in D. pulex. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring pollution’s effects on Northern Patagonian ecosystems, especially on keystone species like D. pulex, essential for ecosystem stability. This research provides fresh molecular–ecological insights into pollution’s impacts, a perspective rarely addressed in this region. Understanding these effects is critical for conserving natural resources and offers pathways to study adaptive mechanisms in keystone species facing pollution. This approach also informs strategies for ecosystem management and restoration, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges in Northern Patagonian aquatic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Molecular Biology in Chile, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 4126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FD-YOLO: A YOLO Network Optimized for Fall Detection

by Hoseong Hwang, Donghyun Kim and Hochul Kim

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010453 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Falls are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as incidents in which an individual unintentionally falls to the ground or a lower level. Falls represent a serious public health issue, ranking as the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries, following [...] Read more.

Falls are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as incidents in which an individual unintentionally falls to the ground or a lower level. Falls represent a serious public health issue, ranking as the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries, following traffic accidents. While fall prevention is crucial, prompt intervention after a fall is equally necessary. Delayed responses can result in severe complications, reduced recovery potential, and a negative impact on quality of life. This study focuses on detecting fall situations using image-based methods. The fall images utilized in this research were created by combining three open-source datasets to enhance generalization and adaptability across diverse scenarios. Because falls must be detected promptly, the YOLO (You Only Look Once) network, known for its effectiveness in real-time detection, was applied. To better capture the complex body structures and interactions with the floor during a fall, two key techniques were integrated. First, a global attention module (GAM) based on the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) was employed to improve detection performance. Second, a Transformer-based Swin Transformer module was added to effectively learn global spatial information and enable a more detailed analysis of body movements. This study prioritized minimizing missed fall detections (false negatives, FN) as the key performance metric, since undetected falls pose greater risks than false detections. The proposed Fall Detection YOLO (FD-YOLO) network, developed by integrating the Swin Transformer and GAM into YOLOv9, achieved a high [email protected] score of 0.982 and recorded only 134 missed fall incidents, demonstrating optimal performance. When implemented in environments equipped with standard camera systems, the proposed FD-YOLO network is expected to enable real-time fall detection and prompt post-fall responses. This technology has the potential to significantly improve public health and safety by preventing fall-related injuries and facilitating rapid interventions. Full article

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11 pages, 302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Half-Space Sommerfeld Problem of a Horizontal Dipole for Magnetic Media

by Seil Sautbekov and Merey Sautbekova

Mathematics 2025, 13(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13010169 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

A Hertz radiator’s Sommerfeld boundary value problem is considered for the case when its electric moment is directed horizontally relative to the plane interface between two media with different values of magnetic permeability. An integral representation of the exact expression for the Hertz [...] Read more.

A Hertz radiator’s Sommerfeld boundary value problem is considered for the case when its electric moment is directed horizontally relative to the plane interface between two media with different values of magnetic permeability. An integral representation of the exact expression for the Hertz potential, which generalizes the classical solution for non-magnetic media, both in cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems, is obtained. The corresponding expressions for the scattered wave fields are given in the form of Sommerfeld integrals. It is shown that the potential components can be represented as the sum of an infinite series in powers of the Green function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Methods in Electromagnetics)

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17 pages, 3390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Modeling for Hydrogel Three-Dimensional Printing: Computational and Experimental Cases of Study

by Harbil Bediaga-Bañeres, Isabel Moreno-Benítez, Sonia Arrasate, Leyre Pérez-Álvarez, Amit K. Halder, M. Natalia D. S. Cordeiro, Humberto González-Díaz and José Luis Vilas-Vilela

Polymers 2025, 17(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010121 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Determining the values of various properties for new bio-inks for 3D printing is a very important task in the design of new materials. For this purpose, a large number of experimental works have been consulted, and a database with more than 1200 bioprinting [...] Read more.

Determining the values of various properties for new bio-inks for 3D printing is a very important task in the design of new materials. For this purpose, a large number of experimental works have been consulted, and a database with more than 1200 bioprinting tests has been created. These tests cover different combinations of conditions in terms of print pressure, temperature, and needle values, for example. These data are difficult to deal with in terms of determining combinations of conditions to optimize the tests and analyze new options. The best model demonstrated a specificity (Sp) of 88.4% and a sensitivity (Sn) of 86.2% in the training series while achieving an Sp of 85.9% and an Sn of 80.3% in the external validation series. This model utilizes operators based on perturbation theory to analyze the complexity of the data. For comparative purposes, neural networks have been used, and very similar results have been obtained. The developed tool could easily be applied to predict the properties of bioprinting assays in silico. These findings could significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of predictive models in bioprinting without resorting to trial-and-error tests, thereby saving time and funds. Ultimately, this tool may help pave the way for advances in personalized medicine and tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)

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24 pages, 10353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Influence of Drying Shrinkage on Cracking Resistance of Massive Self-Compacting Concrete with Blast Furnace Slag Using Finite Element Method

by Benson Kipkemboi and Shingo Miyazawa

Infrastructures 2025, 10(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10010011 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

The application of self-compacting concrete in massive structures is still low due to the perceived high cracking tendency associated with high shrinkage and heat of cement hydration. This conclusion is from short-term research work of up to 3 months after casting. The purpose [...] Read more.

The application of self-compacting concrete in massive structures is still low due to the perceived high cracking tendency associated with high shrinkage and heat of cement hydration. This conclusion is from short-term research work of up to 3 months after casting. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of drying shrinkage on the cracking resistance of massive self-compacting concrete with blast furnace slag using a three-dimensional finite element method of analysis (3D FEM). The restraint stress experiment results of the self-compacting concrete beam under drying conditions are compared with those of similar concrete beam models obtained from 3D FEM analysis. The value of the reduction coefficient for Young’s modulus of elasticity was proposed to consider the effect of stress relaxation due to creep in concrete. By using the proposed value of the reduction coefficient, thermal stress analysis was performed on a 1 m thick massive concrete wall member, and the cracking resistance of self-compacting concrete with different replacement ratios of blast furnace slag is discussed. By using the proposed reduction coefficient to evaluate concrete stress due to drying, the accuracy of thermal stress analysis results can be improved to a marginal error of ±15% from the experiment results. Also, the low-temperature rise caused by the high replacement ratio of blast furnace slag at 50% and 70%, respectively, contributed to improved cracking resistance. Furthermore, the optimum blast furnace slag replacement for better cracking resistance depends on the expected exposure condition of the structure. Full article

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29 pages, 14563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scale Mapping of Energy Consumption Carbon Emission Spatiotemporal Characteristics: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region

by Kangjuan Lv, Qiming Wang, Xunpeng Shi, Li Huang and Yatian Liu

Land 2025, 14(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010095 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Climate issues significantly impact people’s lives, prompting governments worldwide to implement energy-saving and emission-reducing measures. However, many areas lack carbon emission data at the lower administrative divisions. Additionally, the inconsistency in the standards, scope, and accuracy of carbon dioxide emission statistics across different [...] Read more.

Climate issues significantly impact people’s lives, prompting governments worldwide to implement energy-saving and emission-reducing measures. However, many areas lack carbon emission data at the lower administrative divisions. Additionally, the inconsistency in the standards, scope, and accuracy of carbon dioxide emission statistics across different regions makes mapping carbon dioxide spatial patterns complex. Nighttime light (NTL) data combined with land use data enable the detailed spatial and temporal disaggregation of carbon emission data at a finer administrative level, facilitating scientifically informed policy formulation by the government. Differentiating carbon emission data by sector will help us further identify the carbon emission efficiency in different sectors and help environmental regulators implement the most cost-effective emission-reduction strategy. This study uses integrated remote-sensing data to estimate carbon emissions from fossil fuels (CEFs). Experimental results indicate (1) that the regional CEF can be calculated by combining NTL and Landuse data and has a good fit; (2) the high-intensity CEF area is mainly concentrated in Shanghai and its surrounding areas, showing a concentric circle structure; (3) there are obvious differences in the spatial distribution characteristics of carbon emissions among different departments; (4) hot spot analysis reveals a three-tiered distribution in the Yangtze River Delta, increasing from the west to the east with distinct spatial characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Multi-Scale Geographic Environmental Monitoring: Theory, Methodology and Applications)

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27 pages, 11614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Optimization for Resource Allocation in Space–Air–Ground Network with Diverse IoT Devices

by Yongnan Xu, Xiangrong Tang, Linyu Huang, Hamid Ullah and Qian Ning

Sensors 2025, 25(1), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25010274 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands globally, the challenge of signal transmission in remote regions without traditional communication infrastructure becomes prominent. An effective solution involves integrating aerial, terrestrial, and space components to form a Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN). This paper discusses an [...] Read more.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands globally, the challenge of signal transmission in remote regions without traditional communication infrastructure becomes prominent. An effective solution involves integrating aerial, terrestrial, and space components to form a Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network (SAGIN). This paper discusses an uplink signal scenario in which various types of data collection sensors as IoT devices use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as relays to forward signals to low-Earth-orbit satellites. Considering the fairness of resource allocation among IoT devices of the same category, our goal is to maximize the minimum uplink channel capacity for each category of IoT devices, which is a multi-objective optimization problem. Specifically, the variables include the deployment locations of UAVs, bandwidth allocation ratios, and the association between UAVs and IoT devices. To address this problem, we propose a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm that ensures fair resource distribution among multiple parties. The algorithm is validated in eight different scenario settings and compared with various traditional multi-objective optimization algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve higher-quality Pareto fronts (PFs) and better convergence, indicating more equitable resource allocation and improved algorithmic effectiveness in addressing this issue. Moreover, these pre-prepared, high-quality solutions from PFs provide adaptability to varying requirements in signal collection scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Internet of Things)

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18 pages, 404 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Identifying Access Barriers to PrEP Among Cisgender Black/African American Women in the United States: A Systematic Review of the Literature

by JoAnna Boudreaux, Cristobal Mario Valdebenito and Latrice C. Pichon

Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010086 (registering DOI) - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cisgender Black women in the U.S. face disproportionately high HIV rates due to systemic inequities rooted in institutional racism, not individual behaviors. These disparities are particularly severe in the southern U.S., driven by limited access to healthcare, economic instability, and unsafe social [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Cisgender Black women in the U.S. face disproportionately high HIV rates due to systemic inequities rooted in institutional racism, not individual behaviors. These disparities are particularly severe in the southern U.S., driven by limited access to healthcare, economic instability, and unsafe social environments. Despite its proven effectiveness, PrEP remains significantly underutilized in this population. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to identify and select relevant studies and used the CASP checklist to appraise the quality of the selected qualitative studies. The review focuses on individual and systemic barriers to PrEP access for cisgender Black women, aiming to guide equitable health interventions and improve HIV prevention efforts. Results: Key barriers include limited PrEP awareness, medical mistrust, and stigma. Financial, structural, and social determinants also hinder access. Facilitators, such as PrEP education, social normalization, trust building, and affordability, were identified as critical to improving uptake. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored strategies that build trust, provide education, and empower cisgender Black women to overcome barriers to PrEP access. Full article

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